Cheap Travel Insurance and

Backpacker Insurance and Cheap Travel Insurance UK Downunder Insurance ~ Home ~ Policy Options ~ Essentials Policy ~ Backpacker Policy ~ Adventurer Policy ~ Comprehensive Policy ~ Annual Multi-Trip Policy ~ Wintersports Policy ~ View/Edit Your Policy ~ Instant Quote ~ Make a Claim ~ General Information ~ Medical and Health ~ General Information ~ Extensions ~ Policy Wording ~ 2005 ~ 2004 ~ 2003 ~ About Us ~ Advantages of Downunder ~ Company Information ~ Compare Prices ~ Partners ~ Privacy Policy ~ Contact us ~ FAQs ~ Site Map ~ 24hour International Medical Rescue Repatriation Guarantee Pre-existing Medical Conditions Reciprocal Agreements Adventure Sports Geographical Areas Cooling Off Period Period of Insurance Current Policy Queries General Exclusions The Underwriters Initial Disclosure Document Applicable law Return Trips Excess Waiver Stopover Extension Personal Luggage Extension Vehicle Luggage Extension Valuables Extension Golf Cover Quick Links Click the link below. Australian Travel Insurance New Zealand Travel Insurance We promote safe overseas travel. Click on the 'Know Before You Go' link for more information Backpacker Travel Insurance, Cheap Travel Insurance and Annual Travel Insurance Backpacker Insurance & Cheap Travel Insurance UK for UK Backpackers and Travellers 15% off all Wintersports Policies during December 10% Discount on ALL Other Policies* Backpacker Insurance Backpacker insurance and cheap travel insurance for travellers, backpackers and holidaymakers living in the UK, either permanently or as a temporary resident with a UK residential address (eg working holiday maker). Backpacker Travel Insurance from Downunder Insurance UK ensures you get great cheap travel insurance at a very low cost so you have more money to spend on your travels. We offer UK travel insurance to all destinations worldwide, and specialise in backpacker insurance , gap year travel insurance, annual travel insurance and holiday insurance for anyone under the age of 55 years. To get a FREE quote, or to Buy Online, click on the Flag of the country you are in now Cheap Travel Insurance UK Online Cheap USA Travel Insurance Cheap Travel Insurance with an additional 10% discount online* We offer you the best prices online, with an extra 10% discount for any travel insurance UK policy you buy (*excluding Annual Multi Trip policies). So not only do we offer fantastically priced travel insurance, but we offer you the chance to save even more with our online travel insurance discount. We offer free, competitive and instant travel insurance for backpackers, gap year insurance and any other holiday up to 18 months duration. We deliver cheap travel insurance direct to you so you save on your holiday insurance and have more money to spend on the important things, like travelling. Don't leave home without Holiday Insurance! It's not like you can afford to travel without travel insurance in today's climate. Medical bills can escalate, expensive equipment and baggage can get lost or stolen and travel arrangements can get changed or cancelled at a moment's notice. As the saying goes, 'If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.' Benefits of our Holiday Insurance Policies * 80 + adventure sports, including surfing, bungee jumping and rafting * 14 day money back guarantee * 24 hour worldwide medical emergency assistance * Editing facility so you can add to your policy as you travel * Up to 18 months cover - ideal for working holidays and gap year insurance * Australian and New Zealand based company's that can assist you along the way, while you are on holiday * A 'no excess waiver' - completely remove any excess payable should you make a claim * Additional 25% cover at no extra cost when you buy an Aust/NZ policy - eg buy a 12 month Aust/NZ policy and be covered for up to 3 months travelling outside of Aust/NZ. * 100% secure online purchasing Our Underwriters Our UK travel insurance and holiday insurance policies is provided by AIG Europe (UK) Limited and underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company and/or Landmark Insurance Company Limited. AIG Europe (UK) Limited is an appointed representative of New Hampshire Insurance Company and Landmark Insurance Company Limited. New Hampshire Insurance Company and Landmark Insurance Company Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and are members of the Association of British Insurers. AIG Europe (UK) Limited, New Hampshire Insurance Company and Landmark Insurance Company Limited are member companies of American International Group, Inc. (AIG) AIG Europe Limited, The AIG Building, 58 Fenchurch Street , London, EC3M 4AB, Tel: 020 7954 7000, Fax: 020 7954 7001 Financial Services Authority Initial Disclosure Document Downunder Insurance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority . Our FSA Register number is 306618. This can be checked at www.fsa.gov.uk/register *10% discount DOES NOT apply to Annual Multi Trip (AMT) Policies Travel Insurance USA Travel Insurance Worldwide Travel Insurance Holiday Insurance UK Discount Travel Insurance Annual Travel Insurance Travel Insurance Online Ski Travel Insurance Winter Sport Travel Insurance Gap Year Australia Travel Insurance Ski Insurance Travel Medical Insurance Compare Travel Insurance Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance Student Travel Insurance Cheap Annual Travel Insurance Low Cost Travel Insurance Comparison Travel Insurance Travel Insurance Australia Gap Year Travel Insurance Skiing Insurance Snowboarding Insurance Ski Holiday Insurance Travel Insurance Quote Holiday Insurance Gap Year Insurance Cheap Insurance UK UK Travel Insurance Annual Holiday Insurance Cheap Holiday Insurance One Way Travel Insurance Travel Links 3 Travel Links 2 2005 Downunder Insurance Services Powered by CanopyNET v.4 Downunder Worldwide Insurance Services Ltd 2003

Travel Guides Hotels Flights

VirtualTourist.com - Worldwide - Pictures, Tips and Reviews Worldwide Travel Guide. Tips, Reviews & Photos plus Hotels, Restaurants, Activities & More Ready to Book? OneTime.com compares deals on Hotels, Flights, Cars, Cruises & Vacations. member log in | join for free! | help Home Travel Guides Hotels Flights Deals NEW! Members Meetings & Events Do It Yourself Guides Forums VirtualTourist TRAVEL GUIDES Choose a Destination Over 2.2 Million Locations Top Spots Paris Hotels , Things To Do London Hotels , Things To Do New York City Hotels , Things To Do Prague Hotels , Things To Do Rome Hotels , Things To Do Amsterdam Hotels , Things To Do Barcelona Hotels , Things To Do San Francisco Hotels , Things To Do Venice Hotels , Things To Do Bangkok Hotels , Things To Do Las Vegas Hotels , Things To Do Vienna Hotels , Things To Do » view all travel guides » view special interest guides FEATURED DESTINATION: Paradise Island Home to luxurious beaches, a world class golf course, gigantic casinos and world class entertainmentParadise Island lives up to its name. Sponsored by the Atlantis Resort Travel Reviews by VT Members 1,246,831 Reviews 2,166,992 Photos Read About: Write About: Hotels Things To Do Restaurants General Tips Nightlife Off The Beaten Path Tourist Traps Warnings Or Dangers Transportation Local Customs Packing Lists Shopping Sports Travel In: Paris London New York City Prague Rome Amsterdam Barcelona San Francisco Venice Bangkok Las Vegas Vienna Budapest Berlin Sydney Istanbul Kuala Lumpur Brussels Chicago Beijing other location... Monument Valley State Park Things To Do Visitor Center by Trekki If you are visiting Monument Valley Tribal Park, please try and not do it in a rush, but plan minimum 1 day (including 1 overnight stay). Only this will allow you to breath in this incredible beauty of the land and the landscape. Prior to entering the park, please check the Visitor center, which is located at the entrance. You can learn a lot about what you are going to see ! Even though I have visited Monument Valley 3 times over the last... [read more] Nepal Things To Do Mountain Flight by BarbaraForza This is an experience you must have while in Nepal. If you are lucky enough to have a good weather the scene in front of you will be breathless. While in Kathmandu check for those agencies organizing a one day flight around Himalaya and ask how distant you will be from these mountains before departure! [read more] The VirtualTourist Travel Community in Action Newest Tips. 883 tips in the last 24 hours Manyana just created a new Hotels tip on London MJB123 just created a new Transportation tip on Pescosolido Brillemeister just created a new Things To Do tip on Atlanta sandysmith updated a Sports Travel tip on Gwynedd salisbury3933 just created a new Hotels tip on Yaroslavl' nhcram just created a new Hotels tip on Prague nhcram updated a Restaurants tip on Prague Brillemeister just created a new Things To Do tip on Snellville » more new tips Newest Forum Postings. 1,116 new postings in the last 24 hours chaco2589 . Spain forum: " RE: Southern Spain, from Malaga to Cadiz " Fourka . Sweden forum: " RE: RE: Lunch (-Dinner) Cruise Stockholm " Basterma . Cairo forum: " RE: RE: Meeting In Cairo " lasseg . Sweden forum: " RE: Long time car rental " Roadquill . Spain forum: " RE: 2 weeks-Honeymoon " w_james . Illinois forum: " RE: Urbana-Champaign University on summer!!! " istanBULent . 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RickinDutch on InnocentOne's Homepage : "Ameera - birthday greetings..." » more page comments Newest Deals. 14 new entries in the last 24 hours carteki commented on myriam_c's Hotel Deal on Brussels alenardini commented on sandra's Flight Deal on Brazil nicolaitan commented on bijo69's Flight Deal on Europe HORSCHECK commented on bijo69's Flight Deal on Europe shirez commented on baronedivandastad's Flight Deal on Italy cnango commented on TeresaB25's Flight Deal on London zuriga commented on bijo69's Flight Deal on Europe giampiero6 commented on bijo69's Flight Deal on Europe » more deals Today's Birthdays. 648 members are celebrating today pentimento lives in Turkey , born December 27, 1979. Pookie46 lives in Crescent City , born December 27, 1946. bridgettebay lives in North America , born December 27, 1971. Genester lives in Halifax , born December 27, 1947. JManz lives in Bay City , born December 27, 1972. smurfmania lives in Edinburgh , born December 27, 1979. nocalg lives in Vallejo , born December 27, 1962. Manu&Manu lives in London , born December 27, 1977. » more birthdays New Members. 315 new members in the last 24 hours seattledude , ZipZap , TimmiT , jparr13685 , CI66 , 4shelleyb , ThisGirl , PeggyBr , Tasha1759 , Lisciandru , lovezino , 681 , Brillemeister , ddvt , dkrasne , LancePalmer , igoypilgrim , azdaved , mpgod , marth600 , demaret , sgtpeppr56 , gman1 , webrew2 , rosecat4 , ... » more new members Community News -- December 27, 2005 361st day of the year - 4 days remaining in 2005 Birthdays: Louis Pasteur b. 1822, Marlene Dietrich b. 1901, Gerard Depardieu b. 1948 In this corner... Weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces and at a height of 20 inches long, lays the beautiful, new arrival of VT Member, Cruisingbug , and her husband. Daughter, Kate Serenity, was born November 17 at 7:08 pm. Mommy is recovering well and baby Katie is doing great! We LOVE hearing from VirtualTourist members and visitors alike. We frequently get notes just letting us know that you're out there and you're enjoying VT. Very often we'll forward the mail around to the rest of the team, to share the love. Drop us a note, we'd love to hear from you. You can see more community news items from previous days in the community news archives Drop us a note at feedback@virtualtourist.com if you'd like your item to be considered. Destinations Members Keywords VirtualTourist MEMBERS 212 online now 661,410 total 315 new today search for VT members FEATURED MEMBER Lalique Lives in Moscow Member since: September 17, 2001 "Crashing your mind! - Chasing the Sun....." 31 countries 162 locations 688 tips » make your own map VirtualTourist FORUM VT Travel Forum Ask about a trip you're planning. VT Technical Help Forum Help using VT, computers & more VT Miscellaneous Forum Fun and friendship with fellow travelers FEATURED TRAVEL FORUM TimmiT asks about Comunidad Valenciana Q. Looking for an apartment for 8 persons during Fallas "Hi! We're (we = 8 belgians) planning on visiting Fallas in Valencia! Since we will only stay there for 4 days (16th till 19th march) we are searching for an apartment, house, big studio that is and close or in the centre of Valencia & reasonable in accommodation, price & ..." Read this posting 0 Replies so far FREE VT Deals Newsletter great deals, inside tips & no spam FEATURED DEAL BY VT MEMBERS flyingcaribou posts a Flight Deal for Paris Montreal-Paris Jan.18 "Departure from Montreal. Leave from Pierre-Elliot-Trudeau, montreal, Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 7:05 PM. Air Transat Flight TS310. arrive at paris, Charles De Gaulle at 7:55 AM, Thursday, January 19, 2006 . Return to Montreal. Leave from Paris, Charles De Gaulle, Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 1:40 PM. Air Transat ..." Read this Deal posting Next VT Member Meeting " VT Meet a la Quebec City! " Date: December 27, 2005 Location: Quebec » more meetings and events Travel Resources Car Rental Cruises Vacations Luggage NEW! VT Photo Search Keyword: Destination: Category: - Please Select - People Animals Ocean/Beach Mountain Flowers/Foliage Landscape Architecture Local People/Customs Monument Desert Ice/Snow City/Street Scene Planes/Trains/Automobiles Other Find: Destinations Members Keywords Matching: Advanced About VT | Contact Us | Site Tour | Advertising | Local Merchant Login | Travel Tools | VT Chat | VT Gear | Help User Agreement | Privacy Statement Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2005 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Spain Travel Map: Location

Valencia Spain Travel Information - Valencia Profile  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Valencia, Spain Travel Map: Location of Valencia within Spain and the Iberian peninsula. James Martin Stay up to date! Valencia, Spain Travel Map: Location of Valencia within Spain and the Iberian peninsula. James Martin Email to a friend Print this page Valencia, Spain Travel Information Valencia Travel Directory Recent Discussions Need Help Planning a Trip Accomodation in london Mediteranean Feries Spain Maps Spain Travel Map Spain Rail Map Spain Region Map Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Valencia Spain - Travel and Tourism Information for Valencia Valencia, Spain From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Valencia - Location:  Valencia is located on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast, on the Gulf of Valencia at the mouth of the Turia river. Throughout history, Valencia was one of the most important sea ports of the Iberian peninsula. Valencia is 350 km from either Madrid to the west or Barcelona, to the north. Valencia Population:  Valencia's population is estimated at around 790,000 people. Languages of Valencia:  Residents of Valencia speak Spanish, of course, but you'll also hear "Valenciano" when you're touring the neighborhoods. Valencia Train Stations:  The Norte Railway Station of Valencia is located in the heart of Valencia. Daily connections to Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Alicante, Port Bou (French border), Zaragoza, Bilbao and trains to other provinces leave from here. For more information and train schedules see RENFE , the Spanish Railway Service. Valencia Weather:  Valencia is dominated by a Mediterranean climate, meaning there are warm and dry summers with relatively mild winters. The rainy season comes primarily in spring and fall, when there are occasional torrential rainfalls. The average July and August temperatures are 25 degrees Centigrade. For a Valencia weather forecast, see Valencia, Spain Forecast: Weather Underground . Las Fallas - Valencia's Most Famous Festival:   Las Fallas is a festival held from March 12th to March 19th. What are Las Fallas? Huge papier-mache art sculptures are erected on almost every square. Usually there are around 300 of these, and most are indicative of social criticism and sarcasm. Then, on March 19th the Fallas are simultaneously burned at midnight in a ritual called " la nit del foc " Fiona Honor Hurley has written a wonderful description of Las Fallas for Boots and All, called The Fires of Spring . Valencia - The Covered Market:  Fans of covered markets will want to head over to Valencia's huge central market, al Mercado Central de Valencia , for a fix. You'll find 8000 square meters of market space inside the steel and glass building decorated with Valencian ceramic tiles. Nearby is the Llotja de a Seda , the Silk Exchange, in Placa del Mercat--a testament to Valencia's lofty position in the silk trade. Shopping in Valencia: Handicrafts:  What to look for in Valencia markets? Ceramics is one of the big hits, and anything crafted in wood or vegetable fibers is a good bet, as Valencia is in a very green zone. Rice is one of the big foodstuffs tourists might buy if they don't mind lugging a few kilos of rice around Europe for that next big paella. City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain:  The 87-acre site contains Hemispheric , housing a planetarium and imax theater, the Trojan helmet like Palau de les Artes and the hands-on Prince Felipe Museum of the Sciences ( Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe) , where you are encouraged to build and discover elements of science. There's also L'Oceanogràfic , called the largest aquarium in Europe, housing species in pavilions named after their home oceans and seas. A covered garden view promenade called Umbracle brings it all together. Attractions in Valencia:  Valencia is a city of art and history. There are lots of museums to visit. Here is a list of the most frequented: Bulfight Art Museum - right by the train station at C. Dr. Serra 16, the first museum in the world devoted to bullfighting. El Museo de Bellas Artas de Valencia - The fine arts museum is second only to Madrid's Prado. Lots of works from Valencia's golden age around the 15th century. Museum of Science "Principe Felipe" at 5 Avenida Autopista de El Saler 46013, an interactive museum inside the City of Arts and Science with exhibitions about science and technology. Valencian Institute of Modern Art - One of the best modern museums in Spain--plus the ancient walls cut right through it. For other interesting museums, see Museums in Valencia from Valencia Online. Valencia's Botanic Gardens , Jardi Botanic , are the oldest in the city and one of the more interesting in Europe, containing over 40,000 plants. Valencia's Cathedral was started in the 13th century, finished in the 15th. Although primarily gothic, it contains a mix of styles reflecting aspects of romanesque, gothic and baroque construction. There are guided tours from 4-7pm for a small charge. The Cathedral Museum, Museu de la Seo , is a little museum chock full of amazing treasures collected by the church. Find more interesting Valencia attractions in Valencia Online's Interesting places . Nighlife - Bohemians head over to the Barrio del Carmen , the "real" old town of Valencia with winding and narrow streets, the houses now teeming with restaurants, bars and clubs. In the summer the action moves over to the pubs and hangouts in the beach zone, along the Neptuno Avenue. Folks head out around 11, or earlier if tapas is required before your long night out. This is Spain, so you can't eat earlier than 9 or so unless it's tapas.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There

ski vacation at Solitude.

Accommodations | Salt Lake City, Utah Ski Resort | Solitude -- Mountain Summer Home Summer Report Scenic Lift Rides Mountain Biking Mountain Scooters Hiking Disc Golf Fishing Sunday Brunch Essentials Spa Dining Home Creekside St. Bernard's The Yurt The Thirsty Squirrel Stone Haus On-Mountain Dining Last Chance Mining Camp Sunshine Grill Moonbeam Snacks Accomodations Home The Inn at Solitude Eagle Springs Lodges Creekside Powder Horn Lodge The Crossings Club Solitude Essentials Spa Meetings Home Weddings & Special Events Meetings & Retreats Facilities Real Estate Media Home Media Kits / Releases Media Images Mountain Winter Home Snow Report Mountain Statistics Lift Tickets Snowsports Academy Nordic Center Rental and Repair Trail Map Back Tracks NEW! Terrain Park Ice Skating Ski Patrol Calendar of Events Axess Ticket System Ride Tickets Day Tickets Preseason Kids School Group/Private Devo Team Accommodations Home The Inn at Solitude Eagle Springs Lodges Creekside Powderhorn Lodge The Crossings Club Solitude Essentials Spa Snow Report Solitude eNews Solitude Savers Request Brochure Enter to Win Stuff Eye Candy Solitude Blog European Ambiance in a quaint mountain village Solitude Mountain Resort's Only Official Lodging Company -- The long awaited village is now complete, and the unmistakable ambiance of the European Alps beckons you to lose yourself down quaint pathways. The Village at Solitude is a retreat that pampers you with every modern convenience. It is a village large enough to accommodate your individual needs, yet small enough to cater to them. --Its cozy shops, fine dining and comfortable sitting areas echo an era of a simpler time, while state-of-the-art telecommunications systems accommodate the latest in technologies. In fact, it is one of the country's first mountain villages to integrate a high-speed wireless network, allowing you to check email or surf the web anywhere in The Village. From the grand mountain lodge experience of the Inn at Solitude to the intimate atmosphere of our fully-furnished condo hideaways, the village feels like a home away from home and has something for everyone. Each offers their own unique amenities and services, while still capturing the true spirit of Solitude and giving you all the room your family needs to make vacation dreams a reality. -- To make a reservation in the Village please call 1-800-748-4754 © Solitude Mountain Resort. All Rights Reserved. Location | Eye Candy | Employment | History | Contact Information If you only knew... Solitude Mountain Resort is a Utah ski resort located only forty minutes from Salt Lake International Airport. Known for its 500" of annual Utah snow and non-existent lift lines, this Utah ski resort is ranked nationally by Ski Magazine for weather, value, snow quality and accessibility. When you Ski Utah, bring your family and friends for a first-class ski vacation at Solitude. Far from the crowds at other Utah resorts, you'll find yourself skiing or riding on "the greatest snow on earth," staying slopeside in our European Village and dining at one of our restaurants.

Central America Travel

Honduras Central America Travel Tourism  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors Photo thanks to Clipart.com Stay up to date! Photo thanks to Clipart.com Email to a friend Print this page Elsewhere on the Web Map of Honduras Photos of Honduras Most Popular Mexican Music La Paz, Mexico Quinceanera Packing List Tijuana, Mexico What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Related Topics California for Visitors South America for Visitors Caribbean for Visitors Mexican Cuisine Honduras, Central America From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Honduras offers an array of different vacation experiences. Honduras is a small country in Central America bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua, and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua. It has a population of approximately 7 million persons. Honduras was once part of the Mayan civilization that spread southwards from the Yucatán peninsula and throughout most of Central America. Christopher Columbus visited Honduras in 1502 on his third voyage to the new world, and the country was subsequently colonized by Spain for several centuries. On independence in 1821, Honduras joined the Central American Federation, but this union did not last long. Honduras severed ties several years later with the Federation and became fully independent. The Honduran people are mainly mestizo, an ethnic mix of native Indian, Spanish and other nationalities. Visitors can expect to be pleasantly surprised by the hospitality extended to them by most Hondurans. The official language is Spanish, although English is widely spoken in the major tourist areas. The climate of Honduras is mostly tropical. It is hot and humid on the Caribbean coast, hot and dry in the interior plains, with cooler temperatures in the central mountain regions. The rainy season extends from June to October.  Honduras offers a wide range of different vacation experiences. It offers some great venues for snorkeling and diving, many Mayan archaeological ruins and treasures, some beautiful National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries, pristine uncrowded beaches, and much more. Tegucigalpa Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, became the most important mining center in Central America during colonial times. It got its name from the ancient Nahuatl language which translated means "silver mountain". It is located in a large valley about 1000m (3280ft) above sea level and surrounded by a ring of mountains covered in pine trees. Because of the altitude of the city, the climate is very pleasant. Tegucigalpa has a population of about 800,000 people. The Boulevard Morazán, also known as "la zona viva", is the commercial heart of Tegucigalpa. It is a modern bustling district where you will find many of the very best restaurants, bars and shops in town. The Historical Center of the city is very interesting. Here you will find the domed 18th-century Central Park Cathedral, which features exquisite baroque architecture and fine art treasures. The legislative palace, built on stilts, is also located in this area, as well as the old Presidential Palace, which is now a museum. La Tigra National Park Located near Tegucigalpa is the magnificent La Tigra National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Honduras. Located at an altitude of 2260m, the park covers an area of 230 square kilometers of lush cloud forest that is home to monkeys, ocelots, pumas, and other wildlife. Orchids, arborescent ferns, and over 250 species of birds can also be found in the park. Bay Islands The Bay Islands of Roatan, Utila and Guanaja, located 50km (30mi) off the north coast of Honduras, offer great snorkeling and diving, and some of the most spectacular underwater vistas you will find anywhere in the world, with enormous stands of black coral, brilliantly colored sponges and delicate blue bell tunicates, colorful corals, sponges and tropical marine life. These lush islands are famous for their barrier reef, which is the second largest in the world. Mayan Archaeological Sites Numerous Mayan archaeological sites are scattered throughout Honduras. The most famous is the Copan Ruins, located in the western part of Honduras. Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, the Copan Ruins are one of the most important sites of the ancient Mayan civilization, and were not excavated until the 19th century. Visitors to the site can view the many Mayan monuments and buildings, and also get a glimpse of the living areas and life style of the ancient Mayas.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico