Monthly Archives: January 2026
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Posted: January 04, 2026Categories: Passports and Visas
Read more »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 Louisville and other towns throughout Kentucky. 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.
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Posted: January 03, 2026Categories: Passports and Visas
Read more »The African nation of Sudan is a hidden gem, with huge deserts, hospitable people, and twice as many pyramids than Egypt. However, few tourists from the Salt Lake City area visit the country: continuing armed conflict with neighboring countries, domestic unrest, and terrorism have kept Sudan off most travelers’ itineraries in recent years.
Located in Northeast Africa, Sudan borders the Red Sea, the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, and South Sudan. The White Nile and the Blue Nile merge at the capital city of Khartoum to create the River Nile, the world’s longest river.
The area known as Sudan has been inhabited for several millennia. From 780 B.C. through 350 A.D., it made up part of the Kingdom of Kush (which also included part of Egypt). Over time, Egypt took political control of Sudan and introduced cultural influences that remain today. By 1896, the United Kingdom and Egypt were exercising joint control of Sudan until the new Republic of the Sudan achieved independence in 1956. Arab Muslims dominated the northern part of Sudan, while African Christians and other groups dominated the south. Sudan was the largest country in Africa until South Sudan seceded in 2011. Today Sudan covers more than 720,000 square miles, making it the third largest African nation. Official languages are Arabic and English.
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Posted: January 02, 2026Categories: Passports and Visas
Read more »Ethiopia – the cradle of civilization – is welcoming record numbers of tourists from American cities like Orlando who seek historic cultural treasures, exotic natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
“Ethiopia is like nowhere else on the planet, a beautiful country blessed with a peerless history, fabulous wildlife and some of Africa's most soulful peoples,” Lonely Planet stated recently (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/ethiopia). The publication highlights the country as a top African destination for adventurous travelers looking for rich culture alongside unusual primates, secluded tribal villages, historic rock-hewn cave churches, and stunning natural landscapes.
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Posted: January 01, 2026Categories: Passports and Visas
Read more »Bangladesh may not be on the bucket list for most residents of the Denver 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.
