France travel needs from

Discover France travel: bicycle tour and walking tour specialists - see About Us DISCOVER FRANCE FRANCE BICYCLE TOURS FRANCE WALKING TOURS FRANCE GETAWAYS PARIS TRIPS PARIS HOTELS Theme Travel » Honeymoons Family Trips Wine/Cooking Paris Packages His & Her Custom Travel Gay/Lesbian Promotions Group Travel Club Trips Info Site Map Links "Barb and I had a great time on our bicycle trip arranged by you and DiscoverFrance in the Languedoc region. As with our first trip, everything went very smoothly with no problems at all." R&B Smith "The Loire tour was awesome! It was a superb outdoor vacation, a great culture and historic tour, and the accomodations and dining took us to another world each evening. The Discover France staff and everyone at the hotels made every part of the trip more than I dreamed they could." M. Walker "Our guides, Marc D. and Alain, were excellent. They were informative and fun to be with. The riding was amazing! Getting to see the Tour de France was and unforgettable experience! Thanks so much!" M. Leibling "Olivier (TDF) did an outstanding job of caring for each and every person in the group. His attention made the trip particularly good and enjoyable." B. Gauny "Everything was so great!! I was very organized and didn't have to stress about the little stuff, just ride, ride, and ride some more.. Thanks on a great tour, Ill never forget it. " J. Prescott "I'd just like to say that the whole holiday and experience was wonderful. The hotels you allocated us were fabulous, the people were friendly and the food was superb. Obviously the sights along the way also made our vacation. The routes that we took were so easy to follow, with some beautiful views on the way. So we would just like to say that we would recommend your company to anyone and won't hesitate to book another holiday through your company. - D. Watts "Our trip was wonderful. The sites were spectacular. The accomodations were excellent far exceeding our expectations. The B&B owners were very friendly and helpful. We found the French people to be more pleasant and accomodating than anywhere we have visited in Europe. ... This was my fifth self guided tour (the first with Discover France), and it was the best. We thank you for a wonderful experience!! We look forward to traveling with you again soon." - R. Goracke "I can't thank you enough. You have allowed our family to experience something deep that will remain as wonderful memories, all our lives." - Mary M. "Everything was very well coordinated. We hope to take another tour next year!" - Anne A. "It was a great experience that I've recommended to friends and would love to do again." - Jeff C. "We had a wonderful time and the choices that we were given with Discover France with regard to accommodations and tours were the best! We enjoyed every minute of our trip and felt that we were staying in the best places and had the best tours available. I would definitely recommend Discover France without hesitation to anyone who wanted to visit this magnificent country!!" - Heather H. "I wanted to thank you for the planning that you did for our recent trip to France. It was a wonderful trip, one of the best we had ever taken. All of your arrangements were great, and the French were especially warm and welcoming under current political/economic circumstances." - Tim S. "Just wanted to tell you everything was great. The hotels were wonderful. Nicole was very helpful, informative and flexible. Thanks for everything. I hope we get to use your company again." - Marty N. "Excellent trip cant wait to go on our next adventure.The velos were great, the hotel was superb and the riding fantastic." A. Gelles "I had an excellent time. I loved the cycling and found the tour a great way of meeting like minded people to get out on the road with. Would highly recommend it." J. Patterson "Bikes were great, we want to buy the bike that was rented to us - increadable. Guide Alain was great, very tolerant of all of us. please tell him thank you. Could not have asked for a more positive experience." Z. Weiss "Truly the sign of a great trip is that NONE of our family wanted to return home--not even the 15 year old socialite. We had the best time. As I start to work through 500 emails, I really wish we were still biking through Entre deux Mers." S. Kraft "The bike tour was fabulous. All the logistics were taken care of, accomodations were great, and best of all the bike route took us through beautiful landscapes and small towns. I'd recommend this tour to anyone who needs a break from the daily routine and isn't afraid to get a little sweaty!" L. Schievelbein "I had a wonderful time! The dining and accomodations were excellent, and the sites to see were all extremely interesting and beautiful. I would definitely love to do this again." Thanks to our customers for their feedback! We do get recommendations for how to improve trips as well and we do listen. Each year, we review comments and in the offseason we are always looking to make the tours better. If that means changing a hotel that has begun to deteriorate, or changing the routes because of new road construction; we listen and try to get better and better! Travel has so many components that something can go wrong, but it is important that all of our clients know that we will do everything possible to make it right and avoid problems, or when they arise, to rectify them as soon as possible. Our suppliers throughout the tours are vital components to keeping things running well and to fixing problems as they may arise. This is your advantage as a client, knowing that we have people on the ground where you are to look after you. DISCOVER FRANCE is the leader in self-guided bicycle tours to France and specializes in travel to France including walking tours, Paris travel, hotels, Paris passes, cooking tours, and other themes for a France vacation. We are French and American owned and operated. In 2006 we celebrate 12 years in business! We sell more than $1MUS/year in bicycle tours alone, exclusively to France! Want to contact us? send us an e-mail! Don't complete your travel plans without seeing our programs first! If you plan to go to France, then why not talk to a specialist!? Why us and why are we better? Knowledge - We are French, speak French, live/lived in France; we also provide extra services so that you can get all your France travel needs from one source, using our experience for a total package and not just your tour Flexibility - we can adapt tours to your needs, and we offer enough tours to meet just about everyone's needs. Lodging - an important component - always very good, and we offer several choices to help meet all budgets. Superior equipment - only for our clients; children sizes and equipment available. In 2006 we are upgrading even more in this area, our equipment is superior in every region! Trek and Eddy Merckx brands. Uniquely modified routes; upgraded hotels and choices of hotels. Our routes always minimize traffic and take charming options near the sites. It is with local expertise and support that we know these are the best rides. Local support - help always available, orientations, transfers, and other support services Extensive Pre-travel documentation designed by us to help you finalize and anticipate your tour Price - when you compare "apples to apples", there is no better value. We are not the cheapest option out there, but by comparison to luxury guided trips, our programs are incredible values offering many of the same places of lodging. And, for other companies that now offer self-guided, we know a small difference in price is not important for the superior quality we provide. Your vacation is valuable time, we won't let you risk it to save a few euros! For the most part, price is driven by hotels and the associated dining. It is easy to sell expensive luxury hotels, nobody is rarely, if ever, disappointed. The challenge is to find top quality family run establishments that give a regional ambiance, have a charm that is unique, superior standards, all at a great price. We give you both options! Our hotel selections for 2006 are even superior to 2005 in many cases and for the most part we focus only on 3 and 4 star hotels. Meals are typically gastronomic affairs -meaning very good quality and never the cheapest menu option. France is our savoir-faire, it is all we do! Our niche of France appeals to many travelers, and we pride ourselves in helping people discover this multi-faceted country. Within our niche of France, our sub-specialty is active vacations in the form of self-guided and guided biking and walking tours. In addition to these we offer theme tours such as cooking and wine tours and driving tours. We also offer a comprehensive selection of charming hotels throughout Paris and France. Thousands of travelers each year have taken advantage of our services to fit that part of their French experience they need help organizing. The name Discover France says it all; exclusively operating in France, nowhere else. The tours were selected and created with the intention of visiting new places and some of the lesser traveled routes. Our philosophy is that we will provide the best experiences and lifetime memories through knowledge, contacts, and SERVICE. Lives have been spent in France by our creators, and our support staff. We are experts on France and have the very best working with us. That's why we only do France - its what we know best! We will give you the expert advise and quality trips you've worked hard and longed to be able to enjoy. STAFF: USA and FRANCE based personnel who will ensure your satisfaction throughout your journey: Loren Siekman - Scottsdale General Manager; contracts, admin/finance, sales/marketing, technology, reservations, and TDF leader. American, former resident of Paris while working as superintendent for Disneyland construction. BS/ASU, EMT. Traveled/cycled/hiked extensively throughout France and Europe since 1988. Magali - Scottsdale Office Manager; sales, reservations, program implementation. Native of Bayonne, France. Fluent in French, English, and conversational Spanish. Florence (and baby) - Scottsdale Product Development; tours, services, contracts, reservations, sales. Graduate of CREPS sports university in France with 2 degrees, and a BS from ASU.. Native of Montpellier, France. Fluent French/English. Laura - Scottsdale ; Sales, reservations, communications. Native of Southwest France with degrees in tourism, Laura is fluent in French, English, German, and conversational in Russian, and Spanish. Jessie - Scottsdale; Paris sales, Communications, PR. Fluent in English, Turkish. Jane - Dallas; Sales, trip leader. Former resident of Loire Valley. Jean Marc (with his son and Eddy Merckx) - Responsible for all cycling tour logistics in Provence and Languedoc regions, as well as TDF program contracts and logistics. President of Cycling Classics based in Montpellier, degree in Oenology and specialist in Corbiere vineyards. David - Cyclist, guide, and coordinator throughout Provence and Languedoc. Jerome - Cyclist, guide, and coordinator throughout Provence and Languedoc. Brigitte & Cecile- France Responsible for all individual and self-guided cycling tour logistics in Loire, Normandy, Brittany, Cognac regions. Beatrice & Julien - France Responsible for all group bookings in Loire, Normandy, Brittany, Burgundy, Cognac regions with Paris add-ons. Emmanuelle - France local coordinator for Catalonia Walking tour in Languedoc Roussillon. Jean Marc (Walking) - France Responsible for all walking tour route development, roadbooks, contracts in all regions. Cathy - France responsible for all reservations/services and is local coordinator for all walking tours throughout France. Glenn - France Responsible for all cycling tour logistics in Alsace. Glenn is an Oxford grad and has lived in a wine village of Alsace since 1992 and has been leading and supporting cycling and walking since 1994. Agathe, Franck, and Pierre-Olivier in Burgundy- responsible for logistics, bikes, and tour support. Manu - Paris Responsible for Paris transportation, airport transfers, and driver services. Aurore - France local coordinator for cycling in Dordogne/Bordeaux We are a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the Better Business Bureau (Central/Northern Arizona Chapter), as well we are endorsed by IATAN as a Travel Service Intermediary meeting the strict standards of eligibility. Discover France participates in a variety of French Government Tourist Office events. We offer our own travel insurance to our clients through CSA Travel Protection Insurance. We have pages of testimonials from customers who have traveled with us previously, and we keep a large file full of magazine and newspaper stories/articles about our companies. Just contact us to receive fax copies. Notes: Discover France is a brand name owned by LRB Flagship, Inc. In 2006, LRB enters its 12th year of operations. The company has been ARC appointed, is currently IATAN certified, and is licensed in Arizona. Tradenames are registered with the United States Patent Office. We carry $1M E/O policy insured by The Berkley Group. The company has been selected at the small business of the year in 1998 in our local community. We work with various offices of tourism and employ destination specialists in the regions that we promote. Discover France along with Cycling Classics, and Pure Adventures supports Race Lab U23 cycling, Bicycle Ranch Junior Cyclists, and the Lance Armstrong foundation through the Tour of Hope and Peleton Project. We support MS 150 riders, and we donate to the International School of Arizona, the Arizona Wilderness Coalition, the Vietnam Veterans Assn of the Valley, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. In 2006, LRB Flagship will contribute a small portion of each tour sale to Save the Children, Lance Armstrong Foundation, and Arizona Wilderness Coalition. We expect to donate up to $10,000 in 2006. If you would like to visit these 4 star rated charities (top rating for efficient use of donor funds) donate to these organizations, please see these links: Lance Armstrong Foundation ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2004 finalist for La Maison de la France award for Most Extensive Product offers to France. 1998 Small Business of the Year award winner in our local community for growth as well as community supported efforts and Chamber of Commerce contributions. Our president was a board member; chair of International Trade, and participant of other committees. Discover France organizes tours and product in coordination with a variety of local guide services ensuring exposure to all the charms of a region. Our 11 years plus those of our colleagues in France average of 18 years of continuous service. For any guided tour, we use native French speakers, with national diplomas in various fields of sport, emergency trained, and instructor certified. Discover France is a brand name wholly owned by LRB Flagship, Inc. which also owns the brand name Pure Adventures and is a joint venture owner of the company Cycling Classics SARL based in France. Discover France is always looking for good people. Currently, we are accepting CV's/Resumes for Inside Agents, administrative assistants, and communications personnel, as well as, Outside Sales representatives, both domestically and abroad. Industry experience is required for inside positions in our Scottsdale, AZ offices. We are not currently looking for tour guides. Note that any guide applicant must be bilingual French/English, experienced, and achieved Diplome d'Etat in related disciplines. Please send an email with attachment in MSWORD or ACROBAT format only to EMPLOYMENT Please do not telephone, thank you. Home | Cycling Classics | Pure Adventures | Bicycle Tours | Walking Tours | Media | Links Promotions | Travel Agents | FAQs | Weather | Newsletter | Group Travel | Privacy © 2006 Discover France (SM)

Chicago Vacation Rentals section

Chicago - Vacation Rentals .com #1 Vacation Rentals Directory Beach Houses & Vacation Homes Contact Owners Direct... Home List Your Rental Help Home Owner Login About Us Disclaimer More Vacation Rentals World : United States : illinois : Chicago Our Chicago Vacation Rentals section features the following homes, villas, cabins, cottages or condos listed below. Please click on the description to view any of the Chicago Rentals you see listed for more information. Chicago illinois Rentals are added and updated every week, so please bookmark us and visit again. Be sure to check out Gary, Indiana (23 miles), Beverly Shores, Indiana (36 miles), and Gurnee (38 miles) for additional vacation rental choices. Notice a problem with our distances? Report it here. Photo's available Pets? please inquire Swimming pool Jacuzzi Availability Calendar Type Bed Bath Sleeps Community or Rates Condo 2 2 6-7 Museum Park Unmatched Luxury & Convenience to Chicago's Culture & Beauty House 3 2 2-10 Lake Michigan Beachfront Cottage Duplex 3 2 6 Chicago Guest House VacationRentals.com is quickly becoming one of the largest and most useful specialized travel site on the internet for finding vacation rental homes. With its intelligent search engine, VacationRentals.com is the easiest place for travelers to find and rent unique vacation rentals including cabins, beach house, villas, bed and breakfasts and other vacation lodging. VacationRentals.com is the most efficient means for owners to promote their rental properties. ©1997-2005 VacationRentals.com LLC All Rights Reserved.

London Vacation

London rentals - Villas International: over 25000 worldwide vacation rentals Please note: The properties below are only a small sample - the "tip of the iceberg" - of what we can offer in this area. So please contact us if you need more choices. London rentals $ simple/budget $$ comfortable/mid-range $$$ very comfortable/expensive $$$$ super-luxury/very expensive Belgravia Marylebone Bloomsbury Mayfair Chelsea North West London Docklands Pimlico Kensington Westminster Knightsbridge Belgravia Belgravia Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Clivenden Apartment Belgravia 4 $2,150 Bloomsbury Bedford Apartments Comfortable, well-equipped apartments in the heart of literary Bloomsbury. Within walking distance of museums, West End theaters, Covent Garden. An excellent value! Sleeps up to 6 Tavistock Apartments A wide selection of very affordable apartments in London's Bloomsbury district, within easy reach of sights such as the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral, and the West End. Sleeps up to 6 Chelsea Chelsea Apartments Attractive apartments offering a high level of service and an excellent location in fashionable Chelsea; with convenient access to all of London's attractions, from the Houses of Parliament to the famous theatres of the West End. Sleeps up to 4 Sloane Avenue Apartments Affordable apartments in fashionable Chelsea, where you will find many of London's trend-setting boutiques and restaurants; with easy access to all of the city's best-known attractions. Sleeps up to 2-4 Chelsea Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Elm Park Chelsea 6 $3,250 Markham House Chelsea 5 $3,190 Embankment Apartment Chelsea 4 $1,540 Sloane Apartment Chelsea 4 $1,590 Cranmer House Chelsea 3 $2,950 Lower Sloane Apartment Chelsea 2 $1,425 Docklands The Wharf Apartments & Townhouses Waterfront apartments, most with river views, in full-service residence in London's up and coming Docklands area; 5 miles from West End, with shuttle access to central London. An exciting, alternative way to get to know a historic Cockney district and the contemporary London scene. Sleeps up to 2-8 Docklands Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) South Quay Apartment Wapping / Docklands 3 $775 Kensington Church Street Apartments Modern, full-service apartments in Kensington, around the corner from Hyde Park; convenient to the museums of Kensington, and the theatres and shops of London's West End. Sleeps up to 5 Collingham Apartments Attractive apartments in fashionable Kensington - within walking distance of some of London's best museums, parks, shops, and restaurants, and with easy access to the West End. Sleeps up to 6 Cromwell Apartments Pleasant apartments in a convenient Kensington location, not far from Kensington Gardens and just a short bus or Underground ride to all the sights of central London. Sleeps up to 2-4 Gloucester Road Apartments Attractively decorated apartments in a leafy area of South Kensington-an easy walk from museums, restaurants, shopping, and more. A very good value for money. Sleeps up to 4-6 Old Brompton Apartment Spacious, comfortable apartments in a modern South Kensington residence. Excellent services and amenities, plus a central location close to Chelsea and Knightsbridge. Highly recommended. Sleeps up to 4-6 Queensgate Apartments Full-service, elegant apartments in leafy South Kensington, a choice location for families as well as single travelers. Easy access to fine museums and many famous sights. Kensington Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Queensdale House Holland Park-North Kensington 8 $1,790 Gunterstone House West Kensington 6 $1,790 Portobello House Notting Hill-West Kensington 6 $1,790 Onslow Apartment South Kensington 4 $2,090 Sinclair Apartments West Kensington 4 $1,690 Courtfield Apartment South Kensington 4 $1,690 Knightsbridge Montpelier Apartments Attractive apartments in an outstanding Knightsbridge location -- just around the corner from Harrods; walking distance to Hyde Park, Kensington museums, and many other sights. Sleeps up to 4 Knightsbridge Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Beaufort Apartment Knightsbridge 4 $1,675 Cadogan Apartment Knightsbridge 4 $2,280 Hans Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $775 Thurloe Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $1,145 Walton Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $1,095 Lennox Apartments Knightsbridge 2 $1,860 Scotch Shop Knightsbridge 2 $2,040 Cheval Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $1,380 Pont Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $1,390 Marylebone York Street Apartments Simple, affordable apartments north of Oxford Street-a good central base and a very good value for money. Easy access via Underground or bus to museums, West End theatres, and more. Sleeps up to 2-6 Mayfair Cumberland Apartments & Mews Houses - Marble Arch A group of apartments and a few mews houses adjacent to Mayfair and Hyde Park -- a very central location and an excellent value. Convenient to theatres, restaurants, and many other attractions. Sleeps up to 6 Curzon Apartments The perfect London location: luxurious Mayfair apartments, within walking distance of nearly all the city's sights, including the Houses of Parliament, St James Park, and the theatre and shopping districts. Sleeps up to 8 Mayfair Mews Apartments One- and two-bedroom apartments in the heart of exclusive Mayfair, within walking distance of Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, shoping and theatres. Spacious, handsomely furnished, and very well equipped - all have washer and dryer - the Mayfair Mews Apartments are an exceptional London value. Sleeps up to 5 Park Lane Residence A luxury, full-service residence in London's most exclusive residential area. Spacious, apartments, many with city views, just steps from Hyde Park and London's best theatres and restaurants. Sleeps up to 2-8 Mayfair Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Adams Apartment Mayfair 4 $2,040 North West London Regent's Apartments A wide selection of private apartments in northwest London, between Hampstead and St. John's Wood -- one of the city's most attractive and sought-after residential districts. An excellent value! Sleeps up to 4 North West London Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Green Lanes Apartment North London 5 $970 Cumberland Apartment Regent's Park 4 $1,195 Pimlico Pimlico Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Pimlico Apartments Pimlico 6 $825 - $1,325 Moreton Apartment Pimlico 5 $1,150 Warwick Apartment Pimlico 4 $1,790 Westminster Westminster Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Greycoat Apartment Westminster 5 $2,120 Albany Apartments Westminster 2 $1,060 home | europe | caribbean | asia | central america | australasia | north america/mexico | south america | africa introduction | about us | search | more information | reservations | why us | owners | travel agents | deals & promotions | literature | related sites

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

FRANCE TRAVEL & TOURS:

France Travel, Tours & Travelguides FRANCE Places to Stay in France France Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... FRANCE HOME FRANCE TOURS & TRAVEL FRANCE SIGHT-SEEING, TOURS & TRAVEL France is one of the most popular destinations for travellers in Continental Europe, boasting dozens of major tourist attractions. The country is renowned for its gastronomy (particularly wines and cheeses), history, culture and fashion. FRANCE TRAVEL & TOURS: PARIS TOURS: Paris Sight-Seeing Tours , Day Trips from Paris , Paris at Night Tours , Paris Transfers , SOUTH OF FRANCE TOURS: Arles Tours , Avignon Tours , Nice Tours , PARIS SIGHT-SEEING, TOURS, CRUISES, DINNERS, SHOWS AND TRAVEL Paris Sight-Seeing Tours When you dream of Paris do you imagine the Eiffel Tower, gastronomic delights, the Louvre's artistic treasures and the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral? If so, these tours combines them all, including a cruise on the Seine and much more ... PARIS SIGHTS, TOURS, CRUISES & MORE: Paris Sight-Seeing Tours , Day Trips from Paris , Paris at Night Tours , Paris Transfers , SOUTHERN FRANCE SIGHT-SEEING, TRAVEL AND TOURS Avignon Tours & Travel Avignon is known as the European city of culture! Plunge into the heart of the history of City of the Popes! Discover the legendary monuments of Saint Benezet Bridge (the famous Pont d'Avignon) and the Popes' Palace. Experience local wine tasting in the Popes' Palace cellar ... AVIGNON TOURS: Avignon Sight-Seeing Tours , Avignon Night Tours , Day Trips from Avignon , Arles Tours & Travel Important remains of Roman times in beautiful Arles include the ancient theater, the arena or amphitheater, and the Alyscamps. They have been listed as World Heritage Sites since 1981. The Church of St. Trophime, formerly a cathedral, is a major work of Romanesque architecture ... ARLES TOURS: Arles Sight-Seeing Tours , Day-Trips from Arles , Nice Tours & Travel Discover the history and the treasures of Nice . Experience the pleasures of so many great stops including Castle Park, Matisse Museum, the flower markets in Cours Saleya, the Roman Arena of Cimiez, Garibaldi districts and the famous Promenade des Anglais. Enjoy a tasting of la Socca ... NICE TOURS: Nice Sight-Seeing Tours , Day-Trips from Nice , Nice at Night , Click here for hotels and resorts in France FRANCE HOME FRANCE TOURS & TRAVEL QUICK LINKS FOR FRANCE TRAVEL: PARIS TOURS: Paris Sight-Seeing Tours , Day Trips from Paris , Paris at Night Tours , Paris Transfers , SOUTH OF FRANCE: Arles Tours , Avignon Tours , Nice Tours , Images of France DRESS CODE IN FRANCE Dress codes are fast disappearing all over the country but very few French people will wear short pants in the city. Nobody will tell you anything, you will just be labeled as a tourist. Generally speaking, business casual dress code is sufficient in cities and in all but the most formal occasions. Beaches and swimming pools (in hotels) are used for getting a tan. Taking off your bra will not usually bring a stir if you don't mind a bevy of oglers. Taking off the bottom part is reserved to designated nude beaches. People on beaches are usually not offended by a young boy or girl being dressed or undressed without covering. Most resort cities insist on your wearing a shirt when leaving the beach area. -- Top of Page | Places to Stay in France | Things to Do in France | Links | Site Map | Contact Us FRANCE Places to Stay in France France Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... France Travel Guides France Posters & Prints See Also: England Italy Spain