NAIJATRAVELERS:
United Arab Emirates
Summary: Located in the ...: United Arab Emirates Summary: Located in the Middle East between Saudia Arabia and Oman and jutting into the Persian Gulf and the G...
Friday 27 April 2012
EgyptSummary: Egypt is in northeastern Africa and bordered by the Mediterranean and Red Seas, Israel, Libya and Sudan, and is a large desert plateau split by the Nile delta and valley. Its location helping to position it as a major political power in the Middle East, Egypt was first unified around 3200 BC and touched by the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, and strengthened as a nation after completing the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt has an economy based on agriculture, tourism and shipping tariffs with growth through natural gas exports.
Capital: Cairo
Time Zone: UTC+2 (DST)
Population: 81,713,520
Languages: Arabic, English, French
Power: 220V, 50 Hz
Currency: Egyptian Pound - Currently 1 EGP = 0.1654 USD $
Climate: Egypt has primarily a desert climate with hot and dry summers, from June to August, and moderate winters, from December to February. - Currently 62º, Sunny
Destinations
 Cairo: Named Umm al-Dunya, or Mother of the World, Cairo is the home to the most recognizable forms in the Pyramids of Giza on the outskirts of town, and sits against the famous Nile river. Visit the colorful and memorable neighborhoods of the Sayyida Zeinab, with the huge bazaar area Khan el-Khalili, and the City of the Dead, where ancient tombs lie near houses, and then head downtown for the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square, the city’s center. |
 Alexandria : The country’s second largest city, Alexandria is a port city with a strong European flavor, with statues, columns and palaces buried in the water off the coast, making a unique mix of ancient architecture next to modern cafes. See the Greco-Roman Museum, one of the best in the region, the seaside fort that marked the location of the ancient Lighthouse of Pharos built by Ptolemy I and II, or make your way 75 miles to the west to the quiet beaches near Sidi Abdel Rahman. |
 Aswan : Aswan has a more African flair and was built on the caravan routes between the Arabs and Africans, near where Lake Nassar drains into the Nile. Spend your time at the Nubia Museum, with exhibits from Pharaonic, Roman and previous geologic ages, the temple of Abu Simbel, commissioned by Ramses II, or just shop for glassware, brassworks and pottery in the bazaars. |
 Luxor: A long 400 miles south of Cairo lies Luxor, the site of the ancient city of Thebes, across the Nile from the west bank home to the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Whether images of King Tutankhamen’s lost tomb, the mortuary temple of Ramses III, or the massive temple complex of Karnak attract you, it is a humbling and awe inspiring place to visit, especially when you consider that many of these buildings were built around 1200 BC or earlier.Tips |
Cash and Carry: Exchange bureaus and banking facilities are both widely available, and credit cards and traveller’s checks are accepted in most places, making shopping very easy here. Note that bargaining is almost considered a national sport, so be prepared by knowing the value of what you are buying.
Zoom Zoom: It has been said that the local drivers use the force when zooming around the city, with lane markers only loosely followed and intersections approaching a game of chicken. Take a taxi, read a book, and do your best not to pay attention and you'll find your stomach easing.
When To Visit: As the summer months are quite hot, most travelers prefer to visit during the more temperate winter months. Coming between the two seasons, March to late May and September to late November, can help you to miss most of the tourist rush.
Food: Egypt cuisine is strongly influenced by Middle Eastern foods, with common dishes including flat breads with pastes like hummus, made with chickpea and garlic, and fuul, made with fava beans and garlic, and ta’meya, or falafel, chickpea balls that get deep-fried.
Phrases: Yes = Na’am, no = la’a, hello = marhaba, please = min fadlak, thanks = shukran, peace be with you (a common greeting) = assalamu alaikum, and with you be peace (the common reply to the above) = walaikum assalam
Tipping: Tipping, or baksheesh, is commonplace and standardized for almost any service offered. Check your bill to see if a service charge has been added – if it hasn’t, add 10% to 15% to your total. And if it has, add an extra 5% for good service.
Security and Travel: Be cautious while traveling, although the tourist friendly areas are well protected, still it’s best to keep a low profile, don’t travel at night, steer away from demonstrations, and avoid the Sinai Peninsula, as there are border delays and crossings to contend with.
United Arab EmiratesSummary: Located in the Middle East between Saudia Arabia and Oman and jutting into the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, often referred to as the UAE, were born in 1971 when several Trucial States that had truces with Britain signed in 1820 and pulled under Britain’s protection in 1892 unified in a federation to unify their governments and economies, with seven emirates now combined. Although the area is mostly flat with barren coastal plains and a large sandy desert leading into mountains in the east, the economy quickly grew because of the natural gas and oil reserves, open market economy and moderate foreign policy bringing the standard of living in line with larger Western European countries.
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Time Zone: UTC + 4
Population: 4,621,399
Languages: Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Power: 220 V, 50 Hz
Currency: Emirati Dirham - Currently 1 AED = 0.2723 USD $
Climate: The United Arab Emirates have mostly a hot desert climate, with cooler conditions in the eastern mountains. - Currently 82º, Sunny
Destinations
 Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is the capital and has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world and many massive gleaming buildings in the city center. While fishing, sailing and waterskiing are all popular and great in the waters off the coast, the annual Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival held in early March brings more bargains for the shopper, the Corniche is great for a walk as this park has several large fountains and nice landscaping, and the Al-Hosn Palace, known as the White Fort, dates from the late 19th century and has a great courtyard. |
 Dubai: Dubai is second largest of the emirates, and as it is made of a combination of the older souks, or markets specializing in different items, and newer skyscrapers and malls, it makes for a unique combination that has brought Dubai into the headlines as a tourist destination. You will find some of the best scuba diving off the coast, bargain shopping during Dubai’s Shopping Festival, where luxury items go on sale every February or March, and huge exhibitions at the Dubai World Trade Center. |
 Sharjah : Although Sharjah is the third largest emirate, it is known as the cultural center of the UAE, and has several attractions to occupy travellers. In addition to the museums, like the Sharjah Natural History Museum with its large parkland and petting zoo or the Heritage Museum comprising of several smaller museums to illuminate visitors on UEA culture and history , you can also find sights like the largest mosque in the UEA, the King Faisal Mosque with its twin minarets, the Culture Center, with displays on the history of the emirates, and the golden dome at the Souq Al Majarra or the large palladium at the Central Souq, the Souq Al Markasi.Tips |
Shopping: The UAE has very low to no duty and a wide range of importers helping the country to serve many of the Eastern European countries as the cheap shopping destination.
When To Visit: Most tourists visit the UAE during winter, between November and April, when the weather is more moderate and quite comfortable. During Ramadan, much of the country closes down as the faithful fast from sunrise to sunset, so avoid eating and smoking in public to make others feel comfortable.
Food: Like other Middle Eastern nations, the UAE offers unleavened breads like khobz eaten with pastes like houmus, made with chickpea and garlic, and fuul, made with fava beans and garlic, with other popular foods including shwarma, spiced and barbecued lamb, and felafel, chickpea balls that get deep-fried. Alcohol, where available in nicer restaurants and bars, can be quite expensive.
Phrases: Yes = Na’am, no = la’a, hello = marhaba, please = min fadlak, thanks = shukran, peace be with you (a common greeting) = assalamu alaikum, and with you be peace (the common reply to the above) = walaikum assalam
Tipping: Service charges are typically included in your bill, and no additional gratuity in required in these cases, however, when it hasn’t, leave an extra 10% with the person that helped you.
Local Customs: The UAE are a more conservative Muslim country that is observant of the laws of Islam. More conservative dress implies covering your upper arms and your legs as low as you are comfortable. Don’t take pictures of military facilities, ask permission before taking pictures of locals, and feel free to drink in restaurants, but don’t drink on the street or drink and drive
Thursday 26 April 2012
MonacoSummary: Monaco is in western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy, and is hilly, rugged, and rocky. Its mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center, as the kingdom has passed down power through the Grimaldi family since 1297.
Capital: Monaco
Time Zone: DST +0200 UTC
Population: 32,796
Languages: French, English, Italian, Monegasque
Power: 220 V, 50 Hz
Currency: Euro - Currently 1 EUR € = 1.3189 USD $
Climate: With some great scenery, Monaco has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. - Currently 54º, Fair
Destinations
 Place du Casino: This is one of the primary reasons for visiting Monaco - its casino and adult playground fun which the name Monte Carlo alone conjures up visions of high rollers, black tuxes, and James Bond. Entry fees may be very high, so be sure to carry some Euro in cash, and dress appropriately as this is a swanky place. |
 Palais du Prince: The Grimaldis allow tours of the Prince's Palace on the Rock, where you can watch the changing of the guard, and stroll through the gardens outside, or pay an entrance fee and see the Throne Room, and the small Musée des Souvenirs Napoléoniens, with some of Napoleon’s possessions on display. This was also the site of Prince Rainier's wedding to Grace Kelly, and for that reason will always be treasured by locals. |
 Musee Oceanographique: Even though the contents don’t seem to fit in with the stunning Roman architecture of the building itself, this museum is home to famed deep-sea explorer Jacques Cousteau's research institute, and is considered the best aquarium in Europe. With examples of live coral and tank after tank of fish and other squirmies, the museum is open year-round except for the day of the Grand-Prix.Tips Fast Drive: Being so small, Monaco can be driven quickly through, perhaps in about 30 minutes. To help with photo-taking, there are occasional outjuts in the road where you can pull in to take pictures of the view. On a Budget: Hotels can be very expensive in Monaco. If you want to save a lot of money, stay in neighboring France, as it is so easy to get back. When To Visit: Because of the Grand Prix, May is probably the best time to visit, otherwise, a day in spring or summer is enough to get a good feel for Monaco. Phrases: Yes = oui, no = non, please = s'il vous plait, thank you = merci, do you speak English = parlez vous anglais? Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants include a 15% service charge into their bills. Taxi drivers also expect a 10-15% tip. |
Ghana
Summary: Located in western Africa against the Gulf of Guinea between Cote d’Ivoire and Togo, Ghana is mostly low plains with sections of plateau in the south central part of the country and has Lake Volta, the largest artificial lake in the world. The first country south of the Sahara to gain independence, in 1957, and once the Gold Coast colony, Ghana has natural resources feeding its growing economy of mining, timber and agriculture but still relies on international debt relief.
Capital: Accra
Time Zone: UTC
Population: 23,382,848
Languages: English, Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, Ga
Power: 230V, 50 Hz
Currency: Cedi
Climate: Ghana has a tropical climate, warm and comparatively dry along the southeast coast, hot and humid in the southwest, and hot and dry in the north. - Currently 77º, Mostly Cloudy
Capital: Accra
Time Zone: UTC
Population: 23,382,848
Languages: English, Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, Ga
Power: 230V, 50 Hz
Currency: Cedi
Climate: Ghana has a tropical climate, warm and comparatively dry along the southeast coast, hot and humid in the southwest, and hot and dry in the north. - Currently 77º, Mostly Cloudy
Destinations
Accra: Not only is Accra a good entry point to the country, but it has its own attractions and beaches nearby to make spending time here easy. See Makola Market, filled with artwork and handicrafts, the National Museum, with a wide collection of Ghanian art, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, which remembers the country’s first elected president. Not too far outside the city is the Shai Hills Game Reserve, worth a full day for a visit with the local wildlife, and the Academy of African Music and Arts is only 19 miles away in Kokrobite which has free weekend concerts.
Elmina: On the countries western coast and site of the first Portuguese settlement in Ghana, in the 15th century, you can visit Fort Saint George, the 16th century Fort Saint Iago built by the Dutch, and the 17th century British Cape Coast Castle built originally by the Swedes a few miles away in Dixcove. Elmina itself is a nice resort area featuring markets and beaches and home to the Bakatue Festival on the first Tuesday of July, while Busua is great for swimming because of the protected water currents.
Aburi: In the Akwapim Hills 20 miles north of the capital are the Aburi Botanical Gardens, first opened in 1890 by the local British settlers. There are a wide variety of plants and trees, including silk cotton trees, and a 150 year-old kapok, the only originally standing tree, with a great view along the central avenue overhung with trees. Nearby, Ada is a great spot for a day trip where the water is safe and swimming great, and Songow Lagoon, where birdwatchers can get secluded spots to watch the local species.
Kumasi: Kumasi was the capital of the Ashanti people and still seats a king in the Palace, although many visitors also enjoy shopping in the Arts Center marketplace, which sells handicrafts and kente cloth. Although the Cultural Center has the best collection of pieces on the Ashanti history, you can also view the Living Museum, an open air village where traditional methods and crafts are worked, and the nearby Manhyia Palace also has a museum and a courtyard with statues of previous Ashanti kings and queens.
Accra: Not only is Accra a good entry point to the country, but it has its own attractions and beaches nearby to make spending time here easy. See Makola Market, filled with artwork and handicrafts, the National Museum, with a wide collection of Ghanian art, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, which remembers the country’s first elected president. Not too far outside the city is the Shai Hills Game Reserve, worth a full day for a visit with the local wildlife, and the Academy of African Music and Arts is only 19 miles away in Kokrobite which has free weekend concerts.Elmina: On the countries western coast and site of the first Portuguese settlement in Ghana, in the 15th century, you can visit Fort Saint George, the 16th century Fort Saint Iago built by the Dutch, and the 17th century British Cape Coast Castle built originally by the Swedes a few miles away in Dixcove. Elmina itself is a nice resort area featuring markets and beaches and home to the Bakatue Festival on the first Tuesday of July, while Busua is great for swimming because of the protected water currents.Aburi: In the Akwapim Hills 20 miles north of the capital are the Aburi Botanical Gardens, first opened in 1890 by the local British settlers. There are a wide variety of plants and trees, including silk cotton trees, and a 150 year-old kapok, the only originally standing tree, with a great view along the central avenue overhung with trees. Nearby, Ada is a great spot for a day trip where the water is safe and swimming great, and Songow Lagoon, where birdwatchers can get secluded spots to watch the local species.Kumasi: Kumasi was the capital of the Ashanti people and still seats a king in the Palace, although many visitors also enjoy shopping in the Arts Center marketplace, which sells handicrafts and kente cloth. Although the Cultural Center has the best collection of pieces on the Ashanti history, you can also view the Living Museum, an open air village where traditional methods and crafts are worked, and the nearby Manhyia Palace also has a museum and a courtyard with statues of previous Ashanti kings and queens.Tips
Local Customs: There is a distinct separation between military personnel and civilians, as a result, casual dress is accepted anywhere so long that it does not look like military clothing: no camouflage pants or fatigues. Don’t take pictures of airports or military institutions, and greeting others with their title or honorarium is the norm, as is shaking hands.
Banking and Cash: Traveller’s checks and credit cards have fairly wide but sporadic acceptance around the country, with cash advances possible against credit cards if you’re stuck. Foreign exchange bureaus, called Forex, will help currencies, with rates that are roughly equivalent to the banks, which are opened Monday to Saturday in the morning to early afternoon.
Women's Line: There are few societies that trace parentage through the females in the family line, however, the Ashanti tribe is one. They are known for their craftwork and the colorful kente cloth woven by the males, typically worn during festivals and other happy events in Ghana’s south.
When To Visit: The weather is consistent enough that visitors come year round with only a mild peak from June to September. Parades can be spectacular events involving the local chiefs, including the Bakatue Festival at the beginning of July in Elmina to celebrate the beginning of the fishing season, and the Fetu Festival at the beginning of September in Cape Coast.
Food: Ghana’s dishes are based on starches like rice or corn with soups or sauces and meats and vegetables. Among the plates you can find are jollof, rice mixed with tomatoes and spices, forowee, a soup made from beef, fish, onion, tomatoes and spices, and kelewele, a sweet and spicy dessert item made with fried plantain coated with red pepper and ginger and sprinkled with roasted peanuts.
Tipping: Tipping has not been standardized, however, adding 5% to 10% for good service is a good rule of thumb.
Summary: Located in the Atlantic east of North Carolina, Bermuda is mostly low hills on an island that is only 24 miles long, and around 1 mile wide, with no rivers or lakes. From its early days of being settled in 1609 by shipwreck survivors, Bermuda has long been a tourist destination away from the Caribbean with which it is usually grouped, adding international finance and investment to build to a strong economy.
Capital: Hamilton
Time Zone: DST -0300 UTC
Transportation: Drivers take the left side of the road, opposite to mainland North America, and mopeds are frequently used by tourists to self-navigate around the island. Cruise ships often use Hamilton or Saint George as a port of call, and international flights are frequent.
Population: 66,536
Languages: English, Portuguese
Power: 120 V, 60 Hz
Currency: Bermudian dollar - Currently 1 BMD = 1.0000 USD $
Climate: Bermuda has a subtropical climate that is mild, humid, with strong winds that are relatively common in the winter. It has never snowed on record here. - Currently 72º, Light Rain
Destinations
Hamilton: Hamilton is defined by Front Street, one side of which is dedicated to the cruise ships that dock there, and the other to pastel colored storefronts with white-washed roofs. Bring good shoes, because these streets are very walkable, from the courtyard outside the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, with classic pictures of Queen Elizabeth II's visits, to the courtyard outside of city hall, as well as the restaurants and shops behind the main strip. Beaches: Bermuda's beaches are pink, made from the fish that eat away at the large coral reefs that surround most of the island. Elbow Beach, Long Beach and Horseshoe Beach are among the island's finest and are all fairly close to town. Not too far from Horseshoe Beach is Gibb's Hill Lighthouse, which dates back to 1846 and offers a spectacular view of the entire island, as well as some nice tourist kitch in the shop at its base. |
 Saint George: The far eastern part of the island, about 30 minutes by moped from Hamilton, St. George was the original capital of Bermuda and dates back as a settlement to 1610. Its cobblestone alleys between shops and restaurants, the waterfront area by King's Square, and the Bermuda National Trust Museum are worth walking around for a few hours to enjoy. See Saint Peter's Church if you can, as it dates back to 1612 and has old iron candle-lit chandeliers. |
 The Dockyard: Located on the far western tip of the island, about a 45 minute moped ride from Hamilton, the Dockyard is an old naval stockade that has been turned into a great place for tourists. You can catch a movie, watch a dolphin show, stroll through the museum and its surrounding park, and take pictures of the great scenery. If you're hungry, try the Frog and Onion Pub - it has the best hamburger anywhere.Tips |
Friendly Folks: Bermudians are generally outgoing and friendly. They toot their horns to say hello and aren't afraid to wave back or say hello to another friendly face.
When To Visit: May to October are the more expensive high tourism months, so visiting in April can save you some money.
Food: Bermuda's fresh fish are high quality and cooked in many international styles. Some of the best include the chowder, with peppers and black rum, and the grilled wahoo, cooked with butter, bananas, lemon and almonds. Try a Rum Swizzel at the Swizzel Inn, any hamburger at the Frog and Onion, and the food at Portofino's.
Phrases: Tourists are called Touries by the locals.
Tipping: A service charge may have been included in your bill, otherwise, standard tipping rules of 10% - 15% are applicable.
Food: Bermuda's fresh fish are high quality and cooked in many international styles. Some of the best include the chowder, with peppers and black rum, and the grilled wahoo, cooked with butter, bananas, lemon and almonds. Try a Rum Swizzel at the Swizzel Inn, any hamburger at the Frog and Onion, and the food at Portofino's.
Phrases: Tourists are called Touries by the locals.
Tipping: A service charge may have been included in your bill, otherwise, standard tipping rules of 10% - 15% are applicable.
ADVICE FOR TRAVELERS
Don't leave home without
There are two ways of organising a holiday. The first is to decide on the spur of the moment to head off, and do just that. It's a valid option, but you will probably have to maintain that frame of mind or you might start getting irritated at the things you forgot to organise and pack.
The more usual way is to plan ahead a bit, thus ensuring that you won't have any unpleasant surprises. Check your passport isn't about to expire, check whether you'll need visas, organise travellers' cheques well in advance, organise travel insurance and medical insurance. Check your flight details and don't forget to confirm them – including onward connections and returns. Don't forget to order special meals on flights, or children's meals, if necessary.
How can I protect myself from traveler’s diarrhea while traveling abroad?
When you are traveling abroad, don’t forget that drinking another country’s water can be dangerous.
Stick with bottled or boiled water and carbonated soft drinks.
Remember that the ice in your drink turns into water, so order them with out ice.
Wipe off the tops of cans before you drink from them.
When you are traveling abroad, don’t forget that drinking another country’s water can be dangerous.
Stick with bottled or boiled water and carbonated soft drinks.
Remember that the ice in your drink turns into water, so order them with out ice.
Wipe off the tops of cans before you drink from them.
“Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art.”
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