Mexico Travel Site: Everything

Mexico Travel Tools T RAVEL T OOLS T RAVEL T OOLS Alvarado Antigua Castillo De Teayo Catemaco Cazones Cempoala Cerro Azul Chachalacas Chiapas Coatepec Coatzacoalcos Coatzintla Cordoba Cosamaloapan Costa Esmerelda El Tajin Fortin De Las Flores Gutirrez Zamora Huatusco Jalcomulco Martinez Minatitln Naolinco Nautla Oaxaca Orizaba Otatiln Pnuco Papantla Poza Rica Puebla Quiahuiztln San Andres Tuxtlas San Juan Evengelista San Lorenzo-Tenochtitlan Santiago Tuxtlas Sontecomapan State of Veracruz Tampico Tecolutla Tlacotalpan Tlapacoyan Tlaxcala Villahermosa Xico Navigate Veracruz Mexico City , 20 million strong and growing, is the largest City in the Americas. It is built upon the ruins of the most glorious City of the pre-Columbian Americas by the Aztecs who were the last of many ambitious civilizations who rose to power and glory beginning around 1200 BC with the Olmecs of Veracruz. At the beginning of another age, about 500 years ago, our featured Carnaval City Veracruz was again the cradle of the Mexico today when Hernn Corts landed on the coast near modern-day Veracruz on Good Friday 21 April 1519 with 11 ships, 550 men and 16 horses. The determined man of destiny ordered his ships burned. (history continued ) Daily News Update from Mexico & Latin America ANNUAL EVENTS || PASSPORT/VISA CUSTOMS || GUIDES TO MEXICO || State Tourismo || LINKS || GETTING THERE || - Bus Companies || PLACES TO STAY -- Veracruz State || -120 Cities || HEALTH & SAFETY || TOURS || MAPS || MONEY || FAST FACTS || LANGUAGE || WEATHER || MEDIA || - Top Headlines || TRADE || HISTORY Planning at Trip Mexico by frommers.com > Planning a Trip > Tips for Travelers with Special Needs For Families Highly recommended For Students no formal network of student discounts For Gay & Lesbian Public same-sex affection is rare Disabilities one giant obstacle For Seniors popular country for retirees, paperwork important For Women Alone safer traveling in Mexico than USA Mexico Travel Site: Everything you need to know for an enjoyable vacation in Mexico. Annual Events Calendar of Events by www.visitmexicopress.com Calendar of Mexican Fiestas and Holidays by vivasancarlos.com Holiday Planner by www.infopv.com Similar pages Passport/Visa Customs /Documents Traveling in Mexico requires proof of citizenship, which is easiest to provide by carrying a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, never fear. It is also possible to get a tourist visa (tarjeta de turista) with certified copy of your birth certificate (embossed seal do impress) and a photo ID at border crossings. The cost of a tourist visa is about $20 USD, and is included in the cost of your international plane or cruise ship ticket . Visas are typically valid for 180 days M ost people officially need a passport to pick up their tourist card, but for US and Canadian citizens all that's required is proof of citizenship (an original birth certificate or notarized copy, for instance, or naturalization papers), along with some form of photo ID (such as a driver's license). D on't lose the blue copy of your tourist card, which is given back to you after immigration inspection. You are legally required to carry it at all times, and if you have to show your papers, it's more important than your passport. Get extra visas if you'll be leaving and returning to Mexico during your trip. Planning your Flight & air travel rules by carnaval.com When taking chances on an expired ID your biggest concern is the airlines will not accept it. The Mexican rules do not say the ID must be current but that may not matter to your air carrier. Visas And Red Tape by roughguides for travelnow USA Restrictions of entering USA from Mexico by mexicoweb.com State Department Travel Information Sheet on Mexico US Consulates: Embassies and consular agents should be contacted for such emergencies as police arrest, lost passports or tourist cards, medical difficulties or accidents, or if you find that your car is unable to make the requisite return trip out of Mexico. http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for Consular Information sheets and warnings http://travel.state.gov/tips_mexico.html Tips for Travelers to Mexico. Visa and Travel Advisories for Mexico by nationalgeographic.com Guides to Mexico OFFICIAL www.visitmexico.com Mexico's Tourism Promotion Board Mexico-travel.com / Ministry of Tourism of Mexico Select City: Acapulco Aguascalientes Ajijic Akumal Alamos Baha de Kino Bajamar Barra de Navidad Batopilas Boca del Rio Buceras Buenavista Cabo Pulmo Cabo San Lucas Campeche Cancun Catavia Cerocahui Chapala Chetumal Chichen Itza Chihuahua Chilpancingo Cholula Cihuatln Ciudad del Carmen Ciudad Delicias Ciudad Juarez Ciudad Madero Ciudad Mante Ciudad Obregon Ciudad Valles Ciudad Victoria Coatzacoalcos Cob Cocoyoc Colima Cozumel Creel Cuernavaca Culiacan Divisadero Dolores Hidalgo Durango El Fuerte Ensenada Garza Garcia Gomez Palacio Guadalajara Guanajuato Guaymas Guerrero Negro Hermosillo Huatulco Huatusco Isla de Navidad Isla Mujeres Ixtapa Ixtapan de la Sal Jalapa Jiutepec Juriquilla Kantenah La Huerta La Paz La Piedad Lagos de Moreno Lazaro Cardenas Len Loreto Los Barriles Los Mochis Manzanillo Maroma Matamoros Matehuala Mazatlan Merida Mexicali Mexico City Minatitlan Monclova Monterrey Morelia Mulege Municipio de Solidaridad Naucalpan Navojoa Nogales Nuevo Laredo Nuevo Vallarta Oaxaca Pachuca Palenque Paracho Patzcuaro Pie de la Cuesta Piedras Negras Playa del Carmen Poza Rica Progreso Puebla Puerto Angel Puerto Aventuras Puerto Escondido Puerto Morelos Puerto Nuevo Puerto Peasco Puerto Vallarta Queretaro Real del Catorce Real del Mar Reynosa Rincn de Guayabitos Rosarito Salina Cruz Saltillo San Blas San Carlos San Cristobal de las Casas San Felipe San Felipe del Agua San Ignacio San Jos del Cabo San Juan del Rio San Luis Potosi San Miguel de Allende San Quintin Santa Rosala Sn Pedro Garza Garca Tamazunchale Tampico Tapachula Taxco Tecate Tehuacan Tenacatita Tepic Tequisquiapan Tijuana Tlalnepantla Tlaquepaque Tlaxcala Todos Santos Toluca Torren Tultitln Tulum Tuxtla Gutierrez Uruapan Uxmal Valladolid Valle de Bravo Veracruz Villahermosa Xilitla Zacatecas Zapopan Zihuatanejo Zimapan OFFICIAL State Tourism Offices in Mexico Mexican Government Tourist Board -- main office in Mexico City (tel. 555/203-1103 ). USA: Mexico Hot Line (tel. 800/44-MEXICO Chicago (tel. 312/606-9252 ); Houston (tel. 713/772-2581, ext. 105, or 713/772-3819); Los Angeles (tel. 213/351-2069; fax 213/351-2074); Miami (tel. 305/718-4095 ); and New York (tel. 212/308-2110 ). The Mexican Embassy is at 1911 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20005 (tel. 202/728-1750 ). Canada: 1 Place Ville-Marie, Suite 1931, Montreal, QUE, H3B 2C3 (tel. 514/871-1052 ); 2 Bloor St. W., Suite 1502, Toronto, ON, M4W 3E2 (tel. 416/925-0704 ); 999 W. Hastings, Suite 1110, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2W2 (tel. 604/669-2845 ). Embassy office: 1500-45 O'Connor St., Ottawa, ON, K1P 1A4 (tel. 613/233-8988; fax 613/235-9123). Guide to Mexico by Lonely Planet || Map || Home Excellent short history and good overview of the highspots. Lonely Planet sells 4 guidebooks to Mexico. www.mexconnect.com mailto:davidmcl@mexconnect.com Mexico travel tips by mpsnet.mx || Interest Index || Mexico City || Espanol Immigration, Customs, Taxes, Tips, Banking Services, Driving, Safety and Health. Huge very capable and worthwhile site. by mexico.netgate.net Organized by State HISTORY MAPS RECREATIONAL SITES ECOTOURISM MUSEUMS LOCAL FESTIVITIES BEACHES COLONIAL SITES ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES . Getting There By Air - Aeromxico and Mexicana are the largest Mexican airlines but there are many airlines offering special pricing. The web is empowering air travelers like never before to enable them to get the best deal with the least hassle. Visit our frequently updated web- guide to this fast growing area. Airports in Mexico BUS Companies in Mexico Mexico has one of the best bus transit systems in the world. nearly every location is served by a bus. Some Spanish will be required By Car - Temporary Import Permit Required As a NAFTA border country, one hopes the long standing hassle of this process would ease. All foreign registered car requires a Temporary Import permit. You can do this at the border but you need to have prepared in advance if your car has a lien on it.. Process takes a couple of hours and requires proof of ownership (notarized permit to take car to Mexico from lien-holder, if any), a bond issued to the Mexican Government for the market value of the car or a valid credit card imprint charged with a processing fee approximately valued at US $12. It is good are good for six months. ... Driving at night is not recommended (potholes, livestock, and the lack of lighting are the chief hazards)... Also be cautious of roadside bandits who may attempt to get you to stop only to rob you... English speaking Angeles Verdes (Green Angels 91-800-90392), assist tourists on the highways for free except for gas and spare parts... Unleaded gas is found throughout Mexico at all gas stations... Gas up when reaching one-quarter level in remote locations. Last Minute Deals From City: To: State or Region... City... This page requires Javascript. Getting Around There Rough Guides Getting Around in association with TravelNow Buses camiones rule! (Mexican word for the long distance buses to serve virutally every town in the nation) First-class vehicles have numbered, reserved seats, videos and air conditioning Trains Only recommended for from the border to Mexico City (where sleeper services represent great value), Mexico City to Oaxaca, and the amazing Copper Canyon Railway. Flights Aeromxico and Mexicana, which between them connect most places to Mexico City, usually several times a day. Aviacsa serves the Yucatn, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Acapulco, Cancn, Tijuana and Monterrey. Aerolineas Internacionales and Aero California also cover most major destinations while Aeromar operates mainly in the north Ferries Baja California with a trio of ports on the Pacific mainland: Santa Rosala to Guaymas, and La Paz to Mazatln and Topolobampo (for Los Mochis). For detailed information on fares and schedules see http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/mexicoferryw.html Driving Recommends not taking your own car but renting for short periods. Mostly due to the targeting of tourists for shakedowns by underpaid traffic police. Drivers from the US, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand will find that their licences are valid. Other reasons to avoid the hassle: Speed bumps can be huge, gas by government monopoly Pemex expensive & Theft of your vehicle is a significant concern. Hitching Not recommended particularly solo. If you do keep your baggage to hand in case you need to leave in a hurry (feigned carsickness is one way to get a driver to stop). Particularly avoid areas frequented by bandidos Local Transportation always plentiful and inexpensive, Banditry: A Warning Roads where there have been regular reports of problems, and where you should certainly try to avoid driving at night, include Hwy-15 (Los Mochis-Mazatln) and express Hwy-1 in Sinaloa, Hwy-5 (Mexico City-Acapulco) in Guerrero, Hwy-75 (Oaxaca-Tuxtepec), Hwy-57 (San Luis Potos-Matahuela), and near the border, in particular on Hwy-2 (Mexicali-Agua Prieta) and Hwy-40 (Matamoros-Monterrey). Places to Stay tripadvisor has links to a growing number of places to stay in hundreds of Mexican Cities and over a third have ratings by real people 120 Mexican Cities with on-line booking starsanddiamonds.com.mx has certification program with 5 stars as the highest rating Health & Safety Although Mexico is considered a third world country, its general concern about sanitation and cleanliness have improved enormously in the past decade. As is the case in most tropical countries, consider what your system is used to before you eat it. Purified water is always available during trip. Montezuma's revenge or turista is best avoided by not drinking the water including ice cubes (which are not always made with " agua purificada ") but there is no sure way to avoid the unfamiliar bacteria. Mexico has a relatively low crime rate but take precautions against theft. Nationally: Red Cross Medical emergency 15-20-55 Police emergency is 18-39-54; Fire department 14-2 0 -50; Travelers’ Health Information for Mexico & Central America by www.cdc.gov/travel . Cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, polio, rabies, tetanus, typhoid. Air pollution in Mexico City between December and May. USA http://travel.state.gov/medical.html State Department offers medical information for Americans traveling abroad and a list of air ambulance services Health and Vaccinations for Mexico by nationalgeographic.com Talk About It Mexico State Tourism Offices by mexonline.com Travelers Message Service "Before you leave home, give your family and friends the URL of this board.... http://www.weblane.com/experiencia/bb/ ...then if you need to get in touch with each other, just post messages on this board." Tours Frequently updated inclusive list from Publisher Ron Mader, Mexican Association of Adventure Travel and Ecotourism (AMTAVE) Phone: (25) 661-9121 Fax: (25) 662-7354 Email: 74174.2424@compuserve.com Cancun Tours Operators by mexicoweb.com Maps www.maps-of-mexico.com 4000 pages of Mexico maps Maps google.com/search=mexico+maps Mexico Map by lib.utexas.edu Won't fit on your screen or print. Mexico Map by Expedia Money S ince 1998 when we began check the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar, and the one used in this book, is around 10 pesos; at that rate, an item that costs 10 pesos would be equivalent to US$1. However the peso is very unstable so you cannot count on this being the rate. Check before you go Best Exchange Rates: Automated teller machines (ATMs) and credit cards continue to offers the best exchange rates. Traveler's checks experiencing declining relative exchange rate and reduced acceptance. U.S. cash is accepted by many merchants at exchange rates that vary widely. Banks usually give the best exchange rate. Credit cards are widely accepted in most cities and resort areas at exchange rate determined by your bank. ATMS ( Cirrus and PLUS systems) are widely available and allow you to not carry too much cash. Tipping: Luxury resort areas are equivalent to US levels- 15% and 20%. Elsewhere 10% is acceptable. $1 per day for your hotel maid or $1 per bag for the porter. Taxi drivers don't expect tips but be sure to negotiate the price in advance. A tip of U.S. coins, which cannot be exchanged into Mexican currency, is of no value to the service provider. Support your Tour guides (including this one) VAT: Mexico has a value-added tax of 15% (Impuesto de Valor Agregado, or IVA; pronounced "ee-bah") on most everything, including restaurant meals, bus tickets, and souvenirs. (Exceptions are Cancn, Cozumel, and Los Cabos, where the IVA is 10%; as ports of entry, they receive a break on taxes.) Hotels charge the usual 15% IVA, plus a locally administered bed tax of 2% (in most areas), for a total of 17%. You quoted hotel rate may not have included this fee Y OUR CREDIT CARD BANK: There is significant credit card fraud and your bank may not honor your charge unless you have told them in advance of your plans. Also they are more likely to cut you off following significant activity so take a back-up card. Many cards add a surcharge onto foreign transactions particularly Airline cards and American Express. It is ieasy to avoid this chage of 1 to 4% by checking in advance since it is simply a gouge as there is actually no extra cost to the bank card provider more on c urrency Conversion at tradeday.com Costs And Money in Mexico by travelnow.com Mexico is not as cheap as it once was Shopping in Mexico by nationalgeographic.com 800/424-7787 or www.mastercard.com . 800/843-7587 or www.visa.com Fast Facts Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz same as USA Weights & measures: metric (see the conversion table .) Telephone Mexico international access code is 52 . Select city codes: Mexico City is 05, Vera Cruz Area Code 28 , Cabo San Lucas 0684, Cancn 0988, Cozumel 0987, Puerto Vallarta 0322. Omit the 0 when calling from abroad. Long-distance calls are expensive, it is best to arrange to have a calling card access number in advance. You can also place reversed-charge calls by reaching an international operator, dial 09. Business Hours : Banks are open 9 AM–1:30 PM Monday–Friday, although some banks are now expanding hours. Stores often open between 9 AM–8 PM, but can close for siesta in midday. Holidays Banks and most businesses close on New Year's Day (1 January), Constitution Day (5 February), Birthday of Benito Juarz (21 March), Good Friday through Easter Monday (four days in March or April; date varies), Labor Day (1 May), Anniversary of Battle of Puebla (5 May), Independence Day (16 September), Columbus Day (12 October), All Saints' Day (1 November), All Souls' Day (2 November), Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 (20 November), and Christmas Day (25 December). Area: 1,972,000 sq. km (769,080 sq. mi) Capital city: Mexico City (pop 20 million) Population: 97,967,000 in 1995 (growth rate 2%) ;Literacy rate 88%. People: Approximately 70% mestizo (mixed European and Indian descent) 9% European and 20% indgena (Native Americans or Indians - including Nahua, Maya, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, and Tarascos or Purpecha) 8% of the population speak Indian languages. Also includes Arabic 400,000, Chinese 31,000 Language: Language: Language: Spanish Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant GDP: US$370 billion GDP per head: US$4000. Travel Seasons -- Mexico has two principal travel seasons. High season begins around December 20 and continues to Easter; in some places it begins as early as mid-November. Low season is from the day after Easter to mid-December; during low season, prices may drop 20% to 50%. In beach destinations popular with Mexican travelers, such as Veracruz and Acapulco , prices will revert to high season during July and August, the traditional national summer vacation period. Prices inland fluctuate little from high to low season, but may rise dramatically during the weeks of Easter and Christmas and at Carnaval time at the port Cities of Veracruz and Mazatlan. Language English <-> Espanol <-> Portuguese travlang.com/languages One of the web's great travel resources with spoken words for 65 languages. Time to brush up on your travel Espanol? Weather Mexico is often considered tropical but is rather temperate or spring like year-round. Dry winter (November through April) and rainy (May through October) season, although the rain is usual tolerable for travelers. In short, anytime of year is going to be relatively nice for travel. Find the Weather for any City, State or ZIP Code, or Airport Code or Country by Wunderground Satelite Photo of the Hemisphere Be your own weather predictor. Weather and Climate of Mexico by nationalgeographic.com Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Acapulco F) 88 72 88 72 90 77 91 77 90 77 90 75 Rainfall (inch) .5 .2 0 8 11 .6 Guadalajara (F) 73 45 82 48 88 57 79 59 79 59 77 50 Rainfall (inch) .5 .3 1 7 7 .5 La Paz (F) 73 55 79 55 91 63 97 73 95 73 84 63 Rainfall (inch) .3 0 0 1 1 .5 Mrida (F) 82 64 90 68 93 70 91 73 90 73 84 66 Rainfall (inch) 1 .5 3 5 7 1 Mexico City (F) 72 43 81 50 81 55 75 55 73 55 73 48 Rainfall (inch) .5 .5 3 6 5 .5 Monterrey (F) 68 48 79 55 88 68 93 72 93 72 73 54 Rainfall (inch) 1 1 2 3 4 1 Oaxaca (F) 82 46 90 54 90 59 82 59 81 59 82 50 Rainfall (inch) 2 1 5 8 11 2 San Cristbal (F) 68 41 72 45 72 48 72 50 70 50 68 45 Rainfall (inch) 2 2 7 7 14 3 Tijuana (F) 68 43 70 46 73 54 81 61 81 61 73 50 Rainfall (inch) 2 1 .2 0 .5 1 Veracruz (F) 77 64 79 70 86 77 88 75 88 77 82 70 Rainfall (inch) 1 1 4 9 12 2 Media & News Mexico City News || Novedades.com.mx/Frontpage thenews@ri.redint.com Daily newspaper; oldest English-language paper in Mexico El-universal.com.mx Mexico's oldest daily has an English section MediaINFO Link - Latin America Another wonderfully comprehensive directory by Ron Mader eco-journalist. Internet del Diario de Yucatn based in Merida La Jornada en Internet : Espanol Only Diario.com.mx : Espanol Only Today's Top Mexico & Latin American Headlines Trade Business wear is formal. Mexicans attach much importance to courtesy and the use of titles. Prior appointments are necessary and if in doubt about a correct title it is advisable to use licenciado in place of seor. English is widelyspoken in business circles although it is a big plus to be able to speakSpanish. AmCham.com.mx || amchammx@amcham.com.mx American Chamber of Commerce - Mexico Phone: (011-52)(5) 724-3830 MexicoBusiness.com/ || MAILBOX@MEXICOBUSINESS.COM Subscriptions are $45 in the United States and Mexico LATCO.org || info@latco.org Latin American Trade Organization of Oregon. "The Mexican Government continues to enact reforms, including the privatization of many economic areas, making the Mexican economy one of the most open economies world-wide." History T he Spaniards were well received in the Veracruz coastal towns by the Toltecs who resented oppressive Aztec domination and were willing to march with Cortes against the great Aztec capital built on a lake. Moctezuma II, the Aztec god king had been expecting a momentous occasion for his priests had long predicted the phoenix like god Quetzalcatl's to return from the east in the year of 1519. Corts wasted little time reducing the City to ashes taking his eager host Moctezuma hostage immediately after being invited to the palace. The war of conquest would last another 28 months but the destuction and supression of the Aztec and Mayan cililizations would continue for centuries. However, the greatest decimation would soon come to pass with epidemics which reduced the population from 25 miullion to one million by 1605. T he Spanish were conquistadores who left their women at home and went off on a quest for glory, gold and God. Consequently they often took native wives. Spanish-born who expected to be treated like nobility and the natives of New Spain who built the country contolled the country amidst growing resentment between themselves. The natives also separated themselves as criollos (born of Spanish parents in New Spain), metzitos (mixed Eoropean, African and Indian blood) and Indians or Africans. In 1808 the Frenchman Napoleon Bonaparte occupied most of Spain weakening Spanish control and allowing the rivalry between New Spain groups to intensify. On 16 September 1810 Miguel Hidalgo a Criollo parish priest issued his now-famous call to rebellion, the Grito de Dolores. In 1821 Spain agreed to Mexican independence however the new governments were ineffective and unstable. I n 1845, the US congress voted to annex Texas and the Mexican-American War followed. Under the resulting Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848), Mexico ceded modern Texas, California, Utah, Colorado and most of New Mexico and Arizona to the USA. In 1864 Napoleon's nephew, the foolishly arrogarnt Napoleon III attempted to colonize Mexico, but the reign of his ruler, the Austrian archduke Maximilian of Hapsburg was shortlived ending with his hanging. T he Party of the Institutionalized Revolution (the PRI) took power in 1934 following the 10 year Mexican Revolution which claimed the lives of nearly 1 out 8 citizens. The PRI has dominated the history of Mexico for most of the 20th century but their control is eroding fast. In 1988, Carlos Salinas de Gortari was elected to the single 6 year term as president despite the widely accepted belief that the current Mayor Cardenas of Mexico City won the election. Salinas was very successful in bringing about economic reform and is the person most responsible for the signing of NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement on 1 January 1994. T he prior President, Ernesto Zedillo was 43 when he was elected following the assassination of Salinas' chosen successor. Zedillo has been a genuine reformer allowing opposition parties to win many key elections. His term has been beset be economic crisis as well as a revolution in the southern state of Chiapas by the Zapatistas who demand social justice for Mexico's oppressed Indians. The current President Vicente Fox seeks to completely redefine the relationship of Mexico and its powerful Northern neighbors by opening the borders as wide as possible and convincing his country men to think bigger. A talented and determined historic figure, Fox will have till 2006 to remake a difficult and corrupt bureaucracy staffed by enemies of reform. olmecs are mainly known for f the striking stone figures left behind by the mother culture of Meso America which preceded the Mayans and Aztecs . Olmec civilization was in ascendance between 1300 and 600 B.C. Their greatest architectural treasure has be found at La Venta in the state of Tabasco History of Mexico by nationalgeographic.com Lots of Links: Mexico dmoz Mexico : Travel and Tourism : Arts and Entertainment Business and Economy Education Maps and Views News and Media Society and Culture Transportation Weather Volunteer run DMOZ can be your best way to get a site indexed by google and other search engines Travel and Tourism Lodging Message Boards National Parks Travel Guides Travel Services Birdwatching Camping and RVs Roads and Highways Show Caves Travelogues Wineries Mexican States : Links indicated as of Jan-2004 Note only Baja, Quintana Roo and Jalisco have more than 400. Aguascalientes (7) Baja California (370) Baja California Sur (698) Campeche (10) Chiapas (49) Chihuahua (36) Coahuila (22) Colima (59) Durango (4) Federal District (64) Guanajuato (154) Guerrero (329) Hidalgo (2) Jalisco (405) Mexico State (13) Michoacan (21) Morelos (20) Nayarit (110) Nuevo Leon (79) Oaxaca (166) Puebla (7) Queretaro (13) Quintana Roo (709) San Luis Potosi (19) Sinaloa (76) Sonora (83) Tabasco (1) Tamaulipas (64) Tlaxcala (2) Veracruz see out special section Yucatan (69) Zacatecas (7) Northern Veracruz Costa Esmeralda || CASTILLO DE TEAYO || CAZONES || Cerro Azul || COATZINTLA || Gutirrez Zamora || Martnez || Nautla || Pnuco || P apantla || El TAJN || Poza Rica || Tampico || Tecolutla || Tlapacoyan || Tuxpan Xalapa >> Mexico City Central Antigua || Cempoala || Chachalacas || Coatepec || Jalcomulco || Naolinco || Quiahuiztln || Xico Orizaba- Great Mountains Cordoba || Fortin de las Flores || Huatusco || Orizaba >> Puebla || Tlaxcala Los Tuxtlas Catemaco || Santiago Tuxtlas || San Andres Tuxtlas || Sontecomapan >> Chiapas Papaloapan Plain Alvarado || Cosamaloapan || Otatiln || Tlacotalpan >> Oaxaca Southern Veracruz Coatzacoalcos || Minatitln || San Juan Evengelista || San Lorenzo-Tenochtitlan || Villahermosa Y ucatan Peninsula Cancn || MERIDA || Cozumel || Isla Mujeres || Playa del Carmen Where to Go in Mexico by nationalgeographic.com To Top of Page To Carnaval Home Page (restores frame menu) Questions or comments? email the webmaster@ carnaval.com Last updated Oct-04 Web www.carnaval.com To: From: Depart: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 12:00am 1:00am 2:00am 3:00am 4:00am 5:00am 6:00am 7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm Morning Noon Evening Anytime Stops: 0 1 2 3 Return: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 12:00am 1:00am 2:00am 3:00am 4:00am 5:00am 6:00am 7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm Morning Noon Evening Anytime 0 1 2 3 4 5 Adults (15-64) 0 1 2 3 4 Children (2-14) 0 1 2 3 4 5 Seniors (65+)

South America Travel

Adventure Associates | Antarctica, Arctic, South America Expedition Cruises Home Antarctica Arctic Latin America Oceania Africa Bhutan Madagascar Worldwide Calendar Intro eNews Adventure News Rhumba, sway to the rhythm of South America! 16 April to 14 May - 2 to 24 July - 1 to 23 October 2006 - 22 Days The continent of South America has captivated us and our many thousands of clients for over thirty years. This huge multifaceted landmass contains such incredible diversity and virtually limitless adventure possibilities, that one meagre lifetime is barely enough to experience all it has to offer. Designed for the first time visitor to South America, our acclaimed Rhumba tour distils Adventure Associates’ extensive knowledge of the world’s fourth largest continent. Beginning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, we fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, to enjoy the wonderful legacy of Spanish colonial architecture. We venture to the near-silent serenity of the Amazon jungle, travelling by boat to Ceiba Tops, a luxury resort located directly on the Amazon and just 40 kms from Iquitos. You’ll spend three days exploring the primordial beauty of undisturbed Amazonian jungle including a trading visit with the local Yagua Indians, one of the few native tribes still living by traditional means. A tour of the famous former Franciscan mission town of Indiana is planned. The town is home to a thriving river community with a colourful market where it’s possible to buy unique and authentic souvenirs. Then it’s on to Cuzco and the crowning jewel of South American archeology, Machu Picchu, the fabled “Lost City of the Incas”. Journey from Peru to Bolivia by train and hydrofoil across Lake Titicaca, and on to the world’s highest city, La Paz in Bolivia, one of the central points of the ancient Inca civilisation. Fly to famous Rio de Janeiro with three days of sightseeing and relaxing in the sun and on to astonishing Iguazú Falls, the world’s widest and most spectacular cascades. We wind down in bustling Buenos Aires – schedule some shopping and build up your appetite for a sumptuous barbecue lunch in an authentic Argentine estancia! Optional extensions are available to the stunning Galápagos Islands, the truly breathtaking Andes Lakes District or the dramatic, icy terrain of Patagonia. High Arctic Adventures 2006 New Icebreaker expeditions just announced... The Arctic comes alive for just a few short months each year. Summer arrives with a rush, bringing warmth and almost continuous daylight, along with a rich collection of wildlife. Polar bears, musk ox, walrus, ringed seals, bearded seals, belugas, narwhal, gray whales, bowhead whales, wildfowl, waders and seabirds are some of the animals that take advantage of the brief abundance of food in the otherworldly landscapes of the far north. The region is also home to small numbers of people who, against all the odds, have thrived and developed some of the hardiest societies on the planet. Russia's Far East & Wrangel Island • Northwest Passage, The Amundsen Route • Baffin Island Circumnavigation • Tanquary Fjord, Ellesmere Island & Greenland • The High Arctic: Canada & Greenland Click on the pdf icon to download issue 2 of the new World Adventurer magazine in pdf format (2MB) Namibia and South Africa Diamonds, sand dunes and curious blooms 23 August to 17 September 2006 26 days Our inaugural Namibia & South Africa tour has just returned and our passengers were enchanted by the beauty of Namibia’s stark, yet stunning desert landscapes and the plethora of springtime floral colour experienced in South Africa’s Namaqualand and Cape Province. So, we have at once started planning our August 2006 departure. Home to the oldest desert in the world, the Namib which contains the world’s highest sand dunes, Namibia is a land of contrasts from dunes and desert, coastal plains to the Kalahari Basin, wooded bushveld and mountain uplands. One of the greatest wonders is the spectacular Fish River Canyon which is the second largest canyon in the world. Travelling onwards to South Africa, our tour will not only take us to many of the better known highlights but also to rarely visited areas with a special emphasis on the springtime beauty of Namaqualand and the eastern Cape Atlantic Coast. On to Cape Town with its historic, nearby winelands and the stunning UNESCO-listed Cape Province Floral Region, before taking the scenic garden route to Port Elizabeth. An extension to Botswana, Victoria Falls or even exotic Zanzibar can also be arranged. Our tour is limited to 22 participants plus your tour leader. Accommodation is the best available including the exclusive Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat. Indeed in some places the venues are a “special” feature in themselves and add greatly to the overall enjoyment of the experience! Voyage to the North Pole 2006 01 to16 July 2006 - 16 Days 14 to 29 July 2006 - 16 Days on board the nuclear icebreaker Yamal For centuries, explorers set out for the North Pole by sled, ship, aircraft and even balloon, but it wasn’t until 1948 that a human reached 90º north. Now Adventure Associates can take you there – aboard the icebreaker Yamal, one of the few ships powerful enough to push through the formidable Arctic ice pack. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and add your name to the handful of adventurers who’ve stood at the top of the world. SUBSCRIBE To subscribe to our eNews mailing list, please complete the following form. name: email address: For security purposes and to prevent unwanted spam, an automated response will be sent to your email address given, asking for confirmation of your subscription. All addresses are kept strictly private. We never give out addresses to any third parties. Bhutan, land of the Thunder Dragon 29 Mar to 13 Apr 2006 - 16 days 22 Sep to 7 Oct 2006- 16 days Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, only in the last decade or so has the Kingdom of Bhutan opened even slightly to the outside western world. Little by little, a limited number of tourists have trickled into a country where “gross national happiness” (a term coined by Bhutan’s King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck 30 years ago) is used to define prosperity. In 2003 Adventure Associates first offered an escorted tour to this land steeped in history, culture and deep Buddhist piety. Our tour in April 2005 sold out so we decided to include another one in October 2005. In the Bhutanese spring and autumn of 2006, we set off (via Bangkok) to Paro, Bhutan on two more departures to this unique country. The highlights not only include the splendid Bhutanese landscapes, magnificent Dzongs (Fortress Temples) and wonderful flora and fauna, but also the cultural aspects. A highlight is the opportunity to visit farmers in regional areas who will demonstrate traditional Bhutanese cooking. Madagascar, the rainbow island 18 Apr to 9 May 2006 - 22 days 26 Sep to 17 Oct 2006 - 22 days Madagascar’s long isolation from neighbouring continents has resulted in an unique mix of plants and animals, many found nowhere else in the world. Some ecologists refer to Madagascar as the “eighth continent” and the entire landmass could almost be considered a national park. Following our sold out September 2005 tour, our new tours for 2006 spend two weeks exploring some of the key nature reserves, marvelling at the curious lemurs, colourful chameleons, imposing baobab trees and many other endemic species. The fascinating Malagasy culture is once again a highlight. At the beginning and end of the tour, you will also be able to relax in our first class, beachside hotel on the beautiful island of Mauritius. There is also an optional seven day extension to the verdant, volcanic French island of Réunion. Leave the hustle and bustle of the 21st Century behind you and experience an adventure to a different world. Remotest Australia and Oceania 2006 New expedition cruises to the Kimberley, Across the Top End and East Coast of Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Melanesia When the early European navigators of the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries ventured to the ‘East Indies’ they found wild and untamed lands beyond their imagination. Some overflowed with riches like spice and minerals, while others were so inhospitable and desolate they went unexplored for hundreds more years. Today we celebrate the feats of courageous men such as Dampier, Hartog, de Torres and Tasman with voyages of rediscovery to those same remote and isolated landfalls with luxury vessels of space-age construction. The savage vistas that so intimidated these otherwise courageous men are now within our reach to fully explore and enjoy. Our modern mastery of navigation allows us to access the pristine, untouched beauty of the Kimberley, the wild islands of Melanesia and the breathtaking fjords of New Zealand in complete contrast to the harsh deprivation of our seafaring forefathers. Join us as we venture to ancient and mysterious lands, still completely untouched by modern man. Relive the thrill of discovery as we anchor in secluded coves previously only known to the local tribes. Examine prehistoric art, so old it can’t be carbon-dated. These are just some of the unforgettable experiences awaiting you when you join one of our new expedition cruises aboard our brand new, luxury expedition ship, Oceanic Princess or the much-lauded Coral Princess to any of these truly unusual destinations. Adventure Associates are proud to offer this greatly expanded suite of adventures that open up yet more of our exquisitely rugged continent and its equally untamed near-neighbours. ADVENTURE ASSOCIATES Pty Ltd 197 Oxford Street Mall, Bondi Junction, Sydney NSW 2022, Australia Postal Address: PO Box 612 Bondi Junction NSW 1355 Australia Ph: (+61 2) 9389 7466 Fax: (+61 2) 9369 1853 NSW Travel Agent's Licence No. 2TA000351 ABN: 12 001 118 332 Entire contents of this website © Adventure Associates - reproduction without permission strictly prohibited. Note: All dates and prices quoted may be subject to change and must be confirmed with Adventure Associates at the time of booking. 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Argentina Travel Insurance Airport

Argentina Travel Help | Argentina Travel Tips & Advice | Travellerspoint U sername: P assword: R emember Me Car Hire Argentina Travel Insurance Airport Parking UK Cheap Accommodation Hotel Bookings Travellerspoint Travel Community Forums Blogs Destinations Accommodation Travel Help Reunions Tools Links Argentina Travel Help, Advice & Tips Travel Help > South America > Argentina Travel Help Ask these Travel Helpers for information about Argentina. Please remember that the Travel Helpers provide information on a volunteer basis and when they take the time to help you that a thank you is highly appreciated! aaron chan [abearc] User Profile Log in to ask aaron about Argentina I know mostly about Las Lenas and the other ski centers in Argentina Aitor U [aitor] User Profile Log in to ask Aitor about Argentina Travelled there in 2002 anna negrin [annanegrin] User Profile Log in to ask anna about Argentina All u want to know about Argentina Argo Pandis [rgo] User Profile Log in to ask Argo about Argentina Landed in Buenos Aires and from there spent loads of time in buses on the way to north :) Carla Horton [carhorton] User Profile Log in to ask Carla about Argentina I run a homestay in Buenos Aires I will be gald to assit anyone interested in immersing in the local culture.I can offer useful tips and recommendation on cultural life sightseeing , education ( I work as a Teaching assitant at Universidad de Buenos Aires). valuable information for those willing to mix with the local people and lifestyle Carolina Salas [carolina77] User Profile Log in to ask Carolina about Argentina Hi everybody! My name is Carolina and I own a Hosteria at CALAFATE-PATAGONIA (www.hosteriapsanjulian.com.ar). IF you need assistance or any question about what to do or where to stay. I´ll be happy to help! good luck.Carolina Ester Carrizo [Macachae] User Profile Log in to ask Ester about Argentina I´m and Spanish teacher, I speak also English and hebrew... I can help you with the language ,trips and acommodation... Federico Roldan [fedelelok] User Profile Log in to ask Federico about Argentina I've travel across Argentina many times. I've also travel to the north of Chile, South of Brazil. Flavia Vegezzi [flaviavc] User Profile Log in to ask Flavia about Argentina If you are planning to visit Argentina and you are looking for information about my country, feel free to contact me and I can help you to find the best place for you. Jathan Sanchez [MEXTREKKER] User Profile Log in to ask Jathan about Argentina Buenos Aires is such an amazing place to visit, don't miss it in your future travel plans. I'm Tango dancer, and knows very much about the Tango circuit in Buenos Aires. jiri janku [jirka] User Profile Log in to ask jiri about Argentina Patagonia Juan Carlos Dima [juanka] User Profile Log in to ask Juan Carlos about Argentina I run an small homestay in Buenos Aires. In last 9 years I have provided accommodation for foreigners and helping my guests to better know my city and it's people, with with up-to-date info about what to do/see in the city, to get cheap ways to improve weekends orto travel to other regions, and with tips to teach English, learn Spanish, or take cheap tango/salsa dance lessons...You can see my page at http://lodging.4all.cc Karl Fredrickson [kfredson] User Profile Log in to ask Karl about Argentina Salta is my home away from home. It has inspired me to run a very unofficial website extolling its virtues and giving some travel tips. I hope it's useful: www.saltatravel.com Leonardo Barragán [Leo_arg] User Profile Log in to ask Leonardo about Argentina Will (try to...) provide any info. Leonardo Kessler [Leonardok] User Profile Log in to ask Leonardo about Argentina How are you all?I am Leonardo Kessler. I am 30. I live in Buenos Aires.I would like to advice travellers when they come to my come to my country.I would also like to meet you here. You will absolutely have a friend here, who will give you a hand.My emails: leonardo_kessler@yahoo.com.ar lorena secchi [loreaparts] User Profile Log in to ask lorena about Argentina lodging alojamiento Luz light [luz22] User Profile Log in to ask Luz about Argentina by living in buenos aires, argentina i can help you by telling you everything i know about my beautiful city and country, from the weather to the best clubs to go dancing at night. though i probably know more about the latter...:)i d just like to be helpful, so if you have any questions, just ask me!!i ll be glad to answer them, it ll be my pleasure... have fun and be sure to enjoy your stay in argentina!!! Marco Baudoir [sinfronter] User Profile Log in to ask Marco about Argentina Advice on the Lake District and Patagonia Maria Isabel [helper] User Profile Log in to ask Maria about Argentina I can answer questions you need to know before coming i.e. distances, hotels, b&b, excursions, etc. Recommend the things I would do myself or I would recommend to my old friends. I work as a guide in the city trying to make you feel safe and comfortable.Contact you with the agencies you like and try to get a better price if it is possible.I am a teacher of English and I have taught Spanish to foreigners. I run a short and intensive course part of it given in a class setting and the rest during the visits around the city. maria... isabel [milla] User Profile Log in to ask maria... about Argentina Any trip is better if the travellers know beforehand sth about the place they are going to visit.The "where to go", the "what to see", the "how to do it" are the typical questions difficult to answer when this is their first trip. This is our commitment, to help the newcomers to have a hazzle free stay and to make them enjoy the trip since they arrive. maria... isabel [milla] User Profile Log in to ask maria... about Argentina as a first step:feel free to ask questionswe are ready to answer themmilla/ARGENTINA Niels - Amsterdam [bentivogli] User Profile Log in to ask Niels about Argentina all information about tango in Buenos Aires; private/group classes, milongas, events, websites, organisations in Europe, etc. Rob Blue [viking2000] User Profile Log in to ask Rob about Argentina Hola,I visit Buenos Aires Quite frequently and have had some amazing experiences, I’m willing assist anyone in finding some good accommodation to suggesting some great places to eat. or just some basic insight to their Culture. Any help I can offer on Buenos Aires or Patagonia let me know, Chau! Sasha Galitzki [sgalitzki] User Profile Log in to ask Sasha about Argentina I lived and studied in Buenos Aires for about half a year and completely fell in love with the city and country. I have a lot of knowledge about visiting or living in BA and about tourism country-wide. Sher Khann [SherKhann] User Profile Log in to ask Sher about Argentina Hello there. This is Sher Khann (male) from Buenos Aires - Argentina. I am a University graduate of the University of Buenos Aires. I speak English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. In addition, I like meeting new people and new cultures.I would like to offer my services as a tour guide and provide you with information about the City of Buenos Aires from historical, social, political, cultural and economic perspectives. I also provide tours throughout off-beat (non-touristic) places and sites. My goal is to make the traveller feel comfortable, entertained and free for the tours I provide are completely flexible. I consider a guided tour a meeting of minds for there has to be an agreement between the traveller and the tour guide to carry out the desired activities.Should you require more information about myself or about the guided tours I provide, please do not hesitate to contact me at the following email:sherkhann@online.ieYours faithfully,Sher Khann Silvina Ramos [seramos] User Profile Log in to ask Silvina about Argentina I have lived in BA all my life, so my perspective is that one of a typical inhabitant that works downtown and tries to live on a budget. I speak several languages and teach Spanish to foreigners, with a strong background in Financial & business analysis too. Valeria Micou [valemicou] User Profile Log in to ask Valeria about Argentina I live in Buenos Aires and have travelled around some places of my country. I can help with budgets and general info. Alternatively, you can also post a new thread in our active travel forums . If you specify Argentina when posting your new topic, all Travel Helpers for Argentina will be notified. For general travel information about Argentina, have a look at our Argentina Travel Guide with basic information, quick facts, members comments, photography, accommodation and Argentina links. © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map

Germany Travel

Europe Travel - A European Vacation Travel Guide  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and the world, it has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, and it was home to artist Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century. What's not to like about this Belgian port city? See what it's all about in our latest photo Gallery: Antwerp Pictures . More Antwerp Travel: Antwerp Travel Directory | Antwerp Lodging | Antwerp Museums Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came recruiting at my college. Operatives really get to live it up when they travel, apparently. Imagine, the lucky seven of the "Surveillance Team" sent out to case the joint before kidnapping 39-year-old Muslim preacher Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, managed to spend "$39,995, not counting meals, parking and other services" for a week at Milan's Principe di Savoia ( check prices ), where a room goes for a mere $588 a night, according to Newsday . Once Abu Omar was behind bars in Cairo the CIA folks broke up and went their various ways, some to the renowned Grand Hotel Baglioni ( check prices ) in Florence , a few in cozy pairs to save the taxpayers money, no doubt. Travel Resources: Milan Profile | Florence Profile Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated tapas bars thinking, "wow, I'm gonna down me some fine, fresh seafood this evening--non of that canned stuff like we get at home..." Well, Quimet and Quimet is one of Barcelona's best tapas bars, recommended by just about anyone. Joaquim Perez, owner of Quimet and Quimet, has been called Barcelona's culinary king of canned food. That's right, a tapas king devoted to high-quality goods preserved in metal. I had heard about the increasing interest in vintage sardines , whose flavors are said to increase in intensity and complexity with aging. But Mr. Perez has extended this idea of unlikely gourmet tinkering; he buys "fresh" Galician navajas (clams) from the cannery and sets them to aging for a year or two before serving them (plain) to his customers. And they love 'em. Maybe you should go and see what this canned gourmet thing is all about. There are worse places to spend time on a research expedition. More: Gastronomic Route: Barcelona, a tapas town? Travel Resources: Barcelona Guide | Barcelona Pictures Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000 loan and turned his investment into a "faithful reconstruction of Noah's Ark in scaled down form on the basis of biblical texts," according to the Mail & Guardian . Spring is the expected launch date. No word on where the animals will come from. Travel Resources: North Holland Travel | Holland Map | Benelux Rail Passes Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink Appreciate Long John Shivers? Head for the Alps I know I frequently extol the virtues of off season travel, but there's a whole bunch of adventurers willing to go the extra mile in their long johns to enjoy icier surroundings than I'd care to experience. Those would be the Ice Hotel People. Word from Vagablond is that "a new ice hotel is being constructed 7,000 feet up into the German Alps." HotelChatter says this ice hotel might well be part of the Iglu-Dorf chain, who specialize in things like Inuit igloos in Switzerland. Like it cold? Get you thrills in the Alps this winter. I'll toast your bravado at the hearth with a steaming hot toddy. Travel Resources: Germany map and Travel Essentials | Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials . Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Europe Travel in the Off Season Why travel in the off season? Well, you know the reasons: fewer tourists, lower prices, and cooler temperatures, to name a few. But there's another reason for me, and that's the warm, slanting light that brings photos alive. See what I mean by taking a gander at: Liguria Pictures - Picture Gallery of Liguria in Autumn . And if you still want to see more pictures of Italy , try out Italy for Visitors Florence Pictures , taken in November. Travel Resources: Off Season Travel Tips | Italy Travel Map Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Travel Gifts Ok, you're thinkin' it's too late to post some ideas for gifts at this late date. Hey, you can chalk it up to sloth and indolence, but I don't start burdening my mind with thoughts about winter holidays in May like the rest of my family. The crunch starts now. So I've made up a list of recommended Travel Gifts . Of course, you could buy some of the stuff for yourself as well. Take a look. You've got language help, a deep, inside look at the Vatican, and more, not to mention that Tyrolean Boiled Wool Jacket like you've always wanted. More Stuff You Need: Top Travel Photography Gear Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Joe Torre carries the Olympic Torch in Florence New York Yankee manager Joe Torre carried the Olympic torch 400 yards to the foot of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence yesterday as part of "American day" in the two-month Olympic torch relay. It was the first time he'd been to Italy in 20 years, despite the fact that his mother was born in the village of Patina near Naples. (Source: Indystar.com ) The torch Joe carried was designed by the folks at Pininfarina , who've banged out quite a few sexy Italian auto bodies in their time. The Olympic torch is designed to work in rain, snow and wind up to 74.56 miles per hour, not to mention temperatures from -4°F to +77°F. According to what I've heard, the torch suffered much less than Mr. Torre during the run. Travel Resources: Florence Travel Directory | Florence Pictures: Views from the Arno | Naples Travel Directory Photo above: Ponte Vecchio, Florence by Martha Bakerjian, Italy for Visitors ; click "read more" to see it larger. Read more... Thursday December 15, 2005 | permalink Sunny Valencia It's cold here in my corner of California, prime time to think of warmer climes. Valencia pops to mind. Host to the 2007 America's cup, the sunny Spanish port city has been spiffing itself up lately, and many travelers have remarked that Valencia seems to be passing Barcelona as Spain's city of tourist choice. What's not to like? The spring La Fallas festival is a not to be missed attraction (plan now if you're going), the City of Arts and Sciences holds 87 acres of fascinating art, science and architecture, and the Barrio del Carmen is chock full of music, restaurants and clubs. Find out more about Valence by taking a peek at our latest: Valencia Spain Travel Information - Valencia Profile , or peruse our Valencia Travel Directory . Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Hey Santa! Take That! Scroogy Musings: So a couple guys in Germany get asked what they want for Christmas by Santa, who happens to be waiting for a train home. They've been out shopping all day, unsuccessfully one assumes, because the next thing you know they've latched on to Santa's sack and "beat him over the head with it, breaking his fingers as he tried to protect himself." ( Santa - Germany's new stress buster ) Santa on a train? in Germany? A bit early, isn't it? Has the Christmas spirit been so commercialized that the little people like us suffer with the stress of plunking down good cash for stuff we think people might like but probably won't? Where is the joy of it all? Everyone remembers the magical experience of visiting Santa in the mall when they were kids and the smile it brought to your face. Unfortunately over the last few years it seems the spirit of Christmas is slowly being lost due to many different reasons including political correctness, busier lifestyles and many more issues. Hold on a sec. Now I'm angrier than a red-nosed reindeer. Everyone doesn't remember. Some of us are way too old to conjure the disgraceful vision of mall Santas in their mothball costumes and fake beards. The statement above comes from Live From Lapland (dot com). For a bit less than 15 dollars they'll make a custom video staring Santa, who'll be talking to your kids using the words you put in his mouth via the web site's control panel. Their Santa evidently lives in a paneled room and wears mall Santa clothes and beardage. It's in the sample flick. He could be in Kansas. Still, where else you gonna get a five minute flick to your specs for $14.95? Travel Resources: Lapland (the real one) | Chrismas in Europe Tuesday December 13, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Orlando vacation homes offered

Florida Vacation Home Owners Services from eVilla Rentals of Orlando eVilla Rentals Florida Vacation Home Owners Services CONTACT US Orlando Rental Home Communities Gulf Coast Rental Home Locations Late Availability Specials Buy or Sell a Vacation Home Great value Florida vacation rental homes from eVilla Rentals eVilla Rentals is one of the top Florida vacation rentals sources on the internet. We can match up your needs with more than 300 Gulf Coast and Orlando vacation homes offered by their owners. The Orlando vacation home rentals market is very competitive, and by going directly to the owners you can be sure of the best value in rental rates. whether you are looking for Orlando vacation villas or homes near the beach. How do you start? You can either view all our rental homes , either in Orlando or on the Gulf Coast, or you can send a general enquiry to ask about availability and rental rates for all homes of a suitable size for your party. Links to both of these options are on the left of this page. You can be sure that the information you supply is sent only to genuine vacation home owners, and that it will not be passed to any third party for any purpose. Georgia Vacation Rental Hightower House - Chill Out In Our Mountain Vacation Home Hightower Real Estate Services Professional Real Estate Services For Orlando Vacation Homes eVR's Florida Home Rentals Partners Take a look at a few of our top properties. If you are looking for something a bit special, the Florida villas on our Premium Homes site are right for you. Florida Vacations Guide - Comprehensive whole of Florida destination guide that makes valuable information available to persons planning a Florida vacation. Florida Apartment Hunters - Looking for apartments? Florida Apartment Hunters along with Rent.com has millions of apartments for rent country-wide! Virtual House Tours - Homes for sale by Owners, Agents and Builders showcased in impressive house tours provide affordable real estate for sale advertising. This space is reserved for our website partners. We will carry a small number of descriptive references to authority websites offering substantial travel/tourism/regional content. If you are interested in having your site appear here we invite you to email us. Villas For All Partner View All Orlando Rental Homes 2 bedroom homes 3 bedroom homes 4 bedroom homes 5 bedroom homes 6 bedroom homes 7 bedroom homes View All Gulf Coast Rental Homes 2 bedroom homes 3 bedroom homes 4 bedroom homes 5 bedroom homes Top Vacation Resorts Windsor Hills Resort Windsor Palms Resort Emerald Island Resort Terra Verde Resort Ask about availability and rental rates How many bedrooms do you need? Two guests per bedroom is a good starting point. Click below to send a general enquiry. Any owner who has availability for your vacation dates will respond directly by email. 2 bedroom homes 3 bedroom homes 4 bedroom homes 5 bedroom homes 6 bedroom homes 7 bedroom homes Orlando Rental Communities Gulf Coast Home Locations Late Availability Specials Owners Updates, Late Ads Add Your Home To Our Site Buying? Check out these new developments Cane Island Resort Condos Citrus Gardens Pool Homes Celebration- The Mona Lisa Every Florida vacation home on our site is privately owned. Are Orlando hotels too restricting for you? Florida vacation home rentals directly from the owner will always offer the best value. Book direct and you will get a top quality rental home at a fair rate. Be sure to bookmark this page . There is a wealth of information about Florida vacation homes throughout our site that you will need to get back to before you start your trip.