France Travel

FRANCE Geography History Politics Culture Transportation Lodging Restaurants Museums and Monuments Nightlife Currency 1. Geography France is bordered by the English Channel to the North; Belgium and Luxembourg to the Northeast; Germany, Switzerland and Italy tothe East; the Mediterranean Sea to the South; Spain and Andorra to the Southwest; and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. It includes theisland of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea to the Southeast of the mainland. The country's 210,026 squre miles offer vastly diverse scenery. It is comprised of the Alps and Pyrenees mountain ranges, the valleys of the Loire, Rhone, and Dordogne rivers, and the fertile flat lands and cliffs of Normandy and the Atlantic coast. France is bordered by 1800 miles of coastline. 2. History France was originally inhabited by Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon peoples. After the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, it was settled by Gauls - a Celtic people. In the 8th century, Charlemagne established his Frankish empire stretching from the Pyrenees to the Baltic. Over the next several centuries the feudal lords of Paris consolidated power over various regions, creating for the first time a French nation. The reign of Louis VI from 1108-1137 represented the first time that royal authority came to fruition in certain areas of France. There remained however powerful rulers who served as Louis VI's vassals in name only, such as the Dukes of Normandy. During the FrenchRenaissance, Francois I helped develop the chateaux in the Loire Valley. These luxuries reached their peak during the reign of the SunKing Louis XIV (1643-1715) in which the power of the French state was further centralized and France became the major Europeanpower. Louis XV's reign (1715-1774) saw a time of prosperity as well as a growing gap between rich and power. During this period, the nobility and clergy were exempt from the payment of taxes. These disparities culminated in the French Revolution of 1789 which overthrew Louis XVI and sought equality of the individual before the law. Rising army commander Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the weak and unpopular governemnts of the end of the 18th century in 1799.Five years later he was declared Emperor and attempted to establish a French empire in Europe. In 1812 Napoleon's good fortune wasreversed after his failed invasion of Russia. He was exiled and his army dismantled but escaped and returned to France for a briefHundered Days until he was defeated at Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington. The 19th century saw France waver from republic to monarchy to republic to empire, and finally back to republic. It faced an emerging Germany in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871and again as the network of treaties and alliances collapsed in 1914 with the assassination of the Austrian Grand Duke Ferdinand in Serbia. In the interbellum period, after the Versailles Treaty, France recovered the Alsace-Lorraine region originally lost in the Franco-PrussianWar, and established a new electoral system based on proportional representation. With the advances of Nazi Germany into Poland in1939, France once again declared war on Germany and entered WWII. However, it was swiftly occupied by the Nazis who establishedthe Vichy Regime from 1940-1944. The Fourth Republic was established after the war but could not resist the pressures induced by the Algerian Conflict. General deGaulle, former Resistance leader of the exiled anti-Nazi government during WWII, established the Fifth Republic. 1968 saw the adventof student and industrial workers riots threatening to overthrow the fledgling Republic. Throughout the 1970s, conservative presidents and centre-right majorities governed in France. The Socialist party experienced its firstvictory in 1981 with the election of Francois Mitterand who remained in office until 1995. Jacques Chirac, the former mayor of Paris and Prime Minister in cohabitation with Mitterand was narrowly elected President in 1995. Edouard Balladur was first appointed PrimeMinister but was succeeded by Alain Juppe who was committed to streamlining the public sector. Having called for an early election, Chirac is now governing in cohabitation with the Socialist Lionel Jospin, his competitor in the 1995 election. 3. Politics The strong executive branch of the 5th Republic is directed by the President who is elected by direct popular vote for a 7-year term.The legislative branch is governed by a bicameral parliament comprised of a 577-member National Assembly which is elected for 5-yearterms, and the 321-member senate which is elected for 9-year terms with one-third of the seats up for reelection every 3 years. France's main foreign commitment is to the European Union. Its relations with Germany have been considered to be the pillar of the integration movement. France continues to be active in multifarious regions of the world as a means to assert its status as a worldpower. In opposition to American hegemony, France has come into conflict with the United States on a number of instances, most notably at the Uruguay Round of negotion on the 1993 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and with regards to the commandof armed forces in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. France has conducted several military interventions in Africa where it maintians a significant economic, military, and cultural presence inmany former colonies. In the Franc Zone, many francophone African countires have linked their currencies to the French franc. Frenchmilitary involvement also existed in French Polynesia in the 1995 when the Chiracien goverment conducted a series of nuclear tests atthe Mururoa atoll. Rioting broke out on Tahiti, the main island and severe international condemnation followed. French domestic politics are also rocky as Chirac and Jospin attempt to govern cohesively side-by-side. With an unemployment rate at arecord high of 12.8%, they are finding it difficult to streamline their country's economy to meet the strict criteria necessary for entry into the scheduled European Union economic and monetary union. 4. Culture The official language is French, but many regional dialects such as Basque and Breton exist. Many French speak basic English, but polite efforts to speak French are generally appreciated. 90% of the French population is Roman Catholic. There exists a Protestant minority, and representatives of almost every religion exist. The family is still relatively central to French life, as are long meals with excellent wine and gastronomical delights. The cuisine varies by region as does the wine. Most everything shuts down between noon and 2pm during the week and closes on Sundays. Major national holiday include January 1, Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Ascension Day (May 8), Whit Monday (May 19), Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption Day (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), and Christmas (December 25). In addition,much of the less touristic parts of France slow down the month of August when everyone is on holiday in the often crowded coastal towns. 5. Transportation Visas are not required of U.S., Canadian, New Zealand, or EU citizens. Visas are required however of South Africans and Australians. AIR : France's national airline is Air France(AF), domestically Air Inter(AI). RAIL : Societe Nationale de Chemins de Fer (SNCF) operates an extensive rail network. Timetables are well-organized and color-codedto coincide with peak hours. Tickets are not valid until punched in the orange machine at the entrance to the platforms at the trainstation (la gare). Seat reservations are recommended for international trips, and are mandatory on EuroCity (EC), InterCity (IC), and TGV (train a grande vitesse/ high-speed) trains. All 3 mandate a ticket supplement (between US$3-18) and a reservation fee (betweenUS$2-3). The French Railpass which must be purchased outside France permits 3 days of travel within one month (US$145) with up to 6 additional days available (US$30 each). BUS : usually well-priced and well-organized. The bus station (gare routiere) is usually near the train station. PARIS : AIR : Most transatlantic flights arrive at Aeroport Roissy- Charles de Gaulle, NE of Paris. To get to town, take Roissy Rail, a cheap combination bus-rail system. To get to Roissy Rail, take free shuttle bus to train station, ride RER train B3 to the city. Taxis will be extremely expensive. Air France also offers a clean and safe shuttle bus service to various points in Paris as well as to Orly Airport. Flights arriving at Aeroport d'Orly, S of Paris usually arrive from various points in Europe. To get to town, take free shuttle bus to Orly train station and take RER C2 to central Paris. Or Air France shuttle buses also service Orly. RAIL : Gare du Nord services northern France, Belgium, Britain, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and northern Germany. Gare de l'Est services eastern France, Luxembourg, northern Switzerland, southern Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Gare de Lyon services southeastern France, southern Switzerland, Italy, and Greece.Gare d'Austerlitz services the Loire Valley, southwestern France, Spain, and Portugal.Gare St. Lazare services Normandy. Gare de Montparnasse services Brittany and the TGV to southwestern France. Within Paris, the subway (Metropolitain, Metro, M) is efficient and quick. Lines are numbered but are referred to by their final destinations.Connections are called correspondances. Coupon Vert allows unlimited weekly travel.Carte Orange is an ID which accompanies the Coupon Vert. The Reseau ExpressRegional (RER) is a commuter train to the suburbs and an express subway in Paris. BUS : use same tickets as Metro which may be purchased from driver. NICE : AIR : Aeroport Nice-Cote d'Azur. Take Sunbus 23 "St. Laurent" from the train station. The airport bus runs from the bus station by pl Massena. RAIL : Gare SNCF Nice-Ville, avenue Thiers is in the center of town next to the tourist office. Trains run frequently to Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, and elsewhere in France, Italy, and Spain. In summer months, several trains connect with the TGV from Marseille to Paris. BUS : Gare Routiere, promenade du Paillon to Monaco, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, and Cannes. Sunbus to museums and youth hostels. Can buy 5 ticket booklets or weekly passes at agency or kiosk at sq. Leclerc. Bus 12 goes from train station to pl Massena and the beach. LYON : AIR : Aeroport Lyon-Satolas E of Lyon. Take bus from Perrache via Part-Dieu. RAIL : Part-Dieu and Perrache stations both have TGV trains to Paris. Perrache is more central. Part-Dieu is the business district on the east bankof the Rhone. The Metro operates with tickets good for 1hr in 1 direction withbus and trolley connections included. Can purchase 1 day unlimited travel at tourist and TAG offices, not in stations. Troleys operate from pl. St. Jean to St. Just and the top of Fourviere. BUS : Perrache train station to Annecy, Grenoble. Philbert handlesmany domestic routes. Eurolines runs throughout Europe. Iberbus goes to Spain. 6. Lodging HOTELS : Room and all meals (pension) are most often offered with a stay of 3 days or longer. Room, breakfast, and one meal (demi-pension) are often offered outside peak holiday periods. Hotels are generally not expensive but have strict standards. Hotels docharge extra for a third bed in a double room and will charge extra for extra occupants. Logis de France are small or medium sized inexpensive hotels with basic clean and comfortable accomodations. Hotels de Tourisme are graded into categories according to government quality regulations. CAMPING : 7000 campsites exist throughout France. Some have tents and/or caravans for rent. Prices vary but all graded campsitesprovide water, toilet, and washing facilities. YOUTH HOSTELS : Hundreds exist throughout France. Simple accomodation at very low prices. Stays are usually limited to certain agebrackets and to 3-4 nights a week. Most require membership in the National Youth Hostel Association. Some accomodations are privaterooms and others are bunk-beds in shared rooms. Some have curfews. Reservations are advised during peak-seasons. This is a great way to travel cheaply and meet interesting people. Further information may be obtained from national youth hostel organizations. PARIS : HOTELS : Hotels in Paris may be the most practical for most and maybe the most economical for large groups. Costs range, and cheaper rooms maynot come with private baths. You may pay extra for the key to the hall shower. Rooms disappera quickly after morning checkout, so reserve ahead. They usually require one night's deposit. HOTEL DE NEVERS : -53, rue de Malte, 11e, tel: 01 47 00 56 18 HENRI IV : -25 place Dauphine, 1e, tel: 01 43 54 44 53 HOTEL STE-MARIE: -6 rue de la Ville Neuve, tel: 01 42 33 21 61 YOUTH HOSTELS : Most Parisian hostels don't have many restrictionswhich may be found in other hostels. They do often have maximum stays. Theyusually include breakfast and showersin the price. Only 2 HI hostels exist in the city proper. The rest are private hostels or fosters. CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE PARIS (BVJ) : -Paris Louvre- 20, rue J.-J. Rousseau, 1er., tel: 01 42 36 88 18 -Paris Quartier Latin- 44, rue des Bernardins, 5e., tel: 01 43 29 34 80 AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE JULES FERRY (HI) : -Jules Ferry- 8 bd Jules Ferry, 11e, tel: 01 43 57 55 60 AUBERGE INTERNATIONALE DES JEUNES : -10, rue Trousseau, tel: 01 47 00 62 00 LYON : HOTELS : A financial center, Lyon has little lodging during the week,but many openings on the weekends so plan ahead. First try the hotels near Perrache, then near Pl. des Terreaux if they are full. CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE SEJOUR : -46 rue du Commandant Pegoud, tel: 04 78 01 23 45 RESIDENCE BENJAMIN DELESSERT : -145 av. Jean Jaures, tel: 04 78 61 41 41 HOTEL VAUBECOUR : -28 rue Vaubecour, tel: 04 78 37 44 91 YOUTH HOSTELS : AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE (HI) : -51, rue Roger Salengro, Venissieux, tel: 04 78 76 39 23 NICE : HOTELS : Summer accomodations require advance reservation.Most affordable and clean hotels surround Notre-Dame rue d'Angleterre,rue de la Suisse, and rue de Russie. HOTEL BACCARAT : -39 rue d'Angleterre, tel: 04 93 88 35 73 HOTEL LES ALIZES : -10 ru de Suisse, tel: 04 93 88 85 08 HOTEL DES FLANDERS : -6 rue de Belgique, tel: 04 93 88 78 94 YOUTH HOSTELS : Very often full, especially summer months.Camping in front of the train station is a dangerous idea, even in groups. AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE (HI) : -rte. Forestiere du Mont-Alban, tel: 04 93 89 23 64 RELAIS INTERNL DE LA JEUNESSE CLAIRVALLON : -26 av Scuderi, tel: 04 93 81 27 63 RESIDENCE LES COLLINETTES (HI) : -Summer only! 3 av Robert Schumann, tel: 04 93 86 58 48 7. Restaurants LUNCH / DINNER : a complete meal includes an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), an entree (an appetizer), a plat (main course),salad, cheese, dessert, fruits, coffee, and a digestif (after-dinner drink). Wine is typically taken with meals. Boisson comprise means that you are entitled to a free drink, often wine, with your meal. In restaurants, fixed-price 3-course meals (menus) begin at 60f. A 15% gratuity is most often included in the price (service compris). BREAKFAST : continental breakfast usually includes your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate; and breads and pastries with jam. PARIS : Cafes : LA COUPOLE : -102 bd du Montparnasse, tel: 01 43 20 14 20 LA CLOSERIE DES LILAS : -171 bd du Montparnasse, 6e, tel: 01 43 26 70 50 LES DEUX MAGOTS : -6 pl St-Germain des Pres, 6e, tel:01 45 48 55 25 RESTAURANTS : AU TROU NORMAND : -9 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11e, tel: 01 48 05 80 23 LES FOUS DE L'ISLE : -33 rue des Deux-Ponts, tel: 01 43 25 76 67 CHEZ LES FONDUES : -17 rue des Trois Freres, 18e, tel: 01 42 55 22 65 CREMERIE RESTAURANT POLIDOR : -41 rue Monsieur-le Prince, 6e, tel: 01 43 26 95 34 TY BRIEZ : -52 bd de Vaugirard, 15e, tel: 01 43 20 83 72 LYON : RESTAURANTS : LE SUD : -11 pl Antonin Porcet, tel: 04 72 77 80 00 CHEZ MOUNIER : -3 rue des Marrioniers, tel: 04 78 37 79 26 CHAERT ET FILS : -11 rue des Marroniers, tel: 04 78 37 01 94 LA MERE VITTET : -26, cours de Verdun, tel: 04 78 37 20 17 CHEZ CARLO : -22 rue du Palais Grillet, tel: 04 78 42 05 79 NICE : RESTAURANTS : O MICHELANGELO : -28 cours Saleya, tel: 04 93 80 05 27 NISSA SOCCA : -5 rue Ste-Reparte, tel: 04 93 80 18 35 LE FAUBOURG MONTMARTRE : -39 rue Pertinax, tel: 04 93 62 55 03 RESTAURANT DE PARIS : -28 rue d'Angleterre, tel: 04 93 88 99 88 8. Museums and Monuments PARIS : MUSEUMS : LES CATACOMBS : -1 pl Denfert-Rochereau, 15e-5-6 million Parisians buried in former limestone mines CENTRE NATIONAL D'ART ET DE CULTURE GEORGES-POMPIDOU : -Palais Beaubourg, 4e.-Musee National d'Art Moderne, 20th century art MUSEE DES EGOUTS DE PARIS : -Quai D'Orsay and pl de la Resistance, 7e. -Sewer Museum MUSEE DU LOUVRE : -Palais-Royal, 1e-Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samotrace,David, Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People, MonaLisa MUSEE D'ORSAY : -1 rue de Bellechasse, 7e-1848-1914 Impressionism, etc. MUSEE PICASSO : -5 rue de Thorigny, 3e MONUMENTS : ILE DE LA CITE/ ILE ST-LOUIS : -Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris-Palais de Justice -Ste.-Chapelle LATIN QUARTER/ St-GERMAIN-des-Pres : -Pantheon-La Crypt-Le Jardin des Plantes-Boulevard et Place St-Michel-Jardin du Luxembourg FAUBOURG ST-GERMAIN : -Espanade des Invalides-Musee de l'Armee / Napoleon's tomb-Tour Eiffel LOUVRE/OPERA/MARAIS/BASTILLE : -Louvre-Jardin des Tuilleries-Place Vendome-Palais-Royal-Opera CHAMPS ELYSEES/ BOIS DE BOULOGNE/ LA DEFENSE : -Place de la Concorde-Obelisque de Louxor-Avenue des Champs-Elysees-Arc de Triomphe-Bois de Boulogne-La Defense MONTMARTRE / PERE-LACHAISE : -Basilique du Sacre-Coeur-Butte Montmartre-Cimetiere Pere-Lachaise, Jim Morrison's grave LYON : MUSEUMS : MUSEE GALLO-ROMAIN : -17 rue Cleberg-mosaics, helmets, swords, jewlery MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS : -Hotel de Ville-French, Spanish and Dutch painters-Italian Renaissance. MUSEE D'ART CONTEMPORAIN : -Quai Charles de Gaulle-Modern Art MONUMENTS :-Basilique Notre-Dame de la Fourviere-Vieux Lyon-Cathedrale St-Jean-Place Bellecour NICE : MUSEUMS : MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS : -33 av Baumettes-Fragonard, Monet, Sisley, Degas, sculptures MUSEE MATISSE : -164 av des Arenes de Cimiez MUSEE NATIONAL MARC CHAGALL : -av du Docteur Menard MUSEE D'ART MODERNE ET D'ART CONTEMPORAIN : -Av St-Jean Baptiste and Traverse Garibaldi MONUMENTS :-Promenade des Anglais-Jardin Albert 1er-Espace Massena-La Colle du Chateau-Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe St-Nicolas-Monastere Cimiez 9. Nightlife PARIS : DANCE CLUBS : -Les Bains, 7 rue de Bourg l'Abbee, 3e, tel: 01 48 87 01 80-Le Balajo, 9 rue de Lappe, 11e, tel: 01 47 00 07 87-Le Palace, 8 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 9e, tel:01 42 46 10 87 BARS : -Le Bar Sans Nom, 49 rue de Lappe, 11e, tel: 01 48 05 59 36-Le Piano Vache, 8 rue Laplace, 5e, tel: 01 46 33 75 03-Cafe Charbon, 109 rue Oberkampf, 11e, tel: 01 43 57 55 13 LYON : DANCE CLUBS : Check out quai Romain Rolland,quai de Bondy, and quai Pierre Scize in the old city. BARS : -Albion, 12 rue Ste-Catherine-Le Verre a Soi, 25 rue des Capucins-Le Broadway, 9 rue Terraille NICE : DANCE CLUBS : -Chez Wayne, 15 rue de la Prefcture, tel: 04 93 13 46-Master Home, rue de la Prefecture, tel: 04 93 80 33 82-Le Studio, 29 rue Alphonse Karr, tel: 04 93 82 37 66-De Klomp, 6 rue Mascoinat, tel: 04 93 92 42 85-The Hole in the Wall, 3 rue de l'Abbaye, tel: 04 93 80 40 16 10. Currency The basic currency unit is the French franc (Ffr), which is issued in both coins and paper notes, and is subdivided in 100 centimes.Coins are in denominations of Ffr 10,5,2, and 1 + 50,20,10, and 5 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Ffr 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Some first-class hotels exchange foreign currency. Also the Credit Mutuel, Credit Agricole exchange currency. Shops and hotelsare prohibited from accepting foreign currency. American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and Travellers checques are widely accepted. Also Visit These Travel Pages GO BACK TO HOMEPAGE

air travel and how

"Air rage is caused by oxygen deprivation."--Diana Fairechild HOME | FREE | FAST | ABOUT | CONTACT | NEWSLETTER | RADIO | NONPROFIT | SEARCH EXPERT WITNESS | SPEAKING | CONSULTING | BOOKS | PRESS ROOM . AIR RAGE CAUSED BY OXYGEN DEPRIVATION By Diana Fairechild First Published by Reuters News Service in 7-98, then in the Jet Smart Newsletter on 12-28-98 "Diana Fairechild, who, having circled the planet more than a hundred times, is able to offer tips on everything from how to avoid blocked ears to how to get a freshly brewed cup of coffee." -GQ Magazine "Diana Fairechild is a natural born healer. She was put on Earth to help millions of people. I really truly feel that Diana's motivation is to educate us, the people who fly--who could die on airplanes." -Uri Geller, Psychic "Fairechild discusses all the hazards of air travel and how to protect yourself." -Andrew Weil, MD "Nobody should get on a plane without Jet Smarter. There is no other information out there on how to travel and protect your health at the same time. It's not available, I've checked. You must protect yourself... it's very serious. This book is indispensable. Don't travel without it." -Layna Berman ( radio ) "Fairechild's great sense of humor reduces anxiety. You become stronger by reading this book and able to protect yourself from the rigors of air travel." -George Hoffer, Frequent flyer "Jet Smarter is the Encyclopedia Britannica of air travel! Read it before you board an airplane -- then pack it in your carry-on. This book can save your health, maybe even your life! There are more dangers in flying than you ever dreamed of. It's all in Jet Smarter. The book is hard-hitting, in depth, comprehensive, full of solutions, entertaining, and often witty." -Arlene Ashe, reader "Diana Fairechild has been warning and advising frequent flyers about poor air quality in airplanes since her 1992 publication Jet Smart." -Frequent Flyer "The thing I enjoy only slightly less than a tooth extraction is flying... Fairechild, still perky after what amounts to 300 circumnavigations of the globe, said that the mostly non-lethal dangers of air travel amount to one of the great unexplored environmental health issues of the day...Considering how many of us this affects, this lone voice is well worth hearing." -John Bogert, Copley Newspapers "Diana Fairechild, a highly respected consumer advocate for the flying public, says there is 'no quick fix for all the symptoms of jetlag because of all the different causes -- shifts in time, alterations in magnetic fields, modifications in climate, and diversitites in cultures. Flying in commercial jets, we're deprived of air and humidity while exposed to recycled germs and chemicals, radiation, pesticides, and noise.'" -Ambassadair Travel Club "Fairechild has a bag of carry-on health tricks larger than fits in the overhead compartment, all included in her book, Jet Smarter." -American Bar Association Journal "Diana Fairechild, a former flight attendant who writes about and does consulting on the health risks of flying, says some frequent travelers often fail to connect the dots between their travels and chronic ailments." -Alina Tugend, The New York Times "Take the advice of Diana Fairechild." -Smart Money "Diana Fairechild is an aviation health and safety analyst." -Andrea Arceneau, CNN-TV "Diana Fairechild's book Jet Smart dropped a bomb in Washington and the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation changed policy." -Ed Randegger, Environ "Thank you so much Diana Fairechild for coming forward and saying what needs to be said about the airline industry. You are a real hero." -thepowerhour.com ALL AROUND THE WORLD, frequent flyers, territorial about armrests and fretful about footing, now secretly wonder if the person next to them is a business flyer or a berserk flyer! And they may have good reason to be apprehensive. Unruly behavior in the skies has been increasing at an astonishing rate in both numbers and levels of hostility. In well-publicized incidents, airline passengers have defecated on food carts, beaten up crew members, and even sexually assaulted their own seats! Here are some examples of "air rage." Passenger Mr. Finneran, a banker, was fined $50,000 by United Airlines after he assaulted an attendant and then defecated on a first-class food cart during a Buenos Aires-to-New York flight. Passenger Mr. Guzman-Hernandez removed his pants and then "simulated having sex with the back of his own seat." Passenger Mr. Misiak put his hands around the throat of a flight attendant and threatened her because she spilled a drink on him. A passenger named Ms. Pennix grabbed a flight attendant's finger and bent it backward. Pennix explained to authorities that she didn't like the way the flight attendant told her to put her tray and seat in an upright position before landing. Passenger Mrs. Levy grabbed a flight attendant by the arms and twisted her wrists. Levy was traveling with three children and explains that she lost her temper because her 20-month-old was crying, had wet pants, and there was no way to get to the bathroom. Passenger Mr. Okada from Japan "allegedly urinated on the seats" then punched another passenger who told him to stop. A group of drunken Irish tourists were apparently so unruly over the Atlantic that the crew enlisted the help of a wrestling team to restrain them. Airline crews have begun to take drastic measures which sometimes have disastrous consequences. In December 1998, an unruly passenger was aboard a Malov flight between Bangkok and Budapest. The crew and passengers tied the unruly man to his seat, then a doctor on board injected him with a tranquilizer. The passenger died--tied to his seat with airplane headset cords! Once the crew noticed that the unruly passenger had died, the plane made an unscheduled stop in Istanbul. Five witnesses (passengers) were detained by the Turkish police along with the doctor. After a 13-hour delay, the remaining 183 passengers winged away (and behaved themselves, in spite of their late arrivals and missed connections). An autopsy in Istanbul showed that the unruly passenger had died due to the mixture in his blood of the tranquilizer and some other drug or alcohol. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? The airlines must accept the major portion of the blame. Here's why, numbered 1 through 5: 1) Airline management is not responding to the need for in-flight security. Crews should not be in the position to be bouncers and bodyguards. Every flight attendant I know has been the brunt of temperamental travelers. When I was exhausted myself at times, my lack of training in this area did not give me the skills to handle these passengers as well as I could have. 2) One more cause of air rage is certainly the in-flight cabin environment--a place that is high in toxic chemicals and allergens, and low in air pressure and oxygen. Vincent Mark, M.D., an environmental physician in Santa Cruz, supports my theory. "Curtailment of fresh air in airplanes can be causing deficient oxygen in the brains of passengers, and this often makes people act belligerent, even crazy," said Dr. Mark in a telephone interview, adding "I'm positive about this, and it can be proven with a simple blood test." Rage bubbles up at high altitude just like soft drinks fizz over at high altitudes. The link between air rage and poor air quality deserves a closer look. To start with, passenger unruliness began to rise some 20 years ago, coinciding with the cost-cutting practice of using recycled air instead of fresh air in commercial jets. 3) Still another culprit, high on the list of irritants for airline passengers, is cramped "sardine seating." Airline seats are now as small as seats on subway trains, and with many flights lasting longer, passengers feel they are packed like sardines in a can, or chickens in crowded cages. Is it any wonder they peck peevishly at those around them? The last time I flew, I was in an aisle seat in economy. The passenger next to me was too large to fit in his seat, and his touching me all through the flight made me very uncomfortable. On the other side, everyone who passed, even the carts, bumped into me. Airline executives (who travel in first class) have, to date, only pointed to excess luggage as the cause for surly passenger behavior. In testimony before Congress, airline management blamed air rage on the number and size of bags passengers bring on the plane. Upon closer examination, it appears the airlines themselves have contributed to the luggage problem by removing coat closets, leaving little room for garment bags or heavy outer clothing. And with eight percent of all airline baggage lost or stolen , travelers are increasingly reluctant to check their luggage. 4) The difference between passenger expectations for comfort and service and the reality of what awaits them on board, especially in coach class, is no doubt another contributor to the increase of air rage. Airline ads still show flight attendants answering passengers' every wish. This is not possible because all the airlines have downsized to save money. 5) Alcohol and altitude don't mix. The inside of the airplane cabin is 8,000 feet. Passengers are afffected by alcohol more quickly than they realize at high altitudes. Drinking dehydrates people, and this can lead to irritability, fatigue and tunnel vision. Since alcohol also lowers inhibitions, why should we be surprised that it also magnifies the emotional reaction to the difficult flying environment? Most air rage incidents have been alcohol related. While "unruly" passengers have been a problem within the airline industry for many years, they are just now coming to the attention of the public, the press and Congress. Even flight attendants are speaking up--in spite of the gag orders most have signed with their respective airlines. Since passengers, not just crew, are being fondled and assaulted, Congress is investigating. But the chances of an effective response are slim considering the fact that minimal airplane air quality standards--debated in Congress since June 12, 1996--have yet to pass into law. HERE'S WHAT TO DO In case you find yourself on a flight with an air raged "unruly" passenger: --Rather than confront the offender directly, leave your seat and seek out the purser or senior flight attendant. The purser is usually found in first class, so bypass the flight attendants in coach. Give the purser the row and seat number of the unruly passenger. Remain calm and communicate clearly. --And if you have a tendency to be an unruly passenger, here's what you might consider. The airplane is a microcosm of humanity. There are high-techies next to hikers, politicians next to pilgrims, and business flyers next to bawdy kids. Keep in mind that the trip is a challenge for everyone on board. Tolerance and gestures of gentility could make your flights more pleasant--for you, and for everyone around you as well. --Please! Think what you can do to make it easier for others. Say "please." Be kind. Act on your compassion. FROM READERS "I am very much impressed with your work concerning health in flight. My findings concerning environmental anemia actually re-enforce your original insight that the lower air-pressure of the in -flight cabin can cause air rage. My own work on this subject delves into the physiology of the oxygen deprivation and my results back up your original thesis." --Dr. Ross Lee Graham, University of Linkoeping, Sweden .... "I think they should do away with drinking alcohol on flights just like they did cigarettes. It's a toxin, a drug, and a leading cause of violence."--Dee Pollock "To what extent, do you think, the no-smoking rule, on international flights, is contributing to the "air rage"? While I absolutely support the rule, my son-in-law, who smokes, became extremely irritable and aggressive on a flight to London last year. My daughter was ready to kill him. I can see how nicotine deprivation combined with alcohol could be a dangerous combination."--Evelyn Staus "I would suggest that the enraged passenger develops his/her rage at the plane or in the terminal in specific, direct, and immediate response to airline employee arrogance, incompetence, superciliousness, discourtesy, rudeness, ignorance, and disregard for normal courtesy, much less some things called professional standards and professional conduct and professional performance."--Thomas Ryan Nelson RELATED PAGES Radio Interviews on Air Rage Pilots Control the Cabin Air Fairechild's Passenger Bill of Rights FOR MORE DEPTH & INFORMATION, SEE DIANA'S BOOKS AND/OR WRITE TO DIANA . HOME | FREE | FAST | ABOUT | CONTACT | NEWSLETTER | RADIO | NONPROFIT | SEARCH EXPERT WITNESS | SPEAKING | CONSULTING | BOOKS | PRESS ROOM FLYANA.COM

Cruise Vacation

Carnival Cruise Lines - Carnival Specials -- Home Contact Vacation Planner My Cruise -- My Profile -- -- -- -- Welcome Not You? Register Print this Page Past Guest Exclusive 4 days from $249 W. Caribbean 4 days from $349 Europe 12 days from $1649 The Bahamas 3 days from $249 E. Caribbean 7 days from $449 S. Caribbean 8 days from $559 View All: Select a promotion Alaska Specials Caribbean Cruises Conquest from Galveston Fun from Florida New Itineraries Past Guest Specials Top Deals Wedding Specials -- 3DAY CRUISES Fantasy Bahamas 02/02/2006 $279 Fascination Bahamas 01/27/2006 $269 Fascination Bahamas 02/03/2006 $289 Fascination Bahamas 02/10/2006 $299 -- 4DAY CRUISES Fantasy Bahamas 01/22/2006 $279 Fantasy Bahamas 01/29/2006 $279 Fascination Western Caribbean 01/23/2006 $259 Imagination Western Caribbean 01/26/2006 $329 Fascination Western Caribbean 01/30/2006 $289 Fascination Western Caribbean 02/13/2006 $329 -- 5DAY CRUISES Imagination Western Caribbean 02/04/2006 $439 Imagination Western Caribbean 02/13/2006 $449 Inspiration Western Caribbean 02/13/2006 $429 -- 6DAY CRUISES Carnival Liberty Western Caribbean 02/12/2006 $529 -- 7DAY CRUISES Carnival Pride Mexican Riviera 01/29/2006 $649 Carnival Glory Western Caribbean 02/11/2006 $619 Carnival Miracle Western Caribbean 02/12/2006 $779 *Terms & Conditions *Special Cruise Offers: All rates are quoted in U.S. dollars, based on category 4A and above, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy. Government fees/taxes are additional for all guests. Offer is capacity controlled, subject to change without prior notice and not combinable with any other discount or promotional offers. Some restrictions (including stateroom availability) apply. Ships' Registry: Panama and The Bahamas. -- How To Book | Legal Notices | Contact Us | About Us | Travel Documentation | Brochure Request | FAQs | Customer Service ©Carnival Cruise Lines 2006. All rights reserved.

Germany Travel Guide Travel

Travel to Germany. German travel and tourism destination guide. Travel Germany German travel and tourism destination guide. Home Destinations Europe Germany Travel Guide Travel Directory Search Travel Directory Notes From the Editor Travel Blog Travel Photography Travel Photos Destination Guides Africa Asia Europe • Albania • Andorra • Armenia • Austria • Belarus • Belgium • Bosnia-Herzegovina • Bulgaria • Croatia • Cyprus • Czech Republic • Denmark • Estonia • Finland • France • Georgia • Germany • Greece • Hungary • Iceland • Ireland • Italy • Latvia • Liechtenstein • Lithuania • Luxembourg • Macedonia • Malta • Moldova • Monaco • Netherlands • Norway • Poland • Portugal • Romania • Russia • San Marino • Serbia-Montenegro • Slovakia • Slovenia • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • Turkey • Ukraine • United Kingdom • Vatican City Latin America Middle East North America Oceania TRAVEL GERMANY DESTINATION GUIDE Baden-Wrttemberg Bavaria Berlin - Berlin Brandenburg Bremen Hamburg Hesse Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Lower-Saxony North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein Thuringia OFFICIAL TRAVEL SITES germany-tourism.de German National Tourist Office. Germany Tourism INDEPENDENT TRAVEL SITES germany-travel.net Germany Travel justgermany.org Online germany travel guide including hotels, museums, shopping, nightlife, where to eat, transportation, useful telephone numbers and weather. Germany Travel Guide Airfares | Car Rental | Hotels | Rail Europe | Travel Insurance Home | About us | Contact us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Add a travel site

Central America Travel lastminute.com

Central America Travel: Deals and travel information for Central America, World Mobile site | Security | Your account | Help find - find.html -- Travel to Central America Home > World > Central America Travel lastminute.com offers a fantastic array of incredible Central America travel deals. Whetherbooking a hotel, flight, holiday or car hire, lastminute.com is your one stop travel shop. So, either check out our special Central America travel deals below,use our search box to find the perfect trip or browse through our vast list of destinations to see all we have to offer. Let lastminute.com help you plan the most rewarding journey you've ever had. Search Travel Flight+Hotel-SAVE £££ Holidays Flights Hotels Holidays search Destination: list destinations Departure area: Show me all Any London Airport / Station Any East Anglia Airport Any Midlands Airport Any North East / Yorkshire Airport Any North West Airport Any Scottish Airport Any South West / Wales Airport Northern Ireland Price: Show me all Under 100 Under 200 Under 300 Under 400 Under 500 Under 600 Under 700 Under 800 Under 900 Under 1000 More than 1000 Day: Month: Any 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 false Any December January February March April May June July August September October November Give or take: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ( days ) Board type: Show me all All Inclusive Bed And Breakfast Fly Drive Full-board Half-board Room Only Self Catering Length of stay: Show me all Short Break / Weekend (1-5 Nights) Week (6-9 Nights) Fortnight (10-16 Nights) Longer (17 Nights Or More) Hotel star rating: Show me all 1* 2* 3* 4* 5* Temperature: Show me all Warm (over 15c) Very warm (over 20c) Hot (over 25c) Very hot (over 30c) Travel time: Show me all Less than 3 hours 3 To 6 hours 6 To 9 hours 9 To 12 hours Over 12 hours Keywords (eg 'Pool'): Jump to... Central America Hotels (327) Central America Holidays (18) Central America Flights Central America Car rentals (72) Central America Short breaks Central America Guide Deals Attractions Events Deals Today's Top Deals InterContinental Real San Salvador Outstanding 5* luxury break in Tulum, Mexico, - 7 or 14 nights - all inclusive - transfers included from 739 Real InterContinental Costa Rica San Jose Uncover the real Mexico onboard the stunning Dawn Princess - 12 nights - massive savings Cancunfrom 1199 Attractions Tikal The Mayan ruins of Tikal are one of the great wonders of the world. Set in dense rainforest with trees reaching heights of 50 metres and more, they are also home to an enormous variety of animal and plant life. Since the demise of the Mayan Empire in about 800AD, the jungle has taken back the land, with just a few towers of the sacrificial temples looming above the forest canopy... Fuentes Georginas Soak away your worries in volcanic springs in Guatemala's Western Highlands. Fuentes Georginas in Zunil is a gem. These springs nestle in the Western Highlands, about 25km south of Quetzaltenango, and nearly a mile and a half above sea level. Copn Ruinas (Ruins) The Copn Ruinas (ruins) are the jewel of the Mayan kingdom in Honduras. The spectacular ruins date back to around 1000 BC and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lake Atitlan The late Aldous Huxley thought that Lake Atitlan beat Lake Como hands down. Fringed by dormant volcanoes and mountains, this mammoth natural pool (18km by 12km at its widest) has a life of its own. Hundreds who visit it are destined to return and even the most unromantic of types admit to its magic. La Quebrada Cliff Divers A trip to Acapulco would not be complete without a visit to La Quebrada. Every day divers voluntarily put their lives at risk here as they skilfully dive from the dizzying height of up to 45m metres into the sea below, an inlet only seven metres wide and four metres deep. Palacio de Bellas Artes The Palacio de Bellas Artes is the most important performing arts venue in the capital, and a fine example of early 20th-century architecture. Cabaas Hospital A landmark of the Mexican city of Guadalajara, the Hospicio Cabaas was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The chapel is decorated with a superb series of murals by the famous Mexican artist Jos Clemente Orozco, and includes his astonishing El Hombre del Fuego . Xel-Ha With its never-ending network of interconnected lagoons, natural pools, creeks, islands and caves, the tropical water park of Xel-Ha will enchant all water-babies. Less keen swimmers, meanwhile, cannot fail to be bowled over by the park's natural beauty. Tulum Tulum, or the "City of Dawn", is the Yucatan Peninsula's most popular Mayan archaeological site, and deservedly so. Clamber through the narrow stone arch entrance and the ruins of an entire city greet you. Xcaret Self-labelled as "eco-archaeological", Xcaret is probably best descibed as a natural theme park. Encompassing beaches, butterfly houses, a coral reef aquarium and an underground river excursion, it is geared more towards families than those seeking seclusion. Its picturesque qualities, however, can't be denied. Events Annual Witch Gathering 3 Mar 2006 (annual) Catemaco The Rolling Stones 26 Feb 2006 Foro Sol Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez San Pedro Carnival Mar 2006 (various dates) San Pedro Spring Equinox at Chichen Itz 20 Mar 2006 (annual) Chichén Itzá Carnival in Mexico 23 - 28 Feb 2006 (annual) Veracruz ; Part of the lastminute.com group. lastminute.com , travel4less.com , travelselect.com , holidayautos.co.uk , medhotels.com , holidayhotels.com , onlinetravel.com , ifyouski.com , exhilaration.co.uk , gotofrance.com Holidays Hotels Citybreaks Gifts Experiences Entertainment Flights Site map Search site Skip navigation links Home Travel World In Central America... Belize 6 Hotels Flights Costa Rica 8 Hotels Flights 7 Car rentals El Salvador 3 Hotels Flights Guatemala 4 Hotels Flights Honduras Flights Mexico 294 Hotels 18 Holidays Flights 61 Car rentals Short breaks Nicaragua 2 Hotels Flights Panama 10 Hotels Flights 4 Car rentals Popular areas South Mexico North Costa Rica Central Mexico North Mexico Panama City Guatemala City Hotels in... Costa Rica Nicaragua Panama Guatemala Belize More Central America Hotels Holidays in... Mexico More Central America Holidays --