Monthly Archives: May 2025

Ghana – considered one of the friendliest places in West Africa – continues to draw travelers from Jackson and other towns throughout Mississippi with its rich culture, colorful festivals, historical sites, spicy food, brightly-colored artwork, and the cosmopolitan capital city of Accra.

“Ghana is often referred to as ‘Africa for beginners,’ a phrase that underscores its reputation as a welcoming and relatively safe destination for first-time visitors to the continent,” according to World Travel Guide (https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/ghana/). “From its vibrant cities to its serene coastlines and diverse wildlife, Ghana offers an array of attractions as varied as an Accra traffic jam: expect sunshine, pristine beaches, unique ecosystems, historical landmarks, and a rich cultural heritage.  While its tropical coastline is enticing, few travelers visit Ghana solely for a beach holiday – there’s far too much to explore.”

The Republic of Ghana, located on the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean, is bordered by Burkina Faso, the Ivory Coast, and Togo.  More than a thousand years ago, Ghana was divided between the Bonoman and Dagbon kingdoms.  A center for gold trading, the region became known as the Gold Coast during the European Colonial era, which saw British, Dutch, Portuguese, German, and Swedish traders competing for influence.  In 1957, the Gold Coast, Ashanti, the Northern Territories, and British Togoland merged to form Ghana, a dominion within the British Commonwealth and the first colony in sub-Saharan African to gain independence.  Ghana’s official language is English, reflecting its colonial history.  Ghana became a republic in 1960.  After a series of coups, tribal wars, and civil conflicts during the late Twentieth Century, Ghana has emerged in recent decades as one of the freest and most stable countries in Africa.

Australia continues to grow as a popular destination for tourists, businesspeople and students living in the Cincinnati area and other towns throughout Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky.  The country offers numerous visas that allow foreign citizens living in the United States and well as U.S. passport holders to visit the Land Down Under – and depending on your nationality, you may be able to get travel authorization within 24 hours!

The Commonwealth of Australia is the largest country in Oceania and the most populous at 27.7 million people (who mostly live in coastal urban areas).  It is also the largest island and sixth largest country in the world, covering almost three million square miles on the continent of Australia, Tasmania, and several other nearby islands.  Due to its unique geographic location in the South Pacific, Australia is a country of vastly diverse climates, landscapes, and wildlife, with lush tropical rainforests in the northeast, mountains to the southeast, deserts in its midsection, and sun-drenched maritime beaches.

“Australia is the unexpected: a place where the world’s oldest cultures share vast ochre plains, stylish laneways, and unimaginably blue waters with successive waves of new arrivals from across the globe,” Lonely Planet reported (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia). “There is no shortage of spectacular places,” the publication added, “from culturally diverse cities with rich Aboriginal history dating back tens of thousands of years to the Great Barrier Reef and the raw outback landscapes in between.”

Turkmenistan – one of the most repressive and isolated countries in the world – is also one of the least visited nations for travelers from Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.  However, cautious, adventurous travelers who are not deterred by the difficult process for obtaining a Turkmen visa can enjoy historic, cultural and religious sites, as well as ancient Silk Road trading posts, rare desert wildlife, and resorts on the Caspian Sea.

More than 6.5 million people live in the former Soviet republic, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in Asia (the population of Turkmenistan is about half the size of Ohio's population but over four times the size by land area of the Buckeye State).  Turkmenistan is bordered by Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.  For centuries, Turkmenistan has been a trade thoroughfare, as the ancient Silk Road spans the country.  In recent years, its major international trade activities have revolved around its large oil and natural gas reserves.

Chicago-based travelers and others throughout Illinois who avoided visiting Iraq’s cultural, historic, and religious sites over security concerns are now returning to the “cradle of civilization” as government initiatives to improve security and promote tourism have boosted the country’s appeal.  

“Immerse yourself in a journey through time as you explore ancient sites, embrace spiritual sanctuaries, and witness diverse landscapes,” the Iraqi government stated on the website for its new electronic visa. “Indulge in the rich flavors of Iraqi cuisine, and experience the warmth of modern cities.” (https://evisa.iq/en/tourist-guide)

Officially the Republic of Iraq, this West Asian country borders Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the Persian Gulf.  Known as the cradle of civilization, the country’s history spans more than 8,000 years.  Ancient Iraq, aka Mesopotamia – the fertile area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers – gave rise to early cities such as Babylon and Baghdad, regional empires, and innovations including writing, mathematics, calendars, and a code of law.  The region was conquered by several empires, coming under Muslim control in the 600s.  Iraq is best known in modern history for the U.S.-led Gulf Wars of the 1990s that toppled strongman Saddam Hussein.  Civil war between Sunni Muslims (who had ruled the country for decades) and Shai Muslims followed, with the 2010s seeing a variety of militant campaigns within the country.  Decades of conflict have also surrounded Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region of northern Iraq largely populated by Kurds.  However, the 2022 election of prime minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani has brought improved political, economic, and security stabilization to Iraq.

From the ancient religious landmarks of the Holy Land to the innovative technological center of Tel Aviv, tourists and businesspeople from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and other towns throughout North Texas find plenty of reasons to visit Israel.

“At the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa – both geographically and culturally – Israel and the Palestinian Territories have been a meeting place of cultures, empires and religions since history began,” Lonely Planet reported (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories). “Few places on earth stir up passion the way that Israel does: the breathtaking beauty of its hills and valleys, the eerie stillness of the Dead Sea, the multi-colored canyon of Makhtesh Ramon, and the ancient walls and pathways of Nazareth and Jerusalem” the publication also noted. “The call of the muezzin and the quiet prayers of Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall reflect how the religious devotion of the Muslims, Christians, and Jews who live here runs through every facet of life.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel)

The State of Israel is located in a region of the Mideast also known as Palestine, the Land of Israel, and Canaan.  Israel borders Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, as well as the Mediterranean, Red, and Dead seas.  The country also occupies the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  Israel is the only country in the world where Jews comprise the majority of its population, accounting for more almost three-fourths of its 9.9 million people.  However, with its central location in the volatile Mideast region and continuing armed conflicts both within and outside its borders, the U.S. State Department advises visitors to “reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest.” It also advises no travel to “Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict” nor to “Northern Israel within four kilometers/2.4 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to Israel’s continued military presence and activity.” (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/israel-west-bank-and-gaza-travel-advisory.html)

Pakistan, once a popular hippie backpacking destination, is still mostly off the radar for most mainstream tourists.  However, this country should not be overlooked by residents of Los Angeles and others throughout Southern California because it offers a variety of attractions, including historic and cultural heritage sites, diverse geographic features, and a growing adventure travel sector for mountain climbers, hikers, and water sports enthusiasts.  Forbes magazine ranked Pakistan as one of its 10 “coolest places on earth” in 2019 and among the top underrated travel destinations in 2020. “Pakistan is blessed with abundant natural and historical riches,” Lonely Planet noted. “Incredible mountain landscapes are set against a backdrop of desert forts and stories of sultans and djinns.  In its cities, ancient bazaars are home to intricately etched copper kitchenware alongside pungent spice racks and steaming tea stalls.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/pakistan) The British Backpacker Society has also named Pakistan is the world’s top adventure travel destination, citing its friendly residents and spectacular mountain scenery.

Officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the country boasts several of the most ancient cultures in South Asia.  After 1,000 years of Islamic rule, the region was conquered by Great Britain during the mid- to late 1800s and became part of the British Indian Empire.  During the early Twentieth Century, the Pakistani movement that sought to establish a homeland for India’s Muslim citizens gathered steam.  In 1947, Pakistan gained independence when Britain partitioned present-day Pakistan from India.  The Islamic Republic of Pakistan followed in 1956.

Ethiopia – the cradle of civilization – continues to welcome tourists from the San Francisco Bay Area seeking historic cultural treasures, exotic natural beauty, and warm hospitality.  Ethiopia’s importance in the origins of mankind was confirmed by the 1972 discovery of “Lucy”, a fossilized 3.2 million-year-old female near the Awash River.  Today, tourism is the largest sector of the nation’s economy after agriculture. While “Lucy” was touring the United States and the United Kingdom in the first decade of the 21st century, visitors from other countries flocked to Ethiopia to explore its deep cultural history.  

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (previously known as Abyssinia) is located in northeastern Africa in the Horn of Africa.  Unique among African countries, Ethiopia resisted colonial rule for centuries -- until a brief Italian occupation during World War II.  Strategically located near the Middle East and Europe, Ethiopia’s access to major regional ports makes it a center of international trade and global influences.  More than 110 million Ethiopians live in a country covering more than 470,000 square miles –an area larger than France and Spain combined.  The population is a melting pot of African and Middle Eastern cultures, comprised of 80 various ethnic group who speak 90+ languages.  Almost two-thirds of Ethiopians are Christians, with most of the remaining inhabitants practicing Islam.  Half of the Ethiopian population was Jewish before Christianity was declared the national religion in the Fourth Century.  Today there are still several synagogues remaining in active use.

India -- one of the most diverse countries in the world for culture, language, religious, and wildlife -- continues to attract a growing number of leisure and business travelers from Jacksonville and others living throughout the state of Florida.  A record 18.9 million foreigners visited the country known as the “Golden Sparrow” last year, with the United States ranking second among international tourists.

“India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia,” Lonely Planet reported. (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/things-to-know-before-traveling-to-india). “It would take a lifetime to see all of India,” the report continued. “But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.”

The Republic of India, also known as the subcontinent, covers more than 1.26 million square miles in South Asia.  The republic borders Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan, as well as the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.  The country’s Andaman and Nickobar islands also share maritime borders with Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand.  In 2023, India surpassed China as the most populous country in the world and currently has a population exceeding 1.46 billion people.  Eighty percent of its people follow the Hindu religious, while about 14% are Muslims, giving India the largest Muslim population for a non-Muslim country.  More than 120 languages are spoken here, with Hindi and English being the most widely used.

The Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar is once again open for Portland area residents after reopening its borders following the pandemic.  Myanmar was largely closed to the outside world until the government began encouraging tourism in 1992.  The nation quickly became an appealing destination for tourists seeking cultural experiences, spiritual awakenings, unspoiled beaches, and spectacular natural beauty.  While the tourism infrastructure is more established in neighboring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, Myanmar today reflects the natural environments of those countries before decades of Western-style development made their mark.   

Formerly known as Burma, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar gains its independence from British rule in 1948.  After periods of democracy and military rule, a new civilian government took charge in 2011 that began actively encouraging visitors and building tourist infrastructure.  Millions of tourists followed as the decade progressed.  However, the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and another military coup d’état in early 2021 devastated tourism.  While political repression and instability continue, travelers have begun returning to Myanmar since the country reopened in mid-2022.

Brazil – the largest country in South America – has something for every tourist, from legendary festivals and vibrant urban culture and to iconic beaches and the largest rainforest and waterfall systems on Earth.  Oklahoma City-based businesspeople and investors are also drawn to the growth opportunities presented by the third-largest economy in the Americas.

“One of the world’s most dazzling destinations, Brazil is packed with steamy rainforests, tropical savannas, wetlands, and exciting cities,” Lonely Planet reported. “The ecosystems found in this giant of South America are home to the largest collection of plant and animal species found anywhere in the world.  But even if exploring the natural world is not top of your Brazil to-do list, plenty of life can be found in the country’s musical metropolises, too.  When it comes to relaxing, Brazil has sand to spare: 2,095 beaches, to be precise, dotting its 7,242km (4,500-mile) Atlantic coastline.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-brazil)