Togo

Togo Flag

Why visit Togo?

For repeat Africa travelers seeking to enjoy beaches, casinos, markets, mountains, nightlife, scenery, tribal cultures, voodoo ceremonies, and waterfalls.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Beads, copper bracelets, fabrics, gold, musical instruments, paintings, pottery, puppets, shell jewelry, wood carvings, and wood furniture.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Ablo (pancakes). Akpan (dessert). Akume (porridge). Ayimolou (rice dish). Brochettes (kebobs). Deku Dessi (fruit soup). Djenkoumé (corn dough). Fufu (plantain paste). Gawu (fritter). Gboma Dessi (spinach sauce). Koklo Meme (grilled chicken). Peanut Soup. Pinon (fried dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Biere du Benin (beer). Eku (beer). Singha (beer).

Fun Facts

• "Nana Benz" are considered the richest business people in Africa.
• WAWA verbally said, means "West Africa Wins Again".
  
• Hôtel 2 Février Lomé (Lomé) marble was all local marble (Gnaoulou).
  
• Only has 2 major highways; Highway N1 and N2.
  
• Has 6 domestic and 2 international airports.
• Only has 1 large container port (Port of Lomé).
  
• Education is mandatory for 6 years.
  
• Competed in the 2018 - 2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Gado, (April) Cultural Week, (July) Evala, (August) Gbagba, and (September) Voodoo Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Liberation Day, Independence Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Martyrs' Day, Assumption Day, All Saints' Day, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• Official language is French.
• One week is enough to visit the entire country.
  
• Locals expect compensation for taken of them.
• Tamberna Valley ( northeastern) are houses resembling castles.
  
• Importing ivory goods is illegal.
• Avoid freshwater swim or wading due to parasites.
• Hôtel 2 Février Lomé (Lomé) 35th floor offers great views of the capital.
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• VISAs are no longer issued upon arrival.
  
• Rainy Seasons is May - July and September - October.
  
• Same sex sexual relations is illegal and punishable up to 3 years in prison.
  
• Harmattan Season is January - February.
  
• Prevalent Diseases: Dengue, Malaria, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, Schistosomiasis, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.
• During elections borders to/from Benin and Ghana are closed.
  
• Sweaters are necessary in the evenings year round.
• Foreigners are targeted.
• Street crime is a serious problem.
  
• Night official checkpoints should be approached with interior lights on, exterior lights dimmed, and passport ID readily available.
• Healthcare Staff speak little or no English.
  
• Avoid nontraditional “healers” and practitioners.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with 6 months of validity upon return and 2 blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

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

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

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alédjo Wildlife Reserve and Koutammakou.

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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.   

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste Flag

Why visit Timor-Leste?

Ideal for outdoor enthusiastic experienced travelers seeking an underdeveloped destination for beaches, churches, coastal roadways, coral reefs, fishing, hiking, historical colonial structures, marine life, mountains, national parks, scuba diving, scenery, snorkeling, and trekking.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Hand loomed cloth, handwoven cloth, homemade coconut soap, and locally grown coffee.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Batardan (stew). Bibingka (coconut cake). Catupa (coconut rice). Fuuntaul Tong (soup). Sesate (grilled meat). Tapai (rice).
• Local Drink to Try: Bintang Pilsener (beer). Cachaca (cocktail). Tuaka (palm wine).

Fun Facts

• José Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmão, First President (2002 - 2007), was awarded the Poetry Prize (1974).
  
• Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo (aka: Carlos Belo or Ximenes Belo), Catholic Bishop (1988 - 2002) and José Manuel Ramos-Horta, President earned the Nobel Peace Prize (1996).
  
• Released their first feature length thriller film, Beatriz's War (2013).
  
• Papaya flowers and pumpkins are considered culinary delicacies.
  
• Island of Timor is the largest of the Lesser Sunda Islands.
  
• Highest point (9,797 ft) is Tatamailau (aka: Tata Mailau or Mount Ramelau).
• Exports coffee, marble, petroleum, and sandalwood.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Saturday Night Market, (March) Festival of Culture & Food, (June) Festival for Peace, Festival Santissimo Corpo Cristo, (October) Ramelau Cultural Festival, (October) Coffee Festival, and Dili International Film Festival (DIFF).
  
• Holidays: New Year’s Day, Veterans Day, Holy Friday, World Labour Day, Idul Fitri, Restoration of Independence Day, Corpus Christi, Idul Adha,  Popular Consultation Day, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, National Youth Day, Proclamation of Independence Day, Memorial Day, Day of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Christmas Day, and National Heroes Day.

Good to Know

• Considered a very poor country.
• Malnutrition is common.
  
• An expensive destination to visit.
• U.S. dollar is the official currency.
  
• Few establishments accept credit cards.
• ATM machines may accept U.S. issued bank cards, however charge high fees and are frequently inoperative.
  
• Lacks amenity comforts.
• Languages spoken are English, Indonesian, Portuguese (preferred), and Tetum.
  
• Travel to Australia requires Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance.
  
• Avoid evening explorations or travel.
• Medical evacuations are either to Australia, Singapore, or the United States.
• Avoid flashing wealth.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.
• Dili International Hospital only handles routine ailments and care.
  
• Southern region is slightly less mountainous.
  
• Eat cooked or peeled fruits and vegetables.
  
• Avoid eating leafy greens.
• Roads are poorly maintained.
• Women should avoid traveling alone.
• Bottled water is mandatory.
  
• Public transportation is generally is below western standards, overcrowded, and uncomfortable.
  
• Cuisine is influenced by Malay and Portugal.
• All dairy products, manufactured goods, meats, and most vegetables are imported.
  
• Sunscreen and hats are recommended for sun protection.
• Rainy Season is December - March.
  
• Traffic moves on the left.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.

Subject to flooding, high temperatures, humidity, landslides, and monsoons.

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

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.   

Thailand

Thailand Flag

"Land of the Free"

Why visit Thailand?

Known for ancient ruins, architecture, beaches, birdwatching, canals, culture, cycling, fishing, freshwater angling, golf, islands, mountains, nightlife, outdoor markets, rivers, scuba diving, shopping, snorkeling, temples, trekking, tribe villages, vineyards, water sports, white-water rafting, and yachting.

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woriwihan, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand. Photo Credit: naturepost/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Carved water buffalo bells, custom clothes, custom shoes, gold, lacquerware, painted umbrellas, pottery, silk, sand paintings, temple bells, temple rubbings, and tribal weavings. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Chok (porridge). Guay Teow (soup).Hor Mok Ma Prow Awn (seafood curry). Kao Ka Moo (stewed pork). Khao Phat (rice dish). Khao Soi (soup). Khao Tom (soup). Kway Teow (soup). Pad Kra Prao (pork dish). Pad Woon Sen (stir fry). Pla Kapung Neung Manao (lime fish). Mango Sticky Rice (dessert). Pad Phuk Tong (stir fry punpkin). Pad See Eiw (noodles). Som Tam (papaya salad). Yam Nua (beef salad). Yam Pla Dook Foo (fried catfish).
• Local Drink to Try: Change (beer). Cha Yen (iced tea). Mekong (whiskey). M150 (energy). Nom Yen (pink milk). Oliang (iced coffee). Sangsom (rum). Singha (beer).

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand. Photo Credit: kmarius/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Earliest evidence of rice growing dates back to 2,000BCE.
  
• One of the most visited countries in Asia.
  
• Royal birthdays are treated as national holidays.
  
• The king's anthem plays before every movie, and everyone respectfully stands.
  
• Critics of the King can be incarcerated for 3 - 15 years.
• Formerly known as Siam.
  
• Has 156 national parks.
• Has the 2nd largest economy in Southeast Asia.
• Each day of the week is associated with a color.
• Among the world's 10 countries impacted by climate change vulnerability with extreme weather and rising sea levels.
• Elephant Art School (Chon Buri) sells paintings created by elephants.
  
• Home to the world's smallest mammal, Kitti's Hog-Rosed Bat.
• Siamese cats are native and believed lucky.
  
• Cyclist enjoy Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, and Khao Yai National Park.
  
• Highly ranked in medical tourism.
  
• Thai cuisine is one of the most popular in the world.
• Home to over 200 golf courses and considered the "golf capital of Asia".
  

Phang Nga Bay (aka: Ao Phang Nga National Park & James Bond Island), Thailand. Photo Credit: Arek Socha/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Bankok International Film Festival, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankhampaeng Handicrafts Festival, (February) Burapa Bike Week, Chiang Mai Flower Festival, Maya Music Festival, Phuket International Blues Rock Festival, (March) King's Cup Annual Elephant Polo Tournament, (April) Pattaya Festival, Poy Sang Long Festival, Phuket Bike Week, Songkran Festival, Wan Lai Festival, Water Festival, (May) Chiang Mai Inthakin City Pillar Festival, Ko Samui Yacht Regatta, Rocket Festival, (June) Ghost Festival, Hua Hin Jazz Festival, Rocket Festival, (July) Candle Festival, Koh Samui Regatta, Phuket Yachting Race Week, (September) Jay Festival, (October) Buffalo Racing Festival, Naga Fireballs Festival, Vegetarian Festival, (November) Elephant Roundup, Lantern Festival, Lopburi Monkey Banquet, Noy Krathong Festival, Surin Elephant Festival, Yi Peng Festival, (December) Wonderfruit Music & Arts Festival, (December) Concert in the Park, and King's Cup Regatta.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Magha Puja, Chakri Memorial Day, Coronation Day, Farmer's Day, Vesak, Queen Suthida's Birthday, King's Birthday, Asalha Puja, Queen Mother's Birthday, King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day, King Chulalongkorn Day, King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday, Constitution Day, and New Year's Eve.

Ko Nang YuanKo Nang Yuan, KoPhaNgan District of SuratThani Province, Thailand. Photo Credit: Tudsaput Eusawas/Pixabay 

Good to Know 

• Most popular visited islands are Koh Samui, Patong, and Phuket.
• Popular beaches are Ao Nang, Had Yao, Kata Beach, Khao Lak, Railay, and Ton Sai.  
• Rafting Season is from May - October.
• Sun is strong, so wear a hat and use sunscreen.
• Rafting is popular at Kek River (Phitsanoluk), Mae La Mao River (Tak), Mae Taeng River (Chiang Mai), Pai River (Mae Hong Son)
• Dry Season is prone to high temperatures and humidity.
• Mango Season is March - July.
• Avoid purchasing or use of hashish, marijuana, or opium.
• The bottoms of your feet should not be directed towards anyone including temples.
• Culturally the head is considered the most sacred and should not be touched by others.
• Non-lethal military equipment, night vision scopes, and/or protective vests are not permitted.
  
• Petty crime is known to occur bag-snatching, burglary, and pick-pocketing.
• Isan (northeast) is the least tourist region.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Cholera, Dengue, Hepatitis A & B, Influenza, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Melioidosis, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, and Zika.
• Request taxi drivers to use their meter otherwise agree on the fare before departure.
• English speaking medical care providers are rare.
  
• Between February - April agricultural burning is known to occur.
  
• Purposely tearing a Thai banknote (THB), with the image of the King, is punishable up to 15 years in jail (Lèse Majesté).
  
• Bar and entertainment venues are known to overcharge.
  
• Avoid southernmost provinces: Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala, 
• Monsoon Season is mid May - October.
  
• Prostitution is illegal.
  
• Avoid operators requesting to hold your passport as collateral for motorcycles, jet ski, and/or vehicle rentals.
• Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nan, and Samut Sakhon are known to pose air quality issues.
  
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  

Wat Rong Khun (aka: White Temple), Pa O Don Chai, Thailand. Photo Credit: Adissapong Praphantanathorn/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 30 days.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries. 

Subject to humidity, high temperatures, monsoons and tsunamis.

• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Coolest Months: November - February 
• Hottest Months: March & April
• Peak Season: November - March

River Market, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Jörg Prohaszka/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ban Chiang, Dong Phya Yen Mountains, Khao Yai National Park, Luang Prabang, Sukhothai Historical Park, and Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Sasin Tipchai/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.  

Tanzania

Tanzania Flag

Why visit Tanzania?

Ideal for experienced international travelers seeking to experience architecture, beaches, birdwatching,  deep sea fishing, game reserves, hiking, national parks, safari, scuba diving, tribal culture, water sports, and wildlife.

Karatu, Tanzania. Photo Credit: Michelle Raponi/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Beaded jewelry, carvings, chests, colorful fabrics, decorated gourds, gems, red checked blankets, soapstones. tribal art, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Chapatti (flatbread). Duckling Dar es Salaam (delicacy). Halau (dessert). Gali (porridge). Mandazi (dough snack). Mchuzi wa Biringani (eggplant dish). Mchuzi wa Samaki (fish dish). Mishikaki (beef kebabs). Mshikaki (marinated beef). Ndizi (plantain dish). Ndizi Kaanga (dessert). Nyama Choma (grilled meat). Samaki (fish). Ugali (corn flour). Vitumbua (sweet bread). Wali na Nyama (rice dish). Zanzibar Pizza.
• Local Drink to Try: Kibo Gold (beer). Serengeti Lager (beer). Tusker (beer).

Photo Credit: Nici Keil/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• A 6 million year old fossil (Pliocene Hominid) was discovered.
  
• Oldest (4 and 2 million years ago) remains were found near Lake Olduvai.
• One of the oldest continuously inhabited areas on Earth.
  
• Mount Kilimanjaro, is the tallest mountain  (19,341 ft) in Africa and the highest mountain in the world.
  
• World's only source of semi-precious stone, tanzanite.
• Kalambo Falls (Rukwa) is the second highest uninterrupted waterfall in Africa.
  
• Superstitious belief that cutting off the limbs of albinos will bring wealth.
  
• Most linguistically diverse country in East Africa.
  

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Photo Credit: Rainer Braehler/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Wanyambo Festival, (February) Kiliman Adventure Challenge, Kilimanjaro Marathon, Sautiza Busara Festival, (March) Nyama Choma Festival, Swahili Cultural Festival, (April) Serengeti Migration, (May) Mzalendo Halisi Music Festival, Travel & Tourism Fair, (June) Children's Festival, (July) Mwaka Kogwa Festival, Serengeti Cultural Festival, Zanzibar Cultural Festival, Zanzibar International Festival of Cinema, (August) Bullfighting, (September) Bagamoyo Arts Festival, (October) Bagamoyo Arts Festival, (November) Zanzibar Beach & Water Sports Festival, and (December) Swahili Fashion Week.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Zanzibar Revolution Day, Karume Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Union Day, Labour Day, Eid al-Fitr, Saba Saba Day, Nane Nane Day, Nyerere Day, Islamic New Year, Maulid Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Photo Credit: Jürgen Bierlein/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Not considered accessibility friendly destination.
• Hiking is popular on Kilimanjaro, Mahale Mountains, Mount Hanang, Mount Meru, and Udzungwa.
• Poor road conditions.
• Malnutrition and poor nutrition exists.
  
• Retail shops tend to close in the middle of the day for rest.
• Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
  
• Rail service has frequent cancellations or delays, and tends to be slow. 
• Homosexuality is illegal and punishable up to 30 year in prison.
  
• Has 2 Rainy Seasons: March - May and October - December.
• Lightweight clothing is recommended.
  
• Airport infrastructure is considered poor condition.
  
• Light jacket may be required after dusk.
• Exercise caution when traveling between Julius Nyerere International Airport  (JNIA) and Dar es Salaam.
  
• Traffic moves on the left.
  
• Wear long trousers and socks to avoid mosquito bites.
• Dress casually but conservatively.
• Robbery is known to occur at airports, bus stations, hotels, and on the street.
  
• International Drivers License required.
• Legal drinking age is 18.
• Car rentals require a third-party liability insurance with deca postedl in the front window.
• Thieves are known to hold victims until they provide passwords for credit/debit cards and drive around town to deplete their accounts at all available ATMs.
• Use of Traveler’s Check requires the original receipt and identity proof.
• Most visited national park are Manyara, Serengeti, and Tarangire.
  
• Popular tourist attractions are Lake Manyara National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Zanzibar.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not routinely occur. 
  
• For your protection, avoid use of debit cards.
  
• Drive with doors locked and windows rolled up.
• Do not stop in unpopulated areas.
• Exercise caution in the Coco Beach area of Touré Drive.
  
• Recommended to travel in convoys, if possible.
• Witch doctors are banned from practicing.
  
• Photographing airports, bridges, government building, hospitals, industrial sites, military installations, and/or schools is not permitted.
  
• Avoid dusk or evening walking around Arusha area.
• Illegal to export any animal or animal parts.
  
• Non-residents may not export Tanzanian Shillings (TZS).
  
• During Ramadan (holy month) avoid chewing gum, drinking, eating, or smoking in public.
• Foreigners are known to be targeted for fraudulent diamonds, gemstones, gold, minerals, and other natural resources.
• Avoid use of microbuses and three-wheeled taxis.
  

Photo Credit: Mugwe Thomas/Pixabay 

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 from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Photo Credit: Jürgen Bierlein/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: June - September
• Coolest Month: May - August
• Hottest Months:  November - February
• Peak Season: May - October

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Photo Credit: Wayne Hartmann/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kilwa Kisiwani, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Selous Mapumziko Lodge, Serengeti National Park, Songa Mnara Island, and Stone Town. 

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Photo Credit: Bill Kasman/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.