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.

Dubai Culture

A brief history about the culture of Dubai would be very helpful before entering this beautiful place. Dubai is deeply rooted in its Islamic traditions and a good proof of it is the UAE (United Arab Emirates) National’s lifestyles. But, you need not worry since UAE tolerates, actually welcomes foreigners who are not Islamic in religion to enter their country. Emigrants are free to exercise their own religion.

Alcoholic beverages are served in all Dubai hotels and restaurants so it won’t be a problem traveling with your friends or someone special. There are minimal dress codes, and that means no need to adjust to their culture. But, it’s also fun to live the way they do to have a wonderful experience. Buy some clothes they sell and use them while strolling to their historical spots.

Aside from having minimal dress codes, discrimination towards women is not an issue in Dubai. People respect women as they respect others because courtesy and hospitability are few of their many virtues.

The culture of Dubai is pretty much preserved because of the rulers who are keen in maintaining them, practicing numerous traditional events such as sporting events, falconry, camel racing, and dhow sailing. Falconry is a game using trained birds to hunt. It is also known as “hawking”. Camel racing is also a big part of their regular events since UAE are known for camels. It also stands as a tourist attraction just like horse racing in other countries while dhow sailing is another tourist attraction made for riding boats.

If you are worrying on how to communicate with them, don’t fret. The official language of Dubai is Arabic but most people know English so there is no need to using those calculators when bargaining on their products. But, bringing would be better to be sure. The road signs and other significant signs are also written in both English and Arabic so having a map is enough. And since the people in Dubai are hospitable enough, asking would be hassle-free.

Seychelles Islands

For the island hopping aficionados, one of the best destinations would be Seychelles because of the fact that it is composed of around 115 islands that lie about 1600km off the eastern coast of Africa.  The following are the islands that island lovers should never forget to visit during their Seychelles travel.

Mahe – this is the largest island in the city and is said to be the “transportation hub” for an island hopping activity as well as an excursion to other islands within Seychelles.

Praslin – if you are a beach lover, then never miss out on visiting the island of Praslin as it is proud of having a number of amazing beaches like Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin, Anse Possession, Anse Kerlan, Anse La Farine, and a lot more.

La Digue – this is the home to the rare black paradise fly catcher as well as a number of legendary beaches an example of which is the Anse ource d’Argent.

Aride Island – if you are into unspoilt islands, then the Aride Island will fascinate you.  Here in this island you will find rare species of plants or flora such as the Wright Gardenia.  The waters of the island are also bursting with fish life such as Dolphins.  So if you want to go Dolphin Watching stay on Aride Island.

Bird Island – sparkling white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, etc. make up Bird Island.  You’ll have to get on a 30-minite flight from Mahe to reach this Island where you can spend the night in the Bird Island Lodge.

Cerf Island – this is the island for those who love to snorkel and to swim.  This is the closest island to Mahe Island and is located within the Ste. Anne Marine National Park.

Cousin Island – bird watchers will surely love it in Cousin Island where the rares bird in the islands, the Seycheller Bush Warbler is found as well as the Seychelles Magpie Robin.

Curieuse Island – they say to never leave Seychelles without getting a coco de mer which you should have a permit to take home to your native land.  You can find the coco de mer in Curieuse Island as well as the giant land tortoise and different mangrove species for the nature lovers.

These are just a few of the islands that you can visit in the Seychelles.  The Seychelles islands not only boast of great beaches but also of great flora and fauna that are a joy to view.

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.

Getting in Seychelles

Why do people love to go to Seychelles?  Well, because of the good weather and the great beaches and the lovely islands in that city.  Want to know a fact? Seychelles was actually deserted until the 17th century when a ship (British East India ship) decided to use the islands as a base.  After 12 years, the French made claim to the islands and French setters started moving in to Seychelles and started planting and growing crops such as sweet potatoes, sugar cane, coffee, maize, etc.  The British then became interested during the 18th century and it was only after the Napoleonic Wars that they were able to take control of the islands.  French however still was used as the language and the culture of the French remained as well.  Enough about history, the question for those interested would be how to get to Seychelles.

You’ll be glad to know that a lot of airlines are now making flights to Seychelles so you may check with your travel agency on which direct flight you can take to go there.  Sample flights are the following:  direct flight from London, flights from Australia through Singapore, flights from Africa and Mauritius, etc.  You may also take a cruise through Victoria.  Take note of the $20.00 departure tax though.

The Seychelles planes called “Air Seychelles” have regular flights to Bird and Denis Island, Fregate, Praslin, and Deroches.  Charters may also be the modes of transportation to fly to other islands.  Travelers may also take the ferries between La Digue, Praslin, and Mahe.  Other islands not mentioned would mean that you have to charter a boat to get there.

Once you are on the islands, you should know of the other modes of transportation to get around the place.  There are buses all throughout Mahe.  Praslin has buses but those are only limited.  You may also rent cars on Praslin and Mahe as well as taxis but taxi drivers do not normally use their taxi meters and instead would like to haggle as to how much you’ll pay for riding their transport.  In La Digue, you may choose to cycle by hiring bicycles (there are a lot) or you may opt to walk for some exercise.

Take note that having a Visa is not a requirement to be able to visit Seychelles islands but what you would need would be an onward ticket, enough funds throughout your stay and a booked accommodation.  You should also have a Visitor’s Permit.

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.

Seychelles Trip Expenses

Seychelles is home to 79,330 people with English and French as the spoken languages.  115 islands make up Seychelles, among which you will find definitely a tropical paradise that you will see in numerous advertisements and the glossy pages of travel pamphlets.  The images you see would be really tempting but those would not compete with seeing the Seychelles paradise in person.  Be ready for clear blue waters and amazing beaches and the costs of course.  Seychelles after all is not a destination that comes with cheap expenses so before you decide on going there, you should learn about the expenses that you will incur and better be prepared for those costs.

Seychelles hotels are actually handled (regulated) by their tourist committee and if you think that you can just camp to save up on accommodation expenses, well you should know that camping is not allowed.  You will find some cheaper guest houses but you have to make sure to stay away from the water sports if you your budget is only US$100 per day.  If you went to Seychelles because you would want to do some diving or eat scrumptious seafood then you should prepare at least US$200 up to US$300 to be able to do that.  With that amount you will also be able to stay in a fairly nice hotel.  Now if you have the funds to burn and would want to stay in pricey hotels, it is recommended for you to get a package tour to get a better deal.

In terms of foreign exchange, Seychelles has complicated rules that include foreigners or visitors being required to pay not only accommodation but meals as well as drinks, transport (pick up and transfers), excursions, etc. using a major foreign currency through credit card or cash.  After all, the prices of services in the city are quoted in US dollars, euro, UK pounds, etc.  The Seychelles rupees can only be used in restaurants or cafes outside of your hotel and also for transportation fares (e.g. cabs, buses).  The best advice is for you to just use your credit card as much as possible and then be sure to have a lot of cash with you for emergency purposes or for backup.

Tipping is not an obligation because there is a 5-10% service charge that is included in your bill in restaurants and hotels.  You may also do some bargaining wherein you might be able to get discounts on your car rental but in terms of shop prices, those are non negotiable.  In the market though, you are free to do some haggling.

Seychelles Travel Advices

Since Seychelles has become a popular destination, tourism facilities have been developed and the technology in the islands has been improved.  If you have decided on taking that Seychelles travel and would want to ensure a problem free vacation, then you should learn all about “prevention”.  It is recommended that you learn first about visa rules, passport rules, the local laws and customs, etc. for you not to encounter problems while in Seychelles.

The first thing you have to make sure of is to have a valid passport.  The Seychelles visa will be issued upon your arrival which would expire after a month but may be extended if requested.  In fact, the longest time your visa may be valid in the islands of Seychelles would be up to one year.  Make sure to also write down the numbers of your family or friends in the emergency information portion of your passport so that Seychelles authorities will know who to contact in case of emergencies.

Be sure to bring medicines that you might need while on vacation as medical institutions in Seychelles are very limited.  There are a few private clinics and only one main hospital so better be prepared.  Take note that the Ministry of Health in Seychelles do offer ambulance services only in the following islands: La Digue, Praslin, and Mahe – just dial 999.

Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes most especially during the rainy season in Seychelles by bringing an insect repellant lotion. Spray, etc.  This is to prevent you from getting dengue fever.  Water in the islands can de drank but to be safer, you better boil the water before drinking or better yet, purchase bottled water to drink.  Those are available in Seychelles.  Do not also forget to have travel insurance so that your emergency medical needs would be covered while you are out of your country.

Violent crimes are rare but petty crimes occur often.  That is why you have to store your valuables in the hotel safe as well as keep your hotel doors and even the windows closed and locked.  Do not wear a lot of jewelries and do not carry unnecessary cash or credit cards while exploring Seychelles to avoid being a target of thieves.

Follow the Seychelles travel advice mentioned here for you to be safe and for you to spend your days in Seychelles with no problems or worries.

Costa Rica Travel Guide

With the invention of modern transportation, it is becoming even easier to travel to far away countries rather than places on our doorsteps. Costa Rica is just one of the very desirable vacation destinations that families and honeymooners alike want to enjoy. Located along the Caribbean coastline, its sandy beaches, tropical rainforests and various reservoirs make it a beautiful setting that everything can enjoy. As Costa Rica relies heavily on tourism; it is constantly adapting to cope with the growing demand from foreign visitors. If you choose to visit Costa Rica then it does come highly recommended and there is something for everyone to do, no matter what their tastes and preferences. Why not visit some of the many tropical rainforests which house over 1,000 species of orchids and a staggering 850 species of birds (such as Toucans and eight varieties of Parrots) which are rarely seen elsewhere.

The country whose capital is the “breathtaking” San Jose was once known as “Switzerland of Central America” due to its beautiful settings and friendly atmosphere which still welcomes all visitors today.

Costa Rica is primarily a Spanish speaking country but English is an inherited second language and therefore you won’t have any problems communicating with the locals.

Since the tourism boom in the 1980’s, Costa Rica has not just seen changes to its general surroundings, there has been a large and swift increase in the number of luxury apartments and hotels are offer to holidaymakers which are located to a large majority of the biggest attractions in the country, ranging from beaches, forests, nature reserves and even volcanoes.

Facts about Costa Rica:
Full Name: Republic of Costa Rica
Capital: San Jose
Religion: Christianity
Languages: Spanish and English
Currency: Colon (CRC)
Literacy Rate: 96% as per figures from CIA World Factbook – February 2007 (this figure is one of the highest in the whole of this geographic location

The full size of Costa Rica is huge in comparison to other beauty spots across the world with it spanning across a staggering 51,100 square kilometres (19,730 square miles) and the latest population count in 2006 reached 4.20 million people.

Costa Rica borders Nicaragua which is located to the north and Panama which can be found south-southeast. When visiting, the highest point in the country is that of Cerro Chirripo which measures in at 3,810 meters and is the fifth highest peak in Central America.

You will find that 25% of Costa Rica is made up of national parks and comprises of several islands which make up the large area. These islands include Cocos Island and Calero Island which is the largest across the country with it stretching over 58.5 square miles.

It is not difficult to see why Costa Rica is becoming one of the fastest growing tourism locations with its beautiful beaches, breathtaking sights and relaxing atmosphere, it is ideal for everyone to enjoy. If you want to take a holiday over the next year then visiting Costa Rica (whether for the first time or not) will prove to be the best choice you could make.