http://www.travel-budget.com Periodic updates on travel information concerning different countries in South America, Europe and the Middle East, as well as Thailand, India and Australia. Feeder 1.1 http://reinventedsoftware.com/feeder/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en-us Scribeworks chris@scribeworks.com.au (Chris Gillham) chris@scribeworks.com.au (Chris Gillham) Sat, 03 May 2008 11:23:10 +0800 Sat, 03 May 2008 11:23:10 +0800 Travel http://www.travel-budget.com/argentina/buenos.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/argentina/buenos.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Argentina. April 8 2008 Argentina travel tips The north-west province of Salta near the Bolivian border is peppered with native ruins, indigenous peoples, isolated villages and a spicy local cuisine. The dramatically undulating landscape creates a variety of deserts and lush cloud forests close together. The province has a balmy climate throughout the year due to its elevation and a popular journey is Ruta 40, a dusty trail beloved by Argentines because of its length and scenery. If you want to picnic in Buenos Aires, Palermo is the district of botanic gardens, parklands, the planetearium and the zoo. The bus service in Buenos Aires is fairly complex and should be studied carefully before use. The subway is usually crowded and taxis are recommended for most short trips in the city. Fares are cheap but few taxi drivers speak English. If you travel to Buenos Aires, your best tourist buys are leathergoods, jewelry and crafts from Patagonia, woven rugs and tapestries, clay pottery and Argentinian wines and chocolates. A huge meal can usually be enjoyed at a cafe or restaurant in Buenos Aires for US$7-8. The English-language Buenos Aires Herald publishes exhibitions and other tourist information in its weekend editions. Argentina's economic downturn in recent years has seen the value of the peso plunge, creating a smorgasbord of cheap holiday pleasures. Take note, however, that the downturn has also led to frequent protests in Buenos Aires and the country's high unemployment rate around 15% is evident in the streets with many people obviously looking for work or a tip. Hawkers have become fairly common despite such trade being illegal. Although the language is American Spanish, plenty of locals speak English (and Italian). If you intend booking a guide or a tour, it's worth checking that fluent English is spoken and not just Spanish as some operators can manage only a few words of English even though they claim otherwise. The Patagonia region offers true adventure travel in a harsh but spectacular landscape. If you travel to Patagonia, it's well worth rugging up against the cold and catching ferry trips across lakes such as Nahuel Huapi, Los Cantaros, Frias, Todos Los Santos and Llanquihue, each surrounded by ancient mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and volcanoes - some still active. The small town of Puerto Piramides has been a popular tourist destination since the 1960s because of the enormous number of southern right whales that migrate to the surrounding Valdes Peninsula from June to December. Puerto Piramides has a good choice of accommodation (book ahead in high season) and whale watching excursions in 2006 mostly cost about 60 Argentinean pesos for two hours. http://www.travel-budget.com/argentina/buenos.html - Argentina Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/argentina/aires.html - Argentina Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/australia/australia_travel.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/australia/australia_travel.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Australia. November 11 2007 Australia travel tips Note: The historic port city of Fremantle near Perth will host the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships. The two week competition is expected to draw about 5000 visitors and will be Fremantle's biggest sailing event since the America's Cup in 1987. Sydney was ranked the world's top city in 2007 in an annual international tourist poll by the US-based Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Sydney scored 87.7, beating Florence (86.8), San Francisco (85.9) and Bangkok (85.8). Readers commented on Sydney's "ambience and friendliness". In both 2005 and 2006, a survey by Lonely Planet rated Australia as the favourite destination in the world for travellers, both in terms of where they'd like to have a holiday and the best holiday destination they've ever visited. Tourists can pay to walk atop the main arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In late 2006 a new route was opened which allows tourists to walk through the heart of this engineering marvel amid its giant rivets and girders before reaching the top of the bridge, 134 metres above the harbour waters. The BridgeClimb Sydney service provides escorts for the climb to the top of the bridge span, for which stringent safety cords and clothing are required, and the off-season adult price is AUS$169 on weekends or at twilight. Tourists can buy a one hour tour of the Sydney Opera House costing AUS$23, available every 30 minutes from 9am to 5pm and taking in various sections of the building including its theatres and halls. The Opera House is home to The Sydney Symphony, The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and the Sydney Theatre Company, making it one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world with about 2,400 events presented each year. There are various walkways around the edges of Sydney Harbour, one of the world's great waterways, and this is a fantastic way to see plenty of the city's natural and man-made wonders. A ferry trip across Sydney Harbour is also considered a must-do for treavellers while in Sydney. http://www.travel-budget.com/australia/australia_travel.html - Australia Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/australia/albany_travel.html - Australia Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/australia/coffs_harbour.html - Australia Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/australia/byron_bay.html - Australia Travel Tips 4 http://www.travel-budget.com/australia/lismore.html - Australia Travel Tips 5 http://www.travel-budget.com/austria/austria.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/austria/austria.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Austria. September 12 2007 Austria travel tips Two of Austria's most picturesque villages are Durnstein in the wine-growing region of Wachau and Hallstatt in the heart of Inner Salzkammergut. Durnstein is a cobble-stoned village boasting medieval castle ruins overlooking the waters of the Danube. This village can be reached by road, rail or boat. The village of Hallstatt is renowned for its history of salt mining spanning 7,000 years. The world's first salt mine, 2,800 years old, is perched above the village. Hallstatt is on the banks of a lake surrounded by towering mountains and some of its wooden houses are more than 500 years old. Hallstatt is about two hours by bus or train from Salzburg. Vienna has nearly 150 art galleries and is widely regarded as the art capital of Europe. Must-see attractions while in Vienna include the Schonbrunn Palace, Kunsthistorisches Museum, St Stephen's Cathedral, the Albertina, the Hofburg, the parliament building, the Riesenrad ferris wheel in Prater Park built in 1897, and the Sigmund Freud Museum at Berggasse 19. Vienna, where most people work from 8am to 4pm, is divided into 22 districts and has efficient train and tram systems. A Vienna Card provides three days of unlimited travel for about US$23 (2007). One of the most popular locations in Vienna is Schleifmuhlgasse, a single street in the heart of the city boasting art galleries, vintage clothing shops, cafes and restaurants. Nearby is Naschmarkt, Vienna's largest market with a multicultural flavour. During winter the local population bunkers down against the cold but in summer the city is a non-stop carnival of film festivals, music concerts, art shows and food fairs. Summer nights are consistently warm in Vienna, a city boasting an excellent network of cyclepaths upon which to visit the local tourist attractions. Vienna is also well-designed for pedestrians with many areas sealed off to traffic during the day. The Wachau is the name given to a 40km stretch of the Danube about 90 minutes west of Vienna within which the river twists and turns through steep hills carpeted with fruit trees and grape vines. The Wachau district is peppered with fairytale castles, many perched on the top of hills. Cycle paths run the length of the Wachau along both banks of the Danube and bicycle can be hired in almost all towns. In the Wachau region you will find the Gottweig and Melk monasteries. Gottweig boasts the third largest baroque staircase in the world, more than 700 paintings and Austria's largest private collection of graphics. http://www.travel-budget.com/austria/austria.html - Austria Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/bolivia/bolivia.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/bolivia/bolivia.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Bolivia. September 18 2008 Bolivia travel tips For something different, head south of La Paz to the Salar de Uyuni, the world's biggest salt flat at 10,582 square kilometres. This massive area was a lake until about 40,000 years ago when the water evaporated. The Salar boasts lunar landscapes with bizarre rocks resembling animals, trees and volcanoes. Snow-capped mountains occupy the horizon and about the only living things are llamas, flamingoes and giant cacti. Highlights of the Salar include the Train Graveyard, the Valle de Rocas, Laguna Hedionda, Laguna Colorado, Eduardo Avaroa, the Termas de Polques hot springs and the Sol de Manana volcanic zone boasting a series of sulfur pools and geyser basins. A shallow pool of clear water often covers the lake surface in the wet season and it's a good idea to bring along some sunglasses to cut the glare of the salty landscape. It's also smart to bring a sleeping bag, warm clothing and sun protection. The easiest and cheapest way to see this spectacular area is to go to the desert town of Uyuni, some 546 kilometres south of La Paz. The Panamericana bus company provides a daily service to Uyuni, costing up to US$10 in 2008 and taking about 13 hours. To arrange a 4-wheel drive guided tour, there are plenty of tour agencies around the town's main square or you can negotiate with the many hawkers promoting trips around the central bus station. Note: A left-wing government was elected by the Bolivian people in late 2005 with economic and drug policies in conflict with the United States. In September 2008, violent clashes in Bolivia have claimed almost a dozen lives and injured about 20 others, with Bolivia and US expelling each other's ambassadors. Anti-government protesters have gone on the rampage mostly in the pro-autonomous east of Bolivia. Pro and anti government crowds have clashed mostly just outside Cobija, capital of the eastern province of Pando. Travellers should avoid protesting crowds. La Paz is the most traditional Indian city in South America and most of the locals - the easy-going Los Pacenos - are extraordinarily friendly. La Paz is one of the safest South American capitals but backpackers and tourists should still be cautious, particularly in the travel hotspots. The Madidi National Park in north-west Bolivia is 1.8 million hectares of pristine rainforest and jungle. The park is often touted as one of South America's most intact ecosystems, boasting everything from lowlands to soaring Andean peaks and a startling variety of Amazonian wildlife. An exciting way to travel through Madidi National Park is along the Tuichi River, many tourists staying in the town of San Jose. The upriver journey is cheap but can be slow and seem perilous. http://www.travel-budget.com/bolivia/bolivia.html - Bolivia Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/brazil/brazil_travel.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/brazil/brazil_travel.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Brazil. April 9 2008 Brazil travel tips Note: A dengue fever epidemic has hit Rio de Janeiro in early 2008, killing almost 70 people and infecting about 50,000 others. Forty of the dead are children aged between 5 and 12. Dengue causes high fevers, severe headaches and joint pains, and military troops have been spraying insecticide in hard-hit districts to reduce the number of mosquitoes which carry the disease. Rio suffered serious dengue outbreaks in 1986, 1995 and 2002. Rio is the ultimate party town every New Year's Eve, when about a million people congregate around Copacabana Beach. There is nightlife everywhere but popular areas are Ipanema, Leblona and Leme. Since the 1990s, Lapa in the old quarter of Rio has restored its former glory as a nightlife haven for all forms of traditional Brazilian music. If you hope to impress a member of the opposite sex while in Rio, learn at the least the basics of samba before you begin your holiday. A must-see is the famous Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio from Corcovado hill. The statue is 30 metres high and weighs more than a thousand tonnes, overlooking one of the world's great vistas. Most hotels have organised tours to the Corcovado and a taxi from the centre of town will cost about US$18. On New Years Day in 1502, Portuguese explorer Goncalo Coelho landed at Guanabara Bay and, believing the bay was the mouth of a mighty river, named the location Rio de Janeiro - January River. Rio de Janeiro, known to locals as Cadade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City), is a chaotic yet sophisticated city for holiday adventure. Rio is nestled around Guanabara Bay, surrounded by verdant mountains and has a population around 14 million. The city's fanatical beach culture is centred on Copacabana Beach, a 4.5 kilometre stretch of white sand backed by high-rise apartments. Small bikinis are the norm and women in one-piece bathers are usually assumed to be tourists. Brazil's balmy north-east has almost 3,000 kilometres of virtually uninterrupted white beaches from Sao Luis to Salvador. Brazil's national drink is the caipirinha, a potent blend of cachaca (sugar cane brandy), crushed lime and sugar. Tourists are best advised to avoid the notorious favellas, or slums, of Rio de Janeiro. It might be tempting to experience "the real Rio" within these ramshackle, mostly hillside communities, but crime is rampant and naive tourists have always been a target. Recent statistics suggest there are 13 murders every day in the Rio favellas, including the murder of children. Believe it or not, this is an improvement as the murder rate during the early 1990s was closer to 40 per day. Drug cartels effectively own different favella communities and almost all residents have access to a gun. About 35 thousand people in Brazil are killed by guns each year, more than any other country in the world, but the numbers have declined in recent years. In June 2005, the State Governor threw out plans to build high walls between some of the slums and main roads in Rio, mostly to protect innocent motorists from stray bullets during gang shootouts. Get the hint? http://www.travel-budget.com/brazil/iguacu.html - Brazil Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/chile/chile.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/chile/chile.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Chile. September 6 2008 Chile travel tips Note: In early September 2008, floodwaters have swamped the Araucania region about 700 kilometres south of Santiago. The towns of Carahue, Nueva Imperial, Puerto Saavedra and Teniente Schmidt were flooded after nearby rivers overflowed. Thousands of homes have been damaged, roads blocked, four people have died and helicopters have been used to rescue tens of thousands of people cut off by the floodwaters. Travellers in Chile should monitor news reports to determine when the region is safe to visit. Note: In May 2008, tourists wanting to see a live volcano should visit the fishing town of Chaiten, some 1,280 kilometres south of Santiago. The 915m Chaiten volcano, about nine kilometres from the town, has been dormant for more than 9,000 years but in early May has begun belching enormous clouds of thick ash and much of the population has been evacuated. Santiago has a population of six million and is a comparatively safe city. Critics claim it lacks the elegant, charming and flirtatious Latin vibe of other South American cities such as Buenos Aires and Rio. The Chilean economy has been booming in 2006 and prices in shops and cafes are generally higher than you'll find elsewhere in South America. Worth visiting is Chile's main port and second city, Valparaiso, populated by 600,000 residents and 120 kilometres from Santiago. Valparaiso is built on a spectacular landscape of 48 hills and there are fantastic views in all directions. The old town of Valparaiso is a World Heritage site. Apart from glaciers, the Patagonia region boasts a surreal landscape of penguins, icefloes, ancient forests, Andean volcanos, wild rivers and rocky beaches. This is a land of extremes where mountains soar 3000 metres and then drop into the Pacific Ocean as thousands of islands and archipelagos. Patagonia's wildlife is unique. The southern Lakes district is dominated by the Villarrica volcano, which usually has a cap of snow even at the height of summer but with a peak that glows red at night. Chile south of Peurto Monte and into Patagonia is breathtakingly beautiful but travel can be rough and there are few luxuries. http://www.travel-budget.com/chile/chile.html - Chile Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/denmark/copenhagen.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/denmark/copenhagen.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Denmark. July 22 2007 Denmark travel tips Express trains into Copenhagen depart from beneath the airport's Terminal 3 arrivals hall and the journey takes 12 minutes, costing 27 krone (about US$5) in 2007. Airport buses cost the same and leave every 15 minutes. For travellers driving into Copenhagen from Sweden, the Oresund Bridge crossing toll is 220 kroners (about US$41 in 2007). A study by Cambridge University academics published in April 2007 found Danish people were the happiest with the greatest life satisfaction among the 15 states that were European Union members in 2004. Mon is a 30 kilometre long island providing an attractive hideaway from Denmark's more established tourist routes. Like most Danish islands, Mon is connected to the mainland by bridge. Another alternative Danish travel destination is the small island of Aero, where the community aims to be totally self-sufficient in energy by 2008. Mon's main attraction is the cobblestone 17th century town of Aeroskobing, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ferry from Svendborg to Aero takes just over an hour. Travel tip: Danish churchyards always have drinking water and clean toilets. Take note that camping in Denmark is only allowed in designated campsites. Prevailing winds blow from the west and south-west. http://www.travel-budget.com/egypt/egypt_holidays.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/egypt/egypt_holidays.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Egypt. April 8 2008 Egypt travel tips The country has seen violent brawls and some deaths caused by bread shortages and high inflation rates in early 2008. Note: The mummy of the boy pharaoh Tutankhamen is on display for the first time in 3000 years from November 2007 inside his tomb in Luxor's Valley of the Kings. The mummy is in a climate-controlled glass case in the tomb. The body is covered with linen and Tutankhamen's bare, black face is visible. Tutankhamen ruled Egypt between about 1361 and 1352BC and died as a teenager. The 1922 discovery of his intact tomb stunned the world's archaeological community. It's worth noting that the colossal statues of Ramses II was moved in August 2006 from its heavily polluted base outside the main Cairo train station since 1954 to a new new location 35 km away at the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids. Egypt is prone to terrorist attacks both in the capital of Cairo and in the Sinai Peninsula, where hundreds of people have been killed or injured by bomb blasts in Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba since 2004. Three consecutives bomb blasts killed 24 people in Dahab in late April, 2006, with western tourists an apparent target. You'll sometimes see tourist police with machine guns sitting on camels, and security is so paranoiac it can at times be difficult getting to meet the locals if you're part of an organised tour group. Tourist numbers have fallen after each terrorist attack, creating various bargains for wily tourists but also making local operators even more desperate to squeeze a few extra dollars from the pockets of tourists. Americans in particular are advised to be vigilant during their holiday travel in Egypt. The US embassy has advised Americans to avoid tourist areas but most embassies still consider Egypt acceptably safe for travel. Bird flu was detected in the north of Egypt in early 2006 but poses no greater risk than in other countries travellers might visit. The Temples of Luxor, Karnack and Hatshepsut are must-see tourist attractions at Luxor. You can venture down into the tombs of Ramses VI and King Tut while in Luxor, but note that it's better to see the incredible wealth of King Tut at the Cairo Museum. Aswan is Egypt's largest southern settlement just north of the Sudanese border, peppered with memories of French and British colonialism. Elephantine Island is dotted with resort hotels, villages and the Aswan museum, and is a paradise for lovers of ancient Egyptian archeology. Aswan is near the shores of the man-made Lake Nasser and the gigantic Aswan Dam, and has a large Nubian community of African Egyptians who give the town a unique cultural, culinary and linguistic heritage. Egyptians drive on the right side of the road but cars aren't recommended as the roads in Egypt are poor and medical facilities are limited outside Cairo. Drive a car or motorbike in Egypt at your own peril. Local drivers pay little attention to road markings or rules and will swerve into whatever space they can find. Many apartment buildings in Cairo appear not to be completed on their top floor, mostly because of a 10% tax on finished buildings. Another great place to experience is the ancient Khan Al-Khalili bazaar in the east of Cairo. The Great Pyramid of Cheops was built by the IV Dynasty pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops), who reigned from 2589BC to 2566BC. The 137 metre high pyramid is assembled from more than two million limestone blocks and is thought to weigh six million tons. Tourists were once allowed to climb the pyramids but several fell to their deaths and climbing is no longer possible. http://www.travel-budget.com/egypt/cairo.html - Egypt Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/egypt/egypt.html - Egypt Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/egypt/egypt_pyramids.html - Egypt Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/egypt/egypt_travel.html - Egypt Travel Tips 4 http://www.travel-budget.com/france/france_tickets.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/france/france_tickets.html Following are regular updates on travel information for France. September 14 2008 France travel tips Well worth visiting is the Haute Vallee de Chevreuse, one of France's largest national parks, about 40 minutes south of the capital on the RER B line to the St-Remy-les-Chevreuse station. The park was created in 1985 to protect this rural region from modern development. It boasts about 240 kilometres of trails through the park's 28,700 hectares of protected forests, wetlands and farms. These are dotted with picturesque villages and historic monuments. Landmarks in the national park worth visiting include Coubertin farm, the medieval village of Chevreuse, the Chateau de la Madelaine, Breteuil Chateau, the 12th century Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, and the Abbaye des Port-Royal des Champs founded in 1204. A free walking tour starts at 11am and 1pm each day in front of the fountain at Place Saint-Michel in the Latin quarter of Paris, covering all the main sights including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Place de la Concorde. This is a must for backpackers on a budget. If the Gare du Nord central train station is your first port of call when arriving in Paris, be prepared for a chaotic and confusing time as the station can be bewildering for foreigners looking for directions. Note: Tourists in Paris should avoid areas such as the northern suburb of Villiers-le-Bel where rioting youths have clashed with police in late November 2007. Buildings and cars have been burnt and shots have been fired with thousands of riot police trying to control large rioting crowds, their anger sparked by the deaths of two teenagers in a collision with a police car but fuelled by a perceived lack of government action to address social issues in poor areas populated mostly by Arabs and blacks. Most of the rioting has been in northern Paris suburbs. There has also been some violence in other cities such as Toulouse and in towns such as Sarcelles and Garges-les-Gonesses. Although Europe is cold and dark at Christmas, this can be the best time for holiday travel in Paris as hotel fares are considerably cheaper and many Parisians have departed the city for their own holidays, leaving the streets, restaurants and museums uncrowded and quiet. The city's Christmas tinsel is always spectacular and you can enjoy huge discounts at the ritzy shops during their new year sales. Take note that many Paris museums have shortened hours during the cold winter months but you won't have to put up with the summer queues and crowds. The historic African gateway city of Marseilles is now just three hours from Paris by TGV train, offering a rich Mediterranean culture of exotically dressed West Africans and Europeans in business suits mingling in bars and bistros centred around the ancient harbour of Vieux Port founded in 600BC. About one million people live in Marseilles. Travel in Marseilles involves a lot of climbing but the views alone make it worth the effort. The Marseilles fish markets are spectacular and the peak tourist season is July-September. The city of Lyon, often referred to as the food capital of France, is home to about 450,000 people and is located on a peninsula between the Rhone and Saone rivers. The city's old cobblestone town, Vieux Lyone, was founded by the Roman military in 43BC and is on the western side of the Saone River. The 1000 year old medieval city of Montpellier and its surrounding district has a population around 430,000, including many students. Montpellier, about 11 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast, has an excellent tramway system and extensive bicycle paths. From July 15 2007, the French Government will supply thousands of low-cost rental bicycles from hundreds of bike stations around Paris in an attempt to reduce traffic and pollution. By the end of 2007, there should be more than 20,000 bikes at 1450 stations situated about 250 metres apart. Abundant rental bikes are already available in the city of Lyon and they are almost free for users, dependent upon time travelled. Bicycle helmets are not mandatory in France. Near Paris is the famous Palace of Versailles, which enjoyed a $20 million restoration in 2007 of the magnificent ceiling artwork painted by Charles Le Brun between 1678 and 1684 in the 800sqm centrepiece Hall of Mirrors. The Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I was signed in the hall. Travel tip ... if possible, learn a few French words before your holiday as the French soften when foreigners at least try to talk their language instead of expecting them to speak English. Travel tip ... the road system in France is excellent but the French like to drive their cars very fast. Keep to the right on the motorways even if you're doing 140kmh. Most travellers will arrive in Paris via Charles de Gaulle Airport. Take note before you arrive that a taxi from the airport to central Paris will cost about 50 euros at 2007 prices. If the traffic is particularly heavy, the taxi fee could be even higher. To save money, it's wiser to catch a Roissy bus from just outside the airport terminal. A bus fare to central Paris costs about 8.50 euros. The trip takes about an hour and passengers are dropped off near the Metro at Opera. If you're flying out of France, it's advisable to get to Charles de Gaulle Airport about three hours before take-off due to the lengthy queues caused by tight security procedures.Many of the best-known tourist attractions in Paris are conveniently located along the Seine River and the city is fantastic for walking tours that allow you to visit plenty of museums and monuments in a fairly small area. If you plan on visiting Paris for more than a week, it might be worthwhile renting an apartment instead of paying top dollar for a hotel room. Off-season rates for a single-bedroom apartment within minutes of central Paris are as low as 60 euros a day. With your own apartment cooking facilities, you can save even more by buying food and drink from the city's many supermarkets, where prices are reasonable. Quality French wines are also well-priced. The Calvados district of Normandy is one of the most beautiful regions in France and is peppered with historic inland towns such as Caen, Pont l'Eveque, Cley, St Pierre-sur-Dives and Falaise. If you travel during the French summer, you might prefer to visit coastal towns in Calvados such as Courselles-sur-Mer, St Come de Fresne, Luc-sure-Mer and Langrune-sur-Mer. The district has a cool, forested ambience and Normandy's rugged coastline creates one of the most dramatic vistas in Europe. The local wines and cuisine are superb and travellers can drive on small, toll-free roads to explore the numerous one-church towns in Calvados. Accommodation in the Calvados district is fairly expensive, particularly in the peak tourist season, but budget travellers can usually find some fairly cheap camping sites. A spiritual haven is Lourdes in the south-west of France, where tourists seek the miracle healing waters of a shrine to the Virgin Mary. In 2006, riot police have been called in to control drunken tourist parties in the numerous bars of Lourdes, which has a population around 15,000. Always popular with tourists, the Montmartre district of Paris has a rich history as the home of artists such as van Gogh, Pacasso and Renoir. it is now a busy commercial district of tourist traps, sleezy bars and strip joints with artists of dubious talent trying to sell their creations to tourists. The district is best viewed in the early morning or evening once the crowds have dispersed. Note: About 5000 homeless people wander the streets of Paris and in July, 2006, the Medecins du Monde charity group erected hundreds of tents throughout the city to provide protection against the winter chill, many visible from tourist attractions including the Champs de Mars and the banks of the Seine River. In August 2006, the French Government reacted by announcing it will build durable 24 hour shelters across France by March 2007, so the "problem" of vagrants at night in Paris may be reduced. H5N1 bird flu was detected in February 2006 in southern France but this should not upset the travel plans of tourists. One of the world's most famous holiday destinations is the French Riviera (known locally as the Cote d'Azur) on the Mediterranean coast from St Tropez to Monaco, boasting a seductive climate, picturesque villages for sightseeing, stretches of sand and pebble beach with topless bathing, casinos, nightlife, Grand Prix car racing and a dramatic coastline. The capital of Nice has turn-of-the-century apartment buildings and hotels with majestic facades lining the Bay of Angels. Nice is also a cultural capital with 19 muesuems and galleries, more than any other French city outside Paris, plus 32 classified historical monuments for sightseeing and 300ha of parks and gardens. Tourists should explore the attractive old town of Nice with its numerous churches, baroque architecture, cobbled streets and squares, as well as numerous art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Tickets into monuments and museums in Paris can be expensive, although there is usually one day each week when entry is free or prices are cut substantially. Entry to the Louvre is usually free on the first Sunday of every month. Louvre entry tickets also drop from 8.50 euro to 6 euro on Wednesday and Friday nights after 6pm when the museum is open till late. Cheaper entry to the Musee d'Orsay is also possible on Sundays and two hours before closing time on all days. Most major museums have free access for children under 18. Be aware that there are often long queues to get into major tourist monuments in Paris, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in particular. The famous catacombs beneath the streets of Paris can be accessed from the junction at Place Denfert-Rochereau in Montparnasse, about five kilometres south of the city centre. Be warned that the catacombs are a claustrophobic, grim and long tunnel lined with the bones of millions of dead. A cheap but delicious Paresean lunch is a crusty baguette (85 euro cents in 2006), a slab of camembert (2 euro in 2006) or a bordeaux (4 euro in 2006). Ethnic cuisine from the former French colonies is usually a cheap way to enjoy dinner, the best multicultural eateries concentrated around Belleville in the north-east of Paris and Chinatown in the south-east (around Metro station Porte d'Ivry). Public transport in Paris is cheap but comfortable. A subway or bus ride cost 1.40 euros in 2006 (cheaper if you buy blocks of tickets). A full-day pass cost 5.40 euro and a weekly pass 15.70 euro in 2006. If you're into the arts, a Museum and Monument Card allows access to 70 of the city's premier sites for a full day at 18 euro. The cards are available at museums and major Metro stations. If you buy a copy of the Pariscope magazine (40 euro cents in 2006 with English section in the centre), you can check weekly listings of films, plays, concerts and exhibits. The magazine's music section lists daily classical concerts in churches and cathedrals, and these are often free. Another way to save money in egalitarian Paris is to buy a Paris City Passport, a 5 euro booklet containing about 300 euro in savings coupons for museums, cabarets, nightclubs, bus tours and river cruises. The Paris City Password is available at tourism offices and train stations or can be purchased online at www.parisinfo.com. If you want to see the Bastille Opera on a shoestring, a limited number of standing room tickets can be snapped up for just 5 euro. The sales begin just 45 minutes before the curtain rises. A full day should be devoted to exploring the Latin Quarter of Paris, recommended highlights including the superb food shops along the ancient rue Mouffetard, the Jardin des Plantes, the river edge, the Cluny Mesum and the Grand Paris Mosque. The Latin Quarter is renowned for its late night restaurants and bars. The underground Metro train system is a very convenient way to travel through Paris. More than 200 kilometres of track service 371 stations on 16 lines, and the system carries an average six million passengers a day. Most villages and towns you drive through in the French countryside will have several prominent signs pointing to chambres d hotes, which is French for Bed and Breakfast. The average price for two is US$102 per night. It's vital that you book ahead in the summer months of July and August, when prices are generally higher. The quickest way to drive around France is on the autoroutes, although they're not particularly scenic. The speed limit in France is up to 130kmh. Autoroute toll fees are also expensive. For example, a 200 kilometre journey from La Rochelle to Bordeaux cost 11 euro (US$13.86) in 2005, and petrol prices are very high by international standards. It's smart to hire a small car because many of the roads around country villages are cobblestone laneways from centuries past and a small vehicle is easier to manuoever. There are numerous sights and attractions throughout Paris. Apart from the obligatory climb up the Eiffel Tower, try catching a barge on the 5 kilometre Canal Saint Martin which winds its way through the 19th Century streets of working-class Paris (take the Metro to Bastille). Le Marais is a trendy area well worth visiting, boasting a wonderful assortments of shops and cafes (take the Metro to Bastille). Also highly recommended is Rue Cler, a pedestrian street with market stalls on the cobblestones including ham and cheese shops, patisseries and cafes (take the Metro to Ecole Militaire). An evening stroll along the Champs Elysees is magical and there are some stunning department stores such as La Samaritaine (take the Metro to Pont Neuf) providing free views over Paris that are almost as good as the views from the Eiffel Tower. As soon as you arrive in Paris, it's a good idea to buy a cheap map book of the city from any kiosk or newsagent, plus a copy of the cheap weekly magazine Pariscope (English section in the centre) to get an idea of what's happening and where. The Loire district is a gastronomic, viticultural delight, and it is classic France. The middle 250 kilometres of the Loire is a listed World Heritage site, from upstream of Orleans to downstream of Angers. The region is a living, pulsating time capsule of ancient towns, villages, vineyards, forests and regal chateaux. The Loire can be readily accessed by TGV fast train, which takes about an hour to cover the 200 kilometres from Montpamasse station in Paris. http://www.travel-budget.com/france/france_travel.html - France Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/france/france_tickets.html - France Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/france/france_vacations.html - France Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/germany/germany_travel.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/germany/germany_travel.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Israel. October 17 2008 Germany travel tips The tiny Bavarian village of Oberammergau has since 1632 been been producing The Passion Play to celebrate the life of Jesus. Legend has it that the townsfolk back then made a pact with God to honour Jesus every 10 years if they were spared further deaths from the Black Plague sweeping Europe at the time. There were no more deaths and the villagers have kept their word, with more than 2,000 residents becoming actors, singers, musicians and technicians to stage the six to seven hour play every year ending in zero. Oberammergau's population is about 5400. The Passion Play will next be performed 100 times between May and October 2010. An interesting destination is the Teufelsberg on the outskirts of Berlin, an 80 metre hill made from more than 10 million cubic metres of World War II rubble carted out of the city when the Allies' bombing campaign finally ended. This tree-lined hill in the Grunwald forest is the highest on the Brandenburg plain and provides stunning views over Berlin. An attractive city in the Franconia region of northern Bavaria is Nuremburg, famous for its wooden toys, gingerbread (lebkuchen), massive Christmas market and delicious bratwurst sausages. Nuremburg was also the birthplace of nazism and many of its historic buildings have been rebuilt since the city was flattened by allied bombers at the end of World War II. Landmarks include the Nuremburg Palace of Justice (where courtroom 600 hosted the 315 day War Crimes Tribunal trial of war criminals), the reconstructed Old Town and the 11th century Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) which for 500 years up to the 15th century was home to Germany's kings and emperors. If you travel throughout Germany, you'll find some things such as train tickets and accommodation cost a little less in the reunified east of the country, where the unemployment rate is much higher than as in the west of Germany. in 2007, unemployment in the east of Germany is more than double the national average. Much of the money spent since reunification has gone into cities such as Dresden and Potsdam. However, the grey blocks of apartments from communist days still dominate other cities and towns. Poverty is rife and many eastern centres have been dubbed "ghost towns", hundreds of thousands of their residents flocking west for a better life. H5N1 bird flu was detected in February 2006 on the island of Ruegen in the Baltic Sea. This should not upset the travel plans of tourists but several areas on the island were closed to the public when the presence of bird flu was confirmed. The Germany economy has been strengthening and in 2005 the economy had a huge trade surplus, soaring company profits and strong foreign investment, although high unemployment continues. http://www.travel-budget.com/germany/germany_travel.html - Germany Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/greece/athens_tourist.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/greece/athens_tourist.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Greece. November 20 2007 Greece travel tips Hydra is located between the Saronic and Argolic gulfs some 65 kilometres from the Athens port of Piraeus, from whence it can be reached in less than three hours by ferry and about 90 minutes on the Flying Dolphin hydrofoil. Catch but E96 from Athens Airport to Piraeus, a journey that takes about an hour. A high-speed hydrofoil from Piraeus to Hydra costs about US$23 each way. The island covers about 90 square kilometres of fairly rocky landscape with plenty of hills and mountains - the Zogeri range to the south and the Ombari range to the north. Hydra has a 56 kilometre coastline. Hydra was "discovered" by high profile writers and by Hollywood producers in the '50s and '60s, and the island has since retained a bit of a hippie reputation as a hideaway for artists. Canadian poet/singer Leonard Cohen owns a house on the island. A fleet of water taxis is the only motorised transport in the town of Hydra. The town harbour, encircled by shops, bars and restaurants, is one of the most picturesque in the Aegean. Much of the surrounding township consists of simple red-roofed houses dotted with mansions built by sea captains during past centuries. Jewellery makers can be found everywhere in Hydra and its best to avoid the expensive harbourside boutiques, Instead, seek out the small jewellery workshops and studio that can be found in the backstreets. Hydra has become a popular weekend hideaway for wealthy Athenians over recent years. Despite its tiny size, Hydra has raised five prime ministers of Greece. http://www.travel-budget.com/greece/islands_hydra.html - Hydra Travel Tips __ Santorini travel tips Santorini is famous for its restaurants and it's worth having a week's holiday on the island just to explore the menus. Every evening from 4.30pm to 6pm there are buses taking tourists from the island capital of Fira to the town of Ioa to watch one of the most famous ocean sunsets on earth. http://www.travel-budget.com/greece/islands_santorini.html - Santorini Travel Tips http://www.travel-budget.com/hong_kong/hong_kong.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/hong_kong/hong_kong.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Hong Kong. January 1 2007 Hong Kong travel tips Note: Hong Kong became a mostly smoke-free city from January 1 2007 when a ban came into force on cigarettes in restaurants, workplaces, schools, karaoke lounges and public areas. Smoking at outdoor places such as beaches, swimming pools, sports grounds and most areas of public parks is also forbidden and offenders face a maximum penalty of $HK5000. Travellers, particularly with respiratory ailments, should note that air pollution from thousands of factories along the Pearl River can be so intense that you cannot see across Hong Kong habour and the sun is a barely visible orange disc. Thick air pollution is regular during winter but in recent years has also become a frequent problem in summer. A smoggy day in Hong Kong is comparable to inhaling six cigarettes and the pollution problem is causing some people to leave the city. Country parks in Hong Kong include Aberdeen, Pok Fu Lam, Tai Tam, Kam Shan, Lantau and Sai Kung. Nature trails worth exploring include Bowen Road, Lantau Trail, Maclehose Trail, Pineapple Dam, Tai Po Kau, and Wilson Trail. It's worth noting a $1 billion, five year redevelopment of Ocean Park which will see the 44 hectare park almost completely rebuilt. Ocean Park offers endless family fun with 2005 admission at $HK185 for adults and $HK93 for children, which covers fares for all games and rides. The park is open from 10am to 6pm. According to Census figures released in 2005, there are about 10% more women living in Hong Kong than men. Another reason to buy an airline ticket to Hong Kong is Hong Kong Disneyland on the edge of Lantau Island. The 126 hectare Disney park has four themed lands - Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Adventureland - and is expected to attract almost 6 million tourists in its first year. Adult entry per day in 2008 is about HK$295 and HK$210 for children aged 3 to 11. Weekend entry is more expensive but all entry fees cover all rides and shows in the park. Early criticism of the park is that there are insufficient roller-coaster rides, no shaded areas and lengthy queues, particularly on weekends. Almost 7 million people live in Hong Kong and the streets are usually crowded. If you want privacy, the only hideaway is often your hotel room. However, about 70% of Hong Kong is classed rural with about 40% reserved as country parks, so it's fairly easy to slip out of the city and clear your lungs with a day trekking through the countryside. The easiest escape might be to catch a tram to The Peak, Hong Kong's lookout with 360 degree views, and spend a few hours exploring the surrounding bushland. Other infrastructure changes of interest to tourists include a major spruce-up of the Victoria Harbour waterfront, a huge cultural and entertainment complex being built in West Kowloon, and a $100 million renovation at Hong Kong's iconic Peak Tower. About 20% of Hong Kong's landscape is covered by forests and woodland. The Hong Kong Wetland Park, which combines education with entertainment, is scheduled for a full opening in 2006. The travel lure of Hong Kong has been further enhanced with the opening in 2006 of a new 7.5 kilometre cableway running from Tung Chung next to Hong Kong International Airport to Ngong Ping and the Big Buddha. The 20 minute journey offers spectacular views over the South China Sea and North Lantau Country Park. The 20 minute cabe lcar journey will allow tourists to soar up to 585 metres over the mountains and witness spectacular 360 degree views over the airport, Tung Chung Bay and the South China Sea. The cable construction has blended with the natural environment and the cableway system will be the largest in Asia. http://www.travel-budget.com/hong_kong/hong_kong.html - Hong Kong Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/hong_kong/hong_travel.html - Hong Kong Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/hong_kong/kong_travel.html - Hong Kong Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/hong_kong/hong_shopping.html - Hong Kong Travel Shopping Tips http://www.travel-budget.com/india/india_holiday.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/india/india_holiday.html Following are regular updates on travel information for India. October 16 2008 India travel tips Note: In October 2008 in the eastern state of Orrisa, paramilitary were sent in to quell Hindu mobs attacking Christians. Several dozen Christians were killed and tens of thousands left homeless. A ban on smoking cigarettes in restaurants, bars, offices and other public spaces came into effect across India in October 2008 but most reports indicate the law is not being enforced and few fines are being issued. Note: In early September 2008, five unsophisticated bombs exploded in crowded shopping centres in the capital of New Delhi, killing 21 people and wounding almost 100 others. A group calling itself the Indian Mujahadeen claimed responsibility. Note: In early September 2008, more than a million people have been trapped by floodwaters in the eastern State of Bihar bordering Nepal. Incessant monsoon rains have caused the worst flooding in 50 years and the Kosi river breached its banks in late August, swamping hundreds of villages and killing dozens of people. Experts are warning the floodwaters are unlikely to subside until October, raising fears of disease. Travellers are advised to avoid the affected areas. Many western countries advise their citizens not to travel through Kashmir, which is India's only Muslim-dominated state. The region has been considered increasingly safe and has become a popular holiday location for Indians. However, in 2008 the Kashmir Valley is facing shortages of food, fuel and medicine, and tourists should be aware of high tension between Muslim/Hindu communities. Note: In July/August 2008, there have been riots, villages attacked, police stations torched and in one case security forces have been ordered to shoot to kill as thousands of Muslims protest their call for independence in Kashmir. A curfew has been imposed and dozens of people have been killed. In May 2008, bombs killed more than 60 people in the Rajasthan city of Jaipur. In July 2008, a 17 bomb terrorist attack in the Gunjarat city of Ahmedabad killed about 50 people and injured more than 140, while two people were killed by bombs in the southern city of Bangalore. Each of the cities attacked in 2008 are in states governed by the Hindu nationalist BJP party. Dharamsala in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh is the refuge of thousands of people who have fled their homeland of Tibet following Chinese occupation in 1949. Their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lamam lives in Dharmasala, which is the home of Tibet's government-in-exile. Dharmasala, dubbed Little Lhasa, is similar to a Tibetan town with houses clinging to steep hillsides, prayer wheels dominating the central bazaar and many people wearing traditional Tibetan clothing. Young foreign travellers are drawn to the town, which is usually bustling with Israeli, Australian, American and European backpackers. Many travellers consider south India to be more "Indian" than the north, less affected by foreign cultures with wetter monsoons, redder earth, thicker vegetation, more complex words and names, and more elaborate temples. Note: The American dollar is no longer accepted at heritage tourist sites in India such as the Taj Mahal. From early 2008, tickets are charged in rupee and the change makes such tickets about 25% more expensive for American tourists. Note: In December 2007, Delhi police began to enforce a jaywalking law for the first time in 27 years, imposing thousands of on-the-spot fines against people not using marked pedestrian crossings. The law is likely to be ignored by many people and police are unlikely to continue their offensive. Be warned, however, that about 1,000 pedestrians are killed on Delhi's roads every year. About 20% of the population still live below the poverty line and about 2.5% still go hungry. In 1994, 35% of Indians were living below the poverty line. A study published in 2007 states that 836 million people, or 77% of the population, live on less than 20 rupees (about 40 cents US) each a day. India's official poverty line is 12 rupees a day. The report also finds that about 86% of the working population - 395 million people - work under "utterly deplorable" conditions. In May/June 2007, violent caste riots involving tens of thousands of impoverished villagers swept the state of Rajasthan, killing and injuring dozens of people. Tourists should avoid political gatherings in the streets. A bomb killed 13 people on May 19, 2007, in the historic Mecca Masjid mosque, the largest in the southern Andhra Pradesh capital city of Hyderabad, sparking further unrest that has long festered between local Hindus and Muslim minorities. There are more than 11 million abandoned children in India, mostly girls, and in 2007 the Indian Government has announced plans to increase the number of children available for adoption by overseas families. The teeming Indian capital of New Delhi is the venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and as a result this city will see enormous change in services, infrastructure, transport and even local customs. For example, in February 2007 the Delhi Supreme Court issued a ban on selling freshly cooked food on roadsides, potentially affecting the eating habits of millions of people. The Delhi High Court has also ordered the government to clear the capital city of beggars who descend on pedestrians and cars at traffic lights. Old Delhi is a tangle of dark alleys and colourful markets. New Delhi to the south was designed as a colonial capital by English architect Edwin Lutyens in the early 20th Century. Sights worth seeing in New Delhi include various relics of the Mughal Empire (1526 to 1857). South Delhi's Qutab Minar is the tallest stone tower in India and considered one of the best in the world. Other tourist hotspots include the mausoleums of Humayan and Safdarjang, the Red Fort, Lodi Gardens and the 14th Century ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla close to Delhi's Test cricket stadium. If you plan on renting a car, take note that in 2007 the High Court in New Delhi banned motor vehicle drivers from smoking, with a stiff fine of 150 rupees. The new Delhi Metro train system is a fantastic escape from the city's traffic mayhem, providing fast trains every few minutes from modern stations where littering, smoking and public urination are prohibited. The far north-eastern states of India are more comfortable for a holiday from March to August, although heavy monsoonal rain has caused widespread flood damage in the states of Assam and Tripura during mid 2006. In the middle of India is the state of Andhra Pradesh and its capital of Hyderabad, the fifth largest city in the country. Hyderabad was established in 1591 as an agricultural trading town but has matured to become a sophisticated information technology centre. About one in six Hyderabadis is believed to work in the IT sector. Hyderabad, a city with a strong Islamic character, is also emerging as an important pharmaceutical and bio-technology centre. This city is considered the medical capital of India and many foreigners pursue its lack of waiting lists and its inexpensive yet advanced medical procedures. The city has 45 official travel destinations that shouldn't be missed by tourists. December and January are the mildest, driest months to visit. May is the hottest and June to September are the wettest months in Hyderabad. Tourists should keep an eye out for pearls, etched metalware, silver filigree, textiles, kalamkari paintings and folk art. Darjeeling is a gorgeous town spilling down the side of the Himalayan foothills with the world's third tallest mountain, Kangchenjunga, on the horizon. Famous for its refreshing tea plantations and photogenic landscape, Darjeeling is a leftover of British settlement in the mid 19th Century when it was built as a recreation area for troops and a getaway from the blistering heat of the lower plains. The town is built on terraced landings with most of the budget travel accommodation and eateries on the middle and lower terraced layers. A popular tourist attraction in Darjeeling is a five kilometre cable car ride - the longest in India - overlooking carefully maintained tea gardens. At the top of the cable journey is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute displaying much of the equipment from the 1953 assault on Mt Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Adjacent to the institute is the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. A popular way to travel to Darjeeling is on the Himalayan Mountain Railway, a narrow-gauge train line built by the British. The line first opened in 1881 and is gazetted on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Himalayan Mountain Railway takes just over eight hours to cover the 81 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. About 56 kilometres south-west of Srinagar is the picturesque village resort of Gulmarg, from whence you can enjoy top-class snow skiing from December to March. A ski lift from Gulmarg takes skiiers to 4,000 metres atop Mt Apharwat with romantic views of Kashmir and Pakistan, some five kilometres to the west. In 2007, it cost about RS 250 (US$6.20) per day to hire standard skis, boots and poles in Gulmarg. H5N1 bird flu was detected in February 2006 in Navapur in the western State of Maharashtra. This should not upset the travel plans of tourists. Reflecting easing tensions between India and Pakistan, both countries agreed to resume a bus service between the disputed halves of Kashmir as of April 2005 - for the first time in almost 60 years. A train service between India and Pakistan also resumed from February 2006. However, a terrorist bomb attack on the Samjhautu Express train claimed the lives of about 70 passengers in February 2007. Seek consular advice if you plan to travel through or holiday in these areas. The trading port city of Cochin on India's Malabar coast has a rich history of spice-trading with fleets from around the globe, and was once known as the Venice of the East thanks to its 900 kilometres of navigable waterways stretching to the north and south within the region now known as the state of Kerala. Cochin is a subtropical delight boasting fantastic beaches, food and history within a tranquil holiday setting. A pleasant alternative destination is Sikkim, India's smallest state wedged between Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and West Bengal. This 7,096 square kilometre state has a sparse population compared with elsewhere in India, the climate is cooler (very cold from December to February), and the hilly landscape of Sikkim boasts superb forests, lakes, waterfalls, rivers and glaciers. The religion, food and culture of Sikkim are different to the rest of India and tourists are far less likely to be hassled. Sikkim has been compared to Switzerland and travellers can indulge in mountaineering, trekking, river kayaking or simply enjoying the awesome scenery. All visitors to Sikkim require a 15 day travel permit and the nearest airport is Bagdogra, about five hours by road from the Sikkim capital of Gangtok. An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale rocked large areas of far northern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan on October 8 2005, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving about 3 million homeless. The disputed area of Kashmir was hard hit with landslides causing massive damage in many villages, towns and villages, mountain roads destroyed and essential services cut. Overall, expect warm to hot days and possibly cool nights throughout most of your travel in India. You might wish to follow the example set by many locals who frequently carry an umbrella to protect against either the monsoonal rains or the blazing sun. If you plan navigating city streets by map during your holiday travel, be aware beforehand that reading or understanding street signs in India can be very difficult. Comics have joked that the third religion in India is the game of cricket. When you see the Indian devotion to major cricket broadcasts and the number of youngsters bowling and batting near every street corner, you'll realise they weren't kidding. It's worth noting a recent Supreme Court ruling in India that bans loud music, firecrackers and the honking of vehicle horns from 10pm to 6am, aimed at reducing late-night noise levels. Taj Mahal travel tips About 3 million foreign tourists and 15 million Indians visit the Taj Mahal each year. The neighbourhood outside the Taj complex is typically Indian... bicycles, pedestrians, horse-drawn traffic and the occasional cow. Street sellers begin working the entrance to the Maj Mahal from dawn, offering endless T shirts, books, postcards, carvings, drinks and trinkets. Keep moving if you're not interested as hesitation will prompt a more ardent sales pitch. Police are usually everywhere to ensure law and order, and everyone undergoes a security check and pat-down at the entrance to the Taj complex. All battery-powered devices are banned but cameras are allowed. Only electric vehicles are allowed to carry tourists to the Taj Mahal. Industry and petrol motors are discouraged in the surrounding district of Agra to cut pollution that could damage the historic building. The four slender surrounding minarets rise 40 metres and are built on a slight slope to ensure they fall outward if toppled by an earthquake. The building is surrounded by 13 hectares of lush garden. The stunning filigreed tile work is breath-taking at close quarters, as is the stonework and powerful beauty of the interior. Standard opening times for the Taj Mahal are from sunrise to 7.30pm, and the complex is closed on Fridays. Since late 2004, the Taj Mahal has been open for night viewings restricted to 400 people on full-moon nights (and for two nights either side) between 8.30pm and midnight. Video cameras are not allowed but the night visits are free of the postcard sellers and guides who crowd visits during the daytime. Tourists can buy tickets at least 24 hours in advance from the counter at the Taj Mahal entryway. http://www.travel-budget.com/india/india_travel.html- India Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/india/india_tickets.html - India Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/india/india_holiday.html - India Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/india/india_vacations.html - India Travel Tips 4 http://www.travel-budget.com/israel/dome.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/israel/dome.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Israel. May 24 2007 Israel travel tips Note: The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah guerillas in southern Lebanon has held since August 14 2006 and tourists should now feel confident about travelling to Israel, including the north of the country. All travellers to Israel should be aware that the country is subject to occasional terrorist attacks and they should accept that sometimes there are inconvenient security delays while travelling through Israel. For example, a suicide bomber killed three people in the southern resort town of Eilat in January 2007 - the first such attack in Israel in nine months. Since early 2007, settlements including the southern town of Sderot have suffered casualties from rocket attacks launched from the neighbouring Gaza Strip. http://www.travel-budget.com/israel/dome.html - Israel Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/israel/jerusalem.html - Israel Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/israel/mediterranean.html - Israel Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/israel/temple.html - Israel Travel Tips 4 http://www.travel-budget.com/italy/italy_tickets.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/italy/italy_tickets.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Italy. July 28 2008 Italy travel tips As of August 2008 and to tackle street crime, the Italian Government has authorised army troops to begin patrolling from 6pm to 2am in the cities of Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, Genoa, Bologna, Turin, Palermo, Bari and Venice. The 2500 troops will patrol alongside regular police and paramilitary for at least six months. In July 2008, a law was passed making Venice the first Italian city where begging is illegal. Extra police have been assigned to crack down on beggars in tourist spots such as St Mark's Square, the Lido, the Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs. In 2008, authorities announced that up to 1,000 tourists a year will be allowed to visit the tiny, famous Tuscan island of Montecristo, 64 kilometres off the Italian coast and 35 kilometres south of Elba. Visits will be allowed from August 31 to July 15 2008 and thereafter from August 31 to the end of October each year. For almost 40 years, Montecristo has been preserved as an exclusive nature reserve. Would-be visitors must book years in advance and be prepared to attend environmental lectures the day before their visit. Italy's northernmost province of Alto Adige borders Austria and has a magnificent landscape and climate. Crumbling castles dot Alto Adige, the farms and villages are picturesque and the locals are more welcoming than elsewhere in Italy. In 2008, some 500,000 people lived in the province and about 75% speak a German dialect. Apple trees and vineyards carpet the valleys and ridges running up to the snow-capped Dolomite Mountains, and the area attracts few international travellers. Note: The waste dumps of Naples have overflowed at the end of 2007, resulting in more than 110,000 tonnes of rubbish rotting in many of the city's streets. The unsightly garbage has a foul smell and in January 2008 authorities declared they wish to clear up the mess and find a solution to the waste crisis within four months. The Appenine Mountains boast spectacular countryside and a popular tourist target is Verona, considered one of Italy's most beautiful cities. Verona has been described as a small version of Rome and has an ancient amphitheatre, fine piazzas and imposing churches, as well as Casa di Giulietta where Juliet is said to have called to Romeo from a her balcony. The central Abruzzo region about 250 kilometres east of Rome extends from the Adriatic, encompassing the rugged Apennine Mountains, and is never inundated with tourists. Abruzzo has vast tracts of untouched national parkland still populated by a small number of brown bears and wolves. Regional towns are often medieval settlements on rocky outcrops and the area is devoid of roadside signs and supermarkets. The mountain slopes are carpeted with olive groves and vineyards, and flocks of sheep fill the paddocks. If you wish to walk through Italy's fertile countryside, it's worth noting that it's legal to be on private farmland without asking permission but it's a crime to take anything from the fields such as a grape or a fig. Travel tip ... Italy now has a terrorism law requiring everybody who wants to use public internet facilities (e.g. cafes) must produce their passport for photocopying and agree to have their web movements tracked. In other words, make sure you have your passport with you if you go to an internet cafe. The same terrorism laws apply to the use of other public communication facilities such as telephone and fax. Naples has slum areas within which there have long been difficulties with garbage disposal. In May 2007, residents started burning their garbage in the streets, fouling the city's air with smoke and the smell of decomposing rubbish. A taxi fare from Rome's Fiumicino Airport into the central city usually costs more than US$50 and a train trip (costing about $US11) takes 32 minutes. Rome's crowded central Termini railway station is within walking distance of much of the city's accommodation. In Italy's north-west is the Ligurian coast and its famous Cinque Terre walk between the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The walk along clifftop stone paths provides an intimate look at this magnificent stretch of coastline. The walk will take a full day unless you are very fit and is most enjoyable in autumn or spring. Each of the five picturesque villages has its own character and the Cinque Terre has unique cuisine and wines. The villages can be reached by car or ferry but the cheapest and most convenient way to travel to the coast is via train from Santa Margherita, which takes less than an hour. It's essential while in Rome to visit the enormous Vatican, but be prepared for crowds, queues and laborious security checks. The Vatican crowds are much smaller in winter. Note that there are formalities required when inside the Vatican ... e.g. don't wear a hat, don't use a flash on your camera and try to be quiet. It's worth taking a magnification lens such as opera glasses so you can see the intimate beauty of the many artworks adorning the ceilings of the Vatican. Note Visitors to Italian cities such as Venice and Florence will be taxed up to five euros each a day from 2007, the levy probably being an accommodation tariff, to help the local municipalities maintain tourist structures and services. The City of Rome has introduced a new Roma Pass which can help tourists navigate the many ancient artefacts, churches and musuems. The pass costs 18 euros and includes three days on public transport, limited free entry without queues, a map of Rome, a city guide and a program of tourist services and events. It's essential while in Rome to visit the enormous Vatican, but be prepared for crowds, queues and laborious security checks. The lower six regions of Italy are officially known as the Mezzogiorno and this region has 14 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Southern Italy is always less crowded than the north but has a reputedly higher crime rate. Tourists should note that bird flu was first detected in the Puglia, Calabria and Sicily regions in February 2006, with no human infections. The Tuscan city of Pisa is internationally famous for its leaning tower, which sank into the soft moor ground during its 11th Century construction - a fate shared by various other Pisa buildings such as the tower of the San Nicola Church. After admiring the Leaning Tower of Pisa, tourists should also visit surrounding buildings such as the Santa Maria Assunta cathedral and the Camposanto, which houses ancient frescoes recovered from bombing during World War II. Holiday-makers in Pisa should also reserve time to visit the Museo delle Opera del Duomo and the Museo delle Sinopie. Beware of bag snatchers known to cruise the Naples back alleys on Vespa motorscooters. The roads of Naples are a maze and road rules are often treated with disdain. For the best view of Naples' sprawling metropolis, travel to the hilltop suburb of Vomero - an elite neighbourhood separated from the never-ending hustle and bustle of the city below. Pizzas are an authentic and cheap food source for budget travel in Naples and the cheapest, cleanest and safest accommodation can be found in a Christian convent. While travelling in Naples it's worth visiting the nearby stylish islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida less than 90 minutes away in the Gulf of Naples, particularly if you're fairly wealthy. The National Archeological Museum in Naples is overflowing with antiquities and is considered one of the best museums in Europe. Nearby Pompeii (25km to the south-east) allows intimate tourist access to the restored villages and homes buried by the volcano in 79 AD. Trains to Pompeii run direct from the Circumvesuviana railway station beside the central station in Naples. Mt Vesuvius is an active, menacing volcano that last erupted in 1944 and it's well worth walking the crater rim to admire the slumbering, steaming lava pit below. The glamour island of Capri off Italy's west coast in the Tyrrrhenian Sea is accessed from the mainland town of Sorrento. Budget travellers should make the crossing on the slower but cheaper and more scenic ferry instead of the Capri hydrofoil. The island is just six kilometres long. Cars are not allowed, only porter buggies, taxis and buses. Capri's most colourful square is Piazza Umberto, which is a great place to watch the many rich, famous and "beautiful" people who holiday on the island. A highlight of Capri is the famous Blue Grotto where boats take tourists on ten minute journeys through translucent caves. The island is very picturesque and dotted with ancient ruins. However, Capri is also a playground for the rich and famous with prices to match. The south, or boot, of Italy is the most sparse and flat but its remote beaches are sandy and pleasant. The Aspromonte National Park in the province of Reggio Calabria on the tip of the southern toe of Italy has few travelers and no hotels. This southern territory is wild and largely inaccessible but has numerous attractions such as Norman castle ruins, waterfalls and tiny mountain villages forgotten by time. Accommodation can be found in private homes. The southern Calabria region is hot and arid yet spectacular and is a neglected tourist area in which you can enjoy a remote Italian adventure where few other tourists have been. The town of Amalfi was once a great naval power but was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1343, and boasts arguably the most beautiful cathedral in southern Italy. Hotel rates in the district are very expensive and the cheapest alternative is a room in a private home for as little as US$20 per night. Rome, said by many to be the most beautiful city in the world, has far too many galleries, churches, ruins, castles, tombs, monuments and museums for even a native Roman to absorb in a lifetime, so tourists can only expect to see a fraction of what's on offer during an average holiday. Be aware that Rome suffers a constant traffic tangle that challenges all but the most foolhardy of tourists driving a rental car. Regional cultures and loyalties remain strong in Italy and there are different income levels, cuisines and dialects in different areas. The landscape is similarly diverse, most northern regions dominated by the Italian Alps or the Dolomites and the middle spine of Italy comprising the Apennines. The Dolomite mountain range has been dubbed the most beautiful in the world. Take note that a dialect of German is the language spoken in various villages and towns in the far north of Italy. Italy's capital of Rome (population 8 million) is a feast of historical monuments from the Roman Empire, the Sistine Chapel a highlight with Michelangelo's Genesis on the barrel-vaulted ceiling and The Last Judgement on the chapel's end wall. However, Rome suffers a constant traffic tangle that challenges all but the most foolhardy of tourists driving a rental car. Travel tip ...just over 30 minutes from Rome is the ancient holiday retreat of Sabina, overlooked by most visitors and tour itineraries but nevertheless one of the most serene, lush and beautiful places in Italy. The distrist is dotted with vines, olive groves, ruins and medieval towns such as Caperia. Sabina is also ideally located to explore Rome and surrounding regions such as Umbria and Tuscany. The stunning Divina Costiera (Divine Coast) harbours ancient and charming fishing towns such as Sorrento, Positano, Ravello and Amalfi. The region's white cliffs and azure waters make this one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations Another highly recommended district for travellers is Valnerina, a 70km stretch of valleys forged by the River Nera in the district of Umbria, where hikers on mountainous paths can soak up magnificent views, huge waterfalls, limestone gorges, wildflowers and medieval hilltop fortresses. The ancient Roman town of Como, about half an hour's drive north of Milan, has long been noted for its warm, comfortable climate. Como is world-renowned for its silk fabrics and has a magnificent cathedral that took 350 years to complete after work began in 1396. Lake Como, with its backdrop of snow-capped Alpine peaks, is a picturesque body of water with regular public ferries to its numerous shoreside villages. Don't expect cheap hotel rates around Lake Como. If your holiday travel takes you to the east coast of Italy, a treasure trove of sights can be found in the town of Ancona, south of Venice. Without the major tourist crowds and queues of other major Italian cities, you can admire the 12th Century Cathedral of San Ciriaco or explore a Roman amphitheatre, a superb archaeologcal museum and Ancona churches which boast artwork by greats such as Titan. If you're a woman seeking a romantic rendezvous in Italy, it might be worth noting a 2005 survey that found 80% of Italian men aged between 18 and 30 still live with their parents. It's worth noting that trucks are not allowed on Italy's motorways on Sundays unless carrying perishables, so the traffic flows a little smoother. Travel hazards in Venice Venice can be muggy, particularly in the evenings, and mosquitoes often require netting to enjoy a comfortable night's sleep. It's true that the size of Venice makes it an ideal city to explore on foot but note that it's a maze of alleys and canals, and it's easy to get lost. This is a tourist town so expect everything to be aimed at your tourist dollars. It's worth noting that public toilets in Venice are scarce and usually require payment. There are a few good restaurants in Venice but plenty of ordinary and poor ones that charge high prices, and many tourists who can find residential accommodation in the city choose to save money by cooking at home. The annual Venice Carnival is held each January/February, usually attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors who share the canals and streets with musicians, acrobats, artists and people wearing ornate 18th Century masks. Much of the entertainment is focused on Piazza San Marco. Accommodation and food prices soar during the carnival, although prices are always higher in San Marco than elsewhere in Venice. You can spend days walking and catching gondolas to admire the endless old palaces, courtyards and squares of Venice. Make sure you have a good map and understand where you are because it's easy to get lost in the maze of alleys that criss-cross Venice. In its 17th Century heyday, more than 5000 gondolas glided through the waterways of Venice. About 400 remain and in 2007 the average price for a half hour ride is 73 Euro. If you're brave enough to hire a boat during your holiday in Venice so you can skipper yourself through the gondolas and barges, beware! Italian driving is as crazy on the waterways as on the motorways. Don't be hesitant and always remember that "right of way" is more a concept than a reality in Italy. The speed limit on the canals is 5kmh to 7kmh, but the limit is rarely respected. Most of the 40 or so lagoon islands can be reached by water-bus (vaporetto) from Venice - #13 for Burano, Torcello and Sant'Erasmo; #41 or #42 for San Michele and Murano. To reach San Franesco del Deserto, take a taxi from Burano. Water taxis in Venice are comfortable and superbly maintained but have notoriously high fees. The vaporetto public water buses are much cheaper but can be uncomfortable and crowded. It's worth noting that the Venice municipality began a zero tolerance policy in 2005 to restore public decorum and is fining tourists 50 euros for removing their shirts and other supposedly "unseemly behaviour" including wearing tiny shorts or dangling feet in the canals. In other words, if you travel to Venice you should behave and dress well if you want to avoid a fine. In Venice, the average January temperature is 3.8C and the average July temperature is 23.6C. If you travel to Italy in summer, be aware that Venice can be sweltering hot. The tourist high season in Venice if from March to November and it's advisable to avoid the city in July and August because of the heat and number of holiday-makers. Travel in Venice during winter can be fantastic because there are few tourists, no queues, cheaper hotels and plenty of fine days. However, the evenings and nights can be cold. If you want to save a few holiday dollars, it's wise to avoid the at-times exorbitant accommodation prices in Venice by lodging on the mainland in one of various towns (such as Belluno, Castelfranco, Padua and Vicenza) within the Veneto hinterland region. A bus ride into the city only takes 10 to 15 minutes. http://www.travel-budget.com/italy/italy_tickets.html - Italy Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/italy/venice_tickets.html - Italy Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/italy/florence_tickets.html - Italy Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/mexico/zipolite.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/mexico/zipolite.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Mexico. November 3 2007 Mexico travel tips Mexico City is littered with pre-Hispanic ruins. In October 2006, archeologists unearthed a 15th century Aztec altar and a 12 tonne idol just metres from traffic in central Zocalo square, and in June 2007 they found what are believed to be the ruins of an Aztec pyramid destroyed by Spanish conquerors in the Iztapalapa district. Iztapalapa itself is a very poor district in the Mexican capital, infamous for violent crime and drug dealing. Tourists should be alert while in the district. In 2006, about 3 million tourists visited the massive Teotihuacan archeological complex about 48 kilometres north-east of Mexico City. Teotihuacan was built in the 4th Century, abandoned in the 8th Century and in the 14th Century was rediscovered by the Aztecs, who renamed it the City of the Gods. A central feature at Teotihuacan is the imposing Pyramid of the Sun, the third highest pyramid in the world. Holiday travel adventures you can enjoy in Mexico include exploration of the archaelogical ruins to be found throughout the country. For example, in the jungles of Quintana Roo, inland from the popular beach resort of Cancun, you can see the remanants of Mayan culture dating back 3000 years in places such as Coba and Tulum. About 20,000 structures once stood in Coba, which is the largest archaelogical site in the Yucatan Peninsula, and many have not been excavated. Tulum is about 30 minutes south-east of Coba and is more accessible. Bird and animal wildlife is verdant at both archaelogical ruins and mosquitoes are a problem. Cancun itself also has some small archaelogical sites. http://www.travel-budget.com/mexico/zipolite.html - Mexico Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/holland/dutch.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/holland/dutch.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Holland. April 7000000 2008 Netherlands travel tips Vondelpark in the heart of Amsterdam is a large, attractive recreation reserve, but don't forget the liberal attitudes of the Dutch ... heavy fines are imposed if dogs are allowed off their lead but gay sex is legal in the park at night. A smoking ban will be introduced in restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes across the Netherlands from July 1, 2008. However, pot will be exempt from the ban in cafes and restaurants as long as it is smoked without tobacco. Note: In December 2007, the City of Amsterdam announced a new policy to reduce the number of brothels in the city's red light district and adjoining area surrounding Central Station. The policy is based largely on licensing and auditing regimes, building sales and property rezonings. Many blocks now containing shop windows with prostitutes are expected to be replaced with residential, shopping, restaurant and hotel developments. This adds to a policy started in 2003 and the overhaul of the red light district is expected to be completed in 2012, suggesting the days are numbered for tourists pursuing a "seedy" sojourn in Amsterdam. It's well worth buying an I amsterdam Card from the Amsterdam Tourist Board to cover tram, bus and underground public transport, various museum entrances, a free canal trip and various other discounts for attractions and bike hire. There are three different Amsterdam Pass types: 24 hours (33 euro or US$46.75 in Oct 2007), 48 hours (43 euro or US$60.91 in Oct 2007) or 72 hours (53 euro or US$75 in Oct 2007). Note: In October 2007, the Dutch Government decided to ban the sale of magic mushrooms from Amsterdam shops. The city is also planning to close many prostitute windows and coffee shops that sell pot in the the red light district. Thanks to its history of colonising foreign lands, Holland has a strong multiracial mix - particularly in the cities. The country's various cities - Haarlem, Delft, Leiden, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht - are all a short train trip from Amsterdam on the punctual and simple Dutch inter-city train system. A must-see during your Amsterdam holiday is the Rijksmuseum (at Jan Luijkenstraat 1) where you can see masterpieces such as Rembrandt portraits (9am-6pm daily), and just around the corner at Paulus Potterstraat 7 is the Van Gogh Museum (10am-5pm, 11am on weekends). Tourists who want to see Holland's famous tulip flower industry at its best are advised to travel to Keukenhof, a 32 hectare showpiece of flower beds near the small town of LIsse. Keukenhof (meaning "kitchen garden") is the world's largest floral display and draws millions of travellers each year. Keukenhof is in flower for just nine weeks of the year. The gardens, with their 15 kilometres of picturesque walkways, close in mid-May so the tulip bulbs can be removed and the grounds prepared for the following year's feast of flowers. Most tour operators offer daily package trips to Keukenhof, which also has numerous displays, shops and restaurants. Keukenhof is about an hour out of Amsterdam by car, bus or train and is open from 8am to 7.30pm (adults about US$15 in 2005, discount for seniors, children 4-11 about US$6). http://www.travel-budget.com/holland/netherlands.html - Netherlands Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/holland/amsterdam.html - Netherlands Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/holland/dutch.html - Netherlands Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/norway/trondheim.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/norway/trondheim.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Norway. October 16 2008 Norway travel tips Worth visiting is the new national opera house and ballet which opened in 2008 at Bjoervika on the Oslo waterfront. The building, which cost hundreds of millions of dollars, will stage more than 300 concerts and performances each year. View over the surrounding island-strewn fjord from atop this white marble and granite building are stunning. Oslo has more than 50 museums covering the maritime, art, culture, ski and even soccer history of Norway. Standouts include the Fram, Kontiki, Viking and Norwegian Maritime museums. Bergen is the major city servicing travel to the western fjords and the train trip between Oslo and Bergen is breathtakingly beautiful. A highlight of the line is the Flam Railway, a 20 kilometre stretch from the mountain village of Myrdal down an incredibly steep gradient to the port town of Flam. The Flam railway curls through 20 hand-carved tunnels covering six kilometres, and about 600,000 passengers enjoy the one hour journey each year to witness magnificent scenery. The electric train stops for about five minutes so tourists can see the spectacular Kjosfossen waterfall at the entry to the Bakli tunnel. The train travels through the Flam Valley and the superb Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord which is considered the world's longest and deepest fjord at 204 kilometres long and more than 1,300 metres deep. Bergen was founded in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre. The city is surrounded by seven mountains and its history dates back to Viking times. The old residential areas of Bergen are dotted with restaurants and bars but prices are very high. One way to cut costs in this town is to buy a Bergen Card offering significant discounts on attractions and a free round trip on the Mt Floyen funicular railway - one of the various must-do features of the city for tourists. Most of the cheap travel accommodation and discount hotels in Oslo are around the city centre and the main street of Karl Johans Gate. This central thoroughfare is lined with restaurants, cafes and shops, and provides a picturesque walk through gardens and parks with attractions such as the Stortinget (the Norwegian parliament), Oslo University, the National Theatre and the Royal Palace. The 17th Century Oslo Domkirke near the central railway station is arguably the most beautiful cathedral in the city for tourists to explore. It's also well worth putting aside some travel time to look at the Munch Museum at Toyen Gata 53, which is home to more than 23,000 paintings, drawings and prints. Norway has been ranked by the United Nations each year from 2001 to 2005 as having the highest standard of living in the world, based on factors such as wealth distribution, life expectancy, education and gender equality. Unemployment in Norway in 2005 was below 4% and among the world's lowest. Take note that more than 2 metres of rain falls on the city of Bergen each year. There is so much rain the locals catch it, put it in cans and sell it to tourists. http://www.travel-budget.com/norway/trondheim.html - Norway Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/peru/peru_tickets.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/peru/peru_tickets.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Peru. December 6 2007 Peru travel tips Taxis in Lima come in all shapes and sizes, the most common being Toyota Corolla station wagons circa 1990. Seatbelts are not required and most cabs don't have meters. The fare is usually negotiated at the end of the trip and Lima drivers are known to double or triple the journey length or their price if they think the passenger is a tourist sucker. Nevertheless, fares are cheap by western standards. A tourist magnet in Lima is the Plaza Mayor, where the changing of the guards outside the Government Palace at midday draws hundreds of spectators every day. The Plaza Mayor is dominated by a 17th century bronze fountain and is encircled by a beautiful baroque cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, City Hall and Teatro Colon. Around the corner is the San Francisco Monastery, one of Lima's first religious buildings and a drawcard partly because of its catacombs filled with tens of thousands of human bones. Alto Purus National Park near the Brazilian border is deep Amazon jungle within which there are still native Indian tribes using bows and arrows who are isolated from the modern world. In 2007, nomadic Indians have been seen from the air along the banks of the Las Piedras River. An estimated 65 indigenous tribes in the Amazon Basin have shunned outside contact to avoid new diseases and some have fled the advancing gas, oil and timber industries for the past hundred years. These people should not be sought as they voluntarily avoid western contact, having no immunity to outside diseases that have historically decimated jungle tribes. The best time to explore Machu Picchu itself is at dawn when rising sunshine bathes the city in light and you don't have to put up with thousands of tourists milling around. Fit hikers who trek about five days south-west of Machu Picchu can explore Choquequirau, the Cradle of Gold, an ancient Incan city larger than Machu Picchu. About 35% of Choquequirau has been uncovered from a thick tangle of cloud forest and the terraced city descends to the Apurimac and Rio Blannco rivers. Few tourists make the trek to Choquequirau, where a wealth of archeological, cultural and historic finds are yet to be discovered. Independent and self-supported trekkers are no longer allowed to tackle the Inca Trail. Every person entering the trail system must now have a permit bought in advance. Only 500 permits are allowed each day and they are sold out months in advance. The permits can only be bought from authorities through licensed operators and are non-refundable. If you're unable to book a permit to walk the Inca Trail, it's well worth considering alternative treks that approach the city via different jungle and mountain routes. The five-day Salkantay Mountain trek is popular and covers 70 kilometres. These alternative trails can be travelled alone but it's advisable to hire guides as people do get lost. Most agency prices start at around $US150. If you hire a car for your Peru travel, be aware that road conditions are poor and it's safer to travel in convoys because of highway bandits, particularly in remote areas. Even some intercity bus trips in Peru have been ambushed by armed robbers in recent years, and the buses themselves are involved in a few more crashes than they should be. For example, a bus crash in May 2005 near the town of Jauja killed more than 35 people. http://www.travel-budget.com/peru/cusco.html - Peru Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/peru/peru_tickets.html - Peru Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/peru/peru_travel.html - Peru Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/peru/peru_vacation.html - Peru Travel Tips 4 http://www.travel-budget.com/peru/peru.html - Peru Travel Tips 5 http://www.travel-budget.com/peru/machu.html - Peru Travel Tips 6 http://www.travel-budget.com/peru/llama.html - Peru Travel Tips 7 http://www.travel-budget.com/sweden/stockholm.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/sweden/stockholm.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Sweden. October 14 2007 Sweden travel tips In the spring of 2009, ABBA the Museum will open in a 100 year old custom warehouse on the south quay of central Stockholm. The building will be dedicated to the band ABBA and is expected to become one of Europe's most popular tourism drawcards. A handy way to cut holiday travel costs is with a Stockholm Card, available from tourist centres, hotels or the internet. The card offers one-time entry to 75 museums and attractions, boat rides, parking and unlimited public transport. The Stockholm Card covers 24, 48 and 72 hours, for adults costing 290 kroners (US$45), 420 kroners (US$65) and 540 kroners (US$84). For children, the Stockholm card for children costs 120 kroners ($US18.60), 160 kroners ($US24.80) or 190 kroners ($US29.50) (Oct 2007 prices). Stockholm is a city where it's best to walk rather than drive and you should set aside at least three days, preferably five, if you want to see all the best sights. Other "must see" tourist attractions during your travel in Stockholm include the stately City Hall, the open-air museum of Skansen, Drottningholm Palace and the salvaged 375 year old warship Vasa in the Vasa Museum. http://www.travel-budget.com/sweden/stockholm.html - Sweden Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/switzerland/switzerland.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/switzerland/switzerland.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Switzerland. September 15 2008 Switzerland travel tips The old town of Bern is a true Swiss city without French or international influences. It retains its medieval layout with largely baroque architecture and is world-heritage listed. Nestled within the banks of the Aare River, Bern is laced with cobbled streets peppered with statues and fountains, and has about six kilometres of arcades. Only trams and buses are allowed within the old town. Among Lucerne's landmarks is the Lion Monument in a small park at the elevated eastern end of the city (near Glacier Garden and the Panorama). The statue of a massive lion dying from spear wounds was carved into a sandstone wall above a small pond in the 1800s and was built to commemorate Swiss soldiers killed in the French Revolution. American author Mark Twain described the Lion Memorial as "the saddest and most moving piece of rock in the world". If you want to travel to remote areas in Switzerland that don't have public transport, consider catching a PostBus. Operated by Swiss Post, the large yellow coaches delivery both mail and paying passengers to outlying areas across a network of routes covering 10,000 kilometres, often narrow one-way roads on which the bus has priority. The PostBus service in Switzerland has been operating for more than 100 years and passengers enjoy the stunning mountain and valley vistas for which Switzerland is famous. Interlaken is a favorite holiday spot for tourists who for centuries have come to the picturesque city to hike in the clear alpine air. Hiking paths, known as Wanderweg, criss-cross the mountains or you can alternatively catch a train to Jungfraujoch at the peak of the Jungfrau, the highest of the Alpine peaks at 3454 metres and world heritage-listed by UNESCO. This is the highest railway station in Europe and passengers step out onto the scenic Aletsch Glacier. The railway through tunnels and past glaciers is one of the wonders of the world. If you want to ski or at least see the famous Matterhorn, arguably the world's most photogenic mountain, you're likely to end up in the town of Zermatt, a gorgeous holiday resort town high in a dead-end valley with no high rise buildings and no cars (banned in the 1960s). Travel to Zermatt is via narror-guage mountain railway and then an electric taxi or bus to your hotel. The town has fantastic old architecture and the streets are full of skiiers from around the world. The area has 245 kilometres of ski runs and Zermatt has a boisterous if not raunchy nightlife. Another popular ski town is nearby Grindelwald, a town full or chalet buildings, hotels, bars, restaurants and shops tucked into a valley at the foot of towering peaks including the Eiger and Jungfrau. Grindelwald is best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers. Other locations worth visiting in the Matterhorn district are the higher villages of Murren and Wengen, and the Piz Gloria restaurant, the world's highest revolving restaurant at 2,970 metres. A popular train journey into the Switzerland ski fields is aboard the Glacier Express, a seven and a half hour journey covering 170km between St Moritz and Zermatt over 291 bridges and through 91 different tunnels. Switzerland is a fantastic country in which to enjoy a cycling holiday as there are few cars outside the major cities. Zurich in the north of Switzerland is a classic Swiss holiday destination. This German-speaking city lies on the edge of the beautiful freshwater Lake Zurich, surrounded by rolling hills (the lake shores are best from May to October). The city has no skyscrapers but is nevertheless full of business people as Zurich is Switzerland's financial capital. The historic Old Town of Zurich has its own hip ambience totally divorced from the business scene and boasts a great mix of bars and second-hand shops best explored on foot. Food in Zurich is notoriously pricey but a cheap curry can be enjoyed every Saturday and Thursday at Roshenhof Square in the Old Town. Zurich arguably has Europe's best public transport system, even boasting free bicycles. Local publications detailing the city's nightlife and social events are Zuritripp, Zurich Guide and Lautundspitz, and travellers should purchase a Zurich Card from the tourism office for free local transport and entrance to many museums. Autumn is a great time to travel through the numerous valleys and hiking trails of the Swiss Alps when the summer crowds have dispersed, the mountainous landscape is picturesque and colourful in the frost, the wildlife is bountiful, the snows haven't yet set in and many hotels struggle for bookings with lower prices. The 100km Engadine Valley in south-east Switzerland is arguably the best valley for hiking late in the season through to late October. A popular hiking base is the town of Samedan, surrounded by a 130 kilometre network of trails and a juncture for road and rail connections. Because of its high altitude, the Engadine often enjoys late season sunshine while the rest of Switzerland is cloudy and rainy. A one week Regionalpass Bernese Oberland ticket for travel from May to October on trains, funiculars and cable cars costs $US170 for adults and $US85 for children aged six to 16 (2005 prices). http://www.travel-budget.com/switzerland/switzerland.html - Switzerland Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/thailand/thailand_holidays.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/thailand/thailand_holidays.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Thailand. October 15 2008 Thailand travel tips Note: On October 15, 2008, there are fears that Thailand and Cambodia may be on the brink of war following a military clash at a disputed area near the ancient Hindu temple, Preah Vihear Temple, in Si Sa Ket province. Soldiers have exchanged fire with casualties and troops are reportedly massing on both sides of the border with a build-up of heavy artillery. The 900 year old Hindu temple, located on a 525 metre cliff on the Dangrek mountain range that makes up the Thai-Cambodian border, has been the source of a sovereignty dispute for decades. The disputed area involves about 4.6 square kilometres of low forest. Tourists in Thailand are advised to monitor media reports and defer any planned travel near the remote border region. Note: Thailand returned to democratic rule on January 22 2008 after the Government was overthrown in a bloodless military coup on September 19, 2006. The transition back to parliamentary rule has been peaceful but in late August 2008 there were widespread anti-government protests across the country. Thousands of protesters have caused significant flight disruptions at airports in resort locations such as Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai. Travellers should beware that rail services have also been picketed. Army troops have been deployed to the streets of Bangkok following the death of a protester and dozens of injuries. Travellers should monitor news reports and try to avoid areas where protests are planned. Nakhon Phanom, 735 kilometres north-east of Bangkok, is famous for its Lai Rua Fai - or Illuminated Boat Festival - in which a procession of boats illuminated by tens of thousands of candles float by and burn on the waters of the Mekong River. Lai Rua Fai is held in late October or early November each year. Ko Samet off the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand and about an hour south of Pattaya, is the closest resort island to Bangkok. The island, narrow and 13 kilometres long, is a small marine national park and is carpeted with jungle, thanks in part to its unsealed and rutted roads that prevent interior development. Note that upon arrival, the national park entrance fee is 40 baht for Thais and 400 baht for foreigners (2007). Ko Samet is a comparatively cheap, clean and less crowded hideaway with quality beaches - particularly midweek. There are a few upmarket retreats but most accommodation is in small resorts and bungalows along the best beachfronts. Modest bungalows cost from 800 baht to 2,000 baht, including breakfast, and prices vary according to season with mid-October to March usually more expensive. Boat trips costing about 600 baht (2007) include fishing, snorkelling or just cruising around the island. The only town on Ko Samet is Na Dan and the most popular beach is Sai Kaew (meaning "glass sand") on the island's north-east shore, an 800 metre stretch of fine white sand, restaurants and bungalow hotels. The beaches become increasingly pristine and less crowded if you travel further south. Ko Samet's west coast is much rockier with less beaches, the exception being Ao Prao (Coconut Bay) where upmarket resorts crowd a 200 metre shoreline. Resort accommodation prices are between 2,000-7,000 baht (2007). Because of its proximity to Bangkok, weekends on Ko Samet are noticeably busier so it's better to visit mid-week if you haven't pre-booked accommodation. The island is not a place to go for clubbing or raving and the best way to get around is either in the back of a songthaew pick-up truck or by hiring a light motorcycle for around 400 baht per day (2007). Quad bikes cost about 1,600 baht per day. Local hoteliers and resort owners in Khao Lak, an area heavily devastated by the Asian tsunami on Boxing Day 2004 with more than 4000 deaths, have renovated more than 3000 rooms to welcome back tourists in 2007. Khao Lak is world-renowned for diving and dive company shopfronts line the main shopping street, which is also the southern route to Phuket and the northern route to Surat Thani. The main street also offers a tsunami museum and travel firms. Eco-tours and elephant safaris are available in the nearby national parks such as Khao Lak Lamru National Park about three kilometres out of town. Hotel rooms in Khao Lak can be found for as little as 500 baht (about US$18) per night in 2007, ranging up to 4500 baht (about $US160) for top-class resorts. Khao Lak is about an hour by taxi (1200 baht or about US$50 in mid 2007) from Phuket Airport. It's much cheaper to take a minibus to Phuket bus station (100 baht in 2007) and catch the air-conditioned Surat Thani bus which delivers tourists to the centre of Khao Lak for 90 baht. Near the Grand Palace is the Wat Pho temple, perhaps the most impressive monument in Bangkok. Wat Pho houses the Reclining Buddha, a 45 metre stutue of a reclining Buddha coated with gold, its soles inlaid with mother-of-pearl and inscriptions. The temple is open every day from 8am to 5pm with a one hour midday break. Visitors must remove their shoes upon entrance. Revealing tops and shorts are banned but sarongs are usually available at the ticketing office for women. Wat Pho also houses several smaller shrines and expert massages are available for a small charge. The Wat Pho entrance is on Chetuphon Rd and entrance in 2007 is 20 baht (about 60 cents US). A southern Islamic insurgency has claimed about 2400 lives since January 2004 and there have been ongoing bomb blasts and shootings into 2007 including six bombs claiming four lives in September 2006 in the southern tourist hub of Hat Yai and the killing of 16 soldiers and civilians on May 31, 2007, in the Yala and Songkhla provinces. Fearful tourists have avoided travel mainly in the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Pattani, with foreign embassies advising against non-essential travel through these areas. About 5% of the Thai population is Muslim, most living in the five southern provinces bordering Malaysia's fundamentalist Muslim heartland. Most of Thailand remains safe for tourists who should nevertheless be aware of the threat and check ongoing media and/or consulate advice before they travel to the region. Eight small bombs detonated in the streets of Bangkok on New Years Eve 2006/07, killing three people and injuring almost 40 others including nine foreign tourists. Various countries have issued Thailand travel warnings as a result of the bombings, which are believed to be linked to political groups agitating against military rule. Violence by Muslim insurgents in southern Thailand has increased sharply in 2007 and the government is warning that terror attacks could spread north into Bangkok. Note: Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi International Airport opened in September 2006. Travellers to Thailand are advised to study new Bangkok maps before flying so they are better prepared for the new airport location east of the city and how to navigate to their holiday accommodation or other planned destination. Note: Don Muang Airport is set for the return of scheduled domestic flights on Sunday, March 25, 2007, taking the pressure off Suvarnabhumi which is under repair for cracked runways, taxiways and other problems. Don Muang Airport has restaurants, snack bars, souvenir shops and taxi services but a levy of 50 baht extra will be charged. Don Muang (code DMKM / Suvarnabhumi is BKK) will handle about 140 flights a day operated by One-Two-Go, Nok Air and Thai Airways International. The island of Phi Phi Don was badly damaged by the 2004 tsunami and although tourists have returned to the beaches en masse in early 2007, there have been lengthy delays in repairing the island's infrastructure. The popular resort island of Phuket has fully recovered from the 2004 tsunami and tourists are again packing the hotels. Note: Thailand has tightened its immigration rules affecting tourists from 41 countries who have previously been allowed to stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days. Among the 41 countries are Australia, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the US. Tourists can extend their stay by travelling to the neighbouring countries of Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos or Burma and returning with new entry stamps. From October 1 2006, tourists from the designated countries may still enter Thailand without visas and stay for up to 30 days. However, their entry stamps will be renewable twice at most for a maximum stay of 90 days. Tourists who stayed for 90 days must leave Thailand for at least 90 days before being permitted back into the country. Note: In late 2006, mobile phones in Thailand switched from nine-digit mobile numbers to 10-digit ones. The change was brought about by adding the number 8 after the initial zero. For example, a mobile number beginning with 01 was altered to begin with 081, rendering obsolete all mobile numbers stored in mobile phones or other databases. Authorities have warned of a marked increase in the number of credit cards being "skimmed" of information to make counterfeit credit and ATM cards in Phuket and other tourist resorts such as Chiang Mai and Haad Yai. One way to prevent your card being skimmed is to make sure it's a "smart" card, and you should shield the keyboard when you enter your PIN code at ATM machines in Thailand. In 2006, more than a hundred fibreglass sculptures have been placed on the seabed in Thailand's Andaman Sea as artificial coral reefs and these locations off the six Andaman coastal provinces are expected to become popular diving sites. Chiang Mai is at 310 metres altitude and is home to 170,000 people. Chiang Mai, about an hour's flight north of Bangkok, has long been regarded as a cultural capital and is renowned for the graceful beauty of its women. The city boasts more than 300 temples and enjoys comparatively cool nights because of its altitude. Starbucks and McDonalds have invaded Chiang Mai but it is still home to hills tribes, elephant camps, quality artisans and craft workers. The most important and popular temple is the 16th Century Wat Pra That Doi Suthep, 15km from Chiang Mai. At all temples in Thailand, you should be modestly dressed and enter barefoot. The celebrated Night Bazaar of Chiang Mai is held on mid-town Chang Klan Rd, although tourist trinkets are the main product. Better products and lower prices can often be had at the Sunday Market at Tha Phae Gate. Plenty of bars and cafes can be found along Tha Pae and Loi Kroh roads. There are still several tribes in the hills north of Chiang Mai and a daytrip to their villages is usually priced from 1000 to 1500 baht. The hottest time of year is usually the third week in April when the temperature often hits 42 degrees Celcius, unless there is heavy cloud or rainstorms. The peak summer temperature often exceeds 40 degrees Celsius in towns such as Tak, Lampang and Kanchanaburi. The highest temperature ever recorded in Thailand was 44.5 degrees Celsius in the town of Uttaradit in 1960, while the town of Tak saw 43.7 degrees Celsius in 1998, the third-hottest day in Thailand's history. Note: Due to the hot season and two mega-dam projects built in China, the Mekong River water level has fallen dramatically in early 2007, slowing boat travel to a crawl in its upper reaches. Boat trips that used to take two to three days are now taking as long as a month. It's worth noting that more than 75,000 tourists visited Kho Samui, Pa-ngan, and Tao Islands during the New Year's holidays of 2006, the majority from Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia and Scandinavian countries and a smaller proportion from India, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Beware of traffic in Thailand as the national road toll is horrendous. For example, a total of 283 people were killed in road accidents during December 29 to January 1, 2006, with 87 killed on New Year's Eve alone. During the Songkran holiday from April 7-13 2006 there were 343 road deaths and 4,199 injuries on Thailand roads. By August 2006, bird flu had been found in most Thai provinces. All 76 provinces have been declared animal epidemic control areas with stricter rules on the transport and handling of birds. More than a dozen bird flu deaths have been recorded in Thailand. More than half a million hill tribe people live in the mountainous regions of Thailand's far north and west, an area utterly different from the hustle of crowded Bangkok and the southern holiday beaches. These chao khao (mountain people) live according to tribal laws and customs, avoiding assimilation with mainstream Thai society and 21st Century standards. For just $US50 (2005 prices), you can find a three day, two day trek from Chiang Mai into the northern jungle villages, including an elephant ride, river journey and food. The best season for these northern adventure treks is from mid-November to March and you should only use a tour guide who speaks tribal languages. Travel tip ... Prescription glasses, dental work and cosmetic surgery cost far less in Thailand than in most western countries and many tourists take the opportunity to pick up new spectacles or have their teeth repaired. There are several excellent elephant villages in Thailand, including Pattaya, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, where tourists can learn about the country's national mascot and enjoy a jungle elephant trek. About 13 million tourists visit Thailand every year and it's worth noting there was a 29% increase in female tourists during 2004, most attracted by the country's fantastic shopping, cuisine, health facilities and spas. Bangkok's Mass Transit System, better known as the Skytrain, has two lines with 23 strategically-positioned stations covering 23.5 kilometres through the city. These air-conditioned trains are a rapid and cheap way to get around the city while enjoying the scenery from an elevated position. The Sytrain runs from 6am to midnight and the central station of Siam Square provides access to Bangkok's busiest shopping area. Tickets, which are valid for 90 minutes, cost 10 baht for one stop and 20 baht for two or three stops (August 2006). A day ticket with unlimited trips costs 100 baht and there are English announcements on the train for each stop. The Skytrain will eventually link to the new Suvarnabhumi international airport. Koh Chang is a spectacular tropical island where beach bungalows can be found in 2007 for between US$10 and US$16 per night. The nights can be humid and air-conditioned rooms cost a few dollars more. One of the cheapest spots on Koh Chang is Lonely Beach and the island has plenty of ATMs and broadband facilities. Travel tip: don't make jokes of any sort about the Thai monarchy as some Thais can be deeply offended and strict laws are in place making it illegal to make any insult against the royal family. In 2007, a Swiss man was jailed for ten years for spraying paint on public portraits of the king in Chiang Mai while drunk. http://www.travel-budget.com/thailand/thailand_travel.html - Koh Samui Travel Tips http://www.travel-budget.com/turkey/turkish.html/ http://www.travel-budget.com/turkey/turkish.html Following are regular updates on travel information for Turkey. April 7 2008 Turkey travel tips Note: The Turkish parliament has voted to allow a military advance into Iraqi territory to crush the rebel Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) that campaigns for the creation of a separate Kurdish state encompassing eastern Turkey. The PKK terrorist insurgency has claimed more than 30,000 lives over the past 25 years. Turkish troops have massed along the Iraqi border since mid October 2007 and in late February 2008 advanced into Iraqi territory. Some areas in south-east Turkey have a majority Kurdish population and the area is volatile with threats of separatist terrorist attacks in Turkey. In March 2008, there were at-times violent demonstrations in cities and towns such as Yuksekova, Van, Sanlurfa, Viransehir and Hakkari. Tourists should closely monitor news reports about the crisis and/or seek consular advice if they plan to travel through the south-east of Turkey. Istanbul's economy has been strong since the turn of the century and this is reflected in the construction of new cultural attractions such as the Istanbul Modern museum of contemporary art on the banks of the Bosphorus. Sultanahmet is the city's main tourist district but more realistic adventures can be enjoyed in areas such as Beyoglu and Pera, which are vast warrens of art galleries, cafes, antique stores and clubs. Istanbul has a fantastic nightlife and holidays in this city are much cheaper than in western Europe. US$9 will buy you a good meal in 2007. Don't travel to Istanbul without visiting the Grand Bazaar, first built by the Ottomans in 1461 and now housing more than 4,000 shops - making it the world's biggest covered market. The Grand Bazaar is divided into districts, each with its own character, and the complex has been described as the most beautiful shopping experience in the world. Bargains can be had but the shopowners can quickly spot sucker tourists who haven't checked the local market before trying to barter for an item. Public commuter ferries are also a very cheap way to get around and to enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, which is effectively a 32 kilometre long freeway. Ferry fares on the Bosphorus start from 1.3 Turkish lire (about US$1)in 2007. A recommended ferry destination is the Prince's Islands, a group of nine islands 9 kilometres from Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. Buyukada is the largest and most beautiful of this island group, having no cars, and is about an hour by ferry from Istanbul. In central Istanbul surrounding the famous Blue Mosque is the area known as Sultanahmet, dense with carpet shops, cafes, bazaars, tourist coaches, upmarket hotels and even a pair of 4000 year old Egyptian obelisks. Nearby is the stunning Haghia Sophia former church and mosque built some 1471 years ago and now a World Heritage listed museum. Most settlements along the Aegean coast have been modernised but you can still find some antiquated towns such as Ayvalik (January average 11 degrees, August average 34 degrees Celsius), where colourful horse-drawn carts still trot through narrow, cobbled streets lined by thick stone walls and the ancient homes of merchants. Ayvalik was built in prehistoric times but rose to prominence in the 16th Century under the Ottoman Greeks. Western tourists mostly head further south to fine sand beaches and tourist hotspots such as Bodrum, but native Istanbul residents often prefer Ayvalik - which is renowned for its yoghurt, cheeses and olive oil. Travellers should note that in early 2006 there have been signs of bird flu in more than a third of Turkey's 81 provinces, particularly to the east and in Ankara but including Istanbul and tourism areas along the Aegean coast. There have been several deaths and authorities fear the H5N1 virus may become endemic in Turkey. There has been some panic among locals, most domestic fowl have been slaughtered and tourists should be wary of the risk in eating poultry or making contact with birdlife, particularly in eastern Turkey. There is a strong mix of different nationalities in the streets of Istanbul but Turks predominate elsewhere. English, French and German are common second languages but don't always rely on convenient translation during your travel in Turkey, particularly outside tourist areas. Women are often sexually harrassed if they appear to be western tourists or flaunt their beauty. It's worth dressing down and possibly wearing trousers to turn men off. Women should cover their heads if they enter any mosque and not sit with men inside the building. If you're in Istanbul, avoid the city's notorious traffic jams if possible. To avoid traffic, it's a good idea to catch one of the dirt-cheap trams that runs through Istanbul, many providing swift and comparatively comfortable transport to most of the prime tourist spots. Public commuter ferries are also a very cheap way to get around and to enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus. If you're heading out of Istanbul, be aware that Turkey has one of the worst road tolls in the world and it's worth ensuring that you choose a reputable bus company to minimise the danger. All the bus fares are cheap by western standards. A highlight of travel on Turkey's south-west coast is the private hire of a power boat or gulet, one of the many quaintly converted wooden fishing boats that offer a holiday adventure on the calm waters of the Mediterranean. A private charter allows you to share the vessel with friends rather than potentially incompatible strangers, along with a skipper, cook and crew member if needed. Boat charters can be organised in coastal towns such as Bodrum and Marmaris, and holiday-makers can enjoy weeks of leisurely cruising with frequent stops to explore small bays and villages. As a rough guide, a group of eight tourists could probably expect to hire a gulet for about US$60 per day per person, meals included. The more upmarket and expensive ports along the Lycian coast (known in tourist circles as the Turquoise Coast) are Marmaris and Bodrum. Gocek is a more down-to-earth sailing port. There is usually plenty of nightlife on the streets of Istanbul and Turks tend to party late into the night. The old city of Istanbul on the west of the Bosphorus is a tourist mecca. The Grand Bazaar in the old city has more than 4,000 shops selling an amazing range of goods and is one of the oldest shopping centres in the world. Most Turks live on the east or Asian side of the Bosphorus, which is a giant suburbia but still worth touring. Food? Eat on the streets and you'll find vendors everywhere with interesting snacks that cost a pittance. Eat a feast in a restaurant and it'll only cost a few dollars. The potent anise liqueur of Raki is Turkey's national drink and, yes, you can easily find plenty of Turkish baths in all cities and towns if you want to enjoy a soothing rub-down. Tourists should note that there have been terrorist attacks in Turkey over the past decade and it's worth getting embassy or consular advice before you travel to south-east and eastern parts of the country, particularly the provinces of Sirnak, Hakkari, Tunceli and Diyarbakir. Terrorism fears have worsened with suicide bombers killing dozens and injuring hundreds of people in Istanbul in late 2003, fatal bomb blasts in Istanbul and Ankara in July 2004 and further incidents in 2005. A dolmus is the cheapest way to get around Turkey and meet the locals face-to-face, although normal taxi fares are usually reasonable. http://www.travel-budget.com/turkey/turkey_holidays.html - Turkey Travel Tips 1 http://www.travel-budget.com/turkey/turkey_tickets.html - Turkey Travel Tips 2 http://www.travel-budget.com/turkey/turkey_travel.html - Turkey Travel Tips 3 http://www.travel-budget.com/turkey/turkey_vacations.html - Turkey Travel Tips 4