Monthly Archives: June 2025

Ghana – considered one of the friendliest places in West Africa – continues to draw travelers from Raleigh and other towns throughout the Research Triangle 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 Seattle area and other cities throughout the Pacific Northwest.  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.”

Liberia -- the West African nation founded by free Afro-Americans some 200 years ago – is moving beyond a turbulent recent past to encourage tourism and trade opportunities with visitors from Omaha and other American cities.  The country is also known as “Little America,” reflecting historic and cultural ties with the United States that continue into the present. 

“This little-known country truly is a land of ‘unique West African discoveries’ – a wildlife attractive adventure for outdoor active explorers and travelers seeking out its incredible and unique water sport and nature experiences,” according to Liberia Tourism’s official website (https://enjoyliberia.travel/).  Lonely Planet added, “Liberia, a lush, green, friendly and vibrant land, offers everything from excellent surf spots and shops selling wares by edgy local designers to days spent lolling in a comfy hammock on the edge of the rainforest while listening to tropical birds sing.” The publication added the country “still hangs on to a confident American spirit mixed with West African roots.  And despite the ravages of the past, it is a fantastic place to travel, full of hope and energy.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/liberia)

The Republic of Liberia – which means “land of the free” – is bordered by Guinea, the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and the Atlantic Ocean.  The area has been inhabited by indigenous people since the 12th Century.  From the 14^th through the 17^th centuries, Portuguese, Dutch, and British traders built trading posts in the region, which they referred to as the Pepper Coast or the Grain Coast.  In the early 1800s, a movement emerged in the United States to resettle freed and free-born African-Americans back to Africa.  The American Colonization Society (ACS) led the resettlement campaign, believing that African-Americans had a better chance at freedom in Africa than in the Americas.  In 1822, the ACS began sending volunteers to the Pepper Coast to establish a colony.  By 1867, more than 13,000 people from the United States and the Caribbean had relocated to the area.  Today, about five percent of Liberia’s 5.7 million citizens are Americo-Liberians descended from the early ACS colonists.  English remains the official language (although more than 20 indigenous dialects are spoken) and Christianity is the dominant religion.

Philadelphia-based travelers and others throughout the Delaware Valley 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 Jacksonville and the First Coast region of Northeast Florida 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)

Thailand’s popularity as a retirement destination for foreigners has been boosted by the recent addition of a 10-year long-term retirement visa.  Warm weather, majestic mountains, sandy beaches, lush tropical jungles, vibrant marketplaces, spicy food, state-of-the-art healthcare, and low prices make this exotic Southeast Asian kingdom an attractive destination for retirees in Kansas City and throuhout the neighboring states of Missouri and Kansas who are ready for the next chapter of their lives. 

More than 70 million people live in Thailand, including three million foreigners -- with retirees making up a significant percentage of those expats.  The U.S. State Department estimates that some 30,000 American expats live in Thailand (including retirees).  A U.S.-Thailand tax treaty that avoids double taxation exempts Social Security and other U.S. pension payments from Thai taxation.  Discounts on already-low prices for seniors on public transportation, museums, and some tourist destinations add to the appeal for those living on fixed incomes.

New Zealand – the island nation whose lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and stark landscapes provided unforgettable settings for the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “Mission Impossible: Fallout” – is also a popular travel destination for tourists and businesspeople from St. Louis and other cities throughout Missouri and Illinois.  The United States ranks second only to neighboring Australia as the top source for visitors to New Zealand, which was originally known as Aotearoa, the "land of the long white cloud."

“Spectacular and diverse, New Zealand (Aotearoa) is one of the world's most memorable destinations,” Lonely Planet reported. “From its inspirational Māori cultural experiences to its epic and otherworldly national parks, it can be hard to narrow down what to do.  You can spend your days soaking in the urban energy of Auckland and Wellington, challenging yourself on outdoor adventures around Queenstown, cycling through Central Otago’s historic towns and big-sky landscapes, or trying to spot the country’s iconic kiwi bird on Stewart Island/Rakiura.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-things-to-do-in-new-zealand)

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 San Juan and others living throughout the island of Puerto Rico.  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 Ivory Coast -- officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire -- may not be as well known to residents of Louisville as other English-speaking countries in Africa, but the small West African nation is enjoying increasing tourism alongside strong economic growth.

“Côte d'Ivoire is a stunner, shingled with starfish-studded sands, palm-tree forests, and roads so orange they resemble strips of bronzing powder,” Lonely Planet stated. “This is a true tropical paradise, and a country that is moving towards economic progress – it's a nation that is modernizing its lifestyle and culture, but managing to do so without losing its identity.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/cote-divoire)

The country of 32.6 million borders Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Mali, as well as the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean.  It covers some 125,000 square miles, almost two-thirds of which is agricultural land.  The most biodiverse country in West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire spans coastal beaches, lowland forests, savannahs, and mangroves.  Côte d'Ivoire is an ethnically and religiously diverse country.  While French is the official language, almost 80 languages are spoken here.

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.  Minneapolis-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)