France Travel Guidebooks The
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France Travel Planning Essentials You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors > Trip Planning Travel Go France Essentials New Year's Eve in Paris and France Worst of France 2005 Paris Travel Guide Top French Ski Resorts Best New Year's Eve Champagne Articles & Resources Destinations Trip Planning Transportation Interests & Situations Money, Safety & Issues Things to Do in France Where to Stay in France Staying Connected Blogs Picture Galleries Culture, Language & People Fun, Freebies & Quizes Relocating to France Nudism, Sex & Gay Travel D-Day & Historic Travel Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Sites Selling French Products Before You Buy the Gift of Travel Gifts for the France Fanatic Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the France for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search France for Visitors > Trip Planning Planning Your Trip to France Before you go to France, there are certain essentials you must know. Find out what to pack, which guide books are best, and other basic information for your trip. Be sure to scroll below the ad for more links. Subtopics FirstTimers Guide (8) Packing Tips (4) Maps (15) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Top France Travel Guidebooks The key to planning a great French trip is a great French travel book. It not only can help you establish an itinerary, but you can also decide on lodging, dining and attractions for while you are there. I never travel without a couple in my bag to help me decide what to do. Here are the most indispensable travel guides. France: Before You Go Before you go to France, find out all the basics about customs requirements, the culture, weather, currency and more. Also, get tips on when to go and where to go in France. Free Course: France Trip Planning 101 It is no easy task planning a trip to France. Even so, it's all worth it. But save yourself a lot of headache and stress by learning all the basics first with this free online e-course. How to Use the Toilets in France Using a toilet may sound like the simplest of tasks, but if you aren't used to France's plumbing it can be daunting. Find out what various forms the johns take here, how to flush, how much it will cost you and other secrets to using the restroom. Do you have to know French to visit France? Find the answer to the France Travel FAQ, "Do you have to know French to visit France?" 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 New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Headlines Lose Weight with the French Diet The French eat rich foods, drink lots of wine and Worst of France 2005 The year 2005 was a tough one for France, as Top Ski Resort Hotels in France France features some of the world's best skiing, be it New Year's Eve in Paris and Other French Cities The French really know how to celebrate New Year's, whether
Cruise Vacation Packing List
Cruise Vacation Packing List You are here: About > Travel > Cruises > Cruise Planning > Cruise Vacation Packing List Travel Cruises Essentials Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Travel Packing List Choosing a Caribbean Cruise Destination How To Get a Passport How to Choose a Cabin on a Cruise Ship Articles & Resources Cruise Lines Cruise Destinations Cruise Photo Album Cruise Planning Cruise Reviews Cruise Cams Cruise Glossary Cruise News Getting There Lifestyle - Theme Cruises Cruise Activities Travel Gear and Gadgets Cruise Jobs More Cruise Resources Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks European Cruise Guidebooks Cruise Guidebooks - General Information Alaska Travel Guide Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Cruises newsletter! See Online Courses Search Cruises Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular Cruise Packing List Carnival Cruise Line Reviews Choosing a Cruise Ship Cabin Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Jobs What's Hot Carnival Conquest Review HAL Norfolk Cruises Alaska Cruise Itineraries Radisson Seven Seas Mariner Crown Princess 2006 Debut Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Europe for Visitors Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Senior Travel Travel with Kids Cruise Vacation Packing List From Linda Garrison , Your Guide to Cruises . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Everything You Need to Take on a Cruise Vacation Packing for your cruise vacation can be one of the worst parts of a cruise. The only thing I can think of that I dread more is unpacking when I get home! Through the years, I have learned that a packing list is essential. Maybe it's my advancing age or just that I have learned "the hard way" by forgetting some essential item and then having to purchase it at double (or more) the price on the cruise ship or in a port of call. One important packing tip -- If traveling with a companion or spouse, divide your checked items into two (or more) suitcases. That way, if one is lost, you will both have some clothing to wear! It would be terrible for your spouse to have all of his clothes and you to have nothing but your carry-on. Also, be sure to carry-on anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (or more), just in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Use this list as a starter and modify it for your personal tastes. Some essentials and general items follow of this page, and I have a separate list for women and men on page 2. CRUISE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Travel Documents, Wallet Items, and Paperwork airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation cruise documents passports and visas (if necessary) or proof of citizenship (check with your cruise line for requirements) vaccination certificate (if required) driver's license and auto insurance card - in case you decide to rent a car when ashore medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone) copy of prescriptions and list of all medicines you are taking another picture ID - if you don't take driver's license credit cards - be sure to call credit card companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal area ATM card pre-paid phone card cash or traveler's checks (be sure to keep traveler's checks receipt in separate location) 3 copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary - pack 1 copy in carry on, 1 copy in checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone at home contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks emergency numbers at home currency conversion chart wallet and fanny pack watch - dual time zone watch is perfect! Reading Material and Necessities glasses, contacs, contac cleaner extra reading glasses sunglasses reading sunglasses guidebooks and other port of call information foreign language phrase book or dictionary maps reading material - books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool journal or notebook and pen/pencil - for making notes to tell your friends back home about your experiences business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home - for sending postcards, emails, or gifts photo album Electronics and Camera Equipment plug adaptor and converter cell phone and charger PDA and charger laptop computer binoculars film camera and manual extra film (don't put undeveloped film in checked luggage) disposable underwater camera - for snorkeling or beach days digital camera and manual extra memory cards for digital camera batteries for digital camera battery charger extension cord/power strip with multiple plug-ins walkman and tapes (for walking on deck or on treadmill) small travel alarm clock - battery operated lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin small flashlight night light Medicine Kit prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry on bag ear plugs or "ear planes" small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone cream, aspirin/tylenol/advil) germicidal hand cleaner handi-wipes (for cleaning hands when ashore) hand lotion rubbing alcohol or foot lotion for soothing tired, hot feet bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes and "nonos" ashore) sun screen/sun block and lip sunblock Other "Necessities" duct tape or strapping tape extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip (better than locks, but one-time use only) extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip) zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags corkscrew (be sure to put in checked luggage) Swiss Army knife or something similar with screwdriver head, etc. (be sure to put in checked luggage) small umbrella collapsible travel pillow for those long airplane flights Crazy glue playing cards sports gear (e.g. snorkeling gear) shoe horn for getting those shoes back on your swollen feet sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage) travel-sized Woolite clothes pins empty folding tote bag - for souvenirs or the beach hats/caps/visors insulated large coffee mugs Page 2 > > Women's and Men's Cruise Packing List > > 1 2 Next Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Carnival Conquest Review HAL Norfolk Cruises Alaska Cruise Itineraries Radisson Seven Seas Mariner Crown Princess 2006 Debut
Russia Travel. Adoptive parents
Adoption travel to Russia - travel visas. Adopt your child in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan or other CIS country, adoption documents TRAVEL AGENTS Home Train Reservations Full visa services - Armenia - Azerbaijan - Belarus - Georgia - Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Moldova - Russia - Turkmenistan - Ukraine - Uzbekistan Visa support only - Armenia - Belarus - Georgia - Kazakhstan - Kyrgyz stan - Moldova - Russia - Ukraine Fiancee visa - The Process - Services - Who we are Travel services - Cell Phone Rental - Guide and translator - Transport services and airport transfers - Tours and packages - VIP services - Travel Insurance Airport Transfers - Moscow Transfers - St.Petersburg Trans - Kiev Transfers - Odessa Transfers Hotels & Apartments - Hotels in Russia - Hotels in Ukraine - Apartments in Moscow - Apartments in St.Petersburg - Apartments in Yoshkar-Ola - Apartments in Ekaterinburg - Apartments in Kiev - Apartments in Odessa - Apartments in Lviv Airline Tickets - International - Domestic Adoption travel - Doing your own research - Buying your tickets - Airline recommendations - Passports - Travel visas - Hotels in Russia - Getting to your hotel - Safety Traveler’s essentials - Russian visa - Arriving by plane - Arriving by train - Foreign Embassies - Phone services - Internet Access - Exchanging money - Medical help - Time zones - Russian mail US Passports - New US Passport - Passport Renewal - Lost Passport - Second Passport - Adding Pages - Child US Passport - Child Lost Passport - Name Change Russia in Pictures Newsletter Internet Specials Gift Certificates Flower Delivery About us - What our clients say - Our staff - Our partners - Job Opportunities Travel visas Russia , Ukraine , Kazakhstan and all other CIS countries require entry visas. Whatever the urgency, we can assist you in obtaining your visa in as fast as one business day. Please consult your adoption agency on details regarding your entry visas. Your agency may require you to send documents directly to the consulate in certain cases. There are many different types of visas, and although we can usually obtain any type of visa for you, check with your adoption agency on what you will need for your particular trip first. We have our own couriers in Washington, D.C., and process over 50 visa applications daily. Over the years, we have developed personal relationship with the Consul General of Russia, Consul Generals of Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and other countries. What may be impossible to achieve for others is usually easy with Go To Russia Travel. Adoptive parents always get $10 off our regular visa processing charges at Go To Russia travel. Our visa processes are mostly automated and if you can scan your visa pictures and fill out online application you will only need to send us your passports by mail or courier. Everything, from filling out your visa application, to tracking your visa online is automated with Go To Russia. [ Welcome letter ] [ Airline recommendations ] [ Doing your own research ] [ Buying your tickets ] [ Passports ] [ Hotels in Russia ] [ Getting to your hotel ] [ Safety ] GO TO RUSSIA Travel 309 Peters St., Unit A Atlanta, GA 30313 Phone: 1.888.263.0023 , 404.827.0099 Fax: 404.827.0435 Office hours Mon-Fri 9AM - 8PM EST Saturdays 11AM - 3PM EST 2004 GTR - Russian Visa All rights reserved Russian Visa Services
Taiwan Travel
Taiwan Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Taiwan Taiwan History meets hyper-reality on this pulsing, picturesque island. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Transport Money RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Taiwan Taipei View Map Click here Feature Attraction Taroko Gorge With its marble-walled canyons, lush vegetation and cliffs so giant they block out the sky, Taroko is Taiwan at its wildest and most pristine. The environment ... more Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis clinging to the fringes of an ancient culture; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious mountain range. It has traditional noodles from a 7-Eleven, aboriginal tribes in mini-skirts and a day of temple rituals followed by waterslide rides. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links
Mexico Travel Information. Travel
Cozumel Mexico Travel Info : TravelYucatan.com Cozumel Mexico Travel Information Cozumel Mexico COZUMEL MEXICO Cozumel is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. It is also the most populated island in Mexico with an estimated population of around 90,000. Cozumel is situated near the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo . The island is approximately 30 miles [48 km] long and 10 miles [16 km] wide. It is about 12 mi [20 km] from the mainland, and some 36 mi [60 km] south of Cancun. Hurricane Wilma Distaster Information Isla Cozumel [or Cozumel Island] derives its name from the Mayans who once lived there and regarded the island as a sacred place. In Mayan, Cuzamil [Cozumel] translates to "land of the swallows," a reflection of the indigenous birds that inhabit the island. The Mayans are believed to have settled the island over 2000 years ago harvesting the rich abundance of seafood for commercial use. Conch shells were collected as an ingredient for stucco, which was used extensively on the mainland. The ocean also supplied a large number of other valuable items such as shark teeth, stingray spines and seashells that were used for ritual purposes. The Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva first landed on the shores of Cozumel in 1518. The visitwas proceeded a year later by the butcher Hernn Corts. The conquistadors ruthlessly invaded the island destroying everything that lay in their path. Whether or not the Spanish knowingly imported smallpox on purpose is a matter of speculation, however to the ravaged Mayans the disease soon eclipsed their very being. Those who did not die a miserable death were shackled and sent to Cuba to live out their lives as slaves. Between 1519 and 1570 the island's population dropped from 40,000 to 30. By 1600 the island was desolate, its once flourishing community gone. Soon the island's numerous coves provided safe havens for marauding pirates. In 1848 during the "War of the Castes" the island was reclaimed by the Maya and used as a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the war. Slowly the island was reinhabted and in 1910-1917 the Mexican Revolution resulted in land reforms and freedom for the Isleos. The popularity of a new "candy" called chewing gum in the U.S.A. led to the island's growth. Cozumel was a port-of-call on the gum and coconut export route from Central America. During World War 2 the U.S. Air Force built a base on the island in order to launch aircrafts, in the pursuit of German U-boats. The first hotel, the "Louvre" opened in 1924, followed by the "Yuri" in 1932 and the "Playa" in 1938. After the the economic crises in the thirties, tourist development stopped. During the fifties, with the advent of modern scuba equipment divers started coming to Cozumel. World-famous explorer Jacques Cousteau and his team discovered the wall of reefs just off the island's shoreline and declared them to be one of the most incredible diving destinations in the world. After that diving exploded on the island! By 1970, Cozumel's population quickly grew to 10,000 and with the influx of tourism this once desolate island has now become the jewel of the Mexican Caribbean. SAN MIGUEL, COZUMEL When you get off the ferry in Cozumel you are met by a barrage of sales representatives for various dive and snorkel operations. Also in the mix are representatives for hotels and resorts who often carry photo-albums of pictures of the resorts. Once you get through this you are in the city of San Miguel right in the tourista shopping zone. There are public information booths present however these are manned by sales representatives for time-shares. Once you ask a question you are a step away from a free lunch, tour and a wasted day [don't get trapped into this]. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and shops selling everything that is carried on the mainland so shopping is not a problem and one does not have to leave the island. In fact some people prefer to shop in Cozumel instead of Playa del Carmen although the two are quite similar. The San Miguel tourist zone extends from the coastline back several blocks and north/south several blocks. Outside of this you have residential neighborhoods and general Cozumel industrial zones. The town of San Miguel, the airport, and the hotels are all located on the western side of the island. Fortunately, massive resort development is paralyzed by a lack of portable water and a strong desire to protect the island's delicate ecosystem. COZUMEL CLIMATE Average air temperature: 80F [27C] July/August - High 80's to low 90'sF [32C] December/January - Mid 70'sF [24C] Winter Months: Cold fronts may create windy, cloudy and cooler weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, usually lasting for an hour. Water temperatures range from 77-82F [25-28C] throughout the year. GETTING THERE Cozumel has an international airport with connecting routes to Playa del Carmen, Cancun and other destinations in Mexico, Belize and Guatamala. There is immigration at Cozumel airport. It is basicaly the same as Cancun airport or Merida. You press the button at the trafic light then proceed. The most common method of transportation to the island is by boat. There is a ferry service that connects Cozumel to Playa del Carmen for pedestrians and a ferry out of Calica for vehicle transportation. The ferry connecting to Playa del Carmen runs quite frequently [there are 3 ferries on duty]. Getting to Cozumel from Cancun Airport If you are landing in Cancun you need to either: Take an Airport-Shuttle to Playa del Carmen . Take a bus from the airport or Cancun city to Playa del Carmen. Take a taxi* to Playa del Carmen. Take a bus to Cancun city then take a taxi to Playa del Carmen. Take a car across on the ferry at Calica . * Taxis are not allowed at the airport but sometimes you can get one when the taxi is dropping somebody off. They are not allowed to hang around. From Playa del Carmen you take the ferry to Cozumel. We have bussed from Palenque to Playa del Carmen on the red-eye arriving a 5:00ish, walked to the ferry, boarded, slept, landed in Cozumel, hopped in a taxi and been in our hotel room by 7:00 am. COZUMEL SNORKELING For diving info see Cozumel Diving Cozumel's limestone shore is surrounded by temperate, crystal clear waters, which range from stunning turquoise to deep indigo. With over 30 kilometers of reefs, water visibility to 200 feet, and over 200 species of tropical fish, Cozumel is considered by many as the finest dive destination in the Atlantic. Water temperatures range from summer highs in the low 80's (F) to winter highs in the low 70's (F). Water depths range from as shallow as 10 to 100 feet. Water current conditions vary from light to moderate to strong. For snorkelers, there are plenty of places to go off the shore if you have your own gear and a rental car. Snorkeling trips by boat are available at the lobby of any hotel or the ferry docks. Snorkeling Cozumel is a lot differnet than snorkeling the mainland. In many locations on Cozumel as soon as you go out a few yards you are in deep water, but the visibility is good. The fish are bigger too. Many species of fish you see snorkeling the mainland are young and habitate there to avoid larger preditors. The two most common snorkel spots on the island are Chankanaab and Dzul Ha . Having snorkeled both locations we can offer this advice: Snorkeling quality is the same at both locations. In fact they are rather close to each other. What is different is this: Chankanaab is a eco-park, with all the bells and whistles, to which you have to pay admission. Dzul Ha is a free road-side attraction that you park at and jump in the water. If you're traveling with your family Chankanaab is recommended as you can spend the whole day there. If you are a couple looking for a cheap snorkel experience go to Dzul Ha. Both places rent snorkel gear and there are lockers and restaurants at each. You need to rent a car or take a taxi to get to either of these places. From San Miguel it is a short drive along the coast south. NOTE: It is advisable that all children and weak swimmers wear life-jackets when snorkeling here. Available at the rental stands. Other interesting snorkel locations: Hotel Presidente Intercontinental and La Ceiba Hotel beach . There is an underwater plane wreck used as a movie prop. Laguna de Colombia is a lagoon at the south tip of the island offering interesting snorkeling. Isla de la Pasion is a tiny island in Bahia Abrigo with secluded beaches and rocky shorelines. Isla de la Pasion is a state reserve and there are absolutely no facilities here. It is located north of San Miguel and you need to contact a fishing/dive charter to take you there. COZUMEL SEASONS Generaly summer is the low season and hotel rates are reduced competatively. In the winter prices go up and availability goes down. Best to book months in advance for winter vacations if you have a specific date in mind. After Labor Day and before the Christmas is an good time to visit but September and November are traditional huricane months. Crowds are down but the tempturature is still high. Rates are still lower than high-season. Rates go back down after Easter and low season begins. Availability at hotels is best during low season and room selection is best during this time. THINGS TO KNOW Water conditions on the beaches on the west side of the island [tourist zones] are usually excellent because the island blocks the currents and winds. You can buy almost anything your heart desires in the shopping zone. All popular snorkeling beaches have lockers and snorkel equipment for rent. Most streets in San Miguel are one way. The coastal highway is two-way and circles the island. Most stores have English speaking staff. All stores accept US dollars. Cozumel is a great place to find hard-to-get scuba and snorkel gear. There is a Sunday evening fiesta in San Miguel at the central plaza with live music. You can buy Cuban cigars here. You can get a taxi anywhere on the island [except the dirt road going north of Mezcalitos on the east side of the island]. There are a few Internet Cafes in San Miguel. Just walk around downtown and you will find one in no time. The further away from the waterfront, the cheaper the rates. There are laundromats in San Miguel. ENGLISH SPANISH today hoy tomorrow maana yesterday ayer monday lunes tuesday martes wed mericoles thursday hueves friday verdi saturday sabados sunday domingo COZUMEL INFO Introduction Cozumel Hotels Cozumel Hotel Map Cozumel Beaches Cozumel Shopping Restaurants Things to Do If you are staying at an all-inclusive for any length of time it is a good idea to tip the egg-lady at the buffet on your first day. She will remember you. In many resorts the egg-lady is in charge of the breakfest. | Cancun | Chichen Itza | Merida | Uxmal | Isla Holbox | | Mayan Riviera | Playa del Carmen | Cozumel | Isla Mujeres | Last Mod: November 2, 2005 2005 TravelYucatan.com v4.0 Description: Cozumel Mexico Travel Information. Travel Information for the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico