Monday, October 31, 2022

Singapore

Singapore Flag



Why visit Singapore?
multicultural melting pot for travelers seeking to enjoy amusement parks, churches, culture, cultural events, fashion, festivals, gardens, gastronomy, health clubs, hiking, historical sites, mosques, museums, nightlife, parks, performing arts, shopping, spectator sports, temples, walking, and zoos.



Singapore Flyer, Downtown Core District, Singapore. Photo Credit: Monica Volpin/Pixabay 


At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Beadwork goods, coconut jam, dried bak kwadurian candy, essential oils, Merlion statues, perfume, preserved orchid, porcelain, salted egg fish skins, traditional local musical instruments, TWG tea, and white rabbit candy.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Buah Keluak (black fried rice). Chilli Crab (national dish). Hainanese Chicken (rice dish). Har Cheong Jai (fried chicken). Hokkien Mee (noodle dish). Mantous (buns). Otak Otak (specialty).
  • Local Drink to Try: Kopi (coffee). Ribena (sparkling). Sling (gin cocktail). Tiger (beer).


Merlion Fountain Park, Central Business District, Singapore. Photo Credit: Manfred Reinert/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens (founded 1859), is the only tropical garden, recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Trial by jury was abolished (1970).
  • From 2013 - 2019, Changi International Airport (SIN) won the Skytrax World's Best Airport Award.
  • Consists of 63 islands.
  • Pulau Ujong is the main island.
  • Headquarters for the Tiger Balm, an effective herbal in the form of cream, gel, liquid or spray for body aches.
  • First Southeast Asia country to levy a carbon tax.
  • Both an island and a country.
  • Home of the 2nd largest casino gambling market.
  • Due to congestion, the number of private cars on the road is restricted and quota driven.
  • Largest of smaller islands include: Jurong Island (southwest), Pulau Tekong (northeast), Pulau Ubin (west), and Sentosa (south).
  • Car owners may drive on the road for a maximum period of 10 years. 
  • Home to one of the two busiest seaports in the world.
  • Highly ranks in education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure, quality of life, and personal safety.
  • Building the largest floating solar farm, Tengeh Reservoir (Tuas) in the world.
  • Maintains overseas military bases in Australia, France, and the United States. 
  • Highest (537 ft) natural point, Bukit Timah Hill (Bukit Timah).
  • President is elected by popular vote for a renewable six-year term.
  • Caning and hangings are legal punishments.
  • Now under Australia, both Christmas Island and Cocos Islands were under their rule.
  • Has the highest percentage of millionaires in the world.


Raffles Singapore, Singapore. Photo Credit: Graham Hobster/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) Chingay Parade, River Hong Bao Festival, Singapore Art Week, Thaipusam Festival, M1 Singapore Fringe Festival(March) Singapore Fashion Festival, (April) Qing Ming Festival, Singapore International Film Festival (SIFF), Singapore Triathlon, Singapore River Festival, (May) Singapore Arts Festival, Singapore International Arts Festival(June) Dragon Boat Festival, Great Singapore Sale, Pink Dot SG, Rice Dumpling Festival, Singapore World Invitational Dragon Boat Races, (July) Singapore Food Festival, Singapore Garden Festival, Singapore Heritage Fest, (August) Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, Singapore Night Festival, (September) EarthFest Singapore, Mooncake & Lantern Festivals, Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Singapore Grand Prix, (October) Festival of the Nine-Emperor God, Navarathiri Festival, Thimithi Festival, (November) One Dance Asia Annual Concert, Singapore Fintech Festival, Singapore Mental Health Film Festival, Singapore Writers Festival, (December) EOY J-Culture Festival, Singapore Food Expo, Singapore Marathon, and ZoukOut.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Lunar New Year's Day, Good Friday, Labour Day, Hari Raya Puasa, Vesak Day, Hari Raya Haji, National Day, Diwali, and Christmas Day.



Supertree Grove, Singapore. Photo Credit: schliff/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • Ranks amongst one of the most crime-free countries in the world.
  • Has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
  • English is taught in schools.
  • Carry your passport with you at all times.
  • Orchard Road (northern area) is a shopper's haven.
  • Rainy Season is November - December.
  • Considered a relatively conservative and sensitive society.
  • Metered taxis charge extra for advance booking, during peak hours, and to/from the airport.
  • All public gatherings of 5+ people require police permits.
  • Protests may legally be held only at the Downtown Core District (Speakers' Corner).
  • Boat Quay is referred to as "Chinatown".
  • During non-peak times, driving the length of the island is approximately an hour. 
  • Has 2 man-made connections to Johor (Malaysia) the Johor–Singapore Causeway (north) and the Tuas Second Link (west).
  • Casinos are located in Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.
  • Popular landmarks: CHIJMES (historic building), Esplanade (theatre), Gardens by the Bay (park), Marina Bay Sands (casino resort), Merlion (mascot statue), National Gallery Singapore (museum), Night Safari (zoo), Orchard Road (shopping), River Wonders (zoo), Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Flyer (observation wheel), and Singapore Zoo.
  • Compliments a stay while visiting  Indonesia and/or Malaysia.
  • Dinner service generally is 7-10PM.
  • Public transportation is inexpensive and reliable
  • SBS Transit has a fleet of wheelchair-accessible buses (WABs) accommodating up to 2 wheelchairs. 
  • Monsoon Season is November - February.
  • Changi International Airport (SIN) is one of the busiest in the world. 
  • Traffic congestion known to occur Monday - Friday 7:30AM - 9:30AM and 5 - 7PM, Saturday 7:30AM - 9:30AM and 1-3PM.
  • Between 10:30PM  - 7AM it is illegal to drink alcohol in public “Liquor Control Zones”.
  • Disorderly conduct or intoxication is subject to a $1,000SGD fine or incarceration.
  • Mosques are open to nonMuslims.
  • Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya and Dengue.
  • Culturally finger pointing is considered rude.
  • Natives tend to be shy unless approached.
  • Between July - October, bush fires from Indonesia tend to cause a haze.
  • International Bible Students Association, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Watchtower Bible publications are banned. Subject to fines and incarceration.
  • Jaywalking, littering, or spitting is a punishable crime.
  • Driving is on the left side of the road.
  • Minimum driving age is 18.
  • Severe punishment for illegal drug consumption or possession. 
  • Ferry Service connects to/from Bintan.
  • Avoid carrying or use of a firearm due to strict guidelines.


Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, Singapore. Photo Credit: fli138/Pixabay 



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries. 
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000SGD.


Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, Singapore. Photo Credit: Jason Goh/Pixabay 


Subject to high humidity and monsoons.

  • Best Time to Visit: June - August
  • Coolest Months: December - January 
  • Hottest Months: May - June
  • Peak Season: December - June


Chinese Garden, Jurong East, Singapore. Photo Credit: Arul/Pixabay 



Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Singapore Botanic Gardens

 

Photo Credit: Bernd Hildebrandt/Pixabay 


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

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

Friday, October 28, 2022

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Flag




Why visit Sierra Leone?
For the experienced self-sufficient adventurous traveling seeking to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, diamond mines, game reserves, and tribal culture.


At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Colorful fabrics, leather products, sandals, straw baskets, weavings, and wood carvings.
  • Local Drink to Try: Poyo (wine). Star Beer.

Fun Facts
  • Divided into 5 administrative regions, and subdivided into 16 districts.
  • Home to the largest natural harbor amongst Africa.
  • Rich deposits of diamonds and gold.
  • Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (Freetown) has a collection of endangered and rare chimpanzees.
  • Lumley-Aberdeen Beach stretches from Cape Sierra Leone to Lumley. 
  • First dialysis machine was donated by Israel.
  • Practice polygamy marriages.

Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (February) Lantern Festival, (March) Ballanta Music Festival, Sierra Leone International Film Festival, (April) Sierra Leone Fashion Week (SLFW), (June) Kiln Sierra Leone Marathon, (November) ECOFEST, (December) Ma Dengn Beach Festival, and
    Tangains Festival.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Armed Forces Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Korite, Tabaski, and Mawlid.

Good to Know
  • Considered the least developed and livable country in the world.
  • Lacks infrastructure.
  • English is the official language.
  • Avoid the Liberia border.
  • Power outages are common.
  • Avoid tumba fly lesions by ironing or machine dry laundry. 
  • Sun is very strong, apply sunscreen regularly.
  • Avoid traveling solo after dark.
  • Prevalent Diseases: Dengue, Malaria, Typhoid, Rabies, and Yellow Fever. 
  • Medical facilities and services are very limited.
  • Crime is widespread.
  • Do not photograph airports, bridges, government buildings, or the U.S. Embassy.
  • Avoid tap water consumption.
  • Cities are prone to air pollution issues.
  • Exporting diamonds and/or gold requires a license to do so.
  • Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and inspections do not commonly occur. 
  • Port cities: Bonthe, Freetown, Pepel, and Sherbro Island.
  • Land mines are scattered throughout the country.
  • Rainy Season is May - November.
  • Popular beaches include: Bureh Beach, Laka Beach, Mama Beach, River Number 2 Beach, and Tokeh Beach.
  • Internet access is limited.

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. 
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry: $10,000USD.


Photo Credit: Muhammad Shah Jaman/Pixabay 


  • Best Time to Visit: December - May
  • Coolest Month: July - October
  • Hottest Months: March - May
  • Peak Season: October - November


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

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

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Seychelles

Seychelles Flag


Why visit Seychelles?
Ideal for the luxury traveler seeking to enjoy art, birdwatching, fishing, folk musicgranite rock formations, hiking, natural scenery, rare birds, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, water sports, white-sand beaches, and windsurfing.



Photo Credit: Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke/Pixabay 

 
At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Batiks, gold  jewelry, liqueur, paintings, pearl jewelry, perfumes, pottery, rum, sarongs, spices,  stamps, tea, and woven coconut palm goods. 
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Bouyon Bred (fish soup). Breadfruit Chips (snack). Bringel (fired eggplant). Caris Masala (creole). Kari Sousouri bat curry). Kat-Kat Banane (fish dish). Ladob (dessert). Poison ek Diri (fish dish). Salade de Palmiste (salad). Santini (salad). Shark Chutney (delectable). Tru lu lu Crabs (crabs).
  • Local Drink to Try: Bakka (rum). Eku (beer). Kala (coconut juice). Kalou (wine). SeyBrew (beer).

Fun Facts
  • Consists of of 115 islands (Indian Ocean).
  • Mahé Island is the largest. 
  • Three largest islands are La Digue, Mahe, and Praslin.
  • Sainte-Anne Marine National Park (Moyenne Island) is known for buried treasure and ghosts. 
  • No hotel or resort may be taller than the palm trees.
  • Divided into 26 regions.
  • Home to the protected and rare Seychelles Black Parrot. 
  • Eight districts make up the capital of Seychelles and referred to as Greater Victoria. 
  • Most popular sport is basketball. 

A Closer Look of the Islands...

Aldabra Island "Living Natural-History Museum"
  • Second-largest coral atoll in the world.
  • Where giant tortoises are naturally found.
  • Home to the rare white-throated rail.
  • Offers no tourist facilities.
  • According to the Island's Warden, any shorings must be accompanied by an Expedition Leader.
Aride Island
  • Offers no tourist facilities.
  • Overnight stays not permitted.
  • Home to a seabird breeding colony.
  • Scheduled Tour Boats depart from Praslin Island Monday - Friday.
  • Leased and managed by the Island Conservation Society of Seychelles. Formerly purchased (1973) by the lateChristopher Cadbury (1908 - 1995), English Conservationist & Chocolate-Manufacturing Company, Cadbury Brothers.
Cousin Island
  • Formerly a coconut plantation.
  • Nature Reserve protected under Seychelles Law as a Special Reserve (1975).
  • Southern coast area is rocky.
  • Has 3 small freshwater swamps.
  • Where Green and Hawksbill Turtles nest.
  • One of 4 islands home to the Seychelles Fody (bird).
  • Often used by international research organizations as a research base.
  • Ecotourism Program won several awards, the Condé Nast Ecotourism Award and Tomorrow Award.
  • Accessible by sea from Praslin Island in the mornings, Monday - Friday. Closed on holidays and weekends.
Curieuse Island
  • Home to the famous Coco de Mer tree.
  • Offers red colored soil.
  • Home to over 300 Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
  • Second island to find the rare Seychelles Black Parrot.
  • Satellite Camp for Global Vision International, a volunteer group focused on conservation.
  • Accessible by sea from Praslin Island.
Denis Island
  • 375 acre private island owned by Kathy & Micky Mason.
  • Accessible by sea from Praslin Island.
  • Offers 25 guest chalets.
  • Along the northern edge stands a lighthouse (1910).
  • Chapel St Denis is prefect for Destination Weddings or Vow Renewals.
  • A nature retreat without cellular connectivity or television.
  • Family friendly.
  • Ideal for birdwatching, fishing, open air spa services, relaxation, snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.  
Fregate Island
  • Known for the Oetker Collection's secluded private luxury resort (5 Stars).
  • Reopening in 2024.
  • Oetker Collection funds conservation and environmental programs.
  • Voted "The World's Best Beach" (Anse Victorin) by The Times
  • Where Green and Hawksbill Turtles nest.
  • Central west highest point, Mount Signal (410 feet).
  • Renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling.
  • Island can privately host up to 79 guests.
  • Island means of transportation is by bicycle, foot, or golf cart.
  • Has its own harbor.
  • Boat are required to present a Rat Free License to access.
  • Has as a helicopter landing pad.
  • Dirt runway, Frégate Island Airport (FRK).
La Digue Island
  • Third most populated island. Population of approximately 2,800.
  • Known for their beaches.
  • Granite boulders are along the west coast.
  • Anse Bonnet Carré Beach & Anse Cocos Beach are only accessible by foot.
  • Most visited beaches are Anse Source d'Argent and Grand Anse.
  • Accessible by sea from Praslin Island.
  • Island means of transportation is by bicycle, foot, or ox-cart.
  • Heaviest rainfall is from October - March.
  • Most healthcare services are on Praslin Island or Victoria Island.
  • Home to the rare bird, Black Paradise Flycatcher.
  • Tallest peak (980 ft), Belle Vue (Eagle's Nest Mountain).
  • Popular for guided hikes, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
  • Ferry Pier offer bicycle rentals.
  • Majority of vehicles are owned and operated by hotel/resort companies. 
Mahe Island
  • Capital city is Victoria. 
  • One of the world's smallest capitals (Victoria).
  • Was largely a plantation owned by the Frichot Family.
  • Largest and most populated of the islands.
  • Seychelles Golf Club (Anse Aux Pins) offers a nine-course golfing.
  • Tallest peak (2,969 ft), Morne Seychellois (Morne Seychellois National Park).
  • Home to tuna fishing and canning industry (Port of Victoria).
  • Known for art galleries, beaches, hiking, Hindu temple, open-air market, snorkeling, and tourist facilities.
  • Great fishing for bonito, dogtooth tuna, marlin and/or wahoo.
  • Snorkeling is best at Port Launay Marine National Park (Cap Ternay).
  • Offers Tour Boat Tours to/from Cerf Island, Long Island, Moyenne Island, Round Island, and Sainte Anne Island.
  • Casinos are found at the  Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort (Beau Vallon) and Plantation Club (Baie Lazare).
North Island
  • Purchased (1997) for $5USD million by Wilderness Holdings Limited. 
  • A luxury private island resort.
  • Offers 11 private villas.
  • Has 4 beaches; Dive Beach, East Beach, Honeymoon Cove, and West Beach (aka: Grande Anse).
  • Where the Duke (Prince William) & Duchess (Catherine) of Cambridge spent their honeymoon (May 2011) after their Westminster Abbey nuptials (4/29/11).
  • Permanent staff reside near the island's center.
  • Popular activities include: deep sea fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, and scuba diving.
  • Upon arrival, the Resort Chef discusses guests' likes and dislikes further basing available ingredients.
  • All food is either caught fresh from the sea, grown in an organic vegetable gardens, or reared on the island.
Praslin Island
  • Formerly a hideaway for Pirates (1744).
  • Second largest island.
  • While Anse Volbert-Côte D’Or is their main beach, Anse Lazio is the best beach.
  • A cruise ship port stop.
  • Known for their unique coco de mer and vanilla orchids
Silhouette Island
  • Third largest granitic island.
  • Consists of 3 villages.
  • Estimated population of 200.
  • Mountainous island with 5 peaks.
  • Offers 5 Star lodging, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.



Photo Credit: pascal OHLMANN/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (February) Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon, Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria, (March) International Deep-Sea Fishing Competition, International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), Semaine de la Francophonie, (April) Carnaval International de Victoria, National Fishing Competition, (May) Festival of Underwater Images, FetAfrik, Seychelles Arts Festival, (June) Festival of Classical Music, (July) Seychelles Fashion Week, (August) Beau Vallon Regatta, Festival de la Digue, Festival of the Assumption, La Digue Island, Round Table Beau Vallon Regatta, (September) Praslin Culinary & Arts Fiesta, Windsurfing Race, (October) Creole Festival, SUBIOS Underwater Festival, (November) World Championship of Fishing, and (December) Seychelles Ocean Festival.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Liberation Day, Independence Day, Festival of the Assumption, All Saints, Immaculate Conception, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know
  • VISA not required but a Visitor’s Permit is obtained upon arrival.
  • Seychelles is not for budget conscious travelers.
  • Popular place for destination wedding, honeymoon, romance, and vow renewal.
  • Credit cards are not necessarily widely accepted.
  • Most visited beaches are: Anse Georgette (Praslin Island), Anse Intendance (Mahé Island), Anse Lazio (Praslin Island), Anse Soleil (Mahé Island),  Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue Island), Anse Takamaka (Mahé Island), and Petite Anse Kerlan (Praslin Island).
  • Topless sunbathing is tolerated on resort beaches. Nudism is not permitted.
  • Rainy Season is November - January.
  • Prevalent Diseases include: Chikungunya. Dengue Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Typhoid.
  • Snorkeling is best from April - May and October - November due to water clarity.
  • Local Customs require Permits for alcohol, fruits, pharmaceuticals, radio equipment, tobacco, and/or vegetables.
  • Most islands lie outside the Cyclone Belt, Season is May - November.
  • Turtles nesting is from October - April. 
  • International Driving Permit required.
  • Bus Services are crowded and infrequent.
  • Vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
  • Bird watching is popular from April - October.
  • Spear fishing is illegal.
  • Scuba Diving is best between March - May and September - November.
  • Ferry Service connects the islands of La Digue, Mahe, and Praslin.
  • Well known for barracuda, bone fishing, marlin, milkfish, pompano, sailfish, swordfish, trevally, tuna, and wahoo.
  • Have minimal street lights.
  • Fishing Season is ideal from September - May.
  • Amongst the Islands there's only one 18-hole golf course Praslin Island (Constance Lemuria Resort).
  • Be aware of strong currents and rip tides.
  • The Anse Major Trail at Morne Seychellois National Park (Mahé Island) is popular for picturesque hiking.
  • Sun is very strong.
  • Flash photography at the Special Reserve (Cousin Island) is forbidden.

This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Required Vaccination from select countries. 
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.


Photo Credit:Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke/Pixabay 


  • Best Time to Visit: May - November
  • Coolest Months: July - August 
  • Hottest Months: December - April
  • Peak Season: May - August & December - January


Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aldabra and Vallée de Mai.


Eden Island, SeychellesPhoto Credit: Devadasu Gorrela/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 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.   

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Serbia

Serbia Flag



Why visit Serbia?
Ideal for experienced European traveler seeking off-the-beaten path to experience architectural styles, bicycling, churches, culture, fishing, folk art, golf, hiking, horseback riding, lakes, monasteries, picturesque scenery, river cruises, rolling hills, ruins, skiing, spas, squash, and waterfall.



Belgrade, Serbia. Photo Credit: Djordje Jovanovic/Pixabay 



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Ajvar, art, Bermit (dessert wine), embroidery, handmade carpets, lace, leather boxes, licitar heart cookie, local honey, pottery, silver jewelry, tapestries, wines, wood carvings, and woolens.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Burek (stuffed pastry). Cevapcici (sausage). Gljeskavica (cheese pie). Kajmak (cheese spread). Leskovacka Muckalica (stew). Moussaka (casserole). Musaka (casserole). Peceno Prase (pig roast). Pljeskavica (meat patty). Sarma (stuffed cabbage).
  • Local Drink to Try: Lozovaca (cognac). Rakia (spirit). Sljivovica (brandy). Vinkak (brandy).

Fun Facts
  • The Belgrade International Theatre Festival (BITEF) is one of the oldest theatre festivals in the world (1967).
  • Danube is the longest river passing through.
  • Largest waterfall, Jelovarnik (Kopaonik).
  • Home to 8 venomous snakes.
  • Only European languages to use both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets.
  • Wines are produced in 22 different geographical regions.
  • One of the largest providers of frozen fruits to the European Union (EU).
  • Second largest producers of plum and raspberry in the world.
  • Has 3 opera houses: Madlenianum Opera (Belgrade), Opera of the National Theatre (Belgrade), and Opera of the Serbian National Theatre (Novi Sad).


Novi Sad. Photo Credit: Petar Ubiparip/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (February) Kobasicijada, (March) Belgrade Dance Festival, Belgrade Design Week, Belgrade Fashion Week, (April) Resonate Festival, Serbia Fashion Week, Serbian Air Show, (May) Mikser Festival, (June) Bean Festival, Cinema City Film Festival, Pančevački Carnival, (July) Book Talk, EXIT Festival, Kosidba na Rajcu, (August) Belgrade Beer Fest, Guča Trumpet Festival, Lovefest, Tešnjar's Night, (September) Belgrade International Theatre Festival, Cabbage Festival, Festival of Street Musicians, Leskovac Grill Festival, Ljubičevo Equestrian Games, Nisville Internacional Jazz Festival, Roštiljijada Festival, Smederevska Jesen, and (October) Belgrade Music Festival.
  • Holidays: Christmas Day, Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Day, Easter Monday, Labor Holiday, and Armistice Day.

Good to Know
  • Travelers cannot enter using a passport previously reported lost or stolen. 
  • Required to register with local police within 24 hours of arrival.
  • Landmines are known around the borders Bosnia, Croatia and and Herzegovina.
  • Entry from Kosovo without first having previously entered from another recognized entry point and obtaining a Serbian entry stamp will not be granted permission to enter.
  • Most tourist visited areas are Belgrade and Novi Sad.
  • Requires an International Driving Permit.
  • Serbian liquors tend to be strong.
  • Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country.
  • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
  • Blood alcohol level, 0.02% or higher is considered intoxicated; punishable by arrest and/or fines.
  • Spa towns are  Banja Koviljača, Soko Banja, and Vrnjačka Banja.
  • Avoid conversations about politics and religion.
  • Buses are often crowded.
  • Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  • Vojvodina Region between Belgrade and the Hungarian border is prone to winter fog.
  • Year round evenings require a light sweater.
  • Most popular Mountain Resorts are Kopaonik, Stara Planina, and Ziatibor. 


Smederevo Fortress, Smederevo, Serbia. Photo Credit: Petar Ubiparip/Pixabay 



This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: 10,000EUR.

Subject to droughts, earthquakes, floods, and storms.

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

Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Gamzigrad-Romuliana Palace of Galerius, Medieval Monuments in Kosovo, Stari Ras and Sopocani, Studenica Monastery, and Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards.


Photo Credit: Stevan Aksentijevic/Pixabay 



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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.  


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                                                                                                          Photo Credit: Anatolii Maks / Pixa...