Sweden

 

Sweden Flag

Why visit Sweden?

Ideal for the outdoorsy and sophisticated cultural traveler seeking experiences to enjoy art, architecture, beaches, bicycling, camping, canoeing, castles, culture, festivals, fishing, forests, gardens, golf, hiking, history, ice fishing, ice skating, islands, lakes, manors, mountain biking trails, mountains, museums, national parks, northern lights, quaint villages, sailing, saunas, scenery, shopping, skiing,  sleigh rides, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tennis, valleys, wilderness, and winter sports.

Stockholm, Sweden. Photo Credit: brightfreak/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Amber, coins, crystal, furniture, glass, glassworks, gold jewelry, knitted sweaters, rya rugs, silver jewelry, stamps, stainless steel cutlery, woodwork, and wool goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Ärtsoppa (pea soup).Gravlax (cured salmon). Gubbröra (anchovy salad). Kalops (stew). Kanelbulle (cinnamon bun).  Knäckebröd (crisp bread). Korv Stroganoff. Köttbullar (meatballs).
  Pitepalt (potato dumplings). Prinsesstårta (cake). Pyttipanna (hash). Smörgåstårta (sandwich). Wallenbergare (traditional).
• Local Drink to Try: Akvavit (spirit). Filmjölk (yogurt). Glögg (wine). Gotlandsdricka (beer). Julmust (soft drink). Pucko (chocolate milk). Punsch (liqueur). Saft (soft drink). Söderblandning (tea). Snaps (vodka).

Drottningholm Palace, Drottningholm, Sweden. Photo Credit: Erich Westendarp/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Relied on U.S. nuclear submarines during the Cold War (1947 - 1991).
• Hosted the Equestrian at the Summer Olympics (1956), FIFA World Cup (1958), FIFA Women's World Cup (1995), Summer Olympics (1912), UEFA Euro (1992), UEFA Women's Euro (2013), and World Championships in Athletics (1995).
• Home of  Vikings and Volvos.
  
• At Lake Gryttjen (Gävleborg County) are mysterious sightings thought to be of a sea cow.
• Largest Nordic country.
• "Die Another Day", a James Bond film is based on the real structure (Icehotel) in Jukkasjarvi.
  
• Norway and Sweden pedestrian bridge was designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
  
• Gota Canal is between Gothenburg and Stockholm.
  
• Fifth largest European country.
• Largest city is Stockholm (capital).
• After 200 years, broke Switzerland's record for peace.
• Largest country in Northern Europe.
  
• Highest point is Kebnekaise (6,926 ft).
  
• Longest river is Klarälven-Göta älv.
• Maintains their own currency, the Swedish Krona (SEK).
  
• Every Swedish resident receives a state pension. 
  
• Considered one of the oldest populations in the world.
• English is taught between grades 1 - 9.
  
• Ericsson Globe (Stockholm) is the largest hemispherical building in the world.
  

Photo Credit:  Janina Bienkowski/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Gothenburg Film Festival, Kiruna Snow Festival, (February) Stockholm Design Week, (April) GothCon, Uppsala River Rafting Event, International Science Festival, Walpurgis Night, Walpurgisnacht Festival, (May) Drottningholm Court Theater, Stockholm Japan Expo, (June) Gothenburg Aero Show, Hultsfred Festival, Midsummer, Peace & Love Festival, Stockholm Early Music Festival, Summerburst Festival, (July) Around Gotland Race, Arvika Festival, Gay Pride, Rattviksdansen, Stockholm Jazz Festival, (August) Kulturkalaset, Malmo Festival, Medieval Week, Minnesota Day, Stockholm Folk Festival, Uppsala Reggae Festival, World Water Week in Stockholm, (September) Göteborg International Book Fair, Kivik Apple Market Festival, Lund International Fantastic Film Festival, (October) Intrum Stockholm Open, Stockholm Jazz Festival, (November) Stockholm International Film Festival, (December) Lucia the Festival of Lights, Musikhjälpen, and Nobel Day.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, May 1st, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, National Day, Midsummer Day, All Saints' Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Mellerud, Sweden. Photo Credit: Lena Lindell/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Not recommended for budget conscious travelers.
  
• Ride a train north from Stockholm to Lapland to be transformed from the city to untamed beauty of Arctic wilderness.
  
• Has 4 distinct seasons and mild temperatures throughout the year.
• Northern region is known for its midnight sun.
  
• Viking artifacts are scarce.
  
• Most popular museums are Gothenburg's Universeum (Gothenburg), Museum of World Culture (Gothenburg), and Vasa Museum (Stockholm).
• Sailing is most popular in Gothenburg along the coast north of Gothenburg.
  
• Are Bike Park (Areskutan) is popular.
  
• Ostersund is known for its winter activities.
  
• Topless bathing is permitted.
  
• Vehicles are required to drive with headlights on.
• Most beautiful beaches are Bohuslan, Gotland, Havang, Laholm, Oland Island, Sandhamn, Tylosand, Uto, and Varberg.
  
• Snow tires are required from December 1 - March 31.
• Drivers must be at least 18 years old.
• Parking is expensive.
• Popular bike trails include around Lake Siljan (Siljansleden), around the lakes of Malaren and Hjalmaren (Malarsleden), from Helsingborg to Karesuando (Lapland), and Stockholm to Nynashamm (Nynasleden).
• January, March and April are considered the best times to ski in the northern region.
• Taxis are expensive.
  
• In small towns, stores tend to close by 2PM on Saturdays.
  
• Locals tend to speak at a lower volume level compared to us.
• Fishing License required for lakes and rivers.
• Daily ferries from Stockholm also run between Helsinki and Turku, Finland; Tallin, Estonia; and Riga, Latvia.
  
• Oresund Bridge links Malmo, Sweden, with Copenhagen, Denmark.
  

Stockholm, Sweden. Photo Credit: Lena Lindell/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months of validity and space for entry/exit stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: 10,000EUR.

Photo Credit: JaakL/Pixabay 

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

Bohuslän, Sweden. Photo Credit: Klaus Reiser/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Birka Viking Museum, Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland, Drottningholm Palace, Engelsberg Ironworks, Falun, Gammelstad Church Town, Grimeton Radio Station, High Coast, Hovgården, Karlskrona, Kvarken, Laponian Area, Öland, Royal Domain of Drottningholm, Skogskyrkogården, Suomenlinna, Tanumshede, The Chinese Pavilion, The Struve Geodetic Arc, and Visby.

Vittskövle Castle, Scania, Sweden. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Ideal for the outdoorsy and sophisticated cultural traveler seeking experiences to enjoy art, architecture, beaches, bicycling, camping, canoeing, castles, culture, festivals, fishing, forests, gardens, golf, hiking, history, ice fishing, ice skating, islands, lakes, manors, mountain biking trails, mountains, museums, national parks, northern lights, quaint villages, sailing, saunas, scenery, shopping, skiing,  sleigh rides, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tennis, valleys, wilderness, and winter sports.

Why visit Sweden?

Ideal for the outdoorsy and sophisticated cultural traveler seeking experiences to enjoy art, architecture, beaches, bicycling, camping, canoeing, castles, culture, festivals, fishing, forests, gardens, golf, hiking, history, ice fishing, ice skating, islands, lakes, manors, mountain biking trails, mountains, museums, national parks, northern lights, quaint villages, sailing, saunas, scenery, shopping, skiing,  sleigh rides, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tennis, valleys, wilderness, and winter sports.

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.  

Suriname

Suriname Flag

Why visit Suriname?

Ideal for the outdoorsy experienced traveler seeking to enjoy birdwatching, botanical gardens, culture, diversity, ecotourism, fishing, guest ranches, hiking, horseback riding, jungle adventures, lakes, markets, national parks, rainforests, religious festivals, small game hunting, and wildlife.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Batiks, handwoven baskets, varnished piranhas, necklaces, sarongs, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bakabana (fritter). Bojo (cake). Javaanse Bami (noodles). Kapsalon (salad). Kip Saté (appetizer). Moksi Alesi (chicken dish). Nasi Goreng (fried rice). Pinda (peanut soup). Pom (chicken dish). Saoto (soup).  
• Local Drink to Try: Gemberbier (soft drink). Orgeades (soft drink). Parbo (beer).

Fun Facts

• Smallest sovereign state in South America.
• Largest city is Paramaribo.
• One of the least densely populated countries in the world.
• Julianatop (Sipaliwini District) is the highest mountain.
  
• Celebrate unique holidays: Indian, Javanese and Chinese arrival days.
• On New Year's Eve, firecrackers (pagaras) with long ribbons are detonated at midnight.
  
• One of only 2 countries on the mainland of South America that drive on the left.
  
• Only 6 small airports are paved out of 55.
• Brokopondo Reservoir os one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
  
• Education is mandatory until the age of 12.
• Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge connects Paramaribo with Commewijne.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Brazilian Carnival. (April) International Film Festival, (May) Avond Vierdaagse, (June) Fete de la Musique, (July) Staatsolie Swim Marathon, (August) Surinamese Chess Championship, (October) National Art Exhibition, Suriname Jazz Festival, (November) Srefidensi Marathon, Suriname Savanna Rally, (December) Pagara Estafette, and Surinamese Footballer of the Year.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Three Kings Day, World Religion Day, Chinese New Year, Holi, Good Friday, Easter, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Indian Arrival Day, Keti Koti, Javanese Arrival Day, Indigenous People's Day, Day of the Maroons, Chinese Arrival Day, Diwali,  Independence Day, Christmas, Boxing Day, and Eid-ul-Adha.

Good to Know

• Sanitary conditions are below western standards.
  
• Not ideal for beach goers. Instead consider Aruba, Dutch Antilles or St Maarten.
• Catamaran and Hobie Cat sailing off the coast near Paramaribo.
  
• Golf and tennis are available in Paramaribo.
• Avoid photographing bridges, ferries, government buildings, and military.
  
• Keep receipts for Customs upon departure.
  
• Internal flights are unreliable.
• Crime is an issue.
• Avoid traveling alone.
• Outside of Paramaribo police presence is limited.
• Very hot and wet tropical climate.
  
• Avoid evening explorations.
• Rainy Season is from April - August and November - February. 
• Central Suriname Nature Reserve is their largest and most popular reserve.
  
• Drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
• Dry Seasons is from February - April and August - November.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated.
• Credit cards are not widely accepted.
  
• Exchange currency at banks, hotels, and official exchange houses only.
• Outside of major cities cell phone reception is unreliable.
• Prevalent Diseases: Dengue and Malaria.
• Has no emergency call boxes, lights, or service stations along roads.
• Seat belts are mandatory.
  
• Cell phone use while driving is illegal.
• International Driver’s License is required.
• Roads are poorly maintained.
• Avoid motorcycles, public minibuses, or scooters.

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/Exit: $10,000USD.

Subject to high temperatures and humidity.

• Best Time to Visit: February - April & August - November
• Coolest Month: January & February
• Hottest Months: September & October
• Peak Season: July - August, October & December

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Central Suriname Nature Reserve and Paramaribo.

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.  

Sudan

Sudan Flag

Why visit Sudan?

Only adventurous travelers experienced in visiting developing countries should consider for ancient ruins, camel markets, culture, desert, game  parks, jungle tribes, rivers, snorkeling, and wildlife.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Camel seats, canes, copperware, decorated daggers, discarded bullet casing goods, drums, ebony carvings, gold jewelry, leather goods, silver jewelry, swords, and wooden pipes.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Miris (stew). Mullah (stew). Salatat Dakaw (peanut salad).

Fun Facts

• Largest African country.
  
• Supplies over 70% of the world's gum arabic, an ingredient used in soft drinks and pharmaceuticals.
  
• Highest point is Mount Kinyeti (10,620 ft).
  
• Fifteenth largest country in the world.
  
• Sahara Oryx are extinct in the wild.
  
• Women are not allowed to attend sporting events.
  
• Education is free for children 6 - 13 years.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Camel seats, canes, copperware, decorated daggers, discarded bullet casings goods, ebony carvings, drums, gold jewelry, leather goods, silver jewelry, swords, and wooden pipes. 
  
• Holidays: Independence Day, Easter, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, The Prophet's Birthday, and Christmas.

Good to Know

• Extreme poverty.
  
• Obtain VISA before travel.
• Violence continues along the Chad border.
  
• Escorted and hosted tours are the best ways to see the country.
  
• Travel with a copies of your passport and VISA.
  
• International cuisine is limited to Chinese and Middle Eastern.
• Khartoum visitors are required to register with the police within 3 days of arrival.
  
• Sanitary conditions tend to be below western standards.
  
• Electronics: cell phones, laptops, satellite phones, tablets and video cameras require approval. 
  
• Prevalent Diseases: Dengue, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, and Yellow Fever.
• Outside of Khartoum visitors are required to register with the police within 1 day of arrival.
• Landmine remnants of war still exist in rural areas.
  
• Select airlines and hotels are known to require bank receipts before accepting payment.
• Only cities and major highways are paved.
  
• Avoid walking or traveling alone.
  
• Traveling outside Khartoum, take at least two extra passport size photos for your permit.
• Commuting with additional fuel, provisions, and spare tires is highly recommended.
• Garbage is commonly dumped in empty lots.
  
• Avoid wearing shorts in public.
• International Driving Permit is required. 
• Third-party liability insurance from the government is required.
• Drive with doors and windows locked.
• Dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered.
• Due to sandstorms always carry face coverings.
• Avoid photographing border areas, bridges, camps, government buildings, infrastructure, military installations, military personnel, police, public utilities, and  transportation facilities.
• Most local drivers carry no insurance.
• Little tourism infrastructure is in place. 
  
• Roads in the south tend to be closed in July - September due to local weather.
  
• Avoid public transportation.
  
• Homosexuality is illegal; punishable to life in prison.
  
• Operates on a cash-only economy; USA issued credit and debit cards are not accepted.
  
• Vehicles tend to be poorly maintained.
• Clinics and hospitals are poorly equipped.
• Taxi Drivers rarely speak English.
• Weekly passenger train service from Khartoum to Wadi Halfa and to the Port.
• Ambulance services are unavailable.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required. 

Subject to droughts, heavy rainstorms, high temperatures, humidity, and sandstorms. 

• Best Time to Visit: November - February & April
• Coolest Months: December - February
• Hottest Months: April - July
• Peak Season: February, July, & October 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: El-Kurru, Jebel Barkal, Meroë, Musawwarat es-Sufra, and Nuri.

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.   

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Flag

Why visit Sri Lanka?

Ideal for the adventurous tropical traveler seeking to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, colonial architecture, culture, festivals, hiking, historical sites, monuments, mountains, national parks, palaces, safaris, scuba diving, temples, waterfalls, water sports, and wildlife reserves.

Sigiriya, Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Photo Credit: Poswiecie/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Buddha figurines, cane boxes, cats-eye gem, cloth woven patterns, elephant goods, masks, moonstone gem, paintings, porcelain, sapphires gem, spices, and tea.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Aluwa (dessert). Bibikkan (coconut cake). Ekor (delicacy soup). Godamba Roti (flatbread). Kalu Dodol (dessert). Kiri Aluwa (toffee). Kiribath (rice cake). Kokis (fried pastry). Kottu (stir-fry). Kool (seafood broth) Pittu (rice). String Hoppers (noodle dish). Thala Guli (sweet snack). Wattalapam (rice pudding).
• Local Drink to Try: Arrack (spirit). Toddy (tree sap).

Colombo, Sri Lanka. Photo Credit: bestbauch/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• A South Asia pear-shaped Island nation.
• Where the late Diana (1961 - 1997), Princess of Wales blue sapphire was mined (Ratnapura). 
• Home to the oldest democracy in Asia.
• Highest point, Pidurutalagala (8,281 ft).
  
• Has 103 rivers.
• Home to 51 natural waterfalls.
• Highest waterfall, Bambarakanda Falls (863 ft).
• Volleyball is the national sport.
  
• Wilpattu National Park (northwest) is the largest national park.
  
• Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (formerly Radio Ceylon) is the oldest operating Asian radio station.
  
• Most popular sport is cricket.
  

Nine Arches Bridge (Bridge in the Sky), Sri Lanka. Photo Credit: Shivaaz RGL/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Aluth Sahal Mangallaya, Duruthu Perahera, Nallur Festival, Thai Pongal, (February) Colombo Fashion Week, Galle Literary Festival, Maha Sivarathri Festival, Nawam Maha Perahera, (March) Galle Literary Festival, (April) Easter Festival, Sri Lankan New Year Festival, (May) Vesak, (June) Abhimani Film Festival, Poson Festival, (July) Esla Festival, Kataragama Festival, (August) Bellanwila Perehera, Kandy Perahera, Madhu Festival, Nallur Festival, Sri Lankan Chess Championship, The St Anne's, Vel Festival (September) Colombo International Book Fair, Facets Exhibition, Star Party Sri Lanka, (October) Navarathri Festival, Sri Lankan Airlines Golf Classic, World Spice Festival, (November) Deepavali Festival, (December) Adam’s Peak, and Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year.
• Holidays: Tamil Thai Pongal Day, Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day, National Day, Navam Full Moon Poya Day, Mahasivarathri Day, Madin Full Moon Poya Day, Sinhala & Tamil, Sinhala & Tamil New Year's Eve, Sinhala & Tamil New Year's Day, Good Friday, Bak Full Moon Poya Day, May Day, Eid al-Fitr, Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, Eid al-Adha, Esala Full Moon Poya Day, Raksha Bandhan, Nikini Full Moon Poya Day, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Vap Full Moon Poya Day, Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day, and Christmas Day. 

Devils Stair Case, Sri Lanka. Photo Credit: Samantha Weerasinghe/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Considered a developing country.
• Official languages are Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken in commercial, education, and scientific environments.
  
• Sri Lankan Gem & Jewelry Exchange (Colombo) has a gem testing laboratory.
  
• Weligama offers gentle surfing.
  
• Military maintains a significant presence in the northern region.
  
• Most tourist friendly beaches are in the south and west area.
  
• If a Guide takes you into a shop, shop owners may charge you more to cover the Guides commission.
  
• Armed gangs are known to exists.
• Northern peninsula is only restricted to journalists.
  
• Avoid Colombo Pettah neighborhood at night.
• Women should avoid traveling alone.
• Credit card fraud is frequent.
  
• Bentota Beach is sandwiched between a lagoon and ocean.
• Unawatuna offers a tranquil bay.
  
• January - April is considered the best time for visiting cultural sites without large local crowds.
  
• Train from Colombo to Kandy offers a scenic ride (Bible Rock).
  
• Hospitals tend to be poorly supplied.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, safety inspections do not commonly occur.
• Rainy Season (southwest) is May - July.
  
• Buses tend to be crowded.
  
• Knuckles Range (6,112 feet) offers lovely views of the Dumbara Valley below.
  
• Posing for a photograph with your back to a Buddha statue is a serious offense, punishable by arrest and/or fine.
  
• Western Kalpitiya peninsula is popular for kitesurfing.
  
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, & Japanese Encephalitis.
• Bar Reef is known for scuba diving and snorkeling.
  
• Medical facilities outside the capital (Colombo) are limited.
  
• Monsoon Season (northeast) is December - January.
• Mosquito protection is strongly advised.
• Traffic moves on the left.
  
• Fooding causes roads to be inaccessible for several days.

Photo Credit: Mohamed Nuzrath/Pixabay 

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. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry $15,000USD/Exit: $5,000USD.

 

Subject to heavy rainfall, high temperatures, humidity, landslides, and monsoons.

• Best Time to Visit: December - April & May - October
• Coolest Month: January
• Hottest Months: May - June
• Peak Season: November - April

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple & Golden Temple, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, Photo Credit: Lapping/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Dambulla Cave Temple, Galle, Kandy, Poḷonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Walapane Peace Pagoda, Walapane, Sri Lanka. Photo Credit: Vined Mind/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.