Modern Vietnam is the latest Asian dragon to awake from its slumber. For culinary adventurers Vietnam is a treasure trove of hundreds of different dishes from spring rolls to secret spices. For the history buffs, the Viet story is told respectfully at poignant sites across the country. As well, the Vietnamese are graciously welcoming of foreigners who come as guests not conquerors. If you visit Vietnam expecting the unexpected, yet ready for an adventure as much as a holiday, Vietnam will deliver.
Vatican City is the world’s smallest sovereign state, yet it occupies a tremendously important role as the capital of the Catholic world and guardian of one of the greatest artistic collections on the planet. At the centre of Vatican City is St Peter’s Square, a grand central space designed by Bernini to represent the motherly arms of the church. In spectacular fashion, St Peter’s Square itself can hold over 300,000 visitors at one time.
Anytime is the perfect time to visit the USA. All you’ve got to do is decide to go and the hardest part is over. The main thing to keep in mind when travelling around the USA is the continent’s immense scale; Texas alone is twice the size of Germany. That being said, America is a grand country full of once in a lifetime road trips with great open skies, red rock deserts, towering mountain peaks and the brightest lights in the biggest cities you’ll ever see.
Currency is the American Dollar
Language is English
When to visit USA:
High Season: June to August
Shoulder: April to May, September to October
Low Season: November to March
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London is the beating heart of the United Kingdom (UK) where there really is something for everyone whether you’re 7 or 70, travelling in a group with friends or backpacking it solo. While the towns and cities in the UK may look small on a map, they boast an astounding collection of impressive castles and stately homes as well as towers, palaces, museums and monuments from any century you might imagine. Highlights of the UK beyond London include Edinburgh Castle, Stonehenge, York as well as not to be missed overseas island territories Bermuda, Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and South Georgia Islands.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a forward thinking society that has the ambition to build the world’s most impressive buildings; including the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. With plenty of grand projects almost always being erected around the UAE, visiting here often feels like a trip to the future. Specifically, the Burj Al Arab is the Emirati’s landmark luxe hotel in Dubai due to its dramatic design that gives even spectacular opulence new meaning.
Currency is the UAE Dirham
Language is Arabic and English
When to visit UAE:
High Season: November to March
Shoulder: April to May, October
Low Season: June to September
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Turkiye can be as fun and exciting as you want it to be. Istanbul is as romantically exotic as you could hope for with a skyline that showcases graceful domes and minarets as well as bazaars awash with the sights, sounds and smells of the East. Turkiye also straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, so it can seem comfortably familiar in the West, yet adventurous and mysterious in the East. If you start in Istanbul, be sure to end your Turkish explorations in Cappadocia where its lunar landscapes and fairy chimneys are both as unique and magical as you imagined.
Tibet is aptly named ‘the roof of the world’ because it fulfills its promise of breathtaking high altitude scenery accented by awe inspiring monasteries and temples. The scenery and architecture are only half of the Tibetan story, however, the true highlight is the people whose colour, good humour and religious devotion make travelling across the plateau a profound joy.
Currency is the Chinese Yuan
Languages are Mandarin and Tibetan
When to visit Tibet:
High Season: May to September
Shoulder: March to April, October to November
Low Season: December to February
There is a code of conduct for visiting temples. It is important to act and dress with respect when visiting religious sites. Women may accept a gift from a monk but must be careful never to touch him. Shorts and tank tops are not appropriate. Hats must be taken off when entering the grounds. Shoes must be taken off before going into the temples. When sitting in front of Buddha, sit with feet to the side. Bow in the presence of elderly monks. Giving a small monetary donation will be greatly appreciated. Never point your finger or soles of your feet towards a monk or a Buddha figure.
Travel Health: it is especially important that you visit your travel physician prior to this trip as parts of Tibet are at altitude. You may need medication to prevent altitude sickness.
The Kingdom is an exotic land that is surprisingly convenient and accessible. Without a doubt, the highlight of your visit to this golden land will be the Thai people. They are always eager to please in an effort to showcase their natural beauty, historic temples and robust cuisine. Not to miss highlights in Thailand include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Railay, Ayuthaya and of course the magnificent marine life in Ko Tao.
Currency is Thai Baht
Language is Thai
When to visit Thailand:
High Season: November to March
Shoulder: April to June, September to October
Low Season: July to October
There is a code of conduct for visiting temples. It is important to act and dress with respect when visiting religious sites. Women may accept a gift from a monk but must be careful never to touch him. Shorts and tank tops are not appropriate. Hats must be taken off when entering the grounds. Shoes must be taken off before going into the temples. When sitting in front of Buddha, sit with feet to the side. Bow in the presence of elderly monks. Giving a small monetary donation will be greatly appreciated. Never point your finger or soles of your feet towards a monk or a Buddha figure.
Simply perfecting your pronunciation of ‘Serengeti’ and ‘Kilimanjaro’ are reason enough to justify packing your bag and heading off to Tanzania. Yet, despite its wondrous attractions, Tanzania has managed for the most part to remain unassuming and low key. So it goes, the booming tourist industry combined with political stability makes Tanzania an ideal choice for both first time visitors as well as any safari connoisseur.
In Switzerland prepare for a thrilling train ride of feasts, treats and temptations as you take in the soul stirring scenery. In the towns and cities that dot the map of Switzerland, you’ll encounter history where streets were laid out long before the time of Columbus as well as off the charts splendid vistas of the Alps carved into rugged glory by glaciers and the elements.
G+L Travel Photography 
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