Austria Travel Guides ,

Austria Sight-Seeing, Tours & Travel AUSTRIA Places to Stay in Austria Austria Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... AUSTRIA HOME AUSTRIA TOURS AUSTRIA TOURS AND TRAVEL Contrary to popular perpections Austria is not all about mountains. In fact, the Alps only occupy about half of the country. A diverse mix of landscapes is packed into a relatively small area. Glaciers, meadows, alpine valleys, wooded foothills, gently rolling farmland, vineyards, river gorges, plains and even semi-arid steppes can be found in Austria. AUSTRIA TOURS AND TRAVEL: GRAZ TOURS & TRAVEL , SALZBURG TOURS & TRAVEL : Salzburg Sight-Seeing Tours , Salzburg Dinner Tours & Marionette Plays , Salzburg Transfers , VIENNA TOURS & TRAVEL : Vienna Sight-Seeing Tours , Day Tours from Vienna , Vienna at Night Tours , Vienna Cycling & Hiking , Vienna Transfer s , SALZBURG TOURS, Travel to Austria Salzburg Tours & Travel In picturesque Salzburg, visit wonderful sights including Mirabell Palace, Mozarteum School of Music, Marionette Theatre, County Theatre, House where Mozart lived, Trinity Church, County Legal Courts, Nonnberg Abbey, Hellbrunn Palace, Villa of Frohnburg, Neutor tunnel, and Festival Hall ... SALZBURG TOURS & TRAVEL: Salzburg Sight-Seeing Tours , Salzburg Dinner & Plays , Salzburg Transfers , VIENNA TOURS, Travel to Austria Vienna Tours & Travel See the Ringstrasse known for such magnificent buildings as the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. Also see the Hofburg, the famous residence of Empress Elizabeth, affectionately known as 'Sisi' to the Austrians ... VIENNA TOURS & TRAVEL: Vienna Sight-Seeing Tours , Day Tours from Vienna , Vienna at Night Tours , Vienna Cycling & Hiking , Vienna Transfers , GRAZ TOURS, Travel to Austria Where the White Horses Run 5 hours - Take a journey through the West Styria region and on to the home of the famous white horses of the Spanish Riding School. Marvel at the beauty of the gleam in a glass of Schilcher wine, the glow of onion skins, the glint of pumpkin seed oil, and the play of light on the hills of the Lipizzaner Stud! ... Riegersburg Castle - A Trip to Styrian Volcano Land 5 hours - A well visible landmark, the mighty Riegersburg castle was built over 850 years ago on a volcanic hill, overlooking the lush vineyards of Southeast Styria. Thanks to a hillside lift, you can reach the top within 90 seconds. Join a trip to the legendary Riegersburg castle and enjoy a sample of the local culinary treats on offer! ... Wine Country - A Taste of the South 5 hours - Travel back to where the simple things in life are the most comforting - a place where excellent wines are referred to as 'a good drop', or where the modestly named Brettljause is literally a snack on a little board, filled with a formidable array of home grown and cured meats. Where else but Graz? ... Highlights - A Guided Walk through the Old Town 2 hours - Graz oozes a romanticism that is completely unique, with its narrow lanes and picturesque courtyards. Enjoy a guided city walk along cobble stone streets, travelling through Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and marvel at one of Europe's best preserved cities! ... HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION IN AUSTRIA AUSTRIA HOME AUSTRIA TOURS SEE ALSO FOR AUSTRIA: PLACES TO STAY: ALL HOTELS , Graz Hotels , Innsbruck Hotels , Salzburg Hotels , Seefeld Hotels , Vienna Hotels , TOURS & TRAVEL: ALL TOURS , Graz Tours , Salzburg Tours , Vienna Tours , ATTRACTIONS, CULTURE & MORE: VIENNA : Belvedere Palace , Heeresgeschichtliches Museum , Schonbrunn Palace , SHOP : Austria Posters and Prints , Austria Travel Guides , Images of Austria BRIEF HISTORY OF AUSTRIA: Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law of that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. This neutrality, once ingrained as part of the Austrian cultural identity, has been called into question since the Soviet collapse of 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995. A prosperous country, Austria entered the European Monetary Union in 1999. Top of Page | Places to Stay in Austria | Things to Do in Austria | Links | Site Map | Contact Us AUSTRIA Places to Stay in Austria Austria Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... Austria Travel Guides Austria Posters & Prints See Also: Czech Republic Germany Switzerland

Vacation Rentals, Lodging, Condos

Condo Rental and Vacation Home Rentals. Home • Owner Admin Area • Message Board Contact Us Real Estate Timeshare Listings Camping Listings Site Map Fishing Surfing Disclaimer Skiing Hiking Look for Vacation Rentals, Lodging, Condos or Villas.. Lodging & Vacation Homes around the world including Hawaii. Hawaii Vacation Rentals Florida Vacation Rentals California Vacation Rentals Mexico Vacation Rentals Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals Disney Vacation Rentals Maui Vacation Rentals Spain Vacation Rentals Honolulu - Oahu Vacation Rentals .Vacation rentals, accommodations and lodging includes condos, villas, private homes, townhouses, cottages, bed and breakfast inns, casitas, chalets, apartments, studios, and cabins. Orlando - Florida Vacation Homes(s) - 3 & 2 -- Chennai - India Budget Hostel - 26 Beds Garden City - Myrtle Beach Beach House(s) 4-5-6 Bdrms Our Sponsor Myrtle Beach Vacations Monthly Winter Rentals Vacation - Annual Rentals Honolulu - Hawaii Vacation Condo - 6 Bedroom Emerald Island Home -- Budapest - Hungary Old Style Budapest Apartment Alamos - Sierra Madre Luxurious Villa View US Property Listings Big Bear - California Vacation Cabin - 2 Bedroom Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut D.C. Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Oklahoma Ohio Oregon Pennslyvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico Forest Lakes Estates - Arizona Three Bedroom - One Bath Florence - Italy Bed and Breakfast Featured Listings New Blue Ridge - Georgia Luxury Cabins - 2-4 Bedroom Lake Biltmore Villa - Phoenix - Arizona Two Bedroom - Two Bath View International Vacation Property Listings Africa Aruba Asia - Middle East Australia Bahamas Barbados Belgium Bermuda Brazil British West Indies British Virgin Islands Bulgaria Canada Caribbean Costa Rica Dominican Republic England Egypt France Germany Greece Holland Hungary India Ireland Italy Jamaica Latvia Lebanon Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Romania Scotland South Africa South Pacific - Asia South Seas Spain Switzerland Thailand Turkey Ukraine Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands Just a Reminder: Please verify and get all information in regards to your vacation travels with the vacation properties in Online Vacation from the owners, as well asdue diligence on the quality of the property. We only list properties for the owners. We do not endorse them, nor can we verify them. Site Disclaimer Three Bedroom - 2 Bath North Myrtle Beach - Windemere 3 Bedroom - 2 Bath Myrtle Beach - Ocean Forest Plaza 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites The Beach Getaway - North Myrtle Beach Duplex - 3 Bedrooms Each North Myrtle Beach Ocean Pier Two Bedroom - On The Beach Condos Hawaii Maui Oahu Kauai Disney Sonoma Florida Malaga Colorado Breckenridge Mexico Cancun Vail California Lake Tahoe San Diego Arizona Santa Fe Mt Snow Pennsylvania The Poconos Hilton Head Myrtle Beach Destin Puerto Vallarta Bahama Panama City Cherry Grove - North Myrtle Beach - SC Large Luxury Channel Home - 8 Bedroom - 5 Bath Search For Your Vacation Property Find pages matching ALL words Find pages matching ANY word Nipomo - California Golf Resort Condo Vacation Condo - 4 Bedroom - 2 Bath [ About Us ]-[ Real Estate ][ Add Property ]-[ Whats New Owners ] [ Last Minute Specials ] [ Travel News ]- [ Additional Links [ Search Our Site ] [ Web Site Design ] [ Commercial Listings ]-[ Domain Registration ]-[ Site Hosting ] [ Join Our News Letter ]-[ Your Weather ]-[ Message Board] We Use Submit Express & Add Me For All Our Submittal Needs & KwMap.com. Browse the Web Rancho Mirage - California Villa Vacation Villa - 2 Bedroom - 2 Bath Vacation Plans on Your Mind? You've come to the right place. We have over 1200 listings. We specialize in bringing vacationers and owners together by presenting home, condo, villa, cabin, campground and timeshare getaways. See the world!. Biloxi - Mississippi Home Vacation Home - 2 Bedroom - 1 Bath Strategic Partners: Online Vacation Rental - WorldWide EWA Rentals - SC GardenCity Rentals - SC Myrtle Beach Pre Construction - Real Estate ©2003 - Property of Online Vacation

Hotel Travel

Training Fall Wednesday, December 28, 2005 HOTEL/TRAVEL Specially rated blocks of rooms are being held at the hotels listed below. Discounted rooms are available while blocks last, so reserve your stay today! All reservations must be made by Friday, September 9, 2005, to receive the discounted rates. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your room call the Training Fall 2005 Housing Desk at 866.772.4406 or make your reservation online . Courtyard Long Beach Downtown 500 East First Street Distance to Convention Center: 3 ½ Blocks Show Rate: $119 single/double Comments: Convenient to Pine Avenue attractions, Queen Mary, the Pike, and complimentary high speed internet access in all rooms . Hyatt Regency Long Beach 200 South Pine Avenue Distance to Convention Center: Adjacent Show Rate: $149/169 single/double Comments: Discover a waterfront location overlooking the Pacific Ocean that is convenient to all that Long Beach has to offer . Renaissance Long Beach Hotel 111 East Ocean Boulevard Distance to Convention Center: 1 Block Show Rate: $146 single/double Comments: The Renaissance Long Beach Hotel is a full-service hotel situated right in the heart of Long Beach and the South Bay area. The hotel is within walking distance to the Convention Center, and just a short walk to Shoreline Village, a charming California seaport with shopping, dining and entertainment . The Westin Long Beach 333 East Ocean Boulevard Distance to Convention Center: Across the Street Show Rate: $159 single/double Comments: The Westin Long Beach Hotel is adjacent to the Convention Center and Entertainment Center in the heart of downtown. Hotel is within walking distance of the beach, marina, shopping, restaurants, museums, theater, and other attractions . CONTACT US | FAQs | HOTEL/TRAVEL | DOWNLOAD A BROCHURE | REQUEST A BROCHURE © 2005 VNU eMedia Inc. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy Home About the Event What's Included Show Sponsors Registration Registration Info Register Here FAQs Conference Conference Schedule Certificate Programs Mini-Certificate Programs Keynotes Featured Presentations Special Events 2005 USDLA Fall Conference CUX: Corporate/Higher Ed Partnerships E-Games and Simulations for Learning My Planner Training Live & Online Hotel/Travel Expo About the Expo Current Exhibitors Become an Exhibitor USDLA Pavilion Expo Educational Stage Floor Plan Virtual Trade Show My Planner Hotel/Travel Exhibitor/Sponsor Services Become an Exhibitor Sponsorship Opportunities Exhibitor Resource Center Speaker Services Become a Presenter Speaker Service Center Our Other Events Instructional Design Institute Training 2006 Training Live & Online Training Directors' Forum Virtual Tradeshow Expo

cruise vacation specialists since

CruiseShipCenters - Your cruise vacation specialists! CruiseShipCenters International Inc. Toll Free: 1-800-707-7327 Canadian Site | Français Cruise Search Advanced Search >> Home About Us Agency Locations US Travelers Franchise Opportunities Corporate Information Contact Us Travel Insurance Free Newsletters Cruise Destinations Cruise Lines All About Cruising Onboard Activities Travel Tools Career Opportunities Call 1-800-707-7327 Popular Cruise Destinations Shop by Cruiseline Learn all about Cruising Alaska Cruise from $679 USD Caribbean Cruise from $239 USD Europe Cruise from $449 USD Hawaii Cruise from $629 USD Mexico Cruise from $174 USD Repositioning from $149 USD See All Destinations 7Seas TM Cruise Club Career Opportunities >> Franchise Information >> Contemporary Cruise Lines : - Carnival Cruise Lines - Celebrity Cruises - Disney Cruise Line - Holland America Line - MSC Cruises - Norwegian Cruise Line - Oceania Cruises - Princess Cruises - Royal Caribbean International - Orient Lines Luxury Cruise Lines : - Crystal Cruises - Cunard Line - Radisson Seven Seas - Seabourn Cruise Line - Silversea Cruise Line Specialty Cruise Lines : - Uniworld River Cruises - Windstar Cruises - Value Comparison - Cruise FAQs - First Time Cruisers - Cruising with Kids Speciality Cruises - Luxury Cruises - Sail Ship Cruises - River Cruises - Singles Cruising - Seniors Cruising - Golf Cruises - Conventions at Sea - Business Incentive Cruises - Large Groups - Weddings at Sea - Honeymoon Cruises Education on Vacation - Courses - FAQs CruiseShipCenters has been one of North America's leading cruise vacation specialists since 1987. As one of the largest cruise agencies, we provide special pricing on luxury and discount cruises around the world on all major cruise lines and cruiseships. With over 80 retail locations and 1100 professionally-trained Cruise Consultants, we are committed to delivering you outstanding service and cruise value online and in person. Learn more about how we do it here >> Terms of Use | Privacy | Reset CruiseShipCenters Location | Feedback © 2000-2005 CruiseShipCenters International Inc.

Asia Travel

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INFORMATION Philippines Country Information The Land || History || The People || First-time Traveler Tips || Visas || Customs || Currency || Weather Clothing || Utilities || Newspapers & Media || Business Hours || Language || Getting Around Modes of Transport || Weather Conditions || Things to Know || Sightseeing || Museums and Art Further Information The Land The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the south. The three main Philippine island groups are Luzon , the Visayas and Mindanao . Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines , including the capital city of Manila , are in Luzon , but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos. The Visayas is famous for its charm, a trait shared by many other southern regions in the world, but here seems to run deeper among a people who are intrinsically connected to their sun soaked island home. The Visayas is also famous as a seat of history, being one of the earliest landfalls of western voyagers. It has also gained a reputation as being a cradle of the nation's future, if the unprecedented economic growth of Cebu City continues. Mindanao is our offering to the Guinness Book of Records with the world's largest clam, the world's largest Eagle, the nation's highest peak and the world's largest city. Mindanao is also home to the Philippines' Muslim population. With a land mass of 300, 780 square kilometers, the Philippines is considered a medium-sized nation, about two- thirds the size of its first colonizer, Spain, and a little larger than the British Isles. Manila is only one hour and 40 minutes from Hong Kong by jet; Sydney only 7 1/2 hours away. Flights to Europe take 17 hours and to the American west coast 15 hours. The Philippines has many things to offer the visitor: a mixture of the old and the new, a diversity of art and culture and a warm, friendly people. Blessed by nature, the Philippines has something to offer every sportsman too . . . extraordinary dive sites, forests to roam, mountains to climb, caves to explore. Top History Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. That it was the center of lively Asian trade route that stretched all the way to China and Japan can be seen from the relics these early visitors left behind. Among our archaeological treasures is a Neolithic spirit boat typical of early Southeast Asian culture. The West discovered the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain, landed in Cebu in 1521. However, colonization didn't actually begin until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila. Because Philippine society was loosely organized, without a central government, the Spanish conquest was rapid and total. Only the Muslims in the south and some inaccessible hill tribes were able to resist Spanish influence. Along with the Spanish conquerors came a new religion, Christianity, a new language, new laws and the galleon trade. Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was the United States of America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo; but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched. The Americans brought over their educational system, their legal system and planted the seeds of their own style of government. In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country with Manuel Luis Quezon as president. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation; and it wasn't until 1946, after the end of the Pacific war, that the Philippines finally regained true independence as the Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Still one of the strongest democracies in Asia, the current president is Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Top The People Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipinos. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international. Like the Southern Chinese, the Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior. This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history, and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitalityall part of the Filipino psychewill make your stay a delight. Top Tips for First-time Philippine Travelers Generally speaking, it is important to travel light. Bring only what's necessary. Avoid the extra baggage. You don't want to pay exorbitant fees for your luggage service. As in any foreign place, be careful with pickpockets. Some might act as a helpful stanger, but they're out to get something from you! It's good to be cautious at all times. Whenever going outdoors, being in a group is recommended. If you're bringing kids with you, make sure to bring all the things they would need, like medicine, bottles of potable water (although many bottled water is available, it is always recommended to bring one), and one of your kids' favorite toys for their own receration. Top Visas If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once here, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigration. Customs Upon Arriving: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city. You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Leaving: Any antiques you may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may also not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country. Currency The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PhP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000 pesos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced. Most large stores, restaurants , hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express , Visas and MasterCard. Traveller' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted. Top Weather The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons--hot and dry from November to June, and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets. Clothing People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women are light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in. For Men Only: If you expect to have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie (which is torture in this weather) there is a wonderful substitute. Go immediately to a department store and buy a barong tagalog. It is an embroidered shirt that is considered a formal dress. It will cost more or less PhP1,000.00, but it is worth every centavo. Utilities Electricity is 220 volts a/c. Many of the major tourist hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets. Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores. Telephone service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call. Some Important Telephone Numbers: (24-Hour Hotline) Police & Fire: 757 or 116 Emergency No.: 501- 650 or 501- 728 Directory Assistance: 114 National Operator: 109 International Operator: 108 For other emergency numbers, please refer to Directory . NOTE: It is advisable to always have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you. Top Newspapers & Other Media The newspapers in the Philippines have been called the freest in the world, as you will see for yourself, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide selection of magazines printed in English including Time, Newsweek and Asiaweek. In Metro Manila you can buy the Asian Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and USA Today. Television is "on the air" from early morning to midnight, showing American programming as well as local programming. The standard channels are 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 23. If you need more channels, most of the major hotels are with Cable TV bringing in TV programs from all over the world. There is also AM and FM radio broadcasting with the pop stations primarily on AM in Filipino and the English language programs on FM. Top Business Hours Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification. The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail. NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed. Language While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English. Top Getting Around There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use. Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel most of the major routes in Metro Manila. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 9.00, adding a few peso for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 4.00. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment. Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 1 peso additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump. The LRT : It's a fast, cheap way to go to downtown Manila. A token can take you between Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) and Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked. The MRT : After it's somewhat unsuccessful opening, the MRT is now enjoying a fair share of passengers plying EDSA. This is definitely the fastest mode of transport, this side of the metropolis. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City up to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Passengers would enjoy the traffic-less route, clean stations and coach, with a good view of Metro Manila's landscape. The only problem is that some stations have very high stairways. Although a number of elevators is operational, not all stations have one. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes end to end. Taxis : Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected. Top Other Modes of Transport Most of the major car rental agencies, including AVIS, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Metro Manila and carry a full line of vehicles from jeeps to limousines. All vehicles may be rented with or without a driver. If you wish to do your own driving you must have a valid foreign or international license. Inter-island transportation is provided by either airplane or ferry boat. Philippine Airlines services most of the major provincial airports. Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, SeaAir, Air Philippines, and Pacific Airways are smaller carriers servicing more remote tourist destinations. For information about boat schedules, check with the Department of Tourism on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila (63-2-5267652, 5267653, 5267655). Top WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY Climate: Tropical (two seasons) Dry Season: March -May (warm) 33-34 C Wet Season: June- October (monsoonal) November -February (coolest) 29-31C Coastline: 334,539 km. Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands, many mountains, rainforests, rich valleys and swamp regions. The Philippines still does have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs. Top THINGS TO KNOW Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog dialect) is the National Language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the English Language. The Philippines is currently the third largest English speaking country in the world. Currency: Peso(PhP). Notes are issued in denominations of , PhP 10, PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 500, and PhP 1000. Coins are issued for 5c, 10c, 25c, PhP 1, PhP 5. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized exchanged dealers. Outside of Manila payments are preferably made in pesos. Major Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club) can be used to pay for most goods and services. Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays). Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays). Time : Local time is GMT plus 8 hours. Business English is the language used. Sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries. Make sure you have business cards. Top SIGHTSEEING Casa Manila: A replica mid 19th Century house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time. Corner Real and General Lunar Streets, Intramuros, Manila. Luzon Chocolate Hills : Bohols most famous attraction: the area is named thus, because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer. Carmen Town, Bohol. Visayas* Colon Street: The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu. Cebu. Visayas* Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: The only underground cemetery in the Philippines; it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna. Laguna, Luzon Island Magellans Cross: The most historically-famous landmark in Cebu. Planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized. Cebu. Visayas* Top PARKS & WILDLIFE Katibawasan Falls: These 250-foot falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao. Camiguin. Mindinao* Maquinit Hot Springs : Located on a scenic beach corner, this is the premium hot spring in the Philippines. Palawan. Luzon* Hidden Valley: A natural recluse is created within this 90-meter crater . A haven for lush jungle life, natural springs and still water pools. Accommodation available. Alaminos, Laguna. Luzon, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife: Quezon Avenue. Quezon City. Luzon. Rizal Memorial Park: Within the lush park there are monuments, a skating rink and adventure playground. Free concerts every Sunday. Ermita, Manila. Luzon. Top MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES Museums & art galleries Ateneo Art Gallery Quezon City Tel: (02) 998 721 Metropolitan Museum of Manila Tel: (02) 832 3645 National Museum Manila Tel: (02) 494 450 Villa Escudero San Pablo City, Quezon City Tel: (02) 521 8698 Top VISAS AND PASSPORTS Visa and Passport No Visas are required for foreigners entering the country for a stay no longer than 21 days provided that you have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines have no diplomatic relations. A temporary visitor's visa is required for those who are planning to stay up to 59 days. Vaccination certificates may be neccesary for long term stays. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special permits. All visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates. Duty Free Items: Two 1-litre bottles of alchohol, and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed. Air Travel to the Country : Ninoy Aquino International Airport (7 km from city centre) Ninoy Aquino Avenue Manila, Philippines: Mactan International Airport Cebu, Philippines: (Most major airlines have flights to the country). Top FURTHER INFORMATION Department of Tourism: T.M. Kalaw Street Rizal Park Metro Manila P.O. Box 3451 Tel: (02)523-8411 Fax: (02) 521 7374 Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporatiom: 4th Floor, Suites 10-17 Legasi Towers 300 Roxas Boulevard Metro Manila Tel: (02) 525-93-18-27 Fax: (02) 521-61-65/ 525-33-14 Top