Ski Vacation

Family Snow Places Ski vacations discount travel ski vacation packages Search Family Travel Files family vacations, family vacation reviews, ideas, travel articles, news, deals and specials Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Family Travel Ezine Vacation Reviews News Articles & more Family Travel News Family Vacations Ideas and Options Vacations On File Family Events Field Trips Vacation Reviews Vacation Advice Teen Takes Vacation Deals Site Map Free Newsletter Trip Planner Vacation Reviews Ideas Options Deals USA Vacations World Vacation Guide Canada Vacations Mexico Vacations Central America South America Caribbean Vacations Europe United Kingdom Australia Vacations New Zealand Asia & Pacific Rim Family Snow Places Ski resorts have unique personalities each one offering something special. Read about our Best Family Snow Places Award Winners! Come back to visit often, we have new ideas & options appearing weekly. Happy trails to you. The Snow Mom. Snow Places Related Ezine Articles: Ideas and Options California: Montecito-Sequoia Lodge, Create Family Memories. This is the place where everyone in the family is on a holiday. They have an enthusiastic, talented friendly staff who enjoy making certain that family gatherings are pleasant. They wrote the book on carefree family vacations. Located at 7,500 feet in the Sequoia National Forest, about approximately one hour from Fresno, it is almost heaven for moms. News Canada: Celebrating the Snow in the West. Winnepeg For many the winter months are the best months of the year. From Winnipeg and Calgary to Whistler and Victoria having fun and enjoying winter is the whole point. For parents thinking of a winter getaway naturally we have our favorites listed below. Go for the fun of it and if you make a discovery, please let us know. News USA: Ski 14 New England Mountains for One Low Price. As the snow begins to fly Go Ski Card - New England is ready. The timely, easy to use card features completely unrestricted skiing and riding at a choice of 14 mountains located throughout Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Even better news for families, there are no blackout dates. Ideas and Options Vermont: Smugglers' Notch Resort, The Perfect Family Winter Vacation Guide. Need a family vacation plan? Looking for a good read? Smugglers' Notch Resort has created an authoritative planning guide for families who are thinking about snow days away. The Guide to Planning the Perfect Family Winter Vacation Guide provides valuable information for first-timers or veterans of snow holidays and it free to all who request it. Field Trip Montana: Enjoying Snow Days with the Kids. Known for crisp dry air and an abundance of snow, Montana welcomes families to winter heaven and provides oodles of snow vacation options. From ice climbing, ice fishing, ice hockey, ice sailing, ice skating, and speed skating to snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow skiing, dog sledding, snow sledding, snow cycling and sleigh rides. Montana has the good stuff for a family vacation in the winter. Ideas and Options Alberta: Lake Louise, Turn Moments Into Memories This Christmas. Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louises 12-day Festival of Christmas provides families with warm traditions. The pristine mountain wilderness in The Land of a Million Christmas Trees, as Lake Louise is known, is a vista of alpine evergreens contrasted by a glistening white carpeting of snow and wide-open blue skies - a truly magical holiday setting. Ideas and Options Quebec: Laurentians, Snow, Snow, Snow. The Laurentian Region, with its 350 inches of snow, is pure white magic and an ideal escape for families seeking wintertime fun. From snowmobiling and dogsledding to snow skiing and ice climbing, the choices are many.For Quebecois, the annual family shack outing is a tradition but for everyone else this aspect of Quebec culture is a revelation! It is a sweet family vacation getaway. Field Trip Snow Places: Cross Country Skiing the Ultimate Field Trip. For Devon McCarney and her mom cross country skiing has always been part of their winter vacation fun. Now almost eight winters old she is seasoned and gives beginners three times her age advice.According to information released by the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) North American travel patterns are changing. Vacations are closer to home and emphasize family. Advice SnowPlaces: Snow Fun 101. Everyone needs to enjoy more and stress less. Interview a seven-yearold and you will get the drift. The old ideas have been reinvented by the current generation. The fun factor has not been diminished. On File Quebec: Quebec City, Enjoying Snow Extemes. Quebec City Quebec City as a snow vacation for families is perfect. It is made even more perfect when the annual winter carnival is in progress. The party atmosphere is prevalent everywhere. No one is concerned about snow or ice slowing down activities. Larger than life ice sculptures line the park walk just outside the walls of the old city. The festival mascot Bon Homme oversees the festivities. Anytime after mid-day festival goers, those not on the ski slopes, will begin to hear the bleating of horns. The sound may originate from the middle of any group on the street. The odd thing is that for sure there will be an answer and usually more than one. Tourists buy these horns and eagerly begin moose calling on their own. Normal looking business folk appear in public places wearing red elf hats and every one is happy. Advice Advice: Ski School - Not Just for Sissies. Winter Park And I thought skiing was supposed to be the difficult part, for me getting fitted for boots and skis was far more stressful. I remember what seemed then gigantic black plastic things latched to my feet as I realized to my horror that I walking something like John Travolta in Battleship Earth. On File New Hampshire: Lincoln, Taking the Kids. Lincoln/Woodstock Find the peaceful White Mountains on a map and you will find fun waiting. The Lincoln/Woodstock area offers a rich family vacation menu. Activities include: hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, moose watching, snow skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, horseback riding, sledding, extreme snow tubing, train adventures and maple sugaring. Its also possible to getaway with the kids, have fun and be totally random. News Colorado: Steamboat Springs, Ranked Number One in the West. Staemboat Springs SKI Magazine recently recognized Steamboat as the #1 Family Ski Resort in the West in its annual Top 50 Resort Guide. This is the 17th year that SKI Magazine subscribers have surveyed North America's resorts. Ski Town, U.S.A. Known For Kids Ski Free & Kids Fly Free, Steamboat MountainWatch, Kids Vacation Center and family vacation packages. On File Colorado: Steamboat Springs, Taking the Kids to Snow. Steamboat Springs Known by many as Ski Town USA, community maintains old-fashioned charm and conveys a friendly welcoming atmosphere. More than 40 Olympians call Steamboat home and smile at the mention of Howelsen Hill, their in-town ski hill. Steamboat Ski area is the second largest ski area in Colorado and receives more than 300 inches of snow on average, and has plenty of room and terrain for skiers and riders of all levels. A free shuttle service transports visitors from town to the base of the mountain. In addition to being one of the top family ski destinations in the U.S.A. providing great skiing and boarding for all ages, there are plenty of other reasons for families to select Steamboat Springs for a winter holiday. 1 / 3 Family Vacation Ideas Inn at Essex Culinary Resort Essex Five nights and four mountains. Close to Burlington. www.innatessex.com Montecito Sequoia Lodge Kings Canyon/Sequoia Let our friendly staff take care of your family vacation. www.mslodge.com Related Article Go Ski Card New England New England area Go Ski Card: 14 New England Mountains for 1 Low Price, with No Blackout Dates! www.GoSkiCard.com Mohonk President's Day Special New Paltz Kids stay free during the week. Come play with us. www.Mohonk.com Related Article Colorado Mountain Lodge Telluride Enjoy Parents-to-be Pampering Spree. www.mountainlodgetelluride.com Club Smugglers' Advantage Package Jeffersonville All-inclusive resort, rates starting at $99 per adult per day, $85 per youth ages 3-17. www.smuggs.com Related Article Snow Time in Montana Come make a snow angel in our fresh snow. www.wintermt.com Related Article French Broad Outpost Dude Ranch Celebrate With Us Del Rio Packages including skiing available. www.frenchbroadriver.com Related Article Eastover Mountain Resort Lenox Great fun for the whole family. Sleep Over and Breakfast with Santa in December. Holiday Winter Fun Week December 26 - 30 families ski free. www.eastover.com Related Article The Homestead Resort Midway Polar Express Utah Vacation Package. www.homesteadresort.com Related Article Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Whistler, Located in the heart of Whistler Village. www.sunspreeresorts.com Comfort Inn White Mountains Lincoln Make family memories in the White Mountains. Check out our "Perfect Tree weekend". www.comfortinnloon.com Related Article Home 1998-2005 Travel Communications Inc. privacy statement webmaster link to us about us Advertise Pressroom Contact Family Vacation Directory USA Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio family Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Virginia Beach Washington Washington D. C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Family Travel Files Ezine Family Adventure Vacations Family Beach Vacations Cheap Sleeps Family Cruises Family Vacations Mountains Theme Parks Links Use of Travel Communications, Inc. , websites constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use Best viewed using IE 6.0 or higher Revised

Central America Travel to

El Salvador, Central America Travel Tourism Vacation Information  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors > El Salvador 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 > El Salvador El Salvador, Central America - Travel Tourism Vacation Information A selection of online travel related resources to the country of El Salvador, Central America, with information on accommodations, attractions, history, culture, geography and more. El Salvador Travel Tourism Vacation Information Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Eco Travels in El Salvador Obtain information on the natural environment of El Salvador and the many opportunities available in the country for ecotourism. The site has a directory of ecotourism travel providers. Lonely Planet - Destination El Salvador This site has comprehensive information for travellers to El Salvador. Find out the best time to go, how to get there and other useful information. Photos of El Salvador View some nice photos of many of El Salvador's top attractions. WorldTravelGuide - El Salvador El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, has a lot to offer - beautiful beaches, volcanos, historical ruins and other attractions. This site provides some excellent travel and other information resources for this country.        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...

Travel Insurance FAQs About

Travel Insurance - Columbus Direct (Australia) Our Travel Insurance Assistance & Claims Travel Tips Travel Insurance FAQs About Us Contact Us Travel Insurance - Are you paying too much? As pioneers in travel insurance, Columbus Direct always put the customer first. That's why our travel insurance is typically much cheaper than that offered by travel agents and some other travel insurance providers.* How can we do it? Well, we sell direct, so we cut out the high commissions typically paid to agents and pass these savings on to you, and you'll get the same low price travel insurance whether you call or purchase online. So if you're looking for cheap prices and great service, don't buy your travel insurance until you've checked us out. What our customers say about our travel insurance... I recently purchased insurance from you for the third time in 12 mths as you are great value (even though my husband works for an insurance co). The policy is comprehensive and I have recommended Columbus to friends... - Leanne Read more customer feedback Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance for frequent travellers... You could save even more with our Annual Multi-Trip policy. Year-round cover for all your international trips of up to 60 days. Prices from just $250. Read more about our annual travel insurance * When compared to the most similar travel insurance products. Cover varies between providers. Columbus Direct Travel Insurance, 62 Alexander Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065, Australia Columbus Direct does not provide advice about travel insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation and needs. To decide if our travel insurance is right for you, please read the Product Disclosure Statement. If you purchase a policy, Columbus will receive a commission based on the type and duration of the travel insurance that is never more than 40% of the premium paid (excluding any GST and Stamp Duty). Columbus Direct Travel Insurance Pty Limited (ABN 99 107 050 582) is an Australian Financial Services Licence holder: No. 246636. © 2005 Columbus Direct Travel Insurance Pty Limited. All rights reserved. Annual Travel Insurance | Ski Travel Insurance | Travel Insurance Australia | Travel Insurance Quote Home | Privacy Policy | Resources | Visit our New Zealand site | Visit our UK site Get a travel Insurance quote now... Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm Australia DST Get a travel insurance quote now... Secure online purchasing Call us to pay by Amex, Diners, cheque or money order. COLUMBUS DIRECT TRAVEL INSURANCE The Columbus St Bernard: A trusted brand for more than 15 years. Columbus Direct Travel Insurance policies are underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd's of London Get a travel insurance quote now...

Air Travel on Orbitz

Purchasing Air Travel on Orbitz Welcome to Orbitz. Sign in | Register now Air Travel Airline Travel US Airways America West Airlines Northwest Airlines Airline Travel-Related Links Orbitz Discount Travel Directory Cheap Airline Tickets Business Travel Travel Deals Related Travel Links Purchasing Air Travel on Orbitz Orbitz is the place to take care of all your air travel needs. We've partnered with major airlines, such as US Airways, Northwest and United, to bring you the most low rates and Web-only specials on airline travel. Our fast, easy-to-use site searches through more than 450 airlines to find the air travel you want at a price you can afford. Plus, you'll enjoy 24/7 access to our Traveler Care experts, for superb customer service along with big travel savings. On Orbitz, booking air travel is a breeze. That's the ticket To purchase air travel on Orbitz, simply follow these easy steps. Use our flight-search engine, the Orbot, located on the right-hand side of the home page. Enter your departure and arrival cities, preferred travel dates and number of passengers. Click the orange "search" button. The Orbot searches more than 2 billion airfares to find the best options that match your search criteria. The results are displayed in an easy-to-read Matrix. In the Matrix, click an airline, price or number of stops to sort the air travel results below. Once you've selected the flight you want, enter all the required fields on the Traveler Information page. Then book your ticket. We'll send a confirmation of your airline travel itinerary to your e-mail address, and pass your frequent-flier account information on to the airline. Now taking requests On Orbitz, air travel passengers can request special in-flight services long before they board the plane. If you'd prefer to eat a vegetarian meal, get seated in bulkhead, or receive some other service, enter those personal flight preferences in My Stuff before purchasing your airline travel ticket. We'll pass your requests to the airline, which will make every effort to accommodate them. Those air travel preferences will be saved under "My Stuff," so you won't have to re-enter the information for future bookings. Central intelligence Once you've booked your air travel, use Orbitz' Airport Intelligence to learn more about your departure and arrival airports. Discover pertinent and interesting information about the 40 largest airports in the United States -- everything from parking to check-in procedures, security updates to nearby rental-car locations. If you're wondering how far in advance of your airline travel you should arrive, see Airline Profiles in Travel Watch, listing suggested airline check-in times, rules on allowable carry-on items and much more. FYI that's A-OK Orbitz takes the surprise out of air travel with our free Traveler Care Alerts. When you purchase air travel on Orbitz, you're automatically enrolled to receive flight updates and news that might affect your travel. You can choose to have them sent to your e-mail, phone, PDA or pager. Plus, you can sign up family, friends and co-workers to receive the same travel updates. To air is human Give yourself a lift -- book your air travel on Orbitz today. You'll reap the benefits from our huge selection of airlines and flights, helpful online information and free Traveler Care. Best of all, Orbitz is where you'll find the most low airline travel fares on the Web. When it's time to buy air travel, it's time to shop with us. My Trips | My Account | Flight Status | Site map | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Privacy | About Orbitz Orbitz for Hotels | Orbitz for Business | Advertise on Orbitz | Become an affiliate | Careers | Media | Investors OrbitzSaver Low Rate Guarantee Flights | Hotels | Car Rental | Vacation Packages | Travel Deals | Travel Guides | Cruises Vacations | Discount Travel | Hotel Reservations | Cheap Hotels | New York City Hotels | Las Vegas Hotels Cheap Vacations | Hawaii Vacations | Las Vegas Vacations | All Inclusive Vacations Search Engine Marketing by 360i Orbitz guards your privacy and security. We're certified by TRUSTe and Verisign. 2001-2004, Orbitz, LLC. All rights reserved. CST 2063530-50 Round trip One-way Multi-city From *City name or airport code To *City name or airport code Exact dates Flexible dates (U.S & Canada) Leave anytime --- 12a-9a 6a-noon 10a-2p noon-5p 4-8p 6p-12a 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm midnight Return anytime --- 12a-9a 6a-noon 10a-2p noon-5p 4-8p 6p-12a 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm midnight I prefer non-stop flights Travelers (select up to 9 travelers) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Adult (18-64) 0 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Child (2-11) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Senior (65+) 0 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Youth (12-17) Expand search options Pick-up *City name or airport code at or near airport in city or surrounding area Drop-off Pick-up 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm Drop-off 1 am 2 am 3 am 4 am 5 am 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 10 am 11 am noon 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm Discounts If you have a corporate or association discount, select the car rental company below. (You'll enter the number on the next screen) Car rental company No Preference Ace Advantage Rent A Car Alamo Rent A Car Avis Budget Dollar Rent A Car Enterprise Fox Rent Hertz National Car Rental Payless Thrifty Car Rental Expand search options Where *City name or airport code Check-in Check-out Guests 1 2 3 4 Specific hotel Star rating no preference 1 star 2 stars 3 stars 4 stars 5 stars Amenities Any amenities Let me choose preferred amenities Expand search options

FRANCE TRAVEL INFORMATION :

France travel information tips, Paris hotel specials, and France travel and tourism facts. DISCOVER FRANCE FRANCE BICYCLE TOURS FRANCE WALKING TOURS FRANCE GETAWAYS PARIS TRIPS PARIS HOTELS Theme Travel » Honeymoons Family Trips Wine/Cooking Paris Packages His & Her Woman Tours Gay/Lesbian Corporate Group Travel Club Trips Info Book a Tour Site Map Walking Tour Regions Alsace Brittany Burgundy Champagne Dordogne/SW Paris/Ile de France Languedoc Loire Valley Normandy Provence Bicycle Tour Regions Alsace Brittany Burgundy Champagne Dordogne/SW Languedoc Loire Valley Normandy Poitou-Charentes Provence Rhone-Alpes Travel news/announcements/Info: See our latest newsletter for updates Southern France, Spain, Italy - the best weather in the fall season ! We can take last minute bookings up to 7 days in advance of travel - subject to hotel availability. Our recommendations: Carcassonne Countryside - more challenging cycling tour visits the famous Cite of Carcassonne and vineyards of the Corbiere before finishing at the sea side. Provence - Avignon to Mediterranean - most popular tour for a full cross section of charming Provence. Spain - Catalonia and the Costa Brava near Girona . Lovely farmhouse family style lodging or gastronomic charm hotels. Exceptional late season biycle tour! Italy -Tuscany - enchanting region with its famously hilly terrain is best visited in the fall. We can accommodate 4 or 6 night packages. Paris Getaways : Low Season - November through March from low rates for excellent hotels of charm. Add on museum passes, metro passes, airport transfers or even add a stay in any of the many provinces easily reached by train from Paris like Dijon, Bordeaux, Avignon, Strasbourg, Tours, Reims, Lyon, and so on! Paris by foot; see our new Da Vinci Code tour and other programs in Paris Self Guided Walking Tours : Our program of self-guided travel is open to anyone; to know more visit this page of our website: Self Guided Touring FRANCE TRAVEL INFORMATION : This bit of information is for general travel throughout France. Each of our tour clients will receive this in addition to more detailed information about their tour. Paris Hotels - see our site at www.hotelsparis.net Hotels throughout France - see our site at www.francegetaways.com Regional Tourist Offices throughout France - see our links page See our new Vocabulary and interactive Language page Arriving in Paris: most flights now arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport from foreign destinations. There are still some charters and inter France flights going out of Orly. Our site at www.gotoparis.net discusses in detail the different options available for getting into the city. These options include: express buses, trains, taxis, and private transfers. To get from CDG airport to Orly, the best is by Air France bus. They depart every 30 minutes between 6:30 am and 10:30 pm. Traveling around in France: France is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T. +1). This makes it 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T. +6, and +9 PST). The time is the same all over the country. The country is divided in 95 departments – each has its name and its number and this number is set by alphabetical order. That number is found at the beginning of each zip code of the department as well as the last 2 digits of the car plates. Documentation U.S citizens only need a valid passport to travel to France as long as their stay does not exceed 3 months. You are required to carry identification with you at all times when traveling in France. If you lose your passport, contact: American Consulate 2, rue Saint Florentin - 75001 Paris Tel: 01.42.96.12.02 or 01.42.61.80.75 Consular Section for Canadians 35, Avenue de Montaigne - 75008 Paris Tel: 01.44.43.32.00 Post Office - Mail / Shipping The Post Office is called LA POSTE or PTT. Generally open M-F from 9am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 12pm. Telephone France is divided by 5 zones for the telephone. The 2 first digits of a phone number tells you the area: 01 is Paris / 02 northwest / 03 northeast / 04 southeast / 05 southwest. From the States, you don’t need to dial the 0. But once in France, you have to dial the 0. Phone numbers must have 10 digits (including the first 0), no exception – except of course the emergency numbers. Public phones in France require a telephone card, or they can often work also with a credit card. Check for the signs “Visa”, “Master Card”, etc… Emergency telephone numbers throughout France 24 hour ambulance (called “SAMU”): 15 Police: 17 Fire: 18 Other telephone numbers in Paris: 24 hour doctor: 01.47.07.77.77 24 hour dentist: 01.43.37.51.00 English language crisis line: 01.47.23.80.80 Public Holidays January 1st / Easter Monday / May 1st = Labor Day / May 8th / Ascension Thursday (last Thursday of May) / Pentecote Monday (beginning of June) / July 14 = Bastille Day / August 15 = Assumption / November 1st / November 11th / December 25th. Electric current Electricity in France runs on 220 volt, 50-cycle AC current. If you bring electrical devices, you will need to have a transformer and plug adapter. Banking / Purchasing Banks are generally open weekdays 9am - 4:30pm. In many cities outside Paris banks close for lunch, sometimes for 2 hours. Most banks are closed Saturday and Sunday and all holidays. The main banks are: BNP / Credit Agricole / Societe Generale / Caisse d’Epargne / Credit du Nord, etc… The Euro - € As of January 1, 2002, the Euro is the official currency in France and the 11 other countries currently participating in European currency union. The old French Franc is now part of history and is no longer accepted as a payment form. Check before departure the equivalent of the Euro compare to the U.S Dollar. The Euro paper currency will be the same in all 12 countries, in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. The coins however, will bear a different face according to the country. There are 8 coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. Driving in France Document / Insurance / Law - An American driver’s license is valid for Americans driving in France. Have another ID document with you like your passport. - Insurance is highly recommended, be sure you are set before you leave home. - The legal age to drive in France is 18. - Trucks – except with special authorization – are not allowed to drive on Sunday. - Seat belts must be worn at all times – children under 12 must sit in the backseat - Park your car only where it is authorized, fines arrive quickly! And cars are often towed away. Car rental The legal age to rent a car is 21– but most companies require being 25 years old. See our links page for companies, and insurance options. Gas Taxes on gas are very high in France, which explains the price of the liter: On the petrol pump “Sans Plomb” means unleaded petrol. Gas stations along highways are open 24 h / 7 days. French usually get gas at large stores like Carrefour, Leclerc, Casino, etc… You can go at any time, help yourself and use your credit card Types of roads Interstate toll way / Motorway = A + the number of the road / 130km/h is the speed limit. This is also a toll road, you can pay tolls with a credit card; this is the fast way to travel, but is not cheap! Every 20 km you have restaurants, gas station, sometimes shops, restrooms… National road = N + number of the road / 90km/h. If you are not traveling too far or if you have plenty of time, then the more scenic and free way to go is on the National roads. A famous road in France is the National 7 / N7. There is even a song ? about that road sung by Charles TRENET! Department road = D + number of the road / 50km/h. Great for seeing the back country of France; very slow going. PARIS - some basic info is below. Museum passes, metro passes, day tours, shows, bus tours, more: www.gotoparis.net TOURIST OFFICES There are many convenient locations within Paris: Carrousel du Louvre: 99 Rue de Rivoli, 75001. Metro: Palais Royal / Louvre (1,7) Montmartre: 21 Place du Tertre, 75018. Metro: Abbesses (12) Gare du Nord: Metro / RER (B,D,4,5) Tour Eiffel: Metro / RER: Champs de Mars / Tour Eiffel (C), Bir-Hakeim (6) Gare de Lyon: Metro / RER (A,D,1,14) Opera – Grands Magasins: 11 rue Scribe, 75009/ Metro: Opera (3,7,8) / RER: Auber (A) Train Stations in Paris: Gare du Nord: North of France, Belgium, Eurostar to London, UK Gare de L’Est: Champagne, Alsace / Germany Gare de Lyon: Southeast, Provence – Cote d’Azur / Italy Gare Austerlitz: Loire Valley, Southwest France Gare Montparnasse: Brittany, TGV to Loire and Southwest Gare Saint Lazare: Normandy, western coast More detailed travel information is available at the French Governement Tourist Office Website at www.franceguide.com Home | Cycling Classics | Pure Adventures | Bicycle Tours | Walking Tours | Media | Links Promotions | Travel Agents | FAQs | Weather | Newsletter | Group Travel | Privacy © 2006 Discover France (SM)