Article by BASEM AL-GHONEIMY

Ghana Basic Travel Information:

Time: Local time is GMT.

Electricity: Electrical current is 200/220 volts, 50 Hz. Any electrical appliances brought in should be adaptable to 220 volts. Three-pronged plugs are the most commonly accepted.

Language: English is the official language, but many other African languages are spoken including Twi, Fante, Ga, Ewe, Hausa and Dagbani.

Health: Visitors must be in possession of a current medical vaccination certificate for yellow fever. Prophylactics against malaria are recommended and waterborne diseases are prevalent, including outbreaks of cholera during the rainy season. Visitors are advised to buy bottled drinking water, which is widely available. Good medical facilities are found in all the cities and major towns, but facilities outside urban areas are poor and emergency services are limited. Medical insurance is advised and should cover medical evacuation.

Tipping: Service charge is rarely added to restaurant bills and tipping for quality service is only expected in up-market establishments (usually about 10%). For other services tipping is discretionary.

Safety: Most visits to Ghana are trouble-free, but it is wise to be vigilant in public areas particularly in and around Accra and to avoid travelling in taxis alone after dark if possible. Visitors should avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables on them and to be vigilant when drawing money from ATMs in central Accra. Theft of luggage and travel documents has occurred at Kotoka International Airport. Visitors should also be vigilant in and around Tamale and Kumasi where there has been an increase in crime including muggings and attacks on foreigners. There is a potential for outbreaks of violence between rival political factions, fighting between inter-ethnic groups and civil unrest; travellers are advised to stay up to date with daily developments. Visitors to the Northern Region should be alert to the possibility of renewed outbreaks of inter-ethnic fighting.

Customs: Ghanaians are a conservative people and visitors should respect local customs, traditional courtesies and dress codes. Greeting is an important social function and handshakes with the right hand are common. Beachwear should be confined to the beaches and women are advised not to wear shorts or trousers. Avoid receiving or giving things, pointing, waving and gesticulating with the left hand. Visitors to remote villages, shrines or palaces should visit the local elder or priest and take a small gift such as a bottle of local schnapps, gin or money. Always seek permission before taking photographs of people.

Business: Ghana is a very relaxed and friendly country, however in business, a formal dress code is expected, and punctuality is essential at all meetings. The exchange of business cards is common. It is important in all meetings to greet and shake hands with each person and acknowledge their presence. The person is to be addressed as Mr. Mrs., or Ms., followed by their surnames, unless otherwise specified. Gifts are unnecessary though greatly appreciated. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.

Communications: The international dialling code for Ghana is +233. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Accra’s city code is 21. The telephone system is relatively reliable, but most people use mobile phones. Telephone, fax and telex services are available in all main towns, and hotels. Most major hotels also have business centres, which provide secretarial and courier services. Internet cafes are on the increase throughout the country. There are several GSM cell phone operations across Ghana that have roaming agreements with most international networks, and phones can be rented in Accra.

Duty Free: Travellers to Ghana over 16 years do not have to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 454g of tobacco, or a proportionate mix of these items; 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of spirits; and 237ml of perfume and eau de toilette. Gift items are dutiable.

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Article by BASEM AL-GHONEIMY

Mali Basic Travel Information:

Time: Local time is GMT.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types used are round pin attachment plugs.

Language: French is the official language, but Bambara is spoken by 80% of the population. Numerous other African languages are also spoken. Outside the bigger towns few people speak French, and hardly anyone speaks English.

Getting around: Main cities are connected by bus, and towns not connected by bus are serviced by taxi-brousse. During the rainy season passenger boats operate on the Niger River.

Health: All visitors are required to have a vaccination certificate for yellow fever. It is also recommended that precautions against hepatitis A, typhoid and meningitis (particularly if travelling between November and June) are taken. Malaria is a high risk in some areas. Cholera outbreaks are frequent. Diarrhoea is the most common complaint among travellers; bottled water is available and food should be thoroughly cooked. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside of Bamako, and basic medicines might not be available. Travellers are advised to bring a personal supply of medicines with them. Comprehensive medical insurance is essential; serious medical problems will require air evacuation outside of the country.

Tipping: Tipping is not required, but is an expression of respect as well as for rewarding good service. Tour guides usually receive between 3,000 to 5,000 CFA per day.

Safety: All travel to the regions north, east and west of Timbuktu, as well as travel along the borders with Niger, Algeria and Mauritania should be avoided due to armed banditry and the risk of kidnapping. Crime levels are low, but it is best not to show valuables in public.

Customs: Mali is a Muslim country and visitors should respect the local culture by dressing modestly (especially women) and asking people before taking their photographs. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.

Business: French is the official language, and therefore the principal language of business in Mali. Business is conducted somewhat formally, but due to the heat, lightweight suits are worn for important meetings and more casual attire for regular meetings. One should use the French titles of Monsieur and Madame when meeting and greeting. Mali is principally a Muslim country and therefore Islamic customs should be respected. Women, in particular should dress conservatively. Business hours are usually from 7.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday; 7.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm on Fridays to allow for mosque.

Communications: The international dialling code for Mali is +223. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not required. There are two mobile telephone operators. Outgoing international calls are made through an international operator. Internet cafes are common in Bamako, and a few are present in other towns.

Duty Free: There is free import of 1,000 cigarettes or 250 cigars or 2kg of tobacco, 2 bottles of alcohol, and perfume for personal use. Sporting guns are allowed as long as authorisation from the Customs Department in Bamako is acquired within 24 hours of arrival.

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Article by BASEM AL-GHONEIMY

Senegal Basic Travel Information:

Time: Local time is GMT.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are in use.

Language: The official language is French, but there are six other national languages spoken, including Wolof, which is the most widely used, as well as numerous other dialects.

Health: Stomach troubles are the most common complaint with visitors to Senegal, so travellers should watch what they eat and drink; do not drink untreated tap water. Malaria is prevalent throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. A yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry to Senegal; other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, polio, tetanus and typhoid. Outbreaks of meningococcal infections occur and vaccination is recommended for travel during the dry season (November to May). Outbreaks of cholera also occur. There is a risk of bilharzia, and visitors should avoid contact with stagnant, fresh water. Medical facilities are good in Dakar, but are limited in the rest of the country, and travellers should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance.

Tipping: Larger hotels and restaurants usually include a service charge of 10 to 15%. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.

Safety: Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free, but street crime and pick-pocketing, especially in Dakar, are common. Visitors are advised to conceal valuables from the public eye. Travel by road in the Casamance region west of Kolda is unsafe due to the activities of separatist rebel groups, and should be avoided.

Customs: The majority of the population is Muslim and it is generally a conservative society where dress and behaviour should be modest, especially outside the main tourist areas. Acts of homosexuality are illegal. Greetings are important.

Business: In Senegal, it is expected of the visitor to dress formally. Greetings are very important in Senegal and the visitor must ensure that every member at the meeting is greeted and acknowledged at least once. The shaking of hands is the standard greeting for men and women in business. It is a good idea to be punctual even if the host is not. Meetings can often take longer than anticipated and patience may prove a virtue. Business is usually conducted in French and a translator may be needed, although many Senegalese businessmen will know some English. It is important to find out beforehand how the contacts are to be addressed. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.

Communications: The international dialling code for Senegal is +221. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). No city/area codes are required. The telephone system is one of the most developed in Africa and there are numerous telephone centres for making both local and international calls. Two operators provide cell phone coverage. Cyber cafes offer Internet connections in the main cities.

Duty Free: Travellers to Senegal over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or tobacco products; perfume for personal use; or gifts to the value of CFA 5,000. The import of spirits is not duty-free.

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Enjoy the Windy City

Chicago, Illinois is often called the Windy City. This destination attracts millions of visitors each year. There is a lot here to both do and to see. Chicago is a fine cosmopolitan location to explore. There are terrific attractions here to visit. One of the important decisions to make here is that of your accommodations. This location provides many different hotels to choose from. Every budget can be accommodated in Chicago. One of the fine luxury hotels in Chicago is the Hotel Allegro. This lodging can be found at 171 West Randolph Street. The hotel displays a fabulous art deco style. The Hard Rock Hotel is another popular selection in the city. This particular location helps to enhance Chicago vacations. Once you have secured you lodging, you can focus on local attractions. The Art Institute of Chicago is a thrilling attraction to explore.

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Chicago vacations often provide tourists with great experiences. Couples often choose this destination for romantic getaways. The Windy City has long been associated with its vast attractions. There are fine accommodations throughout the city for tourists to choose from. Every type of trip and budget can be accommodated here. There are wonderful lodgings throughout the city. Downtown Chicago is definitely one of the gorgeous locations to choose for accommodations. One of the splendid lodgings is the Hotel Allegro at 171 West Randolph Street. This hotel has 483 spacious rooms for guests to choose from. The north side of Chicago is another popular place to find lodgings. One of these is the Courtyard by Marriott Chicago. This location is a part of the world famous Marriott hotel chain. A fantastic way to sample to romantic ambiance here is through local cuisine.

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Planning Chicago vacations can be exciting and fun. One of your first decisions will be to find the right lodgings. There are budget friendly offerings, as well as, those that are luxurious. One of the budget friendly lodgings is the Ohio House Motel. This lodging is situated at 600 North La Salle Street. One of the luxurious accommodations is the Hotel Allegro, which is situated at 171 West Randolph Street. Once you have booked your lodging, you can focus on other offerings. There are a number of delectable restaurants in Chicago to choose from. Every taste can be accommodated here. Park Grill is a fine location to visit for a luscious meal. Another terrific restaurant to visit is Italian Village. This is an offering to go to for authentic Italian fare. One of the local favorites is Lou Mitchells. This location specializes in breakfast dishes. This fabulous restaurant is known for its pancakes.