Rwanda

Rwanda Flag

"Land of a Thousand Hills"

Why visit Rwanda?

For the outdoor adventurous traveler seeking to enjoy birdwatching, caves, hiking, Lake Kivu, lush rainforests, mountain gorillas, national parks, safaris, and wildlife. 

 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, calabash gourds, coffee, drums, earthenware statues, embroidery goods, kitenge fabric, masks, pottery, six string harp, tea, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Agatogo (stew). Akabenz (BBQ pork). Brochettes (national dish). Groundnuts. Ikinyiga (soup). Isombe (delicacy stew). Mandazi (fried pastry). Matoke (plantain mash). Sambaza (sardines). Ugali (porridge). 
• Local Drink to Try: Icyayi (black tea). Ikivuguto (yogurt). Urwagwa (beer). 

Fun Facts

• One of Africa's smallest countries.
  
• Home to the rare mountain gorillas (Volcanoes National Park).
• No zoo has a mountain gorilla around the globe.
• Largest faith is Catholic Christianity,

Photo Credit: MikeOgilvie/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Rwanda Mini Film Festival, (April) Hillywood Film Festival, (May) International Peace Marathon, Kigali International Peace Marathon, (June) Gorilla Naming Ceremony, KigaliUP, (July) Rwanda International Movie Award, (August) Centre X Centre Festival, (September) Hobe Rwanda Festival, Kwita Izina, (October) Festival Arts Azimuts (FAAZ), and (December) Rwanda Film Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, National Heros Day, Independence Day, Liberation Day, Umuganura Day, Assumption Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Tutsi Memorial Day, Good Friday, and Easter Monday.

Lake Kivu, Rwanda. Photo Credit: Jon Mills/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Shop for local crafts at Caplaki Craft Market (Kigali).
  
• All international flights arrive at Gregoire Kayibanda Airport (KGL).
  
• Has no rail service throughout the country.
• Photographing airports, government buildings, military sites, and monuments is not permitted.
• Permits required before entering National Parks. 
• Avoid referring to locals as Hutu or Tutsi.
• Most banks and vendors only accept USA bills printed after 2009.
• Exchange bureaus and hotels tend to refuse bills smaller than $100USD. 
  
• Credit cards are not widely accepted, usually MasterCard. 
  
• Avoid exploring after dark.
• Speaking about Genocide is punishable 5 -7  years in prison and ranging from 500,000 - 1,000,000KWF in fines.
  
• South of the equator, temperatures are seldom extreme due their high altitude.
  
• Grocery bags and plastic bags are banned.
  
• International Drivers Permit and third-party insurance is required.
• Secondary roads tend to unpaved and require four-wheel drive vehicles.
• Commute with doors locked and windows closed. 
• Pack a sweater for cool evenings.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Avoid demonstrations.
  
• Vehicles tend to be poorly maintained.
• Use only official city buses and licensed taxis (orange-striped). 
  
• Use of mosquito repellents and bedtime nets are recommended.
• Drone use requires a permit.
• Rainy Season is February - May and September - December.
  
• Carry your passport and VISA with you.
• Do not swim or wade in still water due to Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection.
• Prevalent Diseases: African Tick-Bite Fever, Chikungunya, Dengue, Hantavirus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Leptospirosis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Tuberculosis (TB), Typhoid, Schistosomiasis, and Yellow Fever.

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. 

Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda. Photo Credit: Andreas/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: January & July - September
• Coolest Month: February 
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: June - September

Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

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

Russia

Russia Flag

 

Why visit Russia?

For the international traveler seeking to experience architecture, art, boating, cathedrals, fishing, health spas, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, ice skating, performing arts, monasteries, museums, river cruises, rock climbing, scenery, skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and world class ballet.

Red Square, Moscow, Russia. Photo Credit: Joney Brain/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Amber, caviar, fur hats, hand embroidered tablecloths, hand painted lacquerware, matryoshka dolls, metal sculpture, music instruments, painted enamel jewelry, samovars, vodka, and wood sculpture.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Blini (pancake). Borsch (beet soup). Okroshka (cold soup). Olivier (salad). Pirozhki (stuffed buns). Shchi (cabbage soup). Solyanka (sour soup). Syrniki (pancakes). Ukha (seafood soup).
• Local Drink to Try: Bvass (beer). Vodka (national).

Photo Credits: Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• The national symbol of the double-headed eagle, dates back to the Tsardom period (1547 - 1721).
  
• Moscow State University (1755) and Saint Petersburg State University (1724) are the oldest universities.
  
• Laika, Soviet Dog, became the first animal to orbit the Earth (1957).
  
• Hosted (1980) the Summer Olympic Games (Moscow).
  
• Hosted (2014) the Winter Olympics (Sochi).
• Largest country in the world.
  
• Rich in natural resources such as gas and oil.
  
• Has over 100,000 rivers.
• Extends across 11 time zones.
• Home to the largest freshwater lake in the world (Baikal).
  
• Mount Elbrus (18,510 ft) is the highest peak. 
  
• Has access to three oceans: Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific.
• Lakes Ladoga and Onega (northwestern area) are amongst the largest European countries.
  
• Home to the finest caviar, beluga in the world.
  
• Klyuchevskaya Sopka (15,584 ft) is the highest active volcano (Eurasia).

Moscow, Russia. Photo Credit: Evgeny GoTown.ru/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) International Festival of Snow, Magic Ice of Siberia, (February) Maslenitsa Festival, (March) Moscow Golden Mask Festival, Reindeer Herder’s Festival, (April) Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF), (June) Chekhov International Theater Festival, International Moscow Film Festival, Open Look, Scarlet Sails, St Petersburg White Nights Festival, St Petersburg Beer Festival, Taste of Moscow, Wild Mint Folk Festival, (July) Nashestvie, (August) Afisha Picnic, (September) Circle of Light, Vladivostok Biennale of Visual Arts, (December) Russian Winter Festival, and Winter Festivals. 
• Holidays: New Year Day, Christmas Day, Defender of the Fatherland Day, International Women's Day, Spring & Labor Day, Victory Day, Day of Russia, and National Unity Day.

St Petersburg, Russia. Photo Credit: Peter H/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• You cannot enter prior to the date on your VISA, and must exit before your VISA expiration.
  
• The Black Sea and Green Grove are popular amongst the wealthy.
• Cruise Ships and Ferry passengers (St Petersburg & Vladivostok) are permitted to stay up to 72 hours without a VISA accompanied by a licensed Tour Operator.
  
• Most visited cities are: Kazan, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Saint Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg.
• Students and Teachers avoid coaching or teaching English.
  
• Avoid Chechnya and the North Caucasus region.
• Missionary activity is restricted. 
  
• Solovetsky Islands (north) is known for great canoeing and kayaking.
  
• Ice fishing for whitefish, Baikal Omul is popular on Lake Baikal (Siberia).
  
• Kamchatka area offers some of the best Steelhead fishing in the world. 
  
• Altai Mountain area is popular for scenic horseback riding.
  
• Most visited museums are: State Hermitage (Saint Petersburg), State Russian (Saint Petersburg), and Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow).
• Tourist areas are prone to pickpocketing and robbery.
• Use of satellite phones requires advance approval from the local government.
• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Third-party liability insurance is required for drivers.
• Carry your passport with you at all times.
• The "Golden Ring of Russia" connects the old cities of five Oblasts.
• Most popular landmarks: Kazan Kremlin (Kazan), Lake Baikal (Siberia), Peterhof Palace (Saint Petersburg), Red Square (Moscow), and Trinity Lavra of St Sergius (Sergiyev Posad).
  
• Keep all your receipt purchases.
• Considered illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars.

Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. Photo Credit: Сергей Петров/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and two blank pages for stamping.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry $10,000 and $3,000 Exiting.

Photo Credit: Larisa Koshkina/Pixabay 

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

Photo Credit: Avetikov/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent, Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad, Assumption Cathedral and Monastery of the town-island of Sviyazhsk, Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex, Central Sikhote-Alin, Church of the Ascension, Churches of the Pskov School of Architecture. Kolomenskoye, Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands, Curonian Spit, Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery, Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent, Golden Mountains of Altai, Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin, Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments, Historic Monuments of Novgorod and Surroundings, Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl, Kizhi Pogost, Kremlin and Red Square, Lake Baikal, Landscapes of Dauria, Lena Pillars Nature Park, Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve, Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea, Putorana Plateau, Struve Geodetic Arc, Uvs Nuur Basin, Virgin Komi Forests, Volcanoes of Kamchatka, Western Caucasus, White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal.

State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia. Photo Credit: Jeremy Zhu/Pixabay 

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

Romania

Romania Flag

Why visit Romania?

For the international traveler seeking to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, castles, charming medieval villages, culture, fishing, health spas, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, medieval monasteries, mountain scenery, skiing, and wine country. 

Pietrele Doamnei, Romania. Photo Credit: Dan Fador/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Brandy, ceramic dolls, crochet goods, embroidery goods, folk music, local wine, painted wooden eggs, pottery, and wooden boxes.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Alivenci (custard tart). Borș de Miel (lamb soup). Cașcaval (semi-hard cheese). Clătite (pancakes). Cheese Pie (snack). Chiftele (meatballs). Ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup). Cornulete (filled pastry). Cozonac (sweet bread). Drob (lamb). Gogosi (doughnuts). Mamaliga (porridge). Mici (meat rolls). Mucenici (pasta dish). Năsal (cheese). Pasca (cake) Potato Salad. Sarmale (cabbage rolls). Sausage Stew. Tobă (pork jelly). Tochitură (pork). White Cabbage Salad. Zacusca (salsa dip).
• Local Drink to Try: Afinată (liquor). Bere (beer). Pălincă (beer). Pălincă (brandy). Pilsener (beer). Sana (drinkable yogurt). Secărică (vodka).Tuică (brandy). Turț (brandy). Vișinată (cocktail). Zmeurată (raspberry liqueur).

Brașov Romania. Photo Credit: Dan Novac/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Human remains found in Peștera cu Oase (Anina) date back to 37,000 - 42,000 years ago.
  
• Nicolae Constantin Paulescu (1869 - 1931), Professor of Medicine was instrumental on diabetes, and patenting pancreine. 
  
• Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brâncuși at Târgu Jiu recognizes their heros of World War I (1914 - 1918).
  
• Lazăr Edeleanu (1861 - 1941), Chemist was the first to synthesize amphetamine.
  
• Traian Vuia (1872-1950), Aviation Inventor & Pioneer built the first first tractor monoplane.
• Nadia Elena Comăneci Conner (1961) Retired Gymnast was the first Gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10.0 at the Olympic Games in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (1976).
  
• During the 1984 Summer Olympics hosted in Los Angeles, California they won 53 medals.
• Home to the first European city (Timisoara) to have electric street lamps (1884).
  
• Carpathian Mountains run through the north.
  
• Second-longest European River, Danube (Germany) empties into the Danube Delta. 
  
• Moldoveanu Peak (8,346 ft) is the highest point.
  
• One of the largest areas of undisturbed forest amongst European countries.
• Tennis is the second most popular sport, football being the first.
  
• Highest agricultural employment rate compared to any other European country.
• Transylvanian Alps run east-west through the center.
  
• Largest reserve of crude oil and shale gas amongst European countries.
  
• A special exemption is required for the sacrifice of lambs during Easter and pigs during Christmas.
• Bran Castle "Dracula's Castle" (Bran) myth is that vampires roam the Transylvania halls.
  
• One of the largest plum producers in the world.
  
• Traditionally women are gifted talismans (mărțișor) for good luck during in early March.
• Has 6 terrestrial ecoregion.
• Romanian Orthodox Church is the most popular traditional church.
• Danube Delta is the largest continuous marshland amongst European countries.
  
• Has the fourth largest railroad network amongst European countries.

Photo Credit: Jacqueline Macou/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (April) Jazz in the Church, Junii Brasovului Parade, National Easter Eggs Festival, (May) Bucharest International Jazz Competition, Eurovision Song Contest, (June) Art Film Festival, Dakini Festival, East European Comic Con, International Shakespeare Festival, Jazz in the Park, Rocanotherworld, Saga Music Festival, Sibiu International Theatre Festival, Traditional Crafts Fair, Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF), UEFA European Football Championship, (July) ARTmania Festival, Electric Castle, Feeric Fashion Week, Full Moon Festival, Maidens' Fair, Neversea Festival, Rockstadt Extreme Fest, Sighisoara Festival of Medieval Arts & Crafts, The Girls Fair at Mountain Hen, (August) After Hills, Awake Festival, Bachata Romanian Dance Festival, Folk Art Festival, George Enescu Festival, Dance at Prislop, Merry Cemetery, Rockstadt Extreme Fest, Sighisoara Medieval Festival, Summer Well Festival, Transylvanian Saxons Festival, Untold Festival, (September) RO-Wine, Sambra Oilor, Sanaia Forever Festival, Shepherd's Festival, White Night of Galleries, (October) Astra Film Fest, Beer Craft Festival, Cabbage Festival, Oktoberfest, Wine Festivals, Wine Making Festival, (November) Gay Film Nights, and (December) Bucharest Christmas Market.
• Holidays: New Years Day, Day after New Year's Day, Unification Day, Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday, Labor Day, International Children's Day, Orthodox Pentecost, Descent of Holy Spirit, St Mary's Day, Feast of St Andrew, National Day, Christmas Day, and Second Day of Christmas.

Peleș Castle, Sinaia, Romania. Photo Credit: Walter Kärcher/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Not ideal for travelers  who require deluxe accommodations.
• Remains a developing country.
• Between June - September are popular stays for mountain and seaside resorts.
  
• Romanian language words are common in French, Italian, and Spanish. 
  
• Northern region offers the most unique village experiences.
• Cuisine is influenced by Austria and Germany. 
  
• Credit card fraud occurs.
• Has the highest vehicle road fatalities rate.
• Pickpocketing is common in tourist areas.
  
• Most visited towns are: Bistrița, Brașov, Cisnădie, Cluj-Napoca, Medias, Sibiu, and Sighișoara.
• Public restrooms do not always offer toilet paper.
• On Monday most museums are closed.
• Use ATMs located inside banks.
• Mountain flash floods occur in the Spring and Summer.
• English and French are the primary foreign languages taught in schools.
  
• Skiing is most popular in Poiana Brașov and Valea Prahovei.
  
• Public telephones only accept phone cards.
• Recreational drug possession is not permitted. Punishable up to three years in prison.

Rock Sculpture of Decebalus, Orșova, Romania. Photo Credit: Mariana Anatoneag/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

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

Sibiu, Romania. Photo Credit: Tudor George/Pixabay 

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

Transylvania, Romania. Photo Credit: Szabolcs Molnar/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe, Churches of Moldavia, Dacian Fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains, Danube Delta, Historic Centre of Sighișoara, Monastery of Horezu, Roșia Montană Mining Cultural Landscape, Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania, and Wooden Churches of Maramureş.

 

Photo Credit: pionut/Pixabay 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

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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.   

Qatar

Qatar Flag

Why visit Qatar?

Ideal for the affluent traveler seeking to enjoy beaches, camel racing, camping, culture, diving, fishing, museums, shopping and snorkeling.

Photo Credit: elcri/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Coffee pots, essential oil, incense burners, lamps, oud, pashminas, scarf, shawls, shisha pipes, spices, weaving, and wood boxes.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Balaleet (pasta dish). Ghuzi (roasted lamb). Harees (porridge). Kousa Mahshi (stuffed zucchini). Luqaimat (dessert). Machboos (chicken dish). Madhruba (porridge). Margoog (lamb dish).
  Saloona (stew). Thareed (stew).
• Local Drink to Try: BE (smoothie). Coffee. Karak (tea). Karak Chai (black tea). Shaketastic (smoothie). Sun Top (juice).

Photo Credit: Bea Amaya/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• First Muslim country to 2022 FIFA World Cup.
• Almost uniformly flat.
  
• Women have far more freedom compared to the previous regime.
  
• Women may now refuse a marriage proposal.
• Polygyny is permitted.
  
• First in any Gulf state for Women to vote.
  
• Only has one liquor store.
  
• Pregnant women must present a Marriage Certificate to receive prenatal care at medical facilities.
  
• Multibillion-dollar Doha Expressway and the Qatar Bahrain Causeway, is to connect Qatar to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
  
• Largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world.
  
• Highest point is Qurayn Abu al Bawl (338 ft).
  
• Considered one of the richest countries in the world.
  
• Flogging and stoning are considered a legal form of punishment.
  
• Men and women eat and entertain separately.
  
• Soccer is the most popular sport.
• Largest art market by value in the world.
• Practices a mixture of Civil and Sharia Law.
  
• Has no income tax. 
  
• Annually hosts a cycling race, Tour of Qatar.
  
• Arab businessmen are known to hold hands, symbolic of friendship.
• Qatar Airways (QTR) is one of the largest airlines in the world. 
  

Photo Credit: ekrem/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Doha International Book Fair, Open Tennis Tournament, (February) Halal Hal Qatar Festival, (March) Doha Cultural Festival, Garangao Children Festival, International Food Festival, Kite Festival, Marine Festival, Masters Golf Tournament, (May) IAAF Diamond League, (September) Losail International Circuit, (October) Ajyal Film Festival, Doha International Trade Fair, Doha Tribeca Film Festival, (November) Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, (December) Art Festival, and Souq Waqif Spring Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, National Sports Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and National Day.

Pearl Monument, Doha, Qatar. Photo Credit: walsarabi/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• USA citizens obtain a free VISA upon arrival.
  
• Attendees to the FIFA Men’s World Cup (November - December) require a Hayya Card as your entry VISA.
  
• Official language is Qatari Arabic. English is often spoken as a second language. 
  
• Former residents are required to carry  a "no objection letter" issued by their Sponsor.
• Becoming a tourist destination.
• Use of drones and photography equipment to include telescopic lenses is not permitted.
• Dress modestly; men should not wear shorts, women should have arms and knees covered.
• During Ramadan (holy month) avoid drinking and eating in public before sunset.
  
• Importing duty free alcohol, laser pointers, and pork products are not permitted. 
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and inspections do not commonly occur.
• Sweater required year rounding during the evenings.
  
• Tent should face the south.
• Prone to very hot and humid summers with mild winters.
• Traffic violations are easily captured by cameras. Fines are costly.
• Until a case is abandoned or resolved which could be months to years, one may not exit the country.  
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• It's against the Law to photograph government buildings, firemen, military, and/or police.
• Minimum driving age is 18.  
• Leggings must be covered with a dress or long shirt.
• Foreign Drivers Licenses are acceptable for up to 1 week.
  
• Avoid political conversations.
• Be vigilant at ATM'S.
• Khor and Jebel Fuwairet offers the most popular beaches.
  
• Dust Season is March - August.
• Avoid religious conversations.
• Journalists require specific VISA's.
• Do not photograph locals!
• Air quality is poor.
  
• Unmarried persons engaging in sexual relations is illegal.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Photo Credit: ilfioredellavita/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Coolest Months: December - March 
• Hottest Months: July - September
• Peak Season: December - February & June - August

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Khor Al-Adaid Natural Reserve

Doha, Qatar. Photo Credit: LAGRANDEENTREPRISE/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.