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Travel Resource (104)

Friday, 29 November 2013 09:31

Eastern Europe vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip including visas and passports

Written by

Trip Tips and What to Pack
Eastern Europe Singles Vacations

Passports and Visas:

No visa is required to enter the territory of the EU member states for a maximum period of 90 days for citizens of the United States of America and Canada. The passport must be valid for a period of at least 90 days beyond the expected length of stay in the Czech Republic, counted from the date of entering the Czech Republic.

Local Currency:

Czecho-Slovakia
The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (koruna), abbreviated as K?, with the international abbreviation CZK. 1 crown consists of 100 hellers (halé?), abbreviated as hal. Heller coins have not been in use as of September 1, 2008, but hellers are still incorporated into merchandise prices. The final price is always rounded off to the nearest crown value. Please check for the current exchange rates - Current Exchange Rates

Poland
To change your foreign currencies into Z?otys (PLN) in Poland, it is best to go to a KANTOR (bureau de change, currency exchange office)) and compare their different rates. Shop around, the rates can vary a lot. Words "skup" or "kupno" mean "buy rates" and "sprzeda?" means "sell", so if you want to check how much zlotys you will get for euros or dollars, you need to look at "skup/kupno". The traditional banks' fees are higher.

Using your credit/debit card at the cashpoint/ATM (Bankomat) will give you a fair exchange rate. Be aware that many banks charge for this service. ATMs offer service in English. Try to avoid changing money at the airport on arrival as the rates are not as favorable. Before leaving for your Poland trip, check with your bank to see if it is affiliated with any banks in Poland, their location and fees. This may help you decide where you may wish to exchange funds. Please check for the current exchange rates - Current Exchange Rates

Hungary
The Hungarian currency is the Forint (Ft) with notes in seven denominations 200Ft, 500Ft, 1000Ft, 2000Ft, 5000Ft, 10,000Ft and 20,000Ft.and coins of 5Ft, 10Ft, 20Ft, 50Ft and 100Ft. Credit cards, especially Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are widely accepted except at museums, supermarkets, or train and bus stations. Please check for the current exchange rates - Current Exchange Rates

Vienna, Austria
The euro is the official currency of Austria. Please check for the current exchange rates - Current Exchange Rates

Electric Plugs

Eastern European countries' electricity operates at 220 volts, North America however, operates at 110-120 volts, if you try to operate your 110-120 volt appliance on 220v power chances are you will damage or burnout the appliance, not to mention the potential risk of causing a fire. Travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same volts the socket is supplying. This is good enough for some cell phones but most cameras and hair devices need a voltage transformer or a convertor. We highly recommend you carry both a converter and adaptors.

Weather

Czech Republic lies in the temperate climate zone, which is characterized by mild, humid summers with occasional hot spells, and cold, cloudy and humid winters. If you are planning a trip to the Czech Republic, weather will probably be one of your concerns. Czech Republic's climate is comparable to that of southern inland Canada.
Polands climate can be described as a temperate climate with relatively cold winters and warm summers, which is greatly influenced by oceanic air currents from the west, cold polar air from Scandinavia and Russia, as well as warmer, sub-tropical air from the south.

In winter, polar-continental fronts often dominate, bringing cold, frosty weather with temperatures far below zero an sometimes heavy snowfall. The late summer and autumn months are often influenced by dry, sub-tropical, continental air mass that bring plenty of warm days. The average air temperatures amount to 6 - 8.5°C for a year, the annual rainfall is 500 - 700 mm, of which snow constitutes only 5 - 20%.

The greatest amount of sunshine in summer is to be found on the Baltic coast, whilst in winter in the Carpathian Mountains. In the mountains, at any time of year, the climate is dependent on the altitude. In Warsaw, temperatures range from between 20 to 25°C during the summer months and O to -5°C in winter.

The climate of the Hungary can be described as typical European continental influenced climate with warm, dry summers and fairly cold winters. January is the coldest month with daytime temperatures usually around zero, but in some cases winter months can be very cold with temperatures far below zero and strong, cold northeasterly winds, called Bora, especially in the mountainous regions. Heavy snowfall or even snowstorms are also possible on some days there; the yearly average number of days with snow is less than 40 in the low-land regions and up to 120 days in the mountainous regions of Hungary.

In summer daytime temperatures reach 20-25°C, but sometimes quite higher, 30°C or more. In most of the time is dry weather with sunny spells, although sometimes heavy Thunderstorms can occur at the end of the day. July is the warmest month with an average Temperature of 22°C. Annual Precipitation is about 400-600 mm in the lowland areas, but more in the mountainous regions.

Generally, the weather is best May-September, when days are warm and the nights are cool, although it rains more in Spring than in summer. Autumn and winter are usually a little chilly and wet, sometimes snowy and often foggy, especially in the mountainous regions.

Vienna, Austria
Vienna has a humid continental climate with warm summers and no dry season. The warm season lasts from May 26 to September 9 with an average daily high temperature above 21°C. The hottest day of the year is August 8, with an average high of 26°C and low of 16°C.

The cold season lasts from November 17 to March 3 with an average daily high temperature below 7°C. The coldest day of the year is January 9, with an average low of -3°C and high of 2°C.

What to Pack for Your Vacation

Poland
*Lightweights in summer months, with a sweater for walking and the cooler evenings
*Medium to heavyweights are advised in winter. Layering is recommended.

*Gloves & scarf are recommended for winter

*An unbrella and raincoat is suggested throughtout the year.

Hungray
* Lightweight cottons and linens during summer months
* Warmer medium-weights to heavyweights and rainwear are needed during the winter months

* Gloves & scarf are recommended for winter

* An umbrella or raincoat is advised for local Spring & Summer showers
* A sweater may be needed throughout the year in the evenings or for walks in the mountains, even in the summer.

*Clothes and shoes to always keep you warm, comfortable and not too heavy.
* Winter coat and warm clothes during the winter in Hungary – But t-shirt during the hot summer.
* Rain gear, appropriate shoes for a full day of walking in Poland
*Small light weight flashlight and batteries
* In Poland, Men – mandatory to bring a kippah, other religious articles are optional
* Warm sweaters (2) or 1 fleece. 1 heavy, 1 light, extra if you chill easily

Poland Clothing:
*Comfortable, rugged clothing
*Comfortable, well broken in rugged shoes. Sneakers should be waterproof. Tennis shoesare not appropriate in Poland as we are often walking in the rain and mud.
*Gloves, hat, scarf for winter temperatures
*2 appropriate outfits for Shabbat services:
Girls: shirts, skirts, dresses (no sleeveless shirts, skirts and dresses need to be below the knee)
Boys: 1 shirt dress, 1 pair of slacks (not jeans)
*Water shoes (for hiking in streams with rocks), must be closed toe, these are in addition to flip flops)
*lip flops for the beach
*Girls –all skirt lengths must be below the knee for religious site visits and Shabbat

CzechoSlovakia Clothing:
* All over the year it's a good idea to bring warm weather clothes and cool weather gear as well as good rain-repellant coat or jacket
* Fur, bring umbrella at anytime,
*During winter dress in warm layers and carry a backpack along with hat and gloves

Vienna, Austria Clothing
* Walking shoes: Vienna has cobblestones everywhere and most historic sites are within walking distance of other places you will want to see.
* Dress clothes only in you are planning to visit Vienna's beautiful opera house. That way, you will also be dressed for your choice of the many fine restaurants Vienna has to offer.
* Shorts and sandals: It gets hot in Vienna and it can be quite comfortable to sit outside at a café all day and well into the evening.
* Swimwear: Vienna has many public pools, most of which are outdoors. You can even swim in the Danube in certain locations.
* Windbreaker, rain jacket and umbrella: Vienna gets rain--some years more than others--and it continues throughout the summer.
* Boots: It can get very cold in Vienna. Snow can come anytime during the fall, but it is more likely to fall in late December or early January.
* Scarf, gloves and a hat: Cover up when it is cold. It is a simple suggestion, but one you will see the Viennese taking to heart.
* Winter coat: You can't go wrong with a good, heavy woolen coat.
* Pants/trousers: When it is cold and wet, there is no point in baring your legs to the elements, and you will see most Austrians follow this philosophy as well.
For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Shopping

Czech men's fashion designer JOZEF SLOBODA creates trendy and unique clothes, using high-quality fabrics and original style. Jeans, T-shirts, beautiful shirts, sweat-shirts - all is cool and sexy, and wearable! Two locations: Tynska ulicka 4 (one block from the Old Town Square), Na Prikope 12 (Cerna Ruze Shopping Center). Staff is very friendly and helpful. You've got to love it...
From hypermarkets to country markets, from exclusive boutiques to more traditional shops. In Poland you can shop where you like and how you like: quickly or sedately, at three in the morning or during your Sunday walk.

Budapest has been on the fashion maps for years. Over time Hungary has had an important role in the fashion world from buttons to

Sacher Confiserie in Vienna is the place to find the original Sacher-Torte, Austria’s world-famous chocolate cake, whose secret recipe dates back to 1832. The cake comes in four different sizes and is packed in an elegant wooden box that makes it easy to transport.

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy in Eastern Europe - Czecho-Slovakia, Poland & Hungary

Czech
1. Handmade replica of the drinking glass from the times of Charles IY from Czech
2. One of a kind scarf designed after a window at St Vitus Cathedral
3. Famous Czech Glass
4. Bohemian crystal
5. Porcelain
6. Amber jewelry
7. Ceramics
8. Czech garnets and costume jewelry
9. Hand-made accessories and tapestries
10. Replicas of Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Cubist

Poland
1. Accessories that include a refrigerator magnet in the shape of an axe, a miner's lamp or a wheelbarrow
2. Coins cast with the image of the Rysy Mountains or an image of a young local shepherd, also a fridge magnet
3. Some really nice dolls dressed in traditional Krakowian costumes
4. From a sailing holiday, it is worth bringing back a carved sailboat with the inscription "Warmia and Masuria"
5. A glass Princess Lyna in a blue dress will remind you of Olsztynek.
6. Princess Lyna miniature statuettes are presented at various occasions
7. Uniquely shaped candlesticks from Torun with a packet of gingerbread or a beaver with brown fur and a sash with Srokowo on it and a crest of the town.
8. Hand embroidery from Lowicz is beautiful
9. Earrings and necklaces with embroidered designs from Lowicz were the prototypes of jewellery sold in the W. Kruk shops
10. Openwork egg with the town crest of Tarnow.

Hungary

1. Paprika is the national spice of Hungary and used extensively in Hungarian cuisine
2. Hungary is famous for its excellent wines.
3. A ubiquitous specialty known throughout Hungary, pálinka is the generic name for a fiery fruit brandy.
4. Bold colors, floral patterns, and rich textures all characterize embroidery
5. Hungary’s legendary history in porcelain-making being of the world’s most sought-after.
6. Hungary is renowned for its production of speciality cured meats.
7. Traditional Handicrafts
8. Handpainted Pottery
9. Babaház (Dollhouse)
10. Vass Shoes

Vienna, Austria

1. Handmade Porcelain- Coffee, Porcelain & Glass
2. Confections
3. Traditional Chocolate Cake
4. Austrian Wine
5. “Sachertorte" - one of the most famous rich and delicious chocolate cakes you will ever taste!
6. Diamond stars, Jewellery & other Collectables
7. Nativity Scenes & Ornaments
8. Designer Wine Bar in Vienna
9. The Brand Synonymous with Viennese Art Nouveau
10. Chic & Trendy Vienna Wine Bars

Local Foods

Traditional Czech food is not exactly what one would call dietary, however it perfectly goes with the flavourful Czech beer.
It mostly consists of pork or beef meat with sauce and a side dish, the most common and liked being dumplings. Dumplings (“knedliky”) are the Czech traditional side dish made from wheat or potato flour, boiled in water as a roll and then sliced and served hot.
Other side dishes are: rice, potatoes (boiled, baked or fried). Czech people love Svi?ková, a somehow interesting combination of meat with sauce and whipped cream.
Polish traditional food, a cuisine that was suppressed during Communist times, is now making a comeback. Polish traditional foods consist of traditional Slavic fare, but also have influences from Italy and France that date back to the medieval Polish court. The Polish traditional foods you will encounter today are flavorful, hearty, and complex, but they have a lighter side, too.

When foreigners think of Hungarian cuisine, goulash and chicken paprika naturally spring to mind. However, traditional Hungarian food doesn't stop at these two tasty dishes. The food of Hungary has a long history with many influences - including those from neighboring Slavic countries, Germany, Austria, and France. Paprika, Hungarians' favorite seasoning, is used generously, though mild

Vienna's traditional restaurants serve Wiener Schnitzel with a portion of potato salad and a slice of lemon, as well as roast potatoes and cranberry sauce.

Europen Travel and vacation Information

European Vacations for 18 - 35 Year Old
European Singles Vacations for 35+
Europe Destination Information

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Friday, 29 November 2013 09:26

Ireland and Scotland vacation packing information and tips for singles trips including visas and passports

Written by

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Ireland and Scotland Singles Vacations

Passport and Visas:

Ireland

You do not need a visa to travel in Ireland if you are a citizen of the USA or Canada. A passport is required.

Permission to land: Even if you do not require a visa to enter Ireland, all non-EEA nationals, including those with visas, must obtain permission to enter the State by reporting to an Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The length of time you will be allowed to stay in Ireland is determined by the Immigration Officer but will never exceed a maximum of 90 days.

Scotland

Visitors to Scotland and the UK must hold a valid passport before starting their journey and children may require their own passports. Visitors from the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, can stay for up to six months, providing they have a return ticket and funds to cover the trip.

Local Money:

Ireland

There are two currencies in Ireland. In the Southern part they use the euro and in Northern Ireland they use the Britisih pound sterling. Each euro (€.) consists of 100 cents and the denominations of their bills are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros.

Scotland

The currency of Scotland is the GBP Pound (£). One pound is comprised of 100 pence and coins can be obtained in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 denominations. Money can be exchanged in banks, at foreign exchange bureaus and hotels.

Time:

Ireland

Ireland is in Western European Time and is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Scotland

Scotland is in the Western European Time Zone 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Scotland does utilize Daylight Saving Time. In Scotland daylight saving time is referred to as "British Summer Time."

Electric Plugs

Ireland

The standard voltage is the Republic of Ireland is 220 VAC at 50Hz. Plugs are 3 pin 1363 type. Most shaving sockets also support 110 VAC with the 2 pin international shaving plug. Many hotel rooms provide hair dryers. The voltage in Northern Ireland is 230/240 VAC 50Hz.

Scotland

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Scotland (Alba) usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need..

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 110-120 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliance is from another part of the world, and it is built only for 220-240 volt electricity, or a Japanese appliance built for 100 volts, then a travel plug adapter by itself won't be sufficient. The voltage will have to be changed from 110-120 volts at the socket, to whatever voltage your appliance requires. This is accomplished with a voltage transformer.

Weather

Ireland

The climate of Ireland can be summed up as being mild, moist and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of [temperature extremes.]

Ireland, as a whole, experiences a lack of temperature extremes compared to other areas of similar latitudes. Summers are generally warm and winters are mild. There is a regional variation, with inland areas being cooler in winter and warmer in summer than their coastal counterparts. Temperate maritime, modified by North Atlantic Current, mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time.

In Ireland, the only constant when it comes to weather is change. In fact, the locals say it’s not unusual to experience four seasons in one day. So don’t be surprised if you wake up to a spot of rain but find that the clouds have cleared just in time to view a perfect sunset over the Cliffs of Moher.

Scotland

Scotland's climate is actually moderate if changeable and only rarely extreme high latitude at either end of the temperature scale. The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 15 to 20 days, whereas on the peaks and mountains in the Highlands the average number of days with snow falling is about 100 days.

Scotland's climate is highly unpredictable. Weather patterns shift all the time, and the climate can differ widely in places only a short distance apart.

What to Pack for Your Vacation

* Rain coat for wind and rain that you will face in Ireland, regardless of the season - The coat should not be insulated, should be comfortable and completely waterproof - compact easily for storage.
* Sturdy shoes, Spare Set of Comfy Shoes
* Light Jacket or Sweater, Hooded Weather-Proof Jacket

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Shopping:

Ireland

You can actually shop until you drop in Ireland - rural arts and crafts centers will entice you to spend some money, so will some of the largest and most modern malls in Europe! Find out where to shop, what to look out for and how to strike a bargain. Be it typical souvenirs or the latest European fashions.

Scotland

Scotland offers an unrivalled shopping experience, no matter what your style and interests. Indulge in the very best local food and drink, purchased directly from the producers at farmers’ markets, or treat yourself to a stylish spree in one of Scotland’s many great shopping centres and boutique The shopping experience in Scotland is very varied. Though the cities have the ‘High Street’ names, plus some very stylish and exclusive brands, rural areas have plenty of surprises. Here you'll discover potters and jewelers, knitwear designers, weavers, silversmiths and kilt makers. Come and experience fantastic shopping across Scotland, with world-class designers and specialist boutiques, sumptuous food and drink, and beautiful hand-crafted items.

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gift in Scotland

1. Aran Sweaters
2. Crystal
3. Tweeds
4. Linen
5. Parian China
6. Whiskey and Other Spirits
7. Fishing Tackle
8. Irish Music and DVDs
9. Smoked Salmon
10. A Piece of the Auld Sod!

Local Foods:

Ireland

Lincolnshire sausages, Aberdeen Angus beef or fruit, Cumberland sausage, Jersey potat, Cornish Pasties, loosest sausage and An Ulster fry.

Scotland

* A buttery, also known as a bowie or Aberdeen roll, is a savoury Scottish bread roll. They are noted for their flaky texture and buttery taste
* The Arbroath Smokie originally came from the small fishing village of Auchmithie, three miles north-east of A bride or For far bride is a Scottish type of meat pastry or pie, originally from the town of For far
* Scotland is notorious for its sweet tooth, and cakes and puddings are taken very seriously. You might have heard of Clootie Dumpling, Cranachan or Atholl Brose
* Cullen Skink is a thick Scottish soup made of smoked Finnan haddock, potatoes and onions.
* The Scottish city of Dundee has a long association with marmalade.
* Finnan Haddie is smoked haddock which originated in the Aberdeen fishing village of Findon.
* Fish and chips is very popular across Scotland
* Sliced sausage remains a favourite in Scottish cooked breakfasts and is often eaten in a bread roll. It can be pork or beef or a mixture of the two.
* Rowan berries can be made into a slightly bitter jelly which in Scotland is traditionally eaten as A Scotch pie
* Bannock is bread the same thickness as a scone. It is a form of flat cake, baked on a griddle and popular in Scotland

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Friday, 29 November 2013 09:25

South Florida vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip including visas and passports

Written by

Trip Tips and What To Pack
South Florida Vacations

Passport and Visa

Foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States for leisure or tourism are normally eligible to receive a B-2 Tourist Visa. B-2 Tourist Visas are "visitor visas" and are required for citizens of countries that are not included in the Visa Waiver Program. However, even citizens of countries included in the Visa Waiver Program are required to hold a valid B-2 visa if they plan to stay in the United States for longer than 90 days, change status to another nonimmigrant visa, or adjust status to permanent resident (Green Card) after entering the country.

Local Currency:

The Eastern part of Florida (which includes all the major towns and cities) fall in the Eastern Time Zone, which is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-5). .

Like most states in the US, Daylight Saving Time (DST) is observed in Florida, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour, resulting in a 4 hours and 5 hours difference behind GMT for the Eastern and Western part of Florida respectively. After the summer months the time is shifted back by 1 hour resulting in the normal time difference behind GMT .

Electric Plugs:

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the United States of America usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

South Florida Weather:

South Folorida features a tropical rainforest climate with little seasonal variation in temperature.

Summers (wet season) are from May through October and are hot, humid, and wet with average high temperatures of 86–90 °F (30–32 °C) and lows of 71–76 °F (22–24 °C). During this period, more than half of summer days may bring afternoon or evening thunderstorms. .

Winters (dry season) are from November through April and are warm and mostly dry with average high temperatures of 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) and lows of 59–67 °F (15–19 °C). There occasional cold fronts during this period and rare freezes do occur every few years.

Shopping in South Florida

Fort Lauderdale

Discover the convenience and the value of shopping in everything from boutiques to department stores in Greater Fort Lauderdale. There are special shopping tours for groups and local shuttle buses from the beach. You can shop at The Galleria by Water Taxi. visit Sawgrass Mills, the world's largest discount and entertainment mall and the Swap Shop, South's largest flea market, and Festival Flea Market, a quarter-mile long shopper's paradise, are just a few of the venues to begin your retail therapy. Translated "the waves" in Spanish, Las Olas Blvd. is known as Greater Fort Lauderdale's "style mile," lined with independently owned boutiques and is a stop along Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi system.

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy in South Florida

Taking gifts back for friends and family is an important part of your South Florida vacation. Here is a suggestion of gifts you could take back home.

1. T shirt, Florida novelties and tacky souvenirs
2. Cheap hat, or sun glasses
3. tacky fridge magnet
4. dried out starfish
5. inflatable flamingo
6. Kleenex covers covered with shells
7. napkin holders and spoon rests with shells embedded in resin
8. Three image Florida gift mug
9. Florida flamingo fridge magnet
10. Tote

Local South Florida Foods

In Las Olas, there are some great restaurants you might personally love (since there are so many good places would make you personally skip the chains like Cheesecake Factory). Sitting outside to people-watch definitely adds to the experience!

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

North America Travel and vacation Information

North America Vacations for 18 - 35 Year Old
North America Singles Vacations for 35+
North America Destination Information

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Friday, 29 November 2013 09:24

Cancun vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip

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Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Cancun Singles Vacations

Visa and Passports

For USA and Canadian citizena a passport is needed to enter Mexico. Upon arrival in Mexico you will need to produce an up to date passport plus a visitor’s permit which is now known as the FMM “Forma Migratoria Multiple”. This form is provided free of charge by your travel agent, airline or at point of entry. As before, passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. If you’re visiting Mexico from the US or Canada, this applies to you.

Immigration will check your documents and stamp and process the form, handing you back the right-hand portion, which you must keep and surrender when you leave Mexico. If you lose this form, you will have to go to the immigration desk at the airport and may have to pay a fine for another one, so it is best to attach it to your passport so it cannot be misplaced.

Mexico Visa Policy permits citizens of the countries listed below to travel to Mexico without a visa. (FMTTV):
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,Greece, Hong Kong,Hungary, Irland, Island, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lienchtestein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweeden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Urugay, USA,Venezuela
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - http://www.sre.gob.mx/

Local Currency

The official currency in Cancun is the Mexican peso but American dollars are also widely accepted. Banks are open Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm but there are exchange houses found all over Cancun that are open much later.

Time

Cancun time zone is six hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight Saving Time begins on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October.

Electric Plugs

The standard Cancun electricity supply is 110 volts. Hotels usually offer voltage converters for 220 volt devices. Many sockets do not accept polarized or three-prong plugs so it is recommended that you bring your own adapter but you can usually buy these in the hotel shop.

Weather

Cancun weather boasts year round sunshine making it ideal for a vacation at any time of year. Cancun weather is tropical and humid with year round sunshine. The temperature ranges from 20° to 30° C (68° to 86° F) from October through to March and from 22° to 33° C (75° a 91° F) from April to September.

What to Pack for Your Cancun Vacation

* One suitcase and an overnight bag are allowed – please check with individual airlines for weight limits.
* Sun block of at least 15 SPF – Lip balm Lip balm – Beach hat / Visor
* Beach bag, sunglasses
* Bathing suits and cover ups
* Tank Tops, Underwear, socks
* A t-shirt to wear while snorkeling, so you don’t get a sunburned back.
* Cheap blow-up air mattress for floating in the pool or ocean.
* Baby powder, great for getting the sand off your feet.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Phone

How to dial a Cancun Landline
XXX: International Access Code
+52 : Country Code for the United States
Area code: 998
Local telephone number: 7 digits

How to dial a Cancun Mobile
XXX: International Access Code
+52: Country Code for the United States
Mobile Number : 10 digits

Shopping

As one of the world’s premier tourist destinations the shopping in Cancun is as impressive as one would imagine. You will find everything from ultra-chic designer stores and famous brand names, to flea markets and souvenir shops selling Mexican local handcrafts. Cancun shopping is duty free so you can find some real bargains on cosmetics and fine jewellery.

There are many shopping malls in Cancun all offering the avid shopper a real treat. Here is a list of just some of the great places to go if you fancy shopping in Cancun whether it be for a new designer outfit for yourself or a gift to take home to your loved ones

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy In Cancun, Mexico

1. Kahlua and pure vanilla extract. (sold separately, of course.)
2. Wind chimes
3. Pottery
4. During Christmas season - few Christmas ornaments
5. Mexican/Maya Handcrafts
6. Silver and various jewelry items
7. T-shirt
8. Leather workings
9. Food/Silver wares
10. Fridge Magnet

Local Foods

The traditional dishes that you can enjoy when you visit the beautiful beaches of Cancun include Pescado a la Tikin-Xic, fish prepared with annatto, sour orange, peppers, tomatoes, red onions, and spices. This fish is usually grilled over charcoal, wrapped in banana leaf, and bathed in beer and olive oil.

Another delight are the famous Kibis, baked wheat balls stuffed with cheese or meat with chopped onion and habanero chili or sour orange slices. This particular snack with Arabic influence is offered in glass cases at Playa Delfines (where you can taste your kibis while admiring the turquoise blue sea) or near shopping centers.

North America Travel and vacation Information

North America Vacations for 18 - 35 Year Old
North America Singles Vacations for 35+
North America Destination Information

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Friday, 29 November 2013 05:36

Machu Picchu vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip including visas and passports

Written by

Trip Tips and What to Pack For Your
Machu Picchu Singles Vacation by Train

Passport and Visas

Northen Americans and citizens of the European Union do not need visas to enter Peru. If you are from a citizen of a different country you can check the Peru Consualate's website for visa requirements.

Local Currency

The local currency is Nuevos Soles but US dollars are widely accepted. 1 Nuevo Sol is divided into 100 Céntimo. ATMs will be available in all cities just remember you will need your pin code. Do not change money with street changers.

Most establishments accept credit cards, including Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express.. When using a credit card, make sure you are charged the right amount for your purchase. Visa is the most widely accepted card in Peru. If you are planning on using your credit cards then you should call the credit card companys and let them know that you are traveling to Peru.

Language

Peru has two official languages: Spanish and Quechua. English is spoken at most hotels, tourist attractions and shops.

Local Time

Peru is 5 hours behind GMT (Greenwich mean time), which is the same time as Eastern Standard Time in the United states.. Peru does not observe daylight savings time.

Electric Plugs

The electric system of Peru works on 220 volts. So check your equipment (phone and camera chargers, hair dryers, flat irons. In most hotel bathrooms there is an electrical outlet with 110 volts for electric shavers but not to be used for irons or hairdryers. Purchase a converter/adaptor before you leave home.

Peru Weather

The high altitude of Machu Picchu makes for mild temperatures with the average ranging between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with only slight variations throughout the year. Machu Picchu is almost always surrounded by fog. November to April is the rainy season, although daily short showers are common thoughout the year. Peak tourist season corresponds with dry season in July and August when the nights are cool and the days are generally dry. January and February are the rainiest months, and many people visit the area in November and April to avoid the heaviest crowds.

The tempertaure can vary from hot during the day to cold at night – so be prepared. It can get rather chilly in the shade, thus you should always keep a warm garment with you when you're out and about.

What to Pack for Your Peru Vacation

The key to packing for a vacation to Peru is to pack for a variety of conditions while keeping the weight to a minimum. Easier said than done when you have to deal with the heat of the high altitude and the cold mountain nights. The best way to deal with these changes is to dress using layers.

You have to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures. It would be ideal to bring along a sweater, mittens and a wind-jacket, inside a small backpack. During the day, you can wear long sleeve cotton shirts and comfortable trousers to move around easily. During the dry season (May-November), the sun forces you to wear sunglasses and a hat, and apply sunscreen.

If you are taking a medium or large suitcase on your vacation, then you should also have a carryon bag for the overnight trip to Machu Picchu. The larger suitcase will remain at the Cusco hotel. What you should have in your overnight bag:

Insect repellent - insects and mosquitoes appear during sunny days, and their bites can produce skin irritation.
Raincoat, umbrella, and plastic bags to protect your camera, cell phone, and other valuables from getting wet.
Sunblock, sun hat, and sunglasses: the sun can be very strong at Machu Picchu and there is little shade.
Good walking shoes as you will be climbing steps and walking on uneven stone paths.
A swim suit if you want to visit the famed thermal baths of Aguas Calientes. You can purchase or rent a towel at one of the many shops along the way.
If you are a light sleeper you might want earplugs, many of the Machu Picchu hotels are not well insulated.
Don't forget your Altitude medication.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Phone Service

When dialing Peru from overseas dial your country's international access code 001 followed by the country code (51), followed by the regional code (see below) minus the initial 0, followed by the number.

Regional codes for the largest cities:-
01 Lima
084 Cusco
084 Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)
056 Nasca

Shopping in Peru

Peru is one of the top shopping destinations in South America and known for local crafts and artwork. Small shops line the streets with handmade alpaca clothes, woven items and pottery. Items purchased in shops and restaurants have fixed prices and usually cannot be bargained for. However, items on the street or in the market are bargainable.

Outdoor markets are very popular with locally made items laid out and bargaining is the norm. Traditional Peruvian items are very colorful and unique. Lima and Cusco have the best shopping for touristy souvenirs, with reasonable prices and the most variety.

Before you start shopping have enough nuevo sol coins and small denomination bills with you. Large bills can be hard to use as many shops won’t have enough change to give you. Some shopkeepers will just refuse to accept large bills, especially if what you are buying is inexpensive. Others will send someone to find change, which can take awhile.

Local Foods

reflects local cooking practices and ingredients—and, through immigration, influences from Spain, China, Italy, West Africa, and Japan. Due to a lack of ingredients from their home countries, immigrants to Peru modified their traditional cuisines by using ingredients available in Peru. The three traditional staples of Peruvian cuisine are corn, potatoes, and ajies (chili). These ingredients have been combined with a number of staples brought by the Spanish, such as rice, wheat and meat (such as beef, pork and chicken). Many traditional foods—such as quinoa, kiwicha,chili peppers, and several roots and tubers have increased in popularity in recent decades, reflecting a revival of interest in native Peruvian foods and culinary techniques.

Important Local Information

* Travelers should drink only bottled water, which is widely available. Do not drink tap water, even in major hotels.
* It is customary in many Indian populated areas to give a small tip to the subject of your photographs.
* Public toilets are rarely available except in restaurants, bars and at railway stations. Toilet paper is not always provided so you should carry tissues.

Altiitude Sickness

You will be visiting cities high above sea level, like Cuzco (11,000 feet ) and Lake Titicaca (13,000 feet), shortness of breath and heart pounding are normal, given the scarcity of oxygen. Some travelers may experience headache, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue and nausea. The best advice is to rest on your first day to get accustomed to the altitude. Drink plenty of liquids, including the local remedy: coca leaf tea (It’s perfectly legal). Avoid alcohol and eat lightly.

Check with your doctor to see if you can avoid altitude sickness by taking 500 mg a day of acetazolamide (Diamox) taken 24 hours before departure and continued up to 48 hours after arrival to the high altitude cities. Acetazolamide should not be taken persons allergic to sulfa drugs.

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Friday, 22 November 2013 05:47

Vietnam vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip including visas and passports

Written by

Vietnam Travel Information, Tips and More

Country Information

Located on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is shaped like the letter “S”. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.

With over 4,000-years of history, Vietnam has many valuable architectural monuments and there are more than 3,000 relics and landscapes classified national heritage. In addition there are over tens of millions of valuable antiques and national treasures being preserved and on display all over the country.

The photo opportunities are endless as we travel past landscape dotted with rice paddies and water buffalo. Bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles fill the wide city avenues, which make crossing an experience. Expect to find bargains everywhere and anticipate tasting a new and unique cuisine. See daily rituals and traditions performed for hundreds of years.

Passport and Visas:

All travelers need a visa to visit Vietnam except citizens of certain Asian and Nordic countries.

You can get the visa by visiting a Vietnam Embassy and processing time is about 1 week. The easiest way to get your visa is the On Arrival / E-visa. You will need to fill out an "Online Application Form", pay a service fee and you should get your "Visa approval letter" within 2 working days, by either email or fax. Copies of the same document will be forwarded on your behalf to Vietnam Immigration checkpoints at the International Airports.

You can google Vietnam Visas or here are a few links - http://www.myvietnamvisa.com/ or http://www.getvisavietnam.com/ to get you started.

Take that letter along with at least 2 photos of standard passport size with you to either the Hanoi airport or Ho Chi Minh airport upon arrival. When you arrive in Vietnam, the Immigration officers will have those documents. The entire procedure should take about 15 minutes.

Vietnamese visa-on-arrival fee includes both the approval letter fee and stamping fee at Vietnam airport. As of 2016, the stamping fee is $25 for single entry visa (both 1 month and 3 month type) and $50 for multiple entry visa (both 1 month and 3 month type). Price is in US dollars and may change with advanced notice.

Weather

Vietnam has 3 regions, the North, Center and South and each region has distinct climates.

* The north is hot and extremely humid and receives heavy rain from June – August. Winter is from November until March and is cool and damp.

* The center is warm throughout the year and the rainy season occurs from August or September until December. The center often receives storms during October and November.

* The south has 2 seasons, one dry and the other wet. The wet season last from June until October, but the summer storms rarely last more than a few hours.

Time

Vietnam Standard Time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 12 hours ahead of EST / 15 hours ahead of PST

Currency

The official currency is the Vietnam dong (d), but the US dollar is pretty widely accepted. In tourist centers, most hotels will accept either, while other businesses may prefer dong.

1 USD = 22,675.74 VND or 0.000044 VND = 1 USD

Paper notes include: VND 500,000; 200,000; 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 2,000; 1,000 and 500.
Coins include VND 5,000; 2,000; 1,000; 500 and 200, but they are no longer used.

It’s a good idea to check that any big dollar bills you plan on exchanging do not have any small tears or look too tatty, as no-one will accept them in Vietnam.

Many travellers are concerned by the safety of their money when travelling, and travellers cheques are popular for those who do not like carrying around cash or cards. Sadly, it can be quite difficult to cash travellers cheques in Vietnam and many major hotels will only exchange currency for current residents.

You’ll find several ATMs at Vietnam’s major airports. They’re also plentiful around city streets and next to convenience stores, bars and restaurants. Vietcombank has the most ATMs in Vietnam. A number of international banks also have ATMs across the country. These include ANZ, Citibank and HSBC. ATMs in Vietnam use six-digit PINs. If your PIN is four digits long, you can usually get around this by adding two zeros in front. However, it’s best to ask your bank about this. Also, it is a good idea to let your bank know when you’ll be in Vietnam, so they won’t flag your transactions as suspicious and freeze your card.

Electric Plugs

Most plugs in Vietnam are still the two-prong electric plug variety, so you will need to use a plug adapter to adapt three-prong electronics to two-prongs. The more modern hotels may use the British style three-prong plugs.

Tipping

Tipping is not part of the culture in Vietnam, and you are not required to tip anywhere. There will be a service charge for more upscale restaurants. People more accustomed to receiving tips are tour guides and in Western style hotels.

On a private tours, tip your tour guide around 3-5 dollars per day per traveller. Also, be sure to tip your driver as well. One to two dollars should be sufficient. Also, you can buy small gifts for your tour guide or driver in lieu of tipping.

Cuisine

Because Vietnam is a typical wet rice country, rice is strongly worshipped here. Visitors to Vietnam will be amazed with the number of dishes made from rice: steamed rice (com) in daily meals, glutinous rice cake (square cake or banh chung), rice noodle, rice vermicelli, steamed rice pancakes (banh cuon) and many other ones. A common fish sauce bowl is also a a staple at most meals.. Even though steamed rice, fish sauce, pho and square cakes are symbolic dishes of Vietnam, each city, province, district, commune and village has its own unique special dishes.

Vat Refund

VAT refund for purchases by foreigners when leaving Viet Nam has been officially implemented in 9 international border gates, including Noi Bai International Airport (Ha Noi), Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang City), Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa Province), Phu Quoc International Airport (Kien Giang Province), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang International Seaport (Da Nang City), Nha Trang International Seaport (Khanh Hoa Province), Khanh Hoi International Seaport (Ho Chi Minh City), Ben Dam Con Dao Seaport (Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province).

When purchasing goods in stores with VAT refund, you must present a valid passport (original) to receive an invoice and the VAT refund declaration form

Before doing the procedures to check in luggage, visitors must present passport, invoice cum VAT refund declaration form (originals) and VAT refunded goods to customs authority at goods checking counters, so that customs official stamps “Checked”;

At the VAT refund counters in the restricted areas of the airport, you need to present your passport (original), boarding pass, invoice with the VAT refund declaration form stamped “Checked”.
VAT refund amount will be 85% of the VAT amount noted in the invoice and VAT refund declaration form;

VAT refund currency: VND; then exchange the VND to your preferred currency at the VAT refund counters according to the current exchange rate.

Wifi

Believe it or not, it is a lot easier to find a free wireless network hotspots in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City than major cities in North America. In Vietnam, visitors can get free access to the Internet at most coffee shops, Fast food franchises, hotels and office buildings.

Water

Do not drink from the taps. Always use bottled water. Ice in most restaurant is made with clean water and is safe.

Traffic Safety

Vietnamese drivers think the white lines in the road are for decoration. Pedestrians are reasonably safe but do be aware that motorbikes will mount the pavement should traffic be dense, and frequently travel the wrong way down a street, driving on both the left and right sides of the road, so please make sure you are looking around you as you walk the streets and before you cross the road.

Etiquette

When visiting Buddhist pagodas, dress conservatively and remove shoes before entering. It’s also considered impolite to have your back facing Buddha statues. Donations for the upkeep of temples are welcomed but not expected. Always ask for permission before photographing people or places of worship.

Water Puppet Show

Water puppetry is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today's Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large bamboo rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.

Shopping

Shopping is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture during your time in Vietnam holiday. Here you can find unique handicrafts, food items, and apparel at relatively affordable prices. Whenever shopping at local markets, art galleries, and craft centres, it’s wise to take your time searching for good Vietnamese souvenirs and gifts. Bargaining (at least 75% lower than the retail price) is a must for better deals as vendors often charge higher for tourists. Locally produced coffee, conical hats and dipping sauces can be found in most markets, but if you’re looking to purchase authentic Vietnamese silk, jewellery and antiques, make sure you’ve done your research and shop in a reputable store.

Vietnamese coffee beans can be found just about anywhere in Vietnam, from local markets and quaint cafes to shopping malls and international airports. Hanoi is the place for coffee, where you can get a 2.2 pound bag of whole or ground Robusta beans for about $4 USD.

Vietnam is a producer of Akoya cultured pearls. Many farms are located in region around the Halong Bay in northern Vietnam. Akoya cultured pearl encountered at a pearl farm in the Halong Bay, Vietnam. Saigon Pearls widely known as the best place in Vietnam for authentic pearls and jewellery.

Silk in Vietnam is made from the cocoons of silkworms using manual looms, and comes in a variety of patterns and colors. You can find plenty of fashion boutiques and souvenir shops selling shirts, ties, accessories, and dresses at relatively affordable prices. Unfortunately, counterfeit goods are very common in Vietnam, so if the price is too good beware.

Purchasing a conical hat may seem silly, but it’s one of the most practical items for travelling, especially during Asia’s downpours and hot summers. Also known as non la, these hats have been around since the 18th century and are typically handwoven using bamboo, palm leaves, and the bark of Moc trees.

Lacquerware is a traditional form of craftsmanship commonly used on furniture, dishes, bowls, vases and paintings, which takes up to four months to produce.

Hand embroidery in Vietnam often depicts natural scenes and wildlife. If you have time you can have you can create your own design.

Snake wine is very popular in Vietnam, and is produced by infusing whole snakes (mostly venomous ones) in a glass jar of rice wine. A popular souvenir, you can find one sold at most markets and touristy shops for about USD25. Locals believe that drinking snake wine helps increase one’s virility and alleviate rheumatism, though those claims have yet to be verified by professionals.

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Thursday, 21 November 2013 11:42

Start Packing For Your Singles Cruise and Tips on what to bring

Written by mgkawUF admin mgkawUF

Booked Your Singles Cruise and Not Sure What to Pack?
No Worries!

It is never too early to start planning and packing for your singles cruise. Half the fun of your vacation is dreaming about the days to come, so why not get organized at the same time. Do not wait till the last minute, rushing around is the quickest and easiest way to forget things,

Gather all your vacation documents in one location (print them out as you get them). These should include; airline e-tickets, cruise documents, passport and visas (if applicable), personal identification documents, medical and travel insurance and a list of your prescription drugs (just in case).

Pack only one one medium sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. There is little storage space in a cruise cabin and you don’t want to be stepping over luggage while trying to get dressed. Pack a beach bag for the pool and to carry any items you will need or purchase while onshore.

Most suitcases can take a while to be delivered to your ship's cabin, so pack a bathing suit and dinner attire in your carry-on bag so you can enjoy all the onboard activities right away and not have to wait for your luggage. Always carry your important medications and toiletries in your carry-on.

Whether onboard the ship or at a port of call, daytime is for casual clothing, so pack accordingly. With limited space in your cabin pack clothes that work in layers and in the same color combinations; like black, white and gray, or white, khaki and tan. Keep your accessories such as earrings, necklaces, shoes, and bags in the same colors and your outfits will be easy to mix and match.

Evening wear varies from casual resort one night to formal another and men are not permitted to wear shorts, baseball caps and tank tops in the dining room. Most cruise lines allow you to wear jeans in the dining room on casual nights, but not on formal nights. There are usually one or two formal nights during a singles cruise and some singles enjoy getting dressed up while others are more casual, the choice is yours.
cruise ship png
Celebrity Cruises Dress Code

All cruises that are 7 nights or longer will feature two Evening Chic nights. Any cruise 6-nights or shorter will feature one Evening Chic night. The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening.

Formal Night gets a modern luxury reboot. While dressier than Smart Casual, Evening Chic is intended to be less dressy than Formal attire. Evening Chic means that you can get glamorous and be sophisticated in your own way. If you would like to still wear a tuxedo or formal gown on Evening Chic nights, you absolutely should. Guests are asked to follow the Smart Casual or Evening Chic dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.

Women should feel comfortable wearing: A cocktail dress, skirt, pants or designer jeans with an elegant top

Men should feel comfortable wearing: Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweater - Optional sport coat or blazer

Smart Casual attire can be enjoyed every other night of your cruise.

Women should feel comfortable wearing: Skirt, pants or jeans with a casual top

Men should feel comfortable wearing: Pants or jeans with a short sleeve sport shirt.

Note: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurant at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed in the evening hours. The dress code will be enforced at all restaurants.

Norweigan Cruise Line

Each person is allowed up to two pieces of personal luggage on board, with each piece weighing a maximum of 50 pounds. However, if passengers are traveling by air, they need to check with the airline for specific restrictions.

When it comes to what to wear, you can go resort casual or get decked-out and look your best - it’s your call. That’s the freedom of Freestyle Cruising. We even have special “Dress-Up or Not Night.”

Cruise Casual: the Freedom of Freestyle Cruising Dress cruise casual anytime during the day, in the buffet and in most specialty restaurants. For women, it includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. Swimwear is acceptable at the buffet and outdoor restaurant, but a shirt or a cover-up and footwear are required. Be sure to pack a sweater — the air conditioning can be chilly. Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear nice shorts in all our restaurants.

Please Note: We want you to be comfortable, but tank tops for men, flip flops, baseball caps, visors and jeans that are overly faded, with holes or tears and worn below the hips are not permitted in main dining rooms or specialty restaurants. Ready for Adventure: Shore Excursions Think about the shore excursions you'll be taking and pack accordingly, including comfy walking shoes, it's good to pack a pair of closed-toed shoes.

All Decked-out: Smart Casual Dress smart casual in our more formal dining room or in our more upscale specialty restaurants. For women, it includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. For men, it's jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes. Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear nice shorts in all our restaurants.

Special Events: Theme Nights and Parties, Norwegian's Night Out, is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up for an evening of cocktails, fine dining and great entertainment. You may also want to pack an all-white ensemble for our iconic White Hot Party.

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Wednesday, 20 November 2013 11:00

Hawaii vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip including visas and passports

Written by

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Hawaii Singles Vacation

Passport and Visas
Since Hawaii is in the United States, you won’t need to bring your passport unless you’re visiting from Canada or any other country. Hawaii is different than flying to many other destinations, aboard your flight you will be required by state law to fill out an agricultural declaration form.

Money
Hawaii's currency is the US dollar. Traveler's checks aren't necessary since credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines are plentiful. Don't worry if you forget something. Hawaii's retail stores and malls have everything you need, including plenty of sunscreen.

Time
Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), which is 5 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time.

Phone
The area code for the state of Hawaii is 808

Electric Plugs
Electric power is standardized in all states across the USA. It is set at 110 Volts and 60 cycles. The pins of the US power socket are flat and parallel. Earth is half round. If you bring any electrical appliance to the USA, you may need an adaptor to fit the US electrical receptacles. You may also need a converter to change the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts.

Weather
The average temperature in Hawaii is between 75?-85? F. Summer, between April and November is warmer and drier while winter, between December and March, is a bit cooler. Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round. It's warm in Hawaii, so pack your summer attire. You may want to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings.

Sun Protection
Even when the sun is hidden by clouds, protect yourself from ultra-violet rays that come through. Before venturing out for the day, it is a good idea to liberally apply sun-block with an SPF of 30 or higher, and don’t forget to reapply after swimming. You may also consider wearing a brimmed hat, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts and pants for added protection from the sun's rays.

What to Pack for Your Vacation
One suitcase and an overnight bag are allowed – please check with individual airlines for weight limits.
* Comfortable shoes, tennis shoes, sandals – we will be doing a lot of walking
* 2 - Swim trunks or swimsuit - one to wear while the other dries
* Beach cover-up and flip flops
* Mask, snorkels, fins (they are inexpensive at any sporting good stores) or you can rent in Hawaii
* Light, water-resistant jacket that will keep you warm on a cool evening or during a sudden downpour
* Shorts/Skirts/ short sleeved shirts – hot days – cooler nights – Ladies skirts and sundresses are cooler than shorts.
* Bring casual dress clothes or resort wear for experiencing Hawaii's nightlife.
* Tank Tops, Underwear, socks
* Travel-size shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and paste. Moisturizer – remember to pack in your suitcase – only 3 ounces or less allowed in carry-ons
* Contact lenses and/or extra pair of sunglasses
* Sun block of at least 15 SPF – don’t forget the lips
* Hat for the sun / Water bottle / umbrella to keep sun away
* Camera – and charger – batteries – extra memory cards
* Cell Phone/camera/ computer chargers/adaptors.
* Hair Dryers – flat irons – don’t count on all hotels having them available when you want to use them
* Chargers and Adaptors for all your electronics
* Personal medications / Anti-itch cream for insects bites
* Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea, Throat lozenges, Aspirin/Ibuprofin, Antacid tablets
* Earplugs, Eye Mask (for light sleepers)
* Plastic bags (zip lock bags and a larger trash bag) to store wet things.
* Travel alarm clock or can use cell phone
For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Shopping
With only a 4.166% excise tax on your souvenirs, leave plenty of room in your your suitcase for your trip home. Beyond the Hawaiian shirt and muumuus you’ll discover a variety of unique local items including Hawaiian jewelry, quilts, art, ceramics, books, and fashion. Specialty foods to take home include Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, preserves, and other snacks.

There’s actually a very good chance you can meet the artist who produced the itme you are purchasing, which makes Hawaii shopping extra special. From the bustling boulevards of Waikiki to the quaint shops, lively bazaars, and tranquil art boutiques that dot all the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll find that shopping in Hawaii is an adventure all to itself.

Local Foods
If you want to experience authentic Hawaiian meals, never go to expensive restaurants. Instead try local food like the popular Hawaii meal called the plate lunch, consisting of fried fish covered with starch, a little bit of meat with teriyaki sauce and a little salad and gravy. It looks simple but the taste is amazing. Another popular food from carts is the purple mashed Taro corm which is sweeter than a mashed potato.

The most famous local foods are the “pupu,” the Hawaiian word for appetizer and the roasted pig. A typical pupu includes ahi poke, otherwise known as “cubed” ahi. The favored method for cooking a pig involves an underground oven, or imu, layered with crushed banana leaves to create flavor and steam.

North America Travel and vacation Information

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Wednesday, 20 November 2013 09:59

Albuquerque Balloon vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip including visas and passports

Written by

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Albuquerque Singles Vacations

Visas and Passports

Anyone leaving or entering the United States will need a passport to enter the country.

Local Currency

Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico and the monetary unit is the United States Dollar. No other currency is accepted. The exchange rates are the same throughout the country and you can exchange money at a bank or an official exchange shop. The Albuquerque airport does not have a currency exchange booth.

Local Time

Albuquerque, New Mexico is in USA Mountain Standard Time that is 6 hours behind of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight saving time dates starts in March and ends in November.

Electric Plugs

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the United States supplies electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC.

If you're plugging in an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 110-120 volts the socket is supplying. If your appliance is from another part of the world, and it is built only for 220-240 volt electricity, or a Japanese appliance built for 100 volts, then a travel plug adapter by itself won't be sufficient and you will need an electric converter.

Weather

Weather is great all year round. That is the #1 reason Albuquerqueans say they live there. Expect brief-but-daily showers during parts of July and August (monsoon season), and during each and every day of the October Balloon Fiesta if you believe in Murphy's Law. Otherwise, Albuquerque has essentially two seasons:
1. Springish Summer
2. Mild Winter.

Local Phone

Area code: 505

Shopping on your albuqerque vacation

Explore Albuquerque, one of the best shopping vacations, and find an extensive array of shopping options to add a little New Mexican flair to your collection. Discover Native American quality jewelry and countless other fabulous finds in this Southwestern art Mecca. Authentic Southwestern pottery, weavings, rugs, art and more fill the picturesque adobe shops and galleries of historic Old Town, often at prices that put other Southwestern cities to shame. Wherever you shop, from traditional Southwestern art galleries to contemporary boutiques, you are sure to find a treasure that will bring back wonderful memories of your visit to Albuquerque, the best shopping destination, for years to come.

Albuquerque's major shopping districts are Historic Old Town, Nob Hill, Downtown and Uptown.

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy In Albuquerque, New Mexico

Taking gifts back for friends and family is an important part of your Albuquerque Singles Vacation. Here is a suggestion of gifts you could take back home.

1. Native American turquoise jewelry
2. Native American dream catcher
3. Native American Flute CD
4. Bottle Cap Art Magnet
5. Native American turquoise crafts
6. Pinon incense holder in the shape of a traditional Native American wooden outdoor oven.
7. Mini Pueblo Pottery Wedding Case
8. Wooden Boxes
9. Balloon Pin
10. Albuquerque Isotopes Pendant

Local new mexico Foods

Rich and nutty, specialty flavors like Biscochito and Pinion Chocolate are also available from the New Mexico Pinion Coffee Company.

Enjoy authentic New Mexican flavor with a variety of salsas, red or green chile sauces, canned diced green chiles or if you don't want to bring liquids try chile powder or dehydrated Green Chile Stew. Wide varieties are available at area grocery stores and other stores throughout the city.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

North America Travel and vacation Information

North America Vacations for 18 - 35 Year Old
North America Singles Vacations for 35+
North America Destination Information

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Wednesday, 20 November 2013 07:28

Israel vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip including visas and passports

Written by

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Israel Singles Vacation

Israel Country Information

The State of Israel has approximately 7.4 million inhabitants.

Israel is located in Southwest Asia between the Mediterranean and the deserts of Syria and Arabia. The country's geographical borders are the Mediterranean to the West, the Jordan Valley Rift to the East, the mountains of Lebanon to the North with Eilat Bay the most southern tip.

Passport and Visa

Visas are not required for US and Canadian citizens. To enter Israel, a passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required by all nationals.

Currency

New Shekel (ILS; symbol ?) = 100 agorot (singular, agora). Notes are in denominations of ?200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of ?10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.

Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted, but many small establishments - shops and restaurants only accept cash. It is advisable to ask merchants if they accept credit cards before trying to purchase items

Time

Israel is on Israel Daylight Time (IDT).
7 Hours ahead of EST / 10 Hours ahead of PST.

Electric Plugs

Israel uses what is called a "H" type plug. This plug, which is unique to Israel, has two flat prongs that form a V-shape and a flat vertical grounding prong at the bottom. They are rated at 16A. Type H outlets (sockets) are so shaped as to accommodate type C plugs as well.. You will need an adapter plug and you can purchase these at Radio Shack or Brookstone.

Weather

There are two seasons in Israel, winter and summer. The winter is colder with showers and the summer is hot. There are different climates throughout Israel changing from the more humid areas near the seashore (such as Tel Aviv) to the drier mountain areas (such as Jerusalem). The low areas such as the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee can get very hot.

What to Pack for Your Israel Vacation

One suitcase and an overnight bag are allowed – please check with individual airlines for weight limits.

**It is going to be warmer during the day and cool at night. In some of the Temples/churches — there is a strict dress code that forbids shorts, skirts above the knee, and bare shoulders. Please pack accordingly.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Phones

How to Call Israel
Dial 011, the international access code.
Dial the country code for Israel, 972
Dial the city code for the city you wish to call.
Dial the rest of the telephone number.

Instructions for Calling to Cell Phones in Israel
Calling a cellular phone in Israel requires that you dial an additional number. For calls from outside Israel to an Israeli cellular phone, a two-digit cellular phone prefix must be dialed between the country code and local number. The cellular phone prefixes always begin with the number 5, while the second digit depends upon the cellular phone provider. When calling a cellular phone from within Israel, just dial 0 and the cellular phone prefix before the local number

Tips for Calling Internationally from Israel
To make international calls from Israel, first dial 00, followed by the country code (1 for the U.S. and Canada), area code, and local number.

Shopping

Israel has economic ties with almost all nations in the world and manufactures a wide variety of products.

Most stores are open from Sunday to Thursday between 9:00am and 7:00pm. Some stores close between 2:00pm and 4:00pm. Shopping centers that do not cater to the religious population are open on Saturdays and others open on Saturday night or holiday nights.

VAT of 16.5% is added to all sales and services and is included in the price.

Local Foods

Israeli eating has distinctive characteristics, especially the fondness for fresh, finely chopped salads, eaten at every meal including breakfast. In general the cuisine is a fusion of East and West, plus many dishes and flavours brought by Jewish immigrants from all over the world. Most restaurants are moderately priced. Table service is the norm, except at the many low-cost snack bars. Restaurants, bars and cafés catering for tourists usually have menus in both Hebrew and English.

Some specialties: Falafel (deep-fried balls of mashed chickpeas) in a pita bread, with hummus (ground chickpeas),tahina (sesame seed sauce) and salads. Salads, which include savoury vegetable dishes served cold, such as aubergines. Ashkenazi classics like cholent (Shabbat meat stew) and gefilte fish, a white fish dish.

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

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Wednesday, 20 November 2013 06:00

Turkey vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip including visas and passports

Written by

Trip Tips and What To Pack for Your
Turkey singles vacations

Passport and Visas:

Nationals of Canada and the USA do require a visa; this is obtainable on arrival at the airport or border post for a variable fee depending on your nationality. This tourist visa allows a stay for up to three months in Turkey. This fee must be paid for in hard currency cash; euros, Japanese yen, UK pounds, or US dollars are acceptable.

Visa regulations can always change. Therefore it is wise for all nationalities to check with your travel agent or the Turkish Embassy before departing.

Money:

Travelers’ planning to exchange currency back before leaving Turkey, or making a major purchase which may need to be declared to customs, must retain transaction receipts to prove that the currency was legally exchanged.

After decades of rampant inflation, the lira is now stable. The Yeni Turk Liras? (new Turkish lira; YTL) was used between 2005 and 2008 as an anti-inflationary measure; watch out for people dumping their old-currency kurus? coins on you. Yeni Tu?rk Liras? is no longer valid, but if you have some notes and coins left over from a previous visit to Turkey, branches of Ziraat bank will exchange your ‘new’ lira for the same value of today’s lira.

ATMs dispense new Turkish lira to Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro card holders. Look for these logos on the machines; they are found in most towns. Virtually all the machines offer instructions in English, French and German. It’s possible to get around Turkey using only ATMs, provided you remember to draw out money in the towns to tide you through the villages that don’t have them, and keep some cash in reserve for the inevitable day when the machine throws a wobbly, or it’s a holiday. You can usually draw out about €350 per day.

Time:

Turkey is in Eastern European Time zone and like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Turkey Time, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).

Electric Plugs:

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets /points. Four- and five-star hotels often provide North American-style 120 volts, 60 Hz flush-mounted sockets (points) for North American flat-prong plugs.

Weather:

The summers are hot and dry as can be expected from the Mediterranean climate, winters are generally quite mild but can be wet. The eastern mountainous region of Turkey is much colder in winter and normally experiences heavy snow. The Southeast is the hottest area often reaching 45C in the summer. This region also experiences very mild and dry winters.

Peak season is from July to mid-September, when most Turks take their holidays. The best time to visit eastern Turkey is from late June to September. Don't plan to venture east before May or after mid-October unless you're prepared for snow. Try to avoid travelling during Kurban Bayrami, Turkey's most popular public holiday

What to Pack for Your Turkey Singles Vacation

One suitcase and an overnight bag are allowed – please check with individual airlines for weight limits.

* If you plan to experience a Turkish bath, bring a swim suit and water proof shoes
* Always carry a lightweight wrap to put over bare shoulders, for modesty and when visiting mosques.
* Comfortable walking shoes that can be removed easily when visiting the mosques.
* If visiting in the winter months: it can get really cold (and it snows) – take a coat, hat, warm scarf and gloves.
* In rural Turkey, women tend to dress much more modestly, so dress accordingly when visiting
* The dress code is much more relaxed at the beach, however be respectful of Muslim customs and never go topless

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Shopping:

Have fun while shopping. Bargaining a sale should be of advantage to both parties, not a trouble situation. Handle the process with a sense of delight. Perhaps, you can’t affront the vendor, and there should be nothing they say to you that you will take personally. Treat it as a game of possibility. If you have difficulties in sharing thoughts in one familiar word, you can use body movements. Many vendors have calculators to make your offer agreeable. Record your respond to make a proposal if ever the seller has some difficulties in understanding your offer.

Top Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy on vacation in Turkey

* Turkish Delight
* Evel Eye (Blue Eye)
* Leather items
* Spices
* Carpets and kilims
* Turkish ceramics
* Handmade pottery
* Onyx

Local Foods:

One is based on Ottoman’s cuisine that is less spicy, with rice and mostly seafood. Second region is Black Sea Region that serves maize dishes and the third type of cuisine fuses South Eastern cuisine, famous for its deserts an

Salad is an essential part of Turkish cuisine and people prefer to have it as a starter, before the main food. Several types of salads with dips are served in dinner as well as in lunch. A Turkish salad consists of different vegetables served with olive oil, cheese or cream. After the salad, people like to have ‘meze’ as their main course of food. A meze is an appetizer served with or without beverage. Most of them lie in the same category of starter but they can be served as a main course as well.

Overall food of Turkey is very delicious and the variety of different cuisines fused with the Turkish cuisine makes it delightfully unique. Due to its minerals rich soil and ideal weather, it produces a vast variety of culinary custom for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seafood from the Black Sea cuisine garnishes the savory of Turkish cuisine. Turkey is among those countries that have huge agricultural area and produces more food that their consumption and exports extra food which is in excess.

Istanbul

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Tuesday, 19 November 2013 05:21

Ecuador vacation packing information and tips for your singles trip including visas and passports

Written by

Trip tips and What to Pack
Ecuador Singles Vacation

Passport and Visa:

If you are a U.S. citizen wishing to enter Ecuador, you must present a U.S. passport with at least six months remaining validity. Ecuadorian immigration officials also sometimes request evidence of return or onward travel, such as an airline ticket.
Ecuador welcomes people from all over the world who wish to visit for a short period of time or to establish permanent residency. If you come to Ecuador as a tourist or on a business trip, you do not need a visa for a stay up to 90 days on a 12 month-period

Local Currency:

Ecuador’s official currency is the US dollar. If you’re not traveling from the USA, consider bringing a small supply of US dollars with you on your trip in case you have trouble exchanging currency from your home country. Western Unions are in most big cities.Euros, Peruvian pesos and Colombian nuevos soles are the easiest currencies to exchange in Ecuador.

ATMs are the easiest way of getting cash, period. They’re found in most cities and even in smaller towns, though they are occasionally out of order. Make sure you have a four-digit PIN; many Ecuadorian.

Local Time:

Ecuador is in Western South America and is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Ecuador utilizes Ecuador Time (ECT) year round.

Electric Plugs:

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Republic of Ecuador (República del Ecuador) usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC. If you're plugging in a U.S. or Canadian 120 volt appliance, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

Weather

The only thing predictable about Ecuador's weather is its unpredictability. In fact, it's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day. Generally speaking, Ecuador has two seasons, wet and dry, but in a country as geographically diverse as Ecuador, local weather patterns vary greatly.
The mainland coastal areas and the Galapagos Islands are influenced by ocean currents and are hot and rainy between January and April and cool and dryer the rest of the year.

Shopping

Shopping is a varied experience in Ecuador. From dusty, noisy animal markets to craft markets to sterile, glossy malls, there is something for everyone here. Ecuador produces an interesting array of products that can be purchased as souvenirs. Arts and crafts (in Spanish, artesanía) such as weavings, wood carvings, rugs, toys and clothes can be picked up all over Ecuador. Prices are reasonable and bargaining is encouraged.

Special to Ecuador and of note is the so-called "Panama" hats. Despite their name, their origin is Monte cristi, Ecuador. Good quality hats can be rolled up and will spring back into shape. Beware of the hats available in Otavalo market, cheap does not equate to a bargain

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy In Ecuador

Taking gifts back for friends and family is an important part of your Ecuador Singles Vacation. Here is a suggestion of gifts you could take back home.

1. The Ecuadorian Alpaca Hoodie
2. Alpaca Socks
3. Dragons Blood
4. Coffee
5. Chocolate
6. Panama Hats
7. Handmade leather goods
8. leather bags
9. decorative jewelry boxes
10. woven wall hangings

Local Foods

Traditional foods of the highland region of Ecuador are often based around potatoes, sweet corn, cheese and avocadoes. Typical dishes include llaping achos, delicious little fried patties of mashed potato and cheese, often served with a fried egg, avocado, and beetroot and sometimes sausage or pork as well. Locro is a filling potato and cheese soup.

Ecuador is known for its exotic fruits, seafood and potatoes. Some traditional dishes include seco de pollo, stewed chicken with rice and avocado; lomo salteado, beef steak covered with onions and tomatoes; and seco de chivo, goat stew with rice. Ceviche served with popcorn may well be the signature dish of Ecuador, especially along the coast. Ceviche can be made of fish (de pescado), shrimp (de camarones), shellfish (de concha), squid (de calamari) or all of the above (mixta). Encocados, seafood dishes prepared in coconut milk, are known as a delectable specialty in the Esmeraldas province.
Roasted cuy (guinea pig) is regionally popular. Guinea pigs were originally domesticated for their meat in the Andes and are an important food in some areas of Ecuador (mostly in the Sierra or highlands) and other South American countries, such as Peru, Bolivia and Colombia.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Don’t Leave Home without your Passport!

Published in Travel Resource

Monday, 18 November 2013 13:44

Traveling on a singles vacation then travel insurance is highly recommended

Written by mgkawUF admin mgkawUF

Travel Insurance is Highly Recommended!

Why Do You Need Travel Protection?
At Best Single Travel, we believe that travel protection is a great value and helps protect you and your trip investment! Travel protection plans help provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Travel Protection plans also includes 24-Hour Travel Assistance & Concierge Services*.

Whether your destination is domestic or international, we recommend that you consider purchasing travel protection. Consider the unexpected: What if you can’t leave home due to an accident, unforeseen sickness or natural disaster? Where would you go if you were injured while traveling in a foreign country? What would you do without clothing and medications if your bags were lost? What if you miss a connecting flight and become delayed for a long time?

Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition the protection plan must be purchased within 15 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit. However, the plan can be purchased any time prior to departure.

Best Single Travel works with 2 different companies and we suggest clicking on both to get the best insurance quote.
Don’t forget to include the amount of airfare in the quote.

Why is travel insurance so important?

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.

Best Single Travel works with Allianz and suggests getting a quote for travel insurance
Allianz - Travel Insurance - Enter Travel Agent ACCAM: F212583

Plans provide insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. The purchase of an insurance plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers.

Published in Travel Resource

Monday, 18 November 2013 13:23

Costa Rica vacation packing tips for your singles trip including visa and passport information

Written by

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Costa Rica Singles Vacation

Country Information

Costa Rica is located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama and is one of the most-visited international tourist destinations. The main reasons for this are the country’s tropical climate and geographical desirability, which ranges from green mountain rainforest's to gorgeous beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. A democratic and peaceful country—Costa Rica has not had an army since the year 1949—its people are friendly and highly educated.

Although Costa Rica is a small country in terms of area, there is a lot going on here in terms of weather. Though generally classified as a tropical country because of its close proximity to the equator, Costa Rica has no real summer or winter, and the sun shines here throughout the year. With over 12 hours of sunshine a day, the sun rises at about 5 am and sets at about 6 pm consistently throughout the year.
In San José and most tourist towns, the tap water is safe to drink. However, if you go to remote areas, especially on the Atlantic coast, you should drink purified water only. Best Single Travel recommends drinking bottled water at all times.

Visas

Passport-carrying nationals of the following countries are allowed 90 days’ stay with no visa: most western European countries, Argentina, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama and the USA.
Citizens of Australia, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa and Venezuela are allowed to stay for 30 days with no visa. Others require a visa from a Costa Rica embassy or consulate. These lists are subject to continual change

Other nationalities please check with your local Costa Rica Embassy.

There is a departure tax of $26 USD for visitor that is to be paid at the airport. The best way to pay this is by cash. If you choose to pay by credit card beware that this is actually debited as a cash transaction and there will be bank fees.

Costa Rica Currency

Costa Rica money is called the colon. 1 USD = 509 Colons. US dollar is accepted almost everywhere so there is no need to exchange. Prices in Costa Rica are frequently listed in US dollars, especially at upmarket hotels and restaurants, Canadian dollars are not widely accepted. Check here for currency exchange rates

ATMs are common in San Jose, but will be hard to find in smaller towns. Credit cards are widely accepted, please call your credit card company and let them know you will be traveling to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Time

All of Costa Rica is in the GMT -6 zone, which corresponds to U.S. Central Time during winter months, and U.S. Mountain Time when the U.S. is in daylight savings time. The length of days in Costa Rica varies by only half an hour between seasons, so Costa Rica does not observe daylight savings time.

Electric Plugs

Costa Rica's electricity supply is 110V AC at 60 Hz - If you're traveling from the U.S. or Canada leave the electric converters and plug adapters at home. Weather

There is not a bad time for a Costa Rica singles vacation as the average annual temperature is between 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and the coolest months of the year are November, December and January. The months March through May are the hottest months of the year, so make sure you protect yourself from the sun.

What to Pack for Your Costa Rica Vacation

Remember to pack all your liquids in your suitcase or you must follow the TSA rules for carry-ons - 3-1-1 = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger

One easily managed medium suitcase (bus to boat…) and 1 carry on bag. Some days you will be out all day so bring a small bag or knapsack that you can carry all day.

If you are planning on washing clothes as you go, be aware that laundries are few and far between in Costa Rica, but you can hand wash a few items (things like jeans can take forever to dry). Some of the hotels have laundry services—expect to pay a buck or two per item.

Water is another consideration when planning your wardrobe. Cloud and rainforest's have little regard for phrases like “dry season.” It may not rain during your visit, but the saturating humidity dripping from the leaves and the spray from the inevitable waterfall will make you glad for quick-drying garments.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here

Documents
* Passport and your emergency contact should have a copy
* Money, credit/debit card – don’t forget to call the banks and let them know you are traveling
* Insurance card and contact information

Miscellaneous
* Insect repellent with DEET (diethyl-metatoluamide)
* Contact lenses and/or extra pair of sunglasses
* Sun block of at least 15 SPF - the tropical sun is strong
* Water bottle
* Camera – and charger – batteries – lots of film or extra memory cards
* Binoculars for animal viewing
* Flashlight with extra batteries for night exploring
* Chargers and Adaptors for all your electronics - if needed (see above)
* Earplugs (for light sleepers)
* Plastic bags – for wet clothes
* Travel alarm clock or use your mobile phone

Phone & Internet

Calling Costa Rica from the United States explained
• 011 - US exit code; must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or Canada
• 506 - Country Code for Costa Rica
• phone number - 8 digits
• US to Costa Rica international dialing format: 011 + 506 + 2??? ????

Celll Phone Service - We recommend checking with your individual cell phone carrier to see if your phone will work in Costa Rica and check the international rates for both phone and data. You will have limited phone and Internet service in Tortuguero. There should be readily available Internet in the other parts of the country.
Costa Rica is more known for its adventure activities then for its shopping. Shopping for souvenirs and other items can range from local markets offering traditional goods to large stores and gift shops. Prices at regular shops are fixed and bargaining is uncommon.

Costa Rica Shopping

Coffee is the best buy in Costa Rica. Buy whole beans and not the ground ones. Packaged grinds are much finer than US grinds and more often contain sugar mixed in with the ground coffee. For the best deal, buy coffee beans in the grocery stores.

Costa Rican woodcarvings, mostly bowls, napkin holders and elegant art pieces are good buys.
Local Foods

Costa Rican cuisine is known for being flavorful, yet fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruit and vegetables. Rice and beans are the bases of most Costa Rican meals. At breakfast, they're called gallo pinto and come with everything from eggs to steak to seafood. At lunch or dinner, rice and beans are an integral part of a casado, usually consisting of cabbage-and-tomato salad, fried plantains (a starchy, banana-like fruit), and a chicken, fish, or meat dish. On the Caribbean coast, rice and beans are called rice 'n' beans, and are cooked in coconut milk.

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Travel Resource (104)

Trip Tips and What to PackEastern Europe Singles Vacations

Passports and Visas:

Local Currency:

Electric Plugs

Weather

What to Pack for Your Vacation

Shopping

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy in Eastern Europe - Czecho-Slovakia, Poland & Hungary

Local Foods

Europen Travel and vacation Information

Trip Tips and What to Pack for YourIreland and Scotland Singles Vacations

Passport and Visas:

Ireland

Local Money:

Ireland

Scotland

Time:

Ireland

Scotland

Electric Plugs

Ireland

Scotland

Weather

Ireland

Scotland

What to Pack for Your Vacation

Shopping:

Ireland

Scotland

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gift in Scotland

Local Foods:

Ireland

Scotland

Trip Tips and What To PackSouth Florida Vacations

Passport and Visa

Local Currency:

Electric Plugs:

South Florida Weather:

Shopping in South Florida

Fort Lauderdale

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy in South Florida

Local South Florida Foods

North America Travel and vacation Information

Trip Tips and What to Pack for YourCancun Singles Vacations

Visa and Passports

Local Currency

Time

Electric Plugs

Weather

What to Pack for Your Cancun Vacation

Phone

Shopping

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy In Cancun, Mexico

Local Foods

North America Travel and vacation Information

Trip Tips and What to Pack For YourMachu Picchu Singles Vacation by Train

Passport and Visas

Local Currency

Language

Local Time

Electric Plugs

Peru Weather

What to Pack for Your Peru Vacation

Phone Service

Shopping in Peru

Trip Tips and What to Pack
Eastern Europe Singles Vacations

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Ireland and Scotland Singles Vacations

Trip Tips and What To Pack
South Florida Vacations

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Cancun Singles Vacations

Trip Tips and What to Pack For Your
Machu Picchu Singles Vacation by Train

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Hawaii Singles Vacation

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Albuquerque Singles Vacations

Trip Tips and What to Pack for Your
Israel Singles Vacation

Trip Tips and What To Pack for Your
Turkey singles vacations

Trip tips and What to Pack
Ecuador Singles Vacation