France travel needs from

Discover France travel: bicycle tour and walking tour specialists - see About Us 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 Custom Travel Gay/Lesbian Promotions Group Travel Club Trips Info Site Map Links "Barb and I had a great time on our bicycle trip arranged by you and DiscoverFrance in the Languedoc region. As with our first trip, everything went very smoothly with no problems at all." R&B Smith "The Loire tour was awesome! It was a superb outdoor vacation, a great culture and historic tour, and the accomodations and dining took us to another world each evening. The Discover France staff and everyone at the hotels made every part of the trip more than I dreamed they could." M. Walker "Our guides, Marc D. and Alain, were excellent. They were informative and fun to be with. The riding was amazing! Getting to see the Tour de France was and unforgettable experience! Thanks so much!" M. Leibling "Olivier (TDF) did an outstanding job of caring for each and every person in the group. His attention made the trip particularly good and enjoyable." B. Gauny "Everything was so great!! I was very organized and didn't have to stress about the little stuff, just ride, ride, and ride some more.. Thanks on a great tour, Ill never forget it. " J. Prescott "I'd just like to say that the whole holiday and experience was wonderful. The hotels you allocated us were fabulous, the people were friendly and the food was superb. Obviously the sights along the way also made our vacation. The routes that we took were so easy to follow, with some beautiful views on the way. So we would just like to say that we would recommend your company to anyone and won't hesitate to book another holiday through your company. - D. Watts "Our trip was wonderful. The sites were spectacular. The accomodations were excellent far exceeding our expectations. The B&B owners were very friendly and helpful. We found the French people to be more pleasant and accomodating than anywhere we have visited in Europe. ... This was my fifth self guided tour (the first with Discover France), and it was the best. We thank you for a wonderful experience!! We look forward to traveling with you again soon." - R. Goracke "I can't thank you enough. You have allowed our family to experience something deep that will remain as wonderful memories, all our lives." - Mary M. "Everything was very well coordinated. We hope to take another tour next year!" - Anne A. "It was a great experience that I've recommended to friends and would love to do again." - Jeff C. "We had a wonderful time and the choices that we were given with Discover France with regard to accommodations and tours were the best! We enjoyed every minute of our trip and felt that we were staying in the best places and had the best tours available. I would definitely recommend Discover France without hesitation to anyone who wanted to visit this magnificent country!!" - Heather H. "I wanted to thank you for the planning that you did for our recent trip to France. It was a wonderful trip, one of the best we had ever taken. All of your arrangements were great, and the French were especially warm and welcoming under current political/economic circumstances." - Tim S. "Just wanted to tell you everything was great. The hotels were wonderful. Nicole was very helpful, informative and flexible. Thanks for everything. I hope we get to use your company again." - Marty N. "Excellent trip cant wait to go on our next adventure.The velos were great, the hotel was superb and the riding fantastic." A. Gelles "I had an excellent time. I loved the cycling and found the tour a great way of meeting like minded people to get out on the road with. Would highly recommend it." J. Patterson "Bikes were great, we want to buy the bike that was rented to us - increadable. Guide Alain was great, very tolerant of all of us. please tell him thank you. Could not have asked for a more positive experience." Z. Weiss "Truly the sign of a great trip is that NONE of our family wanted to return home--not even the 15 year old socialite. We had the best time. As I start to work through 500 emails, I really wish we were still biking through Entre deux Mers." S. Kraft "The bike tour was fabulous. All the logistics were taken care of, accomodations were great, and best of all the bike route took us through beautiful landscapes and small towns. I'd recommend this tour to anyone who needs a break from the daily routine and isn't afraid to get a little sweaty!" L. Schievelbein "I had a wonderful time! The dining and accomodations were excellent, and the sites to see were all extremely interesting and beautiful. I would definitely love to do this again." Thanks to our customers for their feedback! We do get recommendations for how to improve trips as well and we do listen. Each year, we review comments and in the offseason we are always looking to make the tours better. If that means changing a hotel that has begun to deteriorate, or changing the routes because of new road construction; we listen and try to get better and better! Travel has so many components that something can go wrong, but it is important that all of our clients know that we will do everything possible to make it right and avoid problems, or when they arise, to rectify them as soon as possible. Our suppliers throughout the tours are vital components to keeping things running well and to fixing problems as they may arise. This is your advantage as a client, knowing that we have people on the ground where you are to look after you. DISCOVER FRANCE is the leader in self-guided bicycle tours to France and specializes in travel to France including walking tours, Paris travel, hotels, Paris passes, cooking tours, and other themes for a France vacation. We are French and American owned and operated. In 2006 we celebrate 12 years in business! We sell more than $1MUS/year in bicycle tours alone, exclusively to France! Want to contact us? send us an e-mail! Don't complete your travel plans without seeing our programs first! If you plan to go to France, then why not talk to a specialist!? Why us and why are we better? Knowledge - We are French, speak French, live/lived in France; we also provide extra services so that you can get all your France travel needs from one source, using our experience for a total package and not just your tour Flexibility - we can adapt tours to your needs, and we offer enough tours to meet just about everyone's needs. Lodging - an important component - always very good, and we offer several choices to help meet all budgets. Superior equipment - only for our clients; children sizes and equipment available. In 2006 we are upgrading even more in this area, our equipment is superior in every region! Trek and Eddy Merckx brands. Uniquely modified routes; upgraded hotels and choices of hotels. Our routes always minimize traffic and take charming options near the sites. It is with local expertise and support that we know these are the best rides. Local support - help always available, orientations, transfers, and other support services Extensive Pre-travel documentation designed by us to help you finalize and anticipate your tour Price - when you compare "apples to apples", there is no better value. We are not the cheapest option out there, but by comparison to luxury guided trips, our programs are incredible values offering many of the same places of lodging. And, for other companies that now offer self-guided, we know a small difference in price is not important for the superior quality we provide. Your vacation is valuable time, we won't let you risk it to save a few euros! For the most part, price is driven by hotels and the associated dining. It is easy to sell expensive luxury hotels, nobody is rarely, if ever, disappointed. The challenge is to find top quality family run establishments that give a regional ambiance, have a charm that is unique, superior standards, all at a great price. We give you both options! Our hotel selections for 2006 are even superior to 2005 in many cases and for the most part we focus only on 3 and 4 star hotels. Meals are typically gastronomic affairs -meaning very good quality and never the cheapest menu option. France is our savoir-faire, it is all we do! Our niche of France appeals to many travelers, and we pride ourselves in helping people discover this multi-faceted country. Within our niche of France, our sub-specialty is active vacations in the form of self-guided and guided biking and walking tours. In addition to these we offer theme tours such as cooking and wine tours and driving tours. We also offer a comprehensive selection of charming hotels throughout Paris and France. Thousands of travelers each year have taken advantage of our services to fit that part of their French experience they need help organizing. The name Discover France says it all; exclusively operating in France, nowhere else. The tours were selected and created with the intention of visiting new places and some of the lesser traveled routes. Our philosophy is that we will provide the best experiences and lifetime memories through knowledge, contacts, and SERVICE. Lives have been spent in France by our creators, and our support staff. We are experts on France and have the very best working with us. That's why we only do France - its what we know best! We will give you the expert advise and quality trips you've worked hard and longed to be able to enjoy. STAFF: USA and FRANCE based personnel who will ensure your satisfaction throughout your journey: Loren Siekman - Scottsdale General Manager; contracts, admin/finance, sales/marketing, technology, reservations, and TDF leader. American, former resident of Paris while working as superintendent for Disneyland construction. BS/ASU, EMT. Traveled/cycled/hiked extensively throughout France and Europe since 1988. Magali - Scottsdale Office Manager; sales, reservations, program implementation. Native of Bayonne, France. Fluent in French, English, and conversational Spanish. Florence (and baby) - Scottsdale Product Development; tours, services, contracts, reservations, sales. Graduate of CREPS sports university in France with 2 degrees, and a BS from ASU.. Native of Montpellier, France. Fluent French/English. Laura - Scottsdale ; Sales, reservations, communications. Native of Southwest France with degrees in tourism, Laura is fluent in French, English, German, and conversational in Russian, and Spanish. Jessie - Scottsdale; Paris sales, Communications, PR. Fluent in English, Turkish. Jane - Dallas; Sales, trip leader. Former resident of Loire Valley. Jean Marc (with his son and Eddy Merckx) - Responsible for all cycling tour logistics in Provence and Languedoc regions, as well as TDF program contracts and logistics. President of Cycling Classics based in Montpellier, degree in Oenology and specialist in Corbiere vineyards. David - Cyclist, guide, and coordinator throughout Provence and Languedoc. Jerome - Cyclist, guide, and coordinator throughout Provence and Languedoc. Brigitte & Cecile- France Responsible for all individual and self-guided cycling tour logistics in Loire, Normandy, Brittany, Cognac regions. Beatrice & Julien - France Responsible for all group bookings in Loire, Normandy, Brittany, Burgundy, Cognac regions with Paris add-ons. Emmanuelle - France local coordinator for Catalonia Walking tour in Languedoc Roussillon. Jean Marc (Walking) - France Responsible for all walking tour route development, roadbooks, contracts in all regions. Cathy - France responsible for all reservations/services and is local coordinator for all walking tours throughout France. Glenn - France Responsible for all cycling tour logistics in Alsace. Glenn is an Oxford grad and has lived in a wine village of Alsace since 1992 and has been leading and supporting cycling and walking since 1994. Agathe, Franck, and Pierre-Olivier in Burgundy- responsible for logistics, bikes, and tour support. Manu - Paris Responsible for Paris transportation, airport transfers, and driver services. Aurore - France local coordinator for cycling in Dordogne/Bordeaux We are a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the Better Business Bureau (Central/Northern Arizona Chapter), as well we are endorsed by IATAN as a Travel Service Intermediary meeting the strict standards of eligibility. Discover France participates in a variety of French Government Tourist Office events. We offer our own travel insurance to our clients through CSA Travel Protection Insurance. We have pages of testimonials from customers who have traveled with us previously, and we keep a large file full of magazine and newspaper stories/articles about our companies. Just contact us to receive fax copies. Notes: Discover France is a brand name owned by LRB Flagship, Inc. In 2006, LRB enters its 12th year of operations. The company has been ARC appointed, is currently IATAN certified, and is licensed in Arizona. Tradenames are registered with the United States Patent Office. We carry $1M E/O policy insured by The Berkley Group. The company has been selected at the small business of the year in 1998 in our local community. We work with various offices of tourism and employ destination specialists in the regions that we promote. Discover France along with Cycling Classics, and Pure Adventures supports Race Lab U23 cycling, Bicycle Ranch Junior Cyclists, and the Lance Armstrong foundation through the Tour of Hope and Peleton Project. We support MS 150 riders, and we donate to the International School of Arizona, the Arizona Wilderness Coalition, the Vietnam Veterans Assn of the Valley, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. In 2006, LRB Flagship will contribute a small portion of each tour sale to Save the Children, Lance Armstrong Foundation, and Arizona Wilderness Coalition. We expect to donate up to $10,000 in 2006. If you would like to visit these 4 star rated charities (top rating for efficient use of donor funds) donate to these organizations, please see these links: Lance Armstrong Foundation ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2004 finalist for La Maison de la France award for Most Extensive Product offers to France. 1998 Small Business of the Year award winner in our local community for growth as well as community supported efforts and Chamber of Commerce contributions. Our president was a board member; chair of International Trade, and participant of other committees. Discover France organizes tours and product in coordination with a variety of local guide services ensuring exposure to all the charms of a region. Our 11 years plus those of our colleagues in France average of 18 years of continuous service. For any guided tour, we use native French speakers, with national diplomas in various fields of sport, emergency trained, and instructor certified. Discover France is a brand name wholly owned by LRB Flagship, Inc. which also owns the brand name Pure Adventures and is a joint venture owner of the company Cycling Classics SARL based in France. Discover France is always looking for good people. Currently, we are accepting CV's/Resumes for Inside Agents, administrative assistants, and communications personnel, as well as, Outside Sales representatives, both domestically and abroad. Industry experience is required for inside positions in our Scottsdale, AZ offices. We are not currently looking for tour guides. Note that any guide applicant must be bilingual French/English, experienced, and achieved Diplome d'Etat in related disciplines. Please send an email with attachment in MSWORD or ACROBAT format only to EMPLOYMENT Please do not telephone, thank you. Home | Cycling Classics | Pure Adventures | Bicycle Tours | Walking Tours | Media | Links Promotions | Travel Agents | FAQs | Weather | Newsletter | Group Travel | Privacy © 2006 Discover France (SM)

RUSSIA TRAVEL GUIDE |

Travel to Russia - *Escorted St. Petersburg tours* HOME | TOUR GUIDES | ESCORTED TOURS | SHORE EXCURSIONS | VISAS | CLIENTS | RUSSIA TRAVEL GUIDE | HOTELS The State Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg City of St. Petersburg Destination guide for independent and cruise travel to Russia City of Moscow Cultural capital of Russia Michael's Palace St. Nicholas Cathedral Stroganoff Palace Palace Square Hermitage Theater If you are going to travel to Russia or need first-hand information about Moscow and St. Petersburg - this site is for you! Your Personal Travel Concierge Planning a trip to Russia can be strenuous and time-consuming. As many experts agree, engaging a company with local expertise can save time, money and offer a high level of flexibility. With over 12 years of experience serving foreign guests who choose Moscow and St. Petersburg as their destination, we are ready to alleviate your burden of making travel arrangements half a world away. We are a St. Petersburg based tour operator offering top-rated service at a reasonable price. Our art-savvy tour guides will introduce you to the world-famous art exhibits and bustling nightlife of Russia's both capitals. Our friendly drivers will meet you at the airport and get you to your hotel at any time of day or night. Our free travel concierge will help you plan every detail of your trip making sure your visit to Russia is enjoyable and fun. Russia Travel Guide To help you prepare for your trip even further, we have created a comprehensive Travel Guide where you can get the latest news and practical advice on travel in Russia. Our Guide features information on Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Greater Area, and covers such topics as transportation, money, arrivals guide, museums, and many others. It is an indispensable companion both for first-time and seasoned travelers. For more information visit Russia Travel Guide , St. Petersburg City Guide , Moscow City Guide . Private Escorted Tours Our tours are designed for those seeking to maximize their time in Russia. We are delighted to offer individual and group tour programs of any duration tailored to your unique interests and tastes. Whether you are coming on a business trip or as a tourist, we have a variety of tour options to accommodate even the most demanding time schedule. During the tour you will be accompanied by one of our licensed guides who will ensure that you visit the venues of your own choice at your preferred pace with all of your questions or concerns being addressed right away. For more information visit Escorted Russian Tours . Cruise Shore Excursions We offer individual and group shore excursions in Moscow and St. Petersburg for both sea and river cruisers. Regardless of whether you will stay for only a few hours or for 2 weeks, we will tailor your tour program according to your individual needs. This high level of flexibility will be especially appealing for those travelers who wish to avoid all the inconvenience of ship-organized group tours and prefer to spend less while experiencing more. Read what our clients say and get in touch with us before you book the cruise tour package. For more information visit Baltic Shore Excursions , St. Petersburg Shore Excursions , Moscow Shore Excursions . Russia Travel Services Russian Visas : Free tourist visa invitation letters for customers booking our tours. Russian Hotels : Online hotel reservation system for Moscow and St. Petersburg hotels. Folk Show and Ballet Tickets : Get front of the line tickets for performances in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Official capital of Russia Red Square The Dashkov House Ivan the Great Tower Annunciation Cathedral Kremlin Cathedrals 2005 Optima , B. Konyushennaya St., 9 suite 9. St. Petersburg 191186 Russia. Tel/fax: +1 253 5507816 E-mail SITE MAP | TERMS | FAQ's | GLOBAL RESOURCES

London Vacation Packages e-mail

Cheap vacations to London - discount hotel + air deals - TripAdvisor London vacation discounts and deals Sign in • Sign up Home > Canada > Ontario > London > SmartDeals > Vacation packages London tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. Discount hotels | Hotel + air deals | All travel offers Search (e.g., London hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) London London Overview London Hotels Flights to London London Deals Discount hotels Hotel + air deals All travel offers London Attractions London Forum London Maps London Discount Hotels London Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend London vacation packages Acapulco vacation packages Alaska vacation packages Amsterdam vacation packages Anaheim vacation packages Arizona vacation packages Aruba vacation packages Aspen vacation packages Atlanta vacation packages Atlantic City vacation packages Bahamas vacation packages Barbados vacation packages Belgium vacation packages Bermuda vacation packages Boston vacation packages Branson vacation packages Breckenridge vacation packages British Virgin Islands vacation packages Cabo San Lucas vacation packages California vacation packages Canada vacation packages Cancun vacation packages Caribbean vacation packages Colorado vacation packages Costa del Sol vacation packages Cozumel vacation packages Dallas vacation packages Daytona Beach vacation packages Dominican Republic vacation packages Florida vacation packages Florida Keys vacation packages Fort Lauderdale vacation packages France vacation packages Germany vacation packages Grand Canyon National Park vacation packages Greece vacation packages Grenada vacation packages Hawaii vacation packages Hilton Head vacation packages Ibiza vacation packages Ireland vacation packages Italy vacation packages Ixtapa vacation packages Jamaica vacation packages Kauai vacation packages Key West vacation packages Lake Placid vacation packages Lake Tahoe vacation packages Las Vegas vacation packages London vacation packages Los Angeles vacation packages Los Cabos vacation packages Maui vacation packages Mazatlan vacation packages Melbourne vacation packages Mexico vacation packages Miami vacation packages Montreal vacation packages Myrtle Beach vacation packages Nashville vacation packages Nassau vacation packages New York vacation packages New York City vacation packages Niagara Falls vacation packages Nova Scotia vacation packages Oahu vacation packages Orlando vacation packages Paris vacation packages Park City vacation packages Philadelphia vacation packages Phoenix vacation packages Pigeon Forge vacation packages Puerto Rico vacation packages Puerto Vallarta vacation packages Punta Cana vacation packages Quebec City vacation packages Reno vacation packages Rome vacation packages Salt Lake City vacation packages San Antonio vacation packages San Diego vacation packages San Francisco vacation packages Santa Fe vacation packages Scotland vacation packages Seattle vacation packages Spain vacation packages St. Croix vacation packages St. Lucia vacation packages St. Maarten/St. Martin vacation packages St. Thomas vacation packages Sydney vacation packages Texas vacation packages Toronto vacation packages Tucson vacation packages U.S. Virgin Islands vacation packages Vail vacation packages Virginia Beach vacation packages Washington DC vacation packages Whistler vacation packages Read more London tourism Hotel + air deals to London * Featured specials - December 28, 2005 London : Save on hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! London : Buy Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 Hotels (12) B&Bs / Inns (0) Other lodging (0) Sorted by popularity hotel name Quality Suites , London Popularity index: #1 in London based on 9 sources Quality Suites : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Quality Suites : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Delta London Armouries , London Popularity index: #3 in London based on 15 sources Delta London Armouries : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Delta London Armouries : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre , London Popularity index: #4 in London based on 3 sources Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Travelodge London South , London Popularity index: #6 in London based on 5 sources Travelodge London South : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Travelodge London South : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Ramada Inn London , London Popularity index: #7 in London based on 7 sources Ramada Inn London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Ramada Inn London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Hilton London Ontario , London Popularity index: #8 in London based on 7 sources Hilton London Ontario : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Hilton London Ontario : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Comfort Inn , London Popularity index: #9 in London based on 6 sources Comfort Inn : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Comfort Inn : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Howard Johnson Hotel London , London Popularity index: #13 in London based on 7 sources Howard Johnson Hotel London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Howard Johnson Hotel London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Four Points by Sheraton London , London Popularity index: #16 in London based on 2 sources Four Points by Sheraton London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Four Points by Sheraton London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Days Inn London , London Popularity index: #17 in London based on 4 sources Days Inn London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Days Inn London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Pages: 1 2 Read more about London travel! TripAdvisor SmartDeals are the best deals on the best hotels in London. Visit our SmartDeals page. TripAdvisor's Tourism page has the web's best articles on London travel . Our London hotels page presents hotels ranked by popularity - read traveler reviews and guidebooks. Looking for things to do in London? Try our Attractions page! Visit our London forum page to ask questions and get advice about London travel. TripAdvisor forums let you ask questions and get advice - post in our London forum . Our Maps, etc. page has maps and other travel information. Visit our London discount hotels page for great savings on London hotels, including TripAdvisor SmartDeals. Book a flight to London on our Flights page. To view all the specials, vacation packages, and other travel offers we've found, visit our All travel offers page. About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor lists cheap air + hotel deals to London, Ontario. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! 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European Vacation By Ray

10 Money-Saving Tips for Your European Vacation Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living As seen in Transitions Abroad Magazine March/April 2001 Related Topics Back Door Travel with Rick Steves Budget Travel Related Articles Europe’s Online Travel Deals Cheap Travel in Europe Ricks Steves' Thrifty Fifty: How to Make Your Dollars and Sense Carry You Further in Europe Ricks Steves' Dirty Thirty: More Tips on How to Make Your Dollars, Euros, and Pounds Stretch 10 Money-Saving Tips for Your European Vacation By Ray Bangs Traveling cheaply is not just about saving a few francs, it is really about getting a better value for your money. Eat like the locals and you will save big bucks. Food and drink costs add up. For breakfast, a cup of coffee, a roll, assorted cold cuts, and a piece of fruit from the local market can be very reasonable. For lunch, try a picnic. Even in winter you may find Europeans unpacking a sandwich in the park. Choose the fixed menu and the house wine. Restaurants usually offer two or three choices that highlight some of the house specialties. Spend the night on a train. Your long-haul transportation and accommodations are taken both care of and you gain one more day for exploration. Bring a meal and snacks with you, since the dining car prices are often outrageous. Water is essential and will help you avoid that hangover effect if you do not sleep well. If you decide against the sleeper-car, an inflatable neck-pillow is important. Buy the postcard. Instead of snapshots of the Eiffel Tower take pictures of your friends and the people you meet. Keeping the rolls of film in a Ziploc bag will allow you to safely transport them back to the U.S. where developing costs are much less. Digital cameras are another eco- and wallet-friendly option, as long as you have some means of recharging the battery. Send an email instead. At a dollar each, the cost of mailing postcards can add up. Try to get everyone’s email address before you go, then at every city send a group email from an Internet café. If you are using a digital camera, you could even send that photo of you trying to distract the Buckingham Palace guards. It’s nice to receive emails from the people who write back to you as you travel. Try to speak the language and meet the locals. Everything can cost more than it should when you are unfamiliar with the currency, the customs, and the language. Following the advice of locals beats following the guidebooks. Use your credit card and get cash at ATMs. You will get a much better exchange rate and not have to pay conversion fees. Buy prepaid phone cards. In Europe these are available at any market or kiosk. Plan your souvenir budget. The little sew-on patches, stickers, or postcards are inexpensive mementos. If you simply must have a replica of Julius Caesar’s bust, remember that the further away from the Coliseum you go, the cheaper it will be. Get the discounted price. A student ID card can help you get the best prices on everything from museums to hotels. Joining a hostel association is worth the small investment. In the larger cities, an inexpensive public transportation ticket will allow you to enjoy the tour at your own pace. RAY BANGS lived for two years in Europe before moving to Tempe, AZ. He is planning a move back to Europe. Contact him at RCBangs@hotmail.com . Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Disclaimer ©Transitions Abroad

Asia Travel || Myanmar

HOTELS RESORTS TRAVEL LEISURE TOURS MYANMAR Myanmar Country and Travel Information Map of Myanmar Nationalities of Myanmar || Historical and Cultural Heritage || Arts and Crafts Highlights on Scenic Beauty || Special events IN GENERAL Myanmar is one of the largest country in South East Asia, stretching over 2,000 km from North to South. It is twice the size of Vietnam, over a quarter larger than Thailand, and Myanmar is bigger than England and France combined. Ethnically diverse, Myanmar is a nation of many races - some 130 ethnic groups make up its population of nearly 45 million. The majority of Myanmar's people are Bamars (from which the British coined the name Burma), but the Shan, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and others are also prominent throughout the country. Myanmar's climate is tropical: during the cool season from late November through February, temperatures are pleasantly mild ranging from 21C to 28 C; the hot season from March to April can see the mercury reach as high as 45 C; and during the months of the rainy season, from May to October short rainstorms are frequent in the late afternoons. The Nationalities of Myanmar Myanmar's ethnically diverse population is a result of three major migrations from Tibet and Central Asia, the cradle of humanity. The people of Myanmar are descendants of three main branches: The Mon-Khmer, the Tibeto-Burman, and the Thai-Chinese. The Kaya, Mon, Wa, La, Palaung, Pale, Yao, Riang, Padaung, Ylnbaw, Zayein, and others originated from the Mon-Khmer group, while the Shan, Kayin and Taungthu, etc., find their roots in the Thai-Chinese community. The Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Lolo, Rahkine, Kadu, Hpon, Maru, Lashi, Rawang, Azi, Nung, Daru, Yaw, Mro, Inthat, Naga, Gauri, Lisu, Lahu, among others, evolved from the Tibeto-Burman group. Historical and Cultural Heritage Kuthodaw Pagoda, in Mandalay, which houses the entire Buddhist scriptures carved onto 729 marble slabs is "The world's largest book". Built by King Mindon, it is indeed a rare and splendid sight. Myanmar's unique historical and cultural heritage dates back over 5,000 years. Evidence confirming the existence of stone age people has been found throughout the country. Early Myanmars were said to be Mons, and the first politically important inhabitants were the Pyu who date back to the early period of the Christian era. It was Bagan, however, which was founded in the 11th century, that gave rise to the dominant culture and civilization in Myanmar's history. Arts and Crafts of Myanmar Myanmar is an enchanting country with a rich history in arts and crafts. Mandalay, the ancient capital and the glory of Myanmar Kings, represents the largest repository of Myanmar arts and crafts. Visitors can observe carvers of ivory, wood and stone, in addition to makers fo gold leaf, silk weavers, silversmiths and bronze-casters, as they ply their respective trades according to the time-honored traditions of their forefathers. The pagodas, religious monuments, and major Buddhist sculptures seen all over Myanmar are authentic examples of the rich tradition of Bagan arts andcrafts and of prior eras of craftmanship so evident throughout Myanmar's history. Highlights on Scenic Beauty Myanmar is blessed with natural scenic beauty making for landscapes that are incredibly picturesque. The country's great lakes, snowcapped mountains and unspoiled beaches are undoubtedly some of the most stunning, idyllic, and mystical places to be found anywhere on earth. Myanmar's physical beauty is enhanced by the spectacular pagodas and temples that can be found all over the country. These venues for contemplation and prayer radiate the obvious spirituality of the people. Special Events Around The Year Myanmar is popularly known as The Land of Festivals because of the countless religious and cultural festivals that take place all ycar round. Some are nation-wide festivities while others are popular solely around the city of Yangon or in the District Areas. JANUARY On January 4th, Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar is celebrated across the country. Countless parades and fairs mark this important day and everyone joins in the festivities. The Myanmar Traditional Equestrian Festival or Myin-Khin-Thabin is a national festival which is held annually in Yangon In ancient times, this festival provided the Myanmar Kings with the opportunity to demonstrate their military might, but today its main purpose is for the perpetuation of Myanmar patriotism. It is a fantastic occasion and tourists are warmly welcomed to participate in the many celebrations. FEBRUARY Traditionally, this is the month of the Harvest Festival when people rejoice in the feast of Htamane. No one should miss this opportunity to sample a delicious Myanmar delicacy consisting of glutinour rice freckle with coconut, sesamum seeds, peanuts, ginger, and oil, which is specially prepared for the feast. The Thingyan festival don't wear your Sunday best! The anniversary of the Union Day falls on February 12. Representatives and cultural troupes of the seven States and seven Divisions of the Union of Myanmar dressed in colourful, traditional costumes gather at venues across the country. Traditional entertainment highlights the beauty of the different ethnic groups found within the Union. MARCH March is the most colorful month of the year as Pagoda Festivals arc in full swing. The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full moon of Tabaung and is one of the month s biggest events. During this festival, visitors can get a feel for the spirituality of the people of Myanmar by participating in events at temple fairs or by observing the rituals of the holiday. APRIL Thingyan or the Water Festival is held throughout the country for three days in the month of April. It simultaneously marks the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Young people gather together to sing and dance, and to playfully throw water on each other. Throughout the Thingyan Carnivals decorative floats and water throwing pandals are seen everywhere in both towns and cities alike. If you are not afraid of getting wet, this high spirited festival is one that you won't want to miss! MAY The Kason Festival of watering the Sacred Banyan Tree symbolises the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist holiday and many processions are held at temple grounds throughout the country. JUNE AND JULY The onset of monsoon season makes June and July relatively quiet months in Myanmar. There are, however, various smaller Buddhist festivals to be enjoyed. AUGUST Taungpyone Nat or Spirit Festival is a popular five day festival held in Taungpyone near Mandalay. According to tradition, Nats are spirits that must be appeased or they will wreak havoc in people's lives. The two Nat Brothers honoured during Taungpyone Nat belong to the 37 well-known Myanmar Nats. The story of the two Nat Brothers originated during the rule of King Anawrahta, when it was the duty of every person in the kingdom to contribute a brick and a handful of sand for the construction of a Pagoda. The brothers failed to contribute their share and orders came from the King for them to be mildly punished. Unfortunately, the Nat Brothers were accidentally killed. The King was remorseful and built a big Nat (spirit) shrine by the side of the Pagoda honoring the two brothers. The homage-paying festival is now held annually to appease the spirits as it is believed that the Nat Brothers can fulfill your wishes, protect you from ill-fate and danger, and bring good luck, prosperity and progress. SEPTEMBER The famous Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda Festival is held at Inle Lake once a year. The procession of the Inle leg-rowers in full pageantry and ceremonial splendour is a sight not to be missed by anyone visiting Myanmar. OCTOBER & NOVEMBER The opening ceremony of Visit Myanmar Year 1 1996 will be kicked off on a grand scale. The celebration will be a gloriously festive occasion. The Thadingyut or Light Festival, which ends the Buddhist I Lent, is also one of the most prominent festivals of the year. Another celebration of light is the Tazaungdine festival held in November. Pagodas, houses, buildings, parks, and monuments arc all illuminated and there are various kinds of activities for everyone to enjoy. The other important festival outside Yangon is the exotic Elephant Dance held in Kyaukse, a small town not far from Mandalay. A huge elephant figure is made from bamboo and paper Men take their places inside the figure and dance around the town to the accompaniment of Dobat and Drums. The elephant dancers circle three times at the foot of the hill to pay homage to the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda. It is a dance that requires precise rhythm and timing in order for the elephant dancers to maintain unity inside the elephant figure. DECEMBER The traditional Boat Regatta Festival is held at Kandawgyi Lake to remind the younger generations of the glory, sovereignty, patriotism and national spirit of Myanmar. Asia Travel || Myanmar Page || Top