expensive countries

Dominica – the Nature Island of the Caribbean

DOMINICA – THE NATURE ISLAND OF THE CARIBBEAN

DOMINICA – THE NATURE ISLAND OF THE CARIBBEAN

The Commonwealth of Dominica is an independent island country in the Eastern Caribbean, south of the Leeward Islands. It is the northernmost of the Windward Islands, and should not be confused with the Dominican Republic, the Spanish-speaking Caribbean nation that shares a land border with Haiti. Dominica has a population of nearly 73,000, and its capital is Roseau. Why is Dominica the Nature Island of the Caribbean? It truly lives up to its title because of its unspoiled, natural beauty. The island features rainforests, lush valleys, boiling lakes, hot and cold sulfur springs, volcanic peaks, rivers, waterfalls, and springs at every turn.

Unlike many other Caribbean islands, Dominica has not submitted to mass luxury resort tourism. Instead, it maintains an authentic and intimate atmosphere. As a result, its untouched environment is ideal for nature seekers, hikers, and travellers who want to connect deeply with nature. Although the island has beaches, they are not its main attraction. Due to Dominica’s volcanic makeup, most beaches have black volcanic sand (similar in texture to white sand, but black in colour).

Dominica is among the poorer Caribbean islands and has an agriculture-based economy. It produces and sells bananas, citrus fruits, vegetables, and coconuts, and exports soaps, cocoa, coffee, essential oils, and minerals, electronic equipment, and furniture. Please continue reading to learn more about travelling to Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean.

Morne Diablotins. Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean.
Morne Diablotins
Enjoying sunset at Mero Beach
Sunset at Mero Beach. Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean.
Sunset at Mero Beach

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Andorra, the Country of The Pyrenees

ANDORRA - THE COUNTRY OF THE PYRENEES

ANDORRA - THE COUNTRY OF THE PYRENEES

The parliamentary, democracy of Andorra is a small, landlocked country on the Iberian Peninsula occupying approximately 468 square kilometers. It is a co-principality, meaning it has two heads of state consisting of two co-princes; the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell. The principality has seven administrative and geographic districts/parishes that form villages and cities such as Andorra La Vella its capital. Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees Mountains, is located in Southwestern Europe, and nestled between Spain (to the south) and France (to the north). This independent principality is over 1,000 years old and was incorporated as a country in the mid-9th Century.

Moreover, it is the fifth-smallest country in Europe and the sixteenth smallest worldwide. It comprises a population of about 85,000, with only 30% of Andorran descent. Moreover, its economy relies heavily on banking and tourism. The banking sector attracts significant investments and benefits from its status as a “tax haven.” Additionally, tourism, ski resorts, tax-free shopping accounts for about 80% of its revenue. However, its export sector manufactures goods such as textiles, electronics, and machinery accounting for 60% of its exports.

Overlooking Andorra La Vella City from Rec del Sola Lookout

Andorra is primarily known for its ski resorts, duty-free shopping, and the natural beauty of its landscape, particularly the Pyrenees Mountains. It’s also a popular destination for skiing, hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, Andorra is known for its unique culture and history, including its status as one of the few countries with Catalan as its sole official language. Rugged mountains, narrow valleys, and lush vegetation characterize this micro-state in the Pyrenees Mountains. It is a serene, hilly country with no substantial flat land, on an elevation of about 2000 meters (6,549 ft.). Continue reading to learn more about Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees.

Beautiful Parc Central. Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees
Beautiful Parc Central
Enjoying Monuments at Parc Central

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MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

MONACO, THE SECOND-SMALLEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

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.

Monte Carlo Casino and Casino Square at night. Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.
Monte Carlo Casino and Casino Square at night
Prince’s Palace in Monaco-Ville, Monaco. Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.
The Prince’s Palace in Monaco-Ville, Monaco

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.

The Opera House of Monte Carlo. Monaco, the second-smallest country on earth.
The Opera House of Monte Carlo

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San Marino – the World’s Oldest Republic

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 (4th 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.

A beautiful roundabout leading to Old Town. San Marino, the world’s oldest republic
A beautiful roundabout leading to Old Town

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Suomenlinna Island - Finland. 15 most expensive cities to visit

15 MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO VISIT

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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Scenic Tivat - Montenegro. Montenegro the land of the black mountains

Montenegro the land of the black mountains

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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Rantakasarmi Harbour Quarters - Suomenlinna . Finland is the happiest country on earth

Finland is the Happiest country on Earth

FINLAND IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY ON EARTH

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.

beautiful Sveaborg or Suomenlinna Island . Finland is the happiest country on earth
beautiful Sveaborg or Suomenlinna Island

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Nordiska Museet (Museum). Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

Sweden is a Cold and Cashless Society

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY

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.

Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake. Sweden is a cold and cashless society.
Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake

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the Walking Woman statue @ Ekerbergparken (Ekerberg Park). Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS 

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.

Frogner and Vigeland Park. Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights
Frogner and Vigeland Park

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Denmark the land of the Vikings. The Little Mermaid Statue (a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen)

Denmark the Land of the Vikings

DENMARK - THE LAND OF THE VIKINGS

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.

Denmark the land of the Vikings. St. Alban's Church - Kastellet
St. Alban's Church - Kastellet

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