Mexico Travel

Vallarta Source Site Navigation PUERTO VALLARTA MEXICO HOME VACATION RENTALS Puerto Vallarta Weather Forcasts Puerto Vallarta and Area Maps REAL ESTATE Fishing Weddings in Vallarta Meetings and Business Conventions Getting Around...Buses, Taxis, etc. Language Helper Puerto Vallarta on a Limited Budget PV BASICS: A must-read for the first-time visitor Vallarta is more than just PUERTO Vallarta Surf's up in Vallarta The REAL Puerto Vallarta by Bob Bundergeist Arriving, Departing, and Getting Around Currency Converter Global Travel Links Ads By Google Untitled Document Puerto Vallarta Mexico Vacations, Weather, Tours, Maps, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, and MORE! VallartaSource.com has everything you need to map out your perfect vacation in friendly Puerto Vallarta Mexico and the entire Vallarta area. We have an extensive selection of Puerto Vallarta hotels, real estate, condos, and lodging you won't find elsewhere... Puerto Vallarta maps and informative Puerto Vallarta weather pages, links to Puerto Vallarta restaurants large and small...the best places to shop, what to see and do...if it's in Puerto Vallarta or nearby, you'll find it here! Spend some time with us, and we’ll show you why Vallarta is the perfect choice for your vacation, and why VallartaSource.com is the ONE source for EVERYTHING Vallarta! VallartaSource Features, Deals, and More: Puerto Vallarta Mexico is one of the worlds premier vacation destinations, renowned for its genuine traditional ambience situated on a huge bay of beautiful sandy beaches. Puerto Vallarta isnt a developed resort where its easy to forget youre in a different countrythis is REAL Mexico, complete with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, beautiful weather, friendly people, and warm smiles. Travel & Leisure magazine voted the Puerto Vallarta area as having the best beaches in Latin America, and according to Cond Nast Magazine, Puerto Vallarta Mexico is the "Worlds Friendliest International City". With its traditional Mexican architecture and gold-sand beaches bordered by jungle-covered mountains, Puerto Vallarta is one of the loveliest spots on the globe. Vallarta maintains a small-town charm despite boasting lodging ranging from small and quaint hotels, to vacation rentals from budget to luxurious , to sophisticated resorts, great restaurants , a thriving arts community, active nightlife , great deep-sea and bass fishing , and a growing variety of eco-tourism attractions . Puerto Vallarta combines original ethnic culture with todays resort amenities, reflected in an assortment of stimulating activities and convenient accommodations. Wedding parties , couples, and families come to this tourism hub to enjoy Puerto Vallartas diverse vacation choices. Puerto Vallartas geographical diversity is represented in its mountains, jungles, rivers, and waterfalls. And the weather is always GREAT! As Puerto Vallartas popularity has grown, so has the region. Luckily it hasnt gotten crowded, since were situated on the huge Banderas Bay (Bay of Flags), one of the Pacific Oceans largest natural bays. Thus, Vallarta now comprises the entire coast of the bay (spanning parts of two states) from Punta Mita at the Northern tip to Mismaloya and beyond, South of the city of Puerto Vallarta. Thousands invest in Puerto Vallarta Real Estate to make the area their part- or full-time homes. It's easy to get here..."PV" now boasts non-stop flights from over 20 cities in the United States and Canada, and easy connections from virtually anywhere on the planet, so choose Puerto Vallarta for YOUR next vacation! The Mexico Visitor Initiative offers $200 CASH REBATES for vacationers who choose Puerto Vallarta. (Sort of like getting PAID to go on vacation!) CLICK HERE There's no more romantic way to get married than to do it on the beach in Puerto Vallarta. Click HERE to start planning the wedding of your dreams! Thinking of retirement, or of owning your own vacation home? Think Puerto Vallarta! See our real-estate section for the answers to your questions. Deep Sea and Bass Fishing: Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the best deep sea and Bass Fishing in the Americas. Come down and catch yourself a BIG one! Puerto Vallarta News: New flights, hotel promotions, money-saving opportunities, articles, reviews, news about Puerto Vallarta. You heard it here first! Read selected entries HERE! The BEST of Vallarta is in Viejo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta's Beautiful 'Old Town' Why rent an ordinary hotel in Puerto Vallarta when you can have your own condo, house, or villa for the same amount of money (or LESS!)? Find fabulous vacation rentals HERE! Select the topic you want to know more about in the A-to-Z lisings below. What are we missing? We have a whole list of new topics we'll be writing about soon, and we make additions to the Puerto Vallarta Index every day. But please tell us what topic You would like us to cover in the form at the bottom of this page, and we'll make it a priority; OR give us Your advice from your Puerto Vallarta trip. Give us your name and email address (we won't publish your address) if you want to be credited on the website. Activities Airlines AA meetings Art Galleries ATV Tours Average Temperatures Bass Fishing Beaches Beer Billiards Biodiversity Bird Watching Book Stores Booze Cruise Bowling Bucerias Budget Puerto Vallarta Buses Cable TV Canopy Tours Casinos Cell Phones Churros Cigars Coffee Colomitos Conchas Chinas Condo Rentals Consulates Conventions Costa Alegre Cuale River / Island Day Cruises Departure Tax Dining Dirty Words Discos Dollars Dophins Downtown Driving Dune Buggy Tours DVD Rentals Ecosystem Eco-tours El Centro Electricity Emergency Phones Fast Food Fishing Flea Market Gambling Golf Health Hiking History of Puerto Vallarta Holidays (Mexican) Homes in Vallarta Horseback Tours Hospitals Humpback Whales Hotels Hurricanes Iguanas Insider Dining Reports Isla Cuale Kayaking La Cruz Leather Goods Living in PV year-round Luggage Magazines Maps Mariachi Music Marriage Medical Care Metric Conversions "Mexican Time" Money Mountain Biking Museums Neighborhoods News Stories Nightclubs Nightlife Noise NorthShore Nuevo Vallarta Packing Pelicans Pesos Pool Punta de Mita Raicilla Real Estate Rebate Offer-$200 Restaurants Retire in Puerto Vallarta Rio Cuale Safety Sea Turtles Scuba Shoe Sizes Shopping Speaking Spanish Sports Bars Street Food Supermarkets Surfing Taco Carts Taxis Telephones Tequila Time, Time Zones Timeshares Tours Traffic Turtles Vacation Rentals Vanilla Vegetarian Dining Video Rentals Villa Rentals Volkswagen Beetles Water Weather Weddings Whales What's That Racket? What to Pack Zip Line Tours What topic would you like to see covered in the Puerto Vallarta Index? (Or...do you have some advice for readers from your experience? Share with us!) (Please include your e-mail address only if you would like a personal response.) Wisconsins woman's art of giving Her life reads like a "Casablanca" script. She was an American running a coffee shop on a tropical island when she met the man of her dreams and fell in love.She married Luca Peragine, a handsome Italian who owned a pizzeria on Isla Mujeres, a small island off the Yucatan peninsula, before returning to her Wisconsin roots.Rebecca Peragine's passion for the people of Mexico and their culture, however, came with her. Posted by admin on Thursday, December 08 @ 13:09:54 CST (30 reads) ( Read More... | 6492 bytes more | Score: 0) Local Rotarians deliver wheelchairs to Puerto Vallarta The gift of mobility is well worth the trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico every year for Rotary Club of Camrose Canada members. Posted by admin on Thursday, December 08 @ 12:00:00 CST (29 reads) ( Read More... | 4285 bytes more | Score: 0) Happy Coast provides heavenly havens For years, seasoned travelers have touted the 150 miles of verdant Pacific coast from Puerto Vallarta south to Manzanillo as Mexico's undiscovered treasure. Remarkably, Costa Alegre, or Happy Coast, still is, despite a roster of visitors that includes A-list actors and directors, European aristocrats, Sports Illustrated swimsuit models and globe-trotting polo players. Posted by admin on Wednesday, December 07 @ 11:28:06 CST (87 reads) ( Read More... | 5278 bytes more | Score: 0) So You Want to Live Here All Year, Do You? Lately, I've been hearing a lot of people complaining about how hot it is - while I'm wearing a jacket! I have to laugh at how quickly we get used to our "winter weather" here in paradise, because those of us who live here year 'round know that it is not always so cool. Posted by admin on Wednesday, December 07 @ 10:26:57 CST (102 reads) ( Read More... | 4314 bytes more | Score: 3) New Owner for Mexican Airlines MEXICO'S GRUPO POSADAS is entering the airline business after agreeing to pay $165 million for Mexicana Airlines, Mexico's second-largest airline. Grupo Posadas owns or operates 94 hotels, including the Fiesta Americana brand. Mexicana is owned by airline holding company Cintra SA, which also owns Mexico's largest carrier, Aeromexico. Including debt and liabilities, the transaction is valued at $1.46 billion. Cintra shareholders are scheduled to meet on Dec. 16 to vote on the offer. The Mexican government, which owns two-thirds of Cintra, has been trying to get out of the airline business since it was forced to rescue Mexicana and Aeromexico in the mid-1990s during Mexico's bank crisis. Cintra also received offers for Aeromexico, including one from Posadas for 75% of the airline, but turned down the offers. Cintra said it expects to sell Aeromexico next year. Posted by admin on Wednesday, December 07 @ 10:03:30 CST (30 reads) ( Read More... | Score: 0) AeroMexico offers special Miami-Puerto Vallarta packages rates AeroMexico offers special Miami-Puerto Vallarta packages rates AeroMexico, Mexico's largest airline, has announced it is offering discount airfares on flights between Miami, Florida and Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations. Posted by admin on Tuesday, November 22 @ 00:00:00 CST (73 reads) ( Read More... | 1201 bytes more | Score: 0) De-stress and earn an education while cruising the Mexican Riviera Nationally-recognized organizer Christy Best, and Katherine Gibson, bestselling author of Unclutter Your Life, Transforming Your Physical, Mental and Emotional Space, invite organizing aficionados to board Holland Americas Oosterdam cruise ship for a weeklong adventure in learning. Posted by admin on Monday, November 21 @ 00:00:00 CST (50 reads) ( Read More... | 1030 bytes more | Score: 0) UNITED Airlines has applied for new routes from Chicago and Los Angels to Puerto The applications are for peak-season service and include daily United service to Puerto Vallarta. In addition United applied for new daily Ted routes between Los Angeles and Puerto Vallarta. United said customers who book and fly a roundtrip flight through United.com by Dec. 31 will earn 1,000 bonus miles. Posted by admin on Friday, November 11 @ 12:00:00 CST (107 reads) ( Read More... | Score: 0) Barcel Hotels Acquires The La Jolla De Mismaloya Hotel In Puerto Va This luxury hotel, which will now commence trading as the Barcel La Jolla de Mismaloya, is known worldwide as the setting where John Huston directed Ava Gardner and Richard Burton in "The Night of the Iguana". Posted by admin on Thursday, November 10 @ 12:00:00 CST (103 reads) ( Read More... | 2653 bytes more | Score: 0) TAX-FREE HAVEN: Mexico's congress passed a tourism ministry-backed law introducing tax-free shopping for international tourists as of July 1. Posted by admin on Wednesday, November 09 @ 09:16:51 CST (97 reads) ( Read More... | 529 bytes more | Score: 0) Over 10,000 Pesos Raised for Puerto Vallarta Orphanage La Escondida Sports Bar hosts successfull fundraiser in Viejo Vallarta Posted by admin on Wednesday, November 02 @ 12:00:00 CST (99 reads) ( Read More... | 2228 bytes more | Score: 0) Puerto Vallarta Cruise Ship Terminal Expansion According to Undersecretary of Tourism Oralia Rice Rodrguez, the federal government supports the growth of the cruise industry, pointing out that Mexico has become the world leader in cruise destinations - enjoying visits from over 60 percent of the total number of cruise ship passengers in the last two years. Posted by admin on Tuesday, November 01 @ 12:00:00 CST (112 reads) ( Read More... | 3037 bytes more | Score: 4) With Funjet Vacations Winter Heat Sale travelers can take a hot getaway to Puerto Vallarta and return home to a hot reward of $100 toapply to a winter heating bill or anything else. Posted by admin on Monday, October 31 @ 17:53:40 CST (127 reads) ( Read More... | 2363 bytes more | Score: 0) Holland America Line expanding Mexico sailings 7 and 10-day itineraries include calls on Puerto Vallarta Posted by admin on Saturday, October 29 @ 12:00:00 CDT (92 reads) ( Read More... | 4275 bytes more | Score: 0) United Airlines plans more flights from Chicago, LA to Mexico Daily Chicago-Puerto Vallarta flights planned Posted by admin on Friday, October 28 @ 12:00:00 CDT (102 reads) ( Read More... | 977 bytes more | Score: 0)

Germany Travel > Baden

Baden Baden Germany Travel Planner  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Germany Travel > Baden Baden > Baden Baden Germany Travel Planner Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Baden Baden Map James martin Stay up to date! Baden Baden Map James martin Email to a friend Print this page Baden-Baden Essentials Getting There - Airport Shuttles Spas and Prices Baden Wine Route Around Baden-Baden Porsche Museum and Factory Tours Touring the Upper Black Forest Rebland Wine Region Baden-Baden Resources on this site Baden-Baden Links Baden-Baden Region Map Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Baden Baden Travel Planner -- Germany From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Oct 30 2005 A spa (and wine) town in the Black Forest has it all! Celebrities come to Baden-Baden to get themselves into hot water and then get pummeled after. You might be surprised at how affordable a spa visit is in this town whose name is "bath-bath"--we'll tell you how just about anyone can get the treatment . Location of Baden Baden Baden Baden is 60 km northeast of Strasbourg, France in the Black Forest region of Germany, in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg. Besides Strasbourg, other close by, worthwhile cities to visit are Freiberg, Baden Wurttemberg, Rothenberg, Hiledelberg and perhaps Stuttgart for the Porsche museum or a Factory Tour (the factory is actually in Zuffenhausen, a few miles north of Stuttgart.) How to reach Baden Baden By Train - The Baden Baden train station is a stop for high speed and regional trains. The main lines are Basel (Switzerland)/Hamburg, Basel/Rhineland, Basel/Berlin and Paris/Vienna via Stuttgart and Munich. By Car - Motorway A5 Basle to Frankfurt, A8 when traveling from Munich to Karlsruhe, Federal Highway B3 Kiel/Basle, B500 in France / Black Forest / Switzerland Motorway Exit "Baden-Baden." By Plane - Baden Airpark is 15 km out of the city. There is a daily flight to/from Berlin Templehof as well as charter flights by Eurowings, Hapag Lloyd, Hamburg International, Air Europa, Sun Express. You can take a train from larger airports at Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, and Basel (Switzerland). Airport Shuttle - You can book a seat on a small bus from international Airports at Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Strasburg, France for 135 Euros round trip. Baden Baden Hotels An oft recommended hotel in Baden Baden that isn't too expensive and is centrally located next to the opera house is the Schweizer Hof , Lange Str. 73, 76530 Baden-Baden. For you luxury buffs, the only place to go to mingle with the rich and famous is the Brenner's Park Hotel and Spa . Heidi Klum loved it. Kelby Carr, your France for Visitors guide, recommends the Hotel Beeg , on Gernsbacher Straße 44-46. which "had all the necessities, nice bed, a small armchair, TV, etc. The best feature was definitely the location, though. You could walk out the front door, walk along a sidewalk and be at the Caracalla spa." (The Hotel Beeg sounds nice, but I usually go for something smaller.) Find these hotels in our Baden-Baden Links. Spas Spas have been famous at Baden Baden since the Roman Era. The two big spas, Caracalla and the Roman-Irish spa, are quite affordable. A three hour visit to Caracalla will cost you 13 Euro, 10 three hour visits will cost you 113 Euros. A single admission ticket excluding soap and brush massage (3 hours) at the Roman-Irish Spa will run you 21 Euros, a three and a half hour visit including soap and brush massage will cost you 29 Euros. At either spa you can park nearby for two hours free, then for a Euro per hour thereafter. For all the info on prices and other options, see the linkbox on the upper right Wine Baden Baden is in the Ortenau region, in good position for wine production. The Baden Wine Route will lead you and your car through the best of the region, while the Ortenau Weinpfad (wine trail) running parallel has over 100 kilomters of hiking trails and vantage points. For more on these opportunities, follow the Baden Wine Route link in the box on the right Cuisine There is, of course, the famous Black Forest smoked ham, and the locally made Gansewurst, a sausage made from smoked goose, is worth a try. Lunch is light, there's a coffee and cake break in the afternoon, then a late dinner. Some of the food has French influence here, and the local black forest game is legendary. Weather The moderately priced Belle Epoque Hotel in Baden Baden has a five day forecast .        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There

Russia Travel Resources >

Russia Travel Guide Long Distance Transportation  You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide Long Distance Transportation Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Intercity Travel - Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Whether you're traveling across borders or from city to city, Russia has transportation options to get there. Airlines A number of airlines provide international flights to Russia, including the national airline Aeroflot that flies domestically and internationally. Also see this list of airlines of the new independent states of the former USSR. Airports There are three airports serving international flights to Moscow. The one you will fly to depends on the airline you use. The main other airports in Russia are also listed below. Moscow: Sheremetyevo-2 - SVO - is the city's main international airport, located 35 km northwest of the city. Moscow: Vnukovo -VKO- is an international airport located 11 km from the city. Moscow: Domodedovo is a modern international airport increasingly attracting travel. St. Petersburg: Pulkovo - LED. Ekaterinburg: Koltsovo - SVX. Kirovsk/Apatity - KVK. Novosibirsk: Tolmachevo - OVB. Rostov na Donu For transportation from the airport to your accommodations, your options are to take a taxi, a shuttle, or public transportation, unless you are fortunate enough to have someone pick you up. While public transportation is the least expensive, luggage makes this choice not always practical. If you want to take a taxi, ignore anyone by the airport doors trying to give you a ride and go to the taxi line outside. You can order a taxi before you arrive with WaytoRussia.net . Many of the larger hotels offer shuttle service to and from the airport. Depending on the city, taxis can cost from $10-$25 to get you to your destination. Trains There are several types of long-distance trains in Russia: High-speed trains (skorostnoj poezd'). These trains, numbered 161-169, travel at about 100 km per hour and have comfortable amenities. Fast trains (skorry poezd'). These trains, which are reasonably comfortable, are numbered 1-160 and stop only at major stations. Firm fast trains (firmeny poezd'). These trains are included with the group above but the "firmeny" indication means they have additional service, including cleaner cars, for which you will pay about 10 percent more. These trains include the Rossia that travels from Moscow to Vladivostok and the Krasnaya Strella from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Passenger train (passazhersky poezd'). These trains are numbered 170-870, travel more slowly than the other trains listed above, and make many stops. For long-distance routes, you can choose from options that approximate first, second and third class seating. Sleeping cars (first class) have two sleeping berths per compartment plus a small washbasin, and the toilets at the ends of the cars are usually clean(er). Kupes (second class) have four berths per compartment and the toilets are less desirable. Bring your own paper and disposable wipes. Platzkart (third class) has 54 berths per car. For a timetable of trains across Russia and the CIS, see Poezda.net . To buy your tickets, you can order them before you even leave for Russia by using an online travel service or a travel agent. You can buy your tickets in Russia at the train station, a railway agency office, or a travel agent. Express Coaches/ Buses You can get to Russia by bus and you can also get around Russia by bus. Inside Russia, you can travel very cheaply by bus from city to city (and to remote areas not served by trains) but the vehicles are not comfortable and usually are crowded (because they are cheap.) You'll certainly meet Russians this way, but without knowledge of the Russian language, you will face difficulties. You can buy tickets at the bus station but be prepared for a long wait. The situation is different traveling internationally by bus. A number of private firms have very comfortable coach buses, and fares are usually cheaper than airfare, even when traveling from western Europe. Major coach companies are: Eurolines . Connects you to 25 European countries. Berlin Linien Bus - German-language site. This line takes you from western Europe to European Russia. Beetroot Backpackers . Backpackers will enjoy the prices and fun with this low-priced bus option. Russia Travel Guide Index Profile of Russia City Profile: Moscow City Profile: St. Petersburg Before You Go Need to Know Money Matters Intercity Travel City Transit Driving Health and Safety Lodging Dining and Drinking Communications Shopping        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 Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings

Asia Travel

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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