Russia Travel Guide Overview














Russia Tours | Russia Tour Guide | iExplore.com FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore advertisement -- Home Travel Guides Europe Russia Overview Russia Travel Guide Overview Tours Where to Go Activities General Info History Weather Travel Tips Dining Shopping Visa & Health View Trips to Russia Europe Overview Browse Russia Photos Russia Questions and Answers Read Russia Journals Find a Russia Travel Buddy Russia Overview Travel warning Travel to the Chechen Republic and to the north Caucasus region is not recommended. For further information visitors should seek official advice. The Russian Federation covers almost twice the area of the United States of America, and reaches from Moscow in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The capital, Moscow, was founded in 1147. The focal point of the city is Red Square, on one side of which is the Kremlin surrounded by a thick red fortress wall containing 20 towers. The tsars were crowned here; Ivan the Terrible's throne is situated near the entrance. Those interested in Russia's achievements in the field of space travel should visit Star City, just outside Moscow, which is a cosmonaut training complex open to visitors. St Petersburg, northwest of Moscow, is known both as a cultural center and for its elegant buildings. The city is spread over 42 islands in the delta of the River Neva. Wide boulevards, tranquil canals and bridges led to the city being known as the 'Venice of the North'. The Palace Square and the Winter Palace are among the most interesting sites for followers of Russian history. The Hermitage houses all the vast treasures of the former tsars. For those wishing to get a better idea of the huge variety of scenery in the Russian Federation, cruises can be taken along the mighty Volga River between Kazan, the cultural center of the Tartars, to Rostov-on-Don, once an Armenian town and the gateway to the Caucasus. Russian cuisine is based on the staples of buckwheat (to make porridge or blini ), borshch (beetroot soup) or shashlik (shish kebab). Whole roast suckling pig, roast goose stuffed with buckwheat, and roast duck stuffed with apples are served at parties and for special occasions. Geography The Russian Federation covers almost twice the area of the USA, and reaches from Moscow in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The border between European Russia and Siberia (Asia) is formed by the Ural Mountains, the Ural River and the Manych Depression. European Russia extends from the North Polar Sea across the Central Russian Uplands to the Black Sea, the Northern Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Siberia stretches from the West Siberian Plain across the Central Siberian Plateau between Yenisey and Lena, including the Sayan, Yablonovy and Stanovoy ranges in the south to the East Siberian mountains between Lena and the Pacific coast, including the Chukotskiy and Kamchatka peninsulas. Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) advertisement Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --



France Travel

France Travel Pictures | France Travel Photos France Travel resources, links and information for France. Click on the thumbnails to read stories and see travel pictures. Book your hotel Book a hotel in France Book a hostel Book Youth hostels in France Fly your way! Book your flight to France online - saving 40% or more! Other countries: Andorra Austria Bulgaria Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland Germany Greece Hungary Italy Liechtenstein Lithuania Malta Monaco Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Spain Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands Turkey United Kingdom Vatican City Country of joie-de-vivre, of a very appealing and metropolitan capital versus a laid-back countryside. Stories and pictures: Paris Père Lachaise Cemetery Musée d'Orsay Eze Villefranche sur Mer Useful travel links: Book your hotel in France Weather Lonely Planet Visit Paris Paris VidBook Guide Travelogues for France Currency exchange Many more links on France ! Suggest a site Go directly to: Africa Asia Europe North America Oceania South America Join our mailinglist: If you want to be updated about developments at Around the World in 80 Clicks, subscribe! Your E-mail address: Travel Forum Join others in discussions on Europe Also on this site: read and sign the guestbook send us your suggestions ! send this site to a friend read about the background of this site publications on this site meet new friends for travel, dating or just fun! Around the World in 80 Clicks All rights reserved - www.traveladventures.org - 1999-2005 Share your comments



Vacation Packages Free Newsletter

Bermuda Vacation Packages - Reviews of Bermuda Travel Packages - TripAdvisor Bermuda Vacation Packages and Hotel Deals Sign in • Sign up Home > Caribbean > Bermuda > SmartDeals > All travel offers Bermuda tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. Discount hotels | Hotel + air deals | All travel offers Search (e.g., Bermuda hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Bermuda Bermuda Overview Bermuda Hotels Flights to Bermuda Bermuda Deals Discount hotels Hotel + air deals All travel offers Bermuda Attractions Bermuda Forums Bermuda Maps Bermuda Discount Hotels Bermuda Vacation Packages Free Newsletter Get deals, news and articles on Bermuda Plus weekend trip ideas from your hometown e-mail this page to a friend Bermuda vacation packages Acapulco vacation packages Alaska vacation packages Amsterdam vacation packages Anaheim vacation packages Arizona vacation packages Aruba vacation packages Aspen vacation packages Atlanta vacation packages Atlantic City vacation packages Bahamas vacation packages Barbados vacation packages Belgium vacation packages Bermuda vacation packages Boston vacation packages Branson vacation packages Breckenridge vacation packages British Virgin Islands vacation packages Cabo San Lucas vacation packages California vacation packages Canada vacation packages Cancun vacation packages Caribbean vacation packages Colorado vacation packages Costa del Sol vacation packages Cozumel vacation packages Dallas vacation packages Daytona Beach vacation packages Dominican Republic vacation packages Florida vacation packages Florida Keys vacation packages Fort Lauderdale vacation packages France vacation packages Germany vacation packages Grand Canyon National Park vacation packages Greece vacation packages Grenada vacation packages Hawaii vacation packages Hilton Head vacation packages Ibiza vacation packages Ireland vacation packages Italy vacation packages Ixtapa vacation packages Jamaica vacation packages Kauai vacation packages Key West vacation packages Lake Placid vacation packages Lake Tahoe vacation packages Las Vegas vacation packages London vacation packages Los Angeles vacation packages Los Cabos vacation packages Maui vacation packages Mazatlan vacation packages Melbourne vacation packages Mexico vacation packages Miami vacation packages Montreal vacation packages Myrtle Beach vacation packages Nashville vacation packages Nassau vacation packages New York vacation packages New York City vacation packages Niagara Falls vacation packages Nova Scotia vacation packages Oahu vacation packages Orlando vacation packages Paris vacation packages Park City vacation packages Philadelphia vacation packages Phoenix vacation packages Pigeon Forge vacation packages Puerto Rico vacation packages Puerto Vallarta vacation packages Punta Cana vacation packages Quebec City vacation packages Reno vacation packages Rome vacation packages Salt Lake City vacation packages San Antonio vacation packages San Diego vacation packages San Francisco vacation packages Santa Fe vacation packages Scotland vacation packages Seattle vacation packages Spain vacation packages St. Croix vacation packages St. Lucia vacation packages St. Maarten/St. Martin vacation packages St. Thomas vacation packages Sydney vacation packages Texas vacation packages Toronto vacation packages Tucson vacation packages U.S. Virgin Islands vacation packages Vail vacation packages Virginia Beach vacation packages Washington DC vacation packages Whistler vacation packages Read more Bermuda tourism Bermuda Vacation Packages and Hotel Deals Choose a specific destination Select one of the following destinations within Bermuda: --choose-one-- Devonshire Hamilton Parish Paget ---------- Pembroke -- Hamilton ---------- Sandys Smith's Southampton ---------- St. George's -- St. George ---------- Warwick Featured specials - December 28, 2005 Bermuda : Hotel Deals from $131 Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Bermuda : Book Best Available Room. ClassicVacations.com Call 800-921-2680 to find your luxury travel specialist Bermuda : Great Prices, Great Rooms hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. View Maps, Photos, Rates. Book Now! Bermuda : Low Hotel Prices Made Easy Orbitz.com The faster, easier way to find the hotel you want. Just Orbitz and go! Bermuda : Exclusive trip offers American Express Vacations of a Lifetime Start Here. Bermuda : Great Hotel Rates! CheapTickets.com finds you low prices where you need to stay! Just click - you're there. Bermuda : Save on hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Bermuda : Sail young from $24/night EasyCruise.com Visit your destinations with easyCruise, Great value & fun! Book now! Bermuda : Vacation Planning Experts. ClassicVacations.com Call 800-921-2650 to find your luxury travel specialist Bermuda : Lowest Price Guaranteed Lodging.com Spend Less, Sleep Well with Lodging.com's RestEasy rates! Hotels (27) B&Bs / Inns (3) Other lodging (3) Sorted by popularity hotel name Pompano Beach Club , Southampton Popularity index: #1 in Bermuda based on 150 sources Pompano Beach Club : Great rooms, Great rates Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Pompano Beach Club : More rooms for more value hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-434-6835 Pompano Beach Club : More rooms for more value TravelNow.com Save On Your Next Hotel or Vacation Rental Compare prices with: The Reefs , Southampton Popularity index: #2 in Bermuda based on 66 sources The Reefs : Book with Luxury Hotel Experts FiveStarAlliance.com Great Rates, Personal Service from the #1 Trusted Luxury Hotel Source. The Reefs : More rooms for more value hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-434-6835 The Reefs : Great Rooms from $294 Orbitz.com The faster, easier way to find the hotel you want. Just Orbitz and go! 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Cambridge Beaches : More rooms for more value TravelNow.com Save On Your Next Hotel or Vacation Rental Compare prices with: Horizons and Cottages , Paget Popularity index: #6 in Bermuda based on 20 sources Horizons and Cottages : Book with Luxury Hotel Experts FiveStarAlliance.com Great Rates, Personal Service from the #1 Trusted Luxury Hotel Source. Horizons and Cottages : Great rooms, Great rates Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Horizons and Cottages : More rooms for more value hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-434-6835 Horizons and Cottages : More rooms for more value TravelNow.com Save On Your Next Hotel or Vacation Rental Compare prices with: Ariel Sands , Devonshire Popularity index: #7 in Bermuda based on 43 sources Ariel Sands : Great rooms, Great rates Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Ariel Sands : Book best available room ClassicVacations.com Call 800-921-2680 to find your luxury travel specialist Ariel Sands : More rooms for more value hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-434-6835 Ariel Sands : Great Offers OnlineHotels.com Where to Stay, Where to Play. Ariel Sands : Room Nights from 70% Off! CheapCaribbean.com Where Caribbean Dreams Become Reality Ariel Sands : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Ariel Sands : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 Ariel Sands : Vacation Planning Experts. ClassicVacations.com Call 800-921-2650 to find your luxury travel specialist Ariel Sands : This Hotel from $200 TravelNow.com Save On Your Next Hotel or Vacation Rental Compare prices with: Waterloo House , Hamilton, Pembroke Popularity index: #3 in Hamilton based on 20 sources Waterloo House : Great Rooms from $240 Orbitz.com The faster, easier way to find the hotel you want. Just Orbitz and go! Waterloo House : Book with Luxury Hotel Experts FiveStarAlliance.com Great Rates, Personal Service from the #1 Trusted Luxury Hotel Source. Waterloo House : Great rooms, Great rates Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Waterloo House : More rooms for more value hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-434-6835 Waterloo House : More rooms for more value TravelNow.com Save On Your Next Hotel or Vacation Rental Compare prices with: Pages: 1 2 Read more about Bermuda travel! TripAdvisor SmartDeals are the best deals on the best hotels in Bermuda. 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travel insurance Annual travel

Travel Insurance - from Columbus Insurance Great Deals for Rough Guide Readers! Home Our Products FAQs About Columbus The company The group Jobs Single trip travel insurance Annual travel insurance Backpacker travel insurance Ski travel insurance Business travel insurance Adventure travel insurance Over 64 travel insurance Pre-existing medical conditions Motor insurance Home insurance Pet insurance Credit cards Cruises Hostels International Rail Travel Let us find a quote... Help & Information Residence: You must have been a resident of this country for at least 12 months.','infoboxPosition');" My residency is: Australia Austria Belgium Canada Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Maldives Malta Netherlands New Zealand Norway Papua New Guinea Poland Portugal Qatar San Marino Saudi Arabia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand United Kingdom United States Vanuatu Vatican City State The destination: Europe Australia/NZ Worldwide ex USA/Canada Worldwide Annual multi-trip policy If you plan to travel 2 or more times per year, this policy can save you money. It means you won’t have to set up a new policy every time you travel.','infoboxPosition');" Annual multi-trip policy: Ski Cover Our ski policy covers you whether on or off-piste and also if you are a skier or a snowboarder.','infoboxPosition');" Ski Cover: My Trip Date Please use the Calendar function to help you select the exact dates you are travelling, please add the extra day if you are getting a night flight back.','infoboxPosition');" My trip dates: My start date: - The total number of travellers is: adults (19 - 64) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Individual Couple Family Group Children Students who are in full time education, aged 19-21 can also be included on a Columbus Family annual policy.','infoboxPosition');" children (2 - 18) 0 1 infants (0 - 1) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Tools and Options Country news Airport Lounges Airport Parking Car Hire Travel Guides Single trip travel insurance Annual travel insurance Backpacker travel insurance Ski travel insurance Business travel insurance Adventure travel insurance Over 64 travel insurance Pre-existing medical insurance | Definitions | Travel Tips | Disclaimer | Security & Privacy | Affiliates | Agents | Policy wording | Claims | Contact Us | Recommend a friend | Site Map | Columbus Direct is a specialist travel insurance intermediary which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.



Mexico Travel

Mexico Travel Guide - Mexico Articles Wednesday Dec 28th, 2005 Mexico Central Time Back to Mexico Articles Ok, you want to drive to Mexico (good for you!) and now you need to know what it will take to get you and your vehicle into the country. Here is the straight scoop. A friend of mine got in with a student ID and a smile, but she was much prettier than I am. All minors (under 18) need either both parents with them, or notarized permission from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. Vehicle Title or Registration Receipt. Owner is considered the name(s) on title only. For example: a wife cannot take the car if the title is only in the husband's name. If names of both husband and wife appear on title, either one may take the car. Birth certificate, passport or notarized proof of citizenship, or voter's registration card. Visa, MasterCard, Diner's, or American Express card with the same name as on title. Valid driver's license (with photo and same name as on title). Notarized letter of permission from the bank or lienholder is required on financed cars, rental cars, leased cars, or company cars (on company stationary). No borrowed cars or borrowed credit cards are accepted. You must sign an affidavit of promise to return vehicle back to the United States. Back to Top Failure to turn in your vehicle permit before the expiration date may result in fines. * This is subject to change without notice. In order to get your vehicle permit, you will pay an approximately $10-11 fee with a Visa, MasterCard or American Express. If you do not have a credit card, you will have to post a bond (much of which you will get back on your return). Your permit is good for multiple entries, but you MUST turn it in at border BEFORE it expires. We might as well warn you about customs before it is too late to do anything about it. Technically, both foreigners and Mexicans who are driving are only allowed to bring $50 worth of "merchandise" (mercancia, a word you will soon learn). Since nobody takes long trips to Mexico with only $50 worth of stuff, this is obviously impossible to enforce. What customs is looking for is new items that could be sold. The secret is not to have new-looking items with you. For example, if you have new clothes, take the tags off. If you have new camping gear, take it out of the shiny boxes and throw some dirt on them to make the boxes look old. Get the idea? One thing that will get you into trouble is a lot of stuff in Wal-Mart etc. sacks. If you bought a lot of items for your trip, take them out of the sacks, remove the price tags and distribute them among your baggage. I was once delayed for having too much film. I am a photographer and regularly take fifty rolls of film. Technically that is illegal, but I only had a problem once. That was when the rolls were still in a plastic bag from the store. From then on, I spread them out and haven't had a problem since. Computers Laptop computers are never (a dangerous phrase to use in Mexico, but I will go out on a limb here) a problem. Desktops can usually be brought in. A journalist friend of mine was moving to Mexico and had a lot of stuff, including a desktop computer. The customs inspector wanted to do his job, but he was a practical man. "Your computer," he asked, "it is small, no?" "Si," the scribe replied, "muy pequeño." Be honest and friendly and things will work out. Be arrogant and you will have trouble. Back to Top When to cross Allow at least 30 minutes for customs clearing. Early in the AM (6-7:30) is best. After 9:00 AM, it could take 30 minutes up to an hour. Weekends are the worst time, especially holidays. If you got a late start, please spend the night in a border town. Driving in Mexico is not as dangerous as you have been led to believe, but it is more challenging. There are plenty of four-lane toll roads that (for a price) can make you feel as comfortable as if you were back home. The two-lane roads vary in width and conditions so that some of them are usually in great shape, and others are often full of potholes. You will have to learn a few rules of the road For current gas and diesel prices, jump to gas prices. For road conditions, go to road updates. Driving in Mexico is perfectly safe and enjoyable. It is no more difficult than driving in the U.S., though defensive driving is a requirement. Despite what you have heard, Mexicans are very polite -- on the open road. In cities, a certain amount of aggression is required. Still, that's true in our country, too. How many of us can compete with NY or Boston cabbies -- or would want to? I have driven in most of the major U.S. cities and find the drivers in Mexico to be generally more polite, particularly the truck drivers and long distance bus drivers. (See the section about left turns). Accidents A remarkably small number of gringos have accidents in Mexico. Perhaps they learn the differences quickly or perhaps God watches out for fools, drunks and the U.S.A, as I was told by my father. So that you won't have to depend on divine intervention, I will give you some of the driving tips I have gleaned in my over twenty years of driving around Mexico. In that time, I have had one accident -- and that was because I passed out from carbon monoxide poisoning. Here's a tip -- if you have a back window on your 4WD, don't leave it open. Why is everyone flashing their lights at me? Flashing your headlights at a car in front of you indicates that you want to pass them. If you drive with your headlights on during the day, you will be flashed by oncoming drivers because they think you have left your lights on by accident. Back to Top Night Driving Don't drive at night on the two-lane roads. There is a lot of loose livestock and I have yet to see a cow equipped with tail lights. My tip for driving at night is - DON'T. On the toll roads (which are as good as or even better than those in the U.S. or Canada), you can drive at night, but should be aware that some roads -- particularly the Orizaba-Villahermosa road, and the Mexico City-Acapulco road, have been known to have assaults at night. Left Turn Signals On the open road, a left turn signal is an invitation to the guy behind you to pass. Trucks and busses frequently turn their left blinker on to guide you around them. I trust them, but use common sense. Sometimes they have optimistic views of your acceleration capabilities. Don't use your left turn signal on a two lane road when you are about to pass. You might get hit. A few readers have pointed out that on the toll roads, people use turn signals as they do here. My advice -- use 'em as you are used to on toll roads, but don't expect the other guy to do the same. Left Turns Left turns are different! When there is a left turn lane, there will usually be a left turn arrow. Look for 4 lights on signal. You MUST wait for arrow (whether or not you saw any Indians). Right Turns Right on red is usually not OK, unless there is a sign saying that it is. Lately, however, I have been honked at by locals when I wait for a green light. What to do? If there isn't a cop nearby, (and the coast is clear) I turn. Topes and Truckers Watch out for topes, which are speed bumps in every town of any size. They begin just as you enter a town and there are lots of them in-between. Slow down in rain -- more than you do here. The roads are slicker, due to the blowoff from the big trucks and it takes several hours of a heavy rain to wash it away. Truckers are usually friendly and will use the aforementioned left turn signal to give you the go-ahead to pass them when you cannot see around them. Back to Top Cops Traffic cops are more honest than you have been led to believe, but there are some in towns who are looking for bribes, especially in Mexico City. When this happens, stand firm and tell them you want to go to the comandancia. In Mexico City You cannot drive in Mexico City on certain days, depending on the last number of your license plate. Drive defensively at all times and you should have no problems. You will not go to jail for having a traffic accident, unless you do not have insurance, are drunk or high, or are argumentative. If the accident is serious, or if you kill someone, you could go to jail, or you and your car could simply be detained until the matter is settled. For this reason it is a good idea to have a legal assistance policy. This came from Live Better South of the Border. If you like the info you can order the book from a Secure Order Form with VI, MC, AM at http://www.mexicomike.com or by sending a check to Roads Scholar Press, 300 Zapata St., Rancho Viejo, TX 78520 or call 1-800-321-5605. The cost is $16.95 plus $4.00 S&H. Texas residents add 8.25% tax ($22.34). Back to Top Send us your comments about this article Back to Mexico Articles Acapulco | Cancun | CopperCanyon | Cozumel | Guadalajara | Huatulco | Ixtapa | Los Cabos Manzanillo | Mazatlan | Mexico City | Monterrey | Oaxaca | Puerto Vallarta © 1995 - 2005 Let's Go2Mexico ® - All Rights Reserved - Powered by ® Go2 Producciones ernesto luna sierra




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