Travel insurance home Cover

Travel insurance, cheap holiday travel insurance quotes from RAC Skip navigation and go to main content Home Contact us My RAC Sitemap Breakdown cover Car buying Car care Insurance Learn to drive Loans & leasing Motorcycle services Personal injury RAC world Travel services Windscreens Home > Insurance > Travel Travel insurance home Cover options and information Frequently asked questions Full policy wording Summary of cover Areas of cover Leisure activities Winter sports For an instant quote or for more information call free on 0800 051 4543 Mon-Fri 8am-10pm,Sat 8am-6pm,Sun 10am-4pm Calls may be recorded/monitored Travel insurance With RAC Direct Travel Insurance, you can relax knowing that help is just a phone call away. 24 hour Worldwide Medical Emergency Assistance Service Comprehensive cover with wide range of options Choice of annual multi-trip and single trip cover Free UK Breakdown cover through RAC Rescue to help you get to and from the airport or ferry in the UK. Travel advice with the RAC Travel Assistant helpline service Annual travel from just £42.82 a year Single Trip cover from just £14.98 for 4 days (Prices based on individual with no medical conditions, aged 30 with European cover and no optional covers) Prices correct as at November 2005 and based on individuals with nomedical conditions, aged 30 with European cover and no optional covers For an instant quote or for more information call free on 0800 051 4543 Mon-Fri 8am-10pm,Sat 8am-6pm,Sun 10am-4pm Calls may be recorded/monitored For our joint protection and training purposes calls may be recorded and/or monitored. RAC Direct Insurance is a trading name of London and Edinburgh Insurance Company Limited. Registered in England No. 924430. Registered Office: 8 Surrey Street, Norwich, NR1 3NG. Member of the Aviva Group. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. www.rac.co.uk Bookmark this page A to Z listing | Site map | Compliance statement | Privacy policy | Terms & conditions © 2005 RAC Motoring Services - an RAC plc company www.rac.co.uk

Family Vacation Ideas Winter

Holiday Season: Family Vacation Ideas  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 Holiday Season: Family Vacation Ideas Travel with Kids Blog « New at The Atlantis | Main | Holiday Packages » From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! November 19, 2005 Holiday Season: Family Vacation Ideas Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn in Orlando has an amazing amount of fun on-site: two waterparks; Sponge-Bob and other Nick characters; pool games and nightly entertainment designed by Nickelodeon. Not surprisingly, extra fun is planned for the Holiday Season. Click to read details about seasonal parades, parties, shows, and sliming. (You can also click to learn more about Nick Hotel .) lots more Holiday Season ideas continued below... Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn: Holiday Season --This information has been provided by Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn -- It's the first Holiday Season for NickHotel-- but the property has already won an award as Best Holiday Inn in North America" and visitors can expect major fun over the holidays. The season continues through Jan. 8, celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa with holiday entertainment. SpongeBobs Christmas Wish : SpongeBob SquarePants discovers the magic in an interactive musical, in which guests dive down to Bikini Bottom to uncover the origins of the very first undersea Christmas. Lots of jokes and sing-alongs. Holiday theming : all the usual fun shows get a holiday flavor, especially the live shows in the Studio Nick (theater. Santa Claus joins SpongeBob throughout December, meeting kids each weekday evening. special viewings of A Rugrats Chanukah . Holiday Menus : Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. New Year's Eve: The Official Last Sliming of 2005 : two lucky guests get the last slime of the year, followed of course by The Official First Sliming of 2006 . Also on New Year's Eve: dive-in movies from 7:00pm to midnight; DJ at the Lagoon Pool from 8:00pm; for younger guests, Cosmo and Wanda countdown to the New Year in Fairyland. Click to see more about Holiday Events at Nickhotel, and also seasonal deals . Rates for the Season best deals are available for advance bookings for weekday stays: $125/night, forselect dates in Nov. and Dec. 2005, Jan and Feb. 2006 non-advance purchase rates start at $184 midweek Friday and Saturday rates begin at $249 and $199 for November and December with some blackout dates book early to get the best rates Find out more -- and see photos -- about " Nick Hotel ". Email to a Friend Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type 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...

Orlando Vacation Rentals Sign

Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals - Kissimmee - Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Reviews - TripAdvisor Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Sign in • Sign up Home > United States > Florida > Kissimmee > Kissimmee specialty lodging > Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Kissimmee tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Dining Deals Getaways Forums Maps, etc. Search (e.g., Boston hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Kissimmee Kissimmee Overview Kissimmee Hotels Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals All Kissimmee Hotels Flights to Kissimmee Kissimmee Deals Kissimmee Attractions Kissimmee Restaurants Kissimmee Forum Kissimmee Maps Kissimmee Discount Hotels Kissimmee Vacation Packages Free Newsletter Get deals, news and articles on Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Plus weekend trip ideas from your hometown Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Kissimmee e-mail this page to a friend Traveler Reviews Write a review . What was your experience with Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals? 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Kissimmee Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals 7862 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway No 1 Kissimmee, Florida 34747 United States Deals on Nearby Kissimmee Specialty Lodging Sunlake Resort Florida Choice Vacation Homes Endless Summer Vacation Homes Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Deals on Kissimmee Hotels Fairfield at Cypress Palms Baymont Inn & Suites Hampton Inn Orlando-Disney Maingate West Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Comfort Suites Maingate East Bahama Bay Resort - Resort Quest Beachtree Villas Windsor Palms Resort Bahama Bay Resort Orlando Sunterra Resorts Polynesian Isles Tropical Palms Resort Emerald Island Resort Hapimag - Orlando Lake Berkley Resort Premier Vacation Homes Terra Verde Resort Oak Plantation Resort Holiday Villas Vacation Village at Parkway Comfort Suites Maingate Parkway International Resort Radisson Resort Parkway AmeriSuites Lake Buena Vista South Orange Lake Resort and Country Club Radisson Resort Worldgate Country Inn & Suites Orlando-Maingate at Calypso Cay Resort Summer Bay Resort La Quinta Inn & Suites Orlando Maingate Lake Marion Golf Resort Magic Tree Resort Orbit One Vacation Villas Magical Memories Villas Hampton Inn - Maingate East Super 8 Motel - Kissimmee Suites Fantasy World Club Villas Clarion Hotel Maingate Best Western Lakeside Holiday Inn Nikki Bird Quality Suites Maingate East Vacation Villas at Fantasy World W Irlo Bronson Hwy Holiday Inn Maingate West Days Inn West Of Walt Disney World Wyndham Palms Resort & Country Club Palms Hotel and Villas Best Western Maingate East Vacation Villas at Fantasy World Seralago Hotel and Suites Saratoga Resort Villas Grand Lake Resort Wellesley Inn Kissimmee/Lake Cecile Star Island Resort and Club Read more Kissimmee tourism Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Compare rates with: 7862 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway No 1, Kissimmee, Florida 34747, United States Sponsored links * Hotel deal search: Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Click here for best prices for Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals : A new way to stay. Orlando.com Offering hundreds of great hotel and vacation rental opportunities. Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals : Hot Deals BookIt.com You Know What to Do. Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals : Book now and save big CheapTickets.com finds you low prices where you need to stay! Just click - you're there. Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals : Save on nearby hotels Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! All results: View all 1,188 Kissimmee travel deals We're sorry We currently do not have any Web articles about Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals. If you know of a travel article about it, please let us know so we can post it here! Forums Get candid advice from real travelers! Title # of Replies Most Recent Reply "Elite Choice Homes" 4 replies 10:34 am, today "Road Construction near Windsor Palms" 12 replies 9:43 am, today "Florida Leisure Vacation Homes" 1 reply 6:27 pm, Dec 17, 2005 Go to the Kissimmee Forum Post a forums topic about Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals Share your travel savvy! Join a discussion... Title # of Replies Time/Date Posted "timeshare" no replies 12:47 pm, today "Rent a car?" no replies 2:34 pm, Dec 22, 2005 "Florida Leisure Vacation Homes" no replies 6:24 am, Dec 15, 2005 Browse Kissimmee discussions TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews Have you been to Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals? Be the first to write a user review and tell others about your experience! Research Other Kissimmee Hotels Mouse Pads Orlando Vacation Rentals not what you're looking for? Find out about other Kissimmee hotels , or check out Kissimmee hotel deals ! 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Central America Travel Stories

Central America Travel Stories Archives: BootsnAll Travel Network Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Bali | London | Australia | Written Road | Travel News Daily Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Contact | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Home » Central America » Central America Travel Stories Central America Travel Stories Making a Splash in St. Croix - St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Linda Vissat finds herself surrounded by the ocean...and running out of water. A Taste of Tranquility: Life on the Shores of Lake Atitlan - San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala Amy Richardson discovers the gem of Guatemala. Island Moment - Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua Hilary Miller longs to return to Nicaragua's most beautiful island and the best host she's ever had. The Perfect Panama - Panama City, Panama Kat Edwards found traveling in Panama to be the perfect experience. Guatemala City - Worth a visit? - Guatemala City, Guatemala Hilary Miller decides that although she wouldn't make Guatemala City a destination, it's not a bad place to be stuck for a day or two. Ocho Locos en Costa Rica - Costa Rica Susan Gottfried and her band of friends take on Costa Rica for less than 2,000 a piece. What We Offer - Santa Ines, Honduras Devin Foxall believes that to cherish the good that survives this world, it may be necessary to acknowledge the scars that bind us as well. Pyramids and Political Strife: A Day in the Belize River Valley - Belize River Valley, Belize David W. Kingsley examines the lives of the native people of Belize on his travels. Costa Rica, Hostels, and Plastic Surgery - Costa Rica There comes a time in every traveller's life when she realizes that she absolutely cannot spend even one more night in a dorm, and it's time to spring for a single. Maximon - the Saint that Loves to Drink and Smoke - Santiago de Atitlan, Guatemala Luminita Bianca Cuna pays her respects to a Mayan saint. Land of Eternal Spring - Guatemala Rites of spring and Passion Week go hand-in-hand in Guatemala. Soaring Skyscrapers of the Jungle-City of Tikal - Tikal, Guatemala Lito Galvan thinks George Lucas wasn't too discreet imagineering the aerial scenes in his film "Star Wars" - it's unmistakably copied from the magical fantasy city of Tikal. Shooting Two Birds with One Stone - Antigua, Guatemala Lito Galvan finds tourist police to be clueless crosses between cinema ushers and supermarket security guards that might have been recruited just days before the onslaught of the peak tourist season from a pool of the habitually indolent and unemployed. Chuckling Post from a Chicken Bus Ride - Pan American Highway, Guatemala The chicken bus offered limited outside view but inside, there is free entertainment, ride fare not inclusive. Temblor en Puerto Viejo - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica Natural disasters aside, and being scammed to get her wallet back, Lisa Britt discovers there is something very real about being out there away from everything. Guatemalan Interlude - Guatemala Allan Taylor revisits his favorite spots in Guatemala and also discovers some new ones. Pura Vida! - Costa Rica Lisa Britt says that you won't see the seedier side of Costa Rica unless you go looking. Welcome to Costa Rica - Costa Rica Theresa Yiju Lin finds herself in an unusual position when she's welcomed into a country. Heros and Pleasers - San Salvador, El Salvador Traveling - the lack of sleep, the cessation of routine, the unbalanced diet, the abusive drinking - always turns Gary Pollitt into a mentally unstable 14-year-old girl. The Modern Bus: Smell The Magic - Latin America Dave Prival became an expert in Latin American busology while traveling by bus from Mexico to Argentina over 15 months and has a few tips to share about choosing the least-worse seat. Panama Living - Panama City, Panama, Less touristy than Costa Rica, but safer than other Latin American countries, Alexis Lojowsky thinks Panama is an excellent country to spend some time in. Love and Kindness in San Antonio Aguas Caliente - San Antonio Aguas Caliente, Vicinity of Antigua, Guatemala Luminita Bianca Cuna plays godmother twice - once in a monk wedding, and again on the street. Coming home to Costa Rica - San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Lisa Britt visits a place she knew she belonged before she even set foot on the ground: Costa Rica. Costa Rica: Gold, Floods and a Robbery - Costa Rica A flood, a robbery and a strenuous hike still don't deter Jerome Burdi from enjoying the Pura Vida. Guatemala Chicken Bus Travel - Guatemala It's Heather Okvat's chicken bus versus her sanity! Who will win?! Hello from Costa Rica - Alajuela, Costa Rica Sara Lamnin tromps through the jungles, mountains and the second-largest city in Costa Rica. The School of Life - Tamarindo, Costa Rica Solbeam learns that despite what her economics teacher says, the value of life cannot be charted on a map. Mango Season Madness - Playa Zunzal, El Salvador Catherine Mojsiewicz discovers Playa Zunzal by randomly picking a place on a map of the coast, and is overwhelemed by mango madness. El Dia de Todos Santos - Santiago, Guatemala Lafe Metz enjoys the Guatemalan custom of flying giant kites in graveyards to honor the dead each November - and the drinking that goes with it. Dodging the Bullet - Honduras When Derek Lalonde decides between beer and bed, he learns the latter might not have been a bad idea after all. Journey to Tambor - Costa Rica Bert Brun heads to Costa Rica thinking that he may invest in a resort - however, after a rough ride, a new bus may be a better use of his funds. Loud Volcanoes and Dense Jungles - Playa Hermosa/Central America/Costa Rica There is much to see and do in Costa Rica, but Tamara Garcia fears it will all soon dissapear. The Last Chicken Bus - Guatemala There are three of us in this row: me in half of my seat, his bag of mangoes in half of his, and him straddling the middle between us. Today is not a day I need anyone else's body heat. Roatan: a Caribbean Island in Transition - Roatan, Honduras David Alan Robinson snoops around Roatan and witnesses another Caribbean island that is poised for development. Don't Worry, It's Straight Ahead, and Other Guatemalan Fibs - Guatemala Children run from her shrieking, she has to catch a ride on a dump drunk and Claire MacDonell still has another week in the mountains of Guatemala. Petén: The Guatemalan North As anyone coming to Guatemala is painfully aware of, if you miss the ruins at Tikal, you might as well not come at all. As the number one tourist attraction in the country, this jungle encrusted ancient city of... Over Copan Out - Mexico & Honduras Chris Matcham is astounded by the impressive Aztec and Maya ruins in Mexico and Honduras. After too much 'stone-watching,' he is ready to call it quits. 8: Did I Tell You I've Never... - Diary of a Single Girl - La Fortuna, Costa Rica Fun abounds in La Fortuna: lava-boiled hot springs, toxic sulfur fumes, mutant cucharachas. You can also swing around the forest and wham-bang into a tree at high speeds. 7: Hey Mon... - Diary of a Single Girl - Puerto Viejo Talamanca, Costa Rica Fun abounds in La Fortuna: lava-boiled hot springs, toxic sulfur fumes, mutant cucharachas. You can also swing around the forest and wham-bang into a tree at high speeds. 6: Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head... - Diary of a Single Girl - Quepos, Costa Rica Life stays pretty hazy on CR's Caribbean side, but Maria's clear on one thing: just because she likes the chicken doesn't mean she likes the chef. A Year and a Day #25: An Often Depressing Paradise - Costa Rica Costa Rica and its natural beauty was one of the main reasons for Daniel Wallace to visit Central America. Reality was far different from expectation. A Year and a Day #26: Conclusion: No ticket home - Central America Daniel Wallace's travelogue is drawing to a close, but that does not mean his trip is ending. Rather, he's starting fresh, with a new perspective on his travels than he had when he started 6 months ago. A Year and a Day #24: Christmas and New Year\'s Eve, but where was the fiesta? - Nicaragua Daniel crossed over into Nicaragua and found his favourite city in Central America so far: Grenada. A Year and a Day #23: Diving on Utila - Honduras Daniel left with very warm memories of his very cold time on Utila. The diving was great and the people were fantastic. A Year and a Day #22: Honduras - Honduras Daniel crosses the border into Honduras and immediately sees the differences from Guatemala. A Year and a Day #21: El Retiro and the Day of the Devil - Guatemala Those of a nervous disposition may wish to avoid Guatemala on December seventh as the Day of the Devil celebrations explode with fireworks. A Year and a Day #19: Xela, Antigua and Chichi - Guatemala Daniel found Antigua and Xela to be places that are pleasant enough for a holiday from your holiday, but any longer and he started to feel uncomfortable. A Year and a Day #18: Todosantos Chuchumantan - Guatemala Todosantos was exactly what Daniel was looking for in Guatemala. It wasn't Utopia by any means, but he was able to feel more a part of the community than anywhere else he had been. A Year and a Day #17: Arrival in Guatemala - Guatemala Daniel has only been there a week, but already he is sure Guatemala is a lovely, amazing country to travel in. Even a bit of mysterious illness and the upcoming general elections can't discourage him. The Year of Living Differently #1: The Plan - Central America Trisha's plan, including her route, visas she needed, travel insurance and shots she got before she left. A Year and a Day #20: Coban - Guatemala Daniel discovered that the Gringo Trail is very heavily trafficked. He's also a staunch defender of the Chicken Bus. A Year and a Day #25: An Often Depressing Paradise - Costa Rica An Often Depressing Paradise Tuesday, 13th January 2004 "Ten years ago, this country was a paradise", grumped the ageing and slightly slimy Costa Rican barrister, speaking as our bus to the coast paused for a food break. He blamed the... Hippocrates Laughs - Nicaragua Shawna Kenney goes to Central America to cure her friend's loneliness and finds another world in the process. Caye Caulker - Belize & Tikal, Guatemala (4 of 5) Justin Bryant tackles wildlife, forests, scary restaurants and rickety bars, but why worry, man? It's Belize. Cayo District - Belize & Tikal, Guatemala (1 of 5) May-June 1999 I spent 27 days in Belize in the summer of 1999. The trip cost me $1300 or so, including $330 for my flight from Miami. I could have done it cheaper, but I splurged a little in... Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve - Belize & Tikal, Guatemala (2 of 5) Justin Bryant tackles wildlife, forests, scary restaurants and rickety bars, but why worry, man? It's Belize. Placencia - Belize & Tikal, Guatemala (3 of 5) Justin Bryant tackles wildlife, forests, scary restaurants and rickety bars, but why worry, man? It's Belize. Tikal, and Difficulties & General Info - Belize & Tikal, Guatemala (5 of 5) Justin Bryant tackles wildlife, forests, scary restaurants and rickety bars, but why worry, man? It's Belize. La Catarata - Costa Rica Rebecca Bowe and her friends put their clothes back on and made their way back up the path feeling exhausted and full of wonder. Utila - Hangover in Paradise A tequila hangover doesn't stop Malcolm Blakey from spending 2 weeks diving and eating on the island of Utila. Avoid being Ripped-off in Guatemala Maury Englander follows up his story of being robbed in Guatemala City with some tips to help you avoid the same fate. Deconstructing Travels To Tikal - Tikal, Guatemala Amongst the huge stone temples at Tikal, Shawn Cooley waxes philosophical. Biting the Bullet - El Salvador William Koplitz went to El Salvador to go surfing and was shot by thieves after being in the country for 24 hours. Fear (but no loathing) in Guatemala - Guatemala Explosions ripped Shannan Murphy out of an exhausted sleep. But she learned she had nothing to fear, but fear itself. ER in Guatemala - Guatemala The nightly turtle races were all the excitement the village of Monterrico was supposed to offer. Laurie Magree found a bit more than that after helping to save two locals attacked by a machete-wielding drunk. Pepperoni, Island Style - Belize A Washington state man sells off three pizza joints and stateside life to open shop in a bamboo-covered trailer in Belize. Touch the Wire (Part Two) - San Jose, Costa Rica After 2 years of highs and lows Brandon Dane's hand got pried off the high-voltage line of life. He can't wait to clutch on again. Touch the Wire (Part One) - Costa Rica After 2 years of highs and lows Brandon Dane's hand got pried off the high-voltage line of life. He can't wait to clutch on again. Don't Miss the Boat - Costa Rica Costa Rica is considered one of the most ecologically abundant areas in the hemisphere, writes Judy Wolf. It has distractions and attractions galore - beaches, surfing, nesting sea turtles, cloud forests, active volcanoes, rivers and more. Pura Vida en Costa Rica - Costa Rica Whatever your taste, you can find it in Costa Rica. Lee Abbamonte promises that you will want to return time and again. The Idiot's Guide to Good Transport in Guatemala Diana Espirito Santo navigates the scary, but rewarding, world of Guatemalan transportation. Bloody Football - Honduras Today's football heroes are worshipped, but in an ancient time, they worshipped the gods with human sacrifice. I Will Survive: Early Morning in the Guatemalan Jungle with a Drag Queen - Guatemala The temples of Tikal are cause for awe and wonder. But Diana Reed found herself wondering about one of her fellow visitors to the ancient ruins. Counting the Hours on Contadora - Panama Troy White visited the only nude beach in Central America, called 'Swedish Girls Beach.' The problem was: there were no Swedish girls, just he and his friends. Casa Viejo Mike Heavers is awed by resilient, sensual, enticing Casco Vieja - epitomized by the daily struggle against poverty by its people. A Bridge in The Bay Islands - Roatan, Honduras The Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea pale in comparison to the quality of the Bay Islands of Roatan. Time may be running out, writes Lee Abbamonte, to see this unspoiled area. Don't wait. Escape from Roatan - Roatan, Honduras Leaving Roatan, Honduras felt more like an escape than a departure for Diana Espirito Santo. Diving Adventure in Belize - Belize Seasickness, wild waves and an overflowing toilet weren't going to keep Kristin Piljay from diving in Belize's blue waters. Costa Rica Beach Bum Buddha - Costa Rica People can touch your life, even if you know them only for a short while. Shawn Cooley reflects on the people that touch the life of a traveler. Seven Days in Costa Rica - Costa Rica Traversing through the rainforests next to an active volcano, David Alan Robinson makes the most of his seven days in Costa Rica. La Fortuna Fiesta - Costa Rica A spring break with a difference, Catharine Wells traveled to Costa Rica to see Volcan Arenal. Instead she arrived in time for a local festival. Relax, Mon - Caye Caulker, Belize Matt Scott quickly adapts to the easy-going pace of Caye Caulker - both above and below the water. The Legend of La Mona - Puntarenas, Costa Rica Did a half-woman half-monkey, with a hysterical laugh, prey on Andrew Black's sanity? The Complete Rules of the Road for Driving in Guatemala Ken McCormick provides a basic set of rules for surviving (or not) Guatemala's notorious highways. La Casa Grande What Chris Lele's search from the website blurb on Casa Grande led him to expect and what he found was different, even shocking. Belize and Tikal, Guatemala Justin Bryant tackles wildlife, forests, scary restaurants and rickety bars, but why worry, man? It's Belize. A Guatemalan (Sad) Story - Guatemala City, Guatemala Maury Englander was distracted for just a second, but that's all it took for thieves to end his holiday in Guatemala. Island Time - Roatan, Honduras Island Time - undetermined quantity of time just long enough to infuriate, confuse and befuddle a sick-stomached mainlander, writes Thomas Jones. Like a Fish to Air - Roatan, Honduras Roatan is reknown for diving, but it also forces Kristina Johnson to confront her fears. From Baja to the Land of Fire #9: Panama City, Panama (part II) What was that about South America? Things were going to plan, but then romance called for a change in itinerary. From Baja to the Land of Fire #8: Panama City, Panama Nicaragua, Costa Rica, an awesome dancer named Arlen, and a bit of illness (well, a lot of illness) can only mean one thing: it's time for South America. From Baja to the Land of Fire #7: Tegucigalpa, Honduras Theo takes rain delays in stride as he visits the ruins of Copan, has a near death experience while rafting, and takes a night dive on Roatan. From Baja to the Land of Fire #6: Coban, Guatemala A week of Spanish lessons, volcanoes, learning how the chickens feel and, at last, arrival in the city of everlasting drizzling rain. From Baja to the Land of Fire #5: Guatemala Cool long-term travelers, colorful locals and plenty of good times meet Theo throughout Guatemala, from Tikal to Xela. From Baja to the Land of Fire #4: Caye Caulker, Belize Belize is a midpoint between Mexico and Central America, a chance to finish adapting from home life to road life, before plunging in to some real traveling. Worldwide with Wee-Cheng #27: After Latin America, What\'s Next? Recap & More on Plans The full statistical breakdown of Wee-Cheng's trip, but it's only this part that's coming to a final destination. Look for him in Europe soon... Worldwide with Wee-Cheng #23: Mad Rush Through Honduras, El Salvador & Belize - Honduras, El Salvador, Belize Late, late, late. WeeCheng is behind schedule, and so he had to rush through Honduras, El Salvador and Belize. Worldwide with Wee-Cheng #22: Nicaragua: Bulls' Testicles in the Land of Fire and Revolution - Nicaragua If the North Americans will leave the place alone, peaceful Nicaragua can finish the process of rebuilding after years of conflict. Worldwide with Wee-Cheng #21: Costa Rica: Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice - San Jose, Costa Rica Gringolandia at its finest, but for heaven's sake, not another jungle-and-volcano tour... Worldwide with Wee-Cheng #1: Project Infinite Liberation Wee-Cheng outlines his trip, route and destinations. Latin America is only the beginning. Paget's Belize Journal #10 September 27: Here I Am and It's Hot! Here I am in Belize and well on my way to slowing down. Since we have lots of new people on the list since my June visit, I will repeat some... Paget's Belize Journal #11 September 28: More Weather; Sensations; Housing Today Dangriga is back to being a refreshingly breezy coastal community, but when I first arrived here, it was very still. The staff at Pelican Beach (the resort where I'm staying temporarily) say... Paget's Belize Journal #12 October 1: Housing Styles and Security A few people have expressed some interest in the security measures that are in place here, presumably because of my mention both of the issue of security bars on houses and the night... Paget's Belize Journal #13 October 4: Security and SNORKELING! Just a short note to finish the security topic for now and then on to the good stuff. The point of all this security is not physical protection but possessions protection. As I was... Paget's Belize Journal #14 October 5: Dock Activities, Yoga and Nightlife One of the reasons I will be very sad to leave Pelican Beach Resort (when I finally find a house) is the dock. It's about 120 feet out into the ocean and... Paget's Belize Journal #15 October 7: Day-to-Day Life - Part 1: Avoiding Nocturnal Mosquito Bites It appears to be true that mosquitoes do not land in a breeze and that although they can bite through cloth, it has to be taut enough to... Paget's Belize Journal #16 October 8: The Quadrille, or, Lewis Carrol Ain't Got Nuthin' On Us! I offer here, an entire, unedited article from the online version of the Belize Reporter Newspaper - one of four national newspapers in the country (there are... Paget's Belize Journal #17 October 8: A Place to Live, Hooray! My househunting efforts have been successful and I will be moving into an apartment in the next few days! I'm a little apprehensive, it's been cozy and safe and quiet at Pelican,... Paget's Belize Journal #18 October 13: Cleaning and Culture Well, the weekend did not go quite as I had planned. I got felled by one of those lovely stranger-in-a-strange land bugs and wasn't too lively for most of it. But I did get... Paget's Belize Journal #19 October 14: Hurricane Irene Just in case you were wondering, here is this morning's evaluation of our weather GENERAL SITUATION: HURRICANE IRENE NEARING THE SOUTHWEST COAST OF CUBA POSES NO IMMEDIATE THREAT TO BELIZE EXCEPT FOR AN OCCASIONAL BAND... Paget's Belize Journal #2 Monday, June 14 Things are going well here in Belize, but it's taken me this long to get an e-mail connection operating via the account of my hosts Tony and Therese. Weather has been lovely, the rainy season here... Paget's Belize Journal #20 October 19: A Weekend in Hopkins Village Since I didn't have a new bedstead and I still had quite a few not-so-tiny roommates, I decided to get on the bus and go to Hopkins - a small Garifuna village... Paget's Belize Journal #21 October 19: Hopkins Village Part II There are a few more things I want to relate about my visit to Hopkins before I forget. Hopkins is primarily a fishing village, the fishing boats (really slightly enlarged rowboats in a... Paget's Belize Journal #22 October 23: A Weather Report or, What they think is cold Here's another Belize weather report for you: GENERAL SITUATION: COLD FRONT AFFECTING THE COUNTRY! TEMPERATURES: HIGHS(TODAY) COASTAL 30C/86F INLAND 30C/86F LOWS(TONIGHT) COASTAL 20C/68 INLAND 16C/61F And that's what... Paget's Belize Journal #23 November 2: Observations on Transportation As I think I've mentioned, there's not much in the way of paved roads in Belize. There's a big project to pave the Southern Highway and most of the Hummingbird Highway is paved, and... Paget's Belize Journal #24 November 6: Food Experiments Even though Belizeans (or at least the Garifuna) are content to eat beans and rice and stewed chicken every day, the food here is really quite good and varied. The fresh fish and shellfish of... Paget's Belize Journal #25 November 12: The Brits; Furniture Therese and I just got back from a trip to the capitol, Belmopan, to talk to the British High Commissioner (a super-ambassador) and his staff about developing a web site. It looks like we'll... Paget's Belize Journal #26 November 17: Night Noise, Settlement Day I've had a restless enough go of it the last two nights that I decided to complain a little. Although there are not enough people here to make a truly difficult noise pollution... Paget's Belize Journal #27 November 18: Dragonflies! Just a quickie. There was a dragonfly hatch yesterday and it is the most amazing thing to have a sky full of dragonflies. There were truly millions of them, all drifting lazily from where they were... Paget's Belize Journal #28 November 24: A Good 19th As I told you earlier, November 19 is the major Garifuna holiday and Dangriga is the center of Garifuna culture, so it is a very big thing here. (You refer to it as "the... Paget's Belize Journal #29 November 30: Wrapping Up the 19th Some interesting things to tell about the Thanksgiving trip to Mexico to visit Carol, so I'll just do a quick wrap up on 19th festivities and hope for time to write more later... Paget's Belize Journal #3 Wednesday, June 16: A tourist trip Yesterday I had my tourist day. Went by van up from the coast on various "highways" and back roads through the citrus fields to the Belize zoo which is a natural habitat approach... Paget's Belize Journal #30 December 1: Traveling to Mexico Getting to and from Mexico and across the border was half the fun of the Thanksgiving trip to Bacalar to visit Carol (a friend from the States, "wintering" there). I flew from Dangriga to... Paget's Belize Journal #31 December 7: Thanksgiving in Mexico Thanksgiving in Mexico with Carol's friends was a good combination of traditional and local color. Carol and J.B. are back in Bacalar, located about 10 miles from Chetumal (just across the Belize border) on... Paget's Belize Journal #32 December 10: A Trip to Cockscomb Basin They called me Wednesday from Pelican Beach and said that there was a tour going to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday that had space available. So I went. There hasn't been... Paget's Belize Journal #33 December 15: A Belizean Week-end I got a little more adventurous this weekend and ended up with some typically Belizean experiences, unlike my usual mode which is mostly observation. On Saturday night I finally visited a Belizean bar (a... Paget's Belize Journal #34 December 15: Tobacco Caye: A "Trip" The plan after my night at the lodge with Capt. Frank, Sgt. Alejandro and the drunk (a Saturday) was that we would meet on the street in front of my house at 7:30... Paget's Belize Journal #35 December 21: Is it really Christmas? Several of you have had the experience of trying to get into the Christmas spirit in a tropical clime. Just doesn't work for me. I put up my Christmas lights and got out... Paget's Belize Journal #36 December 24: This is the Life I know that Oregon and Massachusetts and many other spots also had good viewing for this beautiful, bright full moon and it sounds glorious, but it's hard to believe it could get any... Paget's Belize Journal #37 December 24: Christmas Wishes Christmas wishes for you and yours. Here's a nice Christmas wish I just got from Kurt, the young programmer here at Naturalight. Worth passing on, I thought. We wish you the courage to be warm,... Paget's Belize Journal #38 December 31: Some Christmas Experiences I had quite a nice time over the Christmas holiday even though nothing topped the moon, caye, shrimp and Chardonnay of early in the week. Christmas Eve I went visiting with Therese and the... Paget's Belize Journal #39 January 7: Bits and Pieces About Life in Belize As my time here begins to wind down, I've been thinking about the major social characteristics and influences that I've written little or nothing about. The short list is: Lottery,... Paget's Belize Journal #4 Friday, June 18: Flying to San Pedro; Sand Crabs Here I am in San Pedro (Canon Beach, or maybe Rockaway Beach at 110 degrees with dreadlocks) and finally got a connection that seems "normal" in a streetside lab ($16/hr... Paget's Belize Journal #40 January 10: Caye Caulker - The Haircut Well, my trip to Caye Caulker was one of those mixed experiences. The water taxi from Belize City takes about 45 minutes and it was threatening to rain and the wind was... Paget's Belize Journal #41 January 14: Caye Caulker Again After my haircut I went walking around the village to see what I could see. This is a nice little beach town (in the middle of the ocean), pretty much focused on tourism and... Paget's Belize Journal #42 January 18: Red Bank, Scarlet Macaws, Gray Skies My last nature trip in Belize was a good one, very strange and jungly. We (Godfrey the guide, a couple from Las Vegas and me) started out from Dangriga a little... Paget's Belize Journal #43 January 25: The Last Few Days Well, I'm back home, taking hot showers and goggling at all the white people. But I have a few more thoughts in me about Belize. If it's not as interesting because the dramatic... Paget's Belize Journal #5 Saturday, June 19: Saturday in San Pedro Gradually sorting out what I'm here to do. Last night I went to the annual banquet of the Belize Tourism Industry Association at the grand opening of a convention center facility -... Paget's Belize Journal #6 Monday, June 21: Braids, Snakes and Dogs Well, I'm not sure the Caribbean braids are an unqualified success. They're certainly cooler, but I have to be very careful and wear my hat all the time in order not to... Paget's Belize Journal #7 June 30: Leaving Dangriga I was to leave on Tuesday afternoon about 2:00 and had lots of things to take care of - finishing up a project at the office, packing all the hot sauce and belongings, sorting out... Paget's Belize Journal #8 September 10: Can You Help the Library? I will be leaving for a four-month stay in Belize in two weeks. One of the things I want to do in Belize this time is to help the Dangriga librarian, Mrs.... Tapir Travels #15: The Ixil Highlands Talking abou the war with the locals and visiting the hidden city of Tikal. Tapir Travels #14: Back in School Again Spanish schools and internet cafes in Antigua and plans for the next part of the trip to the Ixil triangle. Tapir Travels #13: Men of Corn After visiting Lake Atitlan, Mattias meets his friend from Sweden in Guatemala City. Tapir Travels #12: The Tourist Trap After coming from El Salvador, Guatemala's Antigua has a very different atmosphere. Tapir Travels #6: Colonial Charm Granada's European architecture and then in to the jungles of the Miskito Coast. Tapir Travels #5 Slowing down for a chronic allergy and then on to Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua. Tapir Travels #4: Prejudices Nicaraguans in Costa Rica and the Caribbean influence. Tapir Travels #3: Critters and Creeps Volunteering in Barra Honda national park and then back to civilisation in San Jose. Tapir Travels #2: Birthday Celebrations A ceremony for a 15th birthday and life in Nicoya. Tapir Travels #1: The Arrival Flying into San Jose, Costa Rica from Mexico City and travelling across country. Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #11: The End - Taulabe to Copan, Honduras Honduras is Kelli's country. She will never again voluntarily eat bananas. She now know the best alternates to toilet paper. And she thanks everything holy for flushing toilets and warm showers. Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #10: The Ticket to Taxis - Tegucigalpa, Honduras Kelli gives you three very good reasons why not to slam the doors of the taxi when you're trying to bargain a ride. Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #9: Pulhapanzak - Pulhapanzak, Honduras Was it the brilliant 200 foot waterfall surrounded by jungle or the green-eyed prodigy jumping from top of said waterfall that took Kelli's breath away? Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #8: Emmex - Tegucigalpa, Honduras Volunteering in a Honduran hospital, Kelli didn't think she was strong enough to handle it. Until she met a little orphan named Emmex. Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #7: Bus or Bust - Tegucigalpa, Honduras Honduran buses, be them yellow American school buses or masterpieces with the face of Bob Marley plastered on the rear, always made Kelli a little nervous and provided several entertaining stories... Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #6: Washed and Pressed with Bullets Included - Tegucigalpa, Honduras Running late to make a meeting became irrelevant after Kelli looked into the front seat of the taxi, engine running but dead driver hunched over the steering wheel. Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #5: Hotel Juticalpa - Juticalpa, Honduras Hotel Juticalpa is a lot like Kelli imagined Hotel California to be. The owners guarded the entrance with a fully loaded machine gun...as they slept on the couch watching a Latin soap opera. Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #4: Hitch Hiking 101 - Talanga, Honduras It's not as easy as throwing your thumb in the air and kissing public buses goodbye. There is definitely skill involved, as Kelli found out on the way to Guaimaca. Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #3: Homemade Barbed Wire - Tegucigalpa, Honduras What do you do when a 40 year old drunk man comes straight at you with a machete? Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #2: Que La Vaye Bien... - Copan Ruinas, Honduras Almost as soon as she arrived, Kelli was off on a trip to the ruins at Copan, where she learned that dogs hate rocks and always hike with your passport. Hammocks, E-Coli, and Liquados #1: Introduction Kelli knew she needed to be somewhere else in the world besides the monotony and mediocrity of her college town in Utah. Two weeks later she showed up at the airport in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Finger On The Trigger - Costa Rica It was a cool morning in April 2000 in San Jose, Costa Rica, when Brandon Dane had his run-in with the Costa Rican Police, aptly named: FUERZA PUBLICA. Hear No Evil - Costa Rica I was sitting in my room in San Pedro minding my own business when a buddy of mine calls me to tell me that there has been ANOTHER American girl found dead in Costa Rica. I held my tongue... Volcano Pacaya (1 of 2) Hiking a live volcano should be adventure enough, but throw in a few bandits and it's downright scary. Volcano Pacaya (2 of 2) Hiking a live volcano should be adventure enough, but throw in a few bandits and it's downright scary. The Jungle - San Jose, Costa Rica Qualifying Statement #8 This article is dedicated to Joy Rothke, my harshest critic. Well, I came sliding back into San Jose, Costa Rica, last Saturday afternoon. Four months in The States was all that I could stand, even with... Disturbing the Peace Clouds fall over the sleepy village of Santa Elena, Costa Rica as the chirping birds sing in the sweet symphony of the night. The occasional monkey howls off in the distance as the wind rustles the branches and leaves... Dreadlocks & Voodoo (1 of 4) Jack Simpson, Jr honeymoons in Belize where he experiences dark caves and voodoo rituals. No tigers though. Dreadlocks & Voodoo (2 of 4) Jack Simpson, Jr honeymoons in Belize where he experiences dark caves and voodoo rituals. No tigers though. Dreadlocks & Voodoo (3 of 4) Jack Simpson, Jr honeymoons in Belize where he experiences dark caves and voodoo rituals. No tigers though. Dreadlocks & Voodoo (4 of 4) Jack Simpson, Jr honeymoons in Belize where he experiences dark caves and voodoo rituals. No tigers though. Dead Pirates and Frozen Fish (1 of 2) Battling a fever in Honduras, Christine Michaud uses the only thing at her disposal to cool down: a frozen fish. Dead Pirates and Frozen Fish (2 of 2) Battling a fever in Honduras, Christine Michaud uses the only thing at her disposal to cool down: a frozen fish. Tico's Rampage (1 of 3) The story of Craig Guillot's right leg dashes on a mad horse through Costa Rica. Tico's Rampage (2 of 3) The story of Craig Guillot's right leg dashes on a mad horse through Costa Rica. Tico's Rampage (3 of 3) The story of Craig Guillot's right leg dashes on a mad horse through Costa Rica. Paget's Belize Journal #1 How Paget's adventure began. Paget's Belize Journal #9 Paget comments on her gifts. Antigua: Home Sweet Home Semana Santa is one week when Antigua gets even more international visitors than usual. La Union to Potosi Boat problems lead to a refreshing break on the island of Conchaquita. Los Chiles to Lago Nicaragua Many different ways to travel on this river, in varying degrees of comfort. Puntarenas to Nicaragua Taking the bus from Puntarenas to Nicaragua and back. Tikal to Rio Dulce & on to Livingston The Hotel Backpackers is a great way to meet other travellers in Rio Dulce. Home » Central America » Central America Travel Stories Book It! 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Italy Travel

Italy Travel Tips Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises Italy & Switzerland Travel Tips Climate / Clothing Language Code of Conduct Currency Holidays Travel Insurance Car Regulations Luggage Local Emergency/Phone Health Precautions Passports and Visas Driving Electricity Shopping Tipping Venice Transfers Departure Tax Papal Audiences Climate /Clothing Italy : Spring and Fall: 55 - 75F; Summer: 70 - 85F; Winter: 40 - 55F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. On the cruises, informal dress is the general rule but there may be some occasions were formal dress is required. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts or sleeveless tops). Italy Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/weather/italy-weather.htm . Switzerland : The Alps cause many climatic variations throughout Switzerland. In the higher Alpine regions temperatures tend to be low, while the lower land of the northern area has higher temperatures and warm summers. Switzerland Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/weather/switzerland-weather.htm . Language Italy : Italian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken as well. Switzerland : German, French, Italian, and Raeto-Romance are the official languages, but English is widely spoken. Passports and Visas Italy : Passport required. Visa not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. Switzerland : Passport required. Visa not required for tourism/study stay of less than 90 days. For more information, please see www.gate1travel.com/visas.htm . Currency Italy : Euro Switzerland : The Swiss Franc Tipping Italy : This is a matter of personal discretion. Tips are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places. Although restaurant bills often include a service charge, this amount is not typically for the waiters/staff. A typical tip is approximately 10%. Switzerland : A service charge is included in all hotel, restaurant, cafe, bar, taxi and hairdressing services by law; further gratuities are not usually required. For specific guidelines, please refer to www.gate1travel.com/tipping.htm Electricity Italy & Switzerland : The voltage used is 220 volts. *Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. Shopping Italy : Shops are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., with some variations in Northern Italy, where the lunch break is shorter and shops close earlier. Prices are reasonable and the quality of goods is very high. Department stores such as La Rinascente, Coin, Upim, and Standa are found in many Italian cities and towns. Things to buy: Clothes for men & women (dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts); lacework, jewelry, leather goods (handbags, cases, boxes, luggage), ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster; woodwork, straw, embroidery, glass and crystal ware. It is advisable to carry merchandise purchased with you in order to avoid any inconvenience. All major credit cards are honored in Italy. A proof of purchase (receipt) must be kept. Switzerland : Special purchases include embroidery and linen, Bernese woodcarving, chocolate, cheese, Swiss army knives and luxury handmade clocks and watches. Shopping hours usually run Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30 -6:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Most shops are closed on Monday mornings. Health Precautions Italy & Switzerland : No inoculations are necessary when arriving in Italy or Switzerland from the U.S. but you should consult with your health care provider before traveling. To prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," avoid the tap water, including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.*For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov Conservation/Code of Conduct Italy : The social structure is heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church and, generally speaking, family ties are stronger than in most other countries in Western Europe. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Dress is casual in most places, though beachwear should be confined to the beach. Conservative clothes are expected when visiting religious buildings and smaller, traditional communities. Formal wear is usually indicated on invitations. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, transport and cinemas. Visitors are warned to take precautions against theft, particularly in the major cities. Switzerland : Avoid red roses; never give chrysanthemums or white asters as they are considered funeral flowers. Informal wear is widely acceptable. First-class restaurants, hotel dining rooms and important social occasions may warrant jackets and ties. Black tie is usually specified when required. It is customary to give unwrapped flowers to the hostess when invited for a meal. Luggage *Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/destinations/luggage.htm for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers. Departure Tax Italy & Switzerland : There are currently no departure taxes in Italy or Switzerland, please see www.gate1travel.com/Destinations/departure_tax.htm for more information. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim. Local Emergency Phone # Italy : ambulance/medical: 118 fire, disasters: 115 police & general emergency: 112 Switzerland : general emergency: 112 Holidays Italy : January 1 New Year's Day January 6 Epiphany Mar 28 Easter Monday April 25 Liberation Day May 1 Labor Day June 2 Anniversary of the Republic August 15 Assumption of the Virgin November 1 All Saints Day November 7 World War 1 Victory Anniversary Day December 8 Immaculate Conception December 25 Christmas Day December 26 St Stephens Day *Note : In addition, local feast days are held in honor of town patron saints, generally without closure of shops and offices. These include: Turin/Genoa/Florence: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Milan: Dec 7 (St Ambrose) Siena: Jul 2 and Aug 16, Palio horserace Venice: Apr 25 (St Mark) Bologna: Oct 4 (St Petronius) Naples: Sep 19 (St Gennaro) Bari: Dec 6 (St Nicholas) Palermo: Jul 15 (St Rosalia) Rome: Jun 29 (St Peter) Trieste: Nov 3. Switzerland : Public Holidays: January 1 New Year's Day January 2 Berchtolds Day Mar 25* Good Friday Mar 28* Easter Monday May 5* Ascension May 15* Whit Monday Aug 1 National Day Nov 1 All Saints Day Nov 7 World War 1 Victory Anniversary Day Dec 8 Immaculate Conception Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 26 St Stephens Day *Note : (a) *These holidays may not be observed in certain cantons. (b) There are additional regional holidays which are observed in certain cantons only. Driving Italy : Traffic drives on the right. There are more than 185,500 miles of roads in Italy, including over 3700 miles of motorway (autostrada) which link all parts of the country. Tolls are charged at varying distances and scales, except for the SalernoReggio Calabria, PalermoCatania and PalermoMazara Del Vallo stretches which are toll-free. Secondary roads are also excellent and require no tolls. Road signs are international. Many petrol stations are closed 12 -3 p.m. Visitors are advised to check locally about exact opening times. Switzerland : Traffic drives on the right. Road quality is generally good. Many mountain roads are winding and narrow, and often closed in heavy winter conditions; otherwise chains and snow tires may be necessary. Rail is often more efficient than driving. Car Regulations Italy : Driving licenses and other traffic documents valid in other countries are recognized in Italy. Distances are indicated in kilometer ( 1 km = 0.621 miles). An international insurance certificate is required for citizens from non-EC countries.The wearing of seat belts in front and rear seats is obligatory. An appropriate harness system is obligatory for children from 2 to 12 years of age. Gasoline : Almost all the service stations in the country are equipped with pumps for lead-free (95 octane) and diesel fuel. The fuel distribution network for gas-propelled vehicles is reasonably developed (ask for information at the Automobile Club d'Italia offices). Service stations are open from 7 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. Service is guaranteed 24 hours a day on the motorways. Automatic pumps, which accept 10,000 and 50,000 lire banknotes, function in the evenings and at night. Carrying gasoline in gas cans is prohibited. Traffic Tips : On highways (autostrade) no U-turns are permitted and stopping is permitted only in emergency parking areas or parking lanes. The Italian Highway Code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs. Driving is on the right, passing on the left. Violators of the highway code are fined; serious violations may also be punished by imprisonment. In cities and towns, the speed limit is 50 km/hr. Papal Audiences, Vatican City General audiences with His Holiness are usually held once a week (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) in Vatican City. They may be held inside the Basilica itself or in the hall of the Papal Audiences (Aula Paolo VI, Seating 7000), and in summer in Saint Peter's Square or in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. Catholics are requested to have a letter of introduction from their parish priest. For this audience women should dress modestly, with arms and head covered. Dark or subdued colors are requested. Men are asked to wear a tie and jacket. Return to the Italy brochure More TravelInformation Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . Contact Us . 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