The tiny country of Andorra is host to 11 million travelers each year. Here’s how they get there:
According to the CIA World Factbook, Andorra is a small country located between France and Spain and has a population of just over 71,000. Tourism is the country’s main industry, and its duty-free status and summer and winter resorts draw millions of visitors each year.
The catch? You can’t fly directly to Andorra. According to a recent Travel Q&A article from the New York Times, you can only enter the country by road or helicopter. The closest international airports are in Toulouse, France (115 miles away) and Barcelona, Spain (125 miles away). The article notes that daily buses run between these airports and Andorra.
More detailed travel recommendations can be found in the article. Visit our country page for Andorra for more information about the country.
January 22, 2007
January 17, 2007
Don’t get scammed when converting currency in Cuba
Can you tell the different between convertible and non-convertible pesos in Cuba?
The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is the unit of currency used by travelers and is separate from the regular peso. How can you tell the difference? Look for the words “peso convertibles” on the front or back of the bill.
You can only convert your currency once you arrive, but don’t take your US dollars! According to various government advice sources they are no longer accepted as payment, and there is a 10% commission to exchange them. Other foreign currencies, including the Euro and the Canadian dollar, can be exchanged without the commission.
A note of caution: Government advice recommends only converting your cash at reliable and recognized facilities, and stick to denominations of less than 100 (which are commonly counterfeit).
The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is the unit of currency used by travelers and is separate from the regular peso. How can you tell the difference? Look for the words “peso convertibles” on the front or back of the bill.
You can only convert your currency once you arrive, but don’t take your US dollars! According to various government advice sources they are no longer accepted as payment, and there is a 10% commission to exchange them. Other foreign currencies, including the Euro and the Canadian dollar, can be exchanged without the commission.
A note of caution: Government advice recommends only converting your cash at reliable and recognized facilities, and stick to denominations of less than 100 (which are commonly counterfeit).
January 15, 2007
American travelers to set record this year
A travel article featured on CNN.com reports that a record number of Americans will be traveling over the Christmas holidays.
According to a survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association and the AAA, a record 65 million Americans will take journeys of at least 50 miles from home over the period of December 23 to January 2. The majority of travelers – totally 53 million – will hit the roads in a car or RV, while 9 million will fly and another 3 million will opt for a train or bus.
The article also mentions that holiday travel continues to experience growth despite long security lines and anxiety about world events. Most people will travel regardless of the hassle.
According to a survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association and the AAA, a record 65 million Americans will take journeys of at least 50 miles from home over the period of December 23 to January 2. The majority of travelers – totally 53 million – will hit the roads in a car or RV, while 9 million will fly and another 3 million will opt for a train or bus.
The article also mentions that holiday travel continues to experience growth despite long security lines and anxiety about world events. Most people will travel regardless of the hassle.
January 11, 2007
Pounds for Dinars
As of January 10, 2007 Sudan will introduce a new currency as part of a 2005 peace deal signed in the country.
According to a recent article on IOL, Sudan is replacing its currency – the dinar – as part of a peace deal signed two years ago between the Muslim government and Christian groups.
The article notes that the dinar has been in circulation for fifteen years and is often considered to be a symbol of the Muslim government. In an effort to go with an ethnically and religiously neutral symbol, the country is returning to use of the pound.
The conversion rate will be one pound equals 100 Sudanese dinars.
According to a recent article on IOL, Sudan is replacing its currency – the dinar – as part of a peace deal signed two years ago between the Muslim government and Christian groups.
The article notes that the dinar has been in circulation for fifteen years and is often considered to be a symbol of the Muslim government. In an effort to go with an ethnically and religiously neutral symbol, the country is returning to use of the pound.
The conversion rate will be one pound equals 100 Sudanese dinars.
January 10, 2007
High-tech Toilets in Malaysia
Malaysia is implementing a clean toilet culture in advance of the 2007 tourist season.
According to a recent article in the New Zealand Herald, Malaysia is responding to tourist complaints about cleanliness and lack of necessities in public toilets by installing new high-tech toilets -- just in time for the 2007 tourism reason. Not only are the new toilets air-conditioned, but they also feature an automatic seat cleaner that scrubs and dries the bowl after every use.
So far, the capital city Kuala Lumpur plans to install 23 of these “super toilets” ahead of a tourism campaign expected to draw 20 million visitors next year.
According to a recent article in the New Zealand Herald, Malaysia is responding to tourist complaints about cleanliness and lack of necessities in public toilets by installing new high-tech toilets -- just in time for the 2007 tourism reason. Not only are the new toilets air-conditioned, but they also feature an automatic seat cleaner that scrubs and dries the bowl after every use.
So far, the capital city Kuala Lumpur plans to install 23 of these “super toilets” ahead of a tourism campaign expected to draw 20 million visitors next year.
January 9, 2007
Curfews for minors in Panama
In Panama City, violating curfew can result in more than just parental punishment.
A recent amendment to the Australian government’s advice for Panama warns that there are curfews in place for minors (i.e. those under the age of 18). Minors who violate these curfews can be detained by police until arrangements are made by their legal guardians to secure their release.
A recent amendment to the Australian government’s advice for Panama warns that there are curfews in place for minors (i.e. those under the age of 18). Minors who violate these curfews can be detained by police until arrangements are made by their legal guardians to secure their release.
January 8, 2007
Your official guide to rude Parisians
Have you been to Paris and found the inhabitants rude? You’re not alone. Check out what French officials are doing to help foreign tourists fit in:
According an article published by Reuters, French tourism officials have released a new guide to help tourists understand rude Parisians. The guide includes a list of commonly used gestures, including “shut up”, and instructs visitors on how to “cop the Parisian attitude.”
Reuters notes that the guide is part of an advertising strategy to attract tourists to Paris. The guide can be found at www.cestsoparis.com along with games and events calendars.
According an article published by Reuters, French tourism officials have released a new guide to help tourists understand rude Parisians. The guide includes a list of commonly used gestures, including “shut up”, and instructs visitors on how to “cop the Parisian attitude.”
Reuters notes that the guide is part of an advertising strategy to attract tourists to Paris. The guide can be found at www.cestsoparis.com along with games and events calendars.
Thank goodness it’s Thursday in Bahrain
As of September 1, 2006 the people of Bahrain take their weekend on new days.
According to the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth travel advice for Bahrain, citizens of that country now take their weekend days off on Friday and Saturday. Before this date, the weekend was Thursday and Friday.
The advice reports that all schools and local businesses have now switched to this new weekend.
According to the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth travel advice for Bahrain, citizens of that country now take their weekend days off on Friday and Saturday. Before this date, the weekend was Thursday and Friday.
The advice reports that all schools and local businesses have now switched to this new weekend.
January 5, 2007
Take the train in Taiwan to save energy
On January 5, 2007 a new rail system opened in Taiwan that will save time and energy for commuters.
The International Herald Tribune recently discussed the new rail system. If the train is fully loaded, then passengers use only 1/6 of the energy they would have used traveling alone in a car, and will emit a fraction of the carbon dioxide. The trains will cover a distance of 325 kilometers (215 miles) from Taipei to Kaohsiung in approximately 90 minutes.
The new rail system is expected to relieve some of the traffic congestion in the island country. Tickets will cost less than an airplane flight, according to the article.
The International Herald Tribune recently discussed the new rail system. If the train is fully loaded, then passengers use only 1/6 of the energy they would have used traveling alone in a car, and will emit a fraction of the carbon dioxide. The trains will cover a distance of 325 kilometers (215 miles) from Taipei to Kaohsiung in approximately 90 minutes.
The new rail system is expected to relieve some of the traffic congestion in the island country. Tickets will cost less than an airplane flight, according to the article.
January 4, 2007
Use your Euros in Slovenia
As of January 1, 2007 Slovenia made history by becoming the first former communist state to adopt the Euro, reports Australian news source NEWS.com.au. The Euro replaces the Tolar, the currency chosen as a symbol of independence when Slovenia split from Yugoslavia in 1991.
According to the article, Cyprus and Malta are expected to join the “eurozone” in 2008, with Slovakia aiming to adopt the currency in 2009.
According to the article, Cyprus and Malta are expected to join the “eurozone” in 2008, with Slovakia aiming to adopt the currency in 2009.
Use your Euros in Slovenia
As of January 1, 2007 Slovenia made history by becoming the first former communist state to adopt the Euro, reports Australian news source NEWS.com.au. The Euro replaces the Tolar, the currency chosen as a symbol of independence when Slovenia split from Yugoslavia in 1991.
According to the article, Cyprus and Malta are expected to join the “eurozone” in 2008, with Slovakia aiming to adopt the currency in 2009.
According to the article, Cyprus and Malta are expected to join the “eurozone” in 2008, with Slovakia aiming to adopt the currency in 2009.
January 3, 2007
Six weeks, 70 million bathers
Why are 70 million Hindus traveling to take a dip in the Ganges River?
According to a recent article from Reuters, an expected 70 million Hindus will travel to northern India over the first six weeks of 2007 to participate in the Ardh Kumbh Mela, also known as the “Half Pitcher Festival.” This event falls midway between the Maha Kumbh Mela (Great Pitcher Festival) which occurs every twelve years.
The article explains that Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges cleanses them of sin. Millions will travel to Allahabad (the holy city) to participate in the festival. Officials anticipate that the first week will draw five million visitors, while Mauni Amavasya (on January 19) will draw the largest crowd of 25 million.
Previous festivals in 1989 and 2001 set the Guinness World record for “largest gathering of human beings for a single purpose”, according to Reuters. The festival begins on January 3, 2007, and is expected to set a new record for attendance.
According to a recent article from Reuters, an expected 70 million Hindus will travel to northern India over the first six weeks of 2007 to participate in the Ardh Kumbh Mela, also known as the “Half Pitcher Festival.” This event falls midway between the Maha Kumbh Mela (Great Pitcher Festival) which occurs every twelve years.
The article explains that Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges cleanses them of sin. Millions will travel to Allahabad (the holy city) to participate in the festival. Officials anticipate that the first week will draw five million visitors, while Mauni Amavasya (on January 19) will draw the largest crowd of 25 million.
Previous festivals in 1989 and 2001 set the Guinness World record for “largest gathering of human beings for a single purpose”, according to Reuters. The festival begins on January 3, 2007, and is expected to set a new record for attendance.
January 2, 2007
In a fog about potential weather delays?
Holiday travel in England was seriously affected by fog this holiday season. Is there a way to minimize the effects of weather on your travel plans?
Travel delays due to weather can happen suddenly and be difficult to predict. Aside from monitoring weather forecasts and exercising a lot of patience, there is something else you can do to prevent the weather from ruining your vacation: be proactive and find out when the best times of year are to travel and plan accordingly.
Commercial travel websites and government advice are great sources of information about weather. This advice can warn you about where and when monsoons or hurricanes could occur, or what areas to avoid due to treacherous conditions in the winter. Some of the advice may surprise you – for instance, the Australian government’s advice for India warns of possible travel train and airline delays due to fog during the December and January months.
Though it is difficult to know ahead of time when a delay could occur, becoming better informed can help you create a back-up plan such as alternative accommodations.
Travel delays due to weather can happen suddenly and be difficult to predict. Aside from monitoring weather forecasts and exercising a lot of patience, there is something else you can do to prevent the weather from ruining your vacation: be proactive and find out when the best times of year are to travel and plan accordingly.
Commercial travel websites and government advice are great sources of information about weather. This advice can warn you about where and when monsoons or hurricanes could occur, or what areas to avoid due to treacherous conditions in the winter. Some of the advice may surprise you – for instance, the Australian government’s advice for India warns of possible travel train and airline delays due to fog during the December and January months.
Though it is difficult to know ahead of time when a delay could occur, becoming better informed can help you create a back-up plan such as alternative accommodations.
January 1, 2007
Happy New Year!
When do you celebrate the start of a new year? It may depend on your religion or what country you are in.
January 1 is celebrated around the globe as the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Countries such as Australia and New Zealand -- who are closest to the International Date line -- kick off the celebrations.
February 18 celebrations will mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year (year of the pig), while the Islamic New Year (this year on January 20) will pass with reflection and relatively few rituals. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is also a holy time but is celebrated in September.
For more information about religious holidays, visit ReligionFacts.
January 1 is celebrated around the globe as the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Countries such as Australia and New Zealand -- who are closest to the International Date line -- kick off the celebrations.
February 18 celebrations will mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year (year of the pig), while the Islamic New Year (this year on January 20) will pass with reflection and relatively few rituals. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is also a holy time but is celebrated in September.
For more information about religious holidays, visit ReligionFacts.
Stay on your feet in the Netherlands
As of January 1, 2007 Segways have been banned from all public roads, bike paths and walkways in the Netherlands.
According to an article on Yahoo! News, these two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters are considered are a motorized vehicle under Dutch law. However, Segways cannot be licensed under current law or issues license plates. Changes in policy could be slow in coming because the Dutch government is still being formed after the Nov. 22 elections.
In the meantime, Segways can still be used on private property. The article even notes that military police at Schiphol Airport are using them as part of a pilot project.
Other countries, such as Belgium and Germany, have also drafted laws governing the use of Segways.
According to an article on Yahoo! News, these two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters are considered are a motorized vehicle under Dutch law. However, Segways cannot be licensed under current law or issues license plates. Changes in policy could be slow in coming because the Dutch government is still being formed after the Nov. 22 elections.
In the meantime, Segways can still be used on private property. The article even notes that military police at Schiphol Airport are using them as part of a pilot project.
Other countries, such as Belgium and Germany, have also drafted laws governing the use of Segways.
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