Chicago Vacation Packages -


|
|
Chicago Vacation Packages - United States in Illinois at Respond Vacations A business referral community with over 2.5 million members My Account | Advertise directory.respond.com | matching.respond.com | referrals.respond.com Chicago Vacation Packages - United States Secure Form Get Matched to Top Local Travel Agents in Chicago Complete these questions and get a customized, timely response from prescreened and member referred Travel Agents serving Chicago that are interested in working with you. You choose the Travel Agent that best meets your needs. No Cost. 1) Which state in the United States would you like to visit? [required] -- Select One -- No Preference Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Other (See Details Field) Unsure 2) Which regions or cities would you like to go to? [required] 3) Type of vacation: [required] -- Select One -- Adventure All-Inclusive Beach Couples Resorts Cruises Disney Trips Family Resorts Fishing Trips Gambling Golf Packages Honeymoon Hunting International Lake Mountain Ski Spa Theme Park Other (See Details Field) 4) What city and state or airport will you be departing from? [required] 5) What type of transportation do you require? [required] None Airline Car Rental Other: 6) What type of accommodations do you require? [required] -- Select One -- None No Preference Deluxe First Class Moderate Budget Hostel Campground Other (See Details Field) 7) Would you like a guided tour? [required] Yes No 8) Have you traveled to this area before? [required] Yes No 9) Which city and state or airport will you be returning to, if different from your departure point? [required] 10) Date of departure: [required] -- Select One -- January February March April May June July August September October November December -- Select One -- 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 -- Select One -- 2005 2006 2007 11) For how many nights? [required] -- Select One -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other (See Details Field) 12) When do you intend to reserve your travel plans? [required] -- Select One -- This Week Within Two Weeks Within One Month 13) Would you like to purchase travel insurance? [required] Yes No 14) Approximate budget per person: [required] -- Select One -- $500 - $750 $750 - $1000 $1000 - $1500 $1500 - $2500 $2500 and above 15) Age of traveler(s) at time of travel: [required] -- Select One -- Up to 12 Months 13 - 23 Months 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years 6 Years 7 Years 8 Years 9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years 13 Years 14 Years 15 Years 16 Years 17 Years Adult (18-20) Adult (21-24) Adult (25-30) Adult (31-35) Adult (36-40) Adult (41-45) Adult (46-50) Adult (51-55) Senior (56-60) Senior (61-65) Senior (66 & Older) Other (See Details Field) 16) Details: [required] I want responses from Travel Agents that serve or ship to: [required] 17) ZIP/Postal Code: -- OR -- City/State/Province -- Select One -- Alabama Alaska Alberta American Somoa Arizona Arkansas British Columbia California Caroline Islands Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Manitoba Mariana Islands Marshall Islands Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Brunswick New Foundland New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota NorthWest Territories Nova Scotia Ohio Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Prince Edward Island Puerto Rico Palau Quebec Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Yukon Territory Your Contact Information 18) I would like to receive responses at this email address: [required] 19) First Name: [required] Last Name: [required] 20) Phone Number: [required] ( ) Cell Phone: ( ) Best Time: [required] -- Select One -- Morning Afternoon Evening Weekend No Preference By submitting your request you acknowledge your acceptance of Respond Vacations's Terms of Use . NEED ASSISTANCE FILLING OUT THIS FORM? Speak with our Customer Service department by calling 1-866-638-5323 (703-259-4457) (Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm EST) ........................................................................................................................................................... Consumer Channels: B2B | Handyman | Cosmetic Surgery | Events | Health | Home Services | Insurance | Investments | Landscaping Lasik Eye Surgery | Legal | Lending | Moving | Photography | Remodeling | Real Estate | Vacations | Weddings Business Channels: Business Insurance | Business Services | Commercial Construction | Facilities | Human Resources | Internet Marketing | Office Furniture | Office Products | Printing | Technology | Telecom Respond Vacations 2005 | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Help | Contact | Advertise | Affiliate Program | Link To Us travel , vacation packages , united states , us , respond
Europe Travellers , Europe
Europe @ Travel Notes -- Online Travel Guides -- European Countries 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 Countries in Europe Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia&Herz. Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Georgia Germany Gibraltar Greece Greenland Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Scandinavia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine UK Vatican --------------------------- Europe @ Travel Notes -- Online Travel Guides -- European Countries Cruising Europe's Waterways , Europe Travellers , Europe Weather , European History , European Union , Getting Around Europe , Money Matters , Top Tourist Attractions in Europe . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail Europe Destinations Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Rep. Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Georgia Germany Gibraltar Greece Greenland Holland Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine UK Vatican City Food Travel Fiction Health Kids Bios Humor Mags Software Gifts Tech Business Other Your Ad Here Travel Notes Mailing List European Union European Union : Naturally the EU site is in all the languages of the member states. Just who are the member states? News Headlines World News Directory of newspapers and news sources from around the world. Hotel City Search : Travel Notes guides you around every country in Europe . Map of Europe -- 1800-Countries.com Free Maps for Personal Webpages Money Matters The Euro : The official currency in 12 European countries and the accepted currency in border towns of others. Top Tourist Attractions in Europe -- European City Tours The Essential Sights and Attractions in Europe's Cities Where else can you experience fine food, exquisite art, architectural splendour and world-class museums? Europe's top destinations of London , Paris , Rome , Amsterdam and Venice .... offer all of this and more. If you've been there, done that take a look at some of the other exciting tour options in the popular cities of: Athens , Barcelona , Berlin , Brussels , Budapest , Copenhagen , Madrid , Munich , Prague or Vienna . If you'd rather do a self-guided tour of Europe's famous museum's, be sure to arm yourself with a copy of Rick Steeves' Mona Winks . Getting Around Europe Europe Through The Back Door -- 2005 : Includes itinerary planning, what form of transportation is best for you, sleeping and eating cheap, packing light, doing laundry, how to avoid theft and rip-offs, travel photography, communicating in a language you don't understand, using the phones for local and long-distance calls, keeping healthy while travelling, and advice for women travelling alone. Europe by Air : Each Europe by Air Ticket costs only $99 (plus tax) and can bring you to nearly 100 cities in over 20 countries, with more than a dozen participating airlines. Europe by Rail : For the budget-minded, overnight trains are a great way to save on accommodation, and you'll wake up in a new city, or even a new country. The romantic can enjoy a lakeside breakfast on the move, with views of snow-covered mountain peaks. European Driving Distances : Driving distances between major European destinations. How Many Air Miles : Interactive Distances between major world cities, in miles or kilometres. Eurolines : Eurolines connects over 500 cities in 25 European countries and offers travellers the freedom to explore Europe at their own pace, in the greatest comfort and the lowest price possible. Europe Travellers Enjoy Europe : Rather than a guidebook, John Bermont's How To Europe (out of print -- check availability ) is a practical handbook for Americans planning a trip to Europe. It is essential reading for first-time travellers and will probably enlighten and amuse even experienced Europhiles . Some chapters are available online. London to Athens : Nicole Liu's account of a Contiki tour through Europe. A pleasant little online journey, stopping at: London, Paris, Lucerne, Munich, Hopfgarten, Venice, Florence, Rome, Corfu and Athens. Cruising Europe's Waterways Go Barging : All inclusive luxury cruise barge vacations in Europe. Gourmet meals, private tours and transportation provided. Adventure cruises include special golf cruises and horse riding cruises. Europe Weather Satellite View of Europe's Weather : How's the cloud cover over the European continent? Weather Map : One of our favourite weather maps. Colourful aerial view of weather formations over Europe and north Africa. European History European History : If you're interested in European history, Eurodocs has a reviewed list of links to primary historical documents from Western Europe. Christmas Traditions Rick Steves' European Christmas : From England to Norway, Burgundy to Bavaria, and Rome to the top of the Swiss Alps, Rick Steves' European Christmas gets you a seat at the family feast, up in the loft with the finest choirs, and into the kitchen with grandma and her best-kept holiday secrets. With enchanting photos and more than a dozen recipes, this great gift book captures the spirit of the season perfectly. After producing a hundred travel shows, Rick Steves and his public television crew finally went to Europe for Christmas. And the cameras were rolling. As only they can, Rick and his gang brought home a vivid and authentic portrait of how Europeans celebrate the holiday. This book is the companion to that PBS special. From Yule logs to mistletoe, from singing shepherds to the split personalities of Santa, from traditional recipes to the top ten ways to celebrate in Paris, you'll learn something new -- or old -- about Christmas in Europe . 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 Europe Through The Back Door 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 . Airlines & Airports : This travel article points you to airlines and the three letter airport codes with links to their websites. Currency Converter : How much is your money worth abroad. Cyber Cafes : The Internet Caf Guide. Travel Guides : Travel guides are a Godsend and a tremendous amount of research has gone into them; but which one is best for you? 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 @ Travel Notes -- 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/index.htm
Switzerland Travel
Welcome to Plustravel powered by schmoe Home -- Offers About us Switzerland Travel Centre (Plus Travel) knows about all the qualities Switzerland has to offer and would like to inspire you to discover them for yourselves. We hope this website will help you to do so. Order our Winter 05 / 06 Brochure . Our new Winter brochure is now available. To order a copy of our ski brochure simply send your name and address to the following e-mail: sales@stc.co.uk A copy of our new brochure will automatically be forwarded to you. Pre-order our Summer 2006 brochure Our new Summer brochure will be available from the beginning of December. If you would like to pre-register to receive a copy, please send your address to sales@stc.co.uk . A copy will be forwarded to you 'hot from the press'. Alternatively you can always speak to our experienced staff who will be happy to help you with your holiday requirements. Telephone: 020 7 420 4900, Email: sales@stc.co.uk Rail Passes and Tickets Online. Order here. Book our hotels here. Online and real time. Sign up to our newsletter Special Offer Spend half term in Davos The famous resort of Davos consists of two large villages, Davos Dorf and Davos Platz which have merged into one, stretching alongside the Landwasser river in the valley of the same name. At 1560m, it is one of the highest towns in Europe and has grown to become Switzerlands largest ski resort, attracting visitors from all over the world. 4* Hotel Sunstar Park - 7 nights - half board The Sunstar Park Hotel is a modern first-class hotel with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. It enjoys a quiet location just above Davos Platz, only a few minutes walk from all resort amenities. Hotel facilities Indoor pool Sauna Solarium Squash courts Lounge with fire place A la-carte restaurant Room facilities En suite facilities cable TV Radio Telephone Minibar Hairdryer Starting at 977 per person, our package is available for departure on 11th February 2006 and includes the return flights with Swiss, return train transfers in Standard class as well as 7 nights half board in the 4* Sunstar Park Hotel in Davos from 977 pp get offer Download PDF:
Italy travel Ischia -
Ischia guide - Ischia travel guide - Ischia - guide to Ischia - Italy travel Ischia - airport Ischia - Italy Ischia guide - Ischia travel guide - Ischia - guide to Ischia - Italy travel Ischia - airport Ischia - Italy - travel links Wednesday, 28 December 05 - 11:43 pm Top destinations Art Cities Beaches Lakes Mountains Spa Resorts Regions guides Abruzzo & Molise Alto Adige Apulia Basilicata & Calabria Campania Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Lazio Liguria Lombardy Marche Piedmont Sardinia Sicily Tuscany Trentino Umbria Valle d'Aosta Veneto Cities guides Aosta Asiago & 7 comuni Asolo Assisi Belluno & Dolomiti Venete Bologna Bolzano Brescia Bressanone Caorle & Bibione Capri Catania Cervia & Cesenatico's Beaches Chianti, Valdelsa, Valdarno Comacchio's Beaches Cortina d'Ampezzo Courmayeur M.Bianco Elba & Capraia Florence Garda Lake - Eastern Side Grosseto & Maremma Ischia Jesolo & Eraclea Como Lake & Lecco Lucca & Garfagnana Madonna di Campiglio Merano Milan Monte Cervino Montecatini Terme Naples Padua Palermo Pisa Portofino & Tigullio Gulf Ragusa Ravenna's Beaches Ravenna City Rimini, Riccione, Cattolica Riviera dei Fiori: Sanremo & Imperia Riviera del Brenta Rome Rovereto Rovigo e Delta del Po San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero, Val Venoi Siena Siracusa Sorrento & Amalfi Taormina Terme e Colli Euganei Turin Trento Treviso Val di Fassa Val di Fiemme Venice Verona Versilia & Viareggio Vicenza Ischia Hotels Reserve Ischia Hotels: save up 70% on rooms! Compare offers & book on line at hotel's web sites. About Campania Pompei: in search of a lost civilization The city of Pompeii was established in the XII century B.C. and enjoyed great prosperity from the point of view of culture, economy and city planning until 79 A.D. when the terrible eruption of Vesuvius covered everything in lava and small stones... The Cilento, discover its charm and beauty The Cilento is the southernmost part of Campania, before Basilicata, between the plains of the river Sele to the north... The Sorrento Peninsula, between the mythical sea and romantic land. The setting of a scene from the Odyssey and a land crossed by Grand Tour poets and scholars, the Sorrento Peninsula is a magical place... Teatro San Carlo - Napoli In this site you will find the complete schedule of the famous Neapolitan Opera House ... Ischia Guide Italy THINGS TO KNOW Getting there History and culture THINGS TO SEE Churches, Museums and Monuments Places and charm THINGS TO TRY Eating and Drinking Shopping Hotels and lodgings THINGS TO EXPERIENCE Events La Dolce Vita ITINERARIES A tour around the island villages Ischia's best beaches Directories of Web Sites Ischia Italy Ischia Hotels Downloads Ischia Guide in PDF format Ischia, the largest of the Neapolitan islands, with its volcanic origins and its thermal spas, some of the largest in the world: 67 fumaroles, 103 springs and 29 thermal spas that can help to cure illnesses, tone up your body and spirit or simply help you relax. In this charming place, travelers will be pleased with the climate and the fantastic landscape, the hospitality and the strong perfumes you can smell all round the island. Getting there The origins of the largest Neapolitan island: from the first colonization by the Greeks to the boom of thermal spa tourism... >>> History and culture The origins of the largest Neapolitan island: from the first colonization by the Greeks to the boom of thermal spa tourism... >>> Churches, Museums and Monuments The islands artistic and architectural heritage: Mediterranean churches and fortified castles... >>> Places and charm From Mount Epomeo to the thermal spas: Ischia is full of nature oases... >>> Eating and Drinking Traditional Ischia cooking preserves its simple origins with pride: simple dishes and ingredients all coming from the island... >>> Shopping On Ischia you can satisfy your every desire: fashion boutiques, small craft shops, wine bars and food shops... >>> Hotels and lodgings All kinds of solutions for an unforgettable holiday: Ischias thermal hotels , rural country guesthouses, bed & breakfast places, campsites... >>> Events All the islands festivals: religious celebrations that have a high scenic impact... >>> La Dolce Vita From Hollywood stars from the sixties to the elitist thermal tourism... >>> A tour around the island villages From Ischia Ponte to Casamicciola Terme, going through Brano, Serrara Fontana, Forio and Lacco Ameno... >>> Ischia's best beaches A tour of the best beaches that can be discovered on your tour around the islands coastline... >>> More guides on: Region: Campania Campania Cities: Sorrento & Amalfi Capri Naples Click to view the map Servizi per le aziende Acquista la tua visibilità su Travel Plan Netplan Travel Network Travel Guides ItalyTravel Guides | VeniceTravel Guide | FlorenceTravel Guide | RomeTravel Guide | MilanTravel Guide | NaplesTravel Guide | Palermo Travel Guide | Taormina Travel Guide | SicilyTravel Guide | Cortina Travel Guide | VeronaTravel Guide | JesoloTravel Guide | Lucca & Garfagnana Travel Guide | Treviso Travel Guide | Ischia Travel Guide | Capri Travel Guide | Sorrento Travel Guide | Amalfi Travel Guide | More Italy Travel guides ... Hotels & Lodging Italy Hotels | Venice Hotels | Florence Hotels | Rome Hotels | Milan Hotels | Naples Hotels | Taormina Hotels | Verona Hotels | Morehotels ... Italy Hotels | Venice Hotels | Florence Hotels | Rome Hotels | Milan Hotels | Naples Hotels | Taormina Hotels | Capri Hotels | Ischia Hotels | More Italy Hotels ... Hotels | Italy Hotels | Venice Hotels | Florence Hotels | Rome Hotels | Milan Hotels | Naples Hotels | Taormina Hotels | Verona Hotels | Mestre Hotels | Treviso Hotels | More Italy Hotels ... Venice Hotels | Cortina Hotels | Asolo Hotels | Hotel Golden Rome | Hotel San Niccolò - Chianti | Hotel Il Granduca Florence | Venice Travel Guide | Venice Booking Center | Venice Hotels Servizi per le aziende - Netplan Travel Network Links A1 A2 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1 H2 I1 I2 J1 K1 L1 M1 N1 O1 P1 Q1 R1 S1 T1 U1 V1 W1 X1 Y1 Z1 AA1 AB1 AC1 AD1 AE1 AF1 AG1 AH1 AI1 AJ1 AK1 AL1 AM1 AN1 AN2 AO1 AP1 AQ1 AR1 AS1 AT1 AU1 AV1 AW1 AX1 AY1 AZ1 BA1 BB1 Italy Travel Guide © 2004 Fatto da: Netplan
Germany Travel
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...