Mexico Travel Tips Mexico/Central

Mexico Travel Tips  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 Mexico Travel Tips Mexico/Central America for Visitors Blog « Manzanillo, Mexico | Main | El Salvador, Central America » From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! February 21, 2005 Mexico Travel Tips It is estmated that over 15 million U.S. citizens visit Mexico each year. While the vast majority of visitors exprience an enjoyable holiday with no problems, some do suffer difficulties and serious inconveniences. Here are some tips and advice to help you avoid inconveniences and difficulties during your Mexican holiday Email to a Friend Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement 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        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 Headlines Top 6 Travel Books for Mexico and Central America There are many travel guidebooks devoted to Mexico and to... Health Information for Visitors to Mexico and Central America This article provides a summary of the more important health... Safety Considerations for Travelers to Mexico and Central America Travel to Mexico and Central America is not significantly less... Acapulco, Mexico Once a favorite destination of honeymooners, celebrities and the...

Italy Travel

Delicious Italy regional food, culture, history, tour, travel advice and events guide Find your Italian region ....................................... Abruzzo & Pescara Basilicata Calabria Campania & Naples Friuli Venezia Giulia Emilia Romagna & Bologna Lazio & Rome Liguria & Cinque Terre Lombardia & Milan Marche & Ancona Molise Puglia Piemonte & Turin Sicily Sardinia Tuscany Trentino Alto Adige Umbria Valle d'Aosta Veneto & Venice Search Delicious Italy ® Entire Site Products Services News & Events About us Search where? 10 25 50 100 Number of results per page ------------ Ranking Result Size Last Date updated Arrange in order ------------ Great Food, Great Holiday. Delicious Italy ® is compiled for anyone who enjoys eating and traveling well. Sample the latest food and tourism initiatives as well as our first hand suggestions for local restaurants, itineraries, tours, traditional events, authentic regional recipes and artisan products. info@deliciousitaly.com dellearti design hotel Cremona Click on image above Food, History, Culture Plan your own exploration of the food, wine, history and local culture of the Italian regions by making use of our personal contacts and links across Italy. Mosaic Art Gallery and Craft School in Rome Artisan articles and Christmas gifts quick travel suggestions Find your Italian Youth Hostel across the regions Alpine atmosphere at Villa Abbazia near Treviso, Veneto Refined hotel in the foodhills of mount grappa Hotel in Bardolino on lake Grada, Veneto Aristocratic hotel in the Historical centre of Rome Italian Christmas menu cookery lessons in Friuli Welness spa and resort hotels near Venice Italian gardens and luxury accommodation near Siena Friendly and family B&B near Amalfi Coast Weekend golf and health breaks in Montecatini Terme Cookery school and chocolate tour in Perugia Umbria Charme in a medieval village Cooking classes in Florence studying the renaissance Country Houses in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany Cultural weekend in Ferrara city of exhibitions and art Charming hotel near Verona, Veneto Classic car hire in north east Italy christmas & new year in italy Christmas Day and Christmas Eve special holiday offers and packages New Year's Eve and New Year's day special holiday offers and packages © Delicious Italy s.r.l. All rights reserved. Hosted by Mondoweb s.r.l.

Spain Travel Guides. Language

Spain Travel Guides. Language resources directory Learn Spanish Spanish lessons -- Sponsored Links Web Site Home Last Additions Most Popular Add a Site Links Reference Book Store Dictionaries Lang. Courses Lang. Schools Study Abroad English Spanish German Italian French Russian - Link to this page. X Cerrar ventana If you want to link to this page copy the following HTML code and paste it on your website: <a href="http://www.searchlanguage.com/travel/guides/spain/index.asp"> Spain Travel Guides. Language resources directory </a> Spanish , English, German , French, Italian and many more language resources . Site Search Related sites SPONSORED BY: Foreign language school Home / Travel / Travel Guides / Spain Travel Guides / Title Visits 1 About Tenerife , your Tourist Guide to the Exotic Spains Paradise full list of hotels, restaurants, maps , weather, festivals, nightlife... in tenerife, canary islands, spain. 403 2 About Barcelona , your travel guide barcelona travel guide with detailed descriptions of monuments , iteneraries , etc and general travel information: cultural activities, festivals, what to do ?, food and drink, sports ... 425 3 About Granada Tourist Guide tourist guide of this beautiful city in southern spain 359 4 About Madrid , your Travel Guide about madrid, iteneraries, museums, excursions, shopping, culture, nightlife, food & drink, weather, maps, restaurants, hotels ... 399 5 About Salamanca Travel Guide salamanca travel guide with detailed descriptions of monuments , iteneraries , etc and general travel information: cultural activities, festivals, what to do ?, food and drink, sports ... 393 6 Property in Spain - Harringtons International property in spain, real estate agents in spain. holiday homes. andalucia, marbella, malaga, costa del sol, costa dorado, costa de la luz, spanish property. spain. 417 7 Accommodation in Barcelona, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, and Majorca tourist accommodation in barcelona, costa brava, costa dorada, and majorca - book online apartments, hotels and b&b - view photos, prices, descriptions and evaluations of former clients. lowest price guaranteed for any hotel and barcelona apartment booking! 126 8 Alicante information about alicante, spain. useful tips on alicante, the airport and the costa blanca 240 9 All About Spain the complete tourist guide to spain in english, spanish, and german 275 10 All Barcelona Guide useful information about barcelona sights, bars, accommodation and many more. chategoriesed for districts. includes information on antoni gaudi and it modernista buildings, important museums, information on transportation methods, accommodation in barcelona. 112 11 Almeria directory for property, holidays, business and information information and photographs in over 100 categories with interactive maps, towns and history, virtual tours, holiday rentals, hotels, property sales, estate agents, audio phrase book, shops, bars, restaurants, beaches, places of interest and so much more. 187 12 A-Z of Tourism travel to spain with a-z of tourism.com. we provide listings of flights, car rental, hotels, cruises, skiing holidays, vacation packages, time share, and adventure holidays to help you plan your holiday. include 378 major cities worldwide and still growing. 277 13 Canary Islands Surfing the first surfing guide from the canary islands.everything you need to know about surfing at canary islands, pictures, beaches, maps, weather, contests, news and much more. 223 14 Complete information about Salamanca - Spain salamanca.com provides a complete guide about salamanca - spain: news, maps, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, monuments,resources to learn spanish and more! click here 261 15 Conozca Espana informaciones generales sobre espaa, biografias de escritores y poetas, principales ciudades y provincias, historia, cultura, banderas, mapas, etc 168 16 Discover Lanzarote your guide to lanzarote with all the important facts and essential information. 235 17 Go Madrid madrid, spain hotels & city guide 224 18 Go Madrid City Guide and online hotel booking madrid spain city guide with online secure server reservations for madrid hotels & hostals.information for tourists going to madrid to see el prado, plaza mayor, gran via and puerta del sol. 228 19 Holidays-Exposed holidays-exposed.com offers a complete travel service; read travel guides written by real travellers, make hotel, flight and car hire reservations online, report on your trip and keep in touch with people you met using our travel friends reunited service. 173 Results... | 1 | 2 | 3 | SPONSORED BY: Spanish lessons TranslationServices provided by Sponsoredby Languagejobs.org Jobs for: -Translators -Language Teachers -Interpreters -Tourist Guides aa Sponsored by Abroad Languages Learn a language where it’s spoken 2000-2005 SearchLanguage.com LEARN LANGUAGES ABROAD -->

Central America travel videos

Central America Travel Videos at TotalVid -- DVDs and video downloads ---- All Videos ---- Action Sports -BMX -Inline -Kiteboarding -Mountain Bike -Paintball -Skateboarding -Skiing -Snowboarding -Snowmobiling -Surfing -Wake -Windsurfing -Extreme Life Anime -Action/Adventure -Comedy -Fantasy -Science Fiction -Supernatural Comedy Cooking Fitness Gambling Instruction -Baccarat -Blackjack -Card and Chip Tricks -Craps -Poker -Roulette Home Improvement -Carpet and Flooring -Concrete -Electrical -Home Decorating -Homeowner Education -How Do I? Projects -Miscellaneous -Painting and Refinishing -Plumbing -Special Projects -Stone and Masonry -Walls and Ceilings -Windows and Doors -Wood and Woodworking Martial Arts -Boxing -Capoeira -Hapkido -Jujitsu -Karate -Kickboxing -Kung Fu -Mixed Martial Arts -Special Forces -Taekwondo -Tai Chi -Training -Weapons -Wing Chun Motorsports -Motocross -Offroad/4x4 -Sportbike -Street Racing Music Concerts -Alternative -Bluegrass-Country -Christian-Gospel -Classical -Hip Hop-Rap -Jazz -Latin -Pop-Rock -Reggae -Soul Music Documentary Music Instructional -Drums -Guitar -Keyboards Outdoors -Boating -Climbing -Fishing -Hiking -Kayaking -Sailing -Scuba Diving -Shooting Parenting Self-Defense Sports -Baseball -Basketball -Figure Skating -Golf -Hockey -Soccer -Tennis Travel -Africa -Asia -Australia -Caribbean -Central America -Europe -Family Attractions -Far East -Hawaii -Middle East -National Parks -New Zealand -North America -South America -South Pacific -Special Home Action Sports Anime Comedy Cooking Fitness Gambling Instruction Home Improvement Martial Arts Motorsports Music Concerts Music Documentary Music Instructional Outdoors Parenting Self-Defense Sports Travel Africa Asia Australia Caribbean Central America Europe Family Attractions Far East Hawaii Middle East National Parks New Zealand North America South America South Pacific Special Gift Cards Links Affiliate Program Subscription Category Banner Travel >Central AmericaVideos Sort By: Most Popular Title Year Just Added Video Title/Description Format/Price Dropping In...The Unauthorized Guide to Surf Travel: Panama Dropping Inis for the majority of the surfing nation as it documents what happens when regular surfers set out to explore unknown destinations while ... [ More ] Category: Surfing Videos Producer: Footprint Films Year: 2005 Download - $3.99 DVD - $19.95 Globe Trekker: Central America The stretch of land separating North and South America is a diverse assembly of countries and cultures. While hundreds of ruined cities throughout the ... [ More ] Category: Travel Videos Producer: Pilot Productions Year: 1998 Download - $3.99 DVD - $19.95 VHS - $17.95 Globe Trekker: Mexico City Mexico is a vast country sharing one border with the United States and the other with Central America. Founded in 1319 by the Aztecs, its capital, Mexico ... [ More ] Category: Travel Videos Producer: Pilot Productions Year: 1999 Download - $3.99 DVD - $19.95 VHS - $17.95 Globe Trekker: Baja California & the Copper Canyon The isolated peninsula of Baja California is situated off the southwest coast of the United States. Once a haven for mercenaries, revolutionaries, gangsters ... [ More ] Category: Travel Videos Producer: Pilot Productions Year: 1996 Download - $3.99 DVD - $19.95 VHS - $17.95 ScubaCore - Socorro Islands: Mantas and Dolphins and Whale SharksOh My! The SOLMAR V journeys from Cabo San Lucas to the eastern Pacific islands known as the Revillagigedos, in search of encounters with big animals. People ... [ More ] Category: Scuba Diving Videos Producer: Scuba Core Download - $2.99 DVD - $22.95 ScubaCore - Costa Rica: The Emerald Garden Central America's green and friendly "Rich Coast," or Costa Rica, is one of the best places on earth to be close to nature. It's everywhere: the trees, ... [ More ] Category: Scuba Diving Videos Producer: Scuba Core Download - $2.99 DVD - $22.95 Page 1 of 1 ^Top About TotalVid TotalVid has the world's largest collection of the most popular Central America travel videos available in our convenient download format. For as little as $1.99 you can download one of our top Central America travel videos and begin viewing in just minutes. Interested in buying a travel DVD or VHS? When you buy any Central America travel video from TotalVid, you get a free download version that you can begin viewing immediately. Need help choosing the right Central America travel video ? Drop us a note at customerservice@totalvid.com and we'll help you pick the perfect one to meet your needs. About Us | Terms and Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy List Your Video | Feedback/Contact Us | Jobs | Sitemap

Spain Travel

Tourist Office of Spain - Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain Our Office Useful Addresses How to get there Travel Tips Activities Travel Bulletin Tour Operators' Index Request Information Home Visiting Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine, and a warm welcome, but also its rich monumental heritage and dazzling natural environment. There is a perfect destination for everyone -choose yours. Visit our main Web site: Travel Tips for travel to and within Spain PASSPORT - MONEY - CUSTOMS PASSPORT AND VISA REGULATIONS : No visa for Spain is required for Canadian, US passport holders and nationals of European Unions countries for stays up to 3 months as a tourist. For stays exceeding this period, other nationalities or work permits please contact the Consulate of Spain nearest you. The addresses and telephone numbers of the Spanish Consulates are as follows: Toronto : 200 Front Street, Suite 2401, Toronto, Ont. M5V 3K2. Tel. (416) 977 1661 cgspain.toronto@mail.mae.es Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Montreal : 1 Westmount Sq. Ste 1456, Montreal, P.Q. H3Z 2P9. Tel. (514) 935 5235 consular@total.net Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information click here . INOCULATIONS : No inoculations are required when entering or leaving Spain. MONEY: As of January 1st, 2002, the new Spanish currency, as in most European Union countries, is the Euro. The currency will have notes and eight coins. The notes will have face value of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 or 500 euros. The Euro is divided into 100 cents and the coins will range in value from 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2 euros. Tourists may bring up to 6,010.12 euros (approximetly $10,000 Canadian dollars) without declaring the amount at customs. The current rate of exchange varies from week to week. For an updated exchange rate, check with newspapers or banks. Travellers cheques are most practical and Canadian currency can be exchanged at banks, airports, main hotels, etc. In order to get the most for your money, we advise you to buy some euros before leaving (for first day expenses) and exchange the rest of your dollars or travellers cheques at the bank once in Spain (although banking hours might be subject to change, presently they are: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Major credit cards are honoured in most hotels and restaurants, main stores, rent-a-car companies and others, although this should be checked before each transaction. The convenient Interact System can also be used throughout Spain, providing one of the easiest and cheapest ways of obtaining cash abroad; consult with your bank about your particular card and fees. For Currency converter click here . CUSTOMS: You may bring the following into Spain: personal effects, a personal laptop, one video camera or two still cameras with ten rolls of film each. A portable radio or portable tape recorder per person is admitted free of duty, as well as 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. One bottle of wine and one of liquor per person. The following sports equipment is also allowed: fishing gear, one bicycle, skis, tennis or squash racquets and golf clubs. PETS: Pets do not need to be held in quarantine prior to entering Spain. A certificate stating that an animal is in good health and has been inoculated against rabies (for dogs and cats) is required. The document must be issued by a veterinarian and certified at the nearest Consulate of Spain. TRANSPORTATION WITHIN SPAIN Railways: Spain has an extensive railroad system with fast and comfortable trains, offering some of the best fares in Europe. The national network is known as RENFE. Internet address: www.renfe.es . One of Europes most luxurious sightseeing trains is the AL ANDALUS EXPRESS with classic cars restored and refurbished in modern "grand luxe" style. There is 5-stars accommodation in the bedroom/salon cars. All excursions and meals are included. The AL ANDALUS EXPRESS have several itineraries, although it usually goes from Madrid south to Andalusia. The TRANSCANTABRICO, another sightseeing train, covers the northern and north-western parts of Spain know as Green Spain, from San Sebastian in the Basque region to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The train is air-conditioned and has showers, a bar and live music. All excursions and meals are included. AVE, Spains sleek bullet train, is the rail link between Madrid and Seville, going through Ciudad Real and Cordoba. This ultramodern train, which travels at a speed of up to 185 miles per hour, makes the Madrid-Seville run in 2 hours 30 minutes. TALGO is an ultramodern, fully air-conditioned train operating throughout Spain. New fast and sleek trains called EUROMEDS are going along the Mediterranean Coast, significantly cutting your travelling time from Barcelona to Valencia. Tickets can be purchased through RAIL EUROPE: 1-800-361 RAIL , which sells special rail passes only for Spain. Train Passes, such as EUROPASS and FLEXIPASS can also be purchased through RAIL EUROPE. Buses: Public bus service in Spain is comfortable and efficient. Although there are many lines which cover long distances, buses are specially recommended for short trips and for excursions from major tourist centres. Local tourist offices can provide you with schedule information. Ships: Travellers who wish to visit the Spanish Islands may depart from the mainland using the COMPAIA TRANSMEDITERRANEA. this national carrier has regular scheduled ferries from Barcelona and Valencia to the Balearic Islands and from Cadiz to the Canary Islands. TRANSMEDITERRANEA also offers inter-island service. The same company offers service to North Africa: from Almeria and Malaga to Melilla and from Algeciras to Tangiers and Ceuta. For reservations please call the headquarters in Madrid. Tel. : 011-341-431-0700, fax: 011-34- 431- 0804. Website: http://www.trasmediterranea.es Modern Hydrofoil ships are now linking Mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands, Algeciras to Tangier and between the Canary Islands. Inquire in our Office for more details about ferries. Driving in Spain: In order for Canadians to drive in Spain, they must: Have an International Driving Licence Be 18 years of age or older Be a tourist Traffic Offences: On the spot payment of fines (reduced by 20%) is compulsory for non-residents. Taxis: All major cities in Spain have metered taxi service. Any extra charges must be posted in the vehicle. For further information click here . ACCOMMODATION There are more than 10,000 hotel accommodations in Spain. They are divided into several categories, among them Hotels, Residence-Hotels, Apartment-Hotels, Motels and Pensions. All of them have a plaque at the entrance showing their official category, from one to five stars. Establishment classified, as "Residence-Hotels" does not provide meals. Official forms are available at hotels and any complaint concerning service may be registered. PARADORES DE ESPAA is a state-run network of hotels. Many of them are castles, convents, or palaces restored and furnished with every modern amenity. Most of them are scenically located. Reservations can be made directly to: Central of Reservations in Madrid, Tel: 011 34 91 5166666 and the fax: 011 34 91 516657/8 - Web site: http://www.parador.es For further information please visit Tourism Spain main Web site or contact our Tourist Office in Canada. New representatives in Canada: Adsum Tourism Services 4159 Dundas St. West, Suite 218 Toronto, ON M8X 1Y4 Phone : 416-237-1930 Fax: 416-237-9212 paradores-ca@adsum.ws Apartments and Villas: There are many for rent, especially along the coastal resort areas. It is advisable to stay a few days at a hotel or pension and look around for a suitable place. Prices can vary according to the season, area or location. An Official Guide to Apartment-Hotels can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Call us for a list of addresses. Camping: Spains excellent campsites can be found along the coast, on the islands, as well as in scenic areas. Campings are also classified under a star rating system which can be obtained from the Tourist Office. Rural Tourism: A magnificent alternative to visit the real Spain off the beaten track. Accommodation in traditional country farms is available all over Spain and most of then offer complementary activities such as horseback riding, bicycling, etc. OTHER INFORMATION Taxes: A 7% VAT is to be added to rates for all restaurants and hotel rooms. Service is included. Getting your VAT back: Travellers to Spain are entitled to a reimbursement of the 16% VAT tax they pay on all purchases as long as these add up to no less than 90.16 euros (approximately $150) per store. The vendor must provide the purchaser with a duly filled out invoice, which includes the price of each good, the VAT paid for each item, as well as the identification for both the vendor and purchaser. The goods must be brought out of Spain whitin three months. At the time of departure, the invoice must be submitted to the Spanish Customs Officer in charge of VAT refunds at the international port, gate or airport (there is a specific booth for this purpose just prior to the entrance to the international area). The Customs Officer will stamp the original copy, which should be turned in at a bank in the airport for reimbursement. Tipping: Service is generally included in the bill. Tips are at your own discretion, although a 10% tip is customary. Language: Castilian (Spanish) in the whole territory. Catalan, Basque (Euskera) and Galician in their respective autonomous regions. English is usually spoken in the tourist areas along the Mediterranean coast as well as French, although a booklet with the most common phrases in Spanish is always helpful. Electric Current: 220 volts (50 cycles) are commonly used in Spain, although 110 still exist in some areas. Round prong plugs are used in all outlets. Standard Canadian plugs will not fit into Spanish outlets. Bullfights: The season starts in March and runs until the middle of October. Shopping in Spain: This is not only an exciting venture but also practical as Spain offers today some of the best prices on many articles. Spain has a long tradition in making leather goods (shoes, luggage, bags, coats, dresses gloves, etc.), clothing (original fashion designers or ready-made), embroidery and lace; jewellery (classical or modern designs, as well as artisan gold and silver works); blown glass, pottery, antiques (some of the antique galleries in Madrid, Barcelona or Seville are among the best in Europe); furniture; interior decorating items (the famous Lladro porcelains, iron grille designs, silver and other metals such as candelabra, trays, bowls, etc.); toys; musical instruments (Spanish guitars are know to be the best in the world). Madrid and Barcelona are of course the major cities for shopping. In Madrid, the main commercial areas are: the Goya, Principe de Vergara and Serrano districts for exclusive fashions; Narvaez, Conde de Penalver and the old downtown area of Puerta del Sol, Alcala, Gran Via, Carretas and Arsenal, a place also to find major Department stores. A must is the Sunday flea market of El Rastro, where you can find anything from a hatpin to a masterpiece. In Barcelona, Paseo de Gracia and Diagonal for elegant shopping; the Ramblas and Plaza de Catalunya for almost anything; and the area around the church of Sta. Maria de los Reyes for antique galleries. Other excellent areas for shopping are tourist centres, such as Torremolinos and Marbella in Costa del Sol, Benidorm in Costa Blanca, Playa de Aro in the Costa Brava, Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands (mainly Tenerife and Gran Canaria) specially, since they are duty-free ports. Shopping Hours: Although big department stores are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, most shops keep traditional business hours, approximately 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Some stores are open on Sunday. Museums: The standard hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9:a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but check with the Tourist Office in Spain nearest you for hours of specific museums. For further information click here . Books and maps on Spain: The Tourist Office of Spain supplies maps, brochures and information circulars free of charge. Persons wishing further information may obtain additional guides and maps at retail stores or, in Spain, from local tourist offices. Travelling with children: Most hotels make reductions for babies and small children, although there are not official regulations. This matter should be arranged with the hotel management. Baby food and disposable diapers are available at most resorts and are obtainable from supermarkets and pharmacies. Baby-sitting arrangements can usually be made locally. The availability and cost should be checked with the establishment directly or through the booking agent. Health Service: Only members of the European Union enjoy free medical assistance under the Spanish Health Service during their stay. You are advised to take out adequate holiday insurance. This is available at your local bank or from most tour operators and travel agents. Although there are multilingual doctors in the tourist areas, those requiring special treatment or diets are advised to carry a letter from their doctor translated into Spanish, indicating the nature of the condition, treatment and medicines required. Special dietary products are available from health shops and pharmacies. Telephoning Home: Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Spain is 9000-99-0015 where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1-800-561-8868 or on the Internet: ( www.canada-direct.com ) Radio Canada International: Radio Canada International ( RCI ) broadcasts on short-wave in Spain. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI web site ( www.rcinet.ca ). You may also e-mail RCI at rci@montreal.radio-canada.ca or call ( 514 ) 597 7555 Casinos: Gambling is legal in Spain. There are 22 casinos in operation. Lists are available upon request. Public Holidays: January 1, New Years Day January 6 Good Friday March 19 May 1, Labour Day August 15, Feast of the Assumption October 12, Spains National Day November 1, All Saints December 6, Constitution Day December 25, Christmas day Each of the 17 Autonomous Regions and Municipalities in Spain has extra official public holidays celebrated only within its boundaries. Important Web site address: (in English) General information: www.tourspain.es IBERIA: www.iberia.com/ibusa RENFE: www.renfe.es PARADORES: www.parador.es SPANISH EMBASSY IN CANADA: www.docuweb.ca/SpainInCanada/ Information on Commercial matters: Please contact the Commercial Office of Spain at: 55 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Tel.. (416) 967-0488. e-mail: buzon.oficial@toronto.ofcomes.mcx.es THE CLIMATE IN SPAIN SPRING is an ideal time to visit the central regions of Castile, Andalusia, the Mediterranean Coast and the Balearic Islands. The climate is generally very good, but expect occasional rain. SUMMER is a good season to visit the northern regions, especially the resorts along the Cantabrian Coast, from Hondarribia on the French-Spanish border to La Guardia at the Portuguese-Spanish frontier. FALL is perhaps the best season of the year to visit the entire country. The climate is excellent, with sunny days and blue skies. WINTER is a good season for the Mediterranean regions, particularly the Costa del Sol, Alicante (Costa Blanca) and the Balearic Islands. The high mountain ranges offer excellent conditions for winter sports. The Canary Islands have an even and pleasant climate all year round. For further information click here . Site Content Our Office Useful addresses Travel Bulletin Travel Tips Activities Tour operators index How to get there Information request Home page ACTIVITIES Cultural: Spain has a very intense cultural life; opera, ballet and concerts can be enjoyed in the major cities - Madrid and Barcelona have their opera, ballet and concert season. Spanish theatre is very popular with more than 30 theatres in Madrid playing daily. There are also the famous "Fiestas". Every city, town and village has its own, usually commemorating their patron saint, including bullfighting, folklore dances, outdoors fairs and events. Larger cities often include ballets, plays and flamenco spectacles. For dates and information please contact our Office. For further information click here . Gastronomy and Restaurants: Food in Spain is taken very seriously. Dining is an indispensable ingredient, in the countrys ebullient social lifestyle. Meals are long and leisurely, providing an opportunity to enjoy good company freshly prepared dishes, and fine wines, such as the world-famous Riojas. Lunch is the big meal of the day and is generally served between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Dinner is traditionally served between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. Vertical forks (from one to five) rate restaurants on a plaque outside the entrance. Prices must be listed both inside and outside the establishment. Ask for the tourist menu, usually an all- included meal very reasonably priced according to the category of the restaurant. Spanish cuisine is based on the healthy Mediterranean diet. Prized Spanish olive oil, garlic, fresh daily produce and wine are the staples. The striking cultural contrasts between regions in Spain are reflected in the tremendous variety of cooking styles. The central plateau of Castile is known for its delicious roasts: lamb, kid, suckling pig, and game such as partridge. Try the garlic soup, hearty bean stews, and famous Manchego cheeses. Valdepeas and Ribera del Duero make exceptional red wines. Catalans are very inventive cooks, combining game and poultry with seafood, and savoury meats with sweet sauces of dried fruits and nuts. Basque cooking is considered the most sophisticated and innovative in Spain. The city of San Sebastian is exemplary, with many restaurants serving some of the finest food in Europe. Traditional cuisine is at its best in fish and shellfish. The north-western region of Galicia is Spains source of a wide variety of fresh shellfish, and delicacies such as barnacles and spider crab. Try the octopus accompanied by the famous Albario and Ribeiro wines. Andalusia is home to the refreshing gazpacho and garlic-almond soup, delicious olives, and world-famous Sherries. The rice fields of Valencia gave birth to the paella as well as a wide variety of excellent rice dishes. Spains greatest contribution to gastronomy may well be the tapas. These little portions of regional specialities are served in restaurants and bars throughout Spain and are generally accompanied by wine, beer or sangria. 2004 Tourist Office of Spain in Canada 2 Bloor West, Toronto, ON, M4W 3E2 Tel.: (416) 961-3131, Fax.: (416) 961-1992 E-mail: toronto@tourspain.es Developed by DesignByBaxter This web page last updated: Wednesday, May 25, 2005