Asia Travel || Indonesia

Travel Information of Indonesia Indonesia Country and Travel Information Climate || Visas || Customs || Transport || Currency || Tipping || Clothing Office hours || Food || Shopping || Culture || Public holidays Tourist Destinations || Map of Indonesia Introduction The Republic of Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago and is the fifth most populous country, with 17,700 islands streching 5,120 kms (3,200 miles) between Australia and the Asian mainland. Population and Language 200 million people are distributed throughout 27 provinces. However, 55% of these people are concentrated on Java, Bali and Madura, on only 7% of the total area. Climate A tropical country, with humidity ranging from 69% - 95%, there are two seasons: Dry Season, from May to October and Wet Season, from November to April. It should be noted that occasional showers do occur during the dry season; similarly, during the "rainy" season it is more likely that heavy tropical down-pours are interspersed with sunshine. Average temperatures range f rom 68 to 86 or 20 to 30C . Passport and Visas Visitors must arrive in Indonesia with passports valid for at least six months after arrival and with onward or return tickets. Visas are not required for nationals of: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, New Zealand, Singapore,South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America and West Germany. A non-extendable tourist pass for citizens of these is issued for a maximum of 60 days with entry and departure through: Airports: Medan, Batam, Pekanbaru, Padang, Jakarta, Bali, Manado, Ambon, Biak,Ku pang, Pontianak, Balikpapan and Surabaya; Seaports: Medan, Batam, Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, Riau, Bali, Manado, and Ambon. Through other ports, a visa is required. Nationals of countries not listed above can obtain 30-day tourist visas from any Indonesian embassy or consulate abroad. Health Certificates International certificates for smallpox and cholera are not required and yellow fever vaccination are necessary only for visitors coming from infected areas. Customs Each adult is permitted to bring, on entry, a maximum of two litres of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable quantity of perfume. Photographic equipment and typewriters must be declared and are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. Prohibited from entry are the following items: narcotics, arms and ammunition, TV sets, radio and radio casette recorders, pornography, fresh fruit, printed matters in Chinese characters and Chinese medicine. All movie films and video casettes will have to be deposited for review by the Film Censor Board. There is no restriction on import and export of foreign currencies and travellers cheque; however, import or export Indonesia currency exceeding Rp 50,000,- is prohibited. Airport Tax Airport tax levied on passengers for international travel is Rp 17,000,-. While for travel within Indonesia it varies from one region to another with an average of Rp 3,500,- for each departure. Top Transportation An airconditioned airport-hotel shuttle service, operates frequently scheduled trips to/from major hotels to coincide with flights from Jakarta's international airport at a cost of approx Rp 4,000,per person. Taxis at a higher rate, are also available with metered taxis operating only in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang and Solo. Elsewhere, other forms of transportation, which required setting the fare in advance, include minicars for two passengers, "bemos" or small buses covering regular routes and "becaks" powered by human energy. Trains operate in Java and parts of Sumatra. Garuda Indonesia has an extensive networkof dailyflights toallcitiesinthe 27 provinces. These flights are supplemented by domestic air services on Merpati, Nusantara, Mandala and Bouraq . Currency The local currency is the Rupiah. Foreign currencies, either banknotes or travellers cheques, are easily exchangedatbanks and moneychangers in major tourist destinations. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants in main cities. It is advisable to carry sufficient amounts of Rupiah when travelling to smaller towns or outer provinces. Tipping Major hotels add a 10% service charge to bills. Where it is not included a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate if service is satisfactory. Airport poterage is Rp 500,- for a small bag and Rp 1,000,- if weighing more than 20 kg. Tipping taxi and hire-car drivers is not mandatory, but Rp 500,would be sufficient for a taxi driver, but more for a hire-car driver. Clothing Dress is generally informal in Indonesia. Light fabrics are recommendeddue to the warm, humid climate. For men, a jacket and tie is considered appropriate when making officials calls or non formal occasions. Or, follow local custom by wearing a long-sleeve batik shirt. It is recommended to bring a sweater or light jacket for travel to mountain areas. Shorts and beachwear are not considered appropriate except at sports facilities and on the beaches, and never appropriate for visits to temples, mosques and other places of worship. Top Office Hours Government offices: Monday - Thursday 8 am to 3 pm Friday 8 am to 11.30 am Saturday Saturday 8 am to 2 pm Business offices Monday - Friday 8 or 9 am to 4 or 5 pm Some offices are open half day on Saturday. Banks: Monday - Friday 8 am to 3 pm Food The main staple food of the majority of the population is rice. Coconut milk and hot chili peppers are popular cooking ingredients nationwide. Tastes range from very spicy dishes of meat; fish and vegetables to those that are quite sweet. The most popular dishes are "nasi goreng" (fried rice) which is otten served for breakfast, lunch or dinner, "satay" barbequed meat or chicken on skewers and "gado-gado", a vegetable salad with a pean ut sauce.All are most compatible with internationaltastes. Inthemaintouristcenters and cities, restaurants catering to international visitors are many, from fine continental grill rooms to Japanese specialty restaurants. Chinese restaurants are found in all towns throughout Indonesia. Tropical and subtropical fruits are available yearround. Bottled drinking water can be purchased everywhere. Shopping Many of Indonesia's main cities have department stores, supermarkets and large shopping complexes, open generally from 9 am to 8 pm, where fixed prices prevail. In local markets and small shops bargaining is the rule. Time Indonesia streches across three time zones:Western Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, West and Cen tral Kalimantan) + 7 GMTCentral Indonesia (Bali, South and East Kalimantan, Sula wesi, Nusa Teng gara) + 8 GMTEast Indonesia (Maluku and Irian Jaya) , +9 GMT Electricity Most hotels use 220 volts 50 cycles and two-pronged plugs. However it is not uncommon to find some hotels using 110 volts, particularly in the provinces. Check before using an appliance. Some hotels supply adaptors on request. Communication Long distance calls within Indonesia may be made by direct dialing through International Direct Dial (IDD) in major cities or through operator-assisted calls. Telex and fax services are readily available in major hotels and larger cities. Top Culture and Traditions Indonesians are a very friendly and polite people. Handshaking is customary, for both men and women, on introduction and greeting, smiling is a national characteristics. The population is predominantly Moslem. Nevertheless, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and other religions are freely practiced. Traditional customs form a major part of family and community life. The use of the left hand to give or receive is considered ill-mannered. Likewise crooking your finger to call someone is impolite. Public Holidays January 1 New Year Feb 20, 21 Idul Fitri Festival March 21 Seclusion Day / Saba New Year April 5 Good Friday April 28 Idul Adha Great Day May 16 Ascention day of Christ May 19 Hijriah New Year June 2 Waisak Day July 28 Maulid of Prophet Mumammad August 17 National Independence Day Dec 8 Isra Miraj of Prophet Muhammad December 25 Christmas Day Top Asia Travel || Indonesia Hotel and Resorts

Hotel Travel

MySQL Users Conference Co-presented by O'Reilly Media, Inc. and MySQL AB Home Submit a Proposal Why Attend Registration Speakers Tutorials Sessions Events At-a-Glance BOFs Wiki Stay Informed Exhibitors Sponsors Hotel/Travel See & Do Media Center MySQL AB O'Reilly Hotel and Travel Information Hotel Info | Room Sharing | Travel Assistance | Rental Cars | Airline Tickets Hotel Information The MySQL Users Conference 2005 will be held at The Westin Santa Clara, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Just off of US Highway 101, The Westin Santa Clara is convenient to the Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area. The San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland International Airports are located within minimal driving distance. For those who like to combine business with pleasure, The Westin Santa Clara is a treat, located within walking distance of Paramount's Great America theme park and a 72-par championship golf course. Looking to make a splash? Jump into the Westin's oversized pool or soak up some rays on the 5,000-square-foot pool deck. However you like to relax, The Westin Santa Clara will make you feel right at home. Make your hotel reservations by phone, call: 1-888-627-8405 or call the hotel directly at (408) 986-0700. The cutoff date for room reservations is: March 14, 2005 . Rate Guest Room: $154.00 In order to receive the discounted room rate, you must identify yourself as attending the "MySQL Users Conference 2005" Reservations received after the extended cutoff date of March 14, 2005 will be honored on a space-available basis at the prevailing rate of the hotel. All rates are single or double occupancy. All room rates listed above do not include a 9.5% local & state tax (subject to change without notice). Please provide 24 hours' notice when cancelling your reservations to avoid deposit forfeiture or penalties. Hotel Address The Westin Santa Clara 5101 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 Phone: (408) 986-0700 Due to the overwhelming popularity of MySQL Users Conference, the room block at the Westin Santa Clara is currently sold out. The following is a partial list of alternate hotels in Santa Clara, close to the Westin Santa Clara. Santa Clara Marriott 2700 Mission Blvd Santa Clara, CA 95054 Phone: 408-988-1500 Santa Clara Hilton 4949 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 Phone: 408-330-0001 O'Reilly Media, Inc. and MySQL AB have no affiliation with these hotels. Getting There Airport Shuttle Services From Oakland, San Francisco, or San Jose Airports SuperShuttle Phone: 800-258-3826 VIP Airport Shuttle Phone: (408) 885-1800 Driving Directions From San Jose Int'l Airport Start out going Northwest on Airport Blvd. towards Terminal C. Turn right onto Airport Pkwy. Turn left onto Guadalupe Pkwy. Take the US-101 N ramp towards San Francisco. Merge onto US-101 N. Take the Great America Pkwy. Exit towards Bowers Avenue. Keep right at the fork in the ramp. Merge onto Great American Pkwy. Approx. 5 miles) From San Francisco Int'l Airport Take US Highway 101 South towards San Jose. Take the CA-237 East exit towards Alviso/Milpitas. Take the Great America Parkway exit towards Lafayette Street. Turn right onto Great American Parkway. (Approx. 31 miles) From Oakland Int'l Airport Start out going Northeast on Airport Drive towards Neil Armstrong Way by turning left. Turn right onto 98th Ave. Merge onto I-880 South towards San Jose. Take the Milpitas/Alviso Rd. exit towards CA-237/Calaveras Blvd. Merge onto CA-237 W. Take the Great America Pkwy ramp towards Lafayette Street. Turn left onto Great America Pkwy. (Approx. 33 miles) Parking Self Parking: Free Self-parking in the hotel parking lot or connecting convention center lot is free. Valet Parking: $5 Per Day, $11 Overnight Please Note: Parking fees are approximate and completely subject to change without notice. Room Sharing If you are looking to save money on your housing costs, you may wish to room-share. We have set up a room-share mailing list to facilitate finding a suitable roommate. Please visit the Room Sharing page to submit your information and be added to the mailing list. The list will be updated and broadcast weekly. Travel Assistance The official O'Reilly conference travel planner offers one-stop shopping for your air travel and other travel needs in connection with your attendance at an O'Reilly conference. Vivian V. Russell Travel Services 182 Farmers Lane, Suite 102 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Phone: (707) 525-0550 Fax: (707) 525-0560 Email: International Attendees Please visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov for important information about international travel to the United States. Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the The MySQL Users Conference 2005 . To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV #01XY0025 . Air Travel United Airlines is the official airline of the MySQL Conference. If you or your travel agent call United's toll-free number (1-800-521-4041) to book your reservations, you will receive a 5% discounnt off the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class or a 10% discount off full fare unrestricted coach fares, purchased 7 days in advance. An additional 5% discount will apply when tickets are purchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express. Call United's Specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. Make sure you refer to Meeting ID #538GM. Dedicated reservation agents are on duty 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST. Mileaage Plus members receive full credit for all miles flown to this meeting. You must refer to Meeting ID #538GM in order to receive the conference attendee discount. Be certain to give either your travel planner or the United reservation agent (1-800-521-4041) this number. O'Reilly Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this conference releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this conference. ! -- Diamond Sponsor Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Media Sponsors MySQL User Conference Sponsor Opportunities — Reach business leaders and technology influencers at the MySQL User Conference. Download Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus. Call Andrew Calvo at 707-829-0515 or email at Press and Media For media-related inquiries, contact Suzanne Axtell at Media Center — Press releases, news, and information for the press. Conference News Want to receive conference news? Sign up for our email newsletter. ! -- ! --

CRUISE VACATION NORWEGIAN FJORD

Norway Vacation Cruise Tour Norway Norway Tour & Cruise Vacation Specialist NORWAY VACATION TOUR CRUISE NORWAY NORWAY TOUR SELECTION OSLO & BERGEN CITY PACKAGES - NORWAY Three hotel nights including: Full Scandinavian Buffet Breakfast Tax and Service Charges. A city sightseeing tour. Oslo Bergen NORWAY IN WINTER ALTA City of Northern Lights 5 days/4 nights Jan 01 thru April 30 Arctic Winter Safari Spitsbergen 6 days/5 nights March - April Spitsbergen Dogsled Safari A five-day program in Longyearbyen and Svea Norway in Winter Christmas in Karasjok Winter in Norway A TASTE OF GEILO Norway's premier ski resort Norway in Winter Lapland New Year Norway in Winter Norwegian Lapland KILLER WHALES EXCURSION Lofoten Norway ESCORTED TOURS - NORWAY Fjord Images Norway - Three Fjords Geiranger, Sogne and Nord Fjords Briksdal Glacier, Lillehammer & Bergen 6 days/5 nights Land of the Fjords Bergen - Oslo 6 days/5 nights Magic Fjord Images Hardanger Fjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord 7 days/6 nights Fjords of Norway Oslo - Oslo 7 days/6 nights Four Fjord Images Geiranger, Nord, Sogne & Hardanger Fjords Briksdal Glacier & Bergen 7 days/6 nights Scenic Norway Oslo - Oslo 8 days/7 nights Prominent Fjords of Norway Tour 9 days/8 nights Above the Arctic Circle Tour 11 days/10 nights From Rovaniemi to Rovaniemi Trekking at the North Pole Rim A 13-day adventure through some of Svalbard's most spectacular mountain scenery. Spitsbergen Dogsled Safari A five-day program in Longyearbyen and Svea Arctic Winter Safari Spitsbergen 6 days/5 nights March - May NORWAY - DESIGN YOUR OWN TOUR SUGGESTIONS Norway In A Nutshell Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Oslo - Oslo or Bergen - Bergen Taste of Balestrand Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of A Glacier Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of Gudvangen Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of Flam Oslo - Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily T aste of Fjord Norway & a Stave Church Oslo - Gudvangen - Laerdal - Bergen or Bergen - Gudvangen - Laerdal - Oslo Including Flam Mountain Railway Taste of Hardangerfjord Bergen - Lofthus - Bergen (4 days) Taste of Hardanger & Flam Oslo - Lofthus - Bergen or Bergen - Lofthus - Oslo Daily Taste of Sognefjord & Hardangerfjord Bergen - Lofthus - Ulvik - Balestrand - Bergen Daily Taste of Stavanger Bergen - Stavanger - Oslo or Oslo - Stavanger - Bergen Daily Taste of Telemark Oslo-Dalen - Skien - Oslo Daily Jun 18-Aug 11 Taste of Arctic & Lapland Kirkenes - Helsinki or Helsinki - Kirkenes Daily Taste of the Coast, Geiranger & Trondheim Bergen - Trondheim - Oslo - 6 Days Taste of Trondheim and the Coast Oslo - Trondheim - Bergen Daily Taste of North Cape Tromso - Hammerfest - Honningsvag - Tromso Daily Taste of Geiranger lesund - Bergen Daily Jun 12- Aug 18 Taste of Lofoten & Whales Bodo - Svolvaer - Andenes Daily Taste of Arctic Scandinavia Tromso - Kautokeino - North Cape - Alta - Tromso Daily Taste of Historic Hotels Oslo-Bergen or Bergen - Oslo Daily Taste of Norway's Coast Oslo - Stockholm via Fjord Country Taste of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage The Ultimate Coastal Cruise 9 days/ 8 nights Norwegian Hotels Bergen Sightseeing Tours Oslo Sightseeing Tours More about Norway Webcam Links MAIN SELECTION OF TOURS & CRUISES NORWAY CRUISE VACATION NORWEGIAN FJORD & COASTAL CRUISES Fjord Cruises Our most popular excursions Norwegian Coastal Voyage With 34 ports of call, the Norwegian Coastal Voyage follows a stretch of coast characterized by vast distances, a sparse population and dramatic scenery. Taste of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage The Ultimate Coastal Cruise 9 days/ 8 nights Norway's Coast Oslo-Stockholm via Fjord Country Norway - Sweden 7 days Taste of the Coast, Geiranger & Trondheim Bergen - Trondheim - Oslo - 6 Days Arctic Adventure Cruise Spitsbergen's wild and beautiful north-west coast. Realm of the Polar Bear Svalbard's northernmost and eastern regions. Svalbard Norway Spitsbergen Wilderness Camp A 6-day summer experience with soft adventure. SCANDINAVIAN TOURS INCLUDING NORWAY Nordic Delight Denmark-Norway-Sweden Our most popular tour! Nordic Delight (incl. St. Petersburg & Tallinn) Our Bestseller With A New Twist Denmark-Norway-Sweden-Finland-Russia-Estonia Grand Tour of Scandinavia 15 days/14 nights Copenhagen - Helsinki Grand Tour of Scandinavia + Land of the Midnight Sun 18 days/17 nights Copenhagen Helsinki North Cape - Helsinki Land of the Midnight Sun 5 days/4 nights Helsinki-North Cape-Helsinki The Magic of Scandinavia with the Norwegian Fjords 11 days/10 nights Denmark - Norway - Sweden Tourist class The Scandinavian Capitals 9 days/8 nights + Extensions Complete Scandinavia in a Nutshell Bergen and the 4 Capitals, Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen 19 days/18 nights Superior Tourist class and First class hotels Magic Fjord Images & Sweden 9 days/8 nights Tourist or First Class Hotels From OSLO to STOCKHOLM Four Capitals Tour 8 nights Stockholm - Helsinki - Copenhagen - Oslo Four Capitals Tour & Fjords Extension 8 nights Stockholm - Helsinki - Copenhagen - Oslo 14 nights as above + extension Oslo - Oslo Scandinavian Panorama 10 nights Copenhagen - Oslo Scandinavian Panorama + Stockholm 12 nights Copenhagen - Stockholm Scandinavian Panorama + Stockholm & Baltic Cruise 14 nights Copenhagen - Helsinki - Stockholm Scenic Norway + Stockholm 10 days/9 nights Oslo - Stockholm Scenic Norway + Stockholm, Helsinki 12 days/11 nights Oslo Helsinki - Stockholm Scenic Norway + Stockholm, Helsinki & Copenhagen 13 nights Oslo - Copenhagen Northern Highlights 11 nights Oslo - Helsinki Northern Highlights + Land of the Midnight Sun 15 days/14 nights Oslo Stockholm- Helsinki North Cape-Helsinki Helsinki + Spectacular Scandinavia 14 nights Helsinki - Copenhagen - Oslo - Stockholm Heart of Scandinavia with the Norwegian Fjords 15 days/14 nights Denmark-Norway-Sweden Scandinavian Dream & Norwegian Fjords Tour 13 days/12 nights Norway-Sweden Scandinavia & North Cape Capitals & Lapland Finland - Norway - Sweden North Cape Midnight Sun Journey 5 Days Taste of the Top of Scandinavia Oslo to Helsinki Norway Finland SCANDINAVIAN TOURS INCLUDING NORWAY & RUSSIA Grand Tour of Scandinavia + St. Petersburg 18 nights Copenhagen - St. Petersburg - Helsinki Grand Tour of Scandinavia + St. Petersburg & Moscow 20 nights Copenhagen Oslo - Fjords - Stockholm Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Moscow Northern Highlights with St. Petersburg 15 nights Oslo - St Petersburg - Helsinki Northern Highlights with St Petersburg & Moscow 18 days/17 nights Nordic Delight (incl. St. Petersburg & Tallinn) Our Bestseller With A New Twist Denmark-Norway-Sweden-Finland-Russia-Estonia Home | Country Links | Main Menu | Rail Passes | City Packages | Hotel Cheques | Car Rentals | Maps | Reservations About Scantours General Conditions Travel Insurance Practical Tips CST # 2022206-40 SCANTOURS INC. USA Toll free US & Canada: 1-800-223-7226 Local Phone: 310-636-4656 Fax: 310-390-0493 Comments? Suggestions? E-mail us at info@scantours.com 2004 Scantours Inc. All rights reserved. HOME USEFUL LINKS Webmaster

South America Travel

South America : Travel Tips : International Travel : Travelocity Customer Care | My Stuff Home Travel Info Center Flight Status >Destination Guides Travelocity Business About Travelocity Flights Search Flights Top Deals Web Fares Low Fare Alert Last Minute Packages Hotels Search Hotels Top Deals Trip Ideas Popular Cities Cars/Rail Search Cars Search Rail Top Deals About Neighborhood Search Popular Car Destinations Vacation Packages Search Vacations Top Deals Disney Vacations Trip Ideas Cruises Search Cruises Search by Destination Search by Cruise Line Top Deals Ship Finder Last Minute Packages Search Deals Top Deals This Weekend Next Weekend Need Ideas? Activities Activities by Destination Guides & Advice : Traveler Advice : Tips & Advice Home : International Travel South America When one imagines South America, one thinks of the densely tangled jungles of the Amazon, the snow-capped heights of the Andes and the Pampas, and the astounding wildlife of the Galapagos Islands and beyond. While the continent indeed holds endless exotic delights, it also contains certain tropical maladies that any visitor should be aware of in advance. Read on to get some preparatory knowledge on how to stay healthy in America del Sur. Enjoying your trip to its fullest always involves some amount of preparation and knowledge, so to make your planning easier weve put together some basic information outlining the general risks you might face in South America. Consult the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information on current health risks, and ask your physician about the best courses of vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for the area youre visiting. Food and Water: Diarrhea afflictions commonly affect visitors. Intestinal parasites and fluke illnesses have been reported in certain parts of South America, so be mindful of what you eat. Assume that all water is contaminated, and either buy bottled water (widely available in most countries) or sterilize it yourself (see Food and Water Risks for further details). Even when locals insist that tap water is safe to drink, as the adage says, its better to be safe than sorry. In most places, vegetables should be cooked and fruits peeled before eating. Luckily, most tropical fruits are of the peel variety, so have no fear and munch away on freshly peeled pineapples, mangoes, and the like. Avoid undercooked meat and seafood--the latter can be host to many bacteria that are damaging to ones health. Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products as well. You can sterilize milk or make powdered milk with purified water as an alternative. As an added precaution, always check the expiration date of processed food. The Elements: While temperatures range from the tropical variety to the cool climates of high altitudes, the bottom line here is that the sun is strong--really strong. The equator runs straight through Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia, if thats any clue of how hot it gets! So cover up with sunscreen, don pants and long sleeves when you can, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to stay shaded and keep cool. Drink plenty of water--the heat and humidity will make you sweat even more, and you need to balance fluid loss with fluid intake. High Altitudes: Those trekking in the Andes, Pampas, and other mountain ranges will be treated to jaw-dropping gorgeous scenery and challenging hikes. However, visiting such high altitudes opens a whole other can of worms. For further details, read our How to Avoid Altitude Sickness tip. Health Risks: Mosquitoes abound in South America, particularly in its coastal regions and within the moist interiors of its rainforests. Insect-borne diseases, especially malaria and dengue fever, are therefore big risks. Malaria risk exists in parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Risk is generally high in rural and low-lying areas; one need not worry in big cities and main tourist areas such Rio. However, its always best to check in advance to see which areas are the most at risk--consult WHOs malaria zone map when in doubt. Consult your doctor several months before your trip to determine the best course of malaria prevention for you. Yellow fever is a big problem in many parts of the continent. To check which areas are at high risk, consult WHOs map of endemic zones . Dengue fever and Chagas disease occur throughout the continent. Unfortunately, no prophylaxis for these illnesses currently exist, so follow some simple guidelines to protect yourself from mosquito bites (see Creepy, Crawly Critters for further details and advice). Filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis have been reported in certain parts of the continent, particularly in rural Brazil. Schistosomiasis (or bilharzia), a strain of water-borne bacteria, is prevalent in many fresh water areas; avoid swimming or paddling in these areas. Rabies is present in many parts of the continent. Snakes and leeches are often a hazard in certain areas. Immunization Suggestions and Requirements: The following information was culled from reputable sources, such as CDC and WHO and reflects countries currently featured on Travelocity.com. Argentina Cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A Bolivia Hepatitis A, polio, typhoid, cholera, tetanus Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers coming from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for incoming travelers from non-infected zones visiting risk areas Brazil Polio, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers arriving within three months from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for those intending to visit certain rural areas of the country Chile Cholera, tetanus, hepatitis A and B Colombia Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, polio, tetanus Yellow fever immunization is recommended for those visiting certain rural frontiers of Colombia Ecuador Cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over one year old coming from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for travelers arriving from non-infected areas who plan to journey outside urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported Peru Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, polio Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers over six months old coming from infected areas Yellow fever immunization is recommended for travelers arriving from non-infected areas who plan to journey to areas within the Amazon Basin and the eastern slopes of the Andes, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported Uruguay Hepatitis A, typhoid Venezuela Cholera, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B Yellow fever immunization is recommended for all travelers over one year old intending to travel outside urban areas International Travel Tips & Advice Information on the Euro Africa Asia Central America Caribbean Australia/South Pacific South America Middle East Europe North America Embassies and Consulates--A Little Piece of the United States Abroad Choosing the Right Gift for Business Associates in Japan Getting Through Customs Expediting Your Passport Application Process Handling Cash When Traveling Overseas '+' Means Some Taxes & Fees Additional | About Travelocity | Security Guarantee | Affiliate Program | Jobs | Site Map Partners and International Sites: IgoUgo | lastminute.com | Odysia.fr | ShowTickets.com | Site59 | Travelchannel.de | Travelocity Canada Travelocity Denmark | Travelocity Norway | Travelocity Sweden | Travelocity United Kingdom | World Choice Travel | ZUJI © 1996-2005 Travelocity.com LP. All rights reserved. Travelocity and the Stars Design are trademarks of Travelocity.com LP. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Travelocity User Agreement and Privacy Policy . CST# 2056372-50. dest.advice.tips.item|Tips and Advice|TRAVELOCITY|ST||||tipID=233| --