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Honduras, Central America Travel Tourism Vacation Information You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors > Honduras 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 > Honduras Honduras, Central America - Travel, Tourism, Vacation Information An index of online travel related resources to the country of Honduras, Central America, with information on accommodations, attractions, history, culture, geography and more. Honduras Travel, Tourism, Vacation Information for Visitors. Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Explore - Honduras Honduras is known for its exotic animals and pristine places, parks and protected areas to explore. This site has some very useful resources on travel to Honduras as well as information on the history and culture of this fascinating country. Honduras - VirtualTourist This site provides some useful travel tips for visitors to Honduras. A map of the country and interesting travel articles from visitors can also be found here. Honduras Budget Travel Guide This Honduras budget travel guide focuses on backpacking and ecotourism in Honduras. A number of interesting photos can be found here. Honduras This Week: Travel & Tourism This Honduras budget travel guide focuses on backpacking and ecotourism in Honduras. A number of interesting photos can be found here. Lonely Planet - Honduras Here you will find a very comprehensive overview of Honduras. The site includes traveler facts and warnings, details on top attractions and information on geography, history and the environment. Trujillo Here is information on this city's hotels, beaches, restaurants and scenic attractions. The site has some nice photos of some of the city's venues. 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...

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Chicago vacation package thats

US Airways Vacations - Destinations : US Airways Vacations - Vacation Packages to Walt Disney World Resort Florida Universal Studios Las Vegas Cancun Mexico Aruba Caribbean Jamaica Bermuda Bahamas Dominican Republic Paris London All-inclusive Sandals Honeymoon Bermuda California Canada -- Caribbean Europe Florida Hawaiian Islands Las Vegas Latin America Mexico Ski U.S. Cities Reservations Modify Inquiries -- Retrieve a Reservation Trip Cancellation Waiver Current Specials E-mail Sign-up FAQs Gift Certificates -- Terms & Conditions Codeshare Create Profile -- Manage Your Profile Travel Advisories Plan Your Vacation Now Customer Care Specialists Group Sales Airline Technical Help Who We Are Why Vacation With Us? 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You can book your flight, hotel, rental car, city tours and tickets to all your favorite attractions quickly and easily online. Enjoy all that Chicago has to offer, including legendary restaurants, shopping on Michigan Avenue, the exhibits at the Chicago Art institute and the world-famous Sears Tower. Let US Airways Vacations help you plan a Chicago vacation that you wont soon forget! More... -- View Hotels Chicago Hotel Specials Chicago Your Way Optional Features Special Hotel Partners -- Virtual Tours United States Downtown Chicago Before You Go Introduction - Best Dining Bets - Frommer's Favorite Experiences Getting to Know - Fast Facts - Orientation - Neighborhoods in Brief While You're There Attractions - Suggested Itineraries - Especially for Kids Nightlife - Dance Clubs & Nightclubs - Late-Night Bites - Live Music - The Gay & Lesbian Scene - The Lounge & Bar Scene - The Movies - The Performing Arts Shopping - The Magnificent Mile - The Top Shopping Streets & Neighborhoods Before You Go Introduction - A Look Back at Vegas: No Tomorrow - Favorite Experiences Planning a Trip - When to Go - Health & Insurance - Money - Tips for Travelers with Special Needs Getting to Know - Fast Facts - Orientation - Getting Around While You're There Dining - Morrocan Restaurants - Some Dining Notes - Sweets - Buffets - Family Friendly Restaurants - Theme Restaurants Attractions - Suggested Itineraries - Top Attractions - Nearby Attractions - Especially for Kids - Getting Married - Sin City Inverted -- -- Departure City: Please Select A City AL - Birmingham AL - Huntsville/Decatur AL - Mobile AL - Montgomery AZ - Phoenix AR - Fayetteville AR - Little Rock CA - Fresno --- CA - Los Angeles CA - Monterey --- CA - Orange County CA - Palm Springs CA - Sacramento --- CA - San Diego CA - San Francisco CA - Santa Barbara --- CO - Denver CO - Vail CT - Bridgeport --- CT - Hartford CT - New Haven CT - New London FL - Ft. 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Argentina Travel Deals Argentina

Argentina - Reviews and Travel Information - TripAdvisor Argentina Sign in • Sign up Home > South America > Argentina > All reviews of Argentina Argentina tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. All Argentina reviews Search (e.g., Boston hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Argentina Argentina Overview All Argentina Reviews Argentina Hotels Flights to Argentina Argentina Deals Argentina Attractions Argentina Forums Argentina Maps Argentina Discount Hotels Argentina Vacation Packages Free Newsletter Get deals, news and articles on Argentina Plus weekend trip ideas from your hometown e-mail this page to a friend Popular cities Buenos Aires Hotels Cafayate Hotels Capital Federal District Hotels Central Argentina Hotels Comodoro Rivadavia Hotels Cordoba Hotels Cuyo Hotels El Calafate Hotels La Plata Hotels La Rioja Hotels Litoral Hotels Mar del Plata Hotels Mendoza Hotels Neuquen Hotels Northern Argentina Hotels Patagonia Hotels Pilar Hotels Pinamar Hotels Posadas Hotels Puerto Iguazu Hotels Puerto Madryn Hotels Resistencia Hotels Rio Ceballos Hotels Rosario Hotels Salta Hotels San Carlos de Bariloche Hotels San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca Hotels San Juan Hotels San Miguel de Tucuman Hotels San Nicolas de los Arroyos Hotels San Rafael Hotels San Salvador de Jujuy Hotels Santa Fe Hotels Tafi del Valle Hotels Tigre Hotels Trelew Hotels Ushuaia Hotels Villa Carlos Paz Hotels Villa General Belgrano Hotels Villa Gesell Hotels Villa La Angostura Hotels Villa Mercedes Hotels Read more Argentina tourism Argentina Sponsored links * Argentina Travel Deals Argentina : Book a Latin Vacation! LatinDestinations.com Customizing vacations to the Latin World since 1984. Argentina : Sail young from $24/night EasyCruise.com Visit your destinations with easyCruise, Great value & fun! Book now! Argentina : Low Vacation Prices Made Easy Orbitz Vacations The faster, easier way to find the hotel you want. Just Orbitz and go! Hotels www.Travelocity.com Find Low Rates, Nearby Attractions & Dining, Hotel Pics, Maps & More! All results: View all 1,816 Argentina travel deals TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews 8 Traveler reviews (English) Show: All languages English (8) Here are the newest user reviews about locations in Argentina. To read even more reviews, search for a specific city, hotel or attraction at the top of the left column on this page. San Carlos de Bariloche, Province of Rio Negro, Patagonia: Sunset Hotel San Carlos Bariloche: " Great location, crappy little rooms" A TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia , Dec 26, 2005 We stayed here for 4 nights in early December. The hotel is centrally located in the centre of town,... Buenos Aires, Capital Federal District: Kempinski Hotel Park Chateau Buenos Aires: " wonderful experience" A TripAdvisor Member, Oak Park, California , Dec 24, 2005 We stayed in the Chateau Park Kempinski for 12 days. It was a delightful experience. The help was efficient... San Antonio de Areco, Province of Buenos Aires, Central Argentina: Estancia La Bamba: " Viva La Bamba" A TripAdvisor Member, Washington DC , Dec 23, 2005 Gracious easy living with the gauchos near the famous literary location of Martin Fierro at San Antonio... Buenos Aires, Capital Federal District: Art Hotel: " Hard to Beat for Location and Value" A TripAdvisor Member, Vancouver, Canada , Dec 23, 2005 I stayed at the Art Hotel on Dec 10/11 and will be returning for two more stays between Dec 26th and... Buenos Aires, Capital Federal District: Hotel Bristol Buenos Aires: " The Bristol Hotel: Great Value, Great location" A TripAdvisor Member, Lisbon, Portugal , Dec 22, 2005 The Bristol is a great choice for those, visiting B.A. who want a central location, right on 9 de Julio... Buenos Aires, Capital Federal District: Claridge Hotel: " Great place in the heart of BA" A TripAdvisor Member, Montesano, WA , Dec 22, 2005 The Claridge is a wonderful hotel that you can often get at an amazing price, about U$S 120.00 a night... Ushuaia, Province of Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia: Hotel Cap Polonio: " Nothing special, still not bad though" A TripAdvisor Member, Montesano, WA , Dec 22, 2005 We stayed at the Hotel Cap Polonio for 3 days in early December 2005. The hotel wins big points for... Ushuaia, Province of Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia: Las Hayas Resort Hotel: " A beautiful stay, a bit overpriced" A TripAdvisor Member, Montesano, WA , Dec 22, 2005 We stayed at Las Hayas for a bit of luxury after returning from an 11 day Antarctica climbing trip. ... Traveler Photos 1 Traveler's photos Here are the newest user photos about locations in Argentina. To see even more photos, search for a specific city, hotel or attraction at the top of the left column on this page. Estancia La Bamba: "Viva La Bamba" A TripAdvisor Member, Washington DC , Dec 23, 2005 View larger photos with 7 others Guidebooks (4) "Argentina - The Facts" bbc.co.uk "Where To Go" CityGo.info / Rough Guides "Country profile: Argentina" bbc.co.uk "Argentina" CityGo.info / Rough Guides Articles (1-10 of 39) "The Missus and Me" Concierge.com / Condé Nast Traveler , Apr 1, 2005 A driving tour of Argentina's country roads. "Buenos Aires, Always in Style" Washington Post (free registration required) , Jul 10, 2005 Buenos Aires is a world-class city that you can enjoy on a modest budget. "Taking Tea and Tortes With the Welsh in Distant Patagonia" New York Times (free registration required) , Apr 3, 2005 Even a remote place like Patagonia can be surprisingly international. "10 O'Clock? The Night Is Young." New York Times (free registration required) , Mar 6, 2005 It's never hard to find nightlife in Buenos Aires, especially late at night. "Road show in Argentina" canoe.ca / Toronto Sun , Feb 6, 2005 Some of the most scenic drives on the planet are located in Argentina’s dramatic northern region. "What's New: An Online Update for Frommer's South America, 2nd Edition" Frommer's , Mar 1, 2004 Several recent changes from this continent's major destinations. "Essential information" Guardian Unlimited Travel facts for visitors to Argentina. "Places where a buck still goes a long way" Los Angeles Times (free registration required) , Mar 27, 2005 Arthur Frommer suggests a host of countries where the falling U.S. dollar still has a lot of value. "Argentina's dramatic nature" Los Angeles Times (free registration required) , Mar 13, 2005 Since the founding of El Chaltén in 1985, the Argentinean Andes have become a mecca for hikers worldwide. "On the Outlaw Trail in Argentina" Go World Travel Magazine , Dec 1, 2004 Famous bank robbers Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid came to this beautiful country to elude United States lawmen. Next Web comments (2) "Welcome to Argentina!" IgoUgo.com , Aug 7, 2003 "Argentina-A surprise of pleasures !!" IgoUgo.com , Jan 25, 2001 Free Newsletter Interested in Argentina ? We'll send you weekly updates with new articles, reviews and special deals. Just enter your e-mail address: About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor provides unbiased reviews and travel information for Argentina. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! Visit TripAdvisor in another language: About Us | Membership | Site Map | Become an Affiliate | Top Cities | Hotel Reservations | Hotel Deals | TripAdvisor Gear Popular Hotels: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , by city TripAdvisor Recommends: Las Vegas hotels , London hotels , Paris hotels , Rome hotels , New York City hotels , Chicago hotels , Orlando hotels © 2005 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . * TripAdvisor, Inc. is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... ( more ) TripAdvisor, Inc. is not responsible for content on external web sites.

Mexico travel! TripAdvisor SmartDeals

Mexico Vacation Packages - Reviews of Mexico Travel Packages - TripAdvisor Mexico Vacation Packages and Hotel Deals Sign in • Sign up Home > Mexico > SmartDeals > All travel offers Mexico tourism: Overview Hotels Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. Discount hotels | Hotel + air deals | All travel offers Search (e.g., Boston hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Mexico Mexico Overview Mexico Hotels Mexico Deals Discount hotels Hotel + air deals All travel offers Mexico Attractions Mexico Forums Mexico Maps Mexico Discount Hotels Mexico Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend Mexico vacation packages Acapulco vacation packages Alaska vacation packages Amsterdam vacation packages Anaheim vacation packages Arizona vacation packages Aruba vacation packages Aspen vacation packages Atlanta vacation packages Atlantic City vacation packages Bahamas vacation packages Barbados vacation packages Belgium vacation packages Bermuda vacation packages Boston vacation packages Branson vacation 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vacation packages St. Lucia vacation packages St. Maarten/St. Martin vacation packages St. Thomas vacation packages Sydney vacation packages Texas vacation packages Toronto vacation packages Tucson vacation packages U.S. Virgin Islands vacation packages Vail vacation packages Virginia Beach vacation packages Washington DC vacation packages Whistler vacation packages Read more Mexico tourism Mexico Vacation Packages and Hotel Deals Choose a specific destination Select one of the following destinations within Mexico: --choose-one-- ---------- Baja California -- Buenavista -- Ensenada -- La Paz -- Loreto ---------- -- Los Cabos ---- Cabo San Lucas ---- San Jose Del Cabo ---------- -- Mexicali -- Rosarito -- Tijuana ---------- Central Mexico and Gulf Coast -- Aguascalientes -- Atlihuetzia -- Boca del Rio -- Coatzacoalcos -- Cuernavaca -- Guadalajara -- Guanajuato -- Huamantla -- Ixtapan de la Sal -- Jalapa -- La Piedad -- Lagos de Moreno -- Lazaro Cardenas -- Leon -- Mexico City -- Morelia 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Europe Travel Planner 10

Eastern Europe Travel Planner Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Transitions Abroad Magazine September/October 2000 Related Topics Independent Travel Budget Travel More by the Author Work in Prague Paying Bills Back Home Eastern Europe Travel Planner 10 Tips for Visiting “The Other Europe” By Mishelle Shepard It’s true that the majority of Eastern European destinations are not for every traveler. Those who seek comfort and luxury should probably not venture far beyond capital cities like Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Tallinn, and Warsaw. But for those wishing to travel beyond the tourist zone and seek real off-the-beaten path places, people and experiences, Eastern Europe has countless options. Musicians add ambiance to a stroll on the famous St. Charles Bridge in Prague (Photo by Kent St. John) Guidebooks and locals have different definitions of what exactly constitutes “Eastern” and “Central” and “Southern” Europe. Including Albania and Romania with the same traveling advice given for the Czech Republic and former East Germany poses loads of obvious problems. Still, some general tips apply to many countries and can help alleviate minor discomforts. Bring Some Necessities I laughed the first time I left for Eastern Europe in 1990 and my grandfather told me to bring toilet paper. Thinking surely since his visit to communist Russia in the 70s there’s been some improvement, I dismissed the idea. Little did I know that after a couple of weeks I would be begging my family to send me even a 4-pack of bargain brand. Although I wouldn’t dream of loading myself down with such things as kleenex, plastic zipper bags, feminine products, or anti-perspirant, outside the main capitals such things are still difficult to come by. Even in a decent restaurant in a major capital the toilet paper resembles something close to a thin brown-paper lunch bag, and in public facilities it’s rationed according to a per-square price. I consider traveling with emergency reserve tissue an absolute necessity. Choosing Accommodations Planning ahead online is now so convenient that it’s a waste of time not to make reservations when traveling to the major cities in summer. In general, however, even where accommodations are plentiful there can be lack of mid-priced choices. The convenient and popular chains that have sprung up all over the West have not yet filtered deeply into Eastern Europe. • When considering where to stay, a good up-to-date guidebook with phone numbers of accommodations in your price range provides quick and easy piece of mind. Some countries also have extensive hotel and pension listings online that offer discounted reservations, but a follow-up call or fax is still a good idea. • In smaller towns, hotels are reasonably priced and can be found right in the town center. Remember, however, that public transportation stops early in the small towns and a lack of taxis could find you stranded. Even in a heavily touristed spa town like Karlovy Vary during the International Film Festival, a stay in the pedestrian center with breakfast in a well-run 2-star hotel costs about $40. • Pensions are a good budget choice in larger cities and are usually friendlier than a crowded hotel. Still, pensions are only a good option when they’re close to public transport, because a late night taxi ride when public transportation is sparse can quickly offset the savings in room cost. The same goes for private rooms offered by individuals—changing from bus to subway to tram can cost considerable time and money. • When alone, a hostel can’t be beat for meeting other travelers. “Junior” hotels are a similar option in many Eastern European countries and they often rent bikes and other sports equipment. And hostels are not just for students, they offer an affordable alternative for families and other budget-minded travelers. • Camping is a great way to meet lots of locals, but, of course, packing gear is inconvenient when traveling around a city. As in Western Europe, the bungalows fill up quickly in summer, so hauling around a tent may be unavoidable. Unfortunately, in a few countries the camping facilities might be the best accommodations available. Money In major cities credit cards are an easy and safe bet, but not some pensions and campgrounds or smaller bars and restaurants. When paying with a credit card outside the capitals, be warned, sometimes the machine is (mysteriously) broken, and you’ll be asked to pay in cash. If it’s absolutely necessary for you to pay by card, it’s best to make sure in advance. Cash machines are easy to come by in cities, but rare in villages. Carrying cash to smaller destinations is unavoidable, but costs are still relatively low outside the popular spots, so a little goes a long way. The foreigner pricing system still exists but is becoming less common because merchants realize travelers don’t appreciate spending two times the normal price for the same services. Not everything is a bargain in Eastern Europe and doing a bit of research can help you avoid mistaken assumptions or false claims. For example, skiing in some Eastern European destinations is just not worth the meager reduction in cost when you consider the T-lifts, crowds and quality of rental equipment. Beyond the Capitals Traveling as an English-speaker to small towns and villages may get you some longer-than-average looks, but it will also get you warm hospitality, a more authentic perception of local life and some great cross-cultural experiences. Choosing a destination depends on your interests. For first-time travelers, it can be less isolating and still very rewarding to visit vacation destinations that are popular with Eastern Europeans but fairly untouched by native English-speakers. Places like the Great Masurian Lakes near the border between Poland and Lithuania, the coast of Croatia, the Giant Mountains of Slovakia, or the spa towns in many countries are good choices. UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, the medieval town of Torun in Poland, or the famous caves of Slovakia and Slovenia are also interesting destinations. It can be fun to plan a“theme trip,” focusing on historical sites and castles, wine regions, or tracing your roots. To Drive or Not to Drive When renting or buying a car for exploring Eastern Europe you have to consider all the hidden expenses. Many countries have toll roads that require you to have a sticker or else dish out a hefty fine on the spot. Sometimes extra insurance is required for cars originating from the West, and gas prices are very high. City-to-city travel by car usually isn’t worth it for groups of less than four. On the other hand, driving can be beneficial if you have limited time and want to see as many places as possible, including all the quaint country villages and castles along the way. Getting Educated For many of us, even the biggest culture hounds, Eastern Europe has remained largely a mystery. Misinformation during communist times has been followed by a general lack of information since. Still, there are numerous books, including Eva Hoffman’s Exit into History, that poignantly describe the culture, politics and history of the region in an entertaining style. There are also some very informative web sites on Eastern Europe. When researching the culture, don’t exclude fiction, especially books written by communist dissidents. A much truer picture of the people, their dreams and their difficulties will emerge than if you limit yourself to non-fiction. Another good cultural education option is to see popular locally produced films, which you can often view with English subtitles at cinemas in the capital cities. Opportunities for work and study are continually expanding, although most economies are still in heavy transition. Those countries hoping for EU entry are adopting stricter visa regulations, so it pays to keep up-to-date at the various embassy web sites. In the major cities, there are many news sources that will keep you up-to-date, and internet cafes have changed the face of traveling altogether. From keeping in touch with family and friends, to knowing what’s going on in town to meeting people, nothing beats the convenience of on-line access when abroad. The Dreaded Languages Unfortunately most of us didn’t have a couple of years of college Ukrainian and Polish along with our French and Spanish. In Western Europe, most travelers can usually manage, but in off-the-beaten-path Poland the choice is to either to improve your gesturing skills or grow very attached to your phrasebook. If you’re staying for more than a few days, it’s worth the effort to learn some of the language. It’s not easy, but you’ll be rewarded with mountains of praise from the locals. There’s no need to take formal lessons unless you plan to work or go to school. Instead, just try offering an exchange of English for Czech, Hungarian, or whatever, and chances are you can work out a mutually beneficial arrangement. Speaking Russian in most countries won’t win you a popularity contest. The few locals who remember their required Russian don’t usually care to speak it and would rather try their hand at charades or even very broken English. Services Although it’s true the atmosphere has changed considerably in the last ten years, that change has stayed primarily in the capital centers. But even in the capitals, old habits die hard. Service varies widely between downright “tippable” to completely aggravating. However, many of us are spoiled. I, personally, can’t recall ever getting better service anywhere in Europe (with the exception of London) than I get regularly in the States. The rule I try to stand by is, don’t pay any more attention to the service than they pay to you. That way when it’s good you’re pleasantly surprised and when it’s not you hardly notice. This attitude has taken a bit of training, but it’s been worth it in the long run. Meeting the Locals Visiting the local festivals is a great way to meet people in a milieu that is not necessarily language-dependent. Medieval reenactments, world championship sporting events, or traveling Romany festivals attract more locals than tourists. It’s easy to find out what’s going on by simply asking around, checking information centers, or reading the monthly cultural guides available in cities and on-line. Not only have many of the natives changed in the past ten years, the ex-pats have as well. The number of ex-pats living in the most popular Eastern European capitals has actually gone down since its height not long after “the fall.” Hanging out at one of the typical ex-pat bars for the true cross-culture seeker used to mean selling out and choosing cultural “isolation,” but now many of the foreigners living here are in intercultural marriages and actually speak the language or heartily try. Moreover, the locals have found the ex-pat hangouts a great place to meet young travelers and practice their English. Shunning the ex-pat scene today could mean missing out on where the jobs are or the chance to meet locals who are looking to get to know you. The Invitation More so than in Western Europe, social life takes place in people’s homes. Just a bit of preplanning is a sure-fire way to meet people even before you arrive. More than once I’ve started correspondences with people on-line and had the time of my life when they invited me over once I arrived in town. It’s important to be cautious, of course, but an invitation to a local’s home opens otherwise tightly closed doors. Rustic weekend cottages and garden plots play a big role in local life in many countries and are a great way to really get to know people. What began as a practical and economical alternative to traveling remains a favorite escape from the city and a special treat for the honored guest. The East in general has retained a sense of formality and hierarchy that has become foreign to most of the West. At the same time, Eastern Europeans seem to expect the traveler to break the rules. The same faux pas that would probably get you a repressed sneer in France will be noticed with only a subdued snicker in Poland. Reading up on the local customs will remind you that taking off your shoes in someone’s home, bringing a small bouquet to the host, avoiding probing questions over dinner, sitting with strangers at a restaurant and other common courtesies are not typically shared by westerners. Perhaps undeservedly, Americans (and other native English speakers) are, for the most part, still adored in most of Eastern Europe. Of course, there has been quite a bit of “demystification” on both sides in the last ten years, but now even among the older generations apprehension has been replaced by full-fledged curiosity. That means the typical tourist misses out on great opportunities for a real cross-cultural experience while their eyes are glued to the cathedrals and their ears are pinned to the city guide. Many first-timers from the West are surprised how far the major cities have come compared to what they’ve read or seen in the past. Other travelers notice how little has really changed in some of the more remote villages. One thing is certain, though; while prices are still low and locals still curious, it’s well worth it to take advantage of this part of the world and appreciate what is undoubtedly a fleeting moment in time. Selected Web Sites www.inyourpocket.com . www.centraleurope.com . www.cdc.gov/travel/easteurp.htm. goeasteurope.about.com/mbody.htm. www.culturekiosk.com . www.hotelscentral.com . www.adventureguide.com . www.concierge.com . Newsflashes General Complying with EU regulations means many countries are updating visa policies. All Canadian tourists will need a visa to travel to the Czech Republic in 2001. Long-term visas are already required for Americans, but the requirements for obtaining one may become less stringent. Slovakia Food and service is still regularly improving and many new options have opened in Bratislava’s The Old Market Place. The new Montana’s Grizzly Bar has already become a popular hang out. Czech Republic In Karlovy Vary the famed Nezvala theatre of Helmer and Fellner, complete with the original curtain by G. and E. Klimt and F. Matsch, has finally reopened after several years of reconstruction. The annual International Film Festival, which takes place in early July, is gaining more international recognition every year. The 1999 appearance of Woody Harrelson caused quite a stir, and Milos Forman is a regular favorite. Prague was chosen as one of the European cities of culture for 2000. Under the broad theme of “cultural heritage” the city has different activities planned throughout the year. The famed ex-pat meetingplace and bookstore The Globe has moved to a bigger and better location: Pstrossova 6 in Prague 1. Eastern Germany This year marked the third year for the annual Summerfest of Theatres in Berlin, for budget travelers it’s a great way to enjoy scenes of local productions for free. The Erotic Museum is an interesting alternative for travelers tired of the run-of-the-mill art and history museums. Poland Krakow, is another of the Year 2000 cities of culture, plans to extend the cultural events into a 5-year program to promote tourism. For nightlife seekers in Krakow the new In Vitro dance club is a popular hip-but-cheap option. Slovenia The international summer festival in Ljubljana is getting bigger and better every year. Not to be missed is the International Biennial of Graphic Arts at the Museum of Modern Art. The Julian Alps are a cheaper alternative to a mountain getaway than her Austrian and Italian neighbors, but expect higher prices than other Eastern European countries. MISHELLE SHEPARD is a freelance writer currently teaching English and French at Charles Univ. in Prague. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Czech Republic from 1994-96. You may contact her at mischelleshepard@hotmail.com . Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Disclaimer ©Transitions Abroad