Air Travel, U.S. Official

U.S.-EU Pact Could Revolutionize Air Travel, U.S. Official Says- U.S. Department Of State Advanced Search/Archive Español | Français | Pycckuú | | | You Are In: USINFO Products Washfile U.S.-EU Pact Could Revolutionize Air Travel, U.S. Official Says Transportation official says changes would enhance competition in "dramatic way" By Vince Crawley Washington File Staff Writer Washington – A tentative Open Skies agreement to deregulate air travel between the United States and the European Union could revolutionize trans-Atlantic passenger service by allowing free-market competition for routes and fares, a senior U.S. official says. “A U.S.-EU aviation agreement would not only bring an entirely new level of liberalization to trans-Atlantic air services, but would facilitate the most important reinvention of international aviation we have ever seen,” Jeffrey N. Shane, under secretary for policy at the Department of Transportation (DOT) said December 8. “It can be expected to enhance the quality of competition across the Atlantic in a dramatic way,” Shane said, speaking to the Royal Aeronautical Society in Montreal. The tentative agreement, announced by negotiators November 18, would allow every EU and U.S. airline to fly between every city in the European Union and every city in the United States, according to a Department of State fact sheet. It would allow U.S. and EU airlines to determine the number of flights and their routes and fares according to market demand, as well as to enter freely into such cooperative arrangements with other airlines as code-sharing and leasing. (See related article .) Currently, air services between the United States and European Union countries are conducted under bilateral aviation agreements with each EU member state. A number of the agreements are so-called Open Skies pacts that set liberal ground rules for international aviation markets and minimize government intervention. The U.S.-EU Open Skies agreement, if approved, would replace those bilateral pacts with a single policy. Shane said media accounts seem to miss the importance of the tentative agreement. “I must tell you that many of us on the U.S. side are more than a little puzzled at how accounts of this effort to conclude the most far-reaching agreement in the entire history of international aviation have been reduced to the story of a U.S. Department of Transportation rulemaking proceeding,” he said. “The press seems to have missed the most important point: that the agreement concluded in November by the two delegations, with or without the rulemaking, has the potential to transform the trans-Atlantic aviation market in fundamental ways.” The agreement “brings U.S.-E.U. relations into conformity with the requirements of European law at long last,” Shane said. “The willingness of the United States to eliminate the traditional nationality clause that is currently in every U.S. bilateral agreement -- meaning that an EU airline’s flights to the U.S. will no longer have to begin or end in that airline’s home country -- is more an advantage for EU carriers than for U.S. carriers, and means that consumers on both sides of the Atlantic would enjoy a quality of competition that exceeds anything we have seen up to now,” he said. “Potentially even more important,” he said, “the draft agreement would open an infinity of new possibilities for the reinvention of the EU airline industry. The anachronistic bilateral impediments to otherwise sensible mergers and other combinations – even under existing Open Skies agreements -- would be swept away on day one, and the implications for a more robust and competitive global presence by EU carriers would be profound.” EU transport ministers, Shane said, will take further action on the tentative pact after the outcome of a pending DOT rulemaking that would give foreign investors in U.S. airlines more of a say in business practices.  That proposed rulemaking, which is open for comments from the public until January 6, 2006, would apply only to international investors from countries that have open-skies aviation agreements with the United States and allow similar investments by U.S. citizens in their domestic airlines. (See related article .) Shane said the department will need about two months to evaluate comments after the comment period closes and issue a final rule. The full text of Shane’s speech is posted on the Department of Transportation Web site. Created:09 Dec 2005 Updated: 09 Dec 2005 Page Tools: Print this article E-mail this article USINFO delivers information about current U.S. foreign policy and about American life and culture. This site is produced and maintained by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. Links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. Home | About USINFO | Site Index | Contact Us | Privacy Topics | Regions | Resource Tools | Products Sorry, you need a JavaScript capable browser to get the best from this page

Golf Vacation

Golf resorts, golf vacation packages Youare here: Home » Golf resorts Property Listing Service Destination Africa Asia Australia Caribbean CentralAmerica Europe MiddleEast NorthAmerica Oceania SouthAmerica WeekendGetaways Backroad CityEscape UniqueStays Castle Hotel Eco Lodge Outdoors Fishing Lodge Hunting Lodge Guest Ranch Resorts Spa Diving Golf Naturist Popular Categories Arts & Crafts Bicycle Tours Boating & Sailing Culture & History Eco & Wildlife Fishing & Hunting Golf & Spa Gourmet & Cooking Schools Hiking & Trekking Language Schools Naturist Paddling & Rafting Railway Trips Scuba Diving Maps Golf Resorts Spending time on an impeccably maintained, beautifully landscaped championship golf course is business as usual at most golf resorts. Whether visiting a small resort nestled in lush countryside, or staying at a legendary destination resort such as Gleneagles in remote Scotland, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy natural beauty, luxurious living, and abundant recreation. And nowadays, many golf resorts also have spas and children's programs to please non-golfing family members and allow the whole family a relaxing, satisfying vacation. Countries Golf resortsin USA Arizona California Colorado Florida Georgia Hawaii Illinois Massachusetts Montana New Hampshire New Mexico South Carolina Vermont Golf resortsin Canada Alberta British Columbia New Brunswick Ontario Quebec Golf resortsin Africa Egypt South Africa Golf resortsin Asia Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Golf resortsin Australia and Oceania Australia New Zealand Golf resortsin Caribbean Barbados Dominican Republic Grenada Jamaica Tobago US Virgin Islands West Indies Golf resortsin Central America Costa Rica Golf resortsin Europe France Greece Iceland Ireland Italy Portugal Scotland Spain United Kingdom Golf resortsin Middle East Turkey Golf resortsin North America Mexico Golf resortsin South America Argentina To list a hot trip, click here . InfoHub now offersconsumer fraud protection at no cost to you. Please make sureyou read the information about the Fraud Protection Program byclicking the button below. Learnmore Company | Supplier program | Travel agent program | Trip List Service | Affiliate Program | Submit Links | Contact Archive Site map Destination Guide InfoHub

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Switzerland Travel Community: Lugano Tourism Home Browse: -- ---Destination--- Adelboden Airolo Aletsch Andermatt Anzre Appenzellerland Arosa Ascona Bad Ragaz Baden Basel Belinzona Bern Berner Oberland Bettmeralp Biel Braunwald Brienz-Meiringen Brig Brissago Celerina Centovalli Charmey Chteau-d'Oex Chur Crans-Montana Davos Disentis-Sedrun Einsiendeln Emmental Engelberg Estavayer-le-Lac Flims Laax Falera Fribourg Geneva Gimmelwald Glarus Grchen Grindelwald Gruyres Gstaad Interlaken Jungfrau Region Kandersteg Klosters La Chaux-de-Fonds Lago Maggiore Lausanne Lauterbrunnen Lenzerheide-Valbella Les Diablerets Leuk Leukerbaad Leysin Liestal Locarno Ltschberg Lucerne Lugano Martigny Mendrisio Montreux Morges Mount Pilatus Mt. Rigi Murren Murten Nendaz Neuchatel Nyon Pays du Grand-St-Bernard Pontresina Rapperswil Rheinfelden Riederalp Romont Saanen Saas-Fee Sainte-Croix Samedan Samnaun San Bernardino Sntis Savognin Schaffhausen Schwyz Scuol Sierre Sils-maria Silvaplana Sion Soglio Solothurn Splgen St. Gallen St. Moritz Thun Thurgau Thusis Ticino Toggenburg Torgon Vaduz Val de Illiez Verbier Villars Visp Region Weggis Wengen Winterthur Yverdon Zermatt Zug Zurich ---Region--- Basel Bernese Oberland Central Switzerland Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein Fribourg Geneva Graubnden Lake Geneva (Vaud) Neuchtel / Jura / Jura Bernois Schweizer Mittelland Ticino Valais Zurich Switzerland Game Log in Email Address: Password: Remember Me Problems logging in? Not a Member? What is the Switzerland Travel Community? Join the community to discover Switzerland through firsthand travel reviews and photos, to meet other Swiss travelers, earn valuable rewards, and much more! Switzerland > Lugano Journal Name: Things to do in Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland Member Name: Tighe Flanagan (Register or Login to see this member's profile!) Type of Trip: I Live Here Date Created: 8/14/2005 Description: I'm an American college student living in the Lugano area. I have been here for 3 years and know how to get around this place fairly well, especially for the budget-conscious among us (an amazing feat given the prices in this country). Entry Category Member Recommendation Content Rating Monte San Salvitore Hiking Highly Recommended Monte Br Hiking Recommended Rope Swing into Lake Lugano Other Great Outdoors Very Highly Recommended Strolling around Laghetto Experiences N/A has photos Community Lugano Members Who Live in Lugano lalit Flores1069 Dr Paulo thommy Luganesi See All Members With Lugano Journals Sierra Linda Kaye Lysiak Tighe Flanagan Invicta73 Lugano Photos See All Most Recent Lugano Journals Lugano - Gem of Southern Switzerland Loitering in Lugano Hotel de la Paix in Lugano Things to do in Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland Lugano - The home of la dolce vita, Swiss style See All Return to Home Information about Swiss Quality Switzerland Tourism : About Us : Privacy Statement

South America Travel Go

Travel Planners for South America  You are here: About > Travel > South America for Visitors > Plan Your Trip > Travel Planners for South America Travel Go South America Essentials Plan Your First Trip to South America Photo Gallery Travel Features - Countries and Culture News and Current Events Reader Participation Requested Articles & Resources Most Popular Destinations Countries and Territories Plan Your Trip Getting There Culture Events, Fiestas, Holidays Languages Geography News & Current Events History Archaeology Sports and Recreation Wildlife / Conservation Guides and Gear Cuisine Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Guide and Travel Books History and Culture Books Cookbooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the South America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search South America for Visitors click for more images Angel Falls, Venezuela Courtney Milne Stay up to date! click for more images Angel Falls, Venezuela Courtney Milne Email to a friend Print this page Traveler's Resources Travel Articles about South America Photo Gallery FAQ More for the Traveler A - Z Site Map Index South America 101 South America: Never Out of Season Recent Discussions Great Vegas Site, Great Discounts Great Vegas Site, Great Discounts Help..traveling to South America..... Most Popular All Stars 9 Empanada Iguazu Falls Pictures of Chile South America Photo Gallery What's Hot Cola de Mono - Monkey's Tail Cuzco Pisco Sour Chilean Style Falkland Islands Photos Virtual Tour Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Mexico / Central America for Visitors Spanish Language Adventure Travel Budget Travel Travel Planners for South America From Bonnie Hamre , Your Guide to South America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! First time or experienced traveler, here's the information you need! South America is a huge, spectacular continent, with great rivers, lush rain forests, snow covered mountains and tremendous glaciers, barren deserts and fertile agricultural areas. The countries are unique unto themselves, but can be grouped somewhat geographically. The northern countries face the Caribbean Sea, have mixed populations, a tropical lifestyle and rugged mountains. Here you will find favorite destinations like Angel Falls, the coastal resort of Los Roques and Margarita Island. The Andean heartland contains the area that once was the core of the Inca Empire. Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador are still the most Indian of the South American countries. Here you will find the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, the highest navigable lake in the world in Lake Titicaca, snow-covered peaks and live volcanos, like famous Cotopaxi in Ecuador, plus the dense rain forests of western Amazonia. Brazil is like no other: language, culture, sheer size, superlatives, energy and style, but it does share the Pantanal with its neighbor, landlocked Paraguay where the Chaco is the last grand frontier on the continent. They share also the Parana river, where Friendship Bridge links the two nations near Iguazu Falls. The countries of the "Southern Cone" are the most European in flavor. Argentina and Chile host some of the wildest extremes of climate and geography - pampas and desert, the Andes, Patagonian glaciers and the Straits of Magellan and Beagle Passage. The islands, either territories or possessions, share very few characteristics with the mainland. They are unique and out of the way, yet they reward the traveler with sights and experiences far beyond the norm. But, before you can get to any of these destinations, you have to have a travel plan! Within these pages you'll particularly useful information for the first time visitor to South Anerica, but experienced travelers will also find this information a handy way to refresh their memories or find something new. These pages will take you directly to hundreds more of resources for travel to and around South America. You'll find country facts, plus ways to get there, the documents you'll need for travel, accommodations, sightseeing suggestions, history, geography, culture, the arts, language aids, transportation and practical help, plus wonderful photos and maps Please read these pages: Introduction Major Attractions and Countries Transportation and Tours Practical Information Choose your Destination! 1 2 3 4 5 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 Cola de Mono - Monkey's Tail Cuzco Pisco Sour Chilean Style Falkland Islands Photos Virtual Tour

Asia Travel

Asia Travel Pictures | Asia Travel Photos Asia Get travel inspiration and travel suggestions for visiting Asia. Fly your way! Book your flight to Asia online - saving 40% or more! Countries: Azerbaijan Bahrain Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia North Korea Oman Pakistan Philippines Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Thailand United Arab Emirates Vietnam Yemen For me, Asia is a continent of extremes. Extremely vast, extremely crowded, extremely empty in parts, and with an incredible variation of cultures, religions, history, languages.... It is colourful, proud, fascinating, fast and slow... In Asia, one often feels very small, confronted with all these sensations. One feels small because of the huge distances one has to travel. One feels small when admiring a huge statue. One feels small when trying to walk in huge masses of people. Asia is a continent of mysteries. Languages are often written in characters strange to foreigners. Cultures are so different from European ones, that it is a defiance to unravel them. But really understanding them for a European like me, is an illusion. People are sometimes nice, sometimes incredibly impertinent. To be honest, I must say that Asia is not my favourite continent. Mostly for the exact observations given before. It is almost impossible to really connect with the people. They always seem to be hidden behind a mask, a mask of their culture, language, religion. And the foreigner is always excluded. Nevertheless, there is a strong interaction between these sensations. And this interaction is precisely the attraction of the vast collection of countries that make up Asia. Feel welcome to share my experiences in The Mysterious Continent! Go directly to: Africa Europe North America Oceania South America Join our mailinglist: If you want to be updated about developments at Around the World in 80 Clicks, subscribe! Your E-mail address: Travel Forum Join others in discussions on Asia Also on this site: read and sign the guestbook send us your suggestions ! send this site to a friend read about the background of this site publications on this site meet new friends for travel, dating or just fun! Around the World in 80 Clicks All rights reserved - www.traveladventures.org - 1999-2005 Share your comments