Mexico Travel
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Mexico Travel Guide - Mexico Articles Wednesday Dec 28th, 2005 Mexico Central Time Back to Mexico Articles After many years of hard work and saving, you deserve to treat yourself. Many foreigners now look to Mexico as an ideal place to retire to. This section is designed to give you an overview of advantages and disadvantages of retirement in Mexico. Before you make the decision to move to Mexico permanently, be sure to visit several different towns and see what each has to offer. Different cities have different personalities and available activities, as well as varying amount of other retirees living there. Currently, the most popular retirement communities are in Guadalajara and the nearby Lake Chapala area, Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Cuernavaca, Manzanillo and Oaxaca. All of these locations are along or near to the Pacific coastline of Mexico, and have mild to hot temperatures year-round. Many of the established retirement communities in these locations are well-designed resorts in themselves, featuring golf courses, tennis courts, movie and performing arts theaters, and swimming pools. Be sure to choose a community which offers all that you are looking for. Talk to the residents and ask their opinions. You can stay as long as six months on a tourist pass in Mexico, so if you choose to drive or fly down to Mexico, be sure to allow enough time to make it back across the border before this time period expires. Should you find the place that's just right for you, you can begin the process of established residency. Before moving south of the border permanently, you must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of moving to a foreign country. We'll start with the advantages. First of all, rent will be cheaper. Depending on where you choose to live, rent could be extremely cheap or extremely expensive, but you can easily rent a nice apartment or house for around $300 to $600 per month. If you're interested in buying a house or condominium, please refer to our real estate page for more information. Another great advantage of living in Mexico, especially the farther away you get from the tourist traps, is the price of groceries. By shopping in residential markets and out of the way grocery stores, two people could easily eat on a budget of $200 per month. As well as inexpensive groceries, small Mexican restaurants (not the fancy tourist restaurants mind you) serve excellent Mexican dishes for a fraction of what you would pay in any American or Canadian restaurant. In addition to cheap food and cheap rent (if you so choose...), the Mexican people are generally tremendously polite. Back to Top The more Spanish that you are able to speak, the better you will fare in Mexico, but even if you don't speak a word of Spanish, many Mexican people will still treat you very politely or at the very least, they will treat you with respect. Contrary to popular belief, the health care in Mexico is top-notch. Many practicing doctors in Mexico were themselves educated at American medical schools, and offer just as good (or sometimes better) health care as doctors in the United States. Pharmacies are always well-stocked and you should have no trouble finding any medications that you may need; and most at significantly lower prices. Another great advantage (although maybe a disadvantage to some) about Mexico is the climate. If you love year-round warm weather, lots of sun, and the always warm waters of the ocean nearby, you will love your retirement in Mexico. Before you pack your bags and move to Mexico, let's go over the disadvantages first. We'll start with weather. If you are used to cool, northern weather, the heat of Mexico during summer will likely give you some trouble. The summer season can be muggy or dry, but it is inevitably hot. Air conditioning can help, but nobody can be expected to live indoors throughout the summer season, so while researching where you may want to live, go during both the winter AND the summer season. Another disadvantage about moving to Mexico is that invariably, you will have to leave many friends behind. As nice as it sounds to have people come visit you, many retirees have had privacy problems due to old friends visiting constantly because of a free place to stay in Mexico. You will, of course, make new friends in Mexico, and you can always return to the United States to visit. It is advisable not to offer a place to stay in Mexico to many people before you leave, though. You may find many (too many?) of them taking you up on your offer! Transportation may or may not be a problem for you in Mexico. If you are used to driving your car around and dislike public transportation, you might be slightly inconvenienced. The public transit of most Mexican cities is adequate if not excellent, and will be cheaper than driving. High gas prices, difficulties with insurance, and the effects of the Mexican climate on your car are all things to consider. If the advantages of living in Mexico outweigh the disadvantages, you may want to look into retirement to Mexico further. An excellent guide to retirement in Mexico is AIM, a newsletter which costs $16 U.S. or $19 Canadian. Contact AIM, Apdo. Postal 31-70, Guadalajara 45050, Jalisco, Mexico. Back to Top Send us your comments about this article Back to Mexico Articles Acapulco | Cancun | CopperCanyon | Cozumel | Guadalajara | Huatulco | Ixtapa | Los Cabos Manzanillo | Mazatlan | Mexico City | Monterrey | Oaxaca | Puerto Vallarta © 1995 - 2005 Let's Go2Mexico ® - All Rights Reserved - Powered by ® Go2 Producciones ernesto luna sierra
Asia Travel || Cambodia
COUNTRY AND TRAVEL INFORMATION OF CAMBODIA - ASIA TRAVEL Cambodia Travel Information Map of Cambodia Facts about Cambodia || Tour Packages || Food || Phnom Penh || Angkor Wat and Siemreap Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom || Currency || Climate || Geography || Langauges || Religion Angkor Wat - Bayon || How to reach || Visa FACTS ABOUT CAMBODIA The Kingdom of Cambodia is an independent country with a population of more than 7 million people. With a surface area of 181,035 sq. km and once a French colony, is the least known Indochinese country. Cambodia has a distinct geographical personality: it is a wide basin surrounded by highlands. In this basin the farmer has created a simple life - an original civilization and philosophy of mildness. After many years of war, people rediscovered the meaning of "PEACE" They started to rebuild and reconstruct in all fields. Cambodia is divided into 20 provinces and rich in resources, forests, rubber, gems, fish and has a big potential in tourism. FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY Khmers have called their country Kampuchea (usually rendered Kambuja), since the l6th century. The name is derived from the word kambu-ja, meaning those born of Kambu (a figure of Indian mythology), which was first used to refer to the people of Cambodia in the 10th century. The Portuguese Cambodia and French Cambodge from which the English name Cambodia is derived, are adaptations of " Kampuja". It was the Khmer Rouge who insisted that the outside world use the name Kampuchea. Changing the country's official English name back to Cambodia (which has been used by the US State Department all along) was intended as a symbolic move to distance the present government in Phnom Penh from the bitter connotations of the name Kampuchea, which westerners and overseas Khmer alike associate with the murderous Khmer Rouge regime. As a result of the United Nations sponsored and enforced election in May, 1993, the Kingdom of Cambodia is now safe to travel and tourism has once again become possible. Indeed, the country and Phnom Penh in partucular is undergoing something of a renaissance. Often overshadowed by the traumatic events of its recent past, Cambodia as home of the Khmer culture remains one of the most important and exotic countries in South East Asia. FOOD Cambodian food is closely related to the cuisines of neighbouring Thailand and Laos, and to a lesser extent, Vietnam, but there are some distinct local dishes. In the growing number of restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siemreap, you will find excellent Chinese and Vietnamese dishes but it is the local dishes which are often the best prepared and most interesting. Rice is the principal staple and and Battanbang Region is the country's rice bowl. Most Cambodian dishes are cooked in a wok known locally as a chnang khteak. PHNOM PENH The country's capital Phnom Penh is renowned for its beauty, particularly the area surrounding the Royal Palace where magificent Khmer towers share the boulevard with coloured French villas overlooking the banks of the Tonle Sap river. ANGKOR WAT AND SIEMREAP The glorious and world-famous Angkor Wat situates in Siemreap Province and is just a few kilometers from the town. One can reach Siemreap by taking daily direct flight from Phnom Penh. Temples of Angkor were built between 7th and 11th century when Khmer civilazation was at its height of its extraordinary creativity. Angkor Wat is the cultural home of the Khmer people and one of the ancient wonders of the world. Its magnificent architecture was the evidence of the Khmer's strong belief in religions - Hinduism and Buddhism. First discovered by Western archeologists in the late 19th century, the lost city of Angkor is just re-opening to the exploration to the modern civilization. ANGKOR WAT - ANGKOR THOM The fortified city of Angkor Thom, some 10 sq km in extent, was built in its present form by Angkor's greatest builder, Jayavarman 7 (reigned 1181 to 1201), who came to power just after the disastrous sacking by the Chams of the previous Khmer capital, is enclosed by a square wall eight metres high and 12 km in length and encircled by a moat 100 meters wide, said to have been inhabited by fierce crocodiles. The city has five monumental gates, one in the north, west and south walls and two in the east wall. The gates, which are 20 metres in height, are decorated on either side of the passageway with stone elephant trunks and crowned by four gargantuan faces of the bodhisatva Avalokitesvara. CURRENCY The unit is the RIELS. Riel demoninations are 100, 200 and 500. Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation. US$ are generally accepted thoughout the country. In Phnom Penh, some credit cards can be used and limited services and purchasing and cashing traveller cheques. CLIMATE Cambodia lies in a tropical zone between 10 and 14 degree of latitude north the equator. The temperature is fairly uniform throughout the year and averages 25 degree centigrade (77 degree fahrenheit). The relative humidity is higher at night and usually in excess of 90 percent, during the day the average humidity is 80 percent. GEOGRAPHY The Cambodia has an area of about 181,305 squares kilometres, bordered to the north by Thailand and Laos, to the east and the south by Vietnam, to the west by the gulf of Cambodia. LANGUAGES The Cambodian language is Khmer, which is inherited itself - and advanced in education with application of Indic languages Pali and Sangkrit from India. Some technical languages are borrowed from French. However, English is commonly communicated in hotels and business compounds at present days. RELIGION The majority of the people of Cambodia are followers of Thervada and Hinayana school of Buddhism which was introduced to Cambodia between the 13th and 14 centuries and was the state religion until 1975. ANGKOR WAT - BAYON The temples of Angkor Thom, is located in the city's geographic centre. The 50-tower temples is an awesome sight. At first glances, the complex seems a shapeless mass of stone. Suddenly, further scrutiny reveals a face, enigmatic and silent, watching with half-closed eyes. Soon, another face is made out, and another, and still yet another, until they are all round silent, heavy and impressive, staring from a primitive and remote time. Every visitors to Angkor Wat has to pay entrance fees. HOW TO REACH CAMBODIA & ANGKOR WAT There are direct flights to the capital of Phnom Penh from Bangkok, Hanoi, Hochiminh City, Hong Kong, Kuahlupur, Singapore and Vientiane. From Phnom Penh, one can take direct flights to Siemreap (Angkor), which are now operates on daily basis. Because of its vast architectures and plentiful of myths and informations, visiting of the great Angkor Wat with a knowlegable and well-trained guide is highly recommended and fun. You can enjoy traveling to Angkor Wat . CAMBODIA VISA A fifteen-day tourist visa can be obtained at US$ 20 upon arrival at Pochentong Airport. Visitors should bring along at least 4 photos, and sign the visa applications form upon arrival. Visa extensions are possible through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Office of Immigration. Asia Travel || Cambodia Page
Italy Travel
Rome Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore : Italy Rome Rome The sheer imperial scale of Rome is sure to knock you out. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Eat Sleep Night Shop Image Gallery Activities Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links View Map Click here Feature Attraction San Giovanni in Laterano Founded by Constantine in the 4th century, San Giovanni was the first Christian basilica constructed in Rome. It is Rome's cathedral and the pope's seat ... more It's hard to say what you'll find most breathtaking about the eternal city - the arrogant opulence of the Vatican, the timelessness of the Forum, the top speed of a Fiat Bambino, the millions of cats in the Colosseum, trying to cross a major intersection, or the bill for your latte. Make like the locals and souse your senses in the glut of pleasures the city has to offer, from the grandiose thrill of feeling centuries of turbulent history under your feet to the small but potent intoxication of eating chestnut gelati on a hot day. When To Go The main tourist season starts at Easter and runs until October; peak periods are in spring and autumn, when the tour buses pour in and tourists are herded around like cattle. Numerous outdoor festivals and concerts and the fact that Romans desert the city for the beaches and mountains, which means very light traffic and a less-crowded city centre, makes summer almost worth the heat. If you do visit in summer, try to hit the sights early, take a long lunch and a nap, and then head out again around 18:00 to take advantage of the cooler evening. Winters are usually mild with few tourists and some fun events around Christmas time. Factoid Thumbs Up! When in Rome, be sure to enrol in a short course in Gladiatorial Combat. Intensive three day training seminars are available. The Gladiator school is located on Via Appia. Lions supplied but please bring own trident. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links
Vacation rentals worldwide We
Escape Rental - worldwide vacation rentals. Home | Search Vacation Rentals | List Your Properties | Owner Login | Visitor Login | About Us | Contact Us | Links Canada (146) United States (1275) Mexico (116) Caribbean (153) Central America (28) South America (36) Europe (747) Africa (23) Asia (17) The Charming Villa Nuba apartments , Perugia Italy Spectacular Oceanfront Brand Spanking Ne , Cabo San Lucas Mexico Vacation rentals worldwide We offer thousands of vacation rentals by owner all around the world in the most exciting places - in mountain retreats, seaside resorts, exciting cities, romantic countryside and many more. Our list includes villas, apartments, cottages, ranches and hotels. All vacation rentals are located in the most popular destinations. Let us help with your holiday plans - we can help you find a comfortable "home away from home". Finding vacation property with Escape Rental is easy. Select a destination, find a vacation property you like and book it directly. All the properties have a large number of pictures, a detailed description, a list of amenities, rates and contact information. You can contact the property owner directly- either by email or phone. USA: Alabama · Arizona · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · EUROPE: Belgium · Bulgaria · Croatia · Czech Republic · France · Germany · Greece · Holland · · Ireland · Italy · Malta · Norway · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Russia · Spain Sweden · Switzerland · Turkey · UK · MEXICO : Acapulco · Cabo San Lucas · Cancun · Cozumel · Playa Del Carmen · Puerto Vallarta · San Jose del Cabo · CARIBBEAN: Anegada · Antigua & Barbuda · Bahamas · Bermuda · Cayman Islands · Dominican Republic · Grenada · Jamaica · Puerto Rico · St. Croix · St. John · St. Lucia · St. Martin · Virgin Gorda · CENTRAL AMERICA : Belize · Costa Rica · Cuba · Honduras · Trinidad & Tobago · SOUTH PACIFIC: Australia · Fiji · TOP DESTINATIONS : Amsterdam · Bali · Barcelona · Berlin · Buenos Aires · Canary Island · Cannes · Cape Cod · Cape Town · Destin · Disney · Edinburgh · Florence · Ibiza · Kauai · Key West · Lake Tahoe · Las Vegas · London · Lisbon · Madrid · Mallorca · Maui · Miami · Miami Beach · Monterey · Myrtle Beach · New Orleans · Nice · Oahu · Orlando · Paris · Prague · Rio De Janeiro · Rome · San Diego · Savannah · Sydney · Tuscany · Venice · Francais Español Deutsch Home | Search Vacation Rentals | List Your Properties Owner Login | Visitor Login | About Us | Contact Us | Links 2002 Escape Rental ™ . All Rights Reserved. Property owners : Register today! Visitors: Register today! How do I search for properties? How do I register? How do I make a reservation? How do I list my properties? How do I update my listings? Tell A Friend Bookmark EscapeRental Escape Rental: info@escaperental.com
Germany Travel > Romantic
Neuschwanstein Castle - Mad King Ludwig's Castle - Germany - Travel Essentials You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Germany Travel > Romantic Road > Neuschwanstein Castle > Neuschwanstein Castle - Mad King Ludwig's Castle - Germany - Travel Essentials 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 Neuschwanstein Castle Bavarian Department of state-owned Castles, Gardens and Lakes Stay up to date! Neuschwanstein Castle Bavarian Department of state-owned Castles, Gardens and Lakes Email to a friend Print this page Germany Resources Germany Map and Travel Essentials Germany Resources - Links Germany's Romantic Road - Links Neuschwanstein Castle Resources Neuschwanstein Castle Daytrips - Bus Neuschwanstein Castle History Neuschwanstein Castle Details Map and Directions Services and Opening Times Neuschwanstein Castle Tours 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 Neuschwanstein Castle Travel Planner Neuschwanstein Castle Profile From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Mad Ludwig's Dream - Neuschwanstein Castle: Perched over one of the world's prettiest gorges, Neuschwanstein Castle is everyone's fantasy dream. It's the image you've seen everywhere that makes you want to start planning your trip to Germany. Why not rent that Porsche and hit the romantic road? We'll give you what you need to know. Neuschwanstein Castle -- Location: Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most popular destinations in Europe, is located in the German State of Bavaria close to the Germany's border with Austria, not far from the popular ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The closest airport is Munich, 128km to the north east. Tickets and Guided Tours of Neuschwanstein Castle: Entrance tickets to the castle must be purchased at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau before you start the climb to the castle. Cost is 9 Euros for an adult. The mandatory tour takes a little over half hour. There are 165 stairs to climb on the tour, and 181 to descend. A recent traveler reports that there is now a cafe inside. Tours for the disabled in wheelchair and walkers are held on Wednesdays. See the links for more information. Best View Spots of Neuschwanstein Castle: You can get good pictures of the castle and waterfall from Marienbruecke (Mary's Bridge). Between the bridge and the castle is a view of Hohenschwangau castle. Photography is not allowed inside the castle. For pictures of Neuschwansein, see our Neuschwanstein Castle Pictures . Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle: By Rail: Take the train to the town of Füssen, then bus 9713 to Hohenschwangau. By car: Take the A7 to Füssen, then on to Hohenschwangau where you'll find parking for a 4 euro charge. From Hohenschwangau you can walk to the castle in 30 minutes. You can get within a 5 minute walk on horse-drawn carriage for 5 euros uphill and 2.50 euros on the return downhill. A Bus is also available from Schlosshotel Lisl, Neuschwansteinstraße in Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein - Where to Stay: I recommend staying right in Hohenschwangau--See Staying in Hohenschwangau when visiting the King's Castles . The Hotel Mueller has views of both castles and a good restaurant. You can also stay nearby in Fussen, as many do. Neuschwanstein Castle Description & History: Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II, also known as Mad King Ludwig .to replicate medieval architecture and to pay homage to the operas of Wagner. You may think you've already seen it--it's Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, but real. The foundation stone was set on September 5th, 1869. When Ludwig II died in 1886, the castle was still not complete. The building site near Pöllat Gorge is probably one of the most beautiful in the world. Neuschwanstein Castle Interesting Facts: The Castle is under tremendous tourism pressure; in summer over 6000 people wind through the castle per day--1.3 million per year. Since 1990, the state has spent 11.2 million euros on renovation and maintenance of the castle and improvement of the visitor service. Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public 7 weeks after the death of King Ludwig II. Although the Castle was designed to look medieval, it had quite modern refinements: hot air, running water, automatic flush toilets were all part of the royal residence. The kitchen at Neuschwanstein has been preserved in its entirety, featuring automatic spits and cupboards that could be heated with hot air from the large kitchen stove. From Neuschwanstein Castle there are great views of alpine lakes, especially the Alpsee . Hiking trails abound near the Alpsee, and the one circling the lake is protected as a nature reserve. Around Neuschwanstein Castle Germany's "Romantic Road", which runs from Würzburg to Füssen can be combined with a visit to the castle. See our Romantic Road links for more. 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. 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