Switzerland Travel Guide, climate:

Switzerland Travel Guide - Information and Advice Switzerland Travel Guide Information and Advice Switzerland Pictures | Switzerland Map Guerba can take you walking in the very best parts of Switzerland with three itineraries ranging from 8 to 13 days. Guerba Tours | Swiss Alpine Trails | High Trails of Mont Blanc | Swiss Walking and Montreux Jazz | Free Brochure Switzerland Travel Guide, climate: Best: June-Sept for summer activities and Dec-March for winter sports. Length of stay: Minimum worthwhile stay, not including flights: Zurich or Lucerne for a romantic weekend, or Zermatt for a sports break. Recommended: 10 days to get totally knackered at your choice of activity. Switzerland Festivals Guide: Snow freaks have plenty of wacky winter festivals to attend, such as: pop festivals at 1,800m in deep snow [Fuchstival, mid March or Kleine Scheidegg early April]; dog sled racing [Zinal, mid March or Chandolin early April]; Waterslide Contest [Bettmeralp, late March or Valais, April]; downhill mountain bike races [on snow] from 3,600m [Allalin, early April]... Feb/March, Fasnacht [carnival] - especially colourful in Basel, but makes an appearance elsewhere too. July, Montreux Jazz Festival. August 1, Swiss National Day - with various activities including fireworks. For some precise dates see: European Festivals or Arts Festiva ls . Activities Guide: Hiking: With magnificent views of mountains, flower-carpeted alpine valleys, waterfalls and superbly organised and supported trails, this is a must-trek destination. Possibilities are too many to list with 50,000 kms of footpaths out there! Biking: There are over 150 well designed mountain bike routes in Switzerland, ranging from the easy to the insane, and all with staggering views. For regular bikes there are over 3,000 kms of track. Inline Skating: Around 600 kms of specially asphalted, reasonably flat, scenic routes , such as the Rhine, the Rhone and the Mittelland, make this possibly the world's best skating destination. Windsurfing: Wind can be erratic due to altitude or rock interference, but some popular spots are these lakes: Leman, Bieler, Urner, Alpenmacher, Maggiore [north], Lugano. Canoeing: The Muota River [Schwyz] and the Doubs [Jura] are most wanted. White-water rafting: The Rhine and Saane rivers are well known but the Alps provides many more possibilities. Mountaineering: Zermatt, Pontresina and Meiringen are areas favoured by serious climbers. Gliding: yet another use for those huge hunks of rock...hang and paragliding are well provided for in most larger resorts. Snow sports: Vast quantities of the white stuff are just about everywhere of course, but what makes this country a bit special is a] doing the white thing in the shadow of a truly awesome mountain, like Zermatt/Matterhorn, and b] that in some places the snow is around nearly all year. Zermatt and Verbier are best targets for skiing and nightlife. Wellness: With pure alpine air and a teutonic attitude to health, Switzerland offers a mass of spas, saunas and therapy centres in stunning locations. More unusual activities: Switzerland goes in for some off-the-wall sports too, such as canyoning , zorbing [rolling down a mountainside in huge transparent ball] or house running [abseiling down tall buildings at high speed]. Interlaken and Lucerne are centres for these mad moments. Switzerland Star Guide: Monuments * Shopping and souvenirs *** Walkability ***** Food Quality and Variety **** Value for Money *** Hotel Prices and Value ** Beaches lakes Wildlife *** Landscape ***** Local People ** Architecture **** Safety ***** Nightlife and Clubbing **** Health Problems none Museums **** Accommodation Guide: Tourist offices are efficient in listing local rooms/hotels available, often with boards placed outside rail stations. They also hand out 'guest cards' that secure various discounts. Hotels are not necessarily expensive but hostels are, of course, the cheapest option , though still good quality. Campsites are good too, mostly open only in summertime. Free camping is not permitted. Cuisine Guide: If you're a non-dairy eater then you'll have a big problem if you travel in Switzerland, though vegetarians will be unusually fulfilled. Cheese appears frequently and is the star of Swiss specialities like fondue [dipping bread or potato into melted cheese], raclette [similar] and rosti [cheese-topped grated potatoes]. Lake fish are a popular dish and vegetarian restaurants common. Those on a budget can find good value set lunch menus or self-service restaurants in department stores. Why Travel to Switzerland? Yet another quirky little European country, Switzerland is unique, spectacular and well worth a trip or two. Clichés perhaps, but some of the best Swiss experiences involve incredible mountains and lakes, stunning sports - summer or winter, stylish, lively towns, quaint hillside villages , and all tied together with a supremely efficient transport system . In addition it's super-safe , just about everyone speaks two or three languages , including English, and it's loaded with terrific beers, rich food and amazing pastries and chocolate . Is that a good thing? You choose. Downside: - this not a cheap destination . - don't try anything remotely illegal , [such as crossing the road when the little man is red], this is a very law-abiding state. - Swiss people - about 65% Germanic - though extremely polite, are, like their climate, cool towards foreigners. Where to travel in Switzerland: South-west [Lake Geneva]: ** Geneva , attractively situated at the southwest tip of Lake Geneva and near France, is cultured and metropolitan, but more of a business and diplomatic centre than party place. It does, however, offer a great selection of museums and some decent architecture including the ubiquitous old town. ***Lausanne, on the other hand and the other side of the lake, really knows how to play, due partly to the university's youth contribution. Steeply tiered, it 's stylish and pleasantly walkable [going down or along the waterfront] and alive with varied street action and nutty cafés. On the east side of Lake Geneva lie three smaller locations of interest: *Vevey is a small, appealing market town with a lively Street Artist's Festival in late August; *Montreux , 6km down the road is bijou but wealth-oriented and not particularly hospitable apart from July's Jazz Festival; the 13thC ***Chateau de Chillon is the star attraction in this area, a beautifully located and well-preserved castle popularised by Lord Byron's ' Prisoner of Chillon .' The middle [Mittelland ]: **Bern's tiny, quiet, riverside elegance is not at all what you would expect of Switzerland's capital. The old town's cobbled streets and arcaded buildings date from the 11thC to the 18thC, and there is life there still... Just south of Bern the Lake Thun area affords castle freaks the opportunity to pleasure themselves repeatedly on fine 12th and 13thC fortifications. ***Lucerne [Luzern] is more than just another gorgeous Swiss city. Mix lake with river with mountain with alpine meadows with well-preserved old town, throw in some stunning new architecture, a lively youth-oriented street culture, plenty of adventure sports [mostly 1 hour by train uphill to Engelberg ], simmer gently and you've got the young traveller's #1 Swiss role model. The area also provides the country's most spectacular ferry rides. *Basel is wealthy, cultured and convenient, with a pleasant old town and fine museums, but too preoccupied with business to be much fun. ***Zurich, up north, is a far, gnomic cry from it's stuffy banking image these days. Gorgeously located astride a river and boxed in by Lake Zurich and distant snowy mountains, the city is a buzzing hive of creativity and charm, with a lovely medieval old town and a huge variety of imaginative new establishments to relieve you of your wad. The miniscule principality of Liechtenstein is two hours away but offers little of interest. The Alps mountains [south] : *** The Jungfrau Region towards the country's centre offers the highest and most scenic rail trip, connecting three peaks, the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, though some argue that the Schilthorn cable-car is cheaper, quicker and more scenic. **Murren and **Grindelwald towns are good bases for both winter and summer sports, but Interlaken is too busy to be enjoyable for those who value tranquility. ***The Matterhorn is a Swiss icon and the original model for Toblerone chocolate, while traffic-free *** Zermatt - at it's foot - is the place to stay and base for any number of staggering view experiences, including year-round snow sports and the day-long, panoramic Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St Moritz. **St Moritz. Very posh, very beautiful, and very expensive, though St Moritz-Bad would be less bad for your wallet than snooty St Moritz-Dorf. Ticino, the Italian region, south of the Alps: Warmer and culturally very different from the rest of Switzerland , Ticino sports palm trees, piazzas and pizzas along with the usual lakes, woody hills and medieval old towns. Prime targets are **Locarno and ***Lugano, both on lakes, with the latter offering more views, style and sights. Switzerland Tours Tour operators offering travel around Switzerland can be found in our listings here: Switzerland Tours For links to Tourist Offices, Embassies, Cheap Air Tickets, Currency Converter, Climate, Language advice, other online Travel Guides and more, visit Bugbog Travel Directory Europe Map Visas: EU citizens and nationals of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan do not need a visa for up to 3 months, though you should carry your passport. Electricity Guide: Electric sockets are 230v and are built for three round pin plugs but will accept the usual 2 round pin plugs , fortunately. Safety Guide: Switzerland is just about the safest place on the planet. Apart from overeating and snow accidents the biggest dangers are likely to be altitude sickness [AMS] or hypothermia if you overestimate your climbing/hiking ability . Language: Not a problem in this country which has more multi-lingual ability than any other on earth . A twisted German is the dominant tongue and French second, but everyone can handle English. Local Transport: Swiss transport is brilliant and trains are the way to go if available. InterRail or Eurail passes offer well-discounted travel, though not on a few spectacular mountain routes. Lake ferries are famously scenic [only June-Sept]. International Transport: Roads and railways from the rest of Europe are superb , while boating from Germany, France and Italy is also possible . Buses are a less comfortable option. Money: Contrary to expectations, the local currency is the Swiss Franc [also used by their little brother Liechtenstein], but most places in tourist areas will accept the Euro. Tipping is not necessary anywhere as 15% service charge is applied to just about everything including taxis. Costs are on the high side, though cheapish travel in Switzerland is possible if you eat fast food, use a railpass and stay in hostels. Pictures are courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. If you plan to travel Switzerland you may find these other Bugbog guides useful: Germany Travel Guide Austria Travel Guide France Travel Guide Italy Travel Guide Czech Republic Guide Hungary Travel Guide Belgium Travel Guide Travel Pictures | Destination Finder | Exotic Places | World Festivals | World Wonders | Safari Wildlife | Beaches | Top of Page European Places | Walking Tours | Travel Health | Travel Safety | Travel Directory | English Speaking Places | Tours Gap Year | Site Map | Travel Guide Homepage | Contact | Press | Advertising | Legal | Maps | Travelogue © 2000-2005 Bugbog

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Whistler Hotels, Accommodations, Lodging and Ski Accomodation Packages from Whistler eStays Whistler Blackcomb Resort Hotels, Accommodation and Lodging: 1-800-777-0185 Whistler Accomodations, Hotels, Lodging and Rentals Bookmark Us Welcome Whistler eStays is your one-stop resource for Whistler Blackomb resort accomodations , hotels , lodging and ski vacation packages. To serve you better, this web site combines the information on both Whistler Lodging Company 's ten lodges in the Whistler resort 's best locations and Mountain Memories Accommodation ' suites, townhomes and private chalets also located throughout the resort, thus providing you with over 1,000 unique accommodation choices. Personally managing Whistler's largest selection of accommodations from hotel rooms, studios, and one to four bedroom suites, townhomes and private mountain chalets, we offer you the very best last minute ski vacation packages and hot deals , accomodations options throughout the Whistler ski resort . We can book everything you need from transportation to your lift tickets , ski or board rentals and lessons . Plus book all the extras to make your winter ski vacation memorable such as spa treatment after long day of skiing or snowboarding or choose to book a thrilling snowmobile adventure through the scenic backcountry. We want to assist you in creating a memorable Whistler vacation. Main Categories: Whistler Reservations Whistler Blackcomb Hot Deals/Packages Whistler Accommodation Directory Transportation to Whistler Whistler Blackcomb Lift Tickets Whistler Resort Guide About Us My Dates Start Date Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 # of Nights 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Place a check mark next to your choices: My Choices: Hotel/Lodging Air Travel Activities/Events Great Savings with our Accommodation Packages Whistler eStays offers a variety of packages including lift tickets and accommodation. Our packages offer value all season long and make it convenient to plan your Whistler vacation. Spring Sale (April 3 - 17, 2005) starting from $231* -- Free Fresh Tracks Vouchers Spend Your Holidays in Whistler! Book by December 15, 2005 and you'll receive 2 FREE Vouchers Good for breakfast and early-loading privileges to Whistler Mountain's ski slopes! More Details Come with family and/or friends and enjoy our Holiday Specials Rates starting as low as $199.00 per night. More details. Private Collection Whistler Resort Newsletter Choose from an exclusive collection of condominiums, townhomes, signature executive homes, log homes and mountain chalets offering the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Whistler Private Accommodations Updates on mountain events, snow conditions, vacation deals, special offers, contests and more. Sign up Now! Our Privacy Policy Whistler Blackcomb Accommodations Home | Reservations | Hot Deals/Packages | Accommodations Transportation | Lift Tickets | Whistler Resort Guide | About Us | Bookmark Us -- Call Now To Reserve Your Vacation: 1-800-777-0185

South America Travel

Working holidays and gap year programs Home | About Us | Destinations | Insurance | Request Brochure | FAQs | Offers | Contact Us | Working holidays , gap year jobs and volunteer work programmes abroad. Whether it's a gap year programme, volunteer opportunity, backpacking trip, working holiday or career break the Work & Travel Company offers full support packages. or click for a call back Australia 9am - 7pm Monday to Thursday 9am - 5.30pm Fridays Age 18 - 30? You can obtain a working holiday visa for up to 12 months. Click here for a great choice of programmes to help you work and travel in Australia . Age 31+? Never mind! We can still help with a tourist visa, insurance and other great stuff. How about joining Conservation Volunteers for a few weeks?. Thailand Temples, Beaches, Trekking & Volunteer Placement. Central & South America Learn Spanish in one of the top Spanish schools in one of 8 countries... Over 100 different volunteer projects with local, national and international organisations, schools and orphanages - Teach English, Community development, Nature Conservation and much much more! India Volunteer projects and camps, beaches, tropical treks and jungle Safaris. Nepal Experience local life on this new programme teaching English for 4 to 8 weeks, learn yoga, the culture and Nepali language. Canada Work in Canada for up to 12 months - we guarantee you a job before you go! Africa Join our wildlife volunteer programmes, helping to care for injured or orphaned animals at a rehabilitation project, or assisting with valuable research in the field. Help out on our community projects working with orphans, providing medical care, or helping a family build their home. Mongolia One of the last great adventure destinations in Asia! USA Student? Spend the summer working in America. Graduate, young professional or skilled worker? Advance your career with a 12-18 month placement. Malaysia Unique experiences in a unique country, diving, trekking and Orang-utans. New Zealand Age 18 - 30? Like Australia, you can obtain a working holiday visa for up to 23 months. We can find you work and get you set up with all you need. China An exciting new programme for ambitious and adventurous people who want to teach and experience amazing China. Mini Gap Year Abroad Need to get away this summer? If you have only a few months in which to travel, join one of our 2-3 month ' Summer Mini-Gaps ' to far away places. The Complete Gap Year Plan your own round the world trip , we can help make your plans come true. Click here to request a brochure Click here to contact a Programme Manager Click here to book a place on a programme Grown Up Gapper? Click Here Background Location Parents Page The Complete Gap Year Australia USA New Zealand Africa Malaysia Central & S. America Thailand India China Mongolia Canada Flights Travel Insurance Stop Overs Request a Brochure Download Brochure Terms & Conditions Australia USA Student's Summer Programme USA - Career Training New Zealand Southern Africa Central & S. America

Central America Travel Books

Central America travel books, guides - Map Town Ltd. Buy a travel book or guide for Central America. Home Maps Canadian Topo Etopo Digital Maps World Maps Wall Maps Maps of Canada Maps of USA Maps by Country Michelin Maps Freytag & Berndt Delorme Maps USA Topo Mexico Topo Aeronautical Maps World Aviation Nautical Charts Digital Maps GPS GPS Units GPS Accessories GPS Software Globes Floor Models Desktop Models Specialty Globes Inflatables Books Alberta and BC Lonely Planet Books by Country Aviation Books Nautical Books Accessories Map Accessories Services Laminating Scanning Reference World Facts Conversions Topofinder Site Map Special Order Feedback How to Search Web Cams Central America Travel Books and Guides Central America covers the area from Belize and Guatemala to the southern border of Panama. Travel to these seven countries has grown tremendously in the last ten years. You can take in the sun on the beaches, go shopping or hike through the jungle to ancient ruins. Map Town features several Central America travel guides. Buy a travel book of Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala or even Panama. If you require a Central America travel book, Map Town has guides for the whole region. Buy a travel guide for Central America to ensure you get the most out of your holiday. Please click here for Central America Regional Travel Books Central America Country Maps Belize Travel Book Costa Rica Travel Book El Salvador Travel Book Guatemala Travel Book Honduras Travel Book Mexico Travel Book Nicaragua Travel Book Panama Travel Book Please click here for Maps of Central America Back to the Continental Listing Central America is considered to consist of the seven republics of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama (1990 est. pop. 29,000,000). The mountains of North Central America are an extension of the mountain system of Western North America while the ranges of South Central America are outliers of the Andes Mountains of South America. The middle portion of Central America is an active zone of volcanoes and earthquakes; it contains the Nicaragua Depression, which includes lakes Managua and Nicaragua. Tajumulco (4,210 m/13,846 feet), a volcano in Guatemala, is the region's highest peak. Central America's climate varies with altitude from tropical to cool. The eastern side of the region receives heavy rainfall. Bananas, coffee, and cacao are the chief crops of Central America, and gold and silver are mined there. The economies of the countries in the region are becoming increasingly diversified, although agriculture is still the largest employer. Quick Search Search View Thumbnails Text List Products Per Page 10 20 50 100 100 - 400 5 Ave SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0L6 Email: maps@maptown.com Ph. #: (403)266-2241 Fax #: (403)266-2356 Toll Free Ph #: (1-877-921-6277) Toll Free Fax #: (1-877-776-2356) Hours of Operation: 8:00am - 6:00pm MST Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm MST Saturdays