Taiwan Travel Guide Overview

Taiwan Travel Tips and Advice | iExplore.com FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore advertisement -- Home Travel Guides Far East Taiwan Do's and Don'ts Taiwan Travel Guide Overview Tours Where to Go Activities General Info History Weather Travel Tips Dining Shopping Visa & Health View Trips to Taiwan Far East Overview Browse Taiwan Photos Taiwan Questions and Answers Read Taiwan Journals Find a Taiwan Travel Buddy Taiwan Travel Tips & Advice Social Conventions Handshaking is common. Casual wear is widely acceptable. Ancient festivals and customs are celebrated enthusiastically and traditional holidays are important. Entertainment is usually offered in restaurants, not at home. Visitors are not expected to entertain. Chinese culture in the form of drama, opera and art is very strong. Despite rapid industrialization and development, the way of life is very much Chinese, steeped in tradition and old values. Tipping Tipping is not an established custom, although it is on the increase. Taipei hotels and restaurants add 10 per cent service charge and extra tipping is not expected. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers. The standard tip for porters is NT$50 per piece of luggage. International Travel: Travel warning Earthquakes (mostly minor) occur regularly and typhoons and tropical storms are a risk: visitors are advised to learn about emergency procedures for such events on arrival. Air The national airline is China Airlines (CI) (website: www.china-airlines.com ). EVA Airways (BR) offers flights to destinations throughout Asia (excluding China, PR), Australia, Europe, New Zealand and North America. Other airlines serving Taiwan include British Asia Airways , Continental Airlines , Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways . Approximate flight times From Taipei to London is approximately 15 hours including a stop in Hong Kong. International airports Chiang Kai-shek-Taipei (TPE) is 40km (25 miles) south of the city (travel time - 30 minutes). Airport facilities include an outgoing duty free shop, post office, car hire, bank/bureau de change, bar/restaurant and tourist information. Buses depart every 15 to 20 minutes for both Sung Shan (domestic) airport and the main railway station. Taxis and buses are available to the city center. Kaohsiung International (KHH) (website: www.kia.gov.tw ) is 9km (4 miles) from the town center. Airport facilities include an outgoing duty free shop, car hire, bank/bureau de change, post office and bar/ restaurant. A regular bus service is available (travel time - 30 minutes). There is a taxi service to the town. Departure tax None. Sea Ferries run regularly between Keelung and Kaohsiung ports (Taiwan) and Okinawa (Japan). There are also sea links between Kaosiung and Macau. Duty-Free The following items may be imported by persons over 20 years of age without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 454g of tobacco ; 1 bottle (not more than 1l) of alcoholic beverage ; reasonable quantities of perfume ; other goods for personal use up to the value of NT$20 , 000 (NT$10 , 000 for passengers under 20 years of age) . Prohibited items Narcotics, arms, ammunition, gambling articles, non-canned meat products, fresh fruit and toy pistols. Publications promoting communism are prohibited, as are items originating in Albania, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China (PR), Cuba, Korea (Dem Rep), Laos, Romania, Vietnam and members of the CIS. All baggage must be itemised and declared in writing. Internal Travel: Air Far Eastern Air Transport , Mandarin Airlines , Transasia Airways and Uni Air are amongst the domestic airlines that run services to local destinations from Sung Shan Airport, Taipei. Sea There are reasonable connections from local ports. For details, contact port authorities. Rail Services are provided to destinations all over the island by the Taiwan Railway Administration (website: www.railway.gov.tw ). The main tourist routes are Taipei-Taichung-Chiayi-Tainan-Kaohsiung (a top-class service), Taipei-Taichung-Sun Moon Lake (with the last leg of the journey by bus), Chiayi-Alishan (with spectacular mountain scenery) and Taipei-New Hualian-Taitung (scenic coastal route). Air-conditioned electric trains run at least hourly from Taipei to Kaohsiung; some trains have restaurant cars. Children under three travel free; children aged three to 13 pay half fare. Train tickets can be purchased at many major hotels in Taipei, as well as at the main railway station. Road Traffic drives on the right. There is an adequate road system joining all major cities. A highway links Taipei and Kaohsiung. Some main streets have English signs. Congestion can be a problem, and mudslides may block mountain roads. Bus: There are both local and long-distance bus and coach services. Taxi: These are plentiful and inexpensive (metered). The destination may have to be written in Chinese for the driver. Car hire: This is available in major towns. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. Urban A number of private bus companies provide extensive services in Taipei. An unfinished Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, a monorail train, serves Taipei and its suburbs. Metered taxis are available in Taipei; tipping is not expected, but it is starting to come into practice. TRAVEL TIMES The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Taipei to other major cities/towns: Air Road Rail Kaohsiung 0.40 5.30 4.40 Tainan 0.40 4.30 4.10 Taichung 0.30 2.30 2.30 Hualien 0.30 7.00 3.00 Taitung 0.50 10.00 5.30 Sun Moon L. - 4.30 - Alishan - 6.00 - Kenting - 6.30 - Makung 0.40 - - Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) advertisement Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --

travel to and in

Welcome to South Africa Home / Welcome to South Africa Current Version: All Welcome to South Africa Welcome to the official South African Tourism website – the most comprehensive online source of information on travel to and in South Africa. Tourism Helpline: 083 123 6789 Have something to say? If you have some feedback on our website, we’d love to hear from you. Find an expert on South Africato fulfill your travel requirements. Click here to order your Welcome collateral. ETEYA Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award Click to see the finalists here . What's Hot The Untamed Elephant Coast Unusual Places to Get Wet It’s called the ‘Untamed Spirit of the Zulu Kingdom’, and if you’re looking for wild and wonderful adventures, look no further than KwaZulu Natal’s Elephant Coast. For those who want to take a self-drive along this coastline, there really is so much to explore. Read More... South Africa boasts incredibly good weather, gorgeous scenery and fantastic beaches. The country not only has wonderful oceans to swim in but there are also rock pools, freshwater streams, and natural lakes on offer. Here are some of the wetter areas worth exploring... Read More... Features Land of the Resurrection Bush Grass and Water There is an often repeated story about the Waterberg, an wild mountainous area of bushveld three hours north of Johannesburg. Whenever old President Paul Kruger was particularly vexed by one of his burghers, he would say: “Give him a farm in the Waterberg.” Read More... During the dry blonde and russet Free State winter, it is a bewildering thing to turn a corner on the road to Qwa Qwa and suddenly find the wind whipping up foaming white horses on an enormous stretch of blue water in what feels vividly like the middle of nowhere. Read More... The South African Tourism Corporate website. Click to access all trade, media and research information. ............................................................................................................. Take a Sho't Left to see great domestic travel packages and events. Find out more about travelling within South Africa here . ............................................................................................................. Find out more information about Indaba 2006 and register online. Click to learn more. ............................................................................................................. International Trade Only - The Fundi Tourism Expert Course (destination specialist training) has been specifically designed to enable the travel provider to sell South Africa more effectively. Click to learn more. To pre-register for the domestic Fundi course that is being developed for the South African trade selling domestic travel please click here. ............................................................................................................. Other Events December 2005 Click here to search all events in the database. Dusi Canoe Marathon 19, 20 and 21 January 2006 , The Powerade Dusi Canoe Marathon is regarded as one of the toughest canoe events in the world. It is held annually towards the end of January and normally brings the cream of South Africa's canoeing talent to Durban.In 1999 a total of 1545 paddlers took to the 120km route over three days of race. The event which begins at Camps Drift near Pietermaritzburg is paddled through two river systems, The Umsindusi and The Umgeni. The race ends at the Blue Lagoon and celebrity participants are welcomed home by thousands of participators. The race is alternated annually between singles and pairs formats. For more information on the Dusi canoe marathon call: 033 3949994 / 3421525/8 ................................................ Midmar Mile 11-12 February 2006 , If you are a water sports lover you cannot afford to miss the world’s largest open water swimming event, the Midmar Mile. Renowned as one of the world’s most important water events it is difficult to imagine that it started as an alternative event that came as a result of petrol restrictions in South Africa in 1973. Mike Arbuthnot, Dick Park and Brian Glover were unable to travel as far as East London to compete in the Buffalo Mile in 1973 due to the restrictions so they decided to start a similar race organized in Natal. Midmar Dam was chosen as the venue, and it proved to be a popular venue. 153 swimmers took part in the inaugural competition in 1974 and the event has been growing from strength to strength. Last year over 17 000 swimmers took part in the event. Money raised from the event is donated to conservation purposes. ................................................ Related Links | Contact Us | Email this page | Print this page | Link To Us | Privacy Policy Industry : About South African Tourism | Become a Fundi | Trade | Media | Research | Image Library D.E.A.T. | The Information Gateway to SA | South African National Parks | Tourism Grading Council | Indaba

South America Travel

South America Travel | Panama, Argentina, Brazil & Chile | iExplore.com FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore advertisement -- Home Travel Guides Central and South America The dense Amazon rainforest . The jagged spires of the Andes Mountains . Tropical beaches. Towering waterfalls. With this kind of nature all around, it's no wonder why Central and South America have become nearly synonymous with ecotours . The cloud forests of Costa Rica , the birds and animals of Belize , the otherworldly Amazon rainforest , Ecuador's Galapagos Islands , Argentina's 22,834-foot Mount Aconcagua , Chile's Class V Rio Futaleufu , Mayan ruins hidden in the jungles of Guatemala , Peru's Machu Picchu ... There is an endless variety of things to see and do in Central and South America. Countries Argentina Belize Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador El Salvador Falkland Islands French Guiana Galapagos Islands Guatemala Guyana Honduras Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Tour Spotlight iExplore Guatemala, Honduras & Belize Featuring the highlights of the region in this 13-day tour... Trip Overview Trip Itinerary Departure Dates Belize Photos Belize Travel Guide Destination Spotlight Peru Peru is a large, mountainous country on the Pacific coast of South America. It has borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the... Overview Where To Go Travel Tips Peru Trips Peru Photos advertisement Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --

South America travel, Luxury

South America Tour Packages, South America travel, South America Luxury Vacations & Cruises South America Tour Packages, South America travel, Luxury Vacations & Cruises Site Index South America Cultural Tours, Biking Tours, Hiking Tours, Family Tours Virtuoso Tour Consultants: First Class Tour Arrangements Suited to Your Needs Luxury South America Vacation: Call 1- 415-446 5252 to book . Open Every Day! 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Here you'll find over 600 species of birds and a fascinating variety of aquatic reptiles and exotic wildlife. Chile: Atacama & Patagonia (12 Days / From: $6,395 plus airfare) See the beauty and wonder of Gorgeous Chile from every angleclimb to the lovely hilltops, voyage out to sea, journey through the lush valleys and get up close to the magnificent local glaciers. You'll explore the trails leading into the luxuriant rainforests. Patagonia Adventure (13 Days / from $3595) Journey through Chile and Argentina's Lake District, Southern fjords and ice fields, Perito Moreno Glacier and Tierra del Fuego National Park. Sail through the Argentinean and Chilean lakes across the Andes, admiring dazzling scenery of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and un-spoilt nature. Patagonia Explorer (15 days, from $5949) A varied exploration of the beautiful wilderness of Patagonia - Tierra del Fuego, Glaciers National Park, Torres del Paine and the Lake District. Enjoy Buenos Aires, abound with garden parks, broad boulevards for shopping, historic and colonial landmarks, colorful and fashionable districts, as well as an intriguing nightlife. Wonders of Peru (9 Days / From: $3,895 plus airfare ) One word that most travelers use in describing Peru is mystical. Some claim ancient Incans had been contacted by aliens from another planet. Some travelers claim to have had odd spiritual experiences. Peru does have an ambiance; a numinous atmosphere. click here for more luxury south american vacation packages <<back 1 2 3 next>> Please Note: Luxury tour & vacation package prices listed in this guide are published fares. Our fares are often substantially lower. Please contact us for up to the minute specials and pricing. We are a member of Virtuoso - Specialists in the Art of Travel. Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "a network of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." 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Russia Travel

David Tomanek's Russia Travel Page David Tomanek's Russia Travel Page This is one of the most unusual destinations I have visited so far.Below are some of the noteworthy facts you will appreciate knowing as a visitor. To a large degree unspoiled by the Communist system, Russians (and other nationals of the former Soviet Union) have kept up withtheir tradition of hospitality. While service personnel may be unfriendly, people are generally friendly, caring and helpful on a personal level. Culture in its original sense, not restricted to performingarts or architecture, and including culture of human relationships,is highly valued. It is truly a joy to get involved in a livelydiscussion with Russians about Art, Science or Politics, and feel theexcitement and deep desire to find the fundamental truth. This alonemakes an encounter with the Russian culture worth the trip. With amazing accuracy, locals spot foreigners even beforethey open their mouth. By default, foreigners are assumed to beAmericans. Ownership of a car provides drivers with a license to kill. To alesser degree, this also applies at pedestrian cross­walks,where car drivers exercise their right of way somewhat lessaggressively. The dual­pricing system, where foreigners are charged a higherrate than locals for the same service, is an outgrowth of plannedeconomy in desperate need for resources. More resources are believedto be generated using the well­established method to increase egg production by forcing chickens to lay several eggs a day, rather thanacquiring more chickens. This dual­pricing system has recently reached a new level ofabsurdity. As an example, the beautiful state Hermitage museum in St.Petersburg charges foreigners 15­20 times more than Russians. Individual tourism is efficiently suppressed by linking visarequirements to a hotel reservation. This provides hotels with aneffective monopoly on visa, and allowing for hotel rates, applied toforeigners, to be a multiple of those applied to locals. Individualtourists are often asked to pay the price of a western first­classhotel accommodation for a room without running water or toilet paper. One unusual exception from this rule is the American­founded Youth Hostel in St. Petersburg .It charges locals and visitors the same rate of US$ 19 per night perperson (as of Summer 1997) in clean rooms with few beds. Showers andtoilets are unusually clean by local hotel standards. There are noage restrictions. Most important, the hostel is run very efficientlyby an in­house travel agency that specializes in arranging visa. Thehostel/travel agency runs a server on the internet and a very useful Web site . The staff are helpful and experienced, and routinely make use oftheir in­house e­mail and fax facilities. ... back to David Tomanek's home page David Tomanek at Michigan State University tomanek@pa.msu.edu This page has been visited 1325 times. Last update: 15 July 1997.