South Korea

South Korea Flag

Why visit South Korea?

For travelers seeking to enjoy architecture, beaches, birdwatching, cultural performances, hiking, hot springs, mountain climbing, mountain trails, museums, national parks, palaces, shopping, snow skiing, spas, temples, traditional culture, and unspoiled scenery. 

Seoul, South Korea. Photo Credit: csk/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Amethyst, athletic shoes, bamboo goods, brassware, calligraphy goods, ceramics, custom-made clothes, cutwork paper crafts, dolls, furs, ginseng, jewelry, lacquer ware, leather goods, musical instruments, painted gourds, paintings, porcelain, pottery, silks, topaz, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bibim Nengmyun (cold noodles). Bibimbap (rice dish). Bulgogi (marinated beef). Galbi (marinated ribs). Hotteok (fried cakes). Jajangmyeon (noodles). Jeyuk Bbokeum (sauteed pork). Jjigae (stew). Kalguksu (noodle soup). Kimchi Jjiage (stew). Mandu Guk (dumpling soup). Samgyetang (stewed chicken). Seolleongtang (beef soup). Yukgejang (beef soup).
• Local Drink to Try: Banana Milk. Bokbunja Ju (wine). Boricha (tea). Makgeolli (spirit). Milkis (milk/yoghurt soda). Sikhye (sweet). Soju (spirit). Sujeonggwa (drinkable dessert).

Sejong, South Korea. Photo Credit: choe yongwoo/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Women keep their maiden name, and their children take their father's last name.
• World's 5th largest nuclear power producer.
• Hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics (Pyeongchang).
• Middle and high school aged students wear uniforms.
  
• Home to the world's second best healthcare system.
  
• "Korean Wave" reflects their influential pop music and TV dramas.
  
• Esports reflects their competitive video gaming. 
  

Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan, South Korea. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Hwacheon Mountain Trout Festival, Jaraseom Singsing Winter Festival, (February) Inje Ice Fishing Festival, (March) yeongju Traditional Drink & Rice Cake Festival, Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival, (April) Gochang Green Barley Festival, Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, Gwangalli Eobang Festival, Hi Seoul Festival, Icheon Ceramic Festival, Jeju Fire Festival, Jeonju International Film Festival, Jindo Miracle Sea Parting Festival, Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, (May) Boseong Green Tea Festival, Gangneung Danoje Festival, Lotus Lantern Festival, (June) Haeundae Sand Festival, Muju Firefly Festival, (July) Boryeong Mud Festival, Taebaek Sunflower Festival, (August) Busan International Rock Festival, Muan White Lotus Festival (September) Harvest Festival, (October) Icheon Rice Cultural Festival, Jagalchi Festival, Jeonju Bibimbap Festival, Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), (November) Gwangju Kimchi Festival, and Seoul Lantern Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Seollal Holiday, Independence Movement Day, Presidential Election, Labor Day, Children's Day. Buddha's Birthday, Local Election Day, Memorial Day, Liberation Day, Chuseok Holiday, National Foundation Day, Hangeul Proclamation Day, and Christmas Day.

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, Seoul, South Korea. Photo Credit: csk/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Southern tip (Jeju island) is known as the "Hawaii of Korea".
• Cease an opportunity for an overnight temple stay to cleanse your body, mind, and spirit. 
• Birdwatching is best between December - March.
• Best hiking trails are in Hallasan (Jeju Island), Jirisan (north Jeolla-do), and Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon-do).
• Ski Season is from December - February.
• Antiques prior to 1910 may require a certificate to export.
• Duty-Free stores are in Cheongju airports, Gimhae, Incheon, Jeju, and  seaports.
  
• Monsoon Season is June - August.
• Authorities may arrest, detain, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state”.
  
• Typhoon Season is May - November.
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Strict enforcement of regulations on exporting and importing: firearms, gold, narcotics, non-prescription health supplements, prescription drugs, and radio equipment.
  
• Dust and pollution is an issue in Seoul.
• Be prepared to use chopsticks.
• Amphetamines are illegal.
  
• Avoid demonstrations and rallies.
  
• Motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks.
• Keep currency-exchange receipts for departure exchange.
• Known tensions with North Korea.
• Requires an International Driving Permit.
• Buildings tend to be heated via pipes embedded in the floor.
  
• Culturally avoid blowing your nose in public.
• Visiting Panmunjeom avoid wearing jeans, sandals or shorts.
• Don't write a citizen's name in red ink; this indicates the person is deceased or your desire for them to be.
  
• Seat belts are mandatory.
• Car ferry and hydrofoil services between Korea and Japan.
  
• Blood alcohol content of 0.03%/+ is considered legally intoxicated.

Dodamsambong Peaks, Danyang County, South Korea. Photo Credit: Pixabay

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.

Yuldong Park, eongnam, South Korea. Photo Credit: friscii/Pixabay 

Subject to high humidity, high temperatures, monsoons, typhoons, and yellow dust storms.

Gold Crown Tomb (Geumgwanchong), Gyeongju, South Korea. Photo Credit: Nabin Mewahang/Pixabay 

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

Jeju Island, South Korea. Photo Credit: Evaldas Daugintis/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Baekje Historic Areas, Changdeokgung Palace Complex, Getbol Korean Tidal Flats, Gochang Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, Gyeongju Historic Areas, Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, Historic Villages of Korea, Hwaseong Fortress, Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong, Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, Sansa, Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, and Seowon.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea. Photo Credit: 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

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"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.   

South Africa

South Africa Flag

"Rainbow Nation" 

Karkloof Falls, Howick, South Africa. Photo Credit: Lynn Greyling/Pixabay 

Why visit South Africa?

Offers something for every traveler whether seeking to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, diamond mines, ecotourism, game reserves, gold mines, golf. heritage sites, hiking, indigenous culture, mountain biking, national parks, nature reserves, nightlife, picturesque natural landscape, rocky coast, safari, scuba diving, shopping, snorkeling, surfing, vineyards, wilderness trails, and wildlife.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Towm, South Africa. Photo Credit: Whisker Flowers/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, baskets, beadwork, diamonds, fabric, gold coins, red bush tea, wood carvings, and woven rugs.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Biltong (dried meat). Bobotie (curried meat). Boerewors (sausage). Braai (grilled meat). Bredie (stew). Chakalaka (spiced tomato). Koeksisters (doughnuts). Malva (pudding). Melktert (dessert).
  Potjiekos (stew). Samosa (fried pastry). Upens (tripe). Waterblommetjies (edible flower).
• Local Drink to Try: Black Label & Castle (beer). Pink Lady (gin). Rooibos (tea). 

Photo Credit: Stephen Cruickshank/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• The 24th largest country in the world.
  
• Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 - 2013), Activist & President spent nearly 20 years as a political prisoner (Robben Island).
  
• Has as 11 official languages.
• Has 3 capital cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, and Pretoria.
• Largest city is Johannesburg.
  
• Home to an estimated 200,000 traditional healers.
• Has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa.
• Buffelsfontein (Eastern Cape) is the coldest place.
  
• World's largest producers of chrome. manganese, platinum, vanadium, and vermiculite. 
  
• Where District 9 (2009), Tsotsi (2005), The Endless River (2005), and U-Carmen e-Khayelitsha (2005) were filmed. 

Photo Credit: Jeanine Smal/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Cape Minstrels Carnival, Duzi Canoe Race, J&B Metropolitan Horse Race, Shakespeare Open Air Festival, South Africa Open, Spier Arts Festival, (February) Dance Umbrella, Design Indaba Cape Town, Sangoma Khekheke's Annual Snake Dance, (March) Cape Argus Cycle Tour, Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Klein Karoo National Arts Festival, (April) Two Oceans Marathon, (May) Cape Times Waterfront Wine Festival, Franschhoek Literary Festival, Infecting the City, PSL Awards, Prince Albert Olive Festival, The Gourmet Festival, (June) Comrades Marathon, Fingo Festival, Standard Bank National Arts Festival, (July) Knysna Oyster Festival, Mr Price Pro Surfing Classic, National Arts Festival, S.A. Fashion Week, The Sardine Run, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, (August) Jomba Contemporary Dance Experience, Namaqualand Wild Flower Season, Oppikoppi Bushveld Festival, (September) Arts Alive International Festival, Gariep Arts Festival, King Shaka Day Celebrations & the Zulu Kings Reed Dance, Out in Africa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Royal Reed Dance, Whale Festival, (October) Jacaranda Festival, Mr Gay World South Africa, Shembe Celebrations, (November) South African Horrorfest, Turtle-Tracking, (December) Appletiser Summer Sunset Concerts, Million Dollar Golf Challenge, Mother City Queer Project, South African Hip Hop Awards, and Vortex New Year's Eve Rave Party.
• Holidays: New Year’s Day, Human Rights Day, Good Friday, Family Day, Freedom Day, Workers' Day, Youth Day, National Women’s Day, Heritage Day, Day of Reconciliation, Christmas Day, and Day of Goodwill.

Photo Credit: Jeanine Smal/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• You will be denied entry if you do not have 2 consecutive blank passport booklet pages for entry stamp.
  
• Wreck diving is popular around Cape Town.
  
• From March - September surfing is best.
• Surfers enjoy Elands Bay, Hout Bay, Jeffrey's Bay, Kalk Bay Reef, KwaZulu-Natal, Mdumbi, and Nahoon Reef, Stilbaai.
• Cyclist enjoy Dirtopia Trail Centre, Giba Gorge, Golden Gate National Park, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Mankele Mountain, and Midlands Meander.
• Avoid walking alone especially after dark.
  
• Birdwatching is popular at Kruger National Park (northeastern) and the Zululand Reserves (Kwazulu-Natal).
  
• Between August - September flowers displays are best viewed.
  
• Hikers seek Kruger National Park (Limpopo/Mpumalanga), UKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (KwaZulu-Natal), and Table Mountain (Cape Town).
• Cape Town and Johannesburg are known for fine dining options.
  
• Avoid leaving valuables in parked cars.
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed.
  
• Winter Season is between June - August.
• Prevalent Diseases: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.
• ATM scams and Credit card fraud are common. 
  
• Traffic moves on the left.
  
• Due to rip tides do not swim alone in isolated beach areas.
• Prone to driving under the influence of alcohol, poor driving, and road rage.
• Wildlife photography requires at least a 300-mm lens.
• Crime is an issue.
• Seatbelts are a requirement.
• Cellular hand use or texting is illegal while driving.
• Cape Town is best visited between November - February.

Photo Credit: Jeanine Smal/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with 2 consecutive empty pages for entry stamps.
  
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $25,000ZAR.

Muizenberg, South Africa. Photo Credit: Greg Montani/Pixabay 

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

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa. Photo Credit: Aldk/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Khomani Cultural Landscape, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Richtersveld Cultural & Botanical Landscape, Robben Island, uKhahlamba/Drakensberg Park, and Vredefort Dome.

Cape Town, South Africa. Photo Credit: El Grincho/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

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"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.   

Somalia

Somalia Flag

Why visit Somalia?

Most commonly visited by experienced Journalists & Relief Workers; not a common tourist destination regardless of their architecture, beaches, camel markets, culture, historical sites, mountain ranges, national parks, and waterfalls.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, camel bone jewelry, handwoven fabrics, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Baasto (pasta). Barlis Skukaris, (rice dish). Gashaato (sweet snack). Lahoh (bread). Lokma (fried pastry). Malawax (crepe). Muufo (flatbread). Sabaayad (flatbread).  
• Local Drink to Try: Raqey (tamarind). Vimto (soft drink).

Fun Facts

• Located on the Horn of Africa.
  
• Mogadishu is 2 degrees north of the Equator.
  
• Roughly shaped like a tilted number seven.
  
• Longest coastline on the mainland of Africa.
• Only has 2 rivers (Jubba and Shabele).
• After meals, residents traditionally burn incense in homes.
  
• At bedtime, locals tend to consume a glass of milk spiced with cardamom.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year's Day, Labor Day, Eid al-Fitr, Independence Day, Eid al-Adha, Ashura, and Mawlid.

Good to Know

• Crime is an issue.
• Credit cards and traveler's checks are rarely accepted.
• English is taught and widely spoken.
  
• Electricity systems are poor.
  
• Terrain is flat with hills in the northern region.
  
• Daylight is 6AM - 6PM throughout the year (Mogadishu).
  
• Due to Bilharzia (parasite) avoid standing, swimming, or wading in still waters.
• Majority of citizens are Muslim.
• January - February and August blowing sand causes eye irritation.
• Healthcare and treatment centers are far below western standards.
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Medicines are in short supply.
  
• Same-sex sexual relations is punishable between 3 months - 3 years in prison.
  
• Road conditions are poor.
  
• Requires SIM cards purchased locally with cell phone compatibility.
• Dining sanitization is commonly below western standards. 
• Avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations.
• Ambulance services are not present or unreliable.
  
• U.S. dollars are widely accepted. 
  
• Humidity averages around 80% throughout the year.
  
• Dinner tends to be served around 9PM. 
  
• April - June  & October - December is considered Rainy Season.
  
• Photographing airports, border controls, government buildings, infrastructure, military installations, photos of people is prohibitive.
  
• Most shillings (SOS) in circulation are believed to be counterfeit.
  
• Prevalent Diseases: African Tick Bite Fever, Chikungunya, Cholera, Dengue, Hantavirus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Leishmaniasis, Leptospirosis, Malaria, Measles, Polio, Rabies, Schistosomiasis, Tuberculosis (TB), Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with 6 months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination from select countries. 

Subject to irregular rainfall, monsoon winds, and tsunami.

• Best Time to Visit: June - September
• Coolest Months: June - September
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: June - August

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

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"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.