Mexico

Mexico Flag

Why visit Mexico?

Often sought after as an affordable destination; best known for their ancient culture, archaeological ruins, bird watching, bull fighting, colonial cities, coral, crystal-white beaches, dancing, ecotourism, fishing, golf, hiking, historical sites, jungles, landscapes, mountain biking, mountains, museums, music, river rafting, scuba diving, shopping, snorkeling, surfing, temples, volcanoes, water sports, whale-watching, and wildlife. 

Photo Credit: Alan de la Cruz/Pixabay

A popular destination for:

• Amateur & Professional Photographers
• Conventions, Meetings & Reunions
• Destination Wedding
• Ocean Cruises Embarkation/Disembarkation
• Groups: Family, Friends and Multigenerational 
• LGBTQ Friendly
• Milestones: Anniversary, Bachelor Party, Bachelorette Party, Birthday, Honeymoon, Retirement and Vow Renewal

Cancun Beach, Cancun, Mexico. Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, embroidered dresses, folk art, hammered copper, hammocks, hand-loomed rugs, handmade guitars, hand-painted wooden animal figures, panama hats, pottery, semi-precious stones, silver, straw figures, tableware, wood carvings, and woven fabrics.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Alambres (beef dish). Al Pastor (grilled pork). Birria (fried fish). Carne a la Tampiqueña (meat dish). Chiles en Nogada (stuffed chilies). Huachinango a la Veracruzana (fish dish). Huevos Rancheros (breakfast dish). Huaraches (bean dish). Pambazos (fried bread). Pan de Muerto (dessert). Panucho (tortilla dish). Quesadillas. Sonoran Hot Dog. Tacos. Tamales. Torta Ahogada (meat sandwich).
• Local Drink to Try: Aguas Frescas (fruity). Atole (hot flavored corn). Café de olla (coffee). Margarita (cocktail). Pozol (chocolate). Pulque (fermented sap). Rompope (eggnog). Sangria Señorial (soft drink). Tejuino (cold fermented corn). Tequila.

Guanajuato City (central), Mexico. Photo Credit: Juan Manuel Cortes/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• Oldest artifacts found (10,000 years ago) are chips of stone tools near campfire remains (Valley of Mexico).
• During the Colonial Era (1607–1776), it was called New Spain.
• In 1968, the first Latin American country to host the Olympics (XIX Olympic Games).
• In 2018, ranked sixth most-visited country in the world.
  
• Sierra Madre Occidental (west) and the Sierra Madre Oriental (east) extend across the country. An extension of the Rocky Mountains. 
• Second fastest rate of deforestation in the world.
  
• Taxco ("Silver Capital") offers high-grade silver.
  
• San Miguel de Allende and Zacatecas are at a higher altitude than Denver (Colorado).
  
• Second largest Catholic Community in the world.
  
• A two hour high-speed train from Mexico City, Mexico to Guadalajara, Jalisco is projected to cost $25 USD billion. Partially privately paid by Carlos Slim Helú, Mexican Iinvestor and Philanthropist.
  
• Some geographers consider east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as Central America.
• Plaza México (Mexico City), seats 45,000 spectators and is the largest bullring in the world.
  
• French is the second most widely taught foreign language.
  
• Acapulco (Pacific Coast) was the destination amongst the famous and rich travelers.
• Second-largest exporter of electronics to our nation.
  
• Highly ranked first in the Americas and seventh in the world for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  
• Ranks first in the world with reptiles; 707 known species.
• Their military does not participate in politics and is under civilian control.
  
• The University of Guadalajara (public) has agreements with our nation to receive and train American students in medicine.
  
• Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is one of the busiest amongst Latin America countries.
  
• Compared to any other North America country produces the most automobiles.
  
• Ranks second in the world with mammals; 438 species.
  
• Home to renowned cliff divers (Acapulco).
  
• Second ranked country in the world with their ecosystems.

San Juan Teotihuacán, Teotihuacán, Mexico. Photo Credit: jjnanni/Pixabay

Most Visited Places...

• Cabo San Lucas is a popular destination well known for dramatic desert landscapes, fine beaches, golf courses, nightlife, romantic sunsets, and world-class restaurants. Also, considered to offer some of the best sport fishing in the world.
• Cancún along the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea, is best known for its beaches, nightlife, restaurants, resorts, and shops. Composed of two distinct areas: El Centro (traditional downtown area) and Zona Hotelera (strip of high-rise hotels). Popular amongst college students during Spring Break.
• Cozumel an undeveloped island in the Caribbean Sea, popular cruise ship port of call famed for its lagoon, national park, scuba diving, submerged sculptures, underwater caverns, and wildlife.
• Mexico City is a densely populated city that offers Aztec history, culture, gardens, gastronomy, historic murals, museums, nightlife, parks,  
• Nayarit is known for beaches and surfing.
• Playa del Carmen is a small city in Mexico along the Yucatan Coast. Boasts in boutiques, beachfront luxury hotels, and restaurants. 
• Puerto Vallarta along the Pacific Coast is considered a resort town known for its beaches, boutique shops, contemporary sculptures, nightlife, restaurants, water sports.
• Tulum situated along the Caribbean coastline of  Yucatán Peninsula is best known for its ancient port city (Mayan), beaches, castle, caverns, cenotes, lagoons, mangroves, and natural limestone sinkholes. 

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Photo Credit: Salvador Navarro Maldonado/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Festival Internacional Cervantino, Regional Fair, (February)
  Carnaval, Día de la Candelaria, Sombrero Festival, (March) Ambulante Film Festival, Annual Witches Conference, Festival de México en el Centro Histórico, (April) International Jazz Festival, San Marcos National Fair, Semana Santa, Vive Latino - Festival Iberoamericano de Cultura Musical (May) Cancún Jazz Festival, Cinco de Mayo, Feast of San Isidro, International Gay Festival, (June) Día de la Marina, National Ceramics Fair & Fiesta, (July) Guelaguetza Dance Festival, (August) Escénica Festival, Fiestas de la Vendimia, International Chamber Music Festival, Independent Film Festival, Mexico City Marathon, Parade of Monumental Alebrijes, Zona Maco Fair, (September) International Mariachi Festival, (October) Feria Nacional del Mole, Festival Internacional Cervantino, Fiestas de Octubre, Formula One Racing, Morelia Film Fest, (November) Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, Annual Yucatán Bird Festival, Day of the Dead, Fiestas de Noviembre, Gourmet Festival, National Silver Fair, Oaxaca FilmFest, Puerto Vallarta International Gourmet Festival, (December) Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, Christmas Posadas, and Fiesta de los Rábanos.
• Holidays: New Year’s Day, Dia de la Constitucion, Cumpleaños de Benito Juarez, Semana de Pascua, Dia del Trabajo, Dia de la Independencia, Dia de los Fieles Difuntos, Dia de la Revolucion, Transmision del Poder Ejecutivo Federal, and Dia de Navidad.

Tulum Ruins, Tulum, Mexico. Photo Credit: chambly1236/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Do not consume ice or tap water.
• Air pollution is a known problem amongst major cities.
  
• If you've ever been convicted of a serious crime, the local law permits Mexican Immigration Authorities to deny foreigners entry.
  
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Chronic Respiratory Disease, Dengue Fever, Hepatitis, Malaria, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Travelers' Diarrhea, Typhoid Fever, and Zika.
• Government checkpoints are common.
  
• Cave paintings exist in Baja California Peninsula. 
• Restaurants are usually empty by 8PM.
  
• Poverty is visible.
• Sonora (northern) has a “hassle-free” zone allowing for travel without an entry permit or car registration within the zone.
  
• Only use a reputable taxi company, through your hotel or travel agent.
  
• By local law, you're presumed guilty until proven innocent.
  
• Beaches by popular location: Cabo San Lucas, Cancún (Spring Breakers), Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.  
• Rape and sexual assault are known problems in resort areas. 
• Marlin fishing is best in Cabo San Lucas.
  
• If you drive your vehicle into Mexico beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles into Mexico), you must apply for a temporary vehicle import permit with Mexican customs.
  
• Fraudulent charges or withdrawals from “skimmed” cards occurs.
  
• Sport fishing along the Sea of Cortés (north) is the Bahía de La Concepción.
• Spotty cell phone coverage is common.
• Demonstrations are common, best to avoid them.
  
• Travelers have reported blacking out or illness after consuming unregulated alcohol. 

Nayarit, Mexico. Photo Credit: Arturo Garcia Segura/Pixabay

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 12 months.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl (Toltec Warriors), Tula, Mexico. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Subject to earthquakes, high humidity, hurricanes, and tsunamis.

• Best Time to Visit: September - May
• Coolest Month: December - March
• Hottest Months: April - September
• Peak Season: November - April & July - August

Jalisco (western) Mexico. Photo Credit: Julian Yanez Navarro/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco, Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological site of Monte Albán, Historic Centre of Puebla, Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque, Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacán, Sian Ka'an, Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines, Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza, Historic Centre of Morelia, El Tajin Pre-Hispanic City, Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco, Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino, Historic Centre of Zacatecas, Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl, Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro, Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal, Hospicio Cabañas Guadalajara, Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan, Archaeological Zone of Paquimé Casas Grandes, Historic Fortified Town of Campeche, Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco, Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro, Luis Barragán House and Studio, Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila, Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Protective town of San Miguel de Allende and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco, Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca, El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul Campeche, Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System, Revillagigedo Archipelago, and Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica.     

 

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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

Mauritius

Mauritius Flag

Why visit Mauritius?

Ideal for travelers seeking relaxation beaches, beautiful coastline, bird sanctuaries, cultural diversity, festivals, fishing, golf,  gorges, hiking trails, markets, mountains, museums, rainforests, reefs, scuba diving, hopping, snorkeling, temples, volcanos, waterfalls, wildlife, and windsurfing.

Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, Chamarel, Mauritius. Photo Credit: SeverS74/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Embroidered tablecloths, handmade glass goods, Indian jewelry, knitwear, rare postage stamps, sail ship models, wood carvings, and woven baskets. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Boulettes (dumplings). Dhal Puri (flatbread). Gateaux Piment (chilli fritters). Napolitaine (dessert). Poudine Maïs (corn pudding).
• Local Drink to Try: Alouda (sweet). Bois Chérie (tea). Blue Marlin (beer). Blue Eagle (beer). Green Island (rum). Phoenix (beer).

Chamarel Waterfall, Chamarel, Mauritius. Photo Credit: wurliburli/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• In 975, it was discovered by Arab sailors calling it "Dina Arobi".
  
• In 1502, Alberto Cantino, Italian Cartographer mapped the island.
• In 1507, found by Portuguese sailors. No terrestrial mammals on the island prior to their arrival. 
• In 1598, Dutch took possession.
• In 1715, France took possession naming it "Isle de France". 
• In 1810, seized by Great Britain.
• Government provides citizens free education and universal healthcare.
  
• Provides free public transportation for the disabled, senior citizens, and students.
• Many species are endemic to the island.
  
• Home to the world's third-largest coral reef.
  
• There's a hotspot under Réunion Island.
  
• France considers the sovereignty of Tromelin Island was not transferred to Britain.
  
• Birthplace to the flightless dodo bird.
  
• Mauritian Flying Fox (bat) is the only remaining mammal endemic.
  
• Offers some of the rarest postage stamps in the world, highest purchase sold for $4 million.

Umbrella Square, Port Louis, Mauritius. Photo Credit: wurliburli/Pixabay

Mauritius Islands:

• Agaléga Islands - North of Mauritius.
• Chagos Archipelago: Nelsons Island, Peros Banhos, Salomon Islands
• Rodrigues Island - Habited east of Mauritius. 
• St Brandon - Northeast of Mauritius Island. Has approximately 28 - 40 islands and islets.
• Tromelin Island - Northwest of Mauritius.

Crystal Rock, Le Morne, Mauritius. Photo Credit: DerBub/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Spring Festival, Tamil Hindu Festival, (February) Holi Festival, Maha Shivaratree, (March) Ougadi, (April) Chinatown Food Festival, (May) Royal Raid, (July) Indian Ocean Islands Games, Mauritius Marathon, Open Air Festival, Ultra Trail Raidlight, (September) Eid-Ul-Fitr Festival, Ferney Trail, Jacques-Désiré Laval, (November) AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, Kreol International Festival, Staysure Tour, and (December) International Kreol Festival.
• Holidays: New Year, Thaipoosam Cavadee, Abolition of Slavery, National Day, Holi, Ougadi, Labour Day, Raksha Bandhan, Assumption of Mary, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Divali, Arrival of Indentured Labourers, and Christmas Day.

Photo Credit: happyflycz/Pixabay

Good to Know

• A great trip stopover in visiting Australia, India, Madagascar, or Southern Africa.
  
• Tropical cyclones usually occur between January - March.
  
• There are no restaurants in Le Morne.
  
• Creole, English, and French are widely spoken.
  
• Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and petty thefts are known to occur in crowded outdoor shopping areas.
  
• Drive on the left side of the road. 
  
• There are few sidewalks.
• Most buildings lack elevators. 
  
• Child seats, helmets, and seat belts are required. 
  
• Designer inexpensive clothing can be purchased at Quatre Bornes (Thursday and Sunday) as labels have not been attached. 
  
• The Western Coast (Tamarin) offers the best surfing (May-August).
• Beaches are most particular along the northern area.
  
• Inflated “tourist prices” are common in market shopping areas.
• Deep Sea Fishing is between October-April. Great catch include: barracuda, marlin, swordfish, and tuna.
• Has a zero tolerance drinking and driving law
  
• Prevalent Diseases: Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
• MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted in tourist areas. U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted.
  
• ATMs dispense the Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
  
• Cuisine stems from African, Chinese, European and Indian.
• Buses run between main towns from 5AM - 9PM and in remote areas until 6:00PM.
• Belle-Mare and Pointe d'Esny (east coast) offer the best windsurfing.
  
• Spearfishing is illegal.
  
• Uber is not available.
  
• Le Morne Brabant and Peter Botte Mountain are for experienced hikers.
  
• Importing cannabis and cannabis oil is illegal.
• Domestic animals are subject to a minimum one-month mandatory quarantine.
• There are no direct commercial air services to the USA.
  

Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux, Cap Malheureux, Mauritius. Photo Credit: nike159/Pixabay

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA granted upon arrival.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination from select countries. 

Prone to cyclones and high humidity.

• Best Time to Visit: April - June & September - November
• Coolest Months: June - September 
• Hottest Months: January - February
• Peak Season: November - April

Photo Credit: kupo1970/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aapravasi Ghat & Le Morne Cultural Landscape. 

 

Photo Credit: hhach/Pixabay

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

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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"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. 

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.