Mexico Travel

Mexico City Hotels, Resorts, Mexico Travel Guide - Mexico City Hotel Reservations and Hotel-City Information Mexico City hotels, resorts, all-inclusive and Spas: Visit Si-Mexico Hotel And Resort Travel Guide, your source for the best online Mexico City reservation deals for Mexico only Hotels, resorts, spas, all-inclusive and articles, city information, maps, videos and listings of 6 star, 5 star and 4 Star Hotels Resorts in Mexico City, Mexico. Home Airfare Search Hotels-Condos Search Package Trips Travel Offers Travel Store Travel Tips Travel News Travel Tools Travel Books Message Board RESOURCES Diving Resources Mayan Ruins Mexico Airport Codes Mexico Resources Mexico Rental Resources Reservation Resources Web Travel Resources Contact Si-Mexico Hotels In Mexico City Visual Tour: Mexico City • Car Rentals • Check Weather Here • Mexico City Area Map • What To Do And See Camino Real Mexico City European City Colon Mision Reforma European City Maria Isabel Sheraton European City Gran Melia Mexico Reforma European City Royal Pedregal European City Century Zona Rosa European City Fiesta Americana Grand Chapultepec European City Four Seasons European City Hilton Airport European City Holiday Inn Zocalo European City Hotel Century Zona Rosa European City Hotel Nikko European City JW Marriott European City Krystal Zona Rosa European City Marquis Reforma European City Marco Polo Hotel Zona Rosa European City Mision Zona Rosa European City Plaza Lancaster Hotel European City Presidente Inter-Continental European City Radisson Paraiso Hotel European City Royal Zona Rosa European City Hotel del Prado European City San Marino Suites Hotel European City Sheraton Suites European City Best Western Estoril European City Calinda Geneve & Spa European City Crowne Plaza European City El Ejecutivo* European City Fiesta Americana Reforma European City Fiesta Inn Naucalpan European City Fiesta Inn Perinorte European City Fiesta Inn Tlalnepantla European City Hotel de Cortes* European City Hotel Fontan* European City Hotel Ritz* European City Hotel Prim European City Majestic Best Western* European City Tulip Inn Ritz European City Mexico City surrounds visitors with reminders of the city's larger-than-life past. A strong air of Europe drapes the capital, sometimes in sharp contrast to the city's ancient Indian past. Its people make gregarious and gracious hosts. Few cities on earth can match Mexico City for historic grandeur. Its tumultuous past encompasses every phase of Mexican history. It is unique in the Western Hemisphere as a colorful and compelling mosaic of Pre-Columbian, European colonial, and modern eras. Visitors find accommodations ranging from fine world-class resorts, to colonial inns and stately Old World hotels. The city is home to dozens of outstanding museums, spanning topics of varied artistic and academic interest. Music, dance, theater and modern art thrive in the city's flourishing fine arts community. Dining and shopping are first rate and the city's spring-like climate invites visitors year round. Links To Additional Information Mexico City - A Treasure Worth Discovering Mexico City Travel Books Mexico City Virtual Guide - Information and tips to enjoy Mexico City Diego Rivera Web Museum Destinations Cities Hotels-Resorts-Inclusive Acapulco Hotels Aguascalientes Hotels Akumal Hotels Cabo San Lucas Hotels Cancun Hotels Chichuahua Hotels Cozumel Hotels Cuernavaca Hotels Durango Hotels Ensenada Hotels Guadalajara Hotels Guanajuato Hotels Hermosillo Hotels Huatulco Hotels Ixtapa Hotels Juarez Hotels Kantenah Bay Hotels La Paz Hotels Loreto Hotels Los Cabos Hotels Manzanillo Hotels Mayan Riviera Hotels Mazatlan Hotels Merida Hotels Mexico City Hotels Monterrey Hotels Morelia Hotels Oaxaca Hotels Patzcuaro Hotels Playa Del Carmen Hotels Playa Paraiso Hotels Puebla Hotels Puerto Aventuras Hotels Puerto Escondido Hotels Puerto Morelos Hotels Puerto Penasco Hotels Puerto Vallarta Hotels Punta Bete Hotels Punta Maroma Hotels Rocky Point Hotels Saltillo Hotels San Carlos Hotels San Jose Del Cabo Hotels Tijuana Hotels Tulum Hotels Veracruz Hotels Villahermosa Hotels Zihuatanejo Hotels Xcaret Hotels Xpu Ha Hotels MedToGo Mexico Health & Safety Travel Guide - Where will you be when you wish you had it? $19.95 + tax Home | About Us | Disclaimer-Privacy Policy | Site Map 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Our Partners: World Countries Info | Juarez Travel Guide 2005 Si-Mexico Hotel And Resort Travel Guide. All rights reserved. Site Design & Maintenance Forbes Communications Corp. Hosting Graffic Traffic

Russia Travel Division -

Google Directory - Regional > Europe > Russia > Travel and Tourism > Travel Services > Tour Operators Directory Help Search only in Tour Operators Search the Web Tour Operators Regional > Europe > Russia > Travel and Tourism > Travel Services > Tour Operators Go to Directory Home Categories Saint Petersburg (54) Vladivostok (2) Related Category: Regional > Europe > Travel and Tourism > Travel Services > Tour Operators (119) Web Pages Viewing in Google PageRank order View in alphabetical order Russian National Group - http://www.russia-travel.com/ Offers travel and visa services to Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries. Description of services, company information, information for tourists. Russia Experience - http://www.trans-siberian.co.uk Train travel and ecotourism trips in Siberia and Mongolia - including trekking and nature-study at Lake Baikal, and nomad trips in Mongolia. Ecological Travels Centre - http://www.ecotravel.ru/ Offers ecotours: expeditions, bird watching, wildlife viewing, rafting, mountaineering, horseback riding, filming and others. Description of services, company and contact information. Interactive Russia Travel Division - http://travel.in-russia.com/ Offers adventure and ecological tours to Russia. Includes description of tours, destinations, hotel and airfare booking service. Intel ServiceCenter - http://www.intelservice.ru/ Offers tours in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Descriptions of services, contact information. The Geographic Bureau - http://www.geographicbureau.com Organizes trips throughout the former Soviet Union, and specializes in the Caucasus and Mount Elbrus ascents. Intourist Joint Stock Company - http://www.intourist.ru/ Organise group, motor, individual and special interest tours to the former USSR. Lost World Tours - http://www.travelkamchatka.com/ Offers adventure tours to Kamchatka. Description of services, company information, information about the region. GW Travel Ltd - http://www.gwtravel.co.uk/ Offering guided hotel on wheels train travel on Russian rail routes. Details of forthcoming tours and contact information. Irkutsk Baikal Travel Inc. - http://www.irkutsk-baikal.com Offers individual and group tours, adventure tours, other travel services. Description of services, contact information. Sokol Tours - http://www.sokoltours.com/ Offers adventure and regular tours in Russia and Central Asia, including bookings for transport and accommodations, visa support, and a range of travel packages. Description of services, company and contact information. Russian Cycle Touring Club - http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/8640/ Adventure bicycle tours in Russia. Information about cycle touring in Russia. Supporting travelers. Exeter International - http://www.exeterinternational.com/ Organizing group and private tours to Russia and Eastern Europe. Red Star Travel - http://www.travel2russia.com Tour operator and travel agency providing travel services to Russia, including visa processing and visa support letter Voentour M - http://www.voentour.com/ Offers cultural, military-historical and educational tours in Russia. Description of services, company information. Russian Gateway (UK) - Ltd - http://www.russiangateway.co.uk/ Information about travelling to Russia, including details of obtaining a visa, and organised tours. Sweagent - http://www.sweagent.se/ Offers private, package and conference tours, visa services, and freight forwarding for Russia. Description of services, contact information. Premier-Voyage - http://travel.inc.ru/ Travel services in Russia, St. Petersburg: hotel reservation, guides, excursions, visa services. Description of services, contact information. Baikaler - http://www.Baikaler.com Local guide Jack Sheremetoff, MA offers tours to Baikal. Description of tour, information about the region. Adventures with Wild Russia - http://www.wildrussia.spb.ru Organise Mountain and adventure expeditions; guided ascents on Mt.Elbrus, wildlife safaries on Kamchatka and horse back trekking to the center of Siberia. Vostok-Express - http://www.vostexp.vl.ru/ Visa support, booking of air tickets, hotel reservations, organization of holidays and business visits. Tours to Vladivostok and Kamchatka, Primorsky region (Nikolaevka, Ussuriisk, Popov Island). Far East Russian Tours - http://www.fareastrussiantours.com Organizes tours to this beautiful part of the world. Offices in both the United States and Vladivostok. St. Petersburg Travel, Inc. - http://www.trips2russia.com/ Offer group and individual tours, transportation, and tour guide services. Glavs Travel USA - http://www.glavs.com/ Specialise in VIP travel to Russia and Eastern Europe. Site includes details of the tours available, current special offers, and contact details. Sibtravel Club - http://members.tripod.com/sibtravel/ Organise adventure travels and research expeditions, in Siberia. Tours Around Russia - http://www.aroundrussia.ru Tours Moscow, St. Petersburg, Velikiy Novgorod, Valaam, Kizhi islands with English-speaking guide. Safari tours: hunting, fishing, yachting. Hotels booking, transport, visa support, guiding and interpreter services. Forum. Mosco - http://www.mosco.ru Specializes in managing the requirements of business and leisure travelers within the former USSR. Travel Technology Group - http://www.welcome-russia.com/ Offers a range of services for tourists: visa services, ticketing and reservations, hotel reservations, rent a car. Description of services, contact information. Team Gorky - http://www.teamgorky.ru/index-e.html Provides adventure tours: whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, trekking, fishing, bicycling, outdoor activity in Russia, Siberia, Altai, Middle Asia, Nepal, Chile. Description of services, contact information. Charisma Travel Ltd. - http://www.charismatravel.net/ Offers custom tours to Russia. Description of tours, contact information. FOS Tours & Travel Inc. - http://www.fostours.com/ Provides escorted group travel, independent tours and customized itineraries to Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Baltics and Scandinavia. Description of services, booking request form, contact information. Russian Connection - http://www.rctours.com/ Specialises in arranging and conducting tours, travel and excursions to Russia and Eastern Europe. Description of services. Saint-Petersburg - Region - http://www.travel-company.spb.ru Provides services in St.Petersburg, Moscow and north-western region of Russia. Information about company and St.Petersburg, description of services. Top Sport Travel - http://www.tst.spb.ru/eng/index.html Specializes in active and sports tours: Alpine Ski, Mountain Climbing, Ski, Trekking. Description of services, contact information. Baikal-Safari - http://www.baikal-safari.ru/ Offers adventure tours in Siberia and the Far East. Description of services, company information. IntelService - http://www.russian-site.com/IntelPage.htm Russian tour operators. Site includes a summary of the services offered, and contact details. Nota Bene Co Ltd - http://nb.travel.spb.ru/ Russian tour company. Site includes information about the services offered including tours, learning Russian in Russia, transport, translation and guides. Travel Russia - http://www.travelrussia.net/ Offers tours to many cities and regions in Russia. Descriptions of tours, company information, Victoria Travel Co - http://kamchatka.al.ru Travel and Adventure trips in Kamchatka, Russia: outdoor, fishing, rafting, heli-skiing, climbing, trekking, volcano. Description of tours, contact information. Dersu Uzala - http://www.ecotours.ru/english/index1.htm Organizes ecotours which support Russian nature reserves and local communities. Description of services, contact information. Infinity Travel - http://www.infinity.ru/ American-Russian travel management company. Site includes online booking, details of hotels, and information on obtaining a visa and student travel. Help build the largest human-edited directory on the web. Submit a Site - Open Directory Project - Become an Editor Modified by Google - ©2004 Google Advertise with Us - Jobs, Press, Cool Stuff...

Chicago Vacation

Chicago vacation tips? | Ask MetaFilter MetaFilter AskMeFi Projects MetaTalk December 28, 2005 2:55 PM PST Home Archives Tags Search Login New User Tags: chicago tourism November 8, 2005 Chicago: I'm visiting Chicago for the first time in a couple of weeks. I'll be there for the weekend with a friend, staying at the Hotel Allegro , and I'm looking for suggestions regarding fun things to do. Where should I go and what should I see? For example: Is the Museum of Contemporary Art worth the trip? Is the Navy Pier a waste? Is the train a convenient way to get around, or am I better off renting a car? What sort of attractions are within a reasonable distance of my hotel (located, I believe, in the Loop). That sort of thing. I've already got tickets to the Second City. Thanks in advance. posted by gd779 to travel & transportation at 5:39 AM PST the responses to my question earlier this year were pretty dang helpful. posted by sluggo at 5:54 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is right in the Loop and you're right near the trains, so you have lots of options. You're within blocks of shopping (State Street), theaters, and lots of mid to high end resteraunts and bars. Millenium Park is about a 5 minute walk. The Art Institue is about a 15 minute walk away. For loads of shopping Michigan Avenue (the Magnifcent Mile) is 15-20 minutes away on foot. It's all pretty touristy where you are, so it depends what you're into. I've never found anything fun about Navy Pier, but if you're looking for carnival food or overpriced t-shirts that's the place to go. Check Gaper's Block (from MeFite Me3dia) for a look at some of the cooler things happening in the city while you're here. CitySearch and MetroMix have even more things to look at. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 5:56 AM PST on November 8 See also here posted by einarorn at 5:58 AM PST on November 8 Just about any of the museums are a full-day visit, including the Art Institute. If you are using public transportation, Argyle street and Devon make for pleasant international shopping and dining, low key and few crowds. (Red line north to Argyle. Devon is a bus trip.) Public transportation in the central Chicago area is great unless you have plans to get into the surrounding suburbs. posted by KirkJobSluder at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 If you're looking for bars and clubs and things that less touristy check out the Reader . The paper is free and can be found all over the city. It comes out on Thursday afternoons, and from the Allegro you can pick one up at Rock Records, which is exactly one block South on Washington (it's at about the same spot on that block as the Allegro is on Randolph). There are loads of ads and listings, so you should definitely be able to find something to do. TimeOut is also now in Chicago, and you can pick that up anywhere that sells magazines. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I love the Hotel Allegro. I put my maid of honor up there as a thank you when she came into town for my wedding. I think you'll be absolutely fine with relying on the train/buses. If you need to get somewhere that's not really accessible for whatever reason, you'll be able to get a cab really easily. I enjoyed going to Chinatown. You can take the Red Line south a few stops. It's not like San Fransisco or New York, but it's fun. posted by sugarfish at 6:27 AM PST on November 8 The Pier is nice for an hour or so but it's primarilly food and drink. There's the Shakespeare Theatre there if you're so inclined, tho. In the summer Second City runs shows there as well - I saw The Trial of Friar Lawrence there and it was superb. The aquarium is awesome too. I resisted going, having grown up in Miami and with no shortage of great aquatic displays, but went on my most recent visit and it was excellent. Beautiful, well laid-out and well worth the money. The perfomance shows are corny as such things always are, but still neat. Presumably they're done screwing around with the bean so make sure you go see it. It seems like a moronic concept but it's impressive up close. And take a picture . posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 Whoops - I meant to suggest going to one of the Second City shows while you're there, too. posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 When I was in Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised that I could get a five day bus/train pass [not including the Metra] for $18. This was definitely the way to go for travelling. There were very few places that I couldn't get to this way, be sure to bookmark their trip planner . posted by jessamyn at 6:36 AM PST on November 8 If you do decide you'd rather not take the Bus or trains, just take cabs. By the time you rent a car and pay for parking you'll come out close enough to even that it's worth it to pay for the convenience. posted by Wallzatcha at 6:41 AM PST on November 8 If you'll be using public transportation, use this site or just call 836-7000 from any Chicago area code and they'll plan your trip for you (i.e. tell you where to get on, get off, and transfer). posted by jtron at 7:11 AM PST on November 8 These may be a little too off the beaten path for your visit, but catching a show by The Neofuturists or browsing the stacks at Quimby's Bookstore will yield unexpected pleasures. If you opt to visit the more readily accessible Shedd Aquarium - may as well walk an extra block and catch the show at Adler Planetarium as well. Great views of the city from out there. posted by tristero at 7:13 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the greatest Modern Art collections in the world. If you like art, don't miss it. posted by scottr at 7:14 AM PST on November 8 I would recommend Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind The historical society offers tours of the city via the brown and purple lines on Saturday and Sunday. Navy Pier is not a waste if you would like to see an IMAX movie, eat at McDonalds, or buy something that says Chicago on it. I think the art museum and the Shedd are great. posted by srburns at 7:17 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is great, the restaurant downstairs (320 Grille?) has the BEST scallops appetizer I have ever had. There is a fondue restaurant on the north side called Geja's (I believe it's pronounced "yay-ya's"). It's a good time, celler-like environment, full 3 or 4 course meal. Make a night of it, and expect to spend $50-$75 a person. Also, Mambo Grill on Clark street has amazing latin food. Don't rent a car- it's just too expensive. You can get everywhere you need to go by El or train. Thumbs up on Art museum, thumbs down on Navy Pier, especially in cold weather. The Field museum and Shedd Aquarium are both fun, and farther south The Museum of Science and Industry is amazing. If you are interested in Chicago history, the main building is what's left of what was built for the World's Fair in 1893. Check out " Devil in the White City " posted by bradn at 7:18 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute is worth seeing, even if the layout is infuriating for the modern works. I like to go there for two hour chunks with a clear idea of what I want to see, in order to avoid museum fatigue (though I can go longer, usually the people I'm with start to whine like babies in the face of all the art. Also, I'm not shy about skipping stuff I think is crap in order to sit for ten minutes in front of the Rothkos. Which you should do.) The Museum of Contemporary Art is usually pretty solid, and can be done in an hour. The Contemporary Photography Museum is small, but absolutely fantastic with its rotating shows, and can also be done in an hour (and is an easy walk from the AI). Aside from that, if you feel like trecking, you can visit the Brookfield Zoo. It's an excellent spot if you're either with kids or on drugs. Or both. Even if you're not, the Rainforest exhibit is worth seeing sooner or later, but I'd be hard pressed to make the trip from the loop that far out just to see it. The Museum of Science and Industry is OK, if you want to feel wistful for the great public works projects of yesteryear, and feel deeply frustrated with the screaming children that decend like locusts to break everything tangible around while their parents ignore them. Most of the really cool stuff is gone, and computer monitors have replaced a lot. Instead of having an emphasis on the sheer achievement and monumentalism that made Modernism so amazing, it's turning into just a large hands-on museum, and one cluttered with the garrish and transient. Though they do have a WWII sub as a last gasp grab towards The History Channel viewers. The Aquarium is top-notch (though I again recommend drugs to push the experience over the edge into truly fantastic), but can have an ungodly wait to get in, especially on the weekends and whichever day of the week is the cheap one. You should see it at least once in you life though, it's really great. My second favorite aquarium, next to the one in Monterey Bay, California (which is totally different in scale and emphasis-- the one in Chicago is just huge and gorgeous, but there's no interaction with the fish). Right next door is the under-rated Museum of Natural History, which I enjoy quite a bit. But I also enjoy looking at the giant rings of trees, dinosaur skeletons and old decrepit mummies, so your milage may vary. For all of those places, you should endeavor to keep a few dollars with you for the plastic models that are die-cast right in front of you. They're probably toxic and cause cancer, but they're so damned cool. I'm working on a full set... If you like music, you should look to Out of the Past records, a dusty anarchic set of vinyl (seriously, no order at all) that has so many hidden treasures that it should be declared on the national registry. It's near the Museum of Science and Industry. Dusty Groove is good too, if you've got some time to kill and are around Wrigleyville. Lots of out-of-print stuff. Totally easy to blow cash there. I dropped $50 like breathing, and I'm a cheapskate... posted by klangklangston at 7:52 AM PST on November 8 Navy Pier will make your soul hurt for a couple of days hence. If you brave Michigan Ave. for shopping or the desire to get your toes stepped on, I'd recommend going to the top of the Hancock. It's a great view of the city and you can have a $12 martini. posted by MarkAnd at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 If you get a chance, try an Ino's burrito-- you won't regret it. There's also a nice little thai place on Michigan Ave. right near the Art Institute that's surprisingly cheap and pretty tasty. Or there's the Chicago Diner, if you go for upper-middle-class vegetarian food. posted by klangklangston at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I second the Neo-futurists (or rather, I third it) - TMLMTBGB is the best! The architectural boat tour is one of my favorite things to do in the Chi - it's probably too cold for that, though, so maybe one of the walking tours sponsored by the architects? I know it sounds boring, but it's actually really interesting and fun and pretty. And please eat some pizza. Mmm, pizza. And also, don't get a car, you don't need one, and it would be a pain to park -- public transportation in Chicago rocks (and don't discount the buses, I love the bus system in Chicago). The bar at the top of the Hancock building has great views, too, if the weather is clear. posted by echo0720 at 8:30 AM PST on November 8 As others have noted, if you care even a smidge about art The Art Institute is a must. It's my favorite art museum in the US. Do not miss its spectacular collection of Joseph Cornell's work--the largest one anywhere. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a wide array of tours . If the weather is not abominable I highly recommend the river cruise. Devon street was mentioned--this is a great place to eat Indian food. If you like German food, the Berghof is a classic and very popular at lunch. And much to my chagrin as someone who grew up on the West coast and has been eating MExican food all my life, my hands down favorite Mexican restaurants are in Chicago-- Frontera Grill and Topolbampo . posted by donovan at 10:01 AM PST on November 8 Oh yeah, lemme recommend TMLMTBGB as well. Excellent. posted by klangklangston at 10:31 AM PST on November 8 These are all great suggestions, thanks! posted by gd779 at 10:47 AM PST on November 8 Go to the Hideout . Best music in a city which abounds in beautiful noise. posted by felix betachat at 11:36 AM PST on November 8 MeTa . (Just in case the dates work, gd779.) posted by felix betachat at 12:21 PM PST on November 8 Second the Hideout, definitely. Also second (third/fourth/whatever) the Art Institute, in particular the modern collection -- and the Joseph Cornell collection is, indeed, not to be missed. As for restaurants, I always love going to Reza's when I'm back in Chicago -- the fessenjen (cornish hen in pomegranate sauce) is spectacular. On the fancy-schmancy end, if you're in the mood (and have the means!), Blackbird is stellar -- I had one of the greatest meals of my life there. posted by scody at 12:26 PM PST on November 8 Check out Wicker Park starting with the intersection of Damen, North and Milwaukee. It's still a little piece of heaven in some respects. Record shops, coffee shops, thai food, noodle shops, the Double-Door and all sorts of assorted tomfoolery can be had. The Hideout isn't too far north of there either. You'll be on Randolph street which has undergone a huge resurgence. All sorts of awesome stuff if you get on Randolph and head west. Also, as touristy as it is, the area of Wells and Division has Second City and cool things to see. For Blues, avoid Kingston Mines and the neck-high frat crowd and head over to Rosa's on West Armitage. Of course you could always come to our meetup! ;) posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:39 PM PST on November 8 ON REVIEW: The Out of the Past record store is NOT near the Museum of Science and Industry, despite my visiting it on the same day and somehow believing that it was. Out of the Past is at 4407 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60624. I still recommend you go there. posted by klangklangston at 5:12 PM PST on November 8 I love the area around Clark and Belmont Ave...get off the El at Belmont, walk to Clark, turn left and walk up the street toward Wrigley Field. Lots of cool shops and things there. You should also stop in the Marshall Fields flagship store on State Street. This is nothing like the Marshall Fields stores in the mall. It's a definite experience. Plus the Christmas windows will be done by then, so check those out. : ) posted by SisterHavana at 1:05 PM PST on November 10 « Older I love my lotus lamp. I hate t... | My company has an ISDN2 link w... 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travel to and in

Welcome to South Africa Home / Welcome to South Africa Current Version: All Welcome to South Africa Welcome to the official South African Tourism website – the most comprehensive online source of information on travel to and in South Africa. Tourism Helpline: 083 123 6789 Have something to say? If you have some feedback on our website, we’d love to hear from you. Find an expert on South Africato fulfill your travel requirements. Click here to order your Welcome collateral. ETEYA Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award Click to see the finalists here . What's Hot The Untamed Elephant Coast Unusual Places to Get Wet It’s called the ‘Untamed Spirit of the Zulu Kingdom’, and if you’re looking for wild and wonderful adventures, look no further than KwaZulu Natal’s Elephant Coast. For those who want to take a self-drive along this coastline, there really is so much to explore. Read More... South Africa boasts incredibly good weather, gorgeous scenery and fantastic beaches. The country not only has wonderful oceans to swim in but there are also rock pools, freshwater streams, and natural lakes on offer. Here are some of the wetter areas worth exploring... Read More... Features Land of the Resurrection Bush Grass and Water There is an often repeated story about the Waterberg, an wild mountainous area of bushveld three hours north of Johannesburg. Whenever old President Paul Kruger was particularly vexed by one of his burghers, he would say: “Give him a farm in the Waterberg.” Read More... During the dry blonde and russet Free State winter, it is a bewildering thing to turn a corner on the road to Qwa Qwa and suddenly find the wind whipping up foaming white horses on an enormous stretch of blue water in what feels vividly like the middle of nowhere. Read More... The South African Tourism Corporate website. Click to access all trade, media and research information. ............................................................................................................. Take a Sho't Left to see great domestic travel packages and events. Find out more about travelling within South Africa here . ............................................................................................................. Find out more information about Indaba 2006 and register online. Click to learn more. ............................................................................................................. International Trade Only - The Fundi Tourism Expert Course (destination specialist training) has been specifically designed to enable the travel provider to sell South Africa more effectively. Click to learn more. To pre-register for the domestic Fundi course that is being developed for the South African trade selling domestic travel please click here. ............................................................................................................. Other Events December 2005 Click here to search all events in the database. Dusi Canoe Marathon 19, 20 and 21 January 2006 , The Powerade Dusi Canoe Marathon is regarded as one of the toughest canoe events in the world. It is held annually towards the end of January and normally brings the cream of South Africa's canoeing talent to Durban.In 1999 a total of 1545 paddlers took to the 120km route over three days of race. The event which begins at Camps Drift near Pietermaritzburg is paddled through two river systems, The Umsindusi and The Umgeni. The race ends at the Blue Lagoon and celebrity participants are welcomed home by thousands of participators. The race is alternated annually between singles and pairs formats. For more information on the Dusi canoe marathon call: 033 3949994 / 3421525/8 ................................................ Midmar Mile 11-12 February 2006 , If you are a water sports lover you cannot afford to miss the world’s largest open water swimming event, the Midmar Mile. Renowned as one of the world’s most important water events it is difficult to imagine that it started as an alternative event that came as a result of petrol restrictions in South Africa in 1973. Mike Arbuthnot, Dick Park and Brian Glover were unable to travel as far as East London to compete in the Buffalo Mile in 1973 due to the restrictions so they decided to start a similar race organized in Natal. Midmar Dam was chosen as the venue, and it proved to be a popular venue. 153 swimmers took part in the inaugural competition in 1974 and the event has been growing from strength to strength. Last year over 17 000 swimmers took part in the event. Money raised from the event is donated to conservation purposes. ................................................ Related Links | Contact Us | Email this page | Print this page | Link To Us | Privacy Policy Industry : About South African Tourism | Become a Fundi | Trade | Media | Research | Image Library D.E.A.T. | The Information Gateway to SA | South African National Parks | Tourism Grading Council | Indaba

Family Vacation Ideas Winter

family vacations - family travel deals & family vacation ideas  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 From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the one-of-a kind Atlantis Bahamas (with 14-acre "waterscape", shark lagoons, subterranean giant aquariums with Atlantis theme, lazy river, and waterslides-- not to mention spa, dining, and casino.) Also: Alaska Airlines Vacations has announced the return of its Kids Fly Free to Disneyland deal: a great promotion that both Alaska and United Airlines repeat every year for travel after New Year's. Alaska's travel dates extend through most of June. Check out these promotions and more of the Ten Latest Travel Deals : then check back frequently, as new deals get slotted in. Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and as if that weren't good enough, they're low-cost, too. Read more about First Night events , and find celebrations in many cities. Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash of daily life, and try to figure out, how the heck did all those months go by so fast, and what the heck did it all mean? Family Travel Trend Number 1: Splish, Splash Our pick for biggest family vacation trend for 2005 is Big Splashes at Family Resorts : a whole bunch of resorts opened private water parks for their guests this year -- such as Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn (aka NickHotel), pictured right, in Orlando, which added not one but two water parks. Trend Two: new major players on the family vacation scene In this flurry of water play in 2005, one can see some major new players muscling their way up and out of the local scene. Great Wolf Lodge , for example -- one of the main resorts in waterpark super-town, Wisconsin Dells-- leads the pack in expanding beyond the Dells: its new Great Wolf Poconos resort (left) joins properties in Niagara Falls, Virginia, Sandusky Ohio, and more. Meanwhile, The Atlantis was already a behemoth in the Bahamas, with it's amazing 14-acre "waterscape". Now, it's not only expanding there -- with an upscale new Tower and a major new waterpark area -- its also about to replicate. The Atlantis The Palms Dubai is being built half-way around the globe, with 50-acre waterscape, a Ziggurat Temple with eight waterslides, 2-kilometer river ride, and much more. These brand-building resort openings make one wonder: what about NickHotel ? Can a concept this good be confined to one place? Trend Three: So who's your animated character? NickHotel is a good illustration of another trend, with its celebrity residents SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, the RugRats, and other animated characters from Nickelodeon tv. Animated characters have of course long been a feature at the Disney theme parks,but these days, they're popping up in more and more places. SpongeBob has done guest appearances at a number resorts. Elmo and Cookie Monster hang out at Beaches Resorts , thanks to a multi-year deal with Sesame Street. So will we see bidding wars, among resorts desperate for cartoon mascots? Stay tuned, in 2006... The big(gest) picture There were of course many more Grand Openings etc. in 2005 -- see Family Travel Newsmakers for a few. All the above paints a picture of a burgeoning time for family travel. Families are traveling more together, a trend that grew after 9-11. Also, it's so easy to "bring the kids" when virtually every resort has a kids' club, and some take kids' programs to soaring heights. But perhaps the most important travel story of 2005 is an invisible one: no news is good news, as, thankfully, another year of travel has proceeded peacefully with no trauma of terrorist attacks. Yet 2005 did see destruction: the tsunami and hurricane season battered many tourist zones, not only causing immediate damage but reminding everyone how important tourism is for local welfare. So please remember these areas as we open up the old hearts and wallets, in the last days of 2005. See also: Family Travel News-makers in 2005 2005: Big Splashes -- new indoor and outdoor water parks at Family Resorts Sunday December 25, 2005 | permalink Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip that fascinates families... Every year, the official NORAD site gives a bit of magic to millions of kids: they can watch Santa's flight tracked by an official aerospace agency. Make sure you have the website-- and the right plug-ins-- all lined up for the big night. See: Track Santa on Christmas Eve at the NORAD web site . Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Christmas at Hershey - & Holiday Season countdown Three hours from NYC, 1.5 hours from Baltimore, "Chocolate Town USA" has several attractions, most notably Hersheypark and a historic hotel. In December, Hersheypark turns into Christmas Candyland. Even better, Hershey PA has a bunch of holiday getaway packages. Read about Christmas at Hershey . And lots more, in the Holiday Season Countdown: Gift ideas for traveling kids : baby gifts, stuffies, Leapfrog Leapster, activity kits, and more Ten Holiday Packages : "Home for the Holidays" package in Vermont with Christmas trimmings, including your own tree to decorate in your room; The Polar Express train in New Hampshire; 12 Days of Christmas at Sea Island... new : Holiday Package in the White Mountains, NH Disney Christmas: special events at Disney World include Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights; Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party; Holidays Around the World and Candlelight Processional... and that's not all. more Holiday Season in Orlando : it's the uber -destination for families, and the fun keeps escalating many more Holiday Season events in many cities Christmas Eve: on the big night, don't forget to track Santa's flight! Every year, the official NORAD site gives a bit of magic to millions of kids: they can watch Santa's flight tracked by an official aerospace agency. Make sure you have the website-- and the right plug-ins-- lined up and ready to go, to Track Santa's Flight on Christmas Eve. Kwanzaa : many cities have Kwanzaa celebrations , from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 New Year's Eve: finally, wrap up the year with a First Night : family-friendly and affordable New Year's Eve celebrations, staged in many cities. Read more... Saturday December 17, 2005 | permalink 2005: Big Splashes -- new indoor and outdoor water parks at Family Resorts Looking back at the year that was: in 2005 a trend become a tidal wave as multiple family resorts made major splashes with on-site water parks for their guests. For example: Sunset Beach Resort & Spa -- a value-priced all-inclusive in Jamaica-- opened the Pirate's Paradise water-park, above. Click to read about new water parks at Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark, Sunset Beach Resort in Jamaica; and a major planned waterpark at the Atlantis Resort. See also: Family Travel Trends in 2005 Family Travel Newsmakers in 2005 Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Visit an Ice Hotel It's like the essence of winter: so ethereally beautiful, so crystal cold, so melted by spring. There are two Ice Hotels, one in Sweden, one in Quebec. Far more people do tours than stay overnight; but those who do stay sleep in warm mummy-bags on top of reindeer skins on top of sculpted-ice beds: is this cool, or what? 28 degrees cool... read about the Ice Hotel in Sweden and Quebec take a photo tour of a past Ice Hotel in Quebec Note : check out a Happy Frosty Holidays promotion at the Quebec Ice Hotel Saturday December 10, 2005 | permalink Family Vacation Idea: Marien Coral by Hilton Coral by Hilton is a brand of the giant Hilton chain that should pique the interest of families: these four resorts in the Dominican Republic are all-inclusive, have kids clubs and are family-friendly, and offer a good price point. See photos of the Marien Coral by Hilton , and a profile for families , too. See more resorts in the Dominican Republic See also these other recent resort profiles: NEW: Natura Park Eco-Resort , DR: in Punta Cana, Bavara Beach area Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman : Ambassadors of the Environment Kids Program created by jean-Michel Cousteau Great Wolf Poconos : brand new; rustic chic and indoor waterpark Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark : also brand new, and the first hotel with indoor waterpark in NY state Hilton Los Cabos : sheltered cove for swimming (a plus in Los Cabos) Riu Ocho Rios : brand-new all-inclusive in Jamaica Dreams Los Cabos : all-inclusive in the popular Los Cabos area in Baja, western Mexico Grace Bay Club : luxury resort in Turks & Caicos; suites, kids program Monday December 05, 2005 | permalink Family Vacation Idea: Ski Utah Think Utah's out of the way? Think again: hop a direct flight (on an economy airline like Southwest) to Salt Lake City. Just an hour after you land you can be airborne again: on a ski lift. Solitude has a "village" that's great for families, with outdoor pools, game room, mini-movie theater. And there's six other resorts less than an hour from the airport. Click above for Solitude, or read about Alta terrific skiers-only ski resort , or other Salt Lake City skiing . More Ski Resorts: Colorado, Vermont, etc. Saturday December 03, 2005 | permalink "Snowland" at Great Wolf Lodge Great Wolf Lodge is one of the top resorts with indoor waterparks in that top town for indoor waterworks, Wisconsin Dells; and Great Wolf Lodge is leading the pack in building new properties in other states. Latest opening is in the Great Wolf Lodge Poconos , pictured right: with great-looking rustic chic, all-suite guestrooms, and a 78,000 sq. ft waterpark. As if the waterpark wasn't enough fun, Great Wolf Lodge has launched a new holiday tradition: from Dec. 2 to Dec. 31, "Snowland" will transform the resort's Grand Lobby with snowflakes, icicles, and indoor snow (though guests can still sit by the fire and sip hot choc.) Snowland also means many themed holiday events... Other Great Wolf Lodges -- in Sandusky OH, Wisconsin Dells, and more-- have Snowland too. Read more... Monday November 28, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type 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...