Family Vacation Vegas has

Guide to Vegas HOME HOTELS AIR-HOTEL SHOWS My Account | Customer Support Gambling Tours Dining Golf Weddings Spas Attractions Nightlife Vegas Guide More Inside the Guide: - Insider Tips - Vegas' Popular Holidays - L.A.Drive Tips - Weddings You Also Might Be Interested In: - Dining - Sports Books - Spas - Shows - Transportation For your Vegas Vacation: - Book a Room - Book an Air/Hotel Package - Buy a Show Ticket - Book a Tour - Buy a Nightclub Ticket - Buy a Tee Time Vegas Guide Occasion: Family Vacation Vegas has something for everyone, even the kids. So Mom, Dad and the kids can enjoy the G-rated attractions in Vegas. Q: Where can I safely drop off my young children in Vegas while I gamble away their college fund? A: Hey, we would never recommend dropping off kids anywhere or gambling away their college fund, especially when there are a number of attractions for the whole family in Vegas, including GameWorks and Circus Circus' Adventuredome . Kids can kill a lot of hours at these places (and considering the prices of some new games, they might kill their own college fund). You also can spend a relaxing hour taking in the IMAX movies at the Luxor. If you do want to gamble, though, there are a handful of hotels that offer child-care facilities on property. Q: My sister and husband are coming to Vegas with their 1-year-old. Will we be allowed in the casinos? Where can I take them? We want to show them at least one casino, but we have baby considerations, such as feeding, napping, strollers, etc. What can you recommend? A: They'll be allowed to bring the baby into the casino if they're just passing through (to get to a restaurant, shopping, etc.) But babies and blackjack don't mix, so don't plan to sit down with a toddler at the tables. Also, the Bellagio does not allow children inside unless they're registered hotel guests, attending a show or dining with the family at one of the restaurants. Take it from us, the best places to take a baby would be shopping or to the many attractions Vegas offers. Try the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay (kids under 4 are free), the Forum Shops at Caesars or gardens at the Flamingo with live African penguins, Chilean flamingos, Mandarin ducks and Koi fish. Youngsters will definitely get a kick out of the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. Q: We are coming to Vegas with our 8- and 12-year-olds. What is there to do for kids this age that will still be fun for us? A: Vegas may be Sin City, but there are still plenty of things that the whole family can enjoy: magician Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo, " Tournament of Kings " dinner theater at the Excalibur, the World's Largest Permanent Circus at Circus Circus, buffets , hiking at Red Rock Canyon , the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and the IMAX Theater at the Luxor. If you want to get some shopping done, Caesars offers something for the whole family. Stop and shop at the Forum Shops where the kids can enjoy the Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain shows and aquarium . Some kids also enjoy seeing the Hoover Dam . Q: What is the best hotel to stay in with our kids? A: Location rules in this category. Check out New York-New York for its Manhattan Express roller coaster , Excalibur ( Merlin's Magic Motion Machines and Fantasy Faire midway),Luxor ( IMAX Theater , arcade), Mandalay Bay ( Shark Reef ) and finally Circus Circus , which has the most kid-centric activities per square foot. Q: What is the best free stuff to do with our kids in Vegas? A: There are so many free attractions in Vegas, it's hard to know where to begin. First, you have the sheer wonder of just wandering around the Strip. There also are the gardens at the Flamingo , the erupting Mirage volcano , the Fountains at Bellagio , the "Masquerade Show in the Sky" in the Masquerade Village at the Rio and the high-flying Circus acts at Circus Circus. You also won't want to miss M&M's World at the Showcase Mall, Mount Charleston , MGM Grand Lion Habitat , Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat (kids under 10 free) and White Tiger Habitat at the Mirage. For more, check our free attractions page. That ought to keep you busy. Q: We want a fun place to take the kids to eat. Any suggestions? A: Vegas boasts a lot of dining alternatives that are great for the kids. The themed Rainforest Cafe lets you dine among a 10,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and animatronic animals, and movie memorabilia is on display at Planet Hollywood . If your kid is a picky eater, you can't go wrong with a buffet . You might want to call ahead to find out children's prices and special offers. Back to the Vegas Guide VEGAS.com guards your privacy and security. We're certified by Verisign . Advertise | Employment | Privacy and cookies policy | About VEGAS.com | Site map All contents © 1998 - 2005

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PlanetCharters.com contains great adventure vacation ideas from around the world PlanetCharters.com contains great adventure vacation ideas from around the world Home | View Adventures | Add a Listing | Edit a Listing | Contact Animal Treks Bungee Jumping Camps Climbing and Mountaineering Cruising or Sailing - Boats Expeditions and Safaris Fishing Fishing- Freshwater Species Fishing- Saltwater Species Flights Hang Gliding Honeymoon Adventures Hunting Paddling and Rafting Ranches Regattas Scuba Diving, Snuba and Snorkeling Snow Activities Tours Vehicle Hire Wildlife Watching United States Canada Mexico Argentina Aruba Australia Bahamas Belize Bermuda Bonaire Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Chile Costa Rica Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Fiji France French Polynesia Germany Greece Honduras Hong Kong India Indonesia Italy Japan Kenya Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Malta Mozambique Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Papua New Guinea Russia Saba Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Seychelles South Africa Spain Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Turkey Turks and Caicos United Kingdom US Virgin Islands Vanuatu Zambia Service ID # Search site Browse Adventures Post your Service Tell A Friend Newsletter Featured Adventure Auckland, New Zealand Also Featuring Guiding on Lake Okeechobee Fl., Florida, US Florida's best trophy bass fishing!, Florida, US Come dive the #1 Dive Destination in the Ca..., Turks and Caicos, TC Specializing in Grouper, Snapper, Shark, Co..., Florida, US Single engine Charter and Sightseeing Servi..., Wisconsin, US Balloon flights & charter Cairns & Port Dou..., Queensland, AU Seeking Adventure? Start Planning! Start planning your next vacation with a taste of adventure! Want to go skydiving - brave the river rapids . Take a floating ride in a hot air balloon - explore the deep on a scuba diving trip? You are one step closer to that adventure you've been waiting to discover.Listed are hundreds of adventures to choose from and experience. Viewphotos, pricing and descriptions of each company - contact them directly tobook your adventure.Why wait, start your exploration today! The excitement starts Here... Click on the map to begin your search. Search by country, state, city, region and adventure! For more information on searching methods click here Helpful Links Hotel Chains Weather Driving Directions Vacation Rentals Member Information Add Listing Edit Listing Pricing FAQ Home | View Adventures | Add Listing | Site Search | Index | Links | About Us | Contact | Disclaimer | Help Planetcharters.com :: All rights reserved | 2001..2005

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Singles Cruises by Cruisingforlove.com Singles Travel Agency Singles Cruises by Cruisingforlove.com Singles Travel Agency The Largest Independently Owned Singles Cruise Agency Singles Cruises and Singles Travel for all fun loving single adults. Join us on a singles cruise vacation to tropical Caribbean, Mexican and European destinations. Singles discount cruises and travel are the best way to meet other singles, while having the time of you life. Ann Rotman Singles Cruise Travel Specialist Come join us on a singles cruise and meet other available singles from around the country Specializing inSingles Cruises, Vacations & Tours Toll Free 866-451-5027 For Passport Requirements Click Here Passports We also Book HoneymoonCruises & Reunions Forcurrent Rates on our Singles Cruises - Click on The blue text for the desired cruise 3-Nights New Years Singles Cruise Dec 29th - January 1st, 2006 Visits Nassau Bahamas *** Party - Party - Party New Reduced Rates - Special Military Rates Starting at $350 *** Departs From Port Canaveral - Rates Start At $420pp 6-Nights Western Caribbean Singles Cruise Jan 15th - Jan 21st, 2006 Visits Freeport, Grand Cayman and Cozumel *** New Reduced Rates - Less Then $100 a Day For The Time of Your Life *** Departs From Fort Lauderdale - Rates Start At $520pp 7-Nights Exotic Eastern Caribbean Singles Cruise Feb 26th - March 5th, 2006 Visits Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten *** An Exotic Vacation You Will Never Forget *** Departs From Miami - Rates Start at $460pp 3-Nights Bahamas Singles Cruise March 10th - March 13th, 2006 Visits CocoCay and Nassau *** Dont hesitate, Call Ann, toll free 866-451-5027, and get all the details about this singles cruise and the pre-cruise get together *** Departs From Miami - Rates Start at $250pp 3-Nights Mexican Singles Cruise March 24th - March 27th, 2006 Visits Ensenada Mexico Departs From Los Angeles - Rates Start at $210pp 8 -Nights Exotic Western Caribbean Singles Cruise April 10th - April 18th, 2006 Visits Colon Panama, Limon Costa Rica and Belize City Belize Departs From Fort Lauderdale. - Rates Start at $640pp 7-Nights Mexican Riviera Singles Cruise May 14th - May 21st, 2006 Visits Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas Mexico Departs From Long Beach - Rates Start at $560pp 8 -Nights Eastern Caribbean Singles Cruise May 28th - June 5th, 2006 Visits San Juan, St. Thomas USVI and Tortolo BVI Departs From New York City - Rates Start at $840pp 7-Nights Western Caribbean Singles Cruise June 18th - June 25th, 2006 Visits Progreso, Cozumel Mexico and Belize Departs From Galveston - Rates Start a $640pp 7-Nights Alaska Singles Cruise Aug 12th - Aug 19th, 2006 Visits Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, & Prince Rupert, CA Departs From Seattle - Rates Start at $774pp "Rates are based on availability and subject to change." Please note: We do NOT charge a processing fee to book through our agency. Notice: After signing up for a specific singles cruise you will be given access to our Cruise Message Board Our SinglesTravel Agencyspecializes in impeccable service. There is only one travel agentthat you willbe dealing with...... and that is Ann. Cruisingforlove.com offers singles & honeymoon cruises that are filled with many enjoyable day-and-night activities, including a singles cocktail party, the pizzeria get together for introductions, ice breakers, fun and games, pool and deck parties, the captain's cocktail party, pre-dinner get together, Vegas style shows, club-hopping to dance the night away, comedy shows plus much, much more and great gourmet dinners, lavish buffets, 24hr complimentary room service and Special Birthday Celebrations ....all included in one low price. For the most memorable Singles Cruise vacations of a lifetime, our singles cruises are filled with fun, food, partying and practically every kind of indoor and outdoor activity that singles can enjoy. Cruisingforlove.com specializes in organizing some of the most fabulous singles cruises at very competitive prices. We are known to have the BEST a nd most FUN-FILLED singles cruises of all the travel clubs. NOW, don't you need a singles cruise vacation? Reserve you space early for the best rates and cabin availability. Please call Ann Toll Free 1-866-451-5027 for any additional travel questions you may have. To honor our men and women in the military, we now offer a military discount on the cruise rate (excluding taxes/port charges) on most singles cruises sponsored by Cruisingforlove.com - Call Ann for details. Ann Rotman Singles Cruise Specialist. Cruisingforlove.com Presented by Tres Chic Events, Inc. 190 Cypress Trace, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 Toll Free (866) 451-5027 (561) 204-5481 Email ann@cruisingforlove.com Fully licensed and bonded. Florida Seller's of Travel #ST-35426 Member of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Palm Beach County Occupational License #2003-14607 Testimonials ! Cruise Pictures ! Ship Facts ! Mailing List ! Other Singles Links ! E-mail Us Frequently ask questions about Carnival Cruises Singles Group Travel, Single Group Vacations, Group Tours, Singles Group Tours, Military Singles, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Line, Seniors Singles, Singles Travel Group, Single Group Travel, Singles Group Cruises, Singles Cruise Packages, Singles Travel Packages, Singles Discount Travel, Single Parents, Singles Travel Clubs, Singles Travel Groups, Singles Travel International, Singles Travel Company

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PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INFORMATION Philippines Country Information The Land || History || The People || First-time Traveler Tips || Visas || Customs || Currency || Weather Clothing || Utilities || Newspapers & Media || Business Hours || Language || Getting Around Modes of Transport || Weather Conditions || Things to Know || Sightseeing || Museums and Art Further Information The Land The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the south. The three main Philippine island groups are Luzon , the Visayas and Mindanao . Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines , including the capital city of Manila , are in Luzon , but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos. The Visayas is famous for its charm, a trait shared by many other southern regions in the world, but here seems to run deeper among a people who are intrinsically connected to their sun soaked island home. The Visayas is also famous as a seat of history, being one of the earliest landfalls of western voyagers. It has also gained a reputation as being a cradle of the nation's future, if the unprecedented economic growth of Cebu City continues. Mindanao is our offering to the Guinness Book of Records with the world's largest clam, the world's largest Eagle, the nation's highest peak and the world's largest city. Mindanao is also home to the Philippines' Muslim population. With a land mass of 300, 780 square kilometers, the Philippines is considered a medium-sized nation, about two- thirds the size of its first colonizer, Spain, and a little larger than the British Isles. Manila is only one hour and 40 minutes from Hong Kong by jet; Sydney only 7 1/2 hours away. Flights to Europe take 17 hours and to the American west coast 15 hours. The Philippines has many things to offer the visitor: a mixture of the old and the new, a diversity of art and culture and a warm, friendly people. Blessed by nature, the Philippines has something to offer every sportsman too . . . extraordinary dive sites, forests to roam, mountains to climb, caves to explore. Top History Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. That it was the center of lively Asian trade route that stretched all the way to China and Japan can be seen from the relics these early visitors left behind. Among our archaeological treasures is a Neolithic spirit boat typical of early Southeast Asian culture. The West discovered the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain, landed in Cebu in 1521. However, colonization didn't actually begin until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila. Because Philippine society was loosely organized, without a central government, the Spanish conquest was rapid and total. Only the Muslims in the south and some inaccessible hill tribes were able to resist Spanish influence. Along with the Spanish conquerors came a new religion, Christianity, a new language, new laws and the galleon trade. Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was the United States of America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo; but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched. The Americans brought over their educational system, their legal system and planted the seeds of their own style of government. In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country with Manuel Luis Quezon as president. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation; and it wasn't until 1946, after the end of the Pacific war, that the Philippines finally regained true independence as the Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Still one of the strongest democracies in Asia, the current president is Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Top The People Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipinos. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international. Like the Southern Chinese, the Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior. This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history, and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitalityall part of the Filipino psychewill make your stay a delight. Top Tips for First-time Philippine Travelers Generally speaking, it is important to travel light. Bring only what's necessary. Avoid the extra baggage. You don't want to pay exorbitant fees for your luggage service. As in any foreign place, be careful with pickpockets. Some might act as a helpful stanger, but they're out to get something from you! It's good to be cautious at all times. Whenever going outdoors, being in a group is recommended. If you're bringing kids with you, make sure to bring all the things they would need, like medicine, bottles of potable water (although many bottled water is available, it is always recommended to bring one), and one of your kids' favorite toys for their own receration. Top Visas If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once here, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigration. Customs Upon Arriving: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city. You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Leaving: Any antiques you may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may also not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country. Currency The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PhP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000 pesos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced. Most large stores, restaurants , hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express , Visas and MasterCard. Traveller' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted. Top Weather The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons--hot and dry from November to June, and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets. Clothing People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women are light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in. For Men Only: If you expect to have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie (which is torture in this weather) there is a wonderful substitute. Go immediately to a department store and buy a barong tagalog. It is an embroidered shirt that is considered a formal dress. It will cost more or less PhP1,000.00, but it is worth every centavo. Utilities Electricity is 220 volts a/c. Many of the major tourist hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets. Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores. Telephone service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call. Some Important Telephone Numbers: (24-Hour Hotline) Police & Fire: 757 or 116 Emergency No.: 501- 650 or 501- 728 Directory Assistance: 114 National Operator: 109 International Operator: 108 For other emergency numbers, please refer to Directory . NOTE: It is advisable to always have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you. Top Newspapers & Other Media The newspapers in the Philippines have been called the freest in the world, as you will see for yourself, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide selection of magazines printed in English including Time, Newsweek and Asiaweek. In Metro Manila you can buy the Asian Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and USA Today. Television is "on the air" from early morning to midnight, showing American programming as well as local programming. The standard channels are 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 23. If you need more channels, most of the major hotels are with Cable TV bringing in TV programs from all over the world. There is also AM and FM radio broadcasting with the pop stations primarily on AM in Filipino and the English language programs on FM. Top Business Hours Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification. The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail. NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed. Language While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English. Top Getting Around There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use. Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel most of the major routes in Metro Manila. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 9.00, adding a few peso for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 4.00. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment. Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 1 peso additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump. The LRT : It's a fast, cheap way to go to downtown Manila. A token can take you between Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) and Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked. The MRT : After it's somewhat unsuccessful opening, the MRT is now enjoying a fair share of passengers plying EDSA. This is definitely the fastest mode of transport, this side of the metropolis. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City up to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Passengers would enjoy the traffic-less route, clean stations and coach, with a good view of Metro Manila's landscape. The only problem is that some stations have very high stairways. Although a number of elevators is operational, not all stations have one. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes end to end. Taxis : Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected. Top Other Modes of Transport Most of the major car rental agencies, including AVIS, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Metro Manila and carry a full line of vehicles from jeeps to limousines. All vehicles may be rented with or without a driver. If you wish to do your own driving you must have a valid foreign or international license. Inter-island transportation is provided by either airplane or ferry boat. Philippine Airlines services most of the major provincial airports. Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, SeaAir, Air Philippines, and Pacific Airways are smaller carriers servicing more remote tourist destinations. For information about boat schedules, check with the Department of Tourism on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila (63-2-5267652, 5267653, 5267655). Top WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY Climate: Tropical (two seasons) Dry Season: March -May (warm) 33-34 C Wet Season: June- October (monsoonal) November -February (coolest) 29-31C Coastline: 334,539 km. Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands, many mountains, rainforests, rich valleys and swamp regions. The Philippines still does have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs. Top THINGS TO KNOW Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog dialect) is the National Language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the English Language. The Philippines is currently the third largest English speaking country in the world. Currency: Peso(PhP). Notes are issued in denominations of , PhP 10, PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 500, and PhP 1000. Coins are issued for 5c, 10c, 25c, PhP 1, PhP 5. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized exchanged dealers. Outside of Manila payments are preferably made in pesos. Major Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club) can be used to pay for most goods and services. Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays). Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays). Time : Local time is GMT plus 8 hours. Business English is the language used. Sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries. Make sure you have business cards. Top SIGHTSEEING Casa Manila: A replica mid 19th Century house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time. Corner Real and General Lunar Streets, Intramuros, Manila. Luzon Chocolate Hills : Bohols most famous attraction: the area is named thus, because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer. Carmen Town, Bohol. Visayas* Colon Street: The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu. Cebu. Visayas* Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: The only underground cemetery in the Philippines; it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna. Laguna, Luzon Island Magellans Cross: The most historically-famous landmark in Cebu. Planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized. Cebu. Visayas* Top PARKS & WILDLIFE Katibawasan Falls: These 250-foot falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao. Camiguin. Mindinao* Maquinit Hot Springs : Located on a scenic beach corner, this is the premium hot spring in the Philippines. Palawan. Luzon* Hidden Valley: A natural recluse is created within this 90-meter crater . A haven for lush jungle life, natural springs and still water pools. Accommodation available. Alaminos, Laguna. Luzon, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife: Quezon Avenue. Quezon City. Luzon. Rizal Memorial Park: Within the lush park there are monuments, a skating rink and adventure playground. Free concerts every Sunday. Ermita, Manila. Luzon. Top MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES Museums & art galleries Ateneo Art Gallery Quezon City Tel: (02) 998 721 Metropolitan Museum of Manila Tel: (02) 832 3645 National Museum Manila Tel: (02) 494 450 Villa Escudero San Pablo City, Quezon City Tel: (02) 521 8698 Top VISAS AND PASSPORTS Visa and Passport No Visas are required for foreigners entering the country for a stay no longer than 21 days provided that you have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines have no diplomatic relations. A temporary visitor's visa is required for those who are planning to stay up to 59 days. Vaccination certificates may be neccesary for long term stays. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special permits. All visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates. Duty Free Items: Two 1-litre bottles of alchohol, and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed. Air Travel to the Country : Ninoy Aquino International Airport (7 km from city centre) Ninoy Aquino Avenue Manila, Philippines: Mactan International Airport Cebu, Philippines: (Most major airlines have flights to the country). Top FURTHER INFORMATION Department of Tourism: T.M. Kalaw Street Rizal Park Metro Manila P.O. Box 3451 Tel: (02)523-8411 Fax: (02) 521 7374 Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporatiom: 4th Floor, Suites 10-17 Legasi Towers 300 Roxas Boulevard Metro Manila Tel: (02) 525-93-18-27 Fax: (02) 521-61-65/ 525-33-14 Top

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CNN.com - Weather 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 West Coast braces for more rain A Pacific storm was expected to bring another round of heavy rain to the West Coast on Wednesday and head east into the Cascade Mountains and Sierra Nevadas, forecasters said. FULL STORY • 1 dead as fires scorch Oklahoma, Texas FIND WEATHER AROUND THE WORLD Enter city or ZIP code: Or select from a list WATCH FREE VIDEO Browse/Search Business News Update (1:33) Plea deal in Enron case (:27) Featured Video More Top Video • Gaza violence and politics • French hostage video (:40) • Hole forces plane to land (1:13) Featured Video More Top Video NORTH AMERICA • Forecast • Temperature • Satellite • Radar EUROPE • Forecast • Temperature • Satellite AFRICA • Forecast • Temperature • Satellite ASIA • Forecast • Temperature • Satellite AUSTRALIA • Forecast • Temperature • Satellite CENTRAL AMERICA/ CARRIBEAN • Forecast • Satellite MIDDLE EAST • Forecast • Temperature • Satellite SOUTH AMERICA • Forecast • Temperature • Satellite SPECIAL REPORT Tornadoes • Gallery: 10 deadliest • Map: Tornado Alley • Gallery: Facts and tips • More reports YOUR WEATHER E-MAIL ALERTS Hurricanes Forecasts (Weather) Tornado National Weather Service or Create Your Own EXTREME WEATHER • Hurricanes • Tornadoes • Wildfires RESOURCES • Allergy Report • Beach Report • Ski Report • Disaster Relief • NOAA Weather Radio Also see 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 . External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com Pay service with live and archived video. Learn more Download audio news | Add RSS headlines