European Vacation Planning Map
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Travel Gadgets for your European Vacation 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 Travel Gadgets for your European Vacation Europe for Visitors Blog « Europe Travel News from the Emerald Isle | Main | Europe Travel: Berlin and Bicycles » March 22, 2004 Travel Gadgets for your European Vacation I'm no gadget freak, but sometimes a new whatchamacallit comes online and tickles my fancy. ThinkGeek offers the James Bond Stealth Camera , a digital camera that records sound as well, all stuffed into a--are you ready for this?--cigarette lighter! And it sets you back less than $100. Then The Register tells us of the USB Swiss Army Knife . No, the USB doesn't help you gut that carp, it's a separate USB memory stick that swings out of the knife like the blades or scissors. Now you can keep your passwords next to your razor-sharp blades, except on the plane of course. Remember that if you're carting along one of those cool gadgets that needs to be plugged into household current, you may need to do some shopping for plug convertors or transformers because European voltage is twice what American sockets connect up to--and the number of cycles per second is different as well. Look at our Electricity in Europe directory for information you may really need before you plug in. Email a Friend Display Latest Headlines Read Archives Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors 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...
Family Vacation Ideas Winter
Caribbean Vacations - for families You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > Caribbean Vacations 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 > Caribbean Vacations Caribbean Vacations All-inclusive resorts are the most popular Caribbean vacations for families. Look for price drops from April to December. Below-- and in folders to the right-- are many tips. Subtopics Caribbean Resorts (54) Caribbean Vacations in Mexico: Cancun & Mayan Riviera @ US Virgin Islands (9) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Caribbean Vacations: What to Expect Family resorts are a popular choice for Caribbean vacations, and many guests return year after year: what are these places like? Caribbean Vacations: Factors to consider Families may have many factors to consider, when choosing Caribbean vacations. Caribbean Vacations - what's right for you? Where should you go for your Caribbean vacation? The answer depends on your particular familiy... Click on what's important to you. Caribb'n Islands A to Z Which island to pick, for your Caribbean vacations? Start here with a quick overview. Beach Resorts A to Z Alphabetical list of many family choices in the Carib'n, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii. Caribbean Vacations - Deals This page at Travel With Kids lists the latest Caribbean vacation bargains. Caribbean Vacations: Aruba for Families This friendly island in the Dutch Caribbean (and outside the hurrican zone) has a number of all-inclusives and other family-friendly properties. Caribbean Vacations: Barbados This popular island has seen much development, and is best known for high-end celebrity resorts. British visitors like the all-inclusives packages, and driving on the left. Read about family activities and beach resorts. Belize Belize is the small country south of Mexico's Yucatan, with beaches on the Carib'n Sea. Explore all-inclusive packages. Costa Rica Costa Rica not only has lovely beaches, it's especially known for nature-tour vacations, visiting the Cloud Forest, volcano, wildlife refuge, etc. Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic -- which shares an island with impoverished Haiti-- has been working hard to build its tourism industry with all-inclusive Caribbean vacations at a good price point. Trinidad & Tobago Known as "T&T", these two distinct islands are opular with for nature lovers; several inns and resorts have special programs and promotions for families. Virgin Island Vacations Just two hours from Miami, the US Virgin Islands offer a Caribbean experience that's still part of the US. Three distinct islands offer white-sand beaches, super snorkeling, a major National Park, colonial towns and forts, and some popular family resorts. See Top Things to do in the USVI. Atlantis submarine cruises A fun outing on Caribbean vacations: Atlantis submarine cruises are offered on many islands, and a great way to give kids a tour of the ocean floor. Hurricane Season in the Carib'n You can find terrific bargains on Caribbean vacations from May to December; but some of those months are Hurricane Season. Read about weather risks, guarantees and protection strategies. 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...
Mexico Travel
Mexico Travel Guide - Mexico Articles Wednesday Dec 28th, 2005 Mexico Central Time Back to Mexico Articles Ok, you want to drive to Mexico (good for you!) and now you need to know what it will take to get you and your vehicle into the country. Here is the straight scoop. A friend of mine got in with a student ID and a smile, but she was much prettier than I am. All minors (under 18) need either both parents with them, or notarized permission from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. Vehicle Title or Registration Receipt. Owner is considered the name(s) on title only. For example: a wife cannot take the car if the title is only in the husband's name. If names of both husband and wife appear on title, either one may take the car. Birth certificate, passport or notarized proof of citizenship, or voter's registration card. Visa, MasterCard, Diner's, or American Express card with the same name as on title. Valid driver's license (with photo and same name as on title). Notarized letter of permission from the bank or lienholder is required on financed cars, rental cars, leased cars, or company cars (on company stationary). No borrowed cars or borrowed credit cards are accepted. You must sign an affidavit of promise to return vehicle back to the United States. Back to Top Failure to turn in your vehicle permit before the expiration date may result in fines. * This is subject to change without notice. In order to get your vehicle permit, you will pay an approximately $10-11 fee with a Visa, MasterCard or American Express. If you do not have a credit card, you will have to post a bond (much of which you will get back on your return). Your permit is good for multiple entries, but you MUST turn it in at border BEFORE it expires. We might as well warn you about customs before it is too late to do anything about it. Technically, both foreigners and Mexicans who are driving are only allowed to bring $50 worth of "merchandise" (mercancia, a word you will soon learn). Since nobody takes long trips to Mexico with only $50 worth of stuff, this is obviously impossible to enforce. What customs is looking for is new items that could be sold. The secret is not to have new-looking items with you. For example, if you have new clothes, take the tags off. If you have new camping gear, take it out of the shiny boxes and throw some dirt on them to make the boxes look old. Get the idea? One thing that will get you into trouble is a lot of stuff in Wal-Mart etc. sacks. If you bought a lot of items for your trip, take them out of the sacks, remove the price tags and distribute them among your baggage. I was once delayed for having too much film. I am a photographer and regularly take fifty rolls of film. Technically that is illegal, but I only had a problem once. That was when the rolls were still in a plastic bag from the store. From then on, I spread them out and haven't had a problem since. Computers Laptop computers are never (a dangerous phrase to use in Mexico, but I will go out on a limb here) a problem. Desktops can usually be brought in. A journalist friend of mine was moving to Mexico and had a lot of stuff, including a desktop computer. The customs inspector wanted to do his job, but he was a practical man. "Your computer," he asked, "it is small, no?" "Si," the scribe replied, "muy pequeño." Be honest and friendly and things will work out. Be arrogant and you will have trouble. Back to Top When to cross Allow at least 30 minutes for customs clearing. Early in the AM (6-7:30) is best. After 9:00 AM, it could take 30 minutes up to an hour. Weekends are the worst time, especially holidays. If you got a late start, please spend the night in a border town. Driving in Mexico is not as dangerous as you have been led to believe, but it is more challenging. There are plenty of four-lane toll roads that (for a price) can make you feel as comfortable as if you were back home. The two-lane roads vary in width and conditions so that some of them are usually in great shape, and others are often full of potholes. You will have to learn a few rules of the road For current gas and diesel prices, jump to gas prices. For road conditions, go to road updates. Driving in Mexico is perfectly safe and enjoyable. It is no more difficult than driving in the U.S., though defensive driving is a requirement. Despite what you have heard, Mexicans are very polite -- on the open road. In cities, a certain amount of aggression is required. Still, that's true in our country, too. How many of us can compete with NY or Boston cabbies -- or would want to? I have driven in most of the major U.S. cities and find the drivers in Mexico to be generally more polite, particularly the truck drivers and long distance bus drivers. (See the section about left turns). Accidents A remarkably small number of gringos have accidents in Mexico. Perhaps they learn the differences quickly or perhaps God watches out for fools, drunks and the U.S.A, as I was told by my father. So that you won't have to depend on divine intervention, I will give you some of the driving tips I have gleaned in my over twenty years of driving around Mexico. In that time, I have had one accident -- and that was because I passed out from carbon monoxide poisoning. Here's a tip -- if you have a back window on your 4WD, don't leave it open. Why is everyone flashing their lights at me? Flashing your headlights at a car in front of you indicates that you want to pass them. If you drive with your headlights on during the day, you will be flashed by oncoming drivers because they think you have left your lights on by accident. Back to Top Night Driving Don't drive at night on the two-lane roads. There is a lot of loose livestock and I have yet to see a cow equipped with tail lights. My tip for driving at night is - DON'T. On the toll roads (which are as good as or even better than those in the U.S. or Canada), you can drive at night, but should be aware that some roads -- particularly the Orizaba-Villahermosa road, and the Mexico City-Acapulco road, have been known to have assaults at night. Left Turn Signals On the open road, a left turn signal is an invitation to the guy behind you to pass. Trucks and busses frequently turn their left blinker on to guide you around them. I trust them, but use common sense. Sometimes they have optimistic views of your acceleration capabilities. Don't use your left turn signal on a two lane road when you are about to pass. You might get hit. A few readers have pointed out that on the toll roads, people use turn signals as they do here. My advice -- use 'em as you are used to on toll roads, but don't expect the other guy to do the same. Left Turns Left turns are different! When there is a left turn lane, there will usually be a left turn arrow. Look for 4 lights on signal. You MUST wait for arrow (whether or not you saw any Indians). Right Turns Right on red is usually not OK, unless there is a sign saying that it is. Lately, however, I have been honked at by locals when I wait for a green light. What to do? If there isn't a cop nearby, (and the coast is clear) I turn. Topes and Truckers Watch out for topes, which are speed bumps in every town of any size. They begin just as you enter a town and there are lots of them in-between. Slow down in rain -- more than you do here. The roads are slicker, due to the blowoff from the big trucks and it takes several hours of a heavy rain to wash it away. Truckers are usually friendly and will use the aforementioned left turn signal to give you the go-ahead to pass them when you cannot see around them. Back to Top Cops Traffic cops are more honest than you have been led to believe, but there are some in towns who are looking for bribes, especially in Mexico City. When this happens, stand firm and tell them you want to go to the comandancia. In Mexico City You cannot drive in Mexico City on certain days, depending on the last number of your license plate. Drive defensively at all times and you should have no problems. You will not go to jail for having a traffic accident, unless you do not have insurance, are drunk or high, or are argumentative. If the accident is serious, or if you kill someone, you could go to jail, or you and your car could simply be detained until the matter is settled. For this reason it is a good idea to have a legal assistance policy. This came from Live Better South of the Border. If you like the info you can order the book from a Secure Order Form with VI, MC, AM at http://www.mexicomike.com or by sending a check to Roads Scholar Press, 300 Zapata St., Rancho Viejo, TX 78520 or call 1-800-321-5605. The cost is $16.95 plus $4.00 S&H. Texas residents add 8.25% tax ($22.34). Back to Top Send us your comments about this article Back to Mexico Articles Acapulco | Cancun | CopperCanyon | Cozumel | Guadalajara | Huatulco | Ixtapa | Los Cabos Manzanillo | Mazatlan | Mexico City | Monterrey | Oaxaca | Puerto Vallarta © 1995 - 2005 Let's Go2Mexico ® - All Rights Reserved - Powered by ® Go2 Producciones ernesto luna sierra
Travel Advice UK Embassies
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Home Most popular sections... Careers with the FCO Country Profiles FCO Strategy Foreign Embassies in the UK Latest News Links Travel Advice UK Embassies Overseas UKVisas i-uk.com The purpose of the FCO is to work for UK interests in a safe, just and prosperous world. We do this with some 16,000 staff, based in the UK and our overseas network of over 200 diplomatic offices. ANNIVERSARY OF INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI – MESSAGE FROM JACK STRAW(26/12/05) 'I would like to express the government's, and my own, sympathy to those who have suffered bereavement, injury or trauma due to the terrible events of Boxing Day 2004', said Jack Straw, in a statement issued on the anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami. More... 'THE CENTRAL ROLE THAT MUSLIMS PLAY IN THIS COUNTRY' - STRAW, LAUNCH OF HAJJ 2006(20/12/05) 'I believe that there is a shared sense of community in Britain', said Jack Straw, at the launch of the seventh Hajj Delegation. Mr Straw said that the Hajj 'highlights the extent to which we in Britain live in a truly multi-cultural multi-religious society' and is 'a symbol of the central role which Muslims play in the life of this country.' More... Travel Advice: Read the latest updates by country. Photos: See the updated photo library of FCO Ministers. Video: Watch the latest 'Know Before You Go' TV advertisement. BOXING DAY 2004 TSUNAMI ANNIVERSARY Our tsunami section has a large amount of information regarding the Boxing Day 2004 tsunami, including help for bereaved families and assistance for people thinking of visiting the area. The Foreign Secretary made a statement on 26 December, marking the anniversary of the Tsunami . EU BUDGET PLANS IN DETAIL The UK Presidency has published revised proposals on the Financial Perspectives 2007 - 2013, which have been agreed following the European Council meeting on 15-16 December. For more information visit the UK Presidency of the EU 2005 website. UK Trade & Investment - The Government organisation helping international businesses realise their potential. UKvisas - Delivering a modern visa service. Number Ten website. - The website of the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. -- Main switchboard/ General enquiries: 020 7008 1500 Services for Britons Overseas: 020 7008 0210 (office hours only) Travel advice: 0845 850 2829 (BT-4p per min, other networks vary) Visa enquiries: 020 7008 8438
Ski Vacation Gear Guide
Ski Vacation - Planning a ski vacation You are here: About > Sports > Skiing > Ski Vacation Sports Skiing Essentials Ski Resort A to Z Snow Reports Plan a Ski Trip Ski Equipment Learn to Ski Articles & Resources Beginning Skier Downhill Skier Cross Country Skier Snow Reports/Weather Ski Resorts Ski Vacation Gear Guide Picks FAQ's Ski Fitness Mountain Cams and Pictures Competitive skiing Latest News Specialized Skiing Expert Skiing Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Skiing newsletter! See Online Courses Search Skiing > Ski Vacation Ski Vacation Do you need to plan a ski vacation? You ski vacation should include a great mountain and great snow and you should be able to get it for a good price. Check out these sights for a great ski vacation Subtopics Glossary of Ski terms @ Ski Packages (4) Ski Canada @ Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Vermont Free Ski - Vermont Discount Ski Deals - Ski Free - Discount Tickets Get free ski tickets and discount ski tickets for Vermont ski resorts and Vermont lift tickets for the 2005 - 2006 ski season. Find ski deals for Ascutney Mountain Resort, Bolton Valley Resort, Burke Mountain Ski Area, Jay Peak Resort, Killington Resort, Mad River Glen, Mount Snow Resort, Okemo Mountain Resort, Pico Mountain, Smugglers' Notch Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, Stratton Mountain Resort and Sugarbush Resort. California Free Ski Deals - Discount Ski Deals - Ski Free - Discount Tickets Military personnel will be able to ski and snowboard for free at Squaw Valley USA for the 2005-2006 ski season. Squaw Valley USA is offering the return of the Free Military Discount Program to salute the troops and say thank you to the entire United States Military. Free Ski Deals - Discount Ski Deals - Ski Free - Discount Tickets Find the best free ski deals and best discounts ski deals for the 2005 - 2006 ski season. Get free ski tickets and discount ski tickets for ski resorts and lift tickets for the 2005 - 2006 ski season. Book your ski vacation today Start your research for your next ski vacation. Book flights, hotels and cars in one easy spot. Planning that ski vacation has never been easier. Ski in Luxury The definitive collection of luxury ski holiday chalets and hotels throughout the major European ski resorts, including Chamonix, Val DIsere, Courchevel, Morzine, Zermatt, Verbier, and many more! Ski Utah Announces Partnership with Delta Air Lines Ski Utah Announces Partnership with Delta Air Lines Ski Portillo Chile - Portillo Chile South America - Ski South America Ski South America at Portillo Chile. Ski Portillo chile in the South American Andes. Resort information and travel tips for Ski Portillo Ski Lake Tahoe - Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts - Lake Tahoe Ski Lake Tahoe - Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts - Lake Tahoe Aspen for under $20 - Outdoor ice rink in Aspen Aspen for under $20 - Outdoor ice rink in Aspen Utah ski resorts this season Utah ski resorts this season. Get the Latest News Buritto run ski trip How long does a ski trip have to be to be considered a vacation? world wide family ski locations great place to help you find the perfect family ski resort world wide. skier responsibility code On the mountain you have a responsibility to ski responsibly. Know the code. ski trip planning first ski trip ski trip packing check list 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 Winterplace Mt. Holly Las Vegas Ski Area Ski Windham Paoli Peaks Headlines Killington Resort to Re-Open Saturday for the 2005-06 Ski and Snowboard Season The Killington Resort in Vermont will Open this Saturday... Free Ski Deals - Discount Ski Deals Find the best free ski deals and best discount... Breckenridge in Colorado - Ski Season Opened Nov 11 Strap on your skis, brush off your board and dig... Top 10 Ski Schools Take lessons from the top instructors at the top...