Family Vacation Ideas Winter

Caribbean Vacations - for families  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > Caribbean Vacations Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids > Caribbean Vacations Caribbean Vacations All-inclusive resorts are the most popular Caribbean vacations for families. Look for price drops from April to December. Below-- and in folders to the right-- are many tips. Subtopics Caribbean Resorts (54) Caribbean Vacations in Mexico: Cancun & Mayan Riviera @ US Virgin Islands (9) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Caribbean Vacations: What to Expect Family resorts are a popular choice for Caribbean vacations, and many guests return year after year: what are these places like? Caribbean Vacations: Factors to consider Families may have many factors to consider, when choosing Caribbean vacations. Caribbean Vacations - what's right for you? Where should you go for your Caribbean vacation? The answer depends on your particular familiy... Click on what's important to you. Caribb'n Islands A to Z Which island to pick, for your Caribbean vacations? Start here with a quick overview. Beach Resorts A to Z Alphabetical list of many family choices in the Carib'n, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii. Caribbean Vacations - Deals This page at Travel With Kids lists the latest Caribbean vacation bargains. Caribbean Vacations: Aruba for Families This friendly island in the Dutch Caribbean (and outside the hurrican zone) has a number of all-inclusives and other family-friendly properties. Caribbean Vacations: Barbados This popular island has seen much development, and is best known for high-end celebrity resorts. British visitors like the all-inclusives packages, and driving on the left. Read about family activities and beach resorts. Belize Belize is the small country south of Mexico's Yucatan, with beaches on the Carib'n Sea. Explore all-inclusive packages. Costa Rica Costa Rica not only has lovely beaches, it's especially known for nature-tour vacations, visiting the Cloud Forest, volcano, wildlife refuge, etc. Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic -- which shares an island with impoverished Haiti-- has been working hard to build its tourism industry with all-inclusive Caribbean vacations at a good price point. Trinidad & Tobago Known as "T&T", these two distinct islands are opular with for nature lovers; several inns and resorts have special programs and promotions for families. Virgin Island Vacations Just two hours from Miami, the US Virgin Islands offer a Caribbean experience that's still part of the US. Three distinct islands offer white-sand beaches, super snorkeling, a major National Park, colonial towns and forts, and some popular family resorts. See Top Things to do in the USVI. Atlantis submarine cruises A fun outing on Caribbean vacations: Atlantis submarine cruises are offered on many islands, and a great way to give kids a tour of the ocean floor. Hurricane Season in the Carib'n You can find terrific bargains on Caribbean vacations from May to December; but some of those months are Hurricane Season. Read about weather risks, guarantees and protection strategies.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...

Asia Travel || Myanmar

HOTELS RESORTS TRAVEL LEISURE TOURS MYANMAR Myanmar Country and Travel Information Map of Myanmar Nationalities of Myanmar || Historical and Cultural Heritage || Arts and Crafts Highlights on Scenic Beauty || Special events IN GENERAL Myanmar is one of the largest country in South East Asia, stretching over 2,000 km from North to South. It is twice the size of Vietnam, over a quarter larger than Thailand, and Myanmar is bigger than England and France combined. Ethnically diverse, Myanmar is a nation of many races - some 130 ethnic groups make up its population of nearly 45 million. The majority of Myanmar's people are Bamars (from which the British coined the name Burma), but the Shan, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and others are also prominent throughout the country. Myanmar's climate is tropical: during the cool season from late November through February, temperatures are pleasantly mild ranging from 21C to 28 C; the hot season from March to April can see the mercury reach as high as 45 C; and during the months of the rainy season, from May to October short rainstorms are frequent in the late afternoons. The Nationalities of Myanmar Myanmar's ethnically diverse population is a result of three major migrations from Tibet and Central Asia, the cradle of humanity. The people of Myanmar are descendants of three main branches: The Mon-Khmer, the Tibeto-Burman, and the Thai-Chinese. The Kaya, Mon, Wa, La, Palaung, Pale, Yao, Riang, Padaung, Ylnbaw, Zayein, and others originated from the Mon-Khmer group, while the Shan, Kayin and Taungthu, etc., find their roots in the Thai-Chinese community. The Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Lolo, Rahkine, Kadu, Hpon, Maru, Lashi, Rawang, Azi, Nung, Daru, Yaw, Mro, Inthat, Naga, Gauri, Lisu, Lahu, among others, evolved from the Tibeto-Burman group. Historical and Cultural Heritage Kuthodaw Pagoda, in Mandalay, which houses the entire Buddhist scriptures carved onto 729 marble slabs is "The world's largest book". Built by King Mindon, it is indeed a rare and splendid sight. Myanmar's unique historical and cultural heritage dates back over 5,000 years. Evidence confirming the existence of stone age people has been found throughout the country. Early Myanmars were said to be Mons, and the first politically important inhabitants were the Pyu who date back to the early period of the Christian era. It was Bagan, however, which was founded in the 11th century, that gave rise to the dominant culture and civilization in Myanmar's history. Arts and Crafts of Myanmar Myanmar is an enchanting country with a rich history in arts and crafts. Mandalay, the ancient capital and the glory of Myanmar Kings, represents the largest repository of Myanmar arts and crafts. Visitors can observe carvers of ivory, wood and stone, in addition to makers fo gold leaf, silk weavers, silversmiths and bronze-casters, as they ply their respective trades according to the time-honored traditions of their forefathers. The pagodas, religious monuments, and major Buddhist sculptures seen all over Myanmar are authentic examples of the rich tradition of Bagan arts andcrafts and of prior eras of craftmanship so evident throughout Myanmar's history. Highlights on Scenic Beauty Myanmar is blessed with natural scenic beauty making for landscapes that are incredibly picturesque. The country's great lakes, snowcapped mountains and unspoiled beaches are undoubtedly some of the most stunning, idyllic, and mystical places to be found anywhere on earth. Myanmar's physical beauty is enhanced by the spectacular pagodas and temples that can be found all over the country. These venues for contemplation and prayer radiate the obvious spirituality of the people. Special Events Around The Year Myanmar is popularly known as The Land of Festivals because of the countless religious and cultural festivals that take place all ycar round. Some are nation-wide festivities while others are popular solely around the city of Yangon or in the District Areas. JANUARY On January 4th, Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar is celebrated across the country. Countless parades and fairs mark this important day and everyone joins in the festivities. The Myanmar Traditional Equestrian Festival or Myin-Khin-Thabin is a national festival which is held annually in Yangon In ancient times, this festival provided the Myanmar Kings with the opportunity to demonstrate their military might, but today its main purpose is for the perpetuation of Myanmar patriotism. It is a fantastic occasion and tourists are warmly welcomed to participate in the many celebrations. FEBRUARY Traditionally, this is the month of the Harvest Festival when people rejoice in the feast of Htamane. No one should miss this opportunity to sample a delicious Myanmar delicacy consisting of glutinour rice freckle with coconut, sesamum seeds, peanuts, ginger, and oil, which is specially prepared for the feast. The Thingyan festival don't wear your Sunday best! The anniversary of the Union Day falls on February 12. Representatives and cultural troupes of the seven States and seven Divisions of the Union of Myanmar dressed in colourful, traditional costumes gather at venues across the country. Traditional entertainment highlights the beauty of the different ethnic groups found within the Union. MARCH March is the most colorful month of the year as Pagoda Festivals arc in full swing. The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full moon of Tabaung and is one of the month s biggest events. During this festival, visitors can get a feel for the spirituality of the people of Myanmar by participating in events at temple fairs or by observing the rituals of the holiday. APRIL Thingyan or the Water Festival is held throughout the country for three days in the month of April. It simultaneously marks the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Young people gather together to sing and dance, and to playfully throw water on each other. Throughout the Thingyan Carnivals decorative floats and water throwing pandals are seen everywhere in both towns and cities alike. If you are not afraid of getting wet, this high spirited festival is one that you won't want to miss! MAY The Kason Festival of watering the Sacred Banyan Tree symbolises the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist holiday and many processions are held at temple grounds throughout the country. JUNE AND JULY The onset of monsoon season makes June and July relatively quiet months in Myanmar. There are, however, various smaller Buddhist festivals to be enjoyed. AUGUST Taungpyone Nat or Spirit Festival is a popular five day festival held in Taungpyone near Mandalay. According to tradition, Nats are spirits that must be appeased or they will wreak havoc in people's lives. The two Nat Brothers honoured during Taungpyone Nat belong to the 37 well-known Myanmar Nats. The story of the two Nat Brothers originated during the rule of King Anawrahta, when it was the duty of every person in the kingdom to contribute a brick and a handful of sand for the construction of a Pagoda. The brothers failed to contribute their share and orders came from the King for them to be mildly punished. Unfortunately, the Nat Brothers were accidentally killed. The King was remorseful and built a big Nat (spirit) shrine by the side of the Pagoda honoring the two brothers. The homage-paying festival is now held annually to appease the spirits as it is believed that the Nat Brothers can fulfill your wishes, protect you from ill-fate and danger, and bring good luck, prosperity and progress. SEPTEMBER The famous Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda Festival is held at Inle Lake once a year. The procession of the Inle leg-rowers in full pageantry and ceremonial splendour is a sight not to be missed by anyone visiting Myanmar. OCTOBER & NOVEMBER The opening ceremony of Visit Myanmar Year 1 1996 will be kicked off on a grand scale. The celebration will be a gloriously festive occasion. The Thadingyut or Light Festival, which ends the Buddhist I Lent, is also one of the most prominent festivals of the year. Another celebration of light is the Tazaungdine festival held in November. Pagodas, houses, buildings, parks, and monuments arc all illuminated and there are various kinds of activities for everyone to enjoy. The other important festival outside Yangon is the exotic Elephant Dance held in Kyaukse, a small town not far from Mandalay. A huge elephant figure is made from bamboo and paper Men take their places inside the figure and dance around the town to the accompaniment of Dobat and Drums. The elephant dancers circle three times at the foot of the hill to pay homage to the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda. It is a dance that requires precise rhythm and timing in order for the elephant dancers to maintain unity inside the elephant figure. DECEMBER The traditional Boat Regatta Festival is held at Kandawgyi Lake to remind the younger generations of the glory, sovereignty, patriotism and national spirit of Myanmar. Asia Travel || Myanmar Page || Top

Austria Travel Stories Austria

Austria Travel Stories Archives: BootsnAll Travel Network Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Bali | London | Australia | Written Road | Travel News Daily Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Contact | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Home » Austria » Austria Travel Stories Austria Travel Stories Following Street Performers in Vienna - Vienna, Austria Curious about the real lives of street performers, Ira Koplowitz darts on and off trains and around buildings to find out. RTW Honeymoon #6: The Hills are Alive With the Sounds of Salzburg! - Salzburg, Austria to France Monastic breweries in Salzburg, liter beers in Munich, Disney castles, historic Bamberg, Switzerland, Amsterdam and finally to Paris. The Year of Living Differently #12: For Butter or Wurst - Enns, Austria to Witten, Germany While her Europe trip was not turning out terribly exciting, Trisha was happy to be able to catch up in person with friends she'd met on the road. Salzburg International Festival - Salzburg, Austria Salzburg and the Sound of Music are synonymous. Leif Pettersen, however, was fortunate enough to learn more about music when he attended Salzburg's Superbowl of international music. Valiant Vienna - Vienna, Austria Leif Pettersen gives his take on finding a hostel bed, summertime restoration...and Vienna. European Travelogue #9: Vienna, Austria A place of culture and refinement. European Travelogue #8: Salzburg, Austria Salzburg should be a stopover for a few days. European Tour, My Own Way #3: Salzburg, Gruenau, Venice, Florence - Austria and Italy Whirlwind stops in Salzburg and Gruenau and then on to Italy. European Tour, My Own Way #2: Brussels, Vienna - Belgium and Austria Quick stops in Amsterdam and Brussels before the train to Austria's capital. Vienna, Austria Vienna Vienna is the cultural centre of Europe with lots of museums, sights and famous places to visit. It is located in the eastern part of Austria (map). Getting There We drove into Vienna from Salzburg along the A1... European Travelogue: Salzburg, Austria Salzburg Salzburg is located in the west of Austria, not far from Munich in Germany (map). This town was founded by an archbishop 600 years ago in a valley at the juncture of three mountain ranges, to control the... Seven Capital Cities in Seven Days (2 of 8) Two Celtic Warriors on a whirlwind train journey through Europe. Home » Austria » Austria Travel Stories Book It! 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Italy Travel Packages South

Italy discount vacation travel tour: Rome Milan package tour 5 Days E-mail sales@italy-travel.net Rome Milan package tour (5 days and 4nights) 2005-2006 Rates Tourist Class Hotels ( 3 stars ) First Class Hotels ( 4 stars ) Price per person US$585 based on doubleor triple occupancy at 3 Stars Hotels Single room occupancy : US$793 per person at 3 Stars Hotels Tourist class Hotels included in this package Price per person US$832, based on doubleor triple occupancy at 4 Stars Hotels Single room occupancy : US$1092 per person at 4 Stars Hotels First class Hotels included in this package Day 01 (Saturday) Rome / Siena / Florence Departure by deluxe motor coach on the " Autostrada del Sole " to Siena. This gothic city is constructed on three hills in the heart of Tuscany.This monumental and medieval city is encircled by its ancient walls and is famous for its splendid square " Piazza del Campo ", designed in the shape of a shell . Here, every year the famous "Palio" takes place. See also the elegant Palace and the Cathedral. In the afternoon proceed on to Florence. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel. Day 02 (Sunday) Florence Breakfast at the Hotel and morning city tour along which we appreciate the artistic beauty of Florence with its Dome by Brunelleschi, the Bell tower by Giotto and the Baptistery. The sightseeing tour continues through Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and finally the church of Santa Croce. Time at leisure and return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. Day 03 (Monday) Florence /Pisa/ Padua / Venice Breakfast at Hotel and departure for the excursion to Pisa. This quiet and graceful town shows signs of its past and its greatness through the famous Piazza del Campo, better known as the " Square of Miracles " where we find the Cathedral, the Leaning Tower (a Romanic bell tower of 58mt) and the Baptistery. At the end of the visit depart to Padua for a short visit of the Basilica of St. Anthony.Continue to Venice, the city of gondolas. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel. Day 04 (Tuesday) Venice Breakfast at Hotel and visit of this mysterious city built on 177 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges. The sightseeing includes the panoramic of St. Mark's square and the Doge's Palace (external). During the morning the group will stop in one of the famous shops of Murano glasses. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel. Day 05 (Wednesday) Venice / Verona / Lake of Garda / Milan Breakfast at the Hotel and departure for Verona, the monumental city setting of Shakespeare's masterpiece " Romeo and Juliet " ( panoramic visit of Juliet's house ).This ancient Roman colony is especially known all over the world for its Arena, a splendid amphitheatre that becomes in summer the scene of the most important Operas and Lyrics. Proceed to Milan via the largest Italian lake: the Lake of Garda. Arrival in Milan. End of services NOTE: IN THE SIGHTSEEING TOURS ENTRANCE FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED Click on the below thumbnails to enlarge photos Route Map Florence Pisa Venice Juliet house, Verona INCLUDED IN THE FEE All scheduled transportations with Deluxe Air-conditioned motor coach All scheduled transfers All scheduled guided tours First class Hotels or Tourist class Hotels asdetailed above Meals as specified in the Itinerary B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner (Drinks at dinners are NOT included) Multi-lingual speakingprofessional guide services All Taxes NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE International Airfares Airport transportations Airport departure taxes Entrance tickets Drinks at dinners Tips Items of personal nature All what is not specifically mentioned in the paragraph "Included in the Fee" Fixed Departure dates 2005-2006 2006 DEPARTURE DATES May 06 13 20 27 June 03 10 17 24 July 01 08 15 22 29 August 05 12 19 26 September 02 09 16 23 30 October 07 14 21 28 Tourist class Hotels included in this package First class Hotels included in this package Click above to see details of the Hotels included in the package Booking Information In order to confirm your reservation we need the full payment in advance. After inputting information into the appropriate below form, you will then submit the form for processing. We use a fully automated reservation system, simply fill out the forms, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and Amex credit cards are accepted on-line, please note that all the transactions are managed by INTERNETSECURE and PAYPAL for your total security. All the information is encrypted, state of the art encryption to keep your credit card information secure, we will not know your card number. Your order will be processed on-line in less then 1 minute, you also receive a receipt of the deposit and the confirmation of your reservation, note that your order is not complete until you have received via e-mail the receipt of payment that is automatically generated at the end of the reservation process. For further information we strongly recommend to look at the travel contract. Please note that we sell on first come basis and we accept reservations until 15 days prior to the selected departure date, we are unable to accept reservations less than 14 days prior to the selected departure date. Please Fill in your Name and Surname Full E-mail address, please check the spelling carefully Departure Date Select 2006 May 06 2006 May 13 2006 May 20 2006 May 27 2006 June 03 2006 June 10 2006 June 17 2006 June 24 2006 July 01 2006 July 08 2006 July 15 2006 July 22 2006 July 29 2006 August 05 2006 August 12 2006 August 19 2006 August 26 2006 September 02 2006 September 09 2006 September 16 2006 September 23 2006 September 30 2006 October 07 2006 October 14 2006 October 21 2006 October 28 Hotel Search | Package Tours | Full day Tours | Discount Airfares | Car Rental | Cruises | Destination Guides | Travel Directory Add URL | Contact Us Tours of Italy by Cosmic Discount vacation travel packages and tours to all the exciting destinations in Italy Email : sales@italy-travel.net US Fax Number 480-247-4242 This information is current as of today, Cosmic Worldwide Discount Travel Reservation Top Destinations Europe : London Paris Florence Rome Venice Italy Travel Packages South America: Travel to Peru Galapagos Machu Picchu Cusco Quito La Paz

Spain Travel Resources Map

Spain Map - Map of Spain and Travel Resources  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > European Travel Maps > Maps of Spain > Spain Map - Map of Spain and Travel Resources 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 Spain Map and Travel Essentials Information you need to know about visiting Spain You are Here Home Europe Map Map of Spain and Travel Resources Spain Map - Spain Travel Resources Map of Spain © 2003 by James Martin, licensed to About (Map Notes: Spanish Cities in brown have detailed travel information on this site. Cities on the map which have link categories to tourism information are in black.) Destinations in Spain Asturias and Cantabria Asturias and Cantabria -Map and Guide to Spain's Undiscovered North Coast - Prehistoric Cave Country. Barcelona, Spain Barcelona City Profile Merida, Spain Merida Travel Planner - great Roman ruinsand tapas on the route between Lisbon and Madrid. Pamplona, Spain (Basque Country) PamplonaSpain and the Running of the Bulls Peñafiel, Spain Peñafiel Spain and the Ribera del Duero Wine Region - See one of Spain's mostinteresting castle. Salamanca, Spain Salamanca Travel Essentials and City Profile - Salamanca is one of my favorite cities featuring a fantasticPlaza Major. Segovia, Spain Segovia Travel Planer interesting citymakes a great day trip from Madrid. Tarragona, Spain Tarragona Spain Visitors Guide - Near enough to Barcelona to make either city aday trip. For more destinations in Spain, see: Madrid Travel Guide Spain Travel Directory Cities and Islands of Spain Travel Directory Maps of Spain Spain Regional Map - a map showing the regions of Spain and resources for that region. Good for choosing a general destination rather than a city or for learning more about Spain.. Spain - Rail Map showing major Spanish cities on the rail lines. You'll alsofind information links to pertinent train information. A Traveler's Geography of Spain - Map and Resources Find out about the Geography of Spain as well as intersting travel destinations emphasizing the natural history of Spain. Spain in Pictures Spain Picture Gallery Barcelona, Spain Picture Gallery Spain - Weather Spain enjoys a moderate climate. In Bilbao, for example, the average temperature varies from 49 degrees F in January to 70 in August. For an overview of temperaturesthroughout the year in some of Spain's cities, see GeographyIQ . For current Spanish Weather, see the Weather Underground . Spain - Transportation Spain is served by an extensive rail system. See our railmap for the major routes and train information. There is no national bus service in Spain. Many small cities in Spain have access to the larger cities through a local bus system. Routes and Timetables for the local busses are found at bus stations and stops. You can buy a ticket on the bus or in advance from tobacco shops (estancos). The two largest Bus companies serving Spain are Autocares Julia and Eurolines . Spain - Eating in Spanish Restaurants In the summer,Spanish eating habits can be dauntingfor the tourist, especially one just arriving from overseas. Lunch and dinner are served later here than in the rest of Europe, restaurants often opening as late as 3pm for lunch and 8 or 9pm for dinner. Many restaurants in metropolitan areas have started to cater to the overseas crowd and offer continuous opening hours. The traditional remedy for the lateness of meals was to eat small plates called tapas at bars that were open all day, either as a way to keep hunger away until the restaurants opened or to make a whole meal out of appetizers--not a bad wayto go. Bellying up to a Tapas bar is a great way to meet people. Many travelers report not finding enough vegetables in restaurants to keep them happy. This is not the case when you eat meals in people's homes--it's a quirk of the restaurant system. See Eating in Spain for more. Dont expect to find No Smoking sections in restaurants or bars. Tipping in Spanish Restaurants Meals includea service charge, but tipping is common. 10% is a substantial tip. Accommodations in Spain Spain has a wide range of accommodations. There are usually hotels near train stations, somebudget, a few seedy. You may inspect a hotel before committing to it. Hotels in spain are classified by stars according to their facilities and not necessarily their charm. For more on the hotel rating system, see our article: Hotels and their Star Ratings . An excellent glossary of Spanish Accommodation terms is found on John Ross' Spain and Portugal for Visitors Site . Language in Spain The language spoken in Spain is Spanish. However, there are variants spoken that include Euskara, spoken in the basque regions; Catalan, spoken in parts of Spain, Andorra, France and Sardinia; Galician, and other languages. An excellent discussion of these is provided by Gerald Erichsen in his article: Spain'sLinguistic Diversity . Foreign Languages for the Tourist gives a list of resources for learning just enough language to get along. Page two of that article is an account of going to language school in Perugia, Italy. I recommend undertaking such an experience in Spain if you're interested in the Spanish language and people. There is a good list of Spanish Language Schools here . Currency in Spain Spain uses the Euro--Symbol . At the time the Euro came into use, its value was setto 166.386 Spanish Pesetas. [ more on the Euro ] Spain - Siesta! The siesta period is from 1:30 to 4:30. Stores close but restaurants stay open in the lateafternoon, closing usually at 4:30. From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement 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        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...