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Taj Mahal Express Athens & Greek Islands Cruise Peru, Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands Jewels of the Adriatic: Croatia & Slovenia Discover Japan Pyramids Express Buenos Aires & Rio Express Very Affordable Russia I think you guys provide a wonderful tour package for a very affordable price...Your staff is very responsive, friendly and attentive. Keep up the great work. I look forward to my next tour with you. -- Fredilyn Sison, Reno, NV Exciting Affordable Vacations to Fascinating Worldwide Destinations Our #1 Goal is to help you see our friendly planet in all its splendor...easily and comfortably with our affordable discount travel packages. Are you ready for a vacation? How about a cruise? Or have you always wanted to go somewhere exotic? At Friendly Planet, we arrange comprehensive, high-quality, escorted, discount vacation packages to many exotic vacation spots and popular worldwide destinations. We also offer discount vacation packages for a large variety of cruise vacations. We have packages to such locations as China, Australia, Israel, the Far East, South America, India, Europe, Scandinavia and South Africa. Travel to the destination of your dreams! Our vacation packages feature first class and deluxe hotels and cruise ships, many meals, extensive, comprehensive touring that includes the places you really want to see, and our discount travel packages are priced as amazing deals that save you literally hundreds of dollars per person. Whether you chose a cruise vacation or an exotic vacation, we have a vacation package that will be perfect for you. When you book a vacation package with Friendly Planet, there is never any need to worry about the quality of the vacation. Although our prices cannot be beat, we ensure that your vacation is of the highest quality every step of the way. From big name airlines, to deluxe accommodations and touring busses you will always be traveling in comfort. 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Member, Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program Click here for report Member, American Society of Travel Agents Endorsed by International Airlines Travel Agent Network Reviewed by Dunn & Bradstreet Amazing Thailand Amsterdam Express Athens & Greek Islands Cruise Athens Express Australia, New Zealand & Tahiti Beijing & Shanghai Express Best of the Orient plus Bali Borneo Adventure Budapest, Vienna & Prague Buenos Aires & Rio Express China & Yangtze River Cruise Cruise of the Russian Czars Danube Discovery Cruise Discover Japan Great Cities of Eastern Europe Holy Land Express India & Nepal India Express Istanbul & Athens: Sale of 2 Cities Istanbul Express Jerusalem Express Jewels of the Adriatic Kenya Wildlife Safari Mediterranean Magica Cruise New Zealand, Tahiti & Moorea Peru, Ecuador & The Galapagos Pyramids and Nile Cruise Pyramids Express Scandinavia & St. Petersburg South African Explorer & Safari South America Odyssey Sydney Express plus Tahiti Taipei Express Taj Mahal Express Ukraine River Cruise & Black Sea Very Affordable Russia Vietnam, Angkor Wat & Bangkok Region: -- all regions -- Africa Asia Australia & South Pacific Central & South America Europe Middle East Country: -- all countries -- Duration: -- any length -- Up to 8 days 9 - 12 days 13 - 16 days 17 days or more Budget: -- any budget -- Up to $1000 Up to $2000 Up to $3000 Up to $4000 Month: -- anytime -- January February March April May June July August September October November December Click here for more information about our tours to Israel and the Bible Lands. 800.555.5765 / Fax 215.572.9803 Home | About Us | Hotels | Cruise Ships | FAQs | Contact Us | Site Map National Tourism Boards | Resources & Links * Some tour prices reflect early booking discount on select dates. Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.

South America Travel

South & Central America. Peru Tours and Ecuador Tours, Galapagos Tours, Machu Picchu, Amazon Rainforest. 1.800.344.6118 { contact us } Home · Testimonials · In the News · Tour Index · About Us · Once You're Booked · Lodging · Discounts South America Amazon Tours Argentina Tours Bolivia Tours Chile Tours Ecuador Tours Galapagos Tours Patagonia Tours Peru Tours Central America Belize Tours Costa Rica Tours Guatemala Tours Panama Tours Antarctica Antarctica Tours Our Newsletter - Text - HTML Newsletter Archive Gift Registry Family Travel Supplement Press Kit Employment Opportunities Questions about a tour? Contact us with your questions. Technical Problem? Contact the webmaster for assistance. Are you a Travel Agent? Click here to Contact us. Peru Tours - Machu Picchu, the Inca city of Cusco, hiking the Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, ... Galapagos Tours & Cruises - Choose from over 40 yachts for your wildlife cruise in Darwin's amazing Galapagos. Chile Tours - Be tempted with a trek through Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert, a wine tour in the vineyards of Santiago Belize Tours - Stunning snorkeling & scuba, island to island sea kayaking, Maya ruins, jungle adventures, Last Minute Savings for Galapagos Save up to $1,000/person on a Dec 31, 2005, 10 Day Tour on the Lammer Law, Evolution or Mistral. 20% off the Maryshev 20% off the Aleksey Maryshev's Feb 2, 2006, cruise to Antarctica and the Weddell Sea! 20% off the Polar Star 20% off the Polar Star's Feb 25, 2006, cruise to Antarctica, S. Georgia, and the Falklands! Bienvenidos (Welcome) ! See us in USA Today! Let us introduce you to the local culture and brilliant landscapes of the Andes, Amazon, Galapagos, Central America and Antarctica! At Adventure Life, we love travel and we love the people and places we visit. We've traveled, studied, worked and lived in these wonderful places and we want you to share in our experiences and enthusiasm. Our customers are looking for something distinctive, something personal. Visit the historic Panama Canal. Explore the Pacuare Nature Reserve on a Costa Rica trip. Snorkel in the crystal waters of Belize! Whether interested in a family Guatemala adventure, or custom Tikal ruins tour, we offer unique itineraries to suit any adventurer. Adventure Life is committed to providing quality small group tours that have a positive impact on the local culture and environment. Groups are rarely larger than twelve, and each tour is designed by the company's founder with the goal of providing a fun and exciting holiday, while creating a better understanding between travelers and our wonderful hosts. We invite the questions and comments you might have while planning your trip. Our first hand knowledge of Latin America means we can answer nearly any question that you might have regarding our destinations. We specialize in Costa Rica vacations, Belize tours, the ruins of Tikal, Guatemala trips, Panama travel, as well as a number of adventures to the Andes, Peru, Galapagos, Ecuador, Amazon, Bolivia and Antarctica. Please feel free to contact us with any of your travel questions. Wait. What am I saying? This isn't just travel. My friends, this is adventure. So how about it - are you ready? Adventure Life News Our Gift To You – 10% Savings On Your Holiday In The Galapagos! I can hardly believe it myself; we still have spaces left on a few of our Galapagos holiday departures! Join us for our 10-day tour of the Islands and celebrate the season among blue-footed boobies, iguanas, giant tortoises and Galapagos penguins in one the most unique and untouched ecosystems in the world. And to sweeten this Galapagos travel treat, we are now offering a 10% discount on our remaining island holiday departures! Discover for yourself what others have found so enchanting about this amazing archipelago that has captivated the imagination of adventurers, biologists, ecologists and travelers for centuries. To find out more about Galapagos travel, click here . 2 spaces available – departing Dec 23rd aboard the Fragata. Prices starting at $1566 2 spaces available – departing Dec 20th aboard the Coral I (moon suite). Prices starting $2979 Read Newsletter » Adventure Travel Possiblities Costa Rica Tours click here » Travel to Costa Rica puts you in the heart of an ecotourism mecca. Costa Rica vacations are ideally suited for multisport adventures. Climb into the canopy and explore the jungle of Costa Rica before heading to the beach or visiting an active volcano. Plan your Costa Rica tour to include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, surfing, or searching for giant leatherback turtles. Argentina Tours click here » An Argentina tour takes you through a spectacular variety of scenery, from wind-sculpted desert to the snow-capped peaks of Patagonia. Travel to Argentina offers opportunities for both outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. From the gauchos of the Argentine steppe to the tango dancers in Buenos Aires, the people of Argentina are a proud and passionate lot. A South America tour isn't complete without taking in this fascinating country. Guatemala Tours click here » For most travelers, the thought of Guatemala tourism brings to mind the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal. Indeed, no Guatemala tour is complete without a journey to the sprawling jungle-covered metropolis, but there is so much more Guatemala adventure in store! The picturesque volcanic highlands of Guatemala are home to thriving indigenous populations and their rich culture. Intricate regional weavings, bustling markets, and stately colonial cities are just some of the gems to discover on your Guatemala vacation. Patagonia Tours click here » The name Patagonia stirs the souls of adventurers. A Patagonia trip is a chance to see the end of the world, where you'll find emerald-colored glacial lakes and towering granite spires. Whether you're trekking in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, sailing the waters around the historic island of Chiloe, or visiting the famous Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentinean Patagonia, your Patagonia adventure will be memorable. Panama Tours click here » Any elementary history book can brief you on the importance of the Panama Canal, but what the textbooks fail to represent is the incredible texture of the "eighth wonder of the world," and the rest of the region. Panama travel includes snorkeling in the turquoise waters surrounding the islands of Bocas del Toro, and whitewater rafting on the Chiriqui. Relax at the ecological lodge, Sapibenga, on its private San Blas island and discover the colorful culture of the Kuna people. For the nature lover, the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park offers a vast variety of wildlife to explore and admire on your Panama vacation. Antarctica Tours click here » Although it's the most isolated continent, Antarctica is far from barren and lifeless. On an Antarctica cruise you'll likely see great whales, millions of seals, and teeming colonies of comical penguins, among other wildlife. Our Antarctica cruise ships vary in size and style, so you're sure to find one that's right for you. Join us on a trip to Antarctica to explore the last unspoiled continent on earth! the international ecotourism society international mountain explorers connection america outdoors international association of antarctica tour operators leave no trace international galapagos tour operators association Adventure Life • 1655 S 3rd St. W, Suite 1 • Missoula, MT 59801 • 1-800-344-6118 :: Site Map ::

Mexico Travel

Mexico and Central America - Travel Vacation Tourism Information for Visitors You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Top 6 Travel Books for Mexico and Central America There are many travel guidebooks devoted to Mexico and to Central America. Here is my recommended list of top travel books which should prove to be valuable aids for many visitors to this area of the world. Read Archives | permalink Health Information for Visitors to Mexico and Central America This article provides a summary of the more important health related issues that visitors to Mexico or Central America should be aware of when planning a trip to this area of the world Read Archives | permalink Safety Considerations for Travelers to Mexico and Central America Travel to Mexico and Central America is not significantly less safe than travel to many other areas of the world. However, visitors to this area must exercise care, common sense and a high degree of awareness with respect to their personal security. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind in this regard. Read Archives | permalink Acapulco, Mexico Once a favorite destination of honeymooners, celebrities and the "jet set" crowd, Acapulco is now a resort town that appeals to many types of travelers. Read this article for more information. Read Archives | permalink The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a biological reserve owned and managed by the Tropical Science Center, a Costa Rican nonprofit, scientific research organization. This reserve is regarded by many as one of the top tropical plant and wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is perhaps the most beautiful of the many cloud forests located in Costa Rica and has become one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in Central America. Read Archives | permalink Hurricane Wilma AP reports that Hurricane Wilma sent ocean waves surging over the narrow strip of land that holds Cancun's resort hotels Saturday, flooding streets several yards deep as some 30,000 tourists huddled in hotels and shelters taking on water. Read more... Read Archives | permalink Packing List for Travelers to Mexico & Central America An important aspect of good travel planning is deciding what items to take with you on your vacation. What you take will, of course, depend on such factors as the climate of your destination, the types of activities you propose to engage in while there and the duration of your trip. The general rule to keep in mind is to bring all of the basic or essential items you might need but resisting the temptation to pack non-essential items. In other words, do not over-pack! Read Archives | permalink Fishing In Mexico Mexico offers hundreds of fishing spots and is a top location to visit for a great fishing trip. Mexicos deep sea fishing is world famous and there are many excellent charters and guides to choose from to make sure you get the most out of your fishing adventure. Read Archives | permalink Cozumel, Mexico Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico and the country's top diving destination. Cozumel derives its name from the Mayans who believed the island to be a sacred shrine. In the Mayan language, Cozumel translates to "land of the swallows," a reflection of the indigenous birds that make the island their home. Read Archives | permalink Health Information for Visitors to Mexico and Central America This article provides a summary of the more important health related issues that visitors to Mexico or Central America should be aware of when planning a trip to this area of the world. Read Archives | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Mexican Music La Paz, Mexico Quinceanera Packing List Tijuana, Mexico What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Related Topics California for Visitors South America for Visitors Caribbean for Visitors Mexican Cuisine 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 Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Headlines Top 6 Travel Books for Mexico and Central America There are many travel guidebooks devoted to Mexico and to... Health Information for Visitors to Mexico and Central America This article provides a summary of the more important health... Safety Considerations for Travelers to Mexico and Central America Travel to Mexico and Central America is not significantly less... Acapulco, Mexico Once a favorite destination of honeymooners, celebrities and the...

South America Travel

Russia Travel Guide Overview

Russia Travel Tips and Advice | iExplore.com FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore advertisement -- Home Travel Guides Europe Russia Do's and Don'ts Russia Travel Guide Overview Tours Where to Go Activities General Info History Weather Travel Tips Dining Shopping Visa & Health View Trips to Russia Europe Overview Browse Russia Photos Russia Questions and Answers Read Russia Journals Find a Russia Travel Buddy Russia Travel Tips & Advice Social Conventions It is customary to shake hands when greeting someone. Company or business gifts are well received. Each region has its own characteristic mode of dress. Conservative wear is suitable for most places and the seasonal weather should always be borne in mind. Smoking is acceptable unless stated otherwise. Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth; it is advisable to keep expensive jewelry, watches and cameras out of sight and take precautions against pickpocketing. Tipping Hotels in Moscow and other large cities include a 10 to 15 per cent service charge. Otherwise 10 per cent is customary. International Travel: Travel warning Because of the security situation in the North Caucasus, it is strongly advised not to travel to Chechyna, Ingushetia, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) and to the eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai, particularly where it borders Chechnya and North Ossetia. Chechen militants have threatened further violence in response to the killing of their rebel leader, Aslan Maskhador, on March 8 2005. It is advised that potential travelers monitor this situation. There is a high threat from domestic terrorism in Russia, including suicide bombings in public places. Air The national airline is Aeroflot – Russian International Airlines (SU) (website: www.aeroflot.com ). Other airlines serving the Russian Federation include Air France , Austrian Airlines , British Airways , Czech Airlines , El Al , Finnair , Lufthansa and SAS Scandinavian Airlines . Approximate flight times From Moscow or St Petersburg to London is three hours 45 minutes. From Moscow to Almaty is four hours 40 minutes, to Baku is three hours 10 minutes, to Bukhara is three hours 40 minutes, to Kiev is one hour 45 minutes, to Minsk is one hour 20 minutes, to Odessa is two hours, to Samarkand is three hours 50 minutes and to Yerevan is two hours 50 minutes. International airports Moscow (SVO) (Sheremetyevo) (website: www.sheremetyevo-airport.ru ) is 35km (22 miles) northwest of the city. Taxis are available at the airport to the city center for approximately US$10-15 (travel time – 30 to 40 minutes). ‘Autoline’ fixed-route taxis and buses are also available. Express coaches depart for the city every 20 minutes (0545-0030). Coaches depart for the airport from the Central Air Terminal in Moscow, 37 Leningradsky Prospekt (travel time – 50 minutes for international flights). Express trains leave every 30 minutes. Airport facilities include outgoing duty free shops, banks/bureaux de change, post office, car hire, restaurants and first aid. Moscow also has three primarily domestic airports: see Travel – Internal section. St Petersburg (LED) (Pulkovo) is 17km (10.5 miles) south of the city. Buses are available to the city center 0700-2000 every 10 minutes (travel time – 10 minutes). Taxis are available for roughly US$10 (travel time – 15 minutes). Airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change, flight information, duty free shops, restaurant, bar, snack bar, left luggage and first aid. Departure tax None. Rail There are various connections from London. The sleeper coach to Moscow takes about 53 hours. The main route is: London–Brussels–Cologne/Berlin–Moscow. The journey from London to Brussels can be made by a variety of train and ferry services (including via Eurostar ), or via the Channel Tunnel. Services from Brussels are daily. There are through trains or coaches from other Western and Eastern European cities, from CIS countries, and from China (PR), Iran, Mongolia and Turkey. See also Trans-Siberian Express in the Travel – Internal section. Road Foreign tourists may drive their own cars or may hire cars (see Travel – Internal ). The speed limit is 60kmph on minor roads, 90kmph on major roads and variable on highways. A road tax is payable upon entry to the country. The following crossing points between Finland and the Russian Federation are available: Vaalima–Torfianovska; Nuijamaa–Brusnichnoye and Rajajooseppi–Lotta. There are also crossing points between the Russian Federation and all neighboring countries although, at present, there are restrictions on cross-border travel to Azerbaijan and Georgia. Plans to simplify this process are currently underway. Those entering by car should have their visas registered at the hotel, motel or campsite where they will stay for the first night, and must also ensure that the car registration number is recorded in the visa. Travelers should also insure their vehicle with Ingosstrakh , which has offices at all crossing points and in most major cities, and to purchase service coupons at the border. Although motorcyclists can enter the Russian Federation, cyclists wishing to cross the Russian border should find out whether this is permissible from the Russian Embassy or their travel agent before departure. Eurolines , departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves destinations in the Russian Federation. For further information, contact Eurolines (tel: (08705) 143 219; e-mail: welcome@eurolines.co.uk ; website: www.eurolines.co.uk ). Duty free regulations are liable to change at short notice. The following should be used as a guide only, and travelers are advised to contact the Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information. The following goods may be imported into the Russian Federation by persons of 16 years of age or older without incurring customs duty: 1000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco products ; 1 . 5l of spirits and 2l of wine ; a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use ; gifts up to the value of US$10,000 . Note On entering the country, tourists must complete a customs declaration form which must be retained until departure. This allows the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables which must be registered on the declaration form. Cameras, jewelry, computers and musical instruments should all be declared. Customs inspection can be long and detailed. It is advisable when shopping to ask for a certificate from the shop which states that goods have been paid for in hard currency. Presentation of such certificates should speed up customs formalities. Prohibited imports Photographs and printed matter directed against the Russian Federation, weapons and ammunition, narcotics, fruit, vegetables and live animals unless with a special permit. Prohibited exports Arms, works of art and antiques (unless permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture), precious metals and furs. Note Up to 280g of caviar per person may be exported, provided a receipt is shown proving that it was bought at a store licensed to sell it to foreigners. Internal Travel: Air The internal network radiates from Moscow’s four airports. Aeroflot runs services from Moscow to most major cities. All-inclusive tours are available from specialist tour operators. Note: In the 1990s, Aeroflot was broken up into many small airlines which led to a catalog of air disasters earning it a reputation for poor safety. Thankfully, its safety record has improved in recent years. Domestic airports Vnukovo Airport (VKO) is 29.5km (18 miles) southwest of Moscow. Coaches go to the airport from the Central Air Terminal (travel time – one hour 15 minutes). Outgoing duty free facilities are available at the airport. Taxis are available to the city. Domodedovo (DME) is 48km (25 miles) southeast of Moscow. A coach goes from the Central Air Terminal to the airport (travel time – one hour 20 minutes). Bykovo Airport (BKA) is the smallest of Moscow’s airports, 35km from the city. Coaches go to the airport from the Central Air Terminal. Approximate flight times From Moscow to Bratsk is six hours 45 minutes, to Donetsk is one hour 30 minutes, to Irkutsk is seven hours, to Khabarovsk is seven hours 30 minutes, to Kharkov is one hour 15 minutes, to St Petersburg is one hour 30 minutes, to Volgograd is one hour 50 minutes and to Yalta is two hours 15 minutes. Sea Owing to its geographical position, the Russian Federation has ports on its Pacific and Baltic shores and in the south on the Black Sea. The most important eastern ports are Vladivostok, Magadan, Nakhodka and Petropavlovsk; the most important western ports are St Petersburg and Kaliningrad on the Baltic. The only links to the Atlantic are the ports of Murmansk on the Kola peninsula, which never freezes over and Archangelisk. Major harbors on the Black Sea are Novorossiysk and Sochi. There are plans to build an extension to the St Petersburg harbor at Ust-Luga. Upgrading of facilities at Kaliningrad and Vyborg is also planned. Sea cruises on the Black Sea and the Baltic are popular. River Cruises and excursions are available on the Amur, Don, Irtysh, Lena, Ob, Volga and Yenisey rivers. Many companies offer cruises on board comfortable, modern boats. The Volga towns, the Golden Ring and Moscow–St Petersburg are popular routes. Rail The 87,079km (54,109 miles) of track are a vital part of the infrastructure because of the poor road system. The largest and busiest rail network in the world is predominantly for freight traffic. Only a few long-distance routes are open for travel by tourists, and reservations must be made on all journeys. Children under five years of age travel free. Children aged five to nine pay half fare. Rail travelers are advised to store valuables in the compartment under the bed or seat and not to leave the compartment unattended. The Trans-Siberian Express , probably the most famous train in the world, is one of the best ways of seeing the interior of the country. It runs from Moscow to the Pacific coast of Siberia and on to Japan. There is a daily service, but the steamer from Nakhodka to Yokohama only sails approximately once a week. The through journey from Moscow to Yokohama takes 10 days. It is the world’s longest continuous train journey, crossing seven time zones and 9745km (5778 miles) from Europe to the Pacific, with 91 stops from Vladivostok to Moscow. Bed linen and towels are provided in the ‘Soft Class’ (first-class) berths, and there is a toilet and washbasin at the end of each carriage. Attendants serve tea from samovars for a small charge and there is a restaurant car on every train where meals can be purchased (however, no alcohol is available on the train, so passengers are advised to bring their own if desired). The Trans-Manchurian Express follows the same route, before heading southeast into China and down to Beijing. Another, slightly shorter but no less epic journey can be made on the Trans-Mongolian Railway to Beijing. It runs from Moscow to Irkutsk (Siberia), skirting Lake Baikal and then entering Mongolia. The journey to the Mongolian capital, Ulaan Baatar, is remarkable for its dramatic scenery. The journey concludes in Beijing. Road The European part of the Russian Federation depends heavily on its road network, which totals 552,000km (343,000 miles) throughout the Federation. Generally, the few roads in Siberia and further east are impassable during the winter. It is a good idea to arrange motoring holidays through a reputable agency. It is also advisable to pre-plan the itinerary and accommodation requirements. On the majority of tourist routes, signposts are also written in the Latin alphabet. Travelers can take their own car (see Travel – International ) or hire a vehicle; tariffs include the cost of insurance. Chauffeured cars are available in major cities. Sample distances: Moscow to St Petersburg: 692km (432 miles); Moscow to Minsk: 690km (429 miles); Moscow to Rostov-on-Don: 1198km (744 miles); Moscow to Odessa: 1347km (837 miles). Bus: Long-distance coach services have only recently become open to foreigners. They are a great way of seeing the country but patience is a necessity and getting lost is commonplace. Traffic regulations: Traffic drives on the right. Speeds are limited to 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas and 90kph (55mph) elsewhere. Hooting the horn is forbidden except when to do so might prevent an accident. Motorists should avoid driving at night if possible. It is forbidden to carry unauthorized passengers or pick up hitch-hikers. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is forbidden. Every car must display registration plates and stickers denoting the country of registration and be fitted with seat belts, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher and an emergency sign (triangle) or red light. In case of an accident, contact the nearest traffic inspection officer and make sure all participants fill in written statements, to be witnessed by a militia inspector. All repairs will be at the foreign motorist’s expense. Documentation: An International Driving Permit and a national license with authorized translations are necessary. Visitors traveling in their own cars must also possess the following documents at all tmes: passport and visa; itinerary card bearing visitor’s name and citizenship, car registration number and full details of itinerary presented upon entry to the Russian Federation relating to the route to be taken and the date and place of stopovers; form provided by Customs on arrival guaranteeing that the car will be taken out of the Russian Federation on departure; petrol vouchers purchased at the border; and insurance cover documents. A road tax is payable upon entry to the country (see end of Travel – International ). Motor insurance for travel within the Russian Federation should be arranged prior to departure, or upon entry to the Russian Federation at the offices of Ingosstrakh , the Russian Federation foreign insurance agency. Contact the Embassy or a specialist tour operator for further details. Urban Public transport in the cities is comprehensive and cheap. Many services are electric traction (metro, tramway, trolleybus). Stations on the Moscow and St Petersburg metros are always elegant and often palatial. Entry to the underground is by tokens, which are inserted into the ticket barrier. Fares are standard for the various forms of transport. Taxis are also available; they can be hailed in the street, hired at a rank or booked by telephone. It is safer to use officially marked taxis, which should not be shared with strangers. Travel Times The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Moscow to other major cities/towns in the Russian Federation: Air Rail Sea Khabarovsk 7.30 - - St Petersburg 1.30 9.00 - Irkutsk 7.00 88.00 - Nakhodka - - 141.00 Volgograd 1.30 - - Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) advertisement Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --