Russia Travel Guide Overview

Russia Tours | Russia 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 Russia Overview Russia Travel Guide Overview Tours Where to Go Activities General Info History Weather Travel Tips Dining Shopping Visa & Health View Trips to Russia Europe Overview Browse Russia Photos Russia Questions and Answers Read Russia Journals Find a Russia Travel Buddy Russia Overview Travel warning Travel to the Chechen Republic and to the north Caucasus region is not recommended. For further information visitors should seek official advice. The Russian Federation covers almost twice the area of the United States of America, and reaches from Moscow in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The capital, Moscow, was founded in 1147. The focal point of the city is Red Square, on one side of which is the Kremlin surrounded by a thick red fortress wall containing 20 towers. The tsars were crowned here; Ivan the Terrible's throne is situated near the entrance. Those interested in Russia's achievements in the field of space travel should visit Star City, just outside Moscow, which is a cosmonaut training complex open to visitors. St Petersburg, northwest of Moscow, is known both as a cultural center and for its elegant buildings. The city is spread over 42 islands in the delta of the River Neva. Wide boulevards, tranquil canals and bridges led to the city being known as the 'Venice of the North'. The Palace Square and the Winter Palace are among the most interesting sites for followers of Russian history. The Hermitage houses all the vast treasures of the former tsars. For those wishing to get a better idea of the huge variety of scenery in the Russian Federation, cruises can be taken along the mighty Volga River between Kazan, the cultural center of the Tartars, to Rostov-on-Don, once an Armenian town and the gateway to the Caucasus. Russian cuisine is based on the staples of buckwheat (to make porridge or blini ), borshch (beetroot soup) or shashlik (shish kebab). Whole roast suckling pig, roast goose stuffed with buckwheat, and roast duck stuffed with apples are served at parties and for special occasions. Geography The Russian Federation covers almost twice the area of the USA, and reaches from Moscow in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The border between European Russia and Siberia (Asia) is formed by the Ural Mountains, the Ural River and the Manych Depression. European Russia extends from the North Polar Sea across the Central Russian Uplands to the Black Sea, the Northern Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Siberia stretches from the West Siberian Plain across the Central Siberian Plateau between Yenisey and Lena, including the Sayan, Yablonovy and Stanovoy ranges in the south to the East Siberian mountains between Lena and the Pacific coast, including the Chukotskiy and Kamchatka peninsulas. 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 --

European Vacation Planning Map

Rail Passes - Which European Rail Pass is Right for Your Vacation?  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Transportation > Train Travel in Europe > Rail Passes - Which European Rail Pass is Right for Your Vacation? Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors With a Eurail pass, you could just hop on this train and go! James Martin Stay up to date! With a Eurail pass, you could just hop on this train and go! James Martin Email to a friend Print this page Rail Passes - Eastern Europe and Youth Rail Passes Discount Youth European Rail Passes Rail Passes for Eastern Europe Choose the Right French Rail Pass European Transportation - Cars and Trains Taking the Train vs. Driving on your Vacation Europe Travel - What Will Transportation Cost? Tips for Train Travel In Europe Travel and Transportation in Europe General Europe Transportation Information How I Travel Europe Footloose Travel Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Rail Passes - Which Eurail Pass is Right for You? From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Save money and choose the best rail pass for your vacation Long gone are the days when a Eurail pass was the transportation pass of choice for footloose backpackers looking to save a bundle of cash on long European vacations. The basic idea was sound--you just boarded a train and handed the pass to the conductor when he seemed to be asking to see tickets. No need to fret over language or cost, and no need to stand in long lines at the ticket windows either. So what happened? The Eurail pass got expensive, faster trains required supplementary fares, and many Americans take shorter vacations these days. Marketers had to come up with passes whose days of use and destinations were carefully controlled to offer value while protecting the bottom line. So these days the traveler must sift through a long list of European rail passes to find one that'll suit a chosen set of destinations; there are passes for single countries, multiple countries, seniors, students, youth, and conglomerations of options labled "flexi" and "saver." It's a jungle out there--but that doesn't mean that you can't save a bundle of cash by purchasing the right rail pass. How to Purchase the Best Rail Pass for Your Trip One thing you can say for sure, most railpasses issued today are best suited for folks who plan their vacations very carefully--unless you have enough time and cash to purchase the original Eurail pass, which is still being sold and is the first stop on our rail pass tour. Remember that you can't buy rail passes in Europe; you must purchase them within 6 months of your vacation and get them validated on your first day of travel. Traveling throughout Europe Footloose and Fancy Free - Eurailpass and Eurailpass Saver The Eurail pass offers consecutive-day 1st class travel in 17 European countries for 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months, depending upon the duration you choose. Prices per day decrease with increasing pass duration. You'll still have to pay supplements on high-speed trains, and you'll have to pay for seat reservations if you want them, although first class tends to have more unreserved seats then second in most markets. The Eurailpass Saver offers additional savings if there are two or more people traveling together on the same pass. Eurailpass ( purchase direct or get more information ) (Note that Britain is not included in Eurail passes. See British Rail Information for rail pass information and prices.) Traveling through Europe on a Well-Planned route - Eurailpass Flexi Ok, the problem with a Eurail pass is that seldom do you plan a vacation that includes train travel each and every day. Flexi passes account for this time between cities, and will cost you less than a full Eurailpass for the same duration. These passes offer the best value if you'll be traveling long distances on an occasional basis. The Eurailpass Flexi offers either 10 or 15 days of unlimited travel in a 2 month period. This allows you to do a tour of European capitals with a decent time spent between each to explore. Note that on a per day basis you're paying more than a straight Eurailpass, so plan your route and compare costs, because you're giving up the option of just taking off on a whim--as when it's raining and you decide you might like to spend the day sightseeing from the train window. The Eurailpass Flexi Saver offers additional discounts on the Flexi for two or more people traveling together. Eurailpass Flexi ( purchase direct or get more information ) Traveling in a small section of Europe: 3-5 bordering countries - Eurail Selectpass You a real planner? Here's a flexible pass that you can purchase for a limited number of bordering countries. Choose the number of bordering countries you'll be visiting and the number of days you'll want to be traveling between places and that's it! Same saver and Flexi options as Eurailpass above. Eurail Selectpass ( purchase direct or get more information ) Traveling in two adjacent countries - Multiple Country Rail Passes Here is the rail pass for you if you've narrowed things down to a couple of big countries. Lots of country combos to choose from. Multiple Country Passes ( purchase direct or get more information ) Sticking to a single country - Single Country Rail Passes A variety of passes for a single country are available for travelers who have really narrowed down their vacation destination. Prices will vary because the rail system in each Country has a different fare structure. Plan longer trips to get the best value from your rail pass. Single Country Passes ( purchase direct or get more information ) Is a Rail Pass worth it? Click to the next page for a price comparison. 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 Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There

Cruise Vacation Packing List

Cruise Vacation Packing List  You are here: About > Travel > Cruises > Cruise Planning > Cruise Vacation Packing List Travel Cruises Essentials Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Travel Packing List Choosing a Caribbean Cruise Destination How To Get a Passport How to Choose a Cabin on a Cruise Ship Articles & Resources Cruise Lines Cruise Destinations Cruise Photo Album Cruise Planning Cruise Reviews Cruise Cams Cruise Glossary Cruise News Getting There Lifestyle - Theme Cruises Cruise Activities Travel Gear and Gadgets Cruise Jobs More Cruise Resources Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks European Cruise Guidebooks Cruise Guidebooks - General Information Alaska Travel Guide Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Cruises newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Cruises Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular Cruise Packing List Carnival Cruise Line Reviews Choosing a Cruise Ship Cabin Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Jobs What's Hot Carnival Conquest Review HAL Norfolk Cruises Alaska Cruise Itineraries Radisson Seven Seas Mariner Crown Princess 2006 Debut Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Europe for Visitors Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Senior Travel Travel with Kids Cruise Vacation Packing List From Linda Garrison , Your Guide to Cruises . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Everything You Need to Take on a Cruise Vacation Packing for your cruise vacation can be one of the worst parts of a cruise. The only thing I can think of that I dread more is unpacking when I get home! Through the years, I have learned that a packing list is essential. Maybe it's my advancing age or just that I have learned "the hard way" by forgetting some essential item and then having to purchase it at double (or more) the price on the cruise ship or in a port of call. One important packing tip -- If traveling with a companion or spouse, divide your checked items into two (or more) suitcases. That way, if one is lost, you will both have some clothing to wear! It would be terrible for your spouse to have all of his clothes and you to have nothing but your carry-on. Also, be sure to carry-on anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (or more), just in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Use this list as a starter and modify it for your personal tastes. Some essentials and general items follow of this page, and I have a separate list for women and men on page 2. CRUISE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Travel Documents, Wallet Items, and Paperwork airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation cruise documents passports and visas (if necessary) or proof of citizenship (check with your cruise line for requirements) vaccination certificate (if required) driver's license and auto insurance card - in case you decide to rent a car when ashore medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone) copy of prescriptions and list of all medicines you are taking another picture ID - if you don't take driver's license credit cards - be sure to call credit card companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal area ATM card pre-paid phone card cash or traveler's checks (be sure to keep traveler's checks receipt in separate location) 3 copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary - pack 1 copy in carry on, 1 copy in checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone at home contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks emergency numbers at home currency conversion chart wallet and fanny pack watch - dual time zone watch is perfect! Reading Material and Necessities glasses, contacs, contac cleaner extra reading glasses sunglasses reading sunglasses guidebooks and other port of call information foreign language phrase book or dictionary maps reading material - books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool journal or notebook and pen/pencil - for making notes to tell your friends back home about your experiences business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home - for sending postcards, emails, or gifts photo album Electronics and Camera Equipment plug adaptor and converter cell phone and charger PDA and charger laptop computer binoculars film camera and manual extra film (don't put undeveloped film in checked luggage) disposable underwater camera - for snorkeling or beach days digital camera and manual extra memory cards for digital camera batteries for digital camera battery charger extension cord/power strip with multiple plug-ins walkman and tapes (for walking on deck or on treadmill) small travel alarm clock - battery operated lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin small flashlight night light Medicine Kit prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry on bag ear plugs or "ear planes" small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone cream, aspirin/tylenol/advil) germicidal hand cleaner handi-wipes (for cleaning hands when ashore) hand lotion rubbing alcohol or foot lotion for soothing tired, hot feet bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes and "nonos" ashore) sun screen/sun block and lip sunblock Other "Necessities" duct tape or strapping tape extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip (better than locks, but one-time use only) extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip) zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags corkscrew (be sure to put in checked luggage) Swiss Army knife or something similar with screwdriver head, etc. (be sure to put in checked luggage) small umbrella collapsible travel pillow for those long airplane flights Crazy glue playing cards sports gear (e.g. snorkeling gear) shoe horn for getting those shoes back on your swollen feet sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage) travel-sized Woolite clothes pins empty folding tote bag - for souvenirs or the beach hats/caps/visors insulated large coffee mugs Page 2 > > Women's and Men's Cruise Packing List > > 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 Carnival Conquest Review HAL Norfolk Cruises Alaska Cruise Itineraries Radisson Seven Seas Mariner Crown Princess 2006 Debut

Vacation Travel and Outdoor

Adventure Vacation Travel - Family Adventures - GoPlayOutdoors Home | About Us | Request Information | Email Your Online Network of Adventure Vacation Travel and Outdoor Recreation Website Design Marketing & Promotion Search Engine Optimization Website Management Advertise With Us Growing with us Interactive Tools Testimonials Current Members How To Participate Suggest Our Site Request Information Take Our Survey Survey Results Contact Us Add to Favorites Check out our suite of Interactive Tools! Problems? Questions? ClickMe SELECT A REGION UNITED STATES • Alaska • California • Colorado • Florida • Hawaii • Minnesota • Utah • Northeast • Southeast • Northcentral • Southcentral • Northwest • Southwest CANADA WEST • Alberta • British Columbia • Northwest Territories • Saskatchewan • Yukon Territory CANADA CENTRAL • Manitoba • Ontario CANADA EAST • Quebec • New Brunswick • Newfoundland • Nova Scotia • Prince Edward Island WORLDWIDE • Africa • Asia • Caribbean • Central America • Costa Rica • Europe • Mexico • Middle East • North Pole • South America • South Pacific CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITIES Adventures ATV/Jeep Biking Birdwatching Boating/Marinas and Cruises Campgrounds/RV Canoeing EcoTours/Lodges & Cultural Adventures Family Resorts FISHING - Charters & Guides Resorts & Lodges Golf Guest Ranch Health/Wellness/Spas Hiking/Trekking Horseback Riding and Pack Trips Hot Air Balloon Rides Houseboating Hunting Kayaking Meetings/Conventions National Parks Ocean/Beach Resorts Rafting Safaris Sailing/Yachting Charters Scuba/Snorkeling Sightseeing Tours Skiing/Snowboarding Snowmobiling Vacation Rentals Whalewatching Wilderness Retreats CHAMBERS, CVB's, TOURISM & ATTRACTIONS ALABAMA Robert Trent Jones Trail ALASKA Juneau CVB ARKANSAS Greers Ferry Lake CALIFORNIA Lake County COLORADO Ski Vacation & Lodging GEORGIA Dalton CVB Michigan Association Paddlesport Providers ---MINNESOTA Crane Lake Tourism Gunflint Trail Tourism Lake Kabetogama Lake of the Woods NEW YORK Whiteface Mountain SOUTH DAKOTA Rapid City CVB UTAH Ski Vacations & Lodging Carbon County -- Be part of the GoPlay Outdoors Network! Contact Us At: jeff@goplayoutdoors.com OUTDOORS ONLINE, INC. PO Box 176 - Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Toll-free: 1-877-327-7260 or 218-327-7200 © 2005 Outdoors Online, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement Sign up for PayPal! Enter city or US Zip Fishing Guides Hunting Guides

London Vacation

Vacation Packages - Paris Travel Deals, London Travel Deals, Britain Travel Deals Best Virgin Bargains Value-Plus Virgin Virgin Deluxe & Different Virgins Holiday Getaways Air Only Beyond London South Africa Cambodia China Hong Kong India Indonesia Japan Singapore Thailand Vietnam Australia Fiji Islands New Zealand Tahiti Argentina Belize Brazil Chile Costa Rica Ecuador Guatemala Honduras Panama Peru Uruguay Asia Europe Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark England Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Malta Netherlands Norway Portugal Scotland Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Aruba Dominican Republic Jamaica Mexico St. Martins Home \\ Check Reservation \\ Contact Us \\ Site Map \\ Privacy Policy Virgin`s London Excursion (Air Inclusive) London is brimming with culture and is filled with artistic and architectural triumphs. This wonderful city has something for everyone and with the extras we've included you're sure to have the trip of a lifetime. Package Includes Round-trip Economy air on Virgin Atlantic, complete with Meet & Greet service in London Round-trip transportation between London airport and hotel 6 nights hotel accommodations Hotel taxes and service charges Continental Breakfast daily Original London Sightseeing Bus Tour The Pub Pass, go for lunch and a drink in a London pub Virgin's exclusive London City Guide Discounts for off-site parking at your departure airport in the states with AirportDiscountParking.com (at participating locations) Discount coupons featuring the Maxwell's Restaurant Group (Not valid in December) Discount coupon for Magellan's Travel Supplies "Welcome Abroad" carry-all Mandated airline fuel surcharges Package price excludes airport taxes and fees Package Categories Prices based from 1/10/2006 to 3/25/2006 Title Category Location Double Triple Single Tria Hotel Budget London $759 $759 $1039 My Place Hotel Budget London $789 $789 $1139 Regent Palace Hotel Budget London $819 $819 $1019 Holiday Villa Hotel Tourist London $829 $829 $1119 Ramada Marylebone Hotel Tourist London $879 $879 $1159 Queens Park Hotel Budget London $879 N/A $1199 Millennium Knightsbridge Hotel Superior London $949 N/A $1439 Somerset Bayswater Hotel Standard London $989 N/A $1499 K West Hotel & Spa Superior London $989 $989 $1439 St Giles Central London Hotel Tourist London $1019 $1019 $1599 Harrington Hall Hotel Superior London $1049 $1049 $1619 Flemings Mayfair Hotel Superior London $1089 $1089 $1729 Montcalm Hotel Nikko Superior London $1129 $1129 $1749 Royal Garden Hotel Deluxe London $1369 $1369 $2339 Sheraton Park Lane Hotel Deluxe London $1639 $1639 $2669 Swissotel London Howard Hotel Deluxe London $1769 N/A $2869 Grosvenor House Hotel London Deluxe London $2019 $2019 $3429 Ritz London Hotel Superior Deluxe London $2749 N/A $4569 Hotel Category Help Departure cities: $0 - New York JFK Newark-NJ $30 - Boston-MA $80 - Washington Dulles $170 - Albany-NY Hartford-CT Philadelphia-PA Providence-RI $210 - Buffalo-NY Manchester-NH Rochester-NY Syracuse-NY $220 - Cleveland-OH Norfolk-VA Ottawa Portland-ME $230 - Los Angeles-CA Miami-FL Orlando International San Francisco-CA $380 - Las Vegas-NV Notes & Restrictions Notes: Space is limited and your desired travel dates may not be available if you wait, so book early to avoid disappointment. We highly recommend 2nd and 3rd choices for travel dates and/or accommodations. A supplement will be charged for transfers that operate on December 25th, 26th and January 1st. Please note : Our award-winning carrier Virgin Atlantic Airways operates non-stop flights to London from JFK, Newark, Boston, Washington Dulles, Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles San Francisco and Las Vegas. All other destinations within the U.S. are serviced by Continental Airlines and will be routed to connect through to Virgin's New York gateway. Final payment due 45 days prior to departure. Passport Requirements: It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to obtain the necessary documents for travel, not excluding passports and visas. A valid passport is normally the only requirement for U.S. citizens. Visa requirements do change without notice and vary by nationality. Please check with the consulate office of the destination country as to visa requirements. Restrictions: Prices are per person based on double occupancy and a 21-day advance purchase. Purchases within 21 days will incur additional fees. Flight departure times may be at any time on your requested departure day. Surcharges of $25 per person each way may apply for travel Friday through Sunday. Prices already include the mandated airline fuel surcharges. Air taxes/Government-imposed fees/surcharges are excluded. These fees are in addition to the package prices and will be added to invoice. Travel is valid for these dates only. Certain other restrictions may apply, and offer is subject to change without notice. Once submitted your request can take at least 24 hours to confirm. Book This Package 12/24/2005-1/9/2006 from $779 1/10/2006-3/25/2006 from $759 3/26/2006-5/28/2006 from $919 5/29/2006-8/30/2006 from $1269 8/31/2006-10/31/2006 from $919 ' CLASS=SubmitBtn style='width:150px' Purchase Deadline Jan 19, 06 - Thu Helpful Links Return to previous page Print this page Send this page to a friend -- Personal Service Can't find what you're looking for? Call us for further information or to book. We specialize in customized vacations! 1-888-937-8474 Call for personal service: 9am - 8pm Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm Sun (EST). Book This Package 12/24/2005-1/9/2006 from $779 1/10/2006-3/25/2006 from $759 3/26/2006-5/28/2006 from $919 5/29/2006-8/30/2006 from $1269 8/31/2006-10/31/2006 from $919 ' CLASS=SubmitBtn style='width:150px' Customer Quotes -- Virgin Vacations Home | Europe Vacations | Central America | Asia Vacations | South Pacific | Caribbean Vacations Mexico Vacations | Low Cost Paris Flights | Paris Travel Deals | London Travel Deals | Britain Travel Deals Exclusive Vacations | Sight Seeing | Vacation Packages | Vacation Resources | Vacation Articles | Site Map ©2005 Virgin Vacations. Offers worldwide cheap vacation packages and escorted tours including Paris travel deals, London travel deals, Britain travel deals, European vacation deals