Italy Travel

Italy Travel Tips Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises Italy & Switzerland Travel Tips Climate / Clothing Language Code of Conduct Currency Holidays Travel Insurance Car Regulations Luggage Local Emergency/Phone Health Precautions Passports and Visas Driving Electricity Shopping Tipping Venice Transfers Departure Tax Papal Audiences Climate /Clothing Italy : Spring and Fall: 55 - 75F; Summer: 70 - 85F; Winter: 40 - 55F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. On the cruises, informal dress is the general rule but there may be some occasions were formal dress is required. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts or sleeveless tops). Italy Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/weather/italy-weather.htm . Switzerland : The Alps cause many climatic variations throughout Switzerland. In the higher Alpine regions temperatures tend to be low, while the lower land of the northern area has higher temperatures and warm summers. Switzerland Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/weather/switzerland-weather.htm . Language Italy : Italian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken as well. Switzerland : German, French, Italian, and Raeto-Romance are the official languages, but English is widely spoken. Passports and Visas Italy : Passport required. Visa not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. Switzerland : Passport required. Visa not required for tourism/study stay of less than 90 days. For more information, please see www.gate1travel.com/visas.htm . Currency Italy : Euro Switzerland : The Swiss Franc Tipping Italy : This is a matter of personal discretion. Tips are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places. Although restaurant bills often include a service charge, this amount is not typically for the waiters/staff. A typical tip is approximately 10%. Switzerland : A service charge is included in all hotel, restaurant, cafe, bar, taxi and hairdressing services by law; further gratuities are not usually required. For specific guidelines, please refer to www.gate1travel.com/tipping.htm Electricity Italy & Switzerland : The voltage used is 220 volts. *Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. Shopping Italy : Shops are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., with some variations in Northern Italy, where the lunch break is shorter and shops close earlier. Prices are reasonable and the quality of goods is very high. Department stores such as La Rinascente, Coin, Upim, and Standa are found in many Italian cities and towns. Things to buy: Clothes for men & women (dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts); lacework, jewelry, leather goods (handbags, cases, boxes, luggage), ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster; woodwork, straw, embroidery, glass and crystal ware. It is advisable to carry merchandise purchased with you in order to avoid any inconvenience. All major credit cards are honored in Italy. A proof of purchase (receipt) must be kept. Switzerland : Special purchases include embroidery and linen, Bernese woodcarving, chocolate, cheese, Swiss army knives and luxury handmade clocks and watches. Shopping hours usually run Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30 -6:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Most shops are closed on Monday mornings. Health Precautions Italy & Switzerland : No inoculations are necessary when arriving in Italy or Switzerland from the U.S. but you should consult with your health care provider before traveling. To prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," avoid the tap water, including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.*For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov Conservation/Code of Conduct Italy : The social structure is heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church and, generally speaking, family ties are stronger than in most other countries in Western Europe. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Dress is casual in most places, though beachwear should be confined to the beach. Conservative clothes are expected when visiting religious buildings and smaller, traditional communities. Formal wear is usually indicated on invitations. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, transport and cinemas. Visitors are warned to take precautions against theft, particularly in the major cities. Switzerland : Avoid red roses; never give chrysanthemums or white asters as they are considered funeral flowers. Informal wear is widely acceptable. First-class restaurants, hotel dining rooms and important social occasions may warrant jackets and ties. Black tie is usually specified when required. It is customary to give unwrapped flowers to the hostess when invited for a meal. Luggage *Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/destinations/luggage.htm for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers. Departure Tax Italy & Switzerland : There are currently no departure taxes in Italy or Switzerland, please see www.gate1travel.com/Destinations/departure_tax.htm for more information. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim. Local Emergency Phone # Italy : ambulance/medical: 118 fire, disasters: 115 police & general emergency: 112 Switzerland : general emergency: 112 Holidays Italy : January 1 New Year's Day January 6 Epiphany Mar 28 Easter Monday April 25 Liberation Day May 1 Labor Day June 2 Anniversary of the Republic August 15 Assumption of the Virgin November 1 All Saints Day November 7 World War 1 Victory Anniversary Day December 8 Immaculate Conception December 25 Christmas Day December 26 St Stephens Day *Note : In addition, local feast days are held in honor of town patron saints, generally without closure of shops and offices. These include: Turin/Genoa/Florence: Jun 24 (St John the Baptist) Milan: Dec 7 (St Ambrose) Siena: Jul 2 and Aug 16, Palio horserace Venice: Apr 25 (St Mark) Bologna: Oct 4 (St Petronius) Naples: Sep 19 (St Gennaro) Bari: Dec 6 (St Nicholas) Palermo: Jul 15 (St Rosalia) Rome: Jun 29 (St Peter) Trieste: Nov 3. Switzerland : Public Holidays: January 1 New Year's Day January 2 Berchtolds Day Mar 25* Good Friday Mar 28* Easter Monday May 5* Ascension May 15* Whit Monday Aug 1 National Day Nov 1 All Saints Day Nov 7 World War 1 Victory Anniversary Day Dec 8 Immaculate Conception Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 26 St Stephens Day *Note : (a) *These holidays may not be observed in certain cantons. (b) There are additional regional holidays which are observed in certain cantons only. Driving Italy : Traffic drives on the right. There are more than 185,500 miles of roads in Italy, including over 3700 miles of motorway (autostrada) which link all parts of the country. Tolls are charged at varying distances and scales, except for the SalernoReggio Calabria, PalermoCatania and PalermoMazara Del Vallo stretches which are toll-free. Secondary roads are also excellent and require no tolls. Road signs are international. Many petrol stations are closed 12 -3 p.m. Visitors are advised to check locally about exact opening times. Switzerland : Traffic drives on the right. Road quality is generally good. Many mountain roads are winding and narrow, and often closed in heavy winter conditions; otherwise chains and snow tires may be necessary. Rail is often more efficient than driving. Car Regulations Italy : Driving licenses and other traffic documents valid in other countries are recognized in Italy. Distances are indicated in kilometer ( 1 km = 0.621 miles). An international insurance certificate is required for citizens from non-EC countries.The wearing of seat belts in front and rear seats is obligatory. An appropriate harness system is obligatory for children from 2 to 12 years of age. Gasoline : Almost all the service stations in the country are equipped with pumps for lead-free (95 octane) and diesel fuel. The fuel distribution network for gas-propelled vehicles is reasonably developed (ask for information at the Automobile Club d'Italia offices). Service stations are open from 7 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. Service is guaranteed 24 hours a day on the motorways. Automatic pumps, which accept 10,000 and 50,000 lire banknotes, function in the evenings and at night. Carrying gasoline in gas cans is prohibited. Traffic Tips : On highways (autostrade) no U-turns are permitted and stopping is permitted only in emergency parking areas or parking lanes. The Italian Highway Code follows the Geneva Convention and Italy uses international road signs. Driving is on the right, passing on the left. Violators of the highway code are fined; serious violations may also be punished by imprisonment. In cities and towns, the speed limit is 50 km/hr. Papal Audiences, Vatican City General audiences with His Holiness are usually held once a week (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) in Vatican City. They may be held inside the Basilica itself or in the hall of the Papal Audiences (Aula Paolo VI, Seating 7000), and in summer in Saint Peter's Square or in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. Catholics are requested to have a letter of introduction from their parish priest. For this audience women should dress modestly, with arms and head covered. Dark or subdued colors are requested. Men are asked to wear a tie and jacket. Return to the Italy brochure More TravelInformation Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . Contact Us . This site can be best viewed using Internet Explorer 4.0, or higher. The browser software can be downloaded, free of charge, from the Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com . All external sites will open in a new browser. Gate1travel.com does not endorse external sites.

DISNEY VACATION PLANNER Port

CRUISE.COM - Authorized Disney Vacation Planner - Cruise discounts, cruise deals and discount cruise vacations from the web's largest seller of discount cruises. HOME CRUISE.COM is DESIGNATED AN AUTHORIZED DISNEY VACATION PLANNER Port Everglades, FL - Cruise.com has been designated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as an "Authorized Disney Vacation Planner" (not an agent of The Walt Disney Company or its affiliates), based on its strong support in selling Disney vacations. Cruise.com has been in business in Port Everglades, FL for seven years, and has established itself as an area expert on vacations to the Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort and Disney Cruise Line® vacations specializing in travel. Many travel counselors at Cruise.com have received extensive training on Disney Destinations theme parks, resorts, cruises, vacation packages and more, and can provide the utmost in professional assistance in planning customized Disney vacations. In fact, one reason the agency attained the "Authorized Disney Vacation Planner" status, is that at least 50 percent of the frontline leisure travel agents are College of Disney Knowledge graduates. The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth comprehensive correspondence course that allows agents to develop their expertise regarding the Disney Destinations, knowledge, that consumers can take advantage of when planning a Disney vacation. Legal | Privacy | FAQ | Site Index | Home | ©2005 CRUISE.COM All rights reserved Adventure Travel | Travel Guide | Vacation Rentals | Virtual Tours | TravTech.com

London Vacation Packages e-mail

Cheap vacations to London - discount hotel + air deals - TripAdvisor London vacation discounts and deals Sign in • Sign up Home > Canada > Ontario > London > SmartDeals > Vacation packages London tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. Discount hotels | Hotel + air deals | All travel offers Search (e.g., London hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) London London Overview London Hotels Flights to London London Deals Discount hotels Hotel + air deals All travel offers London Attractions London Forum London Maps London Discount Hotels London Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend London vacation packages Acapulco vacation packages Alaska vacation packages Amsterdam vacation packages Anaheim vacation packages Arizona vacation packages Aruba vacation packages Aspen vacation packages Atlanta vacation packages Atlantic City vacation packages Bahamas vacation packages Barbados vacation packages Belgium vacation packages Bermuda vacation packages Boston vacation packages Branson vacation packages Breckenridge vacation packages British Virgin Islands vacation packages Cabo San Lucas vacation packages California vacation packages Canada vacation packages Cancun vacation packages Caribbean vacation packages Colorado vacation packages Costa del Sol vacation packages Cozumel vacation packages Dallas vacation packages Daytona Beach vacation packages Dominican Republic vacation packages Florida vacation packages Florida Keys vacation packages Fort Lauderdale vacation packages France vacation packages Germany vacation packages Grand Canyon National Park vacation packages Greece vacation packages Grenada vacation packages Hawaii vacation packages Hilton Head vacation packages Ibiza vacation packages Ireland vacation packages Italy vacation packages Ixtapa vacation packages Jamaica vacation packages Kauai vacation packages Key West vacation packages Lake Placid vacation packages Lake Tahoe vacation packages Las Vegas vacation packages London vacation packages Los Angeles vacation packages Los Cabos vacation packages Maui vacation packages Mazatlan vacation packages Melbourne vacation packages Mexico vacation packages Miami vacation packages Montreal vacation packages Myrtle Beach vacation packages Nashville vacation packages Nassau vacation packages New York vacation packages New York City vacation packages Niagara Falls vacation packages Nova Scotia vacation packages Oahu vacation packages Orlando vacation packages Paris vacation packages Park City vacation packages Philadelphia vacation packages Phoenix vacation packages Pigeon Forge vacation packages Puerto Rico vacation packages Puerto Vallarta vacation packages Punta Cana vacation packages Quebec City vacation packages Reno vacation packages Rome vacation packages Salt Lake City vacation packages San Antonio vacation packages San Diego vacation packages San Francisco vacation packages Santa Fe vacation packages Scotland vacation packages Seattle vacation packages Spain vacation packages St. Croix vacation packages St. Lucia vacation packages St. Maarten/St. Martin vacation packages St. Thomas vacation packages Sydney vacation packages Texas vacation packages Toronto vacation packages Tucson vacation packages U.S. Virgin Islands vacation packages Vail vacation packages Virginia Beach vacation packages Washington DC vacation packages Whistler vacation packages Read more London tourism Hotel + air deals to London * Featured specials - December 28, 2005 London : Save on hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! London : Buy Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 Hotels (12) B&Bs / Inns (0) Other lodging (0) Sorted by popularity hotel name Quality Suites , London Popularity index: #1 in London based on 9 sources Quality Suites : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Quality Suites : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Delta London Armouries , London Popularity index: #3 in London based on 15 sources Delta London Armouries : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Delta London Armouries : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre , London Popularity index: #4 in London based on 3 sources Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Travelodge London South , London Popularity index: #6 in London based on 5 sources Travelodge London South : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Travelodge London South : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Ramada Inn London , London Popularity index: #7 in London based on 7 sources Ramada Inn London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Ramada Inn London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Hilton London Ontario , London Popularity index: #8 in London based on 7 sources Hilton London Ontario : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Hilton London Ontario : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Comfort Inn , London Popularity index: #9 in London based on 6 sources Comfort Inn : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Comfort Inn : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Howard Johnson Hotel London , London Popularity index: #13 in London based on 7 sources Howard Johnson Hotel London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Howard Johnson Hotel London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Four Points by Sheraton London , London Popularity index: #16 in London based on 2 sources Four Points by Sheraton London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Four Points by Sheraton London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Days Inn London , London Popularity index: #17 in London based on 4 sources Days Inn London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Days Inn London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Pages: 1 2 Read more about London travel! TripAdvisor SmartDeals are the best deals on the best hotels in London. Visit our SmartDeals page. TripAdvisor's Tourism page has the web's best articles on London travel . Our London hotels page presents hotels ranked by popularity - read traveler reviews and guidebooks. Looking for things to do in London? Try our Attractions page! Visit our London forum page to ask questions and get advice about London travel. TripAdvisor forums let you ask questions and get advice - post in our London forum . Our Maps, etc. page has maps and other travel information. Visit our London discount hotels page for great savings on London hotels, including TripAdvisor SmartDeals. Book a flight to London on our Flights page. To view all the specials, vacation packages, and other travel offers we've found, visit our All travel offers page. About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor lists cheap air + hotel deals to London, Ontario. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! Visit TripAdvisor in another language: About Us | Membership | Site Map | Become an Affiliate | Top Cities | Hotel Reservations | Hotel Deals | TripAdvisor Gear Popular Hotels: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , by city TripAdvisor Recommends: Las Vegas hotels , London hotels , Paris hotels , Rome hotels , New York City hotels , Chicago hotels , Orlando hotels © 2005 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . * TripAdvisor, Inc. is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... ( more ) TripAdvisor, Inc. is not responsible for content on external web sites.

cheap travel insurance |

Travel Insurance and Ski Insurance - Travel Insurance Direct Cheap Ski and Holiday Cover Travel Insurance - Single Trip Holiday Insurance for family and single travellers offering great value for money with cheap quotes. The "Travel Bond" is available to UK & Eire residents up to the age of 69 (65 for trips to USA/Canada) Ski Insurance, Snowboard, and Winter Sports Ski and Snowboarding winter sports insurance with off piste cover and helicopter rescue and medical emergency repatriation. Annual Travel Insurance - Multi Trip Save time and money with Annual Insurance. Covers unlimited trips in one year up 60 day per trip. A Ski, snowboard and winter sports option is available. Annual Travel Cover is available to UK & Eire residents up to 65 years. Backpackers & Students Low cost single trip cover for backpackers, students and other young people. Includes sports and adventure activities. Business Multi Trip This is an annual policy covering business business equipment and computer cover and a 24 day ski & wintersports option. Leisure travel is also included. European Breakdown Cover Motoring breakdown service for cars and motorcycles in Europe by AXA Assistance. Insurance for non UK / Eire residents World Nomads offers travel cover for residents of over 44 countries including US & Canadian Residents, Australia and Europe. Ski Insurance, Travel Insurance & Cheap Holiday Insurance for UK & Eire Residents Travel Insurance Home | Help & Advice | About Us Travel Insurance Annual Multi Trip Ski Insurance Business Multitrip Backpackers European Breakdown Non UK / Eire Residents Activities Wording Compare Insurance Travel Guides Ski Guides Site Information Ski, Snowboard and winter holiday insurance On or Off Piste. Free Children's insurance Backpacker Insurance ideal for students and gap year travellers on extended stay trips Travel Insurance for single trips and family holidays with free children's insurance Annual Travel Insurance with Winter Sports Option including free children's insurance Cheap Ski Insurance and Snowboarding cover for young people extended stays Annual Travel insurance with Business Equipment cover - ideal for Business Travel Travel Insurance Agencies Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and are members of the British Insurance Brokers Association. GET AN INSTANT QUOTE or BUY YOU POLICY ONLINE FOR INSTANT COVER All policies have a 14 day money back guarantee. Compare our prices with other leading travel and holiday insurance companies Maps & Guides Airport Guides Airport Lounges Airport Hotels Airport Car Parking Travel Money Site Information Travel Advice travel insurance | cheap travel insurance | holiday insurance | ski insurance | annual travel insurance student travel insurance | help & information | Travel Europe | Ski & Winter Resort European Guide backpackers insurance | business travel insurance | european breakdown cover | travel tips | travel maps & guides Compare : Boots Travel Insurance | Sainsbury'sTravel Insurance | Post OfficeTravel Insurance | Tesco Travel Insurance Travel Insurance Agencies Limited are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Taiwan travel guide Hostel

Flights to Taiwan | Travel Guide home hostels apartments hotels travel guide tours flights rail insurance faq | about us | | contact us Taiwan travel guide Hostel Reservations > Taiwan Hostels > Changhua Hostels > Hualien Hostels > Keelung Hostels > Taichung City Hostels > Taipei Hostels Hotel Reservations > Taiwan Hotels > Changhua Hotels > Taichung City Hotels > Taipei Hotels Tours by Continent > Europe Tours > Asia Tours > Africa Tours > North America Tours > South America Tours > Oceania Tours Top 10 Hostel Destinations 1 Hostels In London 2 Hostels In Rome 3 Hostels In Paris 4 Hostels In Dublin 5 Hostels In Venice 6 Hostels In Barcelona 7 Hostels In Amsterdam 8 Hostels In Madrid 9 Hostels In Florence 10 Hostels In Prague A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z You are here: youth-hostels-in > Travel Guides > Flights to Taiwan Taiwan Location : Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China Capital City : Taipei Curreny : new Taiwan dollar (TWD) Languages Spoken : Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects Climate : tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year National Holiday : Republic Day (Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution), 10 October (1911) Background Information In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to Japan, however it reverted to Chinese control after World War II. Following the Communist victory on the mainland in 1949, 2 million Nationalists fled to Taiwan and established a government using the 1947 constitution drawn up for all of China. Over the next five decades, the ruling authorities gradually democratized and incorporated the native population within its governing structure. This culminated in 2000, when Taiwan underwent its first peaceful transfer of power from the Nationalist to the Democratic Progressive Party. Throughout this period, the island has prospered to become one of East Asia's economic "Tigers." The dominant political issues continue to be the relationship between Taiwan and China - specifically the question of eventual unification - as well as domestic political and economic reform. Geographical Note strategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait Economy Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with gradually decreasing guidance of investment and foreign trade by government authorities. In keeping with this trend, some large government-owned banks and industrial firms are being privatized. Real growth in GDP has averaged about 8% during the past three decades. Exports have provided the primary impetus for industrialization. The trade surplus is substantial, and foreign reserves are the world's third largest. Agriculture contributes 2% to GDP, down from 35% in 1952. Traditional labor-intensive industries are steadily being moved offshore and replaced with more capital- and technology-intensive industries. Taiwan has become a major investor in China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam; 50,000 Taiwanese businesses are established in China. Because of its conservative financial approach and its entrepreneurial strengths, Taiwan suffered little compared with many of its neighbors from the Asian financial crisis in 1998-99. The global economic downturn, however, combined with poor policy coordination by the new administration and increasing bad debts in the banking system, pushed Taiwan into recession in 2001, the first whole year of negative growth since 1947. Unemployment also reached a level not seen since the 1970s oil crisis. Religions mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5% Ports : Chi-lung (Keelung), Hua-lien, Kao-hsiung, Su-ao, T'ai-chung International Disputes - Risks to travellers : involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam; claims Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai), as does China You are here: youth-hostels-in > Travel Guides > Flights to Taiwan Home | Hostels | Apartments | Hotels | Travel Guide | Tours | Flights | Rail Passes | Travel Insurance | Resources | Exchange Rates Hostels in Europe | Hostels in Asia | Africa Hostels | North America Hostels | South America Hostels | Oceania Hostels | Countries London Hostels | Amsterdam Hostels | Paris Hostels | New York Hostels | Dublin Hostels | Venice Hostels | Rome Hostels | Sydney Hostels Barcelona Hostels | Prague Hostels | Florence Hostels | Milan Hostels | Los Angeles Hostels | Manchester Hostels | Edinburgh Hostels Singapore Hostels | San Francisco | Hawaii Hostels | Italy Hostels | Ireland Hostels | France Hostels | Scotland Hostels | Australia Hostels A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z © 2004 - 2005 Youth-Hostels-In.com