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Portugal Travel Guide Versão Portuguesa Tourist Information + Latest Travel News Where to Go + North Oporto • North • Centre Lisbon • Tagus Valley • Beiras • South Algarve • Alentejo • Islands Madeira • Azores • Where to Stay History Culture + Art • Architecture • Literature • Gastronomy Getting Around Shopping Sport & Leisure A-Z Factfile + Select Letter A B C D E F G H J L M N O P R T V MICE Traveller's Tips Win a Prize Image Bank WebCam Add to Favorites About Us Latest Travel News SEARCH FOR NEWS Combined Train and Rent-a-Car Ticket Available Travellers exploring the length and breadth of Portugal can let the train take some of the strain with a low-priced ticket combining car rental with a return rail trip to destinations all over the country. [+] Lisbon Travel Market in January Lisbon's annual travel market, the Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa (BTL), will take place from 18-22 January at the city's FIL fairground in the Parque das Naes. A popular attraction for visitors is the restaurant pavilion featuring local specialities and wines from every region of Portugal, including Madeira and the Azores. [+] Reid's to Close During Renovation Period The famous Reid's Palace in Funchal, Madeira, will be closed for important refurbishment work between 16 January and 13 April, 2006. [+] TAP to Test In-Flight Passenger Communications Passengers flying with TAP Air Portugal will be among the world's first to be able to switch on their mobile phones and make in-flight calls when OnAir's new air communication service is tested towards the end of next year. [+] TGV to Link Lisbon with Porto and Madrid Respective journey times from Lisbon to Porto and Madrid will take just 1 hour 15 minutes and 2 hours 45 minutes in the future, thanks to a new high-speed train service recently approved by the Portuguese government. [+] Europe's Largest Christmas Tree in Lisbon Visitors to the Portuguese capital over the forthcoming festive period literally cannot miss the 72-metre-high Christmas tree prominently located in the city's Praa do Comrcio. [+] More News Estoril and Sintra Golf Passport Available Pousada Winter Offer in the Algarve Vintage House Joins Relais & Chateaux New Year Festivities at the Bahia Palace in the Azores Gourmet Week at Choupana Hills 7-Night Cruises Along the Algarve Portugal Hotel Guide Distributed at the World Travel Market in London Lisbon Looks Back Useful Links + • Euro 2004 • Hotels in Portugal • Flight Information • Train travel in Portugal • Coach travel in Portugal • Lisbon Public Transport • Oporto Public Transport • Lisbon Metro • Lisbon Ferries • Maps of Portugal • Lisbon Zoo • Lisbon Tourism • Weather in Portugal • Wines of Portugal © 2004 Maisturismo Edições e Publicidade, S.A.
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Chicago tourism - Chicago vacation reviews - Chicago vacations - TripAdvisor Chicago vacations - Chicago tourism Sign in • Sign up Home > United States > Illinois > Chicago > Chicago Tourism Chicago tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Dining Deals Getaways Forums Maps, etc. Chicago itinerary | All Chicago reviews | Getaways from Chicago Search (e.g., Chicago hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Chicago Chicago Overview Chicago Itinerary All Chicago Reviews Chicago Getaways Chicago Hotels Flights to Chicago Chicago Deals Chicago Attractions Chicago Restaurants Chicago Forum Chicago Maps Chicago Discount Hotels Chicago Vacation Packages Free Newsletter Get deals, news and articles on Chicago Plus weekend trip ideas from your hometown e-mail this page to a friend Traveler Reviews Write a review . What was your experience with Chicago? Tell others what's hot and what's not. Deals on Chicago Hotels Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Amalfi Hotel Chicago Park Hyatt Chicago Hotel Burnham The Peninsula Chicago Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel Hotel Monaco Renaissance Chicago Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown Crowne Plaza Chicago Silversmith Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Hotel Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro Four Seasons Conrad Chicago The Talbott Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago - Downtown Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast Ritz-Carlton Chicago Courtyard Chicago Downtown / Magnificent Mile Courtyard Chicago Downtown Four Points Chicago Downtown / Magnificent Mile Swissotel The Fairmont Chicago Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Sutton Place Hotel Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown Marriott Chicago Downtown Medical District / UIC The Westin Chicago River North Best Western Hawthorne Terrace Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago Downtown Lakefront Hotel Allegro Wyndham Chicago Wheeler Mansion Majestic Hotel Residence Inn Chicago Downtown The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago Drake Hotel SpringHill Suites Chicago O'Hare Hotel 71 The Villa Toscana InterContinental Chicago W Chicago Lakeshore Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago Downtown Chicago Hilton and Towers House of Two Urns Bed and Breakfast The Palmer House Hilton Omni Chicago Hotel Best Western Inn of Chicago Courtyard Chicago Midway Airport Chicago hotels: 1 - 20 Chicago hotels: 21 - 70 Chicago hotels: 71 - 120 Chicago hotels: 121 - 170 Chicago hotels: 171 - 179 Read more Chicago tourism Chicago vacations - Chicago tourism With attractions and activities galore, Chicago is everyone's kind of town. See all the famous sights, then catch a show in the theater district or a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, followed by a latenight visit to a blues club or jazz bar. Culture hounds will delight in the multitude of museums, including the prestigious Art Institute and the Chicago Historical Society. Families will find plenty to do at Navy Pier and to explore at the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. You could... (more) Find Hotels Travelers Trust City: Check-in: Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Check-out: Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Price level: Adults: 1 2 3 4 More options Currency: U.S. Dollar Euro British Pound Canadian Dollar Australian Dollar Swiss Franc Sponsored links * Chicago Travel Deals Chicago : Hotel Deals from $70 Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Chicago : Great Prices, Great Rooms hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. View Maps, Photos, Rates. Book Now! Chicago : Low Hotel Prices Made Easy Orbitz.com The faster, easier way to find the hotel you want. Just Orbitz and go! Chicago : Guaranteed Best Room Rates. Starwood.com Official site for Westin and Sheraton Hotels. Click now for exclusive offers! All results: View all 1,118 Chicago travel deals Airfare: Find deals on airfare to Chicago Chicago Hotel Recommendations Find a great hotel based on web-wide popularity and coverage. Top-Rated hotels: Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Amalfi Hotel Chicago Park Hyatt Chicago Hotel Burnham The Peninsula Chicago Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel Hotel Monaco Renaissance Chicago Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown View all Chicago hotels Top-Rated B&B: Flemish House of Chicago View all Chicago B&Bs Hotels for: Less than $100/night $100-200/night $200-300/night More than $300/night Hotels by Star Rating: 5-star 4-star 3-star 2-star 1-star Neighborhoods: All Magnificent Mile/River North The Loop Lincoln Park Lakeview Loyola Wicker Park/Bucktown Edgewater Near South Side Hyde Park South Side O'Hare Airport Midway Airport Chicago Southwest Find this weekend's best available hotels Chicago Traveler Recent Reviews Chicago Traveler Photos Our users are talking about Chicago! Here are their latest comments: Best Reviews Park Hyatt Chicago: "A Neat Freaks Dream," Dec 27, 2005 , A TripAdvisor Member Sofitel Chicago Water Tower: "lovely hotel, great value," Dec 27, 2005 , A TripAdvisor Member Worst Reviews China Grill: "China Grill Chicago, Terrible," Dec 27, 2005 , A TripAdvisor Member Omni Ambassador East: "terrible stay," Dec 21, 2005 , A TripAdvisor Member Read all Chicago reviews Our users are taking photos in Chicago! Here are their latest pictures: View all Chicago traveler photos Chicago Attractions and Dining Top Chicago Attractions: Field Museum Millennium Park Museum of Science and Industry Art Institute of Chicago Sears Tower Shedd Aquarium Navy Pier Lincoln Park Zoo Wrigley Field John Hancock Center View all Chicago attractions Top Chicago Restaurants: Les Nomades Caffe Baci - N. Lasalle Caffe Baci - S. Lasalle Demon Dogs Bistro Pacific Spring Fogo de Chao Red Rooster Wine Bar & Cafe Mangino's Sweet Thang View all Chicago restaurants Chicago Articles and Guidebooks SmartDeals From tips & tricks to rants & raves. Read the best sources and the most up-to-date reviews... TripAdvisor's Chicago itinerary "Chicago Overview," Fodors.com "An Online Update for Frommer's Chicago," Nov 25, 2004 , Frommer's "A Place to Indulge the Budding Artist or Doll Collector," Aug 7, 2005 , New York Times (free registration required) Read all Chicago reviews Find a great Chicago hotel deal! SmartDeals show you the best rates on the best hotels. Sofitel Chicago Water Tower - save up to 40% Average price: $289 Sofitel Chicago Water Tower from $175 - Expedia.com More reviews, deals Amalfi Hotel Chicago - save up to 43% Average price: $257 Amalfi Hotel Chicago from $149 - hotels.com More reviews, deals Hotel Burnham - save up to 46% Average price: $274 Hotel Burnham - Great Rooms from $149 - Orbitz.com More reviews, deals View all SmartDeals Chicago Traveler Forum Travelers like you give candid advice on hotels and much more. 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Germany Travel Stories Germany
Germany 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 » Germany » Germany Travel Stories Germany Travel Stories A Wurst Case Scenario - Rothenburg, Germany Lee Hammerschmidt samples gritty, grimy, lumpy...blutwurst. The Heart of the Black Forest - Black Forest, Germany Jen D. Rodriguez finds the heart of the Black Forest when staying at the Familie Sum. Don't Go to Berlin - Berlin, Germany Berlin is a city full of drunk, ornery, rude, tourist-haters. According to Leif Pettersen, it is a city that will take your money and dignity and give you nothing in return. Is This the Train to Oktoberfest? - Munich, Germany When Joanna Grome heads to Oktoberfest, she's surprised to learn that the party starts on the train. Writer's Block in Germany - About 20 km southeast of Stuttgart, Germany Andrew Jenner takes on Germany - and finds the best fodder for travel writing is right under his nose...literally. How I learnt to love the Cathedrals! - Cologne, Germany All it takes is a couple of dollars - and drinks - for Arvind S to appreciate cathedrals. The story of Berlin and Kabaret - Berlin, Germany Arvind S knows discovers there is more to Berlin - and cabarets - that he ever expected. On a Murder Charge! - Garmisch, Bavaria, Germany Pete Day and his friends are picked up for murder in Bavaria. Scenic Koblenz - Koblenz, Germany Namrata Singh discovers the picturesque little towns that dot Germany's famous Rhine River. Danke for the Memories: Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany David M Weber shares his experiences and tips to help future travelers to Oktoberfest survive, and even enjoy it. Cheating Death in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains - Germany Novice rock-climber Christine Wynne experiences some free-climbing in the heart of Eastern Germany. Beer, Toys and Lebkuchen - Germany Recovering from stolen luggage, Joseph Koch makes the most of his time in Germany. 9: No One Told Me I Needed a Bathing Suit - Diary of a Single Girl - Frankfurt, Germany Ria doesn't care how hot and steamy it is, she turns a cold shoulder to stripping off in the German spa. So a Glaswegian Talks German to a Dutchwoman Part 1 of 2 - France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechenstein Natives beware: Scott and his friends confused foreign languages all over Europe back in 2001, and are plotting to return. So a Glaswegian Talks German to a Dutchwoman Part 2 of 2 - France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechenstein Natives beware: Scott and his friends confused foreign languages all over Europe back in 2001, and are plotting to return. My Favorite Drives - Germany Ever since Jeff P. Porterfield was legally able to put his foot down on an accelerator, he's been striking out on the road in an attempt to feel freedom and experience new surroundings Chasing the Sun #3: Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, France From ferry gambling to storks in Waddeweitz, Bamberg smokebeer to flooding in Prague, Bid and Renee see a little of everything. The Year of Living Differently #12: For Butter or Wurst - Enns, Austria to Witten, Germany While her Europe trip was not turning out terribly exciting, Trisha was happy to be able to catch up in person with friends she'd met on the road. Another Day in the Life - Germany Philip Blazdell does his best to dispell the myth that jet setting all over the world on other people's money and calling it work is all glory. Do you believe him? Europe by Auto: Kilometers of Fun If you have a sense of adventure and have an explorer's heart, driving through Europe can be a rewarding experience, according to Laura Foy. A Stay in the Penthouse - Osnabrack, Germany A stopover in Osnabruck leads Dave Zimmerman to a great hostel and a town rich in good food, things to do, and interesting people. Eastern Germany: In the Middle of Europe, but Not Well-Known - Eastern Germany Since 1989, beaches, mountains, castles, gardens and great hiking are now more accessible. Joe Browne suggests some highlights. Germany Stands Tall - Germany Samantha Ehrlich feels like everyone in America is in a rush, while Germany has grown into a traditional, but modern society. It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take #12 Episode Twelve: Bavaria Revisited Guns, Gummy Bears and Huge Pretzels We arrive at the Termond's house four hours later than planned. We found out that it is possible to catch a train from Kempten to Waltenhofen, but it only... It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take #9 Episode Nine: Munich European Washers and Apple Vendors We wake up the next morning and pack our bags for Austria. Actually, we are stopping in Munich first, but saying that we are packing our bags for Munich does not... München: the BMW museum in the rain The BMW museum is quite a show, especially for enthusiasts, but beware of "museum syndrome". European Travelogue #12: Berlin, Germany Finishing up the city tours. European Travelogue #4: Munich, Germany Mmm....beer!!! European Travelogue #3: Stuttgart, Germany Clean, organized but very ordinary place. European Travelogue #2: Mainz/Frankfurt (including The Rhine), Germany Entering the country of Oktoberfest. Berlin, Germany Info Brandenburg Gate Let me start off by stating that I love Berlin. This city, which has had so much recent history as well as a more turbulent past, is undergoing gigantic changes since re-unification. I was amazed at the... Munich, Germany Munich (map), home of the Oktoberfest, is located in Bavaria in the south of Germany. The Oktoberfest is held from the last week in September to the end of October. Getting There Munich is well served by the German... Stuttgart, Germany Stuttgart (map) has the reputation of being one of the few cities totally flattened by Allied bombing during the Second World War, because of it's industrial strength. As a consequence, the buildings here are all less than fifty years... Black Forest, Germany There is so much more to this region than trees, cakes and felt hats. Home » Germany » Germany Travel Stories Book It! 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Asia Travel || Hong
Hong kong Travel Information Provided by Asia Travel Hong Kong Country and Travel Information Climate || Entryregulations || Airport facilities || Transfer information Hong Kong's new airport at Chek Lap Kok || Currency || Tipping Telephone || Gettingaround in Hong Kong Hotels Reservation in Hong Kong at upto 75% discount from published rates TourReservation in Hong Kong Hong Kong in a Nutshell ( Don't miss ) Map of Hong Kong The Fragrant Harbour ( click for postcard ) Lying at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong adjoins the province of Guangdong (Canton), and is just south of the tropic of Cancer. The total land area of Hong Kong is 1,078 square kilometers, comprising Hong Kong Island (77.5 square kilometers); Kowloon (45.5 square kilometer); and the New Territories , including 235 outlying islands (955 square kilometers). Today Hong Kong has become a great international trading post, a powerful manufacturing base and one of the world's largest financial centres. Population and Language The population as of 2002 was about 7.5 millions, almost 95 per cent of which is Chinese. Chinese and English are the official languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though Mandarin, Shanghainese and other Chinese dialects are also spoken. Many people, especially in shops, hotels, and service industries, speak English. Climate Hong Kong has a subtropical climate: Spring (March - mid-May): Temperature and humidity rising. Jackets or sweaters suggested. Average temperature: 23C (73F), humidity around 82%, sea temperature, 22.3 C (72 F) Summer (late May - mid-September): Hot and humid. Temperature may rise to 33C (91 F) with humidity up to around 90%. . Shirtsleeves, cotton clothing, a sweater for indoors and an umbrella for outside suggested Average temperature: 28C (82F), humidity 80%, sea temperature 28C (82F). Autumn (late September - early December): temperature and humidity drop. Clear sunny days. Shirtsleeves to sweaters and light jackets suggested. Average temperature: 23C (73F), humidity 72%, sea temperature 17C (63F). Winter (late December- February): Cool with low humidity. Suits, light woollens and sometimes overcoats suggested. Average temperature: 17C (62F), humidity 72%, sea temperature 17C (63F). Top Entry Regulations Visitors must hold a valid passport, endorsed where necessary for Hong Kong. Citizens of some 24 countries, including the USA, Japan, and certain Western European and South American nations are permitted one-month visa-free visits. Three-month visa-free visits are available to another 23 countries as well as all Commonwealth countries. Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status. Health Regulations Vaccination certificates are not required for yellow fever, cholera and typhoid for visitors travelling to Hong Kong. Check with your travel agent well before your departure, however, as requirements can change without notice. Customs Allowance Visitors may bring into Hong Kong free of duty: Liquor - A one-litre bottle of wine or spirits. Ivory - The importation and exportation of raw or worked ivory is governed by strict regulation. Firearms must be declared and handed into custody until departure. Top Airport Facilities A baggage storage service is available in the departure hall and the arrival hall. Other services include a bank, moneychangers, gift shops, duty-free shops, snack bars, restaurants, payphones, a police station, post office, a HK Telecom International Ltd. Office, HKTA Information Centres and private reception rooms. Airport Departure Tax Adults: HK$80; children (aged 12 years and under) free. Safety Hong Kong is generally considered a safe city by day or night. Policemen are very helpful, and those who speak English wear a red label under their shoulder badge. As in all big cities, avoid carrying large amounts of cash; traveller's cheques or credit cards are preferable. Make use of your hotel's safe-deposit boxes. Top Currency The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). Notes issued by two private banks (the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and Standard Chartered Bank) have denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HK$10. There are silver coins for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5, bronze coins for HK10 cents, HK20 cents and HK50 cents, and a new nickel and bronze coin for $10. Most foreign currencies and traveller's cheques are easily changed in Hong Kong, either at banks, hotels or moneychangers (check how much you will get in return before handing over your money). Top Tipping Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge but an additional 5 per cent may be given, where deserved. When a service charge is not automatic, 10 per cent is acceptable. Small tips may also be given to taxi drivers, bellboys, doormen and washroom attendants. Electricity The voltage in Hong Kong is 200/220 volts, 50 cycles. Most hotels provide adaptors. Water All water direct from government mains in Hong Kong satisfies the United Nations World Health Organization standards. Bottled water is widely available in hotels and supermarkets. Top Telephones Telephones in Hong Kong are advanced, economical and easy to use. Local calls are free, and many stores and restaurants offer use of a telephone free of charge to patrons. Calls from public coin phones cost HK$1. Most hotels have International Direct Dialling (IDD). Please note that some hotels charge a handling fee for local and/or international calls. You can also make long-distance calls from (IDD) Public Coin Phones and from HK Telecom International Ltd. Offices. An easy method of making calls is to purchase stored-value phonecards (HK$50, $150 and $200), which can be used in any Cardphone box. The new Hello Phonecard (HK$100, $200,$300) is a stored value card that enables the user to place calls to and from over 30 countries from a touch-tone phone. Both types of cards can be purchased at HKTA Information and Gift Centres and most convenience stores. Call 013 for information. Post Offices The main post offices are on Hong Kong Island, next to the Star Ferry and in Kowloon at 10 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Both are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday. All post offices close on Sunday and public holidays. Television There are two English-language channels. Programmes include a selection of locally produced shows as well as features from the UK, the US, and Australia. Also available is STAR TV (a satellite channel) and, in some areas, Cable TV (subscription television). Radio Fifteen radio channels are broadcast in Hong Kong. Six English-language channels provide a wide range of programmes and the BBC World Service is available 24 hours. Office and Banking Hours Most offices open from 9am to 5pm with a lunch hour from 1 pm to 2pm. On Saturday the hours are 9am to 1 pm. Some Chinese businesses open at 10am and close around 6pm or later. Major banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays, 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Top Getting Around In Hong Kong Airport Transport After you have reclaimed your baggage and passed through Customs, you will find yourself in the Buffer Hall of Hong Kong International Airport where the Hong Kong Tourist Association Information Centres are located . There you can obtain free visitor publications and any other assistance you may need. Hong Kong International Airport is approximately 40 minutes' drive by car from all major hotels in Kowloon and about 50 minutes' drive via the Cross-Harbour Tunnel from all major hotels on Hong Kong Island (under normal traffic conditions). If you are making your own way to your hotel, follow the signs directing you to the Transport Terminus for taxis or use the airport coach service. If you have no local currency on arrival, change only enough at the airport to get you to your hotel. Hotel Transport Hotel bookings do not normally include transportation from the airport. However, if you have a prearranged hotel booking that includes an airport transfer, you should leave the Buffer Hall via the exit marked Hotel Transport and look for the hotel representative waiting to meet you. Taxis Taxis are numerous and readily available, and fares are low compared with those in most cities. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; green ones in the New Territories and blue taxis on Lantau Island operate at even lower rates. Many drivers speak some English but it is wise to have your destination written in Chinese characters. Rates for red taxis start at HK$16.5 on the flag fall plus HK$1.60 for every 200 metres after the first two kilometres. Waiting time is HK$1.10 per minute. Pay, in Hong Kong dollars only, the fare shown on the meter, plus any additional charge where applicable. A HK$20 surcharge applies to cross-harbour tunnel trips (includes the driver's HK$10 return toll). There is also a surcharge for rides through the Lion Rock (HK$6), Junk Bay (HK$3) and Aberdeen (HK$5) tunnels, and a HK$5 charge for each piece of luggage. Taxi drivers expect a tip, but just round up the fare to the nearest dollar. Drivers cannot pick up or drop off passengers on restricted streets, which are marked with yellow lines. New Territories taxis will pick up and drop off only in the New Territories. If you have any queries or complaints, note the taxi's number and call the 24-hour Police Hotline on 2527 7177. Buses Double-decker buses, which run from 6 AM till 3 midnight, cover most parts of the territory. Fares range from HK$1 to HK$30.60. Exact change is required. You'll find that, in general the drivers do not speak much English. Minibuses Minibuses are small passenger vans which are yellow with a red stripe. They can pick up passengers and let them off anywhere except regular bus stops and the usual restricted areas. Fares range from HK$2 to HK$7. Maxicabs Maxicabs are yellow with a green stripe. They run along specific routes and have fixed prices ranging from HK$1 to HK$8. A sign on the front indicates the destination. Pay as you get on. Trains The Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) is 34 kilometres long and runs from Hung Hom in Kowloon up to the border with China. Trains run every tour to 10 minutes in each direction, and vary according to the ordinary single trip to Sheung Shui, the farthest you can go without a China visa). It's a go way to visit some of the New Territories' towns and villages. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Hong Kong's fast, efficient and air-conditioned underground system, runs not only along the north side of Hong Kong Island, but also from Central across the harbour to divide into east and west branches in Kowloon. Stations are located by a X symbol. Fares range from HK$4 to HK$11. MTR and KCR stored-value tickets (HK$70-200) are also available. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a high-speed surface system linking the New Territories towns of Tuen Mun Yuen Long. The LRT runs from 5.30am to 12.30am daily. Fares range from HK$3.20 to $4.70. Ferries The Star Ferry, which has connected Hong Kong and Kowloon since 1898, runs regularly between 6.30am to 11.30pm. At HK$ 2.20 (upper deck), it must be one of the cheapest and most scenic ferry rides in the world. The crossing takes approximately eight minutes. The Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Company provides other regular and inexpensive services which connect Hong Kong Island to other parts of the Kowloon Peninsula and to the outlying islands. Trams ( click for postcard ) Since 1904, the tram system has run east to west along the north side of Hong Kong Island, and still provides a leisurely, grandstand view. The flat fare is HK$1.20 (exact change required) and the service operates between 6 AM and 1 AM. The Peak Tram is one of the most advanced tram systems in the world, taking just eight minutes to climb Victoria Peak. The service operates from 7am to midnight and the single fare is HK$12 (HK$19 return). The funicular railway has run since 1888 and is still the quickest way to reach the Peak. Car Hire Self-drive rental cars are not often used in Hong Kong, but chauffeur-driven cars are widely available. Hotels have their own limousines for hire. Rickshaws The only means of travel in the old days, rickshaws today are used mainly for fun rides and photo sessions. Rickshaw drivers congregate at the Star Ferry on Hong Kong Island and charge for a trip round the block or for a photo session. Negotiate the price first. Top Asia Travel || Hong kong Hotels Page