MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign country on the French Riviera in Western Europe. The Sovereign Prince of Monaco is the Head of State (Prince Albert II) and the Prime Minister is the Head of the government. The country borders Italy, France (on three sides), and the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth, measures (2.1 square km) after Vatican City is also an independent state. Monte Carlo is its capital, and its population is about 38,000. Monaco is a prosperous, glamorous, sophisticated, and luxurious micro-state and a playground for the wealthy. It boasts of being the home of the most luxurious Casino worldwide and hosting the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Monaco is known for its luxurious lifestyles, beautiful beaches, rich history, and culture. However, despite its tiny size, Monaco is a powerhouse, and is one of, if not the wealthiest country worldwide, according to its GDP per capita. Its economy mainly relies on the service industry, especially gaming, tourism, and finance. Consequently, most of its revenue comes from Postage Stamp sales, liquor and tobacco taxes, and property/business registration fees. Please continue reading to learn more about my visit to Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.

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MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH Read More »

San Marino – the World’s Oldest Republic

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SAN MARINO THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC

SAN MARINO - THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC

The Democratic Republic of San Marino, known as the world’s smallest and oldest constitutional republic, is a developed landlocked European country. It has a population of almost 34,000 and its capital is San Marino City. The city is set high on the western slopes of Monte Titano/Titan and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country is about 10 kilometres from the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by Italy. It was founded in AD 301 (4^th century) by Saint Marinus, a stone mason, and has maintained its identity for more than a millennium. San Marino is the third-smallest country in Europe (Vatican City – the smallest country in Europe). It is a serene, hilly country with no substantial flat lands, and thrives on agriculture (products are wine and cheese), banking, and tourism. It exports fabric, clothing, ceramics, coins, and postage stamps (keenly sought by collectors), which are also important sources of revenue. Please keep reading to learn more about San Marino, the world’s oldest republic.

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15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

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15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

THE 15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

Almost everyone planning a trip researches the list of the most expensive and cheapest countries/cities worldwide, especially budget travellers. This information is pertinent to the process of elimination of the ones beyond our means. With the help of travellers like myself who have been to these countries, you now have what we need to decide and plan a vacation within budget. So, here is my list of the 15 most expensive cities to visit for vacation. Additionally, I am sharing the most popular dishes and must-see sites in these countries.

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15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT Read More »

Montenegro the land of the black mountains

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MONTENEGRO THE LAND OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS

The Republic of Montenegro is a small country along the central Mediterranean and within Southeastern Europe. It was once part of the former Yugoslav Federation. Montenegro borders Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea. Its capital is Podgorica, and has a population of less than 700,000 people. Montenegro is a diverse and tolerant country because of its multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multi-religious composition. It is a country known for its spectacular mountains, gorgeous beaches and resorts, glacial lakes, and UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Kotor. Montenegro is an inexpensive, safe, and clean country. Please continue reading to see what it is like to visit Montenegro, the land of the black mountains.

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Finland is the Happiest country on Earth

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FINLAND IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

The Republic of Finland is the happiest country on earth (for six consecutive years). It is a Nordic country in Northern Europe and one of the northernmost countries in the world. Finland borders Sweden, Russia, and Norway and shares a maritime border with Estonia. Its capital is Helsinki, and its population is approximately 5.6 million. Finland’s land mass continues to grow by about 7 km yearly because of the post-glacial rebound effects of the ice age. Additionally, thick woodlands cover two-thirds of its land mass, thus making it the most densely forested country in Europe. Finland is a developed, safe, peaceful, picturesque, but expensive country. Read on to find out what it is like to travel to Finland, the happiest country on earth.

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Finland is the Happiest country on Earth Read More »

Sweden is a Cold and Cashless Society

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SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY

The Kingdom of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and a Baltic country in Northern Europe and is one of the seven Nordic countries on the Scandinavian archipelago. It shares its borders with Denmark, Norway, and Finland, and Stockholm, its capital since 1523, is the biggest capital of all three Scandinavian countries. Sweden is a highly developed country and exports timber, hydropower, etc., and it is one of the top 16th wealthiest countries in the world according to its GDP per capita. Sweden’s population of over 10 million has a life expectancy and standard of living that ranks among the highest worldwide, so it is for this reason that so many immigrants flock to Sweden for work and a better standard of living. It is also one of the most expensive, cleanest, highly digital, and cashless countries I have visited. Please continue reading to learn about why Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

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Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

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NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS

The Kingdom of Norway is a Nordic country in northern Europe, and its capital is Oslo. Norway has a stable and robust economy, with one of the highest GDPs in Europe. It is the largest and most expensive of all Scandinavian countries, with almost 6 million people. Norway is famous for its languages, oil production, glaciers, coastal fjords, eco-friendly, and its Vikings history, similar to Denmark, the land of the Vikings. Norway has a Constitutional Monarch (King Harald V) for ceremonial and representative duties. However, the legislative and executive powers lie with the Prime Minister, the head of the Government. Please continue reading to see why Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights and what else it offers travellers.

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Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights Read More »

Denmark the Land of the Vikings

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DENMARK - THE LAND OF THE VIKINGS

The Kingdom of Denmark is a Nordic country in northern Europe, and its capital is Copenhagen. It is the smallest and least expensive (but still expensive) of all Scandinavian countries, with a population of almost 6 million people. Its head is a Monarch (Queen Margrethe II), and it has the oldest Monarchy in Europe. Even though there is a monarchy, the Prime Minister is the head of the government. Denmark is not only famous for the popular and iconic Christmas Danish butter cookies but also famous for LEGO bricks. It also holds the title of the second happiest country worldwide and is the land of the Vikings, as the locals proudly refer to it. Please continue reading to find out what it is like to travel to Denmark, the land of the Vikings.

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What you should know before visiting Switzerland

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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE VISITING SWITZERLAND

The federal republic of Switzerland is a small country in central Europe, and its capital is Bern (I am almost sure most people think it is Zurich). The city of Geneva is the headquarters of governmental and non-governmental organisations, and Zurich is the largest city and the economic, social, and cultural center of Switzerland. Switzerland has many mountains, small villages, alpine lakes, pristine farms, and grassland (this makes for happier cows and better quality dairy products). Also, what you should know before visiting Switzerland is that Switzerland is home to some of the best chocolates and cheeses. Consequently, it was one of the three reasons, besides visiting the alps, that I was excited to go.

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What you should know before visiting Switzerland Read More »

12 Must-see bucket list countries

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12 MUST-SEE BUCKET LIST COUNTRIES

Out of fascination, or what we have heard or read about some countries, we bucket-list them as dream destinations. Whether the countries are nearby or far, has friendly people or not, expensive or economical. Something about some countries intrigues and beckons us into wanting to visit. It may be due to its history, its cultural aspects, or sheer beauty, but we all want to see ourselves. I have visited these countries, among others, and was quite impressed and happy I did. Let’s be real! Travel is almost dead for 2020 due to COVID-19. So, here are 12 must-see bucket list countries you should visit and why. This, for when hopefully, there should be a full resumption of travel in 2021.

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12 Must-see bucket list countries Read More »

expensive countries

MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

SAN MARINO THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC

SAN MARINO - THE WORLD’S OLDEST REPUBLIC

15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

THE 15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

MONTENEGRO THE LAND OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS

FINLAND IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

FINLAND IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS

DENMARK - THE LAND OF THE VIKINGS

DENMARK - THE LAND OF THE VIKINGS

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE VISITING SWITZERLAND

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE VISITING SWITZERLAND

12 MUST-SEE BUCKET LIST COUNTRIES

12 MUST-SEE BUCKET LIST COUNTRIES