Montenegro

Montenegro Flag

Why visit Montenegro?

Ideal for travelers who have visited Europe on several occasions seeking something a bit off the beaten path to enjoy bays, beach, caves, coastal landscape, culture, deep canyons, fishing, folk arts, gorges, historical sites,  lakes, mountains, nightlife, sailing, skiing, spas, white water rafting, and windsurfing.

Sveti Stefan Island, Montenegro. Photo Credit: roemei62/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, ceramics, embroidery goods, handmade carpets, lace, leather boxes, silver filigree jewelry, tapestries, wines, wood carvings, and woolens.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Grašak (beef stew). Ječmeni (barley bread). Kastradina (dried mutton). Kuvani Brav (boiled lamb). Malisorske Priganice (fried donuts). Maune (bean stew). Njeguški Sir (cheese). Rumetinov (corn bread). Sarma (cabbage rolls). Sukača (pastry).
• Local Drink to Try: Krstac (white wine). Loza (grape brandy). Mead  (fermented honey). Niksicko (beer). Vranac (red wine).  

Kotor, Montenegro. Photo Credit: Michal/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• Since the First Millennium (1 AD - 1000 AD) olive trees have existed (Budva Riviera).
  
• Ranked the "50 Places of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
• Home to the second largest canyon (Tara Canyon) in the world.
  
• Celebrities and royalty are known to vacation on Sveti Stefan Island.
• Water polo is the most popular sport.
  
• Home (Skadar Lake) to the largest bird reserve (270 species) in Europe.
• River Island of Ada Bojana (Ulcinj Beach) is best for windsurfing.
  
• Southern Coast region was ranked "Top 31 Places to Go in 2010" by The New York Times.
  
• Durmitor National Park has 18 glacier lakes.

Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. Photo Credit: Benas M/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Boćanje Olympics, Kotor Carnival, Mimosa Festival, St Tryphon Festival, (June) Festival of the Underwater Film, Southern Soul, (July) Fascinada, International Classic Music Festival, International Fashion Festival, Kotor International Fashion Festival, (August) Bedem Fest, Bokeljska Noc, Gornja Lastva Fiesta, Herceg Novi Film Festival, International Summer Carnival, Lake Fest, Montenegro Film Festival, Petrovac Jazz Fest, Perast Music Festival, Sea Dance Festival, Swimming Marathon, and (September) International Klapa Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and Statehood Day.

Budva, Montenegro. Photo Credit: Marcel/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Official language is Montenegrin. Albanian, Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are also spoken.
  
• Majority of tourists are from Czech Republic, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.
• Traveler(s) must register within the first 24 hours of arrival.
  
• Beaches by popularity include Bečići Beach, Jaz Beach, Mogren Beach, Sveti Stefan Beach and Velika Plaža.
• Cuisine is Asian and Mediterranean influenced.
• "Golden Coast" (Canj) is known for its gold-colored sand.
  
• The "Great Beach" is in Ulcinj.
• Seat belts are mandatory.
  
• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Many public facilities are not deemed accessible-friendly.
  
• Rapids of Tara Canyon are popular for white water rafting.
  
• To explore the Village of Sveti Stefan requires a Aman Resort or restaurant reservation.
  
• The blood alcohol limit is .03%.
• Right turns on red lights are strictly prohibitive.
  
• Local drivers considered aggressive are reckless.
  
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections do not routinely occur. 
  
• Taxis do not usually pick up street passengers, rather are requested by phone or SMS.
  
• Tire snow chains are used between November - March.
• Medical care and treatment does not meet our standards.
• Most visited towns include Budva, Herceg, Kotor, Novi, Perast, and Ulcinj.
• Water taxis access the island of Our Lady of the Rock (Bay of Kotor).
  
• Theft at ATM's is high during peak tourism season.
• Ferry Service connects Kotor (Adriatic coast) or Bar (southern) with Bari (Italy) or Ancona (Italy).

Montenegro. Photo Credit: likalinka/Pixabay

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 190 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.

Our Lady of the Rocks, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Photo Credit: ravisimo/Pixabay

• Best Time to Visit: May - October
• Coldest Month: December - February
• Hottest Months: July - August
• Peak Season: June - August

Shkodra Lake, Montenegro. Photo Credit: RadaB/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Durmitor National Park, Natural & Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards, and Venetian Works of Defence.

 

Tara Canyon, Montenegro. Photo Credit: Corina-Elena Burtea/Pixabay

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

Mongolia

Mongolia Flag

 

"Land of the Eternal Blue Sky" and "Country of Blue Sky" 

Why visit Mongolia?

For the experienced traveler seeking Buddhist culture, camels, culture, desert, fishing, horseback riding, lakes, mountains, museums, and temples.

Photo Credit: Erdenebayar/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Buddhist charms, books, cashmere, mugs, paintings, and silks.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Boortsog (fried dough). Buuz (dumplings). Khuushuur (dumplings). Khorkhog (BBQ). 
• Local Drink to Try: Chinggis Vodka. 

Photo Credit: hbieser/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• Name means "Land of the Mongols". 
• The highest point is Khüiten Peak (west) at 14,350 ft.
  
• Home to the world's coldest capital city (Ulaanbaatar).
• Goats are valued for their hair for cashmere use.
• Largely exports coal.
• Home to rare gerbil, jerboas and marbled polecat.
• English is taught starting in 4th Grade.
• Wrestling is the most popular sport.

Photo Credit: Jacmac34/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Tsagaan Sar Festival, (February) Winter Festival of Altai Nomads, (March) Gobi Camel Festival, Khovsgol Ice Festival, Nauryz Festival, Silver Reeds Festival, Spring Golden Eagle Festival, Thousand Camel Festival, (May) International Ulaanbaatar Marathon, Yak Festival, (June) Crane Festival, Hunnu Music Festival, Mongolian Gobi Ultra Marathon, Moto Music Festival, Nomadic Naadam, Wind of Steppes, (July) Naadam Festival, Naadam Summer Festival, National Costume Festival Mongolia, Nomadic Culture Festival, Play Time Festival, Reindeer Festival, Tsaatan Festival, (August) Danshig Naadam Festival, Mongol Yak Festival, Orkhon Valley Horse Festival, Sand Festival, (September) Horseback Archery Tournament, Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival, and (October) Golden Eagle Festival. 
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Lunar New Year, Women's Day, Children's Day, Naadam Holiday, Genghis Khan's Birthday, Republic Day, and Independence Day.

Photo Credit: hbieser/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Local law requires travelers to declare any cash, cryptocurrency, and financial instruments equal to or greater than 15 million Mongolian tugrik (MNT).
  
• Dangerously cold winters -40° F across the country.
  
• Driving under the influence (DUI) is subject to 1 year suspension of driving privileges and a 400,000 MNT fine.
• Most sparsely populated country in the world.
  
• Exporting antiquities requires a special customs clearance certificate.
  
• Horse meat is eaten and purchasable in grocery stores.
  
• A International Driver’s License is required along with automobile insurance. 
• Outside of Ulaanbaatar, there's little paved roads or street lights.
  
• Medical care and treatment does meet our standards.
• Medication for personal use must have a doctor's prescription. 
  
• Southeastern area is dominated by the Gobi Desert.
  
• Avoid traveling at night alone.
• To reduce traffic and air pollution, license plate numbers are monitored into downtown Ulaanbaatar on certain days of the week.
• Only the Zamiin Uud border crossing (south) with China and the Sukhbaatar/Altanbulag border crossing  (north) with Russia, are always open to foreign travelers. 
  
• Un-metered, unofficial, and unregistered taxis are rampant (Ulaanbaatar).
  
• Pharmaceuticals are imported from China or Russia, and usually lack English labels.
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• LGBTI are prone to discrimination and violence.
  
• Prevalent diseases: Influenza, Measles, Meningococcal Meningitis, Plague, Rabies, and Tuberculosis. 
• Heads are considered sacred and should not be touched.
• Sanitary conditions are below our standards.
  
• Drug possession or trafficking is from 1-12 to years in prison.
• Air pollution is an issue (Ulaanbaatar) from December - February.
  
• Elevators are usually too small for a standard-sized wheelchair.
  
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated; routine safety inspections does not  occur regularly.
• Nearly everything is closed on Tuesday.
• Offers unreliable air transportation subject to delays (days even weeks).
• Mongolian is the official language. Russian and English are commonly spoken.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Equestrian Statue of Genghis Khan, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Photo Credit: KiraHundeDog/Pixabay

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

hoto Credit: hbieser/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain (and its surrounding sacred landscape), Landscapes of Dauria, Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai, and Uvs Nuur Basin.

Photo Credit: Kanenori/Pixabay

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

Monaco

Monaco Flag

Why visit Monaco?

Ideal for affluent travelers seeking to enjoy beaches, casinos, cultural events, day spas, gardens, Grand Prix, hang gliding, historic sites, museums, nightlife, palace, performing arts, shopping, and yachting.

Monaco. Photo Credit: Kmaris/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Chocolate, collector dishware, Grand Prix goods, porcelain dolls, and reproductions of medieval swords.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Barbagiuan (pastry), Brandamincium (cod stew). Fougasse (bread). Lemon Tart (dessert).Stocafi (fish stew).
• Local Drink to Try: Kombustars (tea). La Bière de Monaco (beer). L’Orangerie (citrus cocktail). Rocher Monte-Carlo (milkshake).

Fun Facts

• Monegasque was their original language.
  
• Has the highest population density in the world.
• Second-smallest sovereign state in the world.
  
• Over 30% of the residents are millionaires.
  
• Their flag is almost identical to Indonesia's flag.
•  Home to the world's first protected marine habitats (Oceanographic Museum).
  
• The construction of the Circuit de Monaco for the Grand Prix takes approximately six weeks to complete and another three weeks to remove.
  
• Holds the world's lowest poverty rate.
• In just 45 minutes you can cross Monaco from east to west by foot.
• The Odeon Tower (penthouse) is world's most expensive apartment valued at $335 million. 
• Fontvieille is the largest lake.
  
• Minted their own coins (Monegasque Franc) an old practice of gold and silver commemorative collector coins.
  
• Mints euro coins with Monegasque designs (national side).

Palace of Justice, Monaco. Photo Credit: Hans/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) International Circus Festival, Monte Carlo Rally, (March) Rose Ball, (April) Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, 
  Spring Arts Festival, (May) European Night of the Museums, Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, International Emerging Talent Film Festival, Monte-Carlo Fashion Week, Top Marques Monaco, (June) Monte Carlo Television Festival, (July) Monaco Music Film Festival, Monte-Carlo Cross Gala, Monte-Carlo International Fireworks Festival, Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival, (August) International Festival Of Amateur Theatre, Mondial du Théâtre, (September) Bread Festival, Monaco Classic Week, Monaco Yacht Show, (November) Monaco International Marathon, and Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Saint Dévote's Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, May Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption of Mary, All Saints' Day, National Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and Christmas Day.

Monaco. Photo Credit: Daserma/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Compliments a stop while visiting the French or Italian Riviera area.
• Recognized one of the most expensive and wealthiest places in the world. 
• French is their official language. English and Italian are widely spoken.
• Reclaimed coastline (Fontvieille).
• Striving to be more accessible-friendly.
• Yachts are docked at Fontvieille Port or Port Hercule.
• Larvotto Beach is the only public beach.
  
• Public areas are monitored by cameras.
  
• Old and most picturesque neighborhood (Monaco-Ville).
  
• Monte Carlo is where to find the casinos and top hotels.
  
• Peninsula (Larvotto) is where the beaches and sporting club.
  
• Casino entry requires your passport.
• From 7AM - 9:30PM Monaco Bus Company (CAM) provides transportation to most tourist attractions.
  
• Train Station (Monaco Monte-Carlostation) is located underground (Condamine District) providing all four corner access points.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.

Monte Carlo, Monaco. Photo Credit: Candy Guru/Pixabay

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

 

Prince's Palace of Monaco, Monaco. Photo Credit: Hans/Pixabay

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

Moldova

Moldova Flag

Why visit Moldova?

Ideal for the experienced Eastern Europe traveler seeking to enjoy art, cathedrals, green rolling hills, historical sites, orchards, river valleys, vineyards, whitewashed villages, and wine tours.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carpets, ceramics, crystal, embroidered blouses, fur hats, moldavite, pottery, rugs, scarves, wines, and wooden boxes.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Borș de burechiușe (ravioli). Brinza (cheese). Colsunash (ravioli). Friptură (stew). Kostitsa (grilled pork chop). Kyrnatsei (sausage). Mămăligă (cornmeal porridge). Plăcinte (sweet pastry). Tochitură (pork dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Divin (brandy) and Negru de Purcari (sparkling wine). 

Fun Facts

• Home to the world's largest wine cellar (Cricova).
• Milestii Mici Winery (Chisinau) holds 2 million bottles of wine.
  
• Imports majority of their energy supplies from Russia and Ukraine.
  
• The bell at Cathedral of the Nativity (Chisinau) was cast from guns the Russians captured from Turkey.
  
• Giurgiulești is the only port on the Danube.
  
• Historically a part of the Russian Empire. 
• First country in the world to launch high-definition voice services for cellular users.

OrheiLand, Orhei, Moldova. Photo Credit: Viorel Robu/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) ExpoVin, (March) Martisor Music Festival, (May)
  Chronograph Festival, Night of Museums, Sweet Acacia Flower Music Contest, Theatre Festival Festei, (June) National Touristic Festival of Traditions, (July) International Pottery Fair, Nufarul Alb (August) Faces of Friends, (September) Classical Parachuting Cup, Velo Hora Festival, (October) Bostaniada Festival, and National Wine Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Orthodox Christmas, International Women's Day, Orthodox Easter, Labour Day, Victory Day, Independence Day, Limba Noastră, and Christmas Day. 

Good to Know

• The official language is Romanian.
• Less developed than other Eastern European countries.
  
• You must register your visit with the local government.
  
• Sunflowers are visible during the summer (May - September).
  
• While on the street, the local police have the legal right to ask for your identification.
• Declare and register foreign currency and valuable goods upon arrival.
  
• Cuisine is influenced by Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
• Anticipate delays, last minute schedule changes, and unexpected closings.
  
• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasingly serious health concern.
  
• Divided into 32 districts.
• Roads often lack signage and are unevenly maintained.
• Streets and sidewalks are not well maintained.
  
• Carry your passport (or photocopy) at all times.
• Outside of Chisinau nightlife does not exist.
• Hospital accommodations are inadequate.
  
• Photographs of checkpoints, military facilities, and security forces is not permitted.
  
• Avoid driving at night due to poorly lit roads.
  
• Local drivers are considered aggressive.
• Most popular wine regions are Codru (center), Stefan Voda (south east), and Valul lui Traian (south west).
• Human trafficking of native children and women to other European countries is an issue.
  
• The maximum legal blood alcohol content is 0.03%. Driving under the influence warrants a fine and/or imprisonment.
  
• ATM pin theft by skimming devices that record the card information, hidden cameras, and shoulder surfing is known to occur.
• Many shops are only during daylight hours for energy conservation.
  
• Moldovan "Collection" wines are sealed with a wax cap. 
  
• Avoid Transdniestria due to extortion and robbery.
  
• Avoid fresh salads and dairy products.
• Avoid tap water consumption.
  
• The tourism industry is unevenly regulated regarding facilities and equipment safety inspections. 
  
• One of the poorest countries in Europe.
• Buses provide interurban service throughout the country.
  
• Fuel and repair service is not usually available off main roads.
  
• Possessing, trafficking, or using illegal drugs imposes severe penalties.
  
• The green national trains offer the best rail service.
  

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.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.

Photo Credit: 13alterego/Pixabay

• Best Time to Visit: May - September
• Coldest Months: November - March
• Hottest Month: July 
• Peak Season: June - August

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Struve Geodetic Arc

Photo Credit: padureanu/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.