Spain Travel

Freelance Spain - Travel Facts Spain Destination Spain DESTINATIONS AT A GLANCE Want to discover one of the world's favorite countries? Here are some basic facts for the traveler in Spain. When to go In general, late spring and late summer-early autumn are the best times for traveling in Spain. Fair weather is practically guaranteed, and the countryside is at its best. High summer is stiflingly hot in most inland areas, including Madrid and the inland cities of Andalusia such as Seville and Crdoba. Big cities, especially Madrid, empty during August, with many shops and restaurants closing, though a visit then does have advantages, such as light traffic (you can even find a parking space). Summer weather is milder along the Mediterranean coast, but July and August in popular resorts such as the Costa del Sol are best avoided unless you like crowds. Summer along the northern coast of Spain, from the Basque Country to Galicia, can be very pleasant. Winters along the Mediterranean coast are generally mild, but expect occasional heavy rains - alternating with long spells of glorious sunshine - any time between October and April. In inland areas, winter temperatures can reach below freezing and snow is is not infrequent. Bear in mind Spain's fiestas when planning a trip - be it to go to them, or to avoid them. During major fiestas such as the San Fermin bull runs in Pamplona or the April Fair in Seville, hotel rates double and even so rooms must be reserved months in advance. Getting There Practically all transcontinental flights land at Madrid's Barajas airport, so you will need to book an extra flight if you want to travel by air to another destination in Spain. Air fares between North America and Europe are highly competitive. You might find it cheaper to fly to Spain via another European country. Rates between Great Britain and any number of destinations in Spain are especially worth checking out. Rail communications between the rest of Europe and Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Seville are very good. There are also regular ferries between southern England and northern Spain. Major cities in Spain are well connected to continental Europe and each other by motorway. Entry Formalities If you are a citizen of a European Union country, all you need to enter Spain is a national identity card. In the case of the United Kingdom, which does not issue such cards, you'll need a passport. Visas for stays of no longer than 90 days are not required for travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, but South Africans do need to apply for a visa before they leave. Language A knowledge of Spanish will enrichen a trip to Spain, but you can get by perfectly well with English in the major destinations. Spaniards are in general friendly and tolerant towards foreign visitors. Getting Around Spain is a big country - the second largest in western Europe after France - so don't expect to "do Spain" in a week. Flights between Spanish cities are frequent, but the fares tend to be high. Iberia, Spanair and Air Europa are the major operators. Train service between the larger cities is excellent, and irreproachably punctual, but slower in the case of smaller regional cities. The bus is an inexpensive alternative. Driving in Spain Renting a car is a reasonably-priced option, and by far the best way to travel if you want to enjoy Spain's rich and varied countryside. The major international car hire firms operate in Spain; local companies usually charge somewhat cheaper rates. In any case, it is usually a better bet to reserve and pay for your rental car from home, before you leave. To rent a car you have to be over 21 and have a valid driver's license. Your national license is valid for driving in Spain as a tourist. Major roads are generally good, though traffic can be heavy on more popular routes, especially on weekends or during holiday periods. Local roads range from good and pleasant to hair-raisingly narrow and winding. Enquire locally before embarking on a driver to a distant village, and don't take a road just because it is a reassuring color on the road map. Avoid driving in cities: it can be a nightmare experience, especially if you're unfamiliar with the city or with some of the quirkier local driving habits. Park in a guarded parking area, and take a taxi, which are very good value in Spain. In Madrid, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the excellent Metro (subway) system. Money Matters The official currency in Spain is the Euro Credit cards are widely accepted in Spain, Visa and Masters more so than American Express or Diners. Provided you know your Personal Identification Number, you can use your card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Spain. Often, you'll find the rate of exchange is more favorable than if you go to a bank or exchange bureau. When exchanging money at a bank, avoid converting small amounts at a time, as the minimum commission charged can be prohibitive. Most Spanish banks close in the afternoon, all day Saturday during summer, and all day Sunday year round. Value added tax (IVA) is charged on purchases, at a rate of 16% for most goods and services (it is 7% for hotel accommodation). If you are resident of a non-European Union country, you can get a refund of this tax on purchases over 100 Euros in certain participating shops. The refund can be claimed at the airport customs office on your departure: you can either get cash there, or have them send a check to your home address or credit the amount to your credit card. Staying in Touch To call abroad from Spain, dial the international access code (00), then your country code (such as 1 for the US, 44 for Great Britain), then the number. If you have a phone card from your home company, you can place a call by dialing your company's access number in Spain: ATT 900 990 011 MCI 900 990 014 Sprint 900 990 013 British Telecom 900 990 044 Mobile phones can be used in Spain provided they conform to the European GSM standard and the "roam" feature is activated. Hotels In general, hotels in Spain are comfortable and good value. Hotels in large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona are around twice the price as hotels elsewhere in Spain. Hotels are rated from one to five stars, which gives a rough indication of their facilities, but not of the friendliness or efficiency of the service. Fodor's guide to Spain gives good, up-to-date information on hotels in the major Spanish destinations. Hotels often offer good deals in slower periods, such as summer in Madrid. When phoning for a reservation, always ask for the room rate, and enquire regarding special offers. Spanish hotels do not normally require your credit card number to accept a reservation. For more advice on choosing where to stay in Spain, see the article by Nick Inman on Hotels in Spain , and check our Guide to Hotels in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Granada and Seville. Electrical Current The electrical current in Spain is 200 volts, 50 cycles AC. Plugs are of the continental type, with two round prongs. American appliances require a transformer and a plug adapter for use in Spain. Have A Question? If you have a question regarding any aspect of traveling in Spain, you can obtain personalized travel information from the experts by visiting guidebookwriters.com . In addition, you can post a message in our Forum section to request information or exchange views with other travelers to Spain. For useful on-line sources of information for travelers, head for our Links section and click on "Travel". DESTINATIONS AT A GLANCE : Madrid - Barcelona - Bilbao - Granada - Seville Almera desert - La Mancha - Formentera Canary Islands: La Palma - Canary Islands: Puerto de la Cruz FREELANCESPAIN HOME Freelance Spain Showcase - Journalists - Photographers Features - Travel - People - Freelance Selections - Editor'sShortcut - Links little@spainview.com

Austria Travel

Austria,austria - Travel Photo Gallery U sername: P assword: R emember Me Car Hire Travel Insurance Airport Parking UK Cheap Accommodation Hotel Bookings Travellerspoint Travel Community Forums Blogs Destinations Accommodation Travel Help Reunions Tools Links Austria,austria - Travel Photo Gallery Travel Photography > Austria,austria - Travel Photo Gallery This Gallery Show as stream Size: XS S M Tags: austria Countries: Austria Count: 36 Photos Related Categories: landscapes vienna austria snow night buildings mountains Page 1 2 Next Northern Vienna Woods 1 Along our daily route from home to work. Date: 21 November 2005 Photographer: Hartwig Dellmour : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: snow landscape vienna_woods Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L The Prater Rollercoaster - Vienna - Austria Date: 31 October 2005 Photographer: Agnese P. : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: skylines shadows Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Vienna Shadows Date: 29 October 2005 Photographer: Agnese P. : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: skylines Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L 'Hundertwasserhaus' Date: 13 October 2005 Photographer: Adelina Ong : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L hofsburg Date: 13 October 2005 Photographer: Adelina Ong : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Karlskirche Date: 12 October 2005 Photographer: Adelina Ong : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L parliament Date: 10 October 2005 Photographer: Adelina Ong : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Salzburg city Salzburg city from the fortress Date: 24 September 2005 Photographer: Pradis Maneesaeng : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes buildings austria Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Hallstatt Date: 22 September 2005 Photographer: Pradis Maneesaeng : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes mountains lakes hallstatt austria Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Hallstatt, AUSTRIA Date: 22 September 2005 Photographer: Pradis Maneesaeng : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes mountains lakes Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Hallstat Salzkammergut, Austria Date: 17 May 2005 Photographer: Valerie N : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L ST STEPHENS CATHEDRAL A view of the Cathedral through a narrow street in Vienna... Date: May 2005 Photographer: Anne Reinstein : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: churches Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Austrian Ski Resort, Obertauern Date: 20 April 2005 Photographer: Kye Brown : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes mountains snow Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Staapark in Winter Vienna, Austria Date: 19 January 2005 Photographer: Valerie N : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L United Nartions, Vienna Vienna International Centre Date: 17 January 2005 Photographer: Valerie N : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: buildings Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Sunrise in the Austrian Alps Taken on a company ski trip in the resort of Chamonix. I love the alps! Date: 2005 Photographer: Gregory Brine : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes sunsets_and_sunrises mountains sky snow Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Hiking in Leoben Date: 2005 Photographer: Adam Smith : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes mountains Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L Evening in Spittal Parked for the night with lots of time on the hands. You need a hobby with this job. Date: 2005 Photographer: Jon Carlisle : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M | L austrian alps Date: July 2004 Photographer: Emma Dean : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: landscapes sky Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M salzburg dom Date: July 2004 Photographer: Emma Dean : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Tags: churches salzburg Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M CHURCH One of the dozen of churches we saw in Vienna. Date: May 2004 Photographer: Anne Reinstein : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M GLORIETTE-SCHONBRUNN PALACE I called this Belvedere before, I just edited the title. This is the area called the Gloriette, opposite of Schonbrunn Palace which was supposed to be the "crowning touch" of the Palace. Date: May 2004 Photographer: Anne Reinstein : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Graz, Castle Tower Date: 2004 Photographer: Rich Perkins : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Salzbourg Salzbourg at night Date: 31 December 2003 Photographer: Andrea Spalla : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Graz River Theatre Date: 2003 Photographer: Rich Perkins : gallery Country: Austria : gallery Send as postcard Featured in the Austria Photo Gallery Sizes: XS | S | M Page 1 2 Next © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map

Central America Travel

Costa Rica Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Costa Rica Costa Rica More coastline than you can shake a surfboard at. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Costa Rica San Jose View Map Click here Feature Attraction Península de Nicoya This area on the northwestern Pacific coast is difficult to traverse because of the lack of paved roads; however, it's well worth the effort because ... more Costa Rica is Central America's jewel. It's an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbours and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. It's also mostly coastline, which means great surfing, beaches galore and a climate built for laziness. Costa Rica's enlightened approach to conservation has ensured that lush jungles are home to playful monkeys, languid sloths, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and a mind-boggling assortment of exotic birds, insects and butterflies. Meanwhile, endangered sea turtles nest on both coasts and cloud forests protect elusive birds and jungle cats. Factoid He Killed Kenny The world record for a musician holding a single note is held by Costa Rican saxophonist Geovanny Escalante of the famed local band Marfíl, which has played in Costa Rica for many years. In 1998, the then 24-year-old artist held a steady 'A' for 90 minutes and 45 seconds, almost twice as long as the previous record held by the US saxophonist Kenny G. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

Travel Insurance Annuities Base

Norwich Union UK: Car insurance, Life assurance, Travel insurance, Health insurance, Home insurance, Mortgage protection, Lifetime Mortgage and Investments Skip To Main Content Norwich Union - an AVIVA company -- Accessibility Site map All our products: Please select... Accidental Death Benefit Annual Travel Insurance Annuities Base Rate Tracker Breakdown Cover Buying your car Car Insurance Car Loan Plus Central Heating Cover Critical Illness Lifetime Mortgage Group Income Protection Home Emergency Cover Home Insurance Home Reversion Plan Income Protection Investment Bonds Investment Isa Life Insurance Long Term Care Mortgage Life Insurance Motorcycle Insurance Office and Surgery Insurance Pay as you Drive Personal Loan Pet Insurance PPFM Private Health Insurance Residential Property Owners Cover Self Employed Single Trip Insurance Stakeholder Pensions Van Insurance Search the site: Motor Travel Home and mortgage Health Money and investing Retirement Life cover Business Save up to 20% when you buy your car insurance online Get an instant online quote Our online quotes You could save money with "Pay As You Drive"™ our new Car Insurance for 18 - 25 year olds. when you buy buildings cover** Find out about home insurance Motor Breakdown Cover Buy a Car Car Insurance Travel Annual Travel Insurance Holiday Specials Single Trip Insurance Home and mortgage Home Emergency Cover Home Insurance Pet Insurance Health Income Protection Personal Health Manager Private Health Insurance Money and investing Base Rate Tracker Car Loan Plus Personal Loan Retirement Annuities Equity Release Long Term Care Life Cover Critical Illness Life Insurance Mortgage Life Insurance Business Group Income Protection Personal Health Manager Small Business Insurance Home Contact us About us Careers Media Centre Sponsorship Advisers © Aviva plc Privacy Policy Legal UK only   *20% online discount for comprehensive and 10% discount for third party, fire and theft cover. ** Offer applies to combined buildings and contents policies only. Minimum premium £90 plus Insurance premium tax. Assumes no claims in year 1. We reserve the right to review the price if the customer changes any material facts on which the premium is based.

Air Travel

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