Asia Travel || Laos

TRAVEL LEISURE TOURS HOTELS RESORTS LAOS Map of Laos Laos Visa Requirement LAOS AT A GLANCE Official Name : State of LAO P.D.R. : Head of State : Head of Government : Official Language : Land Area : Population : Currency : GDP per Capita : Main Exports : Main Imports : Exports : Imports : Lao People's Democratic Republic People's Democratic State President Nouhak PHOUMSAVANH Minister Khamtay SIPHANDONE Lao 236,800 square kilometres 4,581,128 (1995) Kip US$350 (1994-1995) Electricity, timber and wood products, garments and texties, coffee, tin, Petroleum, machinery and raw materials, vehicles, cement, iron, fabrics US$209.40 (1994-1995) US$375.40 (1994-1995) The Lao People's Democratic Republic is located in South East Asia at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula between latitude 14-23 degrees north and longitude 100108 degrees east. Laos has an eastern border of 1,957 km with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a western border of 1,730 km with the Kingdom of Thailand, a southern border of 492 km with the Kingdom of Cambodia a northern border of 416 km with the People's Republic of China and a North Western border of 230 km with the Union of Myanmar. Total area of Laos is 236,800 square kilometres, three quarters of which is mountainous and forest-covered 40 % while the country is rich in natural resources, such as mineral deposits, including 1 billion tons of high quality iron are between 60-70%, lead, gold, tin and 8200-8232 calorie/gram coal. Although the Lao P.D.R. has no direct access to the sea, it has the Mekong River which is the main river of the country flowing north to south. In addition, there are many branch rivers which nourish agriculture. Laos people use it as a power source which supplies hydro-electric of over 18,000 MW from 57 dams. The Population of the Lao P.D.R. is estimated at 4,581,128 (1995) and population density remains one of the lowest in the region at 19 persons per square kilometre with a population increase rate of 2.64 %. The Lao population is ethnically diverse with up to 68 different ethnic groups identified inhabiting the country, with various languages, cultures and traditions which are classified into three groups: The Lao Loam, who occupy the lowlands plains and the Mekong River valley, and constitute about 56% of the total population; the Lao Thing, who occupy the mountain slopes, comprising about 34% of the population, and the high mountain Lao, constituting about 9% of the total population, and one per cent foreigners. LAOS VISA REQUIREMENT - Request for Laos Visa Approval should be emailed to asiatrav@asiatravel.com giving the following informations: Family Name and Giving Name and Sex Nationaltiy Passport Number - Date of Issued & Expiry Date of Birth Occupation Date of Arrival ** It takes another 2 working days to obtain Lao visa aproval Ater getting the Laos Visa Approval, travellers have to obtain Lao Visa Stamp at the Lao Embassy in their own country or in Bangkok with the following documents: 2 Visa Application Form (Photocopy accepted) 2 photos Original Passport **It takes another 2 working days to obtain Lao visa stamp FOR TRAVELLERS WHO WISH TO OBTAIN LAO VISA ONLY The Arrangement fees is US$95 HOW TO REACH LAO PDR One can arrive in Vientiane either by air or by land BY AIR - From Bangkok, Hanoi or Phnompenh to Vientiane BY TRAIN - From Bangkok to Nongkai **Train from Bangkok to Nongkai travels at night berth. Upon arrival at Nongkai in the morning, you will have to take taxi or rickshaw to Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and cross the border. The guide will wait for you after Lao Immigration to transfer you to Vientiane. Asia Travel || Laos Hotels & Resorts

FRANCE TRAVEL INFORMATION :

France travel information tips, Paris hotel specials, and France travel and tourism facts. DISCOVER FRANCE FRANCE BICYCLE TOURS FRANCE WALKING TOURS FRANCE GETAWAYS PARIS TRIPS PARIS HOTELS Theme Travel » Honeymoons Family Trips Wine/Cooking Paris Packages His & Her Woman Tours Gay/Lesbian Corporate Group Travel Club Trips Info Book a Tour Site Map Walking Tour Regions Alsace Brittany Burgundy Champagne Dordogne/SW Paris/Ile de France Languedoc Loire Valley Normandy Provence Bicycle Tour Regions Alsace Brittany Burgundy Champagne Dordogne/SW Languedoc Loire Valley Normandy Poitou-Charentes Provence Rhone-Alpes Travel news/announcements/Info: See our latest newsletter for updates Southern France, Spain, Italy - the best weather in the fall season ! We can take last minute bookings up to 7 days in advance of travel - subject to hotel availability. Our recommendations: Carcassonne Countryside - more challenging cycling tour visits the famous Cite of Carcassonne and vineyards of the Corbiere before finishing at the sea side. Provence - Avignon to Mediterranean - most popular tour for a full cross section of charming Provence. Spain - Catalonia and the Costa Brava near Girona . Lovely farmhouse family style lodging or gastronomic charm hotels. Exceptional late season biycle tour! Italy -Tuscany - enchanting region with its famously hilly terrain is best visited in the fall. We can accommodate 4 or 6 night packages. Paris Getaways : Low Season - November through March from low rates for excellent hotels of charm. Add on museum passes, metro passes, airport transfers or even add a stay in any of the many provinces easily reached by train from Paris like Dijon, Bordeaux, Avignon, Strasbourg, Tours, Reims, Lyon, and so on! Paris by foot; see our new Da Vinci Code tour and other programs in Paris Self Guided Walking Tours : Our program of self-guided travel is open to anyone; to know more visit this page of our website: Self Guided Touring FRANCE TRAVEL INFORMATION : This bit of information is for general travel throughout France. Each of our tour clients will receive this in addition to more detailed information about their tour. Paris Hotels - see our site at www.hotelsparis.net Hotels throughout France - see our site at www.francegetaways.com Regional Tourist Offices throughout France - see our links page See our new Vocabulary and interactive Language page Arriving in Paris: most flights now arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport from foreign destinations. There are still some charters and inter France flights going out of Orly. Our site at www.gotoparis.net discusses in detail the different options available for getting into the city. These options include: express buses, trains, taxis, and private transfers. To get from CDG airport to Orly, the best is by Air France bus. They depart every 30 minutes between 6:30 am and 10:30 pm. Traveling around in France: France is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T. +1). This makes it 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T. +6, and +9 PST). The time is the same all over the country. The country is divided in 95 departments – each has its name and its number and this number is set by alphabetical order. That number is found at the beginning of each zip code of the department as well as the last 2 digits of the car plates. Documentation U.S citizens only need a valid passport to travel to France as long as their stay does not exceed 3 months. You are required to carry identification with you at all times when traveling in France. If you lose your passport, contact: American Consulate 2, rue Saint Florentin - 75001 Paris Tel: 01.42.96.12.02 or 01.42.61.80.75 Consular Section for Canadians 35, Avenue de Montaigne - 75008 Paris Tel: 01.44.43.32.00 Post Office - Mail / Shipping The Post Office is called LA POSTE or PTT. Generally open M-F from 9am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 12pm. Telephone France is divided by 5 zones for the telephone. The 2 first digits of a phone number tells you the area: 01 is Paris / 02 northwest / 03 northeast / 04 southeast / 05 southwest. From the States, you don’t need to dial the 0. But once in France, you have to dial the 0. Phone numbers must have 10 digits (including the first 0), no exception – except of course the emergency numbers. Public phones in France require a telephone card, or they can often work also with a credit card. Check for the signs “Visa”, “Master Card”, etc… Emergency telephone numbers throughout France 24 hour ambulance (called “SAMU”): 15 Police: 17 Fire: 18 Other telephone numbers in Paris: 24 hour doctor: 01.47.07.77.77 24 hour dentist: 01.43.37.51.00 English language crisis line: 01.47.23.80.80 Public Holidays January 1st / Easter Monday / May 1st = Labor Day / May 8th / Ascension Thursday (last Thursday of May) / Pentecote Monday (beginning of June) / July 14 = Bastille Day / August 15 = Assumption / November 1st / November 11th / December 25th. Electric current Electricity in France runs on 220 volt, 50-cycle AC current. If you bring electrical devices, you will need to have a transformer and plug adapter. Banking / Purchasing Banks are generally open weekdays 9am - 4:30pm. In many cities outside Paris banks close for lunch, sometimes for 2 hours. Most banks are closed Saturday and Sunday and all holidays. The main banks are: BNP / Credit Agricole / Societe Generale / Caisse d’Epargne / Credit du Nord, etc… The Euro - € As of January 1, 2002, the Euro is the official currency in France and the 11 other countries currently participating in European currency union. The old French Franc is now part of history and is no longer accepted as a payment form. Check before departure the equivalent of the Euro compare to the U.S Dollar. The Euro paper currency will be the same in all 12 countries, in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. The coins however, will bear a different face according to the country. There are 8 coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. Driving in France Document / Insurance / Law - An American driver’s license is valid for Americans driving in France. Have another ID document with you like your passport. - Insurance is highly recommended, be sure you are set before you leave home. - The legal age to drive in France is 18. - Trucks – except with special authorization – are not allowed to drive on Sunday. - Seat belts must be worn at all times – children under 12 must sit in the backseat - Park your car only where it is authorized, fines arrive quickly! And cars are often towed away. Car rental The legal age to rent a car is 21– but most companies require being 25 years old. See our links page for companies, and insurance options. Gas Taxes on gas are very high in France, which explains the price of the liter: On the petrol pump “Sans Plomb” means unleaded petrol. Gas stations along highways are open 24 h / 7 days. French usually get gas at large stores like Carrefour, Leclerc, Casino, etc… You can go at any time, help yourself and use your credit card Types of roads Interstate toll way / Motorway = A + the number of the road / 130km/h is the speed limit. This is also a toll road, you can pay tolls with a credit card; this is the fast way to travel, but is not cheap! Every 20 km you have restaurants, gas station, sometimes shops, restrooms… National road = N + number of the road / 90km/h. If you are not traveling too far or if you have plenty of time, then the more scenic and free way to go is on the National roads. A famous road in France is the National 7 / N7. There is even a song ? about that road sung by Charles TRENET! Department road = D + number of the road / 50km/h. Great for seeing the back country of France; very slow going. PARIS - some basic info is below. Museum passes, metro passes, day tours, shows, bus tours, more: www.gotoparis.net TOURIST OFFICES There are many convenient locations within Paris: Carrousel du Louvre: 99 Rue de Rivoli, 75001. Metro: Palais Royal / Louvre (1,7) Montmartre: 21 Place du Tertre, 75018. Metro: Abbesses (12) Gare du Nord: Metro / RER (B,D,4,5) Tour Eiffel: Metro / RER: Champs de Mars / Tour Eiffel (C), Bir-Hakeim (6) Gare de Lyon: Metro / RER (A,D,1,14) Opera – Grands Magasins: 11 rue Scribe, 75009/ Metro: Opera (3,7,8) / RER: Auber (A) Train Stations in Paris: Gare du Nord: North of France, Belgium, Eurostar to London, UK Gare de L’Est: Champagne, Alsace / Germany Gare de Lyon: Southeast, Provence – Cote d’Azur / Italy Gare Austerlitz: Loire Valley, Southwest France Gare Montparnasse: Brittany, TGV to Loire and Southwest Gare Saint Lazare: Normandy, western coast More detailed travel information is available at the French Governement Tourist Office Website at www.franceguide.com Home | Cycling Classics | Pure Adventures | Bicycle Tours | Walking Tours | Media | Links Promotions | Travel Agents | FAQs | Weather | Newsletter | Group Travel | Privacy © 2006 Discover France (SM)

Germany travel newsletter today!

Travel to Germanys Historic Cities Free German Travel Newsletter! Enter your email to subscribe to the Historic Highlights of Germany travel newsletter today! HTML Text AOL Travel to Germanys Historic Cities Travel to the Historic Highlights of Germany, 13 cities chosen for their special charm, architectural brilliance and historic character. Our cities have banded together to provide a single point of contact to help you plan your travel to Germany. How to use our site Click on Cities to learn more about our charming towns what to do, what to see, and where to stay. Learn about history, culture, food and wine, attractions, excursions, activities, events and the general region. In Interests , find out about German art, literature, music, religion, architecture and history and to learn which cities to visit to match your travel preferences. Click on Plan a Trip for tips on hotels and travel packages you can use as building blocks to prepare your own personal itinerary within Germany. Our new Personal Planning Guide lets you assemble a booklet with information you choose from our cities. Our planning wizard helps you create a kit you can use as you plan your travel in Germany. Visit our cities In the Historic Highlights of Germany, youll travel in the footsteps of emperors and kings, bishops and scholars, and generals and presidents who changed the face of Germany, Europe and the world. Youll travel to cities where seamen and merchants built the power of the Hanseatic League. Marvel at our architecture. Freiburgs cathedral with its 381-foot tower ranks among the masterworks of Gothic architecture. Wrzburgs baroque Residenz took 24 years to build. In Augsburg, rococo grew so prevalent that it became known as the Augsburg style. Walk amid gothic-renaissance Heidelberg Castle, Wrzburgs massive baroque Residenz and Potsdams Sanssouci Palace, the 18th-century retreat of Frederick the Great. Or travel to Mnster, the land of 100 moated castles. Trace the roots of Martin Luther and the Protestant faithand spend the night in Luthers former monastery. Walk through Roman ruins, medieval town centers, and thriving marketplaces. Taste history, too. Enjoy wine and seaside specialties in restaurants founded by captains nearly 500 years agoand with reserved tables where todays skippers carry on the tradition. Our vintners and brew masters will take pride in your pleasure. One of our monasteries has been brewing since the 11th century, and we can even serve you wine from your birth year. Travel to our cities, where history lives! © 2003 Historic Highlights of Germany, info@historicgermany.com Map of Germany click on the city icons to get more information Inbounds in Historic Germany: The Soccer Games The 13 cities of Historic Highlights of Germany are quite close* to the stadiums of the World Championships and even closer to Germanys rich history.... more... Featured Travel Packages: Germany's Architectural Treasures Special Travel Values German Christmas Markets Proud Travel Partners Lufthansa German Rail German National Tourist Office Gemuetlichkeit Travel Letter for Germany, Austria, Switzerland & the New Europe

South America Travel

worldsurface.com - sustainable tourism for backpackers and independent travellers -- members discussions -- live diaries what's new tours book a flight hostels hotels insurance travel guides shop volunteering worldsurface.com the whole web Footprint Travel Guide - Paraguay South America Mexico & Central America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Cuba Ecuador & Galapagos Mexico Rio de Janeiro Peru Venezuela South American Handbook 2001 Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Galapagos, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, The Guianas The longest running travel guide in the English language is published in its 77th annual edition. Covering the whole of a continent in a travel-proof portable package the adventurous traveller to South America leaves home without it at their peril! 1695 pages crammed with the most up-to-date and accurate travel information for all budgets Introduction to travelling in South America illustrated with colour photography Special feature for the 2001 edition on the Pan American Highway Invaluable 'travellers tips' throughout the book Packed with facts for the adventure traveller eg cyclists, trekkers and climbers 12 pages of invaluable colour maps "It's superlatives all the way - the best book for South American travel around" South American Explorers Club Author: Ben Box Ben has been the editor of the South American Handbook since 1989 and associate editor for many more years. In this role he has travelled to almost every corner of Latin America. He has a doctorate in Spanish and Portuguese Studies and has been writing about contemporary Iberian and Latin American affairs since 1980. ISBN 1 900949 61 X September 2000 1695 pages 77th annual edition 219 maps £21.99 Site Design and Content is © Footprint Handbooks and is reproduced by kind permission. Beach Holidays Biking Trips Conservation Opportunities Diving Vacations Kayaking Trips Volunteering Opportunities Overland Adventures Riding Tours Trekking Vacations Wildlife Holidays 21st Century Backpacking Access to the information on this site is free The information we hold on members is kept to a minimum and we do not pass any information on to third parties See our privacy policy for more information --

Austria Travel: Austria Travel

Travel: Austria Travel Notes -- Austrian News Car Hire Cruises Flights Hotels Tours Vacations About Travel Notes™ Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Search Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Austria Travel: Austria Travel Notes -- Austrian News Breaking News From Austria . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail The Royal Diaries Austria Index AustrianCities Austrian Culture Austrian Hotels Austrian News Austrian Regions Austrian Tourism Austrian Tours Kaffehauskultur (in German) LocalCurrency Convert your currency into euro . Food Travel Fiction Health Kids Bios Humor Mags Software Gifts Tech Business Other Your Ad Here Travel Notes Mailing List Austria Hotel City Search : Breaking News From Austria News from Austria . A selection of Austrian news resources online. Austria Presse Agentur : APA news feeds are in German only. Austria Today : Daily news in English. Blue Danube Radio : English and German radio station (now called FM4 ) that broadcasts out of Vienna. Can even be heard in Germany and Hungary . Kleine Zeitung : South Austria's daily (Steiermark & Krnten). Kurier Online : National and international news in German. Neue Kronen Zeitung : Austria's tabloid. Neue Vorarlberger Tageszeitung : One of two papers serving Voralberg. Neues Volksblatt : Representing Linz. Obersterreichische Nachrichten : News from Upper Austria. Die Presse : Austria's quality daily. Enter Austria : Getting to Austria, and other information for tourists. Austrian Culture : Austria's illustrious history leaves a lot of memories behind. Uncover the delights of former glory. Europe Travel Forum : From Albania to Vatican City, Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, Europe is culturally eclectic and full of lavish history. Join us in the travel forums if you have a question about Europe or would like to share your experiences about travelling or living in Europe. The Internet TravelNotes.org Flight Tickets : Save money on Round The World flight tickets. Travel News : Get the inside scoop with the latest travel features and tips. Past Articles . The Danube Weather Outlook Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Tours Vacations Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Meta-Travel Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Travel Directory : Europe : Austria : Austrian News -- Submit to Travel Notes | Advertise on TravelNotes.org | Favourite Destinations | Magun'sCompass | Travel Articles | Writers | | Airlines | Airports | Car Hire | Cruises | Flights | Hotels | Online Reservations | Vacation Rentals | | Casinos | Olympics | World Cup | General Disclaimer | Meta-Travel | Search Resources | | TravelNotes is a Trademark of TravelNotes.org | Travel Notes Blog | Add URL | Add to Favorites The URL for this page is: http://www.travelnotes.org/Europe/Austria/austrian_news.htm