Argentina Travel Info: General

Argentina Travel Guide - Argentina Travel Facts Home Travel Facts Argentina Travel Facts Visas: Most foreigners do not need visas and receive free renewable 90-day tourist stamps upon arrival. Time: Eastern Standard Time(EST) plus one or two hours; Argentina does not observe daylight-saving time. Weights & Measures: Distances and measures are usually metric, but rural areas may use the "legua" (league, about 5 km). Weights are measured in kilograms (1kg = 2.2 pounds). Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Argentina uses the European two prong and the Australian slanted plugs on most wall electrical outlets. Taxes: The sales tax, known as IVA, is 21%. When reserving a hotel, that tax is sometimes not mentioned, so double-check the final price before you book. Telephones: The country code for Argentina is 54. Every region has its own area code with Buenos Aires mainly using the '11' area code, and sometimes the '15' area code for cell phones. Cellular Telephones: Many locals have mobile phones in Argentina and a few companies rent out cell phones for short-term use.If you have a tri-band world phone it will work in Buenos Aires and most parts of Argentina. Holidays observed in Argentina January 1: New Year's Day March or April: Good Friday, Easter May 1: Labour Day May 25: Anniversary of the First National Government June 20: Day of the Flag July 9: Independence Day August 17: Anniversary of the Death of General Jose de San Martin October 12: Christopher Columbus Day December 25: Christmas Day Get the most from your Argentine vacation. Let the travel professionals at AR Tourism arrange the perfect vacation for you, while saving you money and eliminating the inconvenience of handling overseas arrangements. AR Tourism - Argentina Vacation Travel Agency Argentina Regions | Patagonia | Iguazu Falls | Perito Moreno, Calafate Buenos Aires Guide | Side-Trips | Recoleta | City Center Argentina Golfing Guide | Argentina Skiing Guide Sitemap © 2005 AR Tourism, LLC FOR MORE INFO: eMail: info@allaboutar.com Introduction to Argentina Travel Info: General Information Transportation Travel Facts Safety Planning a Trip Argentina: Buenos Aires Regions in Argentina Sports Activities People & Culture Argentine Tango History of Argentina Other Stuff: About Us Links

Travel Guide

InfoHub Specialty Travel Guide, vacation and tourism, weekend getaway, fishing hunting lodges, guest ranches, diving resort, castle hotels, ... Region * : Subregion * : Category * : Forthe ones who seek adventure Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado The last thing most people think of when Colorado is mentioned are sand dunes, most of us picture the lofty peaks and crystal clear streams of the Rocky Mountains, but located in the south east corner of the state is a desert oasis called Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve… Forthe ones who need safety Trakai castle Lithuania Trakai, the ancient capital of Lithuania situated 30 km from Vilnius. Trakai region features unique relief: the combination of numerous unbelievably pure lakes and moraine hills create a breathtaking sight. There are even ancient legends explaining the exceptional lucidity of the lakes. 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This is where we saw our first scalloped hammerheads… Forthe ones who like heights Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges, NH Michael had been thinking about possibly going rock climbing sometime, and he decided there was no time like the present. We found Cathedral Ledge in spite of our guidebooklessness, and hiked in under its awe-inspiring loftiness to the practice slopes on the far north end of the cliff. We found Child's Play, an easy 5.5 on the far right-hand side, and set up a top rope. Forall who want to broaden their horizons Japan in Autumn, Harlan Hague This is a marvelous description of a trip to Japan, country with which the author had fallen in love a long time back, during a three-year sojourn. The very comprehensive trip report depicts nature in autumn, people, as well as many landmarks and unusual events along the way, spicing up the story with lots of vivid pictures that would immerse any reader into the genuine environment of the Land of the Rising Sun. Sendus your story Story archive page Takea quiz Are you a savvy traveler? Take a quiz to find out. You can also gain advice on savingmoney, staying healthy and safe, and enjoying your travel experience to the fullestwith tips from road veterans. Suggestyour own quiz Why not share your traveling experience while challenging other travelers' road savvywith your own quiz? Arts & Crafts Bicycle Tours Boating & Sailing Culture & History Eco & Wildlife Fishing & Hunting Golf & Spa Gourmet & CookingSchools Hiking & Trekking LanguageSchools Naturist Paddling & Rafting RailwayTrips ScubaDiving more... Active Adventure Affinity Desertexpeditions Off-roadAdventure Trekking more... Artistworkshops Gay tours Women tours more... Family Culture& History Castleand palaces Farm stay Railway trips more... Concerttours Language study Military history more... Hobby Nature& Wildlife Antiques Cooking school Photography more... Nationalparks Rainforest Safari more... 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MapQuest.Com: Maps, Directions and More Settings Help Mobile Maps Directions Special Offers Show me offers related to: - Select - Hotels Restaurants Flights Rental Cars Jobs Personals Event Tickets Real Estate Apartments Roommates Florists Dentists Mortgage Insurance Lawyers Vacation Packages Check out Orbitz Great Deals On Packages For Your Next Adventure www.ORBITZ.com Vacation Deals Discount Vacation & Travel Packages Book Your Vacation Online Today! www.VacationOutlet.com Expedia Vacation packages Pick Your Flight Hotel Car & Extras Average Savings of $189/package! www.expedia.com Special Vacation Package Visit Atlantis, Paradise Island - a unique resort experience. www.atlantis.com Top 20? Vacation Packages Travelzoo: Your Weekly Guide To Top Vacation Packages Each Week! www.travelzoo.com All-Inclusive Resorts Great rates on the all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Caribbean. www.resortvacationstogo.com Costa Rica Tour Sale $995 All Inclusive with Meals - 10 Days. 52 Years. Smart Shoppers Compare. CaravanTours.com Vacation Packages Vacation Packages on Hotels.com Choose Any Flight/Hotel/Car Combo www.hotels.com Travel Hotel Rooms Hotels Travel Insurance Vacations Travel Europe Travel Real Estate Vacation Homes Foreclosures Homes for Sale Commercial Real Estate Real Estate License Real Estate Vacations Vacations Europe Travel Orlando Florida Fishing Trips Vacation Homes African Safari Getaways Europe Travel Orlando Florida Las Vegas Travel Florida Vacations Mexico Vacations Caribbean Vacations About these results: "Sponsored Links" are listings that have been purchased by companies that want to have their sites appear for specific search terms. These listings are administered, sorted and maintained by Google (MapQuest's partner). For information about how Google sorts these listings, go to http://adwords.google.com/ and click on the 'Advertise with Us' link. Company Advertise Business Solutions Link to MapQuest Toolbar Privacy Legal ©2005 MapQuest, Inc. All rights reserved.

Travel Guide

Thailand Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Thailand Thailand Sun, tom yum and spiritual enlightenment. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Thailand Bangkok Chiang Mai Phuket View Map Click here Feature Attraction Ancient City Ancient City ( Meuang Boran ), south of Bangkok, is billed as the largest open-air museum in the world. Over 100 of Thailand's most impressive monuments ... more The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveller. When To Go Thailand's monsoons arrive around July and last into November (the 'rainy season') and can be quite uncomfortable to deal with. This is followed by a dry, cool period from November to mid-February, followed by much higher relative temperatures from March to June. By far the best time to visit is from February to March when the weather is kind and the beaches are at their finest. The peak seasons are August, November,December, February and March, with secondarypeak months in January and July.If your main objective is to avoid crowdsand to take advantage of discounted roomsand low-season rates, you should considertravelling during the least crowded months(April, May, June, September and October).On the other hand it's not difficult to leavethe crowds behind, even during peak months,if you simply avoid some of the most populardestinations (eg, Chiang Mai and all islandsand beaches). Tsunami/Conflict in Southern Thailand Thailand's Andaman coast suffered damage and loss of life in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. While much of the area has now fully recovered, travellers are advised to keep checking our tsunami-specific information, stories and downloads at Tsunami Updates . The southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla should to be avoided due to indiscriminate bombing by suspected Muslim militants. Thailand's border with Myanmar contains a volatile mixture of land mines, bandits, smugglers and rebels, and is prone to occasional low-level military stoushes. Check the latest consular information for the most up-to-date information. Factoid Love your Ghosts Many Thai houses or buildings have spirit houses, which are places for the spirits ofthe site to live in. Without this vital structure you're likely to have the spirits living inthe house with you, which can cause all sorts of trouble. An average spirit house looks rather like abirdhouse-sized Thai temple mounted on a pedestal. A big hotel may have a shrine covering 100 sq m (1076 sq ft) or more.How do you ensure that the spirits take up residence in your spirit house rather than in the mainhouse with you? Mainly by making the spirit house a more auspicious place to live in than the mainbuilding, through daily offerings of food, flowers, candles and incense. The spirit house should alsohave a prominent location and should not be shaded by the main house. Thus its position has to beplanned from the very beginning and the house installed with due ceremony. If your own house isimproved or enlarged, the spirit house should be as well. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Travelcasts · South East Asia › · Southern Thailand › Tsunami Updates Our authors report on the tsunami recovery process. Read it › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

Italy Travel

Italy Travel Tips Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises Italy & Switzerland Travel Tips Climate / Clothing Language Code of Conduct Currency Holidays Travel Insurance Car Regulations Luggage Local Emergency/Phone Health Precautions Passports and Visas Driving Electricity Shopping Tipping Venice Transfers Departure Tax Papal Audiences Climate /Clothing Italy : Spring and Fall: 55 - 75F; Summer: 70 - 85F; Winter: 40 - 55F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. On the cruises, informal dress is the general rule but there may be some occasions were formal dress is required. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts or sleeveless tops). Italy Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/weather/italy-weather.htm . Switzerland : The Alps cause many climatic variations throughout Switzerland. In the higher Alpine regions temperatures tend to be low, while the lower land of the northern area has higher temperatures and warm summers. Switzerland Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/weather/switzerland-weather.htm . Language Italy : Italian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken as well. Switzerland : German, French, Italian, and Raeto-Romance are the official languages, but English is widely spoken. Passports and Visas Italy : Passport required. Visa not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. Switzerland : Passport required. Visa not required for tourism/study stay of less than 90 days. For more information, please see www.gate1travel.com/visas.htm . Currency Italy : Euro Switzerland : The Swiss Franc Tipping Italy : This is a matter of personal discretion. Tips are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places. Although restaurant bills often include a service charge, this amount is not typically for the waiters/staff. A typical tip is approximately 10%. Switzerland : A service charge is included in all hotel, restaurant, cafe, bar, taxi and hairdressing services by law; further gratuities are not usually required. For specific guidelines, please refer to www.gate1travel.com/tipping.htm Electricity Italy & Switzerland : The voltage used is 220 volts. *Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. Shopping Italy : Shops are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., with some variations in Northern Italy, where the lunch break is shorter and shops close earlier. Prices are reasonable and the quality of goods is very high. Department stores such as La Rinascente, Coin, Upim, and Standa are found in many Italian cities and towns. Things to buy: Clothes for men & women (dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts); lacework, jewelry, leather goods (handbags, cases, boxes, luggage), ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster; woodwork, straw, embroidery, glass and crystal ware. It is advisable to carry merchandise purchased with you in order to avoid any inconvenience. All major credit cards are honored in Italy. A proof of purchase (receipt) must be kept. Switzerland : Special purchases include embroidery and linen, Bernese woodcarving, chocolate, cheese, Swiss army knives and luxury handmade clocks and watches. Shopping hours usually run Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30 -6:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Most shops are closed on Monday mornings. Health Precautions Italy & Switzerland : No inoculations are necessary when arriving in Italy or Switzerland from the U.S. but you should consult with your health care provider before traveling. To prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," avoid the tap water, including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.*For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov Conservation/Code of Conduct Italy : The social structure is heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church and, generally speaking, family ties are stronger than in most other countries in Western Europe. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Dress is casual in most places, though beachwear should be confined to the beach. Conservative clothes are expected when visiting religious buildings and smaller, traditional communities. Formal wear is usually indicated on invitations. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, transport and cinemas. Visitors are warned to take precautions against theft, particularly in the major cities. Switzerland : Avoid red roses; never give chrysanthemums or white asters as they are considered funeral flowers. Informal wear is widely acceptable. First-class restaurants, hotel dining rooms and important social occasions may warrant jackets and ties. Black tie is usually specified when required. It is customary to give unwrapped flowers to the hostess when invited for a meal. Luggage *Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/destinations/luggage.htm for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers. Departure Tax Italy & Switzerland : There are currently no departure taxes in Italy or Switzerland, please see www.gate1travel.com/Destinations/departure_tax.htm for more information. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim. Local Emergency Phone # Italy : ambulance/medical: 118 fire, disasters: 115 police & general emergency: 112 Switzerland : general emergency: 112 Holidays Italy : January 1 New Year's Day January 6 Epiphany Mar 28 Easter Monday April 25 Liberation Day May 1 Labor Day June 2 Anniversary of the Republic August 15 Assumption of the Virgin November 1 All Saints Day November 7 World War 1 Victory Anniversary Day December 8 Immaculate Conception December 25 Christmas Day December 26 St Stephens Day *Note : In addition, local feast days are held in honor of town patron saints, generally without closure of shops and offices. These include: Turin/Genoa/Florence: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Milan: Dec 7 (St Ambrose) Siena: Jul 2 and Aug 16, Palio horserace Venice: Apr 25 (St Mark) Bologna: Oct 4 (St Petronius) Naples: Sep 19 (St Gennaro) Bari: Dec 6 (St Nicholas) Palermo: Jul 15 (St Rosalia) Rome: Jun 29 (St Peter) Trieste: Nov 3. Switzerland : Public Holidays: January 1 New Year's Day January 2 Berchtolds Day Mar 25* Good Friday Mar 28* Easter Monday May 5* Ascension May 15* Whit Monday Aug 1 National Day Nov 1 All Saints Day Nov 7 World War 1 Victory Anniversary Day Dec 8 Immaculate Conception Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 26 St Stephens Day *Note : (a) *These holidays may not be observed in certain cantons. (b) There are additional regional holidays which are observed in certain cantons only. Driving Italy : Traffic drives on the right. There are more than 185,500 miles of roads in Italy, including over 3700 miles of motorway (autostrada) which link all parts of the country. Tolls are charged at varying distances and scales, except for the SalernoReggio Calabria, PalermoCatania and PalermoMazara Del Vallo stretches which are toll-free. Secondary roads are also excellent and require no tolls. Road signs are international. Many petrol stations are closed 12 -3 p.m. Visitors are advised to check locally about exact opening times. Switzerland : Traffic drives on the right. Road quality is generally good. Many mountain roads are winding and narrow, and often closed in heavy winter conditions; otherwise chains and snow tires may be necessary. Rail is often more efficient than driving. Car Regulations Italy : Driving licenses and other traffic documents valid in other countries are recognized in Italy. Distances are indicated in kilometer ( 1 km = 0.621 miles). An international insurance certificate is required for citizens from non-EC countries.The wearing of seat belts in front and rear seats is obligatory. An appropriate harness system is obligatory for children from 2 to 12 years of age. Gasoline : Almost all the service stations in the country are equipped with pumps for lead-free (95 octane) and diesel fuel. The fuel distribution network for gas-propelled vehicles is reasonably developed (ask for information at the Automobile Club d'Italia offices). Service stations are open from 7 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. Service is guaranteed 24 hours a day on the motorways. Automatic pumps, which accept 10,000 and 50,000 lire banknotes, function in the evenings and at night. Carrying gasoline in gas cans is prohibited. Traffic Tips : On highways (autostrade) no U-turns are permitted and stopping is permitted only in emergency parking areas or parking lanes. The Italian Highway Code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs. Driving is on the right, passing on the left. Violators of the highway code are fined; serious violations may also be punished by imprisonment. In cities and towns, the speed limit is 50 km/hr. Papal Audiences, Vatican City General audiences with His Holiness are usually held once a week (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) in Vatican City. They may be held inside the Basilica itself or in the hall of the Papal Audiences (Aula Paolo VI, Seating 7000), and in summer in Saint Peter's Square or in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. Catholics are requested to have a letter of introduction from their parish priest. For this audience women should dress modestly, with arms and head covered. Dark or subdued colors are requested. Men are asked to wear a tie and jacket. Return to the Italy brochure More TravelInformation Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . Contact Us . 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