Monthly Archives: October 2025

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 Jacksonville and other towns throughout Florida.  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 Baton Rouge and other towns throughout the state of Louisiana. 

“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.

Equatorial Guinea, one of the smallest countries in Africa (both by land area and population), is also the only Spanish-speaking nation on the continent.  To put it in context with the United States, Equatorial Guinea’s population of 1.7 million people is about one-third the size of the Phoenix metropolitan area, which has nearly 5 million residents.  This Central African country consists of five islands in the Gulf of Guinea near the equator plus a mainland region bordered by Cameroon and Gabon.  Although one of the wealthiest nations in Africa, most of its people live in poverty while the elites live in opulence. “This is the land of primates with painted faces, soft clouds of butterflies, and insects so colorful they belong in the realm of fiction,” Lonely Planet noted (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/equatorial-guinea). “Yes, Equatorial Guinea has something of a reputation, with a history of failed coups, allegations of corruption, and buckets of oil, but there is plenty to bring you to this country's beautiful black-and-white shores.”

Officially the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the country was known as Spanish Guinea before gaining independence in 1968.  Spanish, French, and Portuguese are the country’s official languages, but several local dialects are also common.  Dictator Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled since 1979, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. “Exercise increased caution in Equatorial Guinea due to crime and health,” the U.S. State Department cautions. “While not common, crime - such as robbery - remains a concern throughout Equatorial Guinea. Police and military checkpoints are common throughout the country.” (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/equatorial-guinea-travel-advisory.html).

Bangladesh may not be on the bucket list for most residents of the Boston area, but those willing to immerse themselves in this under-explored South Asian country can find lush tropical coasts, unique historic sites, serene tea estates, vast mangrove swamps, Bengal tigers, and the world’s longest sandy beach.

“Famously poor and heavily prone to flooding, Bangladesh makes an unlikely tourist destination, and a trip here is certainly off the beaten track,” Lonely Planet reported. “But if you're happy to leave behind your home comforts and willing to get out and explore, this beautifully green and wonderfully welcoming country could be one of the most fascinating places you ever visit.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/bangladesh-for-first-timers)

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is the eighth most populous country in the world and one of the most densely populated–more than 175 million people live within just over 57,000 square miles.  The country borders India and Myanmar, plus has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal.  Most of its residents speak Bangla.  However, English is spoken by much of the middle class, used in the court system, and taught in public schools, reflecting the republic’s history as part of the British Empire.  Islam is the state religion and accounts for more than 90% of the people.