Central America Travel

Guatemala Central America - Travel Tourism Vacation Information  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors > Guatemala > Guatemala Central America - Travel Tourism Vacation Information Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors Map image - Courtesy of CIA Stay up to date! Map image - Courtesy of CIA Email to a friend Print this page Explore More of Guatemala Guatemala Travel Links Guatemala Hotels Guatemala Travel Reservations Recent Discussions Travelling to Central/South America? Multi-Destination Flights Sport Fishing Charters Most Popular Mexican Music La Paz, Mexico Quinceanera Packing List Tijuana, Mexico What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Related Topics California for Visitors South America for Visitors Caribbean for Visitors Mexican Cuisine Guatemala, South America From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Guatemala is the northernmost country in Central America. It borders on the Caribbean Sea, between Honduras and Belize, and also borders on the Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico. It has a territory of about 42,000 square miles (slightly smaller than Tennessee) and a population of about 13 million people, the majority of which are Mestizo (Amerindian or mixed Amerindian-Spanish). The official language is Spanish, but many indigenous languages are also spoken. The country enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, with an average temperature above 20 degrees C (75 degrees F). Guatemala is a small country, but it has much to offer visitors. It is a natural paradise offering some truly breathtaking scenery of mountains, lakes, volcanoes and flora and fauna. It has a number of very beautiful tropical volcanic beaches on the Pacific Ocean, and some large coral reefs on the Caribbean side. Guatemala ranks very high in biological diversity, and has numerous tropical low rainforests and mountain cloud forests. Guatemala also has some of the largest and most fascinating Mayan ruins found anywhere in Latin America, together with a friendly, Mayan population with their culture and traditions. Below are some popular venues in Guatemala for visitors: Antigua This beautiful 16th-century city was founded in the early 16th century by the Spaniards. Built 1,500 meters above sea-level in the highlands of Guatemala, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but many of the original monuments are still preserved as ruins. Antigua has some of the most gorgeous Spanish-style colonial architecture found anywhere. Its cobblestone streets, built in the 16th century lead you past dozens of great restaurants, flowered courtyards, and the preserved ruins of numerous churches, monasteries and other structures. Antigua's natural setting is spectacular, with several majestic volcanoes surrounding the city on all sides. The Colonial Museum, located in a building which at one time housed the third university founded on the American continent, is well worth visiting for its vast collection of colonial art. Tikal Tikal, at one time the largest Mayan city in the world, is now a world famous site of Mayan ruins. The ancient Maya began constructing Tikal around 550 B.C., and for many centuries thereafter the city was an important religious, and political center. Today, the largest number of Mayan ruins in the world are to be found in Tikal. The ruins, extending over six square miles, include temples, pyramids, terraces, palaces, ceremonial platforms, plazas, steam baths, and other stone structures. It is estimated that only about 30% of the ruins have been excavated - the remaining 70% lie buried underground. Visitors can visit the Tikal site by taking a short flight from Guatemala City to the rain forest area where Tikal is located. Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan, which is of volcanic origin, is located about 90 miles from Guatemala City, in the mountainous province of Solola, in the Guatemalan highlands. Aldous Huxley once called this lake "the most beautiful in the world", and many would agree with this statement. The lake is located about 5,000 feet above sea level, has a depth of over 1,500 feet and covers an area of about 50 square miles. It is the deepest lake in Central America. The water of the lake, usually crystal clear and a vivid blue, changes in color as the light varies. The lake is set against a dramatic backdrop of three spectacular 10,000-foot volcanoes - Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Lake Atitlan is a is a great venue for a wide variety of water sports, including swimming, diving, water skiing, hang gliding and boating. It is also a great place for fishing, as the lake is home to numerous species of edible fresh water fish. Along the shores of Lake Atitlan are a number of small Indian villages where the traditional Maya lifestyle is followed. Guatemala City Guatemala City is home to 25% of the country's population and is the capital of Guatemala. The city lies in a deep valley where the dormant Agua volcano dominates the horizon. With a population of about 3 million, it is the country's commercial, financial, and cultural center. It is a city where colonial architecture, sits side by side with modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. For visitors, there is much to see and do in Guatemala City. Worthwhile is a visit to the Zona Viva , the trendy and very modern center of Zona 10 , where numerous upscale restaurants, bars, and clubs stay open long into the night. Those interested in Spanish colonial architecture should visit Zona 1, the city's historic center. Visitors interested in handicraft will find a wide variety of authentic Guatemalan wood carvings, textiles, leather, ceramics, jewelry and basket work in the downtown Central Market. Also worth seeing is the National Palace and the Ixchell Museum.        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 Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico

Switzerland Travel Deals Switzerland

Switzerland - Reviews and Travel Information - TripAdvisor Switzerland Sign in • Sign up Home > Europe > Switzerland > All reviews of Switzerland Switzerland tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. All Switzerland reviews Search (e.g., Boston hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Switzerland Switzerland Overview All Switzerland Reviews Switzerland Hotels Flights to Switzerland Switzerland Deals Switzerland Attractions Switzerland Forums Switzerland Maps Switzerland Discount Hotels Switzerland Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend Popular cities Aarau Hotels Aargau Hotels Adelboden Hotels Andermatt Hotels Appenzell Hotels Arosa Hotels Ascona Hotels Bad Ragaz Hotels Basel Hotels Bern Hotels Bernese Oberland Hotels Biel Hotels Brig Hotels Brunnen Hotels Champery Hotels Chur Hotels Crans-Montana Hotels Davos Hotels Engelberg Hotels Flims Hotels Fribourg Hotels Geneva Hotels Grindelwald Hotels Grisons Hotels Gruyeres Hotels Gstaad Hotels Interlaken Hotels Kandersteg Hotels Klosters Hotels Lausanne Hotels Lenzerheide Hotels Les Diablerets Hotels Leukerbad Hotels Leysin Hotels Locarno Hotels Lucerne Hotels Lugano Hotels Meiringen Hotels Montreux Hotels Morges Hotels Neuchatel Hotels Pontresina Hotels Saas-Fee Hotels Sion Hotels St. Gallen Hotels St. Moritz Hotels Swiss Alps Hotels Thun Hotels Thurgau Hotels Ticino Hotels Unterwalden Hotels Uri Hotels Valais Hotels Vaud Hotels Verbier Hotels Vitznau Hotels Weggis Hotels Wengen Hotels Zermatt Hotels Zurich Hotels Read more Switzerland tourism Switzerland Sponsored links * Switzerland Travel Deals Switzerland : Book Best Available Room. ClassicVacations.com Call 800-921-2680 to find your luxury travel specialist Switzerland : Book Now - Pay on Checkout! Venere.com Buying Direct Means Lower Prices. Hotels, B&Bs, Apartments and More. Switzerland : Vacation Planning Experts. ClassicVacations.com Call 800-921-2650 to find your luxury travel specialist 300 Hotels in Switzerland www.bookings.ch Book a hotel in Switzerland online. Great rates. No reservation costs! All results: View all 5,871 Switzerland travel deals TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews 1-10 of 15 (English) Show: All languages English (15) Next Here are the newest user reviews about locations in Switzerland. To read even more reviews, search for a specific city, hotel or attraction at the top of the left column on this page. Interlaken, Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps: Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage: " Beautiful hotel!" A TripAdvisor Member, Milwaukee, WI , Dec 27, 2005 My husband and I stayed at the Beau Rivage in late November. The hotel was wonderful - large rooms (especially... Lauterbrunnen, Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps: Camping Jungfrau: " Pretty Good" A TripAdvisor Member, New Zealand , Dec 27, 2005 I stayed in this camping ground in September 2005, in the dorm accommodation. The room was for four people... Switzerland: Holiday Inn Express Luzern: " Very reliable hotel" A TripAdvisor Member, London , Dec 27, 2005 As with most holiday inn express chains, it's very basic (small room, few "extras") but the hotel was... Bern: Novotel Bern Expo: " Excellent value." A TripAdvisor Member, London , Dec 27, 2005 Very very good hotel for the money. Modern building, clean and modern room. Only annoyance was the separate... Switzerland: Hotel Krone Limmatquai: " basic room, bath facilities leave a lot to be desired" A TripAdvisor Member, New Zealand , Dec 26, 2005 I stayed at the hotel for one night. The room was tidy and had clean, comfortable beds. The location... Lucerne: Hotel Alpha: " Excellent accommodation, yummy breakfast" A TripAdvisor Member, New Zealand , Dec 26, 2005 The hotel is located in a quiet part of town, but not too far from the train station (we walked - about... Zermatt, Valais, Swiss Alps: Allalin Hotel: " Great Value In Zermatt" A TripAdvisor Member, New York , Dec 25, 2005 My family and I just got back from Zermatt and stayed at the very plesant Allalin Hotel. The rooms were... Murren, Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps: Anfi Palace Hotel: " Perfect Honeymoon" , Dec 24, 2005 We stayed at the Anfi Palace for two nights as part of our Honeymoon. The rooms were spacious and had... Saas-Fee, Valais, Swiss Alps: Hotel Collina: " great staff" A TripAdvisor Member, england , Dec 24, 2005 I should not have worried about the few BAD reviews about The La Collina!! We had A great stay, Room... Vaud: Whitepod: " The Husky, the Wife and the Whitepod" A TripAdvisor Member, London, England , Dec 23, 2005 We stayed at Whitepod on a surprise weekend organised by my wife (after she had read that the Times had... Next Traveler Photos 3 Travelers' photos Here are the newest user photos about locations in Switzerland. To see even more photos, search for a specific city, hotel or attraction at the top of the left column on this page. Anfi Palace Hotel: "Perfect Honeymoon" , Dec 24, 2005 View larger photos with 7 others Whitepod: "The Husky, the Wife and the Whitepod" A TripAdvisor Member, London, England , Dec 23, 2005 View larger photos with 1 other Hotel Les Trois Couronnes: "Palatial" A TripAdvisor Member, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE , Dec 22, 2005 View larger photo Guidebooks (1-5 of 14) "Overview of Switzerland" Frommer's "Austria and Switzerland" Let's Go "Southwest Switzerland Overview" World Travel Guide "Switzerland" wordtravels.com "Switzerland" This is Travel Next Articles (1-10 of 63) "Swiss values: majestic views, challenging slopes" Boston.com / Boston Globe , Nov 13, 2005 Enjoy a leisurely escape skiing in the Swiss Alps. "Going To: Bern" New York Times (free registration required) , Jun 26, 2005 Interesting summer events are one of many reasons to visit Switzerland's capital city. "In Zurich, More Than Steeple Chasing" Washington Post (free registration required) , Jun 19, 2005 Don't overlook Zurich if you're planning a trip to Switzerland. "Switzerland: Chocolate, Cheese, and...Medieval Orgies?" Rough Guides For those who think this neutral country is one of everlasting peace and refinement, think again. "Switzerland: Summer 'To Do' List" Rough Guides From bungee jumping and glacier skiing to walking, riding mountain trams or even just relaxing, Switzerland is a summer playground. "Switzerland: More than Chocolate and Fondue" Boston.com / Boston Globe , Aug 1, 2002 Breathtaking Alpine scenery, glaciers, terrific bicycling and picturesque towns are only part of the attractions in Switzerland. "Walk This Way" TravelIntelligence.net Switzerland's snowy slopes are fun for non-skiers too. "Going To: Geneva" New York Times (free registration required) , May 8, 2005 Treat yourself to one of Europe's finest tourist destinations. "Heidi highs" Guardian Unlimited , Oct 23, 2003 The Lake Geneva region entices visitors with its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation and natural attractions. "Autumn in Switzerland: A Quick Trip to a Friendly Country" INcard.com , May 1, 2003 Any season of the year is a good time to visit Switzerland's cities and mountains. Next Web comments (1-10 of 80) "Beautiful Switzerland" IgoUgo.com , Feb 9, 2004 "Schweiz - Suisse - Svizzera - Svizra - Switzerland" VirtualTourist.com , Nov 11, 2002 "Switzerland, the land of logic" dooyoo.co.uk , Aug 9, 2001 "Trip to Switzerland and Italy, May 20 to July 30, 1997" Slow Travelers , Jan 1, 1997 "Switzerland -- Crowning Glory of the Alps" South Asian Women's Forum "Switzerland - a country of contrasts" WorldisRound.com "Switzerland travellers' tales" euro-hotels.com "Hostels Switzerland" eurotrip.com "Switzerland--The Alps" IgoUgo.com , Jul 28, 2003 "Switzerland" VirtualTourist.com , Sep 14, 2002 Next Free Newsletter Interested in Switzerland ? We'll send you weekly updates with new articles, reviews and special deals. Just enter your e-mail address: About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor provides unbiased reviews and travel information for Switzerland. 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 | 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... 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France Travel and Vacation

July France Travel and Vacation Planner  You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors > Things to Do in France > France Monthly Calendar > July France Travel and Vacation Planner Travel Go France Essentials New Year's Eve in Paris and France Worst of France 2005 Paris Travel Guide Top French Ski Resorts Best New Year's Eve Champagne Articles & Resources Destinations Trip Planning Transportation Interests & Situations Money, Safety & Issues Things to Do in France Where to Stay in France Staying Connected Blogs Picture Galleries Culture, Language & People Fun, Freebies & Quizes Relocating to France Nudism, Sex & Gay Travel D-Day & Historic Travel Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Sites Selling French Products Before You Buy the Gift of Travel Gifts for the France Fanatic Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the France for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search France for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading France in June Tour de France 2005 Bastille Day Related Blogs Dispatches from France Blog Paris Blog French Word-a-Day Blog La Coquette Blog Chroniques dune Fraise Nice Blog Rsidence Les Marronniers Provence Blog L'Oiseau Blog Chocolate and Zucchini Blog Forty Days in Paris Blog Most Popular "Naked City" Christmas in Paris Photo Tour Paris Sex District Top Paris Attractions Christmas in France What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Related Topics Europe for Visitors French Language French Cuisine Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Wine France Travel in July From Kelby Carr , Your Guide to France for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Tour de France and Bastille Day are Biggest Events > July is a popular vacation month in France. Beach destinations are bustling, and outdoor markets are bursting with activity and produce. There are almost endless events and festivals. The Tour de France storms through the country. Bastille Day revelry is everywhere. Depending on your destination, the weather can be a bit too balmy. Combine that with the crowds, and it can feel stifling. Either way, you'll find plenty to do during July in France. Weather The weather is usually quite nice in June, although it can get a bit too extreme and, in Paris, it can even be windy, cold and rainy. There are major variations in climate depending on where you are in France, but here are some major cities: Paris : Average temperature is 24 degrees celsius/75 degrees farenheit. Average rainfall is 57 millimeters, or 2.2 inches. Nice : Average temperature is 23 degrees celsius/73 degrees farenheit. Average rainfall is 16 millimeters, or 0.6 inches. Bordeaux : Average temperature is 20 degrees celsius, 68 degrees farenheit. Average rainfall is 52 millimeters, or 2 inches. Strasbourg : Average temperature is 19 degrees celsius, or 66 degrees farenheit. Average rainfall is 75 millimeters, or 3 inches. What to pack It can be challenging to pack for France, particularly if you will visit multiple cities. For the most part, this is a mild time of year. Be prepared for either hot days or cool nights, however. Your packing list should include: Sun screen Light clothes Flip flops Good walking shoes A bathing suit Get more ideas with my Packing Tips . Why to go in July Tour de France and Bastille Day. Enough said! The weather is warm All museums and attractions are open, usually with extended summertime hours France is vibrant and lively Why not to visit France in July The crowds! This is one of France's peak tourist months Airfare and lodging is expensive There can be some really hot days Events and festivals Tour de France Bastille Day Bar-le-Duc Renaissance Festival Bagpipes of Europe Festival in Autun International Festival of Baroque Music in Beaune Estivales, Perpignan's Summer Festival Avignon Festival * find out more about Avignon Cannes International Golf Festival * find out more about Cannes Carcassonne Festival * find out more about Carcassonne Children's International Folk Festival in Saint-Maixent l´Ecole Francofolies in La Rochelle        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 New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France

Vacation Rental s |

A Maui Vacation Rentals Directory - Maui Lodging, Vacation Rentals, & Accommodation Condo, House, Inns, Cottage, B&B & Villa 12/28/05 over 140 rental accomodations HOME | Directory | Submit Vacation Rental s | FAQ | Policy | EDITOR'S PICKS MAKENA, SOUTH MAUI Oceanfront Vacation Rental Maui Beach Cottage - Very private 1 bedroom / 1 bath cottage right on the ocean in Makena, South Maui. Optional additional 1 bedroom / 1 bath attached suite also available with rental of vacation cottage. Whale watching in winter, snorkeling right in front, very close to Makena Big Beach and Wailea Beach, Wailea Golf and Shops at Wailea. http://MauiBeachCottage.com more>> MAUI Web Cams best selection of Maui web cams Lahaina, Kula, Kanaha, North Shore, Haleakala, Kihei and more Maui Vacation Rentals Directory Select Area Name Haiku Hana Honokohau Huelo Kaanapali Kahakuloa Kahului Kapalua Keanae Kihei Kipahulu Kula/Ulupalakua/Kanaio Lahaina Maalaea Makawao/Olinda/Haliimaile Makena Nahiku Napili/Kahana/Honokowai Spreckelsville/Paia/Kuau Wailea Wailuku ------------------- US Mainland Rentals International Rentals ------------------- Misc Resources Maui, also called the "Valley Isle", has a population of just over 120,000 people with land area at 727 sq. miles. Besides the well known resort areas of Wailea and Kaanapali, there is a thriving alternative accommodation & lodging rental network on Maui. From private vacation rental villas and homes, to inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels and rooms to rent, visitors can find comfortable and within budget alternatives to visiting the island of Maui. Some of the main areas with Maui vacation rentals are Wailea, Kihei, Maalaea on the South Side; Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, Kahana and Honokowai on the West Side; Hana, Kipahulu and Keanae on the East side; Paia, Spreckelsville, Haiku, Huelo and Kula in the Upcountry area. Each area offfers a different experience to Maui. Enjoy looking through the hand-edited selection of vacation rentals that we list in this directory. MAUI VACATION RENTAL HIGHLIGHT AREAS KIHEI 1 6 Kihei vacation rental condos, cottages, studios and homes ( view ) KAANAPALI 7 Kaanapali vacation rental condos, townhouses & studios ( view ) LAHAINA 7 Lahaina vacation rental condos, homes, cottages & studios ( view ) WAILEA 11 Wailea vacation rental villas, condos, homes & cottages ( view ) HOME | Directory | Submit Vacation Rental s | FAQ | Policy | [A Big Island Vacation Rental Directory] [A Kauai Vacation Rental Directory] [A Lanai Vacation Rental Directory] [A Maui Vacation Rental Directory] [A Molokai Vacation Rental Directory] [A Oahu Vacation Rental Directory] [A California Vacation Rental Directory] A Maui Vacation Rental Directory offering a large selection of rentals search for Maui Homes, House Rentals, Cottages, Villas, Hostels, Bed & Breakfast & Rooms to Rent Listings for Maui areas Haiku , Hana , Honokohau , Huelo , Kaanapali , Kahakuloa , Kahana , Kahului , Kapalua , Keanae , Kihei , Kipahulu , Kula , Lahaina , Maalaea , Makawao , Makena , Nahiku , Napili , Olinda , Paia , Spreckeslville , Wailea , Wailuku , Ulupalakua , Upcountry Maui & West Maui . Resources 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 A Maui Vacation Rental Directory - web design by Websites Maui & Mana Ties Web Design

South America Travel

South America : Travel Tips : International Travel : Travelocity Customer Care | My Stuff Home Travel Info Center Flight Status >Destination Guides Travelocity Business About Travelocity Flights Search Flights Top Deals Web Fares Low Fare Alert Last Minute Packages Hotels Search Hotels Top Deals Trip Ideas Popular Cities Cars/Rail Search Cars Search Rail Top Deals About Neighborhood Search Popular Car Destinations Vacation Packages Search Vacations Top Deals Disney Vacations Trip Ideas Cruises Search Cruises Search by Destination Search by Cruise Line Top Deals Ship Finder Last Minute Packages Search Deals Top Deals This Weekend Next Weekend Need Ideas? Activities Activities by Destination Guides & Advice : Traveler Advice : Tips & Advice Home : International Travel South America When one imagines South America, one thinks of the densely tangled jungles of the Amazon, the snow-capped heights of the Andes and the Pampas, and the astounding wildlife of the Galapagos Islands and beyond. While the continent indeed holds endless exotic delights, it also contains certain tropical maladies that any visitor should be aware of in advance. Read on to get some preparatory knowledge on how to stay healthy in America del Sur. Enjoying your trip to its fullest always involves some amount of preparation and knowledge, so to make your planning easier weve put together some basic information outlining the general risks you might face in South America. Consult the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information on current health risks, and ask your physician about the best courses of vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for the area youre visiting. Food and Water: Diarrhea afflictions commonly affect visitors. Intestinal parasites and fluke illnesses have been reported in certain parts of South America, so be mindful of what you eat. Assume that all water is contaminated, and either buy bottled water (widely available in most countries) or sterilize it yourself (see Food and Water Risks for further details). Even when locals insist that tap water is safe to drink, as the adage says, its better to be safe than sorry. In most places, vegetables should be cooked and fruits peeled before eating. Luckily, most tropical fruits are of the peel variety, so have no fear and munch away on freshly peeled pineapples, mangoes, and the like. Avoid undercooked meat and seafood--the latter can be host to many bacteria that are damaging to ones health. Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products as well. You can sterilize milk or make powdered milk with purified water as an alternative. As an added precaution, always check the expiration date of processed food. The Elements: While temperatures range from the tropical variety to the cool climates of high altitudes, the bottom line here is that the sun is strong--really strong. The equator runs straight through Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia, if thats any clue of how hot it gets! So cover up with sunscreen, don pants and long sleeves when you can, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to stay shaded and keep cool. Drink plenty of water--the heat and humidity will make you sweat even more, and you need to balance fluid loss with fluid intake. High Altitudes: Those trekking in the Andes, Pampas, and other mountain ranges will be treated to jaw-dropping gorgeous scenery and challenging hikes. However, visiting such high altitudes opens a whole other can of worms. For further details, read our How to Avoid Altitude Sickness tip. Health Risks: Mosquitoes abound in South America, particularly in its coastal regions and within the moist interiors of its rainforests. Insect-borne diseases, especially malaria and dengue fever, are therefore big risks. Malaria risk exists in parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Risk is generally high in rural and low-lying areas; one need not worry in big cities and main tourist areas such Rio. However, its always best to check in advance to see which areas are the most at risk--consult WHOs malaria zone map when in doubt. Consult your doctor several months before your trip to determine the best course of malaria prevention for you. Yellow fever is a big problem in many parts of the continent. To check which areas are at high risk, consult WHOs map of endemic zones . Dengue fever and Chagas disease occur throughout the continent. Unfortunately, no prophylaxis for these illnesses currently exist, so follow some simple guidelines to protect yourself from mosquito bites (see Creepy, Crawly Critters for further details and advice). Filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis have been reported in certain parts of the continent, particularly in rural Brazil. Schistosomiasis (or bilharzia), a strain of water-borne bacteria, is prevalent in many fresh water areas; avoid swimming or paddling in these areas. Rabies is present in many parts of the continent. Snakes and leeches are often a hazard in certain areas. Immunization Suggestions and Requirements: The following information was culled from reputable sources, such as CDC and WHO and reflects countries currently featured on Travelocity.com. Argentina Cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A Bolivia Hepatitis A, polio, typhoid, cholera, tetanus Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers coming from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for incoming travelers from non-infected zones visiting risk areas Brazil Polio, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers arriving within three months from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for those intending to visit certain rural areas of the country Chile Cholera, tetanus, hepatitis A and B Colombia Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, polio, tetanus Yellow fever immunization is recommended for those visiting certain rural frontiers of Colombia Ecuador Cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over one year old coming from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for travelers arriving from non-infected areas who plan to journey outside urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported Peru Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, polio Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over six months old coming from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for travelers arriving from non-infected areas who plan to journey to areas within the Amazon Basin and the eastern slopes of the Andes, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported Uruguay Hepatitis A, typhoid Venezuela Cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B Yellow fever immunization is recommended for all travelers over one year old intending to travel outside urban areas     International Travel Tips & Advice Information on the Euro Africa Asia Central America Caribbean Australia/South Pacific South America Middle East Europe North America Embassies and Consulates--A Little Piece of the United States Abroad Choosing the Right Gift for Business Associates in Japan Getting Through Customs Expediting Your Passport Application Process Handling Cash When Traveling Overseas '+' Means Some Taxes & Fees Additional | About Travelocity | Security Guarantee | Affiliate Program | Jobs | Site Map Partners and International Sites: IgoUgo | lastminute.com | Odysia.fr | ShowTickets.com | Site59 | Travelchannel.de | Travelocity Canada Travelocity Denmark | Travelocity Norway | Travelocity Sweden | Travelocity United Kingdom | World Choice Travel | ZUJI © 1996-2005 Travelocity.com LP. All rights reserved. Travelocity and the Stars Design are trademarks of Travelocity.com LP. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Travelocity User Agreement and Privacy Policy . CST# 2056372-50. dest.advice.tips.item|Tips and Advice|TRAVELOCITY|ST||||tipID=233| --