travel budget review

Lumbung Damuh, Bali, Indonesia

2006-07-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

Stay in a Lumbung, a traditional wooden structure on stilts for storing rice, and enjoy traditional Balinese living.that situated in the East of Bali, between Padangbai and Candi Dasa in a place called Buitan (also known as Balina). They have right on the coast of Amuk bay. At little home-stay right on the beach that have 3 Lumbungs; 2 standard, good for 2 persons each, and one new extra exclusive, big enough for a small family. The Lumbungs are decked out with all the comforts: spring beds, hot and cold showers (the superior room has a bathtub), soap and towels, mini bars, fans, and we also provide a laundry service. All the Lumbungs are set in a lush tropical garden and have views to the Indian Ocean and the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, or the garden ponds.After a good nights sleep you can have your breakfast at your Lumbung or in our home at the table. And here you can have what your heart and stomach desires provided its available...fresh fruit and yogurt, pancakes, our special Indonesian Nasi Goreng (fried rice), French toast, sausages and eggs, etc.
Once you are done with all that goodness you have a big choice of things you can do, and then again, it is always nice to do nothing. Well depending on the waves you can go snorkeling and fishing, boating with the local fisher boats, or you might want to try boogie boarding or surfing. There are also numerous dive shops here and you can do a beginners PADI course right next door. If you like action you can go trekking and mountain biking otherwise you can stroll the short street of Buitan with the good and cheap warungs (restaurants,) little local tokos (shops) and souvenir shops. When you have tired yourself out and want to treat yourself to some goodness, then you can have a massage in the comfort of your Lumbung.If you want to spend your whole day out on the road then we can give you hints on what to see and what not to waste precious time on. We can help you organise a car and a driver for a whole or half day. Tell us what your interests are and we can then see how we can best accommodate you. Please come and flavour a special kind of Bali - a beautiful memory of paradise.
Located, Jalan Pantai Buitan Kelod, Kec. Manggis, Karangasem, Indonesia.

Travel in sumatra indonesia

2006-07-31T16:58:00.000-07:00

Sumatra remains largely unvisited by travelers to Southeast Asia. Those who come find delicious and inexpensive food, incomparable outdoor adventure, and people who not only are very kind and hospitable but extremely curious and eager to meet strangers
From the Asian mainland the best route to Sumatra is by way of speedboat from Penang in Malaysia. The boat ride takes around five hours, and a 2-way ticket to Medan costs around $18. The gateway to Sumatra and its natural treasures has its own appeal: outgoing people eager to speak English and some of Indonesia’s most revered mosques. Travel guidebooks fail to mention that non-Muslims may visit many of the mosques if they are willing to wear a sarong, usually offered at the front gates. The caretakers are more than willing to show the building and explain religious practices and traditions.
Tobali, a popular minibus transportation service used by visitors to reach destinations outside of bustling Medan, is a cheap and reliable way to see the rest of the island.
The town of Bhukit Lawang in Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the largest jungle parks in the world, is the site of the Bhukit Lawang’s orangutan rehabilitation program. Visitors have the rare opportunity to view these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. The naturalists are underfunded and immensely overworked (donations are greatly appreciated and can help win the battle to save the orangutan). Jungle treks can also be arranged through guesthouses.
To learn something about the rich and intricate designs of Batak art I took a class under the tutelage of a local woodworker in Bhukit Lawang. In a week I had learned to carve a Batak statue of my own.
It is regrettable that small groups of extremists have distorted Western opinion of Muslim countries such as Indonesia. A chance to find common ground and brotherhood in Sumatra is of immeasurable value.
For More Info
Sumatra is one of the cheapest places in the world to travel. Expect to spend around a $1 a day for accommodations with all the necessary amenities; you can eat heartily and healthfully spending $3 a day for three meals. Transportation between towns and cities is also inexpensive (around $5) and activities such as treks and classes cost in the neighborhood of $10-$12. Those who seek them can find most of the Western amenities. For more information regarding travel and attractions in Indonesia go to www.tourismindonesia.com
The Lonely Planet South East Asia on a Shoestring is accurate about transportation, accommodations, prices, etc.

Cheap Travel in Europe

2006-07-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

Like many students, I was on a tight budget on my first visit to Europe. Living in England at the time, I found a package deal through the Eurolines bus network that seemed to be what I was looking for. Eurolines is downright cheap compared with European rail passes. On England’s Eurolines web site, http://www.eurolines.com/, you may see their inexpensive current rates for 15, 30 and 40 days. My mini-pass started and ended in London, by way of Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris.
The advantages of traveling by train over bus include more legroom, more frequent opportunities to stand up and stretch, more destinations, and significantly more punctual schedules. In addition, sleeping cars are available, meaning you’ll be refreshed after a night of travel.
Complete Eurail price lists and schedules are available at http://www.railpass.com/. Eurail passes can be customized to your specific travel plans.
If you’d rather skip ground travel all together, airlines such as Easy Jet (http://www.easyjet.com/) and Ryanair (http://www.ryanair.com/) offer cheap daily flights all over Europe. If your travel dates are flexible, discount flights can save you time and money.
Ultimately, when deciding how to get around Europe, you must consider not only your budget but also how much time you have to spend on traveling and how much you value comfort.
Having sampled all three options on separate one-month trips through Europe, I would suggest you seriously consider taking a train or airplane over a bus network. You’ll find you have more access to Europe and more time and energy in which to explore it. This is the cheap trips to eroupe that can help you found your needs.

Top St. Lucia Resorts

2005-09-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Try one of these luxury resorts on St. Lucia
If you're looking for an all-inclusive resort, you'll find plenty to choose from on St. Lucia. Here's a rundown of some of the best, with information to help you make a choice.
Of course, there are many more you might try. Here are just a few good choices...

Auberge Seraphine, a 24-room hotel offering excellent cuisine, air-conditioned rooms, scuba diving and sailing. Five minutes from Castries.
Bay Gardens Hotel, a 71-room hotel that offers luxury and affordability. Suites are available as are kitchenettes. The resort is situated on Rodney Bay, with a restaurant, two bars, a library, shops, pools, and lots more.
Ladera, an intimate, small inn (25 rooms) located in the mountains. Furnished with antiques and offering gorgeous views, the suites offer private plunge pools and villas have private pools for swimming. There's a fabulous restaurant and a shuttle bus to Soufriere. Very luxurious, with "open walls." Not suitable for families with very young children.
Hummingbird Beach Resort, on Soufriere Harbour. Simplicity is a keynote here, but you'll have all the essentials, good views of the Pitons, and a good restaurant. Most rooms have a private bath, and there's a two-bedroom cottage as well, with kitchenette and sitting room. It's on the beach. Visit the site to take a virtual tour.
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort offers tile-roofed villas on the hillside, You'll have pools, restaurants, and lovely villas; the larger villas have plunge pools. Good for families or couples--and you'll find plenty to do here, including tennis, a spa, a dive shop, boating, children's programs and more.

Best Bahamas Beaches

2005-09-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

Spending your vacation in the Bahamas? These are some beaches to checThe Bahamas have more than their share of great beaches. There's lots of variety, so there's something for every kind of beach fan. Here are a few for you to take a look at.
AbacoGuana Beach
-considered by some guidebooks to be one of the Bahamas' best. It's a white sand beach, all seven miles of it, and there are lovely palm trees at the edge. Just what you'd expect in a beautiful tropical beach!
Treasure Cay Beach
-boasts the endorsement of National Geographic magazine as a superb beach - one of the best in the world. It's another white sand beach. The sand is pure and clean, sparkling white, and there are over three miles of beach to enjoy.
Cat IslandNorth Shore Beach
-Five miles of pink sandy beach, with few visitors, make this beach an idea one for the independent traveler who just wants to relax in peace and harmony with the sea.
Fine Beach
- Twelve miles of beach, pink sand, and peace and quiet.
Harbour IslandPink Sands Beach
- rated as one of the Caribbean's best beaches by Caribbean Travel and Life magazine. It's about three miles long, and as the name implies, the sands are pink. Combine that with blue water for a wonderful beach!
Grand Bahama IslandGold Rock Beach
- A white sandy beach that extends for over five miles.
Taino Beach - Close to Freeport, this white sand beach is a great place for you to enjoy the beach with your family or indulge in your favorite water sports.
ExumaStocking Island Beach
- White sugar sands and very few visitors make this a great beach. It's in the Exumas Land and Sea Park.
Sandy Cay
- Another sugar sand beach of tiny white granules. You'll find seclusion here, and lots of shells to enjoy, too.
NassauLove Beach
- This is a great beach if you want to go snorkeling. Book an excursion with a local dive operator, and enjoy acres upon acres of coral and marine life. The best snorkeling is about a mile from shore. The beach itself is quiet and secluded.
These are some (but not all) of the best beaches in the Bahamas. Of course, each beach has something to offer, and there are many other attractive beaches. Be sure to let me know which ones you like the best!

Some Place in Caribbean(Swim With the Dolphins)

2005-09-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

Get up close and "personal" with these wonderful sea creatures!

Are you a fan of Flipper? Did you ever wonder what it would be like to share the ocean with a huge, friendly, finny creature? Well, on some of the islands in the Caribbean, you can do just that!
Dolphin encounters are rapidly becoming a very popular activity in parts of the Caribbean. Several sites in the Bahamas now offer these exciting experiences at reasonable cost and for varying swimming abilities. Most people who enjoy these encounters report that they are highly rewarding and leave them with a new sense of joy and respect for these dynamic, beautiful, and highly intelligent animals.
There are several ways to enjoy visiting with dolphins in the Bahamas. You don’t have to be an excellent swimmer; there are programs available for all levels of ability.
On Blue Lagoon Island, just 20 minutes from Paradise Island, Nassau, you can get your feet wet with Dolphin Encounters. These programs are available for all ages. The friendly bottlenose dolphins will be slowly introduced to you via an educational program that will increase your awareness of the wild dolphins' situation, their anatomy, and natural history. Dolphin Encounters hopes to increase awareness of the importance of these creatures by allowing humans and dolphins to interact in close quarters. Three levels of experience can be enjoyed. For those not confident enough to venture into deep water and actually swim with the dolphins, try out The Close Encounter. Participants enjoy a short 20 minute ride to Blue Lagoon Island, an informative lecture, an introductory period when humans and dolphins become familiar with one another, and an actual encounter (including touching) in shallow water with the bottlenose dolphins. The entire experience takes about three hours.
For those willing to actually swim with the dolphins, the next step is Swim With the Dolphins, an actual in-the-open-water swimming event that allows you to become one with these wonderful creatures. Transportation and orientation are provided so that you can interact successfully and have a totally enjoyable experience.
The most advanced adventure is a full-day session in the Assistant Trainer Program. Including a Close Encounter experience, the participant in this program learns and performs all the tasks of the assistant trainer at the facility. At the end of the day, you are certified as an assistant trainer.
Another well-known source of dolphin swims, dolphin encounters, and scuba with dolphins is UNEXSO on Grand Bahama. You'll find a range of options here, too, from Dolphin Swims, Dolphin Close Encounters, to the Open Ocean Dolphin Experience. UNEXSO has been around a long time and is well-known for its dolphin events.
For those looking for a more intense, long-lasting adventure, the island of Bimini hosts Divine Awakenings, an enterprise offering snorkeling experiences with wild dolphins while on their live-aboard boats. Bimini is the closest Bahama island to the United States and is a short flight from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, Florida. There are lots of other things to do on Bimini, but these are dolphin encounters supreme!
For those who like the idea of Bimini’s proximity to the United States, there are other companies offering shorter visits with the Bimini spotted dolphins. Half-day trips are offered by Bimini Undersea to seek out the spotted dolphins which frequent the waters around Bimini. If you’d like to round out your visit to Bimini by enjoying its other attractions, Bimini Undersea has lots of information about Bimini (actually two islands) on their site.
If you want to range a bit farther afield, you'll find many more dolphin encounters and dolphin swims in the Caribbean. Costa Rica has opportunities for dolphin encounters with The Divine Dolphin. In Curacao, Dolphin Academy also offers a complete range of encounters.

About Monterrey, Mexico

2005-09-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

City of Mountains
Monterrey is located in the northern part of Mexico, about 150 miles from the U.S. border in Texas. It is the capital city of the state of Nuevo Leon and Mexico's third largest city, with a population of about 1.2 million.
The city is surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains at an elevation of 200 feet above sea level. The mountain view is spectacular. The mountain view is dominated by the distinctive Cerro de la Silla, a saddle-shaped peak, which has become a symbol of Monterrey.
Monterrey is Mexico's top industrial center. More goods are produced here than in any other Mexican city. It is estimated that the city accounts for about 25 percent of Mexico's total manufacturing base.
It is also a very modern city, although many colonial buidings have been preserved.
Attractions for Visitors
Gran Plaza
In the strikingly modern downtown area is located one of the largest plazas in the world, with 40 hectares of buildings, walkways, esplanades, fountains and gardens. The plaza is the focal point for restaurants, shops, major hotels, and also hosts the most important public buildings. In the center of the plaza stands the city's symbol, El Faro del Comercio - "The Lighthouse of Commerce."
Mexican History Museum
Located in the center of the city, this excellent museum gives you an overview of the Mexican Colonial Period and Modern Mexico. The museum's exhibits are arranged chronologically, moving from presentations on Ancient Mexico, through Colonial times to Modern Mexico. This museum is a good place to learn about Mexico's history.
Garcia Caves
Located close to Monterrey are a series of spectacular and dramatic caves dating back more than 60 million years ago.The caves are located halfway up a steep rocky cliff and may be accessed by an authentic turn-of-the-century cable car. Guided tours of the caves are available.
Bioparque Estrella
Not far from Monterrey is a 250-hectare wildlife park featuring a drive-through safari where visitors can drive 7 kms and view more than 600 animals from 40 different species that now live and procreate in the park. Among the species are ostriches, giraffes, zebras, red deer, monkeys, black buck water buck, orixes, axis, silks, hippopotamus, camels, kangaroos and lambs. The park also has a separate zoo area where children can interact with different animal species.
Pastora Park
Located in one of the city's main green areas is a calm and beautifully maintained park in which the people of Monterrey go to relax and spend a pleasant day. The park has a natural lake where you can row a boat, a replica of a small typical Mexican town, and a zoo. There are gardens, ponds and waterfalls, and several facilities to hold get-togethers or picnics. There are also several restaurants and souvenir shops located in the park area.

Health Information For Mexico Visitors

2005-09-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Vaccines All travelers to Mexico or Central America (particularly those who will be traveling with young children) should consult their physician several weeks before departing. Depending upon your itinerary, medical history, age (and other factors), your doctor may recommend that you receive vaccinations for the following diseases:
# Hepatitis A # Hepatitis B # Rabies # Typhoid Fever # Yellow Fever
During your visit to the doctor, routine immunizations, such as those that protect against tetanus or diphtheria, should be updated, if necessary.
Travelers' Diarrhea Travelers' diarrhea is the most common ailment afflicting visitors to Mexico and Central America.
Travelers' diarrhea is caused by certain bacteria which contaminate food and water and is very common in this area of the world. All travelers should bring along an anti-diarrhea drug (such as diphenoxylate) to be taken at the onset of significant diarrhea (three or more loose stools in an 8 hour period). If the diarrhea continues for more than 2 or 3 days, medical attention should be sought. To minimize the risk of diarrhea, do not drink tap water, unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Also, avoid raw vegetables, unpasteurized milk and raw or undercooked poultry, fish or meat.
Malaria Malaria is an infection spread by mosquitos which, if left untreated, can be fatal. Malaria can be prevented by taking prescription antimalarial drugs (such as choloroquine) and by taking measures to protect yourself against mosquito bites. The risk of malaria is highest in certain of the rural areas of the countries in this region . Antimalarial drugs are not normally recommended for visitors who confine their stay to the major resort areas on the Gulf and Pacific Coasts (e.g. Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta).
Prescription Drugs If you are taking any prescription drugs, ensure that you pack (in your hand luggage) a sufficient supply of these in their original, labelled containers. If you have a history of significant medical problems, wearing a medical alert bracelet while on your trip is a good idea.
Medical Insurance Check whether your current health insurance covers you for medical expenses incurred abroad. If not, the purchase of a travel health insurance policy is highly recommended to avoid the risk of you incurring substantial medical expenses in the event of illness or injury while on your vacation.
Animal Bites If, during your trip, you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal, promptly clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately - whether or not you have been immunized against rabies.
Insect Repellent If you are travelling to an area where insects may be a problem, bring along a supply of insect repellent and apply it to your clothing and exposed skin before venturing outdoors.
Sun Block The sun can be very hot in this area of the world and a bad sunburn will spoil your vacation. Make sure you bring along an adequate supply of a good quality sun block or sun screen lotion and use it frequently. A sun hat is also recommended.

health information for visitor to mexico

2005-09-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

About Venice beach

2005-09-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Venice Beach, California Profile
The most intersting and popular sight in Venice Beach is the beach, but it's not the surf and sand that take center stage here. It's the lively sidewalk scene. Venice Beach is a place where you'll find artists, palm readers and bikini-clad rollerskaters mixing with chanting Hare Krishnas and belly dancers.
Venice Beach Points of Interest
Legendary Muscle Beach is here, the place where Arnold Schwarznegger and hosts of other body-builders have "bulked up" in the outdoor weight room. So are the remnants of some 16 miles that once graced Venice-of-America, founded in 1905 by local developer Abbot Kinney. You can walk along the remaining waterways in the area bordered by bordered by Washington, South Venice Blvd., Pacific Ave. and Ocean Ave.
The best way to explore Venice Beach is to just walk along the waterfont. You'll pass street performers, skaters, gawkers and vendors selling all kinds of items from incense to sarongs.
Best Time to Visit Venice Beach
Not surprisingly, Venice Beach is best in summer. To enjoy the crowded hustle-bustle, arrive mid-morning or later on a weekend. Summer weekday afternoons can also be pleasant. The beachfront goes to sleep after dark.
Venice Beach Dining

Wabi Sabi: 1635 Abbot Kinney Blvd., (310) 314-2229. Small plates (appetizers, sushi), Cal-Asian-style "Bouillabaise."

Killer Shrimp: 523 Washington Boulevard, (310) 578.2293. Shrimp is all they do here, with bread, pasta or rice. Try to save room for their sweet potato pecan pie.

C and O Trattoria: 31 Washington Blvd., (310) 823-9491. Italian food, large portions. A Venice Beach favorite, judging from the crowds outside its door every night.

Brickhouse: (Brooks and Electric), 826 Hampton Ave. (310) 581-1639. Open for breakfast and lunch.

You'll find More Venice Beach Area restaurants at Digital City. Select the Marina del Rey area.

Venice Beach Lodging
Find a Venice Beach area hotel in our northern beach city listings.
Getting to Venice Beach
From I-405, take Washington Blvd. west. Park on the street if you're lucky, or in one of the public parking lots

About Manhattan Beach

2005-09-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

About Manhattan Beach:
Manhattan Beach may well be the prototype for the quintessential Los Angeles Beach. A Beach Boys' hangout in their early days and the birthplace of beach volleyball, this west-facing urban beach attracts a broad mix of visitors.
Manhattan Beach Fees:
Entrance Fee: NoneParking Fee: Street parking here is scarce. Bring quarters to feed the streetside parking meters
Creature Comforts at Manhattan Beach:

Restrooms

Showers

Restaurants nearby in town

No alcohol on the beach

No pets allowed on the beach, but they can walk on the beachside sidewalk

Manhattan Beach Activities:

Bike path

Walking path

Surfing

Swimming, lifeguard on duty during daylight hours

Volleyball

Fishing from the pier

Aquarium on the pier

Beach:

Finding parking here can be difficult at best, and you'll have to pay attention to your watch to be sure your meter doesn't expire

About Zuma Beach

2005-09-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

About Zuma Beach:
With white sand, clean water and plenty of room, Zuma Beach is a perennial favorite with residents and visitors alike. This south-facing beach attracts lots of visitors on summer weekends, but Zuma Beach is relatively quiet during the week.
If you want to sound like a local, drop the "beach" and just call it "Zuma."
Zuma Beach Fees:
Entrance Fee: NoneParking Fee: If you get there early, you can park for free on the west side of Pacific Coast Highway. Otherwise, park in the paid parking lot, which has over 2,000 spaces.
Creature Comforts at Zuma Beach:

Restrooms

Showers and changing facilities

Swings

The snack bar here serves basic fare such as nachos, hot dogs and sodas

No alcohol allowed

No pets allowed

Zuma Beach Activities:

Beachside boardwalk walking path

Swimming, lifeguard during daylight hours

Some rate Zuma Beach the best place in the Los Angeles area for surfing, but others say it's better for boogie-boarding and body-surfing.

Volleyball courts

Fishing

Whale-watching (winter)

Highs and Lows at Zuma Beach:

Because it's a bit further north, water at Zuma Beach is colder than at other Los Angeles beaches (about 68F in mid-summer).

The Zuma Beach snack bar is better-suited to kids than adults. If you're going to be there very long, stop on the way up from Malibu and pick up something to eat.

How to Get to Zuma Beach: Zuma Beach is 19 miles west of Malibu on Pacific Coast Highway.

Do you know the cheap hotel in other country?

2005-09-02T23:51:00.000-07:00

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All About Little place in mexico(Cancun)

2005-09-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

Cancun is an island approximately 16 miles long and a quarter-mile wide. It is situated in the state of Quintana Roo in the south-eastern part of Mexico off the northeast tip of the Yucatan peninsula, on the Caribbean coast. (view map). The island is connected to the Mexican mainland by two bridges.
Cancun has a resident population of over 300,000 persons and is divided into two main parts: El Centro, the central area, is where most of the local residents live, and is home to many smaller hotels, restaurants and shops. The famous Hotel Zone, the principal tourist area, is located on a 8 mile peninsula jutting out into the Caribbean Sea, and is where the luxury hotels and modern shopping malls are to be found.
There are many reasons for Cancun's popularity as a tourist destination including: its gorgeous beaches with clear turquoise waters, excellent resort hotels offering a full range of amenities and modern facilities, gourmet restaurants, vibrant night life, great shops, and nearby Mayan ruins. Further, Cancun has great weather, with an average temperature of 80 degrees F (27 degrees C) and 240 days of sunshine each year, with little rain. The town has a non-stop party atmosphere and attracts numerous categories of visitors including families, seniors, students, couples, budget travelers and the rich and famous.
Some of Cancun's most popular attractions for visitors are described below:
Beaches & Water SportsCancun has some of the best beaches in the world.The beaches are, without question, the biggest draw in Cancun with their soft, white, powdery, sand and crystal clear, warm, turquoise water. There are eleven beaches in Cancun, each of which has its own distinctive personality, and all of which are open to the public. The very best beaches are at the north tip of the island.
The sand of the beaches in Cancun are made of crushed coral rather than silica. The coral remains cool even on very hot days, so you need not be concerned about burning your feet. Beach sandals are not necessary.
Cancun is surrounded by crystal clear water and lies next to the largest coral reef in the Americas. This makes it a haven for snorkellers and scuba divers. The calm waters also offer perfect conditions for water skiing. Other popular water sports here include parasailing and jet skiing. In addition, there is a large modern water park in Cancun with a wave making machine, slides, and a free fall thrill ride. Cancun's surrounding waters also offer some excellent sport fishing and deep sea fishing for sailfish, wahoo, dorada, marlin, grouper and bluefin tuna.
Mayan RuinsThe most famous Mayan cultural site in the world, Chichen Itza, is about a 90 minute drive from Cancun. This site is the location of the famous El Castillo Pyramid. The pyramid has 91 steps to the top on each side and has 52 panels on each side representing the 52 year cycle of the Mayan calendar. At sunrise, on the spring or fall equinox, the nine pyramid levels cast a shadow on the staircase edge producing the image of an undulating snake.
The Mayan ruins at Tulum, are about a one hour drive south of Cancun. The site once served as a major seaport for Mayan traders and was built around 900 A.D. It occupies one of the most beautiful seaside locations in Mexico, and the sight of the Mayan stone walled fortress against the backdrop of the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean ocean is magnificent.
ShoppingCancun is a duty-free zone that has evolved into a shopper's paradise. The Hotel Zone is dotted with large modern air-conditioned malls filled with boutiques selling designer label merchandise and perfumes at bargain prices. The traditional markets in Old Cancun have numerous small shops selling locally made handicrafts, silver jewelry and colorful Yucatan hammocks. Good natured bargaining at these smaller shops is expected.
Dining & NightlifeCancun has an impressive variety of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. There are establishments that serve traditional Mexican dishes, Yucantecan entrees, international gourmet cuisine, all-you-can-eat buffets, American style fast food, etc. Dining aboard a boat on one of Cancun's many theme dinner cruises is popular with many visitors.
Cancun is famous for its very active nightlife, which starts late and lasts into the wee hours of the morning. Popular hot spots includeEl Azucar (known for their energetic salsa band), La Boom (which draws a boisterous younger crowd), and Christine's (known for its music videos and spectacular laser light show.

some Offical Tourism office in central America

2005-09-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

The following provides links to, brief descriptions of, and contact information for official government tourism offices and similar non-profit agencies in Mexico and Central America. These official tourism sites are a good place to start when planning a trip as most of them provide extensive information on tourism in their respective countries. Upon request, many of these tourism offices and agencies will send you travel literature to help in your trip planning.
Mexico Tourist Board This site offers detailed information on topics related to travel in Mexico, including visitor attractions, destinations, culture and lifestyle.
Contact Information
Phone: 1-800-446-3942
E-mail: contact@visitmexico.com
Belize Tourism Board A well designed site providing information on basic Belize facts, a calendar of events and several images of Belize.
Contact Information
Phone: +501-2-31913
E-mail: info@travelbelize.org
Costa Rica National Chamber of Tourism Obtain information on Costa Rica visa requirements, indigenous cultures, National parks, ecotourism and more.
Contact Information
Phone: +506 234-6222
E-mail: info@tourism.co.cr
Salvador Tourism Office A Spanish only site providing information on tourist visas, maps and a calendar of events.
Contact Information
Phone: +503 243-7835
E-mail: corsatur@salnet.net
Guatemala Tourist Commission Here you will find useful information on such travel related topics as archaeological sites, folklore, adventure tours and the natural environment of Guatemala.
Contact Information
Phone: +502 331-1333
E-mail: inguat@guate.net
Honduran Institute of Tourism This Spanish only site has information on Hondura's history, archaeological sites, beaches, adventure tour opportunities and colonial cities. There are some nice photos on this site.
Contact Information
Phone: +504 232-5669
E-mail: cic@fidehonduras.com
Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism This easy to navigate site has general tourism information, a tourist guide, a list of tour operators and hotels, and an events calendar.
Contact Information
Phone: +505 222-3333
E-mail: promocion@intur.gob.ni
Panama Institute of Tourism A Spanish only site providing information on tourist visas, maps and general information for visitors to Panama.
Contact Information
Phone: +507 226-7000
E-mail: infotur@ns.ipat.gob.pa

some food you must try when go to mexico

2005-09-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

Tortillas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more
If you plan to visit Mexico, here is a brief description of the more common and popular foods you will encounter on your trip.
Tortillas: A flat, unleavened bread that has been the staple food of Mexico for hundreds of years. In the north part of the country, tortillas are usually made of wheat flour, whereas in the south, tortillas made from corn are more common.
Tacos: A large tortilla shell usually filled with seasoned beef, shredded lettuce and shredded cheddar cheese, and either fried until crispy or served soft. Tacos are commonly topped with salsa, sour cream or guacamole.
Burritos: A burrito consists of a warm, soft flour tortilla, similar in shape and concept to a Chinese spring roll, and commonly stuffed with minced beef, lettuce, cheese, refried beans, and sour cream.
Enchiladas: These are soft tortillas stuffed with vegetables, beef, chicken or pork, and then covered in a tomato based sauce and baked.
Gorditas: Open-faced corn tortillas that have been deep fried and then topped with chicken, pork or beef, beans, shredded lettuce and onions.
Tamales : Cornmeal paste spread thickly over corn or banana husks, stuffed with meat and vegetables, then rolled up and steamed.
Quesadilla: A flour tortilla that is folded over cheese and/or meat and then grilled.
Torta: A sandwich made from a hard bread roll that has been sliced in half and stuffed with tomatoes, guacamole, roast beef or chicken, cheese and salsa.
Huevos Rancheros: Fried eggs covered with a spicy chili sauce.
Huevos Motulenos: Fried eggs on tortillas, covered with a spicy sauce of tomatoes and chiles, topped with ham and cheese, and often served with refried beans.
Mariscos: Known as mariscos, seafood dishes are common in Mexico. Popular dishes include shrimp grilled in garlic and butter, and ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice with onions, garlic, chile and cilantro.
Pozole: A traditional and very filling soup dish made of hominy and either chicken or pork in a spicy tomato based broth and served with onions and vegetables on the side.
Posole: A traditional pork soup with white corn, spices and chili sauce that has been cooked for several hours before serving.
Chiles Rellenos: Large poblano chilies stuffed with meat and cheese, covered in egg batter, and fried.
Mole: A delicious, dark brown sauce made from dozens of spices and other ingredients and served over chicken or pork.
Guacamole: An mixture made from ripened avocados, lime juice, diced onions, tomatoes and cilantro served as a dip or condiment.
Plata de Frutas: A fruit plate consisting of sliced bananas, mangoes, papaya, watermelon and pineapple.
Cochinito Pibil: A delicious traditional Yucatecan specialty consisting of chicken or pork marinated in orange and a combination of spices and then barbecued in banana leaves.

Mexico Travel tips

2005-09-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

It is estimated that over 15 million U.S. citizens visit Mexico each year. While the vast majority of visitors experience an enjoyable holiday with no problems, some do suffer difficulties and serious inconveniences. Here are some tips and advice to help you avoid inconveniences and difficulties during your Mexican holiday.
1. Leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.
2. Bring either a U.S. passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate and current, valid photo identification.
3. Carry your photo identification and the name of a person to contact with you in the event of serious illness or other emergency.
4. Keep photocopies of your airline or other tickets and your list of traveler's checks with you in a separate location from the originals and leave copies with someone at home.
5. Leave things like unnecessary credit cards and expensive jewelry at home.
6. Bring a bank ATM card and not large amounts of cash.
7. Use a money belt or concealed pouch for passport, cash and other valuables.
8. Do not bring firearms or ammunition into Mexico without written permission from the Mexican government.
9. A Tourist card is issued to you on the airplane before landing in Mexico. Upon arrival in Mexico, it will be validated by an Immigration Officer, with the number of days you are authorized to stay, usually between 30 and 90 days. You will need your tourist card to leave Mexico, so be careful not to lose it as it can be a real hassle to replace it.
10. Don't drink tap water even if the hotel has a purified water system. Mexican bottled water is very cheap to buy.
11. Be sure to use sunscreen, even on an overcast day.

More thing you can do in China(part03)

2005-09-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

The Number Seven Thing to Do: Visit Kong Miao - the Temple of Confucius
Kong Miao is now the Capital Museum and houses a display on the culture and history of Beijing. Confucianius was born in Qufu, China. The temple in Beijing is among the largest Confucian temples outside Qufu. Communism views Confucism in a dim light; Confucian philosophy was the worldview of Chinese feudalism.
The Temple's main hall houses musical instruments that were important for Confucian ceremonies. The temple also contains 198 stone tables inscribed with the names of those individuals who passed the test to become a Mandarin during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties: 51,624 names.
The Imperial Academy sits next to the Temple. The Academy was founded in 1306. The Academy taught language and martial arts.
In 1462 it had 13,000 students. Today the Academy is the Capital Library, which houses collections on the social sciences and on local history.
The Number Eight Thing to Do: Visit the Lama Temple
The Lama Temple is Beijing's largest and best known temple. The Temple was built in 1694. During the annual Spring Festival the Temple stages a public presentation of the Devil Dance, which is supposed to teach observers not to fall to anger, greed, wine, and other evils.
The Lama Temple is part of the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It managed to survive China's Cultural Revolution through the protection of Chinese President Zhou Enlai. The temple did well in pre-Community Beijing in part because the Manchu Qing emperors, though officially Confucians, were attracted to Lamanistic Buddhism.
Among its several attractions, the Temple's Hall of the Wheel of Dharma is home to a 20 foot statue of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Yellow Hat Sect....
The Number Nine Thing to Do: Visit Beihai Gongyuan (North Lake Park)
The lake area is one of the most beautiful parts of Beijing. Kublai Khan ruled the Mongol Yuan Dynasty's empire from Jade Island on the lake here. Marco Polo visited the spot. The lake is covered with boats in the summer, ice skaters in the winter. There are a number of buildings on the island; among the more important: the Temple of Eternal Peace, the Hall of the Wheel of Law, the Hall of Universal Peace, the Hall of Ripples, and the White Dagoba.
The White Dagoba is a Tibetan styled temple built for the 5th Dalai Lama upon his visit to Beijing in 1651. The Hall of Ripples contains a restaurant which was started by the Emperor's chef in 1926 -- after he was no longer the emperor's chef because there was no longer an emperor....
The Number Ten Thing to Do: See Tiantan - the Temple of Heaven
Among the city's most visited parks. The Temple's complex covers an area of close to 700 acres. The complex has two groups of buildings: the northern group is set in a half circle and represents heaven; the southern group is square, representing earth. At the center of the northern group is one of China's most impressive buildings - the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
Like the Imperial Palace, the Temple of Heaven dates back the era when the Ming Dynasty reestablished Beijing as China's capital. Ming and Qing emperors came to the Temple at the Winter Solstice to honor their ancestors and pray for a good harvest. The proceedings usually lasted several days.
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is built on a tri-level marble terrace and has a blue tile roof with three levels. In 1889 the Hall was struck by lightening and burned to the ground, but it was restored.
The Beijing Natural History Museum is on the western edge of the Temple complex. The museum houses over 5000 pieces - fossils, plants, and animals.
Outside the Temple's east gate is Hong Qiao Market. Among it's offerings are fresh seafood and pearls....
The Number Eleven Thing to Do: See Zhonglou and Gulou -- the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower
North of the lake area, the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower were both built during the reigh of Kublai Khan, in the center of the Yuan capital, Dadu. The current structures were rebuilt under Ming rule. The drums were beat to mark the hour of the closing of the city gates each night.

More thing you can do in China(part02)

2005-09-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Palace's buildings contain over 8700 rooms and halls.
The Palace has been an ongoing work. One building was restored after catching fire as recently as 1987. Most of the buildings date from the 1700's. The Palace was 500 years old before it was opened to the public; the first tourists were allowed to enter it during the 1920's. Nationalist Chinese removed many of the Palace's treasures in 1937 to keep the out of the hands of the Japanese area; in 1949 those treasures were taken to Taiwan.
The Forbidden City's main area is surrounded first by a moat and then by a 35ft high wall. There are four main gates into the walled compound: The Meridan Gate faces south and is the largest of the gates, it accesses the Outer Courtyard; The Gate of the Divine Warrior faces north; two smaller gates, the East Flowery Gate and the West Flowery Gate, also exist. Once inside the walled city though, there are a number of other gates that lead into the various palaces and halls.
A basic map of the walled city is available online.
A few of the more interesting places within the walled city:

Halls of Harmony: Built on a raised marble foundation, the Hall of Supreme Harmony was the tallest building in Beijing during the Ming and Qing dynasties and the biggest of the three Harmony halls. Two bronze tortoises in front of the hall represent longevity. Inside is the Dragon Throne, from where the emperor exercised his authority. The Hall of Middle Harmony was the smallest of the three Harmony halls and was used mostly as a place wher the emperor could prepare to enter the large halls. The Hall of Preserving Harmony was used for New Year's banquets.

Palace of Heavenly Purity: Ming emperors used this building as their sleeping quarters. Qing emperors used it as an audience hall and a state banquet facility. Originally built in 1420, it burnt down several times and the current building goes back to 1798.

Imperial Flower Garden: One of the few pieces of greenery inside the walled compound. The gardenis about 12,000 square meters.The Hall of Imperial Peace stands in the middle of the garden and is guarded by golden unicorns. The garden also contains a pavillion named for each season of the year. And there is a landscaped mountain in the garden with the Pavillion of Imperial View on top of it.

Hall of Union: Potential concubines passed through here to be "approved." Imperial seals are on display in a glass case.

Palace of Earthly Tranquility: Ming emperors granted this building to their wives as the residences of the empress. The Qing emperors also used the building for religious ceremonies that included the sacrifice of four pigs each day.

Hall of Mental Cultivation: China's last emperor, Pu Yi, used this as his personal residence.

Nine Dragons Screen: One of the city's most symbolic edifices.

Imperial Treasury: Includes a display of some of the palace treasures.

Well of the Concubine Zhen: This well is supposed to have become the final resting place of the concubine Zhen Fei in 1898 when Emperoress Cixi had her thrown down it. Cixi and her husband, Guangxu, then fled to Xi'an. How much of this story is history and how much is legend is hard to say...

A few government offices are also housed in the building. There is a 5000 seat banquet hall, a 10,000 seat assembly hall, and some 30 reception rooms named for and styled after a region of China.
The Number Four Thing to Do: Visit the Museum of Chinese History
Also known as the National Museum of China. The museum dates to before Communism came to power, being founded in 1926. Over 5,500 objects are on display out of a collection of 300,000. Included: the fossilized remains of the Beijing Man, painted pottery and jade wares of the Neolithic Age, 3000-year-old Shang Dynasty bronze ware, and Song Dynasty ceramics. At the time of this writing the Museum was promoting an exhibit on Chinese Tea Wares, an collection from the art works of the Inner Mongolia that included over 200 pieces, and an exhibit from the He Chuangshi Fund for Calligraphy.
The Museum of the Chinese Revolution is nearby and focuses on the history of the Communist Party in China.
...
The Number Five Thing to Do: Visit Sun Yatsen Park
South of the Imperial Palace, the park was originally the site of a temple. Sun Yatsen was a leader of the 1911 revolution that brought an end to the Manchu Dynasty. The park was named for him in 1928. Cypress trees grace the park. A white marble arch in the park was originally used to mark the spot where Germany's ambassador was assassinated during the Boxer rebellion in 1900; it was moved to the park in 1919.
...
The Number Six Thing to Do: Visit Jing Shan (Coal Hill)
North of the Imperial Palace, this hill gives a good view of the Palace grounds and some of the surrounding area. A great spot to take pictures from...

More thing you can do in China

2005-09-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

Beijing is the most visited of China's cities and attractions. It offers enough in itself to fill up most vacations to China. This feature is designed to give you a brief glimpse of some of many things you can see or do in Beijing...
The Number One Thing to Do: See the Imperial Palace.
Even before the Ming Dynasty reestablished Beijing China's official capital in 1421, they began building the Gugong -- the Imperial Palace, more often called the Forbidden City. The emperor Yongle began construction in 1406, using plans that, according to legend, were given to him by a Taoist priest sent from Heaven. The project occupied some 200,000 workers for about 14 years. Many of the Palace's buildings were named for important ideas from Confucian philosophy. It was, after all, the home of the Son of Heaven (as the Chinese Emperor was known).
The Palace's buildings contain over 8700 rooms and halls.
The Palace has been an ongoing work. One building was restored after catching fire as recently as 1987. Most of the buildings date from the 1700's. The Palace was 500 years old before it was opened to the public; the first tourists were allowed to enter it during the 1920's. Nationalist Chinese removed many of the Palace's treasures in 1937 to keep the out of the hands of the Japanese area; in 1949 those treasures were taken to Taiwan.
The Forbidden City's main area is surrounded first by a moat and then by a 35ft high wall. There are four main gates into the walled compound: The Meridan Gate faces south and is the largest of the gates, it accesses the Outer Courtyard; The Gate of the Divine Warrior faces north; two smaller gates, the East Flowery Gate and the West Flowery Gate, also exist. Once inside the walled city though, there are a number of other gates that lead into the various palaces and halls.
A basic map of the walled city is available online.
A few of the more interesting places within the walled city:

Halls of Harmony: Built on a raised marble foundation, the Hall of Supreme Harmony was the tallest building in Beijing during the Ming and Qing dynasties and the biggest of the three Harmony halls. Two bronze tortoises in front of the hall represent longevity. Inside is the Dragon Throne, from where the emperor exercised his authority. The Hall of Middle Harmony was the smallest of the three Harmony halls and was used mostly as a place wher the emperor could prepare to enter the large halls. The Hall of Preserving Harmony was used for New Year's banquets.

Palace of Heavenly Purity: Ming emperors used this building as their sleeping quarters. Qing emperors used it as an audience hall and a state banquet facility. Originally built in 1420, it burnt down several times and the current building goes back to 1798.

Imperial Flower Garden: One of the few pieces of greenery inside the walled compound. The gardenis about 12,000 square meters.The Hall of Imperial Peace stands in the middle of the garden and is guarded by golden unicorns. The garden also contains a pavillion named for each season of the year. And there is a landscaped mountain in the garden with the Pavillion of Imperial View on top of it.

Hall of Union: Potential concubines passed through here to be "approved." Imperial seals are on display in a glass case.

Palace of Earthly Tranquility: Ming emperors granted this building to their wives as the residences of the empress. The Qing emperors also used the building for religious ceremonies that included the sacrifice of four pigs each day.

Hall of Mental Cultivation: China's last emperor, Pu Yi, used this as his personal residence.

Nine Dragons Screen: One of the city's most symbolic edifices.

Imperial Treasury: Includes a display of some of the palace treasures.

Well of the Concubine Zhen: This well is supposed to have become the final resting place of the concubine Zhen Fei in 1898 when Emperoress Cixi had her thrown down it. Cixi and her husband, Guangxu, then fled to Xi'an. How much of this story is history and how much is legend is hard to say...

Are possible Look Great wall In one day?

2005-09-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

This it’s the step …

Begin as early as possible at the front desk of your hotel, or at any information desk where someone speaks English. The idea is to hire a cab driver for the day.

On your hotel's business card, have someone write write "Great Wall at Badaling Pass, cable car entrance" and "Forbidden City, Shenwu Gate" in Chinese characters.

Have your translator scribble down the negotiated price plainly with the instructions.

Allow about two hours to get to Badaling Pass. Pay your driver about one-third of his fee so he or she can buy lunch.

Look for the "cable car entrance", pay the fee and board the car to the top of the Great Wall.

Savor the view from every angle possible. You have several hours.

Find your driver, who will proceed back into Beijing traffic and drop you at the Forbidden City's Shenwu Gate. Dismiss your driver after paying the remaining fee.

Walk through the Imperial Garden, the Hall of Heavenly Purity and the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Leave the Forbidden City, and cross the bazaar.

Walk Tiananmen Square, then hire a rickshaw driver to show you Beijing's rush hour traffic up close.

Show a new cab driver your hotel card. Be sure it's the side with the hotel's name and address.

Tips:

This day can be accomplished for between $60-130 USD. Share the ride with others if possible to save money.

Remember time is money on this day. The cable car trip saves you time climbing that can be used elsewhere.

This list is only for people with ONE day in Beijing. These magnificent sites deserve much more time if possible

One of the Top Fishing Destinations in the world

2005-08-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

Mexico offers hundreds of fishing spots and is a top location to visit for a great fishing trip. Mexico’s deep sea fishing is world famous and there are many excellent charters and guides to choose from to make sure you get the most out of your fishing adventure. The following describes two top fishing venues in Mexico.
Lake El Salto
Lake El Salto,located about 50 miles north of the seaside resort of Mazatlan in the heart of the rugged Sierra Madre mountain range, is Mexico's most popular bass fishing lake, and indeed is one of the very best lakes for largemouth bass fishing in the world. Lake El Salto was stocked around 20 years ago with largemouth Florida bass, but because of the warm temperature of the water, the lake became populated by very big and aggressive bass.
Spanning some 27,000 acres, the lake is about 20 miles from the coast and approximately 550 feet above sea level, and was formed by the damming of the Elota River.
The water is crystal clear and the lake has a maximum depth of about 140 feet. The scenery at this lake is absolutely stunning.
Lake El Salto has thousands of bass that are easily caught all year on a variety of lures, including crankbaits, spinners, and worms. The lake record is an 18 pound bass caught in 2002, but catches ranging from 8 to 16 pounds are not uncommon.
“All inclusive” fishing packages for 2 to 3 days of fishing on the lake costs around $500 and up, including first-class transportation to-and-from the lake, meals, drinks, accommodation, fishing licenses, boat and expert guides.
Cabo San Lucas Deep Sea Fishing
Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern end of the Baja Peninsula, offers some of the most exiting deep sea fishing in the world. Many regard the waters of Cabo San Lucas to be the world's finest year-round fishing grounds, with more than 800 species of fish, including black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, pompano, yellowtail, rooster fish, sierra and wahoo.
World records are constantly being broken here in what is known as "Marlin Alley". Catching a 100-pound marlin is common, and striped marlin are abundant year-round.
Swordfish are available in January through June. Sailfish and wahoo are best from June through November; yellowfin tuna, May through December; yellowtail, January through May. Mahi-Mahi and Yellowfin Tuna is abundant all year.
In addition to fishing, Cabo San Lucas offers excellent scuba diving and snorkeling sites. Surfing and windsurfing are also popular here.
Fishing charters for 5 hours of fishing for two or three people costs about $200 to $450 and typically includes:
Fishing equipment
Licensed Crew
Captain and Sailor
Bait and tackle
Five fishing lines
Soft drinks, beer and water

Do you know what is the largest lake in the world?

2005-08-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

A lake any body of water surrounded by land and very large lakes are sometimes called seas. The world's largest lake is the salty Caspian Sea at 143,200 square miles (370,886 km2). The Caspian Sea is surrounded by Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
The world's second largest lake, and the world's largest freshwater lake is North America's Lake Superior at 31,700 mi2 (82,103 km2).

how many budget in roma Do you Spend?

2005-08-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Rome: This is not really a story about what to see and do in Rome. It is an attempt at getting you around this gorgeous city without destroying your budget. As with most tourist meccas, Rome offers plenty of easy ways to pay top euro for things that won't really enhance your experience.
When to Visit: Summer is a popular time, but dress for very hot weather. Some prefer the winter months, which can be windy and cold but generally free of ice and snow. The best bargains often are found in Winter and early Spring, with Autumn becoming more popular, too. If you go for the Christmas Eve Mass at Vatican Square, book well in advance.
Where to Eat: Enjoy at least one meal in a neighborhood trattoria, the kind of place where the owner is also the chef and thinks nothing of coming out of the kitchen in his apron to ask about your meal. These places are usually very reasonably priced. It's your best way to see how the average Italian enjoys a meal.
Where to Stay: The area surrounding the main train station (Termini) is known for its budget hotels and, unfortunately, levels of crime that make many visitors uncomfortable. An alternative to the budget rooms is booking in a convent, where you'll find large, clean rooms and friendly service at a fraction of the price of a hotel. Romeguide.it provides a listing. You should be prepared to pay cash and respect the fairly early curfew most convents observe.
Getting Around: Rome's rather small subway system is good for trips across town from the main (Termini) railroad station, but it is not as complex as London's underground or the Paris metro. Fortunately, many of the top ancient sites can be seen on foot because of their proximity. Likewise, the Vatican is mainly an indoor, foot-powered tour. Avoid car rentals, because parking and driving can be frustrating here. Cabs are a necessary evil, especially late at night.
Rome Attractions: Vatican City is a place most people see in one day, but it merits several days to truly appreciate. The same could be said of the ancient sites, but many will find a way to see each in compressed time frames and come away awe-struck. If you can allow a minimum of three days to see Rome's major sites, you will be far happier than those who try to do it in two or less. Don't laugh--it's far more common than most travelers imagine.
Beyond the Legendary Wonders: You won't often hear a lot about the Catacombs, but they are fascinating and humbling for Christians and non-Christians alike. The trip just outside of Rome includes some views of the ancient viaducts you probably saw in those elementary school history books. Look for a bus that says "Saint Calixto." On the other end of the spectrum, Rome is a style and shopping mecca. The place to see and be seen is the Via del Corso. Always remember that window shopping with imaginary dollars is free!
More Rome Tips:
Roman Eating Habits: Here, as in many European capitals, the evening meal is a multi-course, slowly enjoyed affair that begins as late as 9 p.m. If this does not appeal to you, it's possible to arrive as early as 7 p.m. and enjoy no-wait service in a nearly empty restaurant. One more thing to consider when ordering: portions here tend to be very, very large. I found pizza here (and throughout Italy) to be an inexpensive meal but frankly a bit disappointing in terms of quality.
More About Convent Stays: Some non-Roman Catholics shy away from this economical alternative to the hotels, but they should make themselves comfortable. The sisters do not require you to be a church member. You will also find many of the sisters do not speak English, but that simply adds to the experience of being in Roma, right?
Don't Focus Solely on the Sistene Chapel: Many travelers anticipate this incredible sight and then are hurried through it in a crowd of pushing, boisterous visitors. Breathtaking as it is, there are other ceilings, tapestries, paintings and art objects that are worth your attention, too.
Keep Close Watch on Your Valuables: This is standard advice anywhere, but Roman tourist sites tend to be very crowded and it's easier here to lose track of your valuables. There are criminals out there who are well aware of this and will take advantage.
Do Some Reading Before you Go: Spending $20 on a good history book will enhance your experience more than any four-star hotel or gourmet meal.
Take Time to Relax: This is one of those cities where there is much to see. In those situations, we sometimes feel pressured to see and do everything. Build in time each day to sip your favorite beverage in a park or sidewalk cafe. Drink in the atmosphere above all else. If you don't, you'll regret it after you arrive home.

Top credit card in airlines

2005-08-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

-Northwest Visa
Popular Visa choice, offered through U.S. Bank. They offer both "Platinum" and "Business" versions; the latter provides more detailed expense tracking services. You'll get 10,000 miles for signing up if you've never before carried the card. Annual fee is $55 Platinum and $90 for Business. Unlike many cards, this one allows you to earn miles beyond $10,000 USD/month. Past that limit, you get a mile for every $2/month spent. Northwest offers lots of options in Asia and Europe through its travel partners in those parts of the world.

-Delta American Express Skymiles
Delta's extensive network of cities and partners around the world makes anything they offer worth a look
American Express is welcomed in many fine outlets worldwide, but some budget travelers complain it skews upscale--and therefore is not as useful in their daily lives as a Visa card. Annual fee is $85, and their interest rates are calculated on a very complex formula that makes it hard to comparison shop. Not available in Iowa or Puerto Rico.

-American Airlines Citibank MasterCard
This choice combines the resources of a banking empire and one of the North America's largest airlines. One of the few MasterCard choices available (Continental is the other). This one comes at two levels: "Platinum Select" and "Gold." You'll earn 7500 bonus miles for opening a new Platinum Select account, and 10,000 for the Gold account.

-British Airways Visa Card
British Airways offers travel options around the world that few others can match. They win the bonus miles game, awarding a whopping 15,000 miles the first time this card is used. Bank One is the issuing company. After a single-digit, five-month introductory APR, they'll charge you 12.99% APR for any unpaid balances. Annual fee: $75 USD.

Good deal That duty is free..!!

2005-08-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

You're on a long international flight, and you're starving. But they won't serve dinner until the flight attendants complete their "duty free" sale.

You're walking through the airport, and there is a duty free store every few hundred yards.

Should the budget traveler set aside money for these opportunities? Finding an answer to that question can be tricky.

First, understand that "duty" is a generic term describing a variety of taxes imposed on goods. Once outside a nation's borders, you can buy duty free cigarettes at 33,000 feet or on the high seas. International airports get around the tax bite because they are in designated foreign trade zones.

These taxes can add huge sums to your checkout total. "Forest" is a British group opposed to airlines that sell duty free cigarettes and yet ban smoking.

They cite a Sunday Telegraph study that found a one-liter bottle of liquor that normally costs 14.49 GBP should cost only 4.74 when the excise duty and Value Added Tax are subtracted. But Forest says that "duty free" bottle goes for between 7.75 to 11.25 GBP. Forest's conclusion: maybe "duty free" is actually "duty reduced."
Suzy Gershman is a shopping expert who goes one step further. She calls duty free shopping "a joke."

The author of Frommer's Born to Shop says "I have bought fragrances duty-free and found out they were cheaper at Saks. As a rule of thumb, you're not going to save very much."

If the Telegraph study and Gershman both are correct, you should shop duty free very carefully. Click "next" at the bottom right of this page for a look at some duty-free shopping strategies.