Switzerland Travel Tourism Locarno

Switzerland Travel Tourism Locarno Swiss - Condominium Switzerland Travel Tourism Locarno Swiss Property Owners Join us VRBO ® is Vacation Rentals by Owner ® Home Europe Switzerland Locarno Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #10346 'Palazzo Varesi' - Premier Apartment in the Heart of Locarno Location: Locarno, Switzerland, Europe (1.5 hours from Milan Airport, 2.5 hours from Zurich) Accommodations: Condominium - 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s) - 1 Bath - (Sleeps 4-6) Central park, 100m from Palazzo Varesi - Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland - Travel & Tourism in Switzerland - Highlight of the Swiss Riviera! "Palazzo Varesi" is a premier vacation/holiday apartment, ideally situated in the Heart of beautiful Locarno! This recently-renovated (1998/2000), fifth floor, corner apartment (with lift) is located just one block from the Lake Maggiore waterfront, and has two balconies with magnificent views over the lake and surrounding mountains. The apartment has two bedrooms (one with king-size bed), large living room, and a new fully-equipped kitchen. One private, covered parking place is included. "Palazzo Varesi" is only a three minute walk to the Piazza Grande and Old Town. Within a ten minute walk, one can reach the main boat dock, train station, public beach and pool, Teatro, Casino, tennis courts, and funicular (cable-car) station. The Locarno area is one of exceptional natural beauty, combining a subtropical Mediterranean climate with snow-capped Alpine peaks. Locarno itself is the highlight of the 'Swiss Riviera,' blending the best of Swiss and Italian cultures; it is lively but not over-bearing, cultured yet relaxed. Locarno is the ideal base from which to explore Switzerland and northern Italy. Many guests rent for three weeks or more (at a discount), making numerous side trips -- Lucerne, Zurich, Zermatt, Lugano, Milan, Verona, Lake Como, and Venice are all within a few hours drive. The property is professionally managed by the European agency 'Lago Reisen.' It has earned a "3-star" rating from the Locarno Tourist Office. A 'House Book' in the apartment contains much information on local shops, restaurants, services, and sights. References are available upon request. ADDITIONAL RENTAL INFORMATION: * Rates are per night, per apartment, for 2 PERSONS (small added charge for additional people), and based on 5 NIGHTS OR MORE. * MINIMUM STAY: 3 nights (additional charge of 15% for 3 or 4 nights). * Children ages 2 and under are free. * Rates include ALL UTILITIES, LINENS, and TOWELS. * ADDITIONAL end cleaning fee of 50 Sfr. * Deposit of 25% required at time of reservation. * Refundable security deposit of 100 Sfr required. * No smoking (except balcony), and no pets please. * DISCOUNT of 20% for stays of 21 days or more, and 30% for 8 weeks or more. * Cell phone available for additional fee: 50 Sfr + 100 Sfr deposit (user also pays call charges). Living room, with view over balcony to the lake - Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland - Travel & Tourism in Switzerland - Highlight of the Swiss Riviera! Amenities: Cable TV, Stereo, CD Player, Full Kitchen, Refrigerator, Cooking Utensils provided, Linens provided, Washer & Dryer, Covered Parking, Elevator/Lift, Cell phone (extra charge). Activities (on site or nearby): Hiking, Biking, Golf, Tennis, Miniature Golf, Fishing, Shopping, Restaurants, Live Theater, Cinemas, Museums, Sightseeing, Swimming, Boating, Sailing, Water-skiing, Parasailing, Downhill Skiing, Cross Country Skiing. Rates (in Swiss Francs): Personal Currency Assistant ™ May 1 - Sep 30, 2005 .. Sfr 140/night; Sfr 980/week.Oct 1, 2005 - Apr 30, 2006 .. Sfr 105/night; Sfr 735/week.May 1 - Sep 30, 2006 .. Sfr 140/night; Sfr 980/week.Oct 1 - Dec 31, 2006 .. Sfr 105/night; Sfr 735/week..See "Additional Rental Information" above for more details.Cancel: Refund deposit, less 10% of rent, if > 30 days. Forfeit deposit < 30 days.For rentals during Locarno Film Festival (early August), add 20%.Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice. View from main balcony - Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland - Travel & Tourism in Switzerland - Highlight of the Swiss Riviera! Links to more information: Click Here to see All My Rental Listings Note: Each property is individually owned or managed. Dates available:  Year Round Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates. Phone: (734) 420-7932 (Michigan, USA) or +49 2286 20930 (Germany) Please say: "I saw your listing #10346 on VRBO" Home Europe Switzerland Locarno Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #10346 There have been 24763 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset on November 28, 2003 This listing was first published here on September 10, 2001. Switzerland Travel Tourism Locarno Swiss Date last modified - December 16, 2005 VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® - The largest and most popular vacation rental site. Specializing in BY OWNER vacation rentals, homes, condos, cabins, villas and apartments ALSO privately owned properties offered thru rental agencies and management companies. To report any problems with this site contact webmaster@vrbo.com URL: http://www.vrbo.com/10346 ©1995-2005 by VRBO International LLC - all rights reserved

Russia travel! TripAdvisor's Tourism

Far East Russia Hotel Deals - Unbiased Reviews - TripAdvisor Far East Russia Hotel Deals and TripAdvisor SmartDeals Sign in • Sign up Home > Europe > Russia > Far East Russia > SmartDeals Far East Russia tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. Discount hotels | All travel offers Search (e.g., Boston hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Far East Russia Far East Russia Overview Far East Russia Hotels Flights to Far East Russia Far East Russia Deals Discount hotels All travel offers Far East Russia Attractions Far East Russia Forums Far East Russia Maps Far East Russia Discount Hotels Far East Russia Vacation Packages Free Newsletter Get deals, news and articles on Far East Russia Plus weekend trip ideas from your hometown e-mail this page to a friend Popular hotel deals Acapulco hotel deals Alaska hotel deals Amsterdam hotel deals Anaheim hotel deals Arizona hotel deals Aruba hotel deals Aspen hotel deals Atlanta hotel deals Atlantic City hotel deals Bahamas hotel deals Barbados hotel deals Belgium hotel deals Bermuda hotel deals Boston hotel deals Branson hotel deals Breckenridge hotel deals British Virgin Islands hotel deals Cabo San Lucas hotel deals California hotel deals Canada hotel deals Cancun hotel deals Caribbean hotel deals Colorado hotel deals Costa del Sol hotel deals Cozumel hotel deals Dallas hotel deals Daytona Beach hotel deals Dominican Republic hotel deals Florida hotel deals Florida Keys hotel deals Fort Lauderdale hotel deals France hotel deals Germany hotel deals Grand Canyon National Park hotel deals Greece hotel deals Grenada hotel deals Hawaii hotel deals Hilton Head hotel deals Ibiza hotel deals Ireland hotel deals Italy hotel deals Ixtapa hotel deals Jamaica hotel deals Kauai hotel deals Key West hotel deals Lake Placid hotel deals Lake Tahoe hotel deals Las Vegas hotel deals London hotel deals Los Angeles hotel deals Los Cabos hotel deals Maui hotel deals Mazatlan hotel deals Melbourne hotel deals Mexico hotel deals Miami hotel deals Montreal hotel deals Myrtle Beach hotel deals Nashville hotel deals Nassau hotel deals New York hotel deals New York City hotel deals Niagara Falls hotel deals Nova Scotia hotel deals Oahu hotel deals Orlando hotel deals Paris hotel deals Park City hotel deals Philadelphia hotel deals Phoenix hotel deals Pigeon Forge hotel deals Puerto Rico hotel deals Puerto Vallarta hotel deals Punta Cana hotel deals Quebec City hotel deals Reno hotel deals Rome hotel deals Salt Lake City hotel deals San Antonio hotel deals San Diego hotel deals San Francisco hotel deals Santa Fe hotel deals Scotland hotel deals Seattle hotel deals Spain hotel deals St. Croix hotel deals St. Lucia hotel deals St. Maarten/St. Martin hotel deals St. Thomas hotel deals Sydney hotel deals Texas hotel deals Toronto hotel deals Tucson hotel deals U.S. Virgin Islands hotel deals Vail hotel deals Virginia Beach hotel deals Washington DC hotel deals Whistler hotel deals Read more Far East Russia tourism Far East Russia Hotel Deals and TripAdvisor SmartDeals Hotel deals Super-savers, web deals, exclusive promotions — find today's best deals in Far East Russia lodging! Vladivostok: Great Rates on Hotels Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Vladivostok: Low Hotel Prices Made Easy Orbitz.com The faster, easier way to find the hotel you want. Just Orbitz and go! Vladivostok: Great Hotel Rates! CheapTickets.com finds you low prices where you need to stay! Just click - you're there. Vladivostok: Lowest Price Guaranteed Lodging.com Spend Less, Sleep Well with Lodging.com's RestEasy rates! Best Eastern Avacha: Hot Deals HotelClub Discount Hotels WorldWide Best Eastern Petropavlovsk: Hot Deals HotelClub Discount Hotels WorldWide Best Eastern Hotel Albatros: Great rooms, Great rates Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Vlad Motor Inn: Great rooms from $95 Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Hotel Hyundai: Great rooms, Great rates Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! Best Eastern Hotel Versailles: Great rooms, Great rates Expedia.com Don't just travel. Travel right! View more Far East Russia hotel specials Airfare Get flight info from the airport of your choice to Far East Russia All travel offers Don't see your favorite Far East Russia hotel here? Click here to view all our deals for Far East Russia hotels. Looking for More Deals? See all the travel deals TripAdvisor has to offer. Discount hotels Hotel + air deals All travel offers SmartDeals SmartDeals are the best deals we found on very popular hotels in Far East Russia. SmartDeals Best Eastern Hotel Versailles Average price: $148 Best Eastern Hotel Versailles - Great Rates - HotelClub | More reviews, deals Read more about Far East Russia travel! TripAdvisor's Tourism page has the web's best articles on Far East Russia travel . Our Far East Russia hotels page presents hotels ranked by popularity - read traveler reviews and guidebooks. Looking for things to do in Far East Russia? Try our Attractions page! Visit our Far East Russia forums page to ask questions and get advice about Far East Russia travel. TripAdvisor forums let you ask questions and get advice - post in our Far East Russia forums . Our Maps, etc. page has maps and other travel information. Visit our Far East Russia discount hotels page for great savings on Far East Russia hotels, including TripAdvisor SmartDeals. Book a flight to Far East Russia on our Flights page. To view all the specials, vacation packages, and other travel offers we've found, visit our All travel offers page. About TripAdvisor Visit TripAdvisor for the very best deals on the most popular hotels in Far East Russia. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! Visit TripAdvisor in another language: About Us | Membership | Site Map | Become an Affiliate | Top Cities | Hotel Reservations | Hotel Deals | TripAdvisor Gear Popular Hotels: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , by city TripAdvisor Recommends: Las Vegas hotels , London hotels , Paris hotels , Rome hotels , New York City hotels , Chicago hotels , Orlando hotels © 2005 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . * TripAdvisor, Inc. is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... ( more ) TripAdvisor, Inc. is not responsible for content on external web sites.

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Cheap vacations to London - discount hotel + air deals - TripAdvisor London vacation discounts and deals Sign in • Sign up Home > Canada > Ontario > London > SmartDeals > Vacation packages London tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. Discount hotels | Hotel + air deals | All travel offers Search (e.g., London hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) London London Overview London Hotels Flights to London London Deals Discount hotels Hotel + air deals All travel offers London Attractions London Forum London Maps London Discount Hotels London Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend London vacation packages Acapulco vacation packages Alaska vacation packages Amsterdam vacation packages Anaheim vacation packages Arizona vacation packages Aruba vacation packages Aspen vacation packages Atlanta vacation packages Atlantic City vacation packages Bahamas vacation packages Barbados vacation packages Belgium vacation packages Bermuda vacation packages Boston vacation packages Branson vacation packages Breckenridge vacation packages British Virgin Islands vacation packages Cabo San Lucas vacation packages California vacation packages Canada vacation packages Cancun vacation packages Caribbean vacation packages Colorado vacation packages Costa del Sol vacation packages Cozumel vacation packages Dallas vacation packages Daytona Beach vacation packages Dominican Republic vacation packages Florida vacation packages Florida Keys vacation packages Fort Lauderdale vacation packages France vacation packages Germany vacation packages Grand Canyon National Park vacation packages Greece vacation packages Grenada vacation packages Hawaii vacation packages Hilton Head vacation packages Ibiza vacation packages Ireland vacation packages Italy vacation packages Ixtapa vacation packages Jamaica vacation packages Kauai vacation packages Key West vacation packages Lake Placid vacation packages Lake Tahoe vacation packages Las Vegas vacation packages London vacation packages Los Angeles vacation packages Los Cabos vacation packages Maui vacation packages Mazatlan vacation packages Melbourne vacation packages Mexico vacation packages Miami vacation packages Montreal vacation packages Myrtle Beach vacation packages Nashville vacation packages Nassau vacation packages New York vacation packages New York City vacation packages Niagara Falls vacation packages Nova Scotia vacation packages Oahu vacation packages Orlando vacation packages Paris vacation packages Park City vacation packages Philadelphia vacation packages Phoenix vacation packages Pigeon Forge vacation packages Puerto Rico vacation packages Puerto Vallarta vacation packages Punta Cana vacation packages Quebec City vacation packages Reno vacation packages Rome vacation packages Salt Lake City vacation packages San Antonio vacation packages San Diego vacation packages San Francisco vacation packages Santa Fe vacation packages Scotland vacation packages Seattle vacation packages Spain vacation packages St. Croix vacation packages St. Lucia vacation packages St. Maarten/St. Martin vacation packages St. Thomas vacation packages Sydney vacation packages Texas vacation packages Toronto vacation packages Tucson vacation packages U.S. Virgin Islands vacation packages Vail vacation packages Virginia Beach vacation packages Washington DC vacation packages Whistler vacation packages Read more London tourism Hotel + air deals to London * Featured specials - December 28, 2005 London : Save on hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! London : Buy Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 Hotels (12) B&Bs / Inns (0) Other lodging (0) Sorted by popularity hotel name Quality Suites , London Popularity index: #1 in London based on 9 sources Quality Suites : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Quality Suites : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Delta London Armouries , London Popularity index: #3 in London based on 15 sources Delta London Armouries : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Delta London Armouries : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre , London Popularity index: #4 in London based on 3 sources Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Travelodge London South , London Popularity index: #6 in London based on 5 sources Travelodge London South : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Travelodge London South : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Ramada Inn London , London Popularity index: #7 in London based on 7 sources Ramada Inn London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Ramada Inn London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Hilton London Ontario , London Popularity index: #8 in London based on 7 sources Hilton London Ontario : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Hilton London Ontario : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Comfort Inn , London Popularity index: #9 in London based on 6 sources Comfort Inn : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Comfort Inn : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Howard Johnson Hotel London , London Popularity index: #13 in London based on 7 sources Howard Johnson Hotel London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Howard Johnson Hotel London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Four Points by Sheraton London , London Popularity index: #16 in London based on 2 sources Four Points by Sheraton London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Four Points by Sheraton London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Days Inn London , London Popularity index: #17 in London based on 4 sources Days Inn London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Days Inn London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Pages: 1 2 Read more about London travel! TripAdvisor SmartDeals are the best deals on the best hotels in London. Visit our SmartDeals page. TripAdvisor's Tourism page has the web's best articles on London travel . Our London hotels page presents hotels ranked by popularity - read traveler reviews and guidebooks. Looking for things to do in London? Try our Attractions page! Visit our London forum page to ask questions and get advice about London travel. TripAdvisor forums let you ask questions and get advice - post in our London forum . Our Maps, etc. page has maps and other travel information. Visit our London discount hotels page for great savings on London hotels, including TripAdvisor SmartDeals. Book a flight to London on our Flights page. To view all the specials, vacation packages, and other travel offers we've found, visit our All travel offers page. About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor lists cheap air + hotel deals to London, Ontario. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! Visit TripAdvisor in another language: About Us | Membership | Site Map | Become an Affiliate | Top Cities | Hotel Reservations | Hotel Deals | TripAdvisor Gear Popular Hotels: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , by city TripAdvisor Recommends: Las Vegas hotels , London hotels , Paris hotels , Rome hotels , New York City hotels , Chicago hotels , Orlando hotels © 2005 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . * TripAdvisor, Inc. is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... ( more ) TripAdvisor, Inc. is not responsible for content on external web sites.

Europe Travel Planner 10

Eastern Europe Travel Planner Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Transitions Abroad Magazine September/October 2000 Related Topics Independent Travel Budget Travel More by the Author Work in Prague Paying Bills Back Home Eastern Europe Travel Planner 10 Tips for Visiting “The Other Europe” By Mishelle Shepard It’s true that the majority of Eastern European destinations are not for every traveler. Those who seek comfort and luxury should probably not venture far beyond capital cities like Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Tallinn, and Warsaw. But for those wishing to travel beyond the tourist zone and seek real off-the-beaten path places, people and experiences, Eastern Europe has countless options. Musicians add ambiance to a stroll on the famous St. Charles Bridge in Prague (Photo by Kent St. John) Guidebooks and locals have different definitions of what exactly constitutes “Eastern” and “Central” and “Southern” Europe. Including Albania and Romania with the same traveling advice given for the Czech Republic and former East Germany poses loads of obvious problems. Still, some general tips apply to many countries and can help alleviate minor discomforts. Bring Some Necessities I laughed the first time I left for Eastern Europe in 1990 and my grandfather told me to bring toilet paper. Thinking surely since his visit to communist Russia in the 70s there’s been some improvement, I dismissed the idea. Little did I know that after a couple of weeks I would be begging my family to send me even a 4-pack of bargain brand. Although I wouldn’t dream of loading myself down with such things as kleenex, plastic zipper bags, feminine products, or anti-perspirant, outside the main capitals such things are still difficult to come by. Even in a decent restaurant in a major capital the toilet paper resembles something close to a thin brown-paper lunch bag, and in public facilities it’s rationed according to a per-square price. I consider traveling with emergency reserve tissue an absolute necessity. Choosing Accommodations Planning ahead online is now so convenient that it’s a waste of time not to make reservations when traveling to the major cities in summer. In general, however, even where accommodations are plentiful there can be lack of mid-priced choices. The convenient and popular chains that have sprung up all over the West have not yet filtered deeply into Eastern Europe. • When considering where to stay, a good up-to-date guidebook with phone numbers of accommodations in your price range provides quick and easy piece of mind. Some countries also have extensive hotel and pension listings online that offer discounted reservations, but a follow-up call or fax is still a good idea. • In smaller towns, hotels are reasonably priced and can be found right in the town center. Remember, however, that public transportation stops early in the small towns and a lack of taxis could find you stranded. Even in a heavily touristed spa town like Karlovy Vary during the International Film Festival, a stay in the pedestrian center with breakfast in a well-run 2-star hotel costs about $40. • Pensions are a good budget choice in larger cities and are usually friendlier than a crowded hotel. Still, pensions are only a good option when they’re close to public transport, because a late night taxi ride when public transportation is sparse can quickly offset the savings in room cost. The same goes for private rooms offered by individuals—changing from bus to subway to tram can cost considerable time and money. • When alone, a hostel can’t be beat for meeting other travelers. “Junior” hotels are a similar option in many Eastern European countries and they often rent bikes and other sports equipment. And hostels are not just for students, they offer an affordable alternative for families and other budget-minded travelers. • Camping is a great way to meet lots of locals, but, of course, packing gear is inconvenient when traveling around a city. As in Western Europe, the bungalows fill up quickly in summer, so hauling around a tent may be unavoidable. Unfortunately, in a few countries the camping facilities might be the best accommodations available. Money In major cities credit cards are an easy and safe bet, but not some pensions and campgrounds or smaller bars and restaurants. When paying with a credit card outside the capitals, be warned, sometimes the machine is (mysteriously) broken, and you’ll be asked to pay in cash. If it’s absolutely necessary for you to pay by card, it’s best to make sure in advance. Cash machines are easy to come by in cities, but rare in villages. Carrying cash to smaller destinations is unavoidable, but costs are still relatively low outside the popular spots, so a little goes a long way. The foreigner pricing system still exists but is becoming less common because merchants realize travelers don’t appreciate spending two times the normal price for the same services. Not everything is a bargain in Eastern Europe and doing a bit of research can help you avoid mistaken assumptions or false claims. For example, skiing in some Eastern European destinations is just not worth the meager reduction in cost when you consider the T-lifts, crowds and quality of rental equipment. Beyond the Capitals Traveling as an English-speaker to small towns and villages may get you some longer-than-average looks, but it will also get you warm hospitality, a more authentic perception of local life and some great cross-cultural experiences. Choosing a destination depends on your interests. For first-time travelers, it can be less isolating and still very rewarding to visit vacation destinations that are popular with Eastern Europeans but fairly untouched by native English-speakers. Places like the Great Masurian Lakes near the border between Poland and Lithuania, the coast of Croatia, the Giant Mountains of Slovakia, or the spa towns in many countries are good choices. UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, the medieval town of Torun in Poland, or the famous caves of Slovakia and Slovenia are also interesting destinations. It can be fun to plan a“theme trip,” focusing on historical sites and castles, wine regions, or tracing your roots. To Drive or Not to Drive When renting or buying a car for exploring Eastern Europe you have to consider all the hidden expenses. Many countries have toll roads that require you to have a sticker or else dish out a hefty fine on the spot. Sometimes extra insurance is required for cars originating from the West, and gas prices are very high. City-to-city travel by car usually isn’t worth it for groups of less than four. On the other hand, driving can be beneficial if you have limited time and want to see as many places as possible, including all the quaint country villages and castles along the way. Getting Educated For many of us, even the biggest culture hounds, Eastern Europe has remained largely a mystery. Misinformation during communist times has been followed by a general lack of information since. Still, there are numerous books, including Eva Hoffman’s Exit into History, that poignantly describe the culture, politics and history of the region in an entertaining style. There are also some very informative web sites on Eastern Europe. When researching the culture, don’t exclude fiction, especially books written by communist dissidents. A much truer picture of the people, their dreams and their difficulties will emerge than if you limit yourself to non-fiction. Another good cultural education option is to see popular locally produced films, which you can often view with English subtitles at cinemas in the capital cities. Opportunities for work and study are continually expanding, although most economies are still in heavy transition. Those countries hoping for EU entry are adopting stricter visa regulations, so it pays to keep up-to-date at the various embassy web sites. In the major cities, there are many news sources that will keep you up-to-date, and internet cafes have changed the face of traveling altogether. From keeping in touch with family and friends, to knowing what’s going on in town to meeting people, nothing beats the convenience of on-line access when abroad. The Dreaded Languages Unfortunately most of us didn’t have a couple of years of college Ukrainian and Polish along with our French and Spanish. In Western Europe, most travelers can usually manage, but in off-the-beaten-path Poland the choice is to either to improve your gesturing skills or grow very attached to your phrasebook. If you’re staying for more than a few days, it’s worth the effort to learn some of the language. It’s not easy, but you’ll be rewarded with mountains of praise from the locals. There’s no need to take formal lessons unless you plan to work or go to school. Instead, just try offering an exchange of English for Czech, Hungarian, or whatever, and chances are you can work out a mutually beneficial arrangement. Speaking Russian in most countries won’t win you a popularity contest. The few locals who remember their required Russian don’t usually care to speak it and would rather try their hand at charades or even very broken English. Services Although it’s true the atmosphere has changed considerably in the last ten years, that change has stayed primarily in the capital centers. But even in the capitals, old habits die hard. Service varies widely between downright “tippable” to completely aggravating. However, many of us are spoiled. I, personally, can’t recall ever getting better service anywhere in Europe (with the exception of London) than I get regularly in the States. The rule I try to stand by is, don’t pay any more attention to the service than they pay to you. That way when it’s good you’re pleasantly surprised and when it’s not you hardly notice. This attitude has taken a bit of training, but it’s been worth it in the long run. Meeting the Locals Visiting the local festivals is a great way to meet people in a milieu that is not necessarily language-dependent. Medieval reenactments, world championship sporting events, or traveling Romany festivals attract more locals than tourists. It’s easy to find out what’s going on by simply asking around, checking information centers, or reading the monthly cultural guides available in cities and on-line. Not only have many of the natives changed in the past ten years, the ex-pats have as well. The number of ex-pats living in the most popular Eastern European capitals has actually gone down since its height not long after “the fall.” Hanging out at one of the typical ex-pat bars for the true cross-culture seeker used to mean selling out and choosing cultural “isolation,” but now many of the foreigners living here are in intercultural marriages and actually speak the language or heartily try. Moreover, the locals have found the ex-pat hangouts a great place to meet young travelers and practice their English. Shunning the ex-pat scene today could mean missing out on where the jobs are or the chance to meet locals who are looking to get to know you. The Invitation More so than in Western Europe, social life takes place in people’s homes. Just a bit of preplanning is a sure-fire way to meet people even before you arrive. More than once I’ve started correspondences with people on-line and had the time of my life when they invited me over once I arrived in town. It’s important to be cautious, of course, but an invitation to a local’s home opens otherwise tightly closed doors. Rustic weekend cottages and garden plots play a big role in local life in many countries and are a great way to really get to know people. What began as a practical and economical alternative to traveling remains a favorite escape from the city and a special treat for the honored guest. The East in general has retained a sense of formality and hierarchy that has become foreign to most of the West. At the same time, Eastern Europeans seem to expect the traveler to break the rules. The same faux pas that would probably get you a repressed sneer in France will be noticed with only a subdued snicker in Poland. Reading up on the local customs will remind you that taking off your shoes in someone’s home, bringing a small bouquet to the host, avoiding probing questions over dinner, sitting with strangers at a restaurant and other common courtesies are not typically shared by westerners. Perhaps undeservedly, Americans (and other native English speakers) are, for the most part, still adored in most of Eastern Europe. Of course, there has been quite a bit of “demystification” on both sides in the last ten years, but now even among the older generations apprehension has been replaced by full-fledged curiosity. That means the typical tourist misses out on great opportunities for a real cross-cultural experience while their eyes are glued to the cathedrals and their ears are pinned to the city guide. Many first-timers from the West are surprised how far the major cities have come compared to what they’ve read or seen in the past. Other travelers notice how little has really changed in some of the more remote villages. One thing is certain, though; while prices are still low and locals still curious, it’s well worth it to take advantage of this part of the world and appreciate what is undoubtedly a fleeting moment in time. Selected Web Sites www.inyourpocket.com . www.centraleurope.com . www.cdc.gov/travel/easteurp.htm. goeasteurope.about.com/mbody.htm. www.culturekiosk.com . www.hotelscentral.com . www.adventureguide.com . www.concierge.com . Newsflashes General Complying with EU regulations means many countries are updating visa policies. All Canadian tourists will need a visa to travel to the Czech Republic in 2001. Long-term visas are already required for Americans, but the requirements for obtaining one may become less stringent. Slovakia Food and service is still regularly improving and many new options have opened in Bratislava’s The Old Market Place. The new Montana’s Grizzly Bar has already become a popular hang out. Czech Republic In Karlovy Vary the famed Nezvala theatre of Helmer and Fellner, complete with the original curtain by G. and E. Klimt and F. Matsch, has finally reopened after several years of reconstruction. The annual International Film Festival, which takes place in early July, is gaining more international recognition every year. The 1999 appearance of Woody Harrelson caused quite a stir, and Milos Forman is a regular favorite. Prague was chosen as one of the European cities of culture for 2000. Under the broad theme of “cultural heritage” the city has different activities planned throughout the year. The famed ex-pat meetingplace and bookstore The Globe has moved to a bigger and better location: Pstrossova 6 in Prague 1. Eastern Germany This year marked the third year for the annual Summerfest of Theatres in Berlin, for budget travelers it’s a great way to enjoy scenes of local productions for free. The Erotic Museum is an interesting alternative for travelers tired of the run-of-the-mill art and history museums. Poland Krakow, is another of the Year 2000 cities of culture, plans to extend the cultural events into a 5-year program to promote tourism. For nightlife seekers in Krakow the new In Vitro dance club is a popular hip-but-cheap option. Slovenia The international summer festival in Ljubljana is getting bigger and better every year. Not to be missed is the International Biennial of Graphic Arts at the Museum of Modern Art. The Julian Alps are a cheaper alternative to a mountain getaway than her Austrian and Italian neighbors, but expect higher prices than other Eastern European countries. MISHELLE SHEPARD is a freelance writer currently teaching English and French at Charles Univ. in Prague. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Czech Republic from 1994-96. You may contact her at mischelleshepard@hotmail.com . Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Disclaimer ©Transitions Abroad

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