Taiwan Travel Guide Travel

Taiwan Travel | Guide to travelling Taiwan | Travellerspoint U sername: P assword: R emember Me Car Hire Travel Insurance Airport Parking UK Cheap Accommodation Hotel Bookings Travellerspoint Travel Community Forums Blogs Destinations Accommodation Travel Help Reunions Tools Links Taiwan Travel Guide Travel Destinations Guide Taiwan lotus leaves, Taiwan - woo weiteng Taiwan Photo Gallery Though Taiwan is technically part of China, a festering animosity between Taiwan and the mainland gives the island a genuine independent flare. Chinese Communist influence is not exerted particularly strongly; this is a place where thousands of Chinese fled to for refuge when Mao took to the helm on the mainland. That said, Taiwan still bears the stamp of Chinese culture. Its cuisine, music and practice of Chinese medicine reveal just how closely Taiwan's culture is tied to that of China's. Taipei, the megalopolis at the island's northern tip, has that distinctive mixture of tradition and economic boom that characterizes so many of the Far East's big cities. Smart travellers get away from Taipei and venture into the eastern reaches of Taiwan, where the mountainous landscape has rendered it an impossible area for development. Here, there are some beautiful, unadulterated wildlife areas offering up a striking contrast to the toxic air of Taipei. Quick Facts Locally known as: T'ai-wan Capital: Taipei Population: 22,603,000 Religions: Mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist, Christian Government: Multiparty Democratic Regime Official / National Languages: Mandarin Country Phone Code: +886 Map of Taiwan Flag of Taiwan Member Comments Members talk Login or become a member and be the first to add a comment about Taiwan. Want some personal advice on Taiwan? The Travel Helpers are Travellerspoint volunteers willing to answer your travel questions about a country they feel they know a lot about. There are currently 4 Travel Helpers available to answer your questions about Taiwan. Taiwan Travel Helpers Travel Products Below is a collection of Travellerspoint products and services that might be of use to you while you are researching your trip to Taiwan. Taiwan Accommodation Taiwan bed & breakfasts (3) Taiwan hostels (10) Taiwan budget hotels (7) Other Products Cheap travel insurance Around the world tickets Taiwan Travel Sites These links are from our Travel Sites Directory. The links contained in this directory are external sites and will pop up in a new window. © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map

Cheap Travel Insurance Cheap

Cheap Travel Insurance, Cheap Insurance, Low Cost Travel Insurance, Discount travel insurance Home > Travel Resources > Cheap Travel Insurance Cheap Travel Insurance Lets' assume that you travel extensively around the world each year on business. Or, you are the head of the Human Resources Department of a multinational company that has executives in Brazil one week, Las Vegas the next, and back at Head Office the week after that. In both scenarios you're sure going to want to fine cheap travel insurance; or at least, cheap compared to the current market rate for single journey trips. So, how can you arrange this? The Annual Premium The answer to your cheap travel insurance problems may well lie with the annual premium travel insurance policy. Unlike other mainstay insurance policies that cater for single trips, such as the bundled, customized, or even flexible, travel insurance, annual premium travel insurance policies insurance travelers on their global travel for a period of one year from the day that the policy is take out. As an individual business traveler, this may seem a little excessive. But here's the catch, all you need to do is determine how many times you think you may be traveling in any given year and if you decide that you may be traveling more than 3 times on business that year, there's an above average chance that taking out an annual premium insurance policy is going to work out a lot cheaper for you than if you take out a series of individual packages. If you are the head of a Human Resources Department, then the appeal of annual premium travel insurance cover is even more attractive as you can easily negotiate with the insurance provider to provide you with annual travel insurance in the name of the company; regardless of who is travelling on company business. The costs savings to your company could be huge. Of course, you would need to check the policy carefully to ensure that one-off trips to, say, the North Pole are covered (assuming your company will be doing business in the North Pole this year). But even where there are limitations and exemptions clauses, and where your company may need to still take out single trip insurances (for example, traveling to the Sudan may need additional cover!), it is still likely that this type of insurance policy will work out a lot cheaper for your company. The Retiree and the Annual Premium A final category of travelers that may well benefit from cheap annual premium travel insurance are retirees. More and more these days retirees like to spend a considerable part of their time traveling around the world taking in all the different sites - whether that be on a ship as part of a round the world cruise - or as tax exiles just plane hoping. Fop such travelers the annual premium travel insurance policy could be a lot less expensive than taking out single trip insurance. And here the clincher - for a retiree looking to travel for more than 6 months out of the year, it is extremely likely that an annual premium insurance is going to work out a cheap insurance for them - even where their 6 months trip is going to be part of one excursion! Get a Travel Insurance Quote: -Select Country- ------------------------- USA United Kingdom Australia Canada Sweden New Zealand South Africa Ireland Germany France Spain Switzerland India Hong Kong Malaysia Additional Countries Worldwide cover Worldwide cover is available to travellers from over 44 countries, and you can buy online even if you have already left home. Extend and claim online whilst away Extend your policy indefinitely and make your claims online , while you are still away. Adventure Travel cover World Nomads covers most adventure sports , from bungee jumping in New Zealand to white water reafting in Colorado. 24/7 Global Emergency Assistance Underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd (ABN52097227177, AFS Licence No.245631) with emergency support handled by Mondial Assistance, the world's largest travel assistance company. contact us | advertising with us | content licensing | privacy policy | terms of use | help (C) 2004 Destination360 All Rights Reserved Select a region North America Central America South America Caribbean Travel Resources Reading Travel Books Insurance Travel Insurance Buying Travel Insurance Cheap Travel Insurance Transportation Car Rental Cheap Car Rental Communication Globalstar Rental Internet Telephone Satellite Phone Rental Iridium Satellite Phone Rental Thuraya Satellite Phone Rental Free Internet Phone ATM Credit Cards Calling Cards Cheap Calling Cards Lodging Hostels

Family Vacations Ireland Lake

GORP's Family Vacation Saver Destination Forums Parks Forum Gear Forum Food Pets Family Wallpapers Travel Screensavers Slide Show -- Contests Search: from Away.com Related Guides Colorado Vacations Glenwood Springs Vacations Glenwood Springs Hotels Glenwood Springs Flights Glenwood Springs Trips Glenwood Springs Airports Birdwatching Driving Tours Fishing Hiking/Trekking Horseback Riding Nature Observation Paddling Scuba Diving Windsurfing Popular Cities in Colorado Denver Colorado Springs Durango Fort Collins Breckenridge Grand Junction Aspen Crested Butte Telluride Boulder Vail Steamboat Springs Video Gallery Screensavers E-Cards -- Discussion Boards Family Jobs Pets Humor Food/Cuisine Arts & Photos Disabled Hiking Biking Fishing Paddling Wildlife Skiing Gear Climbing Conservation Destinations Family Campfire -- GORP Experts GORP Guests Submit a Trail Rate a Trail Park Poll Rate a Park Club Finder Submit a Club -- Winter Olympics 2006 Classic World Hikes Best Winter Parks Off-Beach Caribbean Ski Guide 2005-06 from Outside Online -- COMMUNITY Summer is kicking into high gear but you say your family's vacation plans are stuck in neutral? Don't worry, GORP has just the resources you need to jump start summer with a family trip that puts the adventure back in your life. To fix your summer, just choose one item from each of the four categories below, then gas up the car, and go. And don't forget to send a few postcards! 1) Pick A Sport Backpacking The hows, wheres, and why of hiking with kids. Stumped? Then Ask Alice GORP's family expert, Alice Cary, can answer your vacation questions and other concerns. Or read her past answers . Canoeing Learn more about the family friendliest outdoor option. Bike Touring Roll down a country lane going inn-to-inn or camping as you go. Horsepacking Saddle up and live out a few cowboy fantasies. Rock Climbing Kids take to vertical rock with surprising ease. 2) Find A Getaway GORP's state-by-state Outdoor Guide Find great out-of-the-way destinations around the U.S. National Parks Guide Follow our insider's advice for seeing parks without crowds, or find out what fellow GORP readers recommend in our Parks Poll . GORP City Weekender Where time-pressed parents find close-by getaways. Lakes and Seashores What better place to cool off than one of our many beautiful national lakeshore and seashore parks? GORP Travel Family Focus Would you rather leave the vacation planning to someone else? Then click over to GORP Travel to review our selection of more than 200 family inspired adventures in the US and overseas. 3) Become a Know-It-All Parent Sun Smarts For Small Fries GORP Family expert Alice Cary informs you about sun-safe strategies for outdoor families. Defusing Ticks A worry-free guide to dealing with little bloodsuckers. Rash Thinking Kids and poison ivy are an unavoidable combo. Here's how to handle the outcome. When Nature Calls Bathroom etiquette when there isn't a bathroom in sight. 4) Get Inspired To Go New Parent's Guide to Getting Outdoors Little creatures are highly transportable, so there's no excuse for being house-bound this summer. Reader Tips on Taking Trips GORP Readers have covered the globe with kids in tow, and they share their getaway tips. Return to Top _default.adp -- RELATED TRIPS [Colorado Trips] Multi-Sport Ski Guide 2005-06 Top North American Resorts // Best Family Skiing // Top Resorts for Beginners // Top Resorts for Experts // Best for Nightlife // Best Snowboarding // Lack of Crowds // Top Scenic Resorts // See All Resorts OUTDOOR GEAR REVIEWS [From Outside magazine] Tents // Sleeping Bags // Backpacks // Hiking Boots // Hydration Systems // Camp Stoves // Road Bikes // Mountain Bikes // Kayaks // Running Shoes // Jackets // Soft Shells // Luggage // Sunglasses // Cameras // Binoculars // Audio Players // GPS Devices [from GORP.com] GORP's full gear guide THE GEAR GUY Is there one boot to hike and climb the Americas? How can I take my two-year-old cross-country skiing? ( Outside ) What runners will keep me upright on muddy trails? ( Outside ) SEARCH THE GEAR GUY (Example: hiking boots, backpacks, tents, skis) [+] Advanced Search BUY GEAR FROM REI.com Hiking Gear Cycling Gear Paddling Gear Snow Sports Gear Alpine Ski Gear Cross Country Skiing Gear Snowboarding Gear Snowshoeing Gear Luggage & Travel Gear Women's Specific Gear Shop all Men's Outerwear Shop all Women's Outerwear Shop all Kid's Outerwear All Gear on Sale REI.com [+] Hot Topics Why do you care? Have outfitted Everest trips ruined the world's ultimate high? -- Interview with Gary Ferguson: Will the Wolf Survive? -- Glenwood Springs Deals • Glenwood Springs Airfare • Glenwood Springs Hotels • Glenwood Springs Car Rentals • Glenwood Springs Trips Colorado Deals • Boulder Hotels • Colorado Springs Hotels • Denver Hotels • Vail Hotels • More Colorado Hotels Aspen Hotels Breckenridge Hotels Brighton Hotels Crested Butte Hotels Durango Hotels Fort Collins Hotels Gettysburg Hotels Grand Junction Hotels Steamboat Springs Hotels Telluride Hotels The Ultimate Beach Guide—$99 Vegas: 3rd Night Free Celebrate 50 Years of Disney Magic with Special Deals All-Inclusive Vacations—Leave Your Wallet Behind United Airlines Spring Travel Sale—from $85+ AirTran: All Destinations Are on Sale—from $94+ R/T Summertime Deals are Here—$112 R/T TACA: Central America Sale $179 Paris R/T from $296 -- Mexico, Your Way: Air + Hotel from $451 All-Inclusive Vacations—Leave Your Wallet Behind 5-Day Rome Super Saver—from $499 Air France Fare Sale to Europe! $309 Save an Extra $100 Now with Flight + Hotel Last-Minute Flights—Cheap! $83 Win the Trip of Your Choice! In London, We Have Over 200 Ways to Say "Free" Get your FREE Alaska Vacation Planner and screensaver! Win the Trip of Your Choice Enter for a Chance to Win a Luxury Vacation in Fiji! FEATURED SUMMER VACATION DESTINATIONS Active & Outdoor Alaska Colorado Costa Rica New Zealand Thailand Beach Vacations Cayman Islands Cancun Hawaii Jamaica Key West European Vacations Amsterdam Florence London Paris Prague Family Vacations Ireland Lake Tahoe Orlando San Diego Sanibel Golf Boca Raton Hilton Head Myrtle Beach Palm Springs Scottsdale National Parks Acadia Canyonlands Grand Canyon Yellowstone Yosemite Romance Cabo San Lucas Dubrovnik Molokai Martha's Vineyard Venice US Cities Las Vegas New York San Diego San Francisco Washington DC Home | Destinations | Activities | National Parks | Weekend Getaways | Outdoor Gear Vacation Packages | Subscribe to Outside magazine | Join/Log In About GORP | Advertising | Writer's Guidelines | Feedback | Site Map All original material and HTML coding GORP.com All rights reserved. Privacy policy . The Away Network Away.com Adventure Travel Trip Planning Travel Guides Active Travel Travel Ideas OutsideOnline.com Outdoor Adventure Outside Magazine Adventure Travel Outdoor Gear Health and Fitness GORP.com Hiking Vacation Packages National Parks Camping Gear Backpacking

Asia Travel || Hong

Hong kong Travel Information Provided by Asia Travel Hong Kong Country and Travel Information Climate || Entryregulations || Airport facilities || Transfer information Hong Kong's new airport at Chek Lap Kok || Currency || Tipping Telephone || Gettingaround in Hong Kong Hotels Reservation in Hong Kong at upto 75% discount from published rates TourReservation in Hong Kong Hong Kong in a Nutshell ( Don't miss ) Map of Hong Kong The Fragrant Harbour ( click for postcard ) Lying at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong adjoins the province of Guangdong (Canton), and is just south of the tropic of Cancer. The total land area of Hong Kong is 1,078 square kilometers, comprising Hong Kong Island (77.5 square kilometers); Kowloon (45.5 square kilometer); and the New Territories , including 235 outlying islands (955 square kilometers). Today Hong Kong has become a great international trading post, a powerful manufacturing base and one of the world's largest financial centres. Population and Language The population as of 2002 was about 7.5 millions, almost 95 per cent of which is Chinese. Chinese and English are the official languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though Mandarin, Shanghainese and other Chinese dialects are also spoken. Many people, especially in shops, hotels, and service industries, speak English. Climate Hong Kong has a subtropical climate: Spring (March - mid-May): Temperature and humidity rising. Jackets or sweaters suggested. Average temperature: 23C (73F), humidity around 82%, sea temperature, 22.3 C (72 F) Summer (late May - mid-September): Hot and humid. Temperature may rise to 33C (91 F) with humidity up to around 90%. . Shirtsleeves, cotton clothing, a sweater for indoors and an umbrella for outside suggested Average temperature: 28C (82F), humidity 80%, sea temperature 28C (82F). Autumn (late September - early December): temperature and humidity drop. Clear sunny days. Shirtsleeves to sweaters and light jackets suggested. Average temperature: 23C (73F), humidity 72%, sea temperature 17C (63F). Winter (late December- February): Cool with low humidity. Suits, light woollens and sometimes overcoats suggested. Average temperature: 17C (62F), humidity 72%, sea temperature 17C (63F). Top Entry Regulations Visitors must hold a valid passport, endorsed where necessary for Hong Kong. Citizens of some 24 countries, including the USA, Japan, and certain Western European and South American nations are permitted one-month visa-free visits. Three-month visa-free visits are available to another 23 countries as well as all Commonwealth countries. Visitors from most countries can enter Hong Kong without a visa for periods of seven days to six months, depending on nationality. Check with any Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest status. Health Regulations Vaccination certificates are not required for yellow fever, cholera and typhoid for visitors travelling to Hong Kong. Check with your travel agent well before your departure, however, as requirements can change without notice. Customs Allowance Visitors may bring into Hong Kong free of duty: Liquor - A one-litre bottle of wine or spirits. Ivory - The importation and exportation of raw or worked ivory is governed by strict regulation. Firearms must be declared and handed into custody until departure. Top Airport Facilities A baggage storage service is available in the departure hall and the arrival hall. Other services include a bank, moneychangers, gift shops, duty-free shops, snack bars, restaurants, payphones, a police station, post office, a HK Telecom International Ltd. Office, HKTA Information Centres and private reception rooms. Airport Departure Tax Adults: HK$80; children (aged 12 years and under) free. Safety Hong Kong is generally considered a safe city by day or night. Policemen are very helpful, and those who speak English wear a red label under their shoulder badge. As in all big cities, avoid carrying large amounts of cash; traveller's cheques or credit cards are preferable. Make use of your hotel's safe-deposit boxes. Top Currency The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$). Notes issued by two private banks (the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and Standard Chartered Bank) have denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1000. The Bank of China issues all of the denominations except HK$10. There are silver coins for HK$1, HK$2, and HK$5, bronze coins for HK10 cents, HK20 cents and HK50 cents, and a new nickel and bronze coin for $10. Most foreign currencies and traveller's cheques are easily changed in Hong Kong, either at banks, hotels or moneychangers (check how much you will get in return before handing over your money). Top Tipping Most restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge but an additional 5 per cent may be given, where deserved. When a service charge is not automatic, 10 per cent is acceptable. Small tips may also be given to taxi drivers, bellboys, doormen and washroom attendants. Electricity The voltage in Hong Kong is 200/220 volts, 50 cycles. Most hotels provide adaptors. Water All water direct from government mains in Hong Kong satisfies the United Nations World Health Organization standards. Bottled water is widely available in hotels and supermarkets. Top Telephones Telephones in Hong Kong are advanced, economical and easy to use. Local calls are free, and many stores and restaurants offer use of a telephone free of charge to patrons. Calls from public coin phones cost HK$1. Most hotels have International Direct Dialling (IDD). Please note that some hotels charge a handling fee for local and/or international calls. You can also make long-distance calls from (IDD) Public Coin Phones and from HK Telecom International Ltd. Offices. An easy method of making calls is to purchase stored-value phonecards (HK$50, $150 and $200), which can be used in any Cardphone box. The new Hello Phonecard (HK$100, $200,$300) is a stored value card that enables the user to place calls to and from over 30 countries from a touch-tone phone. Both types of cards can be purchased at HKTA Information and Gift Centres and most convenience stores. Call 013 for information. Post Offices The main post offices are on Hong Kong Island, next to the Star Ferry and in Kowloon at 10 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Both are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday. All post offices close on Sunday and public holidays. Television There are two English-language channels. Programmes include a selection of locally produced shows as well as features from the UK, the US, and Australia. Also available is STAR TV (a satellite channel) and, in some areas, Cable TV (subscription television). Radio Fifteen radio channels are broadcast in Hong Kong. Six English-language channels provide a wide range of programmes and the BBC World Service is available 24 hours. Office and Banking Hours Most offices open from 9am to 5pm with a lunch hour from 1 pm to 2pm. On Saturday the hours are 9am to 1 pm. Some Chinese businesses open at 10am and close around 6pm or later. Major banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays, 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday. Top Getting Around In Hong Kong Airport Transport After you have reclaimed your baggage and passed through Customs, you will find yourself in the Buffer Hall of Hong Kong International Airport where the Hong Kong Tourist Association Information Centres are located . There you can obtain free visitor publications and any other assistance you may need. Hong Kong International Airport is approximately 40 minutes' drive by car from all major hotels in Kowloon and about 50 minutes' drive via the Cross-Harbour Tunnel from all major hotels on Hong Kong Island (under normal traffic conditions). If you are making your own way to your hotel, follow the signs directing you to the Transport Terminus for taxis or use the airport coach service. If you have no local currency on arrival, change only enough at the airport to get you to your hotel. Hotel Transport Hotel bookings do not normally include transportation from the airport. However, if you have a prearranged hotel booking that includes an airport transfer, you should leave the Buffer Hall via the exit marked Hotel Transport and look for the hotel representative waiting to meet you. Taxis Taxis are numerous and readily available, and fares are low compared with those in most cities. Red taxis serve Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; green ones in the New Territories and blue taxis on Lantau Island operate at even lower rates. Many drivers speak some English but it is wise to have your destination written in Chinese characters. Rates for red taxis start at HK$16.5 on the flag fall plus HK$1.60 for every 200 metres after the first two kilometres. Waiting time is HK$1.10 per minute. Pay, in Hong Kong dollars only, the fare shown on the meter, plus any additional charge where applicable. A HK$20 surcharge applies to cross-harbour tunnel trips (includes the driver's HK$10 return toll). There is also a surcharge for rides through the Lion Rock (HK$6), Junk Bay (HK$3) and Aberdeen (HK$5) tunnels, and a HK$5 charge for each piece of luggage. Taxi drivers expect a tip, but just round up the fare to the nearest dollar. Drivers cannot pick up or drop off passengers on restricted streets, which are marked with yellow lines. New Territories taxis will pick up and drop off only in the New Territories. If you have any queries or complaints, note the taxi's number and call the 24-hour Police Hotline on 2527 7177. Buses Double-decker buses, which run from 6 AM till 3 midnight, cover most parts of the territory. Fares range from HK$1 to HK$30.60. Exact change is required. You'll find that, in general the drivers do not speak much English. Minibuses Minibuses are small passenger vans which are yellow with a red stripe. They can pick up passengers and let them off anywhere except regular bus stops and the usual restricted areas. Fares range from HK$2 to HK$7. Maxicabs Maxicabs are yellow with a green stripe. They run along specific routes and have fixed prices ranging from HK$1 to HK$8. A sign on the front indicates the destination. Pay as you get on. Trains The Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) is 34 kilometres long and runs from Hung Hom in Kowloon up to the border with China. Trains run every tour to 10 minutes in each direction, and vary according to the ordinary single trip to Sheung Shui, the farthest you can go without a China visa). It's a go way to visit some of the New Territories' towns and villages. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Hong Kong's fast, efficient and air-conditioned underground system, runs not only along the north side of Hong Kong Island, but also from Central across the harbour to divide into east and west branches in Kowloon. Stations are located by a X symbol. Fares range from HK$4 to HK$11. MTR and KCR stored-value tickets (HK$70-200) are also available. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a high-speed surface system linking the New Territories towns of Tuen Mun Yuen Long. The LRT runs from 5.30am to 12.30am daily. Fares range from HK$3.20 to $4.70. Ferries The Star Ferry, which has connected Hong Kong and Kowloon since 1898, runs regularly between 6.30am to 11.30pm. At HK$ 2.20 (upper deck), it must be one of the cheapest and most scenic ferry rides in the world. The crossing takes approximately eight minutes. The Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Company provides other regular and inexpensive services which connect Hong Kong Island to other parts of the Kowloon Peninsula and to the outlying islands. Trams ( click for postcard ) Since 1904, the tram system has run east to west along the north side of Hong Kong Island, and still provides a leisurely, grandstand view. The flat fare is HK$1.20 (exact change required) and the service operates between 6 AM and 1 AM. The Peak Tram is one of the most advanced tram systems in the world, taking just eight minutes to climb Victoria Peak. The service operates from 7am to midnight and the single fare is HK$12 (HK$19 return). The funicular railway has run since 1888 and is still the quickest way to reach the Peak. Car Hire Self-drive rental cars are not often used in Hong Kong, but chauffeur-driven cars are widely available. Hotels have their own limousines for hire. Rickshaws The only means of travel in the old days, rickshaws today are used mainly for fun rides and photo sessions. Rickshaw drivers congregate at the Star Ferry on Hong Kong Island and charge for a trip round the block or for a photo session. Negotiate the price first. Top Asia Travel || Hong kong Hotels Page

MEXICO TRAVEL NEWS 12/23/2005

Mexico Travel News - Si-Mexico Hotel And Resort Travel Guide Acapulco Hotels Resorts, Cancun Hotels Resorts, Cabo San Lucas Hotels Resorts, Puerto Vallarta Hotels Resorts, Los Cabos Hotels Resorts, Mazatlan Hotels Resorts, Manzanillo Hotels Resorts, Mexico City Hotels Resorts, San Jose del Cabo Hotels Resorts, Playa del Carmen Hotels Resorts, All Inclusive, Online Reservations, Travel Guide, Information, Maps, News, Activities, 6 Star, 5 Star, 4 Star Hotels Resorts in Mexico. Home Airfare Search Hotels-Condos Search City Tours Package Trips Travel Offers Travel Store Travel Tips Travel News Travel Tools Travel Books Message Board RESOURCES Diving Resources Mayan Ruins Mexico Airport Codes Mexico Resources Mexico Rental Resources Reservation Resources Web Travel Resources Contact Si-Mexico MEXICO TRAVEL NEWS 12/23/2005 MEXICOS NOCHEBUENA A GOOD NIGHT INDEED Christmas Eve or La Nochebuena is perhaps the most important celebration of the holiday season in Mexico. During this evening, families gather together to celebrate and share traditional holiday dishes such as turkey, and regional dishes including bacalao a la vizcaina (Biscayan dried cod), and romeritos, wild greens in mole sauce. For the holiday toast, the typical drink is ponche con piquete - similar to hot apple cider, made of seasonal fruits, cinnamon sticks, and spiked with brandy or rum. After dinner, gifts are opened around the Christmas tree and many families have a piata which marks the end of the posadas tradition. Afterward, the little ones usually go to bed earlier so that Santa can come, with the adults celebrating late into the night. 12/22/2005 PAMBER YOURSELF IN NAYARIT Punta de Mita, Nayarit, one of the most exclusive vacation spots in Mexico, will welcome a new ultra-luxe resort by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2007. The hotel will include 120 guest rooms, 65 luxury villas, spa and fitness center, world-class concierge, two restaurants, and the second Punta de Mitas Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Punta de Mita is located 35 miles northwest Puerto Vallarta. This region of Nayarit has become one of the most exclusive best planned resort and residential community. The state of Nayarit also features archaeological sites, colonial structures and 19th-century buildings in its cities, including the renowned destination of Nuevo Vallarta, one of the most luxurious attractions in Mexico and just north of Puerto Vallarta. In addition to its captivating cities, the state of Nayarit is renowned for its local cuisine that includes the unique sopa marinera, made from seafood; iguana steak; smoked stopped mullet and fried fish. As one of the countrys most exclusive marine and residential complexes, the diverse state also offers a wide range of shopping options, featuring everything from local handicrafts made by the Huichol, to more upscale items like fine leatherwork, silver, perfumery, trendy beachwear and local ceramics. For more information, call (866) 478-2777. 12/22/2005 SICK OF THE COLD?... COZUMEL IS CLOSER THAN EVER People in Colorado looking to escape the cold have a new option to reach the warm shores of Cozumel a direct flight from Denver from Frontier Airlines. The service offers mid-morning Saturday departures on a weekly basis, an Airbus A319 aircraft with 33 inches of legroom and 24 channels of live television and pay-per-view movies. Excuses are definitely running out to visit the largest inhabited island in Mexico. Cozumel lays just off the coast of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula. Visitors will find great luxurious hotels and restaurants, surrounded by the age-old structures of the Mayan coral reef. An ideal Caribbean destination, Cozumel also offers prehispanic archeological sites and incredible underwater wildlife. For additional information, visit www.flyfrontier.com. 12/21/2005 FRONTIER AIRLINES DENVER/ACAPULCO NONSTOP FLIGHT TO RUN THROUGH APRIL 16 Frontier Airlines twice-a-week, nonstop season service from Denver, Colo. To Acapulco, Guerrero will run through April 16. The flight departs every Sunday and Thursday excluding the month of January, which will only have one non stop flight every week departing on Sundays. The Acapulco service benefits travelers looking to take advantage of the Pacific port citys many diversions. Aca, as the locals call it, offers much more than just stretches of beach: Mexicans and foreigners agree that it is the perfect place for people of all tastes and budgets to swim, shop, dine, party or just soak up the sun. For additional information, please visit www.flyfrontier.com. 12/21/2005 HAVE A MERRY MEXICAN CHRISTMAS Mexico celebrates Christmas with of indigenous, local and European traditions, a reflection its rich history and cultural heritage. One of these traditions, Las Posadas, takes place throughout the country on nine consecutive evenings, from Dec. 16 to 24. The posada is the reenactment of the journey Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem for Christs birth. Entire communities participate in the processions that go from house to house seeking shelter until arriving at a local church where a special mass is held. The piata, a symbol of Christmas in Mexico, is the center of attention at the festivities as the children anxiously take turns trying to break it open. The piata, a symbol of sin, attracts humanity. As the piata is broken with the stick, the world is gradually eliminated of sin, and the goodies that ultimately break free represent the gifts that God has bestowed upon the world. Enjoy Mexico States posada and piata fair, celebrated in Alcoman. The fair features a posada procession and childrens party. Among the piatas on display are those made from clay, traditional models with seven points that symbolize the seven deadly sins, and those made from cardboard with popular children's designs. Workshops in piata-making are also offered. For more information, call 1-800-929-4555. 11/30/2005 IRONMAN TO PUSH THE LIMITS IN BAJA CALIFORNIA Ensenada will provide a stunning backdrop to the internationally renowned Half Ironman Mexico race when it hosts Baja Ironman 2006 on May 21. The competition is part of the Ironman 70.3 World Series. Known for other important fitness events like the Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Race, this Baja California city offers visitors a wealth of activities. Visitors can enjoy miles of unspoiled beaches, participate in aquatic sports, tour Bajas wine country and feast on the regions cuisine. A 90-minute drive from San Diego, Ensenada is easily accessible from land, sea and air. For more information on the Ironman race, visit www.ironmanbaja.com/eng_intro.html. 11/28/2005 THERE ARE OTHER FISH IN THE MANZANILLO SEA The deep Pacific waters off the coast of the state of Colima are teeming with so much aquatic life that it has been called the worlds sailfish capital. Every year, the city of Manzanillo hosts the International Sailfish Tournament during the latter end of November. Both amateur and professional fishermen are invited to participate in the tournament that dates back to 1954. Named after the many fruit trees in its forests, Manzanillo is a charming city full of festive streets, friendly people, beautiful landscapes and outstanding tourist facilities. In 1908, following the inauguration of the railroad connection between Manzanillo, Guadalajara and Porfirio Daz, the city became an official port of entry. Today, recent modernizations have made it one of the most important ports and trading centers on Mexicos west coast. For more information call: 312 316 20 21 or visit www.visitacolima.com.mx 11/21/2005 PAINT THE TOWN TIFFANY BLUE! Tiffany & Co. will open a store in one of Monterreys most affluent neighborhoods in Feburary 2006. The approximately 1,500 square foot store will be situated in the new El Palacio de Hierro department store, which is part of a major new luxury retail center located on Av. Jose Vasconcelos #402, Col Del Valle, San Pedro Garza Garcia. The Monterrey store will be the jewelers fifth store in Mexico. Monterrey is a modern city with a sophisticated urban layout and numerous recreational attractions. Its modern malls and luxurious hotels equipped with conference halls serve as one of the largest business and convention centers in Latin America. As the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon, the city offers rich cultural, historical and entertainment options, all set in an exciting metropolis bordered by the beautiful distinctive landmark of the Cerro de la Silla mountain range. For more information, call 212-230-5301 or e-mail mark.aaron@tiffany.com. 10/11/2005 COZUMEL TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL DIVE SHOW For the second consecutive year, Cozumel has been selected as the site of Mexico Underwater, the countrys international dive show, from June 1-3, 2006. The event, hosted by the Cozumel Tourism Board and the Mexico Tourism Board, will provide industry professionals with the opportunity learn about Mexicos underwater natural treasures through exploration. Mexico Underwater is open to the public and will include educational seminars, the latest news on diving technology, equipment information, travel opportunities and diving time. The small island of Cozumel, located 11 miles east of the northeast Yucatan peninsula, boasts the second-largest coral reef in the world. Divers can choose from approximately 37 dive sites, enjoying waters with year-round temperatures between 77 to 82 degrees. For more information, visit www.islacozumel.com.mx. Home | About Us | Disclaimer-Privacy Policy | Site Map 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Our Partners: World Countries Info | Juarez Travel Guide 2005 Si-Mexico Hotel And Resort Travel Guide. All rights reserved. Site Design & Maintenance Forbes Communications Corp. Hosting Graffic Traffic