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General Information About Mauritius
Mauritius, the Republic of Mauritius is an island nation off the southeast coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometres (560 mi) east of Madagascar. In addition to the island of Mauritius, the Republic includes the islands of Cargados Carajos, Rodrigues and the Agalega Islands. Mauritius Island is part of the Mascarene Islands, with the French island of Réunion 200 km (120 mi) to the southwest and the island of Rodrigues 570 km (350 mi) to the northeast.

Uninhabited by humans until the 17th century, the island was ruled first by the Dutch and then by the French after the former abandoned it. The British took control during the Napoleonic Wars and Mauritius became independent from the UK in 1968. Mauritius's area is 2040 km² with Port Louis for capital. It is a parliamentary republic and is a member of the Southern African Development Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the African Union, La Francophonie and the Commonwealth of Nations. Mauritius has an upper middle income economy.

The main languages spoken in Mauritius are Mauritian Creole, French and English. English is the only official language but the lingua franca is Mauritian Creole and the newspapers and television programmes are usually in French. Ethnically, the majority of the estimated 1,300,000 people are Indian, but there are also many people of African descent on the island. There are also European and Chinese minorities. It is the only African nation where the majority religion is Hinduism although Christianity and Islam also have significant populations.

The island of Mauritius is renowned for having been the only known home of the dodo. First sighted by Europeans around 1600 on Mauritius, this bird was an easy prey to settlers due to its weight and inability to fly. It became extinct less than eighty years later. By clicking on Mauritius you may be able to find additional information.

Passports and Visas
Currency Information and Money Matters
Electricity
Language
Travel Insurance
Travel Warning

Passports and Visas

You will need a passport and, in many cases, a visa to visit Mauritius.
 

Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency.

Currency Information and Money Matters
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare.  Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate

Language

I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more

Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

Travel Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out. TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide travel. Our features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Electricity
Be sure to take your adaptor and converter kit. Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!

Travel Insurance
If you need medical care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit the Getting Away Health and Safety Tips for Travelers page for additional information about insurance.

Travel Warning
Check with the U.S. State Department for Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements.

Books, Maps and Other Resources

My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on Fodor's Travel Guides to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
 

I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Shop Amazon for Travel Books and Maps!

Getting To and Around in Mauritius

At Travelocity, not only can you find the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but Travelocity can often save you up to  20% or More on Airfares. You can also find the Best Car Rental Rates in Top Destinations. You can also find Great Hotel Rates At Top Destinations! And, to save even more, Book Air + Hotel Together and SAVE with Travelocity! You can also find Incredible Deals on the Best Cruises! Remember - Travelocity Always Saves You on Flights, Hotels, Car Rentals, Cruises and More.

For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.

Cities, Towns and Areas of Mauritius

Some Things to See and Do in Mauritius
 

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Suggestions for Accommodations in Mauritius

Situated in one of the last remote creeks on the island, La Plantation d'Albion Club Med welcomes the most demanding of guests into a world of supreme refinement. The idyllic natural setting is enhanced by the sublime decor designed by Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet, and the Resort's top-end comfort is perfectly reflected in its beautifully spacious rooms. The exceptional CINQ MONDES Spa* and luxurious overflow pool add an ideally Zen touch. The luxuriant, varied vegetation consists of cacti, tamarinds, flamboyants and banyans spread over 65,000 m² of gardens. Many ponds and the superb ruin of the Fort d'Argenson enhance the landscape. The Resort is entirely devoted to fulfilling its guests' desires and offers discreet, personal service in its swimming areas, bars and "Table Gourmet" restaurants. In a beautifully natural, wooded setting, two beaches protected by a coral reef. ●A white coral sand beach (public), 300 yards from the centre of the Resort, with gently sloping access into the water. Easily accessible via a little footbridge over the Belle Eau River. Defined swimming area. Equipped with deck chairs and parasols. ●The second beach, immediately accessible from the Resort, is also a fine, white, coral sand beach. As you get into the water, you have sand and some rocks underfoot. The beach is equipped with deckchairs and parasols. The 266 Rooms and Suites with terrace or balcony look out over the ocean or luxuriant gardens. Relax in this gentle haven, where the natural beauty will contribute to restoring your own well-being. A beautifully cool 41 m² (440 ft²) room. You may also like to consider the benefits of a Club Room with Sea View? Or, choose a deluxe room. This superb 50 m² (540 ft²) Room is a palatial residence where couples will feel totally spoilt. After the day's activities, or a late night out, the private terrace with view over a tranquil garden and the sea, will provide moments of pure pleasure as you sit and sip a refreshing drink. For additional information, click on Indian Ocean Mauritius

Suggestions for Dining in Mauritius
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please send it to me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com


Some Favorites in Mauritius
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please send it to me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com

Links for Mauritius
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
 

iTravelto.com offers a comprehensive African travel search engine (especially for South Africa) with lots of good information along with bookings for exciting travel packages to key tourist destinations in South Africa and the world.