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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
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Vacation Rentals Take your
Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO), Beach Front Home & Cabin Rentals, Caribbean Villa Rentals Search: -- Home | Find a Rental | List a Rental | Availability Search | -- Forum | SPECIAL OFFERS | Owner Login Vacation Rentals Take your next trip knowing you aren't paying a penny more than you have to. By renting direct from the owner, our site helps you do exactly that. Find the vacation rental you've been searching for! Recent Forum Postings Vacationers: Find your vacation rental //-- You may choose how to view this map: As a Flash Animation | As an image | Automatically Detect //-- Property Owners: List your vacation rental Its free*, easy, and cost-effective. * Free listing for 90 days only. Limit one free listing per customer. -- Rental Quick Search Advanced Search Featured Rentals Massachusetts: Your dream vacation home on Cape Cod! Florida: Gulf Access Waterfront Home Nevada: The Royal Vacation Home Bahamas: "Atlantic Blues" - Secluded beachfront rental Florida: South Beach Miami Oceanfront Condo on the BEACH New Jersey: Very Cute Lakeside Cottage !!! Texas: Not a bed & breakfast room Enjoy a vacation home. Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO) At Vacation Home Rentals, it's easy to find beach house rentals, home rentals and cabin rentals all over the United States and beyond. Through our user-friendly and comprehensive service, we make it easy for you to find home rentals in the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and Asia. Beach Front Home & Cabin Rentals In the Unites States, you can find beach and cabin rentals in all of the fifty states, from California vacation rentals on the West Coast to Cape Cod vacation rentals on the East Coast, and many places in between. We also make it easy for you to find the beach house rentals youve been looking for, whether it's Florida villas down south or Maine vacation rentals far up north. Something More Exotic If you're looking for something more exotic and want to venture out into the Pacific Ocean, we have a large selection of Hawaii vacation rentals. We have all sorts of beach rentals in the majestic Hawaiian islands, from Maui vacation rentals at one of the most beautiful places on Earth, to Kauai vacation rentals on the luscious garden island of the Hawaiian island chain. Beach House Rentals & Holiday Villas Across The Globe We're not just limited to the United States, however. We have beach house rentals and holiday villas all over the globe. We also have Caribbean villa rentals across the region. If youre looking for a European getaway, we have France vacation rentals, or maybe you would like a Tuscany villa . Wherever you plan to take your next vacation, we can help you find the cabin or beach rental you need to have the vacation of your dreams! Contact Us | Become An Affiliate | FAQ | Links | Resources | Disclaimer | Sitemap 2005 ABC Vacation Rentals. All rights reserved. --
Chicago vacation. You'll get
Go Chicago Card, Chicago Attractions, Things to Do in Chicago What is it? Featured Attractions Shopping and Dining Chicago Guidebook Products and Pricing What They Are Saying Frequently Asked Questions Corporate Information Travel Agents -- Log In In The News Attraction Spotlight The Adler Planetarium Free admission with the Go Chicago Card The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum continues to be on the leading edge of science museums since founded by Max Adler in 1930. Blast off to the stunning Sky Pavilion, where nine state-of-the-art exhibition galleries chronicle modern space exploration and the history of astronomy. Fly through a dazzling star-filled night sky in the StarRider Theater, the world’s most technologically advanced, audience-interactive planetarium. Or get Stranded in an Alien Lab, where a cosmic twist puts a spin on the search for extraterrestrials – in this lab, the aliens are looking for Earthlings! The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum is America’s first planetarium. It has inspired more than 35 million visitors in it’s mission to stimulate the public’s interest in astronomy. Unlimited Admission at over 25 Chicago Attractions and Tours! LAST MINUTE SALE! Save 15% on 2, 3, 5 and 7-Day cards. FINAL TWO DAYS! Sale Ends Thursday, Dec. 29th Only on this site. Go Chicago™ Card is the perfect way to save on your Chicago vacation. You'll get unlimited FREE general admission to over 25 attractions and tours for one low price, as well as discounts at some of Chicago's top retailers and restaurants! Highlights include: Adler Planetarium The Field Museum Shedd Aquarium Museum of Science and Industry The Art Institute of Chicago The Notebaert Nature Museum John Hancock Observatory Sears Tower Sky Deck Frederick C. Robie House Chicago Children’s Museum Museum of Contemporary Art 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley pass Gray Line Grand Chicago Tour Gray Line North Side Tour Gray Line South Shore Tour Chicago Architectural Foundation walking tours Chicago Historical Society tours and Museum admission Shoreline Sightseeing Skyline Cruise Shoreline Sightseeing Architectural River Cruise Navy Pier IMAX Navy Pier Attractions and much more! Plus save up to 20% on shopping and dining around the city and get a FREE full color guidebook to help you plan your visit. PLEASE NOTE: Please be aware that the Shedd Aquarium will be closed for the day on Monday, January 9, 2006 due to a private function. What is it? | Featured Attractions | Shopping & Dining | Chicago Travel Guide Hotel and Vacation Packages | What They Are Saying | FAQ | Purchase the Card | Sitemap Corporate Information | Related Travel Sites | Other Travel Resources | Become an Affiliate Go Chicago Card is perfect for the Chicago vacation and offers unlimited admission to museums, tours and sightseeing for one low price. Also includes an Illinois travel color pocket guidebook. Hotel and Vacation packages are also available. Makes a great holiday Christmas Present. ©2005 Go Chicago™ Card 800-887-9103, 111 West Washington Street, Suite 1770, Chicago, IL 60601 Go Chicago Card is owned and operated by Smart Destinations, Inc .
Mexico Travel Information. Travel
Cozumel Mexico Travel Info : TravelYucatan.com Cozumel Mexico Travel Information Cozumel Mexico COZUMEL MEXICO Cozumel is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. It is also the most populated island in Mexico with an estimated population of around 90,000. Cozumel is situated near the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo . The island is approximately 30 miles [48 km] long and 10 miles [16 km] wide. It is about 12 mi [20 km] from the mainland, and some 36 mi [60 km] south of Cancun. Hurricane Wilma Distaster Information Isla Cozumel [or Cozumel Island] derives its name from the Mayans who once lived there and regarded the island as a sacred place. In Mayan, Cuzamil [Cozumel] translates to "land of the swallows," a reflection of the indigenous birds that inhabit the island. The Mayans are believed to have settled the island over 2000 years ago harvesting the rich abundance of seafood for commercial use. Conch shells were collected as an ingredient for stucco, which was used extensively on the mainland. The ocean also supplied a large number of other valuable items such as shark teeth, stingray spines and seashells that were used for ritual purposes. The Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva first landed on the shores of Cozumel in 1518. The visitwas proceeded a year later by the butcher Hernn Corts. The conquistadors ruthlessly invaded the island destroying everything that lay in their path. Whether or not the Spanish knowingly imported smallpox on purpose is a matter of speculation, however to the ravaged Mayans the disease soon eclipsed their very being. Those who did not die a miserable death were shackled and sent to Cuba to live out their lives as slaves. Between 1519 and 1570 the island's population dropped from 40,000 to 30. By 1600 the island was desolate, its once flourishing community gone. Soon the island's numerous coves provided safe havens for marauding pirates. In 1848 during the "War of the Castes" the island was reclaimed by the Maya and used as a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the war. Slowly the island was reinhabted and in 1910-1917 the Mexican Revolution resulted in land reforms and freedom for the Isleos. The popularity of a new "candy" called chewing gum in the U.S.A. led to the island's growth. Cozumel was a port-of-call on the gum and coconut export route from Central America. During World War 2 the U.S. Air Force built a base on the island in order to launch aircrafts, in the pursuit of German U-boats. The first hotel, the "Louvre" opened in 1924, followed by the "Yuri" in 1932 and the "Playa" in 1938. After the the economic crises in the thirties, tourist development stopped. During the fifties, with the advent of modern scuba equipment divers started coming to Cozumel. World-famous explorer Jacques Cousteau and his team discovered the wall of reefs just off the island's shoreline and declared them to be one of the most incredible diving destinations in the world. After that diving exploded on the island! By 1970, Cozumel's population quickly grew to 10,000 and with the influx of tourism this once desolate island has now become the jewel of the Mexican Caribbean. SAN MIGUEL, COZUMEL When you get off the ferry in Cozumel you are met by a barrage of sales representatives for various dive and snorkel operations. Also in the mix are representatives for hotels and resorts who often carry photo-albums of pictures of the resorts. Once you get through this you are in the city of San Miguel right in the tourista shopping zone. There are public information booths present however these are manned by sales representatives for time-shares. Once you ask a question you are a step away from a free lunch, tour and a wasted day [don't get trapped into this]. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and shops selling everything that is carried on the mainland so shopping is not a problem and one does not have to leave the island. In fact some people prefer to shop in Cozumel instead of Playa del Carmen although the two are quite similar. The San Miguel tourist zone extends from the coastline back several blocks and north/south several blocks. Outside of this you have residential neighborhoods and general Cozumel industrial zones. The town of San Miguel, the airport, and the hotels are all located on the western side of the island. Fortunately, massive resort development is paralyzed by a lack of portable water and a strong desire to protect the island's delicate ecosystem. COZUMEL CLIMATE Average air temperature: 80F [27C] July/August - High 80's to low 90'sF [32C] December/January - Mid 70'sF [24C] Winter Months: Cold fronts may create windy, cloudy and cooler weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, usually lasting for an hour. Water temperatures range from 77-82F [25-28C] throughout the year. GETTING THERE Cozumel has an international airport with connecting routes to Playa del Carmen, Cancun and other destinations in Mexico, Belize and Guatamala. There is immigration at Cozumel airport. It is basicaly the same as Cancun airport or Merida. You press the button at the trafic light then proceed. The most common method of transportation to the island is by boat. There is a ferry service that connects Cozumel to Playa del Carmen for pedestrians and a ferry out of Calica for vehicle transportation. The ferry connecting to Playa del Carmen runs quite frequently [there are 3 ferries on duty]. Getting to Cozumel from Cancun Airport If you are landing in Cancun you need to either: Take an Airport-Shuttle to Playa del Carmen . Take a bus from the airport or Cancun city to Playa del Carmen. Take a taxi* to Playa del Carmen. Take a bus to Cancun city then take a taxi to Playa del Carmen. Take a car across on the ferry at Calica . * Taxis are not allowed at the airport but sometimes you can get one when the taxi is dropping somebody off. They are not allowed to hang around. From Playa del Carmen you take the ferry to Cozumel. We have bussed from Palenque to Playa del Carmen on the red-eye arriving a 5:00ish, walked to the ferry, boarded, slept, landed in Cozumel, hopped in a taxi and been in our hotel room by 7:00 am. COZUMEL SNORKELING For diving info see Cozumel Diving Cozumel's limestone shore is surrounded by temperate, crystal clear waters, which range from stunning turquoise to deep indigo. With over 30 kilometers of reefs, water visibility to 200 feet, and over 200 species of tropical fish, Cozumel is considered by many as the finest dive destination in the Atlantic. Water temperatures range from summer highs in the low 80's (F) to winter highs in the low 70's (F). Water depths range from as shallow as 10 to 100 feet. Water current conditions vary from light to moderate to strong. For snorkelers, there are plenty of places to go off the shore if you have your own gear and a rental car. Snorkeling trips by boat are available at the lobby of any hotel or the ferry docks. Snorkeling Cozumel is a lot differnet than snorkeling the mainland. In many locations on Cozumel as soon as you go out a few yards you are in deep water, but the visibility is good. The fish are bigger too. Many species of fish you see snorkeling the mainland are young and habitate there to avoid larger preditors. The two most common snorkel spots on the island are Chankanaab and Dzul Ha . Having snorkeled both locations we can offer this advice: Snorkeling quality is the same at both locations. In fact they are rather close to each other. What is different is this: Chankanaab is a eco-park, with all the bells and whistles, to which you have to pay admission. Dzul Ha is a free road-side attraction that you park at and jump in the water. If you're traveling with your family Chankanaab is recommended as you can spend the whole day there. If you are a couple looking for a cheap snorkel experience go to Dzul Ha. Both places rent snorkel gear and there are lockers and restaurants at each. You need to rent a car or take a taxi to get to either of these places. From San Miguel it is a short drive along the coast south. NOTE: It is advisable that all children and weak swimmers wear life-jackets when snorkeling here. Available at the rental stands. Other interesting snorkel locations: Hotel Presidente Intercontinental and La Ceiba Hotel beach . There is an underwater plane wreck used as a movie prop. Laguna de Colombia is a lagoon at the south tip of the island offering interesting snorkeling. Isla de la Pasion is a tiny island in Bahia Abrigo with secluded beaches and rocky shorelines. Isla de la Pasion is a state reserve and there are absolutely no facilities here. It is located north of San Miguel and you need to contact a fishing/dive charter to take you there. COZUMEL SEASONS Generaly summer is the low season and hotel rates are reduced competatively. In the winter prices go up and availability goes down. Best to book months in advance for winter vacations if you have a specific date in mind. After Labor Day and before the Christmas is an good time to visit but September and November are traditional huricane months. Crowds are down but the tempturature is still high. Rates are still lower than high-season. Rates go back down after Easter and low season begins. Availability at hotels is best during low season and room selection is best during this time. THINGS TO KNOW Water conditions on the beaches on the west side of the island [tourist zones] are usually excellent because the island blocks the currents and winds. You can buy almost anything your heart desires in the shopping zone. All popular snorkeling beaches have lockers and snorkel equipment for rent. Most streets in San Miguel are one way. The coastal highway is two-way and circles the island. Most stores have English speaking staff. All stores accept US dollars. Cozumel is a great place to find hard-to-get scuba and snorkel gear. There is a Sunday evening fiesta in San Miguel at the central plaza with live music. You can buy Cuban cigars here. You can get a taxi anywhere on the island [except the dirt road going north of Mezcalitos on the east side of the island]. There are a few Internet Cafes in San Miguel. Just walk around downtown and you will find one in no time. The further away from the waterfront, the cheaper the rates. There are laundromats in San Miguel. ENGLISH SPANISH today hoy tomorrow maana yesterday ayer monday lunes tuesday martes wed mericoles thursday hueves friday verdi saturday sabados sunday domingo COZUMEL INFO Introduction Cozumel Hotels Cozumel Hotel Map Cozumel Beaches Cozumel Shopping Restaurants Things to Do If you are staying at an all-inclusive for any length of time it is a good idea to tip the egg-lady at the buffet on your first day. She will remember you. In many resorts the egg-lady is in charge of the breakfest. | Cancun | Chichen Itza | Merida | Uxmal | Isla Holbox | | Mayan Riviera | Playa del Carmen | Cozumel | Isla Mujeres | Last Mod: November 2, 2005 2005 TravelYucatan.com v4.0 Description: Cozumel Mexico Travel Information. Travel Information for the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico
Central America Travel
Central America Vacations & Tourism, Central America Hotels, Central America Attractions - Yahoo! Travel Primary Navigation Overview | Hotels | Things to do | Restaurants | Map | Flights | Cars | Deals | FareChase Central America: Search Travel Travel > Guides > Central America Email this page Print Central America Vacations, Tourism, Hotels View larger map of Central America Top Cities in Central America San Jose Panama City San Salvador Belize City San Pedro Antigua Guatemala Tegucigalpa Tamarindo Caye Caulker Puerto Quepos Managua Guatemala City Roatan San Ignacio Placencia Granada Countries in Central America Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Popular Central America Cities Belize Belize City San Pedro Caye Caulker San Ignacio Placencia Costa Rica San Jose Tamarindo Puerto Quepos Puntarenas Limon El Salvador San Salvador San Luis Talpa San Miguel San Vicente Santa Ana Nicaragua Managua Granada Leon Montelimar Rivas Guatemala Antigua Guatemala Guatemala City Panajachel Chichicastenango Tikal Natl Park Panama Panama City David Boquete Taboga Island Colon Honduras Tegucigalpa Roatan Tela San Pedro Sula La Ceiba Related Information Popular Attractions in Central America Antigua Guatemala Volcn Arenal Spirogyra Butterfly Garden Mercado Central Ruinas de Ujarrs Parque Nacional Volcn Pos Zoolgico La Aurora Rain Forest Aerial Tram Day Trip Mapa en Relieve Parque Nacional Popular Hotels in Central America Quinta Real Guatemala Casa Santo Domingo Hilton Princess San Salvador Hotel Colonial Grand Tikal Futura Hotel Marriott Guatemala City Bougainvillea Hotel Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica Belize Yacht Club Barcelo Montelimar Beach Popular Cities in Central America San Jose Panama City San Salvador Belize City San Pedro Antigua Guatemala Tegucigalpa Tamarindo Caye Caulker Puerto Quepos Yahoo! FareChase: Search dozens of websites, find a cheap airfare Help get your favorite places listed on Yahoo! Travel: suggest a hotel or suggest an attraction .