Monthly Archives: September 2025

While The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa, its diverse culture and must-see tourist attractions make it an interesting destination for residents of Milwaukee and other towns throughout the state of Wisconsin.  English is the official language of The Gambia – a former British colony which gained independence in 1965 – making it easy for Americans to communicate with locals who nicknamed their country “the smiling coast of West Africa.

Although the Republic of The Gambia only covers about 4,400 square miles, “Its captivating array of attractions belies its tiny size,” Lonely Planet reported. “The Gambia has a mere 50 miles (80km) of coastline, but what a magnificent stretch it encompasses: golden beaches backed by swaying palms and sprinkled with scenic lagoons, sleepy fishing villages, and biologically rich coastal reserves.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/the-gambia) However, Responsible Vacations added, the country is more than a beach resort with lush all-inclusive hotels. “Its namesake river is crammed full of wildlife, from hippos to giant crocodiles to manatees; thick forests teem with monkeys, insects and nearly 600 species of bird; and the country’s rich culture and heritage are evident in its museums, markets, and mysterious heritage sites.” (https://www.responsiblevacation.com/vacations/gambia/travel-guide)

The Philippines -- renown for white sandy beaches, crystal-blue waters, warm hospitality, and vibrant cities -- remains a favorite destination for tourists and retirees from the Montgomery area seeking a low-cost tropical getaway.  English is widely spoken, business opportunities are plentiful, and U.S. passport holders can visit for up to 30 days without a visa.  Add in a lush ocean paradise, and it’s easy to understand why the United States is the nation’s second largest source of foreign visitors.

“Most travelers flock to the Philippines for tropical beaches and laid-back island lifestyle,” Lonely Planet reported. (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-things-to-do-in-manila) The publication continued, “The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, smoldering volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers, fuzzy water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people.”  With more than 7,400 islands, Lonely Planet added, “The Philippines offers a delightful mix of secluded natural wonders and lively cities for anyone in search of their next adventure.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-the-philippines).

The Republic of the Philippines is an island nation in the South Pacific, bounded by the Celebes, Philippine, and South China seas.  While it has no land borders with other countries, it shares maritime borders with China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.  The archipelagic nation’s ethnically diverse population includes more than 120 million people, many of whom live in or near the capital of Manila.

The island nation of Cape Verde off the West African coast has been a popular winter getaway for European tourists for decades.  Now residents of Cleveland and other cities in Ohio have also begun discovering the tropical archipelago in recent years, with the United States ranking as one of the country’s top 10 sources of visitors.  The nation also leads West African countries in tourism per capita.

Cape Verde (officially the Republic of Cabo Verde) consists of 10 volcanic islands covering more than 1,500 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean.  The archipelago was uninhabited until Portuguese explorers discovered it and made it the first European settlement in the tropics.  Centrally located west of Senegal, Cape Verde emerged as an economic center during the Colonial-era slave trade.  The republic achieved independence from Portugal in 1975.

The Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar is once again open for residents of the Fresno area 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.

South Korea – the home of “K-pop culture,” the global music, entertainment, and fashion phenomenon – drew more than 25 million foreign visitors in 2024 as more people from Charleston and other towns throughout South Carolina come to experience the “Korean Wave” for themselves.  The United States consistently ranks among the top five sources for visitors, trailing only nearby China, Japan, and Taiwan.

“South Korea is a frequent character in conversations around the world, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, world-class cuisine, chart-topping pop bands, and some of the most exciting movies and TV series being made anywhere,” Lonely Planet reported. (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/things-to-know-before-traveling-to-south-korea)

The Republic of South Korea occupies the southern half of Asia’s Korean Peninsula.  The country is located between the Sea of Japan (known as the East Sea in Korea) and the Yellow Sea, and shares a land border with North Korea (which occupies the remainder of the peninsula).  South Korea also includes two volcanic islands and several rocky islets.  More than 51 million people live in South Korea, almost half of whom reside in the metropolitan area around the capital city of Seoul.

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 Minneapolis and other towns throughout Minnesota.  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.

Taiwan – the Pacific Island named “Best Leisure Destination in Asia” by Global Traveler and “2024 Favorite Adventure Destination” by Trazee Travel – is drawing ever-growing– numbers of tourists and businesspeople alike from Greenville and other towns throughout South Carolina.  North American visitors broke records in 2024, including the highest monthly total for U.S. travelers that December.

“Generous like its 23 million people, Taiwan offers wondrous vistas, lively traditions and a culture as luxuriant as Jade Mountain on a sunny day,” Lonely Planet reported. “With dynamic night markets jam-packed with delectable street food, gorgeous beaches, and soaring mountains, Taiwan offers lots in a small package,” the publication continued. “Just 395km (245 miles) from top to bottom, travelers will find futuristic cities, historic temples, and killer surf breaks – all connected by affordable high-speed rail.  As one of the friendliest East Asian countries for LGBTIQ+ travelers, too, it's pretty much got everything.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-taiwan)

Taiwan (officially the Republic of China or ROC) consists of 168 islands in the East and South China Seas.  It is located 100 miles west of the People’s Republic of China; less than 100 miles from islands within Japan and the Philippines; and south of Korea.  The main island, Taiwan (also known as Formosa–Portuguese for “beautiful island”–or Chinese Taipei), comprises 99% of the country’s 13,974 square miles.  Two-thirds of the island is covered in mountain ranges, but most people live in the plains areas of the metropolitan area surrounding the capital city of Taipei and Keelung.  Most Taiwanese people are classified as subgroups of Han Chinese, so the ROC is an important center of Chinese culture and an environment where students can study the Mandarin language in a friendly and open society.

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 Little Rock and other towns throughout the state of Arkansas. 

“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 Republic of Guinea is not a common destination for residents of Buffalo and the Western New York region, but it does provide unique experiences for adventurous travelers and those seeking new commercial opportunities in international trade. “Tarnished by the Ebola crisis and long-term political instability, it is a country most people stay away from,” the World Travel Guide noted  (https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/guinea/). “But for travelers who like being far, far from the beaten path, Guinea has many enticements.”

Located on West Africa’s Atlantic coast, Guinea beckons travelers with thundering waterfalls, virgin rainforests, remote hills, and tropical beaches.  It contains five ecoregions: the Guinean montane forests, Western Guinean lowland forests, Guinean forest-savanna mosaic, West Sudanian savanna, and Guinean mangroves.  However, travel outside major cities and tourist resorts can be difficult due to undeveloped transportation infrastructure -- and dangerous due to high levels of crime and corruption.  The impoverished country also faces frequent medical crises, as detailed by the CDC at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/guinea.