Monday, February 20, 2023

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

United Arab Emirates Flag



Why visit United Arab Emirates?
Best known for architecture, beaches, culture, desert, camel trek, dune driving, folk art, golf, historical sites, horse races, mosques, museums, sand skiing, scuba diving, shopping, spas, spectator sports, sport fishing, trade shows, and water sports.



Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo Credit: Wild Pixar/Pixabay 



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Beads, birthstones, brass ornaments, carpets, coffee, coffee pots, daggers, dates, embroideries, fabric, gold jewelry, hookahs, incense holders, lamps, lanterns, muskets, pashminas, pearls, perfume holders, saris, spices, and traditional stands.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Al Batheetha (date cookie). Al Harees (meat dish). Al Madrooba (fish dish). Assidat (pumpkin dessert). Baleetat (breakfast). Chabab Bread (pancake). Dango (chickpeas). De-Ja Ta-Ha-Tah (chicken dish). Hareeth (wheat porridge). Kafta (sandwich). Khameer Bread. Lamb Ouzi (rice dish). Luqaimat (fried dumplings). Machboos (rice dish). Reqaq (flat bread). Samak Mashwi (grilled fish). Thereed (meat stew). 
  • Local Drink to Try: Arak (anise distilled). Gahwa (coffee).


Photo Credit: shaban Ali/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • Oil rich nation.
  • Jebel Ali is a major cruise port.
  • Burj Khalifa (aka: Burj Dubai) is the tallest skyscraper in the world.
  • Burj Al Arab (Dubai) is the highest ranked star hotel.
  • Universal Studios Dubailand (Dubai) was a Universal Studios theme park proposal.
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) ranks as the world's best duty-free shop.
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) is considered the busiest airport in the world.
  • Formula One is a particularly popular spectator sport.
  • Amongst one of the wealthiest Middle East countries.
  • Ranks 5th most popular tourism destination in the world.
  • Dubai Metro was the 1st urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula.


Sharjah Mosque, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Photo Credit: Mahmoud Faisal/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) Abu Dhabi Open, Awafi Festival, Dubai Desert Classic, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, (February) Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai Pet Show, Dubai Tennis Open, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Gourmet Abu Dhabi, International Jazz Festival, RedfestDXB, Terry Fox Run, (March) Abu Dhabi Festival, Art Dubai, Burj Al Arab Swim, Abu Dhabi Media Summit, Dubai Desert Rock Festival, Dubai World Cup, Mother of the Nation Festival, Taste of Dubai, (April) Middle East Film & Comic Con, (May) Arabian Travel Market, (June) Middle East Special Event & Exhibition Show, (July) Dubai Summer Surprise, (August) Dubai International Holy Quran Award, (September) Al Gaffal Dhow Race, (October) Camel Racing, Dubai Fashion Week, GITEX, (November) Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Dubai International Food Safety Conference, Dubai World Games Expo, Sharjah International Book Fair, (December) Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), Dubai Marathon, Dubai Rugby Sevens, Dubai Shopping Festival, Rugby Sevens, and Shopping Festival.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Eid al-Adha, National Day, Eid al-Fir, Islamic New Year, Eid al-Fitr Eve, Mawlid, Day of Arafat, and Commemoration Day.


Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Photo Credit: Maria/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • Arabic is the national language.
  • Dubai and Abu Dhabi are popular amongst tourists.
  • Prayer occurs 5 times daily at dawn, midday, mid afternoon, sunset, and nightfall.
  • Horse racing is popular in Abu Dhabi, Ghantoot, Jebel Ali, Nad Al Sheba and Sharjah.
  • Stores are usually closed on Friday (Holy Day).
  • Due to Muslim practices natives do not eat pork.
  • Hat and sunscreen is recommended.
  • International Drivers License not accepted. Requires a local license.
  • Coffee and tea are often flavored with cardamom and saffron.
  • Tipping is not expected but appreciated.
  • Adultery, alcohol consumption, drug use, and/or premarital sex is criminally offensive between 80 - 200 lashes.
  • Americans are targeted amongst criminals.
  • Fishing or sailing offshore Abu Musa waters may result in seizure of vessels and detention of passengers and crew in Iran.
  • Strong tides and windstorms complicate ship movements near the shore.
  • Verbal abuse to dishonor someone is illegal and punishable to 80 lashes. 
  • Has no public liquor stores.
  • You may purchase up to 135 ounces of alcohol at the airport.
  • Premarital sex is punishable to 100 lashes.
  • Abortions are illegal and punishable to 100 lashes and up to 5 years in prison.
  • Driving under the influence and/or public drunkenness is not tolerated and subject to hefty jail sentences, lashings, and/or substantial fines. 
  • Adultery is 100 lashes for unmarried persons and stoning to death for married persons.
  • Alcohol is allowed to be served only in hotel restaurants and bars. 
  • Amputation, flogging, and stoning are legal punishments.
  • Kissing in public is illegal and may result in deportation.
  • Federal Law prohibits cursing on social media with a 250,000AED fine and incineration.
  • Has a 35UAE Departure Tax payable only in the local currency.
  • Homosexuality is illegal and a capital offense.
  • Importing books, cannabises (CBD) products, e-cigarettes, endangered animal species, fertilizers, fireworks, ivory, laser pointers, magazines, non-Islamic religious pamphlets for missionary activities, paintings, pornographic material, radar jammers, sculptures, and/or unauthorized communication devices are not permitted if not adhering to local moral values and religious beliefs.
  • Drug traffickers receive a death sentence.
  • Drug possession is illegal and up to 15 years in prison.
  • Drones are prohibited.
  • Prescription medications must be fully authenticated, must be authenticated by the Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State, and finally by the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC.
  • Air pollution is an issue.

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.


Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Photo Credit: supertranslator/Pixabay 


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


Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Photo Credit: Raventhorne/Pixabay 


Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney 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.   

Friday, February 17, 2023

Ukraine

Ukraine Flag


There has been an extensive Russian Federation military presence since their Ukraine invasion on February 24, 2022. Numerous war crimes have been observed. When the invasion will end remains unknown followed by when the Ukrainians may even begin to rebuild. So many civilian and solider lives have been lost.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with all Ukrainians!


Carpathian Mountain, Ukraine. Photo Credit: Nadine/Pixabay 



Why visit Ukraine?
Before the Russian invasion was best known for art, beaches, birdwatching, cafes, canoeing, castle ruins, cathedrals, churches, climbing, culture, fishing, gardens, hand painted lacquerware, hiking, historical sites,  horseback riding, hunting, kayaking, metal sculptures, mountain biking, mountains,  musical instruments, nightlife. rolling countryside, sailing, skiing, villages, water sports, and wood sculpture.



Kiev, Ukraine. Photo Credit: Мария Антонова/Pixabay 



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Caviar, ceramics, decorative towels, Easter eggs, embroidery goods, folk musicfur caps, handmade loom goods, knit bags, vodka, and wall plaques.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Banush (cornmeal stew). Borscht (vegetable soup). Bublik (bread roll). Chicken Kiev. Deruny (potato pancakes). Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage). Kapusnyak (pork soup). Korovais (bread). Kyiv CakeMlyntsi (stuffed pancake). Palianytsia (bread). Pampushky (fluffy bread). Paska (pastry). Solyanka (meat soup).
  • Local Drink to Try: Chernihivske (beer). Horilka (spirit). Lvivske (beer). Obolon (beer). Slavutych (beer). 


Decorative Easter Eggs. Photo Credit: Yevhen Paramonov/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • Lviv University is the oldest (1661).
  • Second largest European country
  • Eighth most populous European country.
  • President is elected serving a 5 year term.
  • One largest wheat exporter in the world.
  • Offers natives free higher education.
  • Home of some of the best Boxers in the world.

St Andrew's Church, Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo Credit: Nadine/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (February) Comic Con Ukraine, Ukrainian Fashion Week,(April) Gogolfest, Two Days & Two Nights of New Music, (March) Docudays, (June) Leopolis Jazz Fest, Mute Nights Festival, Ukrainian World Music Festival, (July) Atlas Festival, Odesa International Film Festival, Summer Music Festival, Wiz-Art, (August) Etnovyr, Zaxidfest, (September) Chervona Ruta Festival, Koktebel Jazz Festival, Kontrasty, Kyiv International Short Film Festival, Kyiv Music Fest, Sorochinsky Yarmarok, White Nights, Z-Games, (October) Kyiv International Film Festival, Lviv International Literary Festival, Molodist International Film Festival, and (December) Premieres of the Season.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Christmas, International Women's Day, Easter, Pentecost, International Workers' Day, Victory Day over Nazism in World War II, Constitution Day, Statehood Day, Independence Day, Defenders of Ukraine Day, and Christmas Day. 

Photo Credit: Yevhen Paramonov/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • Ukrainian is the official language and Russian is widely spoken.
  • In recent years built new hotels and restaurants were built in Donetsk, Kiev, Odessa, Donetsk and Yalta.
  • Always carry your passport with you.
  • Medical care is considered adequate but limited.
  • Avoid tap water consumption.
  • Travel with your own toilet paper in rural areas.
  • Carpathian Mountains tend to be wet year round.
  • Bus and subway service are available in Kharkiv and Kiev.
  • Among the poorest countries in Europe. 
  • From Port of Odesa ferries sail regularly to Istanbul, Haifa, and Varna.
  • Most popular navigational rivers are Danube, Dnieper and Pripyat.
  • Tourism is unevenly regulated and inspections do not occur.
  • Local Police are permitted to detain someone up to 72 hours without formal charges.
  • Not considered the friendliest accessible destination.
  • Prevalent Diseases Influenza & Tuberculosis (TB).
  • Drivers are considered aggressive.
  • Has zero tolerance for driving under the influence. Violators are subject to deportation, fines, and/or imprisonment.
  • Nonpayment of parking or traffic fines will result in travel ban departures.
  • Cellular use while driving is illegal.
  • Do not turn right on a red light.
  • Seat belts are mandatory.


Photo Credit: Ronisław Dróżka/Pixabay 


This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000EUR.


Photo Credit: Дмитрий Буханцов/Pixabay 

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

Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle. Photo Credit: annaost29/Pixabay 



Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old Town & The Struve Geodetic Arc


Photo Credit: Дмитрий Буханцов/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 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 

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Uganda

Uganda Flag



Why visit Uganda?
Best known for birdwatching, culture, game reserves, lakes, landscape, mountains, national parks, rain forests, rivers, safari, savannah, white water rafting, and wildlife.


Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Photo Credit: Irenekooiker/Pixabay



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Batik prints, carved nativity sets, carved soapstone, coffee, cowhide wallets, musical instruments, multicolored paper bead ornaments, pottery, safari hats, soccer jerseys, wood carvings, and woven goods.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Kabalagala (banana pancakes). Malewa (traditional dish). Mandazi (doughnut). Nsenene (delicacy snack).
  • Local Drink to Try: Waragi (gin).


Kampala, Uganda. Photo Credit: Graham Hobster/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • Home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world.
  • Has large untapped reserves of crude oil and natural gas.
  • Ranks 16th in the world with bird species.


Photo Credit: grassrootscottages/Pixabay 


Special Holidays/
Occasions
  • Annual Events: (May) LaBa!, Uganda Film Festival, (June) Dragon Boat Festival, Entebbe Botanical Garden Birding Festival, Festival of the Ugandan Martyrs, (July) Jazz & Soul Safari, (August) Green Festival, Nile Festival, Twins Festival, (September) Amakula International Film Festival, Bayimba International Festival of Music & Arts, B-Global Indigenous Hip Hop Festival, International Film Festival of Kampala Amakula, Nyege Nyege Festival, Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, (October) Kampala City Festival, Kampala Restaurant Week, Nile Gold Jazz Safari, Pizza Festival, Royal Ascot Goat Races, (November) Fish Festival, Mikage World Music, (December) Bakiga Nation, Blankets & Wine Kampala, Johnnie Walker Jazz & Soul Safari, and This is Uganda.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Liberation Day, Archbishop Janani Luwum Day, Women's Day, Labour Day, Uganda Martyrs' Day, National Heroes Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.


Photo Credit: Monika/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • Healthcare is below western standards.
  • Violet crime is common.
  • Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
  • Dress conservatively.
  • USA currency printed before 2006 is not accepted.
  • Avoid evening travel.
  • Seasonal smog ((December - February) causes air pollution.
  • Women should not travel alone.
  • Prevalent Diseases: Hepatitis B, HIV, Malaria, Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever, Meningitis, Pneumonic Plague, Polio, Schistosomiasis, Tuberculosis (TB), Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.
  • Avoid evening exploration.
  • 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.
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination required. 

Kampala, Uganda. Photo Credit: Graham Hobster/Pixabay 


  • Best Time to Visit: December - March & June - September
  • Coolest Month: June & August
  • Hottest Months: December - February
  • Peak Season: June - October & December - March

Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rwenzori Mountains National Park & Kasubi Tombs


Kazinga Channel, Uganda. Photo Credit: Christian Wicki/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 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.    

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Tuvalu

Tuvalu Flag



Why visit Tuvalu?
For the traveler seeking a remote destination to enjoy beaches, coral, culture, deep sea fishing, lagoons, relaxation, and snorkeling.


At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Bags, baskets, fans, handmade shell jewelry, handwoven pandanus mats, lidded wooden boxes, and postage stamps.

Fun Facts
  • In 1982, the late Queen Elizabeth II  (1926 - 2022) of the United Kingdom (1952 - 2022) and the late Prince Philip (1921 - 2021), Duke of Edinburgh visited.
  • In 2012, William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales visited to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
  • Country consists of 9 islands.
  • Has no rivers.
  • Freshwater pond on Nanumea.
  • Local Police wear British style uniforms.
  • Buildings are usually coated with white paint (lase), made by burning a large amount of dead coral with firewood. 
  • Rising sea levels due Global Warm could vanish the islands.
  • Has no museums.
  • A spotlight attracts Flying Fish. 

Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (March) Tuvalu Village Pasifika Festival, (May) Arts Festival, and Fishing & Cooking Competition.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Commonwealth Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter, Easter Monday, Gospel Day, King's Official Birthday, National Children's Day, Tuvalu Day, Heir to the Throne's Birthday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Good to Know
  • Considered one of the least visited South Pacific destinations.
  • Funafuti Island is the only island to offer hotel facilities.
  • Has no tour guides, tour operators or organized activities.
  • No cruise ships visit.
  • Tends to be a costly destination to get there.
  • Inhabited outlying islands require private yacht transportation.
  • Waste management is an issue.
  • Entry requires proof of onward/return ticket.
  • Has no sales tax.
  • Culturally, legs should be covered while seated.
  • Navigation buoys do not always mark coral heads and lagoon shoals.
  • Culturally, avoid standing in front of seated people as it's considered rude.
  • Take your own gear as there's no dive operators.
  • Credit cards are not widely accepted.
  • Dress conservatively.
  • Rainy Season is October - April.
  • Wearing lightweight cotton clothing is recommended.
  • Funafuti and Nukufetau are the only atolls with safe lagoon anchorage passages. 
  • Nightlife is limited.
  • Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, Tuberculosis, and Typhoid.
  • Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and inspections do not commonly occur. 
  • A hat and sunscreen is recommended for sun protection.
  • Long sleeves and pants are recommended in the evening due to mosquitos.
  • Cyclone Season is November - April.
  • Funafuti offers fishing charters.
  • Has no ATMs.
  • Traffic moves on the left.
  • Dental and medical care is very limited.
  • Princess Margaret Hospital (Funafuti) is the only hospital.
  • Major medical care is deferred to Guam or Hawaii.
  • Male homosexuality are illegal, punishable to 7 - 14 years’ in prison. 
  • Tuvalu National Bank accepts traveler’s checks and most major currencies.
  • Has no mandated building accessibility requirements.
  • Flights arrive several day from Nadi International Airport (NAN) and Nausori International Airport (SUV).

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: $3,000AUD.


Subject to cyclones, high temperatures, humidity, hurricanes, and tropical storms. 



Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet TravelYour one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney 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.   

Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

                                                                                                          Photo Credit: Anatolii Maks / Pixa...