Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Flag

Why visit Turkmenistan?

Only ideal for experienced adventurous travelers seeking to experience archaeological sites, desert, markets, and museums.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Belts, cotton yarn, cushions, carpets, daggers, embroidered skull caps, fur, furniture, handbags, metal sculpture, robes, silver jewelry, and wool stockings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Churek (flat bread). Fitchi (meat pies). Manty (steam dumplings). Yarma (porridge). 
• Local Drink to Try: Agaran (camel cream). Chal (camel milk). Chok-Chai (green tea). Gatyk (yogurt). Kara-Uzyum (wine). Yasman-Salik (wine).

Fun Facts

• First rail line was built (18) from the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea to Mollagara.
  
• Second largest of Soviet Central Asian former republics.
  
• Culturally women with one braid and a big handkerchief are married and two braids and a small scarf are not.
• Yurts (tents) in front yards are used as summer houses.
  
• World's 10th largest cotton producer.
  
• Turkmen are known for their horse breeding, horsemanship, and training.
  
• One of the driest places in the world. 
  
• Most sparsely populated nations in Asia.
  
• Education was reduced from 10 years to 9 years.
• Karakum Desert is one of the driest deserts in the world.
  
• Merv is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.
  
• Considered the 4th largest reserves of natural gas in the world.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (March) Novruz Festival, (April) Turkmen Horse Festival, (August) Melon Fest, and (October) International Festival of Craftsmen & Masters of Applied Art.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Defender of the Fatherland Day, International Women's Day, Nowruz, Day of Remembrance of National Heroes of Turkmenistan, State Flag & Constitution Day, Day of Revival, Carpet Day, Day of Turkmen Workers of Culture & Art, Day of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Border Guards Day, Independence Day, Turkmen Bakhshi Day, Day of the Worker in the Organs of National Security, Day of the Navy, Day of Remembrance, Health Day, Day of Neutrality, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

Good to Know

• Letter of invitation is required for entry.
  
• Foreigners are forbidden to travel to “restricted zones” without special permission from the State Migration Service (SMS).
  
• Remains one of the world's most repressive countries.
  
• Internet access is filtered.
• Websites to which the government objects are blocked.
  
• Avoid rail service due to frequent delays, theft, and unsanitary conditions.
  
• Turkmen is the official language. 
  
• Illegal to photograph  anything military or security related, certain buildings. food markets, or government buildings.
• Staying at a different location than conveyed to the State Migration Service (SMS) will lead to being arrested.
• Illegal to use foreign currency.
• Customs Regulations are strict.
  
• Same-sex sexual contact between men is illegal.
  
• Not wheelchair accessible friendly destination.
• Medical care is limited and well below western standards.
  
• Driving intoxicated imposes a fine, incineration, and your drivers license being revoked.
• Negotiate taxi fares before departure.
• Avoid evening exploration.
• “Ferries” crossing the Caspian Sea are cargo ships taking passengers as space permits. Food and water are not typically provided. A vacant dock is known to take a week or so.
  
• Tourism  is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $3,000TKM.

Subject to four seasons.

• Best Time to Visit: April - June & September - October
• Coldest Months: December - February 
• Hottest Months: June - August
• Peak Season: April - October

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Nisa

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Turkey

Turkey Flag

Why visit Turkey?

Ideal for the affluent adventurous traveler seeking to enjoy ancient cave homes, bazaars, beaches, canyon hikes, canyons, churches, forests, hiking, historic mosques, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, lakes, mosaics, mountain climbing, museums, natural beauty, nightlife, palaces, rock formations, rocky coves, rugged mountains, ruins, scuba diving, shopping, skiing, small wineries, snorkel, spas, and water sports.

Cappadocia, Turkey. Photo Credit: Trudi90/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Brass samovars, brassware, ceramics, copper ware, embroidery goods, handwoven rugs, jewelry, kilims, leather goods, meerschaum pipes, paintings, silk, suede goods, tapestry weavings, and tiles.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Hunkar Begendi (eggplant/meat dish). Ic Pilav (fried rice). Izgaralar (grilled meat). Kofte (meatballs). Lahmacun (flatbread). Peynirli Borek (stuffed pastry). Pide (pizza). Yaprak Dolmasi (grape leaves).
• Local Drink to Try: Ayran (yogurt). Efes (beer). Rakı (wine). Sherbet (sweet).

Antalya, Turkey. Photo Credit: hanatour04/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Divriği Great Mosque & Hospital is a mosque and hospital built (1228 - 1229) by the local dynasty in the small Anatolian town.
• During the Crimean War (1853 - 1856), the late Florence Nightingale (1820 - 1910), Founder of Modern Nursing, was accredited to pioneering nursing in Istanbul.
• Late Hulusi Behçet (1889 - 1948), Dermatologist & Scientist discovered Behçet's Disease, a autoimmune disorder.
• Bosphorus Bridge (1973), Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (1988) and Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (2016) are suspension bridges connecting the Europe and Asian shores to Istanbul.
• Turkish Airlines (1993) is the largest mainline carrier in the world by number of countries served.
  
• First Muslim majority country to hold Gay Pride (2003).
• Dr Aziz Sancar, Molecular Biologist won the Nobel Prize repairing damaged DNA cells.
  
• Istanbul ranked 10th most visited city in the world (2018).
• Çanakkale 1915 Bridge (2022) is the longest suspension bridge in the world.
  
• Ani is a ruined medieval Armenian city in the province of Kars.
  
• Has 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• May - June (Afyon) fields are covered in purple and white dry herb hay "hash hash"  poppies.
• Among the most visited countries in the world.
• Has 40 national parks.
  
• İznik tiles were used for the interior decorations in Ottoman architecture.
  
• Ranks 13th largest vehicle producer in the world.
  
• Mount Ararat is highest point (16,854 feet).
  
• Home to 519 Blue Flag beaches.
• Amongst the top 50 most innovative countries in the world.
  
• Native Caspian Tiger is now extinct.
• Known to host the largest number of refugees in the world.
  

Lycian Rock Tombs, Fethiye, Turkey. Photo Credit: falco/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Adana Half Marathon, Camel Wrestling Festival, (February) Baklahorani. (March) Adana MTB Cup, Antalya Marathon, İzmir European Jazz Festival, Milliyet Sports Awards, Tarsus Half Marathon, (April) International Istanbul Film Festival, İznik Ultramarathon, Mersin International Music Festival, Pink Life QueerFest,  Presidential Cycling Tour, Tulip Festival, (May) Ephesus Festival of Culture & Art, Flying Broom International Women's Film Festival, International Izmir Festival, International Labor Film Festival, (June) Antalya Sand Sculpture Exhibition, Aspendos Opera & Ballet Festival, Gazi Race, Genetically Modified Tomato Awards, International Mountain Biking Stage Race & Festival, Istanbul International Music Festival, Istanbul Pride, Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Tournaments, (July) Best Model of Turkey, Grape Harvest Festival, Istanbul Jazz Festival, Rock'n Coke, Runfire Cappadocia Ultramarathon (August) International Ballet Festival, (September) Antalya Festival, Adana Golden Boll Film Festival, Gümüşlük International Classical Music Festival, Izmir International Fair, Lycian Way Ultramarathon, Miss Turkey, Phaselis Festival, (October) Akbank Jazz Festival, Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, Best Model of Turkey, Darıca Half Marathon, International Wine Festival, Istanbul Book Fair, (November) Efes Pilsen Blues Festival, Istanbul Art Festival, Istanbul Animation Festival, Mersin Citrus Festival, (December) Festival on Wheels, Mersin International Music Festival, Mevlana Festival and World Rakı Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, National Sovereignty, Children's Day, Labor Day Solidarity Day, Commemoration of Atatürk Youth & Sports Day, Victory Day, and Republic Day.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. Photo Credit: Şinasi Müldür/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Carry your passport with you at all times.
• Climate varies from region to region.
  
• Popular visited cities are Antalya, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Istanbul.
  
• Cruise lines include Istanbul and other ports on Mediterranean itineraries.
  
• Outside of major cities toilets require squatting.
  
• Public toilets require a small fee for use.
  
• Avoid large gatherings.
• Peak Beach Season is July - August.
  
• Avoid traveling alone.
• Eastern Turkey experiences short summers and cold winters.
  
• Evenings require a sweater year round.
• Drive only during daylight hours and on major highways. 
  
• Request menu prices before ordering, overcharging is known to occur.
• Targeted attacks against Americans remain high.
• Remove any sensitive comments and photos from cameras, electronic devices, laptops, and social media pages considered controversial or provocative before arrival.
  
• Cappadocia region (central) is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys” and cone shaped rock formations.
  
• Buy antiques only from authorized dealers and obtain a certificate to avoid fines and incineration.
  
• Cellular use while driving is illegal and subject to a fine.
  
• Illegal drug use is punishable between 4 - 20 years in prison.
• Iraqi and Syrian borders.
  
• Driving with blood alcohol levels at/above 0.05% is subject to a fine and license confiscation for 6 months.
  

Ephesus, Selçuk, İzmir Province, Turkey. Photo Credit: DebraJean/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.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Exit: $25,000TRY.

Kuşadası, Turkey. Photo Credit: 4355729/Pixabay 

Subject to earthquakes, high temperatures, humidity, and snowstorms.

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

Isparta, Turkey. Photo Credit: ekrem/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ani, Cappadocia, Göreme, Great Mosque & Hospital of Divrigi, Hattusa, Historic Areas of Istanbul, Hierapolis Pamukkale Denizli, Istanbul, Letoon Sanctuary Place, Mount Nemrut, Pamukkale, Safranbolu, Troy, and Xanthos.

Izmir, Turkey. Photo Credit: Jolyne D/Pixabay

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.   

Tunisia

Tunisia Flag

Why visit Tunisia?

For adventurous travelers seeking to enjoy architecture, beaches, desert, landscapes, markets, mountains, ruins, sand dunes, spas, and walled cities.

Photo Credit: eva-ufa/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Brassware, caftans, carpets, ceramic art, copper ware, leather goods,  pottery, wood carvings, silverware, spices, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Ajja (egg breakfast). Brik (stuffed pastry). Chakchouka (stew). Fricassee (fried sandwich). Mechouia (appetizer dip). Tajines (stew).
• Local Drink to Try: Boukha (fig liqueur).

Amphitheatre of El Jem, El Djem, Tunisia. Photo Credit: 25juillet57/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• During the 9th Century (801 - 900) Kairouan was a powerful trading hub.
  
• During the 2008 Summer Olympics (Beijing, China), Oussama "Ous" Mellouli, Swimmer won a gold medal in the 1500 meter freestyle.
  
• World Heritage Site (1997), notes Dougga as "the best-preserved Roman small town in North Africa".
• Bardo National Museum (Tunis) has one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.

Mahdia, Tunisia. Photo Credit: Micha/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) International Instrumental Festival, (March) Festival of the Oases of Mountain, Mawjoudin Queer Film Festival, Orange Blossom Festival, Sousse Spring Festival, (April) Folk Art Festival, Ksour Festival, Passover Festival, Sbeitla's Spring International Festival, (May) Jerid Festival, Music Festival, (June) Arab Horse Festival, Falconry Festival, Festival of the Purebred Arabian Horse, International Malouf Music Festival, Tabarka Jazz Festival, Ulysses Festival, (July) Carnival of Awussu, Carthage International Festival, International Festival of Arts of Mahr, International Festival of Bizerte, International Festival of Hammamet, International Festival of Sbeitla, International Festival of Symphonic Music, International Ulysse Festival of Djerba, Mermaid Festival, Nights of La Marsa, Plastic Arts Festival, Tabarka Jazz Festival, (August) Festival of Diving, International Festival of Hammamet, Sponge Festival, (September) Chouftouhonna Festival, Coralis Festival of Underwater Photography, Wine Festival, Wine Festival, (October) Carthage Film Festival, Carthage Theatre Festival, Octopus Festival, Tunisian Medina Festival, (November) Date Harvest Festival, International Oases Festival, International Festival of Sahara in Douz, Tozeur Oasis Festival, and (December) International Festival of the Sahara.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Martyrs' Day, Labour Day, Republic Day, Women's Day, Evacuation Day, Revolution Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and Mawlid.

Ksour, Tunisia. Photo Credit: Noel Bauza/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Official language is Tunisian Arabic, known as Tounsi.
  
• Menus, road signs, shop signs are usually written in both Arabic and French.
  
• Nude and topless sunbathing is permitted on many beaches.
  
• Polygamy is outlawed.
  
• Between July - August due to high temperatures strive for sightseeing before 1PM and after 5PM.
• Air pollution is a moderate problem in major cities.
  
• Bars and cafes tend not to welcome women where locals typically visit.
• Evenings require a sweater year round.
• Avoid medical tourism.
• Ancient ruins of Carthage are a popular attraction. Also known for ancient baths, sweeping views of the Gulf of Tunis, theaters, and villas.
• Majority of coastal resorts are near Monastir.
• USA citizens are known targets of terrorist attacks.
• Avoid flashing wealth.
• Healthcare is below western standards.
• Consensual same-sex sexual relations is illegal and punishable up to 3 years in prison.
  
• Valuables are known to be stolen from hotel rooms, private residences, and vehicles.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests.
• South of Remada is designated as a military zone by the Government of Tunisia.
  

Mahdia Maritime Cemetery, Mahdia, Tunisia. Photo Credit: Loyloy Thal/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 $10,000TND/Exit: $3,000TND.

Tunis, Tunisia. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

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

Photo Credit: Alex Sky/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Carthage, Dougga, El Jem, Kairouan, Kerkouane, Lake Ichkeul, Sousse, and Tunis.

Photo Credit: veronica111886/Pixabay

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

Tonga

Tonga Flag

"Friendly Islands"

Why visit Tonga?

Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Polynesian Island to enjoy beaches, blowholes, coral reefs, deep sea fishing, historical sites, lagoons, relaxation,  sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, whale watching, and yachting.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Grass skirts, postage stamps, shell jewelry, wood carvings, and woven baskets.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Faikakai Topai (dumplings). Feke (grilled octopus). Kapisi Pulu (corn beef). Keki (doughnuts). Lu Pulu (corn beef). ‘Ota Ika (fish dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Hopi (beer). Kava (national drink). Kingdom Koffie (coffee). Maui Pacific Larger (beer). ‘Otai (fruit). Pulotu Coconut Stout (beer). Tonga Lager (beer). Tupu’Anga Coffee.

Fun Facts

• Evidence of humans dates back to Lapita 1600 - 500BCE.
• In 1953, during a coronation parade for the late, Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, 1926 - 2022) the late , Queen Sālote Tupou III (Sālote Mafile'o Pilolevu, 1900 - 1965) refused refused to cover her open carriage which would culturally disrespectful to cover her head.
  
• During the 1996 Summer Olympics (Atlanta, GA), Paea Wolfgramm ("The Tongan Warrior"), Retired Boxer won a super heavyweight silver medal.
  
• According to Forbes magazine (2008) named the 6th most corrupt country in the world.
  
• Last Polynesian kingdom, never colonized by a European power.
  
• Four main island groups: Ha'apai (center), Niuas (north), 
• Tongatapu (tsouth), and Vava'u (north).
  
• Has 171 islands and 45 are inhabited.
  
• Niuafo'ou (Tin Can Island) mail used to be delivered in sealed biscuit tins by swimming mailmen.
  
• Largely exports pumpkins and squash.
• The Constitution of Tonga protects land ownership, therefore cannot be sold to foreigners only leased.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (May) ‘Eua Tourism Festival, (June) Ha’apai Tourism Festival, (July) Heilala Festival, and (September) Vava’u Festival & Regatta.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Independence Day, King's Birthday, Constitution Day, King Tupou I Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Good to Know

• Lacks deluxe accommodations, nightlife or shopping.
• English and Tongan are the official languages.
  
• Less modernized compared to its Polynesian neighbors.
  
• Between July - October, humpback whales arrive from Antarctica to bear their young. 
  
• Cruise ships dock at Queen Salote Wharf, east of the commercial center of Nuku'alofa (capital). 
  
• Mana Mo'ui Golf Course (Nuku`alofa) is the only 18 hole option.
  
• Price negotiating with Sellers is considered a insult of integrity to the Seller.
  
• Dress conservatively.
• Cyclone Season is November - April.
  
• Majority of the population resides on the main island, Tongatapu. 
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Vaiola Hospital (Nuku'alofa) doctors are often in short supply.
  
• Islands of Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua have hospitals.
• Tourism is unevenly regulated, safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Virus.
• Rugby Season is April - June (Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nukuʻalofa).
• Church bells are known to ring as early as 4:30AM on Sundays.
  
• Rainy Season is December - March.
• A sweater is necessary in the evening year round.
• Buses and taxis are the only form of public transportation.
  
• Main roads in Nuku’alofa are paved, most other roads are not.
  
• Everything is generally closed on Sunday.
• Has no stop lights in the country.
• Bicycles registration with the Police Office is mandatory before use on public roads.
• Male homosexuality is illegal and punishable up to 10 years in prison.
  

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 12 months.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000TOP.

Subject to cyclones.

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

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.