Switzerland Travel Guide >

Swiss Rail Improvements 2005 - Switzerland Train Travel Gets Faster and More Comfortable  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Switzerland Travel Guide > Swiss Rail Improvements 2005 - Switzerland Train Travel Gets Faster and More Comfortable 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 Switzerland Fast Rail Travel: Swiss Tilting Train Photo provided by RailEurope Stay up to date! Switzerland Fast Rail Travel: Swiss Tilting Train Photo provided by RailEurope Email to a friend Print this page Switzerland Travel Resources Switzerland Travel Directory Switzerland Travel Map and Resources Swiss Rail Pass and Transportation Information Switzerland Rail Travel Resources Rail 2000 Information from Swiss Rail SSB Switzerland Rail Passes Swiss Rail SSB Recent Discussions Need Help Planning a Trip Accomodation in london Mediteranean Feries 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 Switzerland Rail Travel - What's New in Swiss Trains and Timetables From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Aug 28 2005 Travel in Switzerland just got easier Switzerland's rail system is undergoing an expansion program called Rail 2000. What's in it for the traveler to Switzerland? Shorter travel times, more frequent service - including half-hourly departures between major cities - and greater comfort on a growing number of new and refurbished trains. You can get to Switzerland's major airports by train, and in 2005 it'll be easier and more convenient. In early morning on Swiss rail, some cars are designated "quiet cars" where even talking is prohibited--and it's enforced. Switzerland also offers some of the most innovative rail passes in Europe (see below). The New Timetables for Switzerland Trains Starting December 12, 90% of Switzerland's trains will run on a new timetable with half-hourly service between all major cities. To simplify travel planning, arrivals and departures will be on the hour and the half-hour in major hubs (such as Zurich, Basel, Bern). Shorter Travel Times on Swiss Rail The core infrastructure project of Rail 2000 responsible for reducing travel times is the recently completed 29 mile-long rail line between Bern and Olten. This line allows trains to travel at 100 mph and shaves 15 minutes off travel times between Bern-Zurich, Bern-Basel and Bern-Lucerne. When a new signaling system becomes operational, trains will run at 124 mph. The new line enables all travel times within the Bern-Basel-Zurich triangle to be less than one hour. Other Rail 2000 construction projects helping to reduce travel times are a new tunnel between Zurich and Thalwil and a new track between Geneva and Coppet, both already in service. The New Fleet of Trains 44 sleek tilting ICN trains traveling up to 15% faster than conventional trains and featuring a restaurant car and business class compartments, as well as 1st and 2nd class compartments; see the picture above. 340 double-decker Intercity trains, with 1st and 2nd class compartments and business seats, and on certain routes a child-friendly family car, bistro/bar on the lower deck and restaurant on the upper deck; 460 refurbished Intercity trains with 1st and 2nd class compartments Improved service to tourist destinations Most alpine tourist destinations will offer faster, more direct service to/from Zurich and Geneva and their airports: Interlaken - Half-hourly service to/from Zurich Airport (now hourly), 15 minutes shorter time. Zermatt and Saas Fee - Reach Zermatt up to 30 minutes faster from Zurich Airport. New direct service Zurich Airport-Brig every other hour means only one change (now two) to go to either resort. Lausanne, Montreux, Aigle, Martigny, Sion - Half-hourly service to/from Geneva Airport. Davos, St. Moritz, Arosa - Hourly non-stop trains Zurich-Landquart and better connections in Chur or Landquart make the trip to/from Zurich up to 25 minutes faster. Trains on these routes will also have more space for sports equipment and luggage than currently. Locarno - New direct train every hour from either Basel or Zurich. Switzerland Rail Passes There are quite a few options for the traveler these days. You can buy a Swiss Pass with different durations and savings, or you can buy combo passes that combine travel on Swiss Railways with other bordering countries (currently France and Austria). For information on Rail Passes in Switzerland on one handy page, see Rail Europe: Switzerland Rail Passes . Perhaps the most interesting of the services provided is the Fly Rail Baggage option. For $15 US you can check in your luggage at the airport, make your way to the train and pick up your luggage there. Imagine, you don't have to lug all your bags from your destination to the train station! For more on selecting a Swiss rail pass, see our Swiss Rail Pass and Switzerland Transportation Information .        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

Russia travel Discount airfare

Russian visa service at Russia-visa.com Visa services | Fee schedule | Why us | Russia travel | Customer care | Partnership Russian visa to Russia Russia-visa .com is exclusive choice of Russian visa service for American - Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry | arcci.org Russian visa works At first, your Russian visa instructions seemed too good to be true, but now when I got my passport with visa to Russia delivered exactly as advertised, I know for a fact your service is truly good! more testimonials Live help Russian visa requirements have never been easier Russia-visa.com is the leading online source for all Russian visa needs. Located on the Embassy Row in Washington, D.C. we closely work with the Russian Embassy, however we operate nationwide throughout the United States for all types of visa services and worldwide for Russian visa support only. If you have already experienced "do-it-yourself" hassles with obtaining visa to Russia, proceed with online application without further adieu. If you are still considering a third party to process your Russian visa, please take a moment to read through our "Why Us" reasons , explaining our belief that you have come to the right place. To quantify our belief we offer 110% low price guarantee securing you with the best value for your money. Apply for Russian visa online Apply now This page will take through the most straight forward process in applying for a visa to Russia. The only thing, which stops us from labeling these Russian visa instructions as a "Dummies Series," is a great respect for our clients. We truly think that getting visa to Russia with our company is a smart choice. In this case, simplicity is the product of our experience and efforts to save you time. Reasons to secure Russian visa with us Why us Here you will find five bullet points reflecting our competitive advantage and commitment to business. We believe that sincere relations with our clients are the foundation for trust. This is a first step to build the trust with those who visit Russia-visa.com for the first time. There is no way to value trust in dollars or other currency, and here is our proof. Russia-visa.com customer care Customer care Whether you still have question on Russian visas or want to comment, feel free to contact us by all means possible. Give us a call, send a fax or drop a line - we are always happy to hear from our clients. Please, make sure to check our Web site first for any kind of questions you might be looking for. We take into account all prior requests and constantly update Russia-visa.com pages. Visa service Apply for visa | Testimonials | Low price guarantee | Affiliates | Visa in UK Customer care Visa status | Returning clients | Contact us | Russian visa information Russia travel Discount airfare | Russian Embassy | Miscellaneous | US Passport services e-Related Ukraine visa | Moldova visa | China visa | Travel visa | Brazil visa Toll-free: 1-800-567-4175 © 2005 VisaHQ™, Embassy Row, 2005 Massachusetts Ave. Washington DC 20036 | Russia visa .com

France Travel in December

France in December - Monthly Calendar and French Travel and Vacation Planner  You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors > Things to Do in France > France Monthly Calendar > France in December - Monthly Calendar and French Travel and Vacation Planner Travel Go France Essentials New Year's Eve in Paris and France Worst of France 2005 Paris Travel Guide Top French Ski Resorts Best New Year's Eve Champagne Articles & Resources Destinations Trip Planning Transportation Interests & Situations Money, Safety & Issues Things to Do in France Where to Stay in France Staying Connected Blogs Picture Galleries Culture, Language & People Fun, Freebies & Quizes Relocating to France Nudism, Sex & Gay Travel D-Day & Historic Travel Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Sites Selling French Products Before You Buy the Gift of Travel Gifts for the France Fanatic Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the France for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search France for Visitors click for more images Ice skating in Paris Paris Tourism Office/Catherine Balet Stay up to date! click for more images Ice skating in Paris Paris Tourism Office/Catherine Balet Email to a friend Print this page More on France in December Christmas Markets of France Christmas in France Christmas in Paris Picture Tour Related Blogs Dispatches from France Blog Paris Blog French Word-a-Day Blog La Coquette Blog Chroniques dune Fraise Nice Blog Rsidence Les Marronniers Provence Blog L'Oiseau Blog Chocolate and Zucchini Blog Forty Days in Paris Blog Most Popular "Naked City" Christmas in Paris Photo Tour Paris Sex District Top Paris Attractions Christmas in France What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Related Topics Europe for Visitors French Language French Cuisine Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Wine France Travel in December From Kelby Carr , Your Guide to France for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Christmas Markets, Skiing and Holiday Spirit Are Big Draws December is the most magical and mesmerizing time to visit France. There are Christmas markets throughout the country, including the centuries-old Strasbourg market. The shopping is divine. Storefronts are decked in lights and delicate ribbons for the holidays. There's ice skating in front of Paris' hotel de ville. In the Pyrenees and Alps, the ski seasons are beginning to gain steam. Yes, it's cold, but this is also a bargain time to fly to France. The month's finale is New Year's Eve, fun to be enjoyed in Paris or any of France's other lively cities. Weather The weather can range from crisp but comfortable days to downright chilly nights. There are major variations in climate depending on where you are in France, but here are weather averages for some major cities: Paris : Average high temperature is 7 degrees celsius/45 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 2 celcius, 36 farenheit. Average number of days with snow is two in the month. Nice : Average high temperature is 12 degrees celsius/53 degrees farenheit, with the average low at 9 degrees celcius/49 degrees farenheit. Average November days with snowfall is zero. Bordeaux : Average high temperature is 10 degrees celsius, 50 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 3 celcius/38 farenheit. Strasbourg : Average high temperature is 5 degrees celsius, or 41 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 0 celcius/32 farenheit. There are an average of five days with snowfall. What to pack It can be challenging to pack for France, particularly if you will visit multiple cities. For the most part, this is a cool or cold time of year. Be prepared for blustery weather and, possibly, snow. Your packing list should include: A winter coat A light jacket or layers for daytime Good walking shoes A scarf, hat and gloves A sturdy umbrella for windy and rainy days Get more ideas with my Packing Tips . Why to go in December Enjoy the quiet and avoid the long lines in the low tourist season There is wonderful shopping It is absolutely magical to see France, already a beautiful country, dressed in its Christmas finery The Christmas markets are one of life's finest experiences Rates are low on lodging and airfare Why not to visit France in December The weather can be uncomfortably cold Some attractions could have restricted hours, or even be closed, especially in smaller villages There are a national holidays (like Christmas Day), which cause France to shut down Events and festivals Christmas Markets Christmas in France Noëlissime , an exhibition featuring fashion, beauty, toys, handcrafted goods, gastronomy and decorations in Paris        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 New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France

ski vacations and your

Aspen Snowmass Central Reservations – Aspen Snowmass Ski vacation Lodging, air, lift tickets, ski school, transfers, rentals and more Aspen Snowmass Snowmass.com and Aspen Snowmass Central Reservations, your best source for planning your Aspen ski vacations and your Snowmass ski vacations. Arranging your own travel plans and reservations for a ski vacation can be complicated so we specialize in handling every detail for you. We will book your dream ski vacation, providing you with the best possible plans for your ski trip. Matching your every expectation is what we specialize in. Let one of our 60 expert reservations agents help you design and book your dream ski vacation taking care of your every need. Our company is headquartered in Aspen, Colorado so all of our agents at Aspen Snowmass Central Reservations are intimately familiar with each and every property, hotel, home and townhouse in Aspen and Snowmass. Let us help you pick the right one for you. We offer telephone and online reservations for Aspen and Snowmass lodging,hotels, motels, condos, homes, air flights into Aspen, Eagle or Denver, car rentals, ground transfers, Aspen Skiing Company ski lift tickets, ski/snowboard rentals, concierge services and much more. Browse though our site and you will find all of the information you will need to plan your entire Aspen ski vacation or your Snowmass ski vacation. Come ski the Power of Four, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and/or Snowmass. You will find weather information, restaurants, maps of Aspen and Snowmass, trail maps and a list of events for the season. Let our agents plan your ski trip. Ski Aspen and Ski Snowmass this winter! Plan A Trip | The Mountain | The Town | Events & Activities | Group Planning AABC 210, Suite AA, Aspen, CO 81611 | 1-800-923-8920 | E-mail Us This web site is designed and maintained by Blue Tent Marketing in conjunction with Aspen Snowmass Central Reservations, Inc. © 1999-2004 Aspen Snowmass Central Reservations, Inc.

Central America travel guides,

Central America map, buy Central America maps - Map Town Ltd. Also: Central America travel books and Central America travel guides, guidebooks. Home Maps Canadian Topo Etopo Digital Maps World Maps Wall Maps Maps of Canada Maps of USA Maps by Country Michelin Maps Freytag & Berndt Delorme Maps USA Topo Mexico Topo Aeronautical Maps World Aviation Nautical Charts Digital Maps GPS GPS Units GPS Accessories GPS Software Globes Floor Models Desktop Models Specialty Globes Inflatables Books Alberta and BC Lonely Planet Books by Country Aviation Books Nautical Books Accessories Map Accessories Services Laminating Scanning Reference World Facts Conversions Topofinder Site Map Special Order Feedback How to Search Web Cams Maps of Central America Central America covers the area from Belize and Guatemala to the southern border of Panama. Travel to these seven countries has grown tremendously in the last ten years. You can take in the sun on the beaches, go shopping, or hike through the jungle to ancient ruins. Map Town features several Central America maps and travel guides. Buy a guide book or map of Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala or even Panama. If you require a Central America map, Map Town has maps for the whole region. Please click here for Regional maps of Central America Central America Country Maps Belize Map Costa Rica Map El Salvador Map Guatemala Map Honduras Map Mexico Map Nicaragua Map Panama Map Please click here for Central America Travel Book and Central America Travel Guides Back to the Continental Listing Central America is considered to consist of the seven republics of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama (1990 est. pop. 29,000,000). The mountains of North Central America are an extension of the mountain system of Western North America while the ranges of South Central America are outliers of the Andes Mountains of South America. The middle portion of Central America is an active zone of volcanoes and earthquakes; it contains the Nicaragua Depression, which includes lakes Managua and Nicaragua. Tajumulco (4,210 m/13,846 feet), a volcano in Guatemala, is the region's highest peak. Central America's climate varies with altitude from tropical to cool. The eastern side of the region receives heavy rainfall. Bananas, coffee, and cacao are the chief crops of Central America, and gold and silver are mined there. The economies of the countries in the region are becoming increasingly diversified, although agriculture is still the largest employer. Quick Search Search View Thumbnails Text List Products Per Page 10 20 50 100 100 - 400 5 Ave SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0L6 Email: maps@maptown.com Ph. #: (403)266-2241 Fax #: (403)266-2356 Toll Free Ph #: (1-877-921-6277) Toll Free Fax #: (1-877-776-2356) Hours of Operation: 8:00am - 6:00pm MST Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm MST Saturdays