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

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Muskoka Ontario Canada Summer Resort Vacation Packages - Georgian Bay Conference Accomodations Resorts Ontario Member - Canada's Award Winning Summer Family Resort Search Our Site: Please use the drop down menu above to navigate through our site. Delawana provides a beautiful family waterfront resort setting. Family recreation on Georgian Bay features some of the best fresh water beaches & fishing experiences in North America. Accommodation is available in cottages, chalets, with many cottage-like units built for families. Accommodation with fireplaces are perfect for couples, Or, if you prefer a vacation rental in one of our houses-cottages, we have a variety of 2-4 bedroom options for larger families. Discover Canada, Honey Harbour and Ontario's family vacation resort and let our web site guide you and your family through our lakeside vacation oasis. Remember two children always stay free at the "Del". Specials EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS 2 CHILDREN 15 & UNDER FREE ALL SEASON Reserve and pay in full prior to December 15/05 and receive 15% discount Reserve before February 15/06 with a $200 deposit per person and receive a 5% discount Pay in full by March 15/06 and receive an additional 5% discount 2 children 17 and under free June 25-July 9/06 or Aug 20 to Sept 4/06 **Discounts apply to 5,7 or 9 night bookings only** Heritage Award The Honey Harbour , Port Severn & District Chamber of Commerce awards Delawana with the 2005 Heritage Business Award based on Royal Island and other historic preservations. Best Summer Resort Award The Delawana Inn Resort received the 2005 award as the best summer family resort in Canada. Steeped in Local History Delawana Inn Resort Steeped in Local History In 1896 Midland Ontario resident and entrepreneur Nathan Nickerson identified the Delawana Resort site as the best Georgian Bay location for a hotel. Family Reunions Getting together with family is an Ontario summer tradition. Delawana offers one of the best family reunion summer packages. Don’t take our word for it Delawana Inn earns a new lifetime customer! Nikki Jones' family tradition. Delawana guest has the time of his life!! Delawana Gets Two Thumbs Up. Delawana is Great even for the picky ones. Wanakita Wellness Spa The Wanakita Wellness spa could be the main stop during your two-day Spa and or Golf package mid-week getaway, or weekend away. Frisbee Golf Frisbee Golf (or frolf) is now sweeping the nation by storm. The new Delawana frisbee golf course will take participants all over our Ontario Resort property Golf The Georgian Bay Area Challenging golf, starting with the Delawana Pines Pitch and Putt and iron range, and several nearby championship 18-hole Ontario golf courses. 2006: UN Year of Desertification The Delawana Inn proudly supports the UN in the convention to combat Desertification. Looking For Your Own Cottage Country? Discover Haliburton's Champlain Shores Cottage Country Residence . Deeded Lake Front Ownership. Discover Georgian Bay , Honey Harbour , Beausoleil Island and many other nearby local attractions. Read Delawana Inn Resort's Privacy Policy >> Home | Family Resort Vacations | Resort Accommodations | Resort Recreation | Site Map | About Delawana Inn Resort | Contact Resort Delawana Muskoka Resort and Conference Centre is the ideal Ontario location for conferences, conventions, corporate meetings or retreats, family reunions and family vacations. Located in Honey Harbour on beautiful Georgian Bay, the resort features its own executive pitch and putt golf course, sandy beaches, tennis courts, supervised children's programs, The Wanakita Wellness Spa, heated pool and waterfront vacation activities. The perfect resort for family getaways with on site entertainment, fine dining and many different styles of accommodation. 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Ideal for family vacations and reunions, Delawana has cottage rentals and resort suite rental accommodation situated on manicured grounds, in a traditional Muskoka resort setting. If you are planning an Ontario resort vacation you won't be disappointed with the decor and cleanliness of our traditional resort with all the modern conveniences and activities that you would expect in a resort property. Most of the accommodations have exceptional waterfront views and we have a large dock system that makes for a great location to watch the sunset or to just relax and dangle your feet in the Georgian Bay water. Our sandy beaches are perfect for children's play and are a major attraction during beach parties for sunbathing, dancing and sand castles alike. All of this compliments our full children's program. We also have a beautiful in ground heated pool with comfortable lounges and surrounded by lovely gardens. Our many children's playgrounds are nearby with swings, slides and other popular children's favorites. If you enjoy the waterfront try our peddle boats, water bikes and canoes & kayaks or one of our many guided cruises on Georgian Bay. If you are looking for something a little more relaxing we have our own Executive Pitch and Putt Golf Course as well as a number of full golf course choices nearby. Resort bicycles are available for guests to do bicycle touring around Beausoliel Island of Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Most important you'll appreciate the friendly service at this traditional Muskoka Ontario resort. Our goal is to have you come back to the Delawana every year and so we put great efforts towards making your family vacation experience a memorable one. After all, we've been creating family vacation memories for 109 years now. A Resorts Ontario member, The Delawana Inn Resort is your ideal Muskoka family vacation destination and conference resort.

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Switzerland Travel: Deals and travel information for Switzerland, Europe Mobile site | Security | Your account | Help find - find.html -- Travel to Switzerland Home > World > Europe > Switzerland Travel lastminute.com offers a fantastic array of incredible Switzerland travel deals. Whetherbooking a hotel, flight, holiday or car hire, lastminute.com is your one stop travel shop. So, either check out our special Switzerland travel deals below,use our search box to find the perfect trip or browse through our vast list of destinations to see all we have to offer. Let lastminute.com help you plan the most rewarding journey you've ever had. 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Switzerland Hotels (266) Switzerland Holidays (161) Switzerland Flights Switzerland Car rentals (41) Switzerland Short breaks Switzerland Guide Deals Area Info Attractions Events Deals Today's Top Deals La Reserve Hotel Spa Geneva 3* Skiing Holiday in Chateau d'Oex, 7 nights half board Genevafrom 503 Flora Hotel Luzern / Lucerne 3* Skiing Holiday in Engelberg, 7 nights from 545 Area Info Small, mountainous and wealthy, with a population of just seven million, Switzerland is renowned for its enviable quality of life in a country that ticks along like clockwork. Its products are sought after the world over, from dangerously delicious cheese and chocolate to luxurious watches whose timekeeping is as sharp as a Swiss army knife, another popular export from this clever little nation in the Alps. Switzerlands famed political neutrality and isolated location, ring-fenced by mountains, have enabled it to play a safe but central role in European affairs. These factors also gave rise to the coveted Swiss bank account, whose anonymity, along with tax relief and what may be the safest banks in the world, have made Zürich one of Europes major financial hubs. The conveniently central location in the middle of Europe has also made Switzerland a favourite meeting place for conventions and international conferences Geneva, for instance, is home to the United Nations. Switzerland is not only a place for professionals, though. As a stylish tourist destination it offers top ski resorts like Zermatt and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides opportunities for sightseeing and elegant shopping, while nightlife can prove to be a lot of fun, too, since the Swiss like their food and folk music even in discotheques and nightclubs. Engadin Tourist Office Address: Chesa Cumuenela, 7504 Pontresina, Switzerland Phone: +41 (0) 81 842 6573 Attractions Rhine Falls A stunning natural wonder, the Rhine Falls in Neuhausen are the largest waterfalls in Europe, cascading down cataracts which are 450 feet wide and 75 feet high. Augusta Raurica In its heyday, 1800 years ago, 20,000 people lived in the Roman town of Augusta Raurica, 15km from Basle. Many of the traces left behind by the native Celtic inhabitants and the Roman conquerors have now been excavated and are accessible to the public in the largest open-air archaeological museum in north-west Switzerland. Engelberg-Titlis Less than two hours from Zürich lies the scenic ski resort of Engelberg, a beautiful mountainous haven notable for its fine snow conditions and off-piste skiing. The official ski season here lasts from November until April, although skiing is possible throughout the summer on the glacier that saddles the impressive 3200-metre high Titlis mountain. 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Opera House Zurich's Opera House is not only a cultural centre of great distinction but also one of the city's most beautiful buildings. Swiss National Museum With fairy-tale turrets that glisten in the sunshine, the tower of the Swiss National Museum in Zurich has become a recognised symbol of the city. The museum building (which dates from 1898) houses the largest collection of cultural and historical artefacts in Switzerland. Bad Zurzach Effervescent crystal waters bubble, gush and flow from every crevice at Bad Zurzach, one of Switzerland's leading thermal baths, offering four steaming outdoor pools, jacuzzis, rapids, a gym and a spa complete with saunas and steam rooms. Situated close to the German border and approximately half-an-hour's drive from Zurich and Basel, this Swiss spa oozes minerals renowned for their therapeutic properties. Events International Lauberhorn Ski World Cup 11 - 15 Jan 2006 (annual) Wengen NOKIAN-X-TREME Snowbike Festival 13 - 15 Jan 2006 (annual) Bergün International Christmas Tree Festival 1 Dec 2005 - 8 Jan 2006 (annual) Geneva International Ice Climbing Festival 6 - 8 Jan 2006 (annual) Kandersteg Speed Race Dec 2005 (annual) Titlis Glacier ; Part of the lastminute.com group. lastminute.com , travel4less.com , travelselect.com , holidayautos.co.uk , medhotels.com , holidayhotels.com , onlinetravel.com , ifyouski.com , exhilaration.co.uk , gotofrance.com Holidays Hotels Citybreaks Gifts Experiences Entertainment Flights Site map Search site Skip navigation links Home Travel World Europe In Switzerland... Aargau 3 Hotels 2 Car rentals Basel 20 Hotels Flights 2 Car rentals Short breaks Bern 49 Hotels 16 Holidays Flights 4 Car rentals Geneva 46 Hotels 69 Holidays Flights 4 Car rentals Short breaks Graubuenden 8 Hotels 7 Holidays 3 Car rentals Luzern / Lucerne 35 Hotels 2 Holidays 2 Car rentals Schwyz 1 Hotels Solothurn 1 Car rentals St. Gallen 1 Hotels Ticino 14 Hotels Flights 6 Car rentals Valais 7 Hotels 59 Holidays Flights 5 Car rentals Vaud 17 Hotels 3 Holidays 6 Car rentals Zurich 65 Hotels 5 Holidays Flights 6 Car rentals Short breaks Popular areas Zurich Lugano Lausanne Interlaken Bern Sion Hotels in... St. Gallen Luzern / Lucerne Zurich Aargau Valais More Switzerland Hotels Holidays in... Luzern / Lucerne Zurich Valais Bern Vaud More Switzerland Holidays --

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Mexico Travel

Mexico Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Mexico Mexico A country so lively that even The Day of the Dead is a hoot. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Mexico Acapulco Cabo San Lucas Cancun Cozumel Mazatlan Mexico City Puerto Vallarta San José del Cabo View Map Click here Feature Attraction Sierra de San Francisco Sierra de San Francisco is the gateway to spectacular pre-Hispanic rock art and as such has been declared a Unesco World Heritage site. At Cueva Pintada, ... more Mexico is a traveller's paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposing identities: desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, teeming industrialised cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches and a world-beating collection of flora and fauna. This mix of modern and traditional, the clichéd and the surreal, is the key to Mexico's charm, whether your passion is throwing back margaritas, listening to howler monkeys, surfing the Mexican Pipeline, scrambling over Mayan ruins or expanding your Day of the Dead collection of posable skeletons. Hurricane Damage/Crime in Mexico City Mexico's Yucatan peninsular has been hit hard by Hurricane Wilma, causing widespread flooding and property damage. Travellers are advised to check local information services before venturing to the Cancun/Yucatan region as many hotels will remain closed while undergoing repairs. Crime in Mexico continues to plague travellers, particularly in Mexico City. The incidence of violent crime and, more specifically, sexual crimes against women is on the up. Taxi theft, armed theft, pickpocketing, purse snatching, credit-card fraud and ATM robbery are frequently reported. A spate of recent kidnappings have targeted travellers in the Nuevo Laredo region of northern Mexico. When To Go Mexico is enjoyable year-round, but October to May is generally the most pleasant time to visit. The May-September period can be hot and humid, particularly in the south, and inland temperatures can approach freezing during December-February. Facilities are often heavily booked during Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and Christmas/New Year, the peak domestic travel periods. Mexico's climate has something for everyone: it's hot and humid along the coastal plains, and drier and more temperate at higher elevations inland (Guadalajara or Mexico City, for example). Try to avoid Mexico's southern coast between July and September - the resorts are decidedly soggy and jam-packed, as July-August is also the peak holiday months for foreign visitors. Factoid Pyramid Envy While Egypt might be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about pyramids, Mexico is actually home to the world's largest pyramid. The Quetzalcóatl Pyramid at Cholula de Rivadiais measures 3.3 million-cubic meters (4.3 million cubic yards) compared to The Great Pyramid of Giza's 2,600,600 cubic metres (3.4 million cubic yards). SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links