About Seychelles

So you finally decided to go to the famous vacation place Seychelles, but the question is do you know the important facts about Seychelles for you to be able to prepare and to enjoy your stay there?  Below are the things you should know before starting your trip:

*The local time in Seychelles is GMT +4.

*Creole, French, and English are the languages spoken in the islands

*As for important health information, if you come from an infected place and reach Seychelles, you first have to undergo yellow fever shots within six days.  It is also advisable to have immunization from typhoid and Hepatitis A.  You also should not forget to bring your own medicine bag with the following contents: diarrhea medication (you’ll never know when you’ll have traveler’s diarrhea), insect repellent, sun block, etc.  You may be able those stuff in Seychelles but they might be more costly and might not be in stock.

*You should be extra cautious if you arrive in Seychelles during rainy season because there is a higher risk of obtaining the Chikungunya virus and dengue fever from mosquito bites.  Never walk bare foot because there is a risk of getting leptospirosis.

*In terms of water, tap water in Seychelles is safe as it meets WHO standards but most vacationers prefer to drink bottled water which is all over the shops.  Seychelles vegetables and fruits should be peeled before you eat them and as for the meat in Seychelles, that should be well cooked.

*As for clinics and hospitals in Seychelles, they are limited.  You will find a hospital in Victoria though as well as a few private clinics.

*Seychelles safety information shows that crime is not common and staying in the islands are normally free of trouble.  Just make sure to be vigilant after dark specifically in the city of Victoria and other isolated places.  Do not bring your valuables to the beaches because those would be the target of petty thieves.  It is also advisable for the women not to walk alone in the beaches.

*As for the customs in Seychelles, visitors can sun bathe topless on some beaches but being fully nude is prohibited.  Wearing camouflage clothes is illegal and homosexuality is not accepted.

It is best to remember and follow all these tips to have a hassle free vacation in Seychelles.  In any trip, you should be prepared and knowledgeable about your destination.

Seychelles Vacation

The Seychelles islands have become a favorite destination for people all over the world who would like to relax, enjoy and spend their vacation in.  You’ll be glad to know that Seychelles is a place where making your own travel plans or arrangements would be a breeze.

If you have decided to plan your trip without asking help from a travel agency, also for you to save up on expenses, you should first get documentation and necessary information from the Seychelles Tourist Office or even from Air Seychelles.   The first thing you would need to know is the cost of air tickets to Seychelles which you may choose to buy from Air Seychelles or the travel agency of your choice.  Then you have to rent a car as your modes of transportation in Seychelles (aside from the boats or yachts) and of course, never forget your accommodation.  A bungalow, a guest house, hotels, etc. – there are a number of choices for you in Seychelles but you have to book in advance to ensure that you arrive in the islands with a place to stay in.

Feel free to visit the website of the Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority or STMA to find out about all the information you need regarding where to go in Seychelles, activities that you can participate in, and a lot more.

In terms of accommodation choices, Seychelles hotels are normally the most popular choice for travelers. You may take travel agency brochures for you to know the different hotels available in Seychelles.  Compare not only their prices but also the amenities they would offer you.  Most of the hotels in Seychelles have really beautiful views and are just a short walk from the beach.  Take note though that there are a few islands that only have a single hotel such as Denis Island, Bird Island, Silhoutte, D’Arros, Desroches, Frigate, etc.

Another type of accommodation you can stay in would be guest-houses, in other words apartments, bungalows, and bed-sitters that offer you very reasonable rates so if you are on a tight budget, choose these over hotels.  This just means that a Seychelles trip is not only for the wealthy but also for the middle-class vacationers.  The newer guesthouses normally offer you comfort and are completely furnished for you not to worry about anything during your vacation in Seychelles.  Camping is illegal in Seychelles so you have to choose among the two accommodation options.

The Best Places in Seychelles

Before buying those plane tickets to Seychelles, it is first good to know the best places to visit in the said islands for you to really make the most out of your vacation in Seychelles.  The best places for your Seychelles vacation are the following:

*Anse Lazio – this is said to be the best beach found in Praslin island.  It is even regarded as one of the great beaches in the country.  Anse Lazio is proud of its oft white sand with turquoise colored water that you’ll love to swim in.  Anse Lazio also has a number of granite boulders that make for a breath taking scenery.  If you have the love for snorkeling, the said resort also has a sheltered area at the end of the beach for you.  If you love eating, then a great restaurant is found by the end of the beach road.

*Victoria – a small city found in the Mahe Island that has the main post office and the Natural History Museum.  You may also visit the Botanical Gardens if you are interested in walking in shady places amidst a variety of trees and an orchid garden.  You will also find a number of penned giant tortoises and dine in the cafeteria within the Botanical Gardens in Victoria.  A court house is also found in this city and a few shops.

*Cousin Island – this is a haven for bird watchers with more than 300,000 birds in the said island.  They say that around 7 species of sea birds nest in Cousin Island also including white tailed tropical birds, fairy terns, and shearwater.  Cousin Island is also home to the rare Seychelles Magie Robin and Warbler as well as Hawksbill turtles that nest seasonally in the island.  You may join tours that leave from the island of Praslin from Tuesdays to Fridays.

*Vallée de Mai – aside from Curieuse Island, the Valle de Mai is also another place where you can see the coco de mer palm.   This valley is said to be similar to a Garden of Eden forest or paradise due to the fascinating scenery it provides.  A Seychelles black parrot also makes the Vallee de Mai as its home.  This is also home to screw pine varietes as well as latanier palms.

The islands of Seychelles will surely bring you closer to Mother Nature.  Seychelles has everything from beaches to gardens, to rare plants to rare birds, and a whole lot more.