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

Taiwan Travel

Taiwan Travel, Tourism home publications events committees membership living in Taiwan yellow pages advertising -- about us contact Travel and Tourism: 2003 Issues Upgrade Taiwan's tourist industry Promote inbound tourism Link Taiwan to Greater China travel itineraries The ECCT Travel and Tourism Committee addresses issues concerning Taiwan's travel, tourism and hospitality industries and aims to help attract more visitors from Europe and raise the number of annual visitors to the island to six million as outlined in Taiwan's Challenge 2008 plan. While the issues raised in this position paper are focused on the business side on travel and to developing Taiwan's travel infrastructure, the ECCT wishes to point out that drawing more Europeans to Taiwan will help to improve understanding among Europeans of the island's people and their position in the world. The committee is happy to note that some progress has been made on issues raised in last year's position paper. With regards to the issue of immigration facilities at CKS International Airport, the committee welcomes the government's recent announcement to allow ARC holders that are members of the ECCT, and the American and Japanese chambers of commerce, to use the APEC-member immigration line. Although the committee would have preferred the adoption of its proposal to follow the Hong Kong model, where ID cardholders are not required to fill out any paperwork and are allowed to use a separate and speedier entrance and exit, the new measure is expected to significantly speed up immigration time for our members. Furthermore, progress has been made on the issue of female staff working at night. Although the penalty for infringements of Article 49 of the Labor Standard Law (which restricts women from working at night) has been reduced from a jail sentence to a fine, the committee urges the government to abolish this restriction, as it results in unfair discrimination against women, additional contract bargaining, and raises costs and reduces the competitiveness of firms operating in Taiwan. Upgrade Taiwan's tourist industry The Ministry of Transportation and Communications allotted NT$6.5 billion for upgrading the tourist industry. It is unclear how European companies, either as local branches or foreign entities, can apply for these preferential loans on equal terms with their Taiwan counterparts. Recommendation The committee proposes that investment by European companies be allowed and encouraged in all areas and that they have full access to the government funds and that any regulatory barriers to entry and operation of tourism entities are removed. Promote inbound tourism The Tourism Bureau has a larger promotion budget than ever before and this is a positive step in boosting visitors. Recommendations Attract more European visitors with incentives to foreign travelers and overseas and local Taiwanese tour operators. Allocate more of the Tourism Bureau's resources to attracting Europeans to Taiwan, rather than to mature markets where Taiwan is already well known. Japan is getting the lion's share of the promotion budget, with Hong Kong and Singapore taking up most of the remainder. Devoting more planning and funding to promote Taiwan systematically in Europe would reduce Taiwan dependency on a few sensitive sources. Publication of a tourism marketing plan would help European operators understand the government's strategic position and lead towards a quality tourism market. Cooperate with city government efforts to attract international tourists. Provide sufficient signage and information in English. Taipei has started to rectify this problem on bus signs, but not at bus stops. Bus maps and tour information for major cities and nearby areas should be published in foreign languages, and promoted both in and outside Taiwan. We offer our assistance in distributing this information. We also urge city and central governments to apply the Hanyu Pinyin system, which is taught in Europe for translating Chinese into foreign languages, and for use in addresses, on street signs, in government literature and elsewhere. Provide drug, weapon and quarantine information to travelers more discreetly. The lengthy and stern warnings provided during landing preparations give the passengers, the vast majority of whom are law-abiding, a "death penalty" image of Taiwan, as do posters at the international airport. The committee recommends that drug, weapon and quarantine information be provided together with visa application forms or landing cards and at tourist information outlets abroad. Promote specific aspects of Taiwan to Europeans. As a large number of current European visitors are traveling alone and are in Taiwan on business, attractions that would best be promoted to encourage them to extend their stay would include night life, museums, shopping (for IT and other products) and weekend trips to nearby mountains, hot springs, beaches and historic venues as well as to outlying islands. Our committee is ready to assist in supplying expertise from Europe to help develop these segments. Link Taiwan to greater China travel itineraries The committee encourages the promotion of Taiwan as a leading destination in greater China itineraries in support of the government's plan to operate direct flights between both sides of the Taiwan Strait in the near future. Technical preparations should be started soon, as trips between Taiwan and China now generally require combinations of tickets sold only in Taiwan or greater China at unpublished special prices, with a transfer most commonly in Hong Kong or Macau. Making matters even more bothersome, certain "agents" buy tickets outside Taiwan from mainland carriers for local resale, often without proper reservations or support. This raises the cost and complexity of organizing a tour to greater China including a stopover in Taiwan by European and local operators. Recommendation The committee proposes that to stimulate support and investments in the travel industry by European travel companies, efforts be made to regulate and upgrade this travel segment to international industry norms and provide tools to bring more ease and transparency to tour pricing and airline fares for European tourism via Taiwan to greater China. This would be helped by initiating Billing Settlement Plan membership and proper representation of mainland airlines, and by facilitating correct and full display of local and mainland flights and fares with unrestricted Global Distribution and airline reservation systems' access to the Taiwan market. © ECCT

European vacation with Gate1Travel,

European Travel, London Vacation Packages, Dublin Vacations, Britain and Ireland Tour Packages Book Online or call (800) 682-3333 Europe Asia Americas Caribbean Mediterranean Pacific Cruises Home Hotels Find a Vacation Specials Contact Us Italy & Sicily Spain & Portugal Britain & Ireland France Belgium & Holland Central Europe Scandinavia Greece River Cruises China & Japan Southeast Asia Thailand India South America Brazil Peru Costa Rica Bahamas Caribbean & Mexico Bahamas Cancun Riviera Maya Punta Cana Jamaica Greece & Turkey Israel Egypt Morocco Australia & New Zealand Tahiti China & Japan Southeast Asia Sea Cruises River Cruises Britain & Ireland Vacations : Explore London and Dublin with Gate 1 Travel. We offer Ireland and London vacations, custom-made for your time, family and vacation budget. Experience Europe with luxury vacation packages. Trust your European vacation with Gate1Travel, your Western Europe specialist. Call Gate 1 Travel today or click on one of the tour packages or vacations below for more information. Prices below include airline fuel surcharges but do not include airport taxes, fees and September 11th Security Fee which vary between $50 and $130 per person. Multicity Programs Ireland Escorted Tours European Cruises London and Dublin Vacation Packages Vacation in London and Dublin with these independent vacation packages including flight. London Vacations 5 Days from $479 Thursday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 6 Days First Class London from $529 Wednesday-Thursday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 6 Days from $529 President's Day departures: Feb 15 6 Days from $539 Valentine's Day departures: Feb 11 6 Days from $559 Tuesday-Thursday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 5 Days from $629 Thursday departures: Apr - Oct '06 Dublin Vacations 6 Days from $749 Wednesday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 6 Days from $749 Wednesday departures: Apr '06 - Oct '06 Multi-city London and European Vacations Tour Europe with these independent vacations featuring budget flight, hotel and train. 8 Day London & Amsterdam Wednesday departures: Apr - Oct '06 8 Day London & Amsterdam Daily departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 8 Day London & Dublin Monday departures: Apr - Oct '06 8 Day London & Dublin Saturday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 8 Day London & Paris Monday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 8 Day London & Paris Monday departures: Apr - Oct '06 8 Day London & Rome Wednesday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 8 Day London & Rome Wednesday departures: Apr - Oct '06 9 Day London, Paris & Amsterdam Monday & Wednesday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 9 Day London, Paris & Amsterdam Saturday departures: Apr - Oct '06 9 Day London, Paris & Rome Friday departures: Nov '05 - Mar '06 9 Day London, Paris & Rome Friday Departures: Apr - Oct '06 Ireland Escorted Tours Tour Ireland with these escorted tour packages including a flight. 7 Day Ireland Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Limerick European Cruises 16 Day Taste of Europe Departing: July 30, 2006 - Ship: ms Prinsendam HOT DEALS: discount prices for Britain and Ireland Tours 5 Day Weekend in London from $479 Holiday Specials President's Day Spring Specials Mother's Day Specials Memorial Day Specials Summer Specials Labor Day Specials Thanksgiving Specials Christmas Markets New Year Specials -- Valentine's Day President's Day February Winter Break Rio Carnival March Spring Break Easter Vacation Specials Travel Extras Sightseeing & Transfers Browse & Book Hotel Nights Protect your investment: Buy travel insurance Travel Tips & Tools Britain & Ireland Travel Tips Terms & Conditions Central London Transfers Passports & Visas The Comforts You Expect Map of Western Europe FAQ Email This Page to a Friend © 2005 Gate 1 Travel Home | About Us | Travel Agent | Free Brochure | Help | Site Map | (800) 682-3333 Read our privacy policy . Contact Us . This site can be best viewed using Internet Explorer 4.0, or higher. The browser software can be downloaded, free of charge, from the Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com . All external sites will open in a new browser. Gate1travel.com does not endorse external sites.

Disney Vacation Club Travel

Disney Vacation Club  You are here: About > Travel > Florida for Visitors > Disneyworld > Disney Vacation Club Travel Florida for Visitors Essentials Events Calendar Photo Album Spring Break Guide Travel Planners What's Up this Month Articles & Resources A to Z Index Maps Beaches / Coasts Disneyworld Things to Do in FLA Daytona / East Coast Florida Keys Florida Panhandle Miami / South Florida Orlando / Central Florida Tampa / West Coast Discounts & Coupons Photos / Cams All About Florida Buyer's Guide Florida 2006 Calendars Florida Collegiate Fan Gifts Florida State Seminole Fan Gifts Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fan Gifts Top Disney Gifts Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Florida for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Florida for Visitors Compliments of Walt Disney Company Stay up to date! Compliments of Walt Disney Company Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Vacation Ownership 101 Elsewhere on the Web Disney Vacation Club Most Popular Florida Celebrates New Year Nude & Clothing-Optional Guide WDW Ticket Information Casino Cruises Ice Skating in Florida What's Hot Lion Country Safari Wide World of Sports Free Deals Ybor City Florida Day Trips Related Topics Theme Parks Travel with Kids Hotels / Resorts / Inns Budget Travel Senior Travel Disney Vacation Club From Dawn Henthorn , Your Guide to Florida for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Own a piece of the magic! Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! Inspired in part by Disney guests who frequented the Company's resorts and theme parks year-after-year, the Disney Vacation Club concept is stamped with Disney's special brand of imagination and innovation. Launched in October 1991, the Disney Vacation Club has now grown to include more than 63,000 member families from throughout North America and beyond, making it one of the most successful and highly rated vacation ownership programs. "Our decision to enter the vacation ownership business was a natural progression to accommodate our guests with a flexible vacation product designed to meet their ever-changing vacation needs as they pass through different phases of their life," said George Aguel, Senior Vice President/General Manager for Disney Vacation Development, Inc. Like many other vacation ownership programs, Disney Vacation Club is grounded in real estate ownership, but it has brought innovative new elements to its vacation ownership product. "Guests become members of the Disney Vacation Club because of the magical memories and traditions that are so engrained in the Disney experience," continued Aguel. "Anyone can sell accommodations – but only Disney can offer the experiential environment, the entertainment, and the imaginative programs that are so uniquely a part of our tradition." How does it work? Anchored by the purchase of a deeded real estate interest, membership provides guests with the freedom to tailor vacations to their personal needs as their family's vacation interests change over time. Unlike traditional timeshare programs, Disney Vacation Club members are not locked into a single week or fixed time period at a single resort. Disney Vacation Club membership is based on a "vacation point" system. Each year, members receive an annual allotment of vacation points that can be used in a variety of ways for different types of accommodations at a dazzling variety of resorts and for other vacation experiences, subject to availability. Members can also elect to bank or borrow vacation points, use their vacation points in combination with renting accommodations on a cash basis, or can purchase an additional real estate interest at any time. New members can join the club with an initial purchase of just over $11,000. Where can it be used? Disney Vacation Club membership may be used to reserve accommodations at the member's "home resort" or they may exchange reserved home resort accommodations to stay at other Disney Vacation Club resorts – Disney's BoardWalk Villas; Disney's Old Key West Resort; The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Beach Club Villas (all at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida), Disney's Vero Beach Resort (Vero Beach, Florida), or Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) – at select Walt Disney World Resort properties, the Disneyland Resort hotels in Anaheim, California, and Disneyland Paris hotels in France. Additionally, through the Disney Vaction Club Member Getaways program, members have access to more than 200 premium resorts worldwide through an agreement with Interval International (II), one of the world's largest vacation ownership exchange companies, or they may select from an elite collection of world-renowned hotels, sample an adventure travel experience like an African safari, take a cruise (including Disney Cruise Line itineraries) and much more. What are the advantages? "The Disney Vacation Club is about quality, guest service, attention to detail and a world of choices," said Aguel. "Our members expect us to provide years of magical vacations and treasured memories at an excellent value. But, they also expect our Disney quality and personal service in planning their vacations." Additional unique advantages to membership include special benefits such as various Disney discount offers and professional travel planners that are just a phone call away. These Vacation Advisors help members plan their vacations and answer questions about DVC membership. Members further become part of the DVC 'family' through its Vacation Magic member newsletter that offers helpful program information, member stories, DVC resort travel tips, exclusive member merchandise and discounts/privileges and special previews of upcoming Disney events.        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 Lion Country Safari Wide World of Sports Free Deals Ybor City Florida Day Trips

France Travel Guide Overview

France Tours | France Tour Guide | iExplore.com FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore advertisement -- Home Travel Guides Europe France Overview France Travel Guide Overview Tours Where to Go Activities General Info History Weather Travel Tips Dining Shopping Visa & Health View Trips to France Europe Overview Browse France Photos France Questions and Answers Read France Journals Find a France Travel Buddy France Overview It’s hard to generalize about France – as Charles de Gaulle once remarked, ‘how could one describe a country which has 365 kinds of cheese?’ Yet there is something about this magnificent land which draws millions of francophiles back year after year for a taste of la vie française . Could it be the chic boulevards of Paris, the sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunlit vineyards and sun-baked beaches, a dusty game of boules , or coffee and croissants in an undiscovered village? Or perhaps it’s a tour of the majestic châteaux of the Loire that appeals, the glamorous jet-set lifestyle of the Mediterranean, or a relaxing picnic in Provence, where the air is fragrant with wild herbs and lavender? Consider also the delights of other lesser-known regions such as Franche-Comté, Gascony or Berry, deep in the green heart of France – regions firmly rooted to the land, whose sleepy villages offer visitors a chance to sample the true douceur de vivre of provincial France. There is no denying that France is a land of great contrasts, offering an endless choice of enticing destinations, a rich diversity of landscapes, cuisines, climates and peoples, with an exceptional cultural heritage. It’s easy to see why the French stay at home for their holidays and why they so felicitously call their country La Belle France . Geography France, the largest country in Europe, is bordered to the north by the English Channel ( La Manche ), the northeast by Belgium and Luxembourg, the east by Germany, Switzerland and Italy, the south by the Mediterranean (with Monaco as a coastal enclave between Nice and the Italian frontier), the southwest by Spain and Andorra, and the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The island of Corsica, southeast of Nice, is made up of two départements . The country offers a spectacular variety of scenery, from the mountain ranges of the Alps and Pyrénées to the attractive river valleys of the Loire, Rhône and Dordogne and the flatter countryside in Normandy and on the Atlantic coast. The country has some 2900km (1800 miles) of coastline. Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) advertisement Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --