Chicago Vacation Packages -

Chicago Vacation Packages - Mexico in Illinois at Respond Vacations A business referral community with over 2.5 million members My Account | Advertise directory.respond.com | matching.respond.com | referrals.respond.com Chicago Vacation Packages - Mexico Secure Form Get Matched to Top Local Travel Agents in Chicago Complete these questions and get a customized, timely response from prescreened and member referred Travel Agents serving Chicago that are interested in working with you. You choose the Travel Agent that best meets your needs. No Cost. 1) Which region or city in Mexico would you like to visit? [required] -- Select One -- No Preference Acapulco Baja California Basaseachic Falls Cabo San Lucas Cancun Chihuahua Copper Canyon Cozumel Guadalajara Ixtapa Mazatlan Mexico City Oaxaca Palenque Puerto Vallarta Santa Rosala Tijuana Yucatan Coast Yucatan Peninsula Other (See Details Field) Unsure 2) What city and state or airport will you be departing from? [required] 3) What is the city and region or airport of your destination? [required] 4) What type of transportation do you require? [required] None Airline Car Rental Other: 5) What type of accomodations would you like? [required] -- Select One -- Deluxe First Class Moderate Budget Hostel Campground Other (See Details Field) 6) Would you like a guided tour? [required] Yes No 7) Have you traveled to this area before? [required] Yes No 8) Which city and state or airport will you be returning to, if different from your departure point? 9) Date of departure: [required] -- Select One -- January February March April May June July August September October November December -- Select One -- 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 -- Select One -- 2005 2006 2007 10) For how many nights? [required] -- Select One -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other (See Details Field) 11) When do you intend to reserve your travel plans? [required] -- Select One -- This Week Within Two Weeks Within One Month 12) Would you like to purchase travel insurance? [required] Yes No 13) Approximate budget per person: [required] -- Select One -- $500 - $750 $750 - $1000 $1000 - $1500 $1500 - $2500 $2500 and above 14) Age of traveler(s) at time of travel: [required] -- Select One -- Up to 12 Months 13 - 23 Months 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years 6 Years 7 Years 8 Years 9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years 13 Years 14 Years 15 Years 16 Years 17 Years Adult (18-20) Adult (21-24) Adult (25-30) Adult (31-35) Adult (36-40) Adult (41-45) Adult (46-50) Adult (51-55) Senior (56-60) Senior (61-65) Senior (66 & Older) Other (See Details Field) 15) Details: [required] I want responses from Travel Agents that serve or ship to: [required] 16) ZIP/Postal Code: -- OR -- City/State/Province -- Select One -- Alabama Alaska Alberta American Somoa Arizona Arkansas British Columbia California Caroline Islands Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Manitoba Mariana Islands Marshall Islands Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Brunswick New Foundland New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota NorthWest Territories Nova Scotia Ohio Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Prince Edward Island Puerto Rico Palau Quebec Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Yukon Territory Your Contact Information 17) I would like to receive responses at this email address: [required] 18) First Name: [required] Last Name: [required] 19) Phone Number: [required] ( ) Cell Phone: ( ) Best Time: [required] -- Select One -- Morning Afternoon Evening Weekend No Preference By submitting your request you acknowledge your acceptance of Respond Vacations's Terms of Use . NEED ASSISTANCE FILLING OUT THIS FORM? Speak with our Customer Service department by calling 1-866-638-5323 (703-259-4457) (Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm EST) ........................................................................................................................................................... Consumer Channels: B2B | Handyman | Cosmetic Surgery | Events | Health | Home Services | Insurance | Investments | Landscaping Lasik Eye Surgery | Legal | Lending | Moving | Photography | Remodeling | Real Estate | Vacations | Weddings Business Channels: Business Insurance | Business Services | Commercial Construction | Facilities | Human Resources | Internet Marketing | Office Furniture | Office Products | Printing | Technology | Telecom Respond Vacations 2005 | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Help | Contact | Advertise | Affiliate Program | Link To Us travel , vacation packages , mexico , respond , respond travel

Travel Insurance Life &

Travel Insurance Center - The Travel Insurance Experts! products | review your policies | help with insurance | affiliates Travel Insurance Life & AD&D Global & Expat Benefits War & Terrorism Insurance Group Insurance Travel Insurance is designed to protect your travel investment, cover emergency medical expenses, and provide peace of mind. Whether traveling for business or fun, travel insurance protection packages provide financial security for those unforeseen perils that may occur. Travel Insurance benefits vary by carrier and plan design, and may include coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical expenses for illness or injury, costly emergency medical evacuation, travel delays, lost or damaged baggage, emergency assistance services, and more. Policy Picker ® Place of Residence United States United Kingdom Canada Mexico Caribbean Australia New Zealand Europe South/Central America Asia Africa I'm Interested In Protecting My Trip Cost Travel Medical Insurance Emergency Evacuation Departure Date 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 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2004 2005 2006 2007 Return Date 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 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2004 2005 2006 2007 Trip Cost Per Traveler (US$) Enter "0" to exclude Trip Cancellation Traveler Ages Destination Domestic International Both Click To Add More Travelers Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and International Life Insurance protect your family's financial well-being should you become disabled or die prematurely. Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance plans will pay you, your beneficiary, or your estate a lump sum benefit (e.g. $500,000) should an accident result in your death, or the loss of a limb/eyesight. Available plans include coverage for Individual Trips, High Risk Activities, War coverage and International Term Life Insurance. No one can predict when an accident will happen but you can be sure your loved ones will be financially secure should one occur. Click here to view all Life and AD&D plans Now Featured Annual Travel Accident Elite Provides up to $1 million of Annual Common Carrier Travel Accident insurance with coverage worldwide for unlimited trips up to 185 consecutive days per trip. An Additional $10,000 for Emergency Evacuation, $10,000 for Repatriation of Remains, and 24/7 Travel Assistance services makes this a well-rounded annual package plan (US residents only). High Limit Accident Insurance (US$20 Million Max Benefit) Single-trip & annual accident insurance with optional war and terrorism coverage is available for all ages and nationalities. Benefits range from US$500K to US$20 Million. Additional optional coverages include: nuclear, biological and chemical coverage, dismemberment and disability, and choice of 24-hour, common carrier and flight-only coverage . To view all of our Life and AD&D Products, click here Our Global and Expatriate Benefit plans provide essential insurance benefits for all nationalities working and living anywhere in the world. The following types of insurance are available for individuals, families, and employer groups worldwide: Global Health and Medical Insurance, International Life Insurance, International Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and International Disability/Income Protection. Coverage for War and Terrorism is available upon request. Click here to view all Global and Expatriate plans Now Featured Global Medical and Global Basic Insurance Annual, renewable global health/medical insurance for individuals and families living worldwide. Maximum lifetime benefit is five million US dollars (US$5,000,000). Does not cover US citizens living in the US. International Life Insurance Guaranteed renewable term life insurance for individuals and groups. Covers all nationalities - including expatriates, missionaries, employees and contractors. Simplified underwriting with no medical exam and no blood test. International Accidental Death (AD&D) Annual, guaranteed renewable AD&D insurance for individuals and groups. Covers all nationalities - including expatriates, missionaries, employees and contractors. Simplified underwriting with coverage for War and Terrorism available upon request. To view all of our Global and Expatriate Products, click here War Risk & Terrorism Coverage provides otherwise unavailable insurance for acts of war and terrorism in areas of political unrest. In today's political and economic climate, acts of war and terrorism remain a constant threat. Many businesses, contractors, and professionals are finding that their jobs require them to travel abroad to places of political unrest (even war zones). We specialize in finding Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, AD&D, Defense Based Act (DBA), Disability Income Protection, Flight Accident or Common Carrier Accident plans for these high-risk areas. Click here to view all War Risk & Terrorism Insurance plans Now Featured Security First Travel Accident War Risk Insurance Travel accident insurance and travel assistance services for work-related travel outside traveler's home country. Covers acts of War & Terrorism worldwide. High Limit Accident Insurance Single trip or annual accident insurance for all ages and nationalities. Benefits from US$500,000 to US$20 Million. Annual Travel Accident Elite Annual Travel Accident insurance with coverage worldwide for unlimited trips up to 185 consecutive days per trip. Also includes Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation of Remains and 24/7 Travel Assistance services (US Residents only). To view all of our War and Terrorism Insurance Plans, click here Designed to protect groups of people traveling on the same itinerary If your group consists of ten people or more traveling to the same destination, then purchasing a group travel insurance plan may be your best choice. We can provide both voluntary and mandatory group programs (mandatory means that everyone traveling on the trip must be included in the coverage). Click here to view all Group plans orfor a customized group travel insurance quote click here. Now Featured Student Travel Protection This program is ideal for students on a budget. Perfect for full or part-time students 25 years of age or under who are enrolled in school or summer camp. 360 Group Travel Protection A competitively priced plan whose cost is not dependent on age and provides a waiver of pre-existing conditions. Click here to view all Group plans orFor a customized group travel insurance quote click here Contact Us By Email or call us +1 866-979-6753 or +1 402-343-3699 (source id: wtc ) Understanding Travel Insurance click here for our complete guide Why do I need travel insurance? You can begin your trip without any travel insurance and be self insured. But did you know that if you become ill abroad the costs to treat you could be very high. How would you find a doctor? Where would you find appropriate healthcare facility? Where would you seek advice? Did you know that HMO's, PPO's and Medicare typically do not cover you abroad? Travel Protection vs Travel Medical Travel Insurance Protection plans typically reimburse your non-reimbursed travel expenses if an emergency occurs causing your trip to be canceled, interrupted or delayed. Travel Medical insurance is medical insurance designed to reimburse you for medical expenses incurred while traveling. What's a Deductible? (Also known as excess in UK, NZ, AU) This is the amount that the insured must pay before the travel insurance provider starts paying. This may be an annual amount, an amount for the duration of the policy, or an amount for each incident. What are Pre-existing Conditions? Medical conditions that existed before the travel insurance plan or policy took effect. Different plans defined and cover Pre-existing Conditions differently. Be sure to check the plan details! What if my travel supplier declares Bankruptcy? Many travel insurance protection plans cover lost travel expenses due to travel supplier bankruptcy, but there are substantial differences among plans. Some travel insurance plans only cover a specified list of travel suppliers, others require that you purchase the insurance within 7-14 days of paying the initial trip deposit. Be sure to check plan details What is Co-Insurance or Co-pay? This is the percentage or amount of expenses that the insured pays (if any) after the deductible is paid. Example: "Co-Insurance = 20% or co-pay is 80/20" means that the travel insurance company pays 80% of the charges, the insured pays 20% Buy online or call us at +1 866-979-6753 or +1 402-343-3699 M-Th 8AM - 6PM Fri 8AM-4:30PM EST (source id: wtc ) products | my policies | helpdesk | insurance providers | affiliates contact us | site map | privacy policy | insurance licenses | about us © 2005 Travel Insurance Center and Senior Market Sales, Inc.

Vacation Rentals || Condos

Timeshare Rentals Resales Timeshares for Sale Rent Vacation Time Share Home My Timeshare Contact Us Bookmark Us TIMESHARE OWNERS: Rent/Sell Your Timeshare Get Your Timeshare's Value Testimonials Timeshares Wanted Free e-Book SEARCH TIMESHARES: All Timeshares Timeshare Rentals Timeshare Resales Timeshare Exchanges by Resort by City by ID# Popular Newest Last Minute Promotions Advanced Search RESOURCES: Timeshare Calendar Travel Guide Resort Reviews DECEMBER'S LISTING: Island Seas Resort Freeport, Bahamas Available Anytime... more Timeshare Rentals & Resales 19,195 Listings Interested in timeshare resales or rentals? Rent, buy, or sell resort vacation condos through our online listings . Our website brings timeshare owners and prospective buyers/renters together to make timesharing easier and more affordable. Timeshare rentals allow travelers to stay at some of the world's nicest and most popular resort properties and luxury condos without having to buy the property or pay expensive resort rental prices. Search our directory of timeshares to plan your next vacation. You can search for timeshares by location , resort , city , resales , or exchanges . Only looking for timeshare sales or timeshare resales ? We have a large sales and resales section from owners offering enormous savings. VacationTimeshareRentals.com specializes in timeshares for sale, resales, and rentals in all locations. Popular timesharing locations include Orlando , Las Vegas , Hawaii , Mexico , Aruba , and Florida . Browse time share resort collections like Marriott , Fairfield , and Sunterra . Our timeshare resales and sales section will allow you to own a resort condo (apartment-style unit) at below resort prices. Highly discounted timeshares (known as resales) can be found throughout our website. On average, a resale is sold at only 1/3 to 2/3 the cost of what someone would be required to pay for the exact unit when buying from the resort! If you are an owner and are interested in renting/selling your timeshare , our website will allow you to promote it to thousands a day who are looking to rent or buy resort vacation condos. Rent/Sell Timeshare || Terms || Glossary || Travel Sites || Partners || FAQ || Vacation Ownership || Time Share Sitemap Resort Types || Resources || Vacation Rentals || Condos Vacation Timeshare Rentals - The safe and inexpensive way to buy, sell, or rent a timeshare.

Switzerland Travel Community? Join

Switzerland Travel Community: Ticino Tourism, Ticino Restaurants, Ticino Hotels, Ticino Attractions Home Browse: -- ---Destination--- Adelboden Airolo Aletsch Andermatt Anzre Appenzellerland Arosa Ascona Bad Ragaz Baden Basel Belinzona Bern Berner Oberland Bettmeralp Biel Braunwald Brienz-Meiringen Brig Brissago Celerina Centovalli Charmey Chteau-d'Oex Chur Crans-Montana Davos Disentis-Sedrun Einsiendeln Emmental Engelberg Estavayer-le-Lac Flims Laax Falera Fribourg Geneva Gimmelwald Glarus Grchen Grindelwald Gruyres Gstaad Interlaken Jungfrau Region Kandersteg Klosters La Chaux-de-Fonds Lago Maggiore Lausanne Lauterbrunnen Lenzerheide-Valbella Les Diablerets Leuk Leukerbaad Leysin Liestal Locarno Ltschberg Lucerne Lugano Martigny Mendrisio Montreux Morges Mount Pilatus Mt. Rigi Murren Murten Nendaz Neuchatel Nyon Pays du Grand-St-Bernard Pontresina Rapperswil Rheinfelden Riederalp Romont Saanen Saas-Fee Sainte-Croix Samedan Samnaun San Bernardino Sntis Savognin Schaffhausen Schwyz Scuol Sierre Sils-maria Silvaplana Sion Soglio Solothurn Splgen St. Gallen St. Moritz Thun Thurgau Thusis Ticino Toggenburg Torgon Vaduz Val de Illiez Verbier Villars Visp Region Weggis Wengen Winterthur Yverdon Zermatt Zug Zurich ---Region--- Basel Bernese Oberland Central Switzerland Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein Fribourg Geneva Graubnden Lake Geneva (Vaud) Neuchtel / Jura / Jura Bernois Schweizer Mittelland Ticino Valais Zurich Switzerland Game Log in Email Address: Password: Remember Me Problems logging in? Not a Member? What is the Switzerland Travel Community? Join the community to discover Switzerland through firsthand travel reviews and photos, to meet other Swiss travelers, earn valuable rewards, and much more! Switzerland > Ticino Ticino is a Latin land: the Romans brought vineyards and left important public structures (towns, bridges and alpine passes). The names of numerous villages, such as Sonvico and Vico-Morcote, testify to this. In the Middle Ages, Ticino was dominated by the bishops of Como and Milan. And it was a place where the Rusca, Visconti and Sforza families imposed their will over the land. Ticino Top Picks as chosen by Switzerland Travel Communitymembers Ticino Journals Hikes and treks in southern Switzerland Cappuccino on the Piazza in Ascona Mogno and Fusio See All Ticino Lodging No entries available. Write your own review and earn valuable GO Points. Ticino Dining Antica Osteria Dazio Ticino Activities Trekking in Valcolla 2 Trekking in Valcolla 3 Hiking at Monte Lema See All Ticino Culture & Nightlife No entries available. Write your own review and earn valuable GO Points. Ticino Experiences No entries available. Write your own review and earn valuable GO Points. What's the Difference Between a Journal and a Review? Think of it in book terms: reviews are like chapters within a journal. In a "journal" on Zurich, for instance, you'll find individual "reviews" for resorts, mountains, restaurants, attractions, and activities. Featured Member. Member lashr1999 writes: "Lucerne is a world-famous city in Switzerland in the center of Europe. It is surrounded by great mou..." read more Community Ticino Members With Ticino Journals rhiannon1968 walkingaway Ticino Photos See All Most Recent Ticino Journals Summer in Locarno Mogno and Fusio Cappuccino on the Piazza in Ascona Hikes and treks in southern Switzerland See All Return to Home Information about Swiss Quality Switzerland Tourism : About Us : Privacy Statement

Russia Travel

* GoToRussia.Ru * When you wish to visit Russia :: Information, tips, guides, routes, cities, excursions, etc. Visa To Russia Online Tourist invitations; Business Visa Visit: www.VisaToRussiaOnline.com Call: +7 095 7413870 ABOUT RUSSIA: HISTORY TRAVEL TIPS RUSSIAN EMBASSIES ENTRY Requirements VISA CURRENT PRICES PHRASE BOOK FAQ ABOUT MOSCOW: HISTORY ARRIVING BY PLANE MEETING AT SVO CUSTOMS ARRIVING BY TRAIN METRO FOREIGN EMBASSIES WHAT TO SEE MAPS AND PLANS Travel Tips What to pack. The days of having to bring your own bottled water and toilet paper have gone long time ago, although you may still find them useful in regional cities. Now it is possible to easily find basic food, bottled water and toiletry items in many places around Moscow. However, the following are items some tourists prefer to bring for themselves. 1. Bring your own toiletries and pharmaceuticals. Although there are many stores carrying western medicines, you may not be able to read the Russian or European labels. 2. Comfortable, waterproof and warm, (if winter) boots or shoes. It is frequently wet in Moscow from snow or rain, and you will probably walk a lot. 3. Umbrella. 4. Adapter for small appliances like hair dryers. Russia has the same 220 watt currency as Europe and electrical sockets take round two prong plugs. 5. Travel alarm clock. 6. All phone numbers and addresses you will need. 7. Enough cash for your entire stay. Bring clean, crisp, new bills. 8. Travel money holder/conceiler. Pickpocketing is not uncommon, especially in the center of town and incrowded markets. 9. Photocopy of passport and visa. 10. Warm hat, coat, clothes and gloves in winter. 11. Camera and film, of course. 12. Leave your expensive jewelry at home. You don't need to be conspicuous. 13. Locks for your luggage. Make sure to secure all your baggage with heavy locks. Money Currency: Rouble (Rub) = 100 kopeks. Notes are in denominations of Rub 500, 100, 50, 10. Coins are in denominations of Rub 5, 2 and 1. Currency exchange: The ruble is the only legal tender. It is illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars. According to the Rusian law foreign currency should only be exchanged at official bureaux. Bureaux de change are numerous and easy to locate. Large shops offer their own exchange facilities. You may see many individuals there who would offer you better exchange rate. Please, be careful and under no circumstances exchange money from them. It is advisable not to change large amount of money at a time unless you really need a lot of Roubles. Exchange rate is unpredictable and may change very fast even during one day. All dollar bills must be recent and clean. The Russians are all concerned about getting stuck with an outdated bill that will no longer be honoured, even though this is also a violation of currency laws. Contact us to get more info on today's best exchange rate quotes. more about money... Credit cards Major European and international credit cards, including American Express, Visa and Diners Club, are accepted in the larger hotels and at foreign currency shops and restaurants. Some ATM'S in Moscow are now accepting EC cards together with your PIN number - if you want to get roubles. Compared to most other possibilities of getting roubles, this is a cheap (compared to credit cards) and time saving (compared to travellers cheques) method. Depending on the Russian bank that maintains the cash machine, you may be charged a 1% - 4% commission fee, on top of what your credit card charges. Travellers Cheques Are a big hassle in Russia. Very few places take them and you pay a premium to cash them. If you're not willing to go all cash, credit cards are much better. AMEX traveler's checks may be cashed at the American Express office at Sadovaya Kudrinskaya 21a in the center of town. Expect to pay a 3% commission for cashing the checks. Selected Russian banks will also cash them for a fee. Banking hours 0900 am - 0500 pm Monday to Friday. Some of bureaux de exchange are open 24 hours. Public Holidays Jan 1 - New Year, Jan 7 - Russian Christmas (Orthodox), Mar 8 - International women’s Day, Apr 15 - Russian Orthodox Easter, May 1-2 - Spring and Labour Day, May 9 - Victory in Europe Day, Jun 12 - Russian Independence Day, Aug 22 - National Flag Day, Nov 7 Constitution Day. Calling home? Calling abroad from ALL Russian hotels is a rip-off. For example, to call USA would cost you about US$ 5 per minute, Australia - US$ 8 per minute. To make sure you pay your phone bill most of the hotels require a deposit of a quite a large amount of money or your credit card information. Without it you won't be able to dial an outside line. There is a solution, however. In our office you can obtain pre-paid phone cards of a few Russian telephone companies (US$ 5, US$ 10, US$ 20, US$ 25 and US$ 50) and call from your hotel or home for as low as 25 cents a minute to the USA and Europe. All you need is a touch-tone phone. Some of the hotels in Moscow and in St.-Petersburg and almost all hotels in all other cities in Russia do not have touch-tone phones. But you still be able to use those cards if before you leave home you buy a bipper (cost about US$ 5 in the USA). With the bipper all you have to do is to dial a number shown on the card and then use the bipper to enter your access code and destination phone number. Please, contact us for more information. To call USA from Moscow for as low as 13.5 cents a minute you can use Net Phone Card. Follow this link to check it out. Or just click on the Net Phone Card banner on our first (entrance) page to go there. You can also use it to call from anywhere to anywhere. Computer equipment The State Customs Committee has stated that there are no restrictions on bringing laptop computers into the Russian Federation for personal use. The software, however, can be inspected upon departure; and some equipment and software have been confiscated because of the data contained in them, or due to software encryption, which is standard in many programs. HIV Testing Requirement Any person applying for a visa for a stay of more than three months must present a certificate showing that the individual is HIV negative. The certificate must contain the applicant's passport data, proposed length of stay in Russia, blood test results for HIV infection, including date of the test, signature of the doctor conducting the test, medical examination results, diagnostic series, and seal of the hospital/medical organization. The certificate must be in both Russian and English and valid for three months from the date of medical examination and blood test. For information concerning entry, exit, and HIV requirements, travelers can contact the Russian Embassy, Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20008; telephone (202) 939-8918, or the Russian consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle. Medical facilites Medical care is usually far below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually requires cash payment at Western rates upon admission. The U.S. Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and English-speaking doctors. Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually all of their medical needs; such travel can be very expensive, if undertaken under emergency conditions. Therefore, travelers may wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental coverage for medical evacuation. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk. The cost of a medical evacuation from the Russian Far East can be as high as $50,000. It is helpful to carry a letter, in Russian, from your health care provider, describing the nature of any personal medication that you carry into Russia. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559, or via the CDC home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/. Bring with you all prescription drugs. Tap water is not to be drunk without first boiling. A good mosquito repellant is recommended for summer. Areas of instability Travel to Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and the areas surrounding Chechnya is extremely dangerous due to political instability and frequent kidnappings. Two U.S. citizens have disappeared in Chechnya and remain unaccounted for. In addition, public gatherings and demonstrations occur frequently in Russia, particularly in Moscow. Although such demonstrations are usually peaceful, travelers are urged to exercise caution when in areas where large groups are gathered. Passports and visas Carry them with you at all times. When you are out walking and you see some motley looking guys with black leather caps and jackets with dark gray uniforms, these are the police. They listen for English language being spoken and they will love it if they stop you and you are without your passport and visa. If you don't have your visa and passport, they will escort you to the nearest jail and try their best at expropriating whatever funds they think they can get out of you. Usually, the fine (bribe) is $50 and there won't be anything we can do for you to get you out of it. If the cops haul you in and you do have your visa and passport, call us immediately and we will rescue you. Your visas, if registered through us, will be in perfect order. Don't pay them anything if, once again, you have your visa and passport in your possession. Air travel Air travel within Russia is often unreliable, with unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions, including deterioration of the quality of service. Russian based airlines certified to operate internationally meet higher standards than domestic-only air carriers and fly to most domestic destinations. Traffic safety and road condition Inclement weather and lack of routine maintenance of roads and vehicles make road conditions throughout Russia highly variable. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents, which are commonplace. Many accidents involve drunk drivers. Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines," and bandits occasionally prey on travelers. Crime information Crime against foreigners is a problem, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults, and robberies can occur frequently and at any time or place. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and residences, even when locked or occupied. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you receive a replacement for your lost or stolen U.S. passport in Russia, your exit visa must also be replaced, with assistance from your sponsor, so that the passport number written on the visa matches your new passport. This requires a Russian police report. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Crime Against Foreign Businesses: Extortion and corruption are common in the business environment. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities and have been known to demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Many Western firms hire security services which have improved their overall security, although this is no guarantee. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable. Over the past several years, several American business people have been attacked, kidnapped, and even killed. U.S. citizens are encouraged to report all extortion attempts to the Russian authorities and to inform consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate.In general, when staying in Moscow avoid walking through dark, unknown, deserted streets in the evening; check your pockets and purses, while walking along the crowded streets, do the same in big stores and market places. The crowded public places (i.e. close to railway terminals, Arbat, etc.) are full of Gypsies (people, mainly women, wearing pictures skirts and shawls), who may tell you your fortune by hand, playing cards, etc. Of course, not all of them are thieves or pickpockets, try to get rid of them as soon as possible. When visiting somebody don't get into lift cabin with persons you don't know. It is also advisable to have a telephone number of your tourist agency or a close friend, whom you may always call in case of need or emergency. Embassy location & registration All American citizens who reside in Russia for three months or longer are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or at one of the U.S. consulates. Americans who will remain for shorter periods may also register and inquire about updated travel and security information. Registration allows for quicker replacement of a lost or stolen passport, as well as contact in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in Moscow at Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23; phone (7)(095) 252-2451; fax (7) (095) 956-4261. After hours emergencies: phone (7-095) 956-4422. U.S. consulates are located in: St. Petersburg: Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15; phone (7-812) 275-1701; fax (7-812) 110-7022. After hours emergencies: phone (7-812) 274-8692. Vladivostok: Ulitsa Pushkinskaya 32, phone (7-4232) 268-458 or 300-070; fax (7-4232) 300-091. After hours emergencies: (7) (4232) 471-644 and (7) (4232) 287-290. Yekaterinburg: Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor; phone (7-3432) 564-619; fax (7-3432) 564-515. | TOP | HOME | Ask your questions on our discussion board GoToRussia.Ru © 2002-2005 Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy --