Abuja replaced Lagos as the capital city of Nigeria in 1991. The changing of power is complete because Abuja now houses the Nigeria’s government offices. Not only that, it is evident that the new capital city has been given a lot of attention by the government. Abuja is beautiful and very wealthy. A visit to the Nigerian city will welcome you to modern architecture and business-focused establishments while retaining natural wonders through its rivers, parks and gardens. Abuja is home to 800 thousand people according to the latest measurement.
Wealthy and considered by many as much safer than Lagos, Abuja seems to have a good start as a capital city. However, Lagos is still popularly viewed as the main entry point to Nigeria. Abuja, like Port Harcourt, acts as an alternative. Though the city is considered to be one of the safest metro areas in Africa, it is still best to practice precaution wherever you may be. Beware of pickpockets and armed robbers. If you are driving through the city, make sure that all of your doors are locked and your windows closed. Make sure you do not carry with you loads of cash.
Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport is your key to Abuja, Nigeria. You can book a flight through KLM, British Airways and Luftansa. Expect traveling to Abuja to be easier in June of 2009 when you can get a direct flight from Atlanta, Georgia via Delta Airlines. You can get around in the city by bus or by car. If you want a taxi, make sure that you hail one from the green cab system to be safe from potentially dangerous unofficial cabs. A taxi may, however, save you from a hot, humid temperature that may peak at 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The nights can be cool as 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
To get a Nigerian visa, you must have a passport that is valid for up to at least six months. You must also present your yellow card or current vaccination certificate along with evidence of sufficient funding for your stay. Round trip tickets are also necessary to show that you are planning to stay in Nigeria for only a certain period.
Antananarivo is the capital city of the African country of Madagascar. It is a great place to visit if you want to be right in the middle of seemingly non-stop activity. The busy market scene is the best place to describe the energy of the city. In the market, you will find all sorts of goodies and even strange products, such as live animals. You have to go through this bustling crowd with your own brand of energy; however, the markets can be noisy and the goods can be intermixed with unlikely neighbors. For example, electronics can be wedged next to bamboo products. Antananarivo is home to about a million and a half people according to the latest measurement.
Immersing into the Antananarivo scene must be done with an active, healthy body. Everything seems to be bustling with energy. Unfortunately, this also means bumper-to-bumper traffic. This in turn means, in the case of Antananarivo, pollution coming from the spewing vehicles. Amidst the chaos, you can find several gems such as its fifty churches; some are mosques and cathedrals. Still, experiencing these examples of historical architecture is best done when you actually mingle with the throng of locals and tourists.
You will arrive in Antananarivo on the Ivato Airport. Note that this airport is completely different from what you may be used to. To get around the city, you can ride a bus or a taxi. However, you can also have a little bit of workout by walking around the city. If you choose going around on foot, you reward yourself with being closer to where the action is at all times. Do not worry: Antananarivo does not heat up as much as other African cities. The temperature range is from 48 degrees Fahrenheit to about 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
You will need a visa to stay for up to three months. You will need to present your travel itinerary, passport, passport photo and filled-out form. If you are planning to stay for more than three months, you have to file your request at the Embassy of Madagascar in Washington.
Hailed by many as one of the most breath-taking cities in the world, Budapest is Hungary’s capital city. It is also Hungary’s largest. Its beauty largely owes much to the fact that Budapest can offer both natural wonders and architectural gems in one sweeping panorama: the River Danube glitters from the sparkling city, especially by night. The city is east of the Buda Hills and is sometimes dubbed as the City of Spas because of its several thermal baths. According to the latest measurement, Budapest has recorded that about 1.7 million people regularly enjoy Budapest.
Budapest is a great place for both fun-loving tourist and the historian. The party-until-dawn vibe, combined with the intricately detailed buildings, creates a feast for the senses. You will not lack for cultural immersions in the City of Spas. There are theaters and operas to dress up for and folk music to dance to and be free with. If you look closer though, you will find some cracks on the city’s porcelain perfection. The city has endured and has tried to rise against past troubles with pollution and decaying infrastructure. Still, even through ghostly reminders of a not-so-pretty past, you will find both residents and tourists enjoying the romance provided by Budapest.
The fastest way to get there is to book a flight stopping at Budapest Ferihegy International Airport. From there, you have a vast choice of public transport, from buses and taxis to railways and trams. If you want to truly enjoy the city’s culture go for unique rides, such as chairlifts and trolleybuses. Keep away from unmarked taxis, however; they are unregistered and the drivers may ask you to pay ridiculously high fares. Before you visit, take note that the summers can get sweltering hot; the temperature can reach 86 Fahrenheit or even 105 Fahrenheit. The winters have freezing temperatures of as lows -23 Fahrenheit.
If you are going to visit Hungary as a tourist, you do not need a visa to stay for up to three months. However, you must show documents that prove that you will be leaving the country at a certain date. Your US passport must also be valid for at least three months more than your planned stay. You may be able to stay for more than three months but you have to bring additional documents, such as proof of financial capacity, tickets, hotel reservations and insurance policies.
The town of Nuuk, commonly referred to Godthab, is the largest and most developed town in Greenland. The term “Godthåb” is German for ”good hope” and the town serves as the capital of Greenland. With a population of just over 15 thousand according to the latest measurement. Godthab is one of the least populous capitals in the world. The town is situated along the southwestern coast of Greenland.
What makes Godthab interesting is the mix of the modern and the traditional. Nuuk is the oldest village in the country and has grown into a well-developed center for business, commerce, and tourism. Here, old architecture blends with the new and Greenland’s unique geography provides a beautiful backdrop for the town. Some of the interesting activities that tourists can enjoy in Godthab include cruises along the famed Nuuk Fjord, whale watching, safari trips, hiking, and hiking sledding. The National Museum of Greenland is also located in Nuuk, giving visitors a chance to get to know the Norse – Inuit culture. Tourists may even want to join some of the locals in one of their major past times: drinking.
It is important for tourists to know that once you get to Greenland, there are no roads that connect the towns. To get from one town to another, tourists will have to travel by sea or air. Traveling around Nuuk can be done by land travel, which normally consists of car, snowmobile or sled travel. Tourists who want to avoid the below-freezing climates of the wintertime should travel to Nuuk during the Summer, typically from June to September with July and August being the warmest months year round.
To travel to Godthab or any other destination in Greenland, tourists will have to follow the entry requirements of Denmark. Basically, this means that US citizens traveling to Nuuk do not have to have a visa if they only plan on staying for up to three months. Only a passport is necessary.
The capital city of the South American country Ecuador is Quito. According to the latest measurement Quito’s population at nearly 1.5 million, making it the second-most populous city in Ecuador, the most populous being Guayaquil. Quito is located in the northern region of Ecuador, with the countries of Colombia to the north and Peru to the south.
Quito is a relatively popular tourist destination because of its rich history, interesting culture, and beautiful geography. Home to the largest historic center in the Americas, Quito is a great place to learn about South America. The arts and culture scene is also very vibrant in Quito, with museums, exhibits, and cultural centers abounding throughout the city. The city also provides many opportunities to experience the natural habitats and biological-diversity that Ecuador is so famous for. Festivals, carnivals, restaurants, markets, shopping centers, and the city-life in general is as exciting as one would expect from one of South America‘s premier capital cities. Ecuadorian cuisine includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and meats that are natural to Ecuador, one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, so tourists can enjoy a wide variety of food while visiting the city.
Travelling around Quito, Ecuador is relatively easy, considering that the city has relatively cheap public transportation and private taxis. Taxis and buses travel to most of the tourist destinations around the city, while the trolly also provides a fun and interesting way to experience the city. Quito’s climate is relatively cool throughout the year, because it has a high elevation and is located so closely to the equator. The peak season is during summer, which is from June to September.
For tourist and business travels to Quito or anywhere else in Ecuador, US citizens do not need to have a visa as long as the visit duration is within 90 days. Passports and return tickets are both required to visit Ecuador and Immigration authorities may ask for proof of the traveler’s economic means.
Prague, otherwise known as Golden Prague, the City of Many Spires and the Golden City, is one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is not a surprise that this city of many names can capture the hearts of tourists. The city is complete with wonders for both the old and the young; it is armed with natural charms, breath-taking art and architecture and modern offerings in the likes of bars, malls and festivals. You will not feel as if you are in just any country because the city is rife with cultural magic all its own. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over a million people according to the latest measurement.
If you want to truly experience Prague at its deepest, do not be afraid to explore both its sunshiny, tourist-pleasing side and its darker, mystery-laden side. While it is fun to spend the time shopping or sipping coffee while watching other tourists walk the cobbled steps, you may decide to explore the remnants of communism in Prague’s alleyways. Then, you can revive your optimism by participating in music festivals and the opera. Be wary of taxi drivers; they will most likely cheat you on fares if you do not speak the local language. Take note of your taxi’s license number and your driver’s name, if possible. This is so you can report a suspected overcharging later.
Czech Republic’s biggest airport is located in Prague: the Ruzyne International Airport. It is actually the busiest in all of Central and Eastern Airport. Upon arriving there, you can get around the city by taxi, bus or train. Make sure you choose a regulated taxi or else you can end up in a mob-operated taxi, with a driver that will definitely overcharge you. If you want to visit Prague at its most pleasant weather, visit in May or September. Why? Summers can be rainy and warm at the same time, while winters can be cold and snowy.
If you are from the United States, you will not be required to have a visa to enter the Czech Republic, that is, if you are staying for 90 days or less. Still, if you are planning to exceed a 30 day stay, you have to register with the Alien and Border police. Make sure that you have your travel documents, including return tickets, hotel reservations and invitations coming from the country.
Nicosia is Cyprus’ capital and largest city. Locally, it is better known as Lefkosia. Though housing the seat of government and located right at the center of the island, Nicosia still keeps intact ages-old history in its crumbling but charming mansions and religious houses, such as mosques and churches. It is showing its true roots. Nicosia, after all, dates back 5000 years though it enjoys its capital city status since the 10th century. It is home to only about 300 thousand people according to the latest measurement. The population already includes people in the suburbs.
With several museums to catch your attention and take hold of your time, Nicosia is a history lover’s paradise. You do not even need to visit the museum to feel history because just walking through its labyrinthine streets is enough. However, modernization is not really too far away. There is something for the ultra-hip. You can also sample Nicosia’s dishes while enjoying the company of locals at taverns that showcase the dancing and musical talents of local families.
Visit Nicosia or tour Cyprus as a whole by taking a flight stopping at Larnaka airport in the south. Take note that Nicosia International Airport has not been in used since the 1970s. Having the particular airport as a destination is truly suspicious, indeed. You can get around the city mostly by bus. You can also rent or bring along a motorcycle or car if you want to drive yourself around. Do not worry, though: there are plenty of taxis to hail in Nicosia in case you want to be a bit more comfortable. You won’t get around by train or metro, however; the government has no plans to build and implement the transportation means. Nicosia has a generally mild climate that makes for great visiting all year round.
If you are from the United States, rest assured that you will not need an entry visa to Cyprus. However, if you are planning to stay for longer than three months, you have to apply for a long-stay visa. People under this category include those who plan to work, live or study in the country.
Bogotá is located in the central region of Colombia, in South America. With an estimated population of over 675,000, Bogotá is the most populous city in the country. The city has earned the nickname “the Athens of South America” because it has numerous universities and museums. With a land area of nearly 670 square miles, Bogotá is the largest city in Colombia.
The city of Bogotá is well-known for its beautiful parks, which number close to 4,6 thousand in total. Bogotá also has numerous attractions that bring in tourists from around the world. Aside from the many universities and museums in the city, Bogotá is also famous for having beautiful architecture, a lively art scene, and some great shops and restaurants to enjoy. Bogotá cuisine is a mix between Pre-Columbian times and Spanish cuisine, which is a testament to the country’s mix of indigenous and Spanish influences. Tourists can enjoy the historic center of the city, La Candelaria, or the more modern aspect of Bogotá, its vibrant night-life.
The main international airport servicing travel to and from Bogotá is El Dorado International Airport. Bogotá’s transportation infrastructure has been upgraded throughout the city and it is now better than ever. With a transportation system called the Transmilenio, it can be quite easy to get around the city. Aside from the Transmilenio buses, other public buses and private taxis cruise the streets of Bogotá as well. Colectivos are small buses that run routes all throughout the city, making them a viable choice for any tourist. Finally, tourists can also rent bicycles to experience the everyday life along the streets and around the parks.
Another popular destination a lot of travelers tend to see after quality spend time in Bogotá is Cartagena, Colombia’s best and most popular beach resort town. The best to travel to this destination is by airplane, a flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bogotá.
Tourists staying in Colombia for up to 90 days will not need a visa, but tourists planning on staying longer can get a permit for an extra 120 days of stay. Business travelers are required to have a business visa and a return ticket is required for anyone traveling to Bogotá, Colombia.
Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, Canada, with a population of over 578 thousand according to the latest measurement and an area of over 44 square miles. Vancouver is located in the southwestern region of British Columbia, along the Strait of Georgia. The coastal city is a major seaport of Canada, as well as one of the most popular destinations in the country.
The city of Vancouver has numerous attractions of different kinds to fit the desires and needs of just about any traveler. Those who enjoy the great outdoors can go in the nearby mountains, the thick Canadian forests, or the many parks around the city. People who love the beach and water activities are welcome to make the most of Vancouver’s long coastline, numerous lakes and surrounding rivers. For those who would rather stay inside, Vancouver has some great markets, shopping areas, cultural centers, museums, cafes, art clubs, theaters, restaurants and bars to experience. In fact, Vancouver is quite famous for its cityscape and architecture. The large Chinese population in Vancouver has formed a sprawling Chinatown where Chinese festivals are often celebrated.
Getting around the developed city of Vancouver is rather easy, with its numerous public transport systems. For example, the Sky Train and the West Coast Express are transit systems that stop at some of the city’s most popular venues. The B-Line is a bus line that also travels around Metro Vancouver. Vehicle rentals, the Amtrak, foot passenger services and bicycle ferry services called SeaBus are also available throughout the city. The summer is one of the best times to visit Vancouver, although the winter also brings cool weather that can be equally fun and exciting.
US citizens traveling to Vancouver, Canada are required to have a US passport, but visas are not needed. There has been some confusion with regards to entry requirements to Canada, so before leaving, it is important to get up-to-date information on the exact requirements needed to travel to Vancouver, Canada.
It is city that is strongly associated to images of war and destruction. It was even witness to the assassination that sparked the First World War. The former Ottoman territory, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina, may have a bloody past but its present is that of recovery and of Old World village charm. Some tourists even regard the place as a romantic destination and not just a place for curiosity-driven adventure. The city’s population, according to the latest measurement, is estimated at a little over 300 thousand.
If you love historical places, Sarajevo is a must-visit. The city boasts several churches, mosques and cathedrals that represent various beliefs that have made their mark. While skyscrapers and other modern buildings mark the city’s being rebuilt, ancient haunts and war-brought ruins remain juxtaposed with modern Sarajevo. If tension used to rule the city, it has now been replaced with a very relaxed atmosphere. Though the people of Sarajevo are multi-ethnic and practicing various faiths, they no longer have to endure the uncertainties and dangers of war.
To reach Sarajevo, you may book a flight that will land you on Sarajevo International Airport. If you are passing from a nearby city, such as Montenegro or Serbia, you may reach the Bosnian city through bus. When within the city, you can go around by bus or train. On the other hand, you can also immerse yourself into the city’s culture by just walking; the city is easily explored on foot. Once the site for the Winter Olympics, the city can have below freezing temperature; the thermometer can take a dip to -15 degree Fahrenheit. It did experience a burning 104 degree Fahrenheit in 1942.
If you are visiting from the United States, you need to have a passport valid for at least a little longer than your planned stay in Sarajevo. The good news is that you do not really need a visa to go with your passport. Make sure, however, that you have your other travel documents handy for emergencies.
