European Vacation
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Europe tourism - Europe vacation reviews - Europe vacations - TripAdvisor Europe vacations - Europe tourism Sign in • Sign up Home > Europe > Europe Tourism Europe tourism: Overview Hotels Attractions Forums Maps, etc. All Europe reviews Search (e.g., Boston hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Europe Europe Overview All Europe Reviews Europe Hotels Europe Attractions Europe Forums Europe Maps Europe Discount Hotels Europe Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend Popular cities Andalusia Hotels Austrian Alps Hotels Barcelona Hotels Berlin Hotels Bohemia Hotels Campania Hotels Catalonia Hotels Emilia-Romagna Hotels Florence Hotels French Riviera - Cote d'Azur Hotels Ile-de-France Hotels Lazio Hotels Lombardy Hotels London Hotels Madrid Hotels Madrid Hotels Majorca Hotels Milan Hotels Paris Hotels Prague Hotels Provence Hotels Rhone-Alpes Hotels Rome Hotels Sicily Hotels Swiss Alps Hotels Trentino-Alto Adige Hotels Tuscany Hotels Valencian Country Hotels Veneto Hotels Venice Hotels Read more Europe tourism Europe vacations - Europe tourism Where do you want to go today? Find all the best web-based write-ups and deals on your chosen destination. View map of Europe and choose your destination >> View all Europe hotels Europe Hotel Recommendations Other Destinations Find a great hotel based on web-wide popularity and coverage. Top-Rated hotels: Le Meridien Wien , Vienna, Austria Parkes Hotel , London, England, United Kingdom Coeur des Alpes , Zermatt, Valais, Swiss Alps, Switzerland Villa San Michele , Fiesole, Tuscany, Italy Locanda dell'Amorosa , Siena, Tuscany, Italy Casa Camper Hotel Barcelona , Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain Four Seasons Hotel George V , Paris, Ile-de-France, France Hotel Santa Maria , Rome, Lazio, Italy Foscari Palace , Venice, Veneto, Italy View all Europe hotels Top-Rated B&B: The Stuarts Bed and Breakfast , Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom View all Europe B&Bs Find top hotels by destination: Select your destination Albania Amsterdam Andorra Ankara Athens Austria Barcelona Bath Belarus Belfast Belgium Berlin Bosnia and Herzegovina Brussels Bulgaria Cappadocia Cotswolds Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dublin Edinburgh Estonia Faroe Islands Finland Florence France French Alps French Riviera - Cote d'Azur Galway Germany Glasgow Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Istanbul Italy Lake Baikal Lake District Latvia Liechtenstein Lisbon Lithuania Loire Valley London Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Moscow Munich Norway Paris Poland Portugal Prague Provence Romania Rome Russia Serbia and Montenegro Slovakia Slovenia Sochi Spain St. Petersburg Stockholm Sweden Swiss Alps Switzerland The Netherlands Turkey Tuscany Ukraine United Kingdom Venice Vienna Popular Europe Destinations Check out these popular places: Albania Andorra Austria Vienna Belarus Belgium Brussels Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Prague Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France French Alps French Riviera - Cote d'Azur Loire Valley Paris Provence Germany Berlin Munich Greece Athens Hungary Iceland Ireland Dublin Galway Italy Florence Rome Tuscany Venice Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Norway Poland Portugal Lisbon Romania Russia Lake Baikal Moscow Sochi St. Petersburg Serbia and Montenegro Slovakia Slovenia Spain Barcelona Sweden Stockholm Switzerland Swiss Alps The Netherlands Amsterdam Turkey Ankara Cappadocia Istanbul Ukraine United Kingdom Bath Belfast Cotswolds Edinburgh Glasgow Lake District London Europe Attractions Top Europe Attractions: Tower of London , London, England, United Kingdom Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) , Paris, Ile-de-France, France Angel Tours , Rome, Lazio, Italy British Airways London Eye , London, England, United Kingdom Disneyland Paris , Marne-la-Vallee, Ile-de-France, France Musee du Louvre , Paris, Ile-de-France, France State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace , St. Petersburg, North-West Russia, Russia Colosseum (Colosseo) , Rome, Lazio, Italy Anne Frank House (Anne Frankhuis) , Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands Tivoli Gardens , Copenhagen, Zealand, Denmark Click above or search for more attractions in your destination: Select your destination Albania Amsterdam Andorra Ankara Athens Austria Barcelona Bath Belarus Belfast Belgium Berlin Bosnia and Herzegovina Brussels Bulgaria Cappadocia Cotswolds Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dublin Edinburgh Estonia Faroe Islands Finland Florence France French Alps French Riviera - Cote d'Azur Galway Germany Glasgow Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Istanbul Italy Lake Baikal Lake District Latvia Liechtenstein Lisbon Lithuania Loire Valley London Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Moscow Munich Norway Paris Poland Portugal Prague Provence Romania Rome Russia Serbia and Montenegro Slovakia Slovenia Sochi Spain St. Petersburg Stockholm Sweden Swiss Alps Switzerland The Netherlands Turkey Tuscany Ukraine United Kingdom Venice Vienna Europe Articles and Guidebooks From tips & tricks to rants & raves. Read the best sources and the most up-to-date reviews... "Take a two-city break," Sep 25, 2005 , timesonline.co.uk / Times Newspapers Ltd. "Europe Round-Up," TravelIntelligence.net "European Fast Train Destinations," TravelIntelligence.net Read all Europe reviews Europe Traveler Forums Travelers like you give candid advice on hotels and much more. Join the Discussion Best Way to See Europe??? (1 replies, 5:48 pm, yesterday) Pavlus Travel or affordabletravel.com (1 replies, 11:40 am, yesterday) New Years Eve in Munich (6 replies, 10:27 am, yesterday) Read all Europe discussions Post a new Europe topic Share Your Travel Savvy Epiphany: Spain or Italy? (no replies, 5:58 pm, yesterday) New Years in Munich (no replies, 12:45 pm, yesterday) European car hire/lease (no replies, 11:24 pm, Dec 09, 2005) Browse all Europe discussions About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor provides unbiased reviews, articles, recommendations and opinions on Europe vacations. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! Visit TripAdvisor in another language: About Us | Membership | Site Map | Become an Affiliate | Top Cities | Hotel Reservations | Hotel Deals | Links | TripAdvisor Gear Popular Hotels: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , by city TripAdvisor Recommends: Las Vegas hotels , London hotels , Paris hotels , Rome hotels , New York City hotels , Chicago hotels , Orlando hotels © 2005 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . * TripAdvisor, Inc. is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... ( more ) TripAdvisor, Inc. is not responsible for content on external web sites.
Family Vacations - ideas
Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > More Beach Vacations > Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses Search Travel with Kids Florida Family Vacations Florida is a magnet for families, with its double whammy of theme parks and popular beaches; but beyond the best-known spots, other great Florida family vacations await. Below are a number of ideas and reviews (moving roughly clockwise around the state). Florida Family Vacations: Amelia Island Amelia Island --in the northeast near Jacksonville-- has lovelybeaches, a historic fort complete with actors who play period characters, aquaint town with historic sections, delicious sea-food, and two fineresorts that welcome families. The AmeliaIsland Plantation covers 1350 acres, has Kids' Camps for several ages, a daily "family -play" time with poolside activities. More Florida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to do in Orlando Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World Florida Resorts Florida Family Vacations overview Florida Vacations deals: Orlando Islands of Adventure - Universal Orlando -fun theme park The Ritz-Carleton hasa kids' program, fine dining, kiddie pool, indoor pool, and lovely beach where shallow lagoons are great for tots. Both properties have golf, fitness centers, etc. The Ritz makes a special point of celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, and July 4th. Space Coast 45 minutes from Orlando is 72 miles of shore known as Florida's Space Coast : the place where the moon launches blasted away from earth, and site of the shuttle launches today. Big draw here is the Kennedy Space Center , and beautiful beaches. Less known are the eco-tours: this area has saltwater estuaries, marshes, and 250 sq. miles of wildlife refuges. Orlando/CentralFlorida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando How much more fun can one city take? Here's our picks for fun in Orlando, from character meals to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Seuss Landing to Sea-World's elite sister, Discovery Cove (a Caribbean experience in the middle of Florida.) Thinkingof visiting the mecca of family holidays, Walt Disney World?? Have a look at BeforeYou Book Lodgings first. See also WaltDisney World Resorts :Five top picks, from the luxury at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (right), to the budget-lovers' favorite, All Star Sports Resort. Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World South Florida Family Vacations Club Med: Sandpiper A rare a ll-inclusive within the US, this Club Med is on the St. Lucie River, two hours from Miami or Orlandoairports, one hour from West Palm Beach. Club Med Sandpiper has a great ambiance and outstanding kids programs: a Baby Club with separate groups for different ages and stages, and excellent clubs for older kids also. Activities include waterskiing, wakeboarding, trapeze, inline skating, golf. Guests can also take optional excursions to Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, etc. Sonesta Key Biscayne Beach Afamily-friendly resort at Key Biscayne, right on Miami's doorstep . Miamioffers lots of fun with kids. CheecaLodge and Spa I n the Florida Keys, Cheeca offers: snorkeling overNorth America's only natural coral reef; "snuba", a wayto dive 20 feet down without scuba gear, ok for kids as young as eight; saltwater lagoon stockedwith fish Camp Cheeca for ages 6-12, is "an award-winningmarine education/environmental awareness program". FlamingoLodge: Everglades National Park The place to stay, if you're visiting the Everglades: the only resort inthis wonderful National Park is unpretentious but comfortable, with screened-inpool and barbeque, and nearby family-friendly restaurants. Close to manyactivities. Read more about visiting the Everglades. SanibelIsland Off the west coast and near the bottom of the Florida peninsula are Sanibel Island and Captiva Island: two beautiful islands for nature lovers.No beach pollution; visitors find miles and miles of beachesperfect for kids because of the gentle waves and shallow shoreline. The islands arefamous for shelling, too. For families, the SanibelHarbor Resort and Spa is a top-rated 80-acre oceanfront resort thatoverlooks Sanibel and Captiva islands; it's noted for a Victorian style with big verandas and wicker rockers on the porch. Kids Club for ages 5-12. The Sanibel Inn has 8 acres of tropical garden, free educational activities for all ages(such as Shell Safari, or Dolphin Watch), and "nature-themed discoveryprograms" for children ages 3-12. Read more about Sanibel Island and other places to stay. South Seas Resort, Captiva Island "Paddle a kayak into a mangrove forest in search of sea turtles and hawks". Rent a boat; bike, jog; at the beach, have fun with body boards, banana boats, inner tubes. Go fishing. Rent a Hobie, or a canoe; try parasailing. Such is the life at the South Seas, which has Fun Factory kids' programs, and teen and family activities. Florida Family Vacations:Tampa Bay Area St. Pete / Clearwater Beach Dubbed "Orlando's Beach", this affordable west coast area two hours from Orlando has nature outings, cultural gems, and miles of top-rated beaches. Read about local attractions such as the (free) Seacoast Seabird Sanctuary; fun outings such as dolphin-spotting, shelling, and Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise; and three resorts that welcome families: The Radisson Sand Key an all-suite resort near Sand Key Park, Clearwater Beach. the Sheraton Sand Key - right on Sand Key Beach, where sea turtles nest the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. The family-friendly TradeWinds Grand has a giant inflatable slide and meandering little river you can navigate in a paddleboat. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay This 335-acre theme park has four thrill-ride roller coasters, three water-rides, lovely landscaped grounds, attractive African theming, and opportunities to view elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc. A fun, pretty park that's manageable to do in one day. Swim with Manatees: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge 75 miles north of St. Petersburg is one of the best places to see-- and even swim with-- these large gentle creatures in a natural habitat. (November to May are the best months.) More West Coast ColonyBeach Resort Thisisland resort on Longboat Key is just off the coast of Sarasota (central westcoast), south of the Tampa Bay area. (You can drive right to the property.)Children's programs, for ages 3-6 and 6-12; teen programs; tennis; lots of watersports. Bluewater Bay Resort, Niceville, Florida Locatedon the "Emerald Coast" in Northwest Florida, and voted "One of America's Top 10 Family Resorts" by Family Circle. 36 holes of golf, marine, biking and hiking trails, 4 pools, playgrounds. Northwest Florida Vacations Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort This giant 2400-acre resort has a beach side on the Emerald Coast (Gulf of Mexico) and also a bay side, with many activities: kids' sailing, kids' tennis, kayaking, putting course, Jolee Island Nature Park with pirate-ship playground, and a Kidzone with programs for ages 4-6 and 7-12. Watersports include body-surfing and Boogie boards (complimentary). Kids might also enjoy the Junior Golf Academy, with excellent instructors. Best way to get around this huge giant resort is on bikes. The centre of gravity of this huge resort is the picture-perfect Village of Baytowne Wharf. Read a review of Sandestin at TWKids, and see many photos too. Wakulla Spring In a state park in the "Panhandle" near Tallahassee is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Swim or snorkel in the natural pool above the spring; see alligators on a river boat tour; or do a glassbottom boat ride; dine and/or stay at a historic lodge; take nature hikes. And from About's Guide for Florida for Visitors, covering the whole state: Florida Summer Fun from A to Z 26 suggestions, from Astronaut Encounters to Zip Up Your Saddlebags (- horsey fun in Ocala.) You'll be surprised at the variety. From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children 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 Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...
VACATION West Middle East
Tennessee Vacation - The State's Official Travel Planning Website Tennessee Vacation Chattanooga Choo-Choo Search Engine ABOUT TENNESSEE PLACES TO STAY ROAD TOOLS myTNVACATION West Middle East Music & Arts Sports & Recreation History & Heritage Nature & Outdoors Attractions In Tennessee, the stage is set for you . Artistic types can dabble in music and the arts . Tennessee has an athletic ability to bring sports and recreation to any fan. History and heritage buffs can reflect on Tennessee's past. Take the road less traveled through Tennessee's nature and outdoors . Have a fun-loving time at one of our many attractions . New: explore a Tennessee winter . December '05 S M T W R F S 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 10 things to do With a wealth of things to do and places to see in Tennessee, choosefrom these lists to get started. sort by interest -- 1 Ripley's Aquarium World-class saltwater aquarium 2 Reelfoot Lake Tennessee's only natural lake 3 Knoxville Zoo Over 800 animals in natural habitats 4 Nashville Shores Wet and wild in Nashville 5 Dollywood A family fun attraction 6 The Hermitage Home of President Andrew Jackson 7 Stax Museum of American Soul Celebrate the legacy of American soul music 8 The Children's Museum of Memphis Enter a world of discovery and fun 9 Memphis Zoo More than 3,500 animal exhibits 10 Ruby Falls Thundering 145-foot waterfall about Tennessee Tennessee is the perfect stage for your vacation. If you decide to make Tennessee yourhome or just want to brush up on Tennessee's heritage, get in the knowin the About Tennessee section. Narrow down your trip to East , Middle or West for an in-depth look at one of our regions. Let your interests be your guide to vacationing in Tennessee. Finalize your outings in myTNvacation and hammer out all the driving details in road tools . Once you have made your selections and built your vacation, forget your worries and stress.Come unwind in Tennessee. myTNvacation MyTNvacation offers you an easy way to bookmark favorites andcreate trips to make your perfect vacation a reality. Simply register , browse the siteand add anything that catches your interest. upcoming events sort by interest -- Nov 5, 2005 - Dec 30, 2005 Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival Pigeon Forge, TN Dec 2, 2005 - Dec 30, 2005 Festival of Lights Lebanon, TN Nov 1, 2005 - Dec 30, 2005 New Years Eve Celebration Murfreesboro, TN Dec 14, 2005 - Dec 30, 2005 "Misery" Memphis, TN Dec 30, 2005 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Presented by Bridgestone Nashville, TN Browse Festivals & Events Travel Ideas, Maps, Roadtrips, Coupons and more. > The Stage is Set for You. [ return home ] [ about tennessee ] [ recent news ] [ music & arts ] [ sports & recreation ] [ nature & outdoors ] [ history & heritage ] [ attractions ] [ west tennessee ] [ middle tennessee ] [ east tennessee ] [ myTNVacation ] [ make contact ] [ website feedback ] Disclaimer: The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in the publication (or pages) is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the Tennessee Tourism Department of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.
Russia Travel Guide Despite
Russia for Travelers - City Transit You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Ways to Travel > Metro Systems > Russia for Travelers - City Transit 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 Russian metro tokesn Stay up to date! Russian metro tokesn Email to a friend Print this page Elsewhere on the Web St Petersburg Metro Map Moscow Metro Map Moscow Tram Website Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites 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 Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors City Transit - Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Despite the proliferation of private vehicles in Russia in the last decade, the majority of residents still rely on public transportation to get around, especially for city travel. Therefore, if you also travel on city transit sytems, you'll have plenty of company. While you will find reasonable public transportation routes in larger cities, be prepared for limited options as you get off the beaten track.
In all of Russia, only six cities have underground metro systems: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novosibirsk, and Samara. Buses and trams supplement these systems and also are the main city transit vehicles in other areas. In general, public transportation in Russia needs infrastructure modernization but lack of funding keeps improvements minimal.
The cost of public transportation in Russia is heavily subsidized, with costs ranging from four to 10 rubles (15-35 US cents).
Moscow
Moscow has four types of mass transit: the metro, trams, buses, and trolleybuses.
Metro. Moscow's best public transportation is the metro. With over 200 stops, you can get to just about everywhere you want to in the city. Metro entrances are marked with "M" signs. It's worth a visit to the metro just to see some of the stations with their elaborate and beautiful architecture. Trains run very frequently, at least every two to three minutes. They can be very crowded during peak hours.
Buses, Trolleybuses, Trams. Moscow has one kind of ticket for all three types of vehicles. You can buy them at kiosks or at metro stations, or from the conductor in the vehicle. When you get on board, look for a little metal box to punch your ticket. Don't lose your ticket until you get off.
Taxis. There are a number of taxi companies in Moscow. Like elsewhere in Russia, avoid gypsy cabs by phoning ahead for a taxi or asking your hotel to arrange one for you. If you arrive at the Moscow airport, you will see a number of drivers clamoring for your business. It's better to go outside and line up at the taxi queue, where regulated taxis can be found.
St. Petersburg
The city offers a metro, buses, trams, trolleybuses, taxis and boats.
Metro. The metro has four lines and 55 stations. You can pay with either tokens or passes purchased at stations. The metro runs from about 5:45 AM until around midnight. See the box at the upper right to see a map of the metro system.
Trams. If you'd rather travel above ground, jump on a tram. Tram stops have a "T" on the signs near the tracks. Trams have conductors whom you can pay directly or show your monthly pass.
Buses. Bus stops have an "A" on their signs (stands for avtobus). Regular buses also have conductors whom you can pay or show your pass. T-buses (taxi buses) and E-buses (express buses) take cash only and get you to your destination a bit faster.
Marshrutki are passenger vans that cost only about three rubles (10 US cents) and take you to your destination.
Trolleybuses. These vehicles are buses that are connected to overhead electric lines to give them power. Their signs are also marked by a "T."
Taxis. Taxis are more expensive than mass transit. They should have a meter that shows fares according to distance. If you need a taxi, you can flag one down in the street or ask your hotel to call one for you. Often you can find taxis in front of hotels. Russia Travel Guide Index
Profile of Russia
City Profile: Moscow
City Profile: St. Petersburg
Before You Go
Need to Know
Money Matters
Intercity Travel
City Transit
Driving
Health and Safety
Lodging
Dining and Drinking
Communications
Shopping
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
Asia Travel || Indonesia
Travel Information of Indonesia Indonesia Country and Travel Information Climate || Visas || Customs || Transport || Currency || Tipping || Clothing Office hours || Food || Shopping || Culture || Public holidays Tourist Destinations || Map of Indonesia Introduction The Republic of Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago and is the fifth most populous country, with 17,700 islands streching 5,120 kms (3,200 miles) between Australia and the Asian mainland. Population and Language 200 million people are distributed throughout 27 provinces. However, 55% of these people are concentrated on Java, Bali and Madura, on only 7% of the total area. Climate A tropical country, with humidity ranging from 69% - 95%, there are two seasons: Dry Season, from May to October and Wet Season, from November to April. It should be noted that occasional showers do occur during the dry season; similarly, during the "rainy" season it is more likely that heavy tropical down-pours are interspersed with sunshine. Average temperatures range f rom 68 to 86 or 20 to 30C . Passport and Visas Visitors must arrive in Indonesia with passports valid for at least six months after arrival and with onward or return tickets. Visas are not required for nationals of: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, New Zealand, Singapore,South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America and West Germany. A non-extendable tourist pass for citizens of these is issued for a maximum of 60 days with entry and departure through: Airports: Medan, Batam, Pekanbaru, Padang, Jakarta, Bali, Manado, Ambon, Biak,Ku pang, Pontianak, Balikpapan and Surabaya; Seaports: Medan, Batam, Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, Riau, Bali, Manado, and Ambon. Through other ports, a visa is required. Nationals of countries not listed above can obtain 30-day tourist visas from any Indonesian embassy or consulate abroad. Health Certificates International certificates for smallpox and cholera are not required and yellow fever vaccination are necessary only for visitors coming from infected areas. Customs Each adult is permitted to bring, on entry, a maximum of two litres of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable quantity of perfume. Photographic equipment and typewriters must be declared and are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. Prohibited from entry are the following items: narcotics, arms and ammunition, TV sets, radio and radio casette recorders, pornography, fresh fruit, printed matters in Chinese characters and Chinese medicine. All movie films and video casettes will have to be deposited for review by the Film Censor Board. There is no restriction on import and export of foreign currencies and travellers cheque; however, import or export Indonesia currency exceeding Rp 50,000,- is prohibited. Airport Tax Airport tax levied on passengers for international travel is Rp 17,000,-. While for travel within Indonesia it varies from one region to another with an average of Rp 3,500,- for each departure. Top Transportation An airconditioned airport-hotel shuttle service, operates frequently scheduled trips to/from major hotels to coincide with flights from Jakarta's international airport at a cost of approx Rp 4,000,per person. Taxis at a higher rate, are also available with metered taxis operating only in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang and Solo. Elsewhere, other forms of transportation, which required setting the fare in advance, include minicars for two passengers, "bemos" or small buses covering regular routes and "becaks" powered by human energy. Trains operate in Java and parts of Sumatra. Garuda Indonesia has an extensive networkof dailyflights toallcitiesinthe 27 provinces. These flights are supplemented by domestic air services on Merpati, Nusantara, Mandala and Bouraq . Currency The local currency is the Rupiah. Foreign currencies, either banknotes or travellers cheques, are easily exchangedatbanks and moneychangers in major tourist destinations. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants in main cities. It is advisable to carry sufficient amounts of Rupiah when travelling to smaller towns or outer provinces. Tipping Major hotels add a 10% service charge to bills. Where it is not included a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate if service is satisfactory. Airport poterage is Rp 500,- for a small bag and Rp 1,000,- if weighing more than 20 kg. Tipping taxi and hire-car drivers is not mandatory, but Rp 500,would be sufficient for a taxi driver, but more for a hire-car driver. Clothing Dress is generally informal in Indonesia. Light fabrics are recommendeddue to the warm, humid climate. For men, a jacket and tie is considered appropriate when making officials calls or non formal occasions. Or, follow local custom by wearing a long-sleeve batik shirt. It is recommended to bring a sweater or light jacket for travel to mountain areas. Shorts and beachwear are not considered appropriate except at sports facilities and on the beaches, and never appropriate for visits to temples, mosques and other places of worship. Top Office Hours Government offices: Monday - Thursday 8 am to 3 pm Friday 8 am to 11.30 am Saturday Saturday 8 am to 2 pm Business offices Monday - Friday 8 or 9 am to 4 or 5 pm Some offices are open half day on Saturday. Banks: Monday - Friday 8 am to 3 pm Food The main staple food of the majority of the population is rice. Coconut milk and hot chili peppers are popular cooking ingredients nationwide. Tastes range from very spicy dishes of meat; fish and vegetables to those that are quite sweet. The most popular dishes are "nasi goreng" (fried rice) which is otten served for breakfast, lunch or dinner, "satay" barbequed meat or chicken on skewers and "gado-gado", a vegetable salad with a pean ut sauce.All are most compatible with internationaltastes. Inthemaintouristcenters and cities, restaurants catering to international visitors are many, from fine continental grill rooms to Japanese specialty restaurants. Chinese restaurants are found in all towns throughout Indonesia. Tropical and subtropical fruits are available yearround. Bottled drinking water can be purchased everywhere. Shopping Many of Indonesia's main cities have department stores, supermarkets and large shopping complexes, open generally from 9 am to 8 pm, where fixed prices prevail. In local markets and small shops bargaining is the rule. Time Indonesia streches across three time zones:Western Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, West and Cen tral Kalimantan) + 7 GMTCentral Indonesia (Bali, South and East Kalimantan, Sula wesi, Nusa Teng gara) + 8 GMTEast Indonesia (Maluku and Irian Jaya) , +9 GMT Electricity Most hotels use 220 volts 50 cycles and two-pronged plugs. However it is not uncommon to find some hotels using 110 volts, particularly in the provinces. Check before using an appliance. Some hotels supply adaptors on request. Communication Long distance calls within Indonesia may be made by direct dialing through International Direct Dial (IDD) in major cities or through operator-assisted calls. Telex and fax services are readily available in major hotels and larger cities. Top Culture and Traditions Indonesians are a very friendly and polite people. Handshaking is customary, for both men and women, on introduction and greeting, smiling is a national characteristics. The population is predominantly Moslem. Nevertheless, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and other religions are freely practiced. Traditional customs form a major part of family and community life. The use of the left hand to give or receive is considered ill-mannered. Likewise crooking your finger to call someone is impolite. Public Holidays January 1 New Year Feb 20, 21 Idul Fitri Festival March 21 Seclusion Day / Saba New Year April 5 Good Friday April 28 Idul Adha Great Day May 16 Ascention day of Christ May 19 Hijriah New Year June 2 Waisak Day July 28 Maulid of Prophet Mumammad August 17 National Independence Day Dec 8 Isra Miraj of Prophet Muhammad December 25 Christmas Day Top Asia Travel || Indonesia Hotel and Resorts