Hotel Travel

TELECOM '04: Hotel and Travel -- Hotel and Travel Venetian Hotel and Convention Center 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89109 www.venetian.com Phone: (702) 414-1000 or toll free at (877) 283-6423 The deadline to reserve a room at The Venetian Hotel in the TELECOM 04 room block has passed. We recommend that you still check availability at The Venetian Hotel to make your reservation. For reservations at other properties, one option is Quickbook . Important Information for Confirmed Venetian Reservations: Deposit & Cancellation policy: The hotel requires a first night deposit of suite and tax charges, per suite, to guarantee accommodations. Deposits must be received no later than fourteen (14) days after the reservation is made. The refunding of deposits will only be made when individual suite reservations are cancelled at least fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled arrival date. Check-in time: 3:00 p.m. Check-out time: 11:00 a.m. Guaranteed reservations will be held until midnight on the reserved date. Transportation Information Airline Discounts United Airlines is the official airline for USTA TELECOM 04 conference attendees. If you or your travel agent call United's toll-free number 1-800-521-4041 to book your reservations, you will receive a 5% discount off the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class or 10% discount off full fare unrestricted coach fares, purchased 7 days in advance. An additional 5% discount will apply when tickets are purchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express. Call United's specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. Make sure you refer to Meeting ID Number 522AG. Dedicated reservations agents are on duty 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST. Car Rental Avis car rental is offering discounts for USTA TELECOM 04 conference attendees. Detailed information can be found by visiting www.avis.com/AvisWeb/html/bridge/assoc/offer/go.html?A544100 ( case sensitive ). Please reference the following Avis Worldwide Discount Code: A544177 to receive the discount. To reserve a car, contact Avis at 1-800-331-1600 and use your Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number A544177 . Or reserve online and have your discount number automatically included in your reservation and receive an email confirmation.

Disney Vacations Whether you

MouseSavers.com - Discounts and Information on Airfare, Amtrak, Car Rental, Shuttle, Limo, Van, Taxi and Bus Great deals on all things Disney! Find out how to save on: Walt Disney World Disneyland Disney Cruise Line Transportation Getting There: Airfare Discounts Road Trip Tips & Tricks Train Information Getting Around: Airport Shuttle City Bus from Airport to Disney World Limo, Luxury Sedan or Private Van Service Rental Car Discounts & Advice Taxi Service at Disney World 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: Frequently Asked Questions Trip Reports and Articles Links Testimonials About MouseSavers Privacy Policy & Legal Stuff Contact Mary Transportation for Disney Vacations Whether you plan to go on your Disney vacation by plane, train or automobile, it can be challenging to find the most economical way to get to your destination -- and then you need to figure out how you're going to get around while you are there! (At both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, transportation from the airport to your hotel is something you'll have to arrange for yourself, unless you purchase a package that includes transfers.) On these pages I've gathered some information about money-saving resources that will help you find the best prices on transportation, for both getting there and getting around. I also list specific transportation deals, discounts and coupons that are changed and updated frequently. The most popular area is the Rental Cars page, which lists dozens of rental car codes, coupons and discounts that can potentially save you a hundred dollars or more on a one-week rental! Be sure to check it out. Getting There Airfare - Tips and tricks for finding the best price on your airplane tickets. Amtrak - Have some fun and take the train! Road Trip - The journey is half the adventure. Tips from readers. Getting Around Disney's Magical Express - Disney's FREE shuttle service to its hotels Shuttle - Information on the various shared van / shuttle options. Rental Car - Tons of good ideas for getting the best possible deal! Limo, Luxury Sedan or Private Van Service - A surprisingly reasonable option, especially for groups of three or more. Taxi - Be sure to consider this -- it could be cheaper than renting a car at Walt Disney World! Bus - Tips for the cheapest way to get from the airport to Walt Disney World. 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

Adventure Associates | Antarctica, Arctic, South America Expedition Cruises Home Antarctica Arctic Latin America Oceania Africa Bhutan Madagascar Worldwide Calendar Intro eNews Adventure News Rhumba, sway to the rhythm of South America! 16 April to 14 May - 2 to 24 July - 1 to 23 October 2006 - 22 Days The continent of South America has captivated us and our many thousands of clients for over thirty years. This huge multifaceted landmass contains such incredible diversity and virtually limitless adventure possibilities, that one meagre lifetime is barely enough to experience all it has to offer. Designed for the first time visitor to South America, our acclaimed Rhumba tour distils Adventure Associates’ extensive knowledge of the world’s fourth largest continent. Beginning in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, we fly to Lima, the capital of Peru, to enjoy the wonderful legacy of Spanish colonial architecture. We venture to the near-silent serenity of the Amazon jungle, travelling by boat to Ceiba Tops, a luxury resort located directly on the Amazon and just 40 kms from Iquitos. You’ll spend three days exploring the primordial beauty of undisturbed Amazonian jungle including a trading visit with the local Yagua Indians, one of the few native tribes still living by traditional means. A tour of the famous former Franciscan mission town of Indiana is planned. The town is home to a thriving river community with a colourful market where it’s possible to buy unique and authentic souvenirs. Then it’s on to Cuzco and the crowning jewel of South American archeology, Machu Picchu, the fabled “Lost City of the Incas”. Journey from Peru to Bolivia by train and hydrofoil across Lake Titicaca, and on to the world’s highest city, La Paz in Bolivia, one of the central points of the ancient Inca civilisation. Fly to famous Rio de Janeiro with three days of sightseeing and relaxing in the sun and on to astonishing Iguazú Falls, the world’s widest and most spectacular cascades. We wind down in bustling Buenos Aires – schedule some shopping and build up your appetite for a sumptuous barbecue lunch in an authentic Argentine estancia! Optional extensions are available to the stunning Galápagos Islands, the truly breathtaking Andes Lakes District or the dramatic, icy terrain of Patagonia. High Arctic Adventures 2006 New Icebreaker expeditions just announced... The Arctic comes alive for just a few short months each year. Summer arrives with a rush, bringing warmth and almost continuous daylight, along with a rich collection of wildlife. Polar bears, musk ox, walrus, ringed seals, bearded seals, belugas, narwhal, gray whales, bowhead whales, wildfowl, waders and seabirds are some of the animals that take advantage of the brief abundance of food in the otherworldly landscapes of the far north. The region is also home to small numbers of people who, against all the odds, have thrived and developed some of the hardiest societies on the planet. Russia's Far East & Wrangel Island • Northwest Passage, The Amundsen Route • Baffin Island Circumnavigation • Tanquary Fjord, Ellesmere Island & Greenland • The High Arctic: Canada & Greenland Click on the pdf icon to download issue 2 of the new World Adventurer magazine in pdf format (2MB) Namibia and South Africa Diamonds, sand dunes and curious blooms 23 August to 17 September 2006 26 days Our inaugural Namibia & South Africa tour has just returned and our passengers were enchanted by the beauty of Namibia’s stark, yet stunning desert landscapes and the plethora of springtime floral colour experienced in South Africa’s Namaqualand and Cape Province. So, we have at once started planning our August 2006 departure. Home to the oldest desert in the world, the Namib which contains the world’s highest sand dunes, Namibia is a land of contrasts from dunes and desert, coastal plains to the Kalahari Basin, wooded bushveld and mountain uplands. One of the greatest wonders is the spectacular Fish River Canyon which is the second largest canyon in the world. Travelling onwards to South Africa, our tour will not only take us to many of the better known highlights but also to rarely visited areas with a special emphasis on the springtime beauty of Namaqualand and the eastern Cape Atlantic Coast. On to Cape Town with its historic, nearby winelands and the stunning UNESCO-listed Cape Province Floral Region, before taking the scenic garden route to Port Elizabeth. An extension to Botswana, Victoria Falls or even exotic Zanzibar can also be arranged. Our tour is limited to 22 participants plus your tour leader. Accommodation is the best available including the exclusive Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat. Indeed in some places the venues are a “special” feature in themselves and add greatly to the overall enjoyment of the experience! Voyage to the North Pole 2006 01 to16 July 2006 - 16 Days 14 to 29 July 2006 - 16 Days on board the nuclear icebreaker Yamal For centuries, explorers set out for the North Pole by sled, ship, aircraft and even balloon, but it wasn’t until 1948 that a human reached 90º north. Now Adventure Associates can take you there – aboard the icebreaker Yamal, one of the few ships powerful enough to push through the formidable Arctic ice pack. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and add your name to the handful of adventurers who’ve stood at the top of the world. SUBSCRIBE To subscribe to our eNews mailing list, please complete the following form. name: email address: For security purposes and to prevent unwanted spam, an automated response will be sent to your email address given, asking for confirmation of your subscription. All addresses are kept strictly private. We never give out addresses to any third parties. Bhutan, land of the Thunder Dragon 29 Mar to 13 Apr 2006 - 16 days 22 Sep to 7 Oct 2006- 16 days Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, only in the last decade or so has the Kingdom of Bhutan opened even slightly to the outside western world. Little by little, a limited number of tourists have trickled into a country where “gross national happiness” (a term coined by Bhutan’s King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck 30 years ago) is used to define prosperity. In 2003 Adventure Associates first offered an escorted tour to this land steeped in history, culture and deep Buddhist piety. Our tour in April 2005 sold out so we decided to include another one in October 2005. In the Bhutanese spring and autumn of 2006, we set off (via Bangkok) to Paro, Bhutan on two more departures to this unique country. The highlights not only include the splendid Bhutanese landscapes, magnificent Dzongs (Fortress Temples) and wonderful flora and fauna, but also the cultural aspects. A highlight is the opportunity to visit farmers in regional areas who will demonstrate traditional Bhutanese cooking. Madagascar, the rainbow island 18 Apr to 9 May 2006 - 22 days 26 Sep to 17 Oct 2006 - 22 days Madagascar’s long isolation from neighbouring continents has resulted in an unique mix of plants and animals, many found nowhere else in the world. Some ecologists refer to Madagascar as the “eighth continent” and the entire landmass could almost be considered a national park. Following our sold out September 2005 tour, our new tours for 2006 spend two weeks exploring some of the key nature reserves, marvelling at the curious lemurs, colourful chameleons, imposing baobab trees and many other endemic species. The fascinating Malagasy culture is once again a highlight. At the beginning and end of the tour, you will also be able to relax in our first class, beachside hotel on the beautiful island of Mauritius. There is also an optional seven day extension to the verdant, volcanic French island of Réunion. Leave the hustle and bustle of the 21st Century behind you and experience an adventure to a different world. Remotest Australia and Oceania 2006 New expedition cruises to the Kimberley, Across the Top End and East Coast of Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Melanesia When the early European navigators of the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries ventured to the ‘East Indies’ they found wild and untamed lands beyond their imagination. Some overflowed with riches like spice and minerals, while others were so inhospitable and desolate they went unexplored for hundreds more years. Today we celebrate the feats of courageous men such as Dampier, Hartog, de Torres and Tasman with voyages of rediscovery to those same remote and isolated landfalls with luxury vessels of space-age construction. The savage vistas that so intimidated these otherwise courageous men are now within our reach to fully explore and enjoy. Our modern mastery of navigation allows us to access the pristine, untouched beauty of the Kimberley, the wild islands of Melanesia and the breathtaking fjords of New Zealand in complete contrast to the harsh deprivation of our seafaring forefathers. Join us as we venture to ancient and mysterious lands, still completely untouched by modern man. Relive the thrill of discovery as we anchor in secluded coves previously only known to the local tribes. Examine prehistoric art, so old it can’t be carbon-dated. These are just some of the unforgettable experiences awaiting you when you join one of our new expedition cruises aboard our brand new, luxury expedition ship, Oceanic Princess or the much-lauded Coral Princess to any of these truly unusual destinations. Adventure Associates are proud to offer this greatly expanded suite of adventures that open up yet more of our exquisitely rugged continent and its equally untamed near-neighbours. ADVENTURE ASSOCIATES Pty Ltd 197 Oxford Street Mall, Bondi Junction, Sydney NSW 2022, Australia Postal Address: PO Box 612 Bondi Junction NSW 1355 Australia Ph: (+61 2) 9389 7466 Fax: (+61 2) 9369 1853 NSW Travel Agent's Licence No. 2TA000351 ABN: 12 001 118 332 Entire contents of this website © Adventure Associates - reproduction without permission strictly prohibited. Note: All dates and prices quoted may be subject to change and must be confirmed with Adventure Associates at the time of booking. 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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? 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Asia Travel || Myanmar

HOTELS RESORTS TRAVEL LEISURE TOURS MYANMAR Myanmar Country and Travel Information Map of Myanmar Nationalities of Myanmar || Historical and Cultural Heritage || Arts and Crafts Highlights on Scenic Beauty || Special events IN GENERAL Myanmar is one of the largest country in South East Asia, stretching over 2,000 km from North to South. It is twice the size of Vietnam, over a quarter larger than Thailand, and Myanmar is bigger than England and France combined. Ethnically diverse, Myanmar is a nation of many races - some 130 ethnic groups make up its population of nearly 45 million. The majority of Myanmar's people are Bamars (from which the British coined the name Burma), but the Shan, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and others are also prominent throughout the country. Myanmar's climate is tropical: during the cool season from late November through February, temperatures are pleasantly mild ranging from 21C to 28 C; the hot season from March to April can see the mercury reach as high as 45 C; and during the months of the rainy season, from May to October short rainstorms are frequent in the late afternoons. The Nationalities of Myanmar Myanmar's ethnically diverse population is a result of three major migrations from Tibet and Central Asia, the cradle of humanity. The people of Myanmar are descendants of three main branches: The Mon-Khmer, the Tibeto-Burman, and the Thai-Chinese. The Kaya, Mon, Wa, La, Palaung, Pale, Yao, Riang, Padaung, Ylnbaw, Zayein, and others originated from the Mon-Khmer group, while the Shan, Kayin and Taungthu, etc., find their roots in the Thai-Chinese community. The Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Lolo, Rahkine, Kadu, Hpon, Maru, Lashi, Rawang, Azi, Nung, Daru, Yaw, Mro, Inthat, Naga, Gauri, Lisu, Lahu, among others, evolved from the Tibeto-Burman group. Historical and Cultural Heritage Kuthodaw Pagoda, in Mandalay, which houses the entire Buddhist scriptures carved onto 729 marble slabs is "The world's largest book". Built by King Mindon, it is indeed a rare and splendid sight. Myanmar's unique historical and cultural heritage dates back over 5,000 years. Evidence confirming the existence of stone age people has been found throughout the country. Early Myanmars were said to be Mons, and the first politically important inhabitants were the Pyu who date back to the early period of the Christian era. It was Bagan, however, which was founded in the 11th century, that gave rise to the dominant culture and civilization in Myanmar's history. Arts and Crafts of Myanmar Myanmar is an enchanting country with a rich history in arts and crafts. Mandalay, the ancient capital and the glory of Myanmar Kings, represents the largest repository of Myanmar arts and crafts. Visitors can observe carvers of ivory, wood and stone, in addition to makers fo gold leaf, silk weavers, silversmiths and bronze-casters, as they ply their respective trades according to the time-honored traditions of their forefathers. The pagodas, religious monuments, and major Buddhist sculptures seen all over Myanmar are authentic examples of the rich tradition of Bagan arts andcrafts and of prior eras of craftmanship so evident throughout Myanmar's history. Highlights on Scenic Beauty Myanmar is blessed with natural scenic beauty making for landscapes that are incredibly picturesque. The country's great lakes, snowcapped mountains and unspoiled beaches are undoubtedly some of the most stunning, idyllic, and mystical places to be found anywhere on earth. Myanmar's physical beauty is enhanced by the spectacular pagodas and temples that can be found all over the country. These venues for contemplation and prayer radiate the obvious spirituality of the people. Special Events Around The Year Myanmar is popularly known as The Land of Festivals because of the countless religious and cultural festivals that take place all ycar round. Some are nation-wide festivities while others are popular solely around the city of Yangon or in the District Areas. JANUARY On January 4th, Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar is celebrated across the country. Countless parades and fairs mark this important day and everyone joins in the festivities. The Myanmar Traditional Equestrian Festival or Myin-Khin-Thabin is a national festival which is held annually in Yangon In ancient times, this festival provided the Myanmar Kings with the opportunity to demonstrate their military might, but today its main purpose is for the perpetuation of Myanmar patriotism. It is a fantastic occasion and tourists are warmly welcomed to participate in the many celebrations. FEBRUARY Traditionally, this is the month of the Harvest Festival when people rejoice in the feast of Htamane. No one should miss this opportunity to sample a delicious Myanmar delicacy consisting of glutinour rice freckle with coconut, sesamum seeds, peanuts, ginger, and oil, which is specially prepared for the feast. The Thingyan festival don't wear your Sunday best! The anniversary of the Union Day falls on February 12. Representatives and cultural troupes of the seven States and seven Divisions of the Union of Myanmar dressed in colourful, traditional costumes gather at venues across the country. Traditional entertainment highlights the beauty of the different ethnic groups found within the Union. MARCH March is the most colorful month of the year as Pagoda Festivals arc in full swing. The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full moon of Tabaung and is one of the month s biggest events. During this festival, visitors can get a feel for the spirituality of the people of Myanmar by participating in events at temple fairs or by observing the rituals of the holiday. APRIL Thingyan or the Water Festival is held throughout the country for three days in the month of April. It simultaneously marks the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Young people gather together to sing and dance, and to playfully throw water on each other. Throughout the Thingyan Carnivals decorative floats and water throwing pandals are seen everywhere in both towns and cities alike. If you are not afraid of getting wet, this high spirited festival is one that you won't want to miss! MAY The Kason Festival of watering the Sacred Banyan Tree symbolises the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist holiday and many processions are held at temple grounds throughout the country. JUNE AND JULY The onset of monsoon season makes June and July relatively quiet months in Myanmar. There are, however, various smaller Buddhist festivals to be enjoyed. AUGUST Taungpyone Nat or Spirit Festival is a popular five day festival held in Taungpyone near Mandalay. According to tradition, Nats are spirits that must be appeased or they will wreak havoc in people's lives. The two Nat Brothers honoured during Taungpyone Nat belong to the 37 well-known Myanmar Nats. The story of the two Nat Brothers originated during the rule of King Anawrahta, when it was the duty of every person in the kingdom to contribute a brick and a handful of sand for the construction of a Pagoda. The brothers failed to contribute their share and orders came from the King for them to be mildly punished. Unfortunately, the Nat Brothers were accidentally killed. The King was remorseful and built a big Nat (spirit) shrine by the side of the Pagoda honoring the two brothers. The homage-paying festival is now held annually to appease the spirits as it is believed that the Nat Brothers can fulfill your wishes, protect you from ill-fate and danger, and bring good luck, prosperity and progress. SEPTEMBER The famous Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda Festival is held at Inle Lake once a year. The procession of the Inle leg-rowers in full pageantry and ceremonial splendour is a sight not to be missed by anyone visiting Myanmar. OCTOBER & NOVEMBER The opening ceremony of Visit Myanmar Year 1 1996 will be kicked off on a grand scale. The celebration will be a gloriously festive occasion. The Thadingyut or Light Festival, which ends the Buddhist I Lent, is also one of the most prominent festivals of the year. Another celebration of light is the Tazaungdine festival held in November. Pagodas, houses, buildings, parks, and monuments arc all illuminated and there are various kinds of activities for everyone to enjoy. The other important festival outside Yangon is the exotic Elephant Dance held in Kyaukse, a small town not far from Mandalay. A huge elephant figure is made from bamboo and paper Men take their places inside the figure and dance around the town to the accompaniment of Dobat and Drums. The elephant dancers circle three times at the foot of the hill to pay homage to the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda. It is a dance that requires precise rhythm and timing in order for the elephant dancers to maintain unity inside the elephant figure. DECEMBER The traditional Boat Regatta Festival is held at Kandawgyi Lake to remind the younger generations of the glory, sovereignty, patriotism and national spirit of Myanmar. Asia Travel || Myanmar Page || Top