places of touristic

Chicago Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0700

Park Hyatt Chicago
This beautiful hotel with 202 rooms and a five diamond status is located at 800 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611. Its average cost approximately $543. It has well furnished spacious rooms with 24 hour caretaker, DVD player, luxurious robes, wireless Internet facility, ironing facility, king sized bed, glass desk, and stylish and neat bathroom with walk-in shower, oversized tub, personal TV and sliding privacy doors along with the facility of a butler.

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Located at 20 E Chestnut St Chicago, IL 60611and with the accommodation of 415 rooms this hotel holds a four star status. The average price of this hotel is $336.The hotel amenities feature a complimentary admission to the Art Institute of Chicago on Tuesdays, 24 hours gymnasium, two spacious and well equipped business centers, a ballroom, a spacious meeting room, a restaurant serving contemporary French dishes, a lounge, indoor lap pool, sauna baths, a gift shop, aromatherapy and grooming services for pets. Facility of audiovisual equipment, event catering and wireless Internet access is available on the payment of a certain amount of money. Valet Parking is also available at the payment of $37 approximately.
www.mapsofworld.com

Conrad Chicago
This famous hotel of Chicago with a five star status and 311 rooms is located at 521 North Rush St. at Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611. The average price of this hotel is around $339. the amenities provided by the hotel include complimentary wireless internet access in the guestrooms, lobby and public areas, access to a well equipped business center of the hotel, 24 hours caretaker, gymnasium, an Asian restaurant, a lounge, a spacious and well equipped meeting room, a spacious ballroom and well furnished rooms with mini bars and huge bathrooms. It also features a terrace used for seasonal outdoor gathering. It allows small pets only. The facility of valet parking and self parking could be availed by paying a surcharge price to the hotel.

Burnham Hotel Chicago
Burnham Hotel Chicago, located in the heart of chicago Loop and just three blocks away from the chicago's Millenium Park brings to you a luxurious stay in chicago. Hotel Burnham, a 122-room European style hotel was designated as Chicago Landmark in 1975.
www.mapsofworld.com

Chicago Weather

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:37:00 -0700

Chicago is well known as the “Windy City” because of its typical windy weather .
Chicago experiences sudden changes in its climatic conditions thus making the Chicago weather unpredictable.
Chicago experiences a humid Continental climate with sudden climatic changes, high variations in temperature and an unpredictable rainfall. Though Chicago weather is quite similar to that of the Midwestern United States but because of being located at the juncture of the Great Plains and Lake Michigan its weather has a slight distinction.
During the mid-summer period, Chicago weather becomes very humid. The humidity rises high and the temperature fluctuates between 26 o C. During the night hours the temperature drops down approximately to 18 o C but at times it balances at 21 o C.

The summers in Chicago usually face thunderstorms which are at times accompanied with rains. During the summer season the temperature rises to 32°C approximately. The strangest thing about the summer season in Chicago is that it is the wettest season of Chicago. The average rainfall experienced at Chicago is approximately 36 inches or 920 mm. The months of July and August are considered to be the wettest months of the year in Chicago.

The weather of Chicago keeps changing during the winter season. The average snowfall taking place in Chicago during the winter months is measured to be 37.0 inches or 94 cm approximately. But this degree of snowfall can change from month to month and year to year. At times the snowfall ranges between 9.8inches and 87.0 inches or 25cm and 221cm. Usu7ally snow is brought into Chicago by the northeasterly winds.
The weekly temperature variation is a common phenomenon in Chicago. The temperature of Chicago can even drop down below 0 o C. The day temperature during the month of January drops down to 29°F or -2°C whereas during the night hours it drops to 14°F /10°C.
The highest temperature of Chicago ever recorded is 109°F /44°C which is quite unusual. The officially recorded highest temperature of Chicago during the Chicago Heat wave was 105°F /41°C. The coldest temperature recorded in Chicago during the month of January is -27°F /-33°C with the wind chill recorded as -83°F -64°C. The average speed of the Chicago winds is recorded to be approximately 8 mph (13 km/h) during late summer and 12 mph (19 km/h) during the spring months.
The summer season is considered to be the ideal time to visit Chicago. During this month Chicago also experiences the microclimatic effect being close to the Lake Michigan
www.mapsofworld.com

Welcome to Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:20:00 -0700

With attractions and activities galore, Chicago is everyone's kind of town. See all the famous sights, then catch a show in the theater district or a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, followed by a late night visit to a blues club or jazz bar. Culture hounds will delight in the multitude of museums, including the prestigious Art Institute and the Chicago Historical Society. Families will find plenty to do at Navy Pier and to explore at the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. You could spend all day strolling through Hyde Park or shopping along the Magnificent Mile. Discover vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, architectural landmarks, delicious restaurants and world-class hotels.

Chicago Airport
The glamorous city of Chicago with the establishment of two important airports emerged as the transportation center during the 20 th century. It houses some of the famous airports of US. The airports of Chicago serve all national and international flights. Chicago aspires to start a new airport at Peotone and also looks forward to in collaboration with the Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana.

O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare International Airport is one of the famous international airports of Chicago. This airport serves all international and domestic flights and is one of the busiest airports of the world. The O'Hare International Airport serves the flights of United Airlines and American Airlines. This airport is under construction for the expansion of its services.

Chicago Midway International Airport
The other famous and important airport of Chicago is the Chicago Midway International Airport. This airport basically serves all domestic flights. The Chicago Midway International Airport is the important center of flights belonging to the Southwest Airlines and ATA Airlines.

Gary Chicago Airport
This airport is located at Gary, Indiana, at a fair distance of 25 miles from the Chicago loop. Gary/Chicago International Airport is the third airport serving the Chicago region. At present this airport serves only the proposed commercial flights but it is under development by the federal body and is linking up with other airlines. At present is the center for the business fleets of Boeing and White Lodging Services. New facilities are being introduced by the National Guard to start their metropolitan area air operation from here itself.

Rockford Chicago Airport
The other significant airport though small is the Chicago/Rockford International Airport located at Rockford. This airport serves all international and national flights to Rockford as well as Chicago. This airport serves all flights to Denver, Las Vegas, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, and Orlando Sanford. The management of this airport looks forward to attract passengers from the western suburbs of Chicago.
www.mapsofworld.com

Boston Arriving and Departing

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:01:00 -0700

Just as there are many ways to travel around Boston once you check in, there are also many ways to arrive. Depending on how long your journey is, the easiest way might be to fly. Boston’s Logan Airport is a major international transportation center, handling hundreds of flights every day. With the cost of gas increasing and the availability of more low-cost air options, flying to Boston is a convenient way to travel.
Once you get to Logan, getting to your hotel should be easy. Taxi stands are by the arrivals level at each terminal, managed by airport personnel. Service is prompt most hours, unless several large flights have arrived at the same time. There are several shared-ride shuttles - which are not affiliated with the nationwide companies. Then there is Boston's cheap, convenient and famous "T".

Airports
Even as "The Big Dig" was transforming Boston, all those take-off and landing fees were transforming Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS). While the road network and linkage are much smoother and more efficient, all drivers are encouraged to watch the signs carefully. This is definitely not your father's Logan Airport -- even for those who have come through it in the last five, two or even one year.
Logan Airport has four major terminals connected by new people-mover-equipped "bridge tunnels" which criss-cross the central parking garage. Most people prefer the free blue airport buses that circle the airport at the arrivals level. Some also take passengers to the "T"'s Blue Line Airport station. At that point, "T" fare is required to the rest of the city. Be sure to look on the front or side of the bus to see if it also goes to the "T". Also be careful not to board one of the satellite parking or employee parking lot buses, which look similar.
All off-airport services pick up at the arrivals level, and drop off at the departure level. All rental car shuttles are on the arrivals level. Travelers arriving at Logan have several options for getting to most of the suburbs, including taxi and shared-ride shuttles. " Logan Express" is operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority, which also operates the airport. Its scheduled express motorcoach service goes to single destinations in the suburbs: north to Woburn, west to Framingham, or south to Braintree, where there are also parking lots. Logan Express to the northeast (Peabody) was suspended in May 2006. Temporary replacement service to Peabody was picked up by Bonanza bus lines, stopping at the Logan Express locations. Buses depart from all terminals every 30 minutes. There is also regular airport bus service to destinations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. For information on options, go here.
www.tripadvisor.com

Trains and Buses
If you are coming from the East Coast, you can take an Amtrak train to South Station or Back Bay Station from most major cities and towns that are south of Boston. North Station serves points north. However, fares tend to be on the expensive side, and Amtrak is notorious for delays and inefficiency. Bear in mind, 3-day advance purchase on the Web will yield Amtrak discount fares that you will never see at the walk-up window. Unfortunately, the political will for the "Big Dig", Boston's monumental highway submersion project, didn’t include extending the railroad through Boston -- e.g., there isn’t a straight shot from New York to Portland.
Several long-haul bus lines offer service to Boston. Of course, the closer you live to Boston, the easier it is to find a convenient option. The Hampton Jitney serves Long Island, Fung Wah, Sunshine Travel, and Lucky Star busses offer cheap frequent service from New York City to Boston (Chinatown to Chinatown), and Greyhound and Peter Pan serve the East Coast and beyond. Most buses drop you off at South Station, where you can catch the Red Line and Silver Line "T", or some commuter trains. At the higher end, a recent start-up, LimoLiner, operates vans between Boston and NY downtowns with airplane-type seats, internet connections and attendants. With Boston's huge student population, trains and buses can be crowded, especially during holidays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so try to reserve a seat ahead of time.

The "T"
The cheapest way from and to the airport - short of having a friend picking you up - is Boston's subway and trolley system, known as the "T" (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, also the "MTA" of folk song fame). The "T" shares North Station, South Station, and Back Bay Station with commuter rail, as well as AMTRAK. It also shares the city's major bus depot at South Station. Here, "shares" means "under one roof'.
www.tripadvisor.com

Boston Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:50:00 -0700

Most of the Boston Hotels are positioned in the city center while a few are located in the downtown Boston. The wide varieties of hotels in Boston are fashioned in order to accommodate all kind of tourists. The hotels in the city range from 1 star to 5 stars and from budget to luxury hotels. Boston is visited by a huge number of tourists from all corners of the world. Some of them come to enjoy the Boston sights while others come for business purpose. These guests find no trouble in staying at Boston because of the availability of a large number of Boston Hotels. Most of these Boston hotels offer accommodations that suit the budget and space requirement of every group of tourists. A few of the renowned hotels of Boston, which are frequently visited by the guests include Copley Square Boston, Taj Boston, Boston Harbor Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Boston, Hyatt Regency Boston Financial District, Ritz-Carlton Boston Common, Eliot Suite Hotel, Sheraton Boston Hotel, Charles Street Inn, Harborside Inn of Boston.

These hotels are mostly adorned with beautiful gardens, where tourists can enjoy leisure evenings. The downtown Boston hotels offer picturesque scenery
jlogjrfhbkljfkljlkc -->of the Charles River through the broad windows of the hotel rooms. The guest rooms are mostly equipped with standard amenities like tea/coffee making facilities, air-conditioner, fire places, TV with cable connection, telephone, attached bathrooms and many more. Guest rooms in some of the hotels are also facilitated with in-room high-speed Internet connection. Most of these hotels in Boston provide elegant suites, which are mostly availed by the business travelers. The guests in these suites can enjoy the exotic range of wine available in the in-room mini bars. Dining at Boston hotels include recipes from American, Thai, Italian and other international cuisines. On request, dinner and lunch is even served in the individual rooms. Most of the hotels offer separate well-stocked bar corners where guests can enjoy exotic wines, impressive cocktails and other beverages along with variety of snacks.
www.mapsofworld.com

Boston Weather

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:42:00 -0700

Boston weather is hard to predict. If you don't like the weather today, wait until tomorrow!
While it's certainly true that New England weather can change on a dime (a random 65 degree day in the dead of winter, anyone?), generally speaking winters are bitterly cold and snowy and summers are hot and seriously humid. The best time to visit is during the Fall and Spring. Fall brings cooler, crisper air (although there is still the chance for an Indian summer) which makes walking around the city a much more enjoyable experience than in the shirt-sticking-to-your-back temperatures of a typical Boston summer day. Plus, the fall also brings the excitement of baseball playoff season (and perhaps a shot at another World Series title), the beginning of football season and other sporting events such as the Head of the Charles Regatta where hundreds of collegiate rowers take to the waters. Sports are a major part of the Boston experience, so there's no better time to see it for yourself.
The springtime can bring unexpected rain and temperatures ranging from freezing to sweltering, but there's just something about Boston in the Spring that you can't beat. The snow is gone (usually) and the flowers in the Common are starting to bloom. People are happy to shed their heavy coats (as long as some freak cold spell doesn't occur) and you can take in a stroll along the Charles or down Newbury Street in relative comfort.

Boston Health & Safety
Although not as intimidating as New York or Los Angeles, Boston is by no means a place where people leave their doors unlocked. It is a major city, and as when traveling to any major city, use common sense and you shouldn't encounter any major problems.
Violent crime is not common or prevalent in Boston, but murders and robberies happen every year, just as in every other city. Boston is patrolled and kept safe by the Boston Police Department, the 20th largest force in the United States. Some neighborhoods and suburbs have their own police forces, but others are included under the BPD’s umbrella. The MBTA also has its own police force to protect passengers and to investigate crime, but public transportation in Boston is very safe and incidents of crime are rare. Additionally, most colleges and universities in Boston have their own police force or security detail.

The areas where tourists usually visit are fairly safe, even after dark. Areas such as Quincy Market, Back Bay and The North End are usually well populated with people out to enjoy themselves. During the school year, you can count on a multitide of students to be out and about late at night. As always in any crowded areas, keep note of your belongings, make sure your wallet or purse is not too easy to access. A recent rise in the murder rate has largely been confined to some of the city’s poorest areas, particularly parts of Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan. As always in a major U.S. city, it is wise to ask around if you plan to explore off the beaten track.
www.tripadvisor.com

Welcome to Boston

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:26:00 -0700

Famous for everything from the Red Sox and Paul Revere to Cheers and clam "chowdah," Boston is a popular destination for so many reasons. Part history lesson, part modern metropolis, the Hub offers attractions to suit every taste and interest. Plus, it's incredibly easy to get around, either on foot or by the user-friendly public transportation system, called the T. Hop on the Freedom Trail, a well-preserved pedestrian path that weaves in and out of historic neighborhoods, from the lively Boston Common and Public Garden to the gold-domed State House and Fenway Park. Between landmarks, you can shop the fabulous stores on Newbury Street, have a delicious authentic Italian meal in the North End or browse the antique shops and distinctive red-brick buildings of Beacon Hill. The more culturally inclined will not want to miss the city's world-class museums, theater and music venues. Family friendly to the core, Boston also boasts a renowned aquarium, children's museum and science museum, making it a great getaway for all.

Economy
Boston is a Mecca of colleges. There are also a number of high-tech industries in the city, including Computer Hardware and software and biotechnology industries. Other core areas of Boston's economy are financial services, especially mutual funds and insurance. Boston is considered one of the top financial cities of the country. The city is also a major hub of venture capital. Its printing and publishing industries are also important. The city is also a major convention center of the world. Law and government are also two of its important industries.
www.mapsofworld.com

Boston Culture
Boston’s culture is expressed through and distinguished by the Bostonian dialect of English, which includes many slang words and is famous for a liberal pronunciation of the “r” sound at the end of words, which usually sounds like “ah” instead (i.e. “car” becomes “cah,” “park” becomes “pahk”). These slang words can change from neighborhood to neighborhood, and suburb to suburb. The city’s culture was characterized for a long time by its Anglo-Saxon roots, but since waves of Irish immigrants found a home in Boston during the 19th and 20th centuries, Boston has been much more associated with Irish Catholic culture. South Boston, a working-class, Irish-dominant neighborhood, is a living spectacle of this tradition. The once Irish stronghold...as well as Polish and Lithuanian...is now as much a Yuppie village - owing its new if not always graciously accepted cosmopolitanism- to the facts of the beaches and sea, as well as the nearness to the downtown for easy commutes to daily business.

Within Boston’s broad culture there exist a number of sub-cultures, a credit to the city’s diversity. Boston’s neighborhoods are often ethnic or tied to a group of people or a way of life—South Boston is Irish Catholic and working class; Roxbury is highly Dominican and black; the North End still retains its Italian heritage; the South End is bohemian and gay. But other sub-cultures also represent the many interests in the Boston communities, such as sports, the arts and theater and the large student population.
Sports
Those interested in sports will appreciate Boston’s five major professional sports teams—the Red Sox (baseball), New England Patriots (football), Celtics (basketball), Bruins (hockey) and New England Revolution (soccer). Year after year, Boston is voted among the country’s best sports towns—each team generates a different kind of interest from a slightly different section of the fan base, but it seems as though every Bostonian is passionate about one of the teams, and you will be hard-pressed to find one who doesn’t consider himself a Red Sox fan. The downside to widespread enthusiasm for sports is that tickets to events, especially for Red Sox and Patriots games, are expensive and difficult to come by. Call or order online as early as you can, and if you can’t land tickets, take a tour of Fenway Park, which will be well worth your time.
If you prefer the college flavor of sports, Boston, with more college students than any other city in America, has a number of good offerings. The Head of the Charles, the famous annual regatta, takes place each year in October, and the Beanpot, a hockey tournament that pits Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern University and Harvard against one another, is also popular year after year. Boston College has a competitive football team that plays in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Universities and Intellectual Life
Boston has sometimes been called “the Athens of America,” a reference to the city’s more than 100 colleges and universities. Students make up a large and vibrant portion of the population here during the school year, and you will see them everywhere from Walden Pond to Fenway Park to the clubs on Lansdowne Street. Every August/September, you can expect the streets in every neighborhood to be clogged with a multitude of U-Hauls as the hordes of students return to school. Visitors in the teenage / twenty-something age range will be thrilled to find so many people to meet.

The Arts and Entertainment
While some may say that no city stacks up to the likes of New York and London when it comes to the arts and entertainment scene, Boston manages to hold its own in this area. There's a museum for practically every interest, from the renowned Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) where you can routinely find impressive special exhibits such as the current "Americans in Paris" exhibition which includes pieces by John Singer Sargent, to the wonderfully fun, yet educational, Museum of Science (a favorite among local schools for field trips). There are musuems to satisfy history buffs such as the National Heritage Museum, places to brings the kids (Children's Museum), as well as a number of well-known art museums such as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Harvard University Art Museums. While you're in town, don't forget to stop by the JFK Library and Museum to get a glimpse into the life of one of America's most beloved presidents.
Besides the many museums in Boston, the theater district is another point of pride and interest in Boston. Here you can catch everything from Broadway shows to off-off-off Broadway performances in one of the many theaters around town. Get a half-priced ticket, day of show from one of the BosTix booths in Copley Square or Faneuil Hall to score a really good deal. Many theaters also offer special discounts to students with a valid ID.
www.tripadvisor.com

Hotel Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:11:00 -0700

Hotels in Atlanta offer brilliant services and welcome you with overwhelming hospitality to make your stay in Atlanta a memorable experience. Atlanta hotels are available at varied price ranges which suits the budgets of the visitors. From the posh to the ordinary and cheap, get all kinds of hotels in Atlanta . Most of them are located in either Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead or near Hartsfield Atlanta Airport. Atlanta is a very popular tourist attraction place in summer and during special events, so remember to book your hotel rooms in advance.

Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta is one of the leading hotels of Atlanta. The hotel has facilities of valet parking, babysitting, concierge desk, shoe shine, wake-up service, meeting rooms, mini bar, cable TV, gift shops, lounges and a variety of other services. It also has the Sun Dial, which is a revolving rooftop restaurant located on the 73 rd floor, serving lunch and dinner. The CNN Center, Underground Atlanta, Georgia Dome, Stone Mountain, Piedmont Park, Zoo Atlanta and Peachtree Center are the nearest tourist spots.

Hyatt Regency is another leading hotel of Atlanta. Each of the rooms have iron and ironing board, coffee/tea maker, video check-out, mini bar, internet, voice mail, work desk, data ports, cable TV and other facilities. The recreation facilities of the hotel include fitness center, outdoor pool and sundeck.
The nearest tourist spots include Atlanta Civic center, Peachtree Center, Georgia Aquarium, Turner Field, Atlanta Airport, World of Coca-Cola and other places.

Omni Hotel Atlanta offers you an experience of a full-service resort. Each of the rooms have three telephones, coffee/tea maker, data ports, voice mail, hairdryer, mini bar, cable TV, Nintendo 64 and other facilities. The nearest tourist attractions include Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, Fox Theater, Georgia State University, Philips Arena, Atlanta Civic Center and others.
Some of the other famous hotels of Atlanta include:

- Sheraton Atlanta
- Hilton Atlanta
- Marriot Marquis
- Ritz Carlton Buckhead
- Grand Hyatt Buckhead
- Crowne Plaza Hotel
- Westin Buckhead
- Holiday Inn Airport
- Renaissance hotel
- Wellesley Inn Hotel
Best Western Hotel The price ranges for rooms in each of these hotels vary between $50 to $100 in two-star and three star hotels respectively.
www.mapsofworld.com

Atlanta Weather

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:55:00 -0700

The best time of year to visit this fair city is the fall --- middle of September through the end of November. The weather is glorious! Highs in the mid 60's to 70's and hardly any rain. October is the best month of them all! The leaves are changing and if you head to the mountains which is only a short 2-3 hour drive away, you will see some of the prettiest foliage.

Tourist Attractions
Although Atlanta is more of a business center than a tourist attracted place, the city offers a variety of entertainment facilities. The number of historical museums like Atlanta History Center, the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum attract tourists from every nook and corner of the world. The Woodruff Arts Center in the city, which is a home to the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony, High Museum of Art and Atlanta College of Art, lures majority of the tourists. The world's largest aquarium- the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, which features over 100,000 specimens in tanks holding approximately eight million gallons of water, is a unique attraction of the city. The Centennial Olympic Park built in honor of the 1996 Olympics and Stone Mountain Park stand as oasis in the middle of the busy city. The King Center, which is innovative and informative especially to the children and Atlanta Botanical Garden, which exhibits the nature's glory, are other places where the tourists are being attracted.
www.mapsofworld.com

Atlanta Arriving and Departing
This airport, which has frequently named the busiest in the country (a distinction it has shared with Chicago’s O’Hare), is quite large but is fairly user friendly. There are six concourses: T, A, B, C, D, and E, in addition to the Ticketing/Baggage Claim area. An underground train runs between the concourses and Ticketing/baggage claim. There is also a moving sidewalk on the underground level, which you might want to take if you want to get some exercise or if the trains are full or not operating. Entrances to the downstairs trains/sidewalks are in the middle of the concourse, usually around gate 19. Generally speaking, very high (>30) and very low (<3) gate numbers are the furthest away from the trains.
If you are connecting and have less than an hour between flights, you should proceed directly to your new gate, as transit between concourses can take some time (not that big of a deal to go between A-B, but significant if you have to go from T to E). There are concessions located at most centerpoints of the concourses, and some are scattered throughout.
There are also concessions located in the atrium of the Ticketing/Baggage claim area outside of security. There are more restaurants in Concourse A and E.
E is the international concourse, so international flights are primarily operated out of there (but some domestic, too). International arrivals require that you get your bags from international baggage claim, go through customs, and then re-check your bags before connecting to your next flight.
T-Gates: If you are going to/from the T-Gates you will walk, not take the underground train. If you arrive on AA or UA and do NOT have checked-baggage, DO NOT follow the signs to "Baggage Claim". Rather, after deplaning take a left and head to the main terminal
Transportation is located just outside of the baggage claim area, where you will find taxis and shuttle buses for the various rental car companies, as well as MARTA (mass transit train, stops at the airport and goes into the city). If you have come to the city without accomodations, there is a bank of phones near baggage claim for various hotels in the area. Please allow yourself plenty of time for departing flights out of ATL. Traffic in the city can be a major factor, and it’s good to use MARTA if you can. Rental car shuttles/parking lot shuttles can also be stuck in traffic at the airport, so cutting it close is not a good idea. Check-in lines can be long, so it’s best to use the kiosks if you can, or print out your boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
www.tripadvisor.com

Welcome to Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:32:00 -0700

Atlanta, the capital of the state of Georgia is also the most populace city in the United States. The city is one of the most important economic centers in the Southern United States and is considered as a Gamma World City. After the destruction it faced during the Civil War in 1864, Atlanta was reincarnated and later became the industrial and commercial center of the South. In 1868, Atlanta became the fifth city in the nation to serve as the state capital. The city is the county seat of Fulton County and a portion of it extends into DeKalb County. The city, known for the busiest international airports in the world in terms of passenger traffic, is governed by a mayor and a city council. Atlanta is the residence of the Governor of Georgia in Buckhead and is also a home to Georgia Public Broadcasting headquarters and Peachnet.

Atlanta Health & Safety
Atlanta is a large metropolitan area, and as such, one should take the normal precautions when visiting this city. For example, do not leave valuables in your car (particularly within sight).
A few details specific to the area:
Many people feel comfortable riding MARTA (the mass transit system) at night, and by most accounts is safe (others avoid it). Solo female travelers might want to select an alternate form of transportation in the evenings, but daytime travel is very safe and has lots of passengers who use it to travel to/from the airport.
Interstate driving is safe, but can tend to be harrying for those not accustomed to driving in large cities. It seems that the interstates are either at a dead standstill (rush hours), or cars are flying by at Mach 2. It's not unusual to see drivers doing 80 when the traffic is light, so exercise caution and stick to the middle in right lanes if you don't want to be overtaken by a SUV. The signage doesn't always give you a lot of notice before an exit (especially at the 85N to GA400N exit) and there's often a last minute scramble of cars at those points, so pay attention to exits and watch for drivers trying to make a last minute switch.
Downtown is fairly deserted at night, so exercise caution when parking or walking. There are quite a few panhandlers in the area. If you're staying downtown, stick to well-traveled sidewalks or take taxis to nearby destinations. However, the Ambassador Force of Downtown Atlanta is a group of individuals in uniform with pith helmets, like safari hats. They patrol the streets and have direct access to police, and will be happy to escort you anywhere you need to go. Also, if you need directions or information to virtually anywhere in the city, they will help you out. More info.
Buckhead is a business district with high-end shopping, restaurants, and businesses. As a result, there is some petty crime in the area, so again, exercise caution departing your car/parking/returning to your car from shopping. A stroll down Peachtree from your hotel to a restaurant or shopping would be considered very safe during the day or at night.
Outside the Perimeter (areas outside 285, particularly on the North side) are considered to be very safe. Most of these areas are suburban. The "Perimeter" area includes a business/shopping district, and is very safe to walk around (although it's probably easier to drive in these areas).
www.tripadvisor.com

Welcome to USA

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:19:00 -0700

United States Culture
The United States of America is a vast country with a diverse culture and abundant beauty. Renowned for its vibrant cities, proud history and bustling commerce, the United States attracts visitors the world over who flock to the many exciting vacation spots and lively metropolitan areas across the country. The people of the United States, hailing from origins as wide and diverse as the world has to offer, are drawn together by a shared desire to forge their own paths toward independence and fulfillment. Their many struggles and pursuit of the ideals forged by the country’s founders have made the United States a unique and powerful country with ample wonders to discover.

With its widely varied terrain and immense size, the United States has something for almost any traveler. Experience the bustling metropolitan atmosphere of destinations such as New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles or Boston, and find exciting shopping or take in some of the many museums and art galleries that are available in the country’s vibrant urban areas. If you are interested in natural beauty, you will find breathtaking canyons and rock formations in Utah and Arizona. Adventurers can enjoy abundant skiing, snowboarding and trekking opportunities in Colorado in the winter, and several exciting areas for hiking, biking and climbing in the summer. Take your chances in the casinos and see the eye-catching nightlife of Las Vegas or Atlantic City. If a relaxing vacation on a warm, sunny beach is your preference, escape to the tropical paradise of Hawaii or spread out along one of the many beaches lining the west and east coasts of the U.S. There is so much to see and experience; the possibilities are limitless.
www.tripadvisor.com

United States Weather
The Weather in New York - America [US].
Since the US spans thousands of miles, there is always a good time to visit. If you don't like the weather in one part of the country, you can simply go elsewhere.
The Great Lakes region gets plenty of snow during the winter (due to the lake effect), as does upstate New York. Western Massachusetts will usually get more snow than Boston . However, it can get hot in these areas during the summer and most Bostonians and New Yorkers can attest to the fact that humid weather really gives the heat an extra kick.
www.tripadvisor.com

Lisbon Health and Safety

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:48:00 -0700

Being home to over 600,000 people, Lisbon is a fairly large city. Keeping that in mind, it is a good idea to use the same safety common sense that one would use when visiting any large city. To avoid being pickpocketed, men should carry wallets in their front pockets and women should hold their bags by their bodies, not their straps, while walking or shopping. Women should also keep a close eye on their bags while eating in restaurants or using public transport. Hotel safes should be put to use to store valuables and money, and a photocopy, not the original, of your passport should accompany you when you go out. Leave the original in the safe. Carry only small amounts of cash and avoid wearing expensive jewelry and engaging in behaviors that thieves may notice, such as overtipping.
www.tripadvisor.com

Tourist Attractions: The city, which has many cultural and historical monuments, is a famous tourist destination.

Transportation: The city has a reliable transport system. Metro is the city's major public transport system. Bus, funicular and tram services serve the city. Portela Airport, located in the heart of the city with international flights to any destination worldwide links the city with other parts of the world.

Hotels: The city provides wide selection of hotels that serve cheap as well as luxurious reception. Hotel Miraparque Lisbon, Best Western Hotel Flamingo Lisbon, Comfort Inn Embaixador Hotel Lisbon, Comfort Hotel Principe Lisbon, Sana Rex Hotel Lisbon, Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental and Sana Reno Hotel Lisbon are the world-class hotels in Lisbon.

Places of Attraction: Baixa or Pombaline Downtown, a district constructed after 1755 Lisbon earthquake is organized in a grid system and network of squares. It is a famous tourist attracted spot. The Castle of Sمo Jorge, situated on the top of the tallest hill of the central city, Praça do Comércio with the beautiful façade of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceiçمo Velha, Rossio Square, Restauradores Square, Elevador de Santa Justa, an elevator in Gothic revival style, Jerَnimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Padrمo dos Descobrimentos a monument of the Discoveries, are the well known monuments in the city. The city that is rich in architecture is worldly known for Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Traditional Portuguese, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. It is also known for many museums such as The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga -National Museum of Ancient Art, the Museu dos Azulejos -Museum of Portuguese-style Tile Mosaics, the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian- Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Oceanلrio de Lisboa and the Lisbon Oceanarium the largest in Europe, are the various museums in the city that preserves the cultural and historical reminiscence. The monument to Christ the King that stands on the left side of the river, in Almada is the largest in Europe and is often viewed by tourists.
www.mapsofworld.com

Welcome to Lisbon

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:24:00 -0700

Lisbon Culture
Portuguese culture is an incredible amalgamation of foreign influences, from the extensive expeditions the Portuguese explorers made all over the world, to the Moorish and Roman invasions. In the streets of the city, travelers will be spellbound by the busy and energy of Lisbon, from the artists performing, businessmen bustling in their suits, vendors selling hot chestnuts, or children playing in the parks. The city itself is littered with historical landmarks, from the Baroque architecture to restored palaces, castles and regal churches. A mix of the old and new, Lisbon is overflowing with events, music, museums, and sights that display this diversity. Lisbon also seethes with gradeur, reminiscent of when this city was the heart of the most powerful, rich nation in the world. In Lisbon, many different festivals are celebrated reflecting the people’s past beliefs in local pagan and roman gods as well as Christian saints. For instance, June is the most filled month in terms of Lisbon's festivals; these festivals honor different saints with parades and parties. In addition, on the second Sunday of lent, there is a parade of violet-covered litters in the Graça district; this ritual has gone on since the 16 th century.

The famous music of Portugal is Fado, which means roughly ‘common human feeling.’ Much like its namesake, the music Fado is very emotional, if not melancholy in nature. The origins of the music are thought to be a combination of Arabic influence from progugese sailers and Africa slave music. Lisbon Fado (there are two types) is performed by women and communicates a mix of suffering, love, nostalgia and pain.
www.tripadvisor.com

Lisbon Weather
July and August tend to be the hottest months so if you are planning on visiting the Portuguese coasts or islands for their beatiful beaches, these may be a good choice though you will be caught up with the rest of the tourists as it is the peak season especially English and German tourists.

A good month to travel will be June and September. Weather is still wonderful with quite a bit fewer travelers The worst weather begins from November to March. This the only time frame of the year you won't find Lisbon overcrowded. Holidays to watch out for are the religious days and each town/city has their own saints so it is celebrated on different days. Check the town or city you are traveling to for the specifics but here are some major ones for the year: January 1st - New Year's Day February 28th - Mardi Gras (last day of Carnival) / Shrove Tuesday April 13th - Easter Thursday (Banks only, afternoon) April 14th - Easter Friday April 15th - Liberation Day (marks the Revolução dos Clavos or Carnation Revolution) May 1 - Labour Day June 10 - National Day June 13 - San Antonio/St. Anthony (Lisbon only) June 15 - Corpus Christi August 15 - Assumption October 5 - Proclamation of the Republic November 1 - All Saints' Day December 1 - Independence Day December 8 - Immaculate Conception December 25 - Christmas. So pack your bags and get ready for a good trip!
www.tripadvisor.com

Welcome to Portugal

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Sun, 9 Mar 2008 14:35:00 -0700

If you want to check out the Portuguese Tourist Office before booking your trip, the main U.S. branch is in New York City: 590 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036-4704. In Canada, it’s at 600 Bloor Street West, Suite 1005, Toronto, ON M4W 3B8. In the UK, check 22-25A Sackville Street, Second Floor, London W1X 1DE.

There are also several good online resources. The Portugal government agency Investments, Trade, and Tourism of Portugal offers general information on tourism and attractions, plus an extensive list of helpful links. The Portugal Official Tourism website offers information on each region of the country, complete with maps and advice on what to do and see, as well as an accommodation section with pictures of hotels and manor houses. At Portugal Virtual get inside tips on where to visit, what to eat, and what festivals to plan for. There is also detailed information on sightseeing, golf, and accommodation packages. At Order Portugal potential U.S. and Canadian visitors can order brochures by specific subject.

Portugal Weather
As a whole, Portugal is one of the warmest European countries, though the southern region is warmer and drier than the northern areas, which are a bit more cool and rainy. Yearly averages are about 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the south and 55 degrees Fahrenheit to the north. In the summer, the temperatures average more like 95 degrees. During the winter, temperatures rarely dip below 35 degrees, though snow is seen in the northern mountains.

The official tourism season is between spring and fall If you choose to travel during the winter, you will likely find mild but possibly rainy days—with reduced rates for accommodations. As summer temperatures heat up, hotels, restaurants and attractions get more crowded and often, more expensive. Lisbon’s santos populares (popular saints) festival is in June, which attracts large crowds. Other holidays to keep in mind are Carnaval (the day before Ash Wednesday), Liberty Day (April 25), Labor Day (May 1), Corpo de Deus (May 30), Portugal Day (June 10), Feast of the Assumption (August 15), Republic Day (October 5), All Saint’s day (November 1), Independence Day (December 1), and Immaculate Conception (December 8).

www.tripadvisor.com

Amsterdam Arriving and Departing

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:52:00 -0800

Like most of Europe, the best way to get out of the airport and into the city is via public transportation. Amsterdam’s public transportation system is quick and relatively cheap. The railway system has a direct line that connects Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport to Centraal Station. Tickets can be purchased in the airport at kiosk machines. Be warned, however, the most kiosk machines only accept debit cards (e.g. Dutch Postbank).
The train trip takes approx. 20 minutes and there are a couple of stops in between Schiphol and Centraal Station (not with every train, 3 max). The single fare is 3.60 Euro (correct Dec 06), if you have the correct change in coins or the right debit card you can buy the ticket from a machine at the airport and avoid the big ticketdesk queues. Remember to stamp the ticket in the yellow stamper before you go down to the platform. The carriages are double-decker. If you’re travelling with lots of luggage there is ample room to stand in the entrance/door area of the carriage rather than try to struggle with your bags up or down the steep and narrow stairs to the seats. Most people are able to continue their journey from Centraal Station to their hotels by either walking or catching a tram from immediately outside the station. A taxi rank is also immediately outside Centraal Station. Some taxi drivers will ask you where you are going and quote the fare in advance, which is usually a rip-off. Metered taxis are also available and are almost always the better option.
www.tripadvisor.com

Amsterdam Public Transportation
Public transportation in Amsterdam (as in many European capital cities) is first class.
GVB operates the metro, tram and bus networks in Amsterdam.
Offices
For information about public transportation, to get a map of the network or to buy tickets, visit one of the info desks:
-at Stationsplein, opposite Central Station
-at Metrostation Central Station
-at Bijlmer Station
-at Zuid Station
- at Lelylaan station
Hours
The tram, metro and bus run from approximately 6AM until 12.30AM. During the night, you can use the night bus. Service starts at approximately 1am.
Tickets
-For trams and bus (but not GVB nightbus), you can use a "strippenkaart". When you enter a tram or bus you have to stamp your strippenkaart for the amount of zones (strippen) that you will go through, plus one. If you have a map of the network, you can check that, otherwise ask the driver. Make sure to always stamp your strippenkaart (in one of the machines) otherwise your card is not valid and you could get fined in case of control. For the same reason, do not get rid of your strippenkaart before having reached your final destination. Once you have stamped one, two or three strippen, you can travel on all GVB network for one hour. 2-strippen, 3-strippen and 8-strippen cards cost Euro 0.80 per strip but if you plan to use public transportation a lot, it might be worth to get the cheaper cards for 15 strippen (Euro 6.80) or even 45 strippen (Euro 20.10).
-For unlimited travel on the GVB network (including on night buses) during 24 hours, you can buy the 24 hour Ticket (Euro 6.50). There are also tickets valid for 48 (Euro 10.50), 72 hours (Euro 13.50) and 96 hours (Euro 16.50). Tickets are valid from the moment you stamp them, so if you stamp a 24 hour ticket at 10am, it's valid until 10am the next day.
-Nightbus single tickets (Euro 3) or 12-journeys ticket (Euro 25): only way to travel on the night bus, except if you have the 24 hour ticket.
-With the "I Amsterdam pass", you get unlimited travel on metro, tram and bus + discounts to canal cruises, museums and other touristic attractions. 1-day pass costs Euro 33, 2-day Euro 43 and 3-day Euro 53.
All tickets can be bought from the info desks, post offices and many other stores in town. It is worth buying it in advance because drivers only sell the more expensive cards for 2, 3 or 8 strippen, as well as the 24-hour card.
www.tripadvisor.com

Welcome to Amsterdam

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:38:00 -0800

Yes, Amsterdam has its Red Light District and hash-selling coffee shops, but they are just a small part of this world-class city. Studded with canals and bridges, Amsterdam begs to be explored by foot or bike. Visit the Anne Frank House, view masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, shop the Waterlloplein flea market and let your nose lead you to the floating flower market. The locals are famously friendly, so strike up a chat (most speak English) over a beer at a brown café.

Amsterdam Health & Safety
Amsterdam is a major urban area and is at least as safe as other major European cities. Violent street crime is virtually unheard of. That said, always be aware of where your valuables are. As in all crowded situations men should keep their wallets in their front pockets. Women should have a good hold on their handbags. Pickpockets do work the train station (Centraal Station), the trains back and forth to the airport, trams, and crowded areas. Make sure your other valuables, i.e., cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc, aren't hanging out there to be snatched by passers by.
In the Red Light District, do not attempt to take pictures of the women on display in the windows because somebody is bound to harass you or even take your camera. If you think nobody is watching you, you are wrong. They have eyes everywhere which you never notice. Be respectful.
www.tripadvisor.com

Amsterdam Tourist Board
There are four offices of the Tourism and Convention Board of Amsterdam (VVV Amsteram) located at:
- Schipol International Airport (office of VVV Holland), in hall 2, open every day from 7AM to 10PM
- Central Station, on platform 2b, open Monday-Saturday 8AM to 8PM, Sunday and public holiday 9AM to 5PM
- Stationsplein, in the Holland Koffiehuis (in front of central station), open every day from 9AM to 5PM
- Leidesplein (corner with Leidsestraat), open Sunday-Thursday 9.15AM to 5PM, Friday-Saturday 9.15AM to 7PM
For more info, visit their website at http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/
These offices are a great resource once you arrive in Amsterdam. They also sell tickets and do bookings. They can be very busy.
www.tripadvisor.com

Barcelona Arriving and Departing

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Thu, 6 Mar 2008 13:18:00 -0800

If you arrive with much luggage, the best way to get from Barcelona Airport to town is by taxi. It is unlikely to cost more than 30 euros* to the centre, traffic dependent (up to 4 persons, if 5 (6?) - minivans are less frequent and there is extra fee). Check with the driver before you begin your journey.
If you have light luggage then another option is the blue airport bus - AeroBus (currently * EUR 3.75 per person). The bus runs every 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes, obviously traffic dependent. The bus stops at all three terminals and runs to Pl. Catalunya (at the top of La Rambla), stopping in the city 3 times on the way: Plaza ESpanya , Urgell-Gran Via , Plaza Universitat. From these stops you can take the metro, a bus or taxi to your final destination. If catching the metro, be warned that when changing lines, you may often have to walk a fair distance and have to go up and down steps. Be careful of thieves who prey on incoming tourists getting off the bus, create a disruption and snatch your bag.
Another way into town is to catch the Renfe Rodalias train which stops at Barcelona Sants EStacio (station), Passeig de Gracia and Estacio de Franca. Trains only run every half hour and it's about a 5 minute walk from the terminals to the station . The fare one-way is about 2.50 euros - or you can buy and use a 10 journey travel card for 6.90 euros* (T-10 , multipersonal , zone 1, which is all Barcelona public transportation network) . The train takes about 25 mins - however, delays and breaks in service may happen.
www.tripadvisor.com

Barcelona Taxis & Rental Cars
Taxis are plentiful in Barcelona and can be found in queues at major hotels and tourist attractions. All are metered, but make sure you know what extra fees are going to be added, such as for extra passengers, luggage and trips to the airport. Licensed taxis are easy to recognize because they are painted black and yellow. Prices are slightly higher at night and on holidays than during daylight hours.
Taxis can be hailed at taxi-stops and in the street just raising your arm. At some times, especially dring weekend nights, finding a free taxi could be really difficult.
Most drivers don't speak English, but don't worry about it, they will do everything possible to understand you.
www.tripadvisor.com

Welcome to Barcelona

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Thu, 6 Mar 2008 12:54:00 -0800

Barcelona is a major economic centre, with one of Europe's principal Mediterranean ports, and Barcelona International Airport is the second largest in Spain. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona and the Crown of Aragon. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination and has a rich cultural heritage.
As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona houses the seat of the Catalan government, known as the Generalitat de Catalunya; of particular note are the executive branch, the parliament and the Supreme Court of Catalonia. The city is also the capital of the county (comarca) of the Barcelonès.

What's the yearly weather like in Barcelona?
The weather in Barcelona is pleasant most of the year round. However you'll experience the absolute best weather from May to the end of July. September is also a good month.
August can be hot during the day (sometimes peaking around 34°C, 95F ) so if you love saunas then this is the time of the year for you!
The weather in October and November is still pleasant but starting to get a little cooler (21°C down to 15°C, 69 to 59F). You won't find sunshine every day though, so be prepared for days when it could be overcast with a little rain.
Remember these are only guidelines and the weather can vary somewhat from year to year. Especially in the last few years there has been some fluctuations from the norm.
www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com

Climate in Winter
From November to February the temperatures are cooler averaging around 12°C or 53F. It doesn't tend to rain a lot here in Winter so even though it may be cooler, often times you'll have some sunny days too. But do be prepared for some overcast and rainy days. It's all the luck of the draw!

Barcelona Safety :
This is a difficult article to write because I don't want to scare people off from coming to Barcelona. By writing about Barcelona safety and how to ensure you are not pick pocketed or robbed implies that the city is not safe.
However it's true to say that there is a pick pocketing and bag snatching problem in Barcelona mainly for those visitors that do not take the right precautions and it is to those people this article is intended. So many times I walk down La Rambla and see tourists with maps open, looking lost and with their bags unguarded. These tourists will almost certainly be noticed by all the wrong people and be an instant target. You can be a tourist, no problem, but what you must behave like is a savvy tourist and you will be much, much safer.
Please take these precautions to safeguard yourself. I know you may think it will never happen to you. You may even think that "all big cities are the same in this respect" but I would say perhaps think again. I see so many tourists that are leaving themselves wide open for something to happen and all they need to do is just take a few simple steps to help safeguard themselves.
www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com

Welcome to Antwerp

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Sat, 1 Mar 2008 16:45:00 -0800

Antwerp Architecture :
From Renaissance to Baroque and Art Nouveau, Antwerp includes in its neighborhoods and buildings almost every style of the history of architecture. The city has been the center of a region of intense economic and political activity. It is no surprise that wars, changes in the region's economy, the new plans of urban designers have transformed its buildings over the centuries. The 19th century introduced an idea of architectural renovation to the city and many old buildings from the Middle Ages were demolished or intensely revamped. Yet, the old styles remain amid the new ones.
Walk along Grote Markt square and find the Renaissance style in the Town Hall, Meat Hall and guild houses. Admire the Gothic in the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Find the Baroque in the church of St Charles Borromeus, designed by architect Pieter Huyssens and Peter Paul Rubens who added his classical views to the conception of the building. Take a taste of the last developments of Gothic in the Church of St. Andrew in the neighborhood named after the church.
In The Latin Quarter, modern architectural styles as Art Noveau mix with old styles creating a blending of times so characteristic of Antwerp. To the east of Antwerp in the Zurenborg quarter, Art Noveau buildings inspire visitors to imagine Belle Epoque era.

Antwerp Tourist Board :
You are about to travel to Antwerp. You go online, you access the official website of Antwerp Tourism Office , and guess what? The image of the Intro: the blue water, sky and land immediately talks about mystery and stories of the past.
People of Antwerp are so proud of their city that they make their best efforts to ensure that the visitor has a vivid experience of this historical city. For that purpose, the office of Tourism organizes walking tours accompanied by experienced guides to the different neighborhoods. If you are interested in , make reservation online in their website, call them at +32 (0)3 232 01 03, or go directly to their office at Market 13 - 2000 Antwerp. The office is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
There are short and long walks. The short ones are one hour long and they cost about 50 Euros.The long ones, three-hour long itineraries, cost about 80 euros per person. The guides speak Dutch, French, English, German. You have the option of being your own guide and the office of Tourism provides the visitor with a brochure that serves as a guide to the different established itineraries. This Summer, a new option was introduced, biking tours with guides.

Antwerp Arriving and Departing :

General information about how to arrive and depart from Antwerp is available from tourist info: www.visitantwerpen.be this site has travel info pages.
Antwerp can be reached from Brussels (Zaventem) airport by a special airline bus. It is a 50 minute drive.
There are also trains departing from the center of Brussels and they'll get you to Antwerp in 30 minutes. A high speed train is available from Paris and Amsterdam, the trip is about 2 hours.
You can get to antwerp from Brussels, Amsterdam or Rotterdam by River boat. For example, www.easycruise.com. Easycruisetwo cabins start from GBP9 per cabin per night. Alternatives include www.tui.com and www.saga.com for passengers over 50 years old. See Inside Page: Cruising the River
Airport: www.antwerpairport.be VLM www.flyvlm.com do flights into Antwerp. Airport is 2km from the city centre
There is a frequent bus service from the airport to the city centre from the airport. source:tripadvisor.com

Algiers Weather

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Sat, 1 Mar 2008 13:29:00 -0800

Algiers’ heat is tempered slightly along the beach front, though the city is still rather hot in the summer. August is the warmest month, and January the least warm, with temperatures in the former often breaking the ninety degree mark while those in the latter dipping shallow into the fifties.
Due to this mild winter weather, Algiers makes for an excellent change of pace for those coming from colder countries between November and March. Rainfall is heavy some years, and most of it takes place during the winter. Algeria has many important dates on its calendar around which visitors may consider setting their itineraries.
July 5 is the country’s independence day and is very festive. Similar holidays include November 1’s dedication to remembrance of the Revolutionary War against the French and June 19’s National Day. Islamic holidays fall on different days each year but remain solemn times for the capital. Check for this year’s dates for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr—a few shops and commercial establishments may be closed during this time. February 10 is the Islamic New Year and is a little more celebratory than the above floating high holy days.

Algiers Tourist Board :
The official site for tourism for both the country of Algeria and its capital Algiers is not all that helpful—there are many bad links, and pretty much everything is in French, and while it would be advisable to know French or Arabic before coming to Algeria (as most there will not know English), if you do not speak this language this site is hard to navigate. To find information regarding government in Algiers, check here .
Algeria.com leads to some fairly decent information on the country, in English, and is particularly helpful when regarding safety and getting around . Prior to visiting the city, it would be most advisable to know the status of current political events in the region, as the country is still reeling from the effects of a relatively fresh civil war. A good place to go for news and current events would be the online portal for the Algerian Press Service . Algerian radio is an option as well.

Algiers Arriving and Departing :
To get to Algiers, one can fly in from Europe, though there are no direct flights from the Western Hemisphere. There are, however, daily incoming and outgoing services to the neighboring North African cultural centers of Tunis and Casablanca , should you find those to be easier places to get to. Coming to Algiers by road from Tunis or Morocco is not, however, always an easy trip, given what effect recent civil woes have had on border patrol. Getting to and from Algeria via Mauritania, Niger, Libya, and Mail is even more difficult. Another option is ferry service from Marseille and Sete, though this is not the most affordable way to go. Similar launch points for ferries exist in Spanish cities such as Alicante and Palma. Heading into Algiers from other areas of the country is do-able, though visitors are discouraged from heading to rural areas of the country because they tend to be less safe .

Welcome to Algiers

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Sat, 1 Mar 2008 13:22:00 -0800

Algiers Culture :
Algiers is a city of culture, an amalgam of Arab, Berber, and French heritage with a history of spirituality and warfare, an economy of tourism and poverty. Although generally lacking in worthwhile museums, monuments, and attractions to represent it, Algerian identity shadows the city streets and reverberates throughout the capital’s shops and mosques.
99% of the country is Sunni Muslim, which has made for an interesting political mix of policy that drifts towards the two contradictory poles of social and economic modernization and appeals towards Islamic fundamentalism. Languages spoken here include Arabic, French, and Berber, while English is used hardly ever—so brush up on at least one of the three.
The main attraction in Algiers is the old city, or Kasbah , a unique center of ancient street layout and architectural design, designated both as national landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site. Check the ancient monuments this city quarter sports, as well as its fortifications, outlying colonial houses, narrow and congested roads, palaces, mosques, and whatever other artifacts of the past that may greet you here.

Algiers Health & Safety :
Nearly the first tourist recommendation to those headed towards Algiers consists of some sort of safety warning, or reminder rather, along the lines that visitors enter at their own risk as Algiers is definitely not safe.
Having recently emerged from a civil war, intra-Algerian violence is far from finished, and this social and political instability is a threat only magnified for tourists as a result of Algerian Islamic hardliner attacks on Western visitors. Further, women must dress and behave with oppressive religious constrictions in mind when touring most of the country.
Still, a visit is manageable, so long as one stays in safe neighborhoods, well-known hotels , and indoors come nighttime. Also, keep drinking activity confined to the hotel bar and do not inadvertently offend anyone by discussing politics. Try to avoid public transportation and narrow streets. The old city and French city boroughs are not all that safe, but the beachfront is generally alright. Countryside locales make for riskier travel than does trekking around the capital, and while daytrips to and from Algiers are do-able, false roadblocks abound. It would be foolish to leave Algiers at night. source: tripadvisor.com

Luxor

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:51:00 -0800

Luxor is the premier travel destination in Upper (southern) Egypt and the Nile Valley. The dynastic and religious capital of Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom Egypt, Luxor has much to offer the traveller, from vast temples, to ancient royal tombs, via spectacular desert and river scenery and a bustling modern life.

Although a relatively small town by Egyptian population standards, Luxor is quite extensive and is best divided up into several 'districts' or areas that group the main attractions on their respective sides of the river Nile:
Luxor, East Bank the town, hotels
Luxor, West Bank ruins and other sights
These areas may then be divided into small sub-districts....

Get in
By plane
Luxor International Airport is a destination for flights on several European and Middle Eastern routes, as well as the main southern hub for domestic flights within Egypt.
Internal flights (duration approx. 1 hr) from Cairo to Luxor are maintained by Egyptair and cost about $230 for a return trip ticket.

Direct charters from Europe (London Gatwick, for example) are common in the winter high season. From the airport in Luxor, you will probably take a shuttle provided by your hotel. Note that the Airport in Luxor is very small, and getting luggage off the belt is a challenge.

EgyptAir also arranges day trips from Cairo which is an easy way for those who can stand long days to cover the main attractions of Luxor. Taxis are in abundance everywhere for local transportation.
As of Jan 2006, visitor visas are available on arrival to many foreign nationals, just after you enter the terminal building. (LE 150, most major foreign currencies accepted.)

A taxi from the airport into town should cost no more than 20EGP. Do not be fooled by the cartel of taxi drivers outside the doors to the airport. keep walking until you find a taxi driver in his car and then negotiate. Half the people you think are taxi drivers are just touts, so don't waste your time negotiating. All taxis in Luxor have an official rate card (in English) in the corner of the windscreen which states the price from the airport to town as 12 EGP, you can point out and demand this price if you feel like a good haggle.

By train
For those unwilling to purchase an expensive plane ticket, who have more time in which to travel and / or who wish to see more of the country, train travel to Luxor is a great and amazingly inexpensive option.
Four different modes of train travel exist between Ramesses Station Cairo, Luxor and on to Aswan (some trains even start in Alexandria):
Air-conditioned express train - travellers to Luxor can choose from 1st and 2nd class carriages, both with comfortable aircraft-style seats. The journey down the Nile Valley takes the larger part of the daylight hours (approx. 9 hrs), but is a relaxing way to sit back and view the lush rural landscape of Egypt, its many towns, people and animals. 1st class tickets Cairo-Luxor cost about LE 65, 2nd class LE 40 (the extra LE 25 is worth it!) Refreshments are served, but are basic and lacking in choice: a good tip is to go shopping before your journey to stock up on water, chocolate and nibbles. A good book also helps while away the hours.

Overnight air-conditioned express train - the night service, otherwise identical, saves sightseeing time compared with travelling by day and costs far less than the deluxe sleeper. Cairo-Aswan costs about LE 60 one-way 1st class air-conditioned.
Overnight deluxe sleeper [www.sleepingtrains.com] - saving time and discomfort, modern air-conditioned sleeping-cars are run between Cairo and Luxor by a company called Abela Egypt. Each train has a selection of 1- and 2-berth rooms and a club / lounge car. An evening meal and breakfast are included in the fare. Note that passengers travelling alone who don't opt for a single-berth compartment will be booked into a 2-berth compartment with another, random traveller of the same sex. Prices currently 55USD each one way from Cairo to Aswan.

By bus
Buses leave regularly from behind the Luxor Temple, to most major cities. For connections to Aswan and Cairo, the train is recommended, but it is a good alternative to get to Sinai (via Hurghada--Sharm el Sheik, or over the Suez canal).

By boat
There are boat trips from Cairo to Luxor and sometimes further up the Nile to Abu Simbel. These are reportedly the most pleasant and interesting way to get there if you have the time and money. The train is a close second and both cheaper and faster.

Luxury Hotels
The Winter Palace ,built in Victoria's reign, is the place to stay in Luxor. It is very central, well-appointed, and has good service and quite a bit of history. It was on the bulletin board in their lobby that Howard Carter first announced his discovery of King Tut's tomb. Prices are reasonable for this class of hotel.
Various large chains like Hilton, Sheraton, Novotel and Meridien also have high-end hotels in Luxor.

Cairo Weather

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0800

To Speak about weather, it is important to realize that in Egypt weather is different from one place to another/
The high season for tourism in Egypt is in winter and spring. Weather in Egypt is perfect for many kinds of tourism, just try to avoid coming in June, July and August , as they are too hot: the temperatures can reach around 45 degrees C. and the humidity is about 70 to 80%.
However, the period of high summer season is also crowded as hotels offer big discounts at this time or also because of the good rates for flights. It is also a primary vacation time in Europe, mainly in Spain. If you come in the deep summer season you can still enjoy it because you can always sightsee early in the morning and go again at night when the sun sets. You will definitely need good sunscreen and lot of liquids to drink with a nice hat on your head.

It is not true at all that Egypt has only 2 seasons with 9 months of summer and the remainder winter. There are 4 distinguishable seasons.

The best times to visit Egypt are from September till March, during which time the weather is good; and from September till mid-November, when it is very nice and the temperatures are pleasant for all activities - around 25 C to 15 C. Mid-Nov till the end of February is winter time when temperatures during day are around 12 or 15 degree C, and at night can drop to about 7 or 8 C.

From March until the end of April, there is usually some sand blown about by high winds. However on some days--perhaps only two or three during this two-month period, the weather can be so dusty that you may be not able to go outside. But the majority of days there is just a small amount of dust in the air because of wind that blows through the desert from the west.

Egypt is perfect all year for snorkling, diving, and so on, in the Red Sea area in Hurgada where it is always warm and nice. In winter time it gets a bit windy there, so it is then also perfect for windsurfing and kiting. Sharm is mainly recommended to visit only through winter time from the end of October till the end of February, as in summer is too hot. Sharm has 2 seasons, so it is not like Cairo where there are 4 seasons.

So in speaking about when to visit, it's all up to you. If cost doesn't matter, then winter is when you will want to go, especially Christmas and New Year or the period of Easter from mid-March till end of April. That is when the best weather will occur, even though it gets chilly in December and January but it's still suitable for many aspects of tourism during that time.

From mid-March till end of April, is the Easter season for Orthodox and Catholic Easter celebrations - the weather is so nice, but rates increase as it is a high demand period.

May till September is the summer season. May and September weather is not so hot as indicated above, while June, July and August are so hot, but rates are really cheap for flights and also for accommodations.

Hotels :

Garden City Hotel behind the Semiramis, Garden City. Used to be a well-run hotel owned by Italians, now just an average grimy but functional hotel. Staff don't particularly care, they know you won't be back. It has clean bedding and big rooms. Guidebooks claim Sat TV in all bedrooms - no sign of any TVs. 55EGP a night inc. breakfast. No air con.

Hotel El Hussein 5918089, Hussein Square at the Khan El-Khalili bazaar is a clean basic hotel in an interesting area. Prices from EL 45 for single rooms with shared baths on each floor to LE 75 for doubles with en suite bathroom. AC is extra, but the ceiling fans works well. Ask for a room with a balcony.

King Tut Hostel Sharia Talaat Harb, opposite McDonalds. Good, well-run hostel with private rooms available. At 40EGP a night for a private single room with AC, it's hard to find better value in Cairo. The staff are amiable and competent, though hardly conversationalists. There is a comfortable lounge. 40EGP single room, with AC and breakfast.

Mayfair Hotel 7357315, www.mayfaircairo.com, Zamalek. is a great mid-range hotel in Zamalek. The people were nice, rooms clean, prices reasonable, and atmosphere peaceful.

Dahab Hotel 5799104, mahmoujd basiony st 26, downtown cairo by midan talaat harb. This hostel was formerly well regarded by backpackers. It has now changed hands and sadly lost much of its former charm. The internet cafe has gone, as has the rooftop restaurant. Guests now seem to only stay for one night - arriving on the basis of an old guidebook and leaving the next morning. 20EGP for a single room, no AC, no breakfast.

Luna Hotel www.hotellunacairo.com Talaat Harb 27, downtown Cairo. One of the best hostels in Cairo, Hostel/Hotel Luna offers both quiet and noisy rooms (depending on the orientation towards Sharia Talaat Harb, incredibly noisy street below), for prices that soared lately, but the cleanliness of rooms is beyond comparison. If you arrive at night, prepare for long and hard discussion with Hany Moussa concerning your Egypt tours. Ignore the overpriced tours, and stick to the basics - sleep and shower!

Windsor Hotel Is a great place to stay if you want to get ripped off and made to feel uncomfortable. This place will most likely be in your guide book, but in my opinion it is past its time. The prices are well above similar hotels in Cairo.

Grand Hyatt Cairo Grand Hyatt Cairo is a semicircular hotel situated on the tip of Roda Island, linked to the city center by a private bridge, and approximately 14 miles from Cairo International Airport
Conrad Cairo The 24-story Conrad Cairo is located in downtown Cairo, eight miles from the Pyramids at Giza

Cairo maps

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:39:00 -0800

Cairo is the capital of Egypt. The city is officially known as al-Qahirah, which means "The Subduer". The Arab invaders seized it in 642 and gradually it grew into a small city and the North African Shi'i Fatimid Dynasty conquered it in 972. Later in 1100s the Seljuks captured Cairo and the city was further expanded. Baghdad was sacked in 1258 and this enhanced the importance of the city making it into an intellectual and artistic center in the Middle East. Cairo was the largest city in the world from 1315 to 1348. The Ottoman Empire took over the city in 1517 and later in the 17th and 18th centuries the Mameluks captured it. By 1798, Egypt was annexed by Napoleon, and Cairo was surrendered to him. The city was rebuilt during the era of colonization in 1882. It was the central city of Egypt during the course of British rule and presently it is the Arab world's cultural center.

Get in :

By plane
Cairo is served by Cairo International Airport [CAI] [1], which is the hub of the Egyptian national airline, Egyptair. Many of the world's popular airlines also fly into Cairo on a regular basis, including British Airways, Air France, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa.
The airport is located on the north-eastern outskirts of the city at Heliopolis. To get into downtown Cairo you can get a fixed-price limousine (60 EP) or negotiate a lower price with one of the small black taxis. You could negotiate down to as little as 40 EP. Back from the city a normal price would be 20-30 EP, depending on the traffic.

By train
Cairo's main railway station - Ramses Station (Mahattat Ramses) is located on Midan Ramses. Unsurprisingly, trains run to Cairo from most other regions and cities within Egypt.

By car
For those unfamiliar with Cairo traffic, one shouldn't expect to drive. The traffic is, at the least, overwhelming for the common traveler. Road signs, lanes, right-of-ways, etc. are not adhered to. The driving has a consistency, but not in any official way.

By metro
Cairo has the only metro system on the African continent. While its two lines are all too limited in scope, they're a major boon in the areas they do go to and the flat fare of 1.00 pound per trip is a steal. The key interchanges are Mubarak, at Midan Ramses, and Sadat, below Midan Tahrir. Note that in each train, the first car is reserved for women.

By taxi
The fleet of black-and-white taxis that ply Cairo's streets are convenient but a hassle: communication can be an issue and the meters, which are heirs from antique eras of gas prices, are not normally used. Prices are, however, not erratic, and any Cairene knows how much the driver expects depending on time and distance spent in the car. Because of a recent 20% raise in gasoline prices, prices could be slightly higher, but still very cheap for most tourists.
Ordinary Egyptians will never state prices beforehand. Instead the correct sum is payed through the window after leaving the car. Some drivers might protest as they expect tourists to pay more than the standard rates. Avoid negotiations - it takes lots of time and you end up at a price you won't like. Instead, use the "walk-away"-technique if they don't agree to your (reasonable) price. As long the driver does not leave the car, you're all right. If this happens, consult someone nearby.

By bus
The large red, white and blue public buses cover the entire city and are much cheaper, but are usually crowded. However, there are the similar air-conditioned buses that charge 2 L.E. for the trip and prohibit standing on the bus. They can be found in the main squares in Cairo. Also found in main squares are the smaller mini-buses that are usually orange and white or red, white and blue. Because of problems with sexual harrasment women travellers are advised only to take the small micro-buses and buses which prohibit standing.

Cairo Art and Culture :

Pyramids of Giza. The only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is the country's most famous touristic attraction and the icon that is most associated with Egypt.
Egyptian Museum. The world's premier collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Saqqara.
Memphis.
Citadel. A grand castle built by Mohamed Ali.
Al-Azhar Mosque. One of the pillars of Islamic thought and home to the world's oldest university.
The Coptic Museum.
the "Hanging Church" (Church of the Virgin Mary).
the Al Rifai & Sultan Hassan mosques (19th C & highly decorated: 14th C & beautifully austere).

Alexandria maps

noreply@blogger.com (CERHSO) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:50:00 -0800

Alexandria, the second-largest city in Egypt and travel to Alexandria is one of the most visited place there and was founded by Alexander the Great in 334 BC. The city was named after its founder. The city was earlier known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was one of the greatest cities of the Hellenistic world. However, its status as the country's capital ended when Cairo was founded by Egypt's medieval Islamic rulers. At present, the city is Egypt's leading port, a commercial and transportation center and a major industrial area of the country.So when you are on a travel to egypt travel to Alexandria is a must visited place.

Area & Location:Lies along the coast of the Mediterranean sea in the northwest of Egypt, Alexandria is located at 31.198° Latitude North and 29.9192° Longitude East. The city is home to 3.5 to 5 million of its residents.

Tourist Attractions: The city, which has several historical monuments attract tourists to its soil.

Get in :

By plane
The small Alexandria Airport (ALY) is served by occasional domestic flights, and two times a week from Athens on Olympic Airlines. Lufthansa also operates direct flights from Frankfurt. The airport lies 8km/5 miles to the south east of the city. A taxi will take you 15-20 minutes and should cost no more than 40LE. Drivers always prefer to paid in sterling or in US dollars.
The equally small Borg el Arab Airport (HBE) is some 60km/38 miles to the south west of Alexandria taking about 40-45 minutes by taxi, which should cost you no more than 100LE. As always, agree the price before you get in the cab. British Airways fly to Borg el Arab from London Heathrow on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday, with flights arriving at around 20:20. They do fly on other days via Beirut. Travellers from outside the UK can connect easily in London. Emirates will also fly you in via Dubai. BA prices start around £300 from the UK and Emirates from £330 return.

By train
Frequent trains from Cairo's railway station on Midan Ramses are probably the best way to get to Alexandria. Trains run at least once every hour from 6 AM to 10 PM, but try to choose either an express or the pride of Egyptian Railways, the French-built Turbo, which takes only 2 hours 10 minutes for the journey. 1st/2nd class tickets LE 25/20 one-way. Some trains (mostly slow ordinary ones) also continue on to Port Said.
Trains to Cairo depart from the aptly named Cairo Station, a 10-minute stroll south of the Corniche along Nabi Daniel St.

By car
There are two options when travelling by car, either taking the Agriculture road, which has various farms surrounding its sides, or the Desert road, which as the name implies, is through the desert with only some cafeterias and local peasants located on both sides every couple of kilometers. The journey usually takes around 3 hours, depending on speed and surrounding traffic
It should be noted, though, that driving in Egypt is not advisable unless absolutely necessary!

By bus
Taking the bus from Cairo to Alexandria is by far the most cost effective and comfortable way of transfering. Several bus companies offer the service which travels 224km/139 miles. The price, however, is well worth it: about 35LE (compared to a 100LE air fare), which converts to about $5.50. Buses are air conditioned and come complete with a hostess trolley service. Companies include Golden Arrow, West Delta and the larger firm, Pullman. Buses leave Alexandria in the mornings between 7:15am and 8:30am, although Pullman do now offer at 5.00pm service as well.

Hotels: The hotels in Alexandria serve host to the tourists coming from far and wide to know about the historically important city.
The famous hotels in the city are Renaissance Alexandria Hotel, Helnan Palestine, Sheraton Hotel Montazah, Union Hotel, El Salamlek, Palace Hotel, Sofitel Cecil Alexandria, Metropole Hotel, Movenpick Resort, Spa El Alamein AND Windsor Palace Hotel.

Places of Attraction:The well-known ancient monuments in the city draw in thousands of tourists from all parts of the globe. Although most of the monuments were destroyed in the earthquake, some of them remain in tact. "Pompey's Pillar", is one such famous monument that exists even after the destruction of others. Alexandria's catacombs, known as Kom al Sukkfa also attracts visitors on travel to Alexandria. The ruins of the ancient monuments remain in the city. A recent excavation has unearthed a well-preserved theater the remains of Roman-era baths. Some of the ancient valuables have been looted. Bibliotheca Alexandrina -an eleven-story, cylindrical-shaped building that houses more than eight million books is a real experience for the book lovers. Cisterns of Alexandria-a labyrinth of cisterns that supplied fresh water to the citizens of ancient Alexandria, Alexandria National Museum that preserves ancient artifacts, Fort Qaitbey- that resembles an imposing castle fortress, King Farouk Palace- the summer home of controversial King Farouk, Sarapeum - a temple dedicated to the god Serapis, Graeco-Roman Museum, Montazah Palace Gardens-Royal gardens of King Faruk are the other interesting ruins in the city.