A loved one is visiting Pretoria, Africa on business and was asked to bring expensive gifts to the presidents. Is this normal? Can someone explain more of the cultural things my friend should be aware of when visiting Africa? Google’s not providing the best information.

Thank you very much!

Me and my best friend are making plans to go backpacking through Europe. We were wondering what are some of the best places to visit?

Also what natural points of interest should I make sure to see?

I know that travel agents have various IATA systems (SABRE used to be one of them) for checking airline flight availability.

But how about hotels?
I mean if I tell my travel agent I want to stay in a one bedroom room in
City X between dates Y and Z, how does the travel agent find out what is available?

Is there something similar to the airline reservation system, only for hotels?
What is it called?

I have heard the immigration laws in Australia would not allow me to stay.