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Tropical Travel Vacation Packages & All-Inclusive Travel Deals get a travel quote - my account - newsletter Our vacation packages & specials are always changing. When you're ready to talk vacation, just give us a call or fill out our get a quote form and we'll help you set your dream trip with personal service. VACATION PACKAGES » Caribbean Vacation Packages » Europe Vacation Packages » Hawaii Vacation Packages » Las Vegas Vacation Packages » Mexico Vacation Packages SEARCH TROPICALTRAVEL.NET Get A Quote - add search to your site PACKAGES FROM DEPARTING CITIES - Choose Departure City - Akron, OH Albany, NY Allentown, PA Amarillo, TX Anaheim, CA Atlanta, GA Augusta, GA Austin, TX Bakersfield, CA Baltimore, MD Bend, OR Bethel Park, PA Birmingham, AL Bonita Springs, FL Boston, MA Bowling Green, KY Bridgeport, CT Buffalo, NY Bullhead City, AZ Cedar Rapids, IA Charlotte, NC Charlottesville, VA Charlston, VA Chattanooga, TN Cheyenne, WY Chicago, IL Cincinnati, OH Cleveland, OH Colorado Springs, CO Columbia, SC Columbus, GA Columbus, OH Concord, NH Corpus Christi, TX Dale City, VA Dallas, TX Dayton, OH Deltona, FL Denver, CO Des Moines, IA Detroit, MI Dulles, DC Durham, NC Escondido, CA Eugene, OR Evansville, IN Fayetteville, NC Flagstaff, AZ Flint, MI Fort Lauderdale, FL Fort Wayne, IN Frankfort, KY Frederick, MD Fresno, CA Grand Rapids, MI Greensboro, NC Harrisburg, PA Hartford, CT Homestead, FL Houston, TX Huntsville, TX Ithaca, NY Jacksonville, FL Jefferson City, MO Kansas City, KS Kennewick, WA Lafayette, LA Lansing, MI Lexington, KY Longview, OR Los Angeles, CA Louisville, KY Lynchburg, VA Macom, GA McAllen, TX Melbourne, FL Miami, FL Milwaukee, WI Modesto, CA Montgomery, AL New Castle, DE New Port, RI New York, NY Newark, NJ Newport News, VA Norfolk, VA Norristown, PA Oakland, CA Oklahoma City, OK Omaha, NE Orlando, FL Pasco, WA Petersburg, VA Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Pittsburgh, PA Plano, TX Portland, OR Providence, RI Pueblo, CO Raleigh, NC Richland, WA Richmond, VA Rochester, NY Sacramento, CA Salem, OR San Antonio, TX San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Sanford, FL Santa Barbara, CA Seattle, WA Shreveport, LA Spring Hill, FL Springfield, IL St. Charles, MD St. Louis, MO Tampa, FL Toledo, OH Tucson, AZ Tulsa, OK Waco, TX Walla Walla, WA Washington, DC West Palm Beach, FL Wichita Falls, TX Wilmington, DE Worcester, MA Vacation Packages & Discount Travel Specials FIND YOUR PERFECT VACATION PACKAGE OAHU DEAL 5nts. w/air from $799 NASSAU ALL INCLUSIVE 3nts. w/air from $599 ALLEGRO PLAYACAR IN RIVIERA MAYA 4nts. all inc. w/air from $619 CAN YOU BELIEVE THESE BRUSSELS PRICES 6nts. w/air from $469 SPEND 4 NIGHTS IN ROME w/air from $379 ALL INCLUSIVE RIVIERA MAYA 3nts. w/air from $579 e-mail for general questions/comments: sales@tropicaltravel.net Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Sat: 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. (PST) Browse these specialty travel services to find your perfect trip or vacation package. These are web sites of network partners who are affiliated with Tropical Travel - View All Network Partners Activities : Ecotourism - Group Tours - Safari Vacations - Skiing Vacations - Yachting Destinations : Africa Vacations - Caribbean Travel - Cruise Travel - Dominican Republic Travel - Europe Vacations - Global Travel - Hawaii Vacations - Jamaica Travel - Las Vegas Travel - Latin America - Mexico Travel - Tahiti Vacations Groups : Group Vacations - Senior Travel - Student Travel Specialties : Adventure Travel - Education Travel - Exotic Vacations - Exotic Villas - Honeymoon Vacations - Leisure Vacations - Luxury Travel - Specialty Travel - Tri-Cities Travel Asia Travel - Australia Travel - Caribbean Travel - Central America Travel - Club Med Travel - Costa Rica Travel - Cruise Travel - Europe Travel - Hawaii Travel - Las Vegas Travel - Mexico Travel - South America Travel - South Pacific Travel - USA Travel - Handbag Reviews & Forum - Chord Reference - Brownsville Yellow Pages - Accept Credit Cards - Design Leuchten - Financial information site map - -- authorization - jobs - about us - contact us - newsletter - network partners - privacy policy - archive - sitemap © 2004 TropicalTravel.net, LLC. All rights reserved. Website developed by Arestia , LLC. in cooperation with Abra International Group
Russia Travel Resources >
Russia Travel Guide - Driving You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide - Driving Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Traffic Stay up to date! Traffic Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Cars and Driving - Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Driving in Russia can be a challenge, given poorly maintained roads, road hazards, corrupt traffic police, and the frequent accidents. Also, with trains and public transportation systems, there's not much reason to drive. Furthermore, according to Russia's Ministry of Transportation, only about 40 percent of Russia's 135,000 towns are connected by roads, and of those, about 40 percent are substandard. The other roads aren't much better.
However, Russia's eastern part is now connected to its western part, thanks to a newly opened section of highway linking Chita to Khabarovsk in Russia's Far East. With this highway section, is now possible to drive the 6,214 miles (10,000 km) from Moscow to Vladivostok. Of course, eager drivers should be aware that only about one-quarter of the eastern section of the highway is paved. The rest is gravel-topped, with plans to have the entire highway paved by 2080.
Russian officials expect that the transcontinental highway will help move goods as well as people, lowering costs of items intended for the burgeoning Chinese market. Prior to the highway, air travel or the famous Trans-Siberian rail routes were the only other feasible ways to cross Russia's vast geography.
Like elsewhere in Eastern Europe, car theft is common. Park in secured lots or well-lit areas.
You will not find many car rental agencies, and those that exist will usually want to give you a driver as well as the car.
Rules of the Road
So, you still want to drive? Then here are some rules of the road.
When you are stopped by the traffic police, you will be informed of the violation. Theoretically, you will issued a ticket and the officer can take your fine on the spot and give you a receipt for it. They are also known to take "payments" without receipts. Larger fines need to be paid at a Sherbank office.
You need a valid drivers license from your home country, and a certified translation of it. If you are planning to drive in Russia for more than six months, you will need to get a Russian drivers license.
Do not drink and drive.
Speeds are 60 km per hour (37 mph) in urban areas and 90 km per hour (55 mph) outside of these areas. Speeding can get you fined. Russia Travel Guide Index
Profile of Russia
City Profile: Moscow
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Ski Vacation Packages Ski
Delta Vacations - Ski Vacation Package Skiing travel packages Membership log in E-mail address: Password: Remember me. Not A Member? Forgot Your Password? My Profile Related Links delta.com Vacation Protection Plan Special Group Rates SkyMiles Membership Last Minute Deals Home Ski Vacation Packages Ski Vacation Packages Your complete Ski vacation package is just a few clicks away! The unparalleled beauty and varied terrain of the majestic Rocky Mountains provide the foundation for Colorado's outdoor Winter playgrounds. White blankets of untouched powder and remote areas make Utah a popular ski destination for the serious winter enthusiast. Towering pine trees, outdoor hot tubs, indoor pools, and headlining entertainment in the heart of mountain splendor make Reno & Lake Tahoe a top mountain travel choice. Taos is a skier's world, un-crowded and unspoiled, it is a rare gem - one of the few family owned, no-snowboarding ski resorts in the country. Considered by many to be the night skiing capitol of the world, Canada's spectacular resorts feature some of the largest vertical drops in North America. Find the Ski vacation package that is perfect for you. Delta Vacations makes it easy to hit the sloopes with your own customized ski vacation package in just a few clicks! See for yourself why purchasing a Delta Vacations package is right for you. Start planning your Ski Vacation Package right now! More fun-filled vacations from Delta Vacations: All-Inclusive Vacation Packages Aruba Vacation Packages Bahamas Vacation Packages Cancun Vacation Packages Caribbean Vacation Packages Colorado Ski Vacation Packages Disney Vacation Packages Europe Vacation Packages Family Beach Vacation Packages Family Vacation Packages Florida Beach Vacation Packages Florida Vacation Packages Hawaii Vacation Packages Jamaica Vacation Packages Las Vegas Vacation Packages Maui Vacation Packages Mexico Vacation Packages Orlando Vacation Packages Ski Vacation Packages South Beach Vacation Packages Waikiki Vacation Packages Walt Disney World® Vacation Packages -- Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Save $300 on a Golf and Spa Getaway Earn 10,000 Bonus Miles to London 3 Night Packages to Turks & Caicos from $790 Search all Last Minute Deals -- Announcing Daily Flight Service Salt Lake to Cancun begins 6/1/05 Atlanta to Moscow begins 6/1/05 -- Member Registration ® 2005 Delta Vacations. All rights reserved. delta.com | Site Map | About Us | Privacy Policy | Legal Notices | Customer Care | Web Compatibility | Travel Agents ### ISHQWEBCVGNET02 ### ### --
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
France Travel
France Vacation, France Luxury Tours, Hotels, Cruises, France Travel Guide Luxury France Vacation, France Tours, Hotels, Cruises, Travel Romantic France Tours and Honeymoons France Vacations, Travel, Tours and Cruise Consultants France Luxury Vacation :Call 1 800 330 8820 to book your tour or cruise. Open Everyday! France Vacations Bordeaux Vacations Cannes Vacations Dijon Vacations French Riviera Vacations Monaco Vacations Nice Vacations Nyons Vacations Paris Vacations Provence Vacations Rhone Valley Vacations St. Paul/Vence River Cruise Vacations Other Places in Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia-Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark England Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Monaco Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Kingdom Wales Mediterranean Guide The Sophisticated Traveler's France Vacations, Tours and Cruises Travel Guide In this section you will find everything you need to research, plan and purchase your France vacation. Our award winning destination guides contain thousands of listings that includes hotels and resorts , the best luxury hotels & resorts , and luxury villas and vacation homes for couples and families . We feature the best activities, restaurants, attractions, romantic getaways and shopping for all of the vacation destinations in France. We feature the very best luxury tours and vacation packages , and exciting Skiing and active vacations . L uxurious barge and river vacations , exotic train vacations . Economical tours . In addition, to help you decide, we have all the cruise lines vacations in Europe , all the itineraries and options, and a staff of Master Cruise Specialists ready to assist you . We also provide cultural travel experiences, personal enrichment travel, exclusive boutique vacation destinations and exotic France vacations, designed specifically for the sophisticated traveler. You will find everything you need for your France vacation except the sunscreen. There are many terrific reasons for a France vacation. Whether a first-time traveler or a confirmed francophile, we invite you to come see France our way, a country known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks and tradition of art de vivre. France is bordered by four seas, each one different, with its own unique resorts and particular ambiance. There are two main choices for a France beach vacation: the West with its never-ending stretches of sandy beaches, and the Mediterranean , bathed warm sunshine, spectacular resorts, luxurious harbors, and extravagant yachts. At the crossroads of the Continent, France offers unique insights into Europe's history, remarkably "illustrated" by mysterious prehistoric caves and Celtic monoliths, sober Roman ruins and medieval fortresses, and elegant Renaissance and Art Deco monuments. Whatever your interest on your France vacation, we can get you there quickly, comfortably and efficiently by high-speed trains--the world's most extensive network-quality roadways and frequent flights to dozens of cities throughout the country. If you missed the New Year's Eve celebrations in Paris-the Eiffel Tower's glorious fireworks display or the festive Ferris Wheels extravaganza on the Champs-Elyses ---no need for regrets. The fun in Paris and France has just begun. The keystone event is the Injoyable Pique-Nique on Bastille Day (July 14). We will save you a seat to what surely will be the world's largest picnic held from north to south on France's national holiday, along the 576-mile long Medienne Verte, a straight line of more than 10,000 indigenous sapling trees. France vacation to Nice , Saint-Tropez, Le Lavandou or Hyeres in the azure Mediterranean are areas of spectacular beauty and enjoyment; take advantage of the warmth and tremendous charm of this popular coastline and its sunny beaches. You can dive into the warm water, hop on a windsurfing board, speed off water-skiing and slip into the Mediterranean spirit. At night the atmosphere of celebration permeates the air with excitement. The food is incredible on a France vacation, even in the cafes, ice cream parlors or restaurants. There's a string of plush resorts stretch along the Catalan coastline - Barcarare Saint-Cyprien, Collioure with its immense charm. The yacht harbors are bristling with sleek vessels made only to pleasure yourself on. France vacation in Paris is one of the top vacation spots in the world, fine French cuisine, tasty French wines, rare art, museums, and the latest fashions and shows. Select exactly the components you want in your France vacation. You choose your hotel, room category -from sea views to suites-, rental car, private transfers and customized sightseeing tours. We do it all! Our Virtuoso Travel and Cruise Consultants will create the France vacation you have always dreamed of. Why Should You Use our Virtuoso France Luxury Vacation, Travel and Cruise Specialists ? We are Virtuoso, "Specialists in the Art of Travel". Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes Magazine, ESPN TV, Fine Living TV, Neiman Marcus Awards Program and National Geographic. Our Virtuoso France Vacation Specialists offer exclusive insider connections and industry expertise on luxury vacations- along with the guidance and know-how you require to make educated travel choices. We are very innovative, add valuable solutions that consistently exceed our customers expectations, and strive to always provide the ultimate travel experience on you France vacation. Book Your France Vacation Submit planner to our France Specialists Client Testimonials about our services Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise France Overview France History France Culture France Geography France Practical Info France Luxury Accommodations France Luxury Hotels & Resorts Paris Luxury Hotels & Resorts France Virtuoso Luxury Hotels France Hotels French Luxury Villas Europe Luxury Hotels European Hotels & Villas France & Europe Luxury Tour Vacations France Luxury Tours Economical France Tours France Active Vacations France Ski Vacations France Barge Vacations Central Eastern & Western England & Ireland Tours Scandinavia & Russia Tour Portugal & Spain Tours Escape to Europe Cruises Italy Luxury Tours Europe Train Vacations Europe River Cruises Eastern Europe Packages Europe Bike Vacations Europe Active Vacations Europe Luxury Cruises Western Europe Cruises European River Cruises Luxury Cruises World Luxury Cruises Our Exclusive Specials Helpful Travel Links Other Helpful Travel Links Instant Passports in 24 hours Travelex Luxury Travel Insurance CSA Luxury Travel Insurance Travel Guard Insurance Travel Safety Expert Current Travel Warnings Travel Agent Career Opportunities Bookmark this page Full Service France Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your France vacation with our full service Virtuoso Travel Consultants. We are recommended, authorized France Vacation Specialists, and can arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree experience at no extra charge! You may call our Virtuoso France Vacation Specialists, but first, we'd really appreciate it if you complete our "France Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1-415-446 5252 to book your France vacation . Full Service, France Tour Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your France tour vacation with our full service Virtuoso Tour Specialists. We can arrange every little detail of your France tour vacation, including air, and pre-tour and post-tour arrangements to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our "Luxury France Tour Vacation Planner" our Virtuoso--France Specialists will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1-415-446 5252 to book your France tour vacation . Full Service, France Luxury Cruise Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your France luxury cruise vacation with our full service Virtuoso France Luxury Cruise Specialists. We can arrange every little detail of your France cruise vacation, including air, excursions, and pre-cruise and post-cruise arrangements, to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our " France luxury Cruise Vacation Planner" our Virtuoso--France Specialists will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1-415-446 5252 to book your France luxury cruise . 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