Japan Travel Tips Japanese

Japanese travel agency  You are here: About > Travel > Japan for Visitors > Plan Your Trip to Japan > Travel Agency Travel Go Japan Essentials Clickable Map of Japan Japan Pictures Japan Travel Tips Japanese Geisha Japan 101 - Fact about Japan Articles & Resources Japan Maps Picture of Japan / Web cams Best of Japan / Attractions Hotels/Accommodations Tokyo / Cities / Regions Japanese Translators Japanese Culture Etiquette / Living in Japan Japan Weather / Geography Japan History / Samurai Japanese Penpal / Chat Plan Your Trip to Japan Air Travel / Train Travel Restaurants / Japanese Food Japanese Gift / Japan Books Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Japanese Gifts Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Japan for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Japan for Visitors > Plan Your Trip to Japan > Travel Agency Travel Agency A list of travel agencies which offer tours to Japan and Japanese travel agencies abroad. Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent JAPAN TRAVEL BUREAU, Inc Information about Japan tours by JTB. Kinki Nippon Tourist Sevices and tour information by the International Travel Division of Kinki Nippon Tourist Inc. Nippon Travel This is one of the largest travel agencies in Japan. Nippon Travel has many oversea offices. Club Japan Offers planned and custom tours in Japan. Hotels and sightseeing information. Beltop Travel Service Provide services for foreign travelers. Famous for winter ski tours to Hokkaido. Databay Travel Offers tours to Tokyo and Kyoto. Gateway Holiday Japanese travel agency in the US. Sells discount tickets to Japan from the US. Inside Japan Operates inexpensive and interesting tours to Japan internationally. Japan Travel Bureau USA JTB USA On-line customer service. Information about branch offices in the US. Japan Tours Offers a number of tours to Japan from Australia. Tabibito Tabibito travel specializes in travel arrangements and tours for foreigners living in or visiting Japan        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 Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo Headlines Best Japan Photos in 2005 Which Japan photo gallery was viewed the most by visitors... Japanese New Year's Cards Sending New Year's cards to relatives, friends, teachers, classmates, and... Photo Gallery: Christmas Decorations in Japan Christmas in Tokyo Disneyland, Odaiba, Ebisu Garden Place, and more.... Christmas in Tokyo There are many fun events and beautiful Christmas illuminations to...

Chicago vacation rentals TheseChicago

Chicago Vacation Rentals Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Main Page | Special Discounts | List Your Property | Keyword Search: State Search: Bahamas Dominican Republic Nassau & Paradise Island Abaco Abaco / Elbow Cay Abaco Island Abaco Islands Abruzzo Alabama Alaska Alberta Algarve Anasco Andros Andros Island Anguilla Anse Marcel Apulia-Puglia Arizona Arkansas Aruba Austria Bahamas Baja California Baja California Sur Barbados Bay Islands Belgium Belize Black Point Bonaire British Columbia British Virgin Islands Cabarete Cabarete Beach Cabrera Calabria California Campania Casa de Campo Case de Campo Cat Island CATALINA / CABRERA Cayman Islands Cofresi Beach Colima Colorado Connecticut Costa Rica Costa Verde Croatia Crocus Hill Czech Republic Dalmatia Dawn Beach Estates Delaware Dominican Republic Double Bay Eleuthera Emilia-Romagna Florida France Frank Sound Bay French Lowlands French Riviera / Cote d'Azur Georgia Govenors Harbour Governor's Harbour Governors Harbour Grand Bahama Grand Bahamas Grand Cayman Great Abaco Great Bay Great Exuma Greece Guanacaste Guanajuato Guerrero Harbour Island Hawaii HYDRA ISLAND Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Ireland Isabela Island of Hispaniola Island of Tobago Jalisco Jamaica Kentucky La Romana Latium-Lazio Liguria Limassol region / Amathus area Lombardy-Lombardia Louisiana Maine Maria T. Sanchez Martinique Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nassau Nayarit Netherlands Nevada New Brunswick New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York NON US North Carolina Nova Scotia Ohio Oia Island Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Petit Trou lagoon Piedmont-Piemonte Playa Cofresi Poland Portugal Prince Edward Island Providenciales Puerta Plata Puerto Plata Puerto Rico Punta Cana Quebec Quintana Roo Rhode Island Rincon San Juan San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Savannah Sound Sicily-Sicilia Sinaloa Sonora South Andros Island South Carolina South Dakota St John St Lucia St Maarten St Martin St Martin , French Lowlands St Martin - French Lowlands - St Martin - Orient Beach - Gra St Martin, French Lowlands St Martin, French Lowlands, Te St. Barts St. James St. Maarten St. Maarten (Dutch Side) St. Maarten , Dawn Beach St. Maarten - Dutch Side St. Maarten - Dutch Side - Oys St. Maarten - Dutch Side - Pel St. Maarten - Dutch Side - Sim St. Maarten - Duth Side - Oyst St. Maarten - Oyster Pond St. Maarten, Bourgeaux Bay St. Maarten, Dutch Lowlands St. Maarten, Oyster Pond St. Martin St. Martin , French Lowlands St. Martin , French Lowlands St. Martin - Anse Marcel St. Martin - Baie Rouge St. Martin - French Lowlands - St. Martin - Orient Beach - Gr St. Martin, Anse Marcel St. Martin, French Lowlands St. Martin, Orient Beach St. Philip Switzerland Tar Bay / Great Exuma Tennessee Texas Tortola Trentino_Alto_Adige Tuscany-Toscana Umbria Unknown US Virgin Islands Utah Veneto Vermont Vieques Virgin Gorda Virginia Washington State West End West Virginia White Bay Windermere Island Wisconsin Wyoming Yucatan Chicago vacation rentals TheseChicago vacation homes, condos, villas and bed & breakfasts are presented by their owners or agents. Please contact them directly with your inquiries. Click on the underlined descriptions below for more details and property photos. City Bedrooms Bathrooms Sleeps Description Featured Properties Chicago Studio-2 BR BA Varies At Home Inn Chicago - fully furnished apartment suites & "bed & breakfast-type" accommodations Chicago 1 or 2 BR 1 BA 1-10 Corporate Apartments with Personal Comforts - Chicago, Illinois Chicago 2+ Den BR 2 BA 6 Downtown Chicago Luxury Condo Chicago 2 BR 2 BA 6-7 Unmatched Luxury & Convenience to Chicago's Culture & Beauty Rental Locations '0' Order By trim(city), HEX(bedrooms) LIMIT 0, 100 -- Chicago Studio-2 BR BA Varies At Home Inn Chicago - fully furnished apartment suites & "bed & breakfast-type" accommodations Chicago 1 or 2 BR 1 BA 1-10 Corporate Apartments with Personal Comforts - Chicago, Illinois Chicago 1 BR 1 BA 4 Gorgeous Downtown Chicago Printers Row Loft Chicago 2 BR 1 BA 6 Holiday Apartment in Historic Lincoln Park Chicago 2+ Den BR 2 BA 6 Downtown Chicago Luxury Condo Chicago 2 BR 1.5 BA Luxury Living - Executive Retreat - CHICAGO Chicago 2 BR 2 BA 6-7 Unmatched Luxury & Convenience to Chicago's Culture & Beauty Chicago 4 BR 3.5 BA Luxurious Living at the Castle in one of Chicago's Premier Neighborhoods Featured Properties At Home Inn Chicago - fully furnished apartment suites & "bed & breakfast-type" accommodations Corporate Apartments with Personal Comforts - Chicago, Illinois Downtown Chicago Luxury Condo Unmatched Luxury & Convenience to Chicago's Culture & Beauty -- FindRentals.com Resources Customer Service About FindRentals.com Pricing Information Legal Notices Privacy Policy About FindRentals | Customer Service | Legal Notices | Advertise | Privacy Policy © 2005 findrentals.com | All Rights Reserved

Europe Travel 101 -

Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the First Time  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 Europe Travel 101 - Before you take that first trip to Europe Here's a suggested timeline for things an independent traveler needs to do before heading off to that European destination. Thinking about taking an independent trip to Europe? Below you'll find topics to consider before you take off. The recommended time before departure that you should be taking action is found in the colored bar on the left. In the gray box on the right you'll find links leading to more detailed information on any of the topics. Like most planning guides, this is a tool meant to simply remind you what you need to do when to make the standard vacation go as smoothly as possible. Although the list may seem daunting to you, you'll find that many of the tasks are optional. Unless otherwise noted, most of the planning tasks can be done earlier than recommended. A shorter, unannotated list with resources can be found here . A printable checklist can be found here . Jump to: 6 Months 3-4 Months 6 Weeks - 2 Months 1 Month Last Minute What You Need to Do Resources 6 months before you go - Choose Your Destination! Now (or even sooner) is the time to choose your general destination. There are lots of resources on the right to help you. Remember that while Europe is quite compact compared to the US, the travel times between countries may be longer than you think. Once you've chosen your primary destination, you'll be able to go on to the next things on the list. Language Let's say you've chosen France as your destination and you'd really like to get to know the country and its people. Well, now is the time to start thinking of learning a bit of the language. A single beginner's course in spoken French at your local community college will teach you the basics cheaply enough. We also have extensive resources for learning European languages here on the About network. Please, at least think about learning the "politeness" words--natives will thank you for trying and will likely be more receptive to your questions. See Languages for the Tourist on the right to find out how easy it is. Renting a House or Apartment Now is the time to think about reserving that perfect apartment for the week (or month). You can wait until later to do this, but the best go fast. Living in the country you're visiting gets you into the swing of daily life: you'll be able to go to the open air markets and cook the food you buy, you won't have to think about maids (unless you want to) or checking in, and things can be as secure as you make them. Guidebooks Once you've figured out where you'd like to spend most of your time, it may be time to pick out a guidebook. You can purchase guidebooks that cover all of Western Europe, just a single country, or even a province or region like Tuscany. Choosing a Destination: Travel Planning Europe Planning Map Clickable Europe map with links to Country maps and Travel Essentials. How I Travel Europe Europe and Fading Traditions: Go Soon! Weather -Climate - When to Go Language: Languages for the Tourist Rentals Unusual Lodging Lodging Links Guidebooks Top European Guidebooks 3-4 months before you go - Start Checking Airfares You can start checking sooner--although we've found searching 3-4 months before your flight is a pretty good bet; the airlines are starting to discount in order to reward early bookers and yet there's still time to wait if prices aren't to your liking. The airline computers are constantly revising the pricing based on the latest demand, so the cheapest prices might turn up anytime--but you might not want to wait that long. Use the Finding Bargain Airfares link if you're unfamiliar with the bargain hunting process. Apply for a Passport if you don't already have one If you don't have a passport, this is the time to start thinking of applying. While the literature says it takes 6 weeks to procure a US passport, you don't want to leave it to the last possible moment--it's a vacation killer if something goes wrong. And despite what you may have heard or read in the past, a separate passport is required for each and every family member traveling with you. First-time applicants 13 years of age and over must appear in person at a U.S. passport office, a designated courthouse or the Post Office. You'll need a birth certificate or proof of citizenship, a photo identification, two recent 2" x 2" photos of your face, and a bundle of money. You'll find the latest requirements and downloadable application form by clicking Passport Links there on the right. (You don't need a health certificate in Western Europe and you won't need to worry about a visa as long as you're staying fewer than 90 days and aren't going to Turkey.) Shoes and Walking Now is a good time to pick up some walking shoes and start getting them broken in. You'll walk a lot in Europe, even if you have a car; much of the city centers in Europe are pedestrian only zones. Be prepared. Airfares Finding Bargain Airfares Passports Passport Links Where to go to apply, a downloadable application form, and how to make it as easy as possible. 6 weeks to 2 months before you go - Reserve Lodging - Hotel If you haven't already reserved the hotels you've seen on the web and fallen in love with, now is the time to do so. But do you need to reserve in every city you're planning to visit? Here's what I do: I reserve a hotel for my arrival and departure days as well as any long-term apartment rentals I've selected. The rest I leave to chance. You may feel uncomfortable with this arrangement, but, with a few exceptions, it's worked just fine for me. When traveling by train, I prefer to arrive at my destination early, take a hotel by the train station and just drop my bags there and explore the city on foot. You can read the whole strategy in my Footloose Travel article. Car or Train? If you haven't already chosen, now would be a good time to select your primary mode of transportation. Select Train or Car? from the links on the right if you just can't seem to decide which is best for what you want to see. Rail Pass Do you need one? Here are some tips: Trains in the south-Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece--are pretty cheap. If you're going to one or several of these places you might find that a pass isn't necessary. Just go to the station and buy a ticket. EurRail passes offer great savings if you plan right. For a saver pass you'll need to plan to take several long trips so that you can spend the travel days mostly on the train. Save money by going overnight; you'll save on hotel costs and make maximum use of your pass. Check the types of passes available carefully, to use them to an advantage, you may have to juggle some travel plans. Car Rental or Leasing and an International Driver's License Leasing a car is sometimes better than renting, especially if you're staying in Europe for more than 17 days. Leasing gets you a brand new car without rental company stickers on it and the pricing includes everything you need. When you turn it in at the end of your trip a lucky European will get to purchase that almost-new car for much less than a completely new one (This comes about because taxes on a new car are much higher than the taxes on even a slightly used one, so both parties benefit from this arrangement). If you've chosen driving as your primary mode of transport in Europe, you should get an International Driver's License . Available at Auto Clubs, they're just a translation of your License into European languages. Sometimes police won't demand them, accepting your original license instead. But still, it doesn't hurt to get one, and they're pretty cheap. A couple of passport-sized pictures are required. Even though you can usually just walk into your auto club and come out with an International Driver's License, I recommend not putting this off: the paperwork needed is often "out of stock." Lodging Accommodation Links You can also find lodging in specific countries or cities by going to a specific destination page. Footloose Travel Striking a balance between travel freedom and overplanning. Hotel Star Ratings Do you know what they mean? How I Travel in Europe Just in case you want to know. Transportation within Europe Rent or Lease? Train or Car? Driving in Europe Links Transportation Links European Train Travel Links 1 Month before you go - Travel Insurance Now is the time to think about insurance. If your health insurance doesn't cover you overseas, or your homeowners insurance doesn't cover loss of material goods, then there are some temporary plans that might set your mind at ease. Check our Insurance Links for more. Luggage How's your luggage? Is it easy to carry? Got more than a foot and a half of duct tape holding it together? If you want to be mobile, maybe you want to see if you can fit everything into a carry-on. It's not all that hard to do in the summer when you probably won't be needing heavy clothes. Rick Steves recommends walking around with all the stuff you think you'll need, then discarding half of it. I like the method I learned in Boy Scouts. Separate everything into three piles: stuff you absolutely need and use often, stuff you'll use occasionally, and stuff you probably won't use at all. Then eliminate the last two piles. Remember: Europe isn't lacking material goods. If you need a heavy sweater because it's unusually cold in August, chances are you won't be more then 50 feet from someone who'll sell you a great one. Don't forget, laundries are pretty easy to find (but usually expensive) and laundromats are are starting to show up in most popular tourist areas. Besides, if you rent a house or apartment it may include a clothes washer and possibly a dryer (but more probably a clothesline). Cameras If you've bought one for this trip, learn how to use it. If you need one, now is the time to purchase--don't put it off until the last minute and then end up standing in front of the Louvre all befuddled because you can't figure the danged thing out. Film If you're going to use film (how so very 90's!) you might consider purchasing one of those lead-lined bags to take it in. These reduce (but don't eliminate) the radiation from airport x-ray machines and thus the chance of film fogging. What I do to bypass this possibility is to buy and process my film in Europe. Sure, guidebooks say film and processing is more expensive overseas (but not much these days), but I look at it this way: are you gonna worry about fogging or are you willing to spend a buck and a half more per roll for peace of mind out of the thousands you're gonna spend on your vacation in total. Seems like false economy to me. Plus I get to show my pictures around to other travelers while I'm in Europe. Cell Phones If you need to be in constant touch with the office or someone special, you can rent cell phones that work throughout Europe. Often your car rental company can handle this, or you can check our Cell Phone Rental links for companies that'll rent phones for the short term. Email It's time to think about how you're going to handle your email in Europe, if that's important to you. If you have several accounts you want to check, you'll need to set up an online system for getting all your email. I use webbox , but other options are explained in the article Staying Connected . Money Yeah, it's time to get the long green together. I take some traveler's checks as a back-up, but mostly use the plentiful ATM machines in Europe to get cash. You need to have a 4-digit pin number to use many European ATMs. Watch one thing though: plan to have enough money to last through weekends--some people are reporting that certain banks in Europe don't update the customer's daily limit on Saturdays and Sundays and so if you've maxed out your daily allowance on Friday, you might find that you can't get more until Monday. You might also think about getting some Euros (or local currency for countries that don't use Euros) for the first day or two, if only to get used to them and assure yourself that you'll be able to afford a coffee in the airport. How much Money? Well, that varies, of course. A couple like Martha and I can get by on on $150 a day in most Mediterranean countries, although it's becoming a stretch these days. That'll get you a two or three star hotel with breakfast and two other meals taken in a restaurant with wine, plus entrance fees to museums and such. It's an average over the whole period of vacation--some days you'll get soaked, some days you'll find bargains. Students and the young-at-heart set willing to stay in hostels and eat street food or make their own grub in the Hostel kitchen will be able to do it for much less, of course. Keeping your money and documents secure You'll need a way to keep your passport and important items away from thieves. While Europe is still safer from violent crimes than the US, high tourist volumes in major cities tend to attract the slash and run crowd. Use a money belt or pouch that goes inside your clothing like seasoned travelers do. Keep your passport and important documents together in it. Don't wear a fanny pack with the pack turned around to actually ride on your fanny. It looks stupid and is a magnet for thieves. Women should avoid big purses with shoulder straps as those straps can be cut easily and the purse removed by a well-trained thief in seconds. Whatever can be said about European petty thieves and pickpockets one thing stands out when you talk to people who've been hit: they're good at what they do. Find recommended security stuff and other indispensable items under Travel Accessories . Voltage and Plugs European voltage is twice that of the wimpy American 110. The wall plugs are different as well. If you plan on using electrical appliances you may need to purchase adapters and power converters now. Check out my article European Electricity and the Connected Tourist for the skinny on what you'll need to make your stuff work in Europe. Me? I don't carry much more than the battery charger I bought in Italy to recharge my digital camera's batteries. Maps You should be far enough along in your travel planning to think about what maps you'll need.If you're in a car and like to get off the main highways, you'll need to purchase good maps. We use Michelin country and regional maps when we drive, purchasing the regional maps for areas we're staying in for a week or longer. You can get European driving maps from your auto club, but they're often not detailed enough to get you to the back roads. Keeping in Touch If you're the postcard-writing type, you'll need to have a means of keeping all those addresses where you can find them. Before the era of PDAs and email, I made sheets of labels for everyone who'd want a postcard so I could just slap one on and be done with it. Now I email friends and keep all their addresses on my Palm Pilot. Check for Travel Dangers The US government doesn't just meddle in overseas affairs, it also alerts travelers to dangers and uprisings in other countries. You might want to check conditions now and right before you leave. Travel Insurance Insurance Links Luggage Top Carry-On Luggage Packing Tips Cameras Before you buy a digital camera for travel Top Compact Digital Cameras for Travel Top Semi-pro Cameras for Travel Olympus D40 Review Oneof the best compact digitals I've come across. Cell Phone Rentals Cell Phone Rental Companies Purchase a Cell Phone Email Staying Connected Cybercafe Links Staying Connected Links Money/Currency Money Matters ATM Finder Travel Accessories Top Travel Accessories Clip-on Security Wallet (review) Voltage and Plugs European Electricity and the Connected Tourist Maps Michelin Maps (compare prices) It's easier to buy the maps over the web--distribution to many stores seems spotty at best, and many times they're unsorted, making finding what you want a miserable experience. Keeping in Touch The Travel Writer's Toolkit Travel Dangers Department of State Travel Warnings Last minute - Oops, Forgot the Passport. Help! Well, you can get one expedited, especially if you already have tickets. See our Passport Expediting Company links for more. Make Copies Now is the time to think about keeping back-ups of your travel documents. Make at least two photocopies of your itinerary, your passport information page (the one with your picture and passport number) and copies of your credit cards showing the cc numbers. Give one copy to your mother, or someone else you trust and can get a hold of any time of day or night. Keep a copy of your passport and credit card info with you but in a different place than the original items. Final Check The basic stuff you need to carry are these: Passport, tickets, car rental agreements, hotel reservation receipts, credit cards, medications (and prescriptions, if required), addresses/password information and an open mind with a sense of wonder. Check them twice. Then go have fun in Europe. Passport Problems Passport Expediting Companies Travel Dangers Department of State Travel Warnings Jump to: 6 Months 3-4 Months 6 Weeks - 2 Months 1 Month Last Minute From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement 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        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 Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Cruise Vacation Packing List

Cruise Vacation Packing List  You are here: About > Travel > Cruises > Cruise Planning > Cruise Vacation Packing List Travel Cruises Essentials Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Travel Packing List Choosing a Caribbean Cruise Destination How To Get a Passport How to Choose a Cabin on a Cruise Ship Articles & Resources Cruise Lines Cruise Destinations Cruise Photo Album Cruise Planning Cruise Reviews Cruise Cams Cruise Glossary Cruise News Getting There Lifestyle - Theme Cruises Cruise Activities Travel Gear and Gadgets Cruise Jobs More Cruise Resources Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks European Cruise Guidebooks Cruise Guidebooks - General Information Alaska Travel Guide Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Cruises newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Cruises Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular Cruise Packing List Carnival Cruise Line Reviews Choosing a Cruise Ship Cabin Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Jobs What's Hot Carnival Conquest Review HAL Norfolk Cruises Alaska Cruise Itineraries Radisson Seven Seas Mariner Crown Princess 2006 Debut Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Europe for Visitors Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Senior Travel Travel with Kids Cruise Vacation Packing List From Linda Garrison , Your Guide to Cruises . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Everything You Need to Take on a Cruise Vacation Packing for your cruise vacation can be one of the worst parts of a cruise. The only thing I can think of that I dread more is unpacking when I get home! Through the years, I have learned that a packing list is essential. Maybe it's my advancing age or just that I have learned "the hard way" by forgetting some essential item and then having to purchase it at double (or more) the price on the cruise ship or in a port of call. One important packing tip -- If traveling with a companion or spouse, divide your checked items into two (or more) suitcases. That way, if one is lost, you will both have some clothing to wear! It would be terrible for your spouse to have all of his clothes and you to have nothing but your carry-on. Also, be sure to carry-on anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (or more), just in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Use this list as a starter and modify it for your personal tastes. Some essentials and general items follow of this page, and I have a separate list for women and men on page 2. CRUISE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Travel Documents, Wallet Items, and Paperwork airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation cruise documents passports and visas (if necessary) or proof of citizenship (check with your cruise line for requirements) vaccination certificate (if required) driver's license and auto insurance card - in case you decide to rent a car when ashore medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone) copy of prescriptions and list of all medicines you are taking another picture ID - if you don't take driver's license credit cards - be sure to call credit card companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal area ATM card pre-paid phone card cash or traveler's checks (be sure to keep traveler's checks receipt in separate location) 3 copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary - pack 1 copy in carry on, 1 copy in checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone at home contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks emergency numbers at home currency conversion chart wallet and fanny pack watch - dual time zone watch is perfect! Reading Material and Necessities glasses, contacs, contac cleaner extra reading glasses sunglasses reading sunglasses guidebooks and other port of call information foreign language phrase book or dictionary maps reading material - books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool journal or notebook and pen/pencil - for making notes to tell your friends back home about your experiences business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home - for sending postcards, emails, or gifts photo album Electronics and Camera Equipment plug adaptor and converter cell phone and charger PDA and charger laptop computer binoculars film camera and manual extra film (don't put undeveloped film in checked luggage) disposable underwater camera - for snorkeling or beach days digital camera and manual extra memory cards for digital camera batteries for digital camera battery charger extension cord/power strip with multiple plug-ins walkman and tapes (for walking on deck or on treadmill) small travel alarm clock - battery operated lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin small flashlight night light Medicine Kit prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry on bag ear plugs or "ear planes" small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone cream, aspirin/tylenol/advil) germicidal hand cleaner handi-wipes (for cleaning hands when ashore) hand lotion rubbing alcohol or foot lotion for soothing tired, hot feet bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes and "nonos" ashore) sun screen/sun block and lip sunblock Other "Necessities" duct tape or strapping tape extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip (better than locks, but one-time use only) extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip) zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags corkscrew (be sure to put in checked luggage) Swiss Army knife or something similar with screwdriver head, etc. (be sure to put in checked luggage) small umbrella collapsible travel pillow for those long airplane flights Crazy glue playing cards sports gear (e.g. snorkeling gear) shoe horn for getting those shoes back on your swollen feet sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage) travel-sized Woolite clothes pins empty folding tote bag - for souvenirs or the beach hats/caps/visors insulated large coffee mugs Page 2 > > Women's and Men's Cruise Packing List > > 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 . 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Austria Travel Guides Austria

Travel to Magical Austria: Tours, Hotels, Attractions and Culture AUSTRIA Places to Stay in Austria Austria Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... FIND THE PERFECT PLACES TO STAY IN AUSTRIA Contrary to popular perpections Austria is not all about mountains. In fact, the Alps only occupy about half of the country. A diverse mix of landscapes is packed into a relatively small area. Glaciers, meadows, alpine valleys, wooded foothills, gently rolling farmland, vineyards, river gorges, plains and even semi-arid steppes can be found in magical Austria. MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS... VIENNA HOTELS Austria's capital Vienna spreads along both sides of the 'Blue' Danube at the very foothills of the Alps. The city is a smorgasbord of Baroque and art nouveau ... SALZBURG HOTELS Salzburg is dubbed the 'Rome of the North' because of its many churches. It is a compact town easy to get around on foot. Salzburg is packed with attractions ... INNSBRUCK HOTELS Many visitors are drawn to Innsbruck by the renown created by the Winter Olympics, which as a result offers a great infrastructure for winter sports fans ... GRAZ HOTELS The name Graz is derived from the Slovenian word for castle. Graz was built around the Schlossberg. The first mention of it under its present name was in 881 ... SEEFELD HOTELS Seefeld is a village in the Tirol province of Austria. It is a popular destination for walking holidays in the summer, and winter sports in winter. The village has existed for centuries ... ALL AUSTRIA HOTELS TOURS & TRAVEL TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HOLIDAY TO AUSTRIA MOST POPULAR TOURS IN AUSTRIA ... VIENNA TOURS The Ringstrasse is known for such magnificent buildings as the Museum of Applied Arts, State Opera House, Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History ... SALZBURG TOURS In Salzburg , visit wonderful sights including Mirabell Palace, Mozarteum School of Music, Marionette Theatre, County Theatre, House where Mozart lived ... VIENNA AT NIGHT There is no better way to experience a city than by night! Feel the pulse of the nocturnal life and admire the spectacular city lights from the Danube Tower ... PLAYS IN SALZBURG Let the marionettes take you on a journey which begins begins on Christmas Eve as the guests of President Stahlbaum gather for the festivities ... GRAZ TOURS Travel back to where the simple things in life are the most comforting - a place where excellent wines are referred to as 'a good drop' ... ALL AUSTRIA TOURS EXPLORE THE CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS OF AUSTRIA One quarter of of Austria's population lives in Greater Vienna, located where the Danube meets the easternmost fringe of the Alps, not far from the boarder to Slovakia. Virtually all government, financial and cultural institutions, as well as national media and large corporations are based in Vienna. Thus, the capital dominates Austria's cultural and political life. Schloss Schonbrunn (Schonbrunn Palace or Schonbrunn Castle) in Vienna is one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria and since the 1860s has also been one of the major tourist attractions in Vienna . In the 20th century the palace was used several times for important events such as the historical meeting between John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev in the year 1961. ... read more ALL INTEREST Top of Page | Places to Stay in Austria | Things to Do in Austria | Links | Site Map | Contact Us AUSTRIA Places to Stay in Austria Austria Tours & Travel Attractions, Culture, and more... Austria Travel Guides Austria Posters & Prints See Also: Czech Republic Germany Switzerland