Golf Vacation
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Golf Guide to Palm Springs California - PalmSprings.com Golf Lessons / Free Clinics "Learn from a PGA Pro!" Large Groups / Tournaments "Book yours with the Pros!" Meeting Planner Guide "At NO COST to you!" Cathedral Canyon Country Club 34-567 Cathedral Canyon Drive Cathedral City, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 27 Regulation Holes Lake/Mountain: Men- 72/117; Ladies- 72/127 Mountain/Resort: Men- 72/111; Ladies- 72/124 Resort/Lake: Men- 70/110; Ladies- 70/124 Designed by David Rainville, the Cathedral Canyon Country Club offers three nine hole courses that are played in three eighteen hole combinations. The greens are slightly sloped, but considered by locals as among the best in the area. The fairways vary in width, and you can see most of the greens from off the tee boxes. Flat to moderately rolling, medium-wide nonparallel fairways. Strategically positioned bunkers and over 20 lakes. Cimarron Golf Resort 67-603 30th Avenue Cathedral City, CA 92234 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information Opened: January 2000 Architect: John Fought Cimarrn Golf Resort is an upscale 36-hole golf facility located in the famous desert community of Palm Springs. Cimarrn features two championship layouts (The Long Course and The Short Course) highlighted by creative contours, brilliant white steep-faced bunkers and impeccable playing conditions. Desert Dunes Golf Club 18550 Palm Drive North Desert Hot Springs, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/124, Ladies- 72/122 Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr. The first desert course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Voted as one of the best public courses in Southern California. Laid out among large dunes and mature desert trees. Has a unique Scottish links flavor. The par-3 fifth hole requires a long tee shot over a desert setting with a mesquite backdrop. Bent grass greens. Desert Falls Country Club 1111 Desert Falls Parkway Palm Desert, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation Men- 72/121; Ladies- 72/124 Architect: Ronald Fream A links-type course that is surprisingly hilly for the desert. Heavily trapped. Very large, multilevel greens. Water a major factor on seven holes. Five sets of tees. A fair and demanding course. This course has served as a Stage I PGA Tour qualifying site. In November1992, it hosted Don Drysdale's PGA Senior Tour charity event. Bent greens. Desert Princess Country Club 28-555 Landau Blvd. Cathedral City, California 92234 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation Men- 72/121; Ladies- 72/126 Architect: David Rainville Very wide fairways. Course is mostly flat. Four sets of tees. Large lakes come into play on 10 holes. Greens are large, some are two-level a good, well-maintained resort course. The well-bunkered greens and bent grass make this course a challenge. Desert Willow Golf Resort Located on Desert Willow Drive off of Country Club ( between Cook Street and Portola Avenue) Palm Desert, California 92260 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information Firecliff Course : Men- 72/132; Ladies- 72/128 Mountain View Course : Men- 72/126; Ladies- 72/128 Architect: Michael Hurzdan and Dana Frye with PGA Professional John Cook Designed by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Frye and John Cook with large lakes, desert wasteland and bunkers throughout. The water and rock features, and large desert landscaping highlight both courses. These courses will test your skills, keep you honest and keep you coming back for more! Escena Golf Club 1000 North Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, California 92264 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information Architect: Nicklaus Design Formerly the Palm Springs Classic, the Escena Golf Club epitomizes the revitalization and repositioning of Palm Springs as a cosmopolitan desert retreat. Taking its cue from all that is the new Palm Springs, Escena Golf Club provides a complimentary sense of place through its own defining architecture that will be sophisticated, unique, urbane and eclectic! Heritage Palms Golf Club 44-291 Heritage Palms Drive South Indio, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation , Men- 72/119; Ladies- 72/107 Architect: Arthur Hills Very golfer friendly, yet extremely challenging for all levels of golfers. Wide rolling fairways, making for good tee shots. There are four large lakes, and plenty of greenside bunkers. Indian Canyon Golf Resort 1097 Murray Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information Designed by Casey O' Callaghan The par 72, 6,550 yard championship course has four large lakes which come into play on six of the holes, but the most extraordinary feature are the 5 five par holes. The lush course with rolling mounds and fairways has more than 850 palm trees, including some 500 Washingtonia filifera palm trees native to the Agua Caliente Tribe and an important tree in the history of the Tribe. Indian Palms Country Club (formerly The President's Club) 48-630 Monroe Street Indio, California 92201 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 27 Regulation, Men- 72/131; Ladies- 72/120 Architect: Jackie Cochran/Helen Dettweiler Older part of the course has wide fairways and large trees. Newer part has narrower fairways and the rough quickly becomes desert. Water on 15 of the 27 holes. Elevated greens. Terrain varies from quite rolling to flat. This challenging layout is where President Dwight D. Eisenower wrote his memoirs, celebrating his birthday annually at the resort. Bermuda greens. Indian Springs Country Club 46-080 Jefferson Street La Quinta, CA 92253 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 71/109; Ladies- 74/114 Neil Finch, PGA GM/Director of Golf Indian Springs is a great course for the high-handicap golfer and very respectable for the low-handicapper as well when played from the back tees. The course features medium to wide fairways, mostly flat except near the desert wash which comes into play on numerous holes. Indian Wells Golf Resort - East Course 44-500 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 36 Regulation, Men- 72/117, Ladies- 72/113 Architect: Ted Robinson Rolling fairways, beautiful greens in a natural desert setting. Many parallel fairways, but plenty of mounding to seperate them. It features undulating fairways, heavy bunkering, several water hazards and Bermuda greens. Indian Wells Golf Resort - West Course 44-500 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/115, Ladies- 72/111 Architect: Ted Robinson Rolling fairways, beautiful greens in a natural desert setting. Many parallel fairways, but plenty of mounding to seperate them. It features undulating fairways, heavy bunkering, several water hazards and Bermuda greens. Landmark Golf Club 84-000 Landmark Parkway Indio, California 92203 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 36 Regulation North Course: Men- 68.5/121, Ladies- 69.7/124 South Course: Men- 68.9/123, Ladies- 70.9/128 Architect: Lee Schimdt / Brian Curley Landmark Golf Club located in Indio, California, is a 36-hole, desert oasis of two challenging and picturesque, championship golf courses set amid hundreds of acres of natural terrain. Created for professional golf events by the vision of PGA TOUR professionals to promote the spirit and competition of the game of golf, Landmark Golf Club is situated in the foothills of the lndio Hills. La Quinta Resort - Dunes Course 46-080 Jefferson Street La Quinta, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/114; Ladies- 72/124 Architect: Pete Dye The Dunes course has held both the California State Open and PGA Tour Qualifying School. Designed by Pete Dye, it provides a relaxing round of golf with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain and desert landscapes. Well bunkered with railroad ties and lots of water. The PGA of America rated 414 yard par-4 17th one of the country's toughest holes. Golf Magazine rates La Quinta's courses a silver medalist. La Quinta Resort - Mountain Course 46-080 Jefferson Street La Quinta, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/113; Ladies- 72/120 Architect: Pete Dye The Dunes course has held both the California State Open and PGA Tour Qualifying School. Designed by Pete Dye, it provides a relaxing round of golf with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain and desert landscapes. Well bunkered with railroad ties and lots of water. The PGA of America rated 414 yard par-4 17th one of the country's toughest holes. Golf Magazine rates La Quinta's courses a silver medalist. Marriott Desert Springs 74-855 Country Club Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 27 Regulation, Men- 72/116; Ladies- 72/124 Architect: Ted Robinson The Marriotts Desert Springs Valley and Palm golf courses also offer fantastic views of their surroundings in the Coachella Valley of southern California. The par-72, 6,627-yard Valley Course rewards players with striking scenes of the Santa Rosa Mountains, while the par-72, 6,761-yard Palm Golf Course offers views of the desert as well as the resort itself. Mesquite Country Club 2700 Mesquite Avenue Palm Springs, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/111; Ladies- 72/118 Architect: Bert Stamps Moderately rolling with mature trees and spectacular views of the mountains. It is well bunkered, with eight small lakes and many palm trees. The course plays over and along a streambed, so it is much tougher when the water flows. Mesquite has hosted several local PGA and Golden State Tour events. Bermuda greens. Mission Hills - Gary Player Signature 70-705 Ramon Road Rancho Mirage, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/111; Ladies- 72/118 Architect: Gary Player First Gary Player course in the desert. Rolling with many bunkers and lakes. Millions were spent landscaping this impressive layout. Golf Magazine voted it one of the top ten new resort courses. Mission Hills Resort - Pete Dye Course 71-501 Dinah Shore Drive Rancho Mirage, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/117; Ladies- 72/107 Architect: Pete Dye Pete Dye Opened in 1987, the Resort course has hosted the California State Open, Senior PGA, LPGA, and Nike Tour Qualifying Schools. Pete Dye's trademark railroad ties and pot bunkers are evident from the first tee to the 18th green. Mountain Vista Golf Club 38180 Del Webb Blvd Palm Desert, CA 92260 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 36 Regulation Santa Rosa Men- 72/119; Ladies- 72/116 San Gorgonio Men- 72/123; Ladies- 72/108 Architect: Greg Nash & Billy Casper The Mountain Vista Golf Course is a Par 72, championship golf course comprised of two 18-hole courses. Landscape features include more than 20 lakes, waterfalls, hundreds of palm trees and views of threesurrounding mountain ranges. The course was designed by architect Greg Nash and PGA Hall of Fame member Billy Casper. Oak Valley Golf Club 1888 Golf Club Drive Beaumont, CA 92223 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation Being a site for the PGA Tour Stage Two Qualifying Tournament, this par 72 Landmark Signature Design is filled with challenges to test players of all skill levels. Multiple teeing grounds that stretch the course from 5350 to 7003 yards, well-manicured bunkers, native grass areas and a touch of water provide stunning highlights to its beauty and splendor. Palm Desert Resort Country Club 77-333 Country Club Drive Palm Desert, CA 92211 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation Set against spectacular panoramic views of the Santa Rose and San Jacinto Mountains, the Palm Desert Resort Country Club is delight for any golfer. The par 72, championship golf course enjoys the splendor of mature trees and lush landscaping. The unique design features spacious fairways and newly replaced, enlarged greens. PGA West - Greg Norman 56-150 PGA Boulevard La Quinta, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/124; Ladies- 72/116 Architect: Greg Norman The stunning PGA West Greg Norman Course lies in a seabed 40-feet below sea level surrounded by an immense crescent of terra-cotta mountains. The course teems with purple, white and yellow wildflowers, while the mix of tall and short native grasses produce different shades of green running almost to silver. The demands of this course are a challenge for players of all levels. PGA West - Jack Nicklaus 56-150 PGA Boulevard La Quinta, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/124; Ladies- 72/116 Architect: Jack Nicklaus Has hosted the Grand Slam of Golf Wendy's Tree Tour Challenge and is home to the PGA 's Tour Qualifying School. It features contoured fairways, undulating greens and deep sand bunkers. A tamer version of the Stadium Course. Elevated ties, forced carries over water and huge, multi-tiered greens are the Jack Nicklaus trademark. Bent greens. PGA West - TPC Stadium Course 56-150 PGA Blvd. La Quinta, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/132; Ladies- 72/124 Architect: Pete Dye The original home of the Skins Game, this Pete Dye designed, world famous course has been viewed by millions on TV. The ultimate challenge awaits you at this "see it to believe it " golf course. Packed with pot bunkers, sand, water and sidehill lies. One of the course highlights is a 19-foot-deep, greenside bunker that flanks the par-5 16th hole. The TPC is considered one of the 100 greatest courses in the world. bent greens . Rancho Mirage Country Club 38-500 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 67.7/111; Ladies- 70.6/119 Architect: Harold Heers One of the best kept secrets in the desert, the Rancho Mirage Country Club features a rolling course, narrow fairways and small greens. There are wonderful views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains. Water comes into play on nine holes. Higher handicappers will enjoy the forgiving fairways, while better players are challenged from the blue tees. Bermuda greens. Shadow Ridge Golf Course 9002 Shadow Ridge Road Rancho Mirage, CA 92260 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 71.4/128; Ladies- 69.6/119 Architect: Nick Faldo (his first design on the West Coast) Set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Santa Rosa Mountains, Nick Faldo's vast international experience and passion for strategic design and detail are clearly in evidence at the Shadow Ridge Golf Course. Faldo, winner of six Major championships and the all time leading Ryder Cup point scorer has focused his passion on his first design in the United States. According to Faldo, Shadow Ridge draws inspiration from the great sand-belt courses of Australia. SilverRock Resort 79179 Ahmanson Lane La Quinta, CA 92253 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72.0/130; Ladies- 71.06/125 Architect: Arnold Palmer. SilverRock Resort is a challenging 7,753 yards sprawling over 200 acres with massive native bunkers and stunning water features set against the backdrop and natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains. So impressive and uniquely long is the course (hole #12 is a 658 yard par 6), that it has already been chosen by the PGA Tour as the future home of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. Tahquitz Creek Golf Course - Legend 1885 Golf Club Drive Palm Springs, California 92264 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 36 Regulation, Men- 69.5/116; Ladies- 72.6/120 Architect: Billy Bell, Sr. Originally designed by Billy Bell, this course has been renovated to Arnold Palmer standards, including the addition of over 40 bunkers. The picturesque mountain views will enhance any round as you play this mature course which makes it's way through many tree lined fairways. With over 60 bunkers and deceptively undulated greens, this legend of a course will often sneak up and grab you . Tahquitz Creek Golf Course - Resort 1885 Golf Club Drive Palm Springs, California 92264 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 36 Regulation, Men- 71.4/128; Ladies- 69.6/119 Architect: Ted Robinson The course is a links style desert layout and is a challenge to players of all abilities. Its unique design brings together a natural desert beauty as well as a odern architectural design. The mountain views along with the rolling terrain, well placed bunkers, and wonderful water scapes, leave a lasting impression on all who visit this fabulous course. Triology Golf Club at La Quinta 60-151 Trilogy Parkway La Quinta, California Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72.7/127; Ladies- 71.6/120 Architect: Gary Panks Trilogy Golf Club at La Quinta, located at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in La Quinta, California, is a daily fee 18-hole championship golf course designed by golf course architect Gary Panks. The course design lends itself to the natural terrain and vista views overlooking the Coachella Valley. At just under 6,900 yards from the championship tees, the course offers challenge and enjoyment for all skill levels. Woodhaven Country Club 41-555 Woodhaven Drive East Palm Desert, CA 92211 Tee Time Reservations: 1.866.465.3914 Click Here For Rates & Course Information 18 Regulation, Men- 72/111 Ladies- 72/116 Architect: Harold Heers, Jr. Woodhaven is a private country club that is considered one of the best hidden gems of the desert. The golf course was designed with gentle rolling slopes, narrow fairways, with spectacular mountain views throughout the 18 holes. Small greens and some water. The course usually rewards the mid to high handicapper. Palm Springs.com Home | Activities | Advertising Info | Art Galleries | Attractions | Calendar of Events | Casinos | Cathedral City | Community Services | El Paseo Shopping Guide | Golf Courses | Health & Beauty | History | Palm Springs Hotels & Resorts | Indian Wells | Map of Palm Springs | Meeting Planner | Nightlife | Palm Canyon Drive Shopping Guide | Palm Desert | Points of Interest | Professional Services | Rancho Mirage | Real Estate | Restaurants | Shopping | Transportation | Weather | Weddings
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North America Travel Guide : BootsnAll Travel Network Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Bali | London | Australia | Written Road | Travel News Daily Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Contact | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Home » North America North America Travel Guide Countries in North America Canada - Alberta , British Columbia , Manitoba , ... more Mexico - Acapulco , Cozumel , Guadalajara , ... more United States - Alaska , California , Hawaii , ... more The splendors of North America - a continent divided between three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States. Although the northern two are considerably better off economically, trading across borders is welcome, even if the people are not. BootsnAll Newsletters Sign up for any of BootsnAll's community, regional or deals newsletters. Why should you sign-up? Featured Country : Canada Canada Travel Stories Clotheless in Canada - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada The Urge - Sarnia to Stratford, Ontario, Canada Zombies Take a Holiday - Stratford, Ontario, Canada The Blanche, Blonde, Rousse et Noir Tour - Quebec, Canada Four Dollars and a Microwave - Montreal, Quebec Canada Things To See And Do Granville Street Nights - Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada Dining on Denman Street - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada A Grave Addiction: Halifax's Old Burying Ground - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Montreal, Canada - December 1999 Montreal, Canada - February 2000 Canada Nutz And Bolts Culinary Top Five - and a Bit - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Oakwood Inn and Spa - Grand Bend, Ontario Montreal, Canada - October 1999 Victoria, BC - Accommodation Victoria, BC - August 1999 Canada Excurions Port Townsend, Washington - A Visual Delight - Port Townsend, Washington, USA Canada Traveller Reports Ontario North Shore, Canada Ontario, Canada - October 1999 Victoria, BC Canada - April 2000 Cobourg: A Beautiful Getaway Discussions Recent North America Travel Stories Day of the Dead: A Tradition That Refuses to Die - Mexico If Aron English ever returns on Mexico on the Day of the Dead, he won't be going back to a cemetery. The Loneliest Road Trip - Highway 50 Across Nevada - Central Nevada, USA LA Rosser tours along the loneliest road in the United States. An Artist Oasis: Salado, Texas - Salado, Texas, USA Charles Gillis insists that one small town along Interstate 35 between Dallas and San Antonio should not be missed. The Locals' Line - Inside Passage AMHS, Alaska, USA Linda Vissat finds her way to Alaska and back - on the cheap. Deach the Greenhouses - Juneau, Alaska, USA Linda Vissat befriends one of Alaska's characters. More North America Travel Stories » Submit your own North America story! Home | Email BootsnAll | Become a Member | Top of page Travel Guides, Stories, Information, and Newsletters Africa Travel | Asia Travel | Pacific Travel | Europe Travel | North America Travel | Central America Travel | South America Travel | Middle East Travel Odds'n'Ends | Travel Book Reviews | Insiders | Travel Blogs | Travel Newsletters Around the World Travel Around the World Tickets | Around the World Travel Guide | Cheap International Plane Tickets | Around the World Travel Tips Airport Parking Reservations Philadelphia Airport Parking | Newark Airport Parking | Oakland Airport Parking | San Diego Airport Parking | Phoenix Airport Parking BootsnAll World Adventure Travel Tanzania Safari | Viet Nam Tours | Thailand Tour | China Tours | New Zealand Adventure | Australia Tours Youth Hostels Europe Hostels | New York Hostels | Paris Hostels | London Hostels | Amsterdam Hostels Eurail Eurail Passes | Britrail Passes | Eurail Travel | Eurail Tips Book Tickets, Hostels, Hotels and more anywhere in the world Search for Hotels | Traveler's Toolkit | Plane Tickets | Rent Cars | Search Youth Hostels | Travel Insurance | Learn Languages | Backpacker Tours | Cheap Tickets | Cruise and Vacation Packages | Cheap Hotels | Cheap Vacation Rentals | World Music Downloads | Travel Bookstore BootsnAll Travel Community websites, blogs and About the Company Press Kit | Advertise with us | Internships | TripPlanner Affiliate Partners | Link to Us | Join Us! | Privacy policy | BootBlog | Bali Travel | Australia Travel | BootsnAll TravelBlogs | Travel Writer's Resource | Travel Gear Blog | Eurail Blog | London Blog | BootsnAll Travel: Australia | UK and Europe Travel | Travel News Daily | World Travel Watch BootsnAll in Other Languages Chercher des Auberges De Jeunesse | Ricercare gli Ostelli di Gioventù | Busque para Albergues Juveniles de Juventud | Suchen Sie Jugendherbergen Suchen Sie Hotels --
Russia Travel
* GoToRussia.Ru * When you wish to visit Russia :: Information, tips, guides, routes, cities, excursions, etc. Visa To Russia Online Tourist invitations; Business Visa Visit: www.VisaToRussiaOnline.com Call: +7 095 7413870 ABOUT RUSSIA: HISTORY TRAVEL TIPS RUSSIAN EMBASSIES ENTRY Requirements VISA CURRENT PRICES PHRASE BOOK FAQ ABOUT MOSCOW: HISTORY ARRIVING BY PLANE MEETING AT SVO CUSTOMS ARRIVING BY TRAIN METRO FOREIGN EMBASSIES WHAT TO SEE MAPS AND PLANS Travel Tips What to pack. The days of having to bring your own bottled water and toilet paper have gone long time ago, although you may still find them useful in regional cities. Now it is possible to easily find basic food, bottled water and toiletry items in many places around Moscow. However, the following are items some tourists prefer to bring for themselves. 1. Bring your own toiletries and pharmaceuticals. Although there are many stores carrying western medicines, you may not be able to read the Russian or European labels. 2. Comfortable, waterproof and warm, (if winter) boots or shoes. It is frequently wet in Moscow from snow or rain, and you will probably walk a lot. 3. Umbrella. 4. Adapter for small appliances like hair dryers. Russia has the same 220 watt currency as Europe and electrical sockets take round two prong plugs. 5. Travel alarm clock. 6. All phone numbers and addresses you will need. 7. Enough cash for your entire stay. Bring clean, crisp, new bills. 8. Travel money holder/conceiler. Pickpocketing is not uncommon, especially in the center of town and incrowded markets. 9. Photocopy of passport and visa. 10. Warm hat, coat, clothes and gloves in winter. 11. Camera and film, of course. 12. Leave your expensive jewelry at home. You don't need to be conspicuous. 13. Locks for your luggage. Make sure to secure all your baggage with heavy locks. Money Currency: Rouble (Rub) = 100 kopeks. Notes are in denominations of Rub 500, 100, 50, 10. Coins are in denominations of Rub 5, 2 and 1. Currency exchange: The ruble is the only legal tender. It is illegal to pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars. According to the Rusian law foreign currency should only be exchanged at official bureaux. Bureaux de change are numerous and easy to locate. Large shops offer their own exchange facilities. You may see many individuals there who would offer you better exchange rate. Please, be careful and under no circumstances exchange money from them. It is advisable not to change large amount of money at a time unless you really need a lot of Roubles. Exchange rate is unpredictable and may change very fast even during one day. All dollar bills must be recent and clean. The Russians are all concerned about getting stuck with an outdated bill that will no longer be honoured, even though this is also a violation of currency laws. Contact us to get more info on today's best exchange rate quotes. more about money... Credit cards Major European and international credit cards, including American Express, Visa and Diners Club, are accepted in the larger hotels and at foreign currency shops and restaurants. Some ATM'S in Moscow are now accepting EC cards together with your PIN number - if you want to get roubles. Compared to most other possibilities of getting roubles, this is a cheap (compared to credit cards) and time saving (compared to travellers cheques) method. Depending on the Russian bank that maintains the cash machine, you may be charged a 1% - 4% commission fee, on top of what your credit card charges. Travellers Cheques Are a big hassle in Russia. Very few places take them and you pay a premium to cash them. If you're not willing to go all cash, credit cards are much better. AMEX traveler's checks may be cashed at the American Express office at Sadovaya Kudrinskaya 21a in the center of town. Expect to pay a 3% commission for cashing the checks. Selected Russian banks will also cash them for a fee. Banking hours 0900 am - 0500 pm Monday to Friday. Some of bureaux de exchange are open 24 hours. Public Holidays Jan 1 - New Year, Jan 7 - Russian Christmas (Orthodox), Mar 8 - International women’s Day, Apr 15 - Russian Orthodox Easter, May 1-2 - Spring and Labour Day, May 9 - Victory in Europe Day, Jun 12 - Russian Independence Day, Aug 22 - National Flag Day, Nov 7 Constitution Day. Calling home? Calling abroad from ALL Russian hotels is a rip-off. For example, to call USA would cost you about US$ 5 per minute, Australia - US$ 8 per minute. To make sure you pay your phone bill most of the hotels require a deposit of a quite a large amount of money or your credit card information. Without it you won't be able to dial an outside line. There is a solution, however. In our office you can obtain pre-paid phone cards of a few Russian telephone companies (US$ 5, US$ 10, US$ 20, US$ 25 and US$ 50) and call from your hotel or home for as low as 25 cents a minute to the USA and Europe. All you need is a touch-tone phone. Some of the hotels in Moscow and in St.-Petersburg and almost all hotels in all other cities in Russia do not have touch-tone phones. But you still be able to use those cards if before you leave home you buy a bipper (cost about US$ 5 in the USA). With the bipper all you have to do is to dial a number shown on the card and then use the bipper to enter your access code and destination phone number. Please, contact us for more information. To call USA from Moscow for as low as 13.5 cents a minute you can use Net Phone Card. Follow this link to check it out. Or just click on the Net Phone Card banner on our first (entrance) page to go there. You can also use it to call from anywhere to anywhere. Computer equipment The State Customs Committee has stated that there are no restrictions on bringing laptop computers into the Russian Federation for personal use. The software, however, can be inspected upon departure; and some equipment and software have been confiscated because of the data contained in them, or due to software encryption, which is standard in many programs. HIV Testing Requirement Any person applying for a visa for a stay of more than three months must present a certificate showing that the individual is HIV negative. The certificate must contain the applicant's passport data, proposed length of stay in Russia, blood test results for HIV infection, including date of the test, signature of the doctor conducting the test, medical examination results, diagnostic series, and seal of the hospital/medical organization. The certificate must be in both Russian and English and valid for three months from the date of medical examination and blood test. For information concerning entry, exit, and HIV requirements, travelers can contact the Russian Embassy, Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20008; telephone (202) 939-8918, or the Russian consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle. Medical facilites Medical care is usually far below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually requires cash payment at Western rates upon admission. The U.S. Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and English-speaking doctors. Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually all of their medical needs; such travel can be very expensive, if undertaken under emergency conditions. Therefore, travelers may wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental coverage for medical evacuation. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk. The cost of a medical evacuation from the Russian Far East can be as high as $50,000. It is helpful to carry a letter, in Russian, from your health care provider, describing the nature of any personal medication that you carry into Russia. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559, or via the CDC home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/. Bring with you all prescription drugs. Tap water is not to be drunk without first boiling. A good mosquito repellant is recommended for summer. Areas of instability Travel to Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, and the areas surrounding Chechnya is extremely dangerous due to political instability and frequent kidnappings. Two U.S. citizens have disappeared in Chechnya and remain unaccounted for. In addition, public gatherings and demonstrations occur frequently in Russia, particularly in Moscow. Although such demonstrations are usually peaceful, travelers are urged to exercise caution when in areas where large groups are gathered. Passports and visas Carry them with you at all times. When you are out walking and you see some motley looking guys with black leather caps and jackets with dark gray uniforms, these are the police. They listen for English language being spoken and they will love it if they stop you and you are without your passport and visa. If you don't have your visa and passport, they will escort you to the nearest jail and try their best at expropriating whatever funds they think they can get out of you. Usually, the fine (bribe) is $50 and there won't be anything we can do for you to get you out of it. If the cops haul you in and you do have your visa and passport, call us immediately and we will rescue you. Your visas, if registered through us, will be in perfect order. Don't pay them anything if, once again, you have your visa and passport in your possession. Air travel Air travel within Russia is often unreliable, with unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions, including deterioration of the quality of service. Russian based airlines certified to operate internationally meet higher standards than domestic-only air carriers and fly to most domestic destinations. Traffic safety and road condition Inclement weather and lack of routine maintenance of roads and vehicles make road conditions throughout Russia highly variable. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents, which are commonplace. Many accidents involve drunk drivers. Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines," and bandits occasionally prey on travelers. Crime information Crime against foreigners is a problem, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults, and robberies can occur frequently and at any time or place. 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. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around nightclubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you receive a replacement for your lost or stolen U.S. passport in Russia, your exit visa must also be replaced, with assistance from your sponsor, so that the passport number written on the visa matches your new passport. This requires a Russian police report. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Crime Against Foreign Businesses: Extortion and corruption are common in the business environment. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities and have been known to demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Many Western firms hire security services which have improved their overall security, although this is no guarantee. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable. Over the past several years, several American business people have been attacked, kidnapped, and even killed. U.S. citizens are encouraged to report all extortion attempts to the Russian authorities and to inform consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate.In general, when staying in Moscow avoid walking through dark, unknown, deserted streets in the evening; check your pockets and purses, while walking along the crowded streets, do the same in big stores and market places. The crowded public places (i.e. close to railway terminals, Arbat, etc.) are full of Gypsies (people, mainly women, wearing pictures skirts and shawls), who may tell you your fortune by hand, playing cards, etc. Of course, not all of them are thieves or pickpockets, try to get rid of them as soon as possible. When visiting somebody don't get into lift cabin with persons you don't know. It is also advisable to have a telephone number of your tourist agency or a close friend, whom you may always call in case of need or emergency. Embassy location & registration All American citizens who reside in Russia for three months or longer are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or at one of the U.S. consulates. Americans who will remain for shorter periods may also register and inquire about updated travel and security information. Registration allows for quicker replacement of a lost or stolen passport, as well as contact in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in Moscow at Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23; phone (7)(095) 252-2451; fax (7) (095) 956-4261. After hours emergencies: phone (7-095) 956-4422. U.S. consulates are located in: St. Petersburg: Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15; phone (7-812) 275-1701; fax (7-812) 110-7022. After hours emergencies: phone (7-812) 274-8692. Vladivostok: Ulitsa Pushkinskaya 32, phone (7-4232) 268-458 or 300-070; fax (7-4232) 300-091. After hours emergencies: (7) (4232) 471-644 and (7) (4232) 287-290. Yekaterinburg: Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor; phone (7-3432) 564-619; fax (7-3432) 564-515. | TOP | HOME | Ask your questions on our discussion board GoToRussia.Ru © 2002-2005 Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy --
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European Vacation Planning Map
Your European Vacation and the Tumbling Dollar - Should you go this Year? You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Europe for Visitors Central Sardinia, where viewing ancient "Giant's Tombs" is free. James Martin Stay up to date! Central Sardinia, where viewing ancient "Giant's Tombs" is free. James Martin Email to a friend Print this page The Euro Guide to the Euro Using your Credit Card in Europe Using your ATM Card in Europe Recent Discussions Need Help Planning a Trip Accomodation in london Mediteranean Feries Planning your European Vacation European Vacation Planner Map Europe Travel Basics Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Your European Vacation and the Tumbling Dollar - Should you go this Year? From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Feb 12 2004 Will my vacation be too exensive? Maybe not as expensive as you think! A reader asks: "Should we wait until the Euro gets weaker to plan our European vacation?"
While I am certain to be viewed as a biased source of information on this topic, and considering the fact that no one I know has a crystal ball able to predict exchange rates, I will nevertheless plunge ahead and give my reasons and justifications for taking that vacation to Europe this year.
Exchange Rate. No one can predict what the future will hold, but some "experts" have surmised that the dollar may fall to as low as 1.5 Euros before the bloodbath is over. At the time of writing, the rate seems to have stabilized in the short term at around 1.25 or so. It's hard to see the dollar strengthening anytime soon, given the huge deficit and slow economy. Waiting for the dollar to strengthen may leave you waiting a long time. But maybe things aren't as bad as you think.
Historically, Things Average Out. I've been traveling to Europe since the mid 1970s, and it's always seemed to me that prices have slowly risen as hotels adapted higher standards and the economy reacted to general increases in living standards, especially in Southern Europe. These changes seemed slow and steady, and largely independent of major short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate. See the next argument for a free market reason why I may not have noticed currency fluctuations much during my travels.
The Equal and Opposite Reaction. With the sharp decline in US visitors to Europe we've seen over these past couple of years, hotels are finally lowering their rates, recognizing that their excess supply of rooms may continue unless something is done to entice visitors. For example Arthur Frommer reports that London "hotels of five-star quality (are) charging less than $150 for a double room that would normally cost $400." This is how the Free Market is supposed to work; when things get too expensive for people to buy, prices must drop to "incent" them. It's happening for hotel rooms, airfares, and other tourist-only items right now. The effect may be that your vacation cost won't be as high as you might think compared to previous years. Just don't expect to buy standard European goods at a discount--shopping at home is recommended when the dollar is week.
Last year I walked into a great looking hotel in Chaves, Portugal, only to notice the sign on the desk proclaiming that all rooms were 90 Euros. When the clerk asked to help me, I pointed out that the room was too expensive and turned to leave--but fortunately not before she offered the room at 60 Euros, a price she quoted as standard for these tough tourist times. While still expensive for Portugal, the room offered 4 star, air conditioned comfort with a great view of the castle from the balcony, and the most elegant bathroom we've ever bathed in.
Things Change. An argument put forth by Carol Field and others is that European traditions are fading quickly in a multi cultural, easily traveled world. While independent of exchange rate, this argument, for me, is a compelling one, especially as Starbucks and McDonalds replace small, family run cafes and restaurants and Europe starts to look more and more like main street USA. I don't travel to experience the same things I can at home, and it's why I have to dig deeper and deeper to find places that celebrate those rapidly disappearing cultural differences.
The price of gas and the doomsday scenario. Many experts suggest that the price of gasoline will have to rise sharply to cover the cost of recovering oil from the neglected wells in Iraq (yes, oil wells go bad, I've read) and this increase is likely to spike after the elections and continue on an upward trend. Europe, it seems to me, is in a much better position to weather these increases in the short term, as they offer alternative modes of public transportation.
Even Worse: There is no doubt that oil is an increasingly rare commodity in an energy hungry world, and steadily rising prices will effect most of us around the globe equally. (Studies of Peak Oil and Gas ( pdf ) have predicted the production of Oil peaking at the end of this decade, and slowly declining thereafter.) This is my doomsday strategy, "go while you can, who knows what economic nastiness lurks around the next corner as we run out of energy sources."
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How to offset the dollar's weakness without sacrificing your vacation Fun? Read on to Page Two: Saving Money on your European Vacation - 12 Frugal Vacation Tips . 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 Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There