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.
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