France Travel Guide 2
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France Travel Guide - information and advice France Travel Guide Information and Advice France Map | Paris Pictures | Paris Travel Guide France Travel Guide 2 - Attractions exodus specialises in “The different holiday”, offering the widest selection of walking, adventure, cycling, mountain biking, wildlife, cultural and winter holidays, and overland journeys across all seven continents! Homepage | France Tours | Brochure Request France Travel Guide, climate: Best: March-June, Sept, early-Oct for sightseeing. Jan-March for wintersports. Worst: July, Aug. The country is packed with foreign and local tourists, while many services - even museums and restaurants - are closed. Dec-Feb can be bitterly cold in mountain areas and in the north including Paris. Length of stay: Minimum worthwhile travel, not incl. flights: Paris and île de France [a short excursion] - 4 days. Weekend trips to just Paris are good too. Recommended: At least 2 weeks to take in Paris, and some country/mountain/beach activities, but you'll need months to discover how diverse the country's attractions are. France Festivals guide: Apart from Bastille Day and Assumption of the Virgin Mary [Aug 15th], which are celebrated nationwide, there are regional folk festivals and arts festivals, as well as Catholic events throughout the country, especially around July. Most of the events involve food, wine and extreme dyspepsia. Jan. 1st: Grand Parade Paris , twinned event with London for New Year celebrations . Massive and colourful. Feb-March : Mardi Gras Nice [ more info and picture ], one of the biggest and the most original carnival s in the world, a two week event with colourful parades, street parties, fireworks, and monster illuminations. mid May: Cannes Film Festival - No need to be a celebrity to enjoy Europe's high profile film fiesta. Loads of public screenings are available, as well as a small chance of bumping into stars. No better place for people watching. mid May/mid Oct: Gypsy Festival [Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in Provence], a gypsy gathering; historic, unique and kaleidoscopic. June: International Music Festival [Strasbourg in Alsace, the North], contemporary music. July 14th: Bastille Day [nationwide], France's biggest street festival, with parties, parades and fireworks to remember the French Revolution. July: Tour de France , a three-week cycling race for 3,500km [2000 miles] over the country [route changes annually]. The world's most famous French sporting event. mid July-mid Aug: Festival d'Avignon [Avignon]- a dynamic and diverse Arts festival, boasting over 50 official productions and many more fringes. F or classical music, try Festival International d'Art Lyrique in Aix-en-Provence in July, too. early Aug: Festival Interceltique [Lorient in Brittany], a worthy folk event [Celtic music and culture]. Oct: Jazz Festival [Nancy ], one of the country's best jazz events. For some precise dates see: European Festivals or Arts Festiva ls . Cuisine Guide: Traditional French cuisine of the protein-covered-with-rich sauce kind has been top of the gastronomic world since Romans travelled there to eat wild boar with cranberries in 34AD. But it's finally out of fashion - too heavy, too fattening, too taste-limited, but... [ more info and picture ] Shopping Guide: Pricewise France is not so brilliant due to the €uro's strength, but French style and taste is still irresistible. If designer labels are not your thing, try French eccentricity at smaller boutiques in trendy areas, or cheap chic stuff at flea-markets. Bargain shopping for any French products at huge malls in places such as Calais or Lille is very popular [with mainly British travellers]. Visiting local open-air food markets for regional cheese, pastries and wine, especially in Provence, is a fun way to make lunch. France Star Rating: Monuments ***** Shopping and souvenirs **** Walkability **** Food Quality and Variety **** Value for Money *** Hotel Prices and Value ** Beaches **** Wildlife ** Landscape ***** Local People ** Architecture **** Safety **** Nightlife and Clubbing **** Health Problems none Museums ***** Why Travel to France? The language is one of the most beautiful things about the country so let's forgive the French for being very sniffy about it. Style, culture, architecture, food, wine and fashion all exist in multiple layers of excellence , with Paris in particular capturing and displaying these assets to great advantage. This, the largest country in Europe, has an incredible diversity of soaring landscapes, gorgeous villages, world-famous resorts and spectacular romantic escapes. On top of that, French love anything to do with bodies, so there is no better place for fulfilling your physical dreams, whether it's paragliding off the Alps, boating through the Dordogne or stuffing yourself with foie gras and a bottle of Pouilly-Fuissé. Downside: - Traffic. Not only are French car drivers notoriously aggressive, inconsiderate and occasionally dangerous , but being a convenient transit thoroughfare for North-South Europe road deliveries means that many French roads suffer terminal truck overdose. - Endless, sudden, disruptive strikes. - Petty crime wherever groups of tourists congregate . - The Riviera is mostly crammed with the filthy rich these days. - Locals attitudes to foreign travellers could be improved, particularly in Paris. Activities Guide: Walking/Climbing: With more than 60,000 km [37,500 miles]of well-marked long-distance footpaths to travel on, France is a superb walking country [ more info and picture ] . Also see Walking Tours - France. Cycling: the most French of activities; t he first modern bike was French! France has 28,000km of marked cycle routes, as well as good city and town cycle lanes [ more info and picture ]. Camping : Plenty of choice of places and facilities from basic campsites to luxury holiday parks throughout the country, especially along west coast beaches [ more info and picture ]. Efficient, stress-free and perfect for the family. Skiing: France is one of world's finest and most popular destinations for both downhill and cross-country skiing [ more info and picture ]. Caving: The limestone caves along Spanish border or the Southwest are ideal. Golfing: There are over 500 golf courses in the country [ more info and picture ], with several world-class ones. Relatively inexpensive and uncrowded. Hangliding & paragliding: The Hautes-Alpes of Provence, the Pyrenees [ more info and picture ] and Corsica are considered to be best places to hang loose. Rafting /canoeing: rental boats and organised excursions are available just about everywhere by the water in summertime [ more info and picture ]. The gorges in the Pyrenees, the Alpes and the Massif Central are particularly suited for more adventurous travellers [ more info and picture ]. Swimming/sunbathing: From Normandy to Corsica there's no shortage of swimming spots in the summer. [ more info and picture ]. Sailing: The Atlantic coast has solid winds and good ports to visit unless you are silly rich and want to park your yacht in Cannes. Diving/snorkelling: Available in Corsica. Surfing: often good waves along the Atlantic coast, such as Biarritz, Anglet and Hossegor. Wind/Kitesurfing is most popular on the western Mediterranean coast. Many rivers as well as on lakes such as Lac d'Annecy and Lake Geneva have leisure centres offering a wide rage of watersports. Fishing: Available on rivers and lakes with permits. Try Brittany for carp fishing, River Loire and Brittany/ Normandy for trout and salmon, but the best and most scenic rivers for salmon fishing are in the western Pyrenees. Get a licence at the local tourist office. Sea-fishing, including night-fishing, is popular and available at most seaside resorts. Horse riding: widespread but particularly favoured in Burgandy and the Camargue at the Rhône Delta [in Provence], a nature reserve famous for its indigenous horses. Another horse friendly area is the north; Parc International de la Canche in Le Touquet has 112km of forest riding routes and 26km of beach trails. River/Canal Cruises: A large and sophisticated network of canals and rivers can take you all over the country in peace and quiet, and you still see the sights, but you don't have to book a room ahead or...[ more info and picture ]. France Tours Tour operators offering tours to France can be found in our listings here: France Tours Map of Europe For links to Tourist Offices, Embassies, Cheap Air Tickets, Currency Converter, Climate, Language advice, other online Travel Guides and more, visit Bugbog Travel Directory Visas: EU citizens do not need visas, nor do many other country's residents - including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel for visits up to 90 days. Electricity: Electric sockets are 230v and take 2 round pin plugs. Safety: Relatively safe but always use common sense. Pickpockets operate on many metro and train lines, around tourist sights and along the Cote d'Azur. Cars travelling with foreign number plates are also popular targets for theft, ranging from smash 'n' grab by motorcycle while in motion, 'Mister your wheel it look funny' trickery, and regular parked break-ins. Always hide luggage, especially valuables, and park in a conspicuous area if possible. See Travel Safety. Language: Nowadays more locals understand English, but do not expect them to speak it, even if they are in service. If you can throw together a few words it will help when travelling in most places in France, except possibly Paris, where city dwellers are notoriously sniffy about their gorgeous language being tortured by foreigners. Do, at least try to say 'Bonjour Madame/monsieur' when you enter a small shop and 'Au revoir' when you leave, this will show that you have some appreciation of their culture, even if you don't speak any other French. If you plan to travel France you may find these other Bugbog guides useful: UK Travel Guide Spain Travel Guide Italy Travel Guide Germany Travel Guide Austria Travel Guide Belgium Travel Guide Portugal Travel Guide Czech Republic Travel 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
Travel Guide
Mexico Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Mexico Zona Hotelera hotel resort zone, Cancun (Scott Doggett)" title="Crystal clear blue waters at Zona Hotelera hotel resort zone, Cancun (Scott Doggett)" width="159" height="113" / Mexico A country so lively that even The Day of the Dead is a hoot. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Mexico Acapulco Cabo San Lucas Cancun Cozumel Mazatlan Mexico City Puerto Vallarta San José del Cabo View Map Click here Feature Attraction Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl Mexico's second and third highest mountains, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, form the eastern rim of the Valle de México. While craterless Iztaccíhuatl ... more Mexico is a traveller's paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposing identities: desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, teeming industrialised cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches and a world-beating collection of flora and fauna. This mix of modern and traditional, the clichéd and the surreal, is the key to Mexico's charm, whether your passion is throwing back margaritas, listening to howler monkeys, surfing the Mexican Pipeline, scrambling over Mayan ruins or expanding your Day of the Dead collection of posable skeletons. Hurricane Damage/Crime in Mexico City Mexico's Yucatan peninsular has been hit hard by Hurricane Wilma, causing widespread flooding and property damage. Travellers are advised to check local information services before venturing to the Cancun/Yucatan region as many hotels will remain closed while undergoing repairs. Crime in Mexico continues to plague travellers, particularly in Mexico City. The incidence of violent crime and, more specifically, sexual crimes against women is on the up. Taxi theft, armed theft, pickpocketing, purse snatching, credit-card fraud and ATM robbery are frequently reported. A spate of recent kidnappings have targeted travellers in the Nuevo Laredo region of northern Mexico. When To Go Mexico is enjoyable year-round, but October to May is generally the most pleasant time to visit. The May-September period can be hot and humid, particularly in the south, and inland temperatures can approach freezing during December-February. Facilities are often heavily booked during Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and Christmas/New Year, the peak domestic travel periods. Mexico's climate has something for everyone: it's hot and humid along the coastal plains, and drier and more temperate at higher elevations inland (Guadalajara or Mexico City, for example). Try to avoid Mexico's southern coast between July and September - the resorts are decidedly soggy and jam-packed, as July-August is also the peak holiday months for foreign visitors. Factoid Pyramid Envy While Egypt might be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about pyramids, Mexico is actually home to the world's largest pyramid. The Quetzalcóatl Pyramid at Cholula de Rivadiais measures 3.3 million-cubic meters (4.3 million cubic yards) compared to The Great Pyramid of Giza's 2,600,600 cubic metres (3.4 million cubic yards). 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
Russia Travel Resources >
Russia Travel - Need to Know You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel - Need to Know 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 Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg, Russia M. Schumacher Stay up to date! Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg, Russia M. Schumacher Email to a friend Print this page Elsewhere on the Web Map of Russia's Time Zones Converting to Metric Converting Shoe Sizes in Russia Elsewhere on the Web Converting Clothing Sizes Weather in Russia 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 Need to Know From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Below is some need-to-know information about Russia before you travel there.
Time Zones
Counting Kaliningrad, Russia spans 11 time zones. Moscow and St. Petersburg are in the same time zone, which is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in the winter, and four hours ahead during Daylight Savings Time. See a map of Russia's time zones in the linkbox on the right side.
Electricity
Voltage: 220v. Frequency: 50Hz.
Outlets: Still in use is the two-pin GOST 7369 plug and socket that was widespread throughout Russia and Eastern Europe. This 4.0mm pin plug is being phased out in favor of the European CEE 7/4 Shuko and CEE 7/16 Europlug with 4.8mm pins. It's best to bring converters for both types of outlets.
TV Standard
SECAM
Measurements
Russia uses the metric system. Russia also has its own measurements for shoes and clothing. See the linkbox for a handy metric conversion website and for clothing conversion sites.
Weather
Russia's great expanse means the weather depends on where you are, but much of the country experiences winters with six months of snow cover. Most of Russia has two primary seasons of winter and summer, with brief periods of spring and autumn. In the very north, you will find arctic conditions. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, expect long, cold winters and mild summers. In the very south-eastern areas influenced by the Pacific Ocean, there is little snow in winter and summers are hot and rainy. Russia's popular Black Sea resort region enjoys almost tropical weather in the summer.
See average monthly temperatures for Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other areas from the website in the linkbox.
Public Holidays
During Russian public holidays, expect all government offices (including embassies) to be closed and most shops also. Many people have the day off from work.
January 1-2: New Years Day
January 7: Orthodox Christmas
March 8: Womens' Day
May 1-2: May Day
May 9: Victory Day
June 12: Independence Day
November 7: Peace and Harmony Day (former October Revolution Day)
December 12: Constitution Day
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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 Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings
Spain Travel Go Europe
Cities and Villages of Spain - Travel Planners and Guides You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Spain and Portugal > Spain > Cities and Islands of Spain 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 and Portugal > Spain > Cities and Islands of Spain Cities and Islands of Spain - Travel Planners and Guides Find information on the best cities and towns to tour in Spain. Subtopics Avila, Spain (11) Ibiza - Balearic Islands (6) Barcelona (13) Merida (6) Canary Islands (10) Segovia (16) Cordoba (26) Sevilla (9) Gibraltar (12) Soria, Spain (10) Girona, Spain (6) Tarragona (9) Granada (16) Toledo (9) Guernica - Gernika Guide (9) Valencia Spain (13) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Merida Spain Visitors Guide An important Roman town with great tapas, Merida makes a fine stopping over point between Madrid and Lisbon. We tell you all you need to know to visit this fascinating city, along with a photo tour for that virtual visit you crave. Salamanca Spain Travel Essentials Salamanca is one of my favorite destinations in Spain. A well preserved medieval center with interesting cafes and restaurants, and an extremely lively Plaza Mayor in the evening makes Salamanca a fun place to spend a few days. Pamplona Spain and the Running of the Bulls Get information on the July Fiesta of San Fermin in Pamplona Spain. Peafiel Spain and the Ribera del Duero Wine Region North of Madrid on the southern border of Castilla y Len is Penafiel, with its interesting castle, fine wines, and great cuisine, as long as you're a carnivore. 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...
Switzerland Travel
traveling.ch - travel information about travelling in switzerland traveling About us Contact Us Add your URL Pictures Advertise With Us Guest Book Message Board Virtual Postcards Member Login Wed 28. Dec. 2005 Book a Hostel Online Book a Tour Online Home About Switzerland Accomodations Car traveling Cell phones Cities in Switzerland Cooking / Recipies Events / News Embassies Jobs Libraries Live cameras Maps Public transport Regions Resorts Restaurants Sights to see Recreation / Sports Travel Books Weather What you must know Last Update 28.12. 05 Hostel Search: Want our news? Search the site Explore Europe with all-inclusive travel packages from Tauck. REQUEST A FREE BROCHURE . We have a travel report for you! Read up on Lenas journey through Switzerland... Click HERE - Bookmark this page < - Book a Hostel Online - Book a Tour Online Polls Do you think Switzerland is over crowded? Yes No Somewhat Only in the lower mainland Results :: Polls Welcome to Switzerland You will find lots of information about Switzerland , the Swiss , our Culture and much more. Feel free to search through our databases for information or post your question at the Message Board . If you don't get answers there, Contact us and we'll answer your questions. Are you looking for pictures? We combined the Picture Gallery with the E-Postcard service. If you're happy with our website, please leave us a comment in the Guestbook . Enjoy Switzerland! Add your Info > Info hinzufügen > Conference Hotel Hotel Backpacker Restaurant Jobs Recipe General Links News back to top Youth Hostel BnB Campground Consulate Region Cities Resort Events © by protagonist gmbh