DISCOVER
ALBANIA
Increasingly celebrated as one of the more remarkable and unusual tourist destinations in Europe, Albania is something of an undiscovered gem of coastal beauty and traditional culture that has remained untouched by the diluting tendrils of globalisation.
History enthusiasts will spot the influence of the recent past on this Balkan treasure from its life under Soviet rule. It wasn’t until 1992 that the Communist party finally relinquished power and Albania established a multiparty democracy. However, the country’s various treasures date back a little further than that, and can be glimpsed in the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. One of the world’s archaeological wonders, this old settlement sits atop a cliff overlooking nearby Corfu. It provides visitors with insights into Mediterranean civilisation from the Bronze Age through the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods.
In the leafy capital city of Tirana, tourists can enjoy gorgeous views over the city from Mount Dajt or can head to one of the many sidewalk cafes to sample some traditional Albanian fare, which has a primarily Turkish influence.
Saranda in the south is known for its unforgettable beaches and colourful spring flowers, while Shkodra features the major Albanian tourist attraction of Rozafa Castle. Orchards burst with ochre, burnt oranges and yellows in autumn while spring sees apple and cherry blossoms carpet the roadsides. Indeed, spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit Albania, as even in September it is still warm enough to swim on the southern coast.
With both coastal and mountain holidays on offer, as well as fascinating ancient culture, Albania merits its reputation as one of the world’s best up-and-coming tourist destinations.
Tirana, Albania – Featured in this picture is Skanderbeg Square.
Shkoder, Albania – Home to this historic landmark: Rozafa Castle.
Sarande, Albania – One of Albania most popular cities for tourism.
The official language is Albanian but Greek is also spoken in many areas. English is not widely understood but is spoken in some of the hotels and restaurants.
It’s recommended that travellers always have six months’ validity remaining on their passports though, officially, all visitors entering Albania must have at least three months’ validity remaining on their passports. They also require onward or return tickets, all documents for their next destination, and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. Those arriving from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever must have proof of vaccination against the disease. It is possible for most visa-exempt travellers to stay in Albania longer than 90 days but they may be required to register with the authorities after this point.
The currency in Albania is the lek (ALL), which is divided into 100 qintars. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks, large supermarkets and international hotels, though smaller businesses and taxis often only accept cash. There are many ATMs in larger cities and in tourist areas. Street money changers operate openly, but they do so illegally; foreign currency should be changed in banks’ exchange offices (kambim valutor), which travellers will find in Tirana and the main towns. The most commonly accepted currencies are the US dollar and the euro. Visitors should keep in mind that lek cannot be exchanged outside of Albania. Banks are open only on weekdays, from 8.30am to 2.30pm.
Electrical current in Albania is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Round pin attachment plugs and Shuko plugs and receptacles with side grounding contacts are in use. Voltage fluctuations are common.
As of September 2024, according to the U.S. Department of State’s website, it is relatively safe to travel to most places in Albania. It is always recommended that travelers do their own research about the locations in which they intend to travel.
ALASKA
Alaska, often called “The Last Frontier,” is an iconic travel destination that offers a blend of spectacular natural wonders, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. Its vast, untamed wilderness is a draw for adventurers and nature lovers, with national parks like Denali, Glacier Bay, and Kenai Fjords showcasing towering mountains, lush forests, and ancient glaciers. In these parks, visitors can experience some of the world’s most awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife, from grizzly bears and caribou to humpback whales and bald eagles.
The state’s history is as intriguing as its landscapes. Originally home to indigenous cultures like the Tlingit, Haida, and Inupiat, Alaska’s rich native heritage is still vibrant today, with opportunities to learn about traditional art, music, and storytelling. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Russian settlers arrived, leaving behind distinctive architecture and cultural influences, especially visible in places like Sitka. Alaska’s gold rush era brought an influx of fortune-seekers, shaping towns such as Skagway and Nome, where visitors can explore well-preserved historic sites and museums.
Anchorage, the largest city, offers a mix of modern amenities and access to nearby hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife tours. Juneau, the capital, is nestled between mountains and water, accessible only by boat or plane, giving it an alluring, remote charm. Throughout the state, Alaskan cruises provide a unique way to experience the coastline, with stops at small towns, fjords, and glacier fields.
From Northern Lights viewing in Fairbanks to dog-sledding on glaciers and fishing in the Kenai River, Alaska offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for travelers seeking a connection with the natural world and an exploration of a place deeply rooted in history and culture.
Denali National Park offers stunning views as seen in this picture of Mt. Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
This picture is of the Mendenhall Glacier, taken from the visitor center in Juneau, Alaska’s capital. The port at Juneau is also a pleasant location for whale watching.
Here we have Anchorage Alaska from across the lake. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, home of many alluring museums and hiking trails.
English
It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. and US dollars can be used in many tourist establishments.
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
Alaska is a very safe place to travel. Exercise ordinary levels of caution when moving around larger cities and crowded areas of tourism. Keep at a safe distance from bears and other wildlife which may become aggressive when disturbed. As always do your own research on what safety measures are best for you.
ARGENTINA
Argentina is a country of immense beauty and proportions. Its geographic diversity spans the most breathtaking terrain from Antarctica, through the wild, glacier-filled mountains of Patagonia and massive open plains of La Pampas to the deserts and tropical jungles in the north.
The country can be enjoyed for its natural wonders alone, but no visit here could be called complete without a glimpse of its soul, the capital city. Elegant Buenos Aires is home to 40 percent of the population, and is a buzzing metropolis with a rich, passionate and tortured history that is integral to its character. It is Europe and Latin America contained in one geographical location, with elements of the unknown around each corner. It is familiar and strange at the same time, but at its very core, wonderfully welcoming.
Along the avenues of the fashionable districts, sophisticated diners observe passers-by while they sip strong coffee or enjoy smooth cervezas. The constant smell of meat grilling from every corner and sidewalk reveals the Argentine passion for asado. Neither glamour nor passion is in short supply in this cosmopolitan hub where Porteños are equally versed in football, politics and fashion.
There are disparities between the rich and poor, with many people living in near-slum conditions in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Since 1992, the economy has teetered near collapse due to corruption and government mismanagement, prompting regular and sometimes violent demonstrations. However, it is business-as-usual as far as tourism is concerned; in fact, the resultant devaluation of the peso has made the country much more affordable for travellers.
La Boca & Caminito Street in Buenos Aires: Famous for its vibrant and colorful houses, tango performances, and artistic culture.
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Iguazú Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans the border between Argentina and Brazil.
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Patagonia offers breathtaking natural beauty, from glaciers and rugged landscapes to wildlife and outdoor adventure at the “end of the world.”
Spanish is the official language of Argentina but English is generally understood in the tourist areas.
Valid passports are required for travel to Argentina. Visas are not generally required for stays of less than three months, with the possibility of an extension of stay. It is recommended that all visitors have sufficient funds, as well as onward or return tickets and documents required for next destination. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
The unit of currency is the Argentinean peso (ARS). Currency can be exchanged at banks and cambios (bureaux de change) but it is easier to use ATMs, available in most towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Major credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US dollars can be used in many tourist establishments.
Electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat plug, though most older buildings use the two-pin round plug.
As of September 2024, according to the U.S. Department of State’s website, it is relatively safe to travel to most places in Argentina. The city of Rosario in particular is an area where increased caution is recommended due to crime. It is always recommended that travelers do their own research about the locations in which they intend to travel.
AUSTRALIA
While modern-day Australia might have started life as a British prison colony, it has evolved into one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. Visitors to Australia will delight in its exciting, cosmopolitan cities, fantastic weather and famously beautiful coastline, as well as the friendly nature of the locals who they encounter.
Australia – a country and continent in one – is the world’s sixth-largest nation by land area, and has a wealth of natural attractions begging to be explored. The country is politically divided into six states and two territories, each one offering a different experience for the traveller. There is the drama of the remote ‘Outback’, the colourful spectacle of the Great Barrier Reef and its coral islands, the excitement of the big, efficient cities, the sun and surf at some of the best beaches in the world, and the tropical rainforests of Western Australia. The list is endless in this diverse land of adventure, which boasts about 2,000 national parks and 14 World Heritage-listed areas, along with more than 7,000 beaches.
For those who prefer to keep their holidays urban, Australia’s cities will certainly not disappoint. Clean, cosmopolitan and youthful, Australia’s urban centres (including Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne) are world class. Famous cultural attractions in Australia include the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Australian Museum and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Australia also boasts an impressive and fast-moving restaurant culture, guaranteed to satisfy even the fussiest gastronomes.
Australia is a land of character too, with its melting pot of cultures. For more than 50,000 years the Aboriginal people lived and thrived in the continent’s unique environment. It is believed the Aboriginals are one of the world’s oldest surviving civilisations, and recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in keeping the Aboriginal culture alive and flourishing in Australia.
Whether you schedule a lot of sightseeing in Australia, or plan to spend most of your time relaxing on the great beaches and sampling some of the local beer, you are bound to have a splendid time in the Land Down Under.
Melbourne
Melbourne is a city celebrated for its rich cultural offerings, arts scene, and nearby natural beauty. Federation Square serves as the city’s cultural hub, featuring museums, galleries, and regular events. The Great Ocean Road is a must-see, offering a spectacular coastal drive with breathtaking views and the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations. Queen Victoria Market brings the city’s multicultural flair to life, with fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique souvenirs for an authentic Melbourne experience. —————————————————————————————
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder, famous for its vast coral system and diverse marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving allow visitors to immerse themselves in an underwater paradise filled with colorful corals, turtles, and exotic fish. The Whitsunday Islands offer a more relaxed experience, with their white sandy beaches and opportunities for sailing. For those who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boat tours provide an excellent way to witness the stunning underwater scenery. ———————————————————————————-
Sydney
Sydney is Australia’s most iconic city, known for its dynamic mix of cultural landmarks and stunning coastal views. The Sydney Opera House, with its unique architectural design, hosts world-class performances and guided tours. The Sydney Harbour Bridge offers breathtaking city views for those willing to climb it or a leisurely walk across it. Bondi Beach, with its golden sands and vibrant surf culture, provides the perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying the coastal beauty.
English is the official language of Australia.
A valid passport and a visa or ETA is required for travel to Australia. An ETA is an electronically issued and verified visa, not visible in a passport. ETAs are issued to passengers travelling for touristic or business purposes. Tourist ETAs are usually valid for three months. ETAs are obtainable online at: www.eta.immi.gov.au or through most travel agents. It is highly recommended that passports are valid six months after departure from a holiday destination.
The unit of currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), which is divided into 100 cents. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout the country. Banks and bureaux de change exchange most foreign currencies. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin flat blade plugs are used but are different to those in most other countries, so an adapter is normally required.
As of September 2024, according to the U.S. Department of State’s website Australia is a very safe place to travel. However, it is always recommended that you exercise a baseline level of caution as you would travelling to any location domestically. Also be sure to do your own research on specific locations you want to travel.
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