DESTINATION: BALKANS
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DESTINATION: BALKANS
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
The Balkans are a high 1029m above sea level. The northern and central parts of the Balkans have a central European climate, characterized by cold winters, warm summers. Rainfall is evenly distributed. The southern and coastal areas have a Mediterranean type of climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, relatively rainy winters. On the mountains, winters are frosty and snowy, while summers are hot and dry. Average annual temperature is 12.6 °C.
Peak season in the summer months of July to August have crowded beaches but that’s when they stage festivals. Generally spring and autumn are perfect for cultural and national park visits. Winter is for skiing in the mountains at a fraction of the cost in Western Europe.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
WINTER (December to February)
Temperature range: -3 to 6 °C. Snow in mountains, foggy in areas near rivers.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperature range: 2 to 20 °C. Days are very warm and nights very cold.
SUMMER (June to August)
Temperature range: 12 to 27 °C. Summer is moderately warm, few rainy days.
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature range:1 to 20 °C. Pleasant weather, starts heating up in late Feb/Mar
Croatia
WINTER (December to February)
Temperature range: -2 to 5 °C. Heavy rain and snow.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperature range: 4 to 22 °C. Warm sea, mild sunshine, blue skies, good for outdoors
SUMMER (June to August)
Temperature range: 15 to 25 °C. Cool & comfortable for country trips & beach
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature range: 3 to 21 °C. Dubbrovnik turns into a fragrant floral garden. A little colder in the capital.
Montenegro
WINTER (December to February)
Temperature range: 2 to 11 °C. Mild winter in Montenegro coasts. Some rain, snow is rare
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperature range: 7 to 28 °C. Adriatic Sea is warm enough for swimming. .
SUMMER (June to August)
Temperature range: 17 to 33 °C. Air is dry and warm. Water is cool.
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature range: 5 to 24 °C. Mountains still snow-covered. Skiing season lasts tillend-March.
Slovenia
WINTER (December to February)
Temperature range: -3 to 6 °C. Towns are picturesque, skiing is popular.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperature range: 2 to 22 °C. Warm enough for sightseeing.
SUMMER (June to early September)
Temperature range: 14 to 26 °C. Architectural sights and thermal springs are open.
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature range: 1 to 20 °C. Can get quite warm.
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
‘Sarajevo Rose’ Bascarsija, DaziHusrev-beg Mosque, 1984 Winter
Olympics Site, War Tunnel Museum (Bosnia & Herzegovina) City Walls and Forts of Dubrovnik, Rector’s Palace/Cultural History Museum (Croatia)Kotor, Budva (Montenegro) Church of St Nicholas, Dragon Bridge Ljubljana, Preseren Square (Slovenia)
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Ćevapi – kebabs, kajmak, ajvar and pita bread (somun) Pljeskavica (a patty dish), Begova Čorba (Bey's Stew) (Bosnia & Herzegovina) Octopus Salad, Black Risotto, White Seafood Risotto, Pasticada with Gnocchi, Beef Pasticada and Gnocchi (Croatia) Punjene paprike (stuffed peppers with filling) Ćufte (meatballs), Đuveč (cooked vegetables) Musaka od Krtola (potato moussaka with minced meat) Sarma (sauerkraut rolls) (Montenegro) Potica (dessert), Kranjska klobasa sausage, Carniolan sausage, Warm stews, Jota stew, Pumpkin seed oil (Slovenia)
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
Bullets & War memorabilia, Pointy House Slippers, Rugs, Photograph the Spot Where WW1 Started, handmade leather goods, coffee pots (Bosnia & Herzegovina) Lavender Products, Wooden Toys, Šestine Umbrella, Traditional Croatian Folk Instruments, Homemade jam (Croatia) Local Rakija, Montenegrin Prosciutto (Njeguški Pršut) Brojanica, Folklore Hat (Kapa), Locally Produced Wine (Montenegro) Idrija lace, Rogaška Crystal, Slovenian Wines, Salt flower from Piranske soline, Painted Beehives Panels (Slovenia)
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
•The currency units for Croatia is Croatian Kuna (HRK); for Bosnia and Herzegovina is Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible Mark (BAM) and Slovenia & Montenegro use the Euro
•Infrastructure such as transport s not quite developed as in the northern and western parts of Europe. Train travel in the Balkans is limited and slow. To get around you learn to love buses. Often you would need to purchase tickets in person at the station and call the information desk to ask for the transportation schedule and prices instead of checking them online. You may even get stuck in traffic for hours due to road maintenance
•Balkans do most of their buying and selling in cash
•You will find lots of smokers.
•People in the Balkans don’t rush. They move according to their own time preferences.
•Shops are generally open from 10am to 5pm
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DESTINATION: DUBAI
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DESTINATION: DUBAI
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
GENERAL WEATHER CONDITIONS: Desert climate. Sunshine all year round and hot temperatures. Summer is hot – average daytime outdoor temperature 45 ° C. And humidity is high (above 90%) so can feel like you are in a sauna. Late Autumn/Winter season - October to March- is generally the best time to visit due to relatively cooler outdoor temperatures of around 25 ° C during the day.
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature in Dubai begins a
steady climb .
SUMMER (June to August)
Hottest time of the year
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperatures start to fall, becoming more tolerable.
WINTER (December to February)
Cooler, more comfortable temperatures. It rains in winter – but only occasionally and for a short time. Annual rainfall is just 5 to 10 days a year.
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
Burj Khalifa, Bastakia(Old Dubai), Dubai Creek, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Museum, Spice Souq, Gold Souq, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Creek, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Manousheh( local pizza with cheese, herbs and olive oil), Iranian Sangak (leavened flatbread), Chelo Kebab (saffron-scented basmati rice served with a pat of
butter on kebabs), Al Harees (Wheat, meat, and a pinch of salt)
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
Dubai Mall & Mall of the Emirates sell some 630 high-end fashion brands – like Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Gucci, Chanel and Ralph Lauren. Dubai Outlet Mall offer discounts of 30% to 90% off regular price for brands like Adidas, Coach, Fred Perry, Mango and Aldo at its 240 stores. For souvenirs: Camel Milk Chocolate, Dubai dates, Persian Rugs & Carpets, Oudh and Bakhoor Arabic Attars (Perfume Oil), Pashmina Shawls, Gold Jewelry, Coffee and Arabic Coffee Pot.
WHAT’S GOOD TO DO
Sunset sand-dune safari, dhow cruise, monorail ride, watch belly dancing, visit Bedouin village, visit iconic sites
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
• Dubai Shopping Festival is held during Jan to Feb
• During Ramadan, business hours are shorter, nightlife scene is quieter. It is NOT illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during Ramadan. BUT it is highly disrespectful to their religion and culture. Those who observe Ramadan do not eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset.
• Be careful where you consume alcohol
• While alcohol is legal in Dubai you can’t drink in public as public drunkenness is prohibited
• Also, you can’t buy alcohol for your own use without a permit, and you have to buy it from a licensed establishment
• Paying for drinks at a bar or restaurant is no problem, just don’t leave drunk
• The left hand is traditionally used for “body hygiene” in Muslim cultures, therefore be mindful to avoid using it. Don’t do a left-handed hand shake. Don’t use your left hand to open the door. Don’t hand over food with your left hand. Don’t eat with your left hand.
• Modesty is the best policy for Attire
• For vacation-wear – go conservative over revealing and flashy
• Women’s clothing is regarded as indecent if it’s too short, tight or transparent, while men should never walk around without a shirt on
• Public shows of affection are considered offensive in the UAE and visitors have been arrested and imprisoned for this
• To be on the safe side don’t hold hands or kiss your significant other in public
Ask permission before taking pictures
• Don’t take a picture of or with a stranger without their permission. A wide, scenic shot in a tourist area is fine.
• Don’t take pictures of Muslim women without their permission, and don’t take photos of government buildings, airports, military installations, etc
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DESTINATION: EASTERN EUROPE
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DESTINATION: EASTERN EUROPE
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
Eastern Europe climatic conditions range from Mediterranean to alpine to something that approaches arctic. Summer can be very hot and winters very cold – generally hotter in summer and colder in winter than Western Europe. Peak tourist season is in July and August, especially in coastal areas, where the weather is sunny and dry almost every day. In-between seasons are in May and June and from September until mid-October which has more temperate weather and prices are lower but some attractions, restaurants, and hotels may operate on reduced schedules during this time. During the winter months it is low season and tourism shifts to the mountain ranges and metropolitan areas, leaving coastal areas in hibernation from November to April. Outside air is cold and the daylight hours are limited.
WINTER (December to February)
Temperature range: -6 to 6 °C. Make most of the short daylight hours.
Sites that remain open in winter tend to close when the sun goes down.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperature range: 5 to 13 °C. Cold snaps and frequent precipitation and fog.
SUMMER (June to August)
Temperature range: 14 to 25 °C. Summer is normally warm and dry.
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature range: 0 to 18 °C. During March, nature
comes to life and flowering begins.
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Prague Astronomical Clock, Dancing House (Czech Republic) Wawel Castle, Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Jagiellonian University, Wieliczka Salt Mine (Poland) Gellert Hill, Heroes Square, Great Market Hall, Buda Castle, Danube River (Hungary) Schonbrunn Palace, State Opera House, Hohensalzburg Fortress (Austria) Tatras Mountain Range, Donovaly, Štrbské pleso lake, The Blue Church (Slovakia)
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Kulajda (mushroom & potato soup), Zelňačka (sauerkraut soup), Česnečka (garlic 'hangover' soup),Tatarák (steak tartare) (Czech Republic) goulash (meat & vegetable stew), paprika chicken, Langos (deep-fried dough) (Hungary) bigos (Hunter’s stew), Pierogi (Polish dumplings), Rosół (broth/ chicken soup), Gołąbki (cabbage roll), Polskie naleśniki (Polish pancakes) (Poland) Viennese Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), Wiener Schnitzel (fried meat with potatos), Vienna Sausage, Knödel (dumpling) (Austria) Bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese and roasted bacon), Zemiakové placky (potato pancakes with flour and garlic fried in oil), Fried cheese and sheep cheese, Lokše (Slovakia)
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
Bohemian Crystal (glassware like bowls, vases and decorative pieces), jewelry featuring garnets, Russian Dolls, antiques (Czech Republic) Traditional handmade Hungarian lace and embroidery, paprika and Tokaji (a sweet dessert wine) (Hungary) traditional wooden handicraft items like chess sets and boxes (Poland) Swarovski Crystal, Mozart Balls, Beethoven bust, Cuddly bear wearing Lederhosen or Dirndl (Austria)Decorated Easter eggs, Traditional embroidered clothing, Corn husk dolls, Decorated wooden crosses, Slovak wine(Slovakia)
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
•Czech uses Czech Koruna (CZK)
•Hungary uses Hungarian Forint (HUF)
•Poland uses Polish Zloty (PLN)
•Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants but rarely in markets or small local souvenir stores
•Some shops do not accept big denomination notes
•For visit to Auschwitz ladies are advised not to bring their handbags – there is an A4 size restriction for bags to be brought in and most ladies handbags exceed this size.
•Be prepared to do some fast walking when visiting the salt mine. During peak season it is usually fully booked – and during winter season it closes at 5pm.
•Be sensitive to political history
• Be prepared for a slower pace transportation
•Book taxis ahead
•Bargaining is expected
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DESTINATION: EGYPT, ISRAEL, JORDAN, MOROCCO
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DESTINATION: EGYPT, ISRAEL, JORDAN, MOROCCO
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
Egypt, Israel, Morocco & Jordan are in a region with a hot, arid climate. The terrain is very dry with little rainfall and the semi-arid to desert land is regarded as having just 2 seasons: summer and winter. However several major rivers like the Nile provide irrigation and fertile land in some areas.
Temperatures in summer can rise to the high-40s and even into the 50s. The hottest months are July and August. Even the seawater feels like a warm, salty soup. Late summer can also be humid with sandstorms in certain countries. The best time to visit the Middle East is between September to November and March to May when the daytime temperatures are more tolerable and there is not too much humidity or rainfall.
Summer: May to September
Temperatures can often be sweltering, especially in Upper Egypt near Luxor. Coastal beach areas are the best place to be.
Winter: October to April
Best time to visit the Middle East where the temperatures are pleasant with less humidity and much cooler at night-time. Average temperatures in the coastal areas like Aqaba in Jordan can be in the 10s. Mountains in countries like Jordan experience freezing winters with freezing even snowfall between November to March. This is the ideal time to visit the desert.
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, Al-Azhar Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Islamic Cairo district (Egypt) Temple Mount complex includes the Dome of the Rock shrine, the historic Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, King Herod’s Palace & the Masada, Sea of Galilee, Ba’hai Gardens, Mount Sinai, Basilica of Annunciation Nazareth (Israel) Petra, Wadi Rum, Colonnaded Street,Dead Sea, Aqaba Fort (Jordan) Jemaa el-Fnaa, Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, Hassan II Mosque, Ouzound Falls (Morocco)
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Ta’meya (crushed fava beans fried), Feseekh (gray mullet), (Simit (sesame covered bread), Hawawshi (piyta bread with meat/veg & spicy), Ful (spiced fava bean stew) with pita bread, Koshary (rice, pasta, lentils etc), Hamam Mahshi (pigeon) (Egypt) Hummus Masabacha (chickpeas in tahini sauce), Falafel (chickpeas, fava beans combination), Kanafeh (cheese pastry), Lechem bread (Israel) Mansaf (lamb, rice, nuts), Fattoush (Arabic salad), Shawarma (chicken in flatbread), Manakeesh (pizza-like, Labneh (strained yoghurt), Moutabel (hummus-like dip)) (Jordan) Tagine (meat/veg stew), Couscous (small steamed balls of semolina wheat)Harira (lentil soup), Bastilla (chicken or pigeon pie)Makouda (deep-fried potato ball) (Morocco)
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
Incense, Bastet, Antique Stones,Statues Replicas, Cotton Robes and Vail “Jilbab & Burqa” Jewelry Wooden Boxes (Egypt) Olive oil, Israeli Wine. Diamonds from Israel, Dead Sea products, Olive wood carvings, Dates (Israel) Traditional keffiyehs (scarves), Hand-painted ceramics, Locally made chocolate, Ajloun olive oil, Arabic sweets(Jordan) Leather Poufs, Leather Bags. Woven Blankets. Moroccan Wedding Blankets, Berber Rugs, Spices, Argan Oil (Morocco)
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
Egypt
• The Egyptian Pound is the currency of Egypt and is divided into 100 piasters
Israel
• Israel currency is called the ‘shekel’ in 4 paper banknotes: 20, 50, 100 and 200 Shekels
Jordan
• The Jordanian Dinar is the currency of Jordan
Morocco
• The currency of Morocco is the dirham
• The dirham is a closed currency, which means it can only be bought in Morocco
• Respect local customs. Dress conservatively – especially if you are female. Refrain from sleeveless tops and short skirts. Loose pants, long linen shirt, scarf to cover neck & chest is best. Because of heat – lightweight and light-coloured clothing is better. In holy places, like mosques, cover shoulders and legs, no skirts or shorts and remove shoes.
•Stay away from large gathering of crowds or demonstrations.
•Avoid physical contact with Middle-Eastern female
• In some places, women who visit restaurants unaccompanied by men may be refused service. It is also considered rude in some places to refuse an offer of coffee at a store.
• During the holy month of Ramadan when the faithful are fasting – avoid consuming food or drink in front of those fasting
•During Ramadan businesses open at erratic times. Transport can be erratic too and amenities hard to access.
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DESTINATION: GREECE
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DESTINATION: GREECE
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
Greece has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are usually hot (30 to 35°C, but sometimes 40°C) and dry but sea breezes help. And winters are cold and wet. Upper Greece can be very cold and snow is not uncommon in winter but it is milder in the south and in the islands. Coldest months are January and February, with temperatures between 5 -10 °C near the coasts and 0 – 5 °C across the mainland, and generally below freezing in the north.
It is recommended in these temperatures to stay out of the sun from 11.00 to 14.00 when the sun it at its strongest. There is a strong northern wind called the "Meltemi" which usually sweeps through the east coast of Greece during July and August, and this offers a welcome relief to the heat
Greece has pleasant weather from late April to early November with lots of sunshine and little rain. June to September are the best months for swimming and sunbathing on the Greek islands. July and August is the peak and most expensive season. You can still do sightseeing from March to November.
WINTER (November to February)
Some coastal resorts will close and transport schedules may be cut
AUTUMN (September to October)
Water in seas are still warm and the sun doesn’t burn.
SUMMER (June to August)
The Greek Summer is said to consist of hot sand, aromas carried by the sea breeze and smell of hot coffee from nearby cafes
SPRING (March to May)
Buds and flowers start to bloom
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
Acropolis, Parthenon, Syntagma Square, stadium of modern Olympics, Meteora (Athens) Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, Kalafatis & Platys Gialos beaches, Alefkantra, an 18th century district (Mykonos) Oia Village (Santorini)
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Taramasalata, Dolmades, Moussaka. Greek food typically comes with classic dips such as tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber and garlic), melitzanosalata (aubergine), and fava (creamy split pea purée).
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
Extra virgin olive oil, Worry beads or Kompoloi, Demitasse Cup Sets, Backgammon set or Tavli, Ouzo, A Karagiozis figurine/Karagiozis set, Flokati Rugs, Mastiha from Chios island, Handmade leather sandals from Monastiraki.
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
•Greeks like cash
•50% of Greeks smoke – beware of cigarette smoke
•To report any theft, loss, or any other major issue, contact the Tourism Police by dialing 171 from all over Greece 24/7.
•Travelling between the main towns is easy on the comprehensive KTEL bus network, You can also make use of the limited but cheap national rail service for some key destinations.
•Punctuality is not a habit practiced in Greece. So don’t expect snappy service in restaurants or shops or transport to run right on time.
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DESTINATION: ROMANIA
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DESTINATION: ROMANIA
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
Romania has a temperate-continental climate with hot summers, long cold winters and distinct seasons. Annual average temperatures is about 8°C in the North and 11°C in the South and because of altitude it’s 2.6°C in the mountains and 12°C in the plains. The mountainous areas see abundant snowfall in December to March. The southern districts are generally the warmest regions.In the south-east, the Black Sea climate comes with infrequent heavy rains.
SPRING (March to May)
The cold of winter may remain till April – and then it’s cool mornings and nights and warm days.
SUMMER (June to August)
Can be quite warm with extended sunny days. Low-lying regions in southern and eastern Romania can see temperatures hit 37°C in July/August. The mountainous areas are cooler.
Mostly temperature stands near 20°C.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Warm summer weather extends till end-September. October brings the rainy season which lasts until the first snowfall. Generally, dry and cool, with displays of colorful foliage in the fields.
WINTER (December to February)
Winters can be cold, especially in the mountains. There is always snow during winter from December to mid-March.
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, Turda Gorge and Salt Mine, The Monasteries of Bucovina, Danube Gorges, The Town of Sighisoara, Black Church, Palace of Parliament,Romanian Athenaeum, Ice hotel at Balea Lake.
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Samale (rice, minced meat, veg, herbs rolled in cabbage/grape leaves), Ciorba de burta (beef tripe, pork legs soup), Ciorba Radauteana (chicken sour cream soup), Balmos (fatty, sticky, buttery shepherd dish), Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls), Sorici (salted pork rind), Varza a la Cluj (Cluj-style Cabbage).
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
Bead Jewelry, Hand-Painted Easter Eggs, Horezu Ceramics, Oltenia Carpets and Rugs. Glass-Painted Icons, Walnut Jam, wine
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
• The currency used in Romania is the Romanian leu
• Romania is relatively affordable
• Romanians are a pretty laid-back people
• The opening hours on stores may not always be accurate as reflected online even popular touristy places like the iconic Carturesti Carusel (a gigantic bookstore and cafe)
• Tap water in Romania isn’t the safest for consumption. Follow what the locals do and stick to bottled water
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DESTINATION: TURKEY
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DESTINATION: TURKEY
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
Turkey has a variety of climates. Coastal regions facing the Aegean and Mediterranean seas have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, cool, wet winters. Those regions near to the Black Sea have a temperate oceanic climate with warm, wet summers and cool or cold wet winters. The interior has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers.
Istanbul, the capital, has a moderate climate (winter 4 °C summer 27 °C). The regions with Mediterranean climate have average temperatures of 9 °C in winter and 29 °C in summer while those in the oceanic climate areas have average temperatures of 7 °C in winter and 23 °C in summer). The mountainous regions in the east can have temperatures as low as -30/-40 °C with snow on the ground 120 days of the year.
WINTER (December to February)
Winter in Turkey attracts tourists to the mountains for ski tourism.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Autumn is considered the golden time for tourists with temperature at around 12 °C in October.
SUMMER (June to August)
If you dislike the cold, summer in Turkey warms up to 33°C.
SPRING (March to May)
Spring temperatures can rise by quite a big margin and by April can reach about 23°C in afternoon and 13 °C at night.
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
Aya Sofya, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Topkapı Palace, Pamukkale Sumela Monastery, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Mount Nemrut, Aspendos, Pergamum, Ölüdeniz, Antalya, Safranbolu, Patara, Hippodrome of Constantinople, Cave of Prophet Abraham, Cave Church of St Peter, Cavustepe Castle, Ruins of Ani, Mt Ararat, Arpa River
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Döner, İçli Köfte, Lahmacun, Kebap, Kumpir (Baked Potato),Gozleme, Baklava(Sweet pastry), Mezes (Appetizers), Manti (lamb/beef stuffed dumplings)
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
Turkish carpet & rugs, tea & glasses, Turkish delight, Nargile pipes, the Blue Evil Eye of Turkey, Turkish mosaic lamps, ceramics, Turkish spices & coffee, ornyx, lemon cologne
WHAT’S GOOD TO DO
Turkish bath, watch a sacred dance, explore ruins, hiking, ferry rides, hot air ballooning, collect artifacts
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
•Learn about Turkey’s rich historical heritage before you go
•Turkish culture has a strong focus on pride and honour – so be careful when talking. And be careful when you talk politics
•Don’t get into taxis without a logo
•Don’t buy things without bargaining
•Wear shoes at places of worship; don’t walk in front of person in prayer
•Be respectful of local customs – such as during the Muslim holy month of fasting – Ramadan
•Be conservative in what you wear especially women
•Don’t be offended if Turkish men only talk to men but not women; and it may not be seen to be appropriate for men to talk to single Turkish women
•If you have a Turkish host, may not be polite to leave food on your plate or he might be insulted
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DESTINATION: UNITED KINGDOM
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DESTINATION: UNITED KINGDOM
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
The UK has a temperate maritime climate. Surrounded by a huge body of water, the Atlantic Ocean, temperatures in the British Isles don’t go too far into the extremes. The ocean takes longer to heat up or cool down and this helps keep the UK cooler in summers and warmer in winters. Average temperatures in summer is 21 °C and in winter 3 °C.
The northwest quarter, including Northern Ireland, the Lake District and the Western Isles of Scotland has mild winters (average 6 °C) and cool summers (average 1°C), whilst the northeast of Scotland has cold winters (average 3 °C) and cool summers. The southwest - Wales and Southwest England – sees mild winters and warm summers (average 17 °C), whilst the Midlands and Southeast England have cold winters and warm summers.
In general:
Cold and rainy (Dec-Feb)
Cool with a mix of sun and rain (April–May, mid Sep-Oct)
Hot and sunny (Jun-Aug)
England
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature range: 12 to 18 °C. Weather can vary from warm
to sunny to cold and rainy.
SUMMER (June to August)
Temperature range: 21 to 23°C. Summers in London are
generally mild and pleasant with occasional rain.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperature range: 12 to 20 °C. Autumn is usually London’s wettest season.
WINTER (December to February)
Temperature range: 5 to 9 °C. Winters in London are cold and rainy. Can also be freezing at times with snowfall.
Scotland
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature range: 2 to 14 °C. Weather is cool with rising warmth.
SUMMER (June to August)
Temperature range: 9 to 17 °C. Summer is the warm but Scotland is cooler
compared to the other parts of the Great Britain.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperature range: 2 to 13 °C. Cloudy with frequent rain.
WINTER (December to February)
Temperature range: 0 to 6 °C. Weather tends to be rainy with
wet snow. Mountains regions are snow-covered for most of the year.
Wales
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature range: 3 to 16 °C. Shifts in weather occur many times per day and gusts of wind can follow calmness. Sunlight is dull and hidden behind heavy clouds.
SUMMER (June to August)
Temperature range: 13 to 19 °C. Summer is warm and rainy.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperature range: 4 to 14 °C. Precipitation is frequent.
WINTER (December to February)
Temperature range: 2 to 8 °C. Temperature stays above freezing but there is fog and showers and snow may fall.
Northern Ireland
SPRING (March to May)
Temperature range: 2 to 14 °C. Western and eastern regions see raging winds but
precipitation slightly deceases. Central regions are even colder as they are on plains
where cold air falls.
SUMMER (June to August)
Temperature range: 11 to 17 °C. Nights are cold.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Temperature range: 3 to 13 °C. Less daylight time and darkness comes earlier. Can be foggy which blocks off much sunlight.
WINTER December to February)
Temperature range:1 to 7 °C. Air is humid with fog, persistent rain and gusty winds. January is the coldest month of the year.
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
Big Ben,Tower of London, Tower Bridge,London Eye, Stonehenge, Eden Project, Durdle Door, Warwick Castle, Buckingham Palace, York Minster, St Michael's Mount, The Cotswolds, British Museum, Stratford on Avon, Canterbury Cathedral, Cambridge & Oxford universities (England) Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Belfast, The Glens of Antrim, Cushendun, Rathlin Island, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (N. Ireland) Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia National Park, Carnarvon Castle, Cardiff Castle (Wales) Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Inverness, Herbrides (Scotland)
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Fish & Chips (England), Scottish pie(Scotland), Soda Bread (N.Ireland), Bara Brith, Welsh Cawl (Wales), Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Bangers and Mash, Steak and Kidney Pie, Sunday Roast, Bacon Sandwich, Full English breakfast, Beef Wellington, Toffee Pudding.
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
Bushmills Irish Whisky Marmalade, Miniature English Landmark Key Chains, Union Jack-Printed Items, Buckingham Palace Merchandise, Harrods' Annual Teddy Bear, Maldon Sea Salt, Percy Pigs, Wine Gums, James Smith & Sons umbrellas, Tea Whittard and Twinings, An Oyster Card, A House of Commons Notebook, A Hat from Lock & Co.
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
• Tea is a traditional national drink in England – and you can get really good tea and biscuits there
• People drive and walk on the left so do take note especially during peak period/hours. Stand on the right at tube stations
• Some shops in Europe do not accept big denomination notes.
• Assume beggars are pickpockets and commotions can be fake
• Route 15 on the London buses goes past some of the sights along the River Thames, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Fleet Street and Trafalgar Square.
• Most of Britain’s museums and galleries are free to enter (including the British Museum, Tate Modern and Natural History Museum in London, National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Coventry Transport Museum, World Museum Liverpool)
You can actually tour Buckingham Palace in the summer months.
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DESTINATION: USA
YOUR KNOW B4-U-GO QUICK-FINDER TRAVEL DIRECTORY
DESTINATION: USA
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
GENERAL WEATHER CONDITIONS: USA climate is generally temperate – but with these exceptions: arctic in Alaska, tropical in Hawaii and South Florida and arid desert in the far West of the Great Plains.
Geographical features like mountains, coasts and deserts as well as weather patterns like air pressure systems and jet streams all play a part in how the weather changes in a big country like the USA. For example - from late summer into Autumn (August to October) tropical cyclones like hurricane and storms hit the Gulf and Atlantic states with high winds, heavy rain, and storm surges.
USA is usually grouped into 5 climatic regions: Northeast, Southwest, West, Southeast and Midwest. The Northeast has chilling winters with occasional extreme weather like ice and snowstorms. Summers are mainly semi-humid especially farther towards the south. Average temperatures during winter can fall to well below -18degC. The West Coast has cool, wet winters and dry, cool summers (plus chilly evenings in the 10 – 15 deg C range particularly towards the north. Climate in the Southeast is humid and sub-tropical, with warm winters and really hot summers with the mercury over 37 degrees. And, the Midwest is similar in that summers are humid, although winters are usually much colder than in the Southeast.
Spring and Autumn are considered the best times to visit USA. Except for Alaska (Nov to Mar) where the winters can be real rough. And beware the peak hurricane season in the Southeast (from mid-Aug to late Oct).
Depending on what you like - Northeast USA is renowned for the explosion of natural color during the peak Autumn foliage season around the first three weeks of October. If you like Grand Canyon in the Southwest go in springtime before the heat and summer crowds. Visit Western USA in mid to early September when the weather is mild and the days are clear and prices are down from the summer peak season. Southeast and Midwest USA is best visited between October and early April, before the heat turns too overpowering.
SPRING (March to May)
East USA: temperatures warm up and weather is pleasant but rainfall increases and humidity
falls slightly.
West USA: Spring in West America also means comfortable daily temperatures
hovering around 21 degrees Celsius.
SUMMER (June to August)
East USA: Summer can be hot. Once June comes, you can expect 32 deg C temperatures in the afternoon
West USA: July and August has heavier rainfall, but showers are usually short-lived.
AUTUMN (September to November)
East USA: Cool, crisp days of autumn in the countryside.
West USA: Expect temperatures around 26 degree Celsius in September and October.
WINTER (December to February)
East USA: Harsh cold in some parts but the winter months provide pleasant temperatures in some areas of eastern USA.
West USA: Winter temperatures are cool to mild in most of California, except in the
high mountains and in the far northern parts of the state.
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
The Freedom Trail (Boston), Miami Beach, Walt Disney World Park (Orlando), Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway (New York), Grand Canyon (Arizona), Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park (California), Lake Mead (Nevada), Niagara Falls (New York State), White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument (Washington DC), Universal Studios (LA), Las Vegas casinos, Jackson hole, Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming),Lake Tahoe (Nevada), Thousand Islands (US-Canada border), Waikiki Beach (Hawaii), Denali National Park (Alaska)
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Reuben Sandwich, Philly Cheese Steak, Nachos, Delmonico’s Steak, Key Lime Pie, Boston Red Lobster, Tater tots, San Francisco sourdough bread, Jambalaya, cornbread, ciopinno, Maryland crabcakes, Smithfield Ham, Po’boy, Chicago-style pizza
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
Apart from consumer goods you can find cheaper in the USA than in your own country (such as in factory outlets)here are some of what international tourists like to buy: beauty care products, vitamins and supplements,toys, baby gear, Petoskey Stones, New Orleans Voodoo doll, Baseball, NFL, Basketball Team caps and merchandise, Kachina doll, NASA merchandise, Disney merchandise, Candies, chocolates and cookies.
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
•USA is one of only a few countries left to still use the Imperial system. So, height is in feet, distance in miles, temperature in Fahrenheit, and weight in pounds.
• Tipping is a common practice in the US at most restaurants, bars and other service establishments. Waiters and waitresses are paid a certain low wage to be supplemented by tips. The unwritten rule is that 15-20% is expected in restaurants. As for bartenders ($1-2 per drink), housekeepers ($1-5 per night) and many more, so you need to stock up on dollar bills to have them handy for tips.
• Be prepared to pay more than you think. What you see on the price tag isn’t necessarily what you get; most prices are listed excluding tax, so the price tags you see won’t include sales tax.
• Expect to head to the till and be asked for more money than you were expecting to pay. Different cities and states have different tax rates, so prices depend where you’re visiting
• The emergency number in the US is 911.
•Make sure you have health and travel insurance before your visit – health care costs are some of the highest in the world here.
• Credit cards and bank cards are usually the preferred mode of payment.
• The US has six time zones; know which time zone your destination is in for your flights and airport transfers.
•Use TSA-approved locks when flying
•If you self-drive in the USA, be mindful that each of the 50 states has its own set of laws and regulations concerning driving.
• Hot tip: visit the amazing National and State Parks in the US, they’re some of the best in the world.
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DESTINATION: UZBEKISTAN
YOUR KNOW B4-U-GO QUICK-FINDER TRAVEL DIRECTORY
DESTINATION: UZBEKISTAN
WHEN’S GOOD TO GO
GENERAL WEATHER CONDITIONS: Extreme continental climate. Low humidity. Winter temperatures average minus 8 ° C in the North, 0 ° C in the South. But extreme weather can take temperatures down to minus 35 ° C. Summer temperatures can go as high as 45 ° C.
AUTUMN (September to November)
Harvest time is from Sept through Oct and there’s lots of fresh fruit in markets. Rainy season is about to start.
WINTER (December to February)
Winter weather may change suddenly and sharply: sunny days can
become stormy several days within a week.
SPRING (March to May)
Unpredictable weather even during the spring. Cold heavy rains
and sunny warm days all during the space of one week are typical for this country.
SUMMER (June to August)
Hottest & driest days are around 25 June to August 5. Probably only one rainy day a
month. And no strong winds. Good time for trekking.
WHAT’S GOOD TO SEE
Samarkand’s ‘cultural crossroads’ sites, Bukhara’s old city, Khiva’s Silk Road heritage, Shahrisabz’s monuments
WHAT’S GOOD TO EAT
Lagman Soup (Central Asia’s version of ramen – handspun noodles, chunks of lamb, veg), Bademjan (salad appetizer), Chuchvara Soup (dumplings soup), Tashkent Salad (fresh greens but with boiled beef tongue and yogurt dressing)
WHAT’S GOOD TO BUY
assortment of clothes, accessories, cosmetics, food and shoes. Shopping places: Hamid Alimdjan Square, Zarafshan, Mega Planet, Next
WHAT’S GOOD TO DO
Cultural& sight-seeing walking tours, eco-tours, desert tours
WHAT’S GOOD TO KNOW (BEFORE YOU GO)
• Uzbekistan is a country under the tight control of the state
• Some photography may upset the authorities -especially near airports, border checkpoints, military barracks, bridges and police stations
• Photography is forbidden at metro stations
•Uzbek is spoken by about 85% of the population, Russian is the next most spoken language
• The currency unit of Uzbekistan is Uzbekistani so’m
• There are ATMs, but few and far between and don’t always work
• US dollar, Euros, British pounds and Japanese Yen are generally accepted.
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Know what you are getting into when you travel to a destination – the must-know, need-to-know, good-to-know.