Porto Novo is the capital city of Benin and a short ride from Cotonou, Benin's administrative center. The city traces its roots to the Fon Dynasty, and offers a peek into its rich tribal history. Poto Novo is an eclectic mix of museums, culture, and learning; apparent in the self-sustaining learning community at Centre Songhai.
Before you travel to Porto Novo, it pays to be prepared. Use this guide to learn about places to visit, travel tips to keep in mind, and information you may find useful about buying travel insurance.
Porto Novo Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Traveling abroad can be fraught with uncertainty; sometimes even before your flight takes off. A situation could arise that requires you to cancel your trip at the last minute. Although this would be disappointing, it could also be expensive. Your nonrefundable travel expenses could be lost if you don't have an insurance policy to cover them. Trip cancellation insurance can help in exactly these types of situations.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Porto Novo?
You may think the chances of your trip being canceled are low, but it's impossible to know until it happens. A natural disaster or civil issues could halt incoming flights, or an illness or family emergency could prevent you from traveling.
A large portion of the money you'll spend for a trip to Porto Novo will need to be paid up front. You'll have to buy airline tickets, reserve accommodations, and possibly make ground travel arrangements. If your trip needs to be canceled, you'll discover that these expenses are often nonrefundable, or they charge cancellation fees. Luckily, with trip cancellation insurance, you can be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable bookings if your trip has to be canceled for a reason that's covered by your policy.
What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Porto Novo?
Beyond just coverage for trip cancellation, a travel insurance plan can provide a wealth of benefits during your trip. These can include:
- Coverage for lost baggage
- Trip interruption coverage
- Flight delay coverage
- Flight insurance
- Repatriation of remains
Depending on the plan you choose, you can select different levels of coverage or additional benefits, including the option to cancel for any reason. Take your time to read through the details of the different plans carefully. This way you'll have a clear understanding of what's included in the coverage.
Things to Do for Travelers in Porto Novo
Musée Honmè (Palais Royal)
The former residence of King Toffa, this royal palace has been converted into a museum that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in 1996. The museum contains various artifacts like masks, costumes, and instruments from the Yoruba tribe, along with portraits of the royal family.
Da Silva Museum
This is a private museum built in the 19th century by Karim da Silva. The museum stands as testimony to the Afro-Brazilian culture and the Portuguese slave trade that was abolished in the Brazilian colonies in 1888. Karim Da Silva's father was among those who were captured and later returned to this city.
Jardin Place
Jardin Place is a large plaza with landscaped gardens that hold the statue of King Toffa, the first king of Porto Novo. To protect his kingdom against attacks from his rival of Abomey, King Toffa signed a treaty with the French in 1863, establishing the first French protectorate.
Palais de Gouverneur
The Governor's Palace is a 20th-century colonial building constructed by the French, meant to be the residence of French colonial governors. Today, it is the location of the National Assembly of Benin.
The Porto Novo Museum of Ethnography
This museum was established in 1957 by the Dahomey Institute, and houses artifacts of Benin's ethnic groups. The collection includes masks, horns, ritual instruments, carved drums, costumes, and dance accessories.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Porto Novo
Petty crime
Pickpocketing and theft are possible for travelers who aren't careful, so keep an eye on your valuables, and don't flash them in public. It's also a good idea to leave your original passport at the hotel, and carry a color copy instead. To be on the safe side, only carry the cash you need for the day. Steer clear of walking around the city or the beach after nightfall as well.
Avoiding illness
It's possible to contract a food or water-borne illness in Porto Novo. Your chances of this increase if you drink unfiltered tap water, or eat street food that may have been prepared in an unsafe manner. To reduce your chances of an illness, stick to bottled water, and only eat at trusted restaurants.
Vaccinations
To avoid the possibility of contracting a disease such as typhoid, hepatitis, cholera, or malaria, visit your doctor before your trip. Make sure you have all the appropriate vaccinations and boosters to protect your health.
Before You Travel to Porto Novo - Do This
- Prepare for the heat. West Africa can be hot and humid. Carry travel essentials like sunblock, sunglasses, light clothing, a hat, and mosquito repellent.
- If it fits your itinerary, head 10 kilometers north to Adjara Market. The market is open every fourth day, and sells goods ranging from carved drums to voodoo ornaments.
- Be a responsible traveler. Safeguard your bank account before you depart by purchasing travel insurance.