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CLIA | Cruise Line International Association | Cruise Vacation Travel Packages Norwegian Coastal Voyage Inc. offers unique coastal trips with sailings along the captivating coast of Norway, from Bergen in the south, across the Arctic circle, to Kirkenes in the north close to the Russian border, stopping at 34 ports along the way. The great cities, history, culture, excitement and beauty of the "Old World" of Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea region and Russia have made this one of the favorite cruise destinations of North Americans. STRONG 3RD QUARTER PASSENGER GROWTH EXTENDS 2005 TREND FOR CLIA-MEMBER CRUISE LINES read more Register to receive the latest cruise vacation news and information on special offers Click here to sign up PASSPORTS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES Read further -- Search for any city or US zip code Search by Destinations All Destinations Africa - Southern Alaska Antarctica Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Baltic/Russia Bermuda Black Sea British Isles/Ireland Canary Islands/North Africa Caribbean Costa Rica Cruises to Nowhere East Coast Europe - Western Far East/Orient Greek Isles/Aegean Hawaii India Israel/Egypt Mediterranean - West Mexico New England/Canada Panama Canal Red Sea/Suez Canal River - Amazon River - China River - Europe Scandinavia, North Cape South America South Pacific/Tahiti Southeast Asia Trans-Atlantic Trans-Pacific West Coast World Cruises Search by Cruise Lines All Cruise Lines Carnival Cruise Line Celebrity Cruises Costa Cruises Crystal Cruises Cunard Line Disney Cruise Line Holland America Line MSC Cruises Norwegian Coastal Voyage Norwegian Cruise Line Oceania Cruises Orient Lines Princess Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Cruises Royal Caribbean International Seabourn Cruise Line Silversea Cruises Swan Hellenic Windstar Cruises Search by Length of Cruise All Cruise Lengths 3-7 days 8-14 days 15-21 days 22+ days Why choose a CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellor? Find a CLIA affiliated travel agent in your area Search Tips Site designed by RampageInteractive / Web Services by TheDestination Group Digital Site Map
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Switzerland tourism - Switzerland vacation reviews - Switzerland vacations - TripAdvisor Switzerland vacations - Switzerland tourism Sign in • Sign up Home > Europe > Switzerland > Switzerland Tourism Switzerland tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. All Switzerland reviews Search (e.g., Boston hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Switzerland Switzerland Overview All Switzerland Reviews Switzerland Hotels Flights to Switzerland Switzerland Deals Switzerland Attractions Switzerland Forums Switzerland Maps Switzerland Discount Hotels Switzerland Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend Popular cities Aargau Hotels Adelboden Hotels Appenzell Hotels Ascona Hotels Basel Hotels Bern Hotels Bernese Oberland Hotels Crans-Montana Hotels Davos Hotels Fribourg Hotels Geneva Hotels Grindelwald Hotels Grisons Hotels Gstaad Hotels Interlaken Hotels Lausanne Hotels Locarno Hotels Lucerne Hotels Lugano Hotels Montreux Hotels Saas-Fee Hotels St. Gallen Hotels St. Moritz Hotels Swiss Alps Hotels Ticino Hotels Valais Hotels Vaud Hotels Wengen Hotels Zermatt Hotels Zurich Hotels Read more Switzerland tourism Switzerland vacations - Switzerland tourism Sponsored links * Switzerland Travel Deals Switzerland : Book Best Available Room. ClassicVacations.com Call 800-921-2680 to find your luxury travel specialist Switzerland : Book Now - Pay on Checkout! Venere.com Buying Direct Means Lower Prices. Hotels, B&Bs, Apartments and More. Switzerland : Vacation Planning Experts. ClassicVacations.com Call 800-921-2650 to find your luxury travel specialist 300 Hotels in Switzerland www.bookings.ch Book a hotel in Switzerland online. All hotels with guest reviews. All results: View all 5,871 Switzerland travel deals Where do you want to go today? Find all the best web-based write-ups and deals on your chosen destination. View map of Switzerland and choose your destination >> View all Switzerland hotels Switzerland Hotel Recommendations Other Destinations Find a great hotel based on web-wide popularity and coverage. Top-Rated hotels: Coeur des Alpes , Zermatt, Valais, Swiss Alps Widder Hotel , Zurich Chalet Fontana , Murren, Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps Caprice Hotel , Wengen, Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps Victoria Jungfrau Hotel , Interlaken, Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps Rugenpark Hotel / B&B Interlaken , Interlaken, Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps Badrutt's Palace Hotel , St. Moritz, Grisons, Swiss Alps Hotel Adler , Zurich Hotel Zum Storchen - a Summit Hotel , Zurich Hotel Eden au Lac , Zurich View all Switzerland hotels Find top hotels by destination: Select your destination Basel Bern Bernese Oberland Davos Geneva Interlaken Lausanne Lucerne Lugano St. Moritz Swiss Alps Valais Zermatt Zurich Popular Switzerland Destinations Check out these popular places: Basel Bern Bernese Oberland Davos Geneva Interlaken Lausanne Lucerne Lugano St. Moritz Swiss Alps Valais Zermatt Zurich Switzerland Attractions Top Switzerland Attractions: Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich) , Zurich Cathedrale de St-Pierre , Geneva Chateau de Chillon , Montreux, Vaud Little Carouge (Carougka) , Geneva International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum (Musee International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge) , Geneva Great Church (Grossmunster) , Zurich Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster) , Zurich Jungfrau , Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps The Jungfraujoch Experience , Interlaken, Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps Munster (Cathedral) , Basel Click above or search for more attractions in your destination: Select your destination Basel Bern Bernese Oberland Davos Geneva Interlaken Lausanne Lucerne Lugano St. Moritz Swiss Alps Valais Zermatt Zurich Switzerland Articles and Guidebooks SmartDeals From tips & tricks to rants & raves. Read the best sources and the most up-to-date reviews... "Overview of Switzerland," Frommer's "Swiss values: majestic views, challenging slopes," Nov 13, 2005 , Boston.com / Boston Globe "Going To: Bern," Jun 26, 2005 , New York Times (free registration required) "In Zurich, More Than Steeple Chasing," Jun 19, 2005 , Washington Post (free registration required) Read all Switzerland reviews Find a great Switzerland hotel deal! SmartDeals show you the best rates on the best hotels. Victoria Jungfrau Hotel Average price: $1552 Victoria Jungfrau Hotel - Book best available room - ClassicVacations.com More reviews, deals Hotel Zum Storchen - a Summit Hotel Average price: $421 Hotel Zum Storchen - a Summit Hotel - Book Now! - Venere.com More reviews, deals Hotel Adler Average price: $176 Hotel Adler - Great Rates - Otel.com More reviews, deals View all SmartDeals Switzerland Traveler Forums Travelers like you give candid advice on hotels and much more. Join the Discussion March Train Tour (3 replies, 3:52 pm, today) Holiday Wishes (6 replies, 9:16 am, yesterday) Tips for a trip to Switzerland in July (7 replies, 4:35 am, Dec 26, 2005) Read all Switzerland discussions Post a new Switzerland topic Share Your Travel Savvy skiing in late March in Switzerland (no replies, 4:41 pm, yesterday) 4 Day trip to Switzerland in Middle of March (no replies, 1:10 pm, yesterday) Zurich and Genava (no replies, 10:31 pm, Dec 13, 2005) Browse all Switzerland discussions Free alerts on Switzerland Subscribe to our TripWatch newsletter: Weekly alert to new reviews and deals Personal watch list is customizable to add other cities, hotels or attractions Plus getaway ideas from your hometown ( new feature, limited coverage ) Let Us Watch Switzerland for You E-mail: About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor provides unbiased reviews, articles, recommendations and opinions on Switzerland vacations. 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South America - Travel Stories from Around the World - BootsnAll.com Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Search | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Travel Stories Africa - Travel Stories from Africa Asia - Travel Stories from Asia Middle East - Travel Stories from the Middle East Europe - Travel Stories from Europe North America - Travel Stories from North America Central America - Travel Stories from Central America South America - Travel Stories from South America Pacific - Travel Stories from the Pacific and Australasia Travelogues - Travelogues from around the world South American Travel Stories Below you will find stories written by travellers on their experiences in South America. If you would like to submit your own stories for this region, click here . Argentina | Bolivia | Brazil | Chile | Colombia | Ecuador | French Guiana | Guyana | Peru | Suriname | Uruguay | Venezuela | X-country Argentina Argentina: Yours Truly Ema Kant's whirwind tour of Argentina still leaves her breathless, long after she's returned home. Candy From a Baby The last place Erik Trinidad wanted to be during the Argentine recession was in a bank in Buenos Aires. But that is where he found himself, and where he left in some haste. An Unabashed Gluttony Tour Food is Joe Ehrlich's 'thing'. Good food at good prices, but you'll find out a few more things about Argentina along the way. Argentina, with a Kiss on the Cheek Of all the international countries Edward M. Uli had traveled to, his business trip to South America was the most interesting experience of all. The Church of Tango Cherie Magnus was a pilgrim drawn to the altar of Tango and she was thankful to have prayed at La Catedral. Buenos Aires: the calm before the riot Sylvia Seschel could not have timed her visit any better, just two days before the economic riots. However, that won't stop her from coming back to beautiful Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires: A Foodie's Paradise, but Hold the Crisis! Despite the impending financial crisis, Gerry Schwartz found Buenos Aires a city with great architecture, wide boulevards, and a love of food at all hours. Springtime in Patagonia: "Muy Bonita" Bariloche was a relaxing break from the stress of Buenos Aires and it remided Gerry Schwartz of a Swiss alpine town. Mendoza: Vino and the High Andes Do Mix Gerry Schwartz found a little slice of Italy in northwestern Argentina. On the Buses Long distance buses ar a great way to cover the vast distances of Argentina. It also gave Gerry Schwartz a great opportunity to chat with the locals. Blood on the Rocks Aconcagua is advertised as the highest trekking peak, but Robert Geier warns that it deserves much more respect than that. In Patagonia: Rio Gallagos Deep in Patagonia, it is possible to believe that time is diluted down to its raw form and the passing of the years occurs at a different pace. Solo Tango in Buenos Aires Cherie Magnus made a pilgrimage to BA to to experience the legendary dancers' dance. Glaciers Nat'l Park Crossing the continental ice at the end of April is a travesty in winter. Patagonia , Argentina Whale watching, sandboarding, penguins and porpoises. Patagonia has it all. Tilcara , Argentina It's not just the altitude that takes your breath away in this small village. Bolivia Bolivia's Day of the Sea NEW! A war with Chile claimed Bolivia's coastline 125 years ago, but that doesn't mean the people have forgotten their love of the sea - or hatred of Chile. Rediscovering a Lost World Rob Hawke makes the ultimate pilgrimage of nature, a journey to the heart of isolation, in Noel Kempff National Park, Bolivia. Bolivian Oblivion on the Mapiri Trail The part-trek, part-commando run of the Mapiri Trail is certain to amaze, enrage and exhaust even the most hardy of would-be Rambos, according to Ben Garside. The Witches' Market Walk the Witches' Market with Thomas Carroll in La Paz, Bolivia as he and his wife shop for some strange items. El Choro: Trekking in Bolivia The lush vegetation, ancient undisturbed architecture, countless waterfalls and extreme physical challenge made El Choro stick in Chris Douglas's mind as the most rewarding hiking experience he has ever had. Los Pistoleros Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are Justin Pushman's favorite Bolivia guides, now if only they had told him to bring a jacket. Where's My Dealer? Probably on the same boat as the other gringos, but Justin Pushman would be just as happy to find a fish restaurant. On the Bolivian Trail of "Che" Juan Larranaga visited two small Bolivian towns that were significant in the life and death of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. DEA & Macaws Jack Simpson Jr. traveled to Bolivia to see the Llanos de Mojos - the unfenced grasslands of cattle and cattlemen and vaqueros, and, sometimes, drug lords. Into the Lungs of Hell The silver mines of Potosi, central Bolivia are a place where men die weekly. Be sure to pay homage to the lord of the mine. Snapshots of Mamore, Bolivia Travelers resistant to mosquitoes and wasps, preferably non-vegetarian, are given a better chance of survival when when travelling on this river. Five Stars, Stolen Cars and Rainbows in the Mist After a night spent dancing and partying, what better way to see a La Paz sunrise than drive to the top of a mountain in a stolen car. The Faint of Heart Need Not Apply The La Paz-Coroico road, reportedly the most dangerous in Bolivia if not in South America. Brazil Bacchanalia NEW! There is no such thing as inhibition at Carnival in Bahias. In every direction, there are couples embracing, so that the smell of human and animal craving hangs in the air like a sweet gas. But it doesn't really matter. There is no reason to speak, nothing really to say. Favella Folly Martin Holloway believes he has his guardian angel to thank for getting him out of the Rio favella he naively wandered into. Easter Break in Brazil Bryan Lazerow and his wife took a spur-of-the-moment trip to the interior of Brazil for a ridiculously low price. The Heart of the Amazon Kim Tally and her father had an adventure of a lifetime, abandoning themselves to the magic and wonder of the Amazon. Specks of Sweetness in the Jungle When it comes to fruit, Wes Sander found the Amazon region of Brazil to be unmatched in quantity and variety. The Pantanal and the Transpantaneira The sounds of hundreds of birds, taking flight and landing, made the trip to the Pantanal worthwhile. Maybe this was the hint that Richard Remsberg should have quit while he was ahead. Off Season in a Beach Town Richard Remsberg discovers why renting a dune buggy to drive himself is not recommended on the hills and beaches of Canoa Quebrada. The Girls from Ipanema Rio during Carnaval is crammed with tourists from all over the world. Even so, Sheila Lamb and friends found some locals and had a wonderful experience. Shopping Like a Hoochie-Mama In the middle of a snow filled winter, Sheila Lamb found shopping for clothes for her impulse trip to Brazil very liberating. It Happened One Night A first glance and a few days on the Amazon have Philip Blazdell making hard choices of life and love. The Call of the Amazon Meghan Lambert finds herself in the untainted heart of the Amazon and receives a healing gift from the river. Galloping through the Mountains of Bahia On a horseride in Brazil, Meghan Lambert finds she could easily be a cowgirl, if only the theme music wasn't so depressing. Gemstones Galore Allan Taylor found Rio to be the gemstone capital of the world for the sheer quantity, variety and quality of the stones. Ilha Grande: low tech, low stress Cheryl Morris prefers Robinson Crusoe rather than Princess Cruises type of holidays. Brazil's Ilha Grande suited her perfectly. The Magic of Bahia Cheryl Morris found the African heart of Brazil with its own distinct spirit and rhythm. Women and Waterfalls In a land rife with poverty, violence and growing discontent, Stephanie Lemieux danced in the middle of a stream with a stranger who did not speak her language. Carnaval in Bahia Dan Newman experiences Carnaval away from the tourist crowds of Rio. Salvador's Carnaval is said to be the most authentic celebration in Brazil. Surely you must be joking, Mr Niemeyer Despite its wide deserted streets, its science fiction inspired architecture and its strange compartmentalised layout, Philip Blazdell couldn't help but bond with Brasilia - Brazil's capital. Non Stop Erotic Bingo Philip Blazdell visited Sao Paulo and was visually overcome by the sheer size of the locally named 'third greatest city in the world'. Rio de Janeiro After a year in Brazil and constant advice from his colleagues in the North East not to go to Rio, Philip Blazdell decided it was time. Axé Rio! (Party Rio!) Allen Rainey's head has cleared up enough for him to write about Rio's Carnaval - and to wonder when he's going back. Aboard the Floating Asylum Dreams of a relaxing cruise down the Amazon, from Manaus to Belem, turned out to be more of a nightmare. Tough Place; Tough Men Jack Simpson's journey to Brazil to look at property was made memorable more for the people he met than the countryside he saw. Brass Conflict at the Beach A brass band whipping up a hip-grinding samba? Well in Rio, yes. For as the local dictum goes, everything ends in samba. Suffer the Children If torture and murder be games, then the only people who play with Rio's street kids are the death squads, observes Craig Guillot. The Ghosts of Rio Rio's 'ghosts' aren't actually people who are dead. But they are invisible, even when they do die. Gringa in Sampa As Brazil's commercial capital, Sao Paulo can't compare to Rio for sights. However, there are plenty of alternative sightseeing opportunities if you know where to look. Manaus, a Jungle Within a Jungle Although surrounded by the Amazon jungle, Manaus is a bustling city, not some sleepy tropical village. Prohibition Town Blues On a trip to Natal, Brazil's northeast beach capital, election day means no drinking. The Secret Policeman's Whorehouse A boat up the Amazon is an excellent way of travelling and meeting people. Merely being there implies an adventurous spirit. Talkin' About a Revolution A trip to Belem, capital of the Brazilian state of Para to investigate the recent civil unrest. Rumble in the Jungle A shoddy bar the Brazilian jungle is no place for an Englishman as his team takes on the world champs of football. 500 Years of Brazil The irresistable pull of Brazil to those who have lived there, especially around the country's 500th anniversary. The Spirit of Carnaval A fail-proof technique for doing the samba and then applying it at Carnaval. So This is Carnaval Carnaval is many things to different people, but it has to be experienced. Thinking About the Past Slavery is very much a part of Brazil's history, even if it is a fading memory. What Is It About Brazil? Some things that make Brazil unique, both good and bad (but mostly good). The Blanket Express to Salvador Salvador has been described as "a Greek salad of cultures, a place of great spirituality". However, it also has a dark past that should never be forgotten. Chile On Andean Trout Allan Taylor found trout fishing in Chile tended to be a no-frills activity. Use of a rod is considered an idiosyncrasy of foreigners and an unnecessary luxury. El Teniente While wandering around Chile, Allan Taylor took advantage of the opportunity to visit the world's largest underground mine. Volcanoes Are My Friends Haydn Barlow climbed a mountain on a mission for snow. Perhaps he should have chosen one that was not an active volcano. Fiordland Cruise Allan Taylor explored Chile's wild west fiordland coast, a fascinating region of unique natural beauty, from the comfort of the Terra Australis. Angler's Kitchen Allan Taylor suggests ways you can always be sure of a hot meal while on the road, without worrying about voltage converters or replacement gas cylinders. Puerto Natales - Puerto Montt Nicky McLean describes the three days aboard the ferry running from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt in southern Chile. A Miracle in Viña After a great encounter with a local in Chile, Gerry Schwartz took a chance for the price of a stamp and experienced a miracle in return. Me & Pinochet Circumstance can make for subtle revenge - even for Brad Newsham, an honest San Francisco cab driver who unwittingly gets back a little at Chile's Gen. Pinochet. Fishing Guide for Travellers Guide for backpackers who like the idea of catching a fish now and then whilst roaming the world, with emphasis on South America. Midwinter in Argentina and Chile There is much debate over who has the southernmost train station in the world. Colombia Romancing the Boy When she's spent more time at the mall than in the garden, what's Mica Campbell supposed to do when her boyfriend takes her to Colombia for a vacation? Transporte Publico Traveling by bus through Colombia, Mike Heavers is entertained by his surroundings - and the toilet. Time Off in Taganga Chris Vezey found Taganga, Colombia to be a strange place with odd people. Costa Loca Ivan Rothko ponders his risks being in idyllic, yet illusory, Santa Marta, Colombia. La Tres Equinas In the old walled city of the land of Escobar, Justin Pushman finds that ordering coke is as easy as ordering beer. Parque Tayrona The jungle might be closed for cleaning, but that won't stop Justin Pushman, if he can ignore the dealer in the hotel corner. Shed a Tear for Cartagena This Colombian city used to be a wonderful travel destination - not so now. Fred Perry compares and contrasts past and present. Colombia, Underwater Close encounters with a stingray, barracuda sightings and breathing from an air pocket in an underwater cave. Medellin, Colombia Considered by many to be the most dangerous city in the world, with drug lords and assassinations, but also home to a famous artist and a festival of flowers. Sleepless Sojourn On a small tropical isle, sleep doesn't come easy. But it's when the water runs out that the fun really starts! Manou A story about an intense love affair between two people in the Colombian town of Cartagena. More Than a Walk in Cartagena This Colombian town could be a compression of nearly everything you might have ever fancied about Latin America. Ecuador An Evolutionary Experience The islands that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution inspries different thoughts and feelings for Aidan Doyle. South American Bus Veteran Justin Rydberg considered himself a veteran South American bus passenger and considered an 8 hour journey in Ecuador to be a piece of cake. He quickly learned each ride is unique for surprises. Slow Train to Market It's not often Richard Remsberg is up before the sun, but he found two very good reasons during his time in Ecuador. Ecuador by Bus If you need to get somewhere, anywhere, in Ecuador chances are it will be by bus. Fiona Maharg caught a glimpse of Ecuadorian life on these journeys. Quito: Blood, Guts and Pigeon-Shit-Splattered Peaks Quito, like other colonial cities in Latin America, was founded on blood. Dominic Hamilton found this reflected in the colonial art collections. Cactus of San Pedro Don't Try This at Home! In the village of Vilcabamba, Ecuador an impulse to stay an extra day turns into an unusual experience. New Year's in Ecuador All of the misfortunes and unhappiness of the "Año Viejo" go up in flames in the city of Cuenca. Not So Perfect in Paradise A trip to the Galapagos Islands leads to some interesting experiences. French Guiana Chasing Rainbows - French Guiana Once home to exiled French prisoners, visitors might now find Guiana the right side of safe and just the wrong side of decadent. Guyana By Smuggler's Boat From Guyana to Venezuela Adventure travel of a different kind on a smuggler's boat to Venezuela. Peru A Dying World Living on man-made islands that must be reproduced every day, those on the Islas Flotantes stuggle to combine their old way of life with the demands of the tourists. On The Inca Trail Follow Thomas Gayton as he strolls the Inca Trail - observing, partaking, thinking. A Walk in the Park Much to Phil Ganz's surprise, the Inca Trail proves to be the magical, mystical place everyone says it is. A Place Above The Clouds Nearing thirty years of age and having traveled extensively, Eric D. Lehman decided he wanted to go somewhere legendary, see a world wonder. What he saw brought him to tears. Devils That Do Good Thomas Carroll's goal was to see the 'inner vision' of his mind by attending a shamanic San Pedro ceremony. From Protest To Full-Scale Riot The Nazca people could feel Samantha Colburn's boredom and thought they would help out her and her friends. Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place Samantha Colburn and her friends arrived into Cusco filthy, flea-bitten, starving, thirsty and exhausted. But they were alive. Four-Day Trek on the Inca Trail Robyn Dwyer quailed in her squeaky new hiking boots and wondered if she was going to make it all the way to Machu Picchu. Traveler, Protect Your Money Learn how to spot counterfeit bills in Peru with Thomas Carroll and save yourself the hassle of funny money. When Wish You Wish Upon A Star, Altitude Sickness Will Flee Far The first shooting star Erik Trinidad ever saw happened to be while he was on the Inca Trail, and it granted his wish. Dollars or Sols? Changing money in Peru is a long, drawn out process. Justin Pushman used it as an opportunity to practice his Spanish, but he soon wished he'd kept his mouth shut. Nazca to Cusco The most direct route was fraught with kidnappings and robberies, but Justin Pushman was in the perfect condition for a two day Andean pass bus journey. He'd already drunk most of a bottle of dark rum. Finding the "Lost Treasure" of Tranquillity in Huanchaco Randell Lee appreciated and understood the true value of 'wasting time' and doing absolutely 'Nothing!' in the beach town of Huanchaco. Blow-outs, Buses and Booze Andrew Bruton reckons if you travel in South America you'll probably have an accident or two, but what's certain is that if it's not a fatal one, you'll absolutely love it. Amazon Boat Ride Ride a yo-yo with Justin Pushman from Iquitos, but be sure to bring out-of-date crackers and a hammock. Cock-a-Doodle Cusqueña Derek Carlisle's Peruvian host family shows him how to mark the end of the work week with a few beers and some cockfighting. Destination: Machu Picchu Derek Carlisle attempts to reach Machu Picchu the hard way after falling victim to a case of traveler's diarrhea. Butts, Blood and a Bloated Cow on a Peruvian Trek In a place of death Kari Frizzle had never felt so alive. Until, that is, she starting puking up neon green liquids. Walking the Fine Line Craig Guillot seems to run into protests everywhere he goes in Latin America, but this time one wrong move could cause all hell to break loose. Jungle Fever for Beginners Pondering the new wave of travellers who seek out extreme experiences, while living in the jungle with Peruvian Indians. The Inca Trail A four day climb to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, without the aid of a porter. Machu Picchu Making a childhood dream of visiting the ancient city in Peru come true. Unexpected Encounters on a High Altitude Tandem Tour Slow motion travel leads to many wonderful meetings in Peru and Bolivia. A Stylish French Restaurant in a tiny Peruvian village - Who would have thunk it? Fine French cuisine in the unlikeliest of places. A 'Shaman' Named Jesus An hour conversation about life and living with one of the most interesting people I've ever met. Rafting the Apurimac River The challenges of a 3 day white water rafting trip. Suriname Jungle Joy For Kate Comiskey, the jungle not only brings her some of the greatest joy she's ever experienced, it also brings her home. Uruguay Montevideo Devil Adam Carter dances with the devil after being taken under the wing of a mysterious Australian. Cops In Uruguay Discover how Erik R. Trinidad and his buddy avoided a hefty bribe for three on-the-road violations. Venezuela A Day on the River While canoeing a piranha-invested river in Venezuela, Denni Schnapp came face-to-face with the barrel of a gun. A Golden Christmas Spend Christmas in the small village of El Pauji in southeastern Venezuela. Chasing the Rainbow The Gran Sabana in Venezuela is in the grip of a latter day gold rush. Los Roques , Venezuela This lesser known archipelago is a natural paradise. X-Country Cruising Cape Horn and the Magellan Strait Sylvia Seschel enjoyed several days in ports of call around Cape Horn, including Montevideo, Ushuaia, Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas. Kite Tails from A Broad While sailing on a square rigged brigantine Tall Ship, Elain Genser managed to stage the first International TransPacific Kitemaking Competition. 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Russia Travel Resources >
Russia Travel Guide - Communications You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide - Communications 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 Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page 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 Communications From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Communications services throughout Russia vary according to the region, although improvements are gradually coming.
Post Office
Russia has 40,000 post offices. All of them sell stamps and envelopes and can process domestic and international letters and cards. Larger post offices will offer more service, including domestic and international parcel post, telephone calls, domestic and international express letters, Internet service and currency exchange.
The post can take some time to be delivered in Russia. For quicker and more reliable service, use American Express if you are a member or a private delivery service.
Telephones
The country code is for Russia is 7.
The city code for Moscow is 095 and for St. Petersburg 812.
In larger cities, you will find modern public telephone booths that accept phonecards, for sale at hotel front desks, post offices, newspaper kiosks and metro stations.
To make an international call from Russia, dial 8, wait for a tone, then 10 + country code + area code + number. To dial another city in Russia, dial 8, wait for the tone, then the city code + number. Send faxes from your hotel, business centers, or telegraph offices. Some post offices can also send faxes.
Mobile Telephones
There are three main providers of mobile telephone service in Russia:
Mobile Telesystems - MTS
VimpelCom
Megafon (Russian-language site)
If you want to use your own GSM phone (it has a Subscriber Identity Module smart card that has account information about the subscriber) you should check with your local provider about which company to use in Russia. However,the cost per minute will likely be high.
GSM is a popular system in Russia, although other standards also operate on different networks.
A good alternative is to buy a pay-as-you-go mobile phone. You can purchase one from a telecom shop for not much money.
Internet Service
You can find Internet cafes throughout Russia, and naturally cities have the greatest abundance. You won't have any trouble finding an Internet cafe in St Petersburg or Moscow. For a list of Internet cafes in Russia, see Globaltrek .
Radio
Radio stations abound in Russia. With the Internet, you can listen to Russian radio stations. See this list for a list of radio stations in Russia.
Television
Russians enjoy numerous television stations, now that satellite transmissions supplement the traditional fare. Major stations are:
1TV
Ladya-TV
RTR-Planeta
Here you can get a list of other stations with Internet transmission.
Newspapers
There are several English-language newspapers published in Russia. The Moscow News and the Moscow Times are dailies. The St. Petersburg Times is an English-language paper published twice a week. Pravda has an English edition as well as its Russian version .
Webcams
Webcams provide a current look at far away places. Here are webcams of some favorite spots around Russia.
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European Vacation Spots Travel
Europe off the beaten track - My favorite European Vacation Spots You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Europe Travel Planning > Europe off the beaten track - My favorite European Vacation Spots 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 Meteora Monastery - Off the beaten tourist track and worth visiting James Martin Stay up to date! Meteora Monastery - Off the beaten tourist track and worth visiting James Martin Email to a friend Print this page European Travel Planning Travel Planning Guide European Maps European Distances Recent Discussions Need Help Planning a Trip Accomodation in london Mediteranean Feries Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Europe Off the Beaten Track From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! My favorite "undiscovered" European vacation spots It's fine to visit the European capitals. They're all big enough to sop up a glut of tourists. But smaller places that are both uniquely interesting and lightly traveled are getting more difficult to find and often seem amazingly ethereal: travel is so easy today that Rick Steves' back doors stop becoming back doors the minute he mentions them. So my favorite places aren't undiscovered--they're just a bit too far off the beaten track for the mega-tourism companies to worry about. Meteora - Greece Monastic history starts in Meteora in the 11th century when the first hermits sought peace and solitude in the rifts and caves in the isolated pinnacles that rise above the valley of the Pineios (Pinios) river. By the 14th century the Byzantine Empire was coming apart at the seams and the monastic communities of the Athos peninsula were always in danger of Turkish pirate raids and other persecution. After one such encounter, three monks went searching for a rather inaccessible home to avoid it all. They eventually settled on top of a rock called Stylos . Endowments and people followed, and an amazing community of 24 monasteries built pinnacles on was born. Everything got hoisted up (and down) by nets, even people. And the toilets? Off the cliffs went the waste--all of it. Today, a paved road winds between the largest monasteries. The most spectacular vistas in all of Europe are just around the bend. Bring plenty of film. Meteora means "suspended in air" and they mean it. You can find a hotel in Kalambaka and walk to the monasteries from there if you're reasonably fit--Kalambaka is 9kms from the monasteries. There are busses, tours, and taxis as well. Close by: Metsovo, a small community of excellent woodcarvers is just to the northwest of Kalambaka. Much of the really fine carving you'll see in the monasteries comes from the carvers of Metsovo, but if you go to Metsovo (easy by bus) you can buy carvings made for tourists as well. When to go: Spring or Fall to avoid crowds. Yes, this is a place that's "discovered" but remote. Late fall works well, although it'll be cold in the morning, and downright freezing in Metsovo, higher up in the mountains. Still, this allows you to taste Greece's "other" cooking, the hearty and warming stews you don't get in summer. More: Meteora is one of the Great Walks of Europe Also see: Meteora Pictures | Meteora Travel Directory Cathar Country - France I was at a party just before embarking on my first European vacation in the 70's when I asked a French guy I'd just met what his favorite city in Europe was. He answered "Carcassonne," a walled city smack in the heart of Cathar country. By golly, he was right, Carcassonne is definitely worth a day or two in itself. But I've since made a recent trip back to the area and discovered many other interesting things to see in the Aude region--except for tourists--and it was the middle of the season. What's here? Castles perched high on hilltops, the mysteries of Rennes le Chateau, great sparkling wine called Blanquette de Limoux, and great walking trails. Plus, Cathar country is easy on your wallet; the Aude is one of France's poorest areas and lodging is relatively cheap and plentiful. What's nearby: Provence isn't far, and if you're driving it's a great "next stop." More: Cathar Country Travel Directory | Rennes le Chateau | The Best Cathar Castles to Visit Asturias - Spain Northern Spain is ignored by many American tourists, yet it's one of the places I'd go back again and again. Some of the attractions are righfully famous, including the prehistoric painted cave called Altamira--the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art". The country around the Picos de Europa range is some of the most beautiful in Europe. Lodging options include nice historic country inns called Posadas, as well as Casa Rurales--rural houses that will allow you to slow down your vacation and see the countryside at a leisurely pace. This is a rural area that preserves its history and way of life in a way that can be attractive to tourists looking to discover a beautiful solitude. Have a cider, some of the local blue cheese called Cabrales, and contemplate a trip to one of the regions prehistoric caves--or a walk along the pilgrimage route passing through the pretty port town of Ribadesella. When to Go: Tempered by the cool Bay of Biscay to the north, Northern Spain doesn't sweltering in the summer, usually. Don't be afraid of going in the high season, although we did witness some incredible thunder storms in July. Did it stop us? Nope--we just dragged a chair out under the covered patio of our casa rurale , got out a camera and some cheese and bread, and watched nature's finest display of natural fireworks. Incredible. Close by: Basque Country More: Asturias and Cantabrian Coast Map and Travel Planner | Summer Storm Pictures | Picos de Europa Visit Europe's most compelling islands next. 1 2 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 Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There