Monthly Archives: July 2025

Laos -- once a low-cost haven for backpackers drawn to its Buddhist temples, limestone mountains, and laid-back lifestyle -- now attracts an increasing number of leisure travelers from St. Louis and other cities throughout Missouri and Illinois as the government adds more hotels, new festivals, and better highway access to top tourist destinations.  More than three million foreigners visited Laos in 2023, with the United States ranking as the top non-Asian source of inbound tourists.

The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos (officially the Lao People’s Democratic Republic) borders Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.  The country of 7.6 million covers more than 90,000 square miles.  Most of the country is covered in forested mountains plus several plateaus and plains. “Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes, and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous,” Lonely Planet reported. (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/laos)

Located on the Indochina Peninsula, Laos was the center of the Lax Xang (“million elephants”) empire for more than 400 years before internal conflicts split the country into three kingdoms.  The realms were reunited as a French protectorate in 1893 and Laos gained independence from France in 1949.  A civil war that paralleled the Vietnam War led to the 1975 establishment of a socialist republic.  Laos is currently one of only five remaining Communist states in the world.

Ghana – considered one of the friendliest places in West Africa – continues to draw travelers from Buffalo and other towns throughout New York 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.

For residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and others througout Northern California interested in a lush tropical island with a touch of royalty, the nation of Seychelles should fit the bill for your next travel destination.  Prince William and Kate Middleton famously spent their 10-day honeymoon at a private resort in Seychelles.  Other famous honeymooners include George and Ana Clooney, and Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston.  However, you don’t need to be heir to the throne or Hollywood royalty to enjoy these exotic islands. “With its pristine, palm-fringed beaches and clear, turquoise waters, Seychelles is undoubtedly the romance capital of the Indian Ocean,” Mason’s Travel noted. (https://masonstravel.com/will-kate-ten-year-anniversary-suites-fit-for-royalty)

The Republic of Seychelles consists of 155 islands in the Indian Ocean that lie several hundred miles east of Africa.  It is the smallest country in Africa and the least populated, with some 130,000 residents.  Seychelles’ culture and cuisine is an eclectic blend of French, British, African, Chinese, and Indian influences.  Great Britain and France competing for influence during the Colonial era before Britain took control during the Napoleonic Wars.  Seychelles gained independence in 1976 and later joined the Commonwealth.  English and French are two of its official languages, but the third, Seychellois Creole (a French-based dialect that contains some English words), is the most frequently spoken.  About two-thirds of Seychellois are Christians.

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 Kansas City and other towns throughout the Midwest.  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.

Denver-based travelers and others throughout Colorado 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.

Sierra Leone -- considered West Africa’s best-kept beach destination secret -- is leveraging its natural attractions and resources to attract more tourists and businesspeople from Jackson and other towns throughout the state of Mississippi. 

“Sweet sands rise from the soft waters of the Atlantic, with the backdrop dressed in sun-stained hues, rainforest green and the red, red roads of the north.” Lonely Planet wrote of Sierra Leone. (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/sierra-leone) The publication added, “You can take your pick from islands, rainforests, and national parks; museums, great restaurants, and cultural activities also beckon.  And if taking it easy is more your speed, well, you’ll fit right in: as Sierra Leoneans will tell you, there’s nothing better than chilling on one of the gorgeous beaches, soaking up the sun – and the natural beauty.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-things-to-do-in-sierra-leone)

The Republic of Sierra Leone is bordered by Guinea, Liberia, and the Atlantic Ocean.  A small country covering about 28,200 square miles, Sierra Leone (Portuguese for “lioness mountain”) is a culturally diverse country of 8.8 million people and 18 ethnic groups.  More than one percent of the population consists of Creoles (descendants of freed African-Americans), freed Afro-Caribbean slaves, and liberated Africans.  English remains the official language, but 98% of people speak the local dialect, Krio.

The small East African nation of Djibouti is an uncommon leisure travel destination for residents of Miami and the South Florida region.  The smallest and least-populated nation in Africa (population 1.1 million) is known mainly for its strategic military and geopolitical importance.  However, the multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country has welcomed foreign travelers for centuries with its warm hospitality and diverse natural features.

“Nestled in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is a little piece of heaven for nature and history lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the ethnic composition of this tiny land inhabited since the Neolithic Age.,” according to a profile on the Culture Trip website (https://theculturetrip.com/africa/djibouti/articles/12-reasons-why-you-should-visit-djibouti-at-least-once-in-your-lifetime ). “Djibouti is home to three ethnic groups that live side by side in harmony and peace.  Somali, Afar and Arabs have been coexisting together here since the Ifat Sultanate that dates back to the 12th century.”

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 Oklahoma City and other towns throughout Central Oklahoma.  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 Honolulu and others living throughout the state of Hawaii.  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 the Raleigh-Durham area 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.