Venezuela

Venezuela Flag

Why visit Venezuela?

For the traveler seeking to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, castles, churches, colonial architecture, culture, desert, ecotourism, extreme sports, fishing, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, mountain biking, national parks, nightlife, paragliding, ranch tourism, scenery, scuba diving, snorkeling, shopping, surfing, trekking, tropical jungles, valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Anzoátegui, Venezuela. Photo Credit: Héctor Medina/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, ceramics, gold jewelry, masks, pearls, shoes, tapestries, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Alfajor (cookie). Arepa (stuffed wrap). Cachitos (sandwich). Casabe (flatbread). Chicharrón (fried pork). Chupe Andino (soup). Humitas (tamales). Mandoca (fried cornmeal). Mondongo (soup). Queso Blanco (white cheese). Tajadas (plaintain snack). Tequeños (fried cheese).
• Local Drink to Try: Cacique (rum). Chicha (fermented). Cocada (coconut milkshake). Frescolita (strawberry soda). Malta (carbonated malt). Ponche Crema (cream liquor).

Merida, Venezuela. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• During World War I (1914 - 1918) oil deposits were found in Lake Maracaibo.
• Has the largest known oil reserve in the world. 
  
• Caracas (capital) fine dining used to compare to New York City or Paris.
• Margarita Island (northeastern coast) is the largest island.
  
• Angel Falls (3,212 ft) is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall.
  
• Compared to other countries, the women have won the most pageants.
• Caracas has more restaurants than any other Latin America cities.
  
• Only Western Hemisphere with a preference of Pepsi vs Coke.
  
• Only South American country where baseball is more popular than soccer.
• Neither Australia or New Zealand have embassies there.
  
• Consist of 23 states.
  
• Roughly shaped like a triangle.
• Pico Bolívar is the highest mountain point (16,335 ft).
  
• Has 33 over crowded prisons.
• Los Roques Archipelago consists of approximately 350 islands, cays and inlets.
  
• Canaima National Park is considered the 6th largest national park in the world.
  

Cumaná, Venezuela. Photo Credit: Luis X/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) San Sebastian's Walk, (February) Fair of the Sun, San Pedro y San Pablo, (March) Carúpano Carnaval, (June) Diablos Danzantes Devil Dance Festival, Fiesta de San Juan, San Pedro & San Pablo, (September) Virgin of Coromoto Festival, (October) El Hatillo Music Festival, (November) La Chinita Fair, Venezuela International Book Fair, and (December) San Benito Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Declaration of Independence Day, Labor Day, Battle of Carabobo Anniversary, Independence Day, Simón Bolívar Birthday, Feast of Assumption,  Indigenous Resistance Day, Rafael Urdaneta Birthday, All Saint's Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

Caracas, Venezuela. Photo Credit: Greg Tovar/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Avoid evening travel.
• Avoid public transportation.
• Violent crimes are known to occur throughout the country.
  
• Avoid evening travel.
• Do not enter with controlled substances or narcotics.
• ATMs do not accept USA credit or debit cards.
  
• Do not consume tap water.
• Within a 50 mile radius avoid the Colombian border.
• Medical care and treatment is below our standards.
• Photographing airports, government buildings, military bases, and presidential palace is illegal.
• Drug trafficking is a serious problem.
  
• Emergency wire transfer of funds is unreliable.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chagas Disease (Trypanosomiasis), Chikungunya, COVID-19, Dengue, Leishmaniasis, Malaria, Measles (Rubeloa), Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), and Zika.
• Child car seats and seatbelts are not mandatory.
  

Mérida, Venezuela. Photo Credit: mureibis/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Juan Griego, Venezuela. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay

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

Monumento a la Virgen de la Paz, Trujillo, Venezuela. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Canaima National Park, Coro, and University City of Caracas.

Caracas, Venezuela. Photo Credit: Ander Unibaso Villaverde/Pixabay 

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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.    

Vanuatu

Vanuatu Flag

 

Why visit Vanuatu?

For the traveler seeking to enjoy active volcanoes, beaches, blue holes, boutique hotels, canoeing, deep sea fishing, hiking, history, islands, native culture, rainforests, romance, sailing, scenery, scuba diving, tribal villages, tropical forests, and water sports.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, chocolate, coffee, fans, mats, oil, rum, shells, tea towels, wood carvings, woven handbags, and woven trays.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Laplap (breadfruit). Tuluk (traditional).
• Local Drink to Try: Kava (traditional). Tusker (beer).

Fun Facts

• Late Prince Philip (1921 - 2021), Duke of Edinburgh after visiting the Tanna Island with his new wife the late, Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022), Queen of the United Kingdom (1952 - 2022) was revered as a God amongst the Villagers of the Yaohnanen Tribe believing the ancient story that a pale skin son of a mountain spirit to venture across the seas to look for a powerful woman to marry. 
• Highest point is Mount Tabwemasana (6,165 ft) on the island of Espiritu Santo.
  
• Home to indigenous flying fox (Pteropus Anetianus). 
• Possibly four adult saltwater crocodiles reside in mangroves (Vanuatu).
  
• Economy relies on agriculture, offshore financial services, raising cattle, and tourism.
  
• Has one of the largest shipwrecks in the world from World War II (Espiritu Santo island).
  
• Where the 9th Season of Reality TV show, Survivor: Vanuatu - Islands of Fire was filmed.
• Bislama is creole spoken natively in urban areas.
  
• Most Presbyterian country in the world.
• Home to the only Flowerpot Snake (Efat).
  
• Culturally pigs with rounded tusks symbolize wealth.
  
• Meals are cooked using hot stones, boiling or steaming.
• Island of Pentecost tradition of land diving (bungee jumping) 98 feet from a wooden tower with their ankles tied to vines.
• Their 83 relatively small islands form the shape of a Y.
• Tusk pigs are considered a symbol of wealth.
  
• Villages female and only sections.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Ladies Classic Fishing Championship,
  Telecom Volcano Run, (April) Nagol Land Diving, Pentecost Land Dive, Vanuatu Pacific Swim, (May) Full Moon Sail, (June) Fête de la Musique, National Sand Drawing Festival, (July) Fanla North Ambrym Arts Festival, North Ambrym Magic Festival, Yam & Magic Festival, Vanuatu Round Island Relay, (August) Back to My Roots Festival, Lamap Art & Cultural Festival, (September) Toka Festival, and (November) Saint Andrew Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Father Walter Lini Day, Custom Chief's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Children's Day, Independence Day, Feast of Assumption, Constitution Day, National Unity Day, Christmas, and Family Day.

Good to Know

• Official languages are Bislama, English and French.
  
• Amongst the most natural disaster prone countries in the world.
  
• Scuba Diving offers caves, coral reefs, sunken sail ship, and sunken ocean liner.
• Port Vila has an open air market.
  
• Luganville and Port Vila offer adequate hospitals.
  
• Serious medical emergencies require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand.
  
• Rainy Season is between January - April.
• Largest towns are Luganville (Espiritu Santo) and Port Vila (Efate).
  
• Shorelines are mostly rocky.
• Dry Season is June - November.
  
• Cyclone Season is November - April.
  
• Avoid public displays of affection.
  
• Some islands has no police presence.
  
• Same sex relations are criminal.
  
• Has no capital gains tax, income tax, inheritance tax, or withholding tax. 
• Islands argest to smallest: Espiritu Santo, Malakula, Efate, Erronmango, Ambrym, Tanna, Pentecost, Epi, Ambae (aka: Aoba, Gaua, Vanua Lava, Maewo, Malo and Aneityum (aka: Anatom).
• Animal species and plants are limited. 
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and safety inspections do not commonly occur. 
  
• Customs Authority is strict against importing and exporting certain prescription drugs, exotic animals, firearms, food items, sexually explicit material, and wooden artifacts.
  
• Roads are narrow and in poor conditions.
  
• Only Luganville and Port Vila have paved roads.
  

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

Subject to cyclones, damaging winds, earthquakes, flash flooding, hurricanes, landslides, rough seas, tsunami, and volcanic eruptions.

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

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chief Roi Mata’s Domain and Roi Mata.

Iririki Island Resort, Port Vila, Vanuatu. Photo Credit: aaziz7/Pixabay 

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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.  

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Flag

Why visit Uzbekistan?

Ideal for travelers seeking to enjoy architecture, desert, gastronomy, lighthouses, mosques, mountain scenery, natural landscapes, palaces, ruins, vineyards, and wineries.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Camel wool socks, carpets, ceramic pottery, evil eye charms, furs, gold embroidery pieces, metal sculpture, national costumes, silk goods, tiles, and wall plaques.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Chorpa (soup). Laghman (stew). Manti (dumplings). Obi Non (bread). Oshi Toki (stuffed grape leaves). Palov (rice dish). Shurpa (soup). Somsa (stuffed pastry).
• Local Drink to Try: Ayran (yogurt). Choy (tea).

Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo Credit: falco/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Khovrenko Winery (Samarkand) is their oldest winery (1927).
  
• Birthplace (Tashkent) of Djamolidine Mirgarifanovich Abdoujaparov "The Tashkent Terror", Professional Cyclist who won the Tour de France 3 times.
  
• During 2020 Summer Olympics (Japan), Ulugbek Rashitov, Taekwondo Competitor won a gold medal. 
• Hosted the 2022 World Judo Championships (Tashkent).
• Gold teeth are a status symbol.
  
• One of two doubly landlocked countries in the world.
• Khazret Sultan mountain is the highest point (15,233 ft).
  
• Government allegedly forces state employees to pick cotton in the autumn months.
• Ranks 7th in the world for gold mining.
• Has 2 international schools (Tashkent).

Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photo Credit: LoggaWiggler/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Chimgan Extreme, (April) Lazgi International Dance Festival, (May) Boysun Spring, Dance Music Fest, Gold Embroidery & Jewelry Festival, Silk & Spices Festival, (June) Beer Festival, Chimgan’s Echo Festival, International Ecological & Tourism Festival "Chimgan-ECHO", Tashkent Food Fest, (August) International Festival of National Dishes, Melon Festival, Music Festival, Namangan Flowers Festival, Sharq Tarolanari, (September) Craft Festival, International Ceramic Forum, International Music Festival Melodies of the East, (October) Eurasia International Theater Festival, and (December) Sogdian Wine Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, International Women's Day, Nowruz, Day of Remembrance & Honor, Independence Day, Teacher's Day, and Constitution Day.

Tamanna Kala Fortress, Uzbekistan. Photo Credit: LoggaWiggler/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• A remote destination.
• Lacks deluxe accommodations.
• Medical care does not meet our western standards.
• Male homosexuality is illegal and punishable with a fine and up to 3 years in prison.
• Black or green tea accompanies meals.
• Americans are known to be targeted for crime.
• Tourism is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
  
• Healthcare is below western standards.
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Air pollution is a significant issue.
  
• Avoid evening exploration.
• Avoid public transportation for safety reasons.

This international destination requires:

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

Khiva, Uzbekistan. Photo Credit: LoggaWiggler/Pixabay 

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

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, Kalta Minor Minaret, and Samarkand - Crossroad of Cultures. 

Aral Sea, Uzbekistan. Photo Credit: WaSZI/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.  

Uruguay

Uruguay Flag

Why visit Uruguay?

For travelers seeking to enjoy antique automobiles, architecture, beaches, bicycling, birdwatching, cafes, casinos, culture, ecosystem, fashion shows, fishing, golf, horseback riding, lagoons, museums, national parks, old world charm, small towns, surfing, tennis clubs, water sports, wineries, and yachting.

Casapueblo, Punta Ballena, Uruguay. Photo Credit: Ernesto Velázquez/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Artisanal ornaments, caramel, gaucho hat, leather goods, semi-precious stones, and wool sweaters.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Alfajor (snack). Chajá (dessert). Chivito (beef sandwich). Dulce de leche (caramel). Fainá (chickpea flatbread). Martin Fierro (dessert). Milanesa (fried breaded beef). Pastafrola (dessert). Tortas Fritas (fried cakes). Queso Colonia (cheese).
• Local Drink to Try: Mate (hot herbal).

Photo Credit: Ernesto Velázquez/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Portuguese were the first Europeans to enter (1512).
  
• First railway line (1867) was a horse drawn train.
  
• Estadio Centenario (Montevideo) hosted the FIFA World Cup (1930).
  
• South America's smallest country.
  
• Part of Southern Cone Region of South America.
  
• Cerro Catedral is the highest peak (1,686 ft).
  
• Only South American country situated entirely south of the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Has 10 national parks.
• One of the world's largest producers of beeswax, horse meat, quinces, soybeans, and wool.
  
• Beef is their main export commodity.
  

La Mano, Punta del Este, Uruguay. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) White Night, (February) Carnival, Jazz to the Streets, Las Llamadas Festival, (October) Milk Festival, (March) Gigantic Paella Celebration, and (April) Beer Week.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Children's Day, Carnival, Landing of the 33 Patriots Day, International Workers' Day, Battle of Las Piedras, Birthday of José Gervasio Artigas, Constitution Day, Independence Day, and Columbus Day.

Lionel Viera Bridge (aka: Puente de la Barra & Maldonado Bridge). Photo Credit: Ernesto Velázquez/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Makes for a great side trip to/from Buenos Aires (Argentina).
  
• Pack your own insect repellent due to local inventory.
  
• Airport tax "boarding fee" for departure is imposed.
  
• Montevideo area offers several winery options.
  
• Hot Springs are popular in Artiga, Payandu, and Salto.
  
• Dinner service tends to be around 9PM or later.
• Rainy Season is July - August.
• Cannabis and prostitution are legal.
  
• Majority of tourists are from Brazil, Chile, Europe, Paraguay, and North America.
• Crime is an issue.
• Avoid 40 Semanas, Bella Italia, Borro, Casavalle, Casabó, Cerro, Cerro Norte, Hipódromo, La Teja, Marconi, Malvín Norte, Tres Ombúes, and/or Villa Española area.
• Police Officers tend not to speak English.
• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Tourism is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
  
• Punta del Este is a popular seaside city known for beaches, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
• Seat belts are mandatory.
• Headlights must be on at all times, both day and night.
• Children under 12 years must ride in the back seat.
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets and reflective vests.
• Right turns at red lights are not permitted.
  
• Bus Service connects to/from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay. 

• Ferry and Hydrofoil Service connects Colonia and Montevideo with Buenos Aires, also the best method to/from Argentina.

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: $10,000USD.

Subject to cyclones, high temperatures, humidity, and tornadoes.

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

Colonia, Uruguay. Photo Credit: Analía Yugdar/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Church of Atlántida, Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape, and Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento

Montevideo, Uruguay. Photo Credit: Guillermo Aromando/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.