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

Japan travel Travel Go

Packing tips for Japan - Japan travel  You are here: About > Travel > Japan for Visitors > Japanese Penpal / Chat > Packing tips for Japan - Japan travel Travel Go Japan Essentials Clickable Map of Japan Japan Pictures Japan Travel Tips Japanese Geisha Japan 101 - Fact about Japan Articles & Resources Japan Maps Picture of Japan / Web cams Best of Japan / Attractions Hotels/Accommodations Tokyo / Cities / Regions Japanese Translators Japanese Culture Etiquette / Living in Japan Japan Weather / Geography Japan History / Samurai Japanese Penpal / Chat Plan Your Trip to Japan Air Travel / Train Travel Restaurants / Japanese Food Japanese Gift / Japan Books Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Japanese Gifts Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Japan for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Japan for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading When to Go to Japan Where to Go in Japan Japan Photo Gallery Recent Discussions Japanese Cooking School in Tokyo Need help with gift new U.S. business Most Popular New Year Cards Japanese Geisha Christmas in Japan Japanese Tattoos Free Japanese postcards - Japanese new year cards - japan fr... What's Hot Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo Related Topics Japanese Cuisine Japanese Language Asia for Visitors Anime PlayStation Games Packing for Japan From Shizuko Mishima , Your Guide to Japan for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Pcking Tips You might be wondering what to bring for your trip to Japan. I will give you some packing tips and a list of items. Tip 1: Money Many Japanese stores don't accept credit cards and traveler's checks, especially in small cities. I recommend bringing traveler's checks to Japan and exchanging them to yen in a bank. Be sure to carry Japanese yen in cash while you are in Japan. It's usually safe to carry cash in Japan. Be careful of pickpockets if you are taking a crowded train or going to an event where you can expect a large crowd. It's still convenient to bring a major credit card, such as MasterCard or Visa. You can use them when you shop at major department stores, hotels, and restaurants. Tip 2: Appliances The electricity in Japan is 100 volts, and there are two cycles (50/60). In Tokyo and areas northeast of Tokyo, the electricity is 50 cycles. In the southwest Japan, it's 60 cycles. Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya are in the southwest side. If you need to bring any appliances from your country, make sure to bring a converter or plug. American appliances can be used in Japan without a converter although they will have less power. If your appliances are three-pronged, you need a plug since Japanese appliances are two-pronged. You can buy converters and plugs in the airports or travel equipment stores in Japan. But since it could be a hassle for you to find a store that sells the converters, it's better to purchase them in your own country. It shouldn't take much space in your luggage. If you want to email your family or friends from Japan, you might want to take your laptop. You can connect to the Internet from major hotels and public phones although Internet access can be expensive in Japan. Tip 3: Luggage Compared with westerners, who often travel with large suitcases, it's not common for Japanese people to travel with a large suitcase around the country. Consequently, there isn't usually a wide space to store large luggage in trains, and the coin lockers aren't large enough to hold them either. I recommend keeping your luggage small when you travel around Japan. You might want to bring several small bags so that you don't have to carry a large suitcase. Tip 4: Shoes Since it's a Japanese custom to take off your shoes indoors, you might have to take off your shoes often in Japan. I recommend bringing a pair of shoes that you can slip off and on easily. Make sure to bring, and wear, a nice pair of socks or pantyhose to avoid any embarrassment when you take off your shoes. Tip 5: Handkerchief and Pocket tissue It's important to carry a handkerchief in Japan. Many restrooms in Japan don't have paper towels. Be sure to bring a handkerchief in your pocket to dry your hands! Also, pocket tissues are good to carry, since they are often needed while traveling. Tip 6: Gifts While you are in Japan, you might be visiting a Japanese home. If you are wondering what to bring for gifts, former travelers to Japan share good ideas in the forum. Check List: Passport and Visa (If you are staying in Japan more than 90days) Airplane Ticket Japan Railpass purchasing order Traveler's check Japanese yen in cash if possible Travel Insurance Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) Photocopy of all these documents Small suitcase or extra bags Camera (film is cheap in Japan) Umbrella Small calculator Dictionary (Japanese Conversation book) / Guidebook Sewing set Walking shoes First Aid Kit / Prescription / OTC Medicine Alarm clock Glasses and Contact lenses Jackets / Night wear / Socks / Underwear Shaver (cordless would be good) Laptop if you need Plastic bags (can be trash bags) Pen / Memo note Cosmetics and your amenities Packing Tips from Japan for Visitors Forum Money Exchange in Japan Using Internet in Japan Baggage on Shinkansen Suggestions for Gifts More Articles about Japan / Japan Photo Gallery        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo

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CNN.com - Travel International Edition | Member Center: Sign In | Register Home Page World U.S. Weather Business Sports Politics Law Technology Science & Space Health Entertainment Travel Education Special Reports Video Autos CNN Pipeline E-mail Newsletters Your E-mail Alerts Podcasts RSS CNNtoGO Contact Us 2006 hot spots include Colorado, China, Croatia While travel to perennial favorites like Los Angeles, Orlando, New York and Las Vegas is always strong, some unexpected destinations -- from Colorado and Arizona to Croatia and China -- are showing up as hot spots for travel as the 2006 season begins. FULL STORY • 'Disaster tourism' edges into view TRAVEL CHALLENGE Europe for two, under $1,200 TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS Today: Nassau, Bahamas. Send us your snapshots MORE NEWS • TSA: Changes don't affect screening times • Top amusement parks up 4.2 percent • Time brings changes to Myrtle Beach • Watch: Tips for traveling on the cheap • Mushing in Minnesota's frozen wilderness WATCH FREE VIDEO Browse/Search Business News Update (1:33) Plea deal in Enron case (:27) Featured Video More Top Video • Gaza violence and politics • French hostage video (:40) • Hole forces plane to land (1:13) Featured Video More Top Video More Destinations Nicaragua: Peaceful times for tourists • Washington promoting American originals • Alaska: Venturing north of the Arctic Circle • Sparkle in a small Virginia town sponsored by: More Travel News Mexico resorts getting back in the swim • Air marshals to monitor transit systems • Top places to frolic in your birthday suit • New technology can prevent runway overruns More Travel Adviser News Gifts for globe-trotters • CNN/Money: Holiday escape savings • Delve deeper into your destination • Travel insurance helps cover all the bases More Business & Industry News Ski industry optimistic for good season • Delta pilots accept 15 percent pay cut • Airlines go flat out for comfort • Atlanta poised for major tourism push SPECIAL REPORT CNN/Money: Airline turbulence D.C. DINING ON A DIME Eat like a senator for intern prices LOVELYLOWCOUNTRY Backroads guide to picturesque South Carolina region DRIVING DIRECTIONS Create a personal itinerary with listings of nearby lodging, dining and more • Find a map RESOURCES • Find weather forecasts • CNNMoney.com currency converter • CNN Airport Network • CNN Partner Hotels • Airline toll free numbers • US Customs • Passports • Travel warnings and advisories Search for jobs @ Also see International Edition Languages --------- Arabic Japanese Korean Turkish CNN TV CNN International Headline News Transcripts Advertise with Us About Us © 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines . Contact us . External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com Pay service with live and archived video. Learn more Download audio news | Add RSS headlines

Italy Travel-The Original and

Italy Travel - Italy Travel-The Original and Best Tour Company in Italy-High Quality Tours Florence Tuscany Rome Venice Wednesday, 28th December 2005 User Name: Password: 0 && document.login_prompt.mysource_password.value.length 1) { return true; } else { return false;}" Italy Home A selection of the best tours and accommodation in Italy About Us The Original and Best-Leaders in creative innovative tours and experiences, great service, fabulous guides Why Us Simply the Best Italy Tours The Best Tours in Italy with an Asta approved travel company Tour Bookings Italy Transfers Cruise ship and shopping tour transfers Gift Vouchers Give a gift they will treasure forever! 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Spain Travel

Hotels and Inns of Spain :: Travel Accommodation, Tourism :: Spain Vacation Inns and Hotels in Spain :: Travel and Accommodation in Spain :: Home Contact Us Charming Inns and Hotels in Spain Inns of Spain Part of Inns en Route Email Tel:+1.250.412.7336 Fax:+1.604.648.9356 - France Hotels - Portugal Hotels - Mallorca Hotels - Canary Islands Hotels - Paradores Hotels - Italy Hotels - Canada Hotels - USA Hotels - Costa Rica Hotels Inns of Spain represents over three hundred interesting, small and charming Spanish Hotels and Inns throughout mainland Spain and the islands. These inns include converted former monasteries, Asturian farmhouses, Galician pazos, historic castles, Andalusian cortijos, country inns, and many elegant hotels in Spain’s fascinating towns and cities. Some of these attractive inns are in the Canary Islands and Balearic islands . The charm, warmth and service at these Spanish Inns is unparalleled. Most are independently owned, family operated businesses conveniently located for touring itineraries of Spain and the islands. InnsofSpain.com showcases these Spanish inns and hotels, allowing you to easily browse, select and reserve rooms in these special properties. We also include frank comments and observations from our clients who have stayed at these inns to help you in your decision-making. If you prefer larger properties in historic settings, we also represent the Paradores group. In addition to these special places in Spain, we represent similar small, charming inns throughout France , Portugal and Italy . Our newest sites are Costa Rica , USA and Canada . Inns of Argentina and Inns of Morocco will be on our site in the new year. City Hotel Finder A Coruna Arcos Avila Barcelona Bilbao Burgos Cadiz Cordoba Cuenca Denia Estepona Gaucin Gijon Girona Granada Guadalajara Huelva Javea Jerez La Coruna Logrono Madrid Malaga Marbella Merida Nerja Ourense Oviedo Palma Ribadesella Ronda Salamanca San Sebastian Santander Santiago de Compostela Segovia Sevilla Tarifa Tarragona Toledo Trujillo Ubeda Valencia Xativa Zafra Prices: Low Medium High -- -- New Feria de Sevilla April 25 to 30 2006 - note that some hotels have extra high season rates before and after Feria also. Semana Santa (Easter week) in 2006 is April 9 to 16. Early in 2006 we will include some very special places in Argentina and Morocco. We are excited about both of these countries and believe they offer safe, unique and special experiences for the independent traveller. At the beginning of January we will offer another forty small hotels throughout Spain. Many are located in out-of-the-way places and are a delightful mix of very old buildings with wonderfully modern and stylish interiors. Posada Molino del Canto is an unusual little countryside hotel (with just six rooms), that was once a mill and miller's house. It is located in the Valley of Zamanzas, on the edge of the River Ebro. The hotel is 88 km. from Santander and 77 km. to the fascinating city of Burgos. The hotel has a delightful dining room or, in the summer, enjoy sitting outside for breakfast or dinner. Villa Turistica Bubion is offered as a base from which to explore the Alpujarra region. A little hotel village surrounded by peaks, it is ideal for those who love hiking and outdoor activities. Some of the little casitas are big enough for six people. Posada del Marques is 22 km. from the wonderful city of Leon. It was once part of a monastery, with a fascinating history, and part of the building is still used by a religious order and you can listen to the Gregorian chants in the church each day. There are just eleven ensuite rooms. Pago del Vicario is close to Ciudad Real and is a perfect destination for those interested in wine-making and wine. A new hotel, in the centre of the vineyards, and with a superb restaurant and cellar. A perfect place to taste, chat with the vintners and learn about the Bodega's special offerings. Hotel Bremon is a lovely hotel in the heart of Cardona, that was once a school for Carmelite nuns. There are nineteen comfortable rooms and a delightful restaurant. Special events over the summer in various locations: 6 July Medieval tournament in Hita, Guadalajara. 13 and 14 July, Medieval fair in Noia, Galicia. Fridays in July and August Medieval fair in Besalu. 9 August. Medieval tournament in Cortegana, Huelva. 10 August Medieval Tornament in Alba de Tormes, Valladolid. 9, 10 and 11 August Medieval fair in A Coruna. 24 August, Circo romano in Guinzo de Limia, Orense. 30 August Medieval Fair in Almassera, Valencia. 31 August Medieval tournament Casa de los Naranjos is an economically-priced twenty room hotel in the heart of Cordoba. In a typical Cordoban style, with two storeys and a central courtyard, it offers comfortable rooms in a central location. Finca El Tossal is a five room inn (with a delightful swimming pool) located inland from Altea. More News Are there any fees for using your service? Is information submitted to Inns en Route Inc. secure? There is availability, how do I make a reservation? More FAQ's Many thanks for your excellent follow-up – your planning was terrific AT May we compliment you on the efficiency of your service MA I will recommend this website to anyone going to Spain. 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