Golf Vacation

Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa, Arizona Home | Sign In | Contact Us Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa Print Version Email Page 2727 West Club Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85742 Phone: (520) 297-2271, Fax: (520) 297-7544 Take a 360 Tour A Desert Playground Immersed in Pure Luxury From its picturesque setting in the foothills of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains to the lush fairways of its 36-hole championship and desert-style golf courses, the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa has it all. At this 650-acre retreat in the Santa Catalina Mountains foothills, pleasure seekers can get a taste of heaven at the championship golf and world-class spa, lighted tennis courts, two sparkling pools, three restaurants and Four-Diamond rooms and suites. The resort was recently selected as one of the "75 Best Golf Resorts in North America" by Golf Digest. Conveniently located approximately 30 minutes from Tucson International Airport and 90 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Hotel Highlights Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. Check-in: 4 pm. Check-out: Noon. Awards and Accolades The Four-Diamond Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa is a Connoisseur's Choice Award winner. Mobil Travel Four-Star Rated Resort Spa Selected as one of the "75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” by Golf Digest. Ranked as one of the nation’s top 500 hotels by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. 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Europe Travel & Tourism

Internet Public Library: Europe Travel & Tourism The Internet Public Library This collection All of the IPL Advanced -- Subject Collections Arts & Humanities Archives & Records Management Culture Fine Arts History Language Libraries Literature Museum Studies Philosophy Religion Arts & Humanities News Fine Arts & Humanities Libraries History of Arts & Humanities Business Accounting Agriculture Banking Business Administration Business Directories Business & Economics News Commerce & Trade Consumer Issues & Services E-Commerce Economics Employment Entrepreneurship Finance History of Business & Economics Industry Insurance International Business Labor & Workplace Marketing & Advertising Non-Profit Organizations Real Estate Statistics Tax Computers Computer Hardware Computer Science Computer Software Cyberculture Internet Platforms Programming System Administration Computers & Internet News History of Computers & Internet Education Adult Education Alternative Education Early Childhood and Pre-school Education News Higher Education K-12 Education Special Education Teachers & Administrators Vocational Education Entertainment Arts & Crafts Books Entertainment & Leisure News Fashion Food Games History of Entertainment & Leisure Hobbies Home & Garden Movies Music Outdoor Recreation Paranormal Phenomena Pets Radio Sports Television Theater Travel & Tourism Health Alcohol, Drugs & Tobacco Alternative Medicine Anatomy & Physiology Consumer Information Disabilities Diseases, Disorders & Syndromes Donors & Transplants Exercise & Fitness First Aid General Medicine Geriatrics Health & Medical Sciences News Health Care Management & Policy History of Medicine Injuries Medical Technology Men's Health Mental Health Medications & Pharmaceuticals Nursing Nutrition & Diet Occupational Health & Safety Oral Health & Dentistry Pain Treatment & Management Pediatrics Preventive Medicine Professional Resources Sexuality Specializations Surgery Veterinary Medicine Women's Health Law & Government Law Law Enforcement Government Political Science History of Law, Government & Political Science Regional Africa Asia Australia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America South Pacific Science & Tech Agriculture & Aquaculture Astronomy Chemistry Communications Controversial Earth Sciences Electronics Energy Engineering Environmental Sciences & Ecology History of Science & Technology Horology (Time) Life Sciences Mathematics Paleontology Physics Science & Technology News Science & Technology Libraries Transportation Social Science Anthropology Archaeology Customs, Etiquette, Folklore Education Ethnicity, Culture & Race Gender & Sexuality Geography History History of Social Sciences People by Age Group Political Science Psychology Social Issues & Social Welfare Social Sciences News Sociology Ready Reference Almanacs Calendars Dictionaries English Non-English Translation More… Style & Writing Guides Quotations Telephone & Address Genealogy Biographies Encyclopedias Geography Reading Room Books Magazines Newspapers KidSpace TeenSpace Special Collections Blogs Literary Criticism Science Fair More… Associations on the Net Blogs Exhibits Literary Criticism Native American Authors POTUS Science Fair Searching Tools FARQs Pathfinders Search this Site Web Searching Accessibility Info About the IPL Teach with the IPL Ask a Question Contact Us Search YOU ARE HERE: Home » Subject Collections » Entertainment & Leisure » Travel & Tourism » Regional & Country Information » Europe » Europe Travel & Tourism SEE ALSO Magazines • Associations on the Net Sub-headings: Travel and Tourism Resources in this category: You can also view Magazines , Associations on the Net under this heading. -- All About Spain - Travel and Tourism :: http://www.red2000.com/spain/index.html Online virtual guidebook. Bratislava Guide :: http://www.bratislavaguide.com/ A guide to Bratislava, Slovakia, designed for visitors to the city. The authors are residents of the city and post information on arts and culture, news, dining, shopping, and other activities for tourists. Bruges Info :: http://www.brugesinfo.com/ Bruges, Belgium travel information guide, your travel resource to the Venice of the North. Explore over 500 photos of Bruges, weather and maps, Bruges hotel, and bed and breakfasts for accomodations Central Europe Online :: http://www.einnews.com/centraleurope "Produced daily, Central Europe Online contains a comprehensive mix of Daily News from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Slovenia with country home pages, special features, Travel and Cultural Information, and useful links to other sites." Chris De Witt's Berlin Wall Web Page :: http://www.appropriatesoftware.com/berlinwall/welcome.html Chris De Witt's Berlin Wall Web Pages are a great resource to students of history who want to learn more about Berlin's divided past. This web site guides visitors on a virtual tour of Berlin's past and present with loads of photos and essays about the city. The site provides its visitors a more intimate look into a city with a significant role in world history. The Cyber Cafes of Europe :: http://kiosek.com/eurocybercafes/ Complete, browsable directory of cyber cafés in Europe, browsable by country, with links to café homepages where available. Europe for Visitors :: http://europeforvisitors.com/ "More than 2,500 pages of European travel articles, photos, and links from Durant Imboden, author of Buying Travel Services on the Internet ." Germany Tourism :: http://www.germany-tourism.de/ This site about Germany promotes tourism throughout the country, providing information about destinations, upcoming events, travel tips, and an information center. Site visitors can also use a route planner, view 600 panoramic pictures of the country, and view several short videos. The German National Tourist Board oversees the site. Go To Georgia :: http://www.parliament.ge/gotogeorgia.htm Produced by Georgia's Parliament, this website provides information about the culture, economics, governance, tourism, sports, human rights protection, civic society, and other topics related to the country of Georgia. Guia Madrid Rural :: http://www.guiamadridrural.com/ Travel information for the Madrid area. Regional maps and guides to campsites, hotels, hostels, and rural homes. Includes information on outdoor activities and transportation in the area. In Spanish with limited English. Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel in Russia :: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/russia/ On-line publication of a published book by the originating company. Offers information about how to travel in as well as the history of Russia. Paris Net :: http://www.parisnet.net/ Guide to Paris including travel tips, shopping, fashion, business and personal contacts, Paris gastronomie, etc. Rail Europe :: http://www.raileurope.com/us/index.htm Information about train passes, flights, and car rental for travel in Europe, including trains in Britain and Russia. This is a commercial site and therefore you can order tickets here, including group travel arrangements but it also has alot of useful free information. The Budget Traveller's Guide to Sleeping In Airports :: http://www.sleepinginairports.net/airports.htm This useful website has compiled commentary from thousands of travellers on the experience of sleeping in particular airports. The site rates the best airports in which to sleep in terms of cleanliness, safety, comfort, etc. Search the site according to world region or by country. Over 600 airports around the world are included. The Spirit of Romania :: http://www.spirit.ro/ This site provides travel information for Romania with listings of popular sites, photo galleries, an interactive map of the country and a fact sheet about currency, health and other important travel facts. (Site may take a while to load, especially on a dial-up connection.) La Torre de Pisa :: http://torre.duomo.pisa.it/index_eng.html "The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral. Its construction began in the august of 1173 and continued (with two long interruptions) for about two hundred years, in full fidelity to the original project, whose architect is still uncertain." This site provides a history of the tower, short film and photo archives that allows you to "navigate between the orders (as the various floors are termed) of the Tower of Pisa.""One of the great landmarks and architectural icons of the Western world now has an official Internet home. View thousands of images on afloor-by-floor photographic tour, enjoy a 360-degree view from the belfry via Quicktime VR, or read about the history of the tower -- which began in 1173 and was under construction for about two hundred years, during which time it began to incline. Text in English and Italian describes contemporary efforts to safeguard and preserve this remarkable monument." Transport for London :: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/ "Transport for London provides detailed advice on using the various transport services in London, including Underground, Bus and River services. You will find information on our wide range of tickets, tube (subway) and bus maps to assist you in planning your journey along with useful tips for visitors to London." UK Orbit Shopping Directory :: http://www.ukorbit.com/ Tells you which shops accept your credit, debit, charge or store cards. Which shops offer free delivery, price matching, discounts or credit. Ultimate Italy :: http://ultimateitaly.com/ Ultimate Italy is a resource to discover Italy focusing on everything about the "best of Italy"; the cities, Italian piazzas, the latest picks of restaurants, pizzerias, bars and caffes, italian lifestyle, the nature from Italian national parks, Alps to the breathtaking Islands. You can find not only Italy travel & tourism information but an insight into the famous people of Italy, Italian fashion,the culture, history and arts. Virtual Finland :: http://virtual.finland.fi/ "Should you have any questions about Finland - any at all - the answer probably lies here, where you can get all sorts of information in several languages." VisitEurope.com :: http://www.visiteurope.com/ Comprehensive travel site for people planning to visit Europe. Each country has its own profile, highlighting popular places to visit, hotel and transportation information, trip planning, and news. The site also features tips for first time visitors, a trip planning guide, a calendar of events, and information for travelers with special interests. © 1995-2005 The Regents of the University of Michigan. All rights reserved.

Russia Travel Brochure with

RNG - Maps Russian National Group Official guide to Russian Visas, Travel and Hotels (646) 473-2233, (877) 221-7120 Home Visas Air tickets Cruises Tours Excursions Hotels About Us Excursions Traveler Tips Travel Insurance Testimonials Travel Links Russian Passports Travel Passports Document's Legalization FAQs US Office, New York Phone (646) 473-2233 Toll Free Phone (877) 221-7120 Fax (646) 473-2205 E-Mail info@rnto.org Address 224 West 30th Street Suite 701 New York, NY 10001 Moscow Office Phone +7 095 980 8440 Fax +7 095 980 8441 Address 5/10 Chistoprudni Blvd Suite 214 Moscow, Russia Member of Russian Travel Union Online maps Link to an Interactive Map of Russia MORE MAPS C.I.S. Russian Museums Moscow Admin. Moscow Transport -- Moscow Metro St. Petersburg -- St. Petersburg Metro -- Useful Links -- News from Russia True Search Free Submit St. Petersburg Russian folk ensemble "Barynya" History -- Russian Consulate Mentionings in the news Budapest Weather Cheap Birmingham Airport Parking Student Gap Year Travel Insurance Ski and Snowboarding Insurance YoYsearch-ten types of search Bucharest Hotels Appartments in Prague Prague Hotels Budapest Hotel Reservation Holiday Planning, Travel Info Echolist Directory My Travel Directory Cheap Hotel in Brussels Branson Lodging, Travel Cheap advice on travel in Europe Newark Airport Hotel Service Cheap Travel Africa Holiday Villas in Portugal Birmingham Hotels Ireland travel Joker Poker Motels Reservation, Tourism Info Romania Hotels Directory Cyprus Magnifico Hotel, Rome Hotel Nella Florence Travel Europe Car Rentals Europe North Cyprus Holidays DiscountHotels Napa Sonoma Limousine Tours Real Estate Dubai Himalayan Goji Juice Betplatinum Starluck Casino Usa casino Blackjack Ballroom Casino Jazz Festivals 777 Dragon Internet Fraud, Mail Fraud Discount hotels worldwide www.RussianScamCheck.org Online Maps Request your copy of 2006 Russia Travel Brochure with prices and itineraries We help with international adoptions. Click here to inquire Weather Moscow | ST. Petersburg home | feedback | terms

Germany Travel > Germany

Germany Map - Travel Map and Resources for Germany  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Germany Travel > Germany Map - Travel Map and Resources for Germany 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 Map of Germany and German Travel Resources You are Here Home Europe Map Germany Map and Travel Resources Start Your Travel Planning with our Germany Map Cities which have link categories on this site are shown in black on the map. Featured cities which have travel planners are in rust. Scroll down for a list of Germany resource links. German Cities - Map of Germany Showing the Travel Resources on this Site Map of Germany© 2004 by James Martin, licensed to About City Destinations in Germany - German City Travel Planners Baden-Baden Baden-Baden Travel Planner Baden-Baden Map and Essential Travel Resources Baden-Baden Links Cologne (Koln) Cologne Travel Essentials and City Profile Leipzig Leipzig Travel Planner Leipzig Tourism Links Munich Munich Travel Planner (includes Dachau Memorial) Munich Links - Munich on the web - hotels events and festivals. Neuschwanstein Castle Neuschwanstein Castle - Mad King Ludwig's Dream Nuremberg Nuremberg Travel Planner German City Resources Can't find a German city on the list above? You'll find more German Travel Resources in our Germany Travel Planning Guide Regional Germany Travel Planners Germany'sCastle Road - Map and Travel Information Germany's Romantic Road - Travel Resources Germany's Wine Regions - Travel Resources Germany Specialty Travel Auto Museums in Germany Cycling Germany Octoberfest Germany Guidebooks Top TenGermany Guides - Find country guides and specialty guides for Germany. Maps of Germany Germany Regional Map (a map showing the regions of Germany and general populationand geographical information - available to download and print). German Rail Map (find essential travel information for traveling through Germany by train, including passes, language, and train types. Germany in Pictures Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Heidelberg, Germany Leipzig, Germany Nuremburg, Germany Rothenburg, Germany Germany - Transportation Germany is justifyably proud of its autobahn--a high speed transportation network that gets you quickly around the country. These days, some sections of autobahn are prone to slowing, and German maps will mark those problem areas. The suggested speed limit in most clear areas in 130 km/hr, or roughly 80 mph. Smaller roads are generally in good repair. For more on driving in Germany, see Hyde Flippos's excellent Driving in Germany . Germany has an efficient train network as well as Europe's best and most comprehensive rail web site, Die Deutsche Bahn . There are often specials on tickets, especially on weekends, so when you ask for a ticket at the window, inquire about specials. I've taken a one hour later train than I originally proposed for a significant discount. For passes and discounts, see Special Offers for Non-European Travelers . The fast trains are called ICE, and you'll pay a supplement. But you'll be traveling on a fast train with lots of creature comforts and business perks, like tables and electrical connections for your laptop. For some history and a map of ICE routes, see the ICE/ICT pages . For an interesting overview of ICE trains and reservations, see ICE Trains . For a map of rail routes, see our GermanyRail Map . More Germany transportation information is contained in our Germany Transportation Directory . Other Germany Information US Department of State Consular Information Sheet - Germany Germany and the German Language In major touristdestinations, English is widely spoken and is taught in schools. If you encountera menu not in English, you can often ask and get one. For some general languagetips, see our page on Foreign Languages for theTourist . An attempt to speak the language is always welcomed by Germans you'veasked to help you. Germany - Weather - When to Go Germany's weather is primarily temperate. Berlin's temperature, for example, is more moderate than you might expect, the lowest average low occurs in January at 26 degrees F. The highest high occurs in July and August at 73 degrees F. There is measurable precipitation (wet days) more than half the days of the year. [ Berlin historic averages ] Germany is a good place to go in summer, when Italy, France and Spain swelters. But the best time to go to southern Germany may well be autumn, when the colors are brightest and the wine is being harvested. This is the time for festivalscelebrating wine and the harvest. Current Weather in Germany from the National Weather Service. Tipping While serviceis included in the bill, generally waiters are tipped 5% for good service. Other Maps European Map Directory European Travel Planning Map European Distance Map From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement 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        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 Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

European Vacation Planning Map

Europe Travel - A European Vacation Travel Guide  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 From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and the world, it has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, and it was home to artist Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century. What's not to like about this Belgian port city? See what it's all about in our latest photo Gallery: Antwerp Pictures . More Antwerp Travel: Antwerp Travel Directory | Antwerp Lodging | Antwerp Museums Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came recruiting at my college. Operatives really get to live it up when they travel, apparently. Imagine, the lucky seven of the "Surveillance Team" sent out to case the joint before kidnapping 39-year-old Muslim preacher Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, managed to spend "$39,995, not counting meals, parking and other services" for a week at Milan's Principe di Savoia ( check prices ), where a room goes for a mere $588 a night, according to Newsday . Once Abu Omar was behind bars in Cairo the CIA folks broke up and went their various ways, some to the renowned Grand Hotel Baglioni ( check prices ) in Florence , a few in cozy pairs to save the taxpayers money, no doubt. Travel Resources: Milan Profile | Florence Profile Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated tapas bars thinking, "wow, I'm gonna down me some fine, fresh seafood this evening--non of that canned stuff like we get at home..." Well, Quimet and Quimet is one of Barcelona's best tapas bars, recommended by just about anyone. Joaquim Perez, owner of Quimet and Quimet, has been called Barcelona's culinary king of canned food. That's right, a tapas king devoted to high-quality goods preserved in metal. I had heard about the increasing interest in vintage sardines , whose flavors are said to increase in intensity and complexity with aging. But Mr. Perez has extended this idea of unlikely gourmet tinkering; he buys "fresh" Galician navajas (clams) from the cannery and sets them to aging for a year or two before serving them (plain) to his customers. And they love 'em. Maybe you should go and see what this canned gourmet thing is all about. There are worse places to spend time on a research expedition. More: Gastronomic Route: Barcelona, a tapas town? Travel Resources: Barcelona Guide | Barcelona Pictures Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000 loan and turned his investment into a "faithful reconstruction of Noah's Ark in scaled down form on the basis of biblical texts," according to the Mail & Guardian . Spring is the expected launch date. No word on where the animals will come from. Travel Resources: North Holland Travel | Holland Map | Benelux Rail Passes Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink Appreciate Long John Shivers? Head for the Alps I know I frequently extol the virtues of off season travel, but there's a whole bunch of adventurers willing to go the extra mile in their long johns to enjoy icier surroundings than I'd care to experience. Those would be the Ice Hotel People. Word from Vagablond is that "a new ice hotel is being constructed 7,000 feet up into the German Alps." HotelChatter says this ice hotel might well be part of the Iglu-Dorf chain, who specialize in things like Inuit igloos in Switzerland. Like it cold? Get you thrills in the Alps this winter. I'll toast your bravado at the hearth with a steaming hot toddy. Travel Resources: Germany map and Travel Essentials | Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials . Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Europe Travel in the Off Season Why travel in the off season? Well, you know the reasons: fewer tourists, lower prices, and cooler temperatures, to name a few. But there's another reason for me, and that's the warm, slanting light that brings photos alive. See what I mean by taking a gander at: Liguria Pictures - Picture Gallery of Liguria in Autumn . And if you still want to see more pictures of Italy , try out Italy for Visitors Florence Pictures , taken in November. Travel Resources: Off Season Travel Tips | Italy Travel Map Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Travel Gifts Ok, you're thinkin' it's too late to post some ideas for gifts at this late date. Hey, you can chalk it up to sloth and indolence, but I don't start burdening my mind with thoughts about winter holidays in May like the rest of my family. The crunch starts now. So I've made up a list of recommended Travel Gifts . Of course, you could buy some of the stuff for yourself as well. Take a look. You've got language help, a deep, inside look at the Vatican, and more, not to mention that Tyrolean Boiled Wool Jacket like you've always wanted. More Stuff You Need: Top Travel Photography Gear Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Joe Torre carries the Olympic Torch in Florence New York Yankee manager Joe Torre carried the Olympic torch 400 yards to the foot of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence yesterday as part of "American day" in the two-month Olympic torch relay. It was the first time he'd been to Italy in 20 years, despite the fact that his mother was born in the village of Patina near Naples. (Source: Indystar.com ) The torch Joe carried was designed by the folks at Pininfarina , who've banged out quite a few sexy Italian auto bodies in their time. The Olympic torch is designed to work in rain, snow and wind up to 74.56 miles per hour, not to mention temperatures from -4°F to +77°F. According to what I've heard, the torch suffered much less than Mr. Torre during the run. Travel Resources: Florence Travel Directory | Florence Pictures: Views from the Arno | Naples Travel Directory Photo above: Ponte Vecchio, Florence by Martha Bakerjian, Italy for Visitors ; click "read more" to see it larger. Read more... Thursday December 15, 2005 | permalink Sunny Valencia It's cold here in my corner of California, prime time to think of warmer climes. Valencia pops to mind. Host to the 2007 America's cup, the sunny Spanish port city has been spiffing itself up lately, and many travelers have remarked that Valencia seems to be passing Barcelona as Spain's city of tourist choice. What's not to like? The spring La Fallas festival is a not to be missed attraction (plan now if you're going), the City of Arts and Sciences holds 87 acres of fascinating art, science and architecture, and the Barrio del Carmen is chock full of music, restaurants and clubs. Find out more about Valence by taking a peek at our latest: Valencia Spain Travel Information - Valencia Profile , or peruse our Valencia Travel Directory . Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Hey Santa! Take That! Scroogy Musings: So a couple guys in Germany get asked what they want for Christmas by Santa, who happens to be waiting for a train home. They've been out shopping all day, unsuccessfully one assumes, because the next thing you know they've latched on to Santa's sack and "beat him over the head with it, breaking his fingers as he tried to protect himself." ( Santa - Germany's new stress buster ) Santa on a train? in Germany? A bit early, isn't it? Has the Christmas spirit been so commercialized that the little people like us suffer with the stress of plunking down good cash for stuff we think people might like but probably won't? Where is the joy of it all? Everyone remembers the magical experience of visiting Santa in the mall when they were kids and the smile it brought to your face. Unfortunately over the last few years it seems the spirit of Christmas is slowly being lost due to many different reasons including political correctness, busier lifestyles and many more issues. Hold on a sec. Now I'm angrier than a red-nosed reindeer. Everyone doesn't remember. Some of us are way too old to conjure the disgraceful vision of mall Santas in their mothball costumes and fake beards. The statement above comes from Live From Lapland (dot com). For a bit less than 15 dollars they'll make a custom video staring Santa, who'll be talking to your kids using the words you put in his mouth via the web site's control panel. Their Santa evidently lives in a paneled room and wears mall Santa clothes and beardage. It's in the sample flick. He could be in Kansas. Still, where else you gonna get a five minute flick to your specs for $14.95? Travel Resources: Lapland (the real one) | Chrismas in Europe Tuesday December 13, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement 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        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 Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...