South America Travel

South America Tour : Galapagos Tours - Amazon travel South America Tour & travel supplier with 20 years South America tour experience in Galapagos tours and Amazon travel South America tour hotline 1 800 747 0567 South America tour & Adventure experts will speak with you reservations@latintrails.com South America tour by Latin Trails your experts in Galapagos tours and Amazon travel South America tour and Adventure travel - Galapagos tours - Amazon travel - travel to Ecuador - Peru trips - Amazon and Galapagos cruises - Machu Picchu trips - wilderness adventures - rainforest lodges - tours for students - special interest travel by Latin Trails. GALAPAGOS Tours & cruises special! - 4, 5, 8 day cruises from $130 per day - Combine the Galapagos islands and Machu Picchu Dear Friends , South America tour have been designed by Latin Trails for more than 20 years so you can: listen, see, feel, smell and taste the sub-continent as a destination. Join us on a vacation on board our Galapagos yachts and Amazon expedition travel ships, visit our eco lodges on a rainforest trip or sustainable travel program with the indigenous peoples of the Andes. Special interest travel, wilderness adventures, wildlife trips, nature cruises in mind. Hotel and accommodation bookings. We can arrange your Latin American adventure. Marcel Perkins Latin Trails South America tour and Adventure travel Finder by destination: Travel to Ecuador tours Travel to Peru tours Travel to Bolivia tours Visit our Galapagos Island tours planner click on the wheel South America Tours Forum Chat with peers and other travellers, share experiences, find travel companions... links to adventure travel partner websites around the world South America tour Custom Itineraries: At Latin Trails we specialize in custom adventures and special interest travel, we work on your vacation with you from beggining to end, taking into account your unique interests and concerns, in the end together we obtain an itinerary that is a work of art that we have prepared together. South America tour in a diverse region and there are many travel opportunities, not everybody wants to do the same activities, we have developed many activities and orientations to each visitor site. Small groups and escorted tours: We have much experience working with travel clubs and special interest groups. We offer gratuities for every 15 paying passengers, if you want to travel for free ask us how we can help you put together a travel group. You can save money and bring your friends on your vacation. We organize travel for all size groups and interests ranging from university groups to company incentives with motivation programs and team building activities. Family vacations: Latin Trails started as a family travelling around Latin American countries, our expertise in travelling with children and grand parents allows us to offer programs for all ages and keep everybody interested. Special child activities and private time for adults are the key factors in every family vacation. We have special discounts for children under 12 when travelling with their parents, we offer properties with connecting rooms and the triple and quad accommodations. Responsible Tourism: We have developed a network of local hotels, eco lodges, and boutique accommodation options; we try to include these in every itinerary we organize so the money stays within the country you visit. We also offer community travel and sustainable tourism programs. All our holidays involve responsible trip guides and transportation suppliers and have strong respect for local cultures and the environment. Whenever possible we use native guides and rural lodging when requested. Reservations toll free contact : 1 800 747 0567 reservations@latintrails.com U.S. Adress: 311 Old Boonton Rd., Boonton - NJ, 07005 Ecuador Address: Av. Ruminahui # 221 & 1ra Transversal, San Rafael, Quito - Ecuador Latin Trails is a proud member of: Latin American Travel Association National Tours Association SOUTHERN AMERICAN TOURS IDEAS Nature & Wildlife National Parks Wildlife reserves Cloud forest tours Amazon tours Galapagos tours Pantanal Ecolodges Soft Adventure Bicycle tours Hiking & walking Horseback riding Andean yoga Snorkelling Sea kayaking Culture & History Archealogy tours Indian markets Community projects Community lodges Language study Active Adventures Climbing Diving Mountain biking Trekking Rafting site map

European Vacation

Europe tourism - Europe vacation reviews - Europe vacations - TripAdvisor Europe vacations - Europe tourism Sign in • Sign up Home > Europe > Europe Tourism Europe tourism: Overview Hotels Attractions Forums Maps, etc. All Europe reviews Search (e.g., Boston hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Europe Europe Overview All Europe Reviews Europe Hotels Europe Attractions Europe Forums Europe Maps Europe Discount Hotels Europe Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend Popular cities Andalusia Hotels Austrian Alps Hotels Barcelona Hotels Berlin Hotels Bohemia Hotels Campania Hotels Catalonia Hotels Emilia-Romagna Hotels Florence Hotels French Riviera - Cote d'Azur Hotels Ile-de-France Hotels Lazio Hotels Lombardy Hotels London Hotels Madrid Hotels Madrid Hotels Majorca Hotels Milan Hotels Paris Hotels Prague Hotels Provence Hotels Rhone-Alpes Hotels Rome Hotels Sicily Hotels Swiss Alps Hotels Trentino-Alto Adige Hotels Tuscany Hotels Valencian Country Hotels Veneto Hotels Venice Hotels Read more Europe tourism Europe vacations - Europe tourism Where do you want to go today? Find all the best web-based write-ups and deals on your chosen destination. View map of Europe and choose your destination >> View all Europe hotels Europe Hotel Recommendations Other Destinations Find a great hotel based on web-wide popularity and coverage. Top-Rated hotels: Le Meridien Wien , Vienna, Austria Parkes Hotel , London, England, United Kingdom Coeur des Alpes , Zermatt, Valais, Swiss Alps, Switzerland Villa San Michele , Fiesole, Tuscany, Italy Locanda dell'Amorosa , Siena, Tuscany, Italy Casa Camper Hotel Barcelona , Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain Four Seasons Hotel George V , Paris, Ile-de-France, France Hotel Santa Maria , Rome, Lazio, Italy Foscari Palace , Venice, Veneto, Italy View all Europe hotels Top-Rated B&B: The Stuarts Bed and Breakfast , Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom View all Europe B&Bs Find top hotels by destination: Select your destination Albania Amsterdam Andorra Ankara Athens Austria Barcelona Bath Belarus Belfast Belgium Berlin Bosnia and Herzegovina Brussels Bulgaria Cappadocia Cotswolds Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dublin Edinburgh Estonia Faroe Islands Finland Florence France French Alps French Riviera - Cote d'Azur Galway Germany Glasgow Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Istanbul Italy Lake Baikal Lake District Latvia Liechtenstein Lisbon Lithuania Loire Valley London Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Moscow Munich Norway Paris Poland Portugal Prague Provence Romania Rome Russia Serbia and Montenegro Slovakia Slovenia Sochi Spain St. Petersburg Stockholm Sweden Swiss Alps Switzerland The Netherlands Turkey Tuscany Ukraine United Kingdom Venice Vienna Popular Europe Destinations Check out these popular places: Albania Andorra Austria Vienna Belarus Belgium Brussels Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Prague Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France French Alps French Riviera - Cote d'Azur Loire Valley Paris Provence Germany Berlin Munich Greece Athens Hungary Iceland Ireland Dublin Galway Italy Florence Rome Tuscany Venice Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Norway Poland Portugal Lisbon Romania Russia Lake Baikal Moscow Sochi St. Petersburg Serbia and Montenegro Slovakia Slovenia Spain Barcelona Sweden Stockholm Switzerland Swiss Alps The Netherlands Amsterdam Turkey Ankara Cappadocia Istanbul Ukraine United Kingdom Bath Belfast Cotswolds Edinburgh Glasgow Lake District London Europe Attractions Top Europe Attractions: Tower of London , London, England, United Kingdom Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) , Paris, Ile-de-France, France Angel Tours , Rome, Lazio, Italy British Airways London Eye , London, England, United Kingdom Disneyland Paris , Marne-la-Vallee, Ile-de-France, France Musee du Louvre , Paris, Ile-de-France, France State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace , St. Petersburg, North-West Russia, Russia Colosseum (Colosseo) , Rome, Lazio, Italy Anne Frank House (Anne Frankhuis) , Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands Tivoli Gardens , Copenhagen, Zealand, Denmark Click above or search for more attractions in your destination: Select your destination Albania Amsterdam Andorra Ankara Athens Austria Barcelona Bath Belarus Belfast Belgium Berlin Bosnia and Herzegovina Brussels Bulgaria Cappadocia Cotswolds Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dublin Edinburgh Estonia Faroe Islands Finland Florence France French Alps French Riviera - Cote d'Azur Galway Germany Glasgow Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Istanbul Italy Lake Baikal Lake District Latvia Liechtenstein Lisbon Lithuania Loire Valley London Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Moscow Munich Norway Paris Poland Portugal Prague Provence Romania Rome Russia Serbia and Montenegro Slovakia Slovenia Sochi Spain St. Petersburg Stockholm Sweden Swiss Alps Switzerland The Netherlands Turkey Tuscany Ukraine United Kingdom Venice Vienna Europe Articles and Guidebooks From tips & tricks to rants & raves. Read the best sources and the most up-to-date reviews... "Take a two-city break," Sep 25, 2005 , timesonline.co.uk / Times Newspapers Ltd. "Europe Round-Up," TravelIntelligence.net "European Fast Train Destinations," TravelIntelligence.net Read all Europe reviews Europe Traveler Forums Travelers like you give candid advice on hotels and much more. Join the Discussion Best Way to See Europe??? (1 replies, 5:48 pm, yesterday) Pavlus Travel or affordabletravel.com (1 replies, 11:40 am, yesterday) New Years Eve in Munich (6 replies, 10:27 am, yesterday) Read all Europe discussions Post a new Europe topic Share Your Travel Savvy Epiphany: Spain or Italy? (no replies, 5:58 pm, yesterday) New Years in Munich (no replies, 12:45 pm, yesterday) European car hire/lease (no replies, 11:24 pm, Dec 09, 2005) Browse all Europe discussions About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor provides unbiased reviews, articles, recommendations and opinions on Europe vacations. 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 | Links | 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.

Cruise Vacations Spa &

Luxury Vacation, Cruises, Luxury Travel, Luxury Tours, Luxury Cruises Luxury Vacations, Luxury Cruises, Luxury Travel, Luxury Tours, Luxury Cruise Ships Luxury Vacation, Luxury Travel, Luxury Tours, Luxury Cruises Guide Virtuoso Luxury Vacations, Travel, Tours, and Cruise Specialists Luxury vacation travel: Call 1-800-330-8820 to book now. Open every day! Luxury Cruise Lines Luxury Cruises Luxury Vacation Destinations Africa Vacations Asia Vacations Australian Vacations Canada Vacations Caribbean Vacations Central America European Vacations Fiji Vacations Hawaii Vacations Indian Ocean Islands Mexico Vacations Mediterranean Isles Middle East New Zealand South America South Pacific Islands Tahiti Vacations USA Vacations Luxury Cruise Guides Virtuoso Luxury European Cruises Luxury Cruises World Luxury Cruises Asia River Cruises European River Cruises River Cruises in America Corporate Incentives & Events Corporate Group Program Overview Corporate Incentive Programs Corporate Business Meetings Corporate Product Launches Travel Agent Career Opportunities The best available price is our starting point. Then we add value through complimentary excursions, amenities, or services. TravelWizard.com can get you the room, or suite, condo or villa you want, when others can't. We have tons of money saving specials: free nights, free meals, room upgrades, and wonderful inclusions such as free golf and spa visits. During certain times of the year we can give you a free air ticket from Los Angeles or San Francisco, or a $250 air credit from other cities. Free car with a 7 night stay at 40 different hotels in Hawaii, or receive a credit of $199 value, and apply it to another car category. We have every airline to Hawaii, so you can choose the airline you prefer. You get frequent flyer miles on most of them. We can get you discount first class, or business class tickets. You can book your activities ahead of time to assure peace of mind. How do we do it? Simple. We leverage our tremendous buying power! Email this page to a friend Bookmark this page "The sophisticated traveler's luxury vacation, luxury cruise, luxury travel, luxury villas and luxury tour planners." We are one of the most successful, award winning, highly recommended luxury vacation, cruise, tour and travel companies in the world. Our phenomenal success is due to our forging personal relationships based on trust and integrity with our clientele. Our Virtuoso luxury vacation and cruise planning experts specialize in connecting you to the worlds best destinations - in the best ways possible. We provide a wealth of priceless information that savvy traveler's need to make the right decisions to keep them out of harm's way and insure a memorable vacation. We will save you precious time, assure you of great value and exhilarating experiences. We are very innovative, add valuable solutions that consistently exceed our customers expectations and strive to always provide the ultimate travel experience. Our luxury travel specialists will take the time to get to know you so that your personal vacation dreams become reality. Our luxury travel specialists are available to you before, during and after your vacation. We are always available to serve you person to person! We readily handle luxury vacation, cruises, tours and travel requests from all parts of the globe. All of us at Travelwizard.com have a sincere passion for travel. We throughly enjoy our work, the exciting places we explore, the wonderful people we meet, and would be thrilled to share this passion with you! Why Should You Use our Virtuoso Luxury Vacation, Travel and Cruise Specialists ? We are Virtuoso, "Specialists in the Art of Vacation Travel". Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes Magazine, NBC TV and The Wall Street Journal. Our Virtuoso Vacation & Cruise Specialists offer exclusive insider connections and industry expertise on luxury vacations. Our professional services suit the world's most demanding luxury vacation travelers. Our name opens doors and guarantees value.You see, as your Virtuoso Luxury Vacation Travel Specialists, we're members of the most prestigious and established travel network in the world. So when you travel, you can do so with confidence - secure in the knowledge that you'll get more, simply by booking through us. The world awaits. Let us take you there. With us you enjoy the benefits of our exclusive agreements with the world's leading luxury cruise lines, luxury hotels and luxury tour companies. This brings you unsurpassed value in the world of upscale luxury travel, including outstanding amenities such as complimentary upgrades, privileged access opportunities and private events at many top international and domestic vacation destinations. You'll find loads of helpful information about luxury vacations, luxury cruises and luxury travel in every country in our luxury vacation guides, but only the very best luxury hotels, resorts, villlas, luxury tour operators, luxury travel related services, cultural travel experiences, personal enrichment travel, exclusive boutique vacation destinations and exotic tours designed specifically for the sophisticated traveler. They have been carefully chosen for your benefit. It's to your advantage to inspect your target destinations on this web site before you contact us. You may call us any time, however we can serve you much better if you use our " Luxury Vacation Travel Planner " so we will know your specific needs beforehand, and be able to answer all your questions professionally. Our Concierge will immediately direct your request to one of our Virtuoso Vacation, Cruise or Travel Specialists that specializes in your destination. Travelwizard.com was picked by the NBC Today Show to orchestrate the perfect honeymoon destination for their " Throws a Wedding " show. We are very proud that the Today Show turned to Travelwizard.com to find the perfect honeymoon. Travelwizard.com's renowned South Pacific specialists designed the perfect honeymoon to Turtle Island, in Fiji that was chosen for the NBC Today Show. Ellen DeGeneres, on the Ellen DeGeneres Show uses Travelwizard.com as her number one source for luxury vacations throughout the world. We are very proud to be the first choice for sophisticated travelers like Ellen DeGeneres! Forbes Magazine picked Travelwizard.com for"Best of the Web" because of our renowned luxury service and great choice of luxury vacations. In an uncertain world, be certain about us About Travel Wizard & Virtuoso Luxury Travel, Tour and Cruise Specialists Book Your Luxury Vacation Submit a vacation planner to our Virtuoso Travel Specialists Client Testimonials about our services Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Luxury Accommodations Luxury Hotels Luxury Resort Hotels Luxury Villas & Homes Luxury Vacations Luxury Tours Luxury Family Tours Honeymoon Specials Virtuoso Luxury Tours Virtuoso Luxury Cruise Vacations Spa & Wellness Getaways Active Vacations Golfing Luxury Vacations Biking Vacations Hiking Luxury Vacations Luxury Train Vacations Grand Prix Vacations Scuba Diving Vacations Family Luxury Vacations All-inclusive Vacations Luxury Villas & Homes Yacht Charter Private Jet Vacations Space Adventures Helpful Travel Links Other Helpful Links 24 Passports Travelex Luxury Travel Insurance CSA Luxury Travel Insurance Travel Guard Insurance Current Travel Warnings Travel Safety Manual Travel Consultant Career Opportunities Full Service Luxury Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury vacation with our full service Virtuoso Travel Specialists. We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Travel Consultants, and can arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree cruise experience at no extra charge! You may call our Virtuoso Travel Consultants, but first, we'd really appreciate it if you complete our "Luxury Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your luxury vacation . Full Service, Worldwide Luxury Tour Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury tour vacation with our full service Virtuoso Luxury Tour Specialists. We can arrange every little detail of your tour vacation, including air, and pre-tour and post-tour arrangements to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our "Luxury Tour Vacation Planner" our Virtuoso--Travel Consultants will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your luxury tour vacation . Full Service, Worldwide Luxury Cruise Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury cruise vacation with our full service Virtuoso Luxury Cruise Specialists. We can arrange every little detail of your cruise vacation, including air, excursions, and pre-cruise and post-cruise arrangements, to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our " Luxury Cruise Vacation Planner" our Virtuoso--Travel Consultants will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your luxury cruise . Regional Travel and Vacation Guides Africa Asia Australia Caribbean Islands Canada Central America Europe Fiji Islands Hawaiian Islands Indian Ocean Costa Rica Mexico Mediterranean Middle East New Zealand South America South Pacific Tahiti Islands United States Special Interest Vacations Luxury Tours Adventure Travel Ski Vacations Culinary Vacations Small Shi p Vacations Virtuoso Hotels Spa Vacations Private Jet Vacations Family Vacations Train Vacations Scuba Diving All-inclusive Vacations River Cruises Luxury Villas ClubMed Vacations Honeymoon Specials Wedding Vacations National Geographic Space Adventures Yacht Charters Golfing Vacations Active Vacations Biking Vacations Hiking Vacations Sports Travel Corporate V acations Corporate Events Food and Wine Luxury Cruise Destinations Luxury Cruises Cruise Vacations South Pacific/Tahiti Hawaiian Islands Scandinavia Alaska Cruises Caribbean Panama Canal Mexico Cruises Mediterranean West Europe Western British Isles/ Ireland Greek Isle/Aegean Bermuda Cruises Costa Rica South America River Amazon Antarctica Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Africa Southern Canarys/North Africa Far East/Orient Southeast Asia Trans-Atlantic Trans-Pacific Russia Europe East Coast Cruises India Cruises Israel/Egypt New England/Canada Red Sea/Suez Canal West Coast World Cruises Baltic/Russia Luxury Cruise Lines Crystal Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Windstar Cruises Clipper Cruises Silversea Cruises Oceania Cruises Am West Steamboat Princess Cruises European River Norwegian Cruise ResidenSea Holland America Line Sea Dream Yacht Club American Safari Travel Dynamics Seabourn Cruise Orient Express Royal Caribbean Orient Lines Star Clippers Cunard Line Costa Cruises Cruise West Celebrity Cruises National Geographic Hebridean Cruises MSC Cruises Lindblad Expeditions Peter Deilmann Viking River Cruises Swan Hellenic Delta Queen River Zegrahm Expeditions Disney Cruises Tauck Discovery French Waterways The Moorings Int'l Expeditions Carnival Cruise Great American River Journeys About Travel Wizard Advertising Info Privacy Policy Contact Inf ormation Home We accept credit cards: During this time of price volatility in the travel, tour and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until booked. State of California seller of travel License # 2061139-40 Travel Agent Career Opportunities Contact Information Advertise with Travel Wizard 1998 TravelWizard.Com, Tropical Island Vacation Dept. All rights reserved.

Disney Vacation

Florida Vacation Guide - Florida for Visitors Travel Planner - Florida Travel  You are here: About > Travel > Florida for Visitors Travel Florida for Visitors Essentials Events Calendar Photo Album Spring Break Guide Travel Planners What's Up this Month Articles & Resources A to Z Index Maps Beaches / Coasts Disneyworld Things to Do in FLA Daytona / East Coast Florida Keys Florida Panhandle Miami / South Florida Orlando / Central Florida Tampa / West Coast Discounts & Coupons Photos / Cams All About Florida Buyer's Guide Florida 2006 Calendars Florida Collegiate Fan Gifts Florida State Seminole Fan Gifts Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fan Gifts Top Disney Gifts Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Florida for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Florida for Visitors From Dawn Henthorn , Your Guide to Florida for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Best of Florida, 2005 While taking a look back at 2005, I've discovered some really good reasons to visit Florida. Besides the obvious — plenty of sunshine, beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets, wonderful resorts, popular attractions and water everywhere — there are a few places that stand out as outstanding vacation choices. Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Glide Into New Year One of the most fun tours I have ever taken was aboard a Segway HT. It was such an awesome experience to glide along St. Petersburg's beautiful waterfront and learn to maneuver the futuristic Segway Human Transporter. Previously located at The Pier , Gyroglides has recently teamed with the St. Petersburg Museum of History to offer a wider variety of tour opportunities. I can't think of a better way to start the new year than riding the future! Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink New Year's Eve Celebrations 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Happy New Year! Well, not quite, but it is time to make those New Year plans if you haven't already. If you'll be in Florida to ring in 2006, you'll want to try one of these celebrations: Florida New Year Celebrations New Year's Eve at Disney Monday December 26, 2005 | permalink Holiday Wishes Whether you are away on vacation, visiting relatives or home for the holidays; and , no matter what you celebrate — Christmas or Hanukkah — best wishes for a holiday full of memory-making moments. ~Dawn Sunday December 25, 2005 | permalink 'Twas the Night Before Christmas In Florida My apologies to Clement C. Moore. He's the guy that penned A Visit from St. Nicholas — more popularly known as The Night Before Christmas . In celebration of the holiday season, and just for fun, here are some paradies I found on the Internet that pay a homage to Florida... and the popularity of Moore's poem: 'Twas a Florida Christmas 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town, No noses were frozen, no snow fluttered down... 'Twas the Night Before Hurricane Wilma Twas the night before Wilma, when all through the state Not a gas pump was pumping, Not a store open late... 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on the Internet 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Net, There were hacker's a surfing. Nerds? Yeah, you bet... Merry Christmas to all... and to all a good night! Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Holiday Traditions One of our holiday traditions is to put together a jigsaw puzzle. We usually buy a 1,000-piece one with a holiday theme and set it up on a card table the week before Christmas. Just about any time of day the week before and after Christmas you will find one of us working on it. It is a nice diversion to all the hustle and bustle of the season and a nice way to gather the family together each evening. I enjoy working online jigsaw puzzles too, so I've put a few together that are certain to keep you entertained throughout the holidays. Florida Photo Jigsaw Puzzles Friday December 23, 2005 | permalink Going to Grandma's House? 'Tis the season for goin' to Grandma's house, and that may mean a road trip. We might sing "over the river and through the woods," but we are most likely to get to Grandma's house these days via a crowded interstate highway or an even more crowded airplane. AAA estimates that "more than 63 million of us will hit the skies, seas, and highways for the holiday. Approximately 51.54 million travelers (81 percent of all holiday travelers) expect to go by motor vehicle and of those, the greatest number of Christmas-New Years auto travelers will originate in the Southeast with 13.34 million. In a good news-bad news scenario, gasoline prices have been making a hasty retreat and are now averaging only $2.18 a gallon nationwide, down nearly 90 cents from the records set over Labor Day weekend, but still 31 cents higher than a year ago. If you want to check out the cheapest gas, both GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com depend on motorist to report gas prices, so you can find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood or wherever your travel takes you. If you're driving, check out my Florida Driving Guide where you'll find laws, rules of the road, gas saving tips and more! If you're flying, check out my Florida Air Travel Guide . Florida Maps Driving Distance Chart Whatever you do or wherever you go this holiday weekend, drive safely and sanely... and arrive alive! Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Christmas Lights Shining Bright... in your community! It isn't just the attractions that are decked out for the holidays. One of my favorite things to do (after everything else gets done) is to drive around and enjoy the lights displayed right in my own community. If you need a few suggestions, here are the ones that have made the news this year in Florida: In South Florida The Palm Beach Post is your guide to the best neighborhood displays of this holiday season. The Miami Herald reports that Davie's Town Hall is decked out in lights and more for the season. More Broward Showstoppers compliments of the Miami Herald . The Sun Herald asks, " Have you seen the lights " in these Southwestern Florida neighborhoods? In Central Florida Lights of Pinellas lists countywide events and light displays in St. Petersburg and all the beaches. The Ledger lists holiday lights in Lakeland, Winter Haven and Auburndale recommended by readers . Holiday lights brighten the Tampa Bay area from Hyde Park to Brandon and St. Petersburg/Clearwater to New Port Richey. In North Florida WCJB in Gainesville has only one suggestion — check out this house . And, finally... remember those attractions we talked about? Holiday lights really do brighten attactions . Monday December 19, 2005 | permalink Scenic Christmas Cruises For more than 30 years, cruising the canals of Punta Gorda has been a Christmas tradition for many families. The city's residents do a fantastic job decorating their backyards, seawalls, boats and docks with holiday lights and decorations and boats of all shapes and sizes cruise the canals during the evenings of December to enjoy the warm community spirit. Nightly now through December 31, King Fisher Fleet will offer Christmas Canal Cruises three times each evening — 6:00, 7:30 & 9:00 p.m. These one-hour cruises sell out quickly, so advance reservations are a must! Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Busch Gardens and SeaWorld Raise Ticket Prices Your wallet will need to be a little fatter the next time you visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or SeaWorld Orlando. The two parks will raise their gate admissions by $2.00 and $2.20 effective the first of the year. Busch Gardens tickets will rise from $55.95 to $57.95 for adults and $45.95 to $47.95 for children ages 3-9. SeaWorld one-day tickets will rise from $59.75 to $61.95 for adults. In an effort to make this bitter pill go down a little easier, the parks are offering a sweet deal — visitors may exchange their tickets for a pass allowing unlimited visits the next six consecutive days to the same park. Also, the parks are bringing back the Fun Card which allows Florida residents admission throughout the entire year for the price of a single-day admission. And, until December 25, grown-up Florida residents can " Be A Kid Again " with admission for only the price of a child's ticket. SeaWorld's sister park, Discovery Cove has also announced a price hike — from $259 to $279 a day with the new deal including snacks, beverage, breakfast and lunch. Other major theme parks have not announced changes in their admission prices for 2006. The last rate increase by Disney World and Universal Studios was effective January, 2005. Saturday December 17, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Florida Celebrates New Year Nude & Clothing-Optional Guide WDW Ticket Information Casino Cruises Ice Skating in Florida What's Hot Lion Country Safari Wide World of Sports Free Deals Ybor City Florida Day Trips Related Topics Theme Parks Travel with Kids Hotels / Resorts / Inns Budget Travel Senior Travel        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 Lion Country Safari Wide World of Sports Free Deals Ybor City Florida Day Trips Headlines Best of Florida, 2005 While taking a look back at 2005, I've discovered some... Glide Into New Year One of the most fun tours I have ever taken... New Year's Eve Celebrations 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...... Holiday Wishes Whether you are away on vacation, visiting relatives or home...

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