Europe Travel 101 -

European Guidebooks  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Europe Travel Planning > European Guidebooks Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Tips for Traveling by Train Great Walks in Europe Planning Your Trip to Europe European Photo Gallery Europe Travel 101: Before You Go Related Guide Picks European Walking Guides Western European Travelogues Travel Photography Guidebooks Germany Guidebooks Compact Digital Cameras Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Top 10 European Guidebooks Guide Picks From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Most travelers take one or two guidebooks with them on a European trip and often buy several different books to help plan a great vacation. Here are some suggested books that cover Western Europe, including some specialty travel guides. These guidebooks would make great gifts. 1) Let's Go Europe 2005 Let's Go Travel Guides have long been our favorite for budget travel. Even if you're not traveling on a budget, they are often the best for bus and train information and a good overview of each destination. 2) Let's Go 2005 Western Europe This version covers only Western Europe so has more detail than the above book. Read Review 3) Rick Steves' Best of Europe, 2006 Famous travel guru Rick Steves gives his recommendations for the best places to visit on a European trip, including hotels and restaurants for each destination. This book is not a complete guide to European countries, only the places recommended by Rick. 4) Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door 2005 Another Rick Steves recommendation, he calls this "The Travel Skills Handbook for Independent Travelers". In this book, he recommends places somewhat off the beaten track or a little less touristy than in the previous book. 5) Lonely Planet Europe on a Shoestring 2005 Lonely Planet's budget-minded guidebook covers forty countries in about 1200 pages. The book's many maps and recommendations for unusual activities make it practical even if you are not on a tight budget. 6) Lonely Planet Western Europe 2005 This book covers only Western Europe, but has almost 1300 pages of information, including lots of city maps, lodging recommendations, detailed city information, and photos. There are separate guides to Central and Eastern Europe. 7) Michelin Green Guide Europe The Green Guide offers suggestions on what to see and do with 1-3 star ratings and gives background on history and cultural heritage for 35 European countries. It also has maps, itineraries, practical information, and photos. 8) Dk Eyewitness Travel Guide Europe Eyewitness Travel Guides are known for lots of great full-color illustrations. This one has detailed maps of over 23 European cities and highlights the major sights in 20 countries. 9) European Vacation Rentals This book features short-term rentals for every budget and interest in most of Western Europe, inlcuding some unusual options. It also includes regional highlights and other essential travel information. It may be out of date by now, the latest is a 2002 edition. 10) Dk Eyewitness Travel Guides Great Places to Stay in Europe Suggestions on places to stay in Europe with lots of color photos, restaurants and cafes, and essential information for travelers. 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 Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There

Japan Travel Guide @

Japan Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Car Hire Cruises Flights Hotels Tours Vacations About Travel Notes™ Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Search Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Japan Japan Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Bilingual Map of Japan , Brief Guide to Japan , Getting Around Japan , Hiroshima , Japan Accommodation , Japan Tourism , Japan Tours , Kumamoto and Mt. Aso , Living in Japan , Social Rules in Japan , Tokyo , Travel to Japan , What You're Eating in Japan . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail Flag of Japan Japan is not one of the first countries a budget traveller would choose. Local Currency Convert your currency into Japanese Yen. Buy a Map of Japan National Anthem of Japan. Food Travel Fiction Health Kids Bios Humor Mags Software Gifts Tech Business Other Your Ad Here Travel Notes Mailing List News Headlines World News Directory of newspapers and news sources from around the world. Hotel City Search : Travel to Japan Japan is a little off the flight path to Sydney or Melbourne , and somewhat expensive. Reading signs can be a problem, and the culture change might be a shock. Culture Shock! Japan : More than any other country in this series, the guide to Japanese customs and culture can be a real face saver. Brief Guide to Japan Not all Japanese carry cameras at home, but most eat raw fish while sitting on the floor with their legs crossed. It is with more luck than judgement that you steer yourself out of a Tokyo subway station to the exit you require. A name of a hotel -- in a totally alien city, where there are too many roads to signpost, and even the taxi-drivers have to go on a paper chase navigating by known landmarks -- is all you have to go on. If you booked a city hotel at the airport reservations, this could well be you. The first night in your tv and video, towel and toothbrushed, slippers by the bed, hotel room for the typical businessman, is a soothing stay; something of a jet-lag convalescence. The second can also be very nice, but the third seems like a blatant misuse of funds. How can you justify a week's food-bill on eight hours between clean sheets? Japan -- Expensive? Japan doesn't have to be as expensive as you think. Try a temple lodging stay - smart, relaxing Japanese style rooms with 2 delicious meals at reasonable prices. Tabehodai restaurants are great places to eat and drink - all you can eat for about 2000 yen. For travel around the Fuji / Hakone area, make use of the Hakone free pass . And of course, a budget, luxurious and romantic accommodation alternative is a love hotel -- from 5000 yen for the room. Sent in by : Inside Japan Tours . Getting Around Japan The sleek, streamlined, white and blue bullet-train draws up casually, like a waiter in a white tuxedo ready to take an order. The Hikari Super Express -- Shinkansen in Japanese -- is the cream of train travel. On the station platform, neatly marked yellow arrows and numbers indicate where the corresponding carriages stop. Everyone waits in orderly fashion. Even the gaijin (foreigner) can get this one right. Hiroshima No one should visit Japan without taking a moment to quietly contemplate, in Hiroshima. The City of Hiroshima : The city of Hiroshima faces the tranquil Seto Inland Sea that prides itself on its beautiful myriad of islands. The city is rich in nature with its surrounding picturesque mountains that are ever changing with the four seasons and its six rivers that flow through it. Kumamoto and Mt. Aso If you're ever in the area, be sure to visit the Smiling Samurais and the Smouldering Volcano. Tokyo Tokyo, Japan : This is one of the best personal pages that we've come across, and is a highly recommended multimedia tour of the Japanese capital. Great work from Roger and Marilyn and a must see for budding homepage builders. Social Rules in Japan At bath-time in Japan , wash and rinse all the soap off before getting in the bath; so hot that you want to add some cold water to it. Japanese don't wear outside shoes in the house, slippers on tatami mats, or house slippers to the toilet (toilet slippers are for that). And don't forget to change back afterwards! So much of Japanese life is full of rules, ceremony and rituals -- keeping grace and saving face. After a hard day, the Japanese salaryman on the train lets his guard down and starts to unwind. Ties are casually loosened, while the lesser composed hang up their jackets and remove their shoes. Cans of beer are opened and consumed enthusiastically, because the conscience chocolates are already in their coloured wrapping, beside the leather brief-cases, on the racks above their heads. The small Japanese girls, in dark-blue uniforms, find it almost impossible to wheel their vending trolleys through the human mass, yet they struggle on gamely with boxes and plastic bags, smiling and bowing, beautifully masking any signs of stress or strain. Before leaving the carriage, they turn to face the passengers, give a high pitched cry of gratitude, and bow once more. Japan Tourism Japan's Heartland : A wide variety of historical, cultural and natural sites are on offer in the Tokai Region -- or Japan's Heartland. Japan National Tourist Office : The starting point for a trip to Japan. You can choose a region to explore, and there are even tips and hints for budget travellers. Traditional Japan : From the tea ceremony and geishas, to Japanese gardens and the public baths, every thing you need to know to appreciate the culture and customs of the Japanese. What You're Eating in Japan A colourful display of plastic, in a restaurant window, passes for the menu. You can not be sure what you are about to eat, but at least it gives you a rough idea of what to expect. Something like large liquorice allsorts turns out to be rice wrapped in seaweed. Then of course there's the pink sections of raw fish and deep-fried vegetables, all waiting to be tickled by chopsticks. Sushi Worldwide : It would be a good idea to telephone these restaurants first as they might no longer be open. If they are, you can always send your reviews of them into John Maraist using the forms linked to each restaurant listing. Tokyo Food Page : A complete guide to Japanese cuisine and eating in Tokyo, with recipes, articles on Japanese cooking, restaurant listings, culinary travel tips and more. Japan Accommodation Hotels in Japan Living in Japan Jobs in Japan : Japan job listings and free resume posting available. Also includes a personal ads section. Living in Japan : Expatriate, travel, cultural and employment resources for Japan -- from EscapeArtist. Working in Japan : From the hopeless bureaucracy of the Japanese Department of Immigration to the shocking amounts of key money required for an apartment, be prepared to test your patience far beyond its usual boundaries. This article, by Robert Landridge, has all manner of advice to help you on your way. Working Visas : There a number of visas depending on the work you intend to do. Find out which working visa applies to you. Japan Tours Creative Tours : Japan comprises a chain over 1000 fascinating islands. From snow-covered mountains to beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant cities to tranquil fishing villages. Whatever images Japan conjures up in your mind, you won't be disappointed. Elite International : Get a glimpse into the wonders of Japan -- a lovely land of endless mountain chains filled with awe-inspiring temples, shrines, rice paddies, and heavenly hot springs. Custom designed tours available. Inside Japan Tours : From the bright lights of Tokyo, the taste sensations of Osaka and the history of Kyoto, to the barren slopes of Mt. Fuji and the great outdoors of the Japan Alps, Japan has something for everybody. Flexible 8 and 13 night tours and customised packages. Sunrise Tours : Japan package tours include arrival and departure transfer services to/from the airport. Alternatively, you can select the components which best suit your needs and arrange your own tour package. Operated by JTB. Asia Travel Forum : From Afghanistan to Vietnam, Islam to Buddhism, you're sure to find a place for your soul in Asia. Join us in the travel forums if you have a question about Asia or would like to share your experiences about travelling or living in Asia. The Internet TravelNotes.org Japan Travel Guide Flight Tickets : Save money on Round The World flight tickets. Travel News : Get the inside scoop with the latest travel features and tips. Past Articles . Airlines & Airports : This travel article points you to airlines and the three letter airport codes with links to their websites. Cyber Cafes : The Internet Caf Guide. Weather Outlook Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Tours Vacations Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Meta-Travel Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Travel Directory : Asia : Japan Travel Guide -- Submit to Travel Notes | Advertise on TravelNotes.org | Favourite Destinations | Magun'sCompass | Travel Articles | Writers | | Airlines | Airports | Car Hire | Cruises | Flights | Hotels | Online Reservations | Vacation Rentals | | Casinos | Olympics | World Cup | General Disclaimer | Meta-Travel | Search Resources | | TravelNotes is a Trademark of TravelNotes.org | Travel Notes Blog | Add URL | Add to Favorites The URL for this page is: http://www.travelnotes.org/Asia/japan.htm

Central America Travel Books

Mexico and Central America Travel Books  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors Mexico and Central America Travel Books Mexico/Central America for Visitors Blog « Honduras, Central America | Main | Mexicali celebrates 100th Anniversary » October 15, 2003 Mexico and Central America Travel Books There are many travel guidebooks devoted to Mexico and to Central America. Here is my recommended list of 6 top travel books which should prove to be valuable aids for many visitors to this area of the world. Email a Friend Display Latest Headlines Read Archives Advertisement Most Popular Mexican Music La Paz, Mexico Quinceanera Packing List Tijuana, Mexico What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Related Topics California for Visitors South America for Visitors Caribbean for Visitors Mexican Cuisine        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 Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Headlines Top 6 Travel Books for Mexico and Central America There are many travel guidebooks devoted to Mexico and to... Health Information for Visitors to Mexico and Central America This article provides a summary of the more important health... Safety Considerations for Travelers to Mexico and Central America Travel to Mexico and Central America is not significantly less... Acapulco, Mexico Once a favorite destination of honeymooners, celebrities and the...

Chicago Vacation Packages -

Chicago Vacation Packages - United States in Illinois at Respond Vacations A business referral community with over 2.5 million members My Account | Advertise directory.respond.com | matching.respond.com | referrals.respond.com Chicago Vacation Packages - United States Secure Form Get Matched to Top Local Travel Agents in Chicago Complete these questions and get a customized, timely response from prescreened and member referred Travel Agents serving Chicago that are interested in working with you. You choose the Travel Agent that best meets your needs. No Cost. 1) Which state in the United States would you like to visit? 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Asia Travel || Malaysia

HOTELS RESORTS TRAVEL LEISURE TOURS MALAYSIA ASIA Kuala Lumpur Travel Information Getting around || Business Hour || Money Changing || Tips for Shoppers || Shopping Things you can get || Main shopping area || Fashion/Designer Boutiques || Food Outlets Spectacular Sights Hotels & Resorts Reservation Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. From its centralised position which spans 243.6 sq. kilometres, this ultra-modern nerve centre of Malaysia expands outwards to embrace the world. Discovering KL (as locals affectionately call it) is like travelling through a time tunnel. Here, vivid traces of history continue to influence and inspire a country set on becoming a fully industrialised nation by the year 2020. You will see ultra-modern skysrapers standing magnificently next to rows and rows of quaint old shophouses. Haute cuisine beside hawker stalls. To the avid shopper KL, is paradise. From world-renowned designer labels and brands to exquisite made-in-Malaysia items, the highly competitive environment that exists among traders is a blessing in disguise to shoppers. While department retail establishments or at any one of KL's famous night markets. KL will enthrall you. It will capture your heart and mind in a way no other city will. Top Getting Around in Kuala Lumpur The city has an efficient transport network that enables visitors to move around conveniently and economically. Taxi Services Taxi may be hired from taxi stands, hailed by roadsides or through a radio-phone paging system. Tel: 03-2936211, 7330507, 2211011, 7330507, 7815352. City taxis operate by meter. The current rate is RM I.50 for the 1st kilometre and 10 sen for each subsequent 200 metre. Radio taxis charge an additional RM 1.00 for phone bookings. Bus Services There are two types of city buses in Kuala Lumpur, i.e., mini buses and omnibuses. Mini buses charge a standard fare of 60 sen (70 & 90 sen for air-cond mini buses) to any destination within their route. The fare for omnibuses starts at 20 sen and varies with the distance travelled. The following are the major bus terminals in the city: Kelang Bus Station (Bus No: 32 & 33) To Petaling Jaya, Subang Airport, Shah Alam and Port Klang. Jalan Sultan Mohamad Bus Station (Bus No: 13, 19, 32, 40, 42, 48, 244, 274, 31 1, 326, 332, 335, 337, 338 & 793) To Taman Bangsar, Petaling Jaya (Old Town Kelana Jaya and Pantai Buit Damansara. Bang}ok Bank Bus Stand (Bus No: 10, 11, 43 & 71) To Selayang Baru, Segambut Dalam and Batu Caves. Kota Raya Shopping Complex/Menara Maybank (Bus No: 13, 25, 44, 103, 104, 121, 123, 124 & 125) To Jalan Cheras, Sri Petaling, Serdang Lama, Taman Pudu Raya Bus Station (Bus No; 102, 103, 104, 104A, 107, 109, 110 & 133) To Seri Kembangan, Sungei Besi Camp, Balakong, Taman Seri Serdang Kajang. Lebuh Ampang Bus Stand (Bus No: 12, 191) To Taman Greenwood, Kampung Air Panas, Sri Gombak, Taman Setapak and Batu 12 Gombak. Chow Kit Bus Stand (Bus No: 8, 13, 17, 20, 24, 65 & 191) To Kampung Datuk Keramat, Ulu Kelang, Bangsar, Gombak and Jalan Genting Kelang. Top Business Hours Shops generally open from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm while supermarkets and department stores open from 10 am to 10 pm. The bigger stores also remain open on Sundays. Money Changing Foreign currency and travellers cheques may be changed in all commercial banks during banking hours: Mondays to Fridays - 10.00 am to 3.00 pm Saturdays - 9.30 am to 11.30 am Licensed money changers at the airport, international hotels and within the city sometimes offer better rates than banks. Travellers Cheques are also accepted by hotels and major departmental stores but banks give the best rates. Top Tips for Shoppers It is wise to compare prices before you buy to ensure you get the best bargains. Prices in the bigger stores are usually fixed although bargaining is still practised in smaller shops and road side stalls. Check for the correct voltage in electronic and electrical goods. Malaysia, uses 220 volts. Most stores however often sell electrical goods without plugs which may be fitted on request. Top Shopping in Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur, the commercial hub of the country, has its fair share of famous landmarks, historical relics and heritage buildings plus a pulsating night life to keep the visitor occupied day and night. None of these, however, would be complete without the sheer fun and excitement of bargain hunting within the cool comforts of ultra-modem, one-stop shopping complexes or the thrill of browsing among antiques and curio items in the older establishments in the older parts of the city. Mingle with the jostling crowd at the numerous roadside stalls or share in the heady excitement of the carnival like 'pasar malam' or night markets. Top Things you can get in Kuala Lumpur Handicrafts of local origin range from intricate silver, brass and pewter items to pottery, rattan and wickerwork. Batiks of silk and cotton come in tantalisingly vivid hues. The bold designs and dazzling colours of Malaysian Batik set it apart from others within the region. Art objects and curio items from the orient vie for attention with carpets and rugs of lustrous silk and fine wool in traditional designs of intricate geometric motifs or patterned in beautiful flowery designs of pastel hues. There's ready-to-wear apparel of every design and colour and trendy shoes and handbags. From the fashion centres of the world come designer collections, elegant footwear, exclusive watches, optical items and quality fabrics. Electrical appliances, electronic equipment, computers and cameras are available too. And the list goes on..... Top Main shopping areas in Kuala Lumpur The main shopping areas in Kuala Lumpur are the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman area, Jalan Petaling/ Jalan Bandar area and Jalan Bukit Bintang. Jalan Tuanku Abd. Rahman The main shopping area along Jalan Tuanku Abd. Rahman, stretches from the Jalan Dang Wangi junction to Jalan Tun Perak and is lined on both sides by a quaint mix of ultra modern buildings sandwiched between pre-war buildings whose gracious facades have been lovingly preserved. China Arts and Peiping Lace are a must for lovers of Oriental Art, antiques and curios. Both shops stock an irresistible collection of fine embroidered bed and table lined, carved rosewood furniture, chests and cabinets, Chinese ceramics and jade and ivory carvings. Shops dealing in oriental carpets may also be found here. Jalan Masjid India which runs almost parallel to this area is the place to go to for ethnic goods of Indian origin, sarees, sarongs and textiles. Jalan Bukit Bintang Jalan Bukit Bintang, the 'Golden Mile' of Kuala Lumpur owed its fame in the heyday of the post-war era to 'BB Park', the entertainment complex located on the site of the present Sungei Wang Plaza and BB Plaza. Today, the area is barely recognisable; gone is the gaily lit fairground of merry-go-rounds and ferris wheels and in its place are ultra-modern shopping and commercial complexes, interspersed with towering international standard hotels. Shoppers would lose all sense of time, browsing through the shops of Lot 10, Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang Plaza and Kuala Lumpur Plaza. Petaling Street and Jalan Bandar are at the hub of Kuala Lumpur's bustling Chinatown. Shops here offer a variety of textiles, clothes, shoes and handbags at bargain prices. The area is also known for its jewellery shops with their fascinating variety of fine jewellery items beautifully crafted in gold and set with priceless gemstones. Nepalese traders offer exotic ethnic jewellery, wall hangings, ornaments, curios and teapots from India and Burma. Make-shift and mobile stalls jam the streets with their offerings of dried foodstuff, herbs, fruits, flowers and herbal remedies. This is the place to hone your bargaining skills; where a poker face and the 'gift of the gab' would be plus points in your favour. This unusually busy street becomes more lively at night with the sprouting up of stalls offering a diverse range of products from ethnic goods, clothing and cosmetics to 'designer watches'! The bright lights from the shop fronts and stalls combine with the blaring music to lend the area a festive carnival air. Top Fashion/Designer Boutiques The emergence of famous names on the Kuala Lumpur shopping scene is a clear indication that prestige shopping is here to stay! The Lot 10 shopping centre designated its entire 4th floor as the 'Prestige floor' housing exclusive names such as Jaegar, Donna Karan, Nina Ricci and Hanae Mori, to name a few. At City Square, along Jalan Tun Razak, the aura of exclusivity and understated elegance pervades the entire ground floor. Designer boutiques may also be found at Kuala Lumpur Plaza and the Hilton Hotel shopping arcade. Not to be outdone, many other shopping complexes have also alloted several lots to accommodate 'Designer Comers' offering select but impressive range of items. Fashion wear range from classic suits in pure wool and linen, elegant dresses for evenings, chic dresses and smart casuals for day time wear to cheerful, fancy leggings, cycling shorts and sweaters in vivid rainbow colours for the young and 'young at heart'. There is also an equally impressive range of menswear and accessories, leather goods and timepieces and writing instruments, not to mention the mind boggling display of fashion eye wear of every imaginable shape and design. Top Food Outlets Most major shopping centres have a number of restaurants specialising in Malay, Chinese, Indian or Western food located within their premises, for those in a hurry, there's always Mc Donalds or Kentucky Fried Chicken! Some of these complexes devote almost an entire floor to food stalls offering a mouth-watering array of local fast foods. Withs so many food outlets to choose from, the hassle comes only in actually deciding what to eat! Top Asia Travel || Malaysia Hotel & Resorts Malaysia Travel Information