Thursday, March 24, 2022

Nepal

Nepal Flag




Why visit Nepal?
Best known for ancient villages, birdwatching, culture, cycling, deep canyon, jungles, mountain climbing, river rafting, scenery, shrines, temples, trekking trails, and wildlife preserves.



Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Photo Credit: Ashlesh Kshatri/Pixabay



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Carpets, electronic equipment, handmade paper, knives, pashmina shawls, prayer wheels, religious paintings, shoulder bags, silk handbags, spices, statues, sweaters, tea bowls, and wooden masks. 
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Barfi (dessert). Chow Mein (fried noodles). Chhurpi (cheese). Dal Bhat (spiced lentils). Dhindo (traditional). Halwa (pudding). Momo (dumpling). Sel Roti (rice bread). Thukpa (noodle soup).
  • Local Drink to Try: Chhyaang (alcohol). Chiya (tea). Ngaar (beer). Raksi (alcohol). Tongba (beer).


Himalayas, Nepal. Photo Credit: Dima Burakov/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • Home to eight of the world's 10 highest mountains.
  • An Astrologer declares the date and time of marriage. 
  • A Bride is carried to the Groom's home where she is presented with a key and oil lamp.


Photo Credit: Milan Kumar Rai/Pixabay



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) Maghe Sankranti, (February) Fagun Purnima, Lhosar, Maha Shivratri, Sonam Losar, (March) Mahashivaratri, (April) Bajra Jogini Jatra, Biska Jatra, Ghode Jatra, Ram Navami, (May) Buddha Jayanti, (June) Ramjan Edul Fikra, (August) Gai Jatra, Janai Purnima, Krishna Janmastami, Naag Panchami, Teej, Shree Krishna Janmashtami, (September) Dashain, Hartalika Teej, Indra Jatra, Nepal Music Festival, Rishi Panchami, (October) Chhath, Chhechu, Dashain, Tihar Festival, (November) Guru Nanak Jayanti, Himalayan Blues Festival, Mani Rimdu, Tihar, and (December) Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF).


Photo Credit: Olivier Delmee/Pixabay



Good to Know
  • Divided into three different regions: Central (low mountains and population), North (mountain range), and the South (forests, plains, and swamps). 
  • A poor country prone to poverty.
  • Avoid night exploring for safety reasons.
  • Malnutrition amongst locals is an issue.
  • Rafting is best between May - October.
  • Forbidden to export gold, precious stones, or silver.
  • Valuables will be seized if carrying 50 grams of gold or over 500 grams of silver jewelry.
  • Everything is usually closed by 11PM.
  • Has a low literacy rate.
  • Do not trek alone.
  • Pedestrians do not have the right of way.
  • Avoid tap water consumption.
  • Sanitation conditions are below our standards.
  • Prone to high pollution levels (Kathmandu).
  • Never wear leather into a Hindu temple.
  • Never touch the head of anyone.
  • Earthquakes occur between April - May.
  • Remove shoes before entering a temple.
  • Power outages are common (Kathmandu Valley).
  • Not considered an accessible friendly destination.
  • Avoid eating or handling food with your left hand.
  • Cows are considered sacred.
  • Leaving a donation at a monastery or temple is recommended.
  • Monsoon Season is from June - September.
  • Requires an International Drivers License.
  • Anticipate cancellations and delays due to weather.
  • Has no trains.
  • Traffic moves on the left.


Photo Credit: Simona Ri/Pixabay



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA required.
  • Required Vaccination from select countries. 
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $5,000USD.

Photo Credit: mssrusso0/Pixabay


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


Photo Credit: Pixabay



Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu Valley, Lumbini (the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha), and Sagarmatha National Park.


Photo Credit: Eco Holiday/Puxabay




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 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.  

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Nauru

Nauru Flag



Why visit Nauru?
For the experienced traveler seeking to enjoy fishing, scuba diving, and  snorkeling.


Fun Facts
  • Formerly known as Pleasant Island.
  • The third-smallest country in the world.
  • Has moonlike coral pinnacles.
  • Won (1992) three gold medals in weightlifting (Marcus Stephen).
  • Citizens pay no taxes.
  • Formerly known as an illegal money laundering centre.
  • Command Ridge is the highest point.
  • Has no daily news publications.
  • Oval-shaped island is surrounded by a coral reef.
  • Has no rivers or streams.
  • Only has three primary and two secondary schools.
  • Water is brought in onboard ships returning for loads of phosphate.

Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (May) National Athletics Championship, (July) Olympic Day Run, and (October) Angam Day.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Constitution Day, National Youth Day, Angam Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Good to Know
  • VISA required before travel.
  • A tiny island country.
  • The Australian dollar (AUD) is the local currency. 
  • Anibare Bay (east coast) is the best beach area.
  • Main road circling the island is paved, otherwise the majority are unpaved.
  • Hot and very humid year round.
  • Hotels are limited.
  • Greatly influenced by Chinese cuisine. 
  • Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, Food and Waterborne Diarrheal Diseases, Tuberculosis, and Typhoid.
  • Strict regulations with importing and exporting of goods.
  • Official language is Nauruan. English is widely spoken.
  • Traffic moves on the left.
  • Pack a sweater for the cool evenings.
  • Ambulance service is not widely available.
  • Monsoon Season is between November - February.
  • Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and inspections do not commonly occur.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory.
  • Cyclone Season is from November - April.
  • Has few buses or taxis.
  • Offers limited to and from commercial air flights.
  • Avoid tap water consumption.

This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with three months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA required.

Prone to cyclones, droughts, humidity, and monsoons. 

  • Best Time to Visit: March - October
  • Coolest Months: December - January
  • Hottest Months: December - February
  • Peak Season: March, June & November


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 Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"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. 

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Namibia

Namibia Flag



Why visit Namibia?
Ideal for the experienced traveler seeking off the beaten path Africa destination to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, canyons, culture, deserts, eco-tourism, game reserves, hiking, parks, sand boarding, skydiving, and wildlife refuges.



Photo Credit: Nhelia/Pixabay 



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, diamonds, dolls, ostrich eggshell jewelry, and semi-precious stones.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Biltong (marinated meat). Hake (fish). Mahangu (soup). Mopane (worms). Potjiekos (stew). Vetkoek (fried bread).
  • Local Drink to Try: Camelthorn (beer). Oasis (mineral water). Oshikundu (millet). Vigo (soft drink).


Photo Credit: Tee Farm/Pixabay



Fun Facts
  • Home (Hoba Farm) to the world's largest meteorite.
  • Namib Desert is the oldest in the world.
  • Dragon's Breath Cave (Grootfontein) is the world's largest underground lake.
  • One of the most democratic and free African countries.
  • Namib Desert (south) is in the colors of brick red, light cream, and violet.
  • One of the least densely populated countries in the world.
  • Cost of living is relatively high due to the necessity to import goods.
  • Has the least rainfall compared to any sub-Saharan Africa country.
  • World's fourth largest producer of uranium.
  • Exports German lager brewed beers (Tafel and Windhoek).


Windhoek, Namibia. Photo Credit: Jürgen Bierlein/Pixabay



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (February) Bank Windhoek Arts Festival, (March) Enjando Street Festival, (April) Crayfish Festival, Windhoek Carnival, (May) Africa Day, (June) Masubia Festival, Namibia Tourism Expo, (August) Africa Day, College of the Arts Music (COTA) Festival,  Maharero Day, Olufuko Festival, (September) Harvest Festival, Lusata Festival, Oruuano of Namibia Arts Festival, Summer Sound Festival, (October) AE Gams Arts Festival, Oktoberfest, Oruuano of Namibia Arts Festival, Soul Desert Festival, and (November) Oranjemund Diamond Festival.
  • Holidays: New Year, March Equinox, Independence Day, Good Friday. Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Workers' Day, Cassinga Day, Africa Day. Ascension Day, June Solstice, Heroes' Day, Christmas Day, and Family Day.


Photo Credit: Linux_RT/Pixabay



Good to Know
  • Cold water and rough sea conditions are not conducive to swimming.
  • Birdwatching is best between November - March.
  • Baboons are known to scavenge travelers' belongings. 
  • Fish River Canyon is popular for hiking.
  • Ivory goods will be confiscated by Customs.
  • Illegal to photograph airports, borders, government buildings, military installations, ports, or train stations.
  • Accessibility-friendly is limited.
  • Avoid standing in still waters due to Bilharzia (parasitic worms).
  • Cool evening temperatures require a sweater.
  • Most roads are gravel or unpaved.
  • Avoid exploring at night.
  • Avoid the use of public transportation.
  • Non-violent crimes targeting tourists are known to occur.
  • Homosexual acts are illegal.
  • Illegal to capture or kill protected wild animals without appropriate permits.  
  • Prevalent Diseases: African Tick Bite Fever, Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Dengue, Hantavirus, Hepatitis A & B, Leishmaniasis, Leptospirosis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Rift River Valley, Ross River Virus Disease, Schistosomiasis,Tuberculosis, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.
  • Avoid walking alone.
  • ATMs card skimming is common. 
  • Tourism is unevenly regulated and safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  • Seat belts are required for all vehicle occupants.
  • Air quality is worst during Spring Season (September - November).
  • Illegal diamond dealing is subject to a $20,000USD fines and/or 5 years in prison.  
  • Ambulance Service is not widely available.
  • Keep your credit card within your sight at all times while being processed.
  • Lüderitz  Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay are the most visited coastal towns.
  • Most visited places are Caprivi Strip, Etosha Pan, Fish River Canyon, Sesriem, Skeleton Coast Park, Sossusvlei, and Windhoek.
  • Drive with doors locked and windows closed. 
  • Most healthcare and treatment is below our standards.
  • Exporting ivory and rhino horn is illegal, subject up to 1.1USD million and 15 years in prison.
  • Traffic drives on the left.


Photo Credit: Franziska/Pixabay



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months of validity and three blank pages for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA required.
  • Yellow Fever vaccination required from select countries. 


Photo Credit: Jürgen Bierlein/Pixabay


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


Etoshia National Park, Namibia. Photo Credit: Jürgen Bierlein/Pixabay



Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Namib and Twyfelfontein.

 

Epupa Falls, Namibia. Photo Credit: Kuloser/Pixabay




Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney 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.  

Monday, March 21, 2022

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





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 Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals


Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"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. 

Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

                                                                                                          Photo Credit: Anatolii Maks / Pixa...