vacation packages & specials

Tropical Travel Vacation Packages & All-Inclusive Travel Deals get a travel quote - my account - newsletter Our vacation packages & specials are always changing. When you're ready to talk vacation, just give us a call or fill out our get a quote form and we'll help you set your dream trip with personal service. VACATION PACKAGES » Caribbean Vacation Packages » Europe Vacation Packages » Hawaii Vacation Packages » Las Vegas Vacation Packages » Mexico Vacation Packages SEARCH TROPICALTRAVEL.NET Get A Quote - add search to your site PACKAGES FROM DEPARTING CITIES - Choose Departure City - Akron, OH Albany, NY Allentown, PA Amarillo, TX Anaheim, CA Atlanta, GA Augusta, GA Austin, TX Bakersfield, CA Baltimore, MD Bend, OR Bethel Park, PA Birmingham, AL Bonita Springs, FL Boston, MA Bowling Green, KY Bridgeport, CT Buffalo, NY Bullhead City, AZ Cedar Rapids, IA Charlotte, NC Charlottesville, VA Charlston, VA Chattanooga, TN Cheyenne, WY Chicago, IL Cincinnati, OH Cleveland, OH Colorado Springs, CO Columbia, SC Columbus, GA Columbus, OH Concord, NH Corpus Christi, TX Dale City, VA Dallas, TX Dayton, OH Deltona, FL Denver, CO Des Moines, IA Detroit, MI Dulles, DC Durham, NC Escondido, CA Eugene, OR Evansville, IN Fayetteville, NC Flagstaff, AZ Flint, MI Fort Lauderdale, FL Fort Wayne, IN Frankfort, KY Frederick, MD Fresno, CA Grand Rapids, MI Greensboro, NC Harrisburg, PA Hartford, CT Homestead, FL Houston, TX Huntsville, TX Ithaca, NY Jacksonville, FL Jefferson City, MO Kansas City, KS Kennewick, WA Lafayette, LA Lansing, MI Lexington, KY Longview, OR Los Angeles, CA Louisville, KY Lynchburg, VA Macom, GA McAllen, TX Melbourne, FL Miami, FL Milwaukee, WI Modesto, CA Montgomery, AL New Castle, DE New Port, RI New York, NY Newark, NJ Newport News, VA Norfolk, VA Norristown, PA Oakland, CA Oklahoma City, OK Omaha, NE Orlando, FL Pasco, WA Petersburg, VA Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Pittsburgh, PA Plano, TX Portland, OR Providence, RI Pueblo, CO Raleigh, NC Richland, WA Richmond, VA Rochester, NY Sacramento, CA Salem, OR San Antonio, TX San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Sanford, FL Santa Barbara, CA Seattle, WA Shreveport, LA Spring Hill, FL Springfield, IL St. Charles, MD St. Louis, MO Tampa, FL Toledo, OH Tucson, AZ Tulsa, OK Waco, TX Walla Walla, WA Washington, DC West Palm Beach, FL Wichita Falls, TX Wilmington, DE Worcester, MA Vacation Packages & Discount Travel Specials FIND YOUR PERFECT VACATION PACKAGE OAHU DEAL 5nts. w/air from $799 NASSAU ALL INCLUSIVE 3nts. w/air from $599 ALLEGRO PLAYACAR IN RIVIERA MAYA 4nts. all inc. w/air from $619 CAN YOU BELIEVE THESE BRUSSELS PRICES 6nts. w/air from $469 SPEND 4 NIGHTS IN ROME w/air from $379 ALL INCLUSIVE RIVIERA MAYA 3nts. w/air from $579 e-mail for general questions/comments: sales@tropicaltravel.net Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Sat: 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. (PST) Browse these specialty travel services to find your perfect trip or vacation package. These are web sites of network partners who are affiliated with Tropical Travel - View All Network Partners Activities : Ecotourism - Group Tours - Safari Vacations - Skiing Vacations - Yachting Destinations : Africa Vacations - Caribbean Travel - Cruise Travel - Dominican Republic Travel - Europe Vacations - Global Travel - Hawaii Vacations - Jamaica Travel - Las Vegas Travel - Latin America - Mexico Travel - Tahiti Vacations Groups : Group Vacations - Senior Travel - Student Travel Specialties : Adventure Travel - Education Travel - Exotic Vacations - Exotic Villas - Honeymoon Vacations - Leisure Vacations - Luxury Travel - Specialty Travel - Tri-Cities Travel Asia Travel - Australia Travel - Caribbean Travel - Central America Travel - Club Med Travel - Costa Rica Travel - Cruise Travel - Europe Travel - Hawaii Travel - Las Vegas Travel - Mexico Travel - South America Travel - South Pacific Travel - USA Travel - Handbag Reviews & Forum - Chord Reference - Brownsville Yellow Pages - Accept Credit Cards - Design Leuchten - Financial information site map - -- authorization - jobs - about us - contact us - newsletter - network partners - privacy policy - archive - sitemap © 2004 TropicalTravel.net, LLC. All rights reserved. Website developed by Arestia , LLC. in cooperation with Abra International Group

Travel Insurance Welcome To

Travel Insurance from MEDEX : International Medical and Travel Insurance including Assistance and Evacuation services. Purchase Online Member Center Login username password " style="height:17px; font-size:9px" Create Account Login Help ABOUT MEDEX | NEWS ROOM | TRAVEL LINKS | SITEMAP | CONTACT Purchase Travel Insurance Welcome To MEDEX Assistance Today's global travelers recognize the need for travel insurance and emergency assistance. The world's leading multinational corporations, global insurance providers, most noteworthy scholastic organizations and individual business or leisure travelers alike, recognize MEDEX as a top-notch provider of worldwide travel assistance, international travel insurance and travel medical insurance. Whether it's coordinating an air ambulance evacuation out of Venezuela, finding an English-speaking specialist in Beijing, contingency planning in Jakarta or providing medical case management in Germany, MEDEX has the resources and experience to provide efficient, quality assistance. MEDEX Assistance Coordinators are just a phone call away, available via worldwide toll-free access numbers. We utilize highly-trained, multilingual coordinators in conjunction with an extensive information and communication system to assist international travelers with all types of medical, security and other travel-related emergencies. Available anytime, from anywhere, MEDEX creates the prepared traveler by providing destination intelligence and emergency assistance. Our global intelligence database is updated 24/7, so we can respond with the latest, authoritative information and guidance. MEDEX began helping travelers and expatriates in 1977. Operating from a centralized coordination center in the United States, MEDEX has worldwide coverage, international assistance expertise, and an unsurpassed provider network. Individual Leisure, Scholastic and Business Travelers MEDEX offers a full line of TravMed insurance to provide worldwide travel insurance and 24-hour assistance for every traveler. For business travel or family vacations, purchase short term medical insurance. For frequent travelers, purchase our annual travel insurance. For students requiring traveler insurance for a study abroad program, MEDEX offers evacuation, repatriation and medical coverage to supplement your student health insurance program. For expatriates, MEDEX offers a comprehensive individual program for expatriate health insurance. Whether you are searching for international travel insurance, medical or security assistance, trip insurance or an emergency medical kit and help with safe travel preparations, MEDEX is the solution. Browse our web site for more information, request a quote and purchase travel insurance online. Corporations Large, multinational corporations and small to mid-size companies count on MEDEX to protect their travelers from unexpected medical, security and travel-related emergencies. Protect your human assets with access to our 24-hour multilingual assistance center, and cover any potential evacuation costs your company may incur. MEDEX experts can also provide pre-travel advice, destination intelligence and contingency planning among other offerings. Contact MEDEX to learn more about our group programs for employee benefits, expatriate populations and executive travel programs. Insurance Companies MEDEX provides valuable service enhancements, product differentiation and cost containment solutions to insurance companies. Contact MEDEX to learn more about how our worldwide recognition and portfolio of services can improve your business. USAID contractors, NGOs, Government Organizations MEDEX has enjoyed an 11 year relationship with USAID and related contractors worldwide, to provide medical evacuation services to USAID contractors and their dependents at discounted rates. Request more information online and apply for coverage. MEDEX also provides coverage to many state and national government entities and NGOs to protect the health and safety of their employees and/or contractors. Request more information online or contact MEDEX to enroll. Scholastic Groups MEDEX offers an invaluable emergency support system to scholastic organizations and provides peace of mind to faculty, students and parents. MEDEX scholastic clients include many premier universities and study abroad administrators who are showing that they not only care about a student's education, but their health and safety too. Request more information online or contact MEDEX for a group quote. Individual evacuation, repatriation and medical coverages for students are available for purchase online. HIPAA Compliance Notice INFO REQUEST CAREERS NEWSLETTER MEDEX RETAIL INDIVIDUALS INSURANCE COMPANIES CORPORATIONS GOVERNMENT ENTITIES SCHOLASTIC GROUPS DESTINATION REPORTS MEDICAL KITS MEDEX AFFILIATES GET YOUR FREE COPY MEDEX Special Report on AVIAN FLU Available for download today!

France Travel

Southwest France Travel & Tourism: WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Southwest France, France Southwest FranceTravel & Tourism Guide Blue Elephant Experience a taste of Thailand! TOP Hotel Cannes 200 meters from the beaches of Croisette Rail Europe The cheapest way to ride the rails Quality Hotel Patrick Close to Alpexpo Exhibition Hall in Grenoble, French Alps Maison St. Denis Bed & Breakfast Where your journey begins! This WorldWeb.com travel and tourism guide for Southwest France, featuring hotels and other accommodations , tours , attractions , events , shopping , restaurants & bars , photo gallery and more, will help you plan a successful visit to Southwest France, France . Southwest France is a vibrant area of France, featuring ancient cities, religious centers, and cosmopolitan areas. Lourdes is a major centre for Roman Catholics, as it was here where a young girl named Bernadette is believed to have seen apparitions of the Virgin Mary. As well, a number of cathedrals and basilicas are located here. Albi is the birthplace of the famed painter Toulouse-Lautrec, and a museum of his work is situated in town. Toulouse is the largest city in the Southwest France region. It is boasts an intriguing history, and it is home to 20 historic pipe organs. Travel Destinations Location: Home > France > Southwest France Arrival Date: 2005 Dec 2006 Jan 2006 Feb 2006 Mar 2006 Apr 2006 May 2006 Jun 2006 Jul 2006 Aug 2006 Sep 2006 Oct 2006 Nov arrival = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Departure Date: 2005 Dec 2006 Jan 2006 Feb 2006 Mar 2006 Apr 2006 May 2006 Jun 2006 Jul 2006 Aug 2006 Sep 2006 Oct 2006 Nov departure = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Rooms: 1 2 Adults: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Children: None 1 2 3 4 5 6 Enter city Enter name of hotel (optional) Review My Reservations Pickup Date: 2005 Dec 2006 Jan 2006 Feb 2006 Mar 2006 Apr 2006 May 2006 Jun 2006 Jul 2006 Aug 2006 Sep 2006 Oct 2006 Nov arrival = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Pickup Time: 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM 12:00 PM Dropoff Date: 2005 Dec 2006 Jan 2006 Feb 2006 Mar 2006 Apr 2006 May 2006 Jun 2006 Jul 2006 Aug 2006 Sep 2006 Oct 2006 Nov departure = 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Dropoff Time: 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM 12:00 PM Preferred Car Type: Economy Compact Mid Size Standard Full Size Premium Luxury Convertible Enter city WorldWeb.com travel guide is the world's leading provider of online travel information. Since 1994, we have helped millions of people plan their vacations and market their businesses online. For more information, click here Accommodation Hotels & motels , inns , B&Bs , cabins & chalets , vacation homes , campgrounds and more . Tours & Activities Vacation packages , ski hills , sightseeing tours , trail rides and more . ................. ................. Local Attractions Museums , galleries , parks & gardens and more . Transportation Airport transfers , shuttle services and more . ................. ................. Restaurants & Bars The Restaurants & Bars Guide contains a list of local eating establishments organized by type of cuisine. Shopping The Shopping Directory contains business listings for local stores and shopping areas. ................. ................. Rentals Bikes and more . Photos The Photo Gallery features professional photographs and electronic postcards. Travel Essentials Time zones and more . ................. ................. Itinerary Maker Called My TravelGuide! , the itinerary maker allows you to collect, share and save information from the site. Currency Converter Use the currency converter to quickly convert currencies from around the world. ................. ................. Webcams The Webcams Directory contains a list of local webcams. Convention Planner and more . Real Estate Services Realtors and more . ................. ................. Business Index The Business Directory contains listings for local businesses that operate outside the tourism industry. DECEMBER 2005 JANUARY 2006 FEBURARY 2006 MARCH 2006 APRIL 2006 MAY 2006 JUNE 2006 JULY 2006 AUGUST 2006 SEPTEMBER 2006 OCTOBER 2006 NOVEMBER 2006 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Close Site Map | Advertise With Us | Suggest a Site | Link to Us | Tell a Friend | Company Info | Contact Us   ©1994-2005 World Web Technologies Inc. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Orlando Vacations Category: Miscellaneous

Google Answers: Orlando Vacations Log in | Google Answers Home View Question Ask a Question Q: Orlando Vacations ( Answered , 0 Comments ) Question Subject: Orlando Vacations Category: Miscellaneous Asked by: internethelpdesk-ga List Price: $10.00 Posted: 10 Aug 2005 09:17 PDT Expires: 09 Sep 2005 09:17 PDT Question ID: 554011 Where can I get a good deal on a Disney Vacation Home? Request for Question Clarification by nenna-ga on 10 Aug 2005 13:10 PDT Hello internethelpdesk-ga,Could you give us more information on accommodations, dates, etc. themore details you provide us here at GA, the better answer we can giveyou to your question.Nenna-GA Clarification of Question by internethelpdesk-ga on 10 Aug 2005 13:39 PDT Not sure of the dates. I just need to have a place to stay that ischeaper than hotels, and has the ammenities of home. Answer Subject: Re: Orlando Vacations Answered By: nenna-ga on 10 Aug 2005 14:25 PDT Hello internethelpdesk-ga,I have the perfect place for you. We stayed there last November whenwe made our trip to Disney and it wonderful.Oak Plantation Resort 4090 Enchanted Oaks Circle Kissimmee FL 34741http://www.hotels.com/property.do?mtnHotelID=49900&page=info&numadults=2&numchildren=0&numrooms=1&CIDay=31&CIMonth=8&CIYear=2005&CODay=2&COMonth=9&COYear=2005&z_property=&gds=3&thisPageNumber=3&roomOccupancyString=1||2|0|0&qKey=null&roomTypeCode=H11(Link to page with info on the hotel)It was clean, they have activities for kids and adults such as… “Twoswimming pools, children's pool, whirlpool spa, tennis courts,basketball courts, fitness center, playground, game room and picnicarea.”There are a number of restaurants in the area, and you’re 6 miles(about a 10-minute drive) from Disney.“These beautiful villas feature Florida-style decor, comfortablyfurnished living rooms including a sleeper sofa, remote-controlledcolor cable TV and VHS video tape player. You'll also discover a fullyequipped kitchen with microwave, range/oven, coffee maker,refrigerator with icemaker, dishwasher, toaster, blender anddinnerware. A washer & dryer are also featured in each villa for addedconvenience.”If you get the bigger one, it has a upstairs and downstairs as wellfor some added privacy.It felt like home to us, was styled like it, and we loved it! It’salso gated for added security.I didn’t do a Google search for this one as I already knew about it. If this answer requires further explanation, please requestclarification before rating it, and I'll be happy to look into thisfurther.Nenna-GAGoogle Answers Researcher Clarification of Answer by nenna-ga on 10 Aug 2005 14:30 PDT Hello again,I thought of a few more things that may interest you about this place.They show movies for kids everynight at the pool on a big screen andthey also offer babysitting services for more $$$. It's about a 15-20minute drive to Universal Studios which has great night life, and amassuese on site as well.Nenna-GA Request for Answer Clarification by internethelpdesk-ga on 21 Aug 2005 18:26 PDT Have you tried http://www.holidayhomes.cc for an Orlando Vacation or Holiday Villa? Clarification of Answer by nenna-ga on 23 Aug 2005 07:43 PDT No, I personally have not.Nenna-GA Comments Log in to add a comment There are no comments at this time. Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service . If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-editors@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you. Search Google Answers for all questions answered questions unanswered questions Google Home - Answers Help & Tips - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy ©2005 Google

Switzerland Travel

Switzerland.....the land of aching muscles Switzerland......the land ofaching muscles! Join the Budget Travel Mailing List Disclaimer : This travelogue is based on my travel experience in 1995. Things have changed since I've been there. I write this only to let you know of MY experiences. We are all different, so what I observe and experience may be different for you. Please do not take everything I say too seriously or take offence at my opinions or observations. I do not pretend to be a professional travel writer or to know this destination extremely well. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Getting Around Without a doubt the best way toget around Switzerland is by train - it is fast, convenient and every place isaccessible. If you plan on doing a moderate amount of train travel, I wouldrecommend that prior to arriving in Switzerland, you purchase the Swiss Card. Withthis card, you will receive 1 free transfer from any Swiss airport or border town to anycity or town in Switzerland + 1 free transfer from any Swiss city or town to any Swissairport or border town + 50% off all other rail, steamboat, bus and mountain excursions. Thesavings really add up. Depending on how you use your free transfers, the card may payfor itself right there. In Canada the pass costs approx. CA$ 160. In the US, it costsapprox. US$ 116. Links: Rail Europe or Swiss Bahn sites formore details. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Geneva What to see and do: Geneva is a charming world class city withlots to offer travellers looking for history, architecture, shopping, and a lot more.Located on Lake Geneva, the city has been said to be the most peaceful in the world. It isno wonder when institutions like the Red Cross and League of Nations were born in Geneva.The city is home to the United Nations. Sights you may want to take in include: the St.Pierre Cathedral, the UN building, the Jet d'eau on Lake Geneva, and the Jardin Anglaiswhich has a huge clock made out of flowers and a fountain which is popular with the kidson a hot day. If you are there during the summer and don't feel like frolicking with thekids in the fountain there is a beach which, I gather from the lack of visible swimwear,is a nude beach. Walking around the old part of the city is interesting and veryenjoyable. Where to stay: Although there are quite a few youth hostels and budgetaccommodations (budget in Swiss terms), sometimes cheap people like me just stay at theairport. Links: The Budget Traveller's Guide to Sleeping inAirports Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Interlaken What to see and do: I could write a bookabout things to see and do in and around Interlaken. The options are really just too much.I spent a week in Interlaken and I still did not see or do everything. Things to see intown include the Casino (have to be 21 years of age - if you still look 16 like me,you will be carded) There are also bars and restaurants. Apparently there is a bowlingalley somewhere in town for you wild and crazy party-animals. The Berner Oberland (Switzerland actually) is a hikers dream. There are many signedpaths to follow. No matter where you are in the mountains, you can easily find your wayback. Here are just a few of the activities that I suggest: Since Interlaken is located in the middle of two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, cruises are available. The Lake Brienz, the cleanest lake in Europe, is much more scenic than Thun, which has high cliffs and a few waterfalls. A round trip ticket in the Lake Thun costs SFR 22 (14 with Swiss Card). You can off as many times as you want. Hike from Lauterbrunnen up to Kleine Schedeige. I did it the other way around and it was really just too steep for anybody to go down. HIKING UP IS ALWAYS EASIER THAN COMING DOWN! The Trummelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen is a waste of money. I think I paid SFR 10 to see the inside of the falls. There is no tour, all you are paying for is the privilege of seeing this. On the Lake Thun, the Beatushlen prehistoric caves has stalactites, waterfalls and an ancient cell of the St. Beatus monk. This is a good trip for a rainy day. From here you can hike along a path to the next village or town that proves to be interesting. Oberhofen has a huge castle-like place. I am not sure if there are tours or if people just like to take pictures of it. Take the steam boat from Interlaken to Iselwelt (SRF 5.20 or 2.60 with Swiss Card). Get off at Iselwelt and walk to Geissbach Falls. This is not a challenging walk, but is more leisurely. When you arrive at the foot of the falls, you will have the option of taking a cable car higher up or hiking up. Hike up!! The cable car is for lazy people. When you arrive at the hotel you will see that you have not made it to the top of the falls yet. Keep going. There are paths that meander through the falls. The Geissbach Falls are impressive! Where to stay: Although Balmer's Herberge is said to be one of the best hostels in Europe, that is really a personal choice. If you do not mind sharing two bathrooms with 50 other people, sharing your room with 50 other people and climbing three beds up to get to your bed on the top bunk, then Balmer's will make you very happy. If you are a light sleeper, there is no way you will be able to sleep with the constant chatter of drunk young backpackers wandering in at all hours of the night. In short, Balmer's is a PARTY hostel. Depending on when you go, the average guest age could very well be 18. Even if you stay somewhere else, you will probably return to Balmers several times during your stay. There is a store that sells everything you may need (not including groceries), a mini bar/restaurant for alcoholics, currency exchange and many day tours can be arranged. There are double rooms, but you have to be there early in the morning to grab those ones. After one sleepless night at Balmers, I stayed at the Hotel Beyeler/Heidi's Hostel. Don't ask me why it has two names. The owner told me that many Balmers refugees come to this place. It is not fancy, but it is an affordable roof over your head. The cheap travellers room is on the third floor and has three beds. If you get the single bed near the window, you better have extra blankets, because the window sometimes blows open and the cold mountain air may kill you. The room has a sink and there is a shared washroom in the hall. Oh, one more tip about this place. Bring your own WD-40. The door to this room is very loud!!! If you are travelling solo don't want to stay couped up in your room alone, let the owner know that you are willing to share if any other people are looking for a roommate. If anyone comes along, she will accommodate everybody. I don't think you will save any money, but it is good company. My roomies were one of the highlights of my trip. Contact: Heidi's Garni/Hotel Beyeler - 37 Bernastr (tel. 229 030) or if you are desparate, Balmer's Herberge 23-25 Hauptstr (tel 221 961). Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Grindelwald What to see and do: Grindelwald is smaller than Interlaken and not so infested with tourists. There is a lot to keep you busy for a few days at least. From town you can hike to the Upper Glacier or the Glacier Gorge. The hike to up to the top of the Upper Glacier is very challenging. No matter how fit you claim to be, you will be huffing and puffing a few times at least. And if you have big feet, it will probably take you twice as long to get to the top. The stairs are painfully narrow and small. I did the hike up First Mountain twice (once from Bort and the second from Grindelwald). The part from Grindelwald is very steep and tiring, so bring lots of water with you. To avoid the steep part, take the chair lift (the longest in Europe) to Bort, get off and hike up the rest of the way. The fresh air is revitalizing!!! Depending on the time of year you go, there might be snow at the top and lots of it. Here is the recipe to make your own slushie: take some hard fruit-flavoured candy with you, grab some snow (that is not yellow) and place both in your mouth. Yummy!!! When you get to the top, you will have a magnificent view of Eiger, Jungfrau and Mnch. Take one of those disposable panoramic cameras and snap away. If you think you are hearing a thunder storm approaching, it is just an avalanche. If the sound is more distant, you can probably turn around and see the avalanche on the other side of the valley. If it sounds really close, then I am afraid that you will be a fair bit of trouble!!! Where to stay: Lehmann's Herberge is a real Swiss chalet-like lodge. Rooms are wooden with red curtains, have nice, warm comforters, and a shared washroom for every two units. The washrooms are modern and have hot water. Many rooms overlook a valley, while a few others overlook a road. Lehmann's is VERY COMFORTABLE right off one of the main roads in town. 25-35 SFR per night - breakfast is included. There are some other youth hostels, but for comfort Lehmann's is the place to go! Contact: Lehmann's Herberge (tel. 531 141). The woman that runs the hostel does speak English. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Costs You probably know that Switzerland is a very expensive place to visit. Here are a few extra tips when planning your Swiss vacation: When looking for accommodations it will cost you an extra bundle for a private washroom. Unless you are staying at a really nice hotel, most lower end hotels have a couple of shared washrooms per floor. Showers usually cost extra. Food is very expensive. I am from Canada and the cost of a loaf of bread was a shocking SFR 3.10. Four bananas cost SFR 2.05 and 6 pack of pop cost SFR 5.10. Luckily, I brought my own peanut butter and ate A LOT of peanut butter sandwiches!!! Transportation is reasonably priced if you have a Swiss Card, Pass or Eurail Card. And things like postcards aren't too bad in price! Clothing is expensive. A movie costs SFR 13. Getting Around / Geneva / Interlaken / Grindelwald / Costs ($) / Hiking Tips Hiking Unless you hike often and are use to the strain of hiking up/down steep mountains, start off easy. I ruined the whole trip for myself by starting big. The result was that I could barely walk for a few days and I had to put plastic Pepsi bottles full of HOT water on my legs at night. Although I was able to do some great hiking, I could have done more if I didn't start of thinking I was superwoman. This is not to say that I do not exercise at all, because I do everyday. I just don't hike up and down mountains everyday. Please sign my guest book! [ HOME ] This travelogue is based on the travel experiences of Donna McSherry