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A Christmas Ski Holiday for Young Travellers
Have you always dreamt of a white Christmas but thought
skiing in Europe was only for investment bankers, movie
stars and royalty? Many youth travel specialists offer great
skiing package that will allow independent travellers to join
the jet...
Colorado travel guide
A Google search of the word ‘Colorado’ reveals a list of websites ranging from the website of the Government of Colorado to the websites of various educational institutions and universities. Among the diverse tourism websites mentioned, the one that...
On Safari in South Africa - Where Africa's Wildlife Never Disappoints
South Africa continues to enjoy the tremendous goodwill of holidaymakers worldwide. While travel to most long haul destinations declined in 2003, this country experienced an enviable 6.5% growth, according to the World Tourism Organisation. The...
Taking a City Break - the relaxing way
Long weekend city breaks have rapidly become one of the most popular short holiday choices for the British public. Cities such as Amsterdam, Prague and Barcelona are filled throughout the year by tourists looking for a weekend escape. However,...
The Costa del Sol. The Premier Holiday Destination in Europe
Since the 1960's and the advent of package holidays the Costa del Sol has
always been one of the premier holiday destinations in Europe, and with
good reason. The weather is perfect, with little or no rain between
the beginning of June and the...
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Travel tips for the first time business or leisure traveller to China
<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#FF6600">Travel Tips for China</font></strong></font><font color="#FF6600" size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></font><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> China is a large country at a size of 9,596,960 sq km. China was only partially open to the world from 1979 onwards and has been a communist country for many decades. Although there is much progress in the travel industry and infrastructure of China, there remain parts that needs to be improved before it can match the level that most tourist would require.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">However, much of the fun remain that it is different from the rest of the world. China will be the host nation for the Olympics in Year 2008. Travel facilities and infrastructure will be improving quickly as we approach Year 2008.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Chinese is rich in culture and history. Visit the Great Wall of China in Beijing, sip Chinese tea in Xiamen, dance with ethnic tribes in Yunnan, check out 19th Century European buildings in Qingdao - there are just so much to do, see and learn in China!</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Below are some travel tips to make your travel in China easier:</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#FF6600">Entry Visa</font></strong> China require entry visa from most countries. Apply at the Chinese consulate or through your travel agent before travelling to China.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#FF6600">Climate</font></strong>
Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north. Be prepared with the right seasonal clothing.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#FF6600">Foreign Exchange</font></strong>
The Chinese unit of currency is known as Remembi(RMB) or Yuan. Get some Chinese Yuan in your local country before travelling. When in China, exchange foreign currency for local currency in the banks or at the hotel. Banks tend to give slightly better rates than hotels. Take note that some banks close for a noon siesta between 12-2pm.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#FF6600">Payment facilities</font></strong>
Most better class hotels and shopping centres take Credit Card or Travellers cheques. Smaller hotels and shops take cash only. Once
out of the bigger cities, credit card and ATM cards tend to be almost impossible to utilize. Cash is still king in Chinese business and trade. </font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Counterfeit notes are common in China. Check carefully before accepting change, especially if it consists mostly 100RMB notes. You can feel a texture difference where counterfeit notes is concerned.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#FF6600">Understanding of English</font></strong>
Most civil servants, custom officials, police and hotel staff and men in the street do not speak English or at best a smattering of English.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Most signboards and notices will carry both English and Chinese. However, be aware that some translations can be so notorious that one can hardly understand what was it's original Chinese intention.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Do not expect hotels or shops to understand English. Only the very big hotels will have staff that will understand English.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Most young people can understand basic English if you speak slowly.</font><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<strong><font color="#FF6600">Social Security</font></strong> China is generally a safe country. However, hang on tight to your wallet especially in crowded, popular tourist sites in tourist cities such as Beijing and Xian.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">These Chinese cities that are popular with tourist also has a lot of touts in the streets touting tourist from currency exchange to jewelleries to female companionships. Avoid at all cost!
<strong><font color="#FF6600">Domestic Travel</font></strong>
Bus, train, ferries and domestic flights are quite well developed. Avoid the crowd at the stations and book your tickets through the hotel tour desk or the nearest tour agent. Prices are likely to be competitive and tickets will be delivered to your hotel room. Again, avoid ticket touts who approach you in the streets.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Local buses are cheap (US$0.10 or YS$0.20) and you may want to try
out. Taxis are convenient and are available at all hours. Starting fares differ from each city and may be as cheap as US$0.70 in Weihai and US$1.50 in Shenzhen.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Avoid travel during peak holiday seasons or book tickets well ahead.
<strong><font color="#FF6600">Local Hotels</font></strong> There is a good choice of hotels in China ranging from one star to the most luxurious 6 stars. Most of the time, the rooms are safe and clean and in my opinion, cheap does not mean bad.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">There are many websites selling hotel rooms on the internet. You can also check out the travel counters which are available in most train, bus stations as well as airport.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Book ahead if travelling in peak seasons.
<strong><font color="#FF6600">Peak Tourist Seasons</font></strong> Chinese New Year: Date varies but generally late January or early February. May Day: First two weeks of May China National Day: Middle two weeks of October</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Avoid travelling during these period. Book rooms and travel modes way early if need to travel.
<strong><font color="#FF6600">Chinese Food</font></strong>
Local food is absolutely fabulous. Try as much Chinese food as your wallet or stomach can afford. Restaurants are available everywhere and open to late hours. Most restaurants will have menu that includes photographs or simply point at the food of your neighbouring table, especially if it looks good!</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">However, avoid street side stalls and drinking directly from the taps if you have delicate stomach.
<strong><font color="#FF6600">Telecommunications</font></strong>
Mobile phone coverage is good in most locations. Global auto-roaming is not a problem.
<strong><font color="#FF6600">Internet</font></strong>
There are cyber-cafes everywhere, especially in tourist areas. Most are patronised by young people playing online games but you still can check your Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail. Access may be a bit slow for international websites. </font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">You will need to show your passport as China has tight regulations at Internet CyberCafes.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#FF6600">Toilet facilities </font></strong>
One of the worst experience many has with China is the atrocious toilet facilities. Things has improved very much but it may still be a good idea to empty your stomach or bladder at every opportunity in a hotel, restaurant or departmental store. Public toilets and toilets in small shops can be a nose hazard!
<strong><font color="#FF6600">* Useful China travel tips *</font></strong>
Try to get a English speaking tour guide at every opportunity you can. China has a rich and wonderful history and culture and without a guide, somehow, the flavour and significance of most tour sites can be lost.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">*Sneaky tip: Hang around a group that has a English speaking guide if you cannot afford one!</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Always ask for a receipt from a taxi driver so that you can complain if you have been cheated or for tracing purposes if you happen to leave your camera behind in the taxi.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Try to take the namecard for each hotel that you are staying at as these cards will have a Chinese address and the map of your hotel location. This is useful if you need to seek assistance to find your way back as the English version or pronounciation of a hotel or a street name may be quite different from the Chinese version.</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">After a tiring day, check out Chinese foot reflexology or Chinese TuiNa (Chinese massage). Wonderful for the body after a hard day and very cheap to boot. Just look out for any shop that has two feet as it's signboard!</font>
<p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Make friends with the Chinese whenever you can. They love to meet foreigners and will make good tour guides. Just buy a small present as a small token of appreciation.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">For more information, check out this interesting China Book. About the Author
<strong>Ken Cheong worked and live in Mainland China for 5 years. He has great admiration for the Chinese people who has suffered for many years from war and political unrest to become a up and coming economy today. He shares his experience in China with people interested in visiting or working in China in his chinese culture website.
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Holidays on the Net - Welcome |
Includes music, graphics, historical information, suggested activities, kids pages, links, and other features for most holidays. |
www.holidays.net |
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Kids Domain - Holidays |
HOLIDAY FUN with crafts, recipes, printables, games and activity suggestions for your family to enjoy. |
www.kidsdomain.com |
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Earth Calendar |
Every day is a celebration! The Earth Calendar is an online calendar of holidays and observances around the world. |
www.earthcalendar.net |
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Federal Holidays Calendars from 1997 to 2010 |
Offers a list of federally-recognized holidays celebrated in the United States. |
www.opm.gov |
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TELETEXT HOLIDAYS : Cheap Flights, Last Minute Deals, Ski Holidays ... |
Search for package holidays from over 250 tour operators, find last minute charter flights, ski holidays, snow reports, cruises, destination guides and ... |
www.teletextholidays.co.uk |
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Thomson.co.uk - Great Value Holidays from the UK's no.1 Tour Operator |
Thomson Holidays Online offer cheap package holidays, flights, sun holidays, faraway holidays to exotic destinations, late deals, city breaks, hotel booking ... |
www.thomson.co.uk |
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Holiday - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
4.1 Holidays traditionally in the winter holiday season ... Public holidays can be either religious, in which case they reflect the dominant religion in a ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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Bargain holidays and cheap flights from Bargainholidays.com |
Choose from 2 million+ late availability cheap flights and last minute bargain holiday packages departing from the UK. Order online from an ABTA bonded and ... |
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First Choice - Book your dream holiday online - Great value ... |
Find great value package holidays online with First Choice. Book last-minute holidays, all inclusive holidays, family holidays and villa holidays. |
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Holidays Around the World for K-12 |
Holiday Internet links for US and international holidays, religious holidays, and a holiday calendar for K-12. |
falcon.jmu.edu |
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Holidays - cheap holidays, bargain holidays and bank holiday deals ... |
Book your cheap holidays and bargain bank holidays at lastminute.com. |
www.lastminute.com |
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Cheap holidays and package holiday discounts - Holiday.co.uk |
Cheap Holidays and package deals from all the major UK tour operators including Airtours, Argo, Avro, Balkan, Club 18-30, Cosmos, Crystal, First Choice, ... |
www.holiday.co.uk |
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Virgin Holidays |
Tour operator offering holidays to mainland USA, the Caribbean, the Far East, South Africa and Mauritius as well as a ski programme in California and New ... |
www.virginholidays.co.uk |
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Saga Holidays, Travel Insurance, Short Breaks, Vacations, cruises |
Specialists in providing travel services to people over 50. Details of river and sea cruises, resort holidays, tours, short breaks, special interest and ... |
holidays.saga.co.uk |
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Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators - Holiday Information |
A categorized, annotated list of over 2500 sites to help educators, teachers, and parents enhance instruction and support the curriculum. |
school.discovery.com |
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Queensland Holidays - Queensland Holidays |
Queensland Tourism & Travel Advice - Find accommodation, events & activities as well as special packages & deals - Queensland Holidays. |
www.queenslandholidays.com.au |
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BBC - Holiday |
Information on worldwide destinations as covered in the series, plus advice and travel information, presenters, message boards and postcards. |
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COSMOS - Package Holidays, All Inclusive Holidays, Self Catering ... |
Looking for cheap holidays online? COSMOS offer great value deals on package holidays, all inclusive holidays self catering holidays, villa holidays ... |
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Late Holiday Deals and Discount Holidays at DirectHolidays.co.uk |
Book late holiday deals online at Direct Holidays - discount breaks to destinations around the world. |
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Contiki Holidays - Holiday packages for 18 to 35 Year Olds |
Contiki Holidays offers holiday packages and budget travel tours for 18 - 35 year olds including destinations to Europe and the UK, Asia, Latin America, ... |
www.contiki.com |
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