Orlando Vacation Planning Kit

Orlando Vacation Planning Kit  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids Orlando Vacation Planning Kit Travel with Kids Blog « Beach Vacations | Main | Summer Vacation » From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! July 19, 2005 Orlando Vacation Planning Kit How much fun can one city take? Walt Disney World alone is the size of Boston; Universal Orlando has great new attractions, such as the Shrek and Revenge of the Mummy "rides"; the new Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn has set a new high for on-property fun. So maybe you need a free Orlando Vacation Kit : three brochures to help you plan your visit, and maybe get some discounts too. Click above to order online or by phone. Also: read about Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, with two terrific waterplay complexes and games and entertainment developed by Nickelodeon see what's new in Disney World for 2005 : a lot! New attractions, free shuttles to Disney resorts, meal plan... Universal Orlando - for families continued below... Free Official Orlando Vacation Kit Order online at the official Orlando site, or call 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada)m to get these free brochures: Official Destination Guide : trip planning advice along with lists of Orlandos accommodations, attractions, culture & heritage, dining & nightlife, shopping, recreational activities and more. Unexpected Orlando Guide : nearly 100 listings of Orlandos natural, cultural and heritage tourism offerings. Orlando Magicard : Offers up to $500 in savings at 114 area attractions, accommodations, restaurants and dinner theaters,ground transportation, and shopping malls. The card can be downloaded at orlandoinfo.com/magicard. In Orlando, visitors can stop by the Official Visitor Center at 8723 International Drive (southeast corner of Austrian Row.) The Center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the year except Dec. 25. Also, for additional assistance or to purchase vacation packages and discount attraction tickets, visitors can call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-972-3304 or 407-363-5872. Email to a Friend Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...

Mexico Travel

Yucatan Peninsula Travel Info : TravelYucatan.com Travel Information for the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico 2005 Cancun Mayan Riviera Costa Maya Quintana Roo Campeche Yucatan Hola! Welcome to TravelYucatan.com , the information source for planning your vacation to the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. If you have never traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula, most everything you need to know is here. General Info contains entry requirements, time, etc. Below is information more specific for your trip. You may also use the search engine above [and on every page] to find exactly what you need. This web site contains hotels, maps, campsites, archeological information, bus routes and lots of related information for first time travelers and even veterans returning to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Yucatan Peninsula Maps Exciting Guided Tours Airport Shuttle Services Site Feedback Survey MAYAN RIVIERA DESTINATIONS The Mayan Riviera includes exciting attractions, colorful cities, quiet pueblos, enchanting Mayan ruins and beautiful secluded beaches! Puerto Morelos Playa del Carmen Playacar Calica Puerto Aventuras Xpu-Ha Kantenah Paamul Akumal Chemuyil Xcacel Tulum The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the richest archaeological zones in the ancient Mesoamerica world. The Yucatan presents astonishing surprises at every turn. All major sites in the Yucatan Peninsula are listed here and much more . | Ruin Sites | Site Maps | Tips | Guides | | Recommendations | Museums | Field Schools | The Yucatan Peninsula is the perfect destination for travelers interested in exotic environments. The Yucatan is home to three major ecosystems. | Intro | Destinations | Wildlife | Eco Tips | Discount Airfares Select the BEST DEAL! Cruises Book Your Holiday Cruise On-Line Tours Make Your Tour Reservations Here! The Yucatan Peninsula boasts world-class 5 star luxury resorts accommodating both the European plan and the "All Inclusive" - eat all you can, drink all you can and lie on a white sandy beach under a palm tree. What are you waiting for!!! Experience the Tortuga Liberation! Every year hundreds of baby Green Sea Turtles emerge from the sandy beaches of the Mayan Riviera and head into the vast ocean. Come witness this magical event! Click here to learn more! YUCATAN OVERVIEW Why the Yucatan Peninsula Some of the many reasons. Where to Go What destination is best for you. What to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula Includes Tours and Attractions. How to Get There An overview of transportation means. Mexican People Get to know the people! Food/Water/Safety Info pertaining to your well being. Getting Married Planning a Cancun wedding! General Information About Mexico Entry Requirements etc. Traveling With Children YUCATAN ATTRACTIONS Introduction Help for planning your itinerary. Yucatan Beaches Cancun to Campeche. Mayan Arts & Crafts Hand made to mass produced. Jewelry Bling Bling Lovers! Cancun Attractions Staying in Cancun, there's lots to do! Mayan Riviera Attractions Exciting attractions on the Riviera. Chetumal Attractions Mayan Ruins and world class diving. Merida Attractions A beautiful colonial city awaits you. Campeche Attractions Less traveled but historically significant. Eco Attraction Ecological wonders abound here! Xcaret or Xel-Ha Decisions...decisions... Cancun Deep Sea Fishing Go on a guided trip! Swim with Whale Sharks The world's biggest fish! Golf - Ocean front golf courses. TravelYucatan.com TravelYucatan.com Newsletter Subscribe Privacy Statement About Us Testimonials To Contact a TravelYucatan.com Representative Please e-mail: TravelYucatan.com adds new content daily in order to present you with up-to-date information to assist you in the planning of your Mexico vacation. £inking to TravelYucatan.com 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Ways To Help People In The Yucatan! HOTELS & RESORTS Cancun Mayan Riviera Cozumel Puerto Morelos Playa del Carmen Playacar Puerto Aventuras Akumal Tulum Chichen Itza Merida Uxmal Isla Mujeres Isla Holbox Group Rates Re-Print Voucher DESTINATIONS Cancun Isla Mujeres Mayan Riviera Playa del Carmen Cozumel Piste Merida Ticul Campeche Isla Holbox Costa Maya GENERAL INFO Yucatan FAQ Seasons/Weather Mexican Money Mexican Telephone Basic Spanish Museums Universities Travel Tips What to Pack Buying Stuff Cigars and Tequila TRANSPORTATION Renting a Vehicle Air Boat Cozumel Ferry Taxi Mexican Bus Collectivo Cancun Bus Maps Driving Regulations Things To Know Entering a Vehicle Distances DIVING SNORKELING Open-Water Cave/Cenote Snorkeling Cozumel 1 Cozumel 2 OFFICIAL Embassies Legalization Journalists Tourist Boards Complaints State Governments + EMERGENCY + Loosing Your Money Quick Departure Medical Emergency Phone Numbers TRAVEL TOOLS Packing List Tool Trip Countdown Travel Glossary Currency Converter Travel FAQs Tropical Storms 2005 TravelYucatan.com All rights reserved. Travel Information for the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico

family vacations, and more.

Fiji Vacations*Fiji Scuba Diving*Fiji Islands Resort*Fiji Island Luxury Resort Enjoy Fiji vacations with 5 star accommodations at Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort luxury Fiji Island resort. Find World class Fiji Island scuba diving, dining, Fiji Island family vacations, and more. Fiji Islands vacation packages available. Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort The award-winning, five-star Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the South Pacific. Located on the island of Vanua Levu on 17 acres of a coconut plantation, the accommodations overlook the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay. The acclaimed resort is an international favorite for romance, honeymoons and weddings; scuba diving; and families, who want to combine heavenly surroundings and exceptional dining with an unsurpassed range of eco-friendly activities. A sister resort to the Post Ranch Inn and the Hotel Hana-Maui, Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands resort is the only resort that employs a full-time marine biologist to help visitors appreciate the underwater world of Fiji. We welcome guests who want to enjoy two Fiji Island vacation experiences: -- To turn off: to relax, unwind, rejuvenate, be pampered and indulged -- through a serene tropical setting, welcoming accommodations of traditional Fiji Island, award-winning dining and service, and comprehensive spa services. -- To turn on: to be active, to engage and participate in an exceptional range of cultural, educational, environmental and recreational experiences -- for couples, families and divers. No other Fiji Island resort combines relaxation and indulgence with an unsurpassed range of eco-friendly activities when guests are ready to pick up the pace. COME SHARE THE ESSENCE OF THE FIJI ISLANDS! Awards: Fiji's Leading Resort - World Travel Awards, 2005 #4 Pacific Rim Resort - Condé Nast Traveler , 2005 #1 - Resorts and Lodges - Worldwide - Condé Nast Traveler Green List , 2005 #1 Resort in Fiji, Travel + Leisure, 2001 About Us : Contact Us : Sister Resorts : Awards : Media : Travel Agents : Return Guests : Visitor Comments : Links Fiji Island Scuba Diving Resort * Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is a 5 star luxury resort hotel that has received many awards - Fiji's #1 hotel for "Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award" - Winner 2004 Best Deluxe Accommodation, "World's Best for Scuba Diving", "Best Food in Fiji" and "Best Service in Fiji". Most recently we’ve been awarded the Conde Nast Traveler 2005 Green List award for #1 resorts and lodges Worldwide! Our Fiji vacations and packages are perfect for weddings, honeymoons and other romantic getaways. Scuba diving is one of the many favorite activities in the Fiji Islands and we offer diving instruction for beginners and intermediates alike. Our Fiji Island resort also features an exceptional range of activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, the glass bottom boat, and hiking. Visit the local village and experience authentic Fijian culture. Relax and rejuvenate in our Fiji Islands spa, the South Pacific's most comprehensive spa facility. Our hotel is perfect for your wedding, honeymoon or anniversary holiday. And again, Fiji scuba diving is World renown. Come visit the best hotel in the Fiji Islands. Find Fiji vacation packages and specials too! FREE counter and Web statistics from sitetracker.com

Taiwan Travel

Taiwan Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Taiwan Taiwan History meets hyper-reality on this pulsing, picturesque island. Places to See Review WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Transport Money RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links Taiwan Folk Village village Tel: 04 786 0815 Set deep in the hilly countryside, and bursting with photo opportunities, the Taiwan Folk Village preserves the traditional architecture, arts and food of days gone by. Here you'll find accurate reproductions not only of grand structures such as temples and halls, but also of simple farmhouses made of bamboo and thatch. Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

South America Travel Tips

South America Travel Tips Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises South America Travel Tips Climate / Clothing Language Code of Conduct Currency Holidays Travel Insurance Departure Tax Luggage Local Emergency/Phone Health Precautions Passports and Visas Driving Electricity Shopping Tipping Airport Tax - Chile Climate /Clothing Brazil: The weather in Brazil is temperate to hot year round. Bring casual, lightweight clothing that can be layered. Sunscreen and a hat are advisable. Bring insect repellent if you plan on a visit to the rainforest. Brazil Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/south-america-travel/weather/Brazil-weather.htm . Peru: Peru's climate can be divided into 2 seasons - wet and dry. The coast and the slopes of the Western Andes are dry with summer falling between December and April. In the Andean highlands, the dry season is from May to September, while the wet season takes up the remainder of the year. Bring casual, lightweight clothes that can be layered and a jacket if you are going up into the mountains. Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect against the strong sun along the coast and in the rainforest. Insect repellent is necessary as well. Peru Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/south-america-travel/weather/Peru-weather.htm . Argentina: The climate of Argentina is mostly temperate; arid in the southeast and sub-Antarctic in the southwest. Bring lightweight clothes you can layer, a sweater and an all-weather coat. Dress is more formal in the city of Buenos Aires and a jacket a tie or cocktail dress may be required at some of the finer restaurants. Casual dress is more appropriate in the countryside. Argentina Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/south-america-travel/weather/Argentina-weather.htm . Chile: Climate varies from subtropical and sunny in the extreme north; dry and arid in the Atacama north desert; mild, pleasant and Mediterranean in the fertile central valley; cool, temperate and rainy in the southern region; and covered with ice and snow in the Antarctic region. Chile Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/south-america-travel/weather/Chile-weather.htm . Ecuador: The climate and geography of Ecuador vary widely. The highlands are cool and dry. Bring lightweight clothes, a jacket and comfortable shoes. Along the coast it's warm and sunny all year round. Sunscreen and a hat are important accessories to have on hand. The Amazon rain forest is tropical and humid. Light, layered clothing and plenty of insect repellent are advisable. Ecuador Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/south-america-travel/weather/Ecuador-weather.htm . Language Brazil: The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. Some English is spoken in the major cities. Peru: Spanish is the official language of Peru. In most tourist center, English is spoken. Argentina: Spanish is the official language of Argentina. English is spoken at hotels and restaurants in Buenos Aires. Chile: Spanish is the official language in Chile, although English is often spoken in hotels, restaurants and shops. Ecuador: Ecuador has two official languages - Spanish and Quechua. English is spoken in the major tourist centers. Passports and Visas Brazil: Passport and visa required. Peru: Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay of up to 90 days, extendible after arrival. Argentina: Passport required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay of up to 90 days. Chile: Passport required. Visa not required for stay of up to 90 days. Entry fee of $100 (U.S.) charged at airport. Ecuador: (including the Galapagos Islands) - Passport required. Visa not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Columbia: All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport and proof of return ticket to enter Columbia. No visa is required. Uruguay: All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Uruguay. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days. See http://www.gate1travel.com/visas.htm for more information. Currency Brazil: The currency of Brazil is the Real. U.S. currency can be exchanged at banks, exchanges and hotels. Peru: The official currency is the Peruvian Sol. Most tourist areas accept and exchange U.S. Dollars. Exchange your currency at your hotel or a bank. Argentina: The currency of Argentina is the Pesa. It is not always easy to change money in the interior of the country. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Chile: The unit of currency is the Chilean peso (CHP$). U.S. dollars and travelers checks are easily changed in banks and exchange bureaus. Major credit cards are widely accepted in shops and hotels. Ecuador: Official currencies are the U.S. Dollar and the Sucre. Tipping Brazil: Most services get tipped a mandatory 10%, often included in the bill. If a waiter is friendly and helpful, you may like to give more. Because of Brazil's high unemployment rate, services that may seem superfluous are customarily tipped. Parking assistants are the most notable as they receive no wages, but petrol-station attendants, shoe shiners and barbers are also frequently tipped. Taxi drivers are an exception: most people round the price up, but a tip is not expected. Peru: A combination of taxes and service charges are added to bills in the best hotels and restaurants and can total as much as 28%. The cheaper hotels and restaurants don't add taxes. Tipping is not expected in budget restaurants. A tip of 10-15% is fine in upmarket restaurants if a service charge has not already been added to the bill. Taxi drivers are not tipped - bargain hard beforehand and stick to your price. Local guides should be tipped US$3-5 per day. Argentina: Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants. Chile: In restaurants, it is customary to tip about 10% of the bill. In general, waiters and waitresses are poorly paid, so if you can afford to eat out, you can afford to tip. Taxi drivers do not require tips, although you may round off the fare for convenience. Ecuador: Tipping is expected by tour guides, porters and other tourist industry workers, though not by taxi drivers. Quality restaurants add 10% tax and a 10% service charge to their bills; cheaper restaurants usually don't. If you want to tip your server, give the money to them directly - don't just leave it on the table. Please refer to our main brochure under www.gate1travel.com/tipping.htm for additional tipping suggestions. Electricity Brazil: Brazil's voltage is 110, however some hotels operate on 220. Peru, Argentina & Chile: The voltage used is 220. Ecuador: Ecuador's voltage is 110. *Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. Shopping Brazil: Shops are open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Brazil has a rich array of native crafts from Afro-Brazilian textiles to Bahian pottery and delicate lace tablecloths. Peru: Duty-free shops and artisan's shops offer tourists the opportunity to purchase Peruvian handicrafts such as pottery, carvings, and weavings. Argentina: Business hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Banking hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shops open at 9 a.m. and generally close at 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good buys include leather goods, jewelry and furs. Chile: Good shopping can be found in the streets of Providencia and Santiago. There are also a few big shopping malls. Handicrafts in Chile are the best bargains. Local jewelry made of lapis lazuli, found only in Chile and Afghanistan, makes a beautiful souvenir. Ecuador: Duty-free shops and artisan's shops offer visitors the opportunity to buy Ecuadorian handcrafts such as ponchos, tapestries, ceramics, jewelry. Health Precautions Brazil: No vaccinations are required to enter Brazil. However, it may be advisable to get inoculated against yellow fever, malaria and typhoid. Be sure to consult your doctor before your trip, especially if you are planning to go up the Amazon River. Drink only bottled water and do not eat raw fruits and vegetables. Peru: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you are going into the Amazon rain forest. Travelers with heart conditions or high blood pressure should check with their doctor about high-altitude travel if you will be visiting the mountainous regions. Avoid the tap water and raw fruits and vegetables. Bottled water is widely available Argentina: No inoculations are necessary when arriving in Argentina from the U.S. Chile: Tap water is fairly safe to drink, but it is advisable to drink bottled water. Consult with your doctor if you are planning to visit the higher altitudes. English speaking doctors are easy to find in all major cities. Ecuador: No inoculations are required for entry. Travelers with heart conditions or high blood pressure who plan to visit the highlands should check with their doctor about high-altitude travel. Bottled water is advisable and is available everywhere. *To prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," avoid the tap water, including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case. *For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov Conservation/Code of Conduct Brazil: Handshaking is customary on meeting and taking ones leave, and normal European courtesies are observed. Frequent offers of coffee and tea are customary. Flowers are acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. A souvenir from the visitors home country will be well received as a gift of appreciation. Casual wear is normal, particularly during hot weather. In nightclubs smart-casual (eg blazer, no tie) is acceptable. For more formal occasions the mode of dress will be indicated on invitations. Smoking is acceptable unless notified otherwise. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, something which should be kept in mind by the visitor. Peru: Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Visitors should follow normal social courtesies and the atmosphere is generally informal. A small gift from a company or home country is sufficient. Dress is usually informal, although for some business meetings and social occasions men wear a jacket and tie. Life is conducted at a leisurely pace. Argentina: The most common form of greeting between friends is kissing cheeks. When invited to somebodys house it is quite common to take a homemade dish or dessert. Dinner is usually served between 7pm - 10pm. Avoid casual discussion of the Falklands/Malvinas war. Dress is not usually formal, though clothes should be conservative away from the beach. Formal wear is worn for official functions and dinners, particularly in exclusive restaurants. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas and theatres. Chile: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Most Chileans use a double surname and only the first part should be used in addressing them. Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting local people. It is very common to entertain at home and it is acceptable for invitees to give small presents as a token of thanks. Informal, conservative clothes are acceptable in most places but women should not wear shorts outside resort areas. Ecuador: Casual wear is widely acceptable, but businesspeople are expected to dress smartly. It is important to be punctual when arriving for meetings. Smart clothes are often required when visiting hotel dining rooms and better restaurants. Beachwear should only be worn on the beach and revealing clothes should not be worn in towns. Smoking is widely accepted. A tip may be requested if you wish to take someones photograph and it is better to seek permission first. Luggage *Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/destinations/luggage.htm for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers. Departure Tax There is no Departure tax levied in Brazil. Please see www.gate1travel.com/Destinations/departure_tax.htm for more information. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim. Local Emergency Phone # Brazil: general emergency: 911 Peru: general emergency: 011 or 5114 Argentina: ambulance/medical: 101 fire: 107 police: 101 Chile: ambulance/medical: 131 fire: 132 police: 133 Ecuador: ambulance/medical: 131 Holidays Brazil : Public Holidays Jan 1 New Years Day Jan 20 *Founding of Rio de Janeiro Jan 25 *Founding of So Paulo Feb 19-23 Carnival Mar 25 Good Friday Apr 21 Tiradentes May 1 St of Brazil May 26 Corpus Christi Sep 7 Independence Day Oct 12 Our Lady Aparecida, Patron St of Brazil. Nov 2 All Souls Day Nov 15 Republic Day Dec 24 Christmas Eve (half day) Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 31 New Years Eve (half day) *Note: Regional observances only. Argentina : Public Holidays Jan 1 New Years Day Mar 24 Maundy Thursday Mar 25 Good Friday Apr 4 Malvinas Day May 1 Labor Day May 25 National Day (Anniversary of the 1810 Revolution) June 20 National Flag Day Jul 9 Independence Day Aug 17 Death of General Jos de San Martn Oct 12 Day of the Americas (Columbus Day). Dec 8 Immaculate Conception Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 31 New Years Eve Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 31 New Years Eve (half day) Peru : Public Holidays Jan 1 New Years Day Mar 24 Maundy Thursday (half day) Mar 25 Good Friday May 1 Labor Day Jun 29 St Peters and St Pauls Day Jul 28-29 Independence Day Celebrations Aug 30 St Rosa of Lima Day Oct 8 Angamos Battle Nov 1 All Saints Day Dec 8 Immaculate Conception Dec 24 Christmas Eve (half day) Dec 25 Christmas Day Chile : Public Holidays Jan 1 New Years Day Mar 25 Good Friday Mar 26 Holy Saturday May 1 Labor Day May 21 Navy Day May 23 *Corpus Christi Jun 29 St Peter and St Paul Aug 15 Assumption Sep 5 Reconciliation Day Sep 18 Independence Day Sep 19 Army Day Oct 12 Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day) Nov 1 All Saints Day Dec 8 Immaculate Conception Dec 25 Christmas Day *Note: Corpus Christi dates for 2004 and 2005 are actually Jun 10 and May 26 respectively, however, the holiday is observed on the Monday closest to these dates. Ecuador : Public Holidays Jan 1 New Years Day Feb 7-8 *Carnival Mar 24 Maundy Thursday Mar 25 Good Friday May 1 Labor Day May 24 Battle of Pichincha May 26 Corpus Christi Jul 24 Simon Bolivar Day Aug 10 Independence Day Oct 9 *Foundation of Guayaquil Nov 2 All Souls Day Nov 3 *Foundation of Cuenca Dec 6 *Foundation of Quito Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 31 New Years Eve *Note: These holidays are not official public holidays, but are widely observed. Other holidays, in addition to the above, may be marked locally. Driving Brazil: Brazil has 1,940,400km (1,202,800 miles) of roads. Traffic drives on the right. Peru: The Central Highway connects Lima with La Oroya and Huancayo. From La Oroya there is a road connecting Cerro de Pasco, Hunuco, Tingo Mara and Pucallpa on the Ucayali River. Landslides are frequent in the rainy season (December to March), making for slow travel. The Touring y Automvil Club del Per and the Instituto Geogrfico Nacional sell maps. Travel guides like Gua Toyota and Gua Inca del Per include good road maps. Traffic drives on the right. Argentina: Major privatization programmes have resulted in many trunk roads being upgraded, and roads are generally in good condition. Expect tolls on motorways. Rural roads, composed of packed dirt, become impassable after rain. Nonetheless, buses are considered to be a more reliable form of long-distance transport than trains. Traffic drives on the right. Car hire: There are a number of agencies in Buenos Aires (including Avis , Dollar and Hertz ). Drivers must be at least 21 years of age (sometimes up to 25 years of age). International Driving Permit is required and this must be stamped at the offices of the Automvil Club Argentino (website: www.aca.org.ar ). These documents must be carried at all times whilst driving: proof of ownership, proof of insurance and receipt for last tax payment. Chile: Chile has about 80,000km (49,460 miles) of good roads. The Pan American Highway crosses the country from north to south (a total of 3455km or 2147 miles) from the Peruvian border to Puerto Montt. It is advisable in remoter areas to carry spare petrol and an additional spare tyre. Tires should be hard-wearing. Traffic drives on the right. Ecuador: Traffic drives on the right. An extensive network of roads spreads out from the main northsouth axis of the Pan-American Highway. The Government and PetroEcuador are developing highways into the Oriente. In general, road improvements are being put into effect rapidly but, due to the effect of earthquakes and flooding (in the south) during the last 10 years, conditions remain variable; potholes and cracks in the road are sometimes sizable.The roads between Quito and Guayaquil and between Quito, Latacunga, Ambato and Riobamba are completely paved. A road connects Quito, Otavalo, Ibarra and Tulcn, the frontier with Colombia. Airport Tax - Chile There is an entry fee of $45 per passenger that must be paid before proceeding through Immigration. Return to the South America brochure More TravelInformation Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . Contact Us . This site can be best viewed using Internet Explorer 4.0, or higher. The browser software can be downloaded, free of charge, from the Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com . All external sites will open in a new browser. Gate1travel.com does not endorse external sites.