Panama

Panama Flag

Why visit Panama?

For the traveler seeking beaches, birdwatching, canal, colonial villages, coral reefs, culture, ecolodges, deep sea fishing, golf, hiking, historical sites, mountains, natural landscape, rainforests, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, whitewater rafting, and wildlife.

Panama Canal. Photo Credit: Andrea Spallanzani/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, ceremonial masks, embroidery goods, hammocks, pottery, and wood carvings.
• Local Drink to Try: Cerveceria Nacional (beer). Seca Sour (cocktail). 
  

Portobelo, Panama. Photo Credit: lapping/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Sir Francis Drake, English Explorer (1540 - 1596) was buried at sea in a lead coffin.
• The popular Panama hats are actually made in Ecuador. 
  
• Indingious from the central area are considered amongst Americas first to make pottery.
  
• Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
  
• Santa Catalina and Venao beaches host ISA World Surfing Games.
  
• Volcán Barú (11,401 ft) is the country's highest point.
  
• Home to Central America's most diverse wildlife.
• Gatun Lake was formerly the largest man-made lake in the world.
• Second country in Latin America.
• TransPanama Trail is a long-distance hiking trail to be built connecting Colombia to Costa Rica. 
  
• Home to Central America's largest airport,Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

Panama City, Panama. Photo Credit: Mariel Nicosia/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Flower & Coffee Festival, Panama Jazz Festival, (February) Carnival, (March) Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival, Feria de David, Holy Week, (April) Feria Internacional del Azuero, Orchid Festival, (June) Festival Corpus Christi, (July) Festival de la Pollera, Festival of Santa Librada, Festival Patronales de La Virgen de Santa Librada, (August) Festival del Manito, (September) Festival de La Mejorana, International Festival of the Sea, (October) Black Christ Festival, (November) Highlands Festival, (December) El desfile de Navidad, and Sobresaltos Dance Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Martyrs' Day, Carnaval, Good Friday, Labour Day, Flag Day, Colón Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.

Isla Diablo, Panama. Photo Credit: lapping/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Considered to offer the best roads in Central America.
• San Blas Islands are known for their unique ecosystem and indigenous population.
• Baru Volcano (Chiriqui) is an active and the most photographed location.
• Ancon Hill (Ancon) overlooks Panama City with a beautiful view. 
• The Pacific beach area tends to be rougher.
  
• Mosquito Gulf area is very remote.
  
• Colon, Chiriqui province, and Panama City are considered the highest crime areas.
  
• Carry your passport and entry stamp with you at all times.
• Lago Gatun waters are renowned for peacock bass.
  
• Isla Coiba offers world-class diving.
  
• Panamanian Spanish is the local language.
  
• Darien region is traveled by air, foot or by boat due to the lack of roads.
  
• Scuba diving along Blas Islands is not permitted.
  
• Prevalent diseases: Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria, Travelers’ Diarrhea, Tuberculosis, and Zika.
• Panama City has a Special Tourism Police Force.
  
• Avoid night explorations.
• Requires return ticket to home or onward destination.
• Mercado de Mariscos is a popular fish market.
  
• Venomous snakes exist in grassland areas.
  
• Rainy Season is May - November.
• Along Bocas Del Toro, Chiriqui provinces, and Pacific Ocean tides tend to be strong
• U.S. coins and dollars are widely accepted.
  
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, therefore safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  
• Medical facilities outside Panama City are limited. 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Panamá Viejo (AKA: Panamá la Vieja), Panama City, Panama. Photo Credit: lapping/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: December - April
• Coldest Months: February & March
• Hottest Months: March & April
• Peak Season: December - April

Panama Canal. Photo Credit: artes2franco/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Casco Viejo, Chagres and Fort San Lorenzo, Coiba, Darién National Park, Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo, La Amistad International Park, Panama City, Panamá Viejo, and Portobelo.

Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

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

Palau

Palau Flag

Why visit Palau?

Best known for beaches, camping, caves, fishing, hiking, jungles, kayaking, reefs, rocky coastlines, scuba diving, snorkeling, war ruins, and waterfalls. 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Fruit Bat Soup (delicacy). Pichi-Pichi (dessert). Tama (dessert). Tinola (soup). Ulkoy (fried shrimp).
• Local Drink to Try: Kava (juice). Red Rooster (beer).

Fun Facts

• Home to world's largest dolphin facility.
• Nation has approximately 340 islands.
  
• Red lips, teeth and tongues are caused by chewing betel nuts.
  
• One of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.
• Home to the largest crocodile measuring 14 feet and 9 inches.
  
• Primary education is required until the age of 16.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Shark Week, (March) International Photo Festival, and (December) Palau Challenge.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Youth Day, Senior Citizens Day, Presidents Day, Constitution Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, United Nations Day, Thanksgiving Day, Family Day, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• Diving spots are relatively undeveloped. 
• Koror imposes a curfew from 2:30AM - 5:00AM  Monday - Thursday and between 4AM - 6AM Friday - Sunday.
  
• Interisland ferry service from Koror to Peleliu or Angaur.
• Dynamite fishing is illegal.
• Has inadequate solid waste disposal facilities (Koror).  
  
• Suffers inadequate water supply. 
• Air service tends to be spotty.
  
• The only hyperbaric chamber is located at Belau National Hospital (Meyuns, Koror). 
  
• Medical specialty care requires travel to  Hawaii, Philippines, or Taiwan.
  
• Passing a slow-moving vehicle is illegal. 
• National speed limit is 25 miles per hour.
  
• Tap water is not drinkable.
• Visitors $100 Environmental Fee is imposed by the airline.
  
• Due to unexploded devices adhere to warning signs.
• Cyclone Season is November - April.
• Public transportation consists of unmetered taxis.
• Firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited.
  
• Adequate routine medical care is available.

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 12 months.
• Required Cholera and Yellow Fever vaccination required from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Subject to humidity, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tropical storms. 

• Best Time to Visit: November - May
• Coolest Months: November - April
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: July, December, & May

Photo Credit: Jay Park/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.  

Pakistan

Pakistan Flag

"Land of the Pure" or "Land of Purity"

Why visit Pakistan?

For the adventurous travelers seeking to enjoy archaeological sites, culture, historical sites, mountain scenery, shopping, and trekking.

Mansehra, Pakistan. Photo Credit: awan30696/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Brass goods, carpets, copper, embroidered goods, fabrics, gold jewelry, marble, miniature painting reproductions, onyx, pottery, shawls, silver jewelry, and wood carvings.

Shalimar Gardens, Lahore, Pakistan. Photo Credit: Qasim Rehmani/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Home to five of the world's 14 highest peaks.
  
• Formerly a part of India.
• Routinely considered as one of the world's most corrupt nations.
  
• Expect to witness severe poverty.
• Anticipate unexpected delays and/or schedule changes. 
• Don't expect deluxe accommodations.
• Fourth largest producer of milk.
  
• Village of Sialkot makes the majority of the world's soccer balls.
• Major producer of Scottish bagpipes.
• Gwadar Port is the deepest sea port of the world.
  
• Birthplace of horseback ball game, Polo.
• Has the world's sixth-largest standing armed forces. 
  
• Home to the blind Indus river dolphin and snow leopard rare animals.
  
• The Orange Line Metro Train (Lahore) has 26 subway stations and designed to carry over 250,000 passengers daily.
  
• Newspapers and television stations are routinely shut down for when critical of the government or military.
  
• Cricket is the most popular sport.
  
• Fifth largest producer of cotton.
• Celebratory gunfire occurs during wedding celebrations.
• Alcohol and pork consumption is forbidden by religious laws of Islam.
  

Lahore, Pakistan. Photo Credit: tayyab3425/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Ali Arshad Mir Mela Festival, Basant Festival. (February) Jashn-e-Baharaan Festival, Pakistan Flower Show, Punjab Sports Festival,  (March) Faiz Ahmad Faiz Mela Festiva, Lahore Literary Festival, Spring Festival, (July) Shandur Polo Festival, (September) Chitral Festival, (October) Festival of Lights, Lahore Fashion Week, (November) National Horse & Cattle Show, and World Performing Arts Festival.
• Holidays: Kashmir Day, Pakistan Day, Labour Day, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ashura, Independence Day, Eid Milad un-Nabi, Christmas Day, and Quaid-e-Azam Day.

Chaukhandi Tombs, Karachi, Pakistan. Photo Credit: Jamal Panhwar/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Corruption, illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism are of concern.
  
• Wild goats are endangered therefore authentic shattoush shawls are illegal.
  
• Dress modestly.
• Mountain altitude sickness could be a health risk. 
  
• Due to the sun intensity, wear sunscreen.
• Polio vaccination within one year may be required to exit.
  
• Due high surf, jellyfish, powerful undertow, and raw sewage avoid swimming June - August (Karachi).
• Sweaters during the evenings is recommend year round.
  
• Woman should cover their heads with a scarf while in public places.
• Avoid giving money to beggars.
• Driving is on the left.
• Largely a cash economy. 
• Restaurant sanitations is usually inadequate.
  
• Roads are narrow, heavy traffic, and in poor condition.
• Winter (December - February) tends to be cool and dry.
• Male homosexuality is illegal and punishable up to life in prison.
• Spring (March - May) tends to be dry and hot.
• Avoid evening travel.
• Only consume sealed bottled water.
• Medical care is limited in rural areas.
• Ambulance service is limited.
  
• Pick-pocketing and theft occur in public places.
  
• Tourism is unevenly regulated, safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. 
• Air pollution is a significant environmental problem.
  
• Illegal to photograph cantonments, government buildings, military installations, nuclear sites, and structures. 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and two blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Polio vaccination required. 
• Currency Restrictions for Exit: $10,000USD.

Lahore Fort, Lahore, Pakistan. Photo Credit: Muhammad Haris Zuberi/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: May - September (North) & September - March (East & South) 
• Coldest Month: January
• Hottest Months: March - May 
• Peak Season: May - June & August

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro, Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol, Fort and Shalimar Gardens (Lahore), Historical Monuments at Makli (Thatta), Rohtas Fort, and Taxila. 

Saif-ul-Maluk Lake (Saiful Muluk National Park), Pakistan. Photo Credit: Hammad Tahir/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.   

Oman

Oman Flag

Why visit Oman?

For the affluent international traveler seeking to enjoy ancient ruins, bazaars, beaches, camel treks, culture, desert sand dunes, mosques, mountains, old forts, oases, scuba diving, and stream valleys.

Muscat Harbor, Oman. Photo Credit: bhart9070/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Antiques, brass goods, copper, daggers, frankincense, pottery, silver jewelry, and weavings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Albadhinajan Mae Tawarikh (cake). Dates. Halwah (dessert). Machboos (rice dish). Sakhana (soup).
• Local Drink to Try: Khawa (flavored coffee). Laban (salty buttermilk).

Fun Facts

• Coastline boat builders craft small fishing boats by hand.
  
• Has a (Nizwa) giant Arabic coffee urn sculpture surrounded by silver lined cups roadside.
  
• Kingfish is a popular ingredient.
  
• Arabian Oryx Sanctuary is the first site ever to be deleted from UNESCO's World Heritage List.
  
• Home to rare variety of mountain goat (Arabian tahr).
  
• Government decides who can or cannot be a Journalist and permission can be withdrawn at any time.
  
• Traditional sports are bullfighting, camel racing, falconry, horse racing, and sail (dhow) racing.
• Hosts tennis tournaments annually.
• Central desert area has been an important source of meteorites for scientific analysis.
  
• One of the world's main producers of hardened gum-like material (resin) that comes from the trunk of the Boswellia tree (frankincense).
  
• Oldest continuously independent state in the Arab world.
  
• Government declared 40 days of National Mourning upon the death of Qaboos bin Said Al Said (November 18, 1940 - January 10, 2020), Founder of House of Al Said. 
  
• Bait Al- Zubair Museum (Muscat) is privately and family-funded.
  
• On formal occasions a black or beige cloak (bisht) covers the dishdasha.
  
• Police Officers legally shoot stray dogs in effort to control the population.
• Criticism of the government is prohibitive.
• The waist dagger (khanjar) symbolizes a man's courage, manhood, and origin.
  
• Tea is a common hospitality drink.
• Search warrants are not required to enter properties.
• Of the nine main newspapers four are in English.

Riyam Incense Burner, Muscat, Oman. Photo Credit: Hans Schwarzkopf/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Masqat Festival, (March) 

  Sultan Camel Race Cup, (April) Sinbad Classic,

  (July) Khareef Festival, Salalah Tourism Festival, (August) Khareef Festival, (December) Cultural Theater Program, 
  
• Holidays: New Year, Isra and Mi'raj, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, Prophet Birthday, and National Day. 

Royal Opera House Muscat​, Muscat, Oman. Photo Credit: Sharon Ang/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Relatively an untouched country.
  
• Workweek is Saturday - Wednesday.
  
• Near extinction do not buy rhino horn goods.
  
• Lunch is their main meal of the day.
• Hand gestures can lead to personal defamation charges.
• Men typically wear a simple, ankle-length, collarless gown with long sleeves (dishdasha).
• Requires proof of adequate funds and onward or return ticket.
• Has no emergency ambulance service.
  
• Interior tends to be hot and dry.
• Coastline is usually humid.
  
• Drinking is permitted in bars, homes, hotels, and some restaurants.
  
• Non-Muslim visitors can bring two bottles of alcohol from a duty-free shop.
• Dusty conditions will aggravate respiratory problems.
  
• Homosexuality is illegal and subject to 6 months to 3 years in prison.
  
• Vulgar language can lead to personal defamation charges. 
  
• Traffic laws are strictly enforced and hold hefty penalties, a $1200 fine and/or 1 year in jail for running a red light. 
• Do not wear halter-tops, sleeveless shirts, or shorts. 
• Wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
• Traffic cameras extensively monitor speeding and stop light infractions.
  
• Sunscreen and a hat are recommended for sun protection.
  
• From December - March severe storms occur.
  
• In the event of an automobile accident do not move your vehicle until advised by local police.
• Failure to maintain a clean car is a violation.
  
• U.S. bills printed before 2006 are not usually accepted. 
  
• Insure rental cars against death, injury, and loss or damage.
• Southern region is subject to the Monsoon Season (May - September). 

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 from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $20,000USD.

 

Subject to flash flooding, heavy fog, high temperatures, humidity, and monsoons.

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

Khor Najd​, ​Khasab, Oman. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman, Ancient City of Qalhat, Archaeological Sites of Bat Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn, Bahla Fort, and Land of Frankincense.

Nizwa, Oman. Photo Credit: Sharon Ang/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.