Mauritania

Mauritania Flag

Why visit Mauritania?

Best known for beaches, bird watching, deep-sea fishing, and sand dunes. 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Brassware, camel-hair carpets, cushions, daggers, hand-dyed leather pieces, silver jewelry, daggers, and wood chests.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Avocado Pudding (dessert), Bonava (lamb stew). Camel Chubbagin (stew). Caravane Cheese. Cherchem (lamb couscous). Chubbagin Lélé et Raabie (fish stew). Harira (soup). Marolaym (stew). Maru We-llham (meat dish). (Méchoui (roasted lamb). Thieboudienne (fish dish). Yassa Poulet (chicken dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Mint Tea. Jus de Bouye (fruit juice). Zrig (camel milk).

Fun Facts

• A sovereign state in Northwest Africa.
• Africa's eleventh largest country.
• Since 2001, Africa's newest, small-scale oil producer.
  
• Obesity amongst native women is high by traditional standards of beauty. Thin women are reviewed as sickly.
  
• Documentaries include: Fort Saganne (1984), The Fifth Element (1997), Timbuktu (2014), and Winged Migration (2001).

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (May) African Liberation Day, (October) Tabaski, (November) Diwali and National Independence Day.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Islamic New Year, Mouloud, Qadr Night, Korité, and Tabaski.

Good to Know

• Travel is discouraged in the easternmost region due to terrorist threats.
  
• Being accompanied by an experienced convoy with sturdy vehicles and ample provisions is recommended outside of urban areas.
• Avoid nighttime driving. 
  
• A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and satellite phone are essential when traveling in remote areas. 
  
• Arabic is the official and national language; French is widely spoken.
  
• Sandy desert is found in the centre and in the north. 
  
• Extreme restrictions on freedom of religion and beliefs exist. Islam is the sole religion amongst citizens and the state. 
  
• Participation in Christian gatherings and activities is illegal. Subject to fines to the death penalty.
  
• Bringing alcoholic drinks or pork products is illegal and subject to confiscation, fines, and/or incarceration.
• Homosexuality is illegal. Consensual same-sex sexual activity between men is punishable by death, and between women is punishable by three months to two years in prison and a monetary fine. 
  
• Moroccan flaired cuisine is common in the north.
• Senegalese flaired cuisine is common in the south.
  
• Child labor, human trafficking, racism, and sexism are known in practice.
  
• Despite being illegal, slavery is still practiced.
• Passports not valid six months past return will likely be denied entry regardless of the length stay. 
• Landmines are a danger along the borders.
  
• Avoid rallies and street demonstrations.
  
• Emergency response and medical treatment is not available.
  
• Local currency, ouguiya may not be imported or exported. 
  
• Credit cards are usually accepted at hotels.
  
• ATMs are not considered secure and only available in large cities.
  
• Local medicines are difficult to obtain or could be counterfeit. 
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required . 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: Local Currency is pot permitted.

Prone to droughts.

• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Coldest Months: February - April
• Hottest Months: May - June
• Peak Season: December - January & August

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Banc d'Arguin National Park 

Photo Credit: lolorun/Pixabay

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                                                 All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Marshall Islands

Marshall Island Flag

Why visit Marshall Islands?

Ideal destination for beaches, culture, deep-sea fishing, historical sites, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, and war relics.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, headwear, place mats, and wall hangings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Baked Papaya (dessert), Barramundi Cod. Chukuchuk (rice dish). Macadamia Nut Pie (dessert). Rice-Banke (rice dish). Tuna Sashimi.

Fun Facts

• In 1874, formally claimed by Spain.
  
• Islands derive their name from British Explorer, John Marshall, who visited in 1788.  
• The country is part of the larger island group of Micronesia. 
• Majuro is the largest city (also the capitol).
• Country consists of five individual islands and a total of 29 atolls.
  
• Twenty-four of the atolls and islands are inhabited. 
  
• Home to the world's largest shark sanctuary.
• Has approximately 70 species of birds.
  
• During the first Castle Bravo deployable thermonuclear bomb test, larger than expected natives suffered from radiation burns and radioactive dusting.
  
• Marshallese Ship Registry is the second largest in the world.
  
• The USA has committed to provide $57.7 USD million per year in assistance to the Marshall Islands (RMI) through 2013 followed by $62.7 USD million until 2023.
  
• Commercial crops include: arrowroot, banana, breadfruit, coconut, copra, pandanus, and taro.
• The English language starts in Third Grade.
  
• Approximately 6,000 Marshallese reside in Arkansas (northwest). 
  
• Due to Global Warming and sea level rise the Islands could disappear.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Coconut Cup Regatta and (September) Mobil All Micronesia Fishing Tournament.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Remembrance Day, Good Friday, Constitution Day, Youth Day, June Solstice, Fishermen's Day, Labor Day, Manit Day, President's Day, Gospel Day, and Christmas Day.
  

Good to Know

• Under the Compact of Free Association, USA Citizens do not require a VISA to enter. 
  
• Dry Season is December - April.
• Wet Season is May - November.
  
• English is widely spoken.
  
• There is a departure fee.
• HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors.
  
• Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) from World War II remains a problem heed all warnings while hiking and scuba diving.
  
• There are little to no sidewalks.
• Inadequate accessibility.
  
• Women should dress conservatively in public, covering shoulders and knees.
• Ambulance services are not widely available.
  
• Public Medical Clinics are only available in either Ebeye or Majuro.
  
• Only consume and use bottle water, even for teeth brushing.
• Majuro Lagoon is known to have tested positive for e coli bacteria.
• Prevalent Diseases include: Dengue, Hansen’s Disease, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis.
• Shortages of medicine and medical supplies are known issues.
  
• On Majuro Island, there is one paved road, few traffic signs and no traffic lights.
• Drinking and driving is common.
  
• Roads are prone to temporary flooding after heavy rains and during high tides.
  
• The speed limit is 25 mph throughout the island.
  
• Has no public transportation system. Shared public taxis is available (Majuro).
• Jaluit and Majuro is ideal for History Buffs.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Measles Vaccination is required. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Subject to drought, tropical storms, and typhoons.

• Best Time to Visit: January - March
• Coldest Months: December - May
• Hottest Months: July & August
• Peak Season: March - June

Photo Credit: kiwirip/Pixabay

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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Malta

Malta Flag

Why visit Malta?

Ideal for beach loving historians for their ancient culture, archaeological sites, architecture, birdwatching, breathtaking scenery, caves, churches, diving, hiking, medieval cities, museums, rock climbing, snorkeling, and water sports.

Photo Credit: Gin/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Brass, ceramics, copper metalwork, dolls, gold filigree, hand blown glass, lace, silver, tiles, weaving, and woodwork.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bragioli (beef dish). Fenek (rabbit). Figolli (cake). Gbejna (cheese). Kusksu (soup). Lampuki (fish dish). Mqaret (date dessert). Qubbajt (almond nougat). Stuffat Tal-Fenek (rabbitt stew). Timpana (pasta dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Chardonnay (local wine). Chardonnay (local wine). Cisk (beer). Kinnie (soft drink). La Valette (wine). Savina Maltese (coffee). Savina (liquor). Sovrini (liquor). Zeppi (liquor).

Azure Window or Dwejra Window, Gozo Island. Photo Credit: Sarah Nakal/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• Has two uninhabited islands: Filfla (southern coast) and St Paul's (northern coast).
• Amongst the ten smallest countries in the world.
• Home to seven megalithic temples amongst the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
• The three largest islands: Malta (Malta), Gozo (Għawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited.
• Tourists outnumber the residents.
• Has over 360 churches, averaging one church for every 1,000 residents.
• Malta has no permanent rivers or lakes.
• The €10 Maltese commemorative coin cannot be used in any other country.
• Has no phone area codes, numbers are eight digits.
• Has three large natural harbors: Grand Harbour (East), Marsaxlokk Harbor (Southeast), and Marsamxett Harbour (West).
  
• On a child's first birthday, symbolic objects are placed around the child, whatever is grabbed first is said to be a sign of their adulthood fortune. Examples: Book = Teacher, Calculator = Accountant, Pencil/Pen = Writer, Rosary Beads = Clergy, Thread = Fashion, and Wooden Spoon = Chef.
  
• For centuries it was considered an island of North Africa.

• Alexander (2004), Gladiator (2000), Midnight Express (1978), Munich (2005), Sons of the Sea (1925) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) were filmed here.

Popeye Village. Photo Credit: Callisto Schmidt/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Alarme!, Carnival, (March) Freedom Day, (April) Malta International Fireworks Festival, (May) Festival Mediterranea, (June) Battle of Malta, (July) Farsons Great Beer Festival, Isle of MTV, Malta Arts Festival, Malta International Jazz Festival, Triq Cinemoon Festival, Valletta Jazz Festival, (September) Delicata Wine Festivals, Malta International Airshow, Notte Bianca, (October) BirguFest, Hamrun Chocolate Festival, and Notte Bianca.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck, Feast of St Joseph, Freedom Day, Good Friday, Worker's Day, Sette Giugno, Feast of the Assumption, Feast of Our Lady of Victories, Independence Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Republic Day, and Christmas Day.

Bay Blue Village, Malta.  Photo Credit: Pixabay

Good to Know

• Trotting Races are popular in the winter.
  
• Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay are popular beach spots.
  
• Armier Beach, Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna Bay are small beaches. 
  
• Offers the best scuba-diving conditions of Europe.
  
• Sliema, St George Bay, St Julian Bay, and St Paul Bay are popular for waterskiing.
  
• Mellieha Bay, St Paul Bay and St Thomas Bay are popular for windsurfing.
  
• Cuisine is Italian and Greek influenced.
• Simple assault, pick-pocketing, and petty theft are known to occur. 
  
• Water is known to be mineral-laden, but still drinkable.
  
• Buses are the primary means of public transportation.
• Most businesses are closed on Sunday.
• Illegal drugs are severe.
  
• Terrorists are known to enter and exit the country undetected.
  
• Has only one airport, Malta International Airport (MLA).
• Local blood oranges are best from December - March.
  
• Drive on the left side of the road. 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.

Mellieha, Malta. Photo Credit: Nick Fewings/Unsplash 

• Best Time to Visit: May - September
• Coolest Month: December - March
• Hottest Month: August
• Peak Season: May - October

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: City of Valletta, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, and Megalithic Temples of Malta.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, Għarb, Malta. Photo Credit: Mojpe/Pixabay

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                                               All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Mali

Mali Flag

"Mali Empire"

Why visit Mali?

For the seasoned adventurous traveler seeking to experience Africa's ancient artifacts, desert landscapes, festivals, markets, tribal dance, wildlife.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Blankets, indigo cloth, leather goods, multicolored beads, pottery, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Alabadja (meat dish). Bouille (dessert). Jollof Rice. Maafe (peanut stew). Tiguadege Na (national dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Djablani (ginger juice). Malian Tea.

Fun Facts

• Eighth largest West African country.
  
• French is the official language. Over 40 African languages also are spoken throughout.
  
• The country's economy revolves around agriculture and mining. 
• Africa's third largest producer of gold.
• Folklore says the Sundiata Keita (1190-1255), First Emperor changed himself into a hippopotamus upon his death (Sankarani River).
  
• Amongst one of the hottest countries in the world.
  
• Culturally, married women are blamed for their spouses appearance and misbehaved children.
• Children play with bundles of rags shaped like a ball.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Gouin Festival, (February) Desert Festival,
  Diamwari Festival, Segou Festival, (March) Daoula-Ba Festival, (April) Dogon Mask Festival, and (June) International Rails Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Armed Forces Day, Martyrs' Day, Easter Monday, Workers' Day, Africa Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, Mawlid, Prophet's Baptism, Korité, and Tabaski.
  

Good to Know

• Slavery remains in practice.
• The Rainy Season is April - October.
• Prone to droughts.
• Largely exports cotton.
• High rate of child malnutrition.
  
• Gender inequality exists.
• Terrorists groups are prevelant.
• Kidnapping of tourists is a known concern.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• ATM's are not widely available.
• Child marriage is practiced.
• Medication, medical facilities and treatment is very limited.
• Prevalent diseases: Malaria, Rabies, Meningococcal Meningitis, and Yellow Fever.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever vaccination required. 

Prone to floods, high humidity and windstorms.

• Best Time to Visit: November - February
• Coolest Months: November - February
• Hottest Months: March - May
• Peak Season: August - September

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old Towns of Djenné, Timbuktu, and Tomb of Askia.

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                                               All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Maldives

Maldives Flag

"A Garland of Islands" & "Money Islands"

Photo Credit: Isabra/Pixabay

Why visit Maldives?

A tropical relaxation paradise best known for badminton, beaches, fishing, golf, kayaking, kneeboarding, marine life, natural landscape, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, spas, surfing, sunsets, tennis, turquoise lagoon, volleyball, yachting, wakeboarding, water sports, and windsurfing.

A popular destination for:

• Amateur & Professional Photographers
• Bucket List
• Destination Wedding
• Groups: Family, Friends and Multigenerational
• Honeymoon
• Milestones: Anniversary, Birthday, Retirement and Vow Renewal
• Ocean Cruises Embarkation/Disembarkation
• Proposal
• Romance

Photo Credit: Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Black-coral jewelry, colorful island fabrics, lacquer work, stamps, wood carvings, and woven mats.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Boshi Mashuni (banana flower salad). Garudhiya (fish soup). Huni roshi (bread). Mas'huni Roshi (breakfast). Masroshi (snack). Paratha (flatbread). Saagu bondibai (pudding). Tuna Curry.
• Local Drink to Try: Raa (traditional). Sai. Tea.

Veligandu Island. Photo Credit: Suzy T/Unsplash

Fun Facts

• In 1972, the first tourist resort opened, Bandos Island Resort and Kurumba Village (Kurumba Maldives).
• In 1998, rising sea-temperatures killed two-thirds of their coral reefs.
  
• Archipelago of 1190 coral islands, only 202 are inhabited.
• Has approximately 120 exclusive island resorts.
• Asia's highest population growth rates.
• Largest operators of seaplanes in the world.
• By law, there are no dogs.
  
• Lowest country in the world.
• Gan is the largest island. 
  
• Marine ecosystems sponges display anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties.
• Islands were mentioned in the Ancient Sangam Tamil Literature as "Munneer Pazhantheevam" or "Older Islands of Three Seas".
• Offers over 2,000 species of fish.
  
• Westernmost islands are connected by roads over the reef (Addu Atoll).
  
• Smallest Asian country by land area.
  
• Known to hold the highest national divorce rate in the world.
• Over 9 million tourists visit annually.
• Royal dynasties ruled Malé (capital) "Kings Island".
• No archaeological artifacts have been discovered from the first Maldivians.

Kuredu Island. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (April) Party with a Purpose Festival, Ramadan, (August) Whale Shark Festival, (September) Eid Festival, and (December) Fisherman's Day.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Presidential Address Holiday, March Equinox, Government Holiday, Ramadan Start, Labor Day/May Day, Eid ul Fitr, Eid al Fitr Holiday, June Solstice, Public Holiday, Hajj Day, Eid ul Adha, Eid ul Adha Holiday, Independence Day, Muharram/Islamic New Year, September Equinox, National Day, Milad un Nabi, Victory Day, The Day Maldives Embraced Islam, Republic Day, and December Solstice.
  

Photo Credit: rn858/Pixabay

Good to Know

• No cost VISA is issued upon arrival and valid for 30 days.
  
• English is widely spoken.
  
• Vulnerable to tsunami waves.
  
• Nightlife is limited.
• Diving Season is October - April.
  
• Surf Season is April - October, best breaks along the eastern edges of North Male' Atoll and South Male' Atoll.
• Travel between islands is by either boat, domestic flight, or seaplane.
• Monsoon Season is May - October (southeast).
  
• Only a few of the islands are large enough to support automobiles.
  
• Dry wind Monsoon Season is December - March.
• Non-Muslims are prohibited from becoming citizens.
  
• Onward/return ticket and sufficient funds are required for entry. 
• Diving options are drift dives, kandus (underwater channels for drift dives), and thilas (underwater land masses).
  
• Transportation in Malé is by bus, foot, or taxi.
  
• Henveiru District offers the best cafes and restaurants (Malé).
  
• Against local law to openly practice any religion other than Islam.
• Illegal to enter with alcohol, pork, or religious items of worship.
  
• Camouflaged Stonefish inject a painful venom.
• Aloe vera aids with sun and wind burn. 
  
• Same-sex relations is illegal.
  
• Respect local Islamic customs and laws.
• Dress codes vary by islands.
  
• Has limited medical facilities. 
• Compression chambers are available on Bandos Island, Kandholhudhoo Islands, and Villingili Island.
  
• Due to conservative culture, women should dress conservatively, cover shoulders, chest and knees.
  
• Traffic moves on the left of the road.
  
• Known issues concerning abuse, corruption, lack of religious freedom, and unequal treatment of women.

Photo Credit: Nightmanx/Pixabay

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Photo Credit: BDK/Pixabay

• Best Time to Visit: November - April
• Coolest Month: January 
• Hottest Month: March
• Peak Season: December - April

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                                 All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.