air travel with infants


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Holiday air travel with infants: Ensuring a smooth ride - MayoClinic.com Holiday air travel with infants: Ensuring a smooth ride Q. My husband and I will be flying home for the holidays with our 6-month old son. How can we make the long flight easier for him and for us? No name / No state A. It's normal for parents to feel nervous about how their little ones will do on long flights. But air travel with infants doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience. Here are some tips for ensuring a smooth ride for you, your child and other passengers: Check your seat assignment well before the flight to make sure that you have been assigned the seat you had requested. Avoid emergency exit seating. Consider requesting a bassinet seat for your infant, if your airline offers them. Dress your infant in loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily changed if needed. Don't swaddle your infant in excessively warm clothes that may be potentially uncomfortable. Avoid overfeeding your infant to pacify him on the flight. This can lead to an upset stomach. A pacifier may used instead of a bottle for getting your baby to swallow during assent and descent. To help your child sleep on the flight, take along his blanket, pacifier, book or nonmusical toy — items that normally help calm him at home. When putting your child to sleep on the flight, try to follow your regular routine. If you typically rock, hold or pat your son prior to being placed in the crib, do the same during the flight. To prevent ear pain during the flight, you may consider giving your child an age-appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Your doctor may also prescribe ear pain relief drops, which you can give your infant before takeoff and again before landing. Remember that children — even infants — can sense your nervousness and tension. The more relaxed you are, the more likely your child can relax and enjoy the flight. Also, don't hesitate to ask the flight attendants for assistance, such as with warming a bottle or helping you with the changing table in the restroom. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Air travel with infant: Is it safe? Crying baby? How to keep your cool RELATED Articles Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums Newborn care: Common-sense strategies for stressed-out parents Pacifiers: Are they good for your baby? Ask a Specialist Air travel with infant: Is it safe? Sudden infant death syndrome: New guidelines for prevention Failure to thrive: When your baby isn't growing normally Centers Healthy Baby Center MayoClinic.com Bookstore 'Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy' (Softcover) ARTICLE TOOLS Print Larger type more information By Mayo Clinic Staff Dec 21, 2005 © 1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. AN01248 About this site · Site help · Contact us · e-Newsletter · Site map Privacy policy updated Oct 7, 2005 Terms and conditions of use updated Jun 3, 2004 LEGAL CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF USE APPLICABLE TO ALL USERS OF THIS SITE. ANY USE OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES YOUR AGREEMENT TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE. © 1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Mayo Clinic Medical Services | MayoClinic.com Bookstore Diseases & Conditions Drugs & Supplements Treatment Decisions Healthy Living Ask a Specialist Health Tools Home Log in Register now ASK A CHILDREN'S HEALTH SPECIALIST Advertising and sponsorship policy Dec 28, 2005
Vacation Packages Preferred Hotels
MouseSavers.com - Disney World Vacation Package Discount Great deals on all things Disney! Find out how to save on: Walt Disney World Walt Disney World Resorts Walt Disney World Vacation Packages Preferred Hotels Near Disney World Other Hotels Near Disney World Tickets & Passes Meals, Snacks & Drinks Entertainment, Activities & Nightlife Other Disney World Savings Time is Money Disneyland Disney Cruise Line Transportation for Your Disney Vacation Other Disney Travel Savings Discount Disney Shopping Mall Live Disney Shows Disney Freebies Disneyland Resort Paris Disney Parks in Asia Disney's Vero Beach/Hilton Head Non-Disney Theme Parks & Attractions More information: About MouseSavers Frequently Asked Questions Trip Reports and Articles Links Testimonials Privacy Policy & Legal Stuff Contact Mary Discounts on Walt Disney World Vacation Packages LAST UPDATE: 12/20/05 - MOST RECENT ADDITIONS ARE IN RED All of the discounted vacation package rates listed below are subject to availability and are PER PERSON, per night, usually for adult double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Adult single occupancy (or one adult plus kids) usually carries a surcharge. Most rooms are set up for 4 people. A few rooms can accommodate 5, mainly at the Deluxe resorts. There are a few rooms with trundle beds at Port Orleans Riverside that can handle 5, but one will have to be small enough to sleep on the trundle; none of the other Moderates can accommodate 5. There are no rooms at the All Stars that accommodate more than 4 people. Not sure which Disney resort to pick for your vacation package? Read about the various resort types and my recommendations for the best values in each resort category. Rates listed do not include tax, which is 11.5% for most resorts, 13% for the All Star Resorts. Jump to: Is a Package For You? 2006 "Magic Your Way" Packages 2005 "Magic Your Way" Packages My Value Recommendations Dream Maker Packages Grand Gatherings (Groups of 8 or More) Trip Insurance Package Specials That Are Available to Anyone: Package Promotions with Small World Vacations Discounted Packages Through Expedia Package Specials With Membership or Residency Required: Florida Resident Packages Canadian Packages Is a Package For You? A lot of people like Disney's vacation packages because they are convenient and worry-free. However, it is important to note that t he standard full-price Disney vacation packages offered by Disney, American Express, Delta Vacations and other tour operators are designed for convenience rather than savings. With the exception of AAA (American Automobile Club) vacation packages, you will NOT automatically get a discount by purchasing a package! It is frequently cheaper to book a " room only " reservation with the AAA discount or another discount and then buy the package components ( tickets , meals , etc) separately. In fact, it used to be that Disney's vacation packages were consistently more expensive than purchasing the components separately. However, Disney has responded to complaints and made package prices more consistent with paying full price for the separate components. Also, Disney sometimes offers special seasonal package discounts . You have to know the special discount codes, which I list here when available. Most Disney World packages must be purchased through Walt Disney Travel Company (WDTC). The WDTC rules about advance payment, cancellations and changes are usually much more restrictive than those associated with "room only" reservations, so be sure to inquire about the restrictions. It can be difficult to sort out what is best for your particular situation. That's why I think it's a good idea to have someone knowledgable on your side, making sure all the details are covered. My advice is this: if you want to book a Walt Disney World vacation package, I strongly recommend using a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel . It costs you nothing, and you can sit back, relax, and have all the vacation planning and hassle taken care of by someone else. 2006 "Magic Your Way" Packages 2006 Magic Your Way packages went on sale 6/30/05. For 2006, you can choose from the following Magic Your Way package options: Disneys Magic Your Way Package The base package helps you experience the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation at an affordable rate. The package includes accommodations at a Disney-owned-and-operated resort hotel, and Magic Your Way base tickets for everyone in the group. Disneys Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining This package includes everything from the Disneys Magic Your Way Package, and adds a dining plan that includes two meals and a snack per person, per package night at more than 100 restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort. Disneys Magic Your Way Premium Package This deluxe package includes everything from Disneys Magic Your Way Package as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner per person, per package night, along with other exciting options like recreation, theme park tours, admission to the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba and more. Disneys Magic Your Way Platinum Package - Due to popular demand, Disney is bringing back the Platinum Plan for 2006. In addition to your hotel room and tickets, this "ultimate luxury" plan includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service, unlimited recreation (bicycle and boat rentals), unlimited select tours, reserved seating for Fantasmic! , private golf lessons, one selected spa treatment, tickets for Cirque du Soleil La Nouba , unlimited child care in the resort Child Activity Centers, in-room child care, Fireworks Cruise, itinerary planning, Platinum Plan keepsake and turndown service. 2005 "Magic Your Way" Packages On January 2, 2005, Walt Disney World Resort unveiled an innovative new vacation package system called Magic Your Way. These vacation packages provide a wide range of options that allow you to design a Walt Disney World vacation that matches your needs and desires. The basis of the new packages is a completely new admission ticket system. The new Magic Your Way Tickets offer savings that grow the more days you visit. The new tickets offer the flexibility of adding options like Park Hopping or water park visits to theme park tickets or selecting a vacation package that includes meals. For that reason, Disneys Magic Your Way Vacations put you in control of framing the vacation that best suits your desires and budgets. The Magic Your Way packages have no minimum length of stay . Also, in most cases the length of the ticket no longer has to correspond with the number of nights a guest is planning to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. So if you want to stay 5 nights and buy a 1-day ticket, you can do that! The exception is that guests selecting Disneys Magic Your Way Premium Package are required to have the length of the Magic Your Way passes be equal to the number of nights of the resort stay plus one day. You can choose from the following Magic Your Way package options: Disneys Magic Your Way Package The base package helps you experience the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation at an affordable rate. The package includes accommodations at a Disney-owned-and-operated resort hotel, and Magic Your Way base tickets for everyone in the group. Disneys Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining This package includes everything from the Disneys Magic Your Way Package, and adds a dining plan that includes two meals and a snack per person, per package night at more than 100 restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort. Disneys Magic Your Way Premium Package This deluxe package includes everything from Disneys Magic Your Way Package as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner per person, per package night, along with other exciting options like recreation, theme park tours, admission to the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba and more. My Value Recommendations for 2006 The first thing you need to bear in mind is that Disney REALLY wants you to stay for 6 nights/7 days. For that reason, the Magic Your Way Packages are heavily discounted on longer (5 to 7 day) stays . Staying for 7 days costs only a little more than staying 4 days! So live it up -- take the longer vacation. For most people, the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining is the best value. To add the dining plan to a basic package, you pay only $37.99 per night per adult, $10.99 per night per child (ages 3-9), plus tax. For that amount you'll get a sit-down meal, a counter-service meal and a snack each day! That is a terrific value -- it is easy to get your money's worth. The best part is that the new dining plan is flexible , allowing you to swap a sit-down meal for a Character meal, or use two sit-down meals to attend a dinner show or eat at one of the higher-priced restaurants. You also have flexibility in when you use the meals. If you want to eat three of your sit-down meals in one day, you can. The higher level packages are really luxurious, but for the average family they are also serious overkill. First of all, eating the included three full meals a day is just too much for most people. But if you're like me, you'll feel compelled to eat all those darn meals, because you're paying for them! These upper-level packages also include lots of unlimited extras like recreation (i.e. boating) and behind-the-scenes tours, which sound great -- until you factor in the hot and humid Florida weather and the extensive walking, which slow most people's energy level to a crawl by the end of the day. The reality is, it's highly unlikely that you will play tennis in the afternoon and attend a Cirque du Soleil show in the evening, on top of spending your day in the theme parks. But to get your money's worth out of the Premium Package or the Platinum Package, you really need to be taking advantage of such "extras" every day. My Value Recommendations for 2005 The first thing you need to bear in mind is that Disney REALLY wants you to stay for 6 nights/7 days. For that reason, the Magic Your Way Packages are heavily discounted on longer (5 to 7 day) stays . Staying for 7 days now costs only a little more than staying 4 days! So live it up -- take the longer vacation. For most people, the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining is the best value. To add the dining plan to a basic package, you pay only $35 per night per adult, $10 per night per child (ages 3-9), plus tax. For that amount you'll get a sit-down meal, a counter-service meal and a snack each day! That is a terrific value -- it is easy to get your money's worth. The best part is that the new dining plan is flexible , allowing you to swap a sit-down meal for a Character meal, or use two sit-down meals to attend a dinner show or eat at one of the higher-priced restaurants. You also have flexibility in when you use the meals. If you want to eat three of your sit-down meals in one day, you can. The higher level packages are really luxurious, but for the average family they are also serious overkill. First of all, eating the included three full meals a day is just too much for most people. But if you're like me, you'll feel compelled to eat all those darn meals, because you're paying for them! These upper-level packages also include lots of unlimited extras like recreation (i.e. boating) and behind-the-scenes tours, which sound great -- until you factor in the hot and humid Florida weather and the extensive walking, which slow most people's energy level to a crawl by the end of the day. The reality is, it's highly unlikely that you will play tennis in the afternoon and attend a Cirque du Soleil show in the evening, on top of spending your day in the theme parks. But to get your money's worth out of the Premium Package, you really need to be taking advantage of such "extras" every day. Dream Maker Packages You cannot purchase the Dream Maker packages anymore. Disney stopped selling them on 1/1/05, replacing them with the new "Magic Your Way" packages . However, Dream Maker packages purchased before that time will be honored for stays in 2005 and fulfilled according to the original offers. You can also choose to change a Dream Maker package to a Magic Your Way package if you wish -- contact Disney or your travel agent for help with the conversion. I have included links to information about the old Dream Maker packages below for those who have already purchased one of these packages and want information for their trip planning. Jump to: Dream Maker Package Dream Maker Silver Package Dream Maker Gold Package Dream Maker Platinum Package Dream Maker with Romance Plan Dream Maker with Princess and Prince Plan Grand Gatherings (Groups of 8 or More) With family and multiple-household travel increasing over the past few years, Walt Disney World has created a new program called Grand Gatherings, which is designed to provide special opportunities for groups traveling with 8 or more people ages 3 and up. (Babies under 3 can still come along, of course, but aren't counted toward the minimum number of people required to participate.) Grand Gatherings offers special benefits and one-of-a-kind experiences that may not be available to smaller groups attending Walt Disney World. As part of a Grand Gatherings group you will have the option of booking special events with your group. These include: International Dinner and IllumiNations Desert Reception This event offers international cuisine. Following dinner the children in the audience are invited up onto the stage to hear a classic Disney story by the bookmark storyteller. After the story there is a character meet-and-greet, a dessert reception and VIP viewing of the IllumiNations fireworks. The International Dinner experience is available on selected evenings at Epcot. Adults (10 and older) $59.99, children (ages 3-9) $24.99. Safari Celebration Dinner This event takes place at Disney's Animal Kingdom where your party will embark upon the Kilimanjaro Safari with a private guide. Following the safari is a dinner at Tusker House Restaurant with up-close animal visits, a Q & A and a visit from Terk and Timon. The Safari Celebration Dinner experience is available on selected evenings at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Adults (10 and older) $59.99, children (ages 3-9) $24.99. Good Morning Gathering A breakfast event at Tony's Town Square Restaurant. Guests are escorted from the front gate of the Magic Kingdom and served by Tony and other Disney characters. Included is some one-on-one time with Mickey Mouse. Beginning in 2006, this event will include reserved seats to experience Mickey's PhilHarmagic after breakfast . The Good Morning Gathering experience is available on selected mornings at the Magic Kingdom. Adults (10 and older) $26.99, children (ages 3-9) $13.99. As of 1/1/06, prices are Adults (10 and older) $39.99, children (ages 3-9) $19.99. Magical Fireworks Voyage This dessert party is hosted by Captain Hook and Smee and is followed by a cruise of the Seven Seas Lagoon to view the fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant. The evening concludes with a telling of the Peter Pan story, and Peter Pan greets your group upon return. The Magical Fireworks Voyage experience is available seasonally on selected evenings on the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom. Adults (10 and older) $34.99, children (ages 3-9) $19.99. A Grand Gatherings group can book one of these special events, or all of them. Experiences will be shared by multiple Grand Gathering parties. Valid theme park admission is required for all Grand Gathering experiences except the Magical Fireworks Voyage. The same experience must be purchased by at least 8 guests (based on ages 3 and up) in the party. Experiences and dates are subject to change and weather conditions. Availability is limited. Reservations can be made from 90 to 6 days in advance (beginning 1/1/06, you can reserve 190 to 3 days in advance), and full payment for each experience is required 45 days prior to arrival. May be cancelled up to 6 days prior to first Grand Gathering Experience without penalty. Pricing includes gratuities/service charge(s). For 2006, you can use dining plan credits from the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining for the three Grand Gatherings experiences that include a meal (International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Party, Safari Celebration Dinner and Good Morning Gathering): each experience requires 2 table service options per person. If you are on the Magic Your Way Premium or Magic Your Way Platinum package, the Grand Gatherings experiences will "cost" only one table service option per person. There are also custom events that can be arranged for your group's special needs, including dinner parties, behind-the-scenes tours, group photographs, spa experiences and golf. Interested in organizing a Grand Gathering? Here are four steps to follow when planning your group: Invite your friends and family to join you on vacation. You may want to read my page on organizing a reunion at Walt Disney World . Decide on the best time for your group to go. Consider family celebrations, holidays or special events that are going on at Walt Disney World. If your dates are somewhat flexible, try to go in the off-season. For more advice on when to go, click here . Choose your resort hotel. In order to qualify for a Grand Gathering, at least 80% of your group must be staying on Disney property. Guests not staying on property or at a Good Neighbor Hotel cannot participate in Grand Gathering events. You can select one resort or several to suit the individual needs of your group, and you can book the rooms as part of a package or as "room only" reservations. Use a travel agent. By using a travel agent who specializes in Disney , you can make the most of your money and time, allowing them to coordinate everything for your group. They can also do additional research and bookings for you. Trip Insurance It is especially important to buy trip insurance for a vacation package , because you have to pay the entire cost in advance and you won't get a refund if you have to cancel right before your scheduled departure. With hundreds or even thousands of dollars at stake, it's worth it to protect the investment. As events in 2004 proved, it's super-important to buy insurance if you will be visiting Walt Disney World on a package vacation during peak hurricane season (roughly the months of August and September). While Disney World weathered the 2004 hurricanes very well, guests were stuck in their rooms for up to 36 hours and many had major travel problems because airports were closed. While Disney did waive "no-show" fees for a few dates, those whose trips began before the specified dates (but whose travel plans overlapped with the hurricane) or just afterward were out of luck. Many people had similar problems with their airfares. The airlines allowed highly restrictive changes for certain dates without extra fees, but many of those who had to reschedule could not work within the airlines' narrow rules and just had to suck up the extra cost. Perhaps the most important coverage included in a trip insurance policy is trip cancellation and interruption insurance , which can protect your investment if you have to cancel your vacation at the last minute (or come home early) due to illness or injury. Depending on the policy, you may be covered if you cancel for other reasons, such as jury duty, terrorism at your destination, or even unemployment. Emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation insurance are very important if you become ill or injured during the trip. Otherwise you're on your own as far as booking very expensive last-minute airfare to get home. And if you're too ill to travel by commercial jet, you may have to pay for treatment in Florida (which your personal insurance may or may not cover) or for evacuation on a medically-equipped jet, which is incredibly expensive. Delayed baggage insurance will help you pay for replacement clothing if the airline sends your suitcase to Timbuktu and you need something to wear in the meantime. Supplemental baggage insurance will pay a predetermined amount if an airline loses your luggage completely. (Some higher-end credit cards provide extra baggage insurance, so check with your card issuer before paying extra for this coverage.) Disney sells trip insurance (which is provided by Access America), but it's expensive and it has major exclusions. For instance, it does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, most airline delays, terrorism or unemployment -- but there are many policies available from other companies that will cover these things. You can almost always get better insurance than Disney provides, and at better rates, by buying it elsewhere. Be aware that in most cases, trip insurance will provide slightly less coverage (usually by adding exclusions on pre-existing conditions) unless you buy it within about 14 days of paying your DEPOSIT on the vacation package. So be sure to purchase it right away, once you've committed to the trip. A great place to comparison-shop for trip insurance is InsureMyTrip.com , where you can see side-by-side policy information and rates for major, reputable insurance companies. I used InsureMyTrip.com myself to buy trip insurance. I saved about $25 and got much more comprehensive coverage than Disney's policy would have provided. Package Promotions with Small World Vacations I've been working with Sue Pisaturo at Small World Vacations to develop some nice package promotions that will add extra value to your vacation. Watch this space for information! Discounted Packages Through Expedia When discounted packages are offered, the same vacation package discounts that are offered through other travel agencies (and directly by Disney) are usually also available online through Expedia . The discounted rates are listed as "promotional rates" or are given special names such as "Magical Fall Rates." Be aware that Expedia makes it look as if you can book "room only" reservations at these special rates, but you really can't. Later in the ordering process you are forced to add on theme park tickets, which makes the purchase into a vacation package. Generally speaking you're better off to book the corresponding discounted package through a travel agent, because Expedia has rules and requirements that can be confusing, plus Expedia charges fees. In general Expedia is not very forgiving about changes and cancellations, and may charge significant fees for such changes. If you decide to use Expedia , be sure to read all the small print very carefully, and click on any "terms and conditions" links and read those carefully. Hints for best Expedia search results: Click on the bubble next to Orlando and enter your dates, number of rooms, and number of people traveling. On the next page, go over to the left panel and type DISNEY'S (or the name of a specific hotel, such as Contemporary) in the hotel name field, then search again. This will narrow the search so that you don't get pages and pages of results. Florida Resident Packages No current offers. Canadian Packages No current offers. Back to the home page Back to top Content of MouseSavers.com is © Mary Waring & MouseSavers 2001-2005. No part of this website may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.
SOUTH AMERICA Travel Guide
VirtualTourist.com - South America Travel Guide - Pictures, Tips and Reviews South America Travel Guide. Tips, Reviews & Photos plus Hotels, Restaurants, Activities & More in South America member log in | join for free! | help Home Travel Guides Hotels Flights Deals NEW! Members Meetings & Events Do It Yourself Guides Forums SOUTH AMERICA Travel Guide Home » Travel Guides » South America Destinations Members Keywords South America Hotel Rates City: Check-In Date: Check-Out Date: Guests: 1 2 3 4 Hotels by OneTime.com South America Flight Rates From: To: Departure Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Return Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Passengers: 1 2 3 4 Flights by OneTime.com South America Forum Join a Discussion Which route do I take? (1 replies, 8:01 PM Dec. 26, 2005) Digital camera??? (2 replies, 3:02 PM Dec. 22, 2005) Travelling round (1 replies, 6:40 AM Dec. 19, 2005) Be the first to reply to these questions Getting Married in Buenos Aires (no replies yet) Natal (no replies yet) NIGHTCLUBS/PARTIES IN BUENOS AIRES AND SANTIAGO (no replies yet) » All South America Discussions » Post a South America Discussion Travel Resources Car Rental Cruises Vacations Luggage NEW! South America Deals » All South America Deals » Post a South America Deal FREE VT Deals Newsletter great deals, inside tips & no spam Popular South America Hotels In: Buenos Aires Rio de Janeiro So Paulo Lima Santiago Cusco Popular Destinations in South America Buenos Aires Rio de Janeiro So Paulo Lima Santiago Cusco Machu Picchu Caracas Salvador da Bahia Quito La Paz Bogot Parque Nacional del Iguaz Montevideo Mendoza Fortaleza San Carlos de Bariloche Uyuni Parque Nacional do Iguau Ushuaia Countries in South America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Top Pages About South America 1. El Corazn Mirando Al Sur by andal13 49 Tips 49 Pictures 2. America Latina by pepples46 28 Tips 36 Pictures 3. Peru - Bolivia - Chile by chancay 17 Tips 19 Pictures 4. Aqui Tienen Que Ir, Porque Vale La Pena ! by Maillekeul 63 Tips 63 Pictures 5. Unesco World Heritage Sites In South America by tini58de 7 Tips 9 Pictures » View all rated pages (38) » View newest pages » Build your own South America page Tips and Photos about South America in General Overview General Tips Tips: 127 - Pictures: 86 Restaurants Tips: 27 - Pictures: 11 Hotels and Accommodations Tips: 20 - Pictures: 9 Things To Do Tips: 122 - Pictures: 99 Nightlife Tips: 12 - Pictures: 2 Off the Beaten Path Tips: 21 - Pictures: 10 Tourist Traps Tips: 5 - Pictures: 1 Warnings or Dangers Tips: 27 - Pictures: 3 Transportation Tips: 16 - Pictures: 7 Local Customs Tips: 34 - Pictures: 26 Packing Lists Tips: 10 - Pictures: 2 Shopping Tips: 2 - Pictures: 2 Sports Travel Tips: 4 - Pictures: 4 » See tips about a specific place in South America Find: Destinations Members Keywords Matching: Advanced About VT | Contact Us | Site Tour | Advertising | Local Merchant Login | Travel Tools | VT Chat | VT Gear | Help User Agreement | Privacy Statement Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2005 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Russia Travel Resources >
Travel Essentials - Russia You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia 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 > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia Travel Essentials - Russia For your travels to Russia, use this resource to know where the tourist offices are, when to go, what to expect from weather, public holidays, and similar logistical information. Also find information about communications and health and safety Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Russia Profile Undergoing profound economic and political changes, Russia is struggling to remain an important power on the world stage. For travelers, the country is a rich trove of art, culture and history. Find out more about Russia in this overview of the government, people, languages, travel, history, and more, in one concise page. Money Matters- Russia Like everywhere else you travel, you'll need money when you visit Russia. In this article, you'll find handy information about money in Russia, including cash, credit cards, travelers checks, exchange rates, ATMs, costs, and banks. Transportation in Russia: Long Distance Whether you're traveling across borders or from city to city, Russia has transportation options to get there. Public Transportation - Russia In this segment of the Russia Travel Guide, you'll find general information about mass transit in Russia as well as specifics about Moscow and St. Petersburg: the metro, trams, buses and trolleybuses, and taxis. Driving in Russia Driving in Russia presents challenges. If you still want to drive, read on. Dining and Drinking - Russia Learn what to eat and drink (and what not to) in Russia. Shopping - Russia Visitors to Russia will find plenty of ways to spend their money, particulary in Moscow and St. Petersburg where shops catering to tourists are everywhere. Here you'll find art and antique stores, souvenir shops, department stores and outdoor flea markets. Before You Go - Russia Before you go on your trip to Russia, read this section of the Travel Guide for Russia to learn about tourist information, travel tips, when to go, and what you can bring with you. Need to Know - Russia Before you go on your trip to Russia, read this article about items you need to know, such as time zones, electricity, measurements, weather, and public holidays. Health and Safety - Russia With a little foresight and common sense, you can stay safe and healthy while traveling in Russia. Read on to learn what you need to know. This article deals with crime, theft of your passport, eating and drinking to stay healthy, immunizations, and sex in Russia. Communications - Russia Learn about communicating in Russia, from the post office (and its private sector alternatives) to mobile phones, the Internet, media and webcams. 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 Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Headlines Spas of Budapest Whether you want to simply swim or soak in... Warsaw for Travelers In Warsaw, modern glass office buildings have emerged all over... Castle Hotels in Europe If you're seeking unique accommodations for your travels in Eastern... Romantic Destinations in Eastern Europe Looking for something beyond Paris or Tuscany for a romantic...
Germany Travel Essentials Germany
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Berlin - Location: Berlin is located in its own state in the North East section of Germany. Coordinates: Longitude 13:25 E, latitude 52:32 N. Berlin is 34 m above sea level. Berlin Population: Berlin is the largest city in Germany, with around 3.5 million people. Berlin Airports: Three airports serve Berlin: Berlin Brandenberg Airport in Schoenefeld, Berlin International Airport in Tegal, and Berlin Brandenberg International (BBI), the newest airport. Information on Berlin airports is found in our Berlin Transportation Resources . Berlin Tourist Offices: There are three tourist offices in Berlin, the main one located in the Europa center (Zoo Station). Other locations are the south wing of the Brandenburg Gate and at the base of the TV tower at Alexanderplatz. There are also information posts at the airports. At the centers you can make hotel reservations, buy discount cards, get a map of Berlin, and arange tours of the city and environs. Web Site: Berlin Tourist Information Berlin Train Stations: Berlin has two main train stations: Zoologischer Garten and Ostbahnhof (where most high-speed trains dock in Berlin), plus four other stations in Lichtenberg, Spandau, Wannsee and Schönefeld. All train-stations are connected to other forms of public transport. The Zoologischer Garten station is near the Europa Center, where you'll find the main tourist office referenced above. Train Resources: German Rail Passes . When to go to Berlin: Summer temperatures are quite pleasant; daily temperatures range from 22-23 °C (72°F), but can go up to around 30°C (86°F). Winter highs are around 35°F. So, summer is the obvious choice, but Berlin is a cultural wonderland, so winter can be interesting as well. There are quite a few Christmas markets in Berlin, and New Years is a big deal at the Brandenburg Gate. Berlin Tourism has offers WinterMagic Berlin , a web site devoted to the enjoyment of the colder months. Berlin Discount Cards: The Berlin Welcome Card provides travel on all buses and trains within the A, B and C fare zones in Berlin for one adult and up to three children below the age of fourteen for either 48 hours (16) or 72 hours (22). Other discount tickets are also provided in a ticket book. Available at Tourist Info Centers, many hotels, and the S-Bahn offices. Tourist Info Centers offer a 50% Ticket-Special for selected events on the day of the performance. Berlin Public Transportation: Berlin has one of Europe's premier public transportation systems, featuring S-Bahn and U-Bahn train lines (S-Suburban, U-Urban), busses, and East Berlin Trams. You can buy tickets at vending machines at the station. You must validate the ticket before you use it in the red or yellow machines--the fine for unvalidated or no ticket is 40 Euros. A Tageskarte or Day Ticket costs 5.80 Euros and allows unlimited travel on all systems till 3 in the morning. Shopping in Berlin: Look for bohemian style crafty items, rather than designer goods in Berlin. The Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzienstraße are highly touted shopping areas. Berlin Tourism Information lists a number of other shopping areas . Berlin's Top Attractions: What do you think of first when you think of Berlin? The wall? Well, it's mosly gone. You can see a standing bit of the it on Niederkirchnerstrasse, next to the "Topography of Terror" exhibition center [ map ]. You'll also want to see the Berlin Wall Museum . Berlin is huge. Make sure you have a good map, available from the tourist office. Zoologischer Garten - Zoological Gardens were opened in 1844 and are germany's oldest and the world's largest. The Berlin Aquarium is adjacent. Hardenbergplatz 8, western downtown. Brandenburger Tor - The Brandenburg Gate is the symbol of Berlin and the last remaing big piece of the Berlin wall system. Museumsinsel - Museum Island fits between the rivers Spree and Kupfergraben. Museums on Museum Island include The National Gallery, The Old Museum (Altes Museum), The Pergamon Museum and The Bode Museum. The Pergamonmuseum is a must--and it's immense. You may need two days here. Mitte district. The Tiergarten - Berlin's green heart is good for a walk. The 630 acre urban park began as a royal hunting reserve but landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenne thankfully transfored it into a beautiful city park in 1742. The Reichstag - now home to Parliament once again after the torching of the building by a Dutch Communist in 1933 became the handy excuse that lead to handing Hitler dictatorial powers. The 1999 restoration added a glass dome that's become one of Berlin's main attractions as a view spot. Visit early in the morning to avoid the inevitable long lines, especially in summer. A Note about Museums: German State Museums are generally a bargain for world-class exhibitions, costing from 6-8 Euros, and free on the four hours before closing on Thursday. Of course, Berlin has a huge cultural scene. Modern art, caberet and variety shows, one of the world's best philharmonic orchestras are all part of the nightlife. And no closing hours means you can sit at your favorite watering hole for well into the morning. Enjoy Berlin! 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