Myanmar

Myanmar Flag

Why visit Myanmar?

For the experienced international traveler(s) seeking to enjoy ancient temples, architecture, colonial buildings, culture, mosques, museums, pagodas, religious sites, rocky shoreline, street markets, tea shops, and temples.

Photo Credit: Chan/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Artwork, embroidered tapestries, precious stones, and puppets.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Htamin Jin (rice dish). Khao Soi (noodle soup). Kyaw (fried pastry). Lahpet (pickled salad). Lethok Son (rice salad). Oh-no Khuak Swe (chicken dish). Mohinga (fish soup). Nan Gyi Thoke (soup). Samosa Thoke (fried pastry). Ohn No Khao Swè (curry soup). Shrimp Curry.
• Local Drink to Try: Dagon Lager Beer. Myanmar Beer. Palaung Pickled Tea. Shwe le Mawr (liqueur). Spirulina (beer). Toddy Juice (palm sugar).

Photo Credit: Martine Auvray/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• Until 2012, Child Soldiers played a major part in the Burmese Army.
• Also formerly called Burma.
• Cheroots are small cigars with a sweet smell.
• Native women apply a white rice-paste as a natural sunscreen.
• Deemed one of the world's largest producers of heroin. An estimated export of $1-$2USD billion annually.
• Rich in precious stones of jade, pearls, rubies, and sapphires.
  
• Lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. 
  
• Home to most of the world's remaining teak wood.
• Rohingya are denied Burmese citizenship status.
  
• Largest producer of nearly 90% of the world's red ruby. Ideal for their hue and purity.
  
• Shwedagon Paya (Yangon) is considered the most important religious structure.
  
• "Valley of Rubies" (Mogok) is known for blue sapphires and rubies.
  
• Rohingya are banned from owning land, not allowed to travel without official permission, and required to sign a commitment to have no more than two children.
  
• Due to the deplorable work conditions of stones collected, major retailers Bulgari, Cartier, and Tiffany refuse the import of their stones.

Bagan, Myanmar. Photo Credit: Judith Scharnowski/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Ananda Pagoda Festival, Kachin Manaw Festival, Manaw Festival, (February) Golden Hilltop Festival, Irrawaddy Literary Festival, (March) Myanmar National Chess Championship, (April) Water Festival, (May) Kason Festival, Shittaung Pagoda Festival, (June)Tipitaka Festival, (July) Waso Chinlone Festival, (August) Taungbyone Nat Festival, (September) Regatta Festival, (October) Elephant Dance Festival, Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, Thadingyut Light Festival, (November) Hot Air Balloon Festival, Taunggyi Balloon Festival, and Tazaungdaing Fullmoon Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Union Day, Peasants' Day, Full Moon Day of Tabaung, Resistance Day, May Day, Full Moon Day of Kason, Martyrs' Day, National Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, Eid ul-Adha, Deepavali, and Kayin New Year.

Photo Credit: Gero Birkenmaier/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Chin, Shan, and Kachin states are known conflict areas to avoid.
  
• During Monsoon Season (May - October) the floodplain stretches from the Andaman Sea to the Himalayan foothills.
  
• Vaccinations suggested: Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies, and Typhoid.
• Tourists are required to stay in a registered guesthouse or hotel.
  
• All of Chin state has poor and limited infrastructure.
  
• Healthcare and treatment is far below our standards.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Scrub Typhus, Tuberculosis, and Zika Virus.
• Outside Mandalay or Yangon offers limited dining options.
  
• Shan State is popular for floating temples, markets and marshy canals.
  
• Predominantly Buddhist religion.
  
• Parts of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Rakhine, Shan, and Tanintharyi states have poor and limited infrastructure.
  
• Knees and shoulders must be covered entering holy sites.
  
• Rice noodles are a sample amongst meals.
  
• Direct flights are very limited.
• Foreigners are known targets of crime.
• Girls and women are forced prone to human trafficing, marriages, pregnancies, and prostitution.
• Bago, Hpa-An, Mon State, and Pindaya are amongst the most visited religious sites. 
  
• Inle Lake (Shan Hills) offers motor-powered canoes. 
  
• Local law prohibits dual nationality. 
  
• Insulting local religion or beliefs is deemed offensive and prosecutable.
• No bus or train service connects with another country.
  
• Hukaung Valley (Myitkyina District of Kachin State) has a tiger reserve.
  
• Sandoway Beach (Burmese) is considered a "secret" amongst beaches of the world. 
  
• Use of recreational drones is not advised. 
• Ferry service is available down the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) from Mandalay to Bagan. 
  
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  
• Not possible for traveler(s) to access entry or exit via by river or sea.
  
• Inle Lake, Kengtung, Putao, and Pyin Oo Lwin are popular for nature trails.
  
• Majority of the population resides in the Irrawaddy Valley
  
• Inle Lake marshy canals are popular amongst birdwatchers.
  
• Never touch someone's head.
  
• Few border crossings which allow private passage of vehicles to cross.
• Never point your feet towards anyone.
  
• Cyclones and Tropical Storms peak between May - November.
• Wear rubber sandals easily slipped on or off visiting religious shrines.
  
• Feet pointed toward Buddhas is deemed disrespectful.

Photo Credit: Gero Birkenmaier/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.

Pindaya Caves, Pindaya, Myanmar. Photo Credit: Martine Auvray/Pixabay

Prone to cyclones, earthquakes, monsoons, tropical storms, and tsunamis.

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

Shwezigon Pagoda (AKA: Shwezigon Paya), Nyaung-U, Myanmar. Photo Credit: Yves Alarie/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bagan, Beikthano, Hanlin, Pyu City, and Sri Ksetra Kingdom.

Photo Credit: Richard Mcall/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. 

Mozambique

Mozambique Flag

Why visit Mozambique?

For the adventurous traveler(s) seeking to enjoy architecture, beaches, birdwatching, culture, deep-sea fishing, eco-tourism, forts, national parks, scuba diving, tropical islands, and wildlife.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carved chess sets, colorful cotton fabrics, elaborate masks, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bolo Polana (dessert). Chamussas (fried pastry). Dobrada (tripe). Feijoada (bean stew). Frango (barbecue chicken). Galinha Asada (stewed chicken). Matapa (spinach stew). Mucapata (starchy side). Paõzinho (bread roll). Prego (steak roll). Pudim (pudding). Rissóis (battered shrimp).
• Local Drink to Try: Clara (lager beer). Larentina Premium (lager beer). Laurentina Preta (dark lager). Tipo Tinto (liquor).

Fun Facts

• Maputo's Polana Hotel (Maputo) is considered one of Africa's most expensive hotels.
  
• Divided into ten provinces.
• Minimum average legal salary is $60USD per month.

Lake Malawi (AKA: Lake Nyasa), Mozambique. Photo Credit: Teresa Cotrim/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Marrabenta Festival, (May) AZGO Festival, STRAB Festival, (July) Chopi Music Festival, Tambo International Art Festival, (September) Fellowship of Rock and Roll Festival (FORR), (October) Kinani Contemporary Dance Festival, (November) Jazz Festival, and Wine Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Heroes' Day, Women's Day, Workers' Day. Independence Day, Victory Day, Armed Forces Day, Day of Peace & Reconciliation, and Family Day.
  

Good to Know

• Remains one of the poorest and underdeveloped countries in the world.
  
• Portuguese is their official language. Natives speak Makhuwa, Sena, Swahili, or Tsonga.
  
• Internal flights are often canceled, delayed or overbooked.
  
• Beaches are most popular around Beira, Inhambane, Maputo, Praia do Xai-Xai, and Vilanculos.
• Declare camera(s) and electrical good(s) at Customs upon arrival and present the Registration Form upon departure.
  
• Crime is a problem throughout most cities.
  
• Marlin fishing is best between July - August (Bazaruto Islands).
• Ponta do Ouro (south) is known for scuba diving.
  
• Sanitation is below our standards.
• Traffic moves on the left.
  
• Do not photograph airports, bridges, government installations, or soldiers.
• Landmines exist along back roads.
• Wet Season is from October - March.
• Most roads are unpaved.
• Dry Season is from April - September.
  
• Discrimination against LGBT people is known to occur. 
  
• Possession and use of recreational drugs is illegal.
  
• For safety reasons, avoid isolated areas and traveling at night.
• Rail service connects Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
• Dusk to dawn, wear long sleeves and long trousers to best minimize mosquito bites.
  
• Not deemed an accessible friendly destination.
• The northern region lies within the monsoon trade winds of the Indian Ocean. 
  
• Avoid still waters due to Bilharzia (life-threatening parasite).
• Electricity and water outages are common.
  
• The mountain areas (west) are usually degrees cooler.
  
• Provinces of Nampula and Zambezia (north-central) are the most populated.
• You must carry your passport with you at all times.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, therefore inspections do not commonly occur. 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and two blank pages for entry and exit stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $5,000USD.

Dune, Bazaruto Island. Photo Credit: Teresa Cotrim/Pixabay

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

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. 

Morocco

Morocco Flag

 

Why visit Morocco?

Ideal for the adventurous and experienced  traveler seeking to enjoy ancient cities, antiques, architecture, beaches, birdwatching, culture, deserts, diverse scenery, golf, hiking, history, horseback riding treks, imperial cities, landmarks, markets, mountain villages, natural wonders, religious shrines, sand dunes, shopping, and skiing.

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco. Photo Credit: sosinda/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Brass goods, ceramic tile mosaics, copper goods, gems, leather goods, pottery, silk, spices, wood carvings, and wool carpets.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Djaja Mahamara (chicken dish). Harira (garbanzo soup). Hout (fish stew). Mchoui (roast mutton).
• Local Drink to Try: Casablanca (lager beer). Khunjul (spiced tea). Nous Nous (coffee). Spéciale Flag (beer). Sweet Mint Tea.

Photo Credit: Daniel Wanke

Fun Facts

• Founded in 859 al-Qarawiyin University (Fez) is considered the oldest university of the world.
  
• Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest in the world (Casablanca).
  
• First Arab and African country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. 
  
• Claims the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera.
• Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat (south).
  
• Tourism is their second largest foreign exchange income. 
  
• Native Barbary Lion was hunted into extinction.
  
• Casablanca is their largest city.
  
• One of three only nations to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
• Seaport of Essaouira has a mixture of European and North African architecture.
  
• Home to Tanger-Med Africa's largest port.
  
• Approximately 80% of Europe's cannabis consumed is exported from Rif region.
  
• Birthplace to Africa's first high-speed railway system (links Casablanca and Tangiers). Eventually extending to Marrakech.
• Al-Akhawayn University (Ifrane) is the first English language university.
  
• Meknes grows mint and olives.
• Fes grows lemons and oranges.
  
• Majorelle Botanical Garden (Marrakech) was bought (1980) by Yves Saint-Laurent (1936-2008), Fashion Designer and Pierre Bergé (1930-2017), French Industrialist.
  

Leather Tanneries of Fez, Morocco. Photo Credit: Monlaw/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Almond Blossom Festival, (March) International Nomads Festival, Sand Marathon, (April) Marathon des Sables, Rabat Wax Candle Moussem Festival, (May) El Kelaâ M'Gouna, Fantasia Festival, Gnawa Festival, Kalaat Mgouna Rose Festival, Rose Festival, (June) Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, Gnaoua & World Music Festival, Goulimine Camel Festival, Sefrou Cherry Festival, Sufi Festival, TANJAzz, World Sacred Music Festival, (July) Dakar Rally, Festival of the Sea Harvest, Festival of World Sacred Music, International Cultural Festival, Marrakech Popular Arts Festival, Tafraoute Summer Music Festival, Timitar Festival, (August) International Asilah Arts Festival, Moussem Immouzer des Ida Outanane, Moussem Immouzer du Kandar, (September) Imilchil Marriage Festival, Marrakesh International Film Festival, (October) Date Festival, (December) Festival International du Film de Marrakech, (December) International Film Festival, and Tan Tan Moussem.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Anniversary of the Independence Manifesto, May Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Feast of the Throne, Hijra New Year, Anniversary of the Recovery Oued Ed-Dahab, Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, Youth Day, The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, Anniversary of the Green March and Independence Day.  

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Good to Know

• Considered a developing country.
• The pace of life is much slower.
  
• One of Africa's most popular travel destinations.
  
• Crime iis a serious concern and issue.
  
• Homosexual acts and pre-marital relations are illegal; punishable from 6 months - 3 years in prison.
  
• Airport expansion in Casablanca and Marrakech.
  
• Travelers should dress conservatively, covering legs, shoulders, and upper arms.
  
• Medja Zerga National Park attracts migratory birds.
  
• Illegal to advocate or promote any religion beyond Islam; punishable up to 15 years in prison.
• Agadir area is best for boating and windsurfing.
  
• Ski Season is December - April.
  
• Do not photograph diplomatic missions, government buildings, or palaces.
• City buses are not considered safe.
• Lamb is relatively the most expensive meat.
  
• Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.
  
• During Holy Month (Ramadan) do not drink, eat or smoke in public.
• Alcohol is available in hotels and restaurants catering travelers.
  
• Medical care and treatment is not of our standards.
• Fresh bread is a staple in every city, town and village.
  
• Lodging is not usually accessible-friendly.
• Medication(s) mailed will be intercepted by Customs.
• Waterproof clothing recommended from December - March.
  
• Only use your right hand to shake hands or touch someone.
  
• Has a high volume of traffic accidents.
• Marrakech offers trendy dining and restaurants.
  
• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Women should not walk alone in public.
• Known to be a transit point for cocaine from South America for Western Europe.
  
• Rainy Season (November - March) roads tend to flood due flash flooding.
  
• Export of local currency is not permitted.
  
• Sanitary conditions are below our standards.
  
• Do not consume tap water.
• Atlas and Rif Mountains are best trekked/walked late March - mid November. 
  
• Access to the Algerian border is closed.

Tangier, Morocco. Photo Credit: kabaretka/Pixabay

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.

Atlas Mountains, Morocco. Photo Credit: csanjuanfer/Pixabay

• Best Time to Visit: October - December & March - May
• Coolest Months: Movember - March
• Hottest Months: July & August
• Peak Season: November - March

Photo Credit: Greg Montani

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Archaeological Site of Volubilis, Historic City of Meknes, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Medina of Essaouira, Medina of Fez, Medina of Marrakesh, Medina of Tétouan, Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida), Rabat Modern Capital and Historic City.

Photo Credit: Abdessalam Abraim/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. 

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

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.