Majuro is capital and largest city of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and has a small population of 25 thousand people. Its main business district, banking and tourism are great importance for Majuro. The major population center is the D-U-D community, which are the Delap, Uliga, Djarrit islands combined (listed from south to north).
Majuro has a pleasant feel of tropical lassitude and is home to expert fishers, navigators, divers and surfers. The blue wind and waves of the Pacific determine the life of the islanders, as traditional boat building still pass on from father to son, as well the wisdom of sea and stars. The nation’s historical connections with various American, Asian and European powers are nowadays still visible, for example the availability of international foods and museums left behind.
The Marshall Islands consists of 64 islands and has several shopping districts, hotels, a port and international airport. Majuro has the best climate December through March. Yet, the true charm of the Marshall Islands lies in the surrounding islands, where you can find world class underwater sights.
Travelers to Marshall Islands require a valid passport and visa. American citizens are required a passport, with return ticket if the stay does not extends 90 days. Majuro is a safe travel destination, petty crime and theft not common against tourists and locals.
The Cook Islands group is separated in 15 islands in the southern part of the pacific ocean, the Cook Islands just like the Tokelau Islands and Niue are part of the parliamentary democratic freedom with New Zealand. Avarua is the capital city of the Cook Islands, located on the island of Rarotonga. Its populated with 2600 locals who make a living of tourism, trade and fishing.
In many ways the island Rarotonga / Avarua is a miniature Tahiti, without French nationals. It somewhat has the same landscape, jagged peaks and steep valleys, sugar white beaches all round and a extended coral reef till 1/4 miles (.5 kilometer) offshore. Its nearby island, Aitutaki is a substitute for Bora Bora on the Cook Islands with nearly surrounded large lagoon full of beautiful sea life. Spending a day on Aitutaki is recommend and the guaranteed highlight of a trip to Avarua.
The Cook Islanders enjoy having a good time, their lifestyles, religion are traditions and haven’t changed in years. The Cook Islands have enough activities to schedule a trip for at least two weeks, including snorkeling, scuba diving, shopping, sightseeing and night out in the region’s bars and dance shows.
Most nationals don’t require a visa to enter the Cook Islands, only a valid passport and a return ticket as long the stay does not extend 31 days. In the summer months which run from April to October, with average temperatures at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avarua is a safe travel destination, petty crime and theft are not common against tourists and locals.
Harare, formerly known as Salisbury is the largest city and capital of Zimbabwe and has an estimated population of 1.6 million people. The city is its administrative, commercial and communication center of the country, as well the trade center for tobacco, maize, citrus fruits and cotton. Manufactures include textiles, steel and chemicals, and gold is mined in the area.
Harare is a beautiful modern city with many spacious parks and gardens within the city limits. Getting round in the city isn’t any problem, its north to south streets are named ”Streets” and its east to west streets are named ”Avenue/Road”. Besides the many taxis meters will bring you where ever. Walking through the narrow shopping streets which are colored by season you will notice a mixture of beggars and musical street bands which create an African sociable environment. In Zimbabwe the summer falls in the winter months with a lot of heat and sunny days, a unique street view are many the ice cream street vendors selling ice cream under red neon lights and a negligent setup Christmas tree.
If you enjoy strolling a local market with African products the Public Gardens are the place to go, each Sunday its market day filled with African music, tasty Zimbabwean and other African dishes, street vendors selling clothing, jewelry and hand wood. Not to far from the market is its National Gallery, where often art galleries take place showing International arts but also African. The museum is free for anyone to enter.
Nationals worldwide require a valid passport and visa to enter Zimbabwe from Harare International Airport. Travelers are advised to look after their belongings and don’t walk alone at night time, petty crime and theft are part of Harare’s daily activities against tourists and locals due to poverty.
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. Its situated next to its evenly named river in the south of the country. The city has a population of 2.8 million people and is the most populous city in East Africa. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi Province.
Nairobi doesn’t have the best reputation as a travel destination, its mostly used by travelers as a fly-in hub to arrive at safari parks or beach resorts somewhere in Kenya, yet travelers are missing its thrill and culture not stopping for a day or two in Nairobi. The city is a big cosmopolitan filled with street scenes, local markets, sophisticated cafes, restaurants serving worldwide dishes and a superb bars and nightclubs. Besides the only city on this globe having its very own wildlife resort just outside the city center.
Nairaboi’s National Park is located just outside the city center, its a full 45 square miles wildlife resort where animals like lions, buffaloes and giraffes life in the wild with a skyline of skyscrapers. With the the national park in Nairobi the city’s nickname is well deserved ‘Green City in the City’. The Karen Blixen museum, located inside the house of the former author of the book ‘Out of Africa’ shows how life was in the early centuries.
All nationals worldwide traveling to Nairobi are required a valid passport and visa. The best period to visit are the summer months which are sunny and warm, from December through March. Nairobi is notorious for theft and petty crime, avoid visiting in areas such as Mathare and Kibera. Watch out for unscrupulous children on intersections and highways, never encourage beggars or roll down a window.
Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic. The city is situated at the shore of the Caribbean Sea at the mouth of the Ozama River. Its the oldest continuously inhabit European settlement in North America. The city was originally found by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. Santa Domingo has a population of over 2 million people.
Santo Domingo is a popular travel destination for bounty commercial alike beaches, inexpensive family resorts and true natural beauty. These are the reasons why ten-thousands of tourists visit the Dominican Republic, and the same people that ignore the somewhat unfair reputation of social unrest and high crime rates. While petty crime and theft inquire in the city, the Dominicans are among the friendliest in the Caribbean, and its hospitality seems more genuine than for example its similar yet commercialized Puerto Rico.
Spanish is the official language, yet English is spoken and understood by its locals. Which comes handy ordering a nice cold Persidente beer at one of the many bars and nightclubs areas locally known as ‘la Zona’ including; Bella Blue, Crazy Pub, Guacara Taina, Hollywood Cafe and the Trio cafe.
Travelers to the Dominican Republic require a valid passport and visa. American citizens need only a valid passport, other nationalities may require a valid visa. Santa Domingo’s tropical heat is tempered by the sea breezes, its rain is short and heavy followed by sunshine.
Kingston is the largest English-speaking city within the Caribbean, as well the capital of Jamaica and is its cultural, financial and industrial center. The city is situated on the south eastern coast of the island and has a population of 800 thousand people.
Kingston city structure involves a mixture of modern and old, its city life is among the best and the worst known in the Caribbean. For travelers there’s a excellent hotel structure, fine dining facilities and great shopping deals such as the Sovereign Shopping Center and the Chelsea Galleries. The narrow downtown streets are lined with higglers (street vendors). The commerce style of the higglers is known as uncomfortable and unwelcome, therefore Downtown Kingston is not recommended for a relax day of shopping. Visit the New Kingston areas for shopping pleasure in the numerous shopping malls.
The city is filled with historic museums and buildings, like the Arawak museum, National Gallery and Devon House. Those who think of Jamaica, think of Bob Marley, Kingston has the one and only Bob Marley Museum on the globe. Bob Marley’s lifestyle is still followed by many of the Jamaicans, this seems fine but it has increased drugs use which led to higher crime and petty theft in the city.
Travelers to Jamaica are required a valid passport and visa. American citizens are required a valid passport and proof of a hotel booking only. Jamaica has a tropical climate around the year with constant high temperatures therefore it has no seasonal variation. When rain comes, its short yet heavy and followed by sunshine.
Havana (Ciudad de La Habana) officially meaning “City of Havana” is the capital city, major port and leading commercial center of Cuba. The city is situated on the northwestern part of the island. It has a population of 2.1 million people which makes Havana Cuba’s and the Caribbean region largest city.
Cuba’s capital city is hard to imagine with its rhythm, sensuality and code the Cubans live by. Havana is so traditional vibrant while at the same time laid back. Until you have enjoyed a view along the Malecón, got lost in time in the narrow cobblestone streets of Habana Vieja’s and have ride the traditional Dogde taxi through Centro Habana, danced the salsa until dawn consuming Cuban’s special made mojito’s and watching the sunrise over the Golf of Mexico laid back from your hotel balcony, you haven’t dealt with a true Havana experience.
The safest way to get round in Havana is by Taxi meter, however make sure the meter is turned on before leaving. Be aware that food is sold in local currency, always carry Cuban pesos with you. Avoid jineteros/jineteras (con artists) offering you cheap cigars, money exchange and least but not last always make sure the bills are correct (especially hand written bills). The best period to visit is during the summer months from May till October.
American citizens must be licensed by Department of Treasury in order to travel to Cuba. Any national need a visa or tourist card, which allows a maximum stay of 30 days in the country, this visa can be extended for 30 days. The visa costs are $30us and can be easily obtained over the counter of an Cuban Embassy or directly from a travel agent. Travelers are required a return ticket and proof of a booked hotel room for at least three nights.
Venice, the Italian city of ”Water, Bridges and Light” is considered by many to be one the most beautiful cities on this globe. Its situated on 120 islands formed by 177 canals in the lagoon in between the mouth of the Po and Piave rivers. The city has a population of 270 thousand people and is the capital of the Veneto region.
In Venice, any form of transportation floats, from gondolas taxis to the vaporetti (public bus/ferries) and fire department speedboats to garbage scows. Its improbable cityscape where stone buildings seem like floating on water and places where cats nap on marble windowsills which are set on colorful walls. During the day, take stop for relaxation at a bacaro (wine bar) to consume un ombra (Italian wine) with cicchetti (tapas like snacks) as a traditional Venice local.
As Venice is a popular travel destination it can be somewhat overcrowded in the peak season, as well prices can double or triple than elsewhere in Italy. Yet, most travelers ignore this knowledge as they want the extraordinary, magical and worth every cent experience from Venice, the globe’s most unique city on water.
Travelers to Venice are required a valid passport and visa. American citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. The summer time and its peak season are in the months June till September, travelers are advised to leave high heels at home and bring clothes they wont mind getting wet. Be sure to toss a city map in your backpack.
Rabat (الرباط) is the capital city of the Kingdom of Morocco and is situated on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. Rabat is worldwide known for its textile industry as well food production and construction industry. The city has a estimated population of 1.5 million people.
In the recent years travelers have been discovering Rabat’s hidden delights, particularly its local markets where shop owners are nice and won’t harass you, monuments and magnificent museums, old cafes and restaurants with delicious Moroccan dishes. Watch the changing of the Friday’s morning change of the Royal Guard at the Royal Palace or walk the narrow streets of the Casbah des Oudaya and visit the 12th century tour Hassan.
Morocco is just a step from Europe, yet its feels like a world away in culture, color and experiences. This is partly due to its geographical position, situated where East meets the West and where Africa shakes hands with Europe, and the Mediterranean merges with the Atlantic.
Travelers to Rabat are required a valid passport. Most nationals are not required a visa, just a return ticket and passport that’s at least 6 months valid. Travelers are advised to contact the Moroccan embassy before a trip. The best months to visit are June till August, with the least rain and best temperatures.
Toronto is the biggest city in Canada and the capital of its province Ontario. Its situated on the north western shore of Lake Ontario and is the center of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). As Canada’s economic capital its consider a global city and one of the top financial cities worldwide. Toronto has a population of 2.5 million people.
Toronto is a tourist city with class, it meets standards for all traveler reasons. Let it be adventurous, romance, history or family. It’s major attractions include the Hockey Hall of Fame, Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum and the Black Creek Pioneer Village. Big events regularly take place and are visited by both locals and travelers like the Winter City, Toronto International Boat Show, The Sound of Music and The Nature of Diamonds. If one prefer shopping, Toronto will not let you down. With it’s 5 gigantic shopping centers located in the heart of the city.
Travelers have identified Toronto as a big, beautiful, and efficient city that with time has become the center of culture, commerce and communications in Canada. Its colorful rich history, breathtaking architecture and ethnic mix turns Toronto to a non stop adventure platform as far as the tourist eye reaches.
Travelers to Canada / Toronto are required a valid passport, most nationals do not need a visa in advance. You will automatically receive a tourist visa upon arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport after showing a return ticket and passport that’s valid for the duration of your stay. The best period to visit is in the summer months from June till August.
