May 12 2008

Cheap Travel in Spain – How to Prepare Properly

Spain is famous world wide for its flamenco dancers and bullfights. The architecture reflects the Moroccan style with cave paintings, renaissance cathedrals, Moorish palaces prove the diversity of the country.

Spring, fall and early summer are very pleasant here, though summers are hot.

Recently a ban has been applied on smoking in public places!

Shopping – most of the shops open quite early in the morning and stay open late in the evening. In the afternoon, (like many places in Spain) they are closed for lunch or siesta. When doing shopping you should focus especially on porcelain and leather goods. Bills are to be paid along with the service charges, that is why tipping is a matter of gratitude.

Electricity – voltage is 220 volts and frequency is 50 Hz

How to Get There

IBERIA is the national airline of Spain, but other low-cost airlines also offer services in the country. The country has about thirty international airports in Spain, out of which Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Malaga are famous.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (300 cigarettes, 150 cigarillos, 70 cigars and 400g of tobacco for EU nationals)
2. 1 litre of spirits if exceeding 22 per cent volume or 2 litres of alcoholic beverage not exceeding 22 per cent volume and 2 litres of wine (1.5 litre exceeding 22 per cent and 3 litres of up to 22 per cent and 5 litres of wine for EU nationals)
3. 250ml eau de toilette and 50g of perfume
4. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (1000g of coffee and 4000g of coffee extract for EU nationals)
5. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract

May 9 2008

Cheap Travel to Poland – Tips and Advice

Poland is one of the ancient nations that was formed around 10th century. Poland has a strong liking to music and theatre and thus home to many theatres and opera houses.

When you are there, make sure you taste popular Polish cuisines: Zrazy Zawijane (mushroom-stuffed beefsteak rolls in sour cream) served with boiled kasza (buckwheat) and pigs’ knuckles.

The voltage in Polans is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment and Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin.

The climate is temperate. Winters are severe inland with average temperatures in Warsaw being 23°F (-5°C).  Summers are hot inland with average temperatures in July around 66°F (19°C). The precipitation occurs round the year.

Attractions

Warsaw: The city was completely destroyed in World War II and was completely rebuilt after the war. The popular sights include Historic Museum of Warsaw, the Lazienki Palace with its open air theatre and Chopin’s monuments, and Palace of Culture and Sciences.

Cracow: St. Mary’s Church, Royal Castle, and Royal Cathedral on top of Wawel Hill

How to Travel

By Air – The national airline of Romania is LOT Polish Airlines (LO). Also airlines Aeroflot, Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Easyjet, El Al, Lufthansa, Ryanair, SAS and Swiss Air. The biggest airport is Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport which is located like 6 miles southwest of the city.

By Sea – Pol Ferries operates connect Poland to Sweden, Denmark and Finland

By Rail – Polish State Railways (PKP) operates Eurocity trains from Poland various major European cities. But, all services from Western Europe to Poland pass through the Czech Republic, Germany or the Slovak Republic. The main routes link Warsaw with Berlin and Cologne, Budapest, Prague and Vienna.

There is also a car-sleeper service from the border of Holland to Poznan/ Warsaw.

Duty Free Items

1. Up to 250 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco or 50 cigars for Non-European union countries.
2. 800 cigarettes or 200 cigars or 1kg smoking tobacco for EU Countries.
3. 1 liter wine and 1 liter spirits for Non-EU Countries.
4. 10 liter spirits, 90 liter wine and 110 liter beer for EU Countries
5. Perfumes, medicines and cosmetics for personal use

Prohibited Items

Birds and poultry arriving from countries infected with avian influenza, un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

May 6 2008

Mexica Vacations – How to Travel Mexico

Mexico is a hub of different interests and cultures. People witness many rich and diverse cultures and entertainment: museums, opera houses, beach resorts.

Beach resorts outside the capital city. At the top of the list is Acapulco (referred to as the Riviera of Mexico) with its hotels, casinos and beach resorts. Another place is the Mazatlan (frequently holds the international fishing tournaments and pre-Lenten carnivals). Other beaches that travelers in Mexico should not miss are the Cancun Island, the Puerto Vallarta and the Los Cabos.

Traveling to Mexico also opens the a chance to enter the world of arts and drama. The Chapultepec Park houses several of these celebrated museums; the most important of which is the National Museum of Anthropology. Other museums are the Museum of National History, Snail Museum, Technology Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. Children will also enjoy the Mexico City Zoo and the Papalote which is a children’s interactive museum.

Mexican architectural masterpiece is the Chapultepec Castle. It served as presidential residence. Los Pinos, which is the official residence of the Mexican President, is also on the grounds of the Castle.

Shopping for souvenirs is great at the Zona Rosa (Pink Zone) – this is an ideal shopping paradise. Within the area are restaurants, boutique squares, shops and hotels. Another shopping district is the Alameda Park, which borders the Palace of Fine Arts.

Mexico’s famed religious city of Teotihuacan, the capital of pre-Aztec civilization is a place that becomes very popular with visitors. In Teotihuacan, travelers to Mexico will find the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, two pyramids that face each other, providing a great view of the surrounding regions from the top.

Mexico is waiting for you. Come there and feel welcome!

May 3 2008

Single Vacation Tour Groups – Why Single Person Tours Become a Hit

So what actually happens on a singles tour? And why do they become that popular today?

You can travel around the country in a big bright bus with about 40 other people, depending on where you want to go. You see the sights, you get most breakfasts and dinners throw in to the price of the tour (usually does not include airfares) and you get your accommodation and travel taken care of for you .

The only bad thing about these sorts of tours is that you don’t get much flexibility. So if you are in France and there’s something you want to see – you will more then likely not get to see it. So you won’t get the in-depth knowledge of a country with this sort of tour, but it’s great for a first timer.

What Do You Do?

?uring the day you are usually on a bus traveling around the country side stopping occasionally to view the sights.?ou can spend up to 8 hours a day. Some days are called free days, where you can go and see the city you are in at your own leisure.At night, depending on the tour you are either booked into your hotel or camp site and go out for dinner with the group.

So Why Would I Want To Travel With A Group Of Strangers?

Because the people make it different! The people make the tour and many make real friends there. Even make reunions after that!