Slovenia

Slovenia Flag

Why visit Slovenia?

Ideal for repeat European travelers seeking off-the-beaten-track destination to experience adventure sports, architecture, beaches, casino gambling, castles, caves, culture, cycling, farmhouses, fishing, folk arts, gastronomy, health spas, highlands, hiking, horseback riding, lakes, mountains, paragliding, river rafting, skiing, valleys, and vineyards.

 

Triglav National Park, Slovenia. Photo Credit: kvetlotosa/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, ceramics, crystal, lace, embroidery, handmade carpets, honey, jewelry, leather boxes, tapestries, wine carafes, wines, wood carvings, and woolens.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bograč (stew). Kraški Pršut (dried meat dish).
  Kremna Rezina (cream cake). Kranjska Klobasa (sausage). Močnik (porridge). Potica (dessert). Prekmurska Gibanic (cake). Prežganka (soup). Štefani Pečenka (meatloaf). Žganci (polenta dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Brinjevec (beer). Cviček (wine). Metliška Crnina (wine). Pelinkovac (liquor). Pinela (wine). Refošk (wine). Schnapps (liquor). Žametovka (wine). Zelèn (wine). Železna (mineral spring). 

Bled Castle, Bled, Slovenia. Photo Credit: nocloset/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Was declared (2016) the world's 1st green country by the Netherlands, Green Destinations.
• National Geographic Traveller's Magazine declared (2017) the country with the world's most sustainable tourism.
• Awarded the European Region of Gastronomy (2021).
  
• Triglav National Park (northwest) is their only national park.
• Third most forested European country.
  
• Most picturesque church, Church of Mary the Queen (aka:  Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary or Our Lady of the Lake) is on Bled Island. 
  
• Predjama Castle (Predjama) is partially hidden in a cave.

Škofja Loka, Slovenia. Photo Credit: MW/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Zlata Lisica, (February) Prešeren Fair, Ptuj Carnival, (March) Planica Ski Jumping, Pokal Vitranc Cup, (April) Radovljica Chocolate Festival, Salt Pans Festival, (May) Druga Godba, International Wildflower Festival, Three Hearts Marathon, Vinska Vigred, Walk Along the Wire, (June) Bled eConference, Cherry Festival, Franja Marathon, Indrija Lace Festival, Lent International Summer Festival, Jurjevanje, Ljubljana Jazz Festival, Night at the Lake Festival, Novi Rock Festival, Slovenska Popevka Festival, (July) Beer & Flower Festival, Grintovec Mountain Race, Ljubljana Summer Festival, Punch Festival, (September) Bohinj Annual Hiking Festival, Cow’s Ball, Kravji Bal, Maribor Festival, Pippi Longstocking Festival, Vilenica International Literary Festival, (October) International Festival of Computer Arts, Ljubljana Marathon, (November) Frankfurt After the Frankfurt, Ljubljana International Film Festival (LIFFe), Martinovanje, Slovene Book Fair, and (December) World Cup Biathlon.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Prešeren Day, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Day of Uprising Against Occupation, May Day, Whit Sunday, Statehood Day, Assumption Day, Reformation Day, Day of the Dead, Christmas Day, and Independence & Unity Day.

Maribor, Slovenia. Photo Credit: Jarko/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Required to carry your passport with you at all times.
• Ljubljana or Maribor Tourist Cards offer attractions, shopping, and transportation discounts.
  
• Year round evenings tend to require a light sweater.
• Compared to Western Europe, it is not a very windy country.
  
• Vodno mesto Atlantis (Ljubljana) is a large waterpark offering something at any age.
• Requires third-party liability insurance for car rentals.
  
• Highway use requires a windshield sticker, vignettes on all rental vehicles.
• Banks do not accept paper checks or travelers checks.
  
• Maximum legal blood-alcohol limit is .05% and .00% for drivers with less than two years’ experience.
  
• Headlights, helmets, and seat belts are mandatory.
• All vehicles must have: blank European Accident Form, First-Aid Kit, Reflective Vest/Jacket, Spare Headlight Bulbs, and Warning Triangle.
• Turning right on red stop light is illegal.
• Possession or use of illegal drugs is subject to severe punishment.
• Drivers must yield to bicycles.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) required.
  
• Between November 15 - March 15 vehicles must have all-season tires.
  
• Majority of tourists are from Austria, Benelux, Croatia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

Ljubljana, Slovenia. Photo Credit: ivabalk/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: 10,000EUR.

Predjama Castle, Predjama, Slovenia. Photo Credit: ivabalk/Pixabay 

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

Piran, Slovenia. Photo Credit: Zsolt Hollósi/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Heritage of Mercury Almadén & Idrija, Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps, Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians & Other Regions of Europe, Škocjan Caves, and The Works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centred Urban Design.

Slovenia. Photo Credit: Pierre Prégardien/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. 

Slovakia

Slovakia Flag

Why visit Slovakia?

A great additional while visiting central Europe tacking onto Austria, Budapest, Hungary, & Vienna to enjoy architecture, castles, caves, churches, cultural events, folk, hiking, historical sites, ice caverns, mountain climbing, mountain villages, picturesque valleys, quaint villages, ruins, skiing, spa towns, and streams.

 

Tatra Mountains. Photo Credit: Eszter Miller/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Antiques, carved wooden figures, corn husks dolls, crystal, decorated Easter eggs, dolls, embroidery goods, felt boots, fujaras, honey, horalky, lace, medovina, peasant frocks, pottery, puppets, slivovica, tatratea, wine, and wooden pitchers.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bryndzove Halusky (national dish). Gulášová Polievka (soup). Kapustnica (soup). Krvavnica (blood sausage). Lokse (pasta dish). Wiener Schnitzel. Zemiakove Placky (stuffed pancakes).
• Local Drink to Try: Demänovka (liquor). Koniferum Borovička (spirit). Kofola (soft drink). Slivovica (spirit).Tatratea (spirit). Vinea (wine). 

Bratislava Castle, Bratislava, Slovakia. Photo Credit: Walkerssk/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Čachtice Castle (Čachtice) was home to the late Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed (1560 - 1614) an alleged serial killer, "Bloody Lady".
  
• Adventure production, Dragonheart was filmed at Strečno Castle (Strečno).
• During 2023, Volvo is building a new plant to begin building electric cars (2026).
• Carpathian Mountains extend across the northern region.
  
• Nearly 41% of land surface is forest.
• Ochtinská Aragonite Cave (central), is 1 of only 3 aragonite caves in the world.
  
• Education is required for youths from 6 - 16.
• Has 3 international airports. 
• Football and ice hockey are the most popular sports.
  
• Only European Union members not have any mosques.
  
• World's largest car producer.
• Tatra Mountains has 29 peaks.
  
• Gerlachovský štít (8,711 ft) is the highest point.
  
• Home to 9 National Parks.
• Váh is the longest river.
  
• Danube is the largest river flowing through the country.

Liptov, Slovakia. Photo Credit: michaltrnka360/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Junifest, (February) Sled Dog World Championships Sprint, (May) Košice Music Spring Festival, International Festival of Ghosts & Monsters, (June) Fabulous Castle, Festival of the Culture of the Hungarians of Slovakia, Festival of the Ruthenian & Ukrainian Cultures, International Folk Costume Dolls Festival, International Folklore Festival Myjava, Touches & Connections, Zamagurské Folklórne Slávnosti  Festival, Zvolen Castle Plays, (July) Echoes of Old Slavic under Kráľova Hoľa Mountain, European Folk Craft Festival (EĽRO), Folklore Festival Poľana, Folklore Festival Východná, Jánošík Festival, Summer Esperanto Study, Východná Folklore Festival, Summer Shakespeare´s Festival, (August) European Festival of Humour & Satire Kremnica Gags, Festival Hontianska Paráda, Folklore Festival Podroháčske Folklórne Slávnosti, Scénická žatva Festival, Zemplínske Slávnosti Festival, (September) Middle Ages under the Walls, Nitra Theatre Festival, Radvanský Jarmok Fair, (October) Apple Festival, and Bratislava Model United Nations.
• Holidays: Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic, Epiphany, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Day of Victory over Fascism, St Cyril & Methodius Day, Slovak National Uprising Anniversary, Day of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Day of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, All Saints’ Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St Stephen's Day.

Photo Credit: Walkerssk/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccination is recommended.
  
• Requires proof of funds and a return plane ticket. 
• Most populated cities are Bratislava (capital) and Košice.
  
• Slovenský Raj (Slovak Paradise) is the most popular park.
  
• Fog is common during winter.
  
• Travelers 16+ must carry their passport at all times.
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol due to tolerance level of 0%. Punishable with incarceration.
• Prešov Region is known for wooden churches. 
  
• Photography of military installations or security is illegal.
• Piešťany is considered one of the busiest spa towns.
  
• Vacationing in a private home, within 3 days you must you must register with the local Border and Alien Police.
  
• Main hospitals are in Kramare, Old Town, Petrzalka, and Ruzinov.
• Museums and tourist sites tend to be closed on Mondays.
  
• Seatbelts are mandatory.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory.
  
• Helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists.
• Taxis are relatively inexpensive.
  
• Rental Car Drivers must be 21, a surcharge fee applies to those under 25.

Photo Credit: Jarek/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return 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 humidity, snowstorms, and summer monsoons.

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

Levoča, Slovakia. Photo Credit: Walkerssk/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aggtelek, Banská Štiavnica, Bardejov, Danubian Limes, Dobšiná Ice Cave, Domica Cave, Jasovská Cave, Spiš Castle, Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, Vlkolínec, Žehra, and Zipser Kapitel.   

Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia. Photo Credit: Miroslav Gecovic/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.  

Singapore

Singapore Flag

Why visit Singapore?

A 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 kwa, durian 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 

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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.   

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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"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.