Switzerland Travel
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Switzerland.....the land of aching muscles Switzerland......the land ofaching muscles! Join the Budget Travel Mailing List Disclaimer : This travelogue is based on my travel experience in 1995. Things have changed since I've been there. I write this only to let you know of MY experiences. We are all different, so what I observe and experience may be different for you. Please do not take everything I say too seriously or take offence at my opinions or observations. I do not pretend to be a professional travel writer or to know this destination extremely well. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Getting Around Without a doubt the best way toget around Switzerland is by train - it is fast, convenient and every place isaccessible. If you plan on doing a moderate amount of train travel, I wouldrecommend that prior to arriving in Switzerland, you purchase the Swiss Card. Withthis card, you will receive 1 free transfer from any Swiss airport or border town to anycity or town in Switzerland + 1 free transfer from any Swiss city or town to any Swissairport or border town + 50% off all other rail, steamboat, bus and mountain excursions. Thesavings really add up. Depending on how you use your free transfers, the card may payfor itself right there. In Canada the pass costs approx. CA$ 160. In the US, it costsapprox. US$ 116. Links: Rail Europe or Swiss Bahn sites formore details. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Geneva What to see and do: Geneva is a charming world class city withlots to offer travellers looking for history, architecture, shopping, and a lot more.Located on Lake Geneva, the city has been said to be the most peaceful in the world. It isno wonder when institutions like the Red Cross and League of Nations were born in Geneva.The city is home to the United Nations. Sights you may want to take in include: the St.Pierre Cathedral, the UN building, the Jet d'eau on Lake Geneva, and the Jardin Anglaiswhich has a huge clock made out of flowers and a fountain which is popular with the kidson a hot day. If you are there during the summer and don't feel like frolicking with thekids in the fountain there is a beach which, I gather from the lack of visible swimwear,is a nude beach. Walking around the old part of the city is interesting and veryenjoyable. Where to stay: Although there are quite a few youth hostels and budgetaccommodations (budget in Swiss terms), sometimes cheap people like me just stay at theairport. Links: The Budget Traveller's Guide to Sleeping inAirports Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Interlaken What to see and do: I could write a bookabout things to see and do in and around Interlaken. The options are really just too much.I spent a week in Interlaken and I still did not see or do everything. Things to see intown include the Casino (have to be 21 years of age - if you still look 16 like me,you will be carded) There are also bars and restaurants. Apparently there is a bowlingalley somewhere in town for you wild and crazy party-animals. The Berner Oberland (Switzerland actually) is a hikers dream. There are many signedpaths to follow. No matter where you are in the mountains, you can easily find your wayback. Here are just a few of the activities that I suggest: Since Interlaken is located in the middle of two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, cruises are available. The Lake Brienz, the cleanest lake in Europe, is much more scenic than Thun, which has high cliffs and a few waterfalls. A round trip ticket in the Lake Thun costs SFR 22 (14 with Swiss Card). You can off as many times as you want. Hike from Lauterbrunnen up to Kleine Schedeige. I did it the other way around and it was really just too steep for anybody to go down. HIKING UP IS ALWAYS EASIER THAN COMING DOWN! The Trummelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen is a waste of money. I think I paid SFR 10 to see the inside of the falls. There is no tour, all you are paying for is the privilege of seeing this. On the Lake Thun, the Beatushlen prehistoric caves has stalactites, waterfalls and an ancient cell of the St. Beatus monk. This is a good trip for a rainy day. From here you can hike along a path to the next village or town that proves to be interesting. Oberhofen has a huge castle-like place. I am not sure if there are tours or if people just like to take pictures of it. Take the steam boat from Interlaken to Iselwelt (SRF 5.20 or 2.60 with Swiss Card). Get off at Iselwelt and walk to Geissbach Falls. This is not a challenging walk, but is more leisurely. When you arrive at the foot of the falls, you will have the option of taking a cable car higher up or hiking up. Hike up!! The cable car is for lazy people. When you arrive at the hotel you will see that you have not made it to the top of the falls yet. Keep going. There are paths that meander through the falls. The Geissbach Falls are impressive! Where to stay: Although Balmer's Herberge is said to be one of the best hostels in Europe, that is really a personal choice. If you do not mind sharing two bathrooms with 50 other people, sharing your room with 50 other people and climbing three beds up to get to your bed on the top bunk, then Balmer's will make you very happy. If you are a light sleeper, there is no way you will be able to sleep with the constant chatter of drunk young backpackers wandering in at all hours of the night. In short, Balmer's is a PARTY hostel. Depending on when you go, the average guest age could very well be 18. Even if you stay somewhere else, you will probably return to Balmers several times during your stay. There is a store that sells everything you may need (not including groceries), a mini bar/restaurant for alcoholics, currency exchange and many day tours can be arranged. There are double rooms, but you have to be there early in the morning to grab those ones. After one sleepless night at Balmers, I stayed at the Hotel Beyeler/Heidi's Hostel. Don't ask me why it has two names. The owner told me that many Balmers refugees come to this place. It is not fancy, but it is an affordable roof over your head. The cheap travellers room is on the third floor and has three beds. If you get the single bed near the window, you better have extra blankets, because the window sometimes blows open and the cold mountain air may kill you. The room has a sink and there is a shared washroom in the hall. Oh, one more tip about this place. Bring your own WD-40. The door to this room is very loud!!! If you are travelling solo don't want to stay couped up in your room alone, let the owner know that you are willing to share if any other people are looking for a roommate. If anyone comes along, she will accommodate everybody. I don't think you will save any money, but it is good company. My roomies were one of the highlights of my trip. Contact: Heidi's Garni/Hotel Beyeler - 37 Bernastr (tel. 229 030) or if you are desparate, Balmer's Herberge 23-25 Hauptstr (tel 221 961). Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Grindelwald What to see and do: Grindelwald is smaller than Interlaken and not so infested with tourists. There is a lot to keep you busy for a few days at least. From town you can hike to the Upper Glacier or the Glacier Gorge. The hike to up to the top of the Upper Glacier is very challenging. No matter how fit you claim to be, you will be huffing and puffing a few times at least. And if you have big feet, it will probably take you twice as long to get to the top. The stairs are painfully narrow and small. I did the hike up First Mountain twice (once from Bort and the second from Grindelwald). The part from Grindelwald is very steep and tiring, so bring lots of water with you. To avoid the steep part, take the chair lift (the longest in Europe) to Bort, get off and hike up the rest of the way. The fresh air is revitalizing!!! Depending on the time of year you go, there might be snow at the top and lots of it. Here is the recipe to make your own slushie: take some hard fruit-flavoured candy with you, grab some snow (that is not yellow) and place both in your mouth. Yummy!!! When you get to the top, you will have a magnificent view of Eiger, Jungfrau and Mnch. Take one of those disposable panoramic cameras and snap away. If you think you are hearing a thunder storm approaching, it is just an avalanche. If the sound is more distant, you can probably turn around and see the avalanche on the other side of the valley. If it sounds really close, then I am afraid that you will be a fair bit of trouble!!! Where to stay: Lehmann's Herberge is a real Swiss chalet-like lodge. Rooms are wooden with red curtains, have nice, warm comforters, and a shared washroom for every two units. The washrooms are modern and have hot water. Many rooms overlook a valley, while a few others overlook a road. Lehmann's is VERY COMFORTABLE right off one of the main roads in town. 25-35 SFR per night - breakfast is included. There are some other youth hostels, but for comfort Lehmann's is the place to go! Contact: Lehmann's Herberge (tel. 531 141). The woman that runs the hostel does speak English. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Costs You probably know that Switzerland is a very expensive place to visit. Here are a few extra tips when planning your Swiss vacation: When looking for accommodations it will cost you an extra bundle for a private washroom. Unless you are staying at a really nice hotel, most lower end hotels have a couple of shared washrooms per floor. Showers usually cost extra. Food is very expensive. I am from Canada and the cost of a loaf of bread was a shocking SFR 3.10. Four bananas cost SFR 2.05 and 6 pack of pop cost SFR 5.10. Luckily, I brought my own peanut butter and ate A LOT of peanut butter sandwiches!!! Transportation is reasonably priced if you have a Swiss Card, Pass or Eurail Card. And things like postcards aren't too bad in price! Clothing is expensive. A movie costs SFR 13. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Hiking Unless you hike often and are use to the strain of hiking up/down steep mountains, start off easy. I ruined the whole trip for myself by starting big. The result was that I could barely walk for a few days and I had to put plastic Pepsi bottles full of HOT water on my legs at night. Although I was able to do some great hiking, I could have done more if I didn't start of thinking I was superwoman. This is not to say that I do not exercise at all, because I do everyday. I just don't hike up and down mountains everyday. Please sign my guest book! [ HOME ] This travelogue is based on the travel experiences of Donna McSherry
France Travel in November
France in November - Monthly Calendar and French Travel and Vacation Planner You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors > Things to Do in France > France Monthly Calendar > France in November - Monthly Calendar and French 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 More on November in France Christmas Markets of France Beaujolais Nouveau's Release Thanksgiving in France 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 November From Kelby Carr , Your Guide to France for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Autumn Leaves, Christmas Markets and Low Prices Selling Points for Visiting November is an amazing and enchanting time to visit France. There are countless festivals and events to herald the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine. The leaves are changing colors , especially early in the month and in Northern France. Towards the end of the month, the Christmas markets start getting under way. Even expat Americans and Canadians in France can find ways to celebrate Thansgiving there. The best part of the crowds have dissipated and the hotel rates are dipping, yet the temperatures aren't insanely cold yet in most of the country. Weather The weather can range from crisp but comfortable days to downright chilly nights. There are major variations in climate depending on where you are in France, but here are weather averages for some major cities: Paris : Average high temperature is 9 degrees celsius/49 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 4 celcius, 39 farenheit. Average number of days with snow is one in the month. Nice : Average high temperature is 16 degrees celsius/61 degrees farenheit, with the average low at 9 degrees celcius/48 degrees farenheit. Average November days with snowfall is zero. Bordeaux : Average high temperature is 13 degrees celsius, 56 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 5 celcius/41 farenheit. Average November days with snowfall is zero. Strasbourg : Average high temperature is 8 degrees celsius, or 46 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 2 celcius/36 farenheit. There are an average of two days with snowfall. 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 cool or cold time of year. Be prepared for blustery weather. Your packing list should include: A warm coat A sweater or light jacket for daytime Good walking shoes A scarf, hat and gloves A sturdy umbrella for windy and rainy days Get more ideas with my Packing Tips . Why to go in November Enjoy the quiet and avoid the long lines in the low tourist season There is wonderful shopping The scenery is beautiful early in the month when the autumn leaves change colors The Christmas markets start at the end of the month, and cities and villages get decked for the holidays Rates are low on lodging and airfare Why not to visit France in November The weather can be uncomfortably cold Some attractions could have restricted hours, or even be closed, especially in smaller villages Events and festivals Halloween/All Saints' Day , which culminates Nov. 1 to honor the dead. Nov. 1 is a national holiday. Beaujolais Nouveau's Release , the third Thursday at midnight. Several communities have events and celebrations. Thanksgiving in France Christmas Markets International Nature and Wildlife Photo Festival , in Montier-en-Der 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
Cheap Travel Insurance Information
Go Travel Insurance - Cheap Annual Travel and Holiday Insurance on the web Buy Cheap Online Annual Travel Insurance for Immediate Cover Call 0870 421 1521 Call Agents available today 8:00am to 9:00pm Home ¦ About ¦ Benefits ¦ Claim Information ¦ Contact ¦ Policy Documents ¦ Quote Me ¦ Support ¦ Travel Extras Backpackers Read our GoGapper guide to the Global Galaxy. Travel News News exclusive to Go Travel Insurance. Click HERE for latest headlines Feedback Click HERE for feedback from our customers Affiliate Program Click HERE to find out more. Short Breaks Our worldwide hotel portal provides online access to over 15,000 hotels. Click HERE Airport Car Parking Online booking available by clicking HERE Great Value Single Trip and Annual Travel Insurance Holiday Insurance For Residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland Buy with Confidence Vaccination Go Travel Insurance has teamed up with MediCentre to offer advice on vaccinations. Click HERE We accept the following cards in payment Regulation Authorised and regulated in the UK by the FSA. Click Here for more information Emergency Medical Assistance In the event of an emergency whilst overseas call +44 (0) 870 112 8203 Make a Claim Please call us during office hours on: - +44 (0) 870 421 5224 US Citizens Click HERE Travel Directory Car Parking, Airport Lounges, Hotels and Car Hire. Click HERE for more information. Know Before You Go Check where you are travelling to get the latest advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Cheap Travel Insurance Information Annual Holiday l Annual Travel l Backpacker l Business l Cruise Holiday Insurance l Cruise Travel Insurance l Golf l Group Travel l Family Holiday Insurance l Multi Trip l Single Trip l Winter Sports l Ski Holiday l Student l Worldwide Travel Go Travel Insurance® is a division of Drakefield Insurance Services Limited Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority >© 2004 Drakefield Insurance Services Limited > Disclaimer > Privacy > Sitemap Tourists follow in Katrina`s wake Nepal gets the nod from London Great Christmas getaway gets underway P&O cruise promises best of Asia and Africa Top actresses try out backpacking Winter break travellers widening their horizons Check out Chile on Saint Sebastian day Banff takes to the ice Japan`s Wakakusa gives warm welcome to the New Year
Chicago Vacation
Chicago Vacation Rental All Vacation Rentals North America United States Illinois Chicago Luxury Living - Executive Retreat - CHICAGO Property Information Indian Trail, a serene and peaceful retreat that offers the finest touches for an executive away from home. An alternative for executives looking for an extended stay of 3 months or longer. It has all the comforts of home while overlooking a quiet pond and a nearby golf coarse. * Optional Amenities: Personal concierge, private chauffer, personal chef, massage therapist, personal trainer, nanny services. Smoking : No Pets : No 2 Bedroom(s) 1.5 Bathroom(s) Rates Info Eamil for rates.... Property Notes Availability Year Round Property Amenities Recreation/Activities Shopping Golf Nearby Tennis Nearby Other Unlisted Amenities Kitchen: Refrigerator with outside water and ice, oven range, dishwasher, coffee maker, blender, toaster, cookware, dinnerware, and linens. Living Space: Great Room, Dining Area, Eat in Kitchen, Private Patio with table and chairs for alfresco dining Electronics: Unlimited local phone calls, Home Theatre System, stereo, Cable TV, DVD/VCR, fax machine and Office. Property Resources Reservations Information Tammy Jo Day Phone: 630-455-9877 Fax: 630-455-9878 Click Here to send an email directly to owner/manager Mention Property #11539 at Findrentals.com Click Here to View Photo Slide Show Owners Login | About FindRentals | Customer Service | Legal Notices | Advertise | Privacy Policy © 2005 findrentals.com | All Rights Reserved Number of Visitors to the Page this Month: 31 Total Number of Visitors to this Page: 594 Property # 11539
Austria Travel Guide -
Austria - General Travel and Tourist Information for Austria You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Europe for Visitors Austria - Travel & Tourist Information Guide picks General travel information of value to the tourist visiting Austria. Austria Map and Travel Essentials Use our interactive map showing cities and rail lines to plan your trip to Austria. Then peruse the information you'll need before you go: currency, language, eating out, tipping, transportation, and weather. Villach - On the Trail of Wolfgang Puck Villach is a wonderful small town on the traveler's route between Venice and Vienna or Salzburg, and stopping here will reward the foodie in search of great food at reasonable prices. Austria - CIA World Factbook Statistical information on Austria and its people. Austria: Geography, Maps and Information Maps and data for the country of Austria. Austria Today News and weather from Austria in English. Some functions not completed on the website, but many pdf brocures available for download. Austrian Tourism The official Austrian National Tourist Office website. You can actually chat with a live agent to book accomodations in Austria by clicking on "travel assistant." Cool. Austria Travel Guide - About Austria A tourist, travel and culture guide to Austria. Good coverage of the major cities, winter sports and cultural events. German Language Summer Schools in Austria Where to learn German in Austria: A comprehensive list of schools with summer classes. Hotels Austria Find and book hotels throughout Austria. Hotels in Austria Featuring hotels in Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Prices quoted in US dollars. 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 Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...