South America Travel

South America : Travel Tips : International Travel : Travelocity Customer Care | My Stuff Home Travel Info Center Flight Status >Destination Guides Travelocity Business About Travelocity Flights Search Flights Top Deals Web Fares Low Fare Alert Last Minute Packages Hotels Search Hotels Top Deals Trip Ideas Popular Cities Cars/Rail Search Cars Search Rail Top Deals About Neighborhood Search Popular Car Destinations Vacation Packages Search Vacations Top Deals Disney Vacations Trip Ideas Cruises Search Cruises Search by Destination Search by Cruise Line Top Deals Ship Finder Last Minute Packages Search Deals Top Deals This Weekend Next Weekend Need Ideas? Activities Activities by Destination Guides & Advice : Traveler Advice : Tips & Advice Home : International Travel South America When one imagines South America, one thinks of the densely tangled jungles of the Amazon, the snow-capped heights of the Andes and the Pampas, and the astounding wildlife of the Galapagos Islands and beyond. While the continent indeed holds endless exotic delights, it also contains certain tropical maladies that any visitor should be aware of in advance. Read on to get some preparatory knowledge on how to stay healthy in America del Sur. Enjoying your trip to its fullest always involves some amount of preparation and knowledge, so to make your planning easier weve put together some basic information outlining the general risks you might face in South America. Consult the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information on current health risks, and ask your physician about the best courses of vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for the area youre visiting. Food and Water: Diarrhea afflictions commonly affect visitors. Intestinal parasites and fluke illnesses have been reported in certain parts of South America, so be mindful of what you eat. Assume that all water is contaminated, and either buy bottled water (widely available in most countries) or sterilize it yourself (see Food and Water Risks for further details). Even when locals insist that tap water is safe to drink, as the adage says, its better to be safe than sorry. In most places, vegetables should be cooked and fruits peeled before eating. Luckily, most tropical fruits are of the peel variety, so have no fear and munch away on freshly peeled pineapples, mangoes, and the like. Avoid undercooked meat and seafood--the latter can be host to many bacteria that are damaging to ones health. Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products as well. You can sterilize milk or make powdered milk with purified water as an alternative. As an added precaution, always check the expiration date of processed food. The Elements: While temperatures range from the tropical variety to the cool climates of high altitudes, the bottom line here is that the sun is strong--really strong. The equator runs straight through Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia, if thats any clue of how hot it gets! So cover up with sunscreen, don pants and long sleeves when you can, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to stay shaded and keep cool. Drink plenty of water--the heat and humidity will make you sweat even more, and you need to balance fluid loss with fluid intake. High Altitudes: Those trekking in the Andes, Pampas, and other mountain ranges will be treated to jaw-dropping gorgeous scenery and challenging hikes. However, visiting such high altitudes opens a whole other can of worms. For further details, read our How to Avoid Altitude Sickness tip. Health Risks: Mosquitoes abound in South America, particularly in its coastal regions and within the moist interiors of its rainforests. Insect-borne diseases, especially malaria and dengue fever, are therefore big risks. Malaria risk exists in parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Risk is generally high in rural and low-lying areas; one need not worry in big cities and main tourist areas such Rio. However, its always best to check in advance to see which areas are the most at risk--consult WHOs malaria zone map when in doubt. Consult your doctor several months before your trip to determine the best course of malaria prevention for you. Yellow fever is a big problem in many parts of the continent. To check which areas are at high risk, consult WHOs map of endemic zones . Dengue fever and Chagas disease occur throughout the continent. Unfortunately, no prophylaxis for these illnesses currently exist, so follow some simple guidelines to protect yourself from mosquito bites (see Creepy, Crawly Critters for further details and advice). Filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis have been reported in certain parts of the continent, particularly in rural Brazil. Schistosomiasis (or bilharzia), a strain of water-borne bacteria, is prevalent in many fresh water areas; avoid swimming or paddling in these areas. Rabies is present in many parts of the continent. Snakes and leeches are often a hazard in certain areas. Immunization Suggestions and Requirements: The following information was culled from reputable sources, such as CDC and WHO and reflects countries currently featured on Travelocity.com. Argentina Cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A Bolivia Hepatitis A, polio, typhoid, cholera, tetanus Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers coming from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for incoming travelers from non-infected zones visiting risk areas Brazil Polio, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers arriving within three months from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for those intending to visit certain rural areas of the country Chile Cholera, tetanus, hepatitis A and B Colombia Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, polio, tetanus Yellow fever immunization is recommended for those visiting certain rural frontiers of Colombia Ecuador Cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over one year old coming from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for travelers arriving from non-infected areas who plan to journey outside urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported Peru Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, polio Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over six months old coming from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for travelers arriving from non-infected areas who plan to journey to areas within the Amazon Basin and the eastern slopes of the Andes, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported Uruguay Hepatitis A, typhoid Venezuela Cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B Yellow fever immunization is recommended for all travelers over one year old intending to travel outside urban areas     International Travel Tips & Advice Information on the Euro Africa Asia Central America Caribbean Australia/South Pacific South America Middle East Europe North America Embassies and Consulates--A Little Piece of the United States Abroad Choosing the Right Gift for Business Associates in Japan Getting Through Customs Expediting Your Passport Application Process Handling Cash When Traveling Overseas '+' Means Some Taxes & Fees Additional | About Travelocity | Security Guarantee | Affiliate Program | Jobs | Site Map Partners and International Sites: IgoUgo | lastminute.com | Odysia.fr | ShowTickets.com | Site59 | Travelchannel.de | Travelocity Canada Travelocity Denmark | Travelocity Norway | Travelocity Sweden | Travelocity United Kingdom | World Choice Travel | ZUJI © 1996-2005 Travelocity.com LP. All rights reserved. Travelocity and the Stars Design are trademarks of Travelocity.com LP. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Travelocity User Agreement and Privacy Policy . CST# 2056372-50. dest.advice.tips.item|Tips and Advice|TRAVELOCITY|ST||||tipID=233| --

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

Austria Travel Guide: Vienna

Austria Travel Guide,Tourist Information,Student Visa,Austrian Embassy List,Vienna Hotel Accommodation,Schools,Colleges Austria Travel Guide: Vienna Discount Hotels, Vacation Deals, Holiday Packages, Cheap Accommodation, Tourism & Student Visa & Austrian Embassy Information Search our website Home Site Map Travel Visa Info Hotels Hostels Car Hire Jobs Schools Products Traveler's Guide Visa & Embassy Guide Accommodation Finder Budget Hostels Guide Cheap Hotels Guide Tours Worldwide Travel Books Travel Forum Study Abroad Programs School & College Guide Top 10 Language Schools Browse for Schools Art & Design Schools Boarding Schools Guide Business Schools Guide Colleges, Diploma Programs Computer Science & IT Schools Distance Learning Programs Language Schools Worldwide Schools & Programs for Children Technical Colleges Courses TESOL / TEFL Courses Guide Universities & Gradschools Student Forums Travel > Austria Travel Guide Austria Travel Guide (Austria Visa & Embassy Info) Full country name: Republic of Austria Population: 8.02 million Capital City: Vienna Languages: German, English, Turkish, Slovenian, Croatian Religion: 88% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant Government: Federal Republic, Member of EU Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time) Dialling Code: 43 Electricity: 230V, 50Hz Weights & measures: Metric Money & Costs: Currency: Euro Meals Budget: 4-8 Mid-range: 8-20 High: 20-30 Top: 30+ Accommodation: Budget: 10-40 Mid-range: 40-80 High: 80-200 Top: 200+ Geography: Austria is a landlocked coubtry located in Central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere. Eight countries namely Italy, Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia form the Austrian border. Vienna is the capital of Austria that lies on the Danube River and is partly surrounded by the hills of the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald). Austria is divided into nine federal provinces (Bundeslnder): Vienna (Wien), Lower Austria (Niedersterreich), Upper Austria (Obersterreich), Salzburg (Salzburg), Carinthia (Krnten), Tyrol (Tirol), Vorarlberg (Vorarlberg), Styria (Steiermark) & Burgenland (Burgenland) Climate: Austria enjoys a moderate continental climate featuring four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Summers are generally warm and pleasant with cool nights, Winters are sunny, with reliable and frequent snowfalls. The weather is changeable throughout the year. However, in summer rainfalls are usually heavy and of short duration only. Winters are rather cold in the North-East and can be lightened up by frequent and heavy warm & dry winds in some valleys in the Alps. Recommended clothing: European clothes according to season. Alpine wear for mountain resorts. Public Holidays: Jan 1 New Years Day. Jan 6 Epiphany. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 20 Ascension Day. May 31 Whit Monday. Jun 10 Corpus Christi. Aug 15 Assumption. Oct 26 National Day. Nov 1 All Saints Day. Dec 8 Immaculate Conception. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 St Stephens Day. Study in Austria: Below are the latest German language schools, art schools, business schools & colleges to join our directory. Latest German schools & private colleges to join: Location ActiLingua Academy Vienna THESALCON Vienna deutschinstitut.at Vienna Alpha Sprachinstitut Austria Vienna Das ABC-Zentrum Vienna You are here: Travel Guide>Austria Tourist Information, Study Visa Links Products & Services Advertise on Learn4good Add your School / Institute Learn English, ESL Exercises Free Spanish Lessons,CDs Electronic Translators Translation Software Frequently Asked Questions Recommended Links Notice Boards Top Destinations New York London Paris Rome Tokyo Osaka San Francisco Hostels Europe © 2003-2005 Learn4good Net : A network of websites listing Schools, Job Opportunities & Accommodation About Us | FAQs | Our Website Policy | Contact us

Italy Travel

Vicenza, Italy - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger,Sheboygan, Wisconsin Vicenza townsquare Vicenza (ancient Vicentia ), city in northern Italy, capital of Vicenza Province, in Veneto Region, situated at the junction of the Bacchiglione and Retrone rivers. Vicenza is a commercial and manufacturing center. Products include textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, and processed food. The town is noted for its splendid churches, palaces, and other buildings, many of which were designed by the architect Andrea Palladio. Parts of a 13th-century wall that encircled the town are still standing. so-called Basilica, or town hall, of Vicenza. (renovations started by Palladio in 1549) Vicenza was originally a Ligurian town. A free commune in the Middle Ages, it was ruled by Venice from 1404 to 1797 and by Austria from 1797 to 1866. The city was badly damaged in World War II (1939-1945). Population (1990 estimate) 109,333. Palladio, Andrea (1508-80), Italian architect, one of the most influential architects in European history. Palladio was born November 30, 1508, in Padua (Padova), and trained as a stonemason. Originally named Andrea di Pietro dalla Gondola, he received the name Palladio when he joined the academy of the Italian poet Giangiorgio Trissino, who oversaw Palladio's architectural studies. Trissino took him to Rome, where Palladio studied and measured Roman architectural ruins; he also absorbed the treatises of Vitruvius, possibly the most important of the Roman architects. One outcome of these studies was Palladio's Antiquities of Rome (1554), the principal guidebook to Roman ruins for the next two centuries. Palladio's first work of major importance was the renovation (begun 1549) of the facade and exterior supporting structure of the so-called Basilica, or town hall, of Vicenza. In and near Vicenza he designed many residences and public buildings. The best known of these are the Barbarano, Chieregati, Tiene, Porto, and Valmarana palaces and the Villa Capri, or Villa Rotonda. From about 1560 to 1580 he built several churches in Venice, notably San Francesco della Vigna, San Giorgio Maggiore, and Il Redentore. His last great work was the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, completed after his death (in Vicenza) in August 1580. Villa Rotonda Although the historical antecedents of Palladio's style are the classically Roman-influenced High Renaissance works of architects such as the Italian Donato Bramante, Palladio's own use of classical motifs came through his direct, extensive study of Roman architecture. He freely recombined elements of Roman buildings as suggested by his own building sites and by contemporary needs. At the same time he shared the Renaissance concern for harmonious proportion, and his facades have a noteworthy simplicityalmost austerityand repose. Palladio was the first architect to develop a systematic organization of the rooms in a house. He was also the first to apply to houses the pedimented porticos of Roman templesformal porches defined by a shallow triangular gable supported by a row of columns. Both these features are exemplified in the Villa Rotonda. Palladio's buildings were highly functional, often ingeniously so. In the facade of the basilica, for example, the arches are supported on slender columns; between the columns and the vertical piers that separate the arches are narrow rectangular spaces. (This pattern of an arch flanked by rectangular spaces was so widely imitated that it became known as the Palladian motif.) The arrangement allows the piers between the arches to be narrow, rather than wide and massive, and it allows more light to pass into the main building while giving the facade an open, harmonious appearance. Palladio was the author of an important scientific treatise on architecture, I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura (1570, 2nd ed. 1580; trans. The Four Books of Architecture, 1571), which was widely translated and influenced many later architects. Its precise rules and formulas were widely utilized, especially in England, and were basic to the Palladian style, adopted by Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren, and other English architects, which preceded and influenced the neoclassical architecture of the Georgian Style. Text by Microsoft Encarta building facade Fortress in Soave entrance courtyard carved stair post Return to Italy page Return to Europe page Return to People and Places

London Vacation Rental, UK

London Vacation Apartment Rentals & Rental Homes In London, UK London Apartments & Houses for Rent, London Vacation Rental, UK Inquiry Form | List of all flats in London | London apartment search | Terms and Conditions | Home Apartments in Paris | Apartments in London | Villas & houses in Bali Paris Sweet Home offers fully-furnished London apartments for holiday rentals, self-catering in London. LONDON APARTMENT RENTAL Availability Search Number of Guests : 2 3 4 5 6 Area : All London areas Bankside Battersea Bayswater Belgravia Bloomsbury Chelsea Covent Garden Earls Court Fulham Holland Park Kensington Knightsbridge Marylebone Notting Hill E-mail : parissweethome@yahoo.com Ovington2 Square Apartment - Knightsbridge, London Price per night for 2 : Range #2 (288 us$ - 525 us$) This is the most desirable London postcode .In this immaculate and very quiet one bedroom holiday flat, visitors can share the owners high standard of living. Harrods and Harvey Nichols, here we come!....[ Photos of the flat ] Palace Place Mansions Apartment - Kensington, London Price per night for 6 : Range #2 (288 us$ - 525 us$) This is a family home in Kensington perfect for larger parties visiting London. The vast and magnificent Hyde Park is just across the road with fascinating Kensington Palace and Gardens.....[ Photos of the flat ] Sandwich Street Apartment - Bloomsbury, London Price per night for 2 : Range #1 (155 us$ - 288 us$) A rare opportunity to stay in the very heart of London, in the famous and celebrated Bloomsbury. The accommodation is in the most comfortable one bedroom apartment just a short walk away from the British Library and the British Museum....[ Photos of the flat ] P aris Sweet Home offers a large portfolio of privately owned apartments to rent in London. We arrange holiday rentals and business rentals for those visiting London and need short term accommodation. Staying in one of our luxury London rental apartments offers both the comfort and privacy unavailable in hotel rooms. Our short term vacation rentals allow our clients to experience London living. We can provide the perfect solution for family vacations, with a self contained family apartment or house to give both children and adults the benefit of their own personal space. Whether you are in London on business and need a short term flat to rent in the heart of the city or in one of London's boutique locations such as Chelsea, Knightsbridge or Kensington, Paris Sweet Home is the answer. You can rent a London apartment from one week to one year. Make an enquiry to Paris Sweet Home today ! HOW TO BOOK OUR LONDON APARTMENTS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY Please send us the Inquiry Form that you have already filled in online by clicking on the "Send" button. Make sure that you have selected at least one of our listed London apartments. Upon confirmation from us of the availability of the requested London furnished flats which will be valid for two business days, you can then proceed with a downpayment of 25% of the total rental value by effecting an international money transfer. It's necessary to inform us by e-mail as soon as you have effected your money transfer in order that the London self-catered apartment in question is put on hold for you immediately. If you have a reference given by your bank concerning your wire transfer, it will be of a great help for us. As soon as our bank account is credited with the requisited downpayment, an e-mail of reservation confirmation will be sent to you detailing instructions for check-in and all the necessary information and contacts pertaining to the selected London apartment. Thank you for using our services. Inquiry Form | List of all flats in London | London apartment search | Terms and Conditions | Home Apartments in Paris | Apartments in London | Villas & houses in Bali London Apartments & Houses for Rent, London Vacation Rental, UK London Vacation Apartment Rentals - Short Term London Apartment Rentals are provided by Paris Sweet Home. Paris Sweet Home Rosentalweg 9, 6340 Baar, Switzerland Firma-ID-No.: CH-170.2.000.982-1 Phone : + 41 41 761 07 06 Paris Sweet Home 2005. All rights reserved. Webmaster : webmaster@parissweethome.com