Air Travel Prepare For

TSA | Transportation Security Administration | Key Travel Tips Home | FAQs | Sitemap | Contact Us Travelers & Consumers Employment Business Opportunities Industry Partners Law & Policy Security & Law Enforcement About TSA Briefing Room Site Search Travelers & Consumers Air Travel Prepare For Takeoff Prohibited Items Transporting Special Items Special Considerations General Aviation Persons with Disabilities & Medical Conditions Links to Related Sites Passenger Rail Passenger Vessels Highway Travel Mass Transit TSA Partner Programs Persons with Disabilities & Medical Conditions TSA Customer Service Signup for Homeland Security Alerts Passenger Resources Travel Tips Travelers & Consumers Printable Version Air Travel Key Travel Tips Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint. Before the Airport Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport. Read the Permitted and Prohibited Items list. Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only . Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop. Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector. Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm. Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film. Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage. If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock. Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport. Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons. At the Airport Each adult traveler needs to keep available his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at many airports you will be required to display your boarding pass more than once. Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint: Mobile phones Keys Loose change Money clips PDA's (personal data assistants) Large amounts of jewelry Metal hair decorations Large belt buckles Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint. Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers. Transportation Security Administration Internet Privacy Policy : Terms of Use : Accessibility : FOIA : FirstGov

Vacation Package

Delta Vacations - Vacation packages to Las Vegas Maui Waikiki Hawaii Aruba Bahamas Orlando South Beach Florida Walt Disney World Europe Jamaica Caribbean Cancun Mexico All-Inclusive Family Beach Colorado Ski Membership log in E-mail address: Password: Remember me. Not A Member? Forgot Your Password? My Profile Related Links delta.com Vacation Protection Plan Special Group Rates SkyMiles Membership Last Minute Deals D e l t a V a c a t i o n s . c o m 2 0 0 4 Announcing New Service Package type Flight + Hotel Flight + Hotel + Car Hotel + Car or Transfer Flight + Car Preferred cabin Coach First Class Leaving from Departure date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Time anytime morning noon afternoon evening 1am 2am 3am 4am 5am 6am 7am 8am 9am 10am 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm 10pm 11pm 12am Going to Return date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Time anytime morning noon afternoon evening 1am 2am 3am 4am 5am 6am 7am 8am 9am 10am 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm 10pm 11pm 12am Adults 1 2 3 4 5 Children 0 1 2 3 4 Promo code (optional) Child 1 na under 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Child 2 na under 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Child 3 na under 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Child 4 na under 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 -- Announcing New Service Package type Flight + Hotel Flight + Hotel + Car Hotel + Car or Transfer Flight + Car Preferred cabin Coach First Class Leaving from Departure date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Time anytime morning noon afternoon evening 1am 2am 3am 4am 5am 6am 7am 8am 9am 10am 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm 10pm 11pm 12am Going to Return date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Time anytime morning noon afternoon evening 1am 2am 3am 4am 5am 6am 7am 8am 9am 10am 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm 10pm 11pm 12am Adults 1 2 3 4 5 Children 0 1 2 3 4 Promo code (optional) Child 1 na under 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Child 2 na under 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Child 3 na under 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Child 4 na under 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Grand Cayman Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort Las Vegas, Nevada Paris Las Vegas Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Save $300 on a Golf and Spa Getaway Earn 10,000 Bonus Miles to London 3 Night Packages to Turks & Caicos from $790 Search all Last Minute Deals -- Announcing Daily Flight Service Salt Lake to Cancun begins 6/1/05 Atlanta to Moscow begins 6/1/05 -- Member Registration ® 2005 Delta Vacations. All rights reserved. delta.com | Site Map | About Us | Privacy Policy | Legal Notices | Customer Care | Web Compatibility | Travel Agents ### ISHQWEBCVGNET01 ### ### --

air travel with infants

Holiday air travel with infants: Ensuring a smooth ride - MayoClinic.com Holiday air travel with infants: Ensuring a smooth ride Q. My husband and I will be flying home for the holidays with our 6-month old son. How can we make the long flight easier for him and for us? No name / No state A. It's normal for parents to feel nervous about how their little ones will do on long flights. But air travel with infants doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience. Here are some tips for ensuring a smooth ride for you, your child and other passengers: Check your seat assignment well before the flight to make sure that you have been assigned the seat you had requested. Avoid emergency exit seating. Consider requesting a bassinet seat for your infant, if your airline offers them. Dress your infant in loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily changed if needed. Don't swaddle your infant in excessively warm clothes that may be potentially uncomfortable. Avoid overfeeding your infant to pacify him on the flight. This can lead to an upset stomach. A pacifier may used instead of a bottle for getting your baby to swallow during assent and descent. To help your child sleep on the flight, take along his blanket, pacifier, book or nonmusical toy — items that normally help calm him at home. When putting your child to sleep on the flight, try to follow your regular routine. If you typically rock, hold or pat your son prior to being placed in the crib, do the same during the flight. To prevent ear pain during the flight, you may consider giving your child an age-appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Your doctor may also prescribe ear pain relief drops, which you can give your infant before takeoff and again before landing. Remember that children — even infants — can sense your nervousness and tension. The more relaxed you are, the more likely your child can relax and enjoy the flight. Also, don't hesitate to ask the flight attendants for assistance, such as with warming a bottle or helping you with the changing table in the restroom. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Air travel with infant: Is it safe? Crying baby? How to keep your cool RELATED Articles Teething: Tips for soothing sore gums Newborn care: Common-sense strategies for stressed-out parents Pacifiers: Are they good for your baby? Ask a Specialist Air travel with infant: Is it safe? Sudden infant death syndrome: New guidelines for prevention Failure to thrive: When your baby isn't growing normally Centers Healthy Baby Center MayoClinic.com Bookstore 'Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy' (Softcover) ARTICLE TOOLS Print Larger type more information By Mayo Clinic Staff Dec 21, 2005 © 1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.  A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.  AN01248 About this site · Site help · Contact us · e-Newsletter · Site map Privacy policy updated Oct 7, 2005 Terms and conditions of use updated Jun 3, 2004 LEGAL CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF USE APPLICABLE TO ALL USERS OF THIS SITE. ANY USE OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES YOUR AGREEMENT TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE. © 1998-2005 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Mayo Clinic Medical Services | MayoClinic.com Bookstore Diseases & Conditions Drugs & Supplements Treatment Decisions Healthy Living Ask a Specialist Health Tools Home Log in Register now ASK A CHILDREN'S HEALTH SPECIALIST Advertising and sponsorship policy Dec 28, 2005

cheap travel insurance Leading

Travel Insurance for cheap holiday travel insurance and backpackertravel insurance - Leading Edge Travel Insurance travel insurance : cover for holidays,backpacking and travel overseas Contact Leading Edge TravelInsurance | Our privacypolicy | Sports &Activites | Travel Advice &Links to useful sites Travel Insuranceguidelines Annual Multi-tripinsurance Single Tripinsurance Backpackerinsurance Ski& Snowboard insurance Overour age limit? visit worldwideinsure.com TravelAccessories CarHire Hotels leading edge travel insurance : easy to buy,cheap travel insurance Leading Edge Travel Insurance provides easy to buy, cheaptravel insurance for the younger traveller. Our website is simple to use andyou can buy insurance straight away - ideal for last minute travel. You canalso arrange your holiday insurance by telephone, on 0870 1128099 . You may be going on a weekend break; a family holiday;travelling with friends; backpacking worldwide; skiing or snowboarding -whatever you're planning, wherever you travel, check out Leading Edge's travelinsurance cover. ANNUAL MULTI-TRIP TRAVELINSURANCE Annual Travel insurance to cover any number of trips, up to31 days each. Europe or Worldwide travel options. Wintersports included. Age limit 59yrs SINGLE TRIP TRAVELINSURANCE Single Trip Travel Insurance from 1 to 94 days. Europe orWorldwide travel options. Age limit 59yrs BACKPACKER TRAVELINSURANCE Backpacker Travel Insurance from 3 to 18 months. Europe,Australia or Worldwide travel options. Wintersports can be added for all orpart of the trip. Age limit 45yrs SKI & SNOWBOARDINGINSURANCE Specialist Wintersports Travel Insurance from 5 to 31days. Europe or Worldwide travel options. Covers skiing and snowboarding,including off-piste. Age limit 55yrs leading edge travel insurance :cover for many types of travel and activities Weekend Breaks Holidays from 1 to 94days Independent travel or Package holidays Annual multi-triptravel Gap year travel and student Backpacking Scuba diving Bungee jumping White waterrafting Trekking Wintersports: Ski & Snowboarding leading edge travel insurance : relax and enjoy yourholiday knowing you're covered! Leading Edge Travel Insurance offershigh quality, excellent value travel insurance for the younger traveller, withinsurance policies for backpacker travel, gap years, activities, trekking andwintersports for students, individuals and young couples and families. Leading Edge Travel Insurance is owned and administered by WorldwideTravel Insurance Services Ltd. Worldwide Travel Insurance Services Ltd areauthorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. contact us if you have a problem orquery: Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance | Single Trip Travel Insurance | Backpacker Travel Insurance | Ski Travel Insurance

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