by Era Booking | Dec 5, 2022 | Travel Blog |
As the second largest country in the world, Canada is a popular destination for tourists and immigrants alike. With its diverse population and natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Canada is such a popular choice for those looking for a new home. From the vibrant city of Toronto to the stunning Rocky Mountains, there is something for everyone in Canada.
Here is our pick of the top 10 things to know about Canada before you visit:
Number 10. Canada has three of the world’s ten largest islands
Among the top ten biggest islands in the world are three Canadian islands. Baffin Island (more than twice the size of Great Britain), Victoria Island, and Ellesmere Island (both roughly the size of England) are these islands.
Number 9. There was a war in Canada called the “Beaver Wars.”
That’s right, there was. However, despite its name, it was a brutal conflict and is considered one of the bloodiest in North American history. It is important to note that, in the 17th century, the Iroquians enlisted the support of England in order to dominate the fur trade in the region. France was sought out by rival nations. How did it turn out? It ended in a stalemate after bloodshed.
Number 8. Quebec is the only walled city in North America.
Canada is home to the only walled city on the continent – north of Mexico. In fact, Quebec’s city walls date back to the 17th century. The walls were then improved by British forces when they captured the city. In addition to being pretty well preserved, they are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Number 7. Canada is home to more than half of all the lakes in the world
Canadian lakes make up more than half of all lakes in the world. Approximately 3 million lakes and 31,700 big lakes with an area of more than 300 hectares exist in the country. There are also two of the largest lakes in the world in Canada: Great Bear Lake and Great Slave Lake.
Number 6. About half of Canada’s landmass is covered by forest
Approximately half of Canada’s landmass is covered by forest. Canada has about 180 tree species. One of the main exports of the country is timber. Globally, Canada is the third most forested country.
Number 5. Canada has more than 2,800 hockey rinks.
The number of hockey rinks in Canada exceeds 2,800. Soccer, however, is played by almost twice as many kids under 14 years old as hockey. Among those over 15 years of age in Canada, ice hockey remains the second most popular sport. The game of ice hockey follows golf but precedes the game of soccer.
Number 4. Canada has the longest coastline in the world.
This is just one of the many reasons to visit Canada. With 202,080 km/125,567 miles of coastline, Canada has the longest coastline in the world. Another one of my favorite Canadian facts!
Number 3. There are two official languages in Canada.
At the time of Canada’s pioneering days, Britain wasn’t the only power-hungry colonial power. For a while, France also owned much of North America. It didn’t last, but France’s culture and language did. In Canada, English and French are the most widely spoken languages.
Number 2. Canada’s biggest bay is Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay, discovered by English explorer Henry Hudson in 1610, is Canada’s largest bay. Every year, Hudson Bay is frozen between mid-December and mid-June in Eastern Canada.
Number 1. Canada is the world’s second-largest country.
Canada is the largest country in the Western hemisphere and the second largest country in the world after Russia and borders only one country, the United States of America.
To sum it up, Canada is a land of contrasts. The people who live in this vast land are as rich as the environment they live in. From amazing art to kind and caring people, to unforgettable views, Canada has it all.
by Era Booking | Dec 4, 2022 | Travel Blog |
Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar (Burma), China, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Although landlocked, it has over 3,000 kilometers of waterways, making it the twelfth most populous country in the world. The Mekong River flows through the country from north to south. Laos is a communist state and the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It is also one of the few remaining communist countries in the world. Here is our pick of the top 10 things you should know before you visit Laos:
Number 10. Most boys in Laos are expected to become novice monks for 3 months
More than 60% of the population of Laos belongs to the Buddhist faith, and it is the country that is primarily a Buddhist country. It is expected that boys between the ages of 8 and 20 spend at least three months as novice monks in order to learn the ways of the monks.
Number 9. It’s a landlocked country with 4000 islands
Laos does not have a sea, but that does not mean there are no beaches or places where you can go swimming in Laos, so you need not worry. The Si Phan Don archipelago, also known as the 4000 islands archipelago, is a riverine archipelago composed of thousands of small islands. Among the main islands are Don Kong, Don Som, Don Det, and Don Khon. It is also here that you can see Irrawaddy dolphins living along the Mekong River.
Number 8. Home to a magical ‘crater’ lake
Located at an elevated level in the mountains of southeast Laos, Nong Fa Lake is a stunning volcanic lake shrouded in legend, respect, and fear. Laotians do not swim or bathe in the waters of the lake because they believe that it is home to a giant snake pig. Although locals are unsure of the depth of Nong Fa, which translates directly to ‘sky lake’, locals believe it to be around 78 meters deep.
Number 7. There are many festivals in Laos
One of the biggest celebrations throughout the year is the Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai. A number of the most popular festivals in Laos include Boun Bung Fai, Boun Khao Phansa, and Boun Ock Phansa. A lot of locals dress up in traditional costumes in celebration of the national day, which is also widely celebrated across the country.
Number 6. Coffee is one of the main agricultural exports
Since the early 20th century, coffee plants were imported from France and have become one of the country’s major exports. Bolaven Plateau is known for its volcanic soil, which is perfect for growing coffee, due to the perfect growing conditions that can be found there.
Number 5.Home to a surprising abundance of wildlife
There is an abundance of wildlife in the lush jungles of Laos, including King Cobras, white-cheeked gibbons, tigers, and Asian black bears. Wild animals like sambar deer, sun bears, leopards, and leopard cats live here too. Visitors to the biodiverse Nam Et-Phou Louey National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA) can spot some shyer, nocturnal animals on night safaris.
Number 4. Buddhism is the most prominent religion
There is 67 percent of the population practice Theravada Buddhism. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of Buddhists also practice animism, sometimes in conjunction with Buddhism.
Number 3. The Laotians consume more sticky rice than anyone else in the world
Laos consumes more sticky rice than any other country on earth. Every year, Laotians consume 155 kilograms of this national dish, eaten with their hands and served sweet, fermented, or sour. In contrast, the average European or American consumes only around 9 kilograms of rice per year. As a matter of fact, Laotians commonly call themselves “Luk Khao Niaow,” which translates as “children of sticky rice”.
Number 2. Laotian silk is 100% handmade
It is well known throughout the country, Laos is known for its handwoven silk and the finished products can be purchased in a number of markets throughout the country. Even today, most weavers still utilize ancient weaving techniques in order to produce silk products that are of the highest quality.
Number 1. It’s one of the most bombed countries in the world
There were more than two million tons of bombs dropped over Laos by the US military during the Vietnam War. In the end, about 30% of the bombs did not explode, and even today, these unexploded bombs pose a threat to locals throughout the country who live near them.
In Conclusion, Laos should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. The Southeast Asian gem offers stunning and unforgettable landscapes and unique culture. The capital Vientiane has world-class dining and shopping, while the country’s rural attractions make it an excellent place to unwind and unplug.
by Era Booking | Dec 3, 2022 | Travel Blog |
Cambodia is one of the most ancient countries in Southeast Asia, and its history goes back thousands of years. Cambodia is a country known for its ancient temples and lakes. Its capital is Phnom Penh, a city that welcomes tourists with its thriving nightlife and colonial architecture. Are you thinking about planning a trip to Cambodia? If so, there are a few things you should know before you go. Below is a list of the top 10 things to know about Cambodia before you visit.
Number 10. The average age of the population is under 15
The average age of the Cambodian population is an extremely sobering fact, but also a very interesting one. The majority of Cambodians are younger than 15 years old! Approximately 60% of the population is under the age of thirty. Fresh faces, lively spirits, and few wrinkles are common in the country. Cambodians have very few elders today due to the decimation of their population under Khmer Rouge rule. Between 2 and 3 million people of the 8 million-strong population were murdered in just four years. Atrocities were committed in the Killing Fields, a site well worth visiting.
Number 9. No McDonald’s in Cambodia
There has never been a McDonald’s in Cambodia, making it one of the few countries without one. Furthermore, KFC is actually losing money in Cambodia. This is the only country in the world where fast-food chains don’t make a profit. As if by magic, faith in the human race is restored! Burger King, however, is present in the country, for some reason.
Number 8. There Are No Birthday Celebrations in the Majority of the Country
Even though birthday celebrations are extremely common throughout western societies, you might find it hard to believe that most of Cambodia’s population has no idea when their birthdays are, an interesting fact about Cambodia and one that is quite unusual in comparison to western societies. While some youngsters celebrate birthdays, most people just know what season they were born in.
Number 7. There are still a lot of active landmines in the country
There are still a lot of landmines in the Cambodian countryside, and that is just one of the trillion reasons not to go to war. There are an estimated 4 to 6 million active mines, with up to 30 people dying every year from one.
Number 6. Cambodia is home to some extremely rare animal species
Cambodia is home to a variety of rare and endangered animal species. Irrawaddy dolphins and Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtles can be found on the Mekong River. So you know, the turtle is incredibly strange. A wide variety of fauna and flora can be found in the Cardamom mountains, and the Tonle Sap lake is home to an enormous number of rare and exotic marine and bird species. A lot of Cambodia’s natural landscapes have also been under-researched, which means that there could be a lot of species roaming the country that are still unknown.
Number 5. Cambodia has altered its name 4 times over the past 60 years
Cambodia has undergone a number of name changes over the past 60 years. ‘Kingdom of Cambodia’ was the first, then ‘Khmer Republic’. Later on, it was renamed ‘Democratic Kampuchea’ during the Khmer Rouge, and then ‘The People’s Republic of Kampuchea’ after the war was over, as suggested by Vietnamese officials after the war ended.
The kingdom has reverted to its original name, ‘Kingdom of Cambodia,’ as we know it today.
Number 4. The country has a shocking past that happened not that long ago
It is estimated that around 2 million people were killed during the four years of the Khmer Rouge’s rule. In other words, one-fifth of the population. Approximately 63% of Cambodia’s population is under thirty years old as a result of the genocide that took place between 1975 and 1979.
Number 3. Tonle Sap Lake is a natural wonder
Tonle Sap Lake is awesome. UNESCO indicated it in its list of biosphere reserves recently for its importance to humans and animals. The lake does an amazing thing twice a year – the flow of water changes direction and either fill up or drains. With this marvel, the lake could be the biggest in Southeast Asia or just another medium-sized lake. Wildlife in the area, as well as human settlements in and around the lake, benefit from the water flow, bringing fish, tourism, and new opportunities.
Number 2. There is a lot more to Angkor ruins than you think
It is said that Angkor Wat is the biggest religious complex in the world, but in fact, the grounds of the temple ruins cover an area of more than 500 acres – about 50 times larger than Machu Picchu’s site on the same scale. It is one of Cambodia’s top tourist attraction
Number 1. Cambodia’s National Flag Is Unique
One of the most interesting facts about Cambodia is that its national flag is the only national flag on the planet that features a monument, which makes it one of the most interesting national flags on the planet. The national flag of the country features a monument that is the most famous tourist destination in the country, the Angor Wat temple.
In conclusion, Cambodia is a magical place. It’s a land of endless beauty, history, and adventure. The country is dotted with stunning temples, stunning hilltops, stunning beaches, and stunning people and it will leave you in awe. So, if you’re someone that has an interest in Asian culture and wants to see a country with a remarkable past, then Cambodia is the place for you.
by Era Booking | Dec 2, 2022 | Travel Blog |
Venezuela is a beautiful country in South America. It is bordered to the north by the Caribbean Sea and to the south by Brazil. It is named after the indigenous Polynesian tribe known as the “Venegas” or “Wega.” Venezuela has wonderful wildlife including butterflies, sloths, and birds. Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is one of Latin America’s most dynamic cities. The capital is also home to the Plaza Bolivar, which is surrounded by beautiful government buildings and the Palacio Nacional, the official residence of the President of Venezuela.
Below is a list of ten interesting facts to know about Venezuela before you visit.
Number 10. Beauty is big business in Venezuela
There are four major international beauty pageants for women – Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss Earth. Venezuela holds the second-most Miss Universe titles with seven crowns. The USA holds the most Miss Universe titles with eight. As well as eight Miss International titles, six Miss World titles, and two Miss Earth titles, Venezuela is the only country that has won all four pageants multiple times.
Number 9. It is home to the world’s highest waterfall
Angel Falls, also known as Salto Angel, is located in Venezuela. The indigenous name of the waterfall is Kerepakupai Meru, which means ‘waterfall of the deepest place’.
It is the highest or tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, measuring 979 metres (3,211 ft) in height and 807 metres (2,648 ft) in drop. In the Canaima National Park, Angel Falls plunge over the edge of the Auyán-tepui mountain. The park is the sixth largest in the world, covering 30,000 km2. The country is the same size as Belgium.
Number 8. Has two types of seasonal weather
Due to its tropical location, the country has two types of seasonal weather: the hot-humid season and the hot-dry season. The difference is the amount of rain received during the season.
Number 7. Local currency is the Bolivar Fuerte.
The Local currency is the Bolivar Fuerte. Changing your money to this currency will not allow you to change it back to dollars or euros. Be aware of this and plan accordingly.
Number 6. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves
With 300.9 billion barrels of oil reserves, Venezuela has the largest oil reserves of any country in the world. Due to Venezuela’s oil reserves, its gas prices are some of the lowest in the world.
Number 5. Three countries border Venezuela
It shares land borders with Brazil, Colombia, and Guyana, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea to the north. One of the longest land borders is that which is shared with Colombia. In total, it stretches over 2219 kilometres (1378 miles). There are also 300 islands in Venezuela.
Number 4. An atmospheric phenomenon takes place here
At 20–36 million years old, Lake Maracaibo is one of the oldest lakes on Earth. It was once the largest lake in South America. In addition, it is the most active area for lightning strikes in the world. During powerful storms, there can be up to 28 lightning strikes per minute of this weather phenomenon called Catatumbo lightning.
Number 3. Spanish is the national language
Spanish is the official language of the country, but more than 30 indigenous languages are also recognized by the Constitution. Additionally, immigrants speak their own languages.
Number 2. Venezuela is a megadiverse country
Venezuela is the 7th country in the world with the highest number of wild species based on Conservation International’s list of 17 megadiverse countries. The most biodiverse countries are those that have the highest biodiversity indices, including a large number of endemic species. Venezuela is therefore a great place for people who are passionate about animals and wildlife.
Number 1. The official name is the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
With a total area of 916,445 square kilometres, Venezuela is the 33rd largest country in the world. Venezuela is located at the northeastern tip of South America and has a population of 29 million as of 2021. Venezuela’s capital city, Caracas, has a population of 3 million. The country’s official name is the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the official language is Spanish.
by Era Booking | Dec 1, 2022 | Travel Blog |
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States (Spanish: Estados Unidos Mexicanos), is a federal republic in North America. It is the only Spanish-speaking country in North America and the 34th largest country by total area in the world. With an estimated population of over 130 million, Mexico is the most populous country in North America.
Below is a list of ten interesting facts about Mexico to know before you visit
Number 10. US citizens Are The Largest Immigration Group in Mexico
In the United States, Mexican citizens make up the largest proportion of foreign-born residents. US citizens, however, make up the largest group of immigrants in Mexico. Mexico is home to over 750,000 US citizens, according to the 2010 Census. In other words, more Americans are immigrating to Mexico than Mexicans are migrating to the US. Ironic, isn’t it?
Number 9. Home Of The Chihuahua, The World’s Smallest Dog
There is no breed smaller than the Chihuahua, which originated in the Mexican state of Chihuahua (after which it was named).
Number 8. Mexico Is Home To One Of The Six Cradles Of Civilization
Human civilization in Mexico dates back at least 8,000 years ago. You can find the empires of the Olmecs, Toltecs, Teotihuacan’s, Zapotecs, Mayans, and Aztecs here. Mexico is thus regarded as one of the world’s cradles of civilizations
Number 7. Kids in Mexico don’t get presents on Christmas
Christmas presents are given to Mexican children on January 6th, not December 25th. In Mexico, people celebrate the day the Three Wise Men arrived to give gifts to Jesus, not Jesus’ birth. When Jesus gets presents, everyone gets presents!
Number 6. Home of the world’s smallest volcano
Mexico has the world’s smallest volcano! If you will, you can call it a small-cano. Located just outside Puebla, the Cuexcomate Volcano stands 43 feet tall. Compared to Mauna Loa in Hawaii, which stands 13,678 feet tall, this volcano barely qualifies as a hill! Consider this height comparison: Cuexcomate is not even half the height of the Statue of Liberty.
Number 5. The Mexican Flag Is Very Symbolic
In the middle of the Mexican flag, you’ll see an eagle perched on a prickly pear branch with a snake in its mouth. As legend has it, the Aztecs were instructed (by the sun god, Huitzilopochtli) to search for a place where this scene was playing out; they found it in Tenochtitlan, today’s Mexico City.
Number 4. Mexico’s Official Name Is Estados Unidades Mexico
The official name of Mexico is Estados Unidades Mexico (which translates to the United Mexican States in Spanish.)
Number 3. There are women-only cars in the subway
Segregated transportation has become popular in some cities around the world despite its social controversy. There are subway cars in Mexico City that are completely safe for women because men are prohibited from entering. As with any large city, Mexico City has a standard crime rate, which is designed to help combat public groping, assault, and kidnapping. Mexico City is still relatively safe compared to New York City. The city even has the reputation of being one of the safest places to visit!
Number 2. You can find crawling cuisine
You will find spiders, grasshoppers, and even scorpions for sale at any Mexican market. In these markets, adventurous foodies can find some excellent grub, among other crawling things.
Number 1. The World’s Second-Largest Catholic Population
It is estimated that 83 percent of the population of Mexico is Catholic, second only to the population of Brazil.
To sum it up, Mexico is big, beautiful and full of life. it’s home to ancient archaeological sites, colonial cities, amazing beaches and bustling markets.
Mexico is one of the friendliest places on Earth, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Be ready to fall in love with Mexican culture, language and people. Do not skip on this experience.
