Russia Travel

* GoToRussia.Ru * When you wish to visit Russia :: Information, tips, guides, routes, cities, excursions, etc. Visa To Russia Online Tourist invitations; Business Visa Visit: www.VisaToRussiaOnline.com Call: +7 095 7413870 ABOUT RUSSIA: HISTORY TRAVEL TIPS RUSSIAN EMBASSIES ENTRY Requirements VISA CURRENT PRICES PHRASE BOOK FAQ ABOUT MOSCOW: HISTORY ARRIVING BY PLANE MEETING AT SVO CUSTOMS ARRIVING BY TRAIN METRO FOREIGN EMBASSIES WHAT TO SEE MAPS AND PLANS Travel Tips What to pack. The days of having to bring your own bottled water and toilet paper have gone long time ago, although you may still find them useful in regional cities. Now it is possible to easily find basic food, bottled water and toiletry items in many places around Moscow. However, the following are items some tourists prefer to bring for themselves. 1. Bring your own toiletries and pharmaceuticals. Although there are many stores carrying western medicines, you may not be able to read the Russian or European labels. 2. Comfortable, waterproof and warm, (if winter) boots or shoes. It is frequently wet in Moscow from snow or rain, and you will probably walk a lot. 3. Umbrella. 4. Adapter for small appliances like hair dryers. Russia has the same 220 watt currency as Europe and electrical sockets take round two prong plugs. 5. Travel alarm clock. 6. All phone numbers and addresses you will need. 7. Enough cash for your entire stay. Bring clean, crisp, new bills. 8. Travel money holder/conceiler. Pickpocketing is not uncommon, especially in the center of town and incrowded markets. 9. Photocopy of passport and visa. 10. Warm hat, coat, clothes and gloves in winter. 11. Camera and film, of course. 12. Leave your expensive jewelry at home. You don't need to be conspicuous. 13. Locks for your luggage. Make sure to secure all your baggage with heavy locks. Money Currency: Rouble (Rub) = 100 kopeks. Notes are in denominations of Rub 500, 100, 50, 10. Coins are in denominations of Rub 5, 2 and 1. Currency exchange: The ruble is the only legal tender. It is illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars. According to the Rusian law foreign currency should only be exchanged at official bureaux. Bureaux de change are numerous and easy to locate. Large shops offer their own exchange facilities. You may see many individuals there who would offer you better exchange rate. Please, be careful and under no circumstances exchange money from them. It is advisable not to change large amount of money at a time unless you really need a lot of Roubles. Exchange rate is unpredictable and may change very fast even during one day. All dollar bills must be recent and clean. The Russians are all concerned about getting stuck with an outdated bill that will no longer be honoured, even though this is also a violation of currency laws. Contact us to get more info on today's best exchange rate quotes. more about money... Credit cards Major European and international credit cards, including American Express, Visa and Diners Club, are accepted in the larger hotels and at foreign currency shops and restaurants. Some ATM'S in Moscow are now accepting EC cards together with your PIN number - if you want to get roubles. Compared to most other possibilities of getting roubles, this is a cheap (compared to credit cards) and time saving (compared to travellers cheques) method. Depending on the Russian bank that maintains the cash machine, you may be charged a 1% - 4% commission fee, on top of what your credit card charges. Travellers Cheques Are a big hassle in Russia. Very few places take them and you pay a premium to cash them. If you're not willing to go all cash, credit cards are much better. AMEX traveler's checks may be cashed at the American Express office at Sadovaya Kudrinskaya 21a in the center of town. Expect to pay a 3% commission for cashing the checks. Selected Russian banks will also cash them for a fee. Banking hours 0900 am - 0500 pm Monday to Friday. Some of bureaux de exchange are open 24 hours. Public Holidays Jan 1 - New Year, Jan 7 - Russian Christmas (Orthodox), Mar 8 - International women’s Day, Apr 15 - Russian Orthodox Easter, May 1-2 - Spring and Labour Day, May 9 - Victory in Europe Day, Jun 12 - Russian Independence Day, Aug 22 - National Flag Day, Nov 7 Constitution Day. Calling home? Calling abroad from ALL Russian hotels is a rip-off. For example, to call USA would cost you about US$ 5 per minute, Australia - US$ 8 per minute. To make sure you pay your phone bill most of the hotels require a deposit of a quite a large amount of money or your credit card information. Without it you won't be able to dial an outside line. There is a solution, however. In our office you can obtain pre-paid phone cards of a few Russian telephone companies (US$ 5, US$ 10, US$ 20, US$ 25 and US$ 50) and call from your hotel or home for as low as 25 cents a minute to the USA and Europe. All you need is a touch-tone phone. Some of the hotels in Moscow and in St.-Petersburg and almost all hotels in all other cities in Russia do not have touch-tone phones. But you still be able to use those cards if before you leave home you buy a bipper (cost about US$ 5 in the USA). With the bipper all you have to do is to dial a number shown on the card and then use the bipper to enter your access code and destination phone number. Please, contact us for more information. To call USA from Moscow for as low as 13.5 cents a minute you can use Net Phone Card. Follow this link to check it out. Or just click on the Net Phone Card banner on our first (entrance) page to go there. You can also use it to call from anywhere to anywhere. Computer equipment The State Customs Committee has stated that there are no restrictions on bringing laptop computers into the Russian Federation for personal use. The software, however, can be inspected upon departure; and some equipment and software have been confiscated because of the data contained in them, or due to software encryption, which is standard in many programs. HIV Testing Requirement 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. The certificate must contain the applicant's passport data, proposed length of stay in Russia, blood test results for HIV infection, including date of the test, signature of the doctor conducting the test, medical examination results, diagnostic series, and seal of the hospital/medical organization. The certificate must be in both Russian and English and valid for three months from the date of medical examination and blood test. For information concerning entry, exit, and HIV requirements, travelers can contact the Russian Embassy, Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20008; telephone (202) 939-8918, or the Russian consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle. Medical facilites Medical care is usually far below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually requires cash payment at Western rates upon admission. The U.S. Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and English-speaking doctors. Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually all of their medical needs; such travel can be very expensive, if undertaken under emergency conditions. Therefore, travelers may wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental coverage for medical evacuation. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk. The cost of a medical evacuation from the Russian Far East can be as high as $50,000. It is helpful to carry a letter, in Russian, from your health care provider, describing the nature of any personal medication that you carry into Russia. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559, or via the CDC home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/. Bring with you all prescription drugs. Tap water is not to be drunk without first boiling. A good mosquito repellant is recommended for summer. Areas of instability Travel to Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and the areas surrounding Chechnya is extremely dangerous due to political instability and frequent kidnappings. Two U.S. citizens have disappeared in Chechnya and remain unaccounted for. In addition, public gatherings and demonstrations occur frequently in Russia, particularly in Moscow. Although such demonstrations are usually peaceful, travelers are urged to exercise caution when in areas where large groups are gathered. Passports and visas Carry them with you at all times. When you are out walking and you see some motley looking guys with black leather caps and jackets with dark gray uniforms, these are the police. They listen for English language being spoken and they will love it if they stop you and you are without your passport and visa. If you don't have your visa and passport, they will escort you to the nearest jail and try their best at expropriating whatever funds they think they can get out of you. Usually, the fine (bribe) is $50 and there won't be anything we can do for you to get you out of it. If the cops haul you in and you do have your visa and passport, call us immediately and we will rescue you. Your visas, if registered through us, will be in perfect order. Don't pay them anything if, once again, you have your visa and passport in your possession. Air travel Air travel within Russia is often unreliable, with unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions, including deterioration of the quality of service. Russian based airlines certified to operate internationally meet higher standards than domestic-only air carriers and fly to most domestic destinations. Traffic safety and road condition Inclement weather and lack of routine maintenance of roads and vehicles make road conditions throughout Russia highly variable. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents, which are commonplace. Many accidents involve drunk drivers. Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines," and bandits occasionally prey on travelers. Crime information Crime against foreigners is a problem, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults, and robberies can occur frequently and at any time or place. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and residences, even when locked or occupied. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you receive a replacement for your lost or stolen U.S. passport in Russia, your exit visa must also be replaced, with assistance from your sponsor, so that the passport number written on the visa matches your new passport. This requires a Russian police report. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Crime Against Foreign Businesses: Extortion and corruption are common in the business environment. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities and have been known to demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Many Western firms hire security services which have improved their overall security, although this is no guarantee. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable. Over the past several years, several American business people have been attacked, kidnapped, and even killed. U.S. citizens are encouraged to report all extortion attempts to the Russian authorities and to inform consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate.In general, when staying in Moscow avoid walking through dark, unknown, deserted streets in the evening; check your pockets and purses, while walking along the crowded streets, do the same in big stores and market places. The crowded public places (i.e. close to railway terminals, Arbat, etc.) are full of Gypsies (people, mainly women, wearing pictures skirts and shawls), who may tell you your fortune by hand, playing cards, etc. Of course, not all of them are thieves or pickpockets, try to get rid of them as soon as possible. When visiting somebody don't get into lift cabin with persons you don't know. It is also advisable to have a telephone number of your tourist agency or a close friend, whom you may always call in case of need or emergency. Embassy location & registration All American citizens who reside in Russia for three months or longer are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or at one of the U.S. consulates. Americans who will remain for shorter periods may also register and inquire about updated travel and security information. Registration allows for quicker replacement of a lost or stolen passport, as well as contact in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in Moscow at Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23; phone (7)(095) 252-2451; fax (7) (095) 956-4261. After hours emergencies: phone (7-095) 956-4422. U.S. consulates are located in: St. Petersburg: Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15; phone (7-812) 275-1701; fax (7-812) 110-7022. After hours emergencies: phone (7-812) 274-8692. Vladivostok: Ulitsa Pushkinskaya 32, phone (7-4232) 268-458 or 300-070; fax (7-4232) 300-091. After hours emergencies: (7) (4232) 471-644 and (7) (4232) 287-290. Yekaterinburg: Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor; phone (7-3432) 564-619; fax (7-3432) 564-515. | TOP | HOME | Ask your questions on our discussion board GoToRussia.Ru © 2002-2005 Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy --

ski vacation or for

for rent ski homes and ski condo rentals vacations ski home rentals ski condos for rent for rent ski homes & ski condo rentals at ski resorts in the United States & Canada For rent ski home and ski condo rentals for your ski vacation or for the ski season from private owners and ski rental property management companies. Ski Homes and Condos has access to hundreds of listings of ski homes for rent and ski condos rentals for rent by owner and for rent by ski home rental companies at premier ski resorts in the United States, from Stowe to Aspen to Heavenly. Let us help you find your ski vacation home or condo winter rental or advertise your ski home or ski condo for the world to see online. Skiers and winter vacationers, what you will find on ski homes and condos are links that take you directly to the ski home or ski condo for rent website or the ski home rental company web. All the information they have provided on online about their ski home for rent and ski condo rental will be at your fingertips. Enter Ski Resort Homes design by WebTekDesigners hosted by Acewebhost Ski Resort Quick Links Aspen Colorado | Beaver Creek Colorado | Vail Resort | Big Sky Resort | Breckenridge | Colorado | New Hampshire | Vermont | California | New York | Maine | Pennsylvania | New Mexico | Utah | Jackson Hole Wyoming | Idaho | Montana | Oregon | Washington | Winter Park Resort | Telluride Colorado | Copper Mountain | Keystone Resort | Stowe Vermont | Sugarbush Ski Area | Killington Resort | Okemo | Stratton Mountain | Mt Snow Vermont | Steamboat Colorado | Whistler - Blackcomb Canada | Mont Tremblant Quebec Canada | Park City Mountain Resort Utah | Mammoth Mountain Mammoth Lakes | Squaw Valley Lake Tahoe | Heavenly Resort Lake Tahoe | Mount Hood Oregon | Mount Bachelor - Sunriver Ooregon | Advertise with Ski Homes and Condos SkiHomesandCondos.com website updated - 03/11/2004

European Vacation Planning Map

Your European Vacation and the Tumbling Dollar - Should you go this Year?  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 Central Sardinia, where viewing ancient "Giant's Tombs" is free. James Martin Stay up to date! Central Sardinia, where viewing ancient "Giant's Tombs" is free. James Martin Email to a friend Print this page The Euro Guide to the Euro Using your Credit Card in Europe Using your ATM Card in Europe Recent Discussions Need Help Planning a Trip Accomodation in london Mediteranean Feries Planning your European Vacation European Vacation Planner Map Europe Travel Basics 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 Your European Vacation and the Tumbling Dollar - Should you go this Year? From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Feb 12 2004 Will my vacation be too exensive? Maybe not as expensive as you think! A reader asks: "Should we wait until the Euro gets weaker to plan our European vacation?" While I am certain to be viewed as a biased source of information on this topic, and considering the fact that no one I know has a crystal ball able to predict exchange rates, I will nevertheless plunge ahead and give my reasons and justifications for taking that vacation to Europe this year. Exchange Rate. No one can predict what the future will hold, but some "experts" have surmised that the dollar may fall to as low as 1.5 Euros before the bloodbath is over. At the time of writing, the rate seems to have stabilized in the short term at around 1.25 or so. It's hard to see the dollar strengthening anytime soon, given the huge deficit and slow economy. Waiting for the dollar to strengthen may leave you waiting a long time. But maybe things aren't as bad as you think. Historically, Things Average Out. I've been traveling to Europe since the mid 1970s, and it's always seemed to me that prices have slowly risen as hotels adapted higher standards and the economy reacted to general increases in living standards, especially in Southern Europe. These changes seemed slow and steady, and largely independent of major short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate. See the next argument for a free market reason why I may not have noticed currency fluctuations much during my travels. The Equal and Opposite Reaction. With the sharp decline in US visitors to Europe we've seen over these past couple of years, hotels are finally lowering their rates, recognizing that their excess supply of rooms may continue unless something is done to entice visitors. For example Arthur Frommer reports that London "hotels of five-star quality (are) charging less than $150 for a double room that would normally cost $400." This is how the Free Market is supposed to work; when things get too expensive for people to buy, prices must drop to "incent" them. It's happening for hotel rooms, airfares, and other tourist-only items right now. The effect may be that your vacation cost won't be as high as you might think compared to previous years. Just don't expect to buy standard European goods at a discount--shopping at home is recommended when the dollar is week. Last year I walked into a great looking hotel in Chaves, Portugal, only to notice the sign on the desk proclaiming that all rooms were 90 Euros. When the clerk asked to help me, I pointed out that the room was too expensive and turned to leave--but fortunately not before she offered the room at 60 Euros, a price she quoted as standard for these tough tourist times. While still expensive for Portugal, the room offered 4 star, air conditioned comfort with a great view of the castle from the balcony, and the most elegant bathroom we've ever bathed in. Things Change. An argument put forth by Carol Field and others is that European traditions are fading quickly in a multi cultural, easily traveled world. While independent of exchange rate, this argument, for me, is a compelling one, especially as Starbucks and McDonalds replace small, family run cafes and restaurants and Europe starts to look more and more like main street USA. I don't travel to experience the same things I can at home, and it's why I have to dig deeper and deeper to find places that celebrate those rapidly disappearing cultural differences. The price of gas and the doomsday scenario. Many experts suggest that the price of gasoline will have to rise sharply to cover the cost of recovering oil from the neglected wells in Iraq (yes, oil wells go bad, I've read) and this increase is likely to spike after the elections and continue on an upward trend. Europe, it seems to me, is in a much better position to weather these increases in the short term, as they offer alternative modes of public transportation. Even Worse: There is no doubt that oil is an increasingly rare commodity in an energy hungry world, and steadily rising prices will effect most of us around the globe equally. (Studies of Peak Oil and Gas ( pdf ) have predicted the production of Oil peaking at the end of this decade, and slowly declining thereafter.) This is my doomsday strategy, "go while you can, who knows what economic nastiness lurks around the next corner as we run out of energy sources." Have a different view? Why not submit a rebuttal through our submittal form ? How to offset the dollar's weakness without sacrificing your vacation Fun? Read on to Page Two: Saving Money on your European Vacation - 12 Frugal Vacation Tips .        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

Family Vacation (2004) Starring:

Amazon.com: Johnson Family Vacation: DVD: Cedric the Entertainer,Vanessa L. Williams,Solange Knowles,Bow Wow,Gabby Soleil,Shannon Elizabeth,Steve Harvey,Aloma Wright,Shari Headley,Jennifer Freeman,Philip Bolden,Rodney Perry,Christopher B. Duncan,Lorna Scott,Kevin P. Farley,Lee Garlington,Shane Woodson,Jason Momoa,DeRay Davis,Jonathan Joss,Christopher Erskin Your Store DVD See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | Browse Genres | Top Sellers | New & Future Releases | Television Central | Life & Learning | DVD Essentials | Blowout DVDs | Movie Showtimes | Used DVDs Search Amazon.com DVD Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . DVD Information Explore this item buying info editorial reviews customer reviews cast and crew fun facts Listmania! Part 6 of the Greatest Black F... : A list by The Artist Visionary "Mister A... Add your List Ready to buy? Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . MORE BUYING CHOICES 141 used & new from $2.62 Have one to sell? Johnson Family Vacation (2004) Starring: Cedric the Entertainer , Vanessa L. Williams Director: Christopher Erskin Rating: See larger image Share your own customer images List Price: $19.98 Price: $17.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details You Save: $1.99 (10%) Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Only 4 left in stock--order soon (more on the way). Want it delivered Thursday, December 29? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. See details 141 used & new available from $2.62 Edition: Other Versions and Languages Other Versions (DVD) List Price Price Other Offers: DVD Fat Albert/Johnson Family Vacation $24.98 $21.99 51 used & new from $16.50 Other Versions (VHS Tape) VHS Tape Johnson Family Vacation $12.98 $12.33 18 used & new from $0.45 VHS Tape Johnson Family Vacation (Spanish) (Sub) $12.98 $12.33 3 used & new from $11.10 Other Versions (Audio CD) Audio CD Johnson Family Vacation $13.98 $13.98 78 used & new from $2.90 Better Together Buy this DVD with Barbershop 2 - Back in Business DVD ~ Ice Cube today! Total List Price: $34.93 Buy Together Today: $27.46 Customers who bought this DVD also bought Barbershop 2 - Back in Business DVD ~ Ice Cube Are We There Yet? DVD ~ Ice Cube Soul Plane (Unrated Mile High Edition) DVD ~ Tom Arnold The Cookout (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Ja Rule Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Music Storyline Genres: Comedy Tagline: Wrong turn in Arizona. No brakes in Colorado. Arrested in Kansas. It's the ultimate family trip. Plot Synopsis: AAA can't help the roadside emergency that is the JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION. Even the onboard navigation system has a meltdown on Nate Johnson (Cedric The Entertainer) and his family's cross-country trek to their annual family reunion/grudge match. Reluctantly along for the ride are Nate's wife (Williams), who's only in it for the kids; their rapper-wannabe son (Bow Wow); their teenage daughter (Solange Knowles) who's fashioned herself as the next Lolita; and their youngest (Gabby Soleil), whose imaginary dog Nate just can't seem to keep track of. Can the Johnsons survive each other and all the obstacles the road throws at them to make it to Caruthersville, Missouri? Can they find Missouri? Plot Keywords: Alligator | Competition | Family Reunion | Family | Los Angeles | Road Trip | Sibling Rivalry | Truck | Urination Scene | Actor Playing Multiple Roles | Cement Mixer | (Show all 16 plot keywords recommended by customers) Product Details Actors: Cedric the Entertainer , Vanessa L. Williams , Solange Knowles , Bow Wow , Gabby Soleil , See more Directors: Christopher Erskin Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc, Full Screen, Widescreen Anamorphic Region: Region 1 ( U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats. ) Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Rated: Studio: 20th Century Fox DVD Release Date: August 10, 2004 Run Time: 97 min (original theatrical or airing runtime) Average Customer Review: Based on 28 Reviews DVD Features: Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1) Commentary by: Bow Wow, Cedric the Entertainer, director Christopher Erskine, and producer Eric Rhone (Unknown Format) Commentary by: writers Todd R. Jones and Earl Richey Jones (Unknown Format) 18 deleted scenes with optional commentary On the set From IMDb: Quotes & Trivia ASIN: B0002B14UW Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,113 in DVD Theatrical Release Information US Theatrical Release Date: April 7, 2004 MPAA: for some sexual references, crude humor and brief drug material. Production Company: Catch Productions, Hallway Pictures, Bird and a Bear Entertainment, Fox Searchlight Pictures USA Box Office: $31 Million Budget Estimate: $12 Million Filming Locations: Bakersfield, California, USA| Los Angeles, California, USA| Santa Clarita, California, USA Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Cedric the Entertainer ( Barbershop , Intolerable Cruelty ) lends his stubborn, skeptical charm to Johnson Family Vacation . Though separated from his wife (Vanessa Williams, Soul Food , Shaft ), Nate Johnson (Cedric) pulls his family together so that they can compete for an award at the Johnson family reunion. Of course, the road trip from California to Missouri--featuring a sexy but crazy hitchhiker, motel high jinks, and an afternoon in jail--threatens to split up the family permanently. The humor of Johnson Family Vacation is rambling and ridiculous--for example, Williams fools Cedric into taking his swim trunks off in a motel hot tub, then leaves him to tiptoe through the motel naked. But Cedric and Williams both have undeniable charisma; together, they carry this shaggy dog of a movie through its more lackadaisacal moments. Also featuring Bow Wow, Solange Knowles, Shannon Elizabeth ( American Pie ), and Steve Harvey ( Love Don't Cost a Thing ). --Bret Fetzer Customers who viewed this DVD also viewed Guess Who DVD ~ Bernie Mac Breakin' All the Rules (Special Edition) DVD ~ Jamie Foxx Beauty Shop (Full Screen Edition) DVD ~ Queen Latifah White Chicks (Unrated and Uncut Edition) DVD ~ Shawn Wayans Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Music Spotlight Reviews Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: Take a Vacation..... , October 22, 2004 Reviewer: V. Marshall (North Fork, CA USA) - See all my reviews Meet the new generation's vacationing family as they travel from California to Missouri and encounter all sorts of silly experiences along the way. Nate Johnson (played by Cedric the Entertainer) begins his family vacation by picking up his SUV from the dealer and finding out he now has a "hip-hop mobile" complete with hydraulics and rapper wheels. His son, (Lil' Bow Wow), now of course thinks of his dad as cool. Estranged from his wife (Vanessa Williams), Nate has convinced her to take a ride to his family reunion along with his teenage boy-crazy daughter (Solange Knowles) and his youngest child (Gabby Soleil). All kinds of funny things happen along the road and family issues begin to come to a head. The reunion is hilarious with Nate and his brother (Steve Harvey) competing for their mother's attention....let the competitions begin! Cedric the Entertainer is very funny in his role as the nerdy insurance selling dad; he is a gifted performer and has the chance to show off all his stuff in this role. Vanessa Williams is still beautiful and amazingly good as the serious Johnson mom. Lil Bow Wow shows he is not all hip-hop in his role as the Johnson son. Solange Knowles is perfectly cast as the teenage Johnson daughter with an eye for the boys. And how sweet is little Gabby Soleil as the youngest Johnson. Of course Steve Harvey cannot be denied as the competitive Johnson brother. The best part of this movie is the talent contest at the reunion where we get to see Cedric in all his glory and Harvey doing a "Miss Jackson" routine! This movie is light-hearted and entertaining for the whole family with a heartwarming ending of course so sit back and let the Johnson's do the driving. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 4 of 7 people found the following review helpful: Entertaining...even WITH its flaws! , May 7, 2004 Reviewer: Reginald D. Garrard (Camilla, GA USA) - See all my reviews This is one of those movies that can be divided into "pluses" and "minuses". The good points: 1) Although Cedric the Entertainer's "Nate Johnson" is estranged from wife "Dorothy" (Vanessa Williams), the couple has reconciled somewhat to take their kids to the annual family reunion. This provides for one of the few times that a "nuclear" black family is represented in film. 2) A killer soundtrack of "old school" favorites enhances the on-screen happenings. 3) Location scenes add to the "realism" of the family's journey. 4) Native Americans are portrayed as savvy entrepreneurs that "humor" the unenlightened tourist. 5) This is not a bad, first-time effort for director Christopher Erkin. The minuses: 1) Some of the vignettes are derivative of other films of the genre, especially the Chevy Chase movies. 2) Nate's daughter "Nikki" (Solange Knowles) perpetuates the stereotype of the oversexed teen nymphet. 3. Bow Wow, definitely not playing against type, is Nate's son, "D.J.", a wannabe-rapper. 4. Jokes are made at the expense of "big-boned" women, continuing the tradition of laughing at FAT folks. 5. A rather disgusting scene involving a bodily function and a drink cup. Even though, they're evenly separated, the "strengths" of the pluses makes this film mildly recommended. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. LOVED IT!!! , December 5, 2005 Reviewer: Wizeone (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews This is a movie of a middle class African-American family. It shows how competition, distance, support and the urge to stay connected affects the family. This movie also shows how all races have stereotypes of other races and also of different class structures within the race. The story is told in a humorous way including musical selections. The theme of the movie is family is the nucleus of society and can remain strong through any obstacle. The movie stars Cedric the Entertainer as Nate Johnson who is married to Vanessa Williams. The have two daughters and one son played by Bow Wow. Nate Johnson is a successful insurance company employee living in suburban area of California. His wife is going back to school to become a CPA which has caused them to separate due to Nate's inability to support his wife's dreams. So he moves around the corner from their home. Steve Harvey plays Mack Johnson, Nate's older brother. He is married with one daughter and one son. He still lives in Caruthersville, Missouri their hometown. Competition between the brothers still is ongoing to gain their mother's affection. The family reunion is coming up and the bragging begins on which of the brothers families will win the "Family of the Year" trophy. Most of the movie is the travel Nate and his family take cross country to get to the family reunion in Missouri. Nate's wife agrees to go because it is the youngest daughter's birthday as well. The youngest daughter has created an imaginary friend to deal with the separation of her parents. This is how she is dealing with loss, loss of the family structure. Stereotypes that are portrayed by Nate are his view of rappers that their lifestyle is a waste of time. This is the dream his son has to become a rapper. Also, he thinks Native Americans should be or dress in cultural attire. Society and Nate's perception that a beautiful woman is skinny and that woman should be happy just being a wife and mother. All of his stereotypes change by the end of the movie. Nate and his wife reconciled, the brothers came together, and the daughter no longer needed her imaginary friend all because the family structure survived and still loved each other. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 0 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Rip Off of a Classic , November 8, 2005 Reviewer: fizzle "hizzle" (fizzle) - See all my reviews It is the same as the Griswald Family Vacation, National Lampoon's something. It is just black now. The Johnsons? I am surprised they didn't call it the ForShizwalds! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 1 of 6 people found the following review helpful: Wack&a Forgetable Trip , February 20, 2005 Reviewer: mistermaxxx@yahoo.com "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews I'm a Huge Cedric the Entertainer Fan. Loves me some Vanessa Williams.Vanessa Williams is a Juicy Foxy mama yes LAWD!! but this Film is a barker.no Charisma or depth. makes you miss the Chevy Chase Versions of these Films&It's been ages since He has counted. this Clunker wears out it's charm before it gets out on the road.what a waste of Talent? Cedric ain't had funny stuff since He was on the Steve Harvey show&also on His Stand up Routines.Tv&Film ain't been kind to His Skills. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 0 of 1 people found the following review helpful: Johnson Family Vacation , February 16, 2005 Reviewer: Young N. "Pac" (London, UK.) - See all my reviews I don't know why most of you hate this movie man, it's a good funny, family movie to enjoy. I wasn't too sure when i was buying this movie because everyone said it's ****, but after i wached it i know now that it was worth it. But i gotta admit the last 20 minutes or so was a bit dissapointing, that's the only reason i'm givin four stars, but it is funny as hell. Oh and Nate's older doughter is so damn fine man. Peace. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 28 customer reviews... Auctions and zShops sellers and our other stores recommend Prosperity (#1 African American Board Game) (Price: $35.00) Listmania! Top 10 Worst of 03-04 : by David Maryouhanna "Willie Yoha... The Movies I Saw in 2004 In Th... : by Ed Mich "Ed" Part 6 of the Greatest Black F... : by The Artist Visionary "Mister A... So You'd Like to... See the 2004 Media Love & Hate Awards? : by Anthony Rupert , Some person Top Grossing Films of 2005 (#51-100) {Part II} : by sec127 , High School Student Top Grossing films of 2005 (#101- 150) {Part III} : by sec127 , High School Student Fun Facts from IMDb.com: Goofs Click here to see more Goofs In the Native American casino when the dad has the chief's headdress on, in the first shot it's on backwards and in the next shot it's on correctly. Movie Connections Click here to see more Movie Connections References: Duel | Vacation Quotes Click here to see more Quotes [Nate walks through the hotel lobby naked, and runs into a white family] Nate Johnson : Hey, Don Judy. How you guys doing? It’s a fine evening. Hey, why don't you get rid of the clothes and the kids? We're all playing ***-naked uno up in 304. For more information about "Johnson Family Vacation" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Look for similar items by category Browse similar items in: DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( G ) > Garlington, Lee DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( H ) > Headley, Shari DVD > Genres > Comedy > By Theme > Comedy of Errors DVD > Genres > Comedy > By Theme > Nothing Goes Right DVD > Genres > Comedy > By Theme > Parenthood DVD > Genres > Comedy > By Theme > Vacations DVD > Genres > Comedy > Domestic Comedies DVD > Genres > Comedy > General Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. 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Bahamas Vacation Rental Bahamas Vacation Rental T he Sawyer House, is a delightful out island getaway, located in the heart of Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas. An ideal Caribbean rental for two couples or a family of up to eight. I t is easy to get to Hope Town from Florida or Nassau. US Air and Continental are the major carriers that fly to our destination. Alternatively, smaller carriers have frequent service and it's just a short one hour flight 190 miles east of Miami, West Palm or Fort Lauderdale. To check the price of Web Fares, please go to the Expedia.com site and use Marsh Harbour MHH as your destination airport. O ffering more privacy than Bahamas hotels, this ideal tropical vacation rental, is available for monthly or weekly rentals. Our Bahamian home sleeps 8 and offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a loft. Each bedroom has a queen size bed and the loft has two double beds. H ere's what you'll love about Elbow Cay: 4 Cool ocean breezes 4 Pristine sandy beaches 4 Crystal clear waters 4 Great fishing 4 Unspoiled beauty 4 Friendly people 4 Safe and family oriented 4 Remote but accessible 4 Beautiful flora and fauna 4 Great snorkeling & diving 4 Incredible sailing Comments from our renters Availability Rates & Terms I deally situated close to the ocean, between a beautiful, white powder, sand beach and the harbour with its famous candy-striped lighthouse. A tropical vacation rental, just steps away from swimming, boating, sailing, snorkeling, diving, beach combing, biking, fishing, gift shops, groceries, restaurants and night life yet it is located in a peaceful, serene area. P hoto Tour of Hope Town - Originally a small united empire loyalist village, this historical settlement wraps around a protected harbour. We invite you to explore the narrow streets with brightly painted clapboard houses, picket fences and flowering tropical gardens. Click here to walk the streets. D eep Sea Fishing, Bone Fishing - While vacationing at the Sawyer House, you will find a diverse palette of fishing opportunities. From dropping a relaxing hand line off the town dock, to battling giant blue marlin offshore. Just about everyone can find a way to enjoy the local fishing experience. Of course the Abacos islands are famous for fly fishing for bonefish. We encourage everyone to get out there and go fishing! For more on fishing click here. I sland Weddings - If you are planning an island wedding or honeymoon in the Bahamas, this is an ideal location. This romantic setting of emerald isles is surrounded by a translucent turquoise sea. Whether your ceremony takes place on the beach or in the Methodist Church, your tropical wedding will provide an unforgettable experience. After your ceremony there is no need to travel to your honeymoon destination. You are already there! We would be pleased to answer any questions you might have about planning your wedding or honeymoon in Hope Town. Hope Town Weddings E lbow Cay has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Sawyer house is just steps away from one of them. Other secluded beaches are just a short golf cart or boat ride. For a look at our beaches click here. P lease visit our Map of Abaco or Map showing Abaco to US , to view the location of Elbow Cay. We also have a map showing the location of the Sawyer house in Hopetown. P rivate rental owners David and Ann Allison, invite you to enjoy all the amenities of a quaint vacation home in the Bahamas. We are also pleased to offer wheel chair access. For the most recent photos of the exterior of our Elbow Cay Rental click her. A1 Vacation Rentals Worldwide Dir ectory Abaco Scuba Diving | Abaco Fly Fishing 2 3 4 | Hope Town History | History of the Hope Town Light House Where is Hope Town? | What's included at the house? | Take a photo tour of Elbow Cay and Hope Town Link Partners Deep Sea Fishing, Bone Fishing offered by professional guides | Banner | Banner1 Lee Digital Scanning Link Partners Lodging --- United States Caribbean Mexico Other Contact Us Elbow Cay Vacation Rental David and Ann Allison Brockville, Ontario, Canada, K6V 5S2 E-mail ~ info@betterinthebahamas.com Phone ~ 1-613-345-3409 Mobile 1-613-349-7878 2005 All Rights Reserved