European Vacation Spots Travel
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Europe off the beaten track - My favorite European Vacation Spots You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Europe Travel Planning > Europe off the beaten track - My favorite European Vacation Spots 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 Meteora Monastery - Off the beaten tourist track and worth visiting James Martin Stay up to date! Meteora Monastery - Off the beaten tourist track and worth visiting James Martin Email to a friend Print this page European Travel Planning Travel Planning Guide European Maps European Distances 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 Europe Off the Beaten Track From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! My favorite "undiscovered" European vacation spots It's fine to visit the European capitals. They're all big enough to sop up a glut of tourists. But smaller places that are both uniquely interesting and lightly traveled are getting more difficult to find and often seem amazingly ethereal: travel is so easy today that Rick Steves' back doors stop becoming back doors the minute he mentions them. So my favorite places aren't undiscovered--they're just a bit too far off the beaten track for the mega-tourism companies to worry about. Meteora - Greece Monastic history starts in Meteora in the 11th century when the first hermits sought peace and solitude in the rifts and caves in the isolated pinnacles that rise above the valley of the Pineios (Pinios) river. By the 14th century the Byzantine Empire was coming apart at the seams and the monastic communities of the Athos peninsula were always in danger of Turkish pirate raids and other persecution. After one such encounter, three monks went searching for a rather inaccessible home to avoid it all. They eventually settled on top of a rock called Stylos . Endowments and people followed, and an amazing community of 24 monasteries built pinnacles on was born. Everything got hoisted up (and down) by nets, even people. And the toilets? Off the cliffs went the waste--all of it. Today, a paved road winds between the largest monasteries. The most spectacular vistas in all of Europe are just around the bend. Bring plenty of film. Meteora means "suspended in air" and they mean it. You can find a hotel in Kalambaka and walk to the monasteries from there if you're reasonably fit--Kalambaka is 9kms from the monasteries. There are busses, tours, and taxis as well. Close by: Metsovo, a small community of excellent woodcarvers is just to the northwest of Kalambaka. Much of the really fine carving you'll see in the monasteries comes from the carvers of Metsovo, but if you go to Metsovo (easy by bus) you can buy carvings made for tourists as well. When to go: Spring or Fall to avoid crowds. Yes, this is a place that's "discovered" but remote. Late fall works well, although it'll be cold in the morning, and downright freezing in Metsovo, higher up in the mountains. Still, this allows you to taste Greece's "other" cooking, the hearty and warming stews you don't get in summer. More: Meteora is one of the Great Walks of Europe Also see: Meteora Pictures | Meteora Travel Directory Cathar Country - France I was at a party just before embarking on my first European vacation in the 70's when I asked a French guy I'd just met what his favorite city in Europe was. He answered "Carcassonne," a walled city smack in the heart of Cathar country. By golly, he was right, Carcassonne is definitely worth a day or two in itself. But I've since made a recent trip back to the area and discovered many other interesting things to see in the Aude region--except for tourists--and it was the middle of the season. What's here? Castles perched high on hilltops, the mysteries of Rennes le Chateau, great sparkling wine called Blanquette de Limoux, and great walking trails. Plus, Cathar country is easy on your wallet; the Aude is one of France's poorest areas and lodging is relatively cheap and plentiful. What's nearby: Provence isn't far, and if you're driving it's a great "next stop." More: Cathar Country Travel Directory | Rennes le Chateau | The Best Cathar Castles to Visit Asturias - Spain Northern Spain is ignored by many American tourists, yet it's one of the places I'd go back again and again. Some of the attractions are righfully famous, including the prehistoric painted cave called Altamira--the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art". The country around the Picos de Europa range is some of the most beautiful in Europe. Lodging options include nice historic country inns called Posadas, as well as Casa Rurales--rural houses that will allow you to slow down your vacation and see the countryside at a leisurely pace. This is a rural area that preserves its history and way of life in a way that can be attractive to tourists looking to discover a beautiful solitude. Have a cider, some of the local blue cheese called Cabrales, and contemplate a trip to one of the regions prehistoric caves--or a walk along the pilgrimage route passing through the pretty port town of Ribadesella. When to Go: Tempered by the cool Bay of Biscay to the north, Northern Spain doesn't sweltering in the summer, usually. Don't be afraid of going in the high season, although we did witness some incredible thunder storms in July. Did it stop us? Nope--we just dragged a chair out under the covered patio of our casa rurale , got out a camera and some cheese and bread, and watched nature's finest display of natural fireworks. Incredible. Close by: Basque Country More: Asturias and Cantabrian Coast Map and Travel Planner | Summer Storm Pictures | Picos de Europa Visit Europe's most compelling islands next. 1 2 Next 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
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Russia Travel Guide - Dining and Drinking You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide - Dining and Drinking Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading All Travel Guides Russia Travel Guide Profile of Russia Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Dining and Drinking - Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide One of the pleasures of travel is reveling in the food and drink of the local cuisine. Russia has plenty to offer in this respect, whether you opt for traditional Russian fare or meals representative of other CIS countries.
What Not to Eat
You can eat well in Russia at any budget. However, because some people get sick when they travel and eat unaccustomed food, this situation can happen in Russia also. So, because you don't want to spend time being miserable in your hotel room from a stomach problem, it's wise to be careful, just to be on the safe side. Some suggestions:
Don't drink tap water. Drink only bottled water. It comes with or without gas. When you order bottled water at restaurants, make sure the waiter brings you an unsealed bottle (not an open bottle that could have been filled with tap water). Of course, if you order water with gas, you won't have this possibility.
Brush your teeth with bottled water, not tap water.
Avoid salad bars (vegetables washed with tap water).
If you buy fruit, wash it with bottled water, not tap water. You get the picture with tap water.
If you order a coffee or tea, be aware you might be drinking tap water, but it's boiled.
Avoid food from sidewalk stands.
Enjoy all thoroughly cooked food.
I should note that I have broken all the suggestions above throughout Eastern Europe and not suffered consequences. I love going to cafes for coffee and eating ice cream from sidewalk vendors. But again, you may opt for the safest route than take a chance spending your precious visit too sick to enjoy it.
Restaurants
Moscow and St. Petersburg have a proliferation of well-known chains, including McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King and TGI Fridays. But try to sample other food, as both Moscow and St. Petersburg can offer so much more. Check the English language newspapers such as the Moscow Times for listings of restaurants.
For restaurants in Moscow and St. Petersburg, also see these lists:
List of all types of restaurants in Moscow, from the Moscow City website
St. Petersburg restaurants Almost 500 restaurants listed.
Fodor's picks for Moscow restaurants
Fodor's picks for St. Peterburg's restaurants
Cuisine
Russian cuisine does wonderful things with meat, cabbage, potatoes, and dough (both bread and pastry). Well-known dishes include :
borsch (beet soup)
pelmeni (boiled dough pockets filled with meat)
beef roll (finely chopped meat and spices rolled in fine pastry)
chicken kiev
draniki (potato pancakes)
golubtsy (cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice, covered in a tomato broth)
There are many other dishes, with beef, pork, poultry and fish, as well as potato salad, pickled vegetables, mushrooms, caviar, and wonderful dark bread.
Don't forget dessert: bliny, ponchiki (doughnuts), kulich (rum cake) and ice cream.
Payment
In top restaurants you will likely be able to pay with credit cards. At smaller cafes and restaurants, you will probably have to pay with rubles.
Drinking in Russia
We'll get to the vodka later but first, know that Russians love to drink tea (chai). With samovars boiling away in offices and train compartments and lots of other places too, Russians drink tea all day long.
Vodka is a popular drink, and comes plain but also flavored: lemon, cranberry, herbs. It's hard to keep up with a Russian drinker so you may not want to try.
Beer (pivo) is also popular. Russian brands include Tinkov pilsner , Baltika, Stepan Rizan, Nevskoye, Klinskoye, and Tolstiyak. A low-alcohol beer is called kvas.
Russia also produces wine, with three million acres of vineyards. Russian wines aren't for everyone, as they can tend to have concentrated fruity flavors and some are rather sweet. While you're in Russia, you may want to try the wine of former Soviet republics, such as Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine. Popular white wines are the Anapa Riesling, Tsinandali, and Gourdzhuani. Reds are Saperavi and Mukuzani.
Tipping
Tipping has not yet become an expected norm in restaurants around Russia, although at better restaurants and cafes, you will find that patrons will do so. However, a normal rate has not been really established yet, so many people leave between five and ten percent, or more depending on the service. At not so fancy restaurants or cafes, you can round up the bill. Some restaurants will add service to your bill, so check first before you tip, and feel free not to tip at all if you believe the service doesn't deserve it. If there is a cloakroom where you need to leave your coat, there may be a sign telling you the amount to release your belongings. Otherwise, leave a few rubles or a dollar. Russia Travel Guide Index
Profile of Russia
City Profile: Moscow
City Profile: St. Petersburg
Before You Go
Need to Know
Money Matters
Intercity Travel
City Transit
Driving
Health and Safety
Lodging
Dining and Drinking
Communications
Shopping
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Vacation Rentals Online - Private Vacation Rental Condos, Cabins, Villas and Homes Vacation Rentals Online Vacation rental properties in the U.S. and around the world . Search through descriptions, amenities, and activities to find the perfect home away from home. We concentrate on homes & villas in Florida (especially the Disney area of Orlando and Kissimmee ), Hawaii , St. John , Vail , Park City , Winter Park , San Diego , New Orleans , St. Thomas , St. Croix , Bahamas , Barbados , Maui , France , Spain , Italy , Hilton Head , Myrtle Beach . Choose between wonderful Florida homes, Hilton Head beachfront condos, Myrtle Beach golf course homes, or Maui oceanfront condos. If you can't find the rental you are looking for - just let us know. Travel is comfort and style with an entire condo, villa, chalet, or private home for less than the price of a hotel room. Click on one of the links below to view rentals, sign-up for a listing, check the newest properties, or received additional information: List Your Property with Vacation Rentals Online View Rentals Throughout the World About Vacation Rentals Online Check Out the Newest Properties Disclaimer Guarantees United States Alabama Alaska Arizona California Colorado Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Indiana Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri Montana Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming British Columbia Nova Scotia Ontario Australia / Asia Australia Bali China Fiji Islands Japan Mauritius Micronesia New Zealand Papua New Guinea Polynesia Thailand South America Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Peru Uruguay Venezuela Caribbean Anguilla Antigua & Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bonaire Cayman Islands Curacao Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Jamaica Margarita Island Martinique Puerto Rico Roatan & Bay Islands San Andres St. Croix, USVI St. John, USVI St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia St. Maarten/St. Martin St. Thomas, USVI St. Vincent Trinidad & Tobago Tortola, BVI Water Island, USVI Mexico Acapulco Akumal Cabo San Lucas Cancun Cozumel Ensenada La Paz Lake Chapala Manzanillo Mazatlan Playacar Puerto Vallarta Rosarito Beach Europe Austria Belgium Canary Islands Cyprus Denmark Finland France Germany Great Britain Greece Iceland Ireland Italy Netherlands Norway Portugal Scotland Spain Sweden Switzerland Central America Belize Costa Rica Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Roatan Remember, sign up to receive an e-mail notice for our last minute, specially discounted vacation rental properties or e-mail notices of new properties in your favorite travel destinations. This page uses frames, but your browser doesn't support them. If your Browser uses frames and you are here by mistake, please go to: Vacation Rentals Online
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Books and Travel Guides for South America, buy a South America guidebook from Map Town Ltd. 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 South America Travel and Language Books From the Patagonian Andes to the bustling cities of Sao Paulo and Santiago, Map Town carries several South America travel guides. You can find titles on each country, major cities, or all of South America, in case you are planning a transcontinental trek. These are particularly helpful if you plan to venture off the beaten path and into the Amazon, or into Columbia to do some bird watching. We carry Spanish phrasebooks and we also have phrasebooks written for national dialects, such as Brazilian Portugese. Please click here for South America Continental and Regional Travel Books South America Country Travel Guides Argentina Travel Book Bolivia Travel Book Brazil Travel Book Chile Travel Book Colombia Travel Book Ecuador Travel Book Falkland Islands Travel Book French Guiana Travel Book Guyana Travel Book Paraguay Travel Book Peru Travel Book Suriname Travel Book Uruguay Travel Book Venezuela Travel Book Please click here for Maps of South America Back to the Continental Listing This amazing continent is home to the Amazon Jungle, the Andes Mountains and the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. South America has a primarily tropical climate in the north and can therefore produce crops not found in many other parts of the world. Chile and Argentina experience four seasons similar to much of North America. For many years political unrest in many South American countries kept a large portion of the tourism business away. Only in the last ten years has South America become more inviting to tourists on all levels. 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