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Belgium is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Europe. The country is bordered by Germany to the East, the Netherlands to the North, Luxembourg to the SouthEast, France to the Southwest, and the North Sea to the Northwest.

Its capital city is Brussels.

Belgium is one of the most urbanized and heavily industrialized countries in Europe.

The country has a population of around 11.5 million people.

Belgium is a unique and fascinating country. It is divided into three regions. There is the Dutch-speaking north referred to as the Flanders and the French-speaking south referred to as Wallonia. The Brussels Capital Region is bilingual and has one-tenth of the population.

The Flanders region has the culture-rich cities of Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges. They have baroque and gothic architecture, cobbled streets, picturesque canals, and top restaurants.

In contrast, the Wallonia region has wooded hills of the Ardennes forest and the wild landscape of the Haute Fagnes, home to much rare flora and fauna. It is popular among Belgium hikers, mountain bikers, and canoeists.

The country’s currency is the Euro.

Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

When to Visit

The warmest months to visit are from April to September. However, be prepared for rain at any time. If you enjoy attending festivals, February is the Carnival month. There are also festivities in July and August.

In September, protected monuments are opened to the public on Heritage Days.

What to Wear and What to Pack

Belgium experiences rainy and gloomy days. You should ensure that you pack warm clothes. Ensure that you pack an umbrella.

Transport

Belgium has an extensive train network. A second class ticket to almost anywhere in Belgium will cost you €20 or less. Booking a train in advance will save you time and money.

All the major cities are within two hours of each other.

Food

Belgium is famous for its fries, waffles, chocolates, and beer. Belgian cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighboring countries. The most popular dishes are sausages, steak and fries, mussels, and smoked ham. The meal portions are huge and filling.

Meals at restaurants cost between 5 Euros and 12 Euros.

Accommodation

Hostel accommodation is available. A night in a dorm room will cost between 22 Euros and 28 Euros.

A night in a private room will cost you between 50 Euros and 120 Euros. There is free Wi-Fi and some hostels provide free breakfast.

Things to do in Belgium

Visit the castles

Belgium has more castles per square mile than any country in the world. There are over 3,000 castles for you to explore! For first-time visitors, it can be difficult to know where to begin exploring. One of the most interesting ones is the Castle of Bouillon in the Ardennes as it was built in the 11th century. Beersel is fascinating and is one of the best-preserved castles in the country. It was constructed in the 14th century.

Gravensteen is located in Ghent. It is a medieval castle built in the 12th century. It was the centerpiece of the 1913 World’s Fair. It has been used at various times as a court, residence, mint, cotton factory, and prison. Gaasbeek is a 16th-century castle that features art collections and lavish rooms. The 15th-century Freÿr is considered a miniature Versailles.

Taste Craft Beers

If you enjoy craft beers, you will be in for a treat in Belgium. Every region has its local beers that you might want to try out. If you have time, you can visit the local breweries.

Enjoy Belgian Chocolate

Each village in Belgium has its own chocolate shop. Belgian chocolate is famous worldwide.

Enjoy a canal cruise in Bruges

Bruges is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belgium. A great way to enjoy its beauty is by cruising through it by boat on the canals.…

Singapore is a tiny archipelago located around 140 km north of the equator and just south of the tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies on one of the busiest shipping lanes along the Strait of Malacca to the west and the South China Sea to the east.

Singapore is also known as the Lion City (Singapura). It comprises the main island and 64 smaller islands.

The country has four official languages; English, Tamil, Malay, and Mandarin.

Singapore has a population of around 5.7 million people. It is the second-most densely populated country in the world.

The country’s currency is the Singapore Dollar.

It is one of the most expensive cities to live in in the world.

Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

When to Visit

Singapore has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures average 26-27 °C.

The monsoon season is from November and January. It is also the wettest season.

July is an ideal month to visit because the Great Singapore Sale and the Singapore Food Festival are held then.

What to Wear and What to Pack

The weather is warm, and ideally, you should select lightweight and loose-fitting clothes. You might also consider packing some outfits for going out. Swimsuits, sunscreen, and mosquito spray are recommended.

If you are planning to visit around November and January, you should carry a raincoat or an umbrella.

Transport

The fastest way to get around Singapore is via Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). It is an extensive rail network and therefore the city’s main tourist attractions are within a walking distance of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

Singapore also has an efficient and extensive bus system. If you prefer a guided tour, you can opt for the trishaws.

Cycling enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the city is very cycle-friendly. There are cycling lanes covering the entire island.

Taxis are comfortable and convenient. However, they are not cheap.

Food

Street food is cheap and popular in Singapore. Restaurants and hotels are more expensive, you might prefer street food if you are on a budget. There are Michelin-starred street food stalls. You can find street food all over the island. The most popular places are Newton Food Center and the Old Airport Hawker.

Accommodation

Singapore is very expensive and therefore accommodation is not cheap. Hostels with a bed capacity of 12 to 18 beds are available. They provide free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

Airbnb is available for those who require more privacy. Private rooms are priced at 25 SGD per night. You can lease an apartment or a house for 85 SGD per night.

Things to do in Singapore

Visit Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay are one of the most popular tourist attractions. It features the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest conservatories. It has one of the largest indoor waterfalls in the world. It also hosts the iconic Supertrees.

Explore Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah is the country’s premier eco-tourism attraction. The reserve covers an area of 400 acres and is located 30 minutes from the central business district. It features hiking and biking trails.

Eat Street Food

The hawker food scene in Singapore is unrivaled. It is the world’s first Michelin-starred street food. You will get a chance to mingle with the locals as you enjoy satay, chili crab, dim sum (dumplings), or nasi lemak (fried chicken with coconut rice).

Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens

A fascinating thing about Singapore is how green the city is. It is very surprising for a tiny city with 100 percent of an urbanized population.

Entry to the Botanical Gardens is free.

Explore Chinatown

If you want to experience authentic Chinese culture, Chinatown is your best bet. There are numerous restaurants, temples, craft shops, and stalls. The Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (Hawker Chan), is one of the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.

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Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located south of Thailand on the Malay Peninsula. It borders Singapore in the south and Thailand in the north. It is a tropical paradise renown for its beaches, rain forests, stunning scenery, natural beauty, and impressive skyscrapers.

The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, has the tallest twin towers in the world.

The country is divided into Western Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) and Eastern Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo). Eastern Malaysia comprises about 60 percent of the total area, while Western Malaysia comprises 40 percent.

Malaysia has a population of 33 million people (in 2021). Malay is the official language. Other languages include English, Chinese (Cantonese), and Tamil. The official religion is Muslim. Sixty percent of the population are Muslim while twenty percent are Buddhists.

The country’s currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. 

Malaysia is a very easy place to tour, even for first-time travelers. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries to tour.

Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

When to Visit

If you are planning a trip to Western Malaysia, the best months are December to February. If you are planning to visit Eastern Malaysia, the best months to visit are between May and September.

What To Wear and What to Pack

The country is located near the Equator and therefore it has a tropical climate. It is mostly hot and humid throughout the year, though the highlands are a bit cooler. You should select light-weight and loose-fitting clothes. You should also aim for brighter colors and avoid dark colors.

The country is mostly Muslim and is therefore very conservative. You should avoid exposing too much skin in public places. If you plan to visit mosques or temples, you should cover your hair and wear suitable clothes.

Transport

Malaysian cities are well connected and getting around is relatively easy. The KL Sentral Station in Kuala Lumpur links the city to other provinces.

Buses in major cities offer inexpensive public transportation. For shorter distances, you might consider using taxis.

Food

The country is famous for its cuisine. Street food is popular, cheap, and delicious. Kuala Lumpur and Penang are very famous for their street food. You can enjoy an omelet sandwich, Roti john, spicy Laksa soup, Char kway teow, Rendang, and Penang’s Nasi kandar.

Accommodation

If you are on a budget, you can opt to stay at affordable hostels. These hostels are very popular with backpackers. The most popular places to stay are the Chinatown adjacent to the Pasar Seni LRT station and Changkat in Bukit Bintang.

Amazing Places To Visit

Malaysia is an underrated tourist destination. Kuala Lumpur is the most popular tourist destination. However, there are numerous places one can visit. These include:

Rawa Island

It is a beautiful coral island located in Johor. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely holiday. It derives its name from the abundance of white dives called rawa. If you enjoy snorkeling, you will love the island.

Penang

Penang has numerous tourist attractions, such as the capital of George Town. It also hosts a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are numerous fishing villages and idyllic beaches in Penang. Penang National Park and Penang Hill offer awesome hiking spots. If you love the outdoors and nature, you will love exploring Penang.

Langkawi

The archipelago of Langkawi is made up of about 100 islands. The main island has a spectacular shoreline and green hills. Diving is a popular activity here. There is no public transport system, therefore you have to walk or hire a taxi.

Kuala Lumpur

The capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It boasts of the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Towers. If you want to explore the city’s history you can proceed to Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.

Johor Bahru

Johor is a vibrant city comprised of theme parks, mosques, and ancient temples. It also features the first international theme park in the country referred to as Legoland.

If you are visiting Legoland, book a taxi in advance to avoid waiting and paying exorbitant fares. Food is very expensive in the theme park, you can opt for street food.…

For many people, exploring Europe is a bucket list item. It might take years to explore all the regions and cities. The best time to tour Europe is during summer.

European countries have a vibrant culture, amazing architecture, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisines, and much more. It is difficult to decide which countries and which cities to tour.

Paris, France

Paris is the capital city of France. It is famous for its art, architecture, culture, cuisine, and romantic allure. It is one of the most famous and expensive tourist destinations. Not only that, but it is also among the most beautiful cities in the world.

For the adventurous, climbing the Eiffel Tower is a surreal experience. The incredible views of the city from the top of the tower are breathtaking and unforgettable. The Arc de Triomphe also offers fantastic views of the city.

An afternoon Seine cruise will give you the chance to become enchanted by the magnificent landmarks.

If you are an art aficionado, you will be enchanted by the Louvre Museum. It is the largest and greatest museum in the world. It has the richest and largest collection of ancient and modern art.

Furthermore, it has numerous paintings by Italian Renaissance painters. The most famous masterpiece is Leonardo da Vinci’s, Mona Lisa.

Admission is free during the first Sunday of the month at the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou.

Summer is a great time to be in France. You can enjoy a wide range of activities including dining alfresco, sunbathing, attending concerts, and shopping.

The best months to visit Paris are from June and August and from September to October. While the weather conditions are ideal, these months are crowded and tend to be very expensive for those on a budget.

In the fall, rates are significantly lower and the tourist spots tend to be less crowded.

London, England

London is the capital city of Britain. It is the most visited city in Europe. It is also one of the most diverse cities in the world. Furthermore, it is endowed with a rich history, culture, traditions, and architecture.

The city offers numerous attractions including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, The London Eye, Big Ben, and Hampstead Heath.

Buckingham Palace is one of the most fascinating places to visit. The palace has been the residence of the British Royal Family since 1837. It features the largest private garden in the city. Visitors are only allowed to visit some parts of the palace.

You can get a glimpse of the famous Changing of the Guard.

If you love nature, you will enjoy visiting Hampstead Heath. It features several large ponds, grassy fields, and small forests teeming with wildlife.

The London Eye offers unparalleled views of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

The best months to visit London are March to May.

Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the oldest cities in civilization. It is the capital city of Italy. It is referred to as the City of the Seven Hills and also as the Eternal City. The Roman Empire sprung from this majestic city. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. The official currency of the city is the Euro.

It has a history that spans twenty-eight centuries. Roman mythology dates back to 753 BC. During the Renaissance period, the popes pursued a consistent architectural policy that made the city one of the premier centers of the Renaissance.

Rome is a magnificent city that seamlessly combines historic architecture, modern culture, tourist attractions, and amazing cuisine.

The Colosseum is one of the most famous and iconic structures in the world. It was constructed between 70 AD and 80 AD. A trip to Rome is incomplete without paying it a visit. It is estimated to have held about eighty thousand spectators at its peak.

It was used to hold gladiator tournaments and other events.

The Vatican is an independent country within Rome. It is considered one of the most important religious sites. St. Peter’s Square is an iconic and historic place that has hosted numerous significant events.

If you are on a very tight budget, you can buy the Roma Pass. It offers you free or reduced prices for admission to museums, discounts on some exhibitions, and free public transportation for three days.

The Vatican Museums are free during the last Sunday of the month. The Colosseum and Musei Capitolina are free on the first Sunday of the month.

The best months to tour Rome are October to April and May or September.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is endowed with a rich history, traditions, and culture. The Portuguese are very warm and welcoming.

The city is famous for its cuisines. The backstreets of Mouraria, Bairro Alto, and Downtown Baixa offer an assortment of seafood, wine, desserts, snacks, and smoked meats.

If you are an art lover, you will fall in love with the abundant street art and murals. The city holds street art festivals every year. The street art festivals attract local and international artists.

A fascinating place to visit is the LX factory located in the Alcanar district. The LX factory hosts more than 200 companies. It is a trendy and creative space for young entrepreneurs and artists.

The best months to visit Lisbon are from September to October and from March to May.…

Tokyo is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the capital city of Japan. The city is inhabited by around 13 million people. Tokyo is the most expensive city to live in. It offers numerous tourist attractions including skyscrapers, historic monuments, ancient museums, and cultural experiences.

Spring is a popular time to visit Tokyo. There are several places to see the enchanting cherry blossoms which flourish around mid-late March and early April.

It can be difficult for first-time visitors to decide what they want to do in Tokyo. It is, therefore, an excellent idea to plan an itinerary.

Visiting Tokyo is a journey through the past and the future.

Meiji Shrine: Immerse yourself in nature and art

The Meiji Shrine was constructed in 1915 in honor of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. It was completed in 1926. The original buildings were destroyed during World War Two. It was rebuilt in 1958 and is considered a very important religious shrine.

A 175-acre evergreen forest surrounds the shrine. The shrine has an Inner Precinct (Naien) and Outer Precinct (Gaien).

The Outer Precinct (Gaien) has an excellent collection of murals depicting the lives of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken.

A public garden complete with a tea house and iris garden is found in the Inner Garden (Yoyogi Gyoen).

Enjoy nature at the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is among Tokyo’s ancient places. It was the residence of the Naito family between the 17th century and the 19th century. It was later transferred to the Imperial Family.

It was opened in 1949 and is among the most enchanting gardens in Japan. It combines the Japanese tradition, the French Formal, and English Landscape all
into one breathtaking garden.

It has around 1500 cherry trees making it a favorite for witnessing cherry blossoms. The garden also features beautiful ponds, a greenhouse, and multiple pavilions.

Enjoy Nature at Ueno Zoo and Ueno Park

Ueno Park is located in the heart of Tokyo. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. The expansive 212-acre park has beautiful gardens, museums, and temples.

You can enjoy a boat ride on the reed-fringed Shinobazu pond.

A fascinating site to explore is the 17th-century Toshogu Shrine (Nikkō Tōshō-gū), which features 256 bronze and stone lanterns.

Ueno Zoo (Onshi Ueno Dōbutsuen) is the oldest zoo in Japan.

It was opened in 1882 and is renowned for its pandas. The zoo has more than 300 animals representing about 400 species.

Visit the Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple

The exquisite Sensō-Ji Temple (Kinryū-Zan Sensō-Ji) is located in the Asakusa district. It is the most famous shrine in the city.

The temple was constructed around AD 645 and dedicated to Kannon, goddess of compassion in Buddhism. It has been rebuilt numerous times and still retains its original appearance.

The temple is famous for its Incense Vat, purported to cure diseases.

Watch Sumo Wrestlers at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium

Japan is famous for its sumo wrestlers. Sumo wrestling is an ancient kind of Japanese wrestling style. Professional sumo wrestling emerged during the Edo era and is found only in Japan.

The Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium is situated about 6 minutes from Chanko Tomoegata restaurant. It is the most famous sumo wrestling hall in Tokyo.

You can opt to pay to watch practice sessions. The stadium only hosts 6 tournaments per year. They are held around January, May, and September and last for two weeks.

Shop at Ginza

It is one of the busiest shopping centers in Tokyo. It features one of the world’s largest pedestrian zones.

You can shop in some of the most exclusive stores and shops. You can also relax and enjoy tea or coffee in the numerous coffee shops and restaurants.

The famous Kabuki-za Theater, which has traditional Kabuki performances, is also found here.

View the City from the Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree (Tōkyō Sukaitsurī) is a 634-meter-tall observation and communications tower.

It was officially opened in 2012. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city from its observation decks and restaurants.

Visit the Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum (ōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) was opened in 1938. It has a collection of more than 100,000 works of Japanese, Indian and Chinese art.

It has hundreds of Buddhist sculptures from China and Japan. Some date from the 6th century. The museum also features an assorted array of textiles, weapons, ceramic, pottery, and other artifacts.

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California is one of the most diverse states in America. It offers a variety of exciting experiences at different times of the year. The state is richly endowed with natural beauty.

California enchants with its stunning scenery. It offers some of the best beaches for outdoor recreation and sightseeing. You can enjoy many outdoor activities including surfing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, scuba diving, volleyball, basketball, running, hiking, and sunbathing.

La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla Cove is a small, gorgeous cove with a tiny, sandy beach that is surrounded by spectacular cliffs. It is located on the outskirts of San Diego and is considered one of the best beaches in California. If you love dramatic coastlines, you will be enthralled by the picturesque cove.

The cove is part of the marine reserve. Marine life is abundant making it a perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling.

There are numerous bars, restaurants, and hotels near the beach. There are also lifeguards on duty all year round.

The picturesque town of La Jolla is another awesome attraction. It is very ideal for romantic getaways. Its downtown has several boutiques and chic gourmet restaurants.

Santa Monica State Beach

Santa Monica beach is located near downtown Los Angeles. It is one of the most quintessential and famous beaches in Southern California. It’s a 3.5-mile-long beach that stretches from Venice Beach to Will Rogers State Beach.

It borders several spectacular locations like Beverly Hills and Venice Beach.

The Santa Monica Pier has many amusement rides catering to the whole family. There are several cafés, restaurants, bars, and lounges.

Art lovers can visit the numerous art galleries around town. There are also street performances along the boardwalk.

The beach is ideal for activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing, volleyball and yoga. The beach has several lifeguard towers to ensure the safety of visitors.

Zuma Beach, Malibu

Zuma Beach is in Malibu and it is adjacent to Westward Beach and Point Dume. It is a very popular beach among tourists in California.

The beach is vast and features a wide shoreline that is over two miles and spreads over 100 acres. It becomes a bit crowded at times.

It has ideal conditions for surfing, kite surfing and diving.

The beach has a bewitching spot, Paradise Cove, famous for a galore of movies and TV shows.

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is situated in the Los Padres National Forest. It is renowned for its beautiful purple sands and mesmerizing rock formations.

The beach is tiny and flat and has a little cove that has large rugged boulders. The beach is not suitable for swimming due to the rough waves. However, it is perfect for climbing and taking photographs.

For more awesome information about Pfeiffer Beach, check out Trip Advisor.

Huntington State Beach

Huntington State Beach is world-renowned for its fantastic surf spots. The exquisite beach is lined by palms for over fifteen kilometers. Humongous waves crash constantly offshore making it a paradise for surfers.

The beach offers several basketball courts and over a thousand fire rings for barbecues or bonfires. It is well maintained and has a pier ideal for fishing, strolling, and sightseeing.

Pacific Beach, San Diego

Pacific Beach is located north of downtown San Diego after Mission Beach. Its broad shoreline stretches for around five miles.

It is conducive for swimming, kite-boarding, and surfing. Various kinds of sports and outdoor activities can be enjoyed on the beach or boardwalk.

Lifeguards are situated around the beach to ensure the safety of the visitors. There are numerous cafés, restaurants, taco shops, and hotels.

Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is located 20 miles north of San Francisco. It is rated as one of the best beaches for swimming. In June, you can compete or watch the oldest trail race in America, the 7.4-mile long Dipsea Race.

The beach is sometimes crowded on clear and warm days. You can take part in a large number of activities including swimming, surfing, hand gliding, kayaking, volleyball, fishing, sunbathing, and picnics.

There are several surf shops that allow visitors to rent equipment. The beach is dotted with picnic tables, grills, and benches.

There is a trail from the beach to Mount Tamalpais State Park. …

Africa is a continent that has so much to offer and it is the perfect place for solo travelers looking to explore. From safaris in South Africa, exploring ancient cities in Ethiopia, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro or visiting the Maasai Mara National Reserve – there are many options available. If you’re thinking of traveling solo on your next adventure then this article will give you some ideas as to where you should go! Before we begin, big shout out to my friends over at Galatians 6 Moving for their support and encouragement.

Cape Town, South Africa – also known as the Mother City, is one of Africa’s most popular cities to visit. It has many attractions within walking distance including Table Mountain and Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) – With their own language and African culture, the people of Cape Verde are very proud to represent themselves as Africans. It is a great destination for those looking for some peace and quiet away from the busy cities. The main island – Sal – boasts many opportunities to see whales in season (July – September) or go diving/snorkeling with turtles!

Cameroon – One of Africa’s most popular destinations that will not disappoint any solo travelers visiting this country. With its’ welcoming people it has been rated as one of Lonely Planet Best In Travel 2017 top ten countries! Cameroon offers visitors an unforgettable experience whether you’re interested in learning about traditional dance at a cultural village, exploring waterfalls within tropical rain forests or hiking Mount Cameroon which sits at 4000m.

Ethiopia – Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and has an extremely rich history that spans back over 3000 years! Visit historical sites such as Gondar (the castle town), Axum (home of the Ark of Covenant) or Lalibela for some unforgettable cultural experiences with friendly locals. The Blue Nile River also passes through here so it’s a great place to either raft down this river or go fishing on one of its many lakes/rivers.

Mozambique – Mozambique harbors some beautiful beaches which are known to be safe especially compared to other African countries like Kenya where beach resorts have been targeted by terrorists in recent years. With islands off Beira including Ibo Island famous for its colonial architecture, Mozambique is a great place for those wanting to discover the culture of Africa.

Namibia – Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world so if you’re looking for some personal space then this destination may be perfect! It’s also very safe and offers many attractions including taking an open-top jeep tour through Sossusvlei or watching whales at Luderitzbucht. There are plenty of activities available such as windsurfing/kite surfing, canoeing on river beds and fishing just to name a few.

Chefchaouen, Morocco – a mountain town in the north west of Morocco. The white houses against a backdrop of blue-green mountains makes Chefchaouen one of the most beautiful places in Africa! It is very cheap compared to other westernized countries and great value for money so this would be a good place to go if you don’t want many expensive meals/accommodation while on your holiday.

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