Golf Vacation

Cranberry Resort - Collingwood Ontario RCI Gold Crown Resort Vacation Holidays Readers Choice Award 2004 & 2005 VOTED #1 RESORT/HOTEL IN THE GEORGIAN TRIANGLE CONTACT US DIRECTIONS/MAPS BOOKMARK SITE OUR HOME PAGE ACCOMMODATIONS MEETINGS/CONFERENCES CATERING/RECEPTIONS WEDDINGS SPORTS/RECREATION AREA ACTIVITIES MIXRS BAR DINING GOLF MARINA SPA EMPLOYMENT MINI VACATION!! VACATION MEMBERSHIP Mini Vacation Hotline!! Promotional Affordable mini-vacations available today! PHONE: 866-893-8883 ...... learn more Enter to WIN a FREE Weekend Getaway At Cranberry Resort! Incl. Double Accommodation & 2 breakfasts at Cranberry Cafè ...... learn more Newsletter Learn EXCLUSIVELY About New Cranberry Golf Resort & Conference Center Special Promotions And Rates!! Sign Up For Our FREE Newsletter Today!! First Name: Last Name: Email Address: Spend The Holidays With Cranberry! Click here for more information R CI affiliated, Cranberry Golf Resort and Conference Center presents a natural setting for world class experiences of personal and professional escapes , banquet facilities , and exceptional professional conference facilitation . Located just 90 minutes north of Toronto Ontario, Mother Nature's finest work envelops our Collingwood Ontario Resort and spans 750 acres from Georgian Bay and our deep-water marina , to the base of Blue Mountain. Our year round recreation amenities invite you to demonstrate your zest for life or your quest for renewal of spirit. Plenty of playtime diversions for the young and the young at heart including 8 tennis courts , 3 pools (1 indoor) , kids sports and nature camps , hiking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, biking , horseback riding , and nature trails; a spa and hair salon ; and Canada's first Audubon Certified golf course and driving range. WINTER BLAST Hotel accommodation $89 per night based on double occupancy valid Sunday-Thursday subject to conditions SKI COLLINGWOOD! Starting From $185 Includes hotel accommodation, breakfast for two, and day passes for Blue Mountain Based on double occupancy (Not available Dec. 28 – Jan 1) Accommodations include 79 hotel rooms, 82 luxurious 1 and 2 bedroom condos, and suites with Jacuzzi tub, fireplaces and kitchens. CONTACT US today and experience why Cranberry Golf Resort and Conference Center received the 2004 and 2005 Readers Choice Award for the #1 Resort/Hotel in the Georgian Triangle! AT0KA EXECUTIVE V.I.P. MEMBERSHIP & 2005 GOLF SEASON PASS Contact us early to enjoy pre-season savings on a variety of golf season packages. Cranberry Golf Resort and Conference Center presents our Atoka V.I.P Membership with numerous benefits including unlimited play and so much more! Learn More.... Accommodations | Meetings/Conferences | Catering/Receptions | Weddings | Sports/Recreation | Area Activities | Maps/Directions MIXRS Bar | Dining | Golf | Marina | Spa | Employment | Cranberry Homes | Vacation Membership | Contact Us PRIVACY PROTECTION POLICY © 2004 CRANBERRY GOLF RESORT. All Rights Reserved

Russia Travel Resources >

Russia Travel Guide - Health and Safety  You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide - Health and Safety Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Russia Travel Guide Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Health and Safety - Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide With a little foresight and common sense, you can stay safe and healthy while traveling in Russia. Read on to learn what you need to know. Crime and Violence The U.S. State Department recommends that travelers avoid the Caucasus region of Russia, particularly Chechnya, because of continued unrest and violence. Like other European cities, occasionally there are acts of terrorism in large Russian cities. In October 2002, terrorists seized a Moscow theater and held its audience captive for several days before Russian Special Forces stormed it. More recently, a bomb went off in the Moscow subway. Travelers should be alert for unusual behavior, unattended luggage in public areas, and other possible indicators that something out of the ordinary is in progress. The U.S. State Department also has this important information to share: As a visitor to Russia, be alert to your surroundings. In large cities, take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large U.S. city. Be aware that women and small children, as well as men, can be pickpockets or purse-snatchers. Persons carrying valuables in backpacks, in back pockets of pants, and in coat pockets are especially vulnerable to pickpockets. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket, carry your purse tucked securely under your arm, and wear the shoulder strap of your camera or bag across your chest. Walk away from the curb and carry your purse away from the street. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms and residences -- even when locked or occupied. Para. Members of religious and missionary groups have been robbed by people pretending to be interested in their beliefs. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Some travelers have been drugged at bars, while others have taken strangers back to their lodgings, where they were drugged and robbed. In many cases in which a credit card was stolen, thieves used them immediately. Victims of credit card or ATM card theft should report the theft to the credit card company or bank without delay. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Travelers have generally found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies. Travelers are advised to be vigilant in bus and train stations and on public transport. Crime aboard overnight trains has occurred. On some trains, thieves have been able to open locked compartment doors. Always watch for pickpockets in these areas. Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers. Be wary of persons representing themselves as police or other local officials. To avoid highway crime, travelers should try not to drive at night. Never drive alone at night. Never sleep in vehicles along the road. Do not, under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers, who not only pose a threat to your physical safety, but also put you in danger of being arrested for unwittingly transporting narcotics or narcotics traffickers in your vehicle. Your vehicle can be confiscated if you are transporting marijuana or other narcotics. Violent, racially motivated attacks on people of color and foreigners have become widespread in Russia. Many of these attacks target university students, particularly those of Asian and African origin, but older tourists have also been targeted. Travelers are urged to exercise caution in areas frequented by "skinhead" groups and wherever large groups have gathered. Incidents of violent crime directed against homosexual men have also been reported. Four foreign men reported to have been gay have been murdered since 1999. It is not uncommon for Americans to become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by law enforcement and other officials. Authorities are concerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigating such cases. Try to obtain the officer’s name, badge number, and patrol car number, and note where it happened, as this information assists local officials in identifying the perpetrators. Report crimes committed against you by persons presenting themselves as police or other governmental authorities to the U.S. embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate. Next page: What to do if your passport is stolen. Also information about sex in Russia and medical emergencies. Russia Travel Guide Index Profile of Russia City Profile: Moscow City Profile: St. Petersburg Before You Go Need to Know Money Matters Intercity Travel City Transit Driving Health and Safety Lodging Dining and Drinking Communications Shopping 1 2 Next        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings

Travel Guide

Mexico Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Mexico Zona Hotelera hotel resort zone, Cancun (Scott Doggett)" title="Crystal clear blue waters at Zona Hotelera hotel resort zone, Cancun (Scott Doggett)" width="159" height="113" / Mexico A country so lively that even The Day of the Dead is a hoot. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Mexico Acapulco Cabo San Lucas Cancun Cozumel Mazatlan Mexico City Puerto Vallarta San José del Cabo View Map Click here Feature Attraction Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl Mexico's second and third highest mountains, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, form the eastern rim of the Valle de México. While craterless Iztaccíhuatl ... more Mexico is a traveller's paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposing identities: desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, teeming industrialised cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches and a world-beating collection of flora and fauna. This mix of modern and traditional, the clichéd and the surreal, is the key to Mexico's charm, whether your passion is throwing back margaritas, listening to howler monkeys, surfing the Mexican Pipeline, scrambling over Mayan ruins or expanding your Day of the Dead collection of posable skeletons. Hurricane Damage/Crime in Mexico City Mexico's Yucatan peninsular has been hit hard by Hurricane Wilma, causing widespread flooding and property damage. Travellers are advised to check local information services before venturing to the Cancun/Yucatan region as many hotels will remain closed while undergoing repairs. Crime in Mexico continues to plague travellers, particularly in Mexico City. The incidence of violent crime and, more specifically, sexual crimes against women is on the up. Taxi theft, armed theft, pickpocketing, purse snatching, credit-card fraud and ATM robbery are frequently reported. A spate of recent kidnappings have targeted travellers in the Nuevo Laredo region of northern Mexico. When To Go Mexico is enjoyable year-round, but October to May is generally the most pleasant time to visit. The May-September period can be hot and humid, particularly in the south, and inland temperatures can approach freezing during December-February. Facilities are often heavily booked during Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and Christmas/New Year, the peak domestic travel periods. Mexico's climate has something for everyone: it's hot and humid along the coastal plains, and drier and more temperate at higher elevations inland (Guadalajara or Mexico City, for example). Try to avoid Mexico's southern coast between July and September - the resorts are decidedly soggy and jam-packed, as July-August is also the peak holiday months for foreign visitors. Factoid Pyramid Envy While Egypt might be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about pyramids, Mexico is actually home to the world's largest pyramid. The Quetzalcóatl Pyramid at Cholula de Rivadiais measures 3.3 million-cubic meters (4.3 million cubic yards) compared to The Great Pyramid of Giza's 2,600,600 cubic metres (3.4 million cubic yards). SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

Family Vacations - ideas

Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > More Beach Vacations > Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids Florida Family Vacations Florida is a magnet for families, with its double whammy of theme parks and popular beaches; but beyond the best-known spots, other great Florida family vacations await. Below are a number of ideas and reviews (moving roughly clockwise around the state). Florida Family Vacations: Amelia Island Amelia Island --in the northeast near Jacksonville-- has lovelybeaches, a historic fort complete with actors who play period characters, aquaint town with historic sections, delicious sea-food, and two fineresorts that welcome families. The AmeliaIsland Plantation covers 1350 acres, has Kids' Camps for several ages, a daily "family -play" time with poolside activities. More Florida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to do in Orlando Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World Florida Resorts Florida Family Vacations overview Florida Vacations deals: Orlando Islands of Adventure - Universal Orlando -fun theme park The Ritz-Carleton hasa kids' program, fine dining, kiddie pool, indoor pool, and lovely beach where shallow lagoons are great for tots. Both properties have golf, fitness centers, etc. The Ritz makes a special point of celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, and July 4th. Space Coast 45 minutes from Orlando is 72 miles of shore known as Florida's Space Coast : the place where the moon launches blasted away from earth, and site of the shuttle launches today. Big draw here is the Kennedy Space Center , and beautiful beaches. Less known are the eco-tours: this area has saltwater estuaries, marshes, and 250 sq. miles of wildlife refuges. Orlando/CentralFlorida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando How much more fun can one city take? Here's our picks for fun in Orlando, from character meals to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Seuss Landing to Sea-World's elite sister, Discovery Cove (a Caribbean experience in the middle of Florida.) Thinkingof visiting the mecca of family holidays, Walt Disney World?? Have a look at BeforeYou Book Lodgings first. See also WaltDisney World Resorts :Five top picks, from the luxury at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (right), to the budget-lovers' favorite, All Star Sports Resort. Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World South Florida Family Vacations Club Med: Sandpiper A rare a ll-inclusive within the US, this Club Med is on the St. Lucie River, two hours from Miami or Orlandoairports, one hour from West Palm Beach. Club Med Sandpiper has a great ambiance and outstanding kids programs: a Baby Club with separate groups for different ages and stages, and excellent clubs for older kids also. Activities include waterskiing, wakeboarding, trapeze, inline skating, golf. Guests can also take optional excursions to Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, etc. Sonesta Key Biscayne Beach Afamily-friendly resort at Key Biscayne, right on Miami's doorstep . Miamioffers lots of fun with kids. CheecaLodge and Spa I n the Florida Keys, Cheeca offers: snorkeling overNorth America's only natural coral reef; "snuba", a wayto dive 20 feet down without scuba gear, ok for kids as young as eight; saltwater lagoon stockedwith fish Camp Cheeca for ages 6-12, is "an award-winningmarine education/environmental awareness program". FlamingoLodge: Everglades National Park The place to stay, if you're visiting the Everglades: the only resort inthis wonderful National Park is unpretentious but comfortable, with screened-inpool and barbeque, and nearby family-friendly restaurants. Close to manyactivities. Read more about visiting the Everglades. SanibelIsland Off the west coast and near the bottom of the Florida peninsula are Sanibel Island and Captiva Island: two beautiful islands for nature lovers.No beach pollution; visitors find miles and miles of beachesperfect for kids because of the gentle waves and shallow shoreline. The islands arefamous for shelling, too. For families, the SanibelHarbor Resort and Spa is a top-rated 80-acre oceanfront resort thatoverlooks Sanibel and Captiva islands; it's noted for a Victorian style with big verandas and wicker rockers on the porch. Kids Club for ages 5-12. The Sanibel Inn has 8 acres of tropical garden, free educational activities for all ages(such as Shell Safari, or Dolphin Watch), and "nature-themed discoveryprograms" for children ages 3-12. Read more about Sanibel Island and other places to stay. South Seas Resort, Captiva Island "Paddle a kayak into a mangrove forest in search of sea turtles and hawks". Rent a boat; bike, jog; at the beach, have fun with body boards, banana boats, inner tubes. Go fishing. Rent a Hobie, or a canoe; try parasailing. Such is the life at the South Seas, which has Fun Factory kids' programs, and teen and family activities. Florida Family Vacations:Tampa Bay Area St. Pete / Clearwater Beach Dubbed "Orlando's Beach", this affordable west coast area two hours from Orlando has nature outings, cultural gems, and miles of top-rated beaches. Read about local attractions such as the (free) Seacoast Seabird Sanctuary; fun outings such as dolphin-spotting, shelling, and Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise; and three resorts that welcome families: The Radisson Sand Key an all-suite resort near Sand Key Park, Clearwater Beach. the Sheraton Sand Key - right on Sand Key Beach, where sea turtles nest the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. The family-friendly TradeWinds Grand has a giant inflatable slide and meandering little river you can navigate in a paddleboat. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay This 335-acre theme park has four thrill-ride roller coasters, three water-rides, lovely landscaped grounds, attractive African theming, and opportunities to view elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc. A fun, pretty park that's manageable to do in one day. Swim with Manatees: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge 75 miles north of St. Petersburg is one of the best places to see-- and even swim with-- these large gentle creatures in a natural habitat. (November to May are the best months.) More West Coast ColonyBeach Resort Thisisland resort on Longboat Key is just off the coast of Sarasota (central westcoast), south of the Tampa Bay area. (You can drive right to the property.)Children's programs, for ages 3-6 and 6-12; teen programs; tennis; lots of watersports. Bluewater Bay Resort, Niceville, Florida Locatedon the "Emerald Coast" in Northwest Florida, and voted "One of America's Top 10 Family Resorts" by Family Circle. 36 holes of golf, marine, biking and hiking trails, 4 pools, playgrounds. Northwest Florida Vacations Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort This giant 2400-acre resort has a beach side on the Emerald Coast (Gulf of Mexico) and also a bay side, with many activities: kids' sailing, kids' tennis, kayaking, putting course, Jolee Island Nature Park with pirate-ship playground, and a Kidzone with programs for ages 4-6 and 7-12. Watersports include body-surfing and Boogie boards (complimentary). Kids might also enjoy the Junior Golf Academy, with excellent instructors. Best way to get around this huge giant resort is on bikes. The centre of gravity of this huge resort is the picture-perfect Village of Baytowne Wharf. Read a review of Sandestin at TWKids, and see many photos too. Wakulla Spring In a state park in the "Panhandle" near Tallahassee is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Swim or snorkel in the natural pool above the spring; see alligators on a river boat tour; or do a glassbottom boat ride; dine and/or stay at a historic lodge; take nature hikes. And from About's Guide for Florida for Visitors, covering the whole state: Florida Summer Fun from A to Z 26 suggestions, from Astronaut Encounters to Zip Up Your Saddlebags (- horsey fun in Ocala.) You'll be surprised at the variety. From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...

Japan Travel Photos Japan

Japan (attitude Travel) Guide, Advice, Photos and Resources for Independent Travel You are here: attitude Travel > Japan Japan Independent Travel Guide Have your say: Your questions! Associated Resources: Japan Low Cost Airlines attitude Travel Japan is a resource for independent travellers planning a trip to Japan and a space for backpackers to share original writing & photos Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Photos Iya Valley Shikoku Photos More maps of Japan... Banzai! Travelling on a budget in Japan is far from easy. But third degree culture shock can set in when you realise that the country might not be the same place you heard about back at home... Forget about the revolving sushi bars and manga-inspired images of techno-cities - for the most part Japan means bad suburban planning, uncovered drains, and endlessly dull highways flanked by pachinko parlours and love hotels . And lose any exotic ideas of ninja castles, tip-toeing geisha and wooden rice-farming villages. About ninety-eight percent of modern-day Japan is nearly as far removed from the rural images adopted by romantic orientalists as it is from the futurist apocalyptica of anime fans. Just about the last thing Japanese society does is revolve in harmony around elusive zen principles. Most of the country is cluttered with telegraph wires and convenience stores , the rail network is overrated, the cities overcrowded and nobody in the countryside speaks English. Welcome to the rather less than serene reality of 21st century Nihon . "It should be understood that the sea in which the Island of Zipangu is situated is the sea of Chin, and so extensive is this eastern sea... it contains no fewer than 7,440 islands, mostly inhabited... It is impossible to estimate the value of gold and other articles found in these islands." The Travels of Marco Polo, Marco Polo, 1300 AD Have your say: Original Travel Articles Travellers' Cafe Associated Resources: Japan Travel Photos Japan Maps Japan: East of the Orient? © Alan Lansdowne, Joetsu City, May 1999 More books... First time arrivals in Japan, might be forgiven for expecting the country to feel oriental in the same way as China or Vietnam. But the island nation keeps a wary distance from the East Asian countries it eyes across the cold waters of the Nihonkai (Sea of Japan). In Japanese newspapers or on television there is occasionally debate over whether the country is even a part of Asia, or if it is something other. Japan cultivates an awareness that it is distinct from other nations but the boundaries of the distinction are unclear. Nevertheless, there is an endless fascination in Japan about the country's place not just in Asia but in the wider global community. Japan is almost certainly the only country in the world to claim that it is uniquely unique. The Japanese archipelago is, in fact, a patchwork of separate, insular cultures with strong regional loyalties which the central government in Tokyo attempts in vain to unite. Perhaps this is why successful descriptions of Japan's overarching national identity are rare and elusive. Travelling around Japan is likely to challenge the way you think about the country and indeed whether you continue to see it as just one country. Discovering a different Japan © Alan Lansdowne, Joetsu City, May 1999 Takada Park Beyond the hi-tech city sprawl along the Pacific coast, Japan conceals an astonishingly beautiful volcanic hinterland. Here, away from the neon hum of crowded shopping malls, you can discover beautiful retreats like the castle town of Matsumoto in Nagano-ken, only two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen . But even further from the urbanised Pacific coast there is a poor, unseen Japan. Hidden away on the northern side of the Alps, farming villages and small ugly, industrial towns stretch out in a thin ribbon along the shore of the Japan Sea. To browse through more travel articles about Japan, please turn to the Japan Travel Articles page. © 1997-2004 attitude Travel a rounin media publication Last update: September 5th, 2004 Resource: attitude Travel Questions on Highlights of Travel Advice Background on Getting to Low Cost Airlines Getting around Where to stay in Where to go in Culture Shock! Journals from Articles on Photos of Books about Resources for Maps of Language of Websites about Country: Austria Belgium Bosnia Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Italy Japan Latvia Lithuania Malaysia Montenegro Morocco Netherlands Norway Poland Russia Serbia Singapore Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey Uzbekistan Japan Home Travel Services Cheap Hotel Rooms in Tokyo Travel Insurance from InsureandGo Car Hire Japan from carhire.co.uk Find cheap plane tickets on Yahoo! Travel Free Ranking and URL submission at siteranking.com Reading up on Japan Travel Questions Highlights of Japan Background on Japan Japan Travel Advice Consular Travel Advice | | | Planning your trip to Japan Getting to Japan Getting around Japan Low Cost Airlines Where to Stay Japan Guidebook Japan in words and images Japan Travel Photos Japan Bookshop An insight into Japan Culture Shock Japan Japan Travelogues Japan Travel Articles Travel Resources Japan Travel Tools Maps of Japan Japanese Phrasebook Japan Links - sitemap - SiteSearch attitude Travel Search the Web Japan Profile Country Profile UK Foreign Office Japan Briefing The Economist Japan Profile BBC News Study of Japan US Library of Congress Background Notes US State Dept More Travel Resources Independent Guides Guide to Japan A & S Archer A Cynic's Guide Joe Larabell The Japan FAQ Robert Murphy Japan Update Jan Dodd Japan WikiTravel Japan World 66 Professional Guides Japan Lonely Planet Japan Rough Guide More attitude Travel Open Source Guides Austria | Belgium | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Bulgaria | Croatia | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Georgia | Germany | Greece | Hungary | Italy | Japan | Latvia | Lithuania | Malaysia | Morocco | Netherlands | Norway | Poland | Russia | Serbia & Montenegro | Singapore | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Thailand | Turkey | Uzbekistan home | free backgrounds | bookshop | travel centre | features | travellers' cafe Language: English