Europe Travel Planner 10

Eastern Europe Travel Planner Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Transitions Abroad Magazine September/October 2000 Related Topics Independent Travel Budget Travel More by the Author Work in Prague Paying Bills Back Home Eastern Europe Travel Planner 10 Tips for Visiting “The Other Europe” By Mishelle Shepard It’s true that the majority of Eastern European destinations are not for every traveler. Those who seek comfort and luxury should probably not venture far beyond capital cities like Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Tallinn, and Warsaw. But for those wishing to travel beyond the tourist zone and seek real off-the-beaten path places, people and experiences, Eastern Europe has countless options. Musicians add ambiance to a stroll on the famous St. Charles Bridge in Prague (Photo by Kent St. John) Guidebooks and locals have different definitions of what exactly constitutes “Eastern” and “Central” and “Southern” Europe. Including Albania and Romania with the same traveling advice given for the Czech Republic and former East Germany poses loads of obvious problems. Still, some general tips apply to many countries and can help alleviate minor discomforts. Bring Some Necessities I laughed the first time I left for Eastern Europe in 1990 and my grandfather told me to bring toilet paper. Thinking surely since his visit to communist Russia in the 70s there’s been some improvement, I dismissed the idea. Little did I know that after a couple of weeks I would be begging my family to send me even a 4-pack of bargain brand. Although I wouldn’t dream of loading myself down with such things as kleenex, plastic zipper bags, feminine products, or anti-perspirant, outside the main capitals such things are still difficult to come by. Even in a decent restaurant in a major capital the toilet paper resembles something close to a thin brown-paper lunch bag, and in public facilities it’s rationed according to a per-square price. I consider traveling with emergency reserve tissue an absolute necessity. Choosing Accommodations Planning ahead online is now so convenient that it’s a waste of time not to make reservations when traveling to the major cities in summer. In general, however, even where accommodations are plentiful there can be lack of mid-priced choices. The convenient and popular chains that have sprung up all over the West have not yet filtered deeply into Eastern Europe. • When considering where to stay, a good up-to-date guidebook with phone numbers of accommodations in your price range provides quick and easy piece of mind. Some countries also have extensive hotel and pension listings online that offer discounted reservations, but a follow-up call or fax is still a good idea. • In smaller towns, hotels are reasonably priced and can be found right in the town center. Remember, however, that public transportation stops early in the small towns and a lack of taxis could find you stranded. Even in a heavily touristed spa town like Karlovy Vary during the International Film Festival, a stay in the pedestrian center with breakfast in a well-run 2-star hotel costs about $40. • Pensions are a good budget choice in larger cities and are usually friendlier than a crowded hotel. Still, pensions are only a good option when they’re close to public transport, because a late night taxi ride when public transportation is sparse can quickly offset the savings in room cost. The same goes for private rooms offered by individuals—changing from bus to subway to tram can cost considerable time and money. • When alone, a hostel can’t be beat for meeting other travelers. “Junior” hotels are a similar option in many Eastern European countries and they often rent bikes and other sports equipment. And hostels are not just for students, they offer an affordable alternative for families and other budget-minded travelers. • Camping is a great way to meet lots of locals, but, of course, packing gear is inconvenient when traveling around a city. As in Western Europe, the bungalows fill up quickly in summer, so hauling around a tent may be unavoidable. Unfortunately, in a few countries the camping facilities might be the best accommodations available. Money In major cities credit cards are an easy and safe bet, but not some pensions and campgrounds or smaller bars and restaurants. When paying with a credit card outside the capitals, be warned, sometimes the machine is (mysteriously) broken, and you’ll be asked to pay in cash. If it’s absolutely necessary for you to pay by card, it’s best to make sure in advance. Cash machines are easy to come by in cities, but rare in villages. Carrying cash to smaller destinations is unavoidable, but costs are still relatively low outside the popular spots, so a little goes a long way. The foreigner pricing system still exists but is becoming less common because merchants realize travelers don’t appreciate spending two times the normal price for the same services. Not everything is a bargain in Eastern Europe and doing a bit of research can help you avoid mistaken assumptions or false claims. For example, skiing in some Eastern European destinations is just not worth the meager reduction in cost when you consider the T-lifts, crowds and quality of rental equipment. Beyond the Capitals Traveling as an English-speaker to small towns and villages may get you some longer-than-average looks, but it will also get you warm hospitality, a more authentic perception of local life and some great cross-cultural experiences. Choosing a destination depends on your interests. For first-time travelers, it can be less isolating and still very rewarding to visit vacation destinations that are popular with Eastern Europeans but fairly untouched by native English-speakers. Places like the Great Masurian Lakes near the border between Poland and Lithuania, the coast of Croatia, the Giant Mountains of Slovakia, or the spa towns in many countries are good choices. UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, the medieval town of Torun in Poland, or the famous caves of Slovakia and Slovenia are also interesting destinations. It can be fun to plan a“theme trip,” focusing on historical sites and castles, wine regions, or tracing your roots. To Drive or Not to Drive When renting or buying a car for exploring Eastern Europe you have to consider all the hidden expenses. Many countries have toll roads that require you to have a sticker or else dish out a hefty fine on the spot. Sometimes extra insurance is required for cars originating from the West, and gas prices are very high. City-to-city travel by car usually isn’t worth it for groups of less than four. On the other hand, driving can be beneficial if you have limited time and want to see as many places as possible, including all the quaint country villages and castles along the way. Getting Educated For many of us, even the biggest culture hounds, Eastern Europe has remained largely a mystery. Misinformation during communist times has been followed by a general lack of information since. Still, there are numerous books, including Eva Hoffman’s Exit into History, that poignantly describe the culture, politics and history of the region in an entertaining style. There are also some very informative web sites on Eastern Europe. When researching the culture, don’t exclude fiction, especially books written by communist dissidents. A much truer picture of the people, their dreams and their difficulties will emerge than if you limit yourself to non-fiction. Another good cultural education option is to see popular locally produced films, which you can often view with English subtitles at cinemas in the capital cities. Opportunities for work and study are continually expanding, although most economies are still in heavy transition. Those countries hoping for EU entry are adopting stricter visa regulations, so it pays to keep up-to-date at the various embassy web sites. In the major cities, there are many news sources that will keep you up-to-date, and internet cafes have changed the face of traveling altogether. From keeping in touch with family and friends, to knowing what’s going on in town to meeting people, nothing beats the convenience of on-line access when abroad. The Dreaded Languages Unfortunately most of us didn’t have a couple of years of college Ukrainian and Polish along with our French and Spanish. In Western Europe, most travelers can usually manage, but in off-the-beaten-path Poland the choice is to either to improve your gesturing skills or grow very attached to your phrasebook. If you’re staying for more than a few days, it’s worth the effort to learn some of the language. It’s not easy, but you’ll be rewarded with mountains of praise from the locals. There’s no need to take formal lessons unless you plan to work or go to school. Instead, just try offering an exchange of English for Czech, Hungarian, or whatever, and chances are you can work out a mutually beneficial arrangement. Speaking Russian in most countries won’t win you a popularity contest. The few locals who remember their required Russian don’t usually care to speak it and would rather try their hand at charades or even very broken English. Services Although it’s true the atmosphere has changed considerably in the last ten years, that change has stayed primarily in the capital centers. But even in the capitals, old habits die hard. Service varies widely between downright “tippable” to completely aggravating. However, many of us are spoiled. I, personally, can’t recall ever getting better service anywhere in Europe (with the exception of London) than I get regularly in the States. The rule I try to stand by is, don’t pay any more attention to the service than they pay to you. That way when it’s good you’re pleasantly surprised and when it’s not you hardly notice. This attitude has taken a bit of training, but it’s been worth it in the long run. Meeting the Locals Visiting the local festivals is a great way to meet people in a milieu that is not necessarily language-dependent. Medieval reenactments, world championship sporting events, or traveling Romany festivals attract more locals than tourists. It’s easy to find out what’s going on by simply asking around, checking information centers, or reading the monthly cultural guides available in cities and on-line. Not only have many of the natives changed in the past ten years, the ex-pats have as well. The number of ex-pats living in the most popular Eastern European capitals has actually gone down since its height not long after “the fall.” Hanging out at one of the typical ex-pat bars for the true cross-culture seeker used to mean selling out and choosing cultural “isolation,” but now many of the foreigners living here are in intercultural marriages and actually speak the language or heartily try. Moreover, the locals have found the ex-pat hangouts a great place to meet young travelers and practice their English. Shunning the ex-pat scene today could mean missing out on where the jobs are or the chance to meet locals who are looking to get to know you. The Invitation More so than in Western Europe, social life takes place in people’s homes. Just a bit of preplanning is a sure-fire way to meet people even before you arrive. More than once I’ve started correspondences with people on-line and had the time of my life when they invited me over once I arrived in town. It’s important to be cautious, of course, but an invitation to a local’s home opens otherwise tightly closed doors. Rustic weekend cottages and garden plots play a big role in local life in many countries and are a great way to really get to know people. What began as a practical and economical alternative to traveling remains a favorite escape from the city and a special treat for the honored guest. The East in general has retained a sense of formality and hierarchy that has become foreign to most of the West. At the same time, Eastern Europeans seem to expect the traveler to break the rules. The same faux pas that would probably get you a repressed sneer in France will be noticed with only a subdued snicker in Poland. Reading up on the local customs will remind you that taking off your shoes in someone’s home, bringing a small bouquet to the host, avoiding probing questions over dinner, sitting with strangers at a restaurant and other common courtesies are not typically shared by westerners. Perhaps undeservedly, Americans (and other native English speakers) are, for the most part, still adored in most of Eastern Europe. Of course, there has been quite a bit of “demystification” on both sides in the last ten years, but now even among the older generations apprehension has been replaced by full-fledged curiosity. That means the typical tourist misses out on great opportunities for a real cross-cultural experience while their eyes are glued to the cathedrals and their ears are pinned to the city guide. Many first-timers from the West are surprised how far the major cities have come compared to what they’ve read or seen in the past. Other travelers notice how little has really changed in some of the more remote villages. One thing is certain, though; while prices are still low and locals still curious, it’s well worth it to take advantage of this part of the world and appreciate what is undoubtedly a fleeting moment in time. Selected Web Sites www.inyourpocket.com . www.centraleurope.com . www.cdc.gov/travel/easteurp.htm. goeasteurope.about.com/mbody.htm. www.culturekiosk.com . www.hotelscentral.com . www.adventureguide.com . www.concierge.com . Newsflashes General Complying with EU regulations means many countries are updating visa policies. All Canadian tourists will need a visa to travel to the Czech Republic in 2001. Long-term visas are already required for Americans, but the requirements for obtaining one may become less stringent. Slovakia Food and service is still regularly improving and many new options have opened in Bratislava’s The Old Market Place. The new Montana’s Grizzly Bar has already become a popular hang out. Czech Republic In Karlovy Vary the famed Nezvala theatre of Helmer and Fellner, complete with the original curtain by G. and E. Klimt and F. Matsch, has finally reopened after several years of reconstruction. The annual International Film Festival, which takes place in early July, is gaining more international recognition every year. The 1999 appearance of Woody Harrelson caused quite a stir, and Milos Forman is a regular favorite. Prague was chosen as one of the European cities of culture for 2000. Under the broad theme of “cultural heritage” the city has different activities planned throughout the year. The famed ex-pat meetingplace and bookstore The Globe has moved to a bigger and better location: Pstrossova 6 in Prague 1. Eastern Germany This year marked the third year for the annual Summerfest of Theatres in Berlin, for budget travelers it’s a great way to enjoy scenes of local productions for free. The Erotic Museum is an interesting alternative for travelers tired of the run-of-the-mill art and history museums. Poland Krakow, is another of the Year 2000 cities of culture, plans to extend the cultural events into a 5-year program to promote tourism. For nightlife seekers in Krakow the new In Vitro dance club is a popular hip-but-cheap option. Slovenia The international summer festival in Ljubljana is getting bigger and better every year. Not to be missed is the International Biennial of Graphic Arts at the Museum of Modern Art. The Julian Alps are a cheaper alternative to a mountain getaway than her Austrian and Italian neighbors, but expect higher prices than other Eastern European countries. MISHELLE SHEPARD is a freelance writer currently teaching English and French at Charles Univ. in Prague. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Czech Republic from 1994-96. You may contact her at mischelleshepard@hotmail.com . Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Disclaimer ©Transitions Abroad

CRUISE VACATION NORWEGIAN FJORD

Norway Vacation Cruise Tour Norway Norway Tour & Cruise Vacation Specialist NORWAY VACATION TOUR CRUISE NORWAY NORWAY TOUR SELECTION OSLO & BERGEN CITY PACKAGES - NORWAY Three hotel nights including: Full Scandinavian Buffet Breakfast Tax and Service Charges. A city sightseeing tour. Oslo Bergen NORWAY IN WINTER ALTA City of Northern Lights 5 days/4 nights Jan 01 thru April 30 Arctic Winter Safari Spitsbergen 6 days/5 nights March - April Spitsbergen Dogsled Safari A five-day program in Longyearbyen and Svea Norway in Winter Christmas in Karasjok Winter in Norway A TASTE OF GEILO Norway's premier ski resort Norway in Winter Lapland New Year Norway in Winter Norwegian Lapland KILLER WHALES EXCURSION Lofoten Norway ESCORTED TOURS - NORWAY Fjord Images Norway - Three Fjords Geiranger, Sogne and Nord Fjords Briksdal Glacier, Lillehammer & Bergen 6 days/5 nights Land of the Fjords Bergen - Oslo 6 days/5 nights Magic Fjord Images Hardanger Fjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord 7 days/6 nights Fjords of Norway Oslo - Oslo 7 days/6 nights Four Fjord Images Geiranger, Nord, Sogne & Hardanger Fjords Briksdal Glacier & Bergen 7 days/6 nights Scenic Norway Oslo - Oslo 8 days/7 nights Prominent Fjords of Norway Tour 9 days/8 nights Above the Arctic Circle Tour 11 days/10 nights From Rovaniemi to Rovaniemi Trekking at the North Pole Rim A 13-day adventure through some of Svalbard's most spectacular mountain scenery. Spitsbergen Dogsled Safari A five-day program in Longyearbyen and Svea Arctic Winter Safari Spitsbergen 6 days/5 nights March - May NORWAY - DESIGN YOUR OWN TOUR SUGGESTIONS Norway In A Nutshell Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Oslo - Oslo or Bergen - Bergen Taste of Balestrand Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of A Glacier Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of Gudvangen Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of Flam Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily T aste of Fjord Norway & a Stave Church Oslo - Gudvangen - Laerdal - Bergen or Bergen - Gudvangen - Laerdal - Oslo Including Flam Mountain Railway Taste of Hardangerfjord Bergen - Lofthus - Bergen (4 days) Taste of Hardanger & Flam Oslo - Lofthus - Bergen or Bergen - Lofthus - Oslo Daily Taste of Sognefjord & Hardangerfjord Bergen - Lofthus - Ulvik - Balestrand - Bergen Daily Taste of Stavanger Bergen - Stavanger - Oslo or Oslo - Stavanger - Bergen Daily Taste of Telemark Oslo-Dalen - Skien - Oslo Daily Jun 18-Aug 11 Taste of Arctic & Lapland Kirkenes - Helsinki or Helsinki - Kirkenes Daily Taste of the Coast, Geiranger & Trondheim Bergen - Trondheim - Oslo - 6 Days Taste of Trondheim and the Coast Oslo - Trondheim - Bergen Daily Taste of North Cape Tromso - Hammerfest - Honningsvag - Tromso Daily Taste of Geiranger lesund - Bergen Daily Jun 12- Aug 18 Taste of Lofoten & Whales Bodo - Svolvaer - Andenes Daily Taste of Arctic Scandinavia Tromso - Kautokeino - North Cape - Alta - Tromso Daily Taste of Historic Hotels Oslo-Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of Norway's Coast Oslo - Stockholm via Fjord Country Taste of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage The Ultimate Coastal Cruise 9 days/ 8 nights Norwegian Hotels Bergen Sightseeing Tours Oslo Sightseeing Tours More about Norway Webcam Links MAIN SELECTION OF TOURS & CRUISES NORWAY CRUISE VACATION NORWEGIAN FJORD & COASTAL CRUISES Fjord Cruises Our most popular excursions Norwegian Coastal Voyage With 34 ports of call, the Norwegian Coastal Voyage follows a stretch of coast characterized by vast distances, a sparse population and dramatic scenery. Taste of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage The Ultimate Coastal Cruise 9 days/ 8 nights Norway's Coast Oslo-Stockholm via Fjord Country Norway - Sweden 7 days Taste of the Coast, Geiranger & Trondheim Bergen - Trondheim - Oslo - 6 Days Arctic Adventure Cruise Spitsbergen's wild and beautiful north-west coast. Realm of the Polar Bear Svalbard's northernmost and eastern regions. Svalbard Norway Spitsbergen Wilderness Camp A 6-day summer experience with soft adventure. SCANDINAVIAN TOURS INCLUDING NORWAY Nordic Delight Denmark-Norway-Sweden Our most popular tour! Nordic Delight (incl. St. Petersburg & Tallinn) Our Bestseller With A New Twist Denmark-Norway-Sweden-Finland-Russia-Estonia Grand Tour of Scandinavia 15 days/14 nights Copenhagen - Helsinki Grand Tour of Scandinavia + Land of the Midnight Sun 18 days/17 nights Copenhagen Helsinki North Cape - Helsinki Land of the Midnight Sun 5 days/4 nights Helsinki-North Cape-Helsinki The Magic of Scandinavia with the Norwegian Fjords 11 days/10 nights Denmark - Norway - Sweden Tourist class The Scandinavian Capitals 9 days/8 nights + Extensions Complete Scandinavia in a Nutshell Bergen and the 4 Capitals, Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen 19 days/18 nights Superior Tourist class and First class hotels Magic Fjord Images & Sweden 9 days/8 nights Tourist or First Class Hotels From OSLO to STOCKHOLM Four Capitals Tour 8 nights Stockholm - Helsinki - Copenhagen - Oslo Four Capitals Tour & Fjords Extension 8 nights Stockholm - Helsinki - Copenhagen - Oslo 14 nights as above + extension Oslo - Oslo Scandinavian Panorama 10 nights Copenhagen - Oslo Scandinavian Panorama + Stockholm 12 nights Copenhagen - Stockholm Scandinavian Panorama + Stockholm & Baltic Cruise 14 nights Copenhagen - Helsinki - Stockholm Scenic Norway + Stockholm 10 days/9 nights Oslo - Stockholm Scenic Norway + Stockholm, Helsinki 12 days/11 nights Oslo Helsinki - Stockholm Scenic Norway + Stockholm, Helsinki & Copenhagen 13 nights Oslo - Copenhagen Northern Highlights 11 nights Oslo - Helsinki Northern Highlights + Land of the Midnight Sun 15 days/14 nights Oslo Stockholm- Helsinki North Cape-Helsinki Helsinki + Spectacular Scandinavia 14 nights Helsinki - Copenhagen - Oslo - Stockholm Heart of Scandinavia with the Norwegian Fjords 15 days/14 nights Denmark-Norway-Sweden Scandinavian Dream & Norwegian Fjords Tour 13 days/12 nights Norway-Sweden Scandinavia & North Cape Capitals & Lapland Finland - Norway - Sweden North Cape Midnight Sun Journey 5 Days Taste of the Top of Scandinavia Oslo to Helsinki Norway Finland SCANDINAVIAN TOURS INCLUDING NORWAY & RUSSIA Grand Tour of Scandinavia + St. Petersburg 18 nights Copenhagen - St. Petersburg - Helsinki Grand Tour of Scandinavia + St. Petersburg & Moscow 20 nights Copenhagen Oslo - Fjords - Stockholm Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Moscow Northern Highlights with St. Petersburg 15 nights Oslo - St Petersburg - Helsinki Northern Highlights with St Petersburg & Moscow 18 days/17 nights Nordic Delight (incl. St. Petersburg & Tallinn) Our Bestseller With A New Twist Denmark-Norway-Sweden-Finland-Russia-Estonia Home | Country Links | Main Menu | Rail Passes | City Packages | Hotel Cheques | Car Rentals | Maps | Reservations About Scantours General Conditions Travel Insurance Practical Tips CST # 2022206-40 SCANTOURS INC. USA Toll free US & Canada: 1-800-223-7226 Local Phone: 310-636-4656 Fax: 310-390-0493 Comments? Suggestions? E-mail us at info@scantours.com 2004 Scantours Inc. All rights reserved. HOME USEFUL LINKS Webmaster

Spain Travel Information. Spain

In-Spain.info - Spain travel information, Spain tourism, Spain Map, Learn Spanish Information on Spain - Travel Spain - Spain Tourism - Map of Spain - Spanish Travel Guide - Spanish Phrases You are here: Home - Welcome to Spain! Search this site with Google: Web in-spain.info Tell a friend about this site We also recommend Search Iberia Marinas in Spain Apartments in Spain Golf holidays in Spain Marbella Hotels Malaga Holiday Deals Buzz Car Hire Buzz Hotels Our Sister Sites Thailand Malaga Welcome to Spain! Spain Travel Information. Spain is the third most popular tourist country in the world, and its not hard to see why. Every region is Spain has it's own flavour and you can find out about it all here! Most popular destinations The most popular destinations searched for on this site are Barcelona, Salou , Alicante , Marbella , Benidorm , Bilbao , Nerja , Pamplona , Jerez , and Madrid Photos of Spain Our collection of photos of Spain - with more added each month. Spain at a Glance Useful bits of information on Spain from the general weather and climate to unusual facts you might not have known! Spain by Region Our main guide to Spain is organised by region to make it easy for you to find what you want. The Best of Spain Our selection of the Best of Spain, from the top 20 things you must see and do in Spain, to our top 20 favourite Spanish recipes. Learn Spanish Phrases A few phrases will get you a long way, here are our tips to the most useful for you. Special Features Great pieces by our regular travel writers with more added each month. Spain by region ... See our massive region guide to Spain for all kinds of travel information, including fiestas! Site Highlights: Organized Tours in Spain - New! Pre-book one of our organized tours of Spain, with our local tour partners. Spanish Wine and Gastronomy Regular features from our wine expert - Genevieve McCarthy. Spain Under a Microscope - New! Interesting articles on Spain by Kelly Crull. Running of the Bulls A guide to this spectacular festival in Pamplona. Buying property in Spain Impartial advice on how Best to go about buying property in Spain for investmentor relocation. Skiing and Mountaineering in the Pyrenees The exceptional conditions of the Pyrenean geography has led to the establishmentof several winter resorts which have runs of excellent quality. Spanish Fiestas All over Spain, in small villages to large cities, a couple of days each year are devoted to these local festivals. Spain Guide Books If you are planning on visiting Spain, be sure to take a comprehensive guide book with you. See our recommendations for the Best of the bunch. Tapas Tapas isn't Spain's national dish, but rather Spain's way of life. You can enjoy tapas in bars all over Spain and every one has it's own speciality. Car Hire in Spain Our guide to the Best car hire in Spain. Your Ad Here Book your holiday: Hotels in Spain Car Hire in Spain Organised Tours in Spain Popular pages Organized tours in Spain Spanish Wine & Gastronomy Skiing in Spain Photos of Spain Hotels in Spain Map of Spain Spain Tourist Attractions Spanish News Headlines Spanish News Weekday Roundup 20 Traditional Spanish Recipes Spain Travel Guides Map of Spain Spain - Home | Spain at a glance | Spain region guide | Best of Spain | Learn Spanish Phrases | Special Features | Hotels in Spain | Map of Spain All content © 2003 In-Spain.info All Rights Reserved. If you notice any errors on this site, please report them to webmaster@in-spain.info . You can add a link to this site here. Site Map - Useful Travel Links - Spain related links Looking for car hire in Malaga and Andalucia? Try Malaga car hire for great deals! Looking for hotels in Marbella and the rest of the Costa del Sol? Try Hotels in Marbella for top savings!

Travel Insurance tool to

FTyourmoney | Travel Insurance Finder Your money / Travel insurance finder Compare travel insurance Use our Travel Insurance tool to compare insurance policies and buy the cheapest, best buy policy for your needs online. Do you require cover for: Annual multi trip Single trip Add Winter Sports cover? Please select your destination Europe inc UK Worldwide AbuDhabi Afghanistan Alaska Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antartic Antigua Argentina Armenia Aruba Ascension Islands Australia Austria Azerbaijan Azores Bahamas Bahrain Balearics Bali Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire(Antilles) Bosnia-Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Dependent Ter British Virgin Isles Brunei Daussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Canary Islands Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Rep Chad Chile China Colombia Comoro Islands Congo Cook Islands Corfu Corsica Costa Rica Cote D'Ivoire Crete Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Eire El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Galapagos Islands Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Hawaii Holland Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Ibiza Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakstan Kenya Kiribati Korea Kos (Greek Island) Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lanzarote Laos Latvia Lebanon Leeward Islands Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia Madagascar Madeira Majorca Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Midway Island Minorca Moldavia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Monserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles Nevis Island New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Ireland Northern Marianas Norway Oman Pakistan Palua Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Phillippines Pitcain Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Rhodes Rodriguez Island Romania Russia Rwanda Saipan Samoa (Western) San Marino Sao Tone & Principle Sarawak Sardinia Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somali Republic South Africa Spain Sri Lanka St Helena St Kitts & Nevis St Lucia St Martin St Pierre & Miquelon St Vincent and The Grenadines Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Tenerife Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad & Tobago Tristan Da Cunha Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks & Caicos Isles Tuvalu UAE Uganda Ukraine United Kingdom Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Isles (UK) Virgin Isles (US) Wake Island Wallis & Futuna Yemen Yugoslavia (Former) Zaire Zambia Zanzibar Zimbabwe Please confirm start date / / Please confirm end date / / Legal & privacy notice This site is hosted by Moneysupermarket Ltd, who are regulated by the Financial Services Authority to undertake insurance related activities. FT.com makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness or any other aspect of the information contained on or any service referred to in Moneysupermarket's web site. FT.com shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance upon such information or service or for any agreements, transactions and/or other arrangement entered into by you with Moneysupermarket or any other third party named on (or linked to from) FT.com as a result of your use of their website. All information provided to Moneysupermarket shall be provided by you and FT.com will not assist in the provision of that information.

Orlando Vacations By Wendy

Orlando Florida time share vacations Orlando Entertainment Magazine Report Enjoy an Orlando timeshare vacation promotion Timeshare ownership is probably one of the least expensive forms of vacation options. By Wendy Croix Disney Timeshares in Orlando, Florida Florida represents the lion's share of the American time share market, and why wouldn't it? Year round, Orlando timeshares remain in high demand, and business is booming. Disney timeshares can be ideal investments, paying for themselves in vacation savings over about five years. Florida vacations are desirable year-round, making an Orlando timeshare a good deal any week of the year. They're also hot properties for timeshare swapping, should the owner want another vacation destination. Disney, Disney, Disney—and More! Florida timeshare buyers know they'll have perpetual Disney, and lots of it to choose from. Of course, there's Walt Disney World and Epcot, but there's Disney-MGM, too. Families safari at Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom, swim with dolphins at Disney Cove, and watch Cirque du Soleil at Downtown Disney. No Orlando timeshare is far from a Disney attraction or other Orlando theme park—or the 660 miles of Florida beaches. Disney Timeshare Promotions and Vacation Packages Disney timeshares, including Disney World in Florida, belong to a network of timeshares at all seven Disney attractions. Timeshare owners can buy weeks, or they can buy memberships in the Disney Vacation Club, a flexible point system that allows owners to borrow or save points toward longer vacations or upscale accommodations. Disney timeshare promotions include Extra Magic Hours, which allow timeshare owners to stay in a theme park three hours past closing, and free transportation at the parks. Disney timeshare vacation packages are available through timeshare vacation brokers. You can "own a piece of the magic" starting at $14,700. Sources Disney Timeshare < www.timeshares.plus.com > Disney Vacation Club Resorts < dvc.disney.go.com > Vacations in Orlando timeshares: Disney World forever! Orlando has culture, arts, breathtaking 50-acre Leu Gardens (and 96 other city parks!), and endless outdoor recreation. Of course, Orlando boasts all things Disney: Walt Disney World, Epcot, and Disney-MGM, for starters. Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom is safari central, Disney Cove lets you swim with dolphins, Downtown Disney offer the spectacle of Cirque du Soleil. If by some rare chance your family tires of Disney, you'll have Sea World, Universal Orlando, or the Islands of Adventure theme park. There's so much to do in Orlando that you'll be planning next year's vacation before you leave your timeshare. Orlando timeshare promotions and vacation packages A typical Orlando timeshare promotion might include a full vacation package, five days/four nights at a luxury timeshare for about $50 per night per person. Your timeshare vacation package will include lots of extras, like ticket deals to local attractions or free dinner cruises. You'll listen to a 90-minute promotional presentation, and you'll take a tour of the timeshare property. Use this as a chance to chat up owners. Find out about the services and amenities and about the property management before you make an fun-in-the-sun Orlando timeshare your own. Sources City of Orlando <www.cityoforlando.net> Corinne Walker's Timeshare Purchaser's Checklist <www.tug2.net> Resort Condominiums International <www.rci.com> Orlando Vacations By Wendy Croix Orlando has something for everyone. With an international airport and a fast, friendly public transportation system, Orlando is timeshare traveler-friendly. Vacation owners in Orlando nest on prime timeshare real estate. They can trade their Orlando weeks for time in other locations if they want, but odds are, they'll never run out of fun in Orlando. Vacation Diversity Multicultural events and dining attract tourists to Orlando. When they're not at Epcot or Walt Disney World, they can explore the Universal Studios Florida movie theme park, enjoying its forty-one rides. The Lost Continent, Jurassic Park, and Toon Lagoon await visitors to Islands of Adventure. Animal lovers and kids of all ages go for Gatorland and Sea World. Those with timeshares are busy planning next year's vacation before this year's Orlando holiday is over. And the best thing about Orlando? There's always more to look forward to. Orlando Timeshare Promotions and Vacation Packages Vacations at Orlando timeshares are a great way to have a fantastic, affordable getaway and explore the timeshare concept. A typical Orlando timeshare promotion offers five days and four nights at a luxury timeshare for $50 per person per night, but check RCI and other timeshare rental agencies, as discount vacation packages are often available. Remember, a timeshare vacation package includes other inducements beyond affordability: tickets to local attractions, free dinners, and free tourist activities. Ideally, the timeshare's amenities will be clear, and there will be opportunities to chat up current owners. Timeshare promotions include property tours and promotional presentations, which are usually 90-minutes and designed to sell, though high-pressure tactics are forbidden by law. With so much to do, looking into an Orlando discount vacation package could be an effort well worth making. Sources City of Orlando < www.cityoforlando.net > Vacation Ownership 101 < about.com > Packages from $162 per person- Priceline.com priceline.com: Orlando Vacation Deals Fort Lauderdale Miami Vacation Deals Disney Vacations From thrilling rides at the Magic Kingdom® Park to a safari-full of amenities at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, adults, teens, and kids alike will find a world of pleasures where all vacation dreams can come true. Travelocity can help you get there. Hotels in Florida , Orlando, Miami and others reservations online Orlando Time Share Promotions and Vacations, Florida presented by Entertainment Magazine. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Orlando, Florida 4 Days and 3 Nights in Magical Orlando for $249 plus tax* AND receive your choice of either 2 one day adult tickets to a Walt Disney World® Theme Park of your choice, Universal Studios®, Islands of AdventureSM, or Sea World® Adventure Park. Accommodations include 4 days and 3 nights at a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Orlando or a Hilton family brand hotel for up to 2 adults. Offer valid for a 3 night stay. Additional nights may be available at an additional charge. Travel dates must be reserved within 45 days from the purchase date to avoid an additional charge of $50. Vacation package is valid up to 6 months after the purchase date. Hilton Grand Vacations Club is able to offer this incredible vacation getaway as our way of introducing you to the benefits of vacation ownership. * All we require is that during your stay you attend a 2 hour personal preview of our newest resort, Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive and review the information. Learn more how you can enjoy your vacation. Fairfield Getaways Choose from several exciting vacation getaways in Florida Spend 2-3 nights enjoying the nonstop excitement and fun in FL. Enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, countless shopping options, and over 50 golf courses in beautiful Florida. Terms apply. Select a vacation package (and browse additional offers): Orlando Packages Start at $79 Orlando 2-Night Vacation Packages for $99 Orlando 2 Nights for $99 includes Hotel Stay + Park Ticket Orlando, FL- 3 Nights for $149 includes Hotel Stay + Park Tickets Ft. Lauderdale 2 Nights for $79 Hotel Stay + Dinner Certificate Ft. Lauderdale 2 Nights for $99 Resort Stay + Dinner Certificiate & More Ft. Lauderdale 3 Nights for $149 Resort Stay + Dinner Certificate & More Daytona 2 Nights for $89 Hotel Stay + Tickets to Daytona USA Daytona 3 Nights for $129 Hotel Stay + Tickets to Daytona USA Destin 2 Nights for $119 Hotel Stay + Choose from Activities Destin 3 Nights for $149 includes Hotel Stay + Dinner Certificate + More A time share in Florida may be a good real estate investment for years to come. Orlando and Dayton, Flordia are some of the most attractive vacation destinations and property values in Florida are rising every day. Before purchasing a time share in Orlando or Dayton, Florida, make sure to indulge in a discounted vacation package. For a discounted price, you can take a vacation to either place, if you are willing to sit in on a 90 minute timeshare presentation. You are under no obligation to purchase the timeshare. For a cheap Florida vacation, this is a good way to go. Enjoy an unique way to travel with a discount vacation package and learn the benefits of time share ownership. A very unique way to travel- enjoy a discount vacation package and learn the benefits of time share ownership. There are many options to choose from through very well known companies as Hilton Grand Vacations Club , Fairfield Getaways and Grand Pacific Resorts . Orlando, Florida Entertainment Magazine Home Page Read the Orlando Sentinel updated daily news Entertainment Magazine Home Page © 2005. EMOL.org / Entertainment Magazine On Line / AZentertain . All rights reserved.