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• Government decides who can or cannot be a Journalist and permission can be withdrawn at any time.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 

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

Norway

Norway Flag

Why visit Norway?

Best known for art, colorful wooden houses, countryside, cycling, cruises, dog sledding, fishing, fjords, forests, glaciers, hiking, horseback riding, mountains, music festivals, open air museums, Northern lights, rock carvings, shopping, skiing, Viking history, water sports, and wildlife.

Photo Credit: Nico Franz/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Ceramics, elk leather products, handmade glass, hunting knives, moose leather products, pewter, pine furniture, porcelain dinnerware, ski equipment, smoked salmon, wood carvings, and wool goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Breiflabb (sea scorpion). Brunost (brown cheese). Fårikål (mutton dish). Karbonader (reindeer burger). Kjøttkaker (meatballs). Lapskaus (stew). Lutefisk (dried white fish). Pinnekjøtt (lamb dish). Rakefisk (fermented trout). Raspeball (potato dumpling). Sursild (pickled herring). Vaffel (pastry). Smalahove (sheep head).
• Local Drinks to Try:Aquavit (spirit). Glogg (mulled wine). Mead (honey wine). Pilsner (beer). Punsch (liquor punch). Solo (orange flavor beverage). Voss (bottled water).
  

Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway. Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Black Death (1349) spread killed a third of the population. 
  
• Part of Norway lies above the Arctic Circle.
  
• World's largest oil exporter.
• The remote Arctic Island of Jan Mayen (volcanic) is also a part of Norway.
  
• The copper mining town built entirely in wood went bankrupt (1977).
  
• Claims a section of Antarctica known as Queen Maud Land.
  
• The country has also been used as filming location for several Hollywood: Black Widow (2021), Die Another Day (2002), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2008), No Time to Die (2021), Spies Like Us (1981), Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Tenet (2020), and The Golden Compass (2007) just to mention a few.
  
• Amongst one of the first countries in the world to give women the right to vote.
  
• Urnes Stave Church (Ornes) is one of the most prominent and oldest wooden churches.
  
• Home to a strong folk music tradition which remains popular.
• National Geographic ranked the Norwegian fjords as the world's top tourist attraction.
  
• Village of Lyngor (southern coast) is one of the best preserved villages in Europe.
  
• Birthplace (Tønsberg) to World Chess Champion, Magnus Carlsen.
  
• There is no midnight sun in Oslo.
  
• The first country in the world to enact an anti-discrimination law protecting the rights of gays and lesbians.
• The 6th country to legalize same-sex marriage.
• Host of one of the world's biggest extreme sport festivals with music.
• First country to ban cutting of trees (deforestation).
• The elks are considered "king of the forest".
• World's second largest exporter of fish.
  
• The Royal children attend state run schools.
• Has the largest registered stock of plug-in electric vehicles per capita in the world.

Saltstraumen Bridge, Nordland County, Norway. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Bodø Jazz Open, Northern Lights Festival, (February) Birkebeiner Race, Kristiansund Opera Festival, Polarjazz,(March) Holmenkollen Ski Festival, Narvik Winter Festival, (April) oss Jazz Festival, (May) Bergen International Festival, MaiJazz, Nordic Media Days, Norwegian Festival of Literature, The Oslo Forum, Trondheim Jazz Festival, (June) Arts Festival of Northern Norway, Ekstremsportveko,
  Emigration Festival, Faerder Sailing Race, Fête de la Musique, Midnight Sun Marathon, Midsummer Night, North Cape March, Norwegian Wood Festival, Viking Festival, (July) Exxon Mobil Bislett Games, Gladmat Festival, Kongsberg International Jazz Festival, Molde International Jazz Festival, Nattjazz, Norway Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament, (August) Chamber Music Festival, Oslo Jazz Festival, Øyafestivalen, Peer Gynt Festival, Risor Wooden Boat Festival, Sildajazz, Telemark International Folk Music
  Festival, Tromsø Jazz Festival,(September) Arctic Film Festival, Bjørnson Festival, Norwegian Military Tattoo, Oslo Marathon, (October) Kids in Jazz, (December) Nobel Peace Prize Concert, and Christmas Markets.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Princess Ingrid Alexandra's Day, Saami National Day, King Harald V's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Day of Liberation, 17 May Constitution Day, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday. Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Photo Credit: ELG21/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• The prime travel destination in Scandinavia.
  
• Western coast area is known for fjords.
• Standard of living is among the highest in the world.
• One of the most expensive countries in Europe.
  
• Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers.
• Has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
• Has a low level of crime.
• A $1,300NOK fine is imposed for use of a hand-held cell phone while driving.
• Mountain roads tend to be narrow, tunnels, and winding.
  
• You must be north of the Arctic Circle for the sun at midnight.
• Roadway cameras enforce speed limits.
  
• Possible to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) between mid September - April.
• Local law requires drivers to use headlights when driving.
• From April 15th - September 15th fire lighting is prohibitive.
  
• From late May - late July beyond the north area there's 20 hours of daylight per day. 
  
• Maximum legal blood alcohol content level while driving is .02%. 
• Tourism to Ny-Alesund is restricted due to polar bear attacks.
• From late November  - late January beyond the north area the sun never rises above the horizon and daylight hours are very short.
• Arctic char, salmon, and trout are popular catches.
  
• Much of nature  remains unspoiled.
  
• Winter dog sledding is very popular.
  
• Indigenous Sami consider "Laplander" and "Lapp" offensive.
  
• Most visited cities/towns: are Ålesund, Bergen, Kristiansand, Oslo, Stavanger, Tromsø, and Trondheim.
• Bergen's Bryggen and Oslo's Vigeland Sculpture Park are the most visited landmark.
  
• Oslo Central Train Station is known for pickpockets and bag snatchers.
  
• Use of winter tires is mandatory on all motor vehicles (November - April).
  
• Mountain roads usually close due to snow from late Fall - late Spring.
  
• Svalbard is accessed by limited air service, sea, or snowmobile.
  
• Svalbard is not a part of the Schengen Agreement.
  
• Beyond Tourist Season (June - August) museums keep limited hours.

Bodø, Norway. Photo Credit: Tommy Andreassen/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and two blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 12 months.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $25,000NOK.

Henningsvær "Fishing Village", Vågan, Norway. Photo Credit: Gustav Melin/Pixabay 

Subject to extreme weather, floods, landslides, and snowstorms.

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

Kjøllefjord, Norway.Photo Credit: Bernd Hildebrandt/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bryggen, Rock Art of Alta, Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site, Røros Mining Town and the Circumference, Struve Geodetic Arc, Urnes Stave Church, Vegaøyan The Vega Archipelago, West Norwegian Fjords and Geiangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.

 

Photo Credit: Murat Demirel/Pixabay 

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

North Macedonia

North Macedonia Flag

Why visit North Macedonia?

Ideal for the adventurous travelers seeking off the beaten path destination to enjoy architecture, caves, culture, cycling, festivals, fishing, folk art, gorges, hiking, historical sites, hunting, lakes, mountain scenery, music, paragliding, poetry, religious art, ruins, skiing, and wildlife. 

Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, ceramics, embroidery, filigree jewelry, handmade carpets, leather boxes, tapestries, wines, wood carvings, and wool products. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Gravce Tavce (bean dish). Makalo (side dish). Malidzano (eggplant spread). Pastrmalija (bread pie). Turli Tava (casserole).
• Local Drink to Try: Stanushina Crna (red wine).

Fun Facts

• Dating back to 1895 Bitola is where their first film was produced.
• Nova Makedonija newspaper publication dates back to 1944. 
  
• Vardar River empties into the Aegean Sea.
  
• Once considered the "Orchard of Old Yugoslavia".
  
• Birthplace (Skopje) of Mother Theresa, Saint Teresa of Calcutta (1910 - 1997).
• Gained independence as successor state of Yugoslavia.
  
• Lake Ohrid (Balkan Peninsula) is one of the oldest in the world.
  
• Where "Before the Rain" (1994) was filmed (Village of Stavica).
• Has Lake Dojran, Lake Ohrid, and Lake Prespa.
  
• Has as four national parks.
• The last count held 1842 churches and 580 mosques.
• Honeyland (2019) was nominated Best International Feature Film.
• Well-developed coffee culture.

Photo Credit:  Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Strumica Carnival, (April) Theatre Fest, (June) Another Story Festival, Ohrid Summer Festival, (July) Balkan Folklore, Festival, Galicnik Summer Festival, Krushevo Etno City Festival, Ohrid Summer Festival, Pastrmajlijada Festival, (August) Balkan Music Square Festival, Ohrid Choir Festival, Struga Poetry Evenings, (September) Manaki Brothers Film Festival, Ohrid Fest, Open Youth Theatre, Ohrid Swimming Marathon, (October) Days of Comedy, International Camera Festival, International Children's Music Festival, Skopje Jazz Festival, Skopje Marathon (November) MakFest, and Si-Do Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Christmas Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, Day of Macedonian Uprising, Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle, Saint Clement of Ohrid Day, and Eid al-Fitr.

Good to Know

• Considered less developed.
  
• Carry your copy of passport and photo ID with you at all times.
  
• Pickpocket is a problem in crowded areas (Skopje).
  
• Use metered taxis.
  
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Tourism is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are not commonly practiced.
• Special licenses or permits are necessary for items of historical value or significance.
  
• Adhere to  “no photography” signs.
• Larger stores and restaurants accept credit cards.
  
• LGBTI are known targets.
  
• Not considered accessibility friendly.
• Driving requires an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Insulin is not available to non-citizens.
  
• Air pollution is a significant problem.
  

This international destination requires:

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

Ohrid, North Macedonia. Photo Credit:  by Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay.

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

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe & Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region.

Skopje, North Macedonia. Photo Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay 

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

North Korea

North Korea Flag

Individuals cannot use a USA passport to travel to, in, or through without a special validation from the Department of State.

Why visit North Korea?

For the affluent curious adventurous traveler seeking to experience architecture, birdwatching, ginseng products, history, medal badges, mountain scenery, and pagodas.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Calligraphy, embroidery, Goryeo celadon pottery, culptures, and stamps.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Jokbal (pork). Kangjǒng (dessert). Kimchi (vegetable dish). Kogi Bap (rice dish). Mandu (dumplings). Miyŏk-Kuk (vegetable soup). Raengmyŏn (cold noodles). P'ajǒn (meat dish). Shinsŏllo (meatball dish). Sungŏ-Kuk (soup). Tangogikuk (dog meat soup). Ttŏk (dessert). Yakbap (dessert).
• Local Drink to Try: Makkŏlli (rice wine) Pohak (beer). Ponghak (beer). Pyongyang (beer). Rakwon (beer). Ryongjin Cocoa (cola). Samilpo Whisky. Taech'u-ch'a (tea).

Fun Facts

• Yalu River marks half of the northern border with China.
  
• Mastered counterfeit $100USD (downtown Pyongyang).
• Home to the world's most protected wildlife refuge.
• By local law, every household wall must have a photo of Kim Il Sung, "The Great Leader" and Kim Jong Il, "The Dear Leader".
  
• Known to believe they're one nation, with the U.S. occupying the southern half.
• Haircuts are mandatory.
• Adults must wear a badge over their hearts whether the face of Kim Il Sung, "The Great Leader"  and/or Kim Jong Il, "The Dear Leader".
• Locals refer to the Sea of Japan as the "East Sea".
• Locals refer to the Yellow Sea as the "West Sea". 
• Mansudae Art Studio (Pyeongcheon District, Pyongyang) is one of the largest centers of art production in the world.
• Paektu Mountain (9,003 ft) is the tallest point.
  
• Mount Kumgang (Taebaek Range) extends into South Korea.
  
• Korean Demilitarized Zone (KDM) remains the most heavily fortified border in the world.
  
• Sweden serves as the protecting power for Australia, Canada, and the United States.
  
• Divorce is extremely rare.
• Crime statistics are not released,
• Offers free universal insurance system.
• DPRK is known to claim that there are no LGBTI in the country as its considered a foreign phenomenon.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Seollal Festival and (June) Dragon Boat Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Chosongul Day, Army Day, Day of the Shining Star, Tree Planting Day, International Women's Day, Seotdal Geumeum, Seolmyeongjeol, Day of the Sun, Kang  Pan-sok's Birthday, Military Foundation Day, Daeboreum, Meoseumnal, Samjinnal, Hansik, Chopail, International Workers' Day, Korean Children's Union Foundation Day, Surinal, Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation Way, Liberation Day, Day of Songun, Day of the Foundation of the Republic, Yudu, Chilseok, Baekjung, Chuseok, Party Foundation Day, Jungyangjeol, Mother's Day, Dongji, Kim Jong-suk Birthday, Constitution Day, and New Year's Eve.  
  

Good to Know

• Not recommended for USA travelers due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention. 
• Considered the least visited country in the world.
• Power shortages are chronic.
  
• Exiting with local currency (KRW) is not permitted. 
• The central and eastern area is mountainous.
  
• Accommodations are less than deluxe.
• Mansudae Art Studio (Pyeongcheon District, Pyongyang) is great to observe local artist painting.
• Road maintenance is poor.
• Cars are relatively rare.
  
• Without a local driver’s license, travelers can not drive in the country.
• Consular access to U.S. citizens is often delayed or denied.
  
• South Korean citizens are prohibited from visiting any area.
  
• Journalists are not permitted to travel on tourist VISA's.
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Airport petty thefts are known to occur.
• Public demonstration of affection is frowned upon.
• Many areas do not have hot running water.
• International calls are not considered secure.
• Digital communications are not considered secure.
  
• Taking laptop computers is prohibited.
• Purchasing replacement memory cards is not possible.
• A sweater is recommended year round during the evenings. 
• Rail service no longer travels to Russia.
  
• Air Koryo is the only service airline provider in and out of the country.
  
• Rainy Season is June - September.
• GPS tracker and satellite phones are not permitted.
  
• Cellular usage requires local DPRK mobile service.
• Medical facilities lack electricity, resources and skills.
• Evacuation to South Korea is not permitted.
  
• Bicycles are unavailable for purchase or rental. 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with up to six months of validity and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.

Subject to droughts, flooding, humidity, monsoon winds, and snow storms.

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

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Complex of Koguryo Tombs & Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong

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