European Vacation Planning Map

Europe Travel - A European Vacation Travel Guide  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and the world, it has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, and it was home to artist Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century. What's not to like about this Belgian port city? See what it's all about in our latest photo Gallery: Antwerp Pictures . More Antwerp Travel: Antwerp Travel Directory | Antwerp Lodging | Antwerp Museums Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came recruiting at my college. Operatives really get to live it up when they travel, apparently. Imagine, the lucky seven of the "Surveillance Team" sent out to case the joint before kidnapping 39-year-old Muslim preacher Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, managed to spend "$39,995, not counting meals, parking and other services" for a week at Milan's Principe di Savoia ( check prices ), where a room goes for a mere $588 a night, according to Newsday . Once Abu Omar was behind bars in Cairo the CIA folks broke up and went their various ways, some to the renowned Grand Hotel Baglioni ( check prices ) in Florence , a few in cozy pairs to save the taxpayers money, no doubt. Travel Resources: Milan Profile | Florence Profile Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated tapas bars thinking, "wow, I'm gonna down me some fine, fresh seafood this evening--non of that canned stuff like we get at home..." Well, Quimet and Quimet is one of Barcelona's best tapas bars, recommended by just about anyone. Joaquim Perez, owner of Quimet and Quimet, has been called Barcelona's culinary king of canned food. That's right, a tapas king devoted to high-quality goods preserved in metal. I had heard about the increasing interest in vintage sardines , whose flavors are said to increase in intensity and complexity with aging. But Mr. Perez has extended this idea of unlikely gourmet tinkering; he buys "fresh" Galician navajas (clams) from the cannery and sets them to aging for a year or two before serving them (plain) to his customers. And they love 'em. Maybe you should go and see what this canned gourmet thing is all about. There are worse places to spend time on a research expedition. More: Gastronomic Route: Barcelona, a tapas town? Travel Resources: Barcelona Guide | Barcelona Pictures Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000 loan and turned his investment into a "faithful reconstruction of Noah's Ark in scaled down form on the basis of biblical texts," according to the Mail & Guardian . Spring is the expected launch date. No word on where the animals will come from. Travel Resources: North Holland Travel | Holland Map | Benelux Rail Passes Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink Appreciate Long John Shivers? Head for the Alps I know I frequently extol the virtues of off season travel, but there's a whole bunch of adventurers willing to go the extra mile in their long johns to enjoy icier surroundings than I'd care to experience. Those would be the Ice Hotel People. Word from Vagablond is that "a new ice hotel is being constructed 7,000 feet up into the German Alps." HotelChatter says this ice hotel might well be part of the Iglu-Dorf chain, who specialize in things like Inuit igloos in Switzerland. Like it cold? Get you thrills in the Alps this winter. I'll toast your bravado at the hearth with a steaming hot toddy. Travel Resources: Germany map and Travel Essentials | Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials . Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Europe Travel in the Off Season Why travel in the off season? Well, you know the reasons: fewer tourists, lower prices, and cooler temperatures, to name a few. But there's another reason for me, and that's the warm, slanting light that brings photos alive. See what I mean by taking a gander at: Liguria Pictures - Picture Gallery of Liguria in Autumn . And if you still want to see more pictures of Italy , try out Italy for Visitors Florence Pictures , taken in November. Travel Resources: Off Season Travel Tips | Italy Travel Map Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Travel Gifts Ok, you're thinkin' it's too late to post some ideas for gifts at this late date. Hey, you can chalk it up to sloth and indolence, but I don't start burdening my mind with thoughts about winter holidays in May like the rest of my family. The crunch starts now. So I've made up a list of recommended Travel Gifts . Of course, you could buy some of the stuff for yourself as well. Take a look. You've got language help, a deep, inside look at the Vatican, and more, not to mention that Tyrolean Boiled Wool Jacket like you've always wanted. More Stuff You Need: Top Travel Photography Gear Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Joe Torre carries the Olympic Torch in Florence New York Yankee manager Joe Torre carried the Olympic torch 400 yards to the foot of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence yesterday as part of "American day" in the two-month Olympic torch relay. It was the first time he'd been to Italy in 20 years, despite the fact that his mother was born in the village of Patina near Naples. (Source: Indystar.com ) The torch Joe carried was designed by the folks at Pininfarina , who've banged out quite a few sexy Italian auto bodies in their time. The Olympic torch is designed to work in rain, snow and wind up to 74.56 miles per hour, not to mention temperatures from -4°F to +77°F. According to what I've heard, the torch suffered much less than Mr. Torre during the run. Travel Resources: Florence Travel Directory | Florence Pictures: Views from the Arno | Naples Travel Directory Photo above: Ponte Vecchio, Florence by Martha Bakerjian, Italy for Visitors ; click "read more" to see it larger. Read more... Thursday December 15, 2005 | permalink Sunny Valencia It's cold here in my corner of California, prime time to think of warmer climes. Valencia pops to mind. Host to the 2007 America's cup, the sunny Spanish port city has been spiffing itself up lately, and many travelers have remarked that Valencia seems to be passing Barcelona as Spain's city of tourist choice. What's not to like? The spring La Fallas festival is a not to be missed attraction (plan now if you're going), the City of Arts and Sciences holds 87 acres of fascinating art, science and architecture, and the Barrio del Carmen is chock full of music, restaurants and clubs. Find out more about Valence by taking a peek at our latest: Valencia Spain Travel Information - Valencia Profile , or peruse our Valencia Travel Directory . Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Hey Santa! Take That! Scroogy Musings: So a couple guys in Germany get asked what they want for Christmas by Santa, who happens to be waiting for a train home. They've been out shopping all day, unsuccessfully one assumes, because the next thing you know they've latched on to Santa's sack and "beat him over the head with it, breaking his fingers as he tried to protect himself." ( Santa - Germany's new stress buster ) Santa on a train? in Germany? A bit early, isn't it? Has the Christmas spirit been so commercialized that the little people like us suffer with the stress of plunking down good cash for stuff we think people might like but probably won't? Where is the joy of it all? Everyone remembers the magical experience of visiting Santa in the mall when they were kids and the smile it brought to your face. Unfortunately over the last few years it seems the spirit of Christmas is slowly being lost due to many different reasons including political correctness, busier lifestyles and many more issues. Hold on a sec. Now I'm angrier than a red-nosed reindeer. Everyone doesn't remember. Some of us are way too old to conjure the disgraceful vision of mall Santas in their mothball costumes and fake beards. The statement above comes from Live From Lapland (dot com). For a bit less than 15 dollars they'll make a custom video staring Santa, who'll be talking to your kids using the words you put in his mouth via the web site's control panel. Their Santa evidently lives in a paneled room and wears mall Santa clothes and beardage. It's in the sample flick. He could be in Kansas. Still, where else you gonna get a five minute flick to your specs for $14.95? Travel Resources: Lapland (the real one) | Chrismas in Europe Tuesday December 13, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Taiwan Travel

[Report] Taiwan Travel & Tourism Market Research, Trends, Analysis Home Contact Us | Download | Learn More | -- Contact | about The Infoshop | Catalog | Mailing List | Search | What's New Coming Soon Press Release Biotechnology Pharmaceutical Medical Devices Energy Automotive Materials Industrial Machinery Construction Environment Food Banking Electronics Devices / Semiconductors Aerospace Consumer Goods Patent & Intellectual Property Wireless & Mobile Communication Fiber Optics & CATV Internet Access Technologies Internet / E-Commerce Corporate & Home Networking Customer Care & Billing Software & IT Regional Telecom Markets Public Network & Switching Technology Company Profiles & Competitive Analysis Devices / Components Satellite Communication & Broadcasting [Report] Travel And Tourism in Taiwan Pub Time: 2005/04 Executive Summary The number of arrivals is expected to rise by 26.3% in 2004, representing a recovery from the drop of 24.5% in 2003 caused by the outbreak of SARS. Incoming tourist receipts will increase in 2004 as a result, up by 12% on 2003. The recovery in 2004 will, however, be partial and, compared to 2002, the number of arrivals will be 5% lower in 2004. The recovery of incoming tourist receipts was weaker due to a fall in average receipts per visitor and, in 2004, total incoming receipts are forecast to be more than 8% lower than in 2002. Similarly, outbound tourism is expected to see a partial recovery in 2004. The number of departures will increase by 16.5%, taking the total to 6.9 million outgoing visitors, 6% fewer than in 2002. Outgoing expenditure will rise by 10% in 2004, bringing the total to NT$333.8 billion, 6.5% less than in 2002. Outgoing tourist expenditure will see a stronger rebound than incoming tourist receipts as average spending per outgoing visitor is expected to fall less in 2004 than incoming receipts per visitor. The introduction of the 2-day weekend and the "Civil Travel Card" continues to push market sales growth in the domestic tourism industry. Food and spas are the two most important elements in domestic tourism for local tourists. Over the 1999-2004 period the internet increased its importance in the overall tourism industry, from an information provider to a comprehensive platform for all travel-related needs, including booking and purchasing, espceially for airline tickets, accomodation, car rental, major attractions and a variety of holiday packages. The combination of price competition for outbound travel and the increasing number of incoming travellers has helped to narrow the balance of tourism payments over the review period. The deficit reached its highest point in 2000 at over NT$226 million, and narrowed to NT$173.5 million in 2003, its lowest point. Political instability, contagious diseases and natural disasters have impacted directly on Taiwan and caused immediate damage to the travel and tourism industry over the review period. The presidential election in early 2004 and the following conflicts between the two leading parties resulted in a sharp decline in the number of domestic trips, with most tourist attractions suffering as a result. The SARS outbreak in 2003 led to huge vacancy levels in hotels and shortfalls in airline bookings. Furthermore, a devastating typhoon in the third quarter of the year resulted in a booking rate of less than 20% in affected areas during the peak season. Private accommodation is the fastest-growing travel accommodation type in Taiwan in both number of outlet terms and value sales terms. The overwhelming popularity of private accommodation over the review period threatened other travel accommodation operators. Such strong competition has led many large players to restructure their business operations and to upgrade facilities in recent years. Themed rail trips and pre-booked packages offered by airline companies are gaining in popularity. The number of trips taken using land transport made what was already the largest area also the fastest growing. Sales generated by bus/coach, however, are growing slowly, due to high car ownership levels and price competition among bus/coach operators. Two leading players in the car rental market, Kaplus Co Ltd and Hotai Leasing & Rental Co, account for over 50% of total market sales. Both companies have adopted aggressive marketing campaigns both in advertising and through forming strategic alliances. Online travel retailers are one of the most important areas in e-commerce and the fastest-growing travel retailer type since 1999. EzTravel is the most dynamic player in the travel and tourism industry with an aggressive approach to forming strategic alliances. Car rental and travel retail are expected to fuel sales growth for Taiwans travel and tourism industry over the forecast period. While internet transactions are forecast to grow healthily into 2009. [Report] Travel And Tourism in Taiwan Pub Time: 2005/04 Published by : Euromonitor International Distributed by : Global Information, Inc. Price US $ 1100.00 (PDF by E-mail (Single User License)) WPCode : EOS29381 | Home | FAQ | Contact | Mailing List | About The Infoshop | Policies | Links | Site Map | Available 24 Hours a Day US: 1-860-674-8796 EU: 32-2-535-7543 SG: 65-6382-3183 © 2005, Global Information, Inc. All rights reserved.

Russia Travel

Travel East Russia Welcome to World Wise Ecotourism Network. Through the information on our Website you have an opportunity to acquaint yourself with an intriguing and unknown part of Russia, the Russian Far East and Siberia. To navigate this site, please use the button on top or link through the text on our Home Page. This site offers you the most up to date ecological and travel information about the various regions in Eastern Russia. If text is not sufficient for you, you may take a photo tour highlighting the various activities we represent in our travel programs . Our network includes a number of travel partners who are the backbone of our operations. You can either book direct with them or travel on World Wise Expeditions that are operated cooperatively, in the more off the beaten path or multiple regions. These programs usually need a more cohesive effort backed both by local and foreign partners giving you the best of two worlds. Our Ecotourism page acquaints you with the standards we incorporate in our joint operations with our network of partners. We also share our hands on international operating and marketing experience with present and potential partners in Russia by consulting on related ecotourism issues. We love to include other worldwide travel partners in the travel trade . Our links will take you to the sites of various organizations active in conservation and ecological programs in Russia in order to provide you, the world wise traveler with the most up to date information to augment the richness of your experience. Travel to Russia still requires an invitation and you will find information on this, airline connections and other travel tidbits under travel logistics . Specific regional information is listed under the specific region. World Wise Ecotourism Network has been operating in Eastern Russia and Siberia for more than twelve years. Our clients include: TCS Expeditions, Society Expeditions, Zegrahm, Marine Expedition, Hanseatic Cruises, World Wildlife Fund/Russian Far East, The Foundation for Russian American Economic Cooperation, the US Department of Agriculture, MIR Corporation and others for the past ten years. We will be more than happy to provide you with our excellent references. Aaltje van Zoelen US, Managing Partner Tandy Wallack US, Partner Antonina Pronina Russian, Managing Partner Erik Erlandsen US, Advisor Nancy Cipra No operations are too difficult for Nancy. Nancy is in charge of formatting our itineraries, marketing research and does training on tour management. We appreciate your comments and your contributions. If you have a travel experience or some information you would like to share with us, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@traveleastrussia.com Also if you are a U.S. or Russian travel company offering programs in Eastern Russia, please contact us for a listing on our website at www.traveleastrussia.com Special Announcement! World Wise Ecotourism Network (Seattle) and ISD (Institute of SustainableDevelopment) Vladivostok will host a global tourism conference on May 19-21, 2005 inVladivostok. "The Creating Global Partnerships for Sustianable Development of Tourism"Conference will feature three different sectors: Ecotourism Tourism andHospitality. Presently the conference is sponsored by RAPP, Russia AsiaPacific Partnership and Wirnock International. The conference is targeted toinclude participants of all of East Russia's regions and from Japan, Korea,China, Europe Australia and the US. A special Web Site will be available forregistration at the end of January. In the meantime, contact us for moreinformation. Tiger Tour to the Russian Far East! In April 2005, Steppes Travel, in conjunction with the conservation charity AMUR, is arranging anexploratory eco-tour to the Russian Far East. The main focus of the trip is the Amur (Siberian) tigerand leopard, but it will also take in other wildlife, local peoples, and an exploration of the incrediblewild landscapes of this faraway region. This part of the Russian Far East is a unique place in theworld where the cold northern climate meets the humid southern one creating a region that is semitropicalin the summer and snowbound in the winter. Get all the details! World Wise Expeditions East Russia is a magical place. A place where wilderness still reignsand life in outlying areas still has a rhythm all of its own. A placeof change every day, every moment. A place where travel can be soglorious and yet so down to earth. East Russia is also the last place on earth, where we have a chance todo it right. To nurture, conserve and protect its boundless naturalresources that sustain all life. To appreciate and respect smallindigenous communities ways of life and to always journey with an openmind and gentle heart. We are the experts in Russia's ecotourism development spanning over 14years of involvement. Our programs offer you well researched authenticexperiences. All programs are operated with our local partners, whoderive economic benefits from their involvement. We like to expose youto areas that are nearly void of other travelers, where you, nature andyour worldwise friends can get back to the things that are important inlife. Join us as we explore these fascinating places, stay with localpeople and get really close to the natural wonders these areas have tooffer. Download Our 2004 Travel Schedule Download Our Winter 2004 Newsletter We operate various types of expeditions: Chita and Buryatia offer the adventurous ecotraveler a range of activities in regions with spectacular scenery, seldom visited preserves, indigenous communities and strong ties with Buddhism and the practices of Shamanism. We spend the aggregate of a month in several regions in Buryatia discussing ecotourism opportunities and practices with local communities, local government, scientists, preserve management and tour companies. We wanted to share some of the information with you to entice you to visit. Chita Chita is far less known then Buryatia as a tourism destination, but deserves the attention of travelers interested in authentic experiences. Buryatia Buryatia is already recognized as an international tourism destination. Don't miss the the Amur River cruise/land tour this year, last year's program was an outstanding success!! Amur River Cruise Itinerary - September 1-12, 2004 Changing Faces of the Amur River Places of Interest in Khabarovsk History, art and culture of the people of the Amur River The Nanai The Ulchi The Nivkh Spectacular Nature Reserves Bolonsky Bolshekhekhtsirsky Komsomolsky Vibrant every day life Magnificent Siberia and its people Siberia, the vast middle part of Russia and its dominant region, Yakutia (or Sakha) are treasure troves waiting to be discovered. While the temperature fluctuates from very hot to very cold, each season brings with its own rhythm and beauty. Yakutia, the largest region in Russia is also the richest in natural resources, such as gold, silver and diamonds. It is also a region offering unsurpassed ecotourism experiences. Read about our journey!! Cultural and nature tours in Chukotka Operated by our partner Circumpolar Expeditions Whale and Walrus Tour - June/August, 2005 Senyavina Strait - June/August, 2005 Provideniya/Chukotka - June/August 2005 Kunashir Exploration - August 24, 2005 Jointly operated with our partners in Vzmorye, Sakhalin-Kurile Island Information Agency, the Center for Cultural and Ecological Initiatives and World Wise Expeditions Because we feel that Eastern Russia offers great diversity within relative short distances, we offer this program not only because it includes a visit to one of the most beautiful Kurile islands, but also as an introduction to what Eastern Russia has to offer. We begin in cosmopolitan Vladivostok, where we sample a vast collection of historical, cultural and natural wonders. We cross over from the mainland to Sakhalin, offering a picture of soviet style villages and towns settled between verdant sloping mountains, fast running rives and magnificent lakes. The main portion of our time will be spend on Kunashir Island, the "black pearl" offering a multitude of one of a kind natural experiences, after which we visit charming and visually attractive Khabarovsk. For detailed information see our details on the Sakhalin Region . Giving the Ancient a Modern Voice - Discover ancient rites and traditions of Russian Far East native cultures, August 2, 2004 As our lives in our western culture become more and more centered on technology, we realize that we are loosing our innate wisdom connected to our natural environment. At the same time indigenous cultures in Russia are trying to retain their ancient rites and traditions to anchor their culture and to instill in the younger generation a clear sense of identity. Sharing our lives may perhaps gives us both the right way to reestablish ourselves drawing from nature that which is our essence. We will visit with Even, Koryak and Ittlmen women during the International Aboriginal Day in Anavgai in Kamchatka. We will then return to the Khabarovski Krai, which has the largest number of native cultures in Russia. There we will share our thoughts with the Orochi, Nanai and Udeghe people when we visit their individual villages. This trip includes travel by local transportation and living locally adapting to the ways of the local people. You need to be extremely flexible, be in excellent health and have the ability to withstand long road trip. Some of our travel will be by helicopter. Arrival and departure point is Khabarovsk. All transportation including local flights or helicopter transportation is included. Itinerary will be posted shortly. Travelogues The Primorsky Coast : Where the Taiga meets the Sea- Steve Nelson The Kamchatka Peninsula : A world of mountains yet to conquer- Aaltje van Zoelen Join our mailing list: Email: Subscribe Unsubscribe Russian Internet Guide World Wise Ecotourism Network 1321 W. Emerson #6 Seattle, WA 98119 Phone: 206-282-0824 Fax: 206-281-4417 E-mail: Info@TravelEastRussia.com 2000 All Rights Reserved Site Design By Morgan Design, Inc .

France Travel

France Hotels, Paris Hotels and the France Travel Guide - France.com Search In Paris ----------------------- Bastille Baubourg Champs-Elysees Gare de Lyon Gare du Nord Gobelins Invalides La Bourse La Villette Latin Quarter Louvre Marais Montmartre Montparnasse Opera Parc Monceau Pre Lachaise Porte de Versaill... Saint-Germain Trocadero - Simplify all your Travel plans... Become a member now! 1. Select Your Location: 2. Select Your Dates: Choose Region Alsace Aquitaine Auvergne Basse Normandie Bourgogne Bretagne Centre Champagne-Ardenne Corse Franche-Comt Haute Normandie Ile de France Languedoc-Roussillon Limousin Lorraine Midi-Pyrnes Nord-Pas de Calais Pays de la Loire Picardie Poitou-Charentes Provence-Alpes-Cote d`Azur Rhone-Alpes or Choose City Paris Agde Agen Aix-en-Provence Aix-les-Bains Albi Alenon Amboise Amlie-les-Bains Angers Annecy Antibes Avignon Avranches Bayeux Beaune Bergerac Besanon Biarritz Blois Bordeaux Brive-la-Gaillarde Caen Cahors Calais Calvi Cannes Carcassonne Cassis Cret Chantilly Clermont-Ferrand Cognac Colmar Deauville Dijon Dinard Divonne-les-Bains Evian-les-Bains Eze Grardmer Gordes Grasse La Rochelle La Roque-Gageac Le Lavandou Les Eyzies-de-Tayac Les Issambres Lille Limoges Lyon Manosque Marne-la-Vallee Marseille Megve Metz Monaco Montpellier Mougins Nantes Narbonne Nice Obernai Obernai Orlans Ottrott Paris Pau Prigueux Perpignan Poitiers Pont-Audemer Pont-Aven Quimper Reims Rennes Ribeauvill Rocamadour Roissy Charles De Gaulle Rouen Saint-Emilion Saint-Germain-en-Laye Saint-Jean-de-Luz Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Saint-Malo Saint-Omer Saint-Raphal Saint-Rmy-de-Provence Saint-Tropez Sainte-Maxime Sarlat-la-Canda Ste Strasbourg Toulon Toulouse Tours Vannes Verdun Versailles Vittel Check In: Check Out: France.com is your one-stop online location for everything France! If you need it, France.com truly is "the fastest way to France"! Be sure to check our forums , featured articles , news , and hotel listings of the best hotels in France. France has 1,500 miles of beaches lining 3 major bodies of water: the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel? Altogether more than 35 million people enjoy France's beaches in any given year! December 28, 1792 - In Guadeloupe, after 9 days of fighting between Revolutionaries and Monarchists, the partisans of the Revolution win. 'Tis time to be merry: Here comes the Beaujolais nouveau! It's no coincidence that every year the Beaujolais Nouveau gets released around Thanksgiving, and it's a tradition that no serious American-French family can do without: Turkey and Beaujolais! This year promises to bring in its usual harvest of 'Oooohs' and 'Ahhhhs' about the exceptional 'cru'. Continued Arles Arles has been enchanting people since the Greeks populated it and the Romans made it one of their favorite cities. Located at the head of the Camargue delta, it is a favorite base of exploration for the entire region. Continued Invalides France's monument to its war heroes and victims, l' Hotel des Invalides' is one of the most striking monuments of the French capital. It also houses Napoleon's tomb which draws crowds of tourists from the world over. Continued Arc de Triomphe The Arc de Triomphe is a monument in Paris that stands in the centre of the Place de l'toile, at the western end of the Champs-lyses. Since it was erected almost two hundred years ago it has been the most famous Paris monument behind the Eiffel Tower, and has played a unique role in Paris' and France's history. Continued Avignon Host to France's favorite summer theater festival, this southern city 4 hours by train from Paris, boasts a rich history, and a varied architecture. Year after year, it ranks as one of the country's favorite destinations amongst foreign and French tourists. Continued Computer decodes Mona Lisa's smile Scientists analyzed the portrait of the Mona Lisa, a woman with famously mixed emotions, hoping to unlock her smile. They applied emotion recognition software that measures a person's mood by examining features such as the curve of the lips and the crinkles around the eyes. Continued Emily the stowaway cat travels home to the US from Paris in style Emily the cat is back after flying home in the lap of luxury. The curious cat who wound up traveling to France in a cargo container touched down at the Milwaukee airport on Thursday, greeted by her family and a horde of reporters. Continued Report: Two CIA Flights Stopped in France French Newspaper Reports That Two Clandestine CIA Flights Made Stopovers in France in 2002, 2005 Continued France launches news network to rival CNN, BBC France today announced the birth of a new international television news network half owned by the state that aims to rival the BBC and CNN when it starts broadcasting next year. Continued First face transplant performed in France Woman disfigured by dog bite has new nose, lips and chin grafted from deceased donor. Continued Arts and Entertainment Architecture , Museums , Music Business and Economy Financial Services , Industries , Real Estate News and Media Newspapers , Radio , Televison Recreation and Sports Equestrian , Golf , Canoeing Reference Government , Maps and Views , Weather Regions Alsace , Aquitaine , Auvergne , Basse-Normandie , Bourgogne , Bretagne , Centre , Champagne-Ardenne , Corse , Franche-Comt , Haute-Normandie , Ile-de-France , Languedoc-Roussillon , Limousin , Lorraine , Midi-Pyrnes , Nord Pas-de-Calais , Pays de la Loire , Picardie , Poitou-Charentes , Provence Alpes Cte d'Azur , Rhne-Alpes Society and Culture History , Genealogy , Expatriates , Organizations Elysee (de l'Elyse) 12, rue des Saussaies,Paris,75008-- Prices from: 110.00 € Booking confirmation within 48 hours [ Read Comments ] An original location, close to the Elysee Palace, the Madeleine and the Champs-Elysees where few hotels can be found. Recently the hotel went through a renovation that instilled a classical style to i... Relais Saint Sulpice (Le) 3, rue de la Garancire,Paris,75006-- Prices from: 175.00 € Booking with instant confirmation [ Read Comments ] A beautiful, newly remodeled hotel set right in the center of the fashion boutiques of Saint-Germain des Prs. Rooms tend to be rather small, but they are extremely comfortable with lush bedspreads an... Lille (Hotel de) 40, rue de Lille,Paris,75006-- Prices from: 93.00 € Booking confirmation within 48 hours [ Read Comments ] In the heart of Saint-Germain, 5 minutes from the Orsay museum and 10 from the Louvre, this is certainly the best-located 2-star hotel in Paris! And the good news is that it does not show in their rat... Au Jardin de Cluny*** Best Western Hotel 9, rue Sommerand,Paris,75005-- Prices from: 89.00 € Booking with instant confirmation [ Read Comments ] Le Jardin de Cluny is situated in a very quiet area near Notre-Dame and Sorbonne, offers access to Paris' famous shops and museums. A small garden and breakfast room will delight you. A pleasant t... Madison 143, bd Saint-Germain,Paris,75006 Booking confirmation within 48 hours [ Read Comments ] A fantastic little hotel in a fantastic neighborhood. This is where Albert Camus chose to live when he was in Paris (and where he actually finished "The Stranger"). Rooms are rather big and quite eleg... Pantheon (Panthon) 19, place du Panthon,Paris,75005-- Prices from: 99.00 € Booking with instant confirmation [ Read Comments ] Grand 18th century dwelling between Pantheon and Luxembourg. In the great classic tradition, elegant, meticulous and courteous service. A discret charm occupies each and every romantic room and lounge... Academie Hotel Saint Germain 32 rue des Saint-Peres,Paris,75007 Booking confirmation within 48 hours [ Read Comments ] Awarded best hotel de Charme 1999 of paris. XVIII th century decoration (real anti wooden beams,stonewall XVII century) with Napoleonian draperies. Fully eqipped rooms with Air conditioning. Located i... Palais Bourbon (du) 49, rue de Bourgogne,Paris,75007-- Prices from: 78.00 € Booking confirmation within 48 hours [ Read Comments ] Down the street from the Musee Rodin, this small Parisian hotel offers very low rates in a classy neighborhood. Even though the lobby is not a strong point, the recently renovated bedrooms, however, a... Brighton 218, rue de Rivoli,Paris,75001-- Prices from: 163.00 € Booking confirmation within 48 hours [ Read Comments ] The Hotel Brighton dates back to the end of the XIXth century.Its name originates from the warm friendship which was held between France and England during the reign of Queen Victoria. It overlooks... Htel de l'Abbaye 10, rue Cassette,Paris,75006-- Prices from: 76.00 € Booking confirmation within 48 hours [ Read Comments ] This is a great address. The L'Htel de l'Abbaye has been ranked among the top European hotels by Travel & Leisure magazine. The same survey decreed Hotel de l'Abbaye "the 6th best hotel in the wo... Camping in France from Siblu, the new name for Haven Europe Book a Skiing Holiday in France with Ski Deals skideals.com Great Holidays in France from Siblu siblu.com Book Holiday in France with Brittany Ferries brittanyferries.co.uk Holidays in France from Portsmouth Port portsmouth-port.co.uk Holidays in France at Daltons Holidays daltonsholidays.com Holidays in France with Alpine Elements alpineelements.co.uk Discount Holiday France Offers leisuredirection.co.uk Espotting end -- Contact Us Site Map Privacy Policy Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35899 128 Bit Secured Site © 1995 - 2005 France.com. All Rights Reserved.

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--Fun family vacation adventure-- Finding Happiness and Self-actualization Happiness HOME Top 5 ways to find happiness Personal growth articles Daily Happiness free ezine Self-help book on happiness The Get Happy Workbook Happy Class free online Find happiness Definition of happiness Find happiness products Happiness directory Best happiness books Find self-actualization Free ebook: daily inspiration and motivation Selfactualisation? self actualisation? Humor column Guest articles Best self-help books Be happy with The Happy Guy Motivational keynote speaker Happiness coach Rave reviews Contact The Happy Guy Your privacy FAQ The Happy Guy's bio Link to The Happy Guy Be a Happy Guy affiliate Advertise with us! Business directory "Unfortunately, some people believe their schedules are more important than their lives." David Leonhardt, as quoted in The Reader's Digest "This above all, to thine own self be true." William Shakespeare. 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Travel & leisure articles Family & parenting articles Humor & satire articles Check out also Articles on nutrition Network monitoring and web site monitoring Coming soon: World Vacations travel directory FREE: Meditation techniques and tips HOT: Free positive thinking book RECOMMENDED: Stress relief tips and techniques List of articles | Article reprint permission details | More related information Squish, climb, splash: a family adventure vacation Learning from our toddler on vacation by David Leonhardt There is never a dull moment when you vacation with a two-year-old . And there are always such wonderfully fun lessons to be learned, too. For instance, we allocated the first day of our family vacation to the zoo. God allocated that same day to watering his plants. OK, so it was not quite rain. I mean, it was hardly worth the embarrassment of losing another fruitless struggle with that rusty old umbrella. But it was more than just a mist. Bit by bit, it overtook me. My sneakers cried out "Squish! Squish! Squish!" as I walked. My wife started calling me "soggybottoms". I was getting downright moldy. Little Lady, on the other hand, was in Seventh Heaven. This was finally her chance to take out her brand new umbrella. Her umbrella was her newest, most favorite toy that her way-too-picky father would not let her play with in the house. But today, she could play with it all day in the rainy mist or misty rain or whatever the big people want to call it. Vacation Adventure Lesson #1: Find the silver lining. And if you can't, get yourself an umbrella. A true adventure vacation: mountain climbing A few days later, we headed to a lookout in a mountain park. Along the paths, we found ourselves trying to dodge speeding cyclists who thought "maximum 15 miles per hour" means "Yee-haw, we've reached warp speed!" Seemingly lost, we stopped to ask directions. The young lad we approached pointed straight up. "It's a half an hour back the way you came, or you can take these stairs," he advised. I doubted whether either my pregnant wife or Little Lady could handle the stairs, but they both wanted to try. (Seventh Heaven might be an umbrella, but a toddler's first six heavens apparently involve climbing anything in sight and a mountain was just as good as anything else, I suppose.) At the top of the first flight, we saw that the next set of stairs was even higher. A lady behind us said, "Try counting them to pass the time. There are 205 steps." Was that meant to be encouraging? Amazingly, Little Lady climbed 180 steps, and my pregnant wife was able to keep up at Little Lady's conveniently slow pace. I had to carry one of them up the remaining 25 steps (no, not my wife!), where I dumped the stroller and picnic basket so we all could catch our breath. Vacation Adventure Lesson #2: It's amazing what you can do when you try, and it's more than amazing what some people will try. Family fun in a toddler's ocean Our vacation was also the first chance for Little Lady to swim. We placed the water wings on her arms and stayed really close. This suited her just fine for almost three minutes. Then she wanted to swim "all alone" (her favorite words). You might have heard that the biggest danger for a new swimmer is sinking. Or hitting your head on the edge of the pool. Or developing cramps from too many French fries just before swimming and drowning in your own cholesterol (or something like that). In fact, the big danger is a big mouth. Little Lady closed her mouth whenever I reminded her. But just 3.2 seconds later, her mouth would be open again, shouting "Lookit me!" and "I did it!" and other eloquent cries muffled by the gurgle of water pouring into a gaping mouth. Vacation Adventure Lesson #3: Sometimes it is worth getting excited about life and shouting it out to the world ... even if people do keep telling you to shut your mouth. Next time you go on vacation, bring a toddler along. I promise you three things: 1. You will get less rest than Santa Claus on December 24. 2. You will always have a fun adventure. 3. You will learn more than you ever wanted to. Get a personal growth humor column like this in your inbox every week. For more personal growth articles check the menu to the left . Permission is granted to republish this article on your website on condition that you include the following byline with all hyperlinks intact: David Leonhardt is author of Climb Your Stairway to Heaven and The Get Happy Workbook . He also runs a Liquid Vitamins Store and a website marketing strategies web site Related information Join Club Mom