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 

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                                        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 

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

Portugal

Portugal Flag

Why visit Portugal?

Travelers seeking to enjoy archaeology, art, beaches, castles, churches, culture, golf, deep sea fishing, festivals, fishing villages, hiking, historical sites, history, horseback riding, kayaking, medieval villages, monasteries, mountain biking, remote mountains, nightlife, scenery, street cafes, surfing, trekking, vineyards, water sports, and windsurfing.  

Grotte de Benagil, Lagoa, Portugal. Photo Credit: Julius Silver/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Ceramic tiles, copper pans, cork items, embroidery, guitars, honey, leather goods, needlepoint carpets, olive oil, porcelain, Rooster of Barcelos, and wine.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Alheira (sausage), Bacalhau (codfish). Bolo de Arroz (rice muffin). Caldeirada (fish stew). Caldo Verde (soup). Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork dish). Cataplana (seafood stew). Chouriço (pork sausage). Cozido à Portuguesa (stew). Dobrada (tripe). Farinheira (smoked sausage). Feijoada (stew). Gueijo Serra (cheese). Francesinha (sandwich). Leitao da Bairrada (roast pork). Pastéis de Belém (tart pastry). Presunto (cured ham). Rabanadas (dessert).
• Local Drink to Try: Alentejo (wine). Douro (wine). Ginjinha (liquor). Licor Beirão (liquor). Medronho (spirit)Vinho da Madeira (wine). 

Porto, Portugal. Photo Credit: Nuno Lopes/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Sportsmanship dates back to 104 - 146AD. 
  
• Between 726 - 1249 was part of al-Andalus. 
• Name derives from the Roman-Celtic (Portus Cale);  present city of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
• Birthplace of António Egas Moniz (1874-1955), Neurologist who invented Cerebral Angiography and Leucotomy.
• First country in the world to abolish life imprisonment (1884).
• First country in the world to decriminalize use of common drugs (2001).
  
• Minimum regulated wage by law (2022) is 705EUR monthly.
  
• Home of Azores and Madeira Islands.
  
• Oldest continuous nation state on the Iberian Peninsula.
  
• Home to 6 terrestrial ecoregions.
  
• Maximum prison sentences are limited to 25 years.
  
• Top producer of cork. 
• Douro Valley wine region was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its dramatic culture and scenery.
  
• Lisbon Oceanarium (Lisbon) is the largest amongst European countries.
  
• Third largest exporter of chestnuts. 
• Approximately 5–6 million people visit the Sanctuary of Fátima annually.
  
• One of the founding members of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
  
• Amongst the Top 10 largest olive oil producers in the world.
• Soccer is their national sport.
• One of the warmest countries in Europe.
  
• Mount Pico (Pico Island) is the highest point. 
  
• President is elected to a 5 year term.
  
• Red flowers symbolize the revolution and white lilies are a symbol of death amongst locals.
  
• Rooster of Barcelos is folklore of a dead rooster's intervention to the innocence of a man falsely accused and sentenced to death. 
  
• Presides over 23 islands.
• Vasco da Gama Bridge is the second largest in Europe.
• Ramirez & Cia, is the oldest canned fish producer.
  
• Military consists of Air Force, Army and Navy. 
• Forest areas largely consist of Cork Oak, Eucalyptus, Holm Oak, and Stone Pine.
  
• Northern Region has their own martial art (Jogo do Pau),
• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima (Fatima) is one of the largest Roman Catholic shrines in the world.
  
• Ranks amongst the most Top 20 visited countries in the world.

Photo Credit: Bernardo Ferreria/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Festa das Fogaceiras, (February) Carnival, International Chocolate Festival, (March) International Sand Sculpture Festival (FIESA), Porto Interceltic Festival, (May) Cantarinhas Fair, Fatima Pilgrimage, Festival of the Crosses, Lisbon Book Fair, Lisbon Parque Nações, Somersby Out Jazz, (June) Agricultura National Fair, Arraial Pride, Fado Fest, Festa de Sao Joao, Feast of Saint Anthony Festival, International Garden Festival, National Agricultural Fair, Rock in Rio-Lisboa, San Antonio Festival, Sintra Festival, (July) Boom Festival, Festa dos Tabuleiros, Festival of the Red Waistcoat, Medieval Market, NOS Alive, Paratissima, Rallye Biker, Sumol Summer Fest, (August) Cascais Festival of the Sea, EDP Vilar de Mouros Festival, Feira de São Mateus, Madeira Wine Rally, Neopop Festival, Ocean Festival, Rio Formosa Festival, São Mateus Fair, Sea Festival, Silves Medieval Fair, (September) Avante, Festival de Gastronomia, Vinho Verde Wine Fest, (October) Baja Portalegre 500, Lisbon Marathon, (November) Feira Nacional do Cavalo Golegã, Lisbon & Sintra Film Festival, National Horse Fair, Porto Marathon, Sudoeste Festival, TransAlentejo Walking Festival, (December) Adiafas Festival & National Light Wine Festival, Festival of the Boys, and Pine Nuts Fair.   
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Liberty Day, May Day, Portugal Day, Corpus Christi, Assumption of Mary, Republic Day, All Saints' Day, Restoration of Independence, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and Christmas Day.

Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal. Photo Credit: jganzarain/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Adhere to local Tide Charts as beaches tend to disappear during high tide.
• A developed country with high living standards.
  
• Dinner hours tends to start between 8PM - 9PM.
  
• Seacoast (Atlantic Ocean) is along the west side.
• Majority of red wines are from Alentejo, Dao, and Douro.
  
• Smoking is not prohibited in public places.
  
• Speeding is unlawful.
• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Considered one of the world's best golf destinations.
• Luxury travelers retreat along the Comporta Coast and Portuguese Riviera.
  
• Towns still have cobblestoned streets.
• It is illegal to photograph government buildings, military, and/or police.
• Easily seen by bus, car rental, escorted tours, and/or rail.
• Taxis rates increase after 9PM and during holidays.
• Pepper Spray is illegal.
• Most popular tourist areas are Algarve, Cascais, Coimbra, Fatima, Lisbon, Madeira, and Porto.
  
• Unlicensed Metal Detectors are illegal.

Douro Valley, Portugal. Photo Credit: Ramiro/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

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

Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal. Photo Credit: Pedro Grão/Pixabay 

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

Photo Credit: René Priebe/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alcobaça Monastery, Angra do Heroísmo, Batalha Monastery, Belém Tower, Convent of Christ, Evora, Guimarães, Jerónimos Monastery, Pico Island, Porto, and Sintra.

Terreiro Do Paco, Lisbon, Portugal. Photo Credit: Pedro Grão/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.