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Climate Care - Air Travel Emissions Calculator 2 Diet" The CO 2 Diet Air Travel Emissions From To - Please Scroll - AFGHANISTAN Kabul ALBANIA Tirana ALGERIA Algiers ANGOLA Luanda ARGENTINA B.A. ASCENSION AUSTRALIA Brisbane AUSTRALIA Cairns AUSTRALIA Melb'n AUSTRALIA Perth AUSTRALIA Sydney AUSTRIA Salzburg AUSTRIA Vienna AZERBAIJAN Baku AZORES BAHAMAS Nassau BAHRAIN Bahrain BANGLADESH Dhaka BARBADOS Barbados BELARUS Minsk BELGIUM Brussels BELIZE Belize BENIN Cotonou BERMUDA Bermuda BOLIVIA La Paz BOTSWANA Gab'ne BRAZIL Rio BRAZIL Sao Paulo BULGARIA Sofia BURUNDI Bujumbura CAMBODIA P.-Penh CAMEROUN Yaounde CANADA Edmonton CANADA Halifax CANADA Montreal CANADA Ottawa CANADA Quebec CANADA St. Johns CANADA Toronto CANADA Vancouver CAPE VERDE Sal CAYMAN ISLANDS CHILE Punta Arenas CHILE Santiago CHINA Beijing CHINA Kunming CHINA Shanghai COLOMBIA Bogota COLOMBIA Cartegena COMORES COSTA RICA CROATIA Dubrovnik CUBA Havana CYPRUS Larnaca CZECH REP. Prague DENMARK Copenh. DJIBOUTI Djibouti DOMINICAN R. S.Dom. ECUADOR Guayaquil ECUADOR Quito EGYPT Cairo EGYPT Luxor EL SALVADOR San Salvador ESTONIA Tallinn ETHIOPIA Addis A. FINLAND Helsinki FRANCE Bordeaux FRANCE Brest FRANCE La Rochelle FRANCE Limoges FRANCE Lyon FRANCE Marseille FRANCE Montpellier FRANCE Paris FRANCE Perpignan FRANCE Toulouse GABON Franceville GABON Libreville GAMBIA Banjul GEORGIA Tbilisi GERMANY Berlin GERMANY Cologne GERMANY Dusseldorf GERMANY Frankfurt GERMANY Hamburg GERMANY Hannover GERMANY Munich GERMANY Stuttgart GHANA Accra GIBRALTAR GREECE Athens GREECE Corfu GREECE Heraklion GREECE Rhodes GREECE Samos GUATEMALA GUINEA-BISSAU GUYANA Georgetown HONDURAS SPS HONG KONG HUNGARY Budapest ICELAND Reykjavik INDIA Delhi INDIA Mumbai INDIA Trivandrum INDONESIA Jakarta IRAN Tehran IRAQ Baghdad IRELAND Cork IRELAND Dublin IRELAND Shannon ISRAEL Tel Aviv ITALY Brindisi ITALY Catania ITALY Florence ITALY Milan ITALY Naples ITALY Pisa ITALY Rome ITALY Venice ITLAY Sardinia IVORY COAST JAMAICA Kingston JAPAN Osaka JAPAN Tokyo JORDAN Amman KAZAKHSTAN Almaty KENYA Nairobi KUWAIT Kuwait LATVIA Riga LEBANON Beirut LIBERIA Monrovia LIBYA Tripoli LITHUANIA Vilnius LUXEMBOURG MADAGASCAR Ant. MALAWI Blantyre MALAWI Lilongwe MALAYSIA K.L. MALDIVES Male MALI Bamako MALTA Malta MAURITIUS MEXICO Acapulco MEXICO Mexico City MONGOLIA Ulaanbatuur MOROCCO Cas'bl MOROCCO M'kech MOZAMBIQUE Maputo NAMIBIA Windhoek NEPAL Kathmandu NETHERLANDS Schipol NEW Z'LND Auckland NEW Z'LND C'church NICARAGUA M'gua NIGER Niamey NIGERIA Lagos NORWAY Oslo NORWAY Tromso OMAN Muscat PAKISTAN Islamabad PAKISTAN Karachi PAKISTAN Lahore PANAMA City PERU Lima PHILIPPINES Manila PNG Port Moresby POLAND Warsaw PORTUGAL Faro PORTUGAL Lisbon PORTUGAL Maderia QATAR Doha ROMANIA Bucharest RUSSIA Moscow RUSSIA St. P'burg RUSSIA Yakutsk RWANDA Kigali SAN TOME SAUDI ARABIA Jeddah SAUDI ARABIA Riyadh SENEGAL Dakar SERBIA Belgrade SEYCHELLES SIERRA LEONE F'twn SINGAPORE SLOVAKIA Bratislava SLOVENIA Ljubljana SOMALIA M'dishu SOUTH KOREA Seoul SPAIN Alicante SPAIN Barcelona SPAIN Bilbao SPAIN Fuerteventura SPAIN Gran Canaria SPAIN Lanzarote SPAIN Madrid SPAIN Malaga SPAIN Palma SPAIN Seville SPAIN Tenerife SPAIN Valencia SRI LANKA Colombo ST. LUCIA St. Lucia STH AFRICA C. Town STH AFRICA Jo'burg SUDAN Khartoum SWEDEN Stockholm SWITZ'LND Geneva SWITZ'LND Zurich SYRIA Damascus TAIWAN Taipei TANZANIA Dar' Salaam TANZANIA Kili. THAILAND Bangkok TOGO Lome TRINIDAD P. Spain TUNISIA Tunis TURKEY Ankara TURKEY Antalya TURKEY Dalaman TURKEY Istanbul TURKMENISTAN UAE Abu Dhabi UAE Sharjah UGANDA Entebbe UK Aberdeen UK Belfast UK Birmingham UK Bristol UK Cardiff UK East Midlands UK Edinburgh UK Glasgow UK Inverness UK Isle Of Man UK Liverpool UK London City UK London Gatwick UK London Heathrow UK London Luton UK London Stansted UK Manchester UK Southampton UKRAINE Kiev URUGUAY M'video USA Boston USA Chicago USA Honolulu USA Houston USA Las Vegas USA Los Angeles USA Miami USA New Orleans USA New York JFK USA Orlando USA San Francisco USA Seattle USA Washington UZBEKISTAN T'kent VENEZUELA C'cas VIETNAM Hanoi VIETNAM Ho' Minh YEMEN Aden ZAMBIA Lusaka ZIMBABWAE Harare - Please Scroll - AFGHANISTAN Kabul ALBANIA Tirana ALGERIA Algiers ANGOLA Luanda ARGENTINA B.A. ASCENSION AUSTRALIA Brisbane AUSTRALIA Cairns AUSTRALIA Melb'n AUSTRALIA Perth AUSTRALIA Sydney AUSTRIA Salzburg AUSTRIA Vienna AZERBAIJAN Baku AZORES BAHAMAS Nassau BAHRAIN Bahrain BANGLADESH Dhaka BARBADOS Barbados BELARUS Minsk BELGIUM Brussels BELIZE Belize BENIN Cotonou BERMUDA Bermuda BOLIVIA La Paz BOTSWANA Gab'ne BRAZIL Rio BRAZIL Sao Paulo BULGARIA Sofia BURUNDI Bujumbura CAMBODIA P.-Penh CAMEROUN Yaounde CANADA Edmonton CANADA Halifax CANADA Montreal CANADA Ottawa CANADA Quebec CANADA St. Johns CANADA Toronto CANADA Vancouver CAPE VERDE Sal CAYMAN ISLANDS CHILE Punta Arenas CHILE Santiago CHINA Beijing CHINA Kunming CHINA Shanghai COLOMBIA Bogota COLOMBIA Cartegena COMORES COSTA RICA CROATIA Dubrovnik CUBA Havana CYPRUS Larnaca CZECH REP. Prague DENMARK Copenh. DJIBOUTI Djibouti DOMINICAN R. S.Dom. ECUADOR Guayaquil ECUADOR Quito EGYPT Cairo EGYPT Luxor EL SALVADOR San Salvador ESTONIA Tallinn ETHIOPIA Addis A. FINLAND Helsinki FRANCE Bordeaux FRANCE Brest FRANCE La Rochelle FRANCE Limoges FRANCE Lyon FRANCE Marseille FRANCE Montpellier FRANCE Paris FRANCE Perpignan FRANCE Toulouse GABON Franceville GABON Libreville GAMBIA Banjul GEORGIA Tbilisi GERMANY Berlin GERMANY Cologne GERMANY Dusseldorf GERMANY Frankfurt GERMANY Hamburg GERMANY Hannover GERMANY Munich GERMANY Stuttgart GHANA Accra GIBRALTAR GREECE Athens GREECE Corfu GREECE Heraklion GREECE Rhodes GREECE Samos GUATEMALA GUINEA-BISSAU GUYANA Georgetown HONDURAS SPS HONG KONG HUNGARY Budapest ICELAND Reykjavik INDIA Delhi INDIA Mumbai INDIA Trivandrum INDONESIA Jakarta IRAN Tehran IRAQ Baghdad IRELAND Cork IRELAND Dublin IRELAND Shannon ISRAEL Tel Aviv ITALY Brindisi ITALY Catania ITALY Florence ITALY Milan ITALY Naples ITALY Pisa ITALY Rome ITALY Venice ITLAY Sardinia IVORY COAST JAMAICA Kingston JAPAN Osaka JAPAN Tokyo JORDAN Amman KAZAKHSTAN Almaty KENYA Nairobi KUWAIT Kuwait LATVIA Riga LEBANON Beirut LIBERIA Monrovia LIBYA Tripoli LITHUANIA Vilnius LUXEMBOURG MADAGASCAR Ant. MALAWI Blantyre MALAWI Lilongwe MALAYSIA K.L. MALDIVES Male MALI Bamako MALTA Malta MAURITIUS MEXICO Acapulco MEXICO Mexico City MONGOLIA Ulaanbatuur MOROCCO Cas'bl MOROCCO M'kech MOZAMBIQUE Maputo NAMIBIA Windhoek NEPAL Kathmandu NETHERLANDS Schipol NEW Z'LND Auckland NEW Z'LND C'church NICARAGUA M'gua NIGER Niamey NIGERIA Lagos NORWAY Oslo NORWAY Tromso OMAN Muscat PAKISTAN Islamabad PAKISTAN Karachi PAKISTAN Lahore PANAMA City PERU Lima PHILIPPINES Manila PNG Port Moresby POLAND Warsaw PORTUGAL Faro PORTUGAL Lisbon PORTUGAL Maderia QATAR Doha ROMANIA Bucharest RUSSIA Moscow RUSSIA St. P'burg RUSSIA Yakutsk RWANDA Kigali SAN TOME SAUDI ARABIA Jeddah SAUDI ARABIA Riyadh SENEGAL Dakar SERBIA Belgrade SEYCHELLES SIERRA LEONE F'twn SINGAPORE SLOVAKIA Bratislava SLOVENIA Ljubljana SOMALIA M'dishu SOUTH KOREA Seoul SPAIN Alicante SPAIN Barcelona SPAIN Bilbao SPAIN Fuerteventura SPAIN Gran Canaria SPAIN Lanzarote SPAIN Madrid SPAIN Malaga SPAIN Palma SPAIN Seville SPAIN Tenerife SPAIN Valencia SRI LANKA Colombo ST. LUCIA St. Lucia STH AFRICA C. Town STH AFRICA Jo'burg SUDAN Khartoum SWEDEN Stockholm SWITZ'LND Geneva SWITZ'LND Zurich SYRIA Damascus TAIWAN Taipei TANZANIA Dar' Salaam TANZANIA Kili. THAILAND Bangkok TOGO Lome TRINIDAD P. Spain TUNISIA Tunis TURKEY Ankara TURKEY Antalya TURKEY Dalaman TURKEY Istanbul TURKMENISTAN UAE Abu Dhabi UAE Sharjah UGANDA Entebbe UK Aberdeen UK Belfast UK Birmingham UK Bristol UK Cardiff UK East Midlands UK Edinburgh UK Glasgow UK Inverness UK Isle Of Man UK Liverpool UK London City UK London Gatwick UK London Heathrow UK London Luton UK London Stansted UK Manchester UK Southampton UKRAINE Kiev URUGUAY M'video USA Boston USA Chicago USA Honolulu USA Houston USA Las Vegas USA Los Angeles USA Miami USA New Orleans USA New York JFK USA Orlando USA San Francisco USA Seattle USA Washington UZBEKISTAN T'kent VENEZUELA C'cas VIETNAM Hanoi VIETNAM Ho' Minh YEMEN Aden ZAMBIA Lusaka ZIMBABWAE Harare Number of passengers: Return One Way For more facts on air travel - click here

Asia Travel

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INFORMATION Philippines Country Information The Land || History || The People || First-time Traveler Tips || Visas || Customs || Currency || Weather Clothing || Utilities || Newspapers & Media || Business Hours || Language || Getting Around Modes of Transport || Weather Conditions || Things to Know || Sightseeing || Museums and Art Further Information The Land The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the south. The three main Philippine island groups are Luzon , the Visayas and Mindanao . Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines , including the capital city of Manila , are in Luzon , but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos. The Visayas is famous for its charm, a trait shared by many other southern regions in the world, but here seems to run deeper among a people who are intrinsically connected to their sun soaked island home. The Visayas is also famous as a seat of history, being one of the earliest landfalls of western voyagers. It has also gained a reputation as being a cradle of the nation's future, if the unprecedented economic growth of Cebu City continues. Mindanao is our offering to the Guinness Book of Records with the world's largest clam, the world's largest Eagle, the nation's highest peak and the world's largest city. Mindanao is also home to the Philippines' Muslim population. With a land mass of 300, 780 square kilometers, the Philippines is considered a medium-sized nation, about two- thirds the size of its first colonizer, Spain, and a little larger than the British Isles. Manila is only one hour and 40 minutes from Hong Kong by jet; Sydney only 7 1/2 hours away. Flights to Europe take 17 hours and to the American west coast 15 hours. The Philippines has many things to offer the visitor: a mixture of the old and the new, a diversity of art and culture and a warm, friendly people. Blessed by nature, the Philippines has something to offer every sportsman too . . . extraordinary dive sites, forests to roam, mountains to climb, caves to explore. Top History Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. That it was the center of lively Asian trade route that stretched all the way to China and Japan can be seen from the relics these early visitors left behind. Among our archaeological treasures is a Neolithic spirit boat typical of early Southeast Asian culture. The West discovered the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain, landed in Cebu in 1521. However, colonization didn't actually begin until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila. Because Philippine society was loosely organized, without a central government, the Spanish conquest was rapid and total. Only the Muslims in the south and some inaccessible hill tribes were able to resist Spanish influence. Along with the Spanish conquerors came a new religion, Christianity, a new language, new laws and the galleon trade. Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was the United States of America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo; but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched. The Americans brought over their educational system, their legal system and planted the seeds of their own style of government. In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country with Manuel Luis Quezon as president. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation; and it wasn't until 1946, after the end of the Pacific war, that the Philippines finally regained true independence as the Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Still one of the strongest democracies in Asia, the current president is Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Top The People Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipinos. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international. Like the Southern Chinese, the Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior. This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history, and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitalityall part of the Filipino psychewill make your stay a delight. Top Tips for First-time Philippine Travelers Generally speaking, it is important to travel light. Bring only what's necessary. Avoid the extra baggage. You don't want to pay exorbitant fees for your luggage service. As in any foreign place, be careful with pickpockets. Some might act as a helpful stanger, but they're out to get something from you! It's good to be cautious at all times. Whenever going outdoors, being in a group is recommended. If you're bringing kids with you, make sure to bring all the things they would need, like medicine, bottles of potable water (although many bottled water is available, it is always recommended to bring one), and one of your kids' favorite toys for their own receration. Top Visas If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once here, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigration. Customs Upon Arriving: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city. You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Leaving: Any antiques you may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may also not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country. Currency The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PhP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000 pesos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced. Most large stores, restaurants , hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express , Visas and MasterCard. Traveller' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted. Top Weather The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons--hot and dry from November to June, and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets. Clothing People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women are light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in. For Men Only: If you expect to have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie (which is torture in this weather) there is a wonderful substitute. Go immediately to a department store and buy a barong tagalog. It is an embroidered shirt that is considered a formal dress. It will cost more or less PhP1,000.00, but it is worth every centavo. Utilities Electricity is 220 volts a/c. Many of the major tourist hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets. Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores. Telephone service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call. Some Important Telephone Numbers: (24-Hour Hotline) Police & Fire: 757 or 116 Emergency No.: 501- 650 or 501- 728 Directory Assistance: 114 National Operator: 109 International Operator: 108 For other emergency numbers, please refer to Directory . NOTE: It is advisable to always have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you. Top Newspapers & Other Media The newspapers in the Philippines have been called the freest in the world, as you will see for yourself, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide selection of magazines printed in English including Time, Newsweek and Asiaweek. In Metro Manila you can buy the Asian Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and USA Today. Television is "on the air" from early morning to midnight, showing American programming as well as local programming. The standard channels are 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 23. If you need more channels, most of the major hotels are with Cable TV bringing in TV programs from all over the world. There is also AM and FM radio broadcasting with the pop stations primarily on AM in Filipino and the English language programs on FM. Top Business Hours Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification. The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail. NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed. Language While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English. Top Getting Around There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use. Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel most of the major routes in Metro Manila. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 9.00, adding a few peso for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 4.00. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment. Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 1 peso additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump. The LRT : It's a fast, cheap way to go to downtown Manila. A token can take you between Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) and Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked. The MRT : After it's somewhat unsuccessful opening, the MRT is now enjoying a fair share of passengers plying EDSA. This is definitely the fastest mode of transport, this side of the metropolis. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City up to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Passengers would enjoy the traffic-less route, clean stations and coach, with a good view of Metro Manila's landscape. The only problem is that some stations have very high stairways. Although a number of elevators is operational, not all stations have one. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes end to end. Taxis : Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected. Top Other Modes of Transport Most of the major car rental agencies, including AVIS, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Metro Manila and carry a full line of vehicles from jeeps to limousines. All vehicles may be rented with or without a driver. If you wish to do your own driving you must have a valid foreign or international license. Inter-island transportation is provided by either airplane or ferry boat. Philippine Airlines services most of the major provincial airports. Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, SeaAir, Air Philippines, and Pacific Airways are smaller carriers servicing more remote tourist destinations. For information about boat schedules, check with the Department of Tourism on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila (63-2-5267652, 5267653, 5267655). Top WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY Climate: Tropical (two seasons) Dry Season: March -May (warm) 33-34 C Wet Season: June- October (monsoonal) November -February (coolest) 29-31C Coastline: 334,539 km. Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands, many mountains, rainforests, rich valleys and swamp regions. The Philippines still does have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs. Top THINGS TO KNOW Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog dialect) is the National Language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the English Language. The Philippines is currently the third largest English speaking country in the world. Currency: Peso(PhP). Notes are issued in denominations of , PhP 10, PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 500, and PhP 1000. Coins are issued for 5c, 10c, 25c, PhP 1, PhP 5. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized exchanged dealers. Outside of Manila payments are preferably made in pesos. Major Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club) can be used to pay for most goods and services. Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays). Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays). Time : Local time is GMT plus 8 hours. Business English is the language used. Sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries. Make sure you have business cards. Top SIGHTSEEING Casa Manila: A replica mid 19th Century house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time. Corner Real and General Lunar Streets, Intramuros, Manila. Luzon Chocolate Hills : Bohols most famous attraction: the area is named thus, because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer. Carmen Town, Bohol. Visayas* Colon Street: The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu. Cebu. Visayas* Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: The only underground cemetery in the Philippines; it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna. Laguna, Luzon Island Magellans Cross: The most historically-famous landmark in Cebu. Planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized. Cebu. Visayas* Top PARKS & WILDLIFE Katibawasan Falls: These 250-foot falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao. Camiguin. Mindinao* Maquinit Hot Springs : Located on a scenic beach corner, this is the premium hot spring in the Philippines. Palawan. Luzon* Hidden Valley: A natural recluse is created within this 90-meter crater . A haven for lush jungle life, natural springs and still water pools. Accommodation available. Alaminos, Laguna. Luzon, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife: Quezon Avenue. Quezon City. Luzon. Rizal Memorial Park: Within the lush park there are monuments, a skating rink and adventure playground. Free concerts every Sunday. Ermita, Manila. Luzon. Top MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES Museums & art galleries Ateneo Art Gallery Quezon City Tel: (02) 998 721 Metropolitan Museum of Manila Tel: (02) 832 3645 National Museum Manila Tel: (02) 494 450 Villa Escudero San Pablo City, Quezon City Tel: (02) 521 8698 Top VISAS AND PASSPORTS Visa and Passport No Visas are required for foreigners entering the country for a stay no longer than 21 days provided that you have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines have no diplomatic relations. A temporary visitor's visa is required for those who are planning to stay up to 59 days. Vaccination certificates may be neccesary for long term stays. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special permits. All visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates. Duty Free Items: Two 1-litre bottles of alchohol, and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed. Air Travel to the Country : Ninoy Aquino International Airport (7 km from city centre) Ninoy Aquino Avenue Manila, Philippines: Mactan International Airport Cebu, Philippines: (Most major airlines have flights to the country). Top FURTHER INFORMATION Department of Tourism: T.M. Kalaw Street Rizal Park Metro Manila P.O. Box 3451 Tel: (02)523-8411 Fax: (02) 521 7374 Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporatiom: 4th Floor, Suites 10-17 Legasi Towers 300 Roxas Boulevard Metro Manila Tel: (02) 525-93-18-27 Fax: (02) 521-61-65/ 525-33-14 Top

Chicago Vacation Rental Just

Chicago Rentals - Vacation Rental Home Chicago Rentals Property Owners Join us VRBO ® is Vacation Rentals by Owner ® Home USA Illinois Chicago Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #59725 Chicago Guest House~ 3BR on Lakewood~ Lakeview Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA Accommodations: Vacation Rental Home - 3 Bedrooms - 2 Baths - (Sleeps 4-6) Photo 1 - Chicago Vacation Rental Just five miles North of downtown Chicago you will find the Chicago Guest House on Lakewood Ave. A stately, three-story greystone with separate three and four bedroom apartments. The home is located in the quaint neighborhood of in Lakeview/Wrigleyville; the European-like charm will captivate you. It is here that you will enjoy a wide variety of culturally diverse restaurants, live performances at one of our Landmark theaters, and spending the day shopping the countless array of unique boutiques and galleries. And, let us not forget, Lakeview is home to our beloved Cubs. Nothing beats a Cubs game and one (or two) of those famous Chicago dogs! No matter what your taste or interest, you will find it here. Though it is quite possible you may never want to leave the neighborhood, it would be a shame to miss out on all the city has to offer. Most of Chicago's attractions are only moments away and getting around could not be easier. Taxis are plentiful, the EL train is only a few blocks away and, of course, there is always walking! By far the best way to see the city; if you're up to the challenge, that is. I hope you will come and see for yourself what makes the CHICAGO Guest House the ideal place for you, your family and friends. Photo 2 - Chicago Vacation Rental View comments from previous guests. Amenities: Phone, Air Conditioning, Cable TV, Stereo, CD Player, Fully equipped Kitchen, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Cooking utensils provided, Linens provided, Washer, Dryer, Garage, Gas Grill (BBQ), No Smoking Activities (on site or nearby): Hiking, Biking, Golf, Tennis, Gym, Amusement Parks, Fishing, Shopping, Restaurants, Live Theater, Cinemas, Museums, Sightseeing, Swimming, Boating, Sailing Rates (in US Dollars): Personal Currency Assistant ™ Credit Cards Accepted: Year Round Rental Rates: $272-$340One Nights Deposit Required in Order to Hold Reservation.Balance Due 14 Day Prior to Arrival.Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice. Photo 3 - Chicago Vacation Rental Links to more information: Click Here to see All My Rental Listings CLICK HERE - Chicago Vacation Rental Website - MORE INFO! Note: Each property is individually owned or managed. Dates available:  Year Round Phone: (312) 952-5150 (Illinois, USA) or (773) 244-9847 (Illinois, USA) Please say: "I saw your listing #59725 on VRBO" Home USA Illinois Chicago Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #59725 There have been 1366 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset on September 14, 2005 This listing was first published here on April 11, 2005. Chicago Rentals Date last modified - December 26, 2005 VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® - The largest and most popular vacation rental site. Specializing in BY OWNER vacation rentals, homes, condos, cabins, villas and apartments ALSO privately owned properties offered thru rental agencies and management companies. To report any problems with this site contact webmaster@vrbo.com URL: http://www.vrbo.com/59725 ©1995-2005 by VRBO International LLC - all rights reserved

Golf Vacation Resorts to

Golf Vacation Resorts to Love  You are here: About > Travel > Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways > Romantic Places > Vacations with a Difference > Golf Vacation Resorts to Love Travel Honeymoons Essentials 10 Ideas for a Great Romantic Getaway All-Inclusive Resorts Best Months to Go Nude Beach Guide Photo Galleries Articles & Resources Valentines Day Adults-Only Travel Honeymoon 101 Romantic Places Best of the USA Honeymoon in Hawaii Las Vegas Caribbean & Mexico Love Boats: Cruises for Two Destination Weddings Love & Romance Inexpensive Trips Honeymoon Buzz Weekend Getaways A - Z Romance Index Buyer's Guide Anniversary Gifts Cheap Champagne Find a Gift by Price Gown & Garment Bags Travelers' Gifts Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Stay up to date! The American Club, Wisconsin Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Activities and Sports Vacations Top-Ranked Hotels, Resorts, and Destinations Find a Golf Instructor or School Related Guide Picks Top 5 Ski Resorts for Couples in the USA and Canada Most Popular Best New Romantic Hotels 2006 Romantic Getaway Ideas Love Quotes Anniversary Gift Last Minute Travel What's Hot Royal Caribbean Honeymoons New Year's Resolutions Beverly Hills Hotels Palmilla Resort in Mexico Travel Contests Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Adventure Travel Canada for Visitors Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors Marriage Top 10 Golf Vacation Resorts to Love Guide Picks From Susan Breslow Sardone , Your Guide to Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! If one or both of you golf, you probably want to take your next vacation -- even if it's your honeymoon -- at a resort with a superior golf course and golf facilities plus other amenities. At the following golf resorts both players and non-players can expect to have an exceptional vacation. The majority offer golf vacation packages, and some also feature romance packages. So if you one of you wants tee times and the other loves dinner by candlelight, you can choose a place that offers both. 1) The American Club, Wisconsin The Midwest's only AAA Five-Diamond resort hotel, the American Club is located in Kohler, named the top golf resort destination in the United States by readers of Golf Magazine. Golf course designer Pete Dye created two championship courses at both Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits. For non-golfers, a vacation at the American Club can include shopping for antiques, visiting the innovative Kohler Design Center, spa treatments, hiking, and canoeing. The resort also hosts weddings. Buy Direct 2) Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club, Puerto Rico Sunny days, warm breezes, and the sparkling Caribbean wrap the Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club's four 18-hole golf courses, all designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., in tropical splendor. The 4th hole on the East Course (6,665 yards) is ranked by Jack Nicklaus as one of the top 10 holes in the world. Both East and West (6,431 yards) seaside courses wind through tropical forests and citrus groves, along the Atlantic Ocean, past a chain of lakes, and a man-made lagoon. Read Review Buy Direct 3) Williamsburg Inn, Virginia Golf course designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. called the Golden Horseshoe's Gold Course his finest design, and many leading golf publications concur. Yet there's so much to do and see on a Williamsburg vacation that the allure of the links may fade. Travel back in history as you walk the streets, attend a town hall meeting at the brink of the American Revolution, stroll among the gardens, and dine on authentic 17th-century cuisine in the historic center or sophisticated fare at the elegant Inn. Read Review Buy Direct 4) Sea Pines Resort, South Carolina Twelve-mile-long Hilton Head Island holds an astonishing 22 golf courses, including three at 5,200-acre Sea Pines Resort. When you're not playing golf, there's boating, biking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, birdwatching, parasailing, and swimming to keep you active on your vacation. Read Review Vendor's Site 5) The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, Florida Ritz-Carlton boasts two award-winning hotels in Naples. This one, where golf is the focus, was named no. 1 hotel in Florida on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List. It contains the Tiburon Golf Club with two 18-hole courses designed by Greg Norman and the Rick Smith Golf Academy. Guests have access to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, also a Mobil Five-Star property, located just three miles away on the Gulf of Mexico. Non-golfers can use the pristine beach, fitness, and spa facilities. Read Review Vendor's Site 6) Mauna Lani Resort, Hawaii Rated the no. 1 golf resort on the Big Island by Condé Nast Traveler, Mauna Lani has two extraordinary golf courses carved out ot black lava fields that overlook the sparkling Pacific. At this ultra-luxury resort, you can unwind in a canopied chaise for two on the immaculate beach, experience an open-air sauna as part of the extensive spa, and dine at Canoe House, named the best restaurant on the island. While on the island, don't miss touring still-simmering Volcanoes National Park. Read Review Vendor's Site 7) Greenbrier Resort, West Virginia Three 18-hole championship courses and the Golf Digest Academy, which offers advanced instruction, attract golf aficionados to White Sulphur Springs. Non-golfers can swim in indoor and outdoor pools, depending on the weather, use the fitness center, and play tennis. They can also tour the bunker, secretly designed to harbor members of Congress during the Cold War. Additional recreation choices include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and romantic carriage and balloon rides. Read Review Vendor's Site 8) Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, California Northwest of Santa Barbara, the Alisal has been welcoming guests since 1946. Two 18-hole championship courses satisfy those who come to golf on either the private and secluded Ranch Course or the scenic and popular River Course. Set on a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch, the Alisal is also favored by horseback riders, who can choose from 100 steeds. If you like, the management will give you directions to a private spot overlooking the lake and a gourmet picnic basket to fortify you. Read Review Vendor's Site 9) Turning Stone Casino Resort In the midst of central New York's rolling farmland lies Turning Stone Casino Resort, an ever-expanding complex that features five golf courses. Among the designers: Tom Fazio, Rick Smith, and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Non-golfing partners can gamble, swim, use the spa, or visit local attractions (including a huge mall). Read Review Publisher's Site 10) Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Arizona No mention of great American golf resorts is complete without acknowledging the world-class resort golf courses of Arizona. From the Phoenician Hotel to the Boulders Resort to the Four Seasons, it just doesn't get much better. So take your pick, and rest assured that the non-golfer in your relationship with find that the spas, shops, swimming, tennis, restaurants, and weather on your golf vacation fit him or her to a tee. Read Review Vendor's Site Important product disclaimer information about this About site.        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 Royal Caribbean Honeymoons New Year's Resolutions Beverly Hills Hotels Palmilla Resort in Mexico Travel Contests