Central America Travel

Belize, Central America - Travel and Tourism Information  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors > Belize, Central America > Belize, Central America - Travel and Tourism Information 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 Image Courtesy of NURP Stay up to date! Image Courtesy of NURP Email to a friend Print this page Related Belize Resources Belize Online Resources Explore More of Belize Belize Accommodations Photos of Belize Maya Ruins in Belize Recent Discussions Travelling to Central/South America? Multi-Destination Flights Sport Fishing Charters 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 Belize, Central America From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Coral reefs, tropical cayes, Maya ruins, exotic wildlife and more Belize (formerly known as British Honduras) is located on Central America's Caribbean coast, bordering Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea ( see map ). Although it is a small country of only about 8,800 square miles (about the size of New Hampshire), the country has many beautiful natural venues and interesting historical sites. In particular, Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world, a number of lush tropical rain forests, picturesque mountains fed by rivers and waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and many fascinating Maya archeological sites. Belize is unique among the countries of Central America, inasmuch as the official language is English, rather than Spanish. Further, Belize's principal ethnic group is black Creole, rather than Spanish or mestizo. The country has a population of just over 200,000 - making it the most sparsely populated country in Central America. The climate is subtropical, with an annual mean daily temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The breezes from the Caribbean Sea have a refreshing cooling effect, and help to offset the humidity - at least in the coastal areas. The following briefly describes some the main visitor attractions in Belize: Belize Barrier Reef The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. This reef lies parallel to the coast of Belize, and stretches about 180 miles in a north to south direction. The Belize Barrier Reef is widely regarded as one of the world's best diving and snorkeling sites. The water on this reef is calm and clear with water visibility usually reaching about 100 feet. The water temperature remains at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year. The reef is home to about 375 species of fish and about 60 types of coral. Just beyond the main reef are three "atolls" - very large oval shaped formations of coral. In close proximity to the reef can be found a number of marine reserves, including Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve . These reserves are well worth a visit for those interested in marine ecology. In addition to diving and snorkeling, the reef is also a great location for water skiing, wind surfing, fishing or just plain swimming. Ambergris Caye Ambergris Caye , the largest of the more than 200 cayes (islands) located on Belize's northern coastline, lies just west of the Belize Barrier Reef . This narrow island is about 25 miles long and is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Belize. Ambergris Caye , with its lush vegetation, pleasing climate and pristine white beaches, is the " Isla Bonit a" (Beautiful Island) referred to by Madonna in her popular song of the same name. Because it lies less than a mile from the barrier reef, Ambergris Caye attracts large numbers of scuba divers and snorkelers. However, many other activities are popular here, including windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, nature walks, visits to nearby Maya ruins, and more. The small town of San Pedro , located in the south part of Ambergris Caye , has numerous restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, as well as authentic Belizean cuisine. Street vendors serve inexpensive freshly made tacos and a variety of delicious grilled meats. San Pedro has several bars and discos, night beach parties (which are open to all), and a number of cultural festivals held on various days throughout the year. The town also has numerous small shops which sell a variety of handicrafts made by local artisans, including pottery, paintings and some truly beautiful coral and silver jewelry. Ambergris Caye has many deluxe resorts and condominiums available for visitors, but budget accommodation is not difficult to arrange. Photo image of coral barrier reef courtesy of OAR/National Undersea Research Program (NURP) - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 1 2 Next        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

Air Travel

CNN.com - TSA unveils new security procedures - Dec 2, 2005 International Edition | Member Center: Sign In | Register Home Page World U.S. Weather Business Sports Politics Law Technology Science & Space Health Entertainment Travel Education Special Reports Video Autos CNN Pipeline E-mail Newsletters Your E-mail Alerts Podcasts RSS CNNtoGO Contact Us TSA unveils new security procedures Small tools allowed; more random searches planned TSA chief Kip Hawley announced changes Friday that will take effect December 22. WATCH Browse/Search Security screening changes (1:30) ~~ ~~ TSA alters screening procedures (1:38) ~~ -- RELATED Interactive: What you can't take with you • Transportation Security Administration YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS Transportation Security Administration Acts of terror or Create Your Own Manage Alerts | What Is This? WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Transportation Security Administration on Friday announced changes in screening procedures at the nation's commercial airports, allowing passengers to take small scissors on planes but increasing random passenger checks. "I am convinced, that the time now spent searching bags for small scissors and tools can be better utilized to focus on the far more dangerous threat of explosives," said TSA Director Kip Hawley. The changes will go into effect on December 22, during the holiday travel season. Before the official announcement, TSA officials briefed managers of the nation's airports on the changes Thursday in a conference call. Under the new procedures, which are designed to give screeners more time to focus on detecting explosives, scissors less than 4 inches long and tools less than 7 inches long will be allowed on aircraft. "Tools with cutting edges, bludgeons, crowbars, hammers, saws and drills will continue to be prohibited along with any tool that is more than seven inches long," Hawley said. About 18,000 airport screeners have received more training in explosive detection, according to the TSA. In addition, pat-down procedures at checkpoints will be refined. Currently, screeners pat down passengers' backs and abdomens. Under the new system, screeners also will pat down arms and legs below the mid-thigh, although they will be given discretion to forgo those searches in cases where bare skin or tight clothing make it obvious nothing is being concealed. The level of random screening will be increased, with procedures varying from airport to airport to keep any would-be terrorists off guard. Passengers won't be selected for random searches based on their race, age, religion or nationality, according to the TSA. However, screeners will be given some discretion to forgo searches based on age and gender, so that passengers aren't being patted down by screeners of the opposite sex. TSA officials told the managers they are assessing data from three pilot studies on the impact the new procedures might have on airport operations, but they do not anticipate any increase in waiting times. Some members of Congress are expressing reservations about the changes. ( Watch why some people are unahppy with the changes -- 1:30 ) Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-Texas, said allowing sharp-pointed scissors and similar objects on planes "could undermine the progress we have made in securing our skies since the 9/11 attacks." "The change in policy would do little to alleviate screening delays, since screeners would need to stop the conveyor belt to check whether the scissors in question fell within the new limits," she said in a letter to Hawley, urging him to drop the idea. Noting that the September 11 hijackers used box cutters to commandeer aircraft, Rep. Edward Markey, D-Massachusetts, said the TSA "should not make it easier for future Mohamed Attas to arm themselves with razor-sharp objects and bring down a passenger plane." "Flight attendants and passengers should not be put in a situation where ... a sharp scissors can be taken apart and used as a weapon at the throat of flight attendants and passengers," Markey said. CNN's Jeanne Meserve contributed to this report Story Tools Click Here to try 4 Free Trial Issues of Time! 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Golf Vacation Exclusive Offers

Scottish golf vacations, Holiday in Scotland Home Golf in Scotland Events Rankings Feedback Vote! Links Email Info By Region GolfCourses Accommodation & Hotels Fishing& Deer Stalking Car Rental Insurance Attractions Select a Golf Vacation Exclusive Offers Holiday in Scotland General Golf Vacation Enquiry Form Hotel, Holiday and Golf Vacation booking service bringing you the best thatScotland has to offer. St Andrews ... Gleneagles ... Turnberry ... Carnoustie... Royal Troon ... names to be conjured with in the world of golf, and onlya selection of the famous courses Golf-Link-Scotland could introduce youto when you join us in a golf tour of Scotland Fully arranged personal vacations for groups and societies. Booking service for accommodation, car rental and travel insurance. Golf starting times guaranteed,all courses booked in advance. Non golfers more than welcome. Check out what our customers think ! NEW! ExclusivePrestige Golf Vacation with Guaranteed Tee Times CLICK HERE ! Select one of our readymade golfing packages ... or ... Tell us where you want to play and we will arrange a tour to suit your own personal requirements. Golf-Link-Scotland.com is an exciting service that allows golfers and holidaymakers to make the most of what Scotland the ancient home of golf has to offer with a range of discounts, holidays, and golf tours. We are a small family business based in Scotland and have been in the golf tour business for 13 years. We can offer you a choice of over 500 golf courses in Scotland. Your itinerary can also be tailored to include courses in Ireland, England and Wales. Our inclusive golf vacation prices per person start from £323 (US $484) for 7 nights DBB at a 1 star hotel to include 5 rounds of golf at lesser known courses and rental of an economy car - up to £2410 (US$3615) for a 5 star hotel with 5 rounds of championship golf and a luxurious car. Whatever your budget we can tailor a holiday just for you in beautiful Scotland - the home of golf. What our customers think ...... "Just a note to let you know that the trip was fantastic and exceeded everyone's expectations! The guys really enjoyed the golf! The accommodation was wonderful and the weather couldn't have been better. Everyone has asked me to send you their regards and special thanks for making all this happen. For the majority of people there, this was the trip of a life time." Helen & Scott "Thank you. You've done a marvellous job for the group and Rita and me. Looking forward to finally meeting you on Oct 16. See you at the Old Course Hotel at 4:30pm." David Quibell "Thanks again for everything. All of the arrangements came off flawlessly. The trip was one of the best we've all experienced". Dave Richards, Pennsylvania "It was great to meet you at last when we were in Scotland and to thank you personally for arranging the perfect vacation." Geoff Houghton, Toronto "My father and his friends had a great holiday. Everything was perfect, the golf, the hotel, the experience". Craig Whipps, Birmingham "Brilliant!" Went like a dream, see you again next year." Nick Allsopp, West Midlands "Scotland was wonderful, we just loved everything, thanks for the course suggestions." Jen Fenster, California " "The trip was wonderful and we all had a great time. Thank you for taking the worry out of our trip with your personal handling of all the tour arrangements". Greg Collins, Florida. (Golf Digest Panel Member) Golf-Link-Scotland.com 12 Blenheim Court, Causewayhead, Stirling, FK9 5EA Tel/Fax +44 (0) 1786 479774 golftours@Golf-Link-Scotland.co.uk All Rights Reserved © 2005 EarnTech

Vacation Rentals: Location Search

Vacation Rentals - Vacation Homes, Villas, Condos by Owner Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Search Find Vacation Rentals: Location Search Amenities Search Advanced Search Search by Listing Number Show: Most Popular Rentals Newest Rental Listings Featured Vacation Rentals Property Owners: List Your Vacation Rental Owner Login Vacation Rentals World Wide Find your ideal vacation rental directly through the owner! We offer thousands of vacation homes for rent across the world directly from their owner or agent. VacationSpaces.com advertises accommodations in beach condos, villas, mountain cabins, and cottages to meet your vacation plans. Whether you are looking for a beach condo rental along the beautiful emerald beaches of Panama City Beach, a cabin rental in Gatlinburg, a ski chalet in South Lake Tahoe, or a villa rental near Orlando or Disney, VacationSpaces.com has the vacation home for you! Select a destination below, find the vacation home of your choice, and book it directly through the owner! Luxurious Condo Rental in Lely Resort Saratoga Golfer's Paradise! 2 BR/2 BA Luxury Alabama Idaho Minnesota North Dakota Utah Alaska Illinois Mississippi Ohio Vermont Arizona Indiana Missouri Oklahoma Virginia Arkansas Iowa Montana Oregon Washington California Kansas Nebraska Pennsylvania Washington DC Colorado Kentucky Nevada Puerto Rico West Virginia Connecticut Louisiana New Hampshire Rhode Island Wisconsin Delaware Maine New Jersey South Carolina Wyoming Florida Maryland New Mexico South Dakota Georgia Massachusetts New York Tennessee Hawaii Michigan North Carolina Texas Your listing includes: 3 MONTHS FREE WITH NEW ANNUAL PAID LISTING! * Guaranteed Results! ** Great Price: Starting at $39.95/quarter or $99/year. Toll free support and easy online management! More Photos: Up to 12 photos for a fraction of the cost of some other sites! No hidden fees! Unlimited updates to your listing and photos for no additional cost! List your vacation rental now! More Features... Customer Testimonials... Listing Fees... Frequently Asked Questions... LIST YOUR RENTAL NOW VacationSpaces.com can help you find your vacation rental in the U.S. and across the world. We have vacation homes, condos, villas, cabins, and cottages that are beach front, lake front, ski in/ski out, in your favorite city, and nestled in the mountains. Our vacation rentals are all over the US in locations such as Lake Tahoe and Disney/Orlando , and in countries such as Mexico , Canada , Spain , Costa Rica , and the Bahamas . Find your vacation home now! Kissimmee, Florida Florida Keys, Florida Orlando, Florida Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Walt Disney World Hilton Head Island, South Carolina North Lake Tahoe Panama City Beach, Florida South Lake Tahoe Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Lake Tahoe, California Cancun, Mexico San Diego, California Cozumel, Mexico Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania Barbados Costa Rica Honolulu, Hawaii St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands Miami Beach, Florida Breckenridge, Colorado Destin, Florida Maui, Hawaii Anguilla Grenada St. Barthelemy Antigua Guadeloupe St. Eustatius Aruba Guyana St. Kitts and Nevis Bahamas Haiti St. Lucia Barbados Jamaica St. Maarten Bermuda Martinique St. Vincent/Grenadines Bonaire Montserrat Trinidad & Tobago Cayman Islands Netherlands Antilles Turks & Caicos Curacao Puerto Rico Venezuela Dominica Roatan/Bay Islands Virgin Islands Dominican Republic Saba All Vacation Rentals © 2003 Terms Privacy Web Partners Disclaimer VacationSpaces.com is one of the largest and easiest tools to find vacation lodging on the web.We hope to become the official source for vacation homes, villas, beach condos, and mountain cabins by owner for the independent traveler looking for low cost accommodations anywhere in the world. We'll help you find a vacation rental for your next trip today!

Austria travel: Vienna and

Austria travel: Vienna and Salzburg Austria travel: Vienna and Salzburg Austria traveltips! The Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg offer much for a short break As a short break, the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg make an ideal combination; one magisterial and elegant, the other everyone's idea of the fairytale town, nestling into the mountains as if carved from some romantic fantasy. A scenic train journey connects the two cities in only three hours. Vienna is one of those places whose graceful reputation precedes acquaintance. The first thing that strikes you is the sense of affluent leisure that permeates the city. You may be in a capital city but relaxation or ' gemutlich' as the Austrians define it is the key word here. Trams offer a novel way to see the principal sights and if you intend a busy day's sightseeing the Vienna card (available from most retail outlets) offers great discounts. The city's main sights can be found along the Innere Stadt, the heart of the city encircled by the Ringstrasse. Here elegant shops, coffee parlours and the world-famous Staatsoper (State Opera) graciously bid you linger on your way to Stephensdom, the city's cathedral which boasts a fine view over Vienna. Nearby, in Herrengrasse 14 the Café Central is well worth a visit as its stately grandeur attests to its position as Vienna's most celebrated literary café. The best way to explore this historical area is by foot as the Hofburg Palace and Burgtheter are both within a short distance of one another. On a smaller scale but with an arguably greater impact is Mozart's house where he lived from 1784-1787. Climbing the stairs to the Figarohaus at Domgasse 5 one is propelled back into eighteenth century Vienna at the height of its musical renown, when not only Mozart but Haydn and Beethoven made their homes here. Although unfurnished, as you stroll through the rooms, listening to a Mozart concerto and glance out on the cobbled streets, the composer's spirit seems to linger more tangibly than in either of the more sophisticated museums dedicated to his memory in his native Salzburg. When one thinks of Salzburg it is Mozart and the Sound of Music that spring to mind, yet this beautiful city offers so much more than mere homage to these. It is a town of infinite charm, the old town full of cobbled streets and beautiful squares, while medieval guild signs throng the busy Getreidegasse at the heart of the shopping district. Salzburg's chief claim to glory though is no museum but its stunning skyscape, best viewed from the terrace at the Café Winkler, reached either on foot or via the Monchsberg lift. Panoramic is an understatement; suffice it to say that one suddenly feels transported to a baroque Gothic fantasy. More prosaically, the Winkler offers apple strudel to die for, so the double pleasure of gorging on both pastry and scenery are easily within reach. Several walks are possible from this point. The most spectacular takes one around the Monchsberg and up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, perched high above. Built in the 11th century and impeccably preserved this is a classic castle, stolid and authentically gloomy with an unsurpassable outlook over the town. The fit can hike down the hill into the old town whilst those less inclined will find the funicular railway a godsend. If the strains of Do-Ray-Mi can't be resisted visit the beautiful landscaped Mirabell Gardens, attached to what is possibly the finest registry office in the world. This spot, like the Nonnberg Priory will, courtesy of the film, seem strangely familiar and if your curiosity isn't sufficiently sated Panorama Tours (0662 874029) offer themed trips plus general introductory tours to help maximise a brief stay. As a memorable conclusion to any visit a journey by cable car up the Untersberg is highly recommended. Take the 55 bus from the bridge linking the commercial district to the old town and in 20 minutes you're there. Salzburg is one of those places to which even the most scenic postcard cannot truly do justice. From the moment you cross into the historic centre and begin to meander its weaving streets, it casts a formidable spell, the pastel perfection of its architecture second only to the splendour of its position. Written by Amanda Hodges - © 2002 Pagewise You are here: Essortment Home >> Travel >> Travel:Places:Europe >> Austria travel: Vienna and Salzburg << Cisalpino: the modern orient express Destinations and Attractions: Poland travel tips >>