Netherlands

Netherlands Flag

Why visit the Netherlands?

For travelers seeking to enjoy architecture, art, beer breweries, canals, castles, cheese, culture, cycling, diamonds, festivals, historical sites, horseback riding, museums, open-air street markets, palaces, roller skating, shopping, stamps, tulips, water sports, and windmills.

Amsterdam, Netherlands. Pixabay: millionairemob/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Cheese, chocolate, decorative tile, Delftware pottery, diamonds, licorce, tulip bulbs, and wooden shoes.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Beemster (cheese). Bitterballen (meat stew). Bossche Bol (filled pastry). Edam (cheese). Gouda (cheese). Hutspot (mashed potatoes). Leerdammer (cheese). Leyden (spiced cheese). Oliebollen (donut pastry). Poffertjes (traditional pancake). Rookworst (sausage). Stroopwafels (syrup waffles).
• Local Drink to Try: Advocaat (alcohol). Beerenburg (alcohol). Boerenjongens (brandy). Bokbier (beer). Bruidstranen (alcohol). Chocomel (chocolate). Citroenbrandewijn (gin). Grolsch (beer). Hertog-Jan (beer). Jenever (gin). Koffie Verkeerd (coffee). Korenwijn (alcohol). Oranjebitter (liquor). Schelvispeke (brandy). Verse Munt Thee (mint tea). Vieux (alcohol).

De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar) Utrecht, Netherlands. Photo Credit: Ellen/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• Home to the oldest (1500s) standing European armies.
  
• During the 17th Century (1601 - 1700) the arrival of tulips (from Turkey).
• Dutch language classes are mandatory for newcomers.
  
• Home (Amsterdam Hilton) to the "Bed-In for Peace" press conference protesting (1969) the Vietnam War with John Winston Ono Lennon (1940-1980), English Musician and Yoko Ono (1969–1980).
• Port of Rotterdam is the busiest European seaport.
  
• Rearview mirrors on residential canal exterior windows are used to see knocking visitors.
  
• Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse) is one of the world’s largest flower gardens.
  
• By nationality considered the tallest people in the world.
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the third busiest European airport.
  
• Roodharigendag (Breda) is a 3-day gathering of redheads from all over the world.
  
• Gold is kept below canal levels against thieves.
  
• Has over 400 rail stations.
• Kingdom of the Netherlands are Lesser Antilles Islands of the Caribbean territories: Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.
  
• Estimated to have 18 million bicycles.
• Considered amongst most liberal in the world legalizing: abortions, euthanasia, LGBT Rights, prostitution, and recreational drugs.
• Has several Belgian exclaves.
  
• Max Emilian Verstappen, Belgian-Dutch Motorsports Race Driver currently was the first Dutchman to win a Grand Prix. 
  
• Home to the largest fleet of active historical ships in the world.
• Largely exports apples, chilis, cucumbers, floral bulbs, and tomatoes.
• Ranks as one of the most bike-friendly countries.

Spring Tulips. Photo Credit: Nick115/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Jumping Amsterdam, Rotterdam International Film Festival, Tulip Day, (February) ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, (March) Boekenweek, Silent Walk, The European Fine Art Fair, (April) Bloemencorso, Koningsdag, Rotterdam Marathon, (May) Holland Festival, Theater Na de Dam, Vereniging de Hollandsche Molen, Vondelpark, World Press Photo Exhibition, (June) Amsterdam Roots Festival, AnimeCon, Bosch Parade, Dutch Music Festival, Festival Classique, George Mosse Fund, Holland Arts Festival, Holland Festival, Incubate Festival, Maand van het Spannende Boek, Oosterpark Festival, Pinksterlanddagen, Parkpop Music Festival, Pinkpop, Terschelling Oerol Theatre Festival, (July) Amsterdam Gay Pride, Cannabis Cup, North Sea Jazz Festival, Over Het IJ Festival, Rotterdam Summer Carnival, (August) Amsterdam Canal Festival, Bicycle Tour, Bloemencorso Vollenhove, Canal Run, De Parade Theatre Festival, Festival of Early Music, Haarlem Jazz, Jazz in de Gracht, International Fireworks Festival, Mosseldag, Pluk de Nacht, Sail Amsterdam, Scheveningen Fireworks Festival, Stichting Grachtenfestival, (September) Bloemencorso Zundert, Jordaan Festival, National Restaurant Week, Netherlands Film Festival. Roodharigendag, Step In The Arena Graffiti Festival, (October) Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Amsterdam Marathin, (November) Amsterdam Sinterklaas Parade, Campzone, Crossing Border Festival, GLOW Festival, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, International Horti Fair, International Vocal Competition, Leather Pride, Le Guess Who, Museum Night Amsterdam, (December) Amsterdam Light Festival, Gouda by Candlelight, Winterland Maastricht, and World Christmas Circus.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, King's Birthday, Liberation Day, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Christmas Day, and Second Day of Christmas.

(Windmill) Groningen, Netherland. Photo Credit: Thelma/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Boasts in world-class art.
  
• Not a good beach destination.
  
• Some areas offer nude swimming.
• Speed limits are strictly enforced by radar. 
  
• Not a good mountain destination.
  
• Largest cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht.
  
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of the largest duty-free shopping centers in the world.
• Seat belts and child seats are required.
  
• In the Red Light District prostitutes are known to throw photographing on-goers into canals.
• Permissible blood alcohol level is .05% and .02% for driver’s holding a license for less than five years.
• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Native mannerisms are often direct with a no-nonsense attitude.
• High-speed rail line is available between the Amsterdam metropolitan area and the Belgium border; trains running from Paris and London.
  
• Beware of bicycle stoplights at busy junctions.
• Avoid walking on designated bike paths.
• Tulip Season is April - May.
• A damp destination, so packing a raincoat and umbrella are necessary. 
• Ferry service connects to Great Britain.
  
• Tourists are known targets for bag snatchers, pickpockets, other petty theft.
  
• Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague is prone to road congestion.
  
• Parking spots are scarce and expensive.
  
• U.S. credit card containing only a magnetic strip is not usually accepted. A chip and pin card is recommended.
  
• Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse) is open between March - May.
  
• Largely offers bicycle parking facilities in city and train stations.
• Vehicles are not allowed in parts of the city center.
  
• South offers festivals that never occur elsewhere throughout the country.
  
• Lanes in the center of two-way streets are reserved for buses, taxis, and trams.

Alkmaar, Netherlands. Photo Credit: Evgeni Tcherkasski/Pixabay

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months of validity and two blank page for entry stamp.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.

Volendam, Netherlands. Photo Credit: Mel/Pixabay

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

Amsterdam, Netherlands. Photo Credit: Rudy & Peter Skitterians/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Colonies of Benevolence, Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder), Dutch Water Defence Lines, Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Lower German Limes, Historic Area of Willemstad Inner City and Harbour Curaçao, Ir.D.F. Woudagemaal (D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station), Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout, Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House), Schokland and Surroundings, Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht, The Wadden Sea, and Van Nelle Factory. 

Groningen, Netherlands. Photo Credit: Rudy & Peter Skitterians/Pixabay

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

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

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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.  

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 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. 

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 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.