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CNN.com - Travel International Edition | Member Center: Sign In | Register Home Page World U.S. Weather Business Sports Politics Law Technology Science & Space Health Entertainment Travel Education Special Reports Video Autos CNN Pipeline E-mail Newsletters Your E-mail Alerts Podcasts RSS CNNtoGO Contact Us 2006 hot spots include Colorado, China, Croatia While travel to perennial favorites like Los Angeles, Orlando, New York and Las Vegas is always strong, some unexpected destinations -- from Colorado and Arizona to Croatia and China -- are showing up as hot spots for travel as the 2006 season begins. FULL STORY • 'Disaster tourism' edges into view TRAVEL CHALLENGE Europe for two, under $1,200 TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS Today: Nassau, Bahamas. Send us your snapshots MORE NEWS • TSA: Changes don't affect screening times • Top amusement parks up 4.2 percent • Time brings changes to Myrtle Beach • Watch: Tips for traveling on the cheap • Mushing in Minnesota's frozen wilderness WATCH FREE VIDEO Browse/Search Business News Update (1:33) Plea deal in Enron case (:27) Featured Video More Top Video • Gaza violence and politics • French hostage video (:40) • Hole forces plane to land (1:13) Featured Video More Top Video More Destinations Nicaragua: Peaceful times for tourists • Washington promoting American originals • Alaska: Venturing north of the Arctic Circle • Sparkle in a small Virginia town sponsored by: More Travel News Mexico resorts getting back in the swim • Air marshals to monitor transit systems • Top places to frolic in your birthday suit • New technology can prevent runway overruns More Travel Adviser News Gifts for globe-trotters • CNN/Money: Holiday escape savings • Delve deeper into your destination • Travel insurance helps cover all the bases More Business & Industry News Ski industry optimistic for good season • Delta pilots accept 15 percent pay cut • Airlines go flat out for comfort • Atlanta poised for major tourism push SPECIAL REPORT CNN/Money: Airline turbulence D.C. DINING ON A DIME Eat like a senator for intern prices LOVELYLOWCOUNTRY Backroads guide to picturesque South Carolina region DRIVING DIRECTIONS Create a personal itinerary with listings of nearby lodging, dining and more • Find a map RESOURCES • Find weather forecasts • CNNMoney.com currency converter • CNN Airport Network • CNN Partner Hotels • Airline toll free numbers • US Customs • Passports • Travel warnings and advisories Search for jobs @ Also see International Edition Languages --------- Arabic Japanese Korean Turkish CNN TV CNN International Headline News Transcripts Advertise with Us About Us © 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines . Contact us . External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com Pay service with live and archived video. Learn more Download audio news | Add RSS headlines

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SARS affects the health of air travel  You are here: About > Travel > Air Travel Travel Air Travel Essentials Save money on airfare Airline Seat Maps Airlines - details and phone numbers Frequent Flyer 411 Info about the 30 Busiest Airports Articles & Resources Book your trip Shopping & gift giving Airlines big/small/budget Airport Info/Shop/Stay/Play Travel Docs and Mileage Seat maps and Inflight Advice and Tips In the news + Travel Tools Safety / Security Job search and training Info/History Buffs Skydive, glide and more Destinations and Events Humor and fun Service Issues Buyer's Guide Luggage Digital SLR Cameras Children's books Portable DVD Players MP3 Players Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Air Travel newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Air Travel Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Elsewhere on the Web World Health Organization - SARS Centers for Disease Control and Prev. Travelers' Health Suggested Reading SARS: from About - Asthma Air travel safety and security Most Popular Airline Phone Numbers Family emergencies - bereav... Paramount Airways Frequent Flyer - Air Tran Sun Country Airlines What's Hot Frequent Flyer - Singapore Jet2 Saving time checking in for... bmi baby Essential Philippines Related Topics Business Travel Budget Travel Hotels / Resorts / Inns SARS affects the health of air travel From Arlene Fleming , Your Guide to Air Travel . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! SARS attacks the air travel industry It is not just war or armed conflict that can have an adverse effect on air travel. Sometimes a virulent virus can create enough ripples of panic in passengers that travel plans are changed or canceled, and airlines suffer as people stop flying or stay closer to home. SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) is proving to be an example of a virus that is steering passengers away from flying to certain regions of the world. Part of the reason that SARS is so potentially devastating to certain sectors of air travel is the fact that it remains ill-understood. Could you catch it from a fellow passenger? How easily transmittable is it? How long can the virus survive airborne, or on objects that have been used by someone infected by SARS? As world health authorities grapple with trying to find concrete answers to such questions, less passengers are willing to risk their well-being (and potentially their lives) over a virus that seems to be reaching different countries by infected passengers traveling via international flights. Not knowing all that there is to know about SARS has led to thousands of canceled bookings as many companies and individuals are heeding the advice to not travel to certain parts of the world unless absolutely necessary. Some airlines have had employees invoke work refusals as the fear of contracting the virus, and its rapid worldwide spread are realized. In light of the growing impact of SARS on air travel, it is important to know what advice is out there for passengers and what efforts airlines are taking on to prevent the spread of SARS. 1 2 3 4 Next        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 Frequent Flyer - Singapore Jet2 Saving time checking in for... bmi baby Essential Philippines

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Myrtle Beach Golf Packages, Golf Vacation Packages of the Carolinas Home Myrtle Beach Packages 27 Holes a Day 3 Night 4 Round 3-4 Economy Deal 4 Night 6 Round Best in U.S. Big Cat Pack Brunswick Isle Pack Canadians 6 Night Canadians Only Can't Refuse Crows Nest Economy Deals Fanatic Golfer Marsh Inlet Mid Premium Mid Week Deals Most Scenic Signature CCC Package Parkland Pack Premium Deals Sea Trail Golf Package Ultra Premium Year Round 1 Price Waccamaw River Hilton Head Golf Packages Charleston SC Golf Corporate Golf Events Golf Gift Certificates Myrtle Beach Airports Spain Ireland Scotland Military Specials Course Ratings Golf Virtual Tours Lodging Search Contact Us Links Join Our Mailing List! Email Address: Name: Golf Packages of the Carolinas With over 450 Oceanfront and Golf Course Condos, located along the Grand Strand oceanfront and on great golf courses, including, Myrtlewood Golf Villas, Barefoot Golf Villas, Crow Creek CC Villas, Aberdeen CC Golf Villas, Tidewater Golf Villas, and 1000 Hotel Rooms, Sandcastle South, Sandcastle North, Courtyard Marriott at Barefoot Landing, Holiday Inn and Suites in North Myrtle Beach at Coquina Harbour and the prestigious Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort, at huge Myrtle Beach Golf Package discounts, Golf Packages of the Carolinas is North Myrtle Beach's largest golf and lodging discount wholesaler. Deluxe properties and great golf bargains are available to you every day. We offer outstanding discounts on all of your favorite golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. Play world-class championship golf on emerald green fairways, designed by the world's greatest architects, Nicklaus, Palmer, Cate, Jones, Maples and many more. There are courses and packages for golfers of all levels, including seniors, women, juniors, and professional-level players. With nearly 112 golf courses and our many lodging options, you are certain to find the right package for your budget and skill level. Contact our Golf Directors by email or call our toll free numbers to coordinate your golf vacation on the Grand Strand or Brunswick Isles. Vacation here with golf buddies or your family, either way you'll have a great time. We are one of the few golf package companies in Myrtle Beach that boast a PGA Class A Pro as a golf director as well as a knowledgeable staff with over 35 years experience in the golf business. In addition, Gary Cowan, our Canadian staff member, is a former Senior Tour Player with 8 Masters appearances and winner of 2 Majors [1966 and 1971 US Amateur Championships]. Great golf schools and instruction are also available. Get your lessons from some of the best teachers in the golf industry. We represent the Ocean Ridge Golf Academy. They'll help you with your swing, and give you lessons on great courses with our Stay-and-Learn Packages. When it comes to the best of Myrtle Beach, everything you could possibly want in your golf package is available here at Golf Packages of the Carolinas. Current rates are always available through our Golf Directors, and they are always up to date on course conditions and statistics A discriminating golfer deserves the top courses, top accommodations, confirmed tee times and Prepaid Green and Cart Fees. You can do it all and more in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! Also inquire about our other destinations in South Carolina and around the world. Also inquire about our worldwide destinations. Golf Packages of the Carolinas 218 Main Street North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29582 Home | Myrtle Beach | Hilton Head | Spain | Ireland | Scotland | Military Specials | Course Ratings Lodging Search | Contact Us | Links | E-Mail Us 2002 VR Marketing . All Rights Reserved.

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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

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