European vacation for more

Europe hotels and vacation deals from EuroVacations.com Hotel Location City/Country: - Select a City - Aix-en-Provence, France Amsterdam, Netherlands Antwerp, Belgium Athens, Greece Avignon, France Barcelona, Spain Basel,Switzerland Beaune, France Belfast, N. Ireland Bergen, Norway Berlin, Germany Bern, Switzerland Bilbao, Spain Bordeaux, France Bratislava, Slovakia Brig, Switzerland Brugge, Belgium Brussels, Belgium Budapest, Hungary Caen, France Cannes, France Chamonix, France Chur, Switzerland Cologne, Germany Como, Italy Copenhagen, Denmark Cordoba, Spain Cork, Ireland Crete, Greece Davos, Switzerland Dresden, Germany Duesseldorf, Germany Dublin, Ireland Dubrovnik, Croatia Edinburgh, Scotland Engelberg, Switzerland Florence, Italy Frankfurt, Germany Freiburg, Germany Geneva, Switzerland Ghent, Belgium Glasgow, Scotland Granada, Spain Graz, Austria Grindelwald, Switzerland Gstaad, Switzerland Hamburg, Germany Heidelberg, Germany Helsinki, Finland Innsbruck, Austria Interlaken, Switzerland Istanbul, Turkey Kilkenny, Ireland Krakow, Poland Lausanne, Switzerland Liege, Belgium Linz, Austria Lisbon, Portugal London, England Lourdes, France Lucerne, Switzerland Lugano, Switzerland Lyon, France Luxembourg, Luxembourg Madrid, Spain Malaga, Spain Malmo, Sweden Marseille, France Milan, Italy Monte Carlo, Monaco Montreux, Switzerland Moscow, Russia Munich, Germany Mykonos, Greece Naples, Italy Nice, France Normandy, France Oslo, Norway Oxford, Great Britain Pamplona, Spain Paris, France Plymouth, Great Britain Porto, Portugal Positano, Italy Prague, Czech Republic Provence, France Rhodes, Greece Rome, Italy Rothenburg ob Tauber, Germany Salzburg, Austria San Sebastian, Spain Santorini, Greece Santa Margherita, Italy Seville, Spain Sorrento, Italy Split,Croatia St. Moritz, Switzerland St. Petersburg, Russia Stockholm, Sweden Strasbourg, France Tallinn,Estonia Tuscany, Italy Valencia, Spain Venice, Italy Vienna, Austria Warsaw, Poland Waterford, Ireland Wurzburg, Germany York, England Zagreb, Croatia Zell Am See, Austria Zermatt, Switzerland Zurich, Switzerland Check-In Date: (MM/DD/YY) Check-Out Date: (MM/DD/YY) Number of Hotel Guests: Room 1 # of Adults 1 2 3 4 # of Children -- 1 2 Child Age 1 -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Child Age 2 -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Room 2 # of Adults -- 1 2 3 4 # of Children -- 1 2 Child Age 1 -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Child Age 2 -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Please wait while we check prices and confirm availability YOUR EUROPEAN HOTEL SPECIALIST B ook from over 1,000 quality hotels in Europe with eurovacations.com. W e know that the hotel you choose for your vacation in Europe can make your vacation special. Every hotel we offer has been inspected by our team of travel experts, and we know what makes a great hotel. As part of the Rail Europe Group, we've been helping travelers get the most out of their European vacation for more than 60 years. FLORENCE 4th Night Free Hotel Paris 11/7 to 12/29 /05 PRAGUE 4th Night Free Golden Star 11/1 to 12/27/05 LONDON 3rd Night Free Marlborough 12/19 to 2/28/06 Extra night will be automatically calculated into your price. England & Scotland : London, England Ireland France : Provence, France Paris, France Italy: Florence, Italy Rome, Italy Venice, Italy Spain : Barcelona, Spain plus Amsterdam, Netherlands , Munich, Germany , Vienna & Salzburg, Austria , Switzerland , and Eastern Europe SHOPPING CART 0 ITEMS Current Savings The more you book the more you save. Watch your savings grow with our shopping cart . Save more with each item you book! We have partnerships with major airlines and hotel chains. We offer you steep discounts when you Book Air + Hotel Our exciting, free newsletter and special e-deals alerts have great offers on European hotels, travel tips, and more! Click here to subscribe And don't worry, we have a very strict privacy policy Read our latest issue Home . Hotel . Air + Hotel . Car . Rail . Packages . How To Vacation In . View Shopping Cart Affiliates . About Us . FAQ’s . Help © 2004 Eurovacations.com. All rights reserved. Eurovacations® is a registered trademark of Eurovacations.com. Use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the Eurovacations Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy . 1-877-471-3876 State of California Seller of Travel Certificate of Registration # 205-2601

Argentina Travel

Argentina Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Argentina Argentina The home of the sultry tango does a good line in fiery soccer and juicy steaks. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Argentina Buenos Aires View Map Click here Feature Attraction Puente del Inca One of Argentina's most striking sights, situated 2720m (8920ft) above sea level, is Puente del Inca, a natural stone bridge spanning the Río Mendoza. ... more Despite Argentina's recent economic woes, its pleasures - stunning natural wonders, an elegant capital with a European-flavoured sophistication, and a passionate culture - are still as tempting as ever. The silver lining to the financial cloud is that it's now one of the best travel bargains going around. This is one Latin American country where Europeans and North Americans can feel at ease and travel relatively inconspicuously. An interest in soccer and some nimble foot skills may be all you need to feel like a local. 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

Mexico Travel Guide pages!

Mexico Travel Guide - Travel Tips Wednesday Dec 28th, 2005 Mexico Central Time Just like traveling to other parts of the world, there are some general concepts we suggest you think about while packing your luggage. Follow these suggestions so your visit to Mexico will be a success. Entry Requirements When To Go Getting Around Weather Considerations What To Bring Health Tips Money Exchange & Credit Tips For Seniors Entry Requirements Enter in Mexico Three items are needed to enter Mexico: A Photo I.D. (such as a Driver's License or a passport, starting at age 18 and above) A Tourist Card or F.M.N. A Valid Proof Of Citizenship • Tourist Card This two part document is your "permission" from the Mexican government to visit Mexico . It is available free of charge, although sometimes difficult to obtain in large quantities. The airlines always have an ample supply upon check-in. Or, if all else fails, you can obtain one in Mexican Immigration upon arrival. Here are a few words of advice about tourist cards: Do not lose or deface the bottom portion returned to you after the immigration inspection. It must be returned to Mexican Immigration upon departure. TIP: Write down your tourist card number and keep it with your travel documents. If the card is lost, having the number will help greatly. Keep your tourist card and travel documents in a secure place. Do not carry them with you everywhere you go, unless traveling extensively from your point of arrival. You can ask to have your card validated for more time (up to 180 days) than you'll actually need. • Proof of Citizenship Note: information regarding entry requirements is subject to change without notice, and should be reconfirmed with the airline being used for international travel. U.S. Citizens may use one of the following for entry into Mexico: Valid Passport: This is the most recommended document - secure and convenient. Certified Birth Certificate: (hospital certificate is not acceptable). A birth certificate must include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records (usually the Department of Health Services in the city where you were born). Brides will have an easier time if tickets are issued in their maiden name to match their documents. For U.S. airport security purposes the name on the driver's license and the name on the ticket must match. Women traveling with tickets in their married name whose driver's license (or state issued ID) is in their married name, but who are using a birth certificate as proof of citizenship will be fine as long as the first name and date of birth on their driver's license and their birth certificate match. Natural U.S. Citizens born outside the United States may use a Certificate of Citizenship, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth (Form DS-1350 or FS-545). U.S. Naturalization: If you claim citizenship through naturalization you may use your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship or laminated Naturalization card. Note: Some airlines/charter companies may still accept the Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship or possibly a Voters Registration Card. Canadian versions of the above documents are acceptable; notarized affidavits must be executed in Canada . The "Canadian Identification Card" is an acceptable proof of citizenship document as well. Mexican Citizens Here the rules are a little more lenient, although Mexican nationals must have some official document proving Mexican birth. For one way travel any one of the following is accepted: Passport: may be expired Birth Certificate (Acta de Nacimiento) Consular registration form (Matrícula Consular) Military Service Card (Cartilla Militar) Voter's Registration Card (Cédula de Empadronamiento) For round trip travel Mexican nationals must have all three of the following: Valid Passport or valid Matrícula Consular Alien Registration Card or U.S. visa A Military Service Card if traveler is 18 years of age or older. If none of the above are available, the nearest Mexican Consulate will issue a "presunción de nacionalidad." Traveler must provide two passport size pictures to obtain the document. Remember, alien residents must have proof of U.S. residency to return to the States. Other Nationalities Most foreign citizens traveling to Mexico from the U.S. need a valid passport and U.S. "Alien Registration" card only. Contact the airlines serving Mexico or the Mexican Consulate for more details or specific situations. For Student Visas contact the Mexican Consulate in your area. Minors Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor for travel purposes. Very strict regulations govern international travel by minors into Mexico . Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents listed below. Minors traveling with both legal parents or guardians: nothing else is needed. Minors traveling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians: they must obtain an original notarized letter of permission signed by both parents. Minors traveling with only one parent: must have notarized written permission from the other parent. (Airlines will also require the name, address and phone of the person meeting the unaccompanied minor upon arrival in Mexico .) In the case of deceased or divorced parents: legal proof must be carried to accept just one signature on the letter. This proof (death certificate, proof of sole custody etc.) can also be shown to a notary who can then notarize an Affidavit of Sole Custody form. EXCEPTION: Mexican children often have a stamp on their passports that reads, "El titular del presente pasaporte viaja de conformidad con El Articulo 421 del Codigo Civil Vigente." This allows the child to travel with only one parent and without a notarized statement. • Entering Mexico Your first stop is at Mexican Immigration (Migración) where proof of citizenship is inspected, and tourist cards are validated. DON'T LOSE YOUR TOURIST CARD! Next stop is at Customs (Aduana). Mexico has instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist. Here's the way it works: Visitors complete a customs declaration form. Visitors choose to either declare or not declare that they are importing items beyond their allowance. Those declaring items have their belongings searched, and duty is collected. Those not declaring items are asked to push a button on a street traffic light that is mounted on a post inside thecustoms area. A green light allows you to pass without inspection. A red light will signal an inspection. In the event that items are found that were not declared, heavy fines and penalties apply. You are allowed to bring in any of the following: Personal items, e.g. clothing, footwear, toiletries, all in reasonable quantities according to trip duration. Books and magazines medicine for personal use, with medical prescription in the case of psychotropic substances. Used or second-hand sporting equipment One portable T.V. set, one portable typewriter, and one VCR. Up to 20 records or cassettes A musical instrument Fishing equipment, a pair of skis, and two tennis rackets Three liters of alcohol or wine, if carrier is over 18 years old 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, if carrier is over 18 years old One movie camera and one regular camera, and up to 12 rolls of film • Returning to the U.S. and Canada You are allowed to enter free of duty any purchases with a combined value of up to USD $400.00 For Canada the amount is CD $500.00 IF travelers have been outside of Canada at least seven days. This allowance may be claimed every 30 days. With a verbal declaration a returning Canadian resident can claim duty-free entry for articles (excluding tobacco products or alcoholic beverages) that do not exceed a total value of CD $20.00 upon return from each trip of more than 24 hours. For the U.S. this limit does not include items listed on the Generalized System of Preferences List (G.S.P.), which are allowed in duty free. Contact the U.S. Treasury Department for a detailed list (Dept. of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, Washington , D.C. 20229 ). Upon Arrival By Air You will receive two forms to fill out before you can enter Mexico. These are normally distributed by the airlines either at the ticket counter or while in transit. I know every airline representative will appreciate this next tip: Bring a ball point pen, preferably black. Don't expect to borrow one. With more than 200 fellow passengers there are never enough to go around. The first form is your temporary visa. The form has recently changed and may not be exactly as shown here. They are in several languages, you'll need one per person. Familiarize yourself with this one to avoid embarrassing mistakes later. Upon arrival at the airport you will first go through Customs, which is a simple review of your documentation and warm greeting from the Mexican Government Official. These are nice people, really! Save the stamped copy of which you will receive to exit the country. Back to top Your tourist card will be endorsed for a 30 day stay. If planning to stay more than a couple weeks, be sure to ask for the maximum entry of 180 days. Applying for a longer stay can be a hassle once in Mexico. Play it safe! The second form is for Hacienda which sounds like a nice house to visit, but is actually the Customs and Taxation arm of the government. You will need one of these forms per family. After passing through Immigrations, go to thebaggage area and collect your bags then proceed to the exit. Depending on your destination and size of the airport some of the following may differ. Hand the form to the Customs Agent and push the button on the 'traffic light'. Yes, that's right, a traffic light. It is set up to randomly turn green for Go or red for Stop and Inspect. I've never seen it turn yellow, but you may. If you do get a red light, they will kindly ask to see the contents of your bags. I don't think it need be said here, but I will: Don't be so foolish as to bring something illegal into Mexico. You know what I mean! Driving If you are driving into Mexico, check with your auto insurance carrier. Most companies exclude coverage in a foreign country. If you are involved in a traffic accident: - Do not loose your temper. You're not in Kansas. - Do not leave the place of the accident. - Cooperate with the legal authorities. - Do not sign any agreements nor accept any liability. - Contact your Mexican insurance company immediately. For detailed information please read Driving Into Mexico article . When to Go The travel industry designates several business seasons during the year, High, Swing or Low. If you are coming from the Northern Climes, you probably consider winter the only time to visit. However, persons from others areas of North America, Europe and including the Mexican nationals find the rest of the year equally enjoyable. They also find it quite a bit more affordable. Take advantage of these somewhat arbitrary dates and save yourself some money. The difference between a High Season vacation and a Swing or Low, may be as little as one day and it could save you hundreds of dollars. Other vacationers just prefer the country when there are fewer tourists. Back to top Getting Around the Country Rental Car Rental cars are available from the major rental companies. To rent you must be at least 25 years of age, have a valid driver's license and a major credit card. Be sure to reserve your vehicle before you leave home; this will ensure you the lowest rate and availability. Driving Hitting the byways in a foreign land might sound challenging to some, but to many its their favorite means of getting involved. Especially if you live in the southern reaches of the US, driving deep into Mexico is less than 48 hours away. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Mexico. It is sold in liters (3.78 liters = 1 gallon). Magna Sin (green pumps) is unleaded. Prices are about the same as in the U.S. Only cash is accepted and there is no self service (tips are customary for gasoline attendants). Most stations close by 10 PM. The highway systems between major cities is modern and similar to the freeways further North. What makes them unique is their dependence on toll funding rather than taxation to pay the development cost. So, you should expect to 'pay as you go'. Have a hefty handful of small bills available so you'll encounter no problems with making change. Auto insurance is a MUST, whether you are driving a rental car or your own. Don't expect your hometown agent to supply you with a policy that will be valid in Mexico. Most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact your carrier. You will find insurance vendors on both sides of the border crossings. A better idea is to set up your insurance before you go. You might also find that it can be considerably cheaper to do it this way. Major highways are patrolled by Los Angeles Verdes (Green Angels). These government-operated pickup trucks are driven by mechanics . To date, Mexico is the only country with this service. It's free, except for parts and gas! Buses Mexico has a vast inter-city bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation. There are two grades of buses: First Class, with air conditioning and possibly a TV, and a stewardess serving soft drinks and snacks. And Second Class- with no frills. As Second Class costs slightly less than First Class, we recommend you go with First Class. Within the metropolitan centers buses offer the natives their primary means of transportation. For the tourist these can be a bit daunting at first, but when viewed with fun and adventure in mind, they can certainly add color and memories to your vacation. Train Train travel can be safer and more enjoyable than a trip by bus, but considerably more expensive. As with bus service, we recommend you pay for the highest class of travel available. Primera Especial class is recommended for day trips and the top-of-the-line Pullman compartments for overnight travel. Pullman service offers sleeping compartments suitable for one (camarin) or two (alcoba). Each converts to a comfortable sitting room during the day. Back to top Weather Considerations Mexico is made up of several different regions, each with its own type of seasonal weather, climate, altitude and terrain dictating what you will need to be prepared and comfortable. Generally, rains fall and temperatures rise from June through October, leaving November through May as the more temperate, drier season. Here's a regional climate overview: - Northern Baja California Despite the desert landscape, this region resembles Southern California: mild winters with a little rain; warm, dry summers. The Sea of Cortes tends to be warmer than the Pacific side of the peninsula. Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C. - Southern Baja California A subtropical desert, with over 350 days of sunshine a year, cool winter evenings, low humidity, sea breezes. Summer temperatures can be high, Generally cooler on the Pacific side. Annual average temperature: 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C. - Northwest Coast Similar to Northern Baja, but with more rain and some storms. Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C. - West Coast Also known as the Mexican Riviera, it has warm tropical weather year round. Warm, dry days and balmy evenings from November through May. The rainy season is June through October, with daily rain showers and warm temperatures. Annual average temperature: 77 degrees F or 27 degree C. - Central Plateau Due to higher elevation, it has pleasant spring-like conditions most of the year. Rain is frequent from June through September. Evenings can be quite cool in winter. Annual average temperature: 65 degrees F or 18 degrees C. - The Yucatan Peninsula In this region, proximity to the coast determines temperature and humidity. In summer, Gulf and Caribbean areas stay cooler due to trade winds, while interior jungles are humid, with higher temperatures. Rainfall is frequent from April through May and September through January; temperatures can be higher. September and October sometimes bring overcast or rainy conditions. Winters are very pleasant. Annual average temperature: 80 degrees F or 27 degrees C. - The Gulf Coast Somewhat humid, with warmer temperatures. Rainfall and cool brisk northerly winds (nortes) from September through February. Annual average temperature: 72 degrees F or 21 degrees C. Back to top What to Bring Be sure to include the following in your suitcase: - A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary - A small first aid kit - Camera and Film - Walking Shoes - Suntan Lotion - Traveler's Checks & ATM cards - Swim Suits - Casual Dress Clothes for Nightlife and Fine Dining - Copies of your favorite Mexico Travel Guide pages! - Sunglasses & Hat - Necessary medications - Passport/Birth Certificate & Driver's License Health Tips In your quest for a good time on your vacation, your eating and drinking habits are often radically different than what you're used to back home. In addition, climate and altitude changes can throw your system off. To ensure you enjoy your vacation to its fullest, consider the following: Be sure to drink lots of fluids; especially the day before arriving. Try not to go overboard your first night. Give your body a chance to acclimate. Drink only distilled or bottled water. When buying fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to wash them with distilled or bottled water before eating; peel them if possible. Back to top Money, Exchange & Credit The Mexican economy operates on the rise and fall of the Peso. While most businesses will accept foreign currency, especially US dollars, using pesos is your best bet. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses). Mexican banking hours are normally Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 P.M. however for money exchange the hours time are normally from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Casas de cambio are open later than most banks and they generally offer quicker service. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express being the most popular. Check for Current Exchange Rate: Use Xenon Labs' currency exchange calculator to check the Mexican New Peso against your currency. Clicking on the search button will retrieve the current exchange rate for nearly 50 currencies. The rates are usually no more than a couple of days old. MXP Mexican Pesos Tips for Senior Travelers Retired travelers have a great advantage in planning their vacations. There are many advantages to having the freedom to plan a vacation without the hassles of work schedules. Many older travelers find that their favorite times to travel to Mexico are in off season months when there is less demand and less traffic through the resort cities. Usually the summer months are the least in demand due to high temperatures. This can be an advantage if you enjoy shopping and organized tours more than spending time at the beach. Most shops and tour buses are air-conditioned, so the heat shouldn't be much of a concern. The reduced numbers of tourists in the summer months makes getting around much easier, and there is usually more peace and quiet at night. There are a number of discount packages and group tour options for seniors. Your travel agent should have a list of the discounts that you're entitled to in the city that you'll be visiting. There are a number of senior citizens tour clubs that offer members the opportunity to go on tours with a familiar group of people in an organized tour that provides everything that you'll need. There are many senior citizen tour organizations across the nation, most of which your travel agent should be able to provide information about. Even if you don't like traveling in groups or with organized tours, you are entitled to a number of senior citizens discounts. When booking hotel reservations, always mention that you're a senior and ask about discount rates. At restaurants, mention it when you order, not afterward. Many places will refuse the discount if you don't mention it before a reservation or an order has been made. The infrastructure in Mexico is not as well-developed as it is in some countries. If you have a disability, you may find it difficult getting around some parts of Mexico. There are few wheelchair ramps and wheelchair access bathrooms in Mexico currently. In some cities, there aren't even stairway handrails. The sidewalks are typically narrower and aren't maintained as well. If you have any problems getting around, speak with your travel agent about the state of the city you'll be traveling to. Your travel agent should also be able to provide information about hotels which offer accommodations for people with disabilities. If you aren't content just to visit Mexico, it is possible to retire to Mexico permanently. Please click here to see an overview of how to begin the process of retiring to Mexico. Back to top 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

Switzerland Travel Guide @

Switzerland 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 Switzerland Switzerland Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Around Switzerland , Basle , Bern , Geneva , Hotels in Switzerland , Languages in Switzerland , Luzern , Map of Switzerland , Swiss Alps , Swiss Tourism , Swiss Tours , Swiss Travel Agents , Switzerland Directories , Travel in Switzerland , Zrich . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail Flag of Switzerland Switzerland is also called La Suisse in French; Schweiz in German; and Svizzera in Italian. Local Currency Convert your currency into Swiss francs. Buy a Map of Switzerland Countries neighbouring Switzerland are: Italy , France , Germany , Austria and Liechtenstein . National Anthem of Switzerland. 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 : Hotels in Switzerland Find and Book a Hotel in Austria Hotels in Switzerlad by City : Bern , Geneva , Lugano , Zurich . Popular Destinations in Switzerlan d : Crans-Montana , Davos Klosters , Lake Lugano , Les Quatre Valles , St. Moritz , Zermatt . Languages in Switzerland There are four national languages in Switzerland, and English isn't one of them. German -- or a Swiss dialect of it (Schwyzerttsch) -- is the most widely spoken. French is the spoken language of the Romand cantons: Geneva, Vaud, Neuchtel, Fribourg, Jura, and the western part of Valais. Italian is mainly reserved for the southern canton of Ticino, but is still heard in the major cities. The fourth national language, Romansh , is spoken by less than 1 per cent of the people -- mainly in the mountainous canton of Graubnden (or Grisons, in French). Around Switzerland Geneva and Zurich are important cities in Switzerland, but Bern is the capital. Bern The capital of Switzerland , also spelt Berne, is on the Aare River towards the west of the country. A bear is the emblem of Berne, and the bear pit -- maintained since 1513 -- is a popular tourist attraction. Bern was founded in 1191 and still has a medieval feel to it. Bern Tourismus : Bern is quieter than Zurich or Geneva, but there's still more to the capital than a bear pit and the houses of parliament. Geneva Situated on Lac Leman, or Lake Geneva, the city is in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, right on the border with France . Ville de Geneve : Geneva is widely recognised as the city of peace and major international negotiations. The Red Cross was set up here, and Geneva also hosts the UN European headquarters, the World Health Organisation, and the High Commission for Refugees. Zrich Zurich : Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the financial capital of the country. The Swiss stock exchange is here, and the elegant shops in Bahnhofstrasse still smell of money. Hotel Alexander, Zurich : Centrally located, three-star hotel in Zurich's Niederdorfstrasse, 5 minutes from Zurich main station. The best deal in town. Zuri Cam : See the Limmatquai from the top of Hotel Central in Zurich. Swiss Alps As one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, Switzerland has plenty of Alpine resorts and mountain peaks to choose from. Tourist Mountains : The Matterhorn is in the Valais, above Zermatt, while the Jungfrau and the Eiger are in the Bernese Oberland, near Interlaken. The Eiger is notorious for its fearsome North Face. Gimmelwald : Not to be confused with Grindlewald, Gimmelwald is a tiny, timeless, sleepy village at the far end of the Lauterbrunnen valley, accessible by train and car from Interlaken. Gimmelwald.com : Alex visited Gimmelwald during his four country tour of Europe, fell in love with the place, bought the domain name and created this wonderful tribute. Meet the people through Alex's eyes and find out how to get to this little part of Alpine paradise. Interlaken Tourism : Situated between Lakes Brienz and Thun, in the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a popular resort all year round. You can even see the Jungfrau peak from the town. Grindelwald Grindelwald is an Alpine village in the Bernese Oberland. Its world-famous attractions include the Eiger, the Jungfraujoch and the longest glacier in the Alps - protected by the UNESCO Natural World Heritage. Hotel Kreuz & Post : Located in the centre of Grindlewald (near the train station, sport complex and main shopping district) the Hotel Kreuz andPost offers tastefully equipped rooms, junior suites and panorama suites with bath/shower/WC, radio, telephone, minibar, colour TV and hair dryer. All south facing rooms come with a balcony and magnificent view. Luzern (Lucerne) Luzern : The old wooden bridge was destroyed by fire a while back, but has been beautifully restored. Basle (Ble) Note the different names for the city: German -- Basel French -- Ble English -- Basle Italian -- Basilea Basel Tourismus : Often overlooked by visitors to Switzerland, Basle is on the border with Germany and France and is an important cultural centre. Travel in Switzerland By Car -- There are no tolls on the motorways in Switzerland, although you will need to buy a vignette to stick in the windscreen if you drive your own car in the country. These are available at service-stations and at the border -- Switzerland is not in the European Union. If you hire a car in Switzerland, there will already be one in the windscreen. By Train : Travel by rail is very convenient in Switzerland, and the trains -- cog-railways -- take passengers up some of the steepest, snowiest slopes; even in winter. If a train doesn't go there, to Saas Fe for example, then yellow PTT busses will. You can catch them from from post-offices in the smallest villages and near train station in the larger towns. By Boat -- There are also many lakes in Switzerland and you can travel between the towns on a boat. On Lake Contstance, Bodensee in German, you can go across the lake, from Romanshorn, to Germany or Austria . If you're in Lausanne, an interesting day trip is across Lake Geneva to Evian, France -- don't lose all your money in the casino though. Swiss Tourism Swiss Castles : The castles are sorted by canton, although the descriptions and further information are written in French. At least you can view the photographs. Swiss Club International : Summer camps in Switzerland for 12-18 year olds; learning and cultural enrichment through travel and direct involvement in a great variety of fun activities. Switzerland Tourism : Choose the country you're travelling from. Organised Tours in Switzerland Alps by Motorbike : Beach's Alpine adventure takes in the mountains of Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France. You may not hear the cow bells through the helmet, but the scenery is breathtaking. Bosenberg Motorcycle Excursions : Scheduled 12-day tours on 3 Alpine routes start at Frankfurt/Main, Germany. Tours are for discriminating motorcyclists where the destination is almost as important as the ride itself and are described in a 16-page full-colour brochure. 3% discount to Travel Notes members . Switzerland Directories Swiss Telephone Book : You can search the whole of Switzerland if you think that someone has moved. Swiss Travel Agents Last Minute Travel : If you're in Switzerland and want to get away for a week or two, these are some of the travel options on offer. Searches the major Swiss tour operators and seems to power the flight search engine that the others use. Esco : Provides holiday packages around the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Caribbean. Founded in 1953 and based in Basel. Helvetic Tours : Part of the Kuoni Group -- available in French and German. Hotelplan : Founded in 1935, you'll usually find a Hotelplan office near some of the larger Migros chains. Imholz : Book last minute holidays, flying out of Zurich or Geneva, or choose to tour one of Europe's other major cities. Kuoni : Founded by Alfred Kuoni in 1906, the holding company is headquartered in Zurich and has subsidiaries around the world. In 2001, Kuoni won the World Travel Award as best Tour Operator for the 4th time in a row. Passepartout : RBM's flight ticketing specialists. RBM : Based in Zurich with a nice selection of catalogues. Reisen Netto : The premise of this new brand is to lists prices that are truly all-included prices (no airport taxes and other surcharges although you'll have to pay your own bar bill) -- launched in 2002, by Kuoni. Vgele Reisen : Founded in 1988 as a sister firm of the Charles Vgele clothing retailer, soon to be swallowed up by TUI along with Imholz -- for Kuoni to come along and buy a 49% stake in the group. The Vgele catalogue does have a few more exotic destinations to choose from, than the average sun and sand package holiday company. Europe Travel Forum : From Albania to Vatican City, Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, Europe is culturally eclectic and full of lavish history. Join us in the travel forums if you have a question about Europe or would like to share your experiences about travelling or living in Europe. The Internet TravelNotes.org Switzerland 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 : Europe : Switzerland 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/Europe/switzerland.htm

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