Austria Travel Guide __














austria travel vacations Austria Tourism Home World Tourism AfghanistanTourism - Albania Tourism - AlgeriaTourism - Andorra Tourism - AngolaTourism - Antigua and Barbuda Tourism - ArgentinaTourism - Armenia Tourism - AustraliaTourism - Austria Tourism - AzerbaijanTourism - Bahamas Tourism - BahrainTourism - Bangladesh Tourism - BarbadosTourism - Belarus Tourism - BelgiumTourism - Belize Tourism - BhutanTourism - Bolivia Tourism - Bosniaand Herzegovina Tourism - BotswanaTourism - Brazil Tourism - BritishVirgin Islands Tourism - BulgariaTourism - Cambodia Tourism - Canada Tourism - CaymanIslands Tourism - Chad Tourism - ChileTourism - China Tourism - ColombiaTourism - Comoros Tourism - CroatiaTourism - Cuba Tourism - CyprusTourism - Czech Republic Tourism - DominicaTourism - Dominican Republic Tourism - DenmarkTourism - Ecuador Tourism - EgyptTourism - El Salvador Tourism - EstoniaTourism - Ethiopia Tourism - FijiTourism - Finland Tourism - FranceTourism - Georgia Tourism - GermanyTourism - Ghana Tourism - GreeceTourism - Grenada Tourism - GuyanaTourism - Haiti Tourism - HondurasTourism - Hungary Tourism - IcelandTourism - India Tourism - IndonesiaTourism - Iraq Tourism - IranTourism - Ireland Tourism - IsraelTourism - Italy Tourism - IvoryCoast Tourism - JamaicaTourism - Japan Tourism - Jordan Tourism - KazakstanTourism - Kuwait Tourism - KyrgyzstanTourism - Laos Tourism - LatviaTourism - Lebanon Tourism - LibyaTourism - Lithuania Tourism - LuxembourgTourism - Madagascar Tourism - MaldivesTourism - Mauritania Tourism - MauritiusTourism - Mexico Tourism - MoldovaTourism - Mongolia Tourism - NepalTourism - Netherlands Tourism - NewZealand Tourism - Nicaragua Tourism - NigeriaTourism - North Korea Tourism - NorwayTourism - Oman Tourism - PakistanTourism - Panama Tourism - PapuaNew Guinea Tourism - Paraguay Tourism - PeruTourism - Philippines Tourism - PolandTourism - Portugal Tourism - QatarTourism - Romania Tourism - RussiaTourism - Saudi Arabia Tourism - SerbiaTourism - Seychelles Tourism - SingaporeTourism - Slovakia Tourism - SloveniaTourism - Somalia Tourism - SouthAfrica Tourism - South KoreaTourism - Spain Tourism - Sri Lanka Tourism - St.Kitts and Nevis Tourism - St. LuciaTourism - Sudan Tourism - Sweden Tourism - SwitzerlandTourism - Syria Tourism - TajikistanTourism - Thailand Tourism - Trinidadand Tobago Tourism - Turkey Tourism - TurkmenistanTourism - Turks and Caicos IslandsTourism - Uganda Tourism - United Arab Emirates Tourism - UnitedKingdom Tourism - United StatesTourism - Uruguay Tourism - Uzbekistan Tourism - VenezuelaTourism - Vietnam Tourism Due to the nature of the topic and the wide range of information available, in order to cover only a tiny bit of it properly, some of the websites included here may have a commercial element in addition to the excellent information they provide. Such inclusion does not constitute an endorsement of product or service by archaeolink.com. Sites are included for information value only. The number of sites available online for this topic is enormous. This site can not and does not index all travel resources for a country. These "tourism" pages are basically designed as a supplement to the Austria Social Studies link, rather than for the avid business or pleasure traveler. For those of you for whom this "supplementary" material is not enough, the following does provide some idea of what is available online and will hopefully be a good starting point for a more serious search. Austria __ "Under the rule of the mighty Habsburgs, Austria was the dominant political force in Central Europe. Today it may be politically reconciled to being a minor player in the European Union but it has few peers as a year-round holiday destination..." History, economics and statistics - illustrated - From Lonely Planet - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/austria/ Austria - Tourism __ A general look at Austrian tourism with links to accommodations. - From countrystudies.us - http://countrystudies.us/austria/98.htm Austria Tourism - Austria Vacation Reviews __ Wide ranging general interest page about Austria tourism including hotel recommendations, sights to see and things to do. - illustrated - From tripadvisor.com - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g190410-Austria-Vacations.html Austria Travel Guide __ "AboutAustria.org offers an illustrated tourist, travel and culture guide to Austria. Discover Salzburg, Vienna and other Austria's capitals and sights. Wet your appetite for Austria's favourite passtime: skiing, snowboarding and other wintersports in the Alps!" - illustrated - From aboutaustria.org - http://www.aboutaustria.org/ Austrian National Tourist Office __ You will find just about all you need to plan a fantastic trip to Austria for business or pleasure. Interesting facts, cultural events, national parks, and reviews from travelers. - illustrated - From Austrian National Tourist Office - http://www.austria-tourism.at/ IgoUgo: Austria Tourism, Things To Do In Austria __ You will find a series of journals written by real travelers giving their impressions and recommendations. - illustrated - From igougo.com - http://www.igougo.com/planning/journalRegion.asp?LocationID=114 Welcome to Austria __ Official tourism website for Austria. If you are planning a vacation or business trip, you will find all you need to know. - illustrated - From government of Austria - http://www.austria-tourism.at/us/ Web archaeolink.com Top of Page



Family Vacation Ideas Winter

Cheap Cruises - for families  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids Family Cruises: Deals It's no surprise that thousands of people search the Web for"cheap cruises": bargain-hunting is the name of the game. Scroll down, below. See also: tips and info on onboard programs and activities for families. Find Cheaper Cruises! latest listings: Disney Cruises: Magical Rates Disney Cruises are known for excellent kids' programs and entertainment with pizzazz; and docking at private island Castaway Cay isn't too shabby either. [p[Every week, Disney Cruises publishes "Magical Rates" on its Specials page. For example, rates posted Monday December 5, 2005 are valid until Sunday, December 11, 2005. You might find a 4-night Bahamian cruise for $479, for Sept. 200 dates; or a 7-night Easter Caribbean cruise for $859 (per person, based on double occupancy.) Chidren's rates are available for kids 3 to 12 in a room with two parents. Under-three's are a bargain as they're free-- unless you want to sign up for Flounder's Nursery. (Other kids programs are free.) Costa Cruises: Kids Sail Free Kids 17 and under are free-- on most Caribbean 2005/2006 sailings, on the new Costa Magica or the Costa Mediterranea-- when sharing a stateroom with 2 adults paying Early Booking Discount rates. Book by August 31, 2005. (Read the web site for some fine print.) Sample price, for adult: from $479, for. a Dec. 18 departure; 5 nights. . Costa is a classy cruise line, "Italian Style"; read about Costa Cruises for families. Single Parents' Cruise Single Parents Tours is an offshoot of the Single Parent Network site, and plans several trips a year, negotiating low rates and ensuring that penalties aren't charged for single-parent families. (Most travel industry pricing is based on two paying adults; the single parent often has to pay a "single supplement".) This trip -- June 26 to July 1 2006-- is on a Carnival ship, and departs from New York for Canada, with port calls in Saint John and Halifax. Royal Caribbean: new ship, with waterpark The new Freedom of the Seas ship, debuting in June 2006, has an on-board kid-friendly waterpark, in addition to rock-climbing wall and other fun. Find 7-night Western Caribbean cruises as low as $700/person. Read more about Freedom of the Seas for families. Booking Buddy A helpful online tool for finding deals; part of the budget-saving Smarter Living network. Alaska and Oregon Adventures Glacier Bay Cruise Line is a small-ship line that aims to take you to "wild and special places", with onboard naturalists and adventure activities such as sea kayaking. Family trips during summer have special activities for kids, and a price break: kids save 50%. (Click "Itineraries", then "Themes".) Hotwire The popular discount travel site has a section just for cruises. Disney cruise savings Brought to you by the excellent money-saving site, Mousesavers .com: a frequently-updated set of all the ways you can save money on Disney cruises. Disney: Specials Check the Specials page at the official Disney site for bargains, such as early booking prices. Kids' rates are available for children under 12 as 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin. (See photos at Travel With Kids of Disney Cruise ship The Wonder , and article about Disney Cruises .) Disney Cruises Check this page at AllEarsNet for discounts on the Disney Wonder on specific sailing dates: 3 nights land, 4 nights sea. There are many sailing dates, and booking deadlines. Windjammer Barefoot Cruises: Kids Free Forget the Loveboat, and picture instead a tall-masted sailing ship: every summer, (June, July, August), Windjammer has a great deal for families with kids 6 to 17. For ages 6 to 11, "Junior Jammers" program has many fun activities, and kids sail free. "Teen Jammers" is for ages 12 to 17. Water fun includes snorkeling and complimentary SASY (a kiddie version of scuba-diving) and Bubblemaker intro to scuba for ages 8 to 12. Older kids can try scuba. See sample activities for both age groups. Holland America: price break for family reunions The Holland America line has a price break for families-- big families, that is. Those who book five or more cabins for a family reunion will get a price break and a bunch of perks. Holland America has new-and-improved youth programs, too. Norwegian Cruise Line NCL is a major line with several special features for families. NCL sails in both the east and the west, and offers discounts on many voyages including the Hawaiian islands. Discovery Cruises: Kids Sail and Stay Free Discovery runs popular one-day sailings from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island. Age 6 and under sail free; also children stay free (with paying adult) at a participating resort on Grand Bahama Island. Meanwhile, kids 7 to 11 pay only $49 for the sailing, and stay free at the resort. Discovery has a Kids Club, with focus on learning about marine life. TIPS: Advice from About's Linda Garrison, for families: The Disney family cruise line charges reduced rates for ages 3-17, and under 3 is free. Carnival has special rates that vary for those under 12. Almost all lines give special discounts for 3rd and 4th passengers in the same room. Current Deals *** A good place to hunt for cheaper cruises: the bargain page at About's Cruises site. Carnival Cruise Deals Check a bevy of deals. Carnival ships have lots of fun for all ages-- see article at TWKids . Crystal Cruises Crystal has for years been picked by readers' polls for Cond Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as Worlds Best Large Ship Cruise Line. Check for Specials where kids sail free. * photo courtesy of Holland America. From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...



Italy Travel Resources Italy

Italy Vacation Travel - resorts, books, agents, photos, real estate Italy Vacation Travel Resorts -- Resources --Books -- Agents -- Photos - Real Estate Don't forget to bookmark this page! Currency converter click here Travel agents Cheap air fares Value hotels Italy Travel Resources Italy Travel Books Italy Travel Photos Italy Real Estate Agents - cheap air fares - value hotels - rail passes Hot Deals! - from Travelocity Book a Flight - Find the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines worldwide Visit SmarterLiving's Deal Alert section for the latest travel deals. Lowest International airfares Economy Travel Resorts Select Tour Destination Any World Country Any USA State Afghanistan Algeria Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Bahamas Bangladesh Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Botswana Brazil British Virgin Is. Bulgaria Burkina Faso Cambodia Canada Cayman Is. Chile China Colombia Cook Is. Costa Rica Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Eritrea Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea Guyana Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kyrgyzstan Laos Libya Macau Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Monaco Mongolia Morocco Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Norway Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Romania Russia Seychelles Singapore Slovakia South Africa S. Georgia & S. Sandwich South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand The Gambia Togo Tonga Trinidad Truk Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos US Virgin Is. Uganda United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam West Indies Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri Montana Nebreska Nevada New Hampshire New Mexico New York North Carolina Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wyoming Books Books about Venice , Amalfi Coast, Capri, Vesuvius, Pompeii . Books on the National Parks of America, the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley Italy Resources ITALY TRAVEL TOURS, vacation packages to Rome, Venice, Florence by ... Discount vacation travel packages, hotels and tours to all the exciting destinations in Italy . Visit Rome, Vatican, Milan, Venice ... www. italy - travel .net/ Travel Italy Vacation Packages - Italian Tours and Honeymoons Tour Italy with Rome, Florence, Venice vacation packages by train, Tuscany travel by car with villa hotels, and romantic Italian honeymoons. ... www. italy source.com/ Italy Vacations & Tourism, Hotels in Italy - Yahoo! Travel ... Sponsored Links. Italy Tourism Vacation in beautiful and historic Italy ... www.go-to- italy .com. ( What's this ... Travel : Your best choice for cheap airline tickets ... travel .yahoo.com/ p- travel guide-191501764- italy _ vacation s-i Italy Vacation - Places to see & Things to do Italy Vacation Things To See & Things To Do. FEATURE ATTRACTION: Meaning Behind The Art. ... ITALY VACATION : Everything You'll Need to plan Your Trip. ... www.goporta.com/ Slow Travel - Vacation rentals in Italy , Switzerland, England ... ... Slow Travelers stay in vacation rentals around ... used are self-catering, tourist rentals, holiday rentals, holiday cottages, agritourism ( Italy ), Gites (France ... www.slowtrav.com/ Slow Travel Italy - Vacation rentals, villas, apartments in ... Slow Travel Italy . Slow Travel Italy gives you the information you need to find and book a vacation rental in Italy . Find a villa ... www.slowtrav.com/ italy / Escorted Tours- Travel Packages-Discount Travel -Tour Packages ... 9 Day Galapagos w/3 day cruise - escorted tours, travel packages, vacation packages, discount travel , tour packages, escorted tour, ... www.gate1 travel .com/ Italy Tours, Italy Vacation , Italy tour, Italy Vacations , Italy ... ... Italy vacations . We have Italy tours, travel packages, and Italy vacations to suit your travel time and budget. Italian vacations ... www.gate1 travel .com/ italy - travel / Private Italy tours, custom vacations , Italian experience ... which includes information on your vacation , travel and transport arrangements, vouchers and airline tickets if required. To experience Italy , call our ... www.roadto italy .com/ Italy vacation packages - Reviews of Italy travel packages Also features discount vacation and travel packages to Italy including SmartDeals. Italy vacation packages Reviews of hotels and vacations . ... www.tripadvisor.com/ Packages-g187768-Vacation-Package-Discount-Italy.html Venice School of photography The Venice School of Photography is an English speaking company specialising in photography workshops, tours and holidays in many of the worlds most awe-inspiring locations. www.learninitaly.com Italy Photos Photos of Venice , Amalfi Coast, Capri, Vesuvius, Pompeii Italy Real Estate Italy real estate - properties for sale free landscape photos | free Venice photos | free tools for websites Advertise with us Link to us Awards we have won Distinctive Websites Royalty Free Stock Photos web design UK by beaufortweb search engine optimisation services UK website design and promotion UK



Central America Travel

Belize, Central America - Travel and Tourism Information  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors > Belize, Central America > Belize, Central America - Travel and Tourism 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 Image Courtesy of NURP Stay up to date! Image Courtesy of NURP Email to a friend Print this page Related Belize Resources Belize Online Resources Explore More of Belize Belize Accommodations Photos of Belize Maya Ruins in Belize 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 Belize, Central America From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Coral reefs, tropical cayes, Maya ruins, exotic wildlife and more Belize (formerly known as British Honduras) is located on Central America's Caribbean coast, bordering Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea ( see map ). Although it is a small country of only about 8,800 square miles (about the size of New Hampshire), the country has many beautiful natural venues and interesting historical sites. In particular, Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world, a number of lush tropical rain forests, picturesque mountains fed by rivers and waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and many fascinating Maya archeological sites. Belize is unique among the countries of Central America, inasmuch as the official language is English, rather than Spanish. Further, Belize's principal ethnic group is black Creole, rather than Spanish or mestizo. The country has a population of just over 200,000 - making it the most sparsely populated country in Central America. The climate is subtropical, with an annual mean daily temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The breezes from the Caribbean Sea have a refreshing cooling effect, and help to offset the humidity - at least in the coastal areas. The following briefly describes some the main visitor attractions in Belize: Belize Barrier Reef The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. This reef lies parallel to the coast of Belize, and stretches about 180 miles in a north to south direction. The Belize Barrier Reef is widely regarded as one of the world's best diving and snorkeling sites. The water on this reef is calm and clear with water visibility usually reaching about 100 feet. The water temperature remains at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year. The reef is home to about 375 species of fish and about 60 types of coral. Just beyond the main reef are three "atolls" - very large oval shaped formations of coral. In close proximity to the reef can be found a number of marine reserves, including Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve . These reserves are well worth a visit for those interested in marine ecology. In addition to diving and snorkeling, the reef is also a great location for water skiing, wind surfing, fishing or just plain swimming. Ambergris Caye Ambergris Caye , the largest of the more than 200 cayes (islands) located on Belize's northern coastline, lies just west of the Belize Barrier Reef . This narrow island is about 25 miles long and is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Belize. Ambergris Caye , with its lush vegetation, pleasing climate and pristine white beaches, is the " Isla Bonit a" (Beautiful Island) referred to by Madonna in her popular song of the same name. Because it lies less than a mile from the barrier reef, Ambergris Caye attracts large numbers of scuba divers and snorkelers. However, many other activities are popular here, including windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, nature walks, visits to nearby Maya ruins, and more. The small town of San Pedro , located in the south part of Ambergris Caye , has numerous restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, as well as authentic Belizean cuisine. Street vendors serve inexpensive freshly made tacos and a variety of delicious grilled meats. San Pedro has several bars and discos, night beach parties (which are open to all), and a number of cultural festivals held on various days throughout the year. The town also has numerous small shops which sell a variety of handicrafts made by local artisans, including pottery, paintings and some truly beautiful coral and silver jewelry. Ambergris Caye has many deluxe resorts and condominiums available for visitors, but budget accommodation is not difficult to arrange. Photo image of coral barrier reef courtesy of OAR/National Undersea Research Program (NURP) - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 1 2 Next        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



Air Travel

CNN.com - TSA unveils new security procedures - Dec 2, 2005 International Edition | Member Center: Sign In | Register Home Page World U.S. Weather Business Sports Politics Law Technology Science & Space Health Entertainment Travel Education Special Reports Video Autos CNN Pipeline E-mail Newsletters Your E-mail Alerts Podcasts RSS CNNtoGO Contact Us TSA unveils new security procedures Small tools allowed; more random searches planned TSA chief Kip Hawley announced changes Friday that will take effect December 22. WATCH Browse/Search Security screening changes (1:30) ~~ ~~ TSA alters screening procedures (1:38) ~~ -- RELATED Interactive: What you can't take with you • Transportation Security Administration YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS Transportation Security Administration Acts of terror or Create Your Own Manage Alerts | What Is This? WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Transportation Security Administration on Friday announced changes in screening procedures at the nation's commercial airports, allowing passengers to take small scissors on planes but increasing random passenger checks. "I am convinced, that the time now spent searching bags for small scissors and tools can be better utilized to focus on the far more dangerous threat of explosives," said TSA Director Kip Hawley. The changes will go into effect on December 22, during the holiday travel season. Before the official announcement, TSA officials briefed managers of the nation's airports on the changes Thursday in a conference call. Under the new procedures, which are designed to give screeners more time to focus on detecting explosives, scissors less than 4 inches long and tools less than 7 inches long will be allowed on aircraft. "Tools with cutting edges, bludgeons, crowbars, hammers, saws and drills will continue to be prohibited along with any tool that is more than seven inches long," Hawley said. About 18,000 airport screeners have received more training in explosive detection, according to the TSA. In addition, pat-down procedures at checkpoints will be refined. Currently, screeners pat down passengers' backs and abdomens. Under the new system, screeners also will pat down arms and legs below the mid-thigh, although they will be given discretion to forgo those searches in cases where bare skin or tight clothing make it obvious nothing is being concealed. The level of random screening will be increased, with procedures varying from airport to airport to keep any would-be terrorists off guard. Passengers won't be selected for random searches based on their race, age, religion or nationality, according to the TSA. However, screeners will be given some discretion to forgo searches based on age and gender, so that passengers aren't being patted down by screeners of the opposite sex. TSA officials told the managers they are assessing data from three pilot studies on the impact the new procedures might have on airport operations, but they do not anticipate any increase in waiting times. Some members of Congress are expressing reservations about the changes. ( Watch why some people are unahppy with the changes -- 1:30 ) Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-Texas, said allowing sharp-pointed scissors and similar objects on planes "could undermine the progress we have made in securing our skies since the 9/11 attacks." "The change in policy would do little to alleviate screening delays, since screeners would need to stop the conveyor belt to check whether the scissors in question fell within the new limits," she said in a letter to Hawley, urging him to drop the idea. Noting that the September 11 hijackers used box cutters to commandeer aircraft, Rep. Edward Markey, D-Massachusetts, said the TSA "should not make it easier for future Mohamed Attas to arm themselves with razor-sharp objects and bring down a passenger plane." "Flight attendants and passengers should not be put in a situation where ... a sharp scissors can be taken apart and used as a weapon at the throat of flight attendants and passengers," Markey said. CNN's Jeanne Meserve contributed to this report Story Tools Click Here to try 4 Free Trial Issues of Time! Section Page Video Local News Northeast West South Midwest Southwest Central New Orleans police chief defends fatal shooting • Grass fires scorch Oklahoma, Texas • Democrats: Homeland Security promises 'unfulfilled' • Dozens indicted in alleged Katrina scam Home Page Video Most Popular CNN/Money: Ex-Enron exec expected to testify against bosses • U.S. troops on a mission to save sick baby • French hostage threatened in video • Dozens indicted in alleged Katrina scam ALL AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY International Edition Languages --------- Arabic Japanese Korean Turkish CNN TV CNN International Headline News Transcripts Advertise with Us About Us © 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines . Contact us . 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