Orlando Vacation first week
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Kevin's Orlando Vacation Kevin Lowey >Orlando Vacation Kevin's Orlando Vacation Here's a few pictures from my Orlando Vacation first week of March 2003. Select the location below. You will be shown some pictures, with descriptions of what you are seeing. If you select the picture, you'll get the full-sized image. Or, if you prefer, you can see just the pictures . Enjoy! Astronaut Hall of Fame Kennedy Space Center Seaworld Universal Studios Islands of Adventure Disney's Animal Kingdom The theme parks had several kinds of shows. Most of them about 20 minutes long: 4D Movies These are similar to ordinary movies, but often in 3D. They may include some anamatronic figures around the movie theatre, perhaps a few live performers, smoke, light, flame, water spray, and smell effects, trick seats that prod you in the back or bounce around, etc. Examples include "Terminator 2-3D" at Universal Studios, or "Its Tough to Be a Bug" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Highly recommended. Simulator Rides These are again mostly film, but you aren't sitting in a regular movie theatre seat. Instead, you sit in a simulator that can tilt up, down, left, and right. When combined with the movies, you think you're really moving. Some examples of simulator rides are the "Back to the Future" ride at Universal, and the "Polar Exploration" ride at Seaworld. Tracked rides In these rides, you are strapped into a car that rides around the show on a track. Things jump out at you, the car spins around, etc. Some also include 3D (like Spider Man), or the ability to shoot back at bad guys (like Men in Black). Others are in water instead of land (like the Jaws tour boat). Another example is the ET the Extraterrestrial ride. The "earthquake" ride at Universal is a cross between this and a simulator. They put you in a subway car, which is really a simulator mounted on tracks. It takes you a short distance down the track to a different stage (although with lighting, sound, and wind effects if feels like you went a lot farther). There the simulator rocks and rolls while the subway suffers an 8.0 earthquake. Real Rides These are the various roller coasters, and other similar rides. Cool coasters are the Twin Dragons and the Hulk at Islands of Adventure, and "kraken" at Seaworld. A variant of these is the "water coasters" where you sit in a boat that goes through artificial river rapids, falls, etc. On these you'll always get soaked (so I didn't try them out). Examples are the Jurassic Park ride and the Popeye ride at Islands of Adventure. Another variant is the "jungle safari" ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Here they put you on real 4 wheel drive vehicles, and take you through the Africa part of the zoo, lions, elephants, giraffes, etc. Walkthroughs These are shows where you walk through the stages. Normally there's several separate rooms. You walk into one, get a bit of the show there, then go to the next room, get some more show, etc. Examples of this are the "Twister" show at Universal Studios (where you walk through a town that is experiencing a "twister"), the "Poseiden" show at Islands of Adventure, and the simulated Saturn V launch at the Kennedy Space Centre Apollo exhibit.All of these were great. Live Stage Shows These are typical live shows, sometimes including animals. Some of thecool ones were the "Animal Planet Live" and "Wild Wild Wild Wild West" shows at Universal Studios, the "Pirate Adventure" and "Shamu" shows at Seaworld, and "The Lion King" at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Mexico Travel
Mexico and Central America - Travel Vacation Tourism Information for Visitors You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Top 6 Travel Books for Mexico and Central America There are many travel guidebooks devoted to Mexico and to Central America. Here is my recommended list of top travel books which should prove to be valuable aids for many visitors to this area of the world. Read Archives | permalink Health Information for Visitors to Mexico and Central America This article provides a summary of the more important health related issues that visitors to Mexico or Central America should be aware of when planning a trip to this area of the world Read Archives | permalink Safety Considerations for Travelers to Mexico and Central America Travel to Mexico and Central America is not significantly less safe than travel to many other areas of the world. However, visitors to this area must exercise care, common sense and a high degree of awareness with respect to their personal security. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind in this regard. Read Archives | permalink Acapulco, Mexico Once a favorite destination of honeymooners, celebrities and the "jet set" crowd, Acapulco is now a resort town that appeals to many types of travelers. Read this article for more information. Read Archives | permalink The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a biological reserve owned and managed by the Tropical Science Center, a Costa Rican nonprofit, scientific research organization. This reserve is regarded by many as one of the top tropical plant and wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is perhaps the most beautiful of the many cloud forests located in Costa Rica and has become one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in Central America. Read Archives | permalink Hurricane Wilma AP reports that Hurricane Wilma sent ocean waves surging over the narrow strip of land that holds Cancun's resort hotels Saturday, flooding streets several yards deep as some 30,000 tourists huddled in hotels and shelters taking on water. Read more... Read Archives | permalink Packing List for Travelers to Mexico & Central America An important aspect of good travel planning is deciding what items to take with you on your vacation. What you take will, of course, depend on such factors as the climate of your destination, the types of activities you propose to engage in while there and the duration of your trip. The general rule to keep in mind is to bring all of the basic or essential items you might need but resisting the temptation to pack non-essential items. In other words, do not over-pack! Read Archives | permalink Fishing In Mexico Mexico offers hundreds of fishing spots and is a top location to visit for a great fishing trip. Mexicos deep sea fishing is world famous and there are many excellent charters and guides to choose from to make sure you get the most out of your fishing adventure. Read Archives | permalink Cozumel, Mexico Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico and the country's top diving destination. Cozumel derives its name from the Mayans who believed the island to be a sacred shrine. In the Mayan language, Cozumel translates to "land of the swallows," a reflection of the indigenous birds that make the island their home. Read Archives | permalink Health Information for Visitors to Mexico and Central America This article provides a summary of the more important health related issues that visitors to Mexico or Central America should be aware of when planning a trip to this area of the world. Read Archives | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Mexican Music La Paz, Mexico Quinceanera Packing List Tijuana, Mexico What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Related Topics California for Visitors South America for Visitors Caribbean for Visitors Mexican Cuisine 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 Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Headlines Top 6 Travel Books for Mexico and Central America There are many travel guidebooks devoted to Mexico and to... Health Information for Visitors to Mexico and Central America This article provides a summary of the more important health... Safety Considerations for Travelers to Mexico and Central America Travel to Mexico and Central America is not significantly less... Acapulco, Mexico Once a favorite destination of honeymooners, celebrities and the...
Taiwan Travel Help, Advice
Taiwan Travel Help | Taiwan Travel Tips & Advice | Travellerspoint U sername: P assword: R emember Me Car Hire Travel Insurance Airport Parking UK Cheap Accommodation Hotel Bookings Travellerspoint Travel Community Forums Blogs Destinations Accommodation Travel Help Reunions Tools Links Taiwan Travel Help, Advice & Tips Travel Help > Asia > Taiwan Travel Help Ask these Travel Helpers for information about Taiwan. Please remember that the Travel Helpers provide information on a volunteer basis and when they take the time to help you that a thank you is highly appreciated! Eric Yao [ohmygod] User Profile Log in to ask Eric about Taiwan Travel leadbooking hoteltaste some located food Ricardo Lin [ricardo697] User Profile Log in to ask Ricardo about Taiwan Anything you want to know about Taiwan. Ask me? I'll do my best to help you. shiyang kao [shiyang] User Profile Log in to ask shiyang about Taiwan /introduce major attractions/help to find out the right place for fantastic Taiwanese Cuisine/suggest places for hot-spring suna Steph Hill [phaniehill] User Profile Log in to ask Steph about Taiwan I have been living and working in Taiwan for the past 8 months and I have travelled the island. If anyone needs advice I will help. Alternatively, you can also post a new thread in our active travel forums . If you specify Taiwan when posting your new topic, all Travel Helpers for Taiwan will be notified. For general travel information about Taiwan, have a look at our Taiwan Travel Guide with basic information, quick facts, members comments, photography, accommodation and Taiwan links. © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map
Russia Travel Resources >
Russia Travel Guide - Money Matters You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide - Money Matters Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Money Matters From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Like everywhere else you travel, you'll need money when you visit Russia. Below you'll find handy information about money in Russia, including cash, credit cards, travelers checks, exchange rates, ATMs, and banks.
Currency
The currency in Russia is the ruble (RUR). One ruble equals 100 kopeks.
Banknotes have a value of 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rubles. Coins are found in 1, 5, 10 and 50 kopek pieces and 1, 2 and 5 ruble coins. Only notes and coins dated 1997 or after are valid.
Taking Money with You
If your travel plans are just to the larger cities of European Russia, it's best to bring a mixture of cash, travelers checks, and credit cards. You should bring just $100-200 per person. Travelers checks, which are safe because if lost or stolen can be replaced, can't normally be used to pay for goods or services but can be used to get cash when you need it.
If you travel outside of larger cities in European Russia, expect to use cash only.
Exchanging Money
Check the latest conversion rates before you go.
Don't change money on the street as there is no need and the risks are too great. Change money in a bank or currency exchange office, or use an ATM machine. The problem with ATMs is that there are now scams where account and PIN numbers are electronically stolen. Therefore, it might be safer to use an ATM machine inside a bank.
Currency exchange offices are "obmyen balooti," and they usually advertise their rates in their windows. There are plenty of them in the big cities and their rates tend to be better than in banks.
Credit Cards
MasterCard and Visa credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and many shops in larger cities. In the hinterlands, you'll have to rely more on cash.
Travelers Checks
American Express and Thomas Cook travelers checks are the most widely accepted, and there are offices in major cities where you can exchange them for cash.
Banks
Banking hours are generally Mon–Sat 10:00 am to 6:00 or 8:00 pm. Many banks offer Western Union money transfer services.
Costs
Moscow can be expensive for tourists, especially for hotels and upscale restaurnats, and costs can be twice that of St. Petersburg. Outside these two cities, costs are considerably lower. Depending on the level of luxury you require, however, budget travelers can still find reasonable costs in Russia's larger cities, whether for accommodations or meals. Other costs, such as certain groceries and public transportation, are very cheap. Russia Travel Guide Index
Profile of Russia
City Profile: Moscow
City Profile: St. Petersburg
Before You Go
Need to Know
Money Matters
Intercity Travel
City Transit
Driving
Health and Safety
Lodging
Dining and Drinking
Communications
Shopping
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
Russia Travel
Travel East Russia - Travel Partners Travel Partners Throughout our years of involvement in Eastern Russia, we have worked and cooperated with numerous travel companies. We have had a chance to look at their operating capabilities and procedures, their product, their management style and most importantly how they deal with their clients. We also monitor for safety concerns and client's response to their tour programs. We undertake at least two to three trips each year to monitor development and work very closely with the travel community here in the US and in Eastern Russia. We have also put in a system of ranking tour operators according to their experience with foreigners. *Extensive working experience with international travelers **Interested in working with foreigners. Great experience working with Russians These travel partners provide individual arrangements. They also can put together tour packages upon request: Buryatia Region Baikal-Naran Tour * Contact: Sesegina Rabdanova, General Director baikalnarantour@mail.ru This company has lots of logistical experience in Buryatia. The General Director is a former Intourist employee and of Buryat heritage. They offer a number of different programs with local Buryat communities. They formerly operated in cooperation with a US partner. Firn Travel * Contact: Larissa, International Travel Coordinator Info@travelbaikal.net Firn travel has long time experience in ecotourism operations in Buryatia. They started out at Firn Club, dedicating their efforts to leading volunteer youth groups on ecotours in the regions of Severobaikalsk and the Barguzinsky Reserve. They have both English and German speaking staff and have a lot of experience in operating tours for German tour operators. Irkutsk Region Baikal-Discovery * Contact: Alexei Nikorof, Manager travel@baikal-discovery.com Alexei Nikiforov has been involved in tourism in Irkutsk for a long time, about twenty-five years, first as an Intourist guide, later connected with the Baikal Business Center, Green Express and now his own company. The company has long -term experience in operating eocotours connecting the regions of Mongolia, Buryatia and the Irkutsk region. Their itineraries are well researched and include unique encounters with the indigenous populations. Alexei is a tireless supporter of ecotours in this part of Russia. He writes a lot of articles about ecotourism development, speaks at conferences and educates other tour companies on following ecotourism principles in their own operations. Ivan Ivanov who oversees the operational aspects for the company has achieved one of Russia's highest accomplishments graduating from the Presidential Management course with honors. Both Alexei and Ivan are involved in the development of interesting program spanning all nearby regions. The company also offers an interesting program of winter activities and is always interested in new ecotourism ideas. They have cooperated with a number of travel companies from Europe and the US, including TCS Expeditions. Kamchatka Region Kamchatintour * www.kamchatintour.ru Contact: Irina Sedova, Director of Tourism inform@kamchatintour.ru Kamchatintour was one of the first companies after Perestroika that took the lead in catering to international travelers. They met the first expedition ship traveling from the Komandor Islands to Petropavlovsk. They also developed the first business partnership with Japan now generating about four to five charters of ecotravelers to Kamchatka from that country. Innovative ideas and excellent operational qualities characterize this agency. ExploreKam * Contact: Martha Madsen, Director explorekam@elizovo.ru Explore Kamchatka In 1991, Martha Madsen was the Curator of the Pratt Museum of Homer, Alaska. Even at that time, Martha had a great interest in bringing cultures together and worked with both native Alaskan and Koryak and Even cultures of Kamchatka. Little did she know that she would eventually move from Alaska to a totally different environment, Kamchatka, Russia? When I met Martha, she had finished a stint as Assistant Director for Program Development and Fund Raising at the Yelizovo District Library System and just started her career in travel with Yelizovo Tour Service. This agency was way ahead of the crowd, perhaps not in experience, but in concept as it brought together many of he smaller entrepreneurs who had specific skills related to travel and used their expertise to create and manage their own tours. Not an easy thing to do, in a region where competition is frowned upon. The idea itself though, offers the traveler the best experience. Martha not satisfied with this experience alone, also opened the first Bed & Breakfast in Yelizovo, in a house she and her Russian husband are carefully refurbishing. From feedback, we have heard they serve the most wonderful meals and the ambiance brings travelers back over and over again. Martha as an extension to her hospitality efforts also now operates her own tours, continuing the principle of joint operations with those who have the greatest knowledge. Martha is also the creator and editor of the Kamchatka Explorer brochure. This brochure contains great information about the region and its tourism possibilities. The information is also available through a Web Site www.kamcahtkaepxlorer.com. Volcanolog Tour * Contact: Elena Kochneva, Director travel@mail.iks.ru This company is lead by a scientist in volcanology and a man with great knowledge and humor. He has worked with many German and French groups and has an excellent reputation. Kamchatka Travel Group Ltd. ** Contact: Yulia Nenasheva, inbound travel services yulianiko@yahoo.com This company was founded and is managed by a number of travel professionals with long term experience in tour management in Kamchatka The Climb ** Contact: Galina V. Volgina, Owner climbkam@hotmail.ru This company has been offering hiking and climbing tours in Kamchatka for at least ten years. The company has also a partner in Alaska. Beringia Land ** Contact: Inna Obukhova, Executive Manager inna@mail.iks.ru Beringia Land has been leading sled dog races over the past years. . Beringia is a philosophy as much as a company, offering unique experiences beyond the conventional for the last twelve years. Itineraries offered include remote wilderness travel to general sightseeing and activities from hiking, river rafting and sea kayaking to dog sledding. The company focuses on tours off the beaten path an entrance into what makes Kamchatka so special. Khabarovski Krai Unitravel ** Contact: Ivan Kazzenov Ivan@unitravel.com We have not worked with this company before. They did attend our training and have been excellent in following through with our recommendations. The company has established several ecotours in the region. Bon Voyage * Contact: Svetlana Cherkasova, Director svetlana@mail.kht.ru The company has an excellent record in operating complex logistics and has shown a aptitude for working with foreigners. Primorski Krai Dalintourist * Contact: Olga V Bekhtereva, Director Inbound Department dalint@mail.primorye.ru This company has good experience with international travelers and offers programs all over the Primorski Krai. One of their new efforts includes the development of community tourism in a small village north of Vladivostok. The village still offers travelers a look at the traditional way of life during the soviet years. Dalintourist offers accommodations in its own lodging facility. Villagers are employed in all activities and benefit economically from them. Intourist, Nahodka * Contact: Natalia Kucherenko, Head of International Department natalia@intourist.nahodka.ru Intourist has both an office in Nahodka and Vladivostok. Mirabel Tour Company ** Contact: Elena Andreeva, General Director mirabel1@vladivsotok.ru An established, innovative tour company in Vladivostok offering a variety of tours in the region. They are one of the first agencies offering nature oriented tours to the local population and foreign travelers accompanied by a specialist. The agency is very supportive of new tour development and is always looking for new tour product. "Nika tour - 2000" Co., Ltd** Contact: Tatyana Kalinina, General Director nikatour@mail.ru Terratour ** Contact: Anastasiya K. Kaushinskaya, Manager terra-julie@mail.ru This company has not had much experience with the international market place. However, they are very experienced in handling logistics all over Russia. They just finished managing a motorcycle race from Moscow to Vladivostok. Also recommended by WWF/Russia. Vladivostok Travel & Excursion Bureau** Contact: Elvira Khodounova, General Director globus@vlad.ru Vzmorye * Contact: Svetlana Lozovskaya, Leading specialist vzmorye@mail.ru This company is lead by a team of scientists in the field or ornithology and biology. They also have set up a network of B & B's throughout the Primorski Krai. The company is very knowledgeable about birding tours in the Far Eastern Marine Preserve and also nature oriented tours to other areas of the Primorski Krai. The company has excellent relationships with WWF/Russia and the local government. Maik-DV Contact: Natalya Nosyreva Maik-Dv@yandex.ru This company has quite a bit of experience handling conferences andmeetings for the regional government. They also have a number ofspecialists they work with specifically on programs focussing on theAmur Tiger. Magadan Region DVS Tour * Contact: Victoria Belger, Manager dvs_tour@sferacom.ru DVS-TOUR has been organizing ecological, fly fishing and rafting tours for many years. Clients include both Russian and foreign clients. Last year the company managed expedition cruise clients of Zegrahm, a well know US company. Virginia ahs spend about four months in the US as an intern with several ecotourism companies. Yakutia Region Tour Service Center. Co. Ltd. * Contact: V. Ipatiev, Director contact@yakutiatravel.com This company offers exciting and well-managed excursions of Yakutia. One of the main reasons they can do this is because they work with a number of tourism partners in the region who have expertise in specific activities. Arctic Travel * Contact: Guerman Arbugaev, Director g-arbugaev@yandex.ru arctic@sakha.ru This company offers excellent experience in one of a kind tours around Yakutia, specifically to off the beaten places, such as reindeer herding camps, both in the summer and winter. They also offer birding tours in the north. The company has excellent contact with all indigenous communities. Join our mailing list be informed of tours as they become available: Email: Subscribe Unsubscribe World Wise Ecotourism Network 1321 W. Emerson #6 Seattle, WA 98119 Phone: 206-282-0824 Fax: 206-281-4417 E-mail: Info@TravelEastRussia.com 2000 All Rights Reserved