France Travel

FRANCE Geography History Politics Culture Transportation Lodging Restaurants Museums and Monuments Nightlife Currency 1. Geography France is bordered by the English Channel to the North; Belgium and Luxembourg to the Northeast; Germany, Switzerland and Italy tothe East; the Mediterranean Sea to the South; Spain and Andorra to the Southwest; and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. It includes theisland of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea to the Southeast of the mainland. The country's 210,026 squre miles offer vastly diverse scenery. It is comprised of the Alps and Pyrenees mountain ranges, the valleys of the Loire, Rhone, and Dordogne rivers, and the fertile flat lands and cliffs of Normandy and the Atlantic coast. France is bordered by 1800 miles of coastline. 2. History France was originally inhabited by Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon peoples. After the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, it was settled by Gauls - a Celtic people. In the 8th century, Charlemagne established his Frankish empire stretching from the Pyrenees to the Baltic. Over the next several centuries the feudal lords of Paris consolidated power over various regions, creating for the first time a French nation. The reign of Louis VI from 1108-1137 represented the first time that royal authority came to fruition in certain areas of France. There remained however powerful rulers who served as Louis VI's vassals in name only, such as the Dukes of Normandy. During the FrenchRenaissance, Francois I helped develop the chateaux in the Loire Valley. These luxuries reached their peak during the reign of the SunKing Louis XIV (1643-1715) in which the power of the French state was further centralized and France became the major Europeanpower. Louis XV's reign (1715-1774) saw a time of prosperity as well as a growing gap between rich and power. During this period, the nobility and clergy were exempt from the payment of taxes. These disparities culminated in the French Revolution of 1789 which overthrew Louis XVI and sought equality of the individual before the law. Rising army commander Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the weak and unpopular governemnts of the end of the 18th century in 1799.Five years later he was declared Emperor and attempted to establish a French empire in Europe. In 1812 Napoleon's good fortune wasreversed after his failed invasion of Russia. He was exiled and his army dismantled but escaped and returned to France for a briefHundered Days until he was defeated at Waterloo by the Duke of Wellington. The 19th century saw France waver from republic to monarchy to republic to empire, and finally back to republic. It faced an emerging Germany in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871and again as the network of treaties and alliances collapsed in 1914 with the assassination of the Austrian Grand Duke Ferdinand in Serbia. In the interbellum period, after the Versailles Treaty, France recovered the Alsace-Lorraine region originally lost in the Franco-PrussianWar, and established a new electoral system based on proportional representation. With the advances of Nazi Germany into Poland in1939, France once again declared war on Germany and entered WWII. However, it was swiftly occupied by the Nazis who establishedthe Vichy Regime from 1940-1944. The Fourth Republic was established after the war but could not resist the pressures induced by the Algerian Conflict. General deGaulle, former Resistance leader of the exiled anti-Nazi government during WWII, established the Fifth Republic. 1968 saw the adventof student and industrial workers riots threatening to overthrow the fledgling Republic. Throughout the 1970s, conservative presidents and centre-right majorities governed in France. The Socialist party experienced its firstvictory in 1981 with the election of Francois Mitterand who remained in office until 1995. Jacques Chirac, the former mayor of Paris and Prime Minister in cohabitation with Mitterand was narrowly elected President in 1995. Edouard Balladur was first appointed PrimeMinister but was succeeded by Alain Juppe who was committed to streamlining the public sector. Having called for an early election, Chirac is now governing in cohabitation with the Socialist Lionel Jospin, his competitor in the 1995 election. 3. Politics The strong executive branch of the 5th Republic is directed by the President who is elected by direct popular vote for a 7-year term.The legislative branch is governed by a bicameral parliament comprised of a 577-member National Assembly which is elected for 5-yearterms, and the 321-member senate which is elected for 9-year terms with one-third of the seats up for reelection every 3 years. France's main foreign commitment is to the European Union. Its relations with Germany have been considered to be the pillar of the integration movement. France continues to be active in multifarious regions of the world as a means to assert its status as a worldpower. In opposition to American hegemony, France has come into conflict with the United States on a number of instances, most notably at the Uruguay Round of negotion on the 1993 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and with regards to the commandof armed forces in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. France has conducted several military interventions in Africa where it maintians a significant economic, military, and cultural presence inmany former colonies. In the Franc Zone, many francophone African countires have linked their currencies to the French franc. Frenchmilitary involvement also existed in French Polynesia in the 1995 when the Chiracien goverment conducted a series of nuclear tests atthe Mururoa atoll. Rioting broke out on Tahiti, the main island and severe international condemnation followed. French domestic politics are also rocky as Chirac and Jospin attempt to govern cohesively side-by-side. With an unemployment rate at arecord high of 12.8%, they are finding it difficult to streamline their country's economy to meet the strict criteria necessary for entry into the scheduled European Union economic and monetary union. 4. Culture The official language is French, but many regional dialects such as Basque and Breton exist. Many French speak basic English, but polite efforts to speak French are generally appreciated. 90% of the French population is Roman Catholic. There exists a Protestant minority, and representatives of almost every religion exist. The family is still relatively central to French life, as are long meals with excellent wine and gastronomical delights. The cuisine varies by region as does the wine. Most everything shuts down between noon and 2pm during the week and closes on Sundays. Major national holiday include January 1, Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Ascension Day (May 8), Whit Monday (May 19), Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption Day (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11), and Christmas (December 25). In addition,much of the less touristic parts of France slow down the month of August when everyone is on holiday in the often crowded coastal towns. 5. Transportation Visas are not required of U.S., Canadian, New Zealand, or EU citizens. Visas are required however of South Africans and Australians. AIR : France's national airline is Air France(AF), domestically Air Inter(AI). RAIL : Societe Nationale de Chemins de Fer (SNCF) operates an extensive rail network. Timetables are well-organized and color-codedto coincide with peak hours. Tickets are not valid until punched in the orange machine at the entrance to the platforms at the trainstation (la gare). Seat reservations are recommended for international trips, and are mandatory on EuroCity (EC), InterCity (IC), and TGV (train a grande vitesse/ high-speed) trains. All 3 mandate a ticket supplement (between US$3-18) and a reservation fee (betweenUS$2-3). The French Railpass which must be purchased outside France permits 3 days of travel within one month (US$145) with up to 6 additional days available (US$30 each). BUS : usually well-priced and well-organized. The bus station (gare routiere) is usually near the train station. PARIS : AIR : Most transatlantic flights arrive at Aeroport Roissy- Charles de Gaulle, NE of Paris. To get to town, take Roissy Rail, a cheap combination bus-rail system. To get to Roissy Rail, take free shuttle bus to train station, ride RER train B3 to the city. Taxis will be extremely expensive. Air France also offers a clean and safe shuttle bus service to various points in Paris as well as to Orly Airport. Flights arriving at Aeroport d'Orly, S of Paris usually arrive from various points in Europe. To get to town, take free shuttle bus to Orly train station and take RER C2 to central Paris. Or Air France shuttle buses also service Orly. RAIL : Gare du Nord services northern France, Belgium, Britain, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and northern Germany. Gare de l'Est services eastern France, Luxembourg, northern Switzerland, southern Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Gare de Lyon services southeastern France, southern Switzerland, Italy, and Greece.Gare d'Austerlitz services the Loire Valley, southwestern France, Spain, and Portugal.Gare St. Lazare services Normandy. Gare de Montparnasse services Brittany and the TGV to southwestern France. Within Paris, the subway (Metropolitain, Metro, M) is efficient and quick. Lines are numbered but are referred to by their final destinations.Connections are called correspondances. Coupon Vert allows unlimited weekly travel.Carte Orange is an ID which accompanies the Coupon Vert. The Reseau ExpressRegional (RER) is a commuter train to the suburbs and an express subway in Paris. BUS : use same tickets as Metro which may be purchased from driver. NICE : AIR : Aeroport Nice-Cote d'Azur. Take Sunbus 23 "St. Laurent" from the train station. The airport bus runs from the bus station by pl Massena. RAIL : Gare SNCF Nice-Ville, avenue Thiers is in the center of town next to the tourist office. Trains run frequently to Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, and elsewhere in France, Italy, and Spain. In summer months, several trains connect with the TGV from Marseille to Paris. BUS : Gare Routiere, promenade du Paillon to Monaco, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, and Cannes. Sunbus to museums and youth hostels. Can buy 5 ticket booklets or weekly passes at agency or kiosk at sq. Leclerc. Bus 12 goes from train station to pl Massena and the beach. LYON : AIR : Aeroport Lyon-Satolas E of Lyon. Take bus from Perrache via Part-Dieu. RAIL : Part-Dieu and Perrache stations both have TGV trains to Paris. Perrache is more central. Part-Dieu is the business district on the east bankof the Rhone. The Metro operates with tickets good for 1hr in 1 direction withbus and trolley connections included. Can purchase 1 day unlimited travel at tourist and TAG offices, not in stations. Troleys operate from pl. St. Jean to St. Just and the top of Fourviere. BUS : Perrache train station to Annecy, Grenoble. Philbert handlesmany domestic routes. Eurolines runs throughout Europe. Iberbus goes to Spain. 6. Lodging HOTELS : Room and all meals (pension) are most often offered with a stay of 3 days or longer. Room, breakfast, and one meal (demi-pension) are often offered outside peak holiday periods. Hotels are generally not expensive but have strict standards. Hotels docharge extra for a third bed in a double room and will charge extra for extra occupants. Logis de France are small or medium sized inexpensive hotels with basic clean and comfortable accomodations. Hotels de Tourisme are graded into categories according to government quality regulations. CAMPING : 7000 campsites exist throughout France. Some have tents and/or caravans for rent. Prices vary but all graded campsitesprovide water, toilet, and washing facilities. YOUTH HOSTELS : Hundreds exist throughout France. Simple accomodation at very low prices. Stays are usually limited to certain agebrackets and to 3-4 nights a week. Most require membership in the National Youth Hostel Association. Some accomodations are privaterooms and others are bunk-beds in shared rooms. Some have curfews. Reservations are advised during peak-seasons. This is a great way to travel cheaply and meet interesting people. Further information may be obtained from national youth hostel organizations. PARIS : HOTELS : Hotels in Paris may be the most practical for most and maybe the most economical for large groups. Costs range, and cheaper rooms maynot come with private baths. You may pay extra for the key to the hall shower. Rooms disappera quickly after morning checkout, so reserve ahead. They usually require one night's deposit. HOTEL DE NEVERS : -53, rue de Malte, 11e, tel: 01 47 00 56 18 HENRI IV : -25 place Dauphine, 1e, tel: 01 43 54 44 53 HOTEL STE-MARIE: -6 rue de la Ville Neuve, tel: 01 42 33 21 61 YOUTH HOSTELS : Most Parisian hostels don't have many restrictionswhich may be found in other hostels. They do often have maximum stays. Theyusually include breakfast and showersin the price. Only 2 HI hostels exist in the city proper. The rest are private hostels or fosters. CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE PARIS (BVJ) : -Paris Louvre- 20, rue J.-J. Rousseau, 1er., tel: 01 42 36 88 18 -Paris Quartier Latin- 44, rue des Bernardins, 5e., tel: 01 43 29 34 80 AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE JULES FERRY (HI) : -Jules Ferry- 8 bd Jules Ferry, 11e, tel: 01 43 57 55 60 AUBERGE INTERNATIONALE DES JEUNES : -10, rue Trousseau, tel: 01 47 00 62 00 LYON : HOTELS : A financial center, Lyon has little lodging during the week,but many openings on the weekends so plan ahead. First try the hotels near Perrache, then near Pl. des Terreaux if they are full. CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE SEJOUR : -46 rue du Commandant Pegoud, tel: 04 78 01 23 45 RESIDENCE BENJAMIN DELESSERT : -145 av. Jean Jaures, tel: 04 78 61 41 41 HOTEL VAUBECOUR : -28 rue Vaubecour, tel: 04 78 37 44 91 YOUTH HOSTELS : AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE (HI) : -51, rue Roger Salengro, Venissieux, tel: 04 78 76 39 23 NICE : HOTELS : Summer accomodations require advance reservation.Most affordable and clean hotels surround Notre-Dame rue d'Angleterre,rue de la Suisse, and rue de Russie. HOTEL BACCARAT : -39 rue d'Angleterre, tel: 04 93 88 35 73 HOTEL LES ALIZES : -10 ru de Suisse, tel: 04 93 88 85 08 HOTEL DES FLANDERS : -6 rue de Belgique, tel: 04 93 88 78 94 YOUTH HOSTELS : Very often full, especially summer months.Camping in front of the train station is a dangerous idea, even in groups. AUBERGE DE JEUNESSE (HI) : -rte. Forestiere du Mont-Alban, tel: 04 93 89 23 64 RELAIS INTERNL DE LA JEUNESSE CLAIRVALLON : -26 av Scuderi, tel: 04 93 81 27 63 RESIDENCE LES COLLINETTES (HI) : -Summer only! 3 av Robert Schumann, tel: 04 93 86 58 48 7. Restaurants LUNCH / DINNER : a complete meal includes an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), an entree (an appetizer), a plat (main course),salad, cheese, dessert, fruits, coffee, and a digestif (after-dinner drink). Wine is typically taken with meals. Boisson comprise means that you are entitled to a free drink, often wine, with your meal. In restaurants, fixed-price 3-course meals (menus) begin at 60f. A 15% gratuity is most often included in the price (service compris). BREAKFAST : continental breakfast usually includes your choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate; and breads and pastries with jam. PARIS : Cafes : LA COUPOLE : -102 bd du Montparnasse, tel: 01 43 20 14 20 LA CLOSERIE DES LILAS : -171 bd du Montparnasse, 6e, tel: 01 43 26 70 50 LES DEUX MAGOTS : -6 pl St-Germain des Pres, 6e, tel:01 45 48 55 25 RESTAURANTS : AU TROU NORMAND : -9 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11e, tel: 01 48 05 80 23 LES FOUS DE L'ISLE : -33 rue des Deux-Ponts, tel: 01 43 25 76 67 CHEZ LES FONDUES : -17 rue des Trois Freres, 18e, tel: 01 42 55 22 65 CREMERIE RESTAURANT POLIDOR : -41 rue Monsieur-le Prince, 6e, tel: 01 43 26 95 34 TY BRIEZ : -52 bd de Vaugirard, 15e, tel: 01 43 20 83 72 LYON : RESTAURANTS : LE SUD : -11 pl Antonin Porcet, tel: 04 72 77 80 00 CHEZ MOUNIER : -3 rue des Marrioniers, tel: 04 78 37 79 26 CHAERT ET FILS : -11 rue des Marroniers, tel: 04 78 37 01 94 LA MERE VITTET : -26, cours de Verdun, tel: 04 78 37 20 17 CHEZ CARLO : -22 rue du Palais Grillet, tel: 04 78 42 05 79 NICE : RESTAURANTS : O MICHELANGELO : -28 cours Saleya, tel: 04 93 80 05 27 NISSA SOCCA : -5 rue Ste-Reparte, tel: 04 93 80 18 35 LE FAUBOURG MONTMARTRE : -39 rue Pertinax, tel: 04 93 62 55 03 RESTAURANT DE PARIS : -28 rue d'Angleterre, tel: 04 93 88 99 88 8. Museums and Monuments PARIS : MUSEUMS : LES CATACOMBS : -1 pl Denfert-Rochereau, 15e-5-6 million Parisians buried in former limestone mines CENTRE NATIONAL D'ART ET DE CULTURE GEORGES-POMPIDOU : -Palais Beaubourg, 4e.-Musee National d'Art Moderne, 20th century art MUSEE DES EGOUTS DE PARIS : -Quai D'Orsay and pl de la Resistance, 7e. -Sewer Museum MUSEE DU LOUVRE : -Palais-Royal, 1e-Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samotrace,David, Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People, MonaLisa MUSEE D'ORSAY : -1 rue de Bellechasse, 7e-1848-1914 Impressionism, etc. MUSEE PICASSO : -5 rue de Thorigny, 3e MONUMENTS : ILE DE LA CITE/ ILE ST-LOUIS : -Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris-Palais de Justice -Ste.-Chapelle LATIN QUARTER/ St-GERMAIN-des-Pres : -Pantheon-La Crypt-Le Jardin des Plantes-Boulevard et Place St-Michel-Jardin du Luxembourg FAUBOURG ST-GERMAIN : -Espanade des Invalides-Musee de l'Armee / Napoleon's tomb-Tour Eiffel LOUVRE/OPERA/MARAIS/BASTILLE : -Louvre-Jardin des Tuilleries-Place Vendome-Palais-Royal-Opera CHAMPS ELYSEES/ BOIS DE BOULOGNE/ LA DEFENSE : -Place de la Concorde-Obelisque de Louxor-Avenue des Champs-Elysees-Arc de Triomphe-Bois de Boulogne-La Defense MONTMARTRE / PERE-LACHAISE : -Basilique du Sacre-Coeur-Butte Montmartre-Cimetiere Pere-Lachaise, Jim Morrison's grave LYON : MUSEUMS : MUSEE GALLO-ROMAIN : -17 rue Cleberg-mosaics, helmets, swords, jewlery MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS : -Hotel de Ville-French, Spanish and Dutch painters-Italian Renaissance. MUSEE D'ART CONTEMPORAIN : -Quai Charles de Gaulle-Modern Art MONUMENTS :-Basilique Notre-Dame de la Fourviere-Vieux Lyon-Cathedrale St-Jean-Place Bellecour NICE : MUSEUMS : MUSEE DES BEAUX-ARTS : -33 av Baumettes-Fragonard, Monet, Sisley, Degas, sculptures MUSEE MATISSE : -164 av des Arenes de Cimiez MUSEE NATIONAL MARC CHAGALL : -av du Docteur Menard MUSEE D'ART MODERNE ET D'ART CONTEMPORAIN : -Av St-Jean Baptiste and Traverse Garibaldi MONUMENTS :-Promenade des Anglais-Jardin Albert 1er-Espace Massena-La Colle du Chateau-Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe St-Nicolas-Monastere Cimiez 9. Nightlife PARIS : DANCE CLUBS : -Les Bains, 7 rue de Bourg l'Abbee, 3e, tel: 01 48 87 01 80-Le Balajo, 9 rue de Lappe, 11e, tel: 01 47 00 07 87-Le Palace, 8 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 9e, tel:01 42 46 10 87 BARS : -Le Bar Sans Nom, 49 rue de Lappe, 11e, tel: 01 48 05 59 36-Le Piano Vache, 8 rue Laplace, 5e, tel: 01 46 33 75 03-Cafe Charbon, 109 rue Oberkampf, 11e, tel: 01 43 57 55 13 LYON : DANCE CLUBS : Check out quai Romain Rolland,quai de Bondy, and quai Pierre Scize in the old city. BARS : -Albion, 12 rue Ste-Catherine-Le Verre a Soi, 25 rue des Capucins-Le Broadway, 9 rue Terraille NICE : DANCE CLUBS : -Chez Wayne, 15 rue de la Prefcture, tel: 04 93 13 46-Master Home, rue de la Prefecture, tel: 04 93 80 33 82-Le Studio, 29 rue Alphonse Karr, tel: 04 93 82 37 66-De Klomp, 6 rue Mascoinat, tel: 04 93 92 42 85-The Hole in the Wall, 3 rue de l'Abbaye, tel: 04 93 80 40 16 10. Currency The basic currency unit is the French franc (Ffr), which is issued in both coins and paper notes, and is subdivided in 100 centimes.Coins are in denominations of Ffr 10,5,2, and 1 + 50,20,10, and 5 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Ffr 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Some first-class hotels exchange foreign currency. Also the Credit Mutuel, Credit Agricole exchange currency. Shops and hotelsare prohibited from accepting foreign currency. American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and Travellers checques are widely accepted. Also Visit These Travel Pages GO BACK TO HOMEPAGE

Disney Vacations Book your

Disney Vacations - Orbitz - Disney Vacation Packages Welcome to Orbitz. Sign In. Register now. Disney Vacations Discount Travel Directory > Vacation Packages > Disney Vacations Book your Disney vacation through Orbitz. With the most low fares, hotels and cars, its easy to create a package that suits your needs and budget. Plus, you can book your tickets to Disney attractions before you get to Orlando, Anaheim, Paris or Tokyo. Use Orbitz to book your next Disney vacation its the key to a Magic Kingdom getaway. Accommodations for Your Disney Vacation Before heading to one of the world's favorite destinations and most popular theme parks, explore the wide variety of Disney vacations on Orbitz. In Orlando, Disney World offers a sprawling resort that kids and parents alike can spend days exploring. Start by unpacking your bags at the British-Colonial style Grosvenor Resort, near Downtown Disney and Disney's West Side. Stroll down Main Street, U.S.A in the Magic Kingdom all the way to Cinderella's Castle, Space Mountain or other beloved attractions. Or take your caravan to Disney's luxurious Animal Kingdom Lodge, a unique retreat with an African dcor. Many rooms, with their handcrafted furnishings, have balcony views of an expansive wildlife reserve. See giraffes, zebras and other exotic animals without leaving your hotel. And, should you be on the hunt for other wildlife, Disneys Animal Kingdom theme park is located right next door. Then head for Disney-MGM Studios and find what happens behind the scenes on movie sets and TV shows. Or explore new frontiers and international pavilions in the high-tech world of Epcot. On the West Coast, explore the original Disney vacation at Walts Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland. Take a spin in a teacup, ride the famous Monorail and dare to enter the Haunted Mansion. Check into the Disneyland Hotel located adjacent to the Downtown Disney District. Or book a room at Disneys Grand Californian Hotel inside the California Adventure park. The relaxing, luxury retreat celebrates early 20th Century Arts and Crafts architectural style. Book Your Disney Vacation Now! Mickey, Minnie, Donald and all your friends await you on your Disney vacation. So find your perfect trip from the widest selection of travel choices on Orbitz. More. Easy. Orbitz and Go! Wishes Come True Disney Vacations Magic Your Way Vacations are a tremendous value and include Resort, Tickets, Guest Transportation and more! Learn More! Disneyland Tower Of Terror Vacations The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™! at Disneyland® Resort ©Disney is a frightenly fun time for the whole family! Learn More! Disneyland Snow White Musical Vacations Come to the Disneyland Resort and experience first hand the classic tale of Snow White live on stage! Learn more! Disney Vacations: My Trips | My Account | Flight Status | Site map | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Privacy | About Orbitz Orbitz for Hotels | Orbitz for Business | Advertise on Orbitz | Become an affiliate | Careers | Media | Investors OrbitzSaver Low Rate Guarantee Flights | Hotels | Car Rentals | Cruises | Vacations | Travel Deals | Travel Guides by 360i Orbitz guards your privacy and security. We're certified by TRUSTe and Verisign. © 2001-2004, Orbitz, LLC. All rights reserved. CST 2063530-50 From: To: Leave: Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan 2005 Feb 2005 Mar 2005 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Return: Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan 2005 Feb 2005 Mar 2005 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Travelers: 1 2 3 4 Adults (18+) 0 1 2 3 Children (0-17) --

Spain Travel Information. Spain

In-Spain.info - Spain travel information, Spain tourism, Spain Map, Learn Spanish Information on Spain - Travel Spain - Spain Tourism - Map of Spain - Spanish Travel Guide - Spanish Phrases You are here: Home - Welcome to Spain! Search this site with Google: Web in-spain.info Tell a friend about this site We also recommend Search Iberia Marinas in Spain Apartments in Spain Golf holidays in Spain Marbella Hotels Malaga Holiday Deals Buzz Car Hire Buzz Hotels Our Sister Sites Thailand Malaga Welcome to Spain! Spain Travel Information. Spain is the third most popular tourist country in the world, and its not hard to see why. Every region is Spain has it's own flavour and you can find out about it all here! Most popular destinations The most popular destinations searched for on this site are Barcelona, Salou , Alicante , Marbella , Benidorm , Bilbao , Nerja , Pamplona , Jerez , and Madrid Photos of Spain Our collection of photos of Spain - with more added each month. Spain at a Glance Useful bits of information on Spain from the general weather and climate to unusual facts you might not have known! Spain by Region Our main guide to Spain is organised by region to make it easy for you to find what you want. The Best of Spain Our selection of the Best of Spain, from the top 20 things you must see and do in Spain, to our top 20 favourite Spanish recipes. Learn Spanish Phrases A few phrases will get you a long way, here are our tips to the most useful for you. Special Features Great pieces by our regular travel writers with more added each month. Spain by region ... See our massive region guide to Spain for all kinds of travel information, including fiestas! Site Highlights: Organized Tours in Spain - New! Pre-book one of our organized tours of Spain, with our local tour partners. Spanish Wine and Gastronomy Regular features from our wine expert - Genevieve McCarthy. Spain Under a Microscope - New! Interesting articles on Spain by Kelly Crull. Running of the Bulls A guide to this spectacular festival in Pamplona. Buying property in Spain Impartial advice on how Best to go about buying property in Spain for investmentor relocation. Skiing and Mountaineering in the Pyrenees The exceptional conditions of the Pyrenean geography has led to the establishmentof several winter resorts which have runs of excellent quality. Spanish Fiestas All over Spain, in small villages to large cities, a couple of days each year are devoted to these local festivals. Spain Guide Books If you are planning on visiting Spain, be sure to take a comprehensive guide book with you. See our recommendations for the Best of the bunch. Tapas Tapas isn't Spain's national dish, but rather Spain's way of life. You can enjoy tapas in bars all over Spain and every one has it's own speciality. Car Hire in Spain Our guide to the Best car hire in Spain. Your Ad Here Book your holiday: Hotels in Spain Car Hire in Spain Organised Tours in Spain Popular pages Organized tours in Spain Spanish Wine & Gastronomy Skiing in Spain Photos of Spain Hotels in Spain Map of Spain Spain Tourist Attractions Spanish News Headlines Spanish News Weekday Roundup 20 Traditional Spanish Recipes Spain Travel Guides Map of Spain Spain - Home | Spain at a glance | Spain region guide | Best of Spain | Learn Spanish Phrases | Special Features | Hotels in Spain | Map of Spain All content © 2003 In-Spain.info All Rights Reserved. If you notice any errors on this site, please report them to webmaster@in-spain.info . You can add a link to this site here. Site Map - Useful Travel Links - Spain related links Looking for car hire in Malaga and Andalucia? Try Malaga car hire for great deals! Looking for hotels in Marbella and the rest of the Costa del Sol? Try Hotels in Marbella for top savings!

Central America Travel

Destinations: Mexico, Central America | CDC Travelers' Health Home About CDC Press Room Funding A-Z Index Centers, Institute & Offices Training & Employment Contact Us CDC en Español Search: Travelers' Health Travelers' Health Home > Destinations > Mexico and Central America Health Information for Travelers to Countries in Mexico and Central America On This Page Vaccines for Your Protection Diseases Found in Mexico and Central America Other Health Risks What You Need To Bring With You Staying Healthy During Your Trip After You Return Home For More Information Travel Notices in Effect Update: Dengue and Travelers (Updated November 3, 2005) U.S. Department of State See all Traveler's Health travel notices Vaccines for Your Protection: Mexico and Central America Routine Vaccinations Check with your healthcare provider: you and your family may need routine as well as recommended vaccinations. Before travel, be sure you and your children are up to date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP). See the schedule for adults and the schedule for infants and children . Some schedules can be accelerated for travel. See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. If it is less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling. Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Mexico and Central America. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling. Hepatitis B , especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants. Malaria: if you are traveling to a malaria-risk area in this region, see your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Central America and Mexico . Rabies , if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities. Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors Yellow fever , for travelers to endemic areas in Panama As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles . Required Vaccinations None. Diseases found in Mexico and Central America (risk can vary by country and region within a country; quality of in-country surveillance also varies) Malaria An Anopheles freeborni mosquito takes a blood meal. Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites ( see below ). Your risk of malaria may be high in these countries, including some cities. Travelers to malaria-risk areas, including infants, children, and former residents of Mexico and Central America, should take an antimalarial drug. Chloroquine is the recommended drug for Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and the Bocas Del Toro Province of Panama. Travelers to Darién Province and San Blas Province in Panama (including the San Blas Islands) should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: (listed alphabetically): atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or primaquine (in special circumstances). For additional information on malaria risk and prevention, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Central America and Mexico . Yellow Fever Yellow fever is present only in Panama in this region. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries in the region if you have visited Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, or an endemic area in South America or sub-Saharan Africa. For detailed information, see Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements . Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center . Food and Waterborne Diseases Avoid buying food or drink from street vendors, because it is relatively easy for such food to become contaminated. Make sure your food and drinking water are safe. Food and waterborne diseases are the primary cause of illness in travelers. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout this region and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting ( E. coli , Salmonella , cholera , and parasites), fever ( typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage ( hepatitis). Gnathostomiasis (roundworms) has increased in Mexico, with many cases being reported from the Acapulco area, infection has been reported in travelers. Humans become infected by eating undercooked fish or poultry, or reportedly by drinking contaminated water. Additional information: see the Safe Food and Water page for a list of links. Other Disease Risks Dengue , filariasis , leishmaniasis , onchocerciasis , and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Myiasis (botfly) is endemic in Central America. Protecting yourself against insect bites ( see below ) will help to prevent these diseases. Other Health Risks Injuries Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. Protect yourself from motor vehicle injuries: avoid drinking and driving; wear your safety belt and place children in age-appropriate restraints in the back seat; follow the local customs and laws regarding pedestrian safety and vehicle speed; obey the rules of the road; and use helmets on bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes. Avoid boarding an overloaded bus or mini-bus. Where possible, hire a local driver. What You Need To Bring With You Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects (e.g., malaria , Dengue , filariasis , leishmaniasis , and onchocerciasis ). Insect repellent containing DEET . Bed nets treated with permethrin. For use and purchasing information, see Insecticide Treated Bednets on the CDC malaria site. Overseas, permethrin or another insecticide, deltamethrin, may be purchased to treat bed nets and clothes. Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes. Iodine tablets and portable water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available. See Preventing Cryptosporidiosis: A Guide to Water Filters and Bottled Water for more detailed information. Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. See Skin Cancer Questions and Answers for more information . Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you. Always carry medications in their original containers, in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to bring along over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide) and an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to self-treat moderate to severe diarrhea. See suggested over-the-counter medications and first aid items for a travel kit . Staying Healthy During Your Trip Travelers should take the following precautions To stay healthy, do... When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child. Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears. Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if hands are not visibly soiled, use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub to remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help prevent disease transmission. In developing countries, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink . Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed. (See your health care provider for a prescription.) To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, even on beaches. Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Use insect repellents that contain DEET (N, N-diethylmethyltoluamide). For more information about insect repellents and correct use, see What You Need to Know about Mosquito Repellent on the CDC West Nile Virus site . If no screening or air conditioning is available: use a pyrethroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours; sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones. If you are visiting friends and relatives in your home country, see additional special information about malaria prevention in Recent Immigrants to the U.S. from Malarious Countries Returning 'Home' to Visit Friends and Relatives on the CDC Malaria site. Do not Do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection (i.e., hepatitis A and typhoid fever). Do not drink beverages with ice. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis. (For more information, please see Swimming and Recreational Water Precautions .) Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague). Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas. For more information, please see Animal-Associated Hazards . Do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing or injections to prevent infections such as HIV and hepatitis B. After You Return Home If you have visited a malaria-risk area, continue taking your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks (chloroquine, doxycycline, or mefloquine) or seven days (atovaquone/proguanil) after leaving the risk area. Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician your travel history. For More Information For more information about these and other diseases, please check the Diseases page and CDC Health Topics A-Z Diseases carried by insects Dengue : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=dengue.htm : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=lyme.htm Malaria information for Travelers to Mexico and Central America : http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/camerica.htm Malaria Frequently asked questions : http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/faq.htm Malaria Prescription Drugs : http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malariadrugs.htm : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=yellowfever.htm Diseases carried in food or water : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=cholera.htm Escherichia coli diarrhea : http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/escherichiacoli_g.htm Hepatitis A : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hav.htm : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=schisto.htm Typhoid fever : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=typhoid.htm Diseases from person-to-person contact Hepatitis B : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hbv.htm HIV/AIDS prevention : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hivaids.htm HIV-infected travelers (in The Immunocompromised Traveler) : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=special&obj=hivtrav.htm&cssNav=browseoyb Important: This document is not a complete medical guide for travelers to this region. Consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for pregnant women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions. Date: November 3, 2005 Content Source: National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine Destinations Vaccinations Diseases Yellow Book Safe Food and Water Illness and Injury Abroad Traveling with Children Cruise Ship and Air Travel Special Needs Travel Traveling with Pets Travel Medicine Clinics Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinics References and Resources Travelers' Health Automated Information Line PHONE: 877-FYI-TRIP toll free (Information about ordering the Yellow Book and International Certificates of Vaccination and recorded messages on travel-related health topics) VIA EMAIL: Contact Us Form Home | Policies and Regulations | Disclaimer | e-Government | FOIA | Contact Us Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435

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