Category: Destinations

Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty, ready to be explored, in the blue immensity of the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores. To the East, on the island of Santa Maria, the beaches of warm white sand are inviting, and the vineyards covering the slopes like an amphitheatre resemble giant staircases. São Miguel, the largest island, is seductive with its Sete Cidades and Fogo Lagoons. The power that emanates from the earth is felt in the geysers, hot thermal waters and volcanic lakes, as well as in the tasty “Cozido das Furnas” slowly cooked inside the earth.

Costa Rica is a rugged, rain forested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes and immense biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, rich with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.

Cities

San Jose

The capital of Costa Rica, is located in the Central Valley region, bordered by the Talamanca mountain range to the south and by volcanoes to the north. The city is distinguished by its Spanish colonial buildings, such as the National Theater of Costa Rica neoclassical style overlooking the Plaza de la Culture, a popular meeting place. Below the square, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum exhibits hundreds of sparkling artifacts.

Monteverde

Monteverde is a town in the mountainous northwest of Costa Rica. It is known for the great biodiversity of its forests. Its famous biological reserve is home to numerous including jaguars, ocelots and the colorful quetzal. The reserve’s marked trails reserve, you’ll be able to wander through this incredible forest on suspension bridges through ferns and orchids. The presence of flora and fauna is extremely in this region. You’ll have the chance to visit butterfly and hummingbird gardens, orchid gardens, home to hundreds of plant species. If you’re a fan of outdoor activities you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of horseback riding and hiking tours, as well as canopy zip-lining the canopy or canyoning, including abseiling down jungle waterfalls. You can visit one of the many local coffee and sugar plantations and, for art lovers several galleries around Monteverde exhibit paintings and handicrafts by local artists.

Puerto Limón

Puerto Limón is a Costa Rican city, capital of the province of Limón. It is the most important port of the country, located on the Caribbean coast and a real economic and political center of the whole region. Its population is estimated at 105,000 in 2005.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a city belonging to the province of Guanacaste, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is known for its beaches with surf spots, such as Tamarindo Beach and Langouste Beach. To the north, Playa Grande is the main nesting site for giant leatherback turtles and is part of the Las Baulas Marine National Park. The mangrove-edged estuary protected by the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge offers a refuge for animals, such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.

Language

Spanish.

Electricity

The electricity is 110 volts.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information.
Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

nternational access code: 00 International dialing code: 506 Concerning national calls made in Costa Rica, it is not necessary to dial the 506 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 506 and finally the local phone number in Costa Rica.

Useful links

Cities

Mexico City

Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico. It is one of the most important cultural and financial centers in the world. It is located in the Valley of Mexico within the high Mexican central plateau, at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft). The city has 16 boroughs or demarcaciones territoriales, which are in turn divided into neighborhoods or colonias. Mexico’s capital is both the oldest capital city in the Americas and one of two founded by Indigenous people. The city was originally built on a group of islands.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a city in western Mexico and the capital of the state of Jalisco. It has a population of 1,385,629 people, making it the 7th most populous city in Mexico. Within Mexico, Guadalajara is a center of business, arts and culture, technology and tourism. It is home to numerous landmarks, including Guadalajara Cathedral, the Teatro Degollado, the Templo Expiatorio, the UNESCO World Heritage site Hospicio Cabañas, and the San Juan de Dios Market—the largest indoor market in Latin America.

Puebla-Tlaxcala

It is located in east-central Mexico and is bordered by the states of Veracruz to the north and east, Hidalgo, México, Tlaxcala and Morelos to the west, and Guerrero and Oaxaca to the south. The origins of the state lie in the city of Puebla, which was founded by the Spanish in this valley in 1531 to secure the trade route between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz. Today, the state is one of the most industrialized in the country, but since most of its development is concentrated in Puebla and other cities, many of its rural areas are undeveloped. Culturally, the state is home to the china poblana, mole poblano, active literary and arts scenes, and festivals such as Cinco de Mayo, Ritual of Quetzalcoatl, Day of the Dead celebrations (especially in Huaquechula) and Carnival (especially in Huejotzingo). It is home to five major indigenous groups: Nahuas, the Totonacs, the Mixtecs, the Popolocas and the Otomi, which can mostly be found in the far north and the far south of the state.

Cancun

Cancun is a city in southeast Mexico on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is a significant tourist destination in Mexico. The city is on the Caribbean Sea and is one of Mexico’s easternmost points. Cancún is just north of Mexico’s Caribbean coast resort area known as the Riviera Maya.

Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is a tourism and resort district south of Cancun, Mexico. It is famous for its large scale all-inclusive resorts and a historical tourism base of smaller boutique hotels as well as the many fine-dining restaurants available. A major attraction throughout the Riviera Maya are coastal and reef aquatic activities dependent on the beaches, coastal water and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (also known as the Belize Barrier Reef) which begins near Cancun and continues along the whole length of the Riviera Maya continuing southward to Guatemala. Activities at the most visited locations include jet-skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming in cenotes, swimming with dolphins, zip-lining, horse riding, sailing, and guided jungle tours. Archeology is also a big tourist draw in the area, including the popular archeological sites such as Tulum on the coast, and Chichen Itza and Coba located some distance inland.

Language

Spanish.

Electricity

The electricity is between 110 and 120 volts.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information.
Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 52 Concerning national calls made in Mexico, it is not necessary to dial the 52 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 52 and finally the local phone number in Mexico.

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Croatia is a country in the Balkans on the east side of the Adriatic Sea. Croatia has the privilege of offering a rich architectural heritage. Those traveling for the first time in this country will discover a unique and fascinating transition between Central Europe and the Mediterranean, a crossroads of cultures and influences quite exceptional! And then they will fascinated by the wonderful Croatian coast, protected by nearly 1,185 islands and islets about 1,750 km long. Multiply by 5 for the number of beaches and coves, by 10… These architectural gems are named Pula, Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir, Split and the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik.

Cities

Zagreb

Zagreb is a fascinating destination on its own, combining the best of Eastern and Western Europe. As the political, economic and cultural capital of Croatia, the city throbs with energy but has retained a good deal of old-world graciousness. The sober Austro-Hungarian buildings in the town centre house elegant restaurants and fashionable boutiques along with scruffy pubs and rowdy beer halls. A proliferation of galleries display the works of the artistic community, a parade of international stars perform in the concert halls, and local DJs fill clubs with the latest sounds.

Split

Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it’s really lived. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance of tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace to see dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split life has been going on for thousands of years. To top it off, Split has a unique setting. Its dramatic coastal mountains act as the perfect backdrop to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. You’ll get a chance to appreciate this gorgeous cityscape when making a ferry journey to or from the city.

Dubrovnik

Regardless of whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe and beauty when you set eyes on the Stradun never fades. Indeed it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s marble streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic, or failing to be inspired by a walk along the ancient city walls that have protected this civilized, sophisticated republic for five centuries. Although the shelling of Dubrovnik in 1991 horrifed the world, the city has bounced back with characteristic vigor to enchant visitors again. Take the revamped cable car up to Mount Srd. Marvel at the Mediterranean lifestyle and the interplay of light and stone. Trace the rise and fall of Dubrovnik in museums replete with art and artifacts. Exhaust yourself retracing history, then plunge into the azure sea.

Language

Croatian and English.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information.
Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code (exit code in Europe): 00 International dialing code: 385 If you are calling from any other European country, the international dialing code 385 is only required to call Croatia from abroad. So it will be: 00 385 and local phone number. Concerning national calls made in Croatia, it is not necessary to dial the 385 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 385 and finally the local phone number in Croatia.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

Portugal has a rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, wistful towns and a landscape wreathed in olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. Littered with UNESCO World Heritage sites and graced by one of Europe’s most relaxed and attractive capitals, it also remains refreshingly affordable. Savouring life slowly is a Portuguese passion, and much of the best is humble – traditional folk festivals; simple, honest food drowning in olive oil; music that pulls at the heart strings, recalling past love and glories; and markets overflowing with fish, fruit and flowers. The Azores islands are a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, located about 1 450 km (900 mi) from Lisbon. Nowadays, Azores’ main industries are tourism, cattle raising for milk and meat, and fishing. The Azores are actually the summits of some of the highest mountains on the planet, whose base is hundreds of meters below the ocean. The archipelago forms the Autonomous Region of Azores, one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, along with the archipelago of Madeira.

Cities

Lisbon

Lisbon is a magical city, where the imperial past and an independent present come together to make the city unique, a special place full of infinite possibilities. Lisbon’s cultural dynamics and its night life are the mark of a city that leads a fascinating and multifaceted existence. Lisbon is a city that is bursting with life. Cultural events, feasts, festivals and fairs are a constant part of the Portuguese capital. Probably the most fascinating, passionate and satisfying of all European cities, with blues skies all year round and a pleasant winter, this city offers opportunities for fabulous shopping with designer labels, exciting views of the city and the river and a picturesque setting where old electric trams lead you through narrow alleys. Ancient ways fuse together with the sophistication of the 21st century.

Porto

Porto is one of the last undiscovered European metropolises, that is about to change. But Porto is not a new city. It is an ancient port steeped in history and tradition. It is a highly atmospheric place that has become known for its monuments by renowned architects (Gustave Eiffel’s Dona Maria Bridge, Nicolau Nasoni’s Clerigos Tower, Rem Koolhaas’ Casa da Musica, or Siza Vieira’s Serralves Museum). This is the city that originated and named Port Wine, and gave birth to one of world history’s legendary figures, Prince Henry the Navigator.

Algarve

The Algarve has something to offer everyone, tempting golf courses on which international tournaments are played, superb tennis and riding, and every watersport you can think of. There’s an excellent choice of holiday apartments and villas, and hotels which also provide first-rate business and conference facilities. Walk through the busy local markets to choose from traditionally made handicrafts such as matgrass baskets and rugs, beautiful handpainted pottery and tiles, beaten copperware and intricate bobbinlace. At night visit one of the many glittering casinos or clubs, or simply sit outside beneath the stars and sample some freshly-caught seafood.

Language

Portuguese is the official language, but most people can understand English and French.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Communication

International access code (exit code in Europe): 00 International dialing code: 351 If you are calling from any other European country, the international dialing code 351 is only required to call Portugal from abroad. So it will be: 00 351 and local phone number. Concerning national calls made in Portugal, it is not necessary to dial the 351-country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 351 and finally the local phone number in Portugal.

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Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago with more than 17000 islands. Bali is known for its mysterious magical feeling. The Balinese people, the breathtaking landscapes and a pleasant climate justify Bali’s nickname as “Paradise Island”. Island of Bali Bali may be small in size – you can drive around the entire coast in one long day – but its prominence as a destination is huge, and rightfully so. Ask travelers what Bali means to them and you’ll get as many answers as there are flowers on a frangipani tree. Breathtaking rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerizing dance performances and ribbons of beaches are just some of the images people cherish. People and life style Life in Bali is very communal under the organization of villages. Temple ceremonies, marriage, cremation, farming and even the creative art festivals are decided by the local community institution called “Banjar”. The responsibilities in the day-to-day life are normally administered by both the Banjar and the government. The local government mostly responsible for schools, health clinics, hospitals and roads, and Banjar is responsible for all other aspects of life. There is another association that exists in the banjar named “Subak” that concerns the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Every family who owns a rice feld must be a member of their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of water. A banjar consists of an average of 50 to 150 family members, owning a meeting venue called the Bale Banjar, which is used for regular gatherings and a center for local gamelan orchestras and drama groups.

Language

Indonesian Bahasa and English

Weather

 With the sun shining throughout the year, Bali has a tropical monsoon climate with pleasant day
temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius. Rainy season starts from October to March, when the
west monsoon brings heavy showers and high humidity. June to September is considered the driest
season, with low humidity and can be cool in the evenings, the best time for any outdoor activities. 

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.

Communication

International access code: 001, 008 International dialing code: 62 Concerning national calls made in Indonesia, it is not necessary to dial the 62 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 62 and finally the local phone number in Indonesia.

Useful links

Qatar is where cultural authenticity meets modernity; where the sand meets the sea; where people come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment.

Cities

Doha

With its grand Greco-Roman amphitheater and numerous performances and festivals year-round, Doha’s Katara Cultural Village is a 1-stop destination for arts and culture. Sites of interest include Clock Tower Square, the souk (marketplace), and Government House (1969), built on reclaimed waterfront land. Further cultural developments include the establishment of a world-class Museum of Islamic Art (2008; designed by I.M. Pei) on an island offshore. Doha International Airport is located just southeast of the city.

Al Khor

The Al Khor and Thakira Municipality is a haven for things to do and see. It is one of Qatar’s popular areas because there are a number of scenic and picturesque natural sites to check out and a bunch of must-visit attractions for the whole family.

Language

Arabic and English.

Electricity

The electricity is 240 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 974 Concerning national calls made in Qatar, it is not necessary to dial the 974 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 974 and finally the local phone number in Qatar.

Useful links

Taiwan is a small island state located 180 km east of China, offering modern cities to the west of the island, along the coastal plain between Taipei and Kaohsiung, traditional Chinese temples, spas and a spectacular mountainous area on the east side. A wild island where nature is still intact, it is covered with 70% vegetation and is crossed by the highest mountain range in Northeast Asia, except Tibet.

Cities

Taipei

To the north, Taipei, the capital of the country, is famous for its lively night markets, the National Palace Museum where are exhibited works of Chinese imperial art transferred from the Forbidden City of Beijing in 1949, as well as the Tchang Kaï-chek Memorial and Taipei 101, a 509 meter tall, bamboo-shaped skyscraper with an observatory. Do not miss out on the old Wanhua and Datong neighborhoods full of historic sites like Longshan Temple

Kaohsiung

Located in the south of Taiwan, this port city is renowned for the diversity of its parks housing many skyscrapers. Kaohsing enjoys pleasant weather all year long thanks to the regulating effects of the marine climate. City with several popular sightseeing sites, including Love River, Shoushan (Mount Shou), Xiziwan Bay, Lotus Pond, Qijin and Zuoying Old Town. Kaohsiung also offers picturesque mountains, views of the ocean and rivers, as well as port, cultural and historical attractions. You can also visit the nearby village of Hakka, Meinong, to discover the traditional art of the oiled paper umbrella.

National Park of Taroko

Taroko National Park is one of nine national parks in Taiwan. To visit Taroko gorge is to discover an imposing nature. The Gorges of Taroko have been carved over the years by a river that has gently but surely shaped the landscape of these mountains of granite and marble. These are the kind of places that alone justify a long trip.

Language

Taiwanese, Mandarin Chinese

Communication

International access code: 002 International dialing code: 886 Concerning national calls made in Taiwan, it is not necessary to dial the 886 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 886 and finally the local phone number in Taiwan.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

With more than 58 million tourists visiting per year, Spain is among one of the countries most visited in the world. Its animated cities, the riches of its historic monuments, its paradise beaches, its hospitality and its joys of life give this country its reason to be explored. The birthplace of such great artists as Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Velázquez, Miguel de Cervantes, and Antonio Banderas, all add to the fantastic culture of Spain. For thousands of years, Spain has been one of the cultural centers of Europe. It has many beautiful cities and towns, offering thousands of monuments as well as a tremendous diversification of architecture.

Cities

Barcelona

Catalonia and Barcelona have become one of the first tourist destinations of Spain, it knows how to please the big majority : with a history among the oldest in Europe, a capital, Barcelona, which never sleeps and an inland full of charm not to forget beautiful beaches in La Costa Brava. The variety of artistic treasures, the Romanesque churches and the great names in modern art and architecture, Dali, Gaudi, Miro, Picasso… Barcelona sited between the sea and the mountains, has found a formidable balance: a foot in the traditional things and the other in the avant-garde.

Madrid

Madrid is often considered the European “capital of joy and contentment.” Although the city is a dynamic business center, Madrileños clearly enjoy life, taking time for long walks, extended evenings with friends over tapas, and dinner often as late as midnight. Madrid is a city of passion and drama, from the mournful beauty of flamenco to the intense baile of matador and bull. Madrid’s Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Centro Reina Sofia are world-class museums with works of El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo,Goya, and Picasso.

Costa del Sol

Mediterranean climate, more than 320 days of sun per year, the sea, small charming towns and a lot more… The Costa del Sol casts a spell over you and it has logically converted itself into a key international tourist destination since the middle of the last century. The Costa del Sol offers luxury and glamour, taking advantage of the frequent presence of film stars since the seventies. Today, between 25% and 30% of the large luxury hotels in Spain are found in Marbella and its surroundings, not to mention the first class golf courses. A luxurious and international character which contrasts the typical small Andalusia villages such as Ronda and Mijas, with narrow streets and white-washed houses adorned with flowers.

Language

Spanish, but many of its derivatives are also spoken, such as Catalan. English and some French can be spoken as well.

Weather

Spain is a sunny country with around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. The temperatures are mild, but there are still differences depending on the seasons and areas of the country. The mildest temperatures are in spring and autumn, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors practically the whole day long. Maximum temperatures are reached during the months of July and August, which are hot and dry throughout the whole country. The coldest temperatures occur during the months of December, January and February, which are the months with the most rainfall, mainly in the north of Spain.

It is essential to pack:

• Sunglasses, which you will use all year round.
• Comfortable footwear, especially if you visit museums, go sightseeing in cities or hike in nature.
• A light, comfortable backpack to carry your things, for example, sunglasses, sun cream, a bottle of water and a small travel umbrella for any eventuality.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries
you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.

Communication

International access code (exit code in Europe): 00 International dialing code: 34 If you are calling from any other European country, the international dialling code 34 is only required to call Spain from abroad. So it will be: 00 34 and local phone number. Concerning national calls made in Spain, it is not necessary to dial the 34 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 34 and finally the local phone number in Spain.

Useful links