Asia Travel || Malaysia

Travel Information of Malaysia Malaysia Country and Travel Information Malaysia Hotels & Resorts Reservation GENERAL INFORMATION Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles (330,200 sq. km), Malaysia is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal territories. Although East Malaysia occupies the larger portion of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily comprised of undeveloped land and jungles. Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in colour and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary; wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in this region. Many visitors have discovered Malaysia's other attractions: a shopping haven, a versatile conference venue, an incentive destination, an adventure land and much more. WEATHER CONDITIONS With temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year, travel in Malaysia is a pleasure. Average temperature is between 21 to 32 degree celcius. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia the rainy seasons is April to May and October to November. PEOPLE AND CULTURE Malaysia has a combined population of over 18 million people. Because of its central location, between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has traditionally been a meeting point for traders and travelers from both the East and West. As a result, Malaysia has a multicultural and multiracial population consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous peoples. Although Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business, and the English language is a compulsory subject in all schools. With such a varying ethnic composition, it is no surprise that a great diversity of religions is prevalent throughout Malaysia. Although the official religion is Islam, freedom of worship is practiced. As a result, it is a common to see temples, mosques and churches within the same area. Ethnic Groups: 59% Malay and other indigenous, 32% Chinese and 9% Indian. Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Hakka dialects, Cantonese, Tamil and numerous tribal languages. Religion: Muslim (primarily Malays), Buddhism (Chinese), Hindu (Indian), Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and tribal religions. LOCAL CUSTOMS General: When visiting Malaysia, the visitor should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follow:- Although handshakes generally suffice for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge an introduction with a gentleman with a nod of her head and smile. A handshake is only to be reciprocated if the lady offers her hand first. The traditional greeting of "salam" resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, then brings his hands to his chest to mean, " I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the "salam". It is polite to call before visiting a home Shoes must be removed when entering a Malaysian home. It is also customary to do so upon entering a mosque or an Indian temple. The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or when giving and receiving objects The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with the four fingers, folden under is preferred usage. Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcoholic bevergaes. THINGS TO KNOW Population: 20 million Capital: Kuala Lumpur Flag: Fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the U.S. flag. Shop Hours: Department stores and supermarkets are usually open from 10am to 10pm and shops from 9:30am to 7pm. In Kuala Lumpur, as well as in most major towns, there are several 24-hour stores. Bank Hours: Most states: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4.00pm Sat : 9:30am-11:30am Sun : Closed Kelantan and Terengganu: Sat-Wed: 9:30am-4.00pm Thur : 9:30am-11.30am Fri : Closed VISAS AND PASSPORT Visitors must be in possession of a current passport or other internationally recognized travel document. They must be endorsed for traveling to Malaysia and have a period of validity of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. No visas are required for citizens of British Commonwealth countries (except India), British Protected persons, and citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland and the United States (for social, business or academic purposes only). No visas are required for stays not exceeding three months for citizens of: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Tunesia, U.S.A. , France and Germany (except for local employment). CUSTOMS REGULATIONS Duty-Free Items: Items such as cameras, watches, pens, portable radio-cassette players, perfume, cosmetics and lighters are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable on departure - usually 50% of the value (carry receipt of purchase and obtain an official receipt for any tax or deposit paid). Asia Travel || Malaysia Hotels & Resorts Reservation

Austria Travel: Austria Travel

Travel: Austria Travel Notes -- Austrian Regions Car Hire Cruises Flights Hotels Tours Vacations About Travel Notes™ Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Search Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Austria Travel: Austria Travel Notes -- Austrian Regions A Waltz Around Austria . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail The Michelin Guide To Austria Austria Index AustrianCities Austrian Culture Austrian Hotels Austrian News Austrian Regions Austrian Tourism Austrian Tours Kaffehauskultur (in German) LocalCurrency Convert your currency into euro . Food Travel Fiction Health Kids Bios Humor Mags Software Gifts Tech Business Other Your Ad Here Travel Notes Mailing List Austria Hotel City Search : A Waltz Around Austria There's more to Austria than Vienna and skiing . Austria is divided into nine provinces : Burgenland , Carinthia (Krnten), Lower Austria (Niedersterreich), Salzburg , Styria (Steiermark), Tirol , Upper Austria (Obersterreich), Vienna and Vorarlberg . Burgenland This is the area of eastern Austria, south of the River Danube. It extends down along the border with Hungary towards the Republic of Slovenia . Much of the Neusiedler See lies within Burgenland; popular with bird-watchers and campers. The capital of this mostly rural province is Eisenstadt; connected by motorway with Vienna. The southern region of Burgenland adheres to old values of the land where the pace is slower, prices are cheaper and the wines are splendid. The Pannonian cuisine is a reflection of the region's modest conditions. Burgenland became an Austrian possession in 1491, and remained under Austrian control until 1647, when Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III ceded it to Hungary. Hungary had to return Burgenland to Austria after World War I, although the Hungarians secured the return of Sopron in 1922. Carinthia The province lies in southern Austria, bordering Slovenia and Italy . Called Krnten in German, this is one region visitors should make time to explore. The capital of the rolling province is Klagenfurt, with Villach another major town in the region. Wrthersee is the resort lake that lies between them; although much closer to Klagenfurt. The area west of Villach is known as Upper Carinthia, rising to 3,797 m. From here, Grossglockner towers above the rest of the country as Austria's highest peak. The lush mountain valleys and the well tended farmlands in Carinthia provide for rich savoury dishes. The physical energy needed to work the fields was traditionally fuelled by such delights as Ritschert (a casserole made of barley), Ksekrustelsuppe (cheese soup), Erdpfelsterz (fried mashed potatoes), or Frigga (dried bacon, polenta and cheese). Carinthia was a Roman possession, until it became an independent duchy in 976. The Habsburg family took control of the area in the 13th century, and it became an Austrian crown territory the following year hundred. Carinthia lost some of its land to Italy and Yugoslavia after World War I, and the southern part of the province has many Slovenes living there today. Carinthia Mountain Experience : Wherever you look in Carinthia there are mountains, whether it's the magnificent Hohen Tauern, the beautiful Nockberge Mountains or the rugged limestone crags of the Carnic Alps and the Karawankens. Cycling in Carinthia : Cycling in Carinthia can mean anything from a gruelling hill climb up the Grossglockner to a leisurely run round a lake or a scenic trip through the National Park. Klagenfurt : Klagenfurt and Lake Wrthersee lie in the south of the province of Carinthia, close to its borders with Slovenia and Italy. Lower Austria Surrounding Vienna and filling the country's belly with the fruits of the Danube basin, Lower Austria is the country's largest province in more ways than one -- locally known as Niedersterreich. The land below the River Enns is gaining popularity for short breaks out of the capital, and the area has many fine restaurants. St. Polten, Krems, and Wiener Neustadt are the largest centres in the region. St. Plten City Tour : Take the online tour of the provincial capital of Lower Austria by choosing points of interest on the colourful map of St. Plten. Salzburg The Province extends around the Salzach River, with Salzburg its capital. Salzburg was originally a Celtic settlement and later the Roman trading centre of Juvavum. Numerous cathedrals, including one from the 17th-century in the Italian Renaissance style, adorn the city. The Bauernherbst, literally farmer's Autumn, is a great time to pull up a chair in a Salzburg provincial Gasthaus. Between August and October, restaurant owners adjust their menus to incorporate the harvests of local farmers, and offer their guests true regional dishes. Styria Almost wholly within the Alps, Steiermark is Austria's south-eastern province, bordering Slovenia . Numerous lakes and forested mountain slopes make Styria a pleasure on the eye. Graz is the provincial capital, built on a roman settlement. Charlemagne established the region as part of the Frankish Empire, attaching it to the duchy of Carinthia. It became a separate duchy in 1180 and was acquired by the Duke of Austria twelve years later. As a Habsburg possession in 1282, it remained in the royal house until the collapse of Austrian-Hungarian empire during World War I. Tirol The western corridor of Austria, between Salzburg and Vorarlberg, is bounded to the north by Germany and to the south by Italy . When the Arlberg pass is closed during heavy snowfall, all traffic to Voralberg has to pass through the tunnel. Innsbruck , the capital of Tyrol, was home to the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics, and is near to many ski areas. Tyrol once extended to Lake Garda, but after World War I Sud Tyrol was ceded to Italy. Many people in the Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige still cling to their Germanic roots. Tyrolean cuisine descends from the days when fruits and fish from the south met on the tables with meat, game and vegetables from the north. Hiking in Stubaital : Marc Thijs provides descriptions of 18 wonderful summer hiking trips in Tirol, with over 300 pictures and several maps. Although the pictures are submitted on various sub-pages, they are large and a fast internet connection is advisable. Upper Austria The land above the River Enns, Obersterreich, offers its guests traditional country-style helpings of dumplings, roasts and potato dishes. There's something of a homecoming for the traditional plain-cooking of home-made blood and liver sausage, bacon dumplings and stuffed breast of roast veal. These dishes go down well with the beers brewed in Upper Austria. The capital of the federal province of Upper Austria is Linz. Digital City Linz : You'll need to read German to get the best out of the service guide and links section. Brucknerhaus : The Brucknerhaus was opened on March 23, 1974, with a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Some 200 cultural events are staged, including the Linz Bruckner Festival every September. Vienna See Austrian Cities . Voralberg Austria's westernmost province includes the towns of Bregenz, Dornbirn and Felkirch. Voralberg : Where the mountains meet the lake and three lands come together -- Germany , Austria and Switzerland . Alpenregion Bludenz : The Alpine town of Bludenz lies 588m above sea level. Lech am Arlberg : Chic little ski resort above St. Anton -- with a website to match it. Ski Arlberg : Arlberg has always been famous for its beauty, reliable snow extending right down to the villages and the excellent condition of its slopes. St. Anton : A favourite with those who like to ski as hard as they party. Bregenzerwald : A lovely little region behind Bregenz and Dornbirn. Austrian Cities : The main attractions for visitors to Austria. Austrian Culture : Austria's illustrious history leaves a lot of memories behind. Uncover the delights of former glory. TIScover Austria : Comprehensive information about Austrian regions from Tourism Information Systems. Europe Travel Forum : From Albania to Vatican City, Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, Europe is culturally eclectic and full of lavish history. Join us in the travel forums if you have a question about Europe or would like to share your experiences about travelling or living in Europe. The Internet TravelNotes.org Flight Tickets : Save money on Round The World flight tickets. Travel News : Get the inside scoop with the latest travel features and tips. Past Articles . Schlepping Through The Alps Walking Austria's Alps: Hut to Hut Weather Outlook Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Tours Vacations Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Meta-Travel Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Travel Directory : Europe : Austria : Austrian Regions -- Submit to Travel Notes | Advertise on TravelNotes.org | Favourite Destinations | Magun'sCompass | Travel Articles | Writers | | Airlines | Airports | Car Hire | Cruises | Flights | Hotels | Online Reservations | Vacation Rentals | | Casinos | Olympics | World Cup | General Disclaimer | Meta-Travel | Search Resources | | TravelNotes is a Trademark of TravelNotes.org | Travel Notes Blog | Add URL | Add to Favorites The URL for this page is: http://www.travelnotes.org/Europe/Austria/austrian_regions.htm

Japan Travel

Japan National Tourist Organization Website Add to Favorite | Home | Site Map | Contact US | Operation hours of Tourist Information Center (TIC) on the New Year's Day Good Dealh Hotel Special Promotion ! Akasaka Prince Hotel (Tokyo) Aranvert Hotel Kyoto (Kyoto) Fujiya Hotel (Hakone) Hotel New Otani Tokyo Hotel New Otani Osaka -- Tokyu Hotels Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel (Tokyo) Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel (Tokyo) -- ANA Hotels ANA Hotel Hakata, Fukuoka -- Kyoto Takaragaike Prince Hotel Hakata Tokyu Inn, Fukuoka -- more Luxury Hotel Four Seasons Tokyo at Chinzan-so Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Tokyo Sign up for site updates! Enter your email address: New Kyoto Tours Combine Serenity, Tradition and Elegance of the Geisha -- 60th Anniversary of the United Nations Special Exhibition in NY Japanese New Year's Special "Hatsumoude" Go back in time for a limited time at Mitsui Echigoya Station (Kimono Outlet) The Imperial Palace opens its grounds to the public for one of only two open houses during the yearI A chance to win a round-trip ticket to Japan! -- offered by Kintetsu International. The Mitsui Memorial Museum opened in October 2005 Fantastic Seasonal illuminations in Tokyo and Kobe! A Winter Wonderland in Hokkaido Reserve your place for the Sapporo Snow Festival The Spiritual Japan Program Japan Vacations 2006 to Fit Your Taste & Budget Last Minutes Winter Special Tour: "Sake" - gOnsenh(Hot Spring) 9 days 7 nights Highlight Japan plus Beyond (Tokyo, Kyoto, Seoul Package) Art Journey in Shikoku Tour Japan Cherry Blossom Tour 2006 g Bonsai h Exhibition Tour The Golf and gHanamih ( Cherry Blossom) Tour Ancient Treasures of Japan and Korea 7 days Japan Escorted Tour from Christmas Eve to the year end!! Last Minutes Tour Deals by JNA Travel. Two other dates available. gKOIh ( Colored Carp ) and gGARDENh Tour Other Kyoto experiences and Geisha Tours IACE's Package Tour Special:Sumo Tour, etc Frank Lloyd Wright's Japan,gTHE WRIGHT WAYh -- A Collectorfs Passion Japan Experience Spring 2006 Package Tokyo and Beijing, Yangtze River Cruise Japan Railways moves closer to non-smoking service. Can an obaasan (with nine grandchildren) visit Japan on her own? -- A story of 5 nights in Japan written by a sweepstakes winner. I entered a contest sponsored by Jalpak, the tour company for Japan Airlines .... in March. I had quite forgotten about it and was surprised to find out in June that I had won a flight to Japan [more] Bathing Monkeys: In Nagano's Yudanaka Onsen not only humans enjoy the hot spring waters Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are the two most prominent of more than half a dozen hot springs, clustered together in Yamanouchi Town in northern Nagano Prefecture. [more] Japan Airlines All Nippon Airways United Airlines American Airlines more Current Japan time HOME • SITE MAP • WEBSITE INFO © Japan National Tourist Organization

Vacation Rentals Hotels Real

Kauai Vacation Guide-Vacation Rentals Real Estate and Activities Home Email Us Kauai Map Car Rentals Vacation Rentals Hotels Real Estate Weddings Helicopters Boat Tours Kayaking Scuba/Snorkel Horseback Fishing Golf Beaches Restaurants Luaus Airlines Health Spas Hiking Camping Garden Tours Farmers Markets Recreation Storm Tracking Weather Beautiful new Vacation Home in Haena Secluded Vacation Cottage Rural North Shore Vacation rental Haena Beach House Hotels Autos Airlines Vacations Mahalo for visiting Kauaivacation.com. This is the most comprehensive guide to your Kauai vacation. The purpose of this site is to assist you in selecting a Kauai vacation rental , resort, hote l , kauai vacation cottage , scuba diving , boat tour , car rental , helicopter tours and if you really like it, Kauai Real Estate . There are beautiful tropical garden walks , jungle hiking trails and 53 miles of pristine white sand Kauai beaches to explore. On your vacation in Kauai, rainbows, dolphins, sea turtles and whales (in winter) are common sightings. Get prepared with your kauai vacation guide and plan your Kauai Vacation, wedding, honeymoon or Kauai Activity . Select a fine Kauai restaurant , learn more about our local events and culture and don't miss the farmers market . Kauai is one of the most beautiful of all the Hawaiian Islands. Also known as "The Garden Isle" planning your visit to the beautiful island of Kauai is easy with Kauaivacation.com. Come join the more than 750,000 people who have used this site to help plan their vacation on Kauai . Try our chat service. Real-time answers to all of your questions about Kauai. Be sure to use our virtual Map of Kauai tour. If you are late in looking for a Vacation Rental try our fast find availability calendar. Whatever your interest, you will find KauaiVacation.com to be your fast and easy guide to get connected on Kauai. If a Kauai condo vacation rental is more to your liking, consider one of these quality vacation rental condos on the north shore, south shore, east shore or west shore Need accommodations for a large group ( 8 or more) or family event ? We have several cottages on one property or a large home available with sufficient notice. Call me to discuss the amenities and locations of these spectacular Kauai north shore properties......808-826-8968 Doug Manning Over 750,000 have used KauaiVacation.com to plan their vacation to Kauai. :: Select From :: Hotels Car Rentals Napali Coast Tours Vacation Rentals :: Vacation Rentals :: North Shore South Shore East Shore West Shore :: Reserve Your :: Helicopter Tours Scuba diving Kayak Tours Wedding plans :: Vacation Network :: Maui Big Island Car Rentals Do you know this dog? If you know Ike and would like to share your beach stories or photos with us, contact us Here Web kauaivacation.com livekauai.com hawaii-car-rental.com ***Attention Vacation Rental Owners! Join our Vacation Rental Management program and get results. HOST YOUR SITE WITH US at kauaivacation.com today email us for more information doug@kauaivacation.com :::Menu::: Home | Welcome | Airlines | Map | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Car Rentals | Recreation | Golf | Restaurants | Camping | Beaches | Events | Weather | Storm Tracking | Weddings | Real Estate | Business | Kauai History KauaiVacation.com, P.O. Box 223216 Princeville, Kauai, HI 96722, 7337 Alealea Rd. Haena, Kauai, Hawaii 808-826-8968 kauaivacation.com 2005 KAUAI REAL ESTATE CENTER Vision Realty Kauai MLS Listings New York Times Article "Tropical Drama on Kauai" Princeville Cliffs Condo For Sale Web Design Web Hosting Internet Marketing

France Travel Trends: What's

France Travel Trends: What's In & Out for 2005  You are here: About > Travel > France for Visitors > Money, Safety & Issues > Issues, News & Hot Topics > France Travel Trends: What's In & Out for 2005 Travel Go France Essentials New Year's Eve in Paris and France Worst of France 2005 Paris Travel Guide Top French Ski Resorts Best New Year's Eve Champagne Articles & Resources Destinations Trip Planning Transportation Interests & Situations Money, Safety & Issues Things to Do in France Where to Stay in France Staying Connected Blogs Picture Galleries Culture, Language & People Fun, Freebies & Quizes Relocating to France Nudism, Sex & Gay Travel D-Day & Historic Travel Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Sites Selling French Products Before You Buy the Gift of Travel Gifts for the France Fanatic Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the France for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search France for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Related Blogs Dispatches from France Blog Paris Blog French Word-a-Day Blog La Coquette Blog Chroniques dune Fraise Nice Blog Rsidence Les Marronniers Provence Blog L'Oiseau Blog Chocolate and Zucchini Blog Forty Days in Paris Blog Most Popular "Naked City" Christmas in Paris Photo Tour Paris Sex District Top Paris Attractions Christmas in France What's Hot New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France Related Topics Europe for Visitors French Language French Cuisine Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Wine France Travel Trends From Kelby Carr , Your Guide to France for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! What's In & Out for 2005 There are always travel trends. Spots that used to be hot become not-so-hip. With the dollar getting increasingly weaker against the euro, travelers are more inclined to stay in more modest accomodations. While Provence enjoyed its heyday in the wake of Peter Mayle's novels, Languedoc is emerging as the underrated darling of southern France. Look below to find out more about what is in and out for France travel this year. In Out Lesser-known cities Paris Languedoc Provence Recreational travel Luxury travel Small inns Upscale hotels Living in France Visiting France Driving Riding the rails Bringing your cellphone Using a phone card Packing light Packing heavy        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 New Year's Eve in France Paris Gay Pride Parade Host A France-Themed Party Nice, France Photo Gallery Camping in France