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

Italy TravelNet Have you

PlanetRider Travel Directory Europe Italy TRAVEL SEARCH Site Shortcuts Skiing Worldwide Bargain Travel Road and Travel Maps Air Reservations Help Destinations > Europe > Italy > General Guides CATEGORY GUIDE: ITALY Cities & Regions Florence Rome Tuscany Vatican City Venice Adventure & Sports Art & Culture Food & Drink General Guides Guided Tours Language & Learning Lodging Music Outdoor Transportation Click on the link, or icon to pop site in new window. TRAVEL RESEARCH SITES (rated and reviewed by our editors) Rating Content Ease of use Web Site 1 Balloon=Good 2 Balloons=Better 3 Balloons=Best DolceVita DolceVita is the online Italian Vanity Fair. Same attention to style, detail, fashion, travel, design, art, and food extraordinaire. DV throws in city guides, complete with historic tours. Ah, the self-satisfied air of materialism, er, accomplishment! Welcome to Italy Embassy of Italy Ambasciata d'Italia The Italian embassy says "Benvenuto" with a site that includes all things d'Italia. Includes the national anthem, regional profiles, history, gov't news, travel tips, a virtual newsstand of publications, and a city-by-city list of attractions. Molto bene! Emmeti: Welcome to Italy We dare you to find a topic relating to Italy that's not included here! Recipes, culture, accomodations, music, and special themed itineraries like art towns, lake visits, and golf country make this one fab fountain of info Italiano. Italian Tourist Web Guide Tutta la boota at your fingertips! From heel to toe, this index covers the major cities, seaside resorts, campsites, transportation timetables, airport and telephone info d'Italia. Every journey begins with the first step. BT Webworld Customer Sites The "Italian Connection" is posted by a Brit tour company and is somewhat Anglo in nature. But there are plenty of tips on booking hotels, cars, World Cup and opera tickets, and wedding arrangements. Think Aunt Gert will fit in the gondola? In Italy Online: Italian Regions So much Italy, so little time? This thoughtful guide breaks it down by region. A virtual tour of the Abruzzo castles, the solemn sanctuaries of Apulla, the links in Lombardy, and more. Italy TravelNet Have you always dreamed of an Italian getaway? Just sit back and click your way to a Mediterranean vacay. From hotels, to trains, tours, cultural days, even restaurant reservations, planning your Roman holidays is as easy as uno, due, tre. Travel Europe: Italy Pick a province and go to town finding its art attractions, history, hotels, restaurants, top tourist spots, even what to do in neighboring cities. Travel Europe dissects Italy's "great areas" for your virtual delight. Travelspots: Italy Voyaging to Venice or flying into Florence? The 'spots cyberstop can clue you in on hotels, day excursions, subway connections, railpass tickets, currency, and weather forecasts. In a word, Travelspots is trippy! Backpackers Ultimate Guide: Italy Living light in Italy? This site's pretty basic, but has a few good tips on backpacking through Italy. Find out where to crash for cheap in several cities, get transportation tips, and even get a language primer. We wish it were more complete! Wandering Italy Need inspiration? You'll be packing your bags after visiting this gorgeous site. Fabulous photos, fun virtual reality scenes, and entertaining essays make up this guide to all of Italy. ITALY GUIDE Florence Italy Rome Tuscany Vatican City Venice Travel Quick Links: Destinations: Africa | Antarctica | Asia & the Pacific | Caribbean | Cruises | Europe | North & Central America | South America Travel Activities: Adventure & Sports | Golf | Fishing | Skiing | Scuba | Art & Culture Guides | Food & Drink | Music Landscapes: Deserts | Forests & Jungles | Mountains | Rivers & Lakes | Seashores Maps: Cartography | Maps for Sale | Physical Maps | Regional Maps | Road Maps | Unusual Maps | Vintage Maps | World Maps Resources: Bargain Travel | Reservations | Business Travel | Travel Store | Weather What will you find at PlanetRider? Only the best travel sites on the Web Time-saving organization An easy-to-use Web site rating and review system with sites evaluated based on the quality of information (info), and how easy they are to use (ease). In depth information on top travel destinations and vacation activities. About Us | Help PlanetRider Keywords: italy travel guides, italia, italy hotels, italian restaurants, florence, rome, tuscany, vatican city, venice, firenze, roma, toscana, venezia, italian islands, trattorias, piazzas, frescoes, fresco, italian art museums, villas, churches, cathedrals, mediterranean, mediterannean, renaissance, renassance, castles, planetrider © 1997-2001 PlanetRider

Germany Travel Guide Travel

Travel to Germany. German travel and tourism destination guide. Travel Germany German travel and tourism destination guide. Home Destinations Europe Germany Travel Guide Travel Directory Search Travel Directory Notes From the Editor Travel Blog Travel Photography Travel Photos Destination Guides Africa Asia Europe • Albania • Andorra • Armenia • Austria • Belarus • Belgium • Bosnia-Herzegovina • Bulgaria • Croatia • Cyprus • Czech Republic • Denmark • Estonia • Finland • France • Georgia • Germany • Greece • Hungary • Iceland • Ireland • Italy • Latvia • Liechtenstein • Lithuania • Luxembourg • Macedonia • Malta • Moldova • Monaco • Netherlands • Norway • Poland • Portugal • Romania • Russia • San Marino • Serbia-Montenegro • Slovakia • Slovenia • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • Turkey • Ukraine • United Kingdom • Vatican City Latin America Middle East North America Oceania TRAVEL GERMANY DESTINATION GUIDE Baden-Wrttemberg Bavaria Berlin - Berlin Brandenburg Bremen Hamburg Hesse Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Lower-Saxony North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein Thuringia OFFICIAL TRAVEL SITES germany-tourism.de German National Tourist Office. Germany Tourism INDEPENDENT TRAVEL SITES germany-travel.net Germany Travel justgermany.org Online germany travel guide including hotels, museums, shopping, nightlife, where to eat, transportation, useful telephone numbers and weather. Germany Travel Guide Airfares | Car Rental | Hotels | Rail Europe | Travel Insurance Home | About us | Contact us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Add a travel site

Golf Vacation

Sandals Dunn's River Golf Resort & Spa - All Inclusive Vacation The All-Inclusive Package For Couples Only Luxurious Accommodations Personal Butler Fine Dining Nightly Entertainment Red Lane Spas Scuba Diving & Watersports Golf & Landsports Weddings & Honeymoons Sandals Antigua Sandals Dunn's River Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Sandals Grande St. Lucian Sandals Halcyon St. Lucia Sandals Inn Sandals Montego Bay Sandals Negril Sandals Regency St. Lucia Sandals Royal Bahamian Sandals Royal Caribbean Sandals Whitehouse About Jamaica About St. Lucia About Antigua About the Bahamas Sandals Resorts in Jamaica Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia Sandals Resorts in Antigua Sandals Resorts in the Bahamas Rates & Availability Specials Balance Payment Online Reservations Brochure Awards News Gift Shop Specials Photos 360º Video Map What's Included? The Resorts Select a Sandals Resort ----------------------- Sandals Antigua Sandals Dunn's River Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Sandals Grande St. Lucian Sandals Halcyon Sandals Inn Sandals Montego Bay Sandals Negril Sandals Regency St. Lucia Sandals Royal Bahamian Sandals Royal Caribbean Sandals Whitehouse Dunn's River Overview Details About This Resort Rooms & Suites Restaurants Amenities Activities & Tours Spa Treatments & Services For Couples Only Luxurious Accommodations Fine Restaurants Red Lane Spas Scuba Diving Golf Weddings & Honeymoons $ 398 pp Quick Links Visit the Sandals Gift Shop Download Sandals Screen Saver Download Wallpapers Weddings are Included! Hurricane Guarantee Local Adventure Tours & Sightseeing In Jamaica, Stay at One, Play at Seven Introducing Sandals SnapShots Find a Travel Agent Attend a Sandals Event Near You Green Globe Certified At Sandals we are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings. All our resorts are Green Globe Certified . Inspired by the great Italian Renaissance period...and named after the world-famous waterfall located minutes away...this breathtaking resort combines Mediterranean elegance with Jamaican charm, creating Caribbean luxury on a grand scale. From a stunning lobby with soaring columns and winding staircase reminiscent of an Italian palazzo...to the rippling waters of Jamaica's largest freshwater pool, highlighted by a cascading waterfall that mirrors the image of its famous namesake. ( More ) Set on Ocho Rios' nicest beach 2 pools and 2 swim-up pool bars 5 bars serving unlimited premium drinks 9 hole "executive" golf course on site 4 gourmet dining options on property Complimentary golf, including transfers All meals and gourmet dining Unlimited premium drinks & cocktails All tips & hotel taxes Watersports, scuba diving, equipment Roundtrip airport transfers (from MBJ) So much more! With Sandals Golf and Country Club nearby, and the Pitch N' Putt Golf Course directly at the resort, Sandals Dunn's River Villaggio Golf Resort and Spa is a golf fanatic's fantasy. With our "Dine Around Ocho Rios " program, you get 9 additional dining choices at nearby Sandals Grande Ocho Rios . It's all included -- even the roundtrip transfers. For the ultimate in personalized indulgence, select suites include the intuitive services of a personal butler who will attend to your every whim and handle your every possible request. More about butler service Suites with butler service List of butler duties Personalize your butler service Relax, unwind and pamper yourself. Step into the calm haven of a Red Lane Spa™, with its rich marbles and deep red mahogany, and you can leave every care behind. About Red Lane Spas™ Treatment Prices New! Book Spa Treatments Online Say "Aah" to Spa ENTER YOUR EMAIL HERE TO RECEIVE OUR LATEST OFFERS Home | The Inclusions | The Resorts | The Locations | The Spas SSG Members | For Travel Agents | Press | Employment | Groups | Affiliates | FAQ's | Contact Us Site Map | Terms of Usage | Privacy Policy Visit -Our All-Inclusive Resorts for Families

France Travel Guidebooks The

France Travel Planning Essentials  You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors > Trip Planning Travel Go France Essentials New Year's Eve in Paris and France Worst of France 2005 Paris Travel Guide Top French Ski Resorts Best New Year's Eve Champagne Articles & Resources Destinations Trip Planning Transportation Interests & Situations Money, Safety & Issues Things to Do in France Where to Stay in France Staying Connected Blogs Picture Galleries Culture, Language & People Fun, Freebies & Quizes Relocating to France Nudism, Sex & Gay Travel D-Day & Historic Travel Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Sites Selling French Products Before You Buy the Gift of Travel Gifts for the France Fanatic Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the France for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search France for Visitors > Trip Planning Planning Your Trip to France Before you go to France, there are certain essentials you must know. Find out what to pack, which guide books are best, and other basic information for your trip. Be sure to scroll below the ad for more links. Subtopics FirstTimers Guide (8) Packing Tips (4) Maps (15) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Top France Travel Guidebooks The key to planning a great French trip is a great French travel book. It not only can help you establish an itinerary, but you can also decide on lodging, dining and attractions for while you are there. I never travel without a couple in my bag to help me decide what to do. Here are the most indispensable travel guides. France: Before You Go Before you go to France, find out all the basics about customs requirements, the culture, weather, currency and more. Also, get tips on when to go and where to go in France. Free Course: France Trip Planning 101 It is no easy task planning a trip to France. Even so, it's all worth it. But save yourself a lot of headache and stress by learning all the basics first with this free online e-course. How to Use the Toilets in France Using a toilet may sound like the simplest of tasks, but if you aren't used to France's plumbing it can be daunting. Find out what various forms the johns take here, how to flush, how much it will cost you and other secrets to using the restroom. Do you have to know French to visit France? Find the answer to the France Travel FAQ, "Do you have to know French to visit France?"        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 New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Headlines Lose Weight with the French Diet The French eat rich foods, drink lots of wine and Worst of France 2005 The year 2005 was a tough one for France, as Top Ski Resort Hotels in France France features some of the world's best skiing, be it New Year's Eve in Paris and Other French Cities The French really know how to celebrate New Year's, whether