European Vacation Rentals -

Europe Vacation Rentals Holiday Home Rentals in Europe at Global Home Exchange and Vacation Rentals home exchange home listings vacation rentals new & featured listings request information list your home European Vacation Rentals - Vacation Rentals in Europe Global Home Exchange and Vacation Home Rentals - A place to call home - A place to belong! Holiday HomeRentals in Europe EuropeVacation Rentals European holiday home rentalsand Europe luxury vacation home rentals. Bulgaria Troyan April to September Croatia Gorski Kotar Available all year England Central London Available all year Devon Available all year London November 2005 onwards London mid-June - September Wimbledon Available all year France Cannes Available all year Luberon July, August and first two weeks of September Nice Available all year Nice Available all year Paris Available all year Paris Available all year Paris Available all year Paris Available all year Pezenas Available all year Vailhauqus Summer Germany Siegen Available for the FIFA World Cup of Soccer and other dates Stuttgart Available from December 05 to July 06. Available for the FIFA World Cup of Soccer and other dates Greece Athens Central Available all year Athens Central Available all year Athens Schinias Available all year Limnos Beach Available all year Zakynthos Island May 2006 to October 2006 Ireland Dublin Ireland Available all year Limerick County Limerick Available all year Tralee County Kerry March, April, May, June, September Italy Abruzzo Available all year Bologna August 2006 Chianti Tuscany Available all year Este 30km from Padua Bed and Breakfast Available all year Florence Available all year Florence Available all year Lecce bed & breakfast Available all year Messina Available all year Milano Marittima Available all year Montagnola Senese Tuscany Available all year Ragusa Sicily Available all year Rome Available all year Rome Available all year Salerno Amalfi Available all year Salernno Available all year Salernno Bed and Breakfast Available all year Sarteano Tuscany Available all year Sciacca Sicily April 30 to October 31 2006 Siena Available all year Sirolo Riviera del Conero June July August 2006 Sorrento Coast Available all year Torino Winter Olympics vacation rental accommodation February and/or March 2006 Torino Winter Olympics vacation rental accommodation Feb 2006 Turin Italy Winter Olympics vacation rental accommodation Feb 2006 Turin Available all year and for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games Monaco Monte Carlo Available all year Monte Carlo Available all year Scotland Aberfoyle January 2006 onward Edinburgh Available all year Glasgow Available all year Spain Altea Alicante Available from January 1 to August 31 2006 Barcelona Available all year La Manga Available all year Lanzarote Canary Islands Available all year Costa del Sol Malaga Available all year Selville Available all year Villajoyosa Available all year Membership Promotion Our pre database very affordable promotional rate: 24 month listing only $20 Canadian or approximately $17 US, 14 Euros, 9 , 23 Au. That works out to less than $1 a month. There are no hidden fees, no taxes or any other charges. All listings are valid for 24 months Additional homes are half price for members wishing to list more than one home Members can win prizes and a scholarship that can be used by any member of your family from age 3 to 93. Expected launch date of our new data base is February 2006 or earlier Database driven website update This promotion ends after the launch of our new website Registeryour home View our growing collection of luxuryholiday & vacation home rentals throughout Europe and the worldwide. We feature luxury vacation rental homes, luxury villas, luxury apartments andhouses from around the world at LuxuryVacation Rentals Global Home Exchange & Vacation Rentals Global has been featured in the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and many more worldwide publications

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Mexico Travel

TRAVEL MEXICO | Travel Mexico - Travel Mexico guide and packages... harbour cruises | limos & cars | real estate | toronto weddings | sports | getaways cruises hotels restaurants christmas shopping attractions nightlife send this site to a friend toronto weather rochester weather home<< CRUISES: CORPORATE PUBLIC WEDDINGS HOURLY TOURS FERRIES FISHING SAILBOATS ROCHESTER FERRY Toronto Menu harbour cruises harbour info toronto hotels toronto weddings symphony of fire toronto airport toronto maps toronto transit toronto news banks / currency white pages lotteries horoscopes contact us advertise with us Search the Web Canadian Sites Only Our Friends toronto.com NorthYork.com Mississauga.com ShowMeToronto.com TorontoPlace.com Partners TRAVEL MEXICO Welcome to Travel Mexico... For Travel Mexico packages, please click on photos: This is your guide to Travel Mexico - popular among travelers from all over the world, Mexico is poised to be oneof the leading travel destinations in America.Our Travel Mexico guide offers complete info on how to discoverthe fascinating world of Mexico. Your Mexico vacation will be planned in advance by our Travel Mexico expertsincluding airline tickets, your hotel stay, dining and attraction information. Travel to Mexico is popular for several reasons - In Mexico you will find sunshine, blue seas teeming with fishand coral, and scuba diving. Travel Mexico - travel Mexico to enjoy it's crystal-white beaches, lofty mountainsand volcanoes. Your Travel Mexico agent will provide you with info on jungles full of exotic wildlife. Yourtravel to Mexico can also include collectible folk art and the breath-taking remains of ancient cultures. Travel Mexico in style and for prices the fraction of Florida, Bermuda or the Virgin Islands. Travel Mexico todiscover ancient Aztec pyramids, authentic foods and fantastic shopping. Travel Mexico to take in puresunshine! If you are looking for pure relaxation stay at one of the Mexican villas recommended by our Travel Mexico agent.How about a Mexican Spa package included in your stay! Our Travel Mexico agents will provide you with complete info and plan your Mexico vacation keeping your choicesand taste in mind. We will take care of all the details and all you will do is Have Fun! Mexico offers numerous beaches with the services and necessary infrastucture so that you may experience the bestvacation of your life - just ask our Travel Mexico agents. Embodying centuries of history and refinement, Mexico's historic city center harbors more than 1,500 historicbuildings which constitute the beating heart of the country. Ask your Travel Mexico guide about a tour throughthe bustling streets of Mexico. Travel Mexico to discover nature in Cancun, Acapulco Los Cabos, Manzanillo - all across this beautiful country -Mexico is yours! Planning a visit to Puerto Vallarta with your family, or your honeymoon trip to Cancun, or if you are organizingan Incentive trip for your company, our Travel Mexico agents are here to help you. Thank you for visiting our Travel Mexico guide. Toronto: Toronto Beaches Hotels Toronto Car Rentals Toronto Gift Baskets Toronto Florists Toronto Harbourfront Toronto Beaches Toronto Christmas CN Tower Toronto News toronto Ferry Toronto Islands Victoria Day Toronto Hotels Toronto Limo Services Toronto Hotels Toronto Ontario Florists Toronto Santa Claus Parade 2005 Casa Loma Ontario Getaways Toronto Island Airport Toronto Movies Toronto Getaways Toronto Airport Hotels Toronto Downtown Hotels Toronto Flower Delivery Toronto Flowers Toronto Limos Toronto Banquet Halls Toronto Beaches Restaurants Toronto Airport Limos Festival Of Fire Toronto Cruises Toronto Funeral Flowers Toronto Sympathy Flowers Toronto Birthday Flower Delivery Breeze Toronto Downtown Florists Toronto Tourism Ontario Tourism Toronto Downtown Toronto Downtown Restaurants Toronto Corporate Cruises Toronto Event Planning Toronto Corporate Event Planning Ferry Toronto Gay Weddings Toronto Roses Toronto New Baby Gift Baskets Toronto New Baby Flowers Victoria Day Fireworks Cruises Victoria Day Events Toronto Harbourfront Ontario Place Toronto Tropical Flowers Toronto Corporate Gifts Toronto Corporate Flowers and Gift Baskets Toronto Wedding Flowers Toronto Wedding Florist Ontario Flowers Florist in Ontario Canada Toronto Fishing Toronto Salmon Fishing Free Ecards Toronto Corporate Cruises Symphony Of Fire Toronto Massages Toronto Laundry Toronto Dry Cleaners Toronto Rug Cleaners Toronto Spa Ontario Spa Toronto Wedding Limos Toronto Taxi Toronto Air Show Toronto Fireworks Toronto New Years Eve CNE Laundry Toronto Wedding Photographers Dry Cleaners Dry Cleaning Hair Transplants Toronto Christmas Gift Baskets Toronto Anniversary Flower Baskets Toronto Anniversary Gift Baskets Toronto Toronto Lawyers Toronto Catering Comfort Suites Toronto Canada: Canada News Canada Day Canada Day Fireworks Rochester: Rochester Fast Ferry Events In Rochester Rochester Festivals Rochester Hotels Rochester New York Flowers Rochester New York Restaurants Rochester Fast Ferry Rochester Ferry Mississauga: Mississauga Real Estate Mississauga Florist Mississauga Flowers Mississauga Funeral Flowers Mississauga Gift Baskets Mississauga Sympathy Flowers Mississauga Birthday Flowers New york: New York Flowers Mexico: Travel Mexico Great lakes: Great Lakes Lake Michigan Great Lakes Cruises North york: North York Florist North York Flowers North York Sympathy Flowers North York Funeral Flowers North York Birthday Flowers Oakville: Oakville Florist Oakville Funeral Flowers Oakville Sympathy Flowers Oakville Flowers Oakville Birthday Flower Delivery Aurora: Aurora Flowers Aurora Florist Richmond hill: Richmond Hill Florists Richmond Hill Flowers Markham: Markham Florists Markham Flowers Brampton: Brampton Flowers Brampton Florist Burlington: Burlington Florists Burlington Flowers Hamilton: Hamilton Florist Hamilton Flowers Scarborough: Scarborough Florists Scarborough Flower Delivery

Chicago Vacation

Family Vacation Tip: Chicago Greeters You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses Search Travel with Kids Family Vacation Tip: Chicago Greeters Travel with Kids Blog « Family Vacation Idea: USVI | Main | Family Vacations: Disney World » December 22, 2003 Family Vacation Tip: Chicago Greeters Visiting Chicago? Get a (free!) introduction to the city with your own personal guide, courtesy of the City of Chicago Greeter Program . Similar to the terrific Big Apple Greeters in NYC. Email a Friend Display Latest Headlines Read Archives Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children 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 Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...

Cheap Travel Insurance, where

Travel Insurance, Ski Insurance for Cheap UK Online Holiday or Business Cover Single trip Travel Insurance - Prices from £9.15 for two weeks Europe Compare our prices Policy Benefits Pre-existing Medical Insurance Over 64 Travel Insurance Repatriation E111 Policy Wording Privacy Policy Site Security Contact us About us Backpacker Insurance Ski Insurance Snowboarding Insurance Travel Insurance Annual Multi Trip Golf Insurance Long Stay Business Insurance Travel Dictionary Info for Travellers Currency Rates Temperatures Abroad FAQ Gap Year Information Travel News Don`t leave travel insurance `til the last minute! American medical care £12 per minute? News archive Travel Insurance and Ski Insurance Welcome to Cheap Travel Insurance, where we are dedicated to bringing you some of the cheapest travel insurance policies online. Cheap Travel Insurance specialise in travel insurance suitable for business and holiday travellers alike and by buying direct you can save up to 47% compared to other leading high street names. Residency : United Kingdom Destination : UK & Channel Islands Europe Australia / New Zealand Worldwide exc. USA / Canada Worldwide Multi-trip : Ski cover : Dates : 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st Dec 2005 Jan 2006 Feb 2006 Mar 2006 Apr 2006 May 2006 Jun 2006 Jul 2006 Aug 2006 Sep 2006 Oct 2006 Nov 2006 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st Dec 2005 Jan 2006 Feb 2006 Mar 2006 Apr 2006 May 2006 Jun 2006 Jul 2006 Aug 2006 Sep 2006 Oct 2006 Nov 2006 Adults : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Policy : Individual Couple Family Group Children : 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Infants : 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 You can buy your policy online through our secure servers and we then send you an instant confirmation and full policy documents via e-mail. We also offer cheap ski insurance and cheap backpackers insurance. So for comprehensive insurance cover and benefits then get your holiday insurance from us now. Travel from 3 to 365 days Single trips, annual multi trip, long stay Our policies offer three levels of cover 14-day full money back guarantee Ski travel insurance Backpacking Individual, Couple or Family policies Business trips Sports and recreational activities Cancellation insurance Some of our Travel Insurance Products. Ski and Snowboarding Insurance - Specialist winter sports travel insurance with off piste cover and and medical emergency repatriation for skiing and snow-boarders. Backpackers Travel Insurance - Great value travel insurance cover for backpackers and students on Gap Years. Policy includes sports and adventure activities, and other extreme sports can be added. Annual Travel Insurance - Multi Trip Travel Insurance for regular travellers covering unlimited trips per year with a winter sports option. Cheap Travel Insurance - Low cost single and multi trip travel cover for the individual traveller or family on holiday or business travel. Holiday Insurance - Planning a holiday abroad with the whole family or independantly? Then our travel insurance offers holiday insurance cover for both annual or single trip policies. £20 of Free Wine from Cheaptravelinsurance and Virgin Wines ! We have teamed up with Virgin Wines and so as a thank you, for every travel insurance policy purchased from us we will send you a free £20 introductory voucher to spend with Virgin Wines. So even if you just purchase our 2 week single trip policy to Europe for £9.15 we will still send you a free £20 introductory voucher to spend with Virgin Wines. Voucher sent with your policy by email, for more details Click Here Residence You must have been a resident of this country for at least 12 months. UK, Channel Islands & Isle of Man Travel within the UK. Europe All the members of the European Community, Andorra, Azores, Bosnia - Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Channel Islands, Croatia, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Isle Of Man, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Australia / New Zealand At least 75% of the total trip must be spent in Australia and/or New Zealand. 25% of the trip may be spent Worldwide. Travel to USA and Canada is subject to a combined maximum of ten days. Worldwide exc USA / Canada Travel the World, except USA / Canada and excluded regions: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo (Brazzaville.), Congo (Zaire), Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Lebanon, Liberia, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Togo, UK Cruise, Yemen. Worldwide Travel the World, excluding regions: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo (Brazzaville.), Congo (Zaire), Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Lebanon, Liberia, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan, Togo, UK Cruise, Yemen. Annual multi-trip policy If you plan to travel 2 or more times per year, this policy can save you money. It means you won't have to set up a new policy every time you travel. Ski Cover Our ski policy covers you whether on or off-piste and also if you are a skier or a snowboarder. My Travel Dates Please use the calendar function to help you select the exact dates you are travelling, add an extra day if you are getting a night flight back. Adults From 19 to 64 years old. Children From 2 to 18 years old, plus students who are in full time education, aged 19-21. Infants From 0 to 1 year old. Individual Please select the traveller who you wish to book insurance for. If there is a group of you, please select the Group type of policy. Couple A couple can be either legally married, a common law husband and wife or an adult couple who have cohabited for at least one year. All limits and excesses are per person irrespective of one or both travelling on the same trip. Family A family is considered to be a legally married couple, a common law husband and wife, a single parent or adult couple who have cohabited for at least one year and up to 3 children aged under 19 (or up to 21 if in full time education) . Under 2's travel free on an Adult or Couple Policy (please select Family, under Type of policy to set this up). Group If your group has more than 8 people, please call us at 0800 XXX XXX. Other Travel Extras If you are looking to stay at the airport the night before your flight, just require airport parking, car hire at your destination or currency exchange services to your door just click below for some exclusive deals. Airport Parking Car Hire Airport Hotels Holiday Money Cheaptravelinsurance.com is a trading name of Grovelawn Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Address: 98 Station Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 7BY - FSA Registration Number: 314204 All our travel insurance policies are administered by C T I S Limited who are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority FSA registration number: 311897. Ski Sitemap | Sitemap We are able to offer cheap travel insurance to you at discounted prices compared to travel agents because you buy direct either online with instant confirmation or via our call centre. Our travel insurance is affordable yet has extensive cover for all those eventualities including primarily medical and health cover but also trip cancellation, travel delay, baggage loss, repatriation, lost cash and documents, personal accident and other situations that you may encounter whilst abroad. There are a number of different travel and holiday insurance products available including single trip, annual multi trip, (ideal if you are thinking of taking more than one vacation a year), ski and snowboard insurance for the winter sports enthusiasts and backpacker, long stay, adventure and gap year cover for those students looking to explore the world or work their way around it! All policies are available for travel in Europe or Worldwide for individuals, couples or families. Within the site you will find lots of useful information to prepare yourself before your trip away, including info on backpackers and gap year travel, a fully comprehensive skiing guide including details on virtually every ski resort in europe and USA, and a nifty language dictionary for all those useful phrases while away. We detail clearly all the policy wording and have a full faq section for any questions you may have. For all your other insurance needs we have dedicated a section covering details on how to get your cheap motor insurance and home insurance and also a section on pet insurance for your cat and dog, this may be of importance if you are looking to take your pet away with you abroad on holiday on the new pet passports.

Germany Travel Guide, climate:

Germany Travel Guide - Information and Advice Germany Travel Guide Information and Advice Germany Map | Map of Europe Berlin Travel Guide | Heidelberg Travel Guide Germany Travel Guide, climate: Best: May-Sept. Worst: Nov-March . Short daylight hours, cold and grey, but snow helps the ambience and Christmas fairs in December are light and lively, especially in Munich, Berlin, Heidelberg, Lübek and Munster. Length of stay: Minimum worthwhile stay, not including flights: Berlin for a wild weekend. Recommended: 2 weeks to have a reasonable look at this huge country. Germany Festivals Guide: early December - late January, Lübek Ice Sculpture Festival . Glittering ice art in a gorgeous town. end of January, International Dog-Sled Racing in Todtmoos, two days . Thousands of dogs and many more spectators enjoy this event, particularly the torchlit night races. Feb/March Heidelberg Fasching - this elegant town's answer to Mardi Gras, with local festivities and parades. Feb/March Carnivals in many cities but the three best are in Dusseldorf, Cologne and Mainz. massive, colourful and vigorous. E aster week, Berlin Opera Festival . end of March, Munich Ballet Week. Top performances from international stars. early April, International Dance Theatre Days in Weimar. Wild dance in east Germany . early May, The Rhine in Flames [1st Saturday of May]. Towns south of Bonn, on the river Rhine, explode with celebrations and massive firework displays. end of June, Christopher Street day, Berlin. A monster Gay Pride parade and street party. mid July, Love Parade, Berlin - the wackiest of local festivals, a weekend of ecstatic body-baring by 1.5 million techno- ravers. most of August, Wagner Festival at Bayreuth - very expensive and elitist, held in the unusual theatre that Wagner built. most of August, Berlin International Dance - a wide range of innovative, international dances. l ate September for 2 weeks, Oktoberfest, Munich, mainly about downing vast quantities of beer and bratwurst then behaving badly with your neighbours. All December, Christmas Markets and Fairs in many cities and towns, especially Munich, Berlin, Heidelberg, Lübek and Munster. For some precise dates see: European Festivals or Arts Festiva ls . Activities Guide: Hiking: Germany's favourite outdoor pastime so trails are well developed and supported . They are also in some superb locations including the Alps, the Hartz Mountains, the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest. Biking: German efficiency and politically correct attitude combine to produce a mass of excellent city and rural cycle paths, well-posted, little used yet in awesome surroundings. During April- September many rail stations rent bikes which can be returned to other stations in the 'Fahrrad am Banhof' scheme. Canoeing and windsurfing: There is no shortage of rivers and lakes for strong-arm travel. Lake Constance down south in Bavaria is especially popular. Skiing: As with hiking and biking, there're plenty of places for gorgeous downhill and cross-country skiing, well-organised too, as you would expect. Germany Star Guide: Monuments *** Shopping and souvenirs *** Walkability **** Food Quality and Variety *** Value for Money *** Hotel Prices and Value ** Beaches * Wildlife *** Landscape *** Local People *** Architecture *** Safety **** Nightlife and Clubbing **** Health Problems none Museums ***** Accommodation guide: Hotels are plentiful and not necessarily pricey. Guesthouses and pension are also common and even better value. The only problem - apart from festival time when you should book way ahead - is in the east where you might have to take a room in a private house. Campsites are always well set-up but popular in the summer so plan to check in early in the afternoon. Why Travel to Germany? Apart from any interest in the huge historical and industrial impact of Germany on the world and especially on Europe, the country offers tourists many attractions: lovely rustic towns with well-preserved traditions; sophisticated cities sporting avant-garde art; spectacular castles; vast forests and mountains , and plenty of classic art and culture to fill in the cracks. With native sons such as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Handel and Wagner, music is big in Germany, and not all of it classical. Berlin in particular is a breeding ground for youth-led musical outrage. Other artistic and intellectual spheres also embrace outstanding names. e.g. Goethe, Brecht, Einstein, Nietzsche, Karl Marx, Kant, Beuys, Ernst... the list goes on and on. This is a country with a HUGE past and a pretty enormous present. The future? Hmmm... Downside: - It may be surprising how many Germans speak no English. - Outside sophisticated towns eating often means meat and two veg, filling but not thrilling. Where to travel in Germany: East: - *** Berlin , a wild and exciting capital city, if not particularly sympathetic or staggeringly beautiful. See Berlin Travel Guide . - ***Leipzig. This laid back, pretty old town, is a musical pot of gold, the home of Wagner, Mendelssohn and Bach. All sorts of fine music is available in relaxed environments, from club to classical. - **Weimar is a minor city but a major tourist attraction for Germans, the place that launched a thousand quips - Nietzsche, Goethe, Klee, Kandinsky, Liszt and Bach [Bach again? How many homes did he have?!] all considered this home. More sobering, Buchenwald concentration camp is also here. W e st: - ***Lübek , a charming medieval town and UNESO World Heritage site, it's in the far north of Germany, not far from less attractive but very lively Hamburg. - **Cologne, beside the Rhine, is notable for its sights, including the massive cathedral, its colourful Christmas market and its outrageous Carnival. - *Frankfurt. A transport nexus and business centre, Frankfurt is cosmopolitan and offers the culture vulture a trove of superb galleries and museums. It's convenient for Heidelberg and the Rhine Valley. - ***Heidelberg. A small, relaxed, charming university city, with river, castle and old town. Near the Rhine Valley. See Heidelberg Travel Guide . Bavaria: - ***Munich - capital of Bavaria - is Berlin's main rival, deservedly so as it's relaxed yet sophisticated, spacious yet compact, with grand old buildings galore and the Alps only an hour away. - ***Füssen [or nearby Schwangau] in Bavaria is for lovers of fantasy castles, with mad King Ludwig's three spectacular offerings clustered around here, including Neuschwanstein. But the town is also attractive, as are the Alps nearby. The Great Outdoors: - ***The Rhine Valley is Germany's Top of the Hops, the best outdoor experience in the country. Hills, river, castles, vineyards combine to overpowering effect. And in May there's the epitome of river fever, The Rhine in Flames festival [see left]. Cruises through the spectacular Rhine Gorge are a favourite tourist experience. - **Hartz Mountains. Another excellent destination for all season outdoor sports freaks, and closer to most tourist destinations than the overblown Alps. Cuisine Guide: This is not a good destination for dieters. Traditional German food is heavy, fatty and sweet - or both - and tasty too if you have a simple palate. Meat, as you would expect, is a key ingredient, with sausages heading the menu, while potatoes, dumplings and chunky bread are the carbohydrate support act. This style is especially prevalent in east Germany. In the more sophisticated towns less disastrous foodstuffs are available, even vegetarian, and ethnic restaurants pop up everywhere, particularly Italian, Turkish and Chinese . A wonderful selection of beers and sweetish wines are also no help to modern tastes and waists. Few menus outside tourist-targeted restaurants show English translations, and German is not an easy language to guess, so consider bringing a phrase book along, or learn food vocabulary in advance. Germany Tours Tour operators offering travel in Germany can be found in our listings here: Germany Tours For links to Tourist Offices, Embassies, Cheap Air Tickets, Currency Converter, Climate, Language advice, other online Travel Guides and more, visit Bugbog Travel Directory Visas: EU citizens are free to travel wherever, whenever in Germany, while nationals of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan do not need a visa for up to 3 months, though you should carry your passport. Electricity Guide: Electric sockets are 230v and take 2 round pin or 2 flat pin plugs. Safety Guide: Germany is safe - though less so the east half - and locals are unlikely to dip their hands in your pockets, but new East Europeans are not so restrained, so take the usual precautions. Language: When you meet Germans abroad they always seem to speak excellent English - albeit with a harsh accent. Not so at home! It's worth learning a few key phrases to lube your travels, particularly food words as menus are rarely translated into English and guessing doesn't work well in German. Intercity Travel Guide: Trains are excellent in Germany, particularly ICE [Intercity Express]. Buses, though cheaper are a lot less comfortable and slower. Self drive is a great way to travel distances apart from the occasional jam and some intimidating driving on the autobahn [motorways]. Local Transport: Generally trains are the way to go, if they are available - which they are in urban areas. Buses are less ubiquitous while taxis are expensive. The S-Bahn is overground rail, the U-Bahn undergound. i.e. the metro. Money: The Euro is used in Germany. Costs are a little high though consuming fast food is one way to keep expenses [along with your lifespan] down. Tipping is not necessary in restaurants, but taxi drivers expect about 10%. Pictures are courtesy of the German Tourist Board. If you plan to travel Germany you may find these other Bugbog guides useful: Austria Travel Guide Czech Republic Travel Guide Hungary Travel Guide Belgium Travel Guide France Travel Guide UK Travel Guide Italy Travel Guide Travel Pictures | Destination Finder | Exotic Places | World Festivals | World Wonders | Safari Wildlife | Beaches | Top of Page European Places | Walking Tours | Travel Health | Travel Safety | Travel Directory | English Speaking Places | Tours Gap Year | Site Map | Travel Guide Homepage | Contact | Press | Advertising | Legal | Maps | Travelogue © 2000-2005 Bugbog