European Vacation Planning Map

Your European Vacation and the Tumbling Dollar - Should you go this Year?  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors 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 Your European Vacation and the Tumbling Dollar - Should you go this Year? Europe for Visitors Blog « Villa d'Este - Fabulous Renaissance Gardens and Fountains near Rome | Main | Copenhagen Travel Essentials » February 11, 2004 Your European Vacation and the Tumbling Dollar - Should you go this Year? Today you'll have to shell out a hard-earned buck twenty eight to buy a single Euro. Should you put off taking your European vacation until the dollar bounces back? Does it matter? I've put together a few arguments for traveling this year--including a couple that explain why the exchange rate may not make as much impact on your travel dollar as you think. Besides, you can always be frugal and enjoy your vacation just as much. We have a dozen tips on saving money without sacrificing a whole lot in our article: Saving Money on your European Vacation - 12 Frugal Vacation Tips . Email a Friend Display Latest Headlines Read Archives Advertisement 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        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 Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Central America Travel Books

Mexico and Central America Travel Books - Mexico/Central America for Visitors Archives  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 October 15, 2003 Mexico/Central America for Visitors Blog Archives « October 06, 2003 | Main | October 16, 2003 » Mexico and Central America Travel Books There are many travel guidebooks devoted to Mexico and to Central America. Here is my recommended list of 6 top travel books which should prove to be valuable aids for many visitors to this area of the world. 09:08 AM # Display Latest Headlines Read Archives 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...

Austria Travel

iExplore Community: Austria Tourism, Things To Do In Austria, Austria Travel Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore Journals & Reviews | Travel Photos | Get Answers | Find a Travel Buddy | Earn Rewards advertisement Community Join the iExplore Community for FREE! Search for Travel Reviews Search for Travel Photos Write Reviews & Post Photos Find a Travel Buddy Ask a Question Log In: Email Address: Password: Not a member yet? Join now for free! What is the iExplore Community? First-hand travel reviews and photos from everyday travelers like you. Members Spotlight Jim Rosenberg writes: "Along the hundreds of miles of Great Lakes shoreline, the community of Manitowoc is a lesser-known d"... read more Drever writes: "Fading back into the mists of time their passing marked by monuments unique in Europe, the prehistor"... read more Search in Travel Reviews Travel Photos Members All Sections Advanced Search Austria > Austria Photos Search You are searching for photos from Austria Search Photos Austria Results 1 through 10 of 38 are displayed. 1 2 3 4 Destination: Austria Member: stevepage Journal: Mountaineering in the Kaiser Alps, Austria Photo Title: Kaiser Alps Review Type: Review Name: Mountaineering in the Kaiser Alps, Austria Destination: Austria Member: stevepage Journal: Mountaineering in the Kaiser Alps, Austria Photo Title: Kaiser Alps Review Type: Review Name: Mountaineering in the Kaiser Alps, Austria Destination: Austria Member: stevepage Journal: Mountaineering in the Kaiser Alps, Austria Photo Title: Kaiser Alps Review Type: Other Review Name: Gruttenhutte Destination: Austria Member: katiemustard Journal: Austria - A backpackers Journey Photo Title: Statue Review Type: Review Name: Austria - A backpackers Journey Destination: Austria Member: katiemustard Journal: Austria - A backpackers Journey Photo Title: Cathedral Review Type: Review Name: Austria - A backpackers Journey Destination: Austria Member: katiemustard Journal: Austria - A backpackers Journey Photo Title: Reflection Review Type: Review Name: Austria - A backpackers Journey Destination: Austria Member: katiemustard Journal: Austria - A backpackers Journey Photo Title: Windows Review Type: Review Name: Austria - A backpackers Journey Destination: Austria Member: katiemustard Journal: Austria - A backpackers Journey Photo Title: Hallstatt Review Type: Review Name: Neither Here nor There Destination: Austria Member: katiemustard Journal: Austria - A backpackers Journey Photo Title: Hallstatt Lake Review Type: Review Name: Neither Here nor There Destination: Austria Member: katiemustard Journal: Austria - A backpackers Journey Photo Title: Lugano Switzerland Review Type: Review Name: Neither Here nor There 1 2 3 4 Most Recent Austria Journals Wachau Cycling the Danube Bikeway The Salzkammergut Sit by the Lakes in Sunny Austria! My Austria Journal advertisement Austria Photos About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us iExplore has not reviewed the content found on this community page and does not endorse the information found therein.Please refer to our terms of use . Why iExplore? | Advertise | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Travel Agents --

London Vacation

Vacation Packages - Paris Travel Deals, London Travel Deals, Britain Travel Deals Best Virgin Bargains Value-Plus Virgin Virgin Deluxe & Different Virgins Holiday Getaways Air Only Beyond London South Africa Cambodia China Hong Kong India Indonesia Japan Singapore Thailand Vietnam Australia Fiji Islands New Zealand Tahiti Argentina Belize Brazil Chile Costa Rica Ecuador Guatemala Honduras Panama Peru Uruguay Asia Europe Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark England Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Malta Netherlands Norway Portugal Scotland Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Aruba Dominican Republic Jamaica Mexico St. Martins Home \\ Check Reservation \\ Contact Us \\ Site Map \\ Privacy Policy Virgin`s 3-Night London Super Fling (Air Inclusive) Experience all that is London; the changing of the Guard, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and so much more with 3 night package. Enjoy roundtrip airfare with accommodations ranging from budget to superior class hotel properties. Add sightseeing and other optional extras to make this a most enjoyable and affordable getaway! Package Includes Round-trip Economy air on Virgin Atlantic 3 nights hotel accommodations with private bath Continental Breakfast daily Hotel taxes and service charges Mandated airline fuel surcharges Package price excludes airport taxes and fees Package Categories Prices based from 1/10/2006 to 2/25/2006 Title Category Location Double Triple Single Tria Hotel Budget London $399 $399 $539 Comfort Inn Kensington Hotel Tourist London $449 $449 $589 Holiday Villa Hotel Tourist London $469 $469 $609 Novotel London West Hotel Standard London $479 $479 $619 Ramada Marylebone Hotel Tourist London $489 N/A $629 Somerset Bayswater Hotel Standard London $509 N/A $699 Thistle Kensington Gardens Hotel Standard London $519 $519 $699 Millennium Knightsbridge Hotel Superior London $549 N/A $749 Royal Lancaster Hotel Superior London $569 $569 $769 Harrington Hall Hotel Superior London $599 $599 $839 Montcalm Hotel Nikko Superior London $629 $629 $899 Royal Garden Hotel Deluxe London $759 $759 $1109 Sheraton Park Lane Hotel Deluxe London $809 $809 $1229 Hotel Category Help Departure cities: $0 - New York JFK Newark-NJ $30 - Boston-MA $80 - Washington Dulles $170 - Albany-NY Hartford-CT Philadelphia-PA Providence-RI $210 - Buffalo-NY Manchester-NH Rochester-NY Syracuse-NY $220 - Burlington - VT Cleveland-OH Norfolk-VA Ottawa Portland-ME $230 - Los Angeles-CA Miami-FL Orlando International San Francisco-CA $380 - Las Vegas-NV Notes & Restrictions Notes: Space is limited and your desired travel dates may not be available if you wait, so book early to avoid disappointment. We highly recommend 2nd and 3rd choices for travel dates and/or accommodations. Please note : Our award-winning carrier Virgin Atlantic Airways operates non-stop flights to London from JFK, Newark, Boston, Washington Dulles, Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles San Francisco and Las Vegas. All other destinations within the U.S. are serviced by Continental Airlines and will be routed to connect through to Virgin's New York gateway. Passport Requirements: It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to obtain the necessary documents for travel, not excluding passports and visas. A valid passport is normally the only requirement for U.S. citizens. Visa requirements do change without notice and vary by nationality. Please check with the consulate office of the destination country as to visa requirements. Full payment due within 1 day of booking by 2pm. Non refundable and non changeable package. Restrictions: Prices are per person based on double occupancy and a 21-day advance purchase. Purchases within 21 days will incur additional fees. Flight departure times may be at any time on your requested departure day. Surcharges of $35 per person each way may apply for travel Thursday through Sunday. Prices already include the mandated airline fuel surcharges. Air taxes/Government-imposed fees/surcharges are excluded. These fees are in addition to the package prices and will be added to invoice. Travel is valid for these dates only. Certain other restrictions may apply, and offer is subject to change without notice. Once submitted your request can take at least 24 hours to confirm. Book This Package 1/10/2006-2/25/2006 from $399 ' CLASS=SubmitBtn style='width:150px' Purchase Deadline Feb 20, 06 - Mon Helpful Links Return to previous page Print this page Send this page to a friend -- Personal Service Can't find what you're looking for? Call us for further information or to book. We specialize in customized vacations! 1-888-937-8474 Call for personal service: 9am - 8pm Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm Sun (EST). Book This Package 1/10/2006-2/25/2006 from $399 ' CLASS=SubmitBtn style='width:150px' Customer Quotes -- Virgin Vacations Home | Europe Vacations | Central America | Asia Vacations | South Pacific | Caribbean Vacations Mexico Vacations | Low Cost Paris Flights | Paris Travel Deals | London Travel Deals | Britain Travel Deals Exclusive Vacations | Sight Seeing | Vacation Packages | Vacation Resources | Vacation Articles | Site Map ©2005 Virgin Vacations. Offers worldwide cheap vacation packages and escorted tours including Paris travel deals, London travel deals, Britain travel deals, European vacation deals

Asia Travel

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INFORMATION Philippines Country Information The Land || History || The People || First-time Traveler Tips || Visas || Customs || Currency || Weather Clothing || Utilities || Newspapers & Media || Business Hours || Language || Getting Around Modes of Transport || Weather Conditions || Things to Know || Sightseeing || Museums and Art Further Information The Land The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the south. The three main Philippine island groups are Luzon , the Visayas and Mindanao . Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines , including the capital city of Manila , are in Luzon , but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos. The Visayas is famous for its charm, a trait shared by many other southern regions in the world, but here seems to run deeper among a people who are intrinsically connected to their sun soaked island home. The Visayas is also famous as a seat of history, being one of the earliest landfalls of western voyagers. It has also gained a reputation as being a cradle of the nation's future, if the unprecedented economic growth of Cebu City continues. Mindanao is our offering to the Guinness Book of Records with the world's largest clam, the world's largest Eagle, the nation's highest peak and the world's largest city. Mindanao is also home to the Philippines' Muslim population. With a land mass of 300, 780 square kilometers, the Philippines is considered a medium-sized nation, about two- thirds the size of its first colonizer, Spain, and a little larger than the British Isles. Manila is only one hour and 40 minutes from Hong Kong by jet; Sydney only 7 1/2 hours away. Flights to Europe take 17 hours and to the American west coast 15 hours. The Philippines has many things to offer the visitor: a mixture of the old and the new, a diversity of art and culture and a warm, friendly people. Blessed by nature, the Philippines has something to offer every sportsman too . . . extraordinary dive sites, forests to roam, mountains to climb, caves to explore. Top History Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. That it was the center of lively Asian trade route that stretched all the way to China and Japan can be seen from the relics these early visitors left behind. Among our archaeological treasures is a Neolithic spirit boat typical of early Southeast Asian culture. The West discovered the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain, landed in Cebu in 1521. However, colonization didn't actually begin until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila. Because Philippine society was loosely organized, without a central government, the Spanish conquest was rapid and total. Only the Muslims in the south and some inaccessible hill tribes were able to resist Spanish influence. Along with the Spanish conquerors came a new religion, Christianity, a new language, new laws and the galleon trade. Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was the United States of America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo; but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched. The Americans brought over their educational system, their legal system and planted the seeds of their own style of government. In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country with Manuel Luis Quezon as president. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation; and it wasn't until 1946, after the end of the Pacific war, that the Philippines finally regained true independence as the Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Still one of the strongest democracies in Asia, the current president is Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Top The People Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipinos. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international. Like the Southern Chinese, the Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior. This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history, and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitalityall part of the Filipino psychewill make your stay a delight. Top Tips for First-time Philippine Travelers Generally speaking, it is important to travel light. Bring only what's necessary. Avoid the extra baggage. You don't want to pay exorbitant fees for your luggage service. As in any foreign place, be careful with pickpockets. Some might act as a helpful stanger, but they're out to get something from you! It's good to be cautious at all times. Whenever going outdoors, being in a group is recommended. If you're bringing kids with you, make sure to bring all the things they would need, like medicine, bottles of potable water (although many bottled water is available, it is always recommended to bring one), and one of your kids' favorite toys for their own receration. Top Visas If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once here, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigration. Customs Upon Arriving: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city. You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Leaving: Any antiques you may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may also not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country. Currency The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PhP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000 pesos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced. Most large stores, restaurants , hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express , Visas and MasterCard. Traveller' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted. Top Weather The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons--hot and dry from November to June, and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets. Clothing People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women are light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in. For Men Only: If you expect to have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie (which is torture in this weather) there is a wonderful substitute. Go immediately to a department store and buy a barong tagalog. It is an embroidered shirt that is considered a formal dress. It will cost more or less PhP1,000.00, but it is worth every centavo. Utilities Electricity is 220 volts a/c. Many of the major tourist hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets. Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores. Telephone service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call. Some Important Telephone Numbers: (24-Hour Hotline) Police & Fire: 757 or 116 Emergency No.: 501- 650 or 501- 728 Directory Assistance: 114 National Operator: 109 International Operator: 108 For other emergency numbers, please refer to Directory . NOTE: It is advisable to always have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you. Top Newspapers & Other Media The newspapers in the Philippines have been called the freest in the world, as you will see for yourself, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide selection of magazines printed in English including Time, Newsweek and Asiaweek. In Metro Manila you can buy the Asian Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and USA Today. Television is "on the air" from early morning to midnight, showing American programming as well as local programming. The standard channels are 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 23. If you need more channels, most of the major hotels are with Cable TV bringing in TV programs from all over the world. There is also AM and FM radio broadcasting with the pop stations primarily on AM in Filipino and the English language programs on FM. Top Business Hours Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification. The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail. NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed. Language While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English. Top Getting Around There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use. Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel most of the major routes in Metro Manila. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 9.00, adding a few peso for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 4.00. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment. Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 1 peso additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump. The LRT : It's a fast, cheap way to go to downtown Manila. A token can take you between Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) and Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked. The MRT : After it's somewhat unsuccessful opening, the MRT is now enjoying a fair share of passengers plying EDSA. This is definitely the fastest mode of transport, this side of the metropolis. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City up to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Passengers would enjoy the traffic-less route, clean stations and coach, with a good view of Metro Manila's landscape. The only problem is that some stations have very high stairways. Although a number of elevators is operational, not all stations have one. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes end to end. Taxis : Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected. Top Other Modes of Transport Most of the major car rental agencies, including AVIS, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Metro Manila and carry a full line of vehicles from jeeps to limousines. All vehicles may be rented with or without a driver. If you wish to do your own driving you must have a valid foreign or international license. Inter-island transportation is provided by either airplane or ferry boat. Philippine Airlines services most of the major provincial airports. Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, SeaAir, Air Philippines, and Pacific Airways are smaller carriers servicing more remote tourist destinations. For information about boat schedules, check with the Department of Tourism on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila (63-2-5267652, 5267653, 5267655). Top WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY Climate: Tropical (two seasons) Dry Season: March -May (warm) 33-34 C Wet Season: June- October (monsoonal) November -February (coolest) 29-31C Coastline: 334,539 km. Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands, many mountains, rainforests, rich valleys and swamp regions. The Philippines still does have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs. Top THINGS TO KNOW Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog dialect) is the National Language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the English Language. The Philippines is currently the third largest English speaking country in the world. Currency: Peso(PhP). Notes are issued in denominations of , PhP 10, PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 500, and PhP 1000. Coins are issued for 5c, 10c, 25c, PhP 1, PhP 5. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized exchanged dealers. Outside of Manila payments are preferably made in pesos. Major Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club) can be used to pay for most goods and services. Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays). Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays). Time : Local time is GMT plus 8 hours. Business English is the language used. Sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries. Make sure you have business cards. Top SIGHTSEEING Casa Manila: A replica mid 19th Century house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time. Corner Real and General Lunar Streets, Intramuros, Manila. Luzon Chocolate Hills : Bohols most famous attraction: the area is named thus, because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer. Carmen Town, Bohol. Visayas* Colon Street: The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu. Cebu. Visayas* Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: The only underground cemetery in the Philippines; it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna. Laguna, Luzon Island Magellans Cross: The most historically-famous landmark in Cebu. Planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized. Cebu. Visayas* Top PARKS & WILDLIFE Katibawasan Falls: These 250-foot falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao. Camiguin. Mindinao* Maquinit Hot Springs : Located on a scenic beach corner, this is the premium hot spring in the Philippines. Palawan. Luzon* Hidden Valley: A natural recluse is created within this 90-meter crater . A haven for lush jungle life, natural springs and still water pools. Accommodation available. Alaminos, Laguna. Luzon, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife: Quezon Avenue. Quezon City. Luzon. Rizal Memorial Park: Within the lush park there are monuments, a skating rink and adventure playground. Free concerts every Sunday. Ermita, Manila. Luzon. Top MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES Museums & art galleries Ateneo Art Gallery Quezon City Tel: (02) 998 721 Metropolitan Museum of Manila Tel: (02) 832 3645 National Museum Manila Tel: (02) 494 450 Villa Escudero San Pablo City, Quezon City Tel: (02) 521 8698 Top VISAS AND PASSPORTS Visa and Passport No Visas are required for foreigners entering the country for a stay no longer than 21 days provided that you have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines have no diplomatic relations. A temporary visitor's visa is required for those who are planning to stay up to 59 days. Vaccination certificates may be neccesary for long term stays. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special permits. All visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates. Duty Free Items: Two 1-litre bottles of alchohol, and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed. Air Travel to the Country : Ninoy Aquino International Airport (7 km from city centre) Ninoy Aquino Avenue Manila, Philippines: Mactan International Airport Cebu, Philippines: (Most major airlines have flights to the country). Top FURTHER INFORMATION Department of Tourism: T.M. Kalaw Street Rizal Park Metro Manila P.O. Box 3451 Tel: (02)523-8411 Fax: (02) 521 7374 Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporatiom: 4th Floor, Suites 10-17 Legasi Towers 300 Roxas Boulevard Metro Manila Tel: (02) 525-93-18-27 Fax: (02) 521-61-65/ 525-33-14 Top