Switzerland Travel Community? Join

Switzerland Travel Community: Zurich Tourism Home Browse: -- ---Destination--- Adelboden Airolo Aletsch Andermatt Anzre Appenzellerland Arosa Ascona Bad Ragaz Baden Basel Belinzona Bern Berner Oberland Bettmeralp Biel Braunwald Brienz-Meiringen Brig Brissago Celerina Centovalli Charmey Chteau-d'Oex Chur Crans-Montana Davos Disentis-Sedrun Einsiendeln Emmental Engelberg Estavayer-le-Lac Flims Laax Falera Fribourg Geneva Gimmelwald Glarus Grchen Grindelwald Gruyres Gstaad Interlaken Jungfrau Region Kandersteg Klosters La Chaux-de-Fonds Lago Maggiore Lausanne Lauterbrunnen Lenzerheide-Valbella Les Diablerets Leuk Leukerbaad Leysin Liestal Locarno Ltschberg Lucerne Lugano Martigny Mendrisio Montreux Morges Mount Pilatus Mt. Rigi Murren Murten Nendaz Neuchatel Nyon Pays du Grand-St-Bernard Pontresina Rapperswil Rheinfelden Riederalp Romont Saanen Saas-Fee Sainte-Croix Samedan Samnaun San Bernardino Sntis Savognin Schaffhausen Schwyz Scuol Sierre Sils-maria Silvaplana Sion Soglio Solothurn Splgen St. Gallen St. Moritz Thun Thurgau Thusis Ticino Toggenburg Torgon Vaduz Val de Illiez Verbier Villars Visp Region Weggis Wengen Winterthur Yverdon Zermatt Zug Zurich ---Region--- Basel Bernese Oberland Central Switzerland Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein Fribourg Geneva Graubnden Lake Geneva (Vaud) Neuchtel / Jura / Jura Bernois Schweizer Mittelland Ticino Valais Zurich Switzerland Game Log in Email Address: Password: Remember Me Problems logging in? Not a Member? What is the Switzerland Travel Community? Join the community to discover Switzerland through firsthand travel reviews and photos, to meet other Swiss travelers, earn valuable rewards, and much more! Switzerland > Zurich Journal Name: Zurich - Downtown Switzerland Member Name: Sierra (Register or Login to see this member's profile!) Type of Trip: Business Date Created: 10/13/2005 Description: Zrich, Switzerland's largest city, is the perfect place to begin exploring this varied country. Entry Category Member Recommendation Content Rating Zurich - Downtown Switzerland Overview N/A Hotel zum Storchen Lodging Very Highly Recommended Lush Brand-Name Retailers Highly Recommended H. Schwarzenbach Local Markets Very Highly Recommended Confiserie Sprngli Specialty Shops Very Highly Recommended Carlton Restaurant and Bar Dining Very Highly Recommended Blinde Kuh (Blind Cow) Dining Recommended Zrich - Walking Downtown Switzerland - Part 1 Experiences N/A Zrich Walking "Downtown" Switzerland - part 2 Experiences N/A has photos Community Zurich Members Who Live in Zurich tom tea DomThePom dasigi **bootsy riogrande See All Members With Zurich Journals pbharathkumar Alyssa mcgujer superpurd Nick Malgieri Zurich Photos See All Most Recent Zurich Journals Zurich - Downtown Switzerland A Taste of Old Europe Zurich: Easy Comfort Zurich: My Second Hometown Zurich and the Golden Pass Line See All Return to Home Information about Swiss Quality Switzerland Tourism : About Us : Privacy Statement

Vacation Rental Home here!

..VRBO is Vacation Rentals by Owner Vacation Homes Rentals by Owner Millions of visitors here each month... List your Vacation Rental Home here! Beautiful USVI - US Virgin Islands Vacation Rentals 46,000 Vacation Rentals - Rental Homes by Owner Search by VRBO# City Search Enter complete or partial city name Text Search Yachts/Cruises Worldwide USA Vacation Rentals Canada Rentals Mexico Rentals Caribbean Rentals Europe Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic England Denmark France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Macedonia Malta Monaco Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Scotland Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Kingdom Africa Morocco Seychelles South Africa Central America Belize Costa Rica Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama South America Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Peru Uruguay Venezuela Asia China Cyprus Hong Kong India Indonesia Israel Japan Malaysia Mauritius Philippines Sri Lanka Thailand Turkey South Pacific Australia Fiji French Polynesia New Zealand Caribbean Yachts & Cruises Anguilla Antigua Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bay Islands Belize Bermuda Bonaire British Virgin Islands BVI Cayman Islands Curacao Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guadeloupe Isla de Margarita Jamaica Martinique Puerto Rico Roatan Saba Saint Martin (St Maarten) St. Barthelemy St. Eustatius St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent & the Grenadines Trinidad & Tobago Turks & Caicos US Virgin Islands USVI France vacation rentals Aspen vacation rentals Breckenridge vacation rentals Cabo San Lucas vacation rentals USVI US Virgin Islands Vacation Rentals Kauai vaction rentals Maui Vacation rentals California vacation rentals Florida Keys vacation rentals & homes Destin vacation rentals Orlando vacation rentals & condos Lake Tahoe vacation rentals Disney vacation Cabin rentals & Beach rentals Hilton Head rentals Vacation Rentals Hawaii all located on this huge site... Please read the DISCLAIMER before continuing... Join us... | Members Area | Testimonials | Advantages | Want Ads | Links | Blog | Contacts | Adventures of the VRBO Bear... | Ctrl D to Bookmark --- Click here for Hurricane Katrina Housing Offers --- USA Vacation Rentals - Carpe Vacationum "Seize the Vacation" Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Northern CA Lake Tahoe Central CA Southern CA Colorado Cities A-B Cities C-F Cities G-S Cities T-Z Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Destin Area Panama City Beach South Walton Rest of Panhandle Disney / Orlando Florida East Coast Upper Gulf Coast Central Gulf Coast South Gulf Coast Florida Keys Georgia Hawaii Big Island Kauai Lanai Maui Molokai Oahu Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Hilton Head Myrtle Beach Rest of S. Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Save us in your bookmarks ( press Ctrl-D ) . Plan your next dream vacation right here. More Vacation Rentals in popular locations like these: Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals - Breckenridge, Colorado Vacation Rentals - Paris, France Rentals - Puerto Vallarta area, Mexico - Florida Rentals: Clermont , Davenport , Destin , Kissimmee vacation Rentals , Seagrove Beach - Kaanapali, Maui Vacation Rentals Family Reunion or Large Group? Check out these Vacation Rentals Around the World that sleep 14 18 22 26 30+ guests Do you own a Vacation Rental Property? Join the group and advertise your rental to millions of visitors to this site each month. People are talking about us... see what our members have to say. We have many fine privately owned vacation rental homes available. Read about the advantages of private vacation home rental. We're the LARGEST and most FRIENDLY vacation rental site specializing in PRIVATE HOMES and BY OWNER vacation rentals. You will find tens of thousands of BY OWNER vacation rental properties listed here PLUS fine private homes, condos and apartments offered thru rental agencies and management companies. Please read the DISCLAIMER before continuing... Join us... | Members Area | Testimonials | Advantages | Want Ads | Links | Blog | Contacts | Adventures of the VRBO Bear... Ctrl D to Bookmark | visit Hotspot for Vacation Rental Sales Tax Compliance VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® - The largest and most popular vacation rental site. Specializing in BY OWNER vacation rentals, homes, condos, cabins, villas and apartments. ALSO privately owned properties offered thru rental agencies and management companies. To report any problems with this site, please contact webmaster@vrbo.com URL: http://www.vrbo.com/Default.htm ©1995-2005 by VRBO International LLC - all rights reserved

London Vacation

Vacation Packages - Paris Travel Deals, London Travel Deals, Britain Travel Deals Best Virgin Bargains Value-Plus Virgin Virgin Deluxe & Different Virgins Holiday Getaways Air Only Beyond London South Africa Cambodia China Hong Kong India Indonesia Japan Singapore Thailand Vietnam Australia Fiji Islands New Zealand Tahiti Argentina Belize Brazil Chile Costa Rica Ecuador Guatemala Honduras Panama Peru Uruguay Asia Europe Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark England Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Malta Netherlands Norway Portugal Scotland Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Aruba Dominican Republic Jamaica Mexico St. Martins Home \\ Check Reservation \\ Contact Us \\ Site Map \\ Privacy Policy Virgin`s 3-Night London Super Fling (Air Inclusive) Experience all that is London; the changing of the Guard, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and so much more with 3 night package. Enjoy roundtrip airfare with accommodations ranging from budget to superior class hotel properties. Add sightseeing and other optional extras to make this a most enjoyable and affordable getaway! Package Includes Round-trip Economy air on Virgin Atlantic 3 nights hotel accommodations with private bath Continental Breakfast daily Hotel taxes and service charges Mandated airline fuel surcharges Package price excludes airport taxes and fees Package Categories Prices based from 1/10/2006 to 2/25/2006 Title Category Location Double Triple Single Tria Hotel Budget London $399 $399 $539 Comfort Inn Kensington Hotel Tourist London $449 $449 $589 Holiday Villa Hotel Tourist London $469 $469 $609 Novotel London West Hotel Standard London $479 $479 $619 Ramada Marylebone Hotel Tourist London $489 N/A $629 Somerset Bayswater Hotel Standard London $509 N/A $699 Thistle Kensington Gardens Hotel Standard London $519 $519 $699 Millennium Knightsbridge Hotel Superior London $549 N/A $749 Royal Lancaster Hotel Superior London $569 $569 $769 Harrington Hall Hotel Superior London $599 $599 $839 Montcalm Hotel Nikko Superior London $629 $629 $899 Royal Garden Hotel Deluxe London $759 $759 $1109 Sheraton Park Lane Hotel Deluxe London $809 $809 $1229 Hotel Category Help Departure cities: $0 - New York JFK Newark-NJ $30 - Boston-MA $80 - Washington Dulles $170 - Albany-NY Hartford-CT Philadelphia-PA Providence-RI $210 - Buffalo-NY Manchester-NH Rochester-NY Syracuse-NY $220 - Burlington - VT Cleveland-OH Norfolk-VA Ottawa Portland-ME $230 - Los Angeles-CA Miami-FL Orlando International San Francisco-CA $380 - Las Vegas-NV Notes & Restrictions Notes: Space is limited and your desired travel dates may not be available if you wait, so book early to avoid disappointment. We highly recommend 2nd and 3rd choices for travel dates and/or accommodations. Please note : Our award-winning carrier Virgin Atlantic Airways operates non-stop flights to London from JFK, Newark, Boston, Washington Dulles, Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles San Francisco and Las Vegas. All other destinations within the U.S. are serviced by Continental Airlines and will be routed to connect through to Virgin's New York gateway. Passport Requirements: It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to obtain the necessary documents for travel, not excluding passports and visas. A valid passport is normally the only requirement for U.S. citizens. Visa requirements do change without notice and vary by nationality. Please check with the consulate office of the destination country as to visa requirements. Full payment due within 1 day of booking by 2pm. Non refundable and non changeable package. Restrictions: Prices are per person based on double occupancy and a 21-day advance purchase. Purchases within 21 days will incur additional fees. Flight departure times may be at any time on your requested departure day. Surcharges of $35 per person each way may apply for travel Thursday through Sunday. Prices already include the mandated airline fuel surcharges. Air taxes/Government-imposed fees/surcharges are excluded. These fees are in addition to the package prices and will be added to invoice. Travel is valid for these dates only. Certain other restrictions may apply, and offer is subject to change without notice. Once submitted your request can take at least 24 hours to confirm. Book This Package 1/10/2006-2/25/2006 from $399 ' CLASS=SubmitBtn style='width:150px' Purchase Deadline Feb 20, 06 - Mon Helpful Links Return to previous page Print this page Send this page to a friend -- Personal Service Can't find what you're looking for? Call us for further information or to book. We specialize in customized vacations! 1-888-937-8474 Call for personal service: 9am - 8pm Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm Sun (EST). Book This Package 1/10/2006-2/25/2006 from $399 ' CLASS=SubmitBtn style='width:150px' Customer Quotes -- Virgin Vacations Home | Europe Vacations | Central America | Asia Vacations | South Pacific | Caribbean Vacations Mexico Vacations | Low Cost Paris Flights | Paris Travel Deals | London Travel Deals | Britain Travel Deals Exclusive Vacations | Sight Seeing | Vacation Packages | Vacation Resources | Vacation Articles | Site Map ©2005 Virgin Vacations. Offers worldwide cheap vacation packages and escorted tours including Paris travel deals, London travel deals, Britain travel deals, European vacation deals

Asia Travel

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INFORMATION Philippines Country Information The Land || History || The People || First-time Traveler Tips || Visas || Customs || Currency || Weather Clothing || Utilities || Newspapers & Media || Business Hours || Language || Getting Around Modes of Transport || Weather Conditions || Things to Know || Sightseeing || Museums and Art Further Information The Land The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the south. The three main Philippine island groups are Luzon , the Visayas and Mindanao . Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines , including the capital city of Manila , are in Luzon , but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos. The Visayas is famous for its charm, a trait shared by many other southern regions in the world, but here seems to run deeper among a people who are intrinsically connected to their sun soaked island home. The Visayas is also famous as a seat of history, being one of the earliest landfalls of western voyagers. It has also gained a reputation as being a cradle of the nation's future, if the unprecedented economic growth of Cebu City continues. Mindanao is our offering to the Guinness Book of Records with the world's largest clam, the world's largest Eagle, the nation's highest peak and the world's largest city. Mindanao is also home to the Philippines' Muslim population. With a land mass of 300, 780 square kilometers, the Philippines is considered a medium-sized nation, about two- thirds the size of its first colonizer, Spain, and a little larger than the British Isles. Manila is only one hour and 40 minutes from Hong Kong by jet; Sydney only 7 1/2 hours away. Flights to Europe take 17 hours and to the American west coast 15 hours. The Philippines has many things to offer the visitor: a mixture of the old and the new, a diversity of art and culture and a warm, friendly people. Blessed by nature, the Philippines has something to offer every sportsman too . . . extraordinary dive sites, forests to roam, mountains to climb, caves to explore. Top History Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. That it was the center of lively Asian trade route that stretched all the way to China and Japan can be seen from the relics these early visitors left behind. Among our archaeological treasures is a Neolithic spirit boat typical of early Southeast Asian culture. The West discovered the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain, landed in Cebu in 1521. However, colonization didn't actually begin until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila. Because Philippine society was loosely organized, without a central government, the Spanish conquest was rapid and total. Only the Muslims in the south and some inaccessible hill tribes were able to resist Spanish influence. Along with the Spanish conquerors came a new religion, Christianity, a new language, new laws and the galleon trade. Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was the United States of America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo; but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched. The Americans brought over their educational system, their legal system and planted the seeds of their own style of government. In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country with Manuel Luis Quezon as president. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation; and it wasn't until 1946, after the end of the Pacific war, that the Philippines finally regained true independence as the Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Still one of the strongest democracies in Asia, the current president is Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Top The People Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipinos. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international. Like the Southern Chinese, the Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior. This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history, and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitalityall part of the Filipino psychewill make your stay a delight. Top Tips for First-time Philippine Travelers Generally speaking, it is important to travel light. Bring only what's necessary. Avoid the extra baggage. You don't want to pay exorbitant fees for your luggage service. As in any foreign place, be careful with pickpockets. Some might act as a helpful stanger, but they're out to get something from you! It's good to be cautious at all times. Whenever going outdoors, being in a group is recommended. If you're bringing kids with you, make sure to bring all the things they would need, like medicine, bottles of potable water (although many bottled water is available, it is always recommended to bring one), and one of your kids' favorite toys for their own receration. Top Visas If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once here, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigration. Customs Upon Arriving: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city. You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Leaving: Any antiques you may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may also not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country. Currency The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PhP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000 pesos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced. Most large stores, restaurants , hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express , Visas and MasterCard. Traveller' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted. Top Weather The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons--hot and dry from November to June, and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets. Clothing People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women are light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in. For Men Only: If you expect to have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie (which is torture in this weather) there is a wonderful substitute. Go immediately to a department store and buy a barong tagalog. It is an embroidered shirt that is considered a formal dress. It will cost more or less PhP1,000.00, but it is worth every centavo. Utilities Electricity is 220 volts a/c. Many of the major tourist hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets. Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores. Telephone service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call. Some Important Telephone Numbers: (24-Hour Hotline) Police & Fire: 757 or 116 Emergency No.: 501- 650 or 501- 728 Directory Assistance: 114 National Operator: 109 International Operator: 108 For other emergency numbers, please refer to Directory . NOTE: It is advisable to always have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you. Top Newspapers & Other Media The newspapers in the Philippines have been called the freest in the world, as you will see for yourself, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide selection of magazines printed in English including Time, Newsweek and Asiaweek. In Metro Manila you can buy the Asian Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and USA Today. Television is "on the air" from early morning to midnight, showing American programming as well as local programming. The standard channels are 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 23. If you need more channels, most of the major hotels are with Cable TV bringing in TV programs from all over the world. There is also AM and FM radio broadcasting with the pop stations primarily on AM in Filipino and the English language programs on FM. Top Business Hours Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification. The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail. NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed. Language While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English. Top Getting Around There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use. Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel most of the major routes in Metro Manila. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 9.00, adding a few peso for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 4.00. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment. Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 1 peso additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump. The LRT : It's a fast, cheap way to go to downtown Manila. A token can take you between Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) and Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked. The MRT : After it's somewhat unsuccessful opening, the MRT is now enjoying a fair share of passengers plying EDSA. This is definitely the fastest mode of transport, this side of the metropolis. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City up to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Passengers would enjoy the traffic-less route, clean stations and coach, with a good view of Metro Manila's landscape. The only problem is that some stations have very high stairways. Although a number of elevators is operational, not all stations have one. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes end to end. Taxis : Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected. Top Other Modes of Transport Most of the major car rental agencies, including AVIS, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Metro Manila and carry a full line of vehicles from jeeps to limousines. All vehicles may be rented with or without a driver. If you wish to do your own driving you must have a valid foreign or international license. Inter-island transportation is provided by either airplane or ferry boat. Philippine Airlines services most of the major provincial airports. Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, SeaAir, Air Philippines, and Pacific Airways are smaller carriers servicing more remote tourist destinations. For information about boat schedules, check with the Department of Tourism on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila (63-2-5267652, 5267653, 5267655). Top WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY Climate: Tropical (two seasons) Dry Season: March -May (warm) 33-34 C Wet Season: June- October (monsoonal) November -February (coolest) 29-31C Coastline: 334,539 km. Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands, many mountains, rainforests, rich valleys and swamp regions. The Philippines still does have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs. Top THINGS TO KNOW Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog dialect) is the National Language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the English Language. The Philippines is currently the third largest English speaking country in the world. Currency: Peso(PhP). Notes are issued in denominations of , PhP 10, PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 500, and PhP 1000. Coins are issued for 5c, 10c, 25c, PhP 1, PhP 5. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized exchanged dealers. Outside of Manila payments are preferably made in pesos. Major Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club) can be used to pay for most goods and services. Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays). Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays). Time : Local time is GMT plus 8 hours. Business English is the language used. Sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries. Make sure you have business cards. Top SIGHTSEEING Casa Manila: A replica mid 19th Century house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time. Corner Real and General Lunar Streets, Intramuros, Manila. Luzon Chocolate Hills : Bohols most famous attraction: the area is named thus, because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer. Carmen Town, Bohol. Visayas* Colon Street: The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu. Cebu. Visayas* Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: The only underground cemetery in the Philippines; it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna. Laguna, Luzon Island Magellans Cross: The most historically-famous landmark in Cebu. Planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized. Cebu. Visayas* Top PARKS & WILDLIFE Katibawasan Falls: These 250-foot falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao. Camiguin. Mindinao* Maquinit Hot Springs : Located on a scenic beach corner, this is the premium hot spring in the Philippines. Palawan. Luzon* Hidden Valley: A natural recluse is created within this 90-meter crater . A haven for lush jungle life, natural springs and still water pools. Accommodation available. Alaminos, Laguna. Luzon, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife: Quezon Avenue. Quezon City. Luzon. Rizal Memorial Park: Within the lush park there are monuments, a skating rink and adventure playground. Free concerts every Sunday. Ermita, Manila. Luzon. Top MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES Museums & art galleries Ateneo Art Gallery Quezon City Tel: (02) 998 721 Metropolitan Museum of Manila Tel: (02) 832 3645 National Museum Manila Tel: (02) 494 450 Villa Escudero San Pablo City, Quezon City Tel: (02) 521 8698 Top VISAS AND PASSPORTS Visa and Passport No Visas are required for foreigners entering the country for a stay no longer than 21 days provided that you have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines have no diplomatic relations. A temporary visitor's visa is required for those who are planning to stay up to 59 days. Vaccination certificates may be neccesary for long term stays. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special permits. All visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates. Duty Free Items: Two 1-litre bottles of alchohol, and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed. Air Travel to the Country : Ninoy Aquino International Airport (7 km from city centre) Ninoy Aquino Avenue Manila, Philippines: Mactan International Airport Cebu, Philippines: (Most major airlines have flights to the country). Top FURTHER INFORMATION Department of Tourism: T.M. Kalaw Street Rizal Park Metro Manila P.O. Box 3451 Tel: (02)523-8411 Fax: (02) 521 7374 Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporatiom: 4th Floor, Suites 10-17 Legasi Towers 300 Roxas Boulevard Metro Manila Tel: (02) 525-93-18-27 Fax: (02) 521-61-65/ 525-33-14 Top

Japan Travel Guide, climate:

Japan Travel Guide - Information and Advice Japan Travel Guide Information and Advice Japan Pictures | Japan Map | Asia Map Outstanding holidays on every continent from Explore, the biggest adventure travel company in the world! Extensive worldwide travel options include the 'Shogun Tour' of Japan. Explore: Japan 'Shogun Trail' Tour | Central Asia Tours | South East Asia Tours | Free Brochure Request Japan Travel Guide, climate: Best: March-May, Sept-Nov. Worst: July, August [rains, heat, humidity] Beware Japanese holiday accomodation problems: New Year [Dec 29-Jan 6], Golden Week [April 27-May 6], O-bon [midsummer] Length of stay: Minimum worthwhile stay, not incl. flights: Tokyo only - 4 days Recommended: 2 weeks, Tokyo & Kyoto Festivals Guide: Feb Lantern Festival, Nara : 3,000 ancient lanterns are lit, with dance, at Kasuga Shrine Feb, Snow Festival, Sapporo, Hokkaido : gorgeous, massive ice/snow sculptures & 'let's get wrecked' ambience. March, Water Drawing Festival, Nara : Spectacular religious night festival with torches and chanting, at Todaiji monastery. Late March, early April, Hanami : Japan gets plastered under the cherry blossom trees. Date depends on flowering. May,Toshogu Shrine Festival, Nikko : a huge fancy-dress parade and sacred dance at a supremely beautiful shrine . July, Gion Matsuri, Kyoto : a parade of monstrous, wonderfully decorated floats. Also good for a few days before the parade. Mid-July to mid-August, O-Bon Festival nationwide : date depends on local council. Festival of the Dead, paper lanterns on water, candle ceremonies etc. Oct, Festival of Ages, Kyoto : massive historical dress parade. For some precise dates, more suggestions and information see: Exotic Festivals Japan Activities Guide: Walking and Hiking: Nikko, Chichibu and Hakone Parks are not far from Tokyo. Best during the week. Hiking and Climbing: Mt Fuji [3,700m] is a serious hike, esp. non-summertime. Hot Springs and Baths [Onsen] , esp. 'rotenburo' [outdoor pools] are fun, functional and authentic. Traveller warning - No soap in the pool! Skiing Dec-April. Nightlife is lively and colourful, if expensive, and it's totally ok to get reeling drunk and throw up on your neighbour's shoes. Unless he's American. Japan Star Guide: Monuments **** Shopping and souvenirs ***** Walkability ***** Food Quality and Variety ***** Value for Money **** Hotel Prices and Value ** Beaches ** Wildlife * Landscape ** Local People **** Architecture *** Safety ***** Nightlife and Clubbing ***** Health Problems ***** Museums **** Why Travel to Japan? This is a great, confusing, fascinating, crammed, funny country, full of contradictions - not least of which is the mix of ultra high technology with ancient traditions. There are few great 'big' sights, but lots of terrific little sights, from exquisite elevator ladies in department stores to leather-clad rockers in Yoyogi park to funky old wooden restaurants [Akachochin/red lantern] to weird capsule hotels... It's so safe that you'd have to pay someone to mug you , and teach them how to do it, though the current youth attitude is not looking good. The food is superb, varied and not necessarily expensive. Traditional hotels [Ryokan] are relatively cheap and interesting. Domestic travel systems are superb. Try the bullet train if you can afford it. Downside: - It's sometimes expensive, crowded and hectic. - There are plenty of dull, endless suburbs, hideous overhead powercables, concrete, concrete. - Quaint trad clothing like kimonos are rarely seen outside ceremonial occasions. - It's not tourist oriented , so comprehensible signs can be rare and ATMs often don't like foreign credit cards. Where to travel in Japan: 1] ***Tokyo. A huge, busy city with lots of action, big and little. See the Imperial Palace, Asakusa area, Ginza area, Yoyogi park on a Sunday afternoon, Shinkuku at night, Roppongi at night, Shibuya love hotels, Sumo wrestling, Kabuki [at Kabuki-za, Ginza?], Hama Rikyu Japanese garden. Tokyo National Museum? Disneyland? Little known factoid: the set designer for Blade Runner was inspired by Shinjuku. 2] **Nikko. A recreation area, with a sensational temple, a waterfall and some lovely walks. 2hrs by train from Tokyo. 3] *Hakone. Another favourite mountainous, rec and hot spring area, esp. in the autumn, with great views and a superb futuristic museum. 1.5hrs train travel from Tokyo. 4] ***Kyoto/Nara. Hundreds of elaborate temples, buddhas and zen gardens, tho' central Kyoto has the usual urban sprawl apart from the Imperial Palace. Also see a tea ceremony, Geisha, Katsura Imperial Villa [& gardens] and Himeji castle nearby. 5] *Hida-no Takayama. Very old, traditional, rustic town[aka Little Kyoto]. 6] *Nagasaki. A museum and park dedicated to the A-bomb, a fine recreation of old European homes in the south and a full-scale, lived in Dutch town in the north. 7] Hiroshima. The first bomb site, also with an excellent museum and park and Japan's #1 sight [according to locals], the 'floating' Itsuku Shima Shrine, in Miyajima, not far away. 8] Yokohama, Osaka, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Okinawa. Not worth travelling there unless it's for a festival or some special interest or you have lots of time. Japan Tours Tour operators offering tours to Japan can be found in our listings here: Japan Tours For more information on Japan Travel try these links: National Tourist Offices Online Travel Guides Cheap Airline Tickets UK Cheap Airline Tickets US Travel Insurance UK Tour Operators Embassies Currency Climate Language Japan Travel Links And while you're in Asia you might like to see some other Travel Guides: China Travel Guide Vietnam Travel Guide Cambodia Travel Guide Thailand Travel Guide Travel Pictures | Destination Finder | Exotic Places | World Festivals | World Wonders | Safari Wildlife | Beaches | Top of Page European Places | Walking Tours | Travel Health | Travel Safety | Travel Directory | English Speaking Places | Tours Gap Year | Site Map | Travel Guide Homepage | Contact | Press | Advertising | Legal | Maps | Travelogue © 2000-2005 Bugbog