Russia Travel Resources (16)

Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Travel Information  You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Travel Information Russia's major cities balance castles and museums with modern life. Visitors flock to St. Petersburg and Moscow or ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway to view a greater slice of Russia. Less well-known travel destinations with surprising gems are Belarus and Ukraine. Read on for more information. Subtopics Belarus (1) Ukraine (1) Russia Travel Resources (16) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Profile of Russia This overview of Russia gives you quick information about the general state of the country, what to expect from tourist facilities, and what the climate's like.        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 Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Headlines Spas of Budapest Whether you want to simply swim or soak in... Warsaw for Travelers In Warsaw, modern glass office buildings have emerged all over... Castle Hotels in Europe If you're seeking unique accommodations for your travels in Eastern... Romantic Destinations in Eastern Europe Looking for something beyond Paris or Tuscany for a romantic...

European Vacation Planning Map

Rail Passes - Which European Rail Pass is Right for Your Vacation?  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Transportation > Train Travel in Europe > Rail Passes - Which European Rail Pass is Right for Your Vacation? 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 With a Eurail pass, you could just hop on this train and go! James Martin Stay up to date! With a Eurail pass, you could just hop on this train and go! James Martin Email to a friend Print this page Rail Passes - Eastern Europe and Youth Rail Passes Discount Youth European Rail Passes Rail Passes for Eastern Europe Choose the Right French Rail Pass European Transportation - Cars and Trains Taking the Train vs. Driving on your Vacation Europe Travel - What Will Transportation Cost? Tips for Train Travel In Europe Travel and Transportation in Europe General Europe Transportation Information How I Travel Europe Footloose Travel 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 Rail Passes - Which Eurail Pass is Right for You? From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Save money and choose the best rail pass for your vacation Long gone are the days when a Eurail pass was the transportation pass of choice for footloose backpackers looking to save a bundle of cash on long European vacations. The basic idea was sound--you just boarded a train and handed the pass to the conductor when he seemed to be asking to see tickets. No need to fret over language or cost, and no need to stand in long lines at the ticket windows either. So what happened? The Eurail pass got expensive, faster trains required supplementary fares, and many Americans take shorter vacations these days. Marketers had to come up with passes whose days of use and destinations were carefully controlled to offer value while protecting the bottom line. So these days the traveler must sift through a long list of European rail passes to find one that'll suit a chosen set of destinations; there are passes for single countries, multiple countries, seniors, students, youth, and conglomerations of options labled "flexi" and "saver." It's a jungle out there--but that doesn't mean that you can't save a bundle of cash by purchasing the right rail pass. How to Purchase the Best Rail Pass for Your Trip One thing you can say for sure, most railpasses issued today are best suited for folks who plan their vacations very carefully--unless you have enough time and cash to purchase the original Eurail pass, which is still being sold and is the first stop on our rail pass tour. Remember that you can't buy rail passes in Europe; you must purchase them within 6 months of your vacation and get them validated on your first day of travel. Traveling throughout Europe Footloose and Fancy Free - Eurailpass and Eurailpass Saver The Eurail pass offers consecutive-day 1st class travel in 17 European countries for 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months, depending upon the duration you choose. Prices per day decrease with increasing pass duration. You'll still have to pay supplements on high-speed trains, and you'll have to pay for seat reservations if you want them, although first class tends to have more unreserved seats then second in most markets. The Eurailpass Saver offers additional savings if there are two or more people traveling together on the same pass. Eurailpass ( purchase direct or get more information ) (Note that Britain is not included in Eurail passes. See British Rail Information for rail pass information and prices.) Traveling through Europe on a Well-Planned route - Eurailpass Flexi Ok, the problem with a Eurail pass is that seldom do you plan a vacation that includes train travel each and every day. Flexi passes account for this time between cities, and will cost you less than a full Eurailpass for the same duration. These passes offer the best value if you'll be traveling long distances on an occasional basis. The Eurailpass Flexi offers either 10 or 15 days of unlimited travel in a 2 month period. This allows you to do a tour of European capitals with a decent time spent between each to explore. Note that on a per day basis you're paying more than a straight Eurailpass, so plan your route and compare costs, because you're giving up the option of just taking off on a whim--as when it's raining and you decide you might like to spend the day sightseeing from the train window. The Eurailpass Flexi Saver offers additional discounts on the Flexi for two or more people traveling together. Eurailpass Flexi ( purchase direct or get more information ) Traveling in a small section of Europe: 3-5 bordering countries - Eurail Selectpass You a real planner? Here's a flexible pass that you can purchase for a limited number of bordering countries. Choose the number of bordering countries you'll be visiting and the number of days you'll want to be traveling between places and that's it! Same saver and Flexi options as Eurailpass above. Eurail Selectpass ( purchase direct or get more information ) Traveling in two adjacent countries - Multiple Country Rail Passes Here is the rail pass for you if you've narrowed things down to a couple of big countries. Lots of country combos to choose from. Multiple Country Passes ( purchase direct or get more information ) Sticking to a single country - Single Country Rail Passes A variety of passes for a single country are available for travelers who have really narrowed down their vacation destination. Prices will vary because the rail system in each Country has a different fare structure. Plan longer trips to get the best value from your rail pass. Single Country Passes ( purchase direct or get more information ) Is a Rail Pass worth it? Click to the next page for a price comparison. 1 2 Next        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

Russia Travel

Saint-Petersburg, Russia. St.Petersburg travel tips. Home St. Petersburg guide St. Petersburg seasons Tips to come to St. Petersburg Arrival & Departure Transfer Accommodation Excursions Tours Links for tourists Deutsch version Saint-Petersburg: Travel tips See also : Visa support | VISA Requirement | VISA Types Contact us if you like to travel to St.Petersburg, Russia. Hotel prices and itineraries of many tour programs change depending on the season. Peak season is from May to September. Alternatives are to come in spring (1 April-15 May) or fall (1 September-31 October) when prices are lower and the city less crowded. The summer White Nights in St Petersburg are spectacular but, at the same time, summer may be humid and dusty. An Indian summer in the fall is lovely. If you do not mind the cold and snow, the winter season is cheapest and accommodation most readily available. There are some of the events that annually take place in the city in winter season: "Christmas musical meetings in the Northern Palmyra", "Art Square" winter festival, international jazz festivals, sport tournaments, international cinema festivals and theatre first nights. The first thing a visitor should do is picking up “St.Petersburg: The Official City Guide”, an excellent full-color quarterly freebie, or buy the pocket edition of the Traveler's Yellow Pages. The Friday edition of The St.Petersburg Times and the monthly Pulse are both free and have good listings and reviews. All the hostels can provide everything from invitations and accommodation bookings to theatre tickets, restaurant advice and general help and advice should something go wrong. The City Tourist Information Office at 41, Nevskiy prospect is still near the bottom of a steep learning curve. You should always have identification. It is advisable to carry photocopies of your passport and visa, showing that they have been registered. Frequent random checks by police are taking place, more usually on men. Besides passport and visa are wanted to change money, and to buy train tickets, book hotel rooms and in numerous other situations. In St.Petersburg, as in any large city, you should watch out for pickpockets working in public places, such as on crowded public transport (especially at metro electric trains) or in markets and other touristy spots. Keep money and documents in inner pockets, try not to flash big means, don't leave your baggage unsupervised, have an eye on your handbag (it could be cut up insensibly and you will loose your purse). Stand as far as possible from Gypsies, including the children. Don't give them money and the like. You wan't even notice when all your valuables are disappeared. Walking out late alone in deserted dark areas (courtyards and parks) or after drinking would make you a good target for offenders. Be warned about persons representing themselves as police and wanting to check your pockets, you may find lack of money after a time. Police is allowed to inspect you only at the police station. In case of stopping you in the street dial (on your mobile phone) the special police number arranged for foreigners and explain the situation. You should obtain the officer's name, badge (ID) number, and patrol car number, and note where it happened. Verify your change carefully before leaving the cashier or seller. !! Free option: If your return flight is in the afternoon you can book a suburb tour with us for the morning of the departure day and have airport transfer free of charge! !!! Free option: If you book a travel package with our company youwill get free visa support to obtain a Russian travel visa. Travel services: VISA Support See also : VISA Requirement | VISA Types | Back to : Travel tips Contact us if you like to travel to St.Petersburg, Russia. There are three types of visas: tourist, business and visitor. A tourist visa application can be collected from a travel agent or at a Russian embassy or consulate. Three passport size photos and a photocopy of the information page of your passport are also required. Once confirmation of your the best rates in hotels. Each city you plan to visit must be written on the visa. Once in Russia, you can lengthen your stay or visit additional cities by making arrangements with the service desk at your hotel. If you are sponsored by a Russian organization, you are entitled to a business visa . Ask the organization to fax you with an invitation and dates of stay. Give this to the Russian embassy or consulate; they will usually issue a business visa without proof of hotel stay. Multi-entry visas are also issued with the proper papers. If you hosted by a relative or friend, you can enter on a visitor's visa . You must send your host a visa application filled out in duplicate (not a photocopy). The host must then take it to his own travelers' organization, OVIR, which will issue a visitor's invitation for you after several months. The traveler is only allowed to travel to the cities and stay with the persons designated on the visa. You must make these arrangements far in advance. On arrival , all visitors to Russia must register their visa and passport with Local Visa Office (OVIR) . If you are staying in a hotel, the registration desk will do this for you upon checking in. (Your passport and visa may be held for a few hours or days at the hotel registration desk.) If staying elsewhere, you should go directly to OVIR: Visa Registration Department 4 Saltykova-Schedrina Street. Now you can order visa support. Contact us for more information about visa support. Travel services: VISA Requirement See also : VISA Types | Back to : VISA Support | Travel tips Contact us if you like to travel to St.Petersburg, Russia. All foreigners traveling to or transiting through Russia must have a passport and visa covering the duration of stay in the country. Visas are issued by Russian Consulates in your home country, based on an invitation (a visa support letter) from a Russian party. To obtain a Russian visa, you should submit the following papers to a Russian Consulate: Completed visa application form (one per person) which can be obtained from consulates of Russia. Original national passport (valid not less than one month after the date of departure from Russia). Three standard passport-size photographs. Please, sign on the back. An invitation from the authorized hosting Russian travel agency (for tourist and business visas). The letter of invitation can be arranged through Nota Bena Co. A Money order or cashiers check payable to the Russian Consulate for visa processing. Russian visas must be registered in the first 3 bank days after your arrival. This can be done either at your hotel at a small fee (about 1 EUR per person) at check-in procedure or in OVIR offices (the local immigration authorities) with the help of the company that invited tourists. Registration fee in this case is negotiable. Russian visa is an exit permit as well and if you lose it or overstay your visa's validity, even for one day, or neglect to register your visa, leaving the country may cause problems. Tourist visas are not subject to prolongation. As for business visas — only your sponsor (organization which has provided your invitation) is allowed to apply for replacement, extension, or changes to your visa. Important Notes : The visa fee is paid to the Consular service issuing visas in your home country. Its cost varies depending on the country. Please, check with Russian Consulate. Visa processing fee is non-refundable. Any person applying for a visa for a stay of more than three months must present a certificate showing that the individual is HIV-negative. After you receive your visa please check it for possible mistakes (passport number, date of birth, term of validity) and, if necessary, return it to the Consulate for corrections. Travel services: VISA Types Back to : VISA Requirement | VISA Support | Travel tips Contact us if you like to travel to St.Petersburg, Russia. TOURIST VISA A supplementary requisitions for a Tourist visa: A standard tourist confirmation (visa support letter) from the authorized hosting Russian travel agency, registered with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The confirmation must contain the agency's reference number, registration number, official seal and signature of authorized person. The invitations must be on letterheads and contain full name of the invited person, his/her date of birth, passport number, period of stay in Russia and cities to be visited. The invitations must be signed by authorized persons and sealed. Original voucher issued by an authorized travel agency (or confirmed hotel reservation), indicating full name of the traveler, date of birth, passport number, dates of entry and departure, name of the hosting Russian tourist company. If you order travel services with us we can provide visa support to you. Contact us for more information about tourist visa. Please, notice that tourist visa is valid for not longer than 30 days! When entering Russia with a tourist visa, you are required also to present at the border checkpoint your tourist confirmation, voucher and a return ticket with a fixed date of departure from Russia. You also will have to prove that you have sufficient funds for your travel. However, this does not apply to cruises and tourist groups! BUSINESS VISA A supplementary requisitions for a Business visa: A letter of invitation from the Russian Foreign Ministry, its regional representatives, Ministry of Interior or its local offices, or any other authorized Russian Agency. The letter must contain: official seal and legal address of the agency, document registration number, date of registration, signature and name of official authorized to invite foreigners to Russia, travel itinerary, dates of stay, names of persons invited. A cover letter from your company or from yourself if you are traveling individually, with information about the traveler, destinations, terms and purpose of visit. Contact us for more information about business visa. VISITOR'S VISA A supplementary requisitions for a Visitor's visa: Original visa support letter (" Izveschenie ") issued by a Local Visa Office (OVIR) in Russia. Applicant's friends or relatives can obtain such invitations. The invitations must be on letterheads and contain full name of the invited person, his/her date of birth, passport number, period of stay in Russia and cities to be visited. The invitations must be signed by authorized persons and sealed. " Izveschenie " is valid within one year from the date indicated there. !!! Free option: If you book a travel package with our company youwill get free visa support to obtain a Russian travel visa. home | St.Petersburg guide | seasons | tips to come | arrival & departure | transfer | accommodation | excursions | tours | links © 2005 Nota Bena Co. Contactus .

Vacation Information "The beauty

Travel Alaska - State of Alaska Travel & Vacation Information What is My Alaska? -My Alaska allows you to collect information from throughout the site to create a customized trip planner for your visit to Alaska. My Alaska Login » Explore Alaska Maps of Alaska Alaska's Regions Cities & Towns Parks & Public Lands Books on Alaska Alaska Photo Gallery Plan Your Trip Activities Transportation Food & Lodging Events Planning Specialists Package Tours Weather & Climate Sample Trips & Tips Travel Specials» Search TravelAlaska State of Alaska Travel & Vacation Information "The beauty of Alaska cannot be put into words." -Ester McNeil, Middlebury Alaska. Imagine your vacation in Alaska for one moment. Alaska Travel Business Search Select a region from the map above or search by keyword Your delight when you spot a grizzly bear with a cub or two in tow. That instant when the silence of a misty fjord is shattered by a pod of giant humpback whales, breaching high into the air, then crashing back against the sea. While your floatplane flies over crystal glaciers, toward the midnight sun, remember: This is Alaska. This is real. This is the adventure of a lifetime. "It would take a lifetime to experience everything Alaska has to offer." -Charmaine Curtis, Seattle Traveling in Alaska is like traveling no other place on earth. There are 586,000 square miles here, and almost that many possibilities. Choose from wildlife viewing, sea kayaking and guided glacier hikes. Relax aboard a one-day cruise, pan for gold, bait a rod for Alaska’s world famous King salmon fishing. "On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate Alaska as a 20." -Richard Ulmer, Jacksonville Alaska is a grand American Vacation destination you don’t want to miss! Use this site to plan your travel to Alaska and/or Alaska vacation today: create a personal itinerary and get special deals on an unforgettable adventure to Alaska! Select My Alaska at the top of the page to set up a personal account to store your Alaska vacation information. Register once and then update as often as you like. Alaska - Beyond your dreams. Within your reach. ® Top » Back » Media Center | Travel Trade | Contact Us | Community Links | Alaska for Kids | Free Vacation Information TravelAlaska.com Privacy Policy © 2001-2005 Alaska Travel Industry Association Alaska (logotype) & Beyond Your Dreams. Within Your Reach. are registered Marks of the Alaska Travel Industry Association

Argentina Travel

Argentina Travel and Tours and Hiking in Argentina Patagonia Tours and Iguazu Falls Trekking Argentina ... Mouse over the tabs at right for more options Argentina's economic unrest long since calmed, the time is right to visit Argentina while your money goes farther than ever and the hordes of tourists stay away due to exaggerated news reports. Over 350 glaciers and mountains covered in ice provide a spectacular backdrop for trekking in El Chalten. Strap on crampons and hike on 15 mile long, 15,000 year old Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate (surprisingly easy even for the timid!). There are a wide variety of activities in the beautiful Lakes District for active and leisure travelers alike. Buenos Aires is a very European city overflowing with culture, and Tierra del Fuego is the undiscovered jewel of South America that tourism has not yet altered. Get there while its still unknown. The estancias of Patagonia produce a large portion of the world's wool. Itineraries Argentine Odyssey The Best of Argentina: Valdes Peninusula, Tierra del Fuego, Los Glaciares National Park 9 nights ~ from $1635 Calchaqui Valley & Iruya: Self-drive & Trekking Exploring Northwestern Argentina: Iruya, Salta, Quilmes and Tucuman 10 nights ~ from $1409 Hidden Argentina Off the beaten path: San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tafi del Valle, Cafayate, and Salta 10 nights ~ from $1762 Patagonia Ice Trail Trekking in Tierra del Fuego and Los Glaciares National Park 11 nights ~ from $2050 Aconcagua Climb Summit the tallest mountain in the Americas 20 nights ~ from $3397 Chile & Argentina Highlights 4 nights Hosteria Grey, Los Glaciares National Park, Buenos Aires 10 nights ~ from $2506 Argentina Andes Climb Aconcagua, Mendoza 6 nights ~ from $2730 Road to the Clouds Tour the Puna Highlands, Great Salt Beds and explore Pre-Colombian ruins 8 nights ~ from $1235 The Big Three See Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago in luxurious style 17 nights ~ from $4546 Argentina Flavor 3 nights each: Alvear Palace, Las Hayas Resort, Los Notros Lodge, Llao Llao Hotel and Resort 12 nights ~ from $3500 Buenos Aires Special 7 nights in Buenos Aires with 4 Half Day Tours, Hydrofoil tickets to Colonia, and Tango Dinner Show 7 nights ~ from $793 Iguazu Falls : Located on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay is one of nature's grand spectacles, Iguazu Falls. Over 275 separate waterfalls plummet over 200 feet for over two and a half miles. Wear a raincoat and hat for protection from the constant mist that forms an arched rainbow. Catwalks and lookouts offer a close look at the thundering falls or look down into Devil's Throat from an airplane overflight. For the daring, take a boat ride close to the falls and make sure to bring plenty of film as photographic opportunities abound. Lakes District : Charming in a European fashion, all the creature comforts are here among the hilly avenues and quaint buildings. Chocolate-making is a tradition in the town of Bariloche, and almost no visitor leaves without a sample. The charming Edelweiss Hotel or the famous Hotel Llao-Llao will graciously accommodate your desires. For one of the best day trips in all of South America, arrive or depart to Chile here by a series of Lake Crossings. Patagonia : Los Glaciares National Park is your destination for hiking in Patagonia and the best viewing of wildlife, birds and glaciers in Patagonia. We'll accommodate you at the very comfortable Los Notros or Kau Yatun as your base for guided excursions of surrounding tundra, mountains, and glaciers. For the more adventurous, our Patagonia trekking is not to be missed. Explore the interior of a glacier, get an up-close view of the towering ice walls, or travel to the Fitzroy area as a trekking base to the famous towering pinnacles of Cerro Terro and Fitzroy. Birdwatchers look out for the Andean condor, Magellanic woodpecker, red backed hawk Austral parakeets, and the rare choique or lesser rhea just to name a few. Tierra del Fuego : Capital of Tierra del Fuego, the path to the White Continent, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Cruise with a naturalist guide on the Beagle Channel, including Seals Island where you may witness petrels, cormorants and sea lions at close quarters. Marvel at the impressive scenery of snowcapped peaks, rivers, waterfalls and dense woods in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Keep your eyes out for a variety of wildlife, including the Andean condor. Ushuaia serves as our embankment point for cruises to Antarctica. We can also arrange tours to Salta and the Northwest of Argentina, the Marshlands and rolling plains for Estancia stays. Contact a consultant for customized itineraries to Argentina. Build Your Own Itinerary We can also customize an itinerary that is right for you at no additional cost. Please let us know your specific request. For a customized itinerary please call 1.800.999.0558.