Albania is a mountainous country and the one of the smallest countries
of Europe. The residents supposedly descended from ancient Illyrians.
Culture
The culture of Albania is majorly influenced by that of the mainland
Greeks especially in the urban locality; nodding one’s head
means ‘no’
where as shaking the head means ‘yes’. To greet
someone, handshaking is
preferred, though Shoku (Comrade) was used before, which has been long
forgotten now. People dress informally here. Swim suits are meant for
the beaches, otherwise women are expected not to dress in a revealing
outfit. When addressing someone prefix Zoti(Mr) or Zonja(Mrs) before
the name and always remember to carry some gifts when visiting someone,
although flowers aren’t much acceptable. The guests are
served with
coffee, raki or sweets. Smokers don’t have to worry much, but
they
should avoid it where they see a sign of Ndalohet Duhani or Ndalohet
pirja e duhanit.
Travelling within the country
Buses with relatively cheap fares operate in the main cities of the
country or taxis are another choice which provided service for some
main hotels.
Visit Dajti Mountain and experience Dajti Ekspres Cable car for an
unforgettable 15 minute ride passing through Dajt Oark to reach Tirana.
The route is about 4.2 km long and the ride costs €6.5.Alpha
Yachting
provides crewed yacht which is a luxury in itself. Tirana Bank is the
best place for withdrawing money as it allows access to Visa cards.
Eating Out
Restaurants are not always sufficiently heated, so always wear warm
clothes if out in the night during winters. Foreigners are charged more
than the locals. Both the entry fees as well as any merchandise will be
on a higher scale, so it’s better not to reveal the fact that
you are a
foreigner when out on the streets.
Site Seeing
If you enjoy canoeing, this is the right place to be. There are places
right outside Tirana which is an amazing site for not just canoeing,
but also rock climbing, hiking, and camping.
Accommodation
If you want a 5-Star ambience, try The Sheraton Tirana Hotel and
Towers, which is situated in the middle of a shopping and entertainment
center. There are about 151 rooms and 56 suites. So, along with the
comfort, one can shop at once convenience here. Another hotel which
provides all modern facilities is Hotel Mondial. It is located 1000 m
away from the city and is also a good example of traditional
architecture.
Getting There
One of the best and the easiest means is to go by air. Albanian
Airlines is the national airline which works in collaboration with
Tyrolean Airways, and provides service to almost all the big European
cities. The airport, Mother Teresa, is 16 miles or 26 km away from the
capital. A tourist bus is available every 3 hrs to get to the city
center and takes about 30 minutes to get there. Taxis are available
round the clock. While waiting for any transport service, tourists can
check out the duty free shops, bank, eateries and car hire at the
airport. A departure tax of $10 USD is imposed on all foreign
nationals. Check out www.flyalbanian .com for flight times and offers.
If trying to get there by sea, try the ferry services which are
provided by Adriatic Line and Agoudimos. The main ports are Durres (has
ferry connection to Italy, Bari, Brindisi, Trieste, and Ancona), Vlora
(has ferry connection to Bari, and Brindisi), Saranda (has connection
to Corfu), Shen Gjini (has ferry connection to Bari). Check out
www.adriatica.it and www.aqoudimos-lines.com for more information.
Bus is another option. Buses start from Istanbul, Athens and Sofia.
Internal passengers have lots of options with bus services provided. If
traveling by road in a private car, there is road network to the Kosovo
region, but they are too dangerous to use because of the political
tensions within the region. Crossings at Hani I Hotit, Bllata, Oafa e
Thaes, Tushemisht, Gorica, Kapshtica, and kakavija can be taken. If
tired one can take halts at hotels or other designated areas. There is
a network of 18,000 km, out of which only 7450 km are main roads, for
local travelers. About 2138km stretch of these roads is in poor
condition and has pot holes, and utmost safety precautions should be
taken when driving on such roads. Speed limit should be strictly
followed on highways as well as within towns. Driving at night should
be better avoided because of the absence of street lights on the road
except for urban areas. Traffic should drive on the right-hand. There
is a shortage of gas stations in the countryside, so filling the gas
tank completely when passing through urban area is recommended and
since there is lack of national recovery system; travelers should be
prepared for an emergency or breakdown before hand. One should carry
necessary documents like International Driving Permit and national
driving license.
Duty Free Items
Following are the items that can be carried without customs duty being
levied on them:
1. 1liter of spirits or 2liter of wine
2. 250ml of eau de toilette
3. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
4. 50ml of perfume.
Prohibited Items
Things that are prohibited to carry are firearms, narcotics and
ammunitions. Special export permission should be taken for precious
metals, books, antiques, work of art, or material of national or
historic value.
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Tips to European
Countries:
Austria
About the Country
Located in central Europe, Austria celebrates world’s best
music
festivals like the Salzburg Festival, Haydn Festival in Vienna, and the
International Chamber Music Festival. Vienna is the capital of Austria
as well as the musical capital of Europe. Music and art are in full
flare here after centuries of hardship and innovation. That explains
Vienna being the birthplace of Mozart. Horse dances are also part of
these festivals. Since it snows in winter, the snow covered Alps is a
must be visited place during the winter. Austria experiences a moderate
summer. Rains can be expected year round. Incase of emergency call 120
or 123.
Site seeing
The romantic castles simply leave you astounded. The Schloss Durnstein
provides a magnificent view besides the River Danube. A 10% tip should
be paid to the taxi drivers, which is customary here.
Culture
German, Hungarian, Slovene, and Croatian are the languages spoken by
the locals. To greet the locals, a handshake will do. When meeting
someone for the first time, its better to refer them by their last
name, but once better known they can be addressed by the first name.
When out in the public, say Guten Tag or Gruss Gott to greet people and
while leaving say Auf Wiedersehen. Carry along flowers when going over
to someone’s house. The locals here have a passion for horse
riding.
The world’s best art of horsemanship can be found here which
is as old
as 400 years and to watch the horses perform at these schools; tickets
must be booked in advance. Although service charge is levied on
restaurant bills, an extra 5% should be paid as tip.
Getting there
Three national airlines operate in Austria, Austrian Arrows, Austrian
Airlines and Lausda Air, which work in collaboration with the Austrian
Airlines Group. The Vienna airport is 18 km away from the city. Airport
buses transport passengers to the South Train and West Train Station.
Railway, chauffeur-driven car and taxi service is also provided at the
airport. Duty free shops, post office, bank, eateries, left luggage,
tourism information, conference hall, nursery, car hiring and car
parking facilities are provided to the passengers at the airport.
Salzburg airport is 4 km away from the city and buses, trains, taxis
and hotel coach shuttle passengers to and from the airport. Facilities
such as duty free shops, post office, currency exchange, left luggage,
conference hall, restaurants and car hire exist at the airport. Check
out the other airports such as Klagenfurt airport, Graz airport and
Linz airport for more details. All the airports charge a fixed rate for
porter service.
International tourists can get to Austria by Austrian Federal railways,
if planning to travel by train. It has a large network which connects
the major cities within Austria and also outside Austria. Travelers can
find connections to/from Germany, Russia, Greece, Romania, Turkey
Brussels, Paris and Italy. International rail passes or Eurail pass can
be bought to travel around Austria as they provide unlimited travel and
other offers too.
A good network of roads here provides an interesting journey. Take
Eurotunnel when crossing the Channel Tunnel while traveling by car.
Bookings should be made in advance. The cars can be hired at the
airports and railway stations and if driving own car carry
documentations like UK driving license or national driving license and
car registration papers. Toll booths are installed on the motorways and
‘S’ roads, so if change is carried in advance it
will ensure no delays
in the journey. Registration documents should be carried along all the
time while driving. The lights should be turned on while driving, in
the city or outside, all the time. There are strict laws for seat belts
and drinking while driving. If using the motorbike, high visibility
jacket and helmet must be worn, it’s a compulsion for both
the
passenger and the driver. Many federal, private companies and local
authorities provide bus service. Coaches are provided for moving around
within the cities.
Wurm and Kock provide cruise passenger service. Along with the cruise
trip, packages include stay at a hotel. Check out, before hand, for
offer. There are many Ferry service providers too.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or a
proportional mix of these products
2. 1l of spirits over 22 per cent or 2l of fortified wine or spirits up
to 22 per cent or 2l of sparkling wine or liqueur and 2l of still wine
3. 500g of coffee or 200g of extracts, essences or concentrates of
coffee, and 100g of tea or 40g of tea extracts
4. medicinal products sufficient for the journey
5. 50g of perfume or eau de toilette
6. All the above mentioned goods should be carried by a person over 17
years of age.
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Tips to European
Countries:
Belgium
About the Country
Belgium is situated in the west of Europe. The land here mostly
comprises of flat coastal plains in the northeast, and southeast is
occupied by the Ardennes Forest. Dutch, Flemish, French and German are
the official languages of Belgium, with Dutch being the widely spoken
followed by French. The weather here is pretty predictable. Months from
April to September are the warmest. Otherwise the weather is pretty
humid and skies are gray, that explains why umbrellas and raincoats are
a part of the dressing. So, if the visit is planned for holidays during
the rainy season, one must not forget to carry sufficient cover for
maximum protection, as this is a coastal region. In case of emergency
call 100 or 112.
Culture
Belgians are English-friendly and will make every attempt to speak in
English with a foreigner. Always remember to carry a small gift or at
least flowers especially when invited over dinner. The dress to wear
will be mentioned in the invitation, when invited for a party. Smoking
in public is acceptable.
Shopping
Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, Ostend, Namur, Mons, Liège, Ghent
and
Mechelen are the main shopping centers. Belgium is famous for ceramics
and hand-beaten copperware from Dinant, laces from Bruges, crystals
from Val Saint Lambert, woodcarvings from Spa and Belgium’s
finest
chocolates. In jewelry, diamonds from Antwerp are on high demand.
Eating Out
The specialty of most of the restaurants is horse and rabbit meat
dishes. Although visitors can find a wide range of ethnic foods, but
the most famous are frites and mayonnaise and mitraillette;
mitraillette is a large bun filled with fries, donair meat and garlic
sauce, the vegetarians can ask for a veg. substitute for the donair
meat. While eating at a restaurant, tipping is considered customary
along with the value-added tax. At the cinemas, leave a €0.50
tip for
the attendant and €0.25 after using the public toilets.
Electricity
Voltage is 230 V and frequency is 50 Hz.
Travel
Delta Air Transport has inaugurated its new European airline SN
Brussels Airlines recently. It flies to more than 58 destinations in
Europe and as well as worldwide. The Brussels Zayentem airport is
twelve km from the city and it takes 35 minutes to reach the city from
the airport. The airport has facilities like duty free shops, car
parking, taxi booking, car hiring, banks, post office, restaurants, and
medical help. Internet and fax services are provided for the
passengers. The Airport City Express train transports passengers to
three main railway stations - Brussels North, Central and South. One
can avail a bus which runs regularly from the airport, taxis can also
be hired which wait outside the arrival hall. Tipping the taxi drivers
is considered customary. Train runs every 15 minutes.
Another airport, Brussels South Charleroi, is 5 km away from Charleroi
and 46 km from Brussels. Ryan air serves as the local airline here and
has cheap deals for several European destinations to and from
Charleroi. The facilities provided here are bus and train services,
café, car hire, and duty free shops.
Ostend airport is 5 km away from the city and car parking, car hire,
duty free shops, and restaurants are provided here.
Antwerp airport is just 2 km away from the city. Buses run to the
Brussels Central Station every few minutes.
Liege is situated at a distance of 5 km away from the city. Buses run
at regular interval here.
The departure tax at Brussels Zayentem is €20.93, Brussels
South
Charleroi is €3.49, Ostend and Antwerp is €10, and at
Liege is €7.
There is a network of high-speed trains, which are operated by Thalys,
from Belgium to France, connecting Brussels with other destinations
like Bordeaux, Chambéry, Cannes, Marseille, Lyon, Nice,
Valence
Perpignan, and Rennes. Booking should be made in advance for these
trains. The national railway operates through out the day providing
service every few minutes to destinations such as Andorra, Austria,
France, Czech, Germany, Italy, Poland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the UK
and the Netherlands. Insiders can avail the Inter-Rail pass which
allows visitors to travel almost 29 European Countries. This service is
valid for residents who have been settled there for more than 6 months.
Duty Free Items
Visitors can carry alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, coffee and tea without
getting customs duty levied on them, but only the goods should be
limited. Check out for the limits before carrying such goods. Food
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tips to European
Countries: Bulgaria
About the county
Officially known as the Republic of Bulgaria or Bulgarian Republic,
Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country lying in Balkan Peninsula
in Southern Europe bordering the Black Sea to the east, Serbia and the
Republic of Macedonia to the west, Romania to the north, Greece and
Turkey to the south. Bulgaria also borders Turkey, Romania, Ukraine,
Russia, and Georgia along the sea. The largest and the capital city is
Sofia. The country may be very small in area but it is rich in ancient
culture, picturesque locales, down to earth and friendly people who
provide the warmth and hospitality of old days. Bulgaria is known as
“Land of Roses” due to the largest production of
roses here. Although
Bulgaria is known mostly for its sea resorts much of the actual country
can be explored in great mountain regions, with many ski resorts a
perfect destination for skiers. With unique customs, spectacular
crafts, colorful festivals, folklore and so on Bulgaria has it all to
take the imagination of visitors by surprise and excitement.
Population & Languages
The population of Bulgaria is roughly 7.4 million and the official
language being spoken is Bulgarian. Turkish and Roma are also spoken by
considerable percentage of the population.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs
used are Round pin attachment plug and "Schuko" plug and receptacle
with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It lies in Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe bordering the Black Sea
to the east, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, Romania
to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south. Bulgaria also borders
Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia along the sea. Bulgaria
is strategically located near Turkish Straits making it the control
point of key land routes connecting Europe to Middle East and Asia.
Climate
The climate of Bulgaria can be termed as temperate with hot and dry
summers and cold and damp winters. Summer temperatures average around
75°F (24°C) and winter temperatures average about
32°F (0°C). The ideal
time to visit Bulgaria is summer.
Local Customs
Like any other country Bulgaria has its own customs too and normal
courtesies should be followed. Handshaking is customary. Dress should
be conservative but can be casual. Souvenirs from home country are
appreciated if invited to home. Here is Bulgaria, a nod of the head
means ‘no’ and a shake of the head means
‘yes’. Tipping up to 10 to 12
percent is customary for all services including restaurants, bars,
clubs, taxis etc.
Attractions
Sofia
* St. Sofia Church
* St. George Rotunda
* Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
* National Ethnographic Museum
Mountains
* Village of Momchilovtsi
* Pirin National Park
* Rila Monastery
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Bulgaria is Bulgaria Air.
Other
international airlines operating from Bulgaria include Bulgaria include
Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, El
Al Israel Airlines, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, MALEV
Hungarian Airlines, Olympic Airlines and Swiss Air. Sofia International
Airport EAD (SOF) is the biggest airport which is like six miles east
of Sofia. Other international airport is Varna International Airport
(VAR) located in the western outskirts of the city about five miles
from Varna.
Sea - The important international ports are Bourgas and Varna along the
Black Sea.
River – Ferries can cross into Romania from Vidin to Calafat.
By Rail – Sofia is connected to Budapest, Belgrade,
Bucharest,
Thessaloniki, Paris, Vienna, Munich and Berlin through frequent
services of trains.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2. 1 liter of spirits and 2 liter of wine; 50g of perfume and 100g of
eau de toilette
3. Gifts and personal use items.
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, pornography,
firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species,
fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent
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Travel tips to European Countries: Czech Republic
About the county
Czech Republic is located in Central Europe bordering Poland to the
north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and
Slovakia to the east. The capital of Czech Republic is Prague which is
also the biggest city of Czech Republic and a popular tourist
destination. Czech Republic became a member of European Union in May,
2004. Czech Republic was earlier a part of Czechoslovakia which was
dissolved in January, 1993 and was split into what is now called Czech
and Slovak Republics. Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Olomouc, , České
Budějovice, Zlín, Hradec Králové,
Ústí nad Labem, Pardubice and Karlovy
Vary are the other important cities of Czech Republic. Czech Republic
is divided into two parts based on geographical and cultural
classification. They are Bohemia and Moravia. Bohemian cities and towns
are popular for their spas and wine vineyards. It is also home to many
castles which are open for visitors. One of the other tourism
attractions is the availability of hundreds of miles of marked trails
for hiking, cycling and skiing.
Population & Languages
The population of Czech Republic is roughly 10.2 million and the
official language being spoken is Czech.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The type of plug used
is Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin
Geographic Location
It is located in Central Europe bordering Poland to the north, Germany
to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the
east. It is basically a landlocked country strategically located on
some of the most important land routes in Europe.
Climate
The climate of Czech Republic can be termed as Temperate with hot
summers and cold overcast winters. It also gets snow. Most of the rain
comes down in summer. Due to different altitudes the variation of
temperatures is diverse. The temperatures are relatively low at high
altitudes and more precipitation. The temperatures average only
-0.4°C
at high altitude areas whereas the temperatures can average as high as
10°C in low altitude areas.
Local Customs
Dressing should be conservative and casual except at formal dinners or
good hotels or restaurants. Tipping is usually 5 to 10 percent in
restaurant, hotels and taxis.
Attractions
The Castle District (Hradèany) – It has some of
the best churches and
museums. It also has some beautiful gardens, fortifications and state
apartments also.
St Vitus Cathedral – It is located in the Castle District,
the
prominent feature of this cathedral is the spires which soar high in
the sky. It is also country’s largest church with great
architecture.
Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) – This is one of the most
popular tourist
spots of the city and should not be missed.
Old Town Square (Staromĕstské Námestí)
– It is the most vibrant square
of Prague with many historical structures. It also hosts various
markets every year like yearly Christmas market.
The Jewish Museum – It is the largest Jewish Museum in
Central Europe
with a vast collection of Judaic art works.
Vyšehrad – Is a great hill fort built on a rock
above the river.
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Czech Republic is Czech
Airlines.
There are many other small and popular international airlines operating
from Czech Republic. The major airport is Prague Ruzyne International
Airport (PRG). The airport is located approximately 10 miles north west
of Prague.
By Rail – The country is part of the extensive network of
trains
connecting the European cities. If you are coming from Western Europe
the most convenient connections are via Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich,
Vienna, and Zurich to Prague.
Duty Free Items
1. 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg tobacco for EU
countries.
2. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco for
Non-EU countries.
3. 10 liter of spirits with alcohol content over 22%, or 20 liter of
alcoholic beverages with alcohol volume less than 22%, or 90 liter of
wine or 60 liter of sparkling wine, or 110 liter of beer for EU
countries.
4. 1 liter spirits or 2 liter wine for Non-EU countries.
5. 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette
6. Food, fruits, medications and flowers for personal use
7. Gifts up to €175
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms,
ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and
alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
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Tips to European
Countries: Cyprus
About the Country
Cyprus is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is inhabited
with mountains on the north and south and the south coast is covered
with plains. The temperatures are really hot indicating Mediterranean
climate. Winters are cooler. Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus. The
currency used here is Cypriot Pound.
Culture
Greek, English and Turkish are the languages spoken here. There is a
mixed culture of Greek and Middle East. The locals are very friendly
and welcome outsiders with an open heart and make them feel at home by
offering them with something to drink. To greet someone a handshake
will do. It is customary to offer the guest a small gift when invited
for dinner. One can dress casually, but the swimsuits must be confined
to the beaches only. Social functions call for formal dressing.
Site Seeing
The country is full of vineyards, 12th century buildings, orchards and
monasteries. Be careful when photographing outside. It is forbidden in
military areas and special permission must be taken for taking pictures
in places like museums and art galleries. Most of them do not allow
flash photography. Taxis can be hired to move around the big towns in
Cyprus, which charge according the government regulated meters. Tipping
the drivers is customary.
Electricity
240 V, 50 Hz
Getting There
Port of Famagusta at Ammochostos and Port of Kyrenia, and
airport
of Ercan, have been declared as illegal ‘ports of
entry’, so check it
out while planning to get there.
The national airline is Cyprus Airways. It connects most of the major
cities of Europe. Other forty airlines, too, serve at the airport of
Larnaca, which are 5 km away from Larnaka and 50km away from Nicosia.
Taxis can be hired to reach any destination from there as there is lack
of buses and trains services at the airport. The other services that
are offered at this airport is duty-free shops, bank, tourism and
hotels information, restaurants, car hire, post office and reservation
office. The other airport, Pafos, is 15km away from the city and it
takes about 35 minutes to reach the city from the airport. It provides
the same facilities like the Larnaca airport.
The major ports of Cyprus are the Limassol port and Larnaca port which
connect other ports of Middle East and Greek. Not only ferry services
are provided here, even cruise services are provided here.
Cyprus Island is not connected by roads to other countries, but roads
run across Cyprus connecting all the cities and villages. Buses run on
roads except on Sunday but they run late in the mid-night during
summers. Tourists can get on to rural buses to surf through the remote
villages, but they are very slow. If planning to hire car, advanced
booking is recommended, especially in summer as the booking is full
most of the times. Do remember to carry a National driving license or
International driving permit.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2. 1l of spirits (over 22 per cent volume) or 2l of fortified wine or
sparkling wine
3. 2l of still wine; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
4. 800 cigarettes or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco
5. 10l of spirits, 20l of fortified wine, 90l wine, 110l beer
Most of the food items and items relating to agriculture are
prohibited. Explosives and fire arms are a strict no-no.
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Travel Tips to European Countries Finland
About the Country
Finland is a country of islands, lakes, and forests. The modern capital
city of Finland is Helsinki and is filled with museums and galleries.
In summers, sun never sets here and vice versa in the winters.
Culture
While in Finland, greet the locals by a handshake. The people here are
quite reserved and don’t open up easily. Leave shoes outside
the house
when going over to someone’s house. It is customary to wait
till the
toast is being raised at the dinner table. Host raises the toast by
saying ‘kippis’ or ‘skol’.
People dress casually most of the times.
Travel
Finnair is the national airline of Finland. Other airlines that fly to
Finland are Air France, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, American Airline,
British Airways, KLM, Swiss airline, Lufthansa, and United airlines.
The major airport of Finland is Helsinki airport. It is 19km away from
the city and it takes about 25 minutes to get to the city from the
airport. Finnair provides buses for the passengers. Taxis and hotel
coaches are also available. The facilities provided at the airport are
duty free shops, car hire, bank, hotel reservation service, conference
room, restaurant, and a multimedia center. Other than Helsinki airport,
there are about 22 other airports and Blue 1 is the domestic airline
which operates within Finland. Times to time cheap offers are being
announced by the airlines. Prior checking of such offers will prove to
be of great help.
If deciding to go by the sea, ferry services are provided and the major
ports are Naantali, Vaasa and Turku. These ferries connect to Rostock,
Kapellskär, Grisslehamn, and Travemünde. Some of the
cruises offer
small cabins along with the provision of meals if staying aboard
overnight.
Trains from St Petersburg and Moscow can also be boarded. All the
trains are clean and very comfortable. Car-carrier trains also operate
in Finland. Traveling by rail proves to be inexpensive and efficient
and also great options for enjoying sight seeing. Avail the unlimited
train travel offer of Inter-Rail pass or Eurailpass. There are offers
for elderly people and children, check them out.
When traveling by road there are chances of running into an elk or
reindeer. In such cases, police should be reported immediately. Blowing
horn for small reasons should be avoided. Keep your car to the right.
Gas stations accept credit cards. Laws about seat belt and drinking
while driving should be strictly followed. Extra precautions must been
taken if taking caravan along. National driving license or
International Driving Permit and car insurance must be there with you
at all times. Coach Service is also available and connects to even the
remote places. Taxis can be hired at the airport and railway stations
and tipping is considered offensive here. Check out agents in Helsinki
who run a rent-a-car business for hiring cars.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco or 100 cigarillos
2. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
3. 2litre of alcoholic beverages of less than 22 per cent by volume or
1litre of alcoholic beverages of more than 22 per cent by volume,
2litre of sparkling wine and 16litre of beer
4. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract and essence and 500g of coffee or
200g of coffee extract or essence
Tobacco and alcohol can be carried by people over 18 years of age.
Agricultural and food items should be avoided. Certain medicines
require a doctor’s prescription for verification. Firearms
and sharp
objects are strictly prohibited.
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Travel Tips to European Countries: France
About the city
The crowd is attracted to sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunlit
vineyards and sun-baked beaches of this beautiful country. France is a
country which draws more tourists than any other country. It is easy to
see why this is the case given France’s great reputation for
fine
wines, good food, high fashion and relaxed lifestyle. But while France
is undoubtedly a place to eat and drink till your heart is content,
there's much more to this fascinating country than only cutting-edge
cuisines. Spring is the best time to be here, and those interested in
winter sports can drop at the Alps and Pyrenees with some polar gear.
The summers are very hot and winters are moderate. An all-weather coat
and pair of comfortable shoes are a must. Women, especially, should
carry cocktail dresses as some of the restaurants ask for it. When
visiting any religious site, refrain from wearing sleeveless shirt and
shorts, as they are disliked at such places.
Culture
English is widely spoken here, although French is the official
language. Handshaking is
customary greeting and women should be kissed on both cheeks and should
be addressed
as Monsieur or Madame. French people are popularly known for their like
for stylish sportswear
and of course perfumes. Nudism is allowed on some beaches only. Social
functions, fine
restaurants, and clubs call for more formal dressing. When at a formal
dinner, wait till the host
gestures to start the dinner. Smoking is banned in public places.
Site Seeing
Paris, the city of love, is a massive city with many attractions in
reachable distance thanks to the
highly efficient public transport system. It boasts of more than 80
museums and 200 arts
galleries. A trip to Disney land and the magnificent Eiffel tower will
make the trip worthwhile.
The attractive tourists spots are the Arc de triomphe which spans over
the tomb of an
unknown soldier, the forbidding gothic architecture of the Notre Dame
cathedral, the picturesque
Sacre Coeur, to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Moulin
Rouge and
boat tours along the
Seine. Get the Carte Musees-Monuments pass, which gives access to 70
monuments and
museums.
Shopping
Although service tax is included in the bill, a humble tip
won’t cost
much. An extra dollar can be given as tip to the waiter. A tip of $2
can be left for the bus
drivers.
Electricity
220-volt, 50-cycle AC current.
Getting There
The national airline that operates here is Air France. Many low-cost
airlines, too, provide services from UK. Paris-Charles de Gaulle also
known as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle is the major airport of France, which
is 23km away from the city. Coaches, taxis, limousines services are
provided at the airport. The railway facility provided by the airport,
claims to reach all the terminals within eight minutes. These trains
run 24 hours. The other airports that offer flight services are
Paris-Orly, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon and Toulouse.
Ferry and cruise trips can be made from ports such as Atlantic, North
Sea, Mediterranean, and Havre.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco
2. 1liter of spirits over 22 per cent or 2liter of alcoholic beverage
up to 22 per cent
3. 2liter of wine
4. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
5. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract
6. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
Food and agricultural products should be avoided. To Top Of
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Travel Tips to European Countries: Germany
About the country
The Federal republic of Germany is the most influential country of
Europe. It has witnessed the most controversial facts of history like
Nazism, Holy Roman Empire and the building and demolition of the Berlin
wall. With many magnificent castles it has wealth of art and culture.
German is the widely spoken language in German, but outsiders can find
many English speaking locals especially in the common tourist
destinations.
Weather
The weather here is very unpredictable as there is a possibility of
rain almost all months, so carry clothes accordingly. April and May are
the months of spring which brings in full bloom of fruits and flowers.
Months from May to September have very fine weather with sunny skies
and offers the best time for traveling and site-seeing. People who have
a passion for sports like swimming, hiking, and cycling can have the
best time here during these months. Winter sports can be enjoyed at the
resorts in the months from November to early March. The temperatures
are below freezing and the days are too short (comprise of only six to
eight months) in winter.
Local Customs
Locals greet each other by handshaking and saying Guten Tag. To say
goodbye, people use Auf Wiedersehen. Guests are expected to bring
uncovered and odd number of flowers, especially roses, when visiting
someone’s home. The guests are welcomed with either food or
refreshments. At the table, hosts say ‘Guten
Appetit’ to which the
guests should reply with ‘Ebenfalls’. Smoking
should be better avoided
in public areas. Locals dress informally but certain occasions like
opera, theatre, certain restaurants and social functions call for
formal wear.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz
Moving Around
The best way to get around is to buy the Welcome cards or the city
passes which allows the customer to access unlimited bus facility in
many cities of Germany. It also gives special offer on certain tourist
attractions. For flexibility one can rent-a-car or go for chauffer
driven cars. Along with the rent, VAT of 16% is payable. Car insurance
should be available before hand in case of any accident. The speed
limit within the cities is mostly 50kph and 100kph on the highways.
Nine stars
The nine stars of Southwest Germany comprise of Baden-Baden, Freiburg,
Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Heilbronn, Mannheim, Pforzheim Stuttgart, and
Ulm. They are considered to be some of the beautiful cities of Europe.
Each of the cities play a vital role in the culture of Germany.
Baden-Baden has few of the finest resorts and also has
Europe’s second
largest opera and concert hall. Freiburg is known as the historic city
center and is famous for cobblestone mosiacs, open streams and ancient
alleys. Heidelberg has world famous castles and Germany’s
oldest
university. Karlsruhe has the famous museum Center for Art and Media.
Look out for various amusements along the Nectar river of Heilbronn.
Pforzheim is the capital for watches and jewelry. Stuttgart is famous
for theatres and opera. Ulm is the birth place of Albert
Einstein
and is also house to the world’s tallest hurch spire.
Travel
The national airline that serves Germany is Lufthansa. Bwelin-Tegel
airport is situated at 8 km away from the city and it takes about 20
minutes to reach there. There is a provision of duty free shops, banks,
post office, eateries, conference hall, and car hire and tourism
information for the passengers.
Another busy airport is the Frankfurt airport which is located at 13km
away from the city. Buses take about 20 minutes to get there. Taxis are
available at any time. The Intercity railway network at the airport
also provides international services to Hungary, Switzerland and
Austria. The facilities provided here are duty free shops, left
luggage, restaurants, banks, conference halls, post office, car hire
and tourism information. No departure tax is levied on the passengers.
Those wishing to travel by sea can avail the ferry connections to
Finland, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Latvia, and Norway.
Eurostar provides railway service to and from Belgium, France and the
UK. Booking can be made by telephone. The Inter-Rail offers unlimited
second class train travel within 29 European countries. The Eurailpass
offers unlimited first class train travel within 17 European countries.
EuroCity and InterCity trains have a restaurant on board, providing
food and drinks. InterCity Express target the business class and
provides services such as fully equipped office, conference
compartments, etc. Tourist over 17 years of age can carry alcohol and
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Travel tips to European Countries: Greece
About the county
Being one of the earliest civilizations known to human kind Greece is a
country with rich history, heritage and culture. It is the place where
Byzantine Empire once ruled and also great Ottoman Empire. It is also
considered to be as the birth place of Democracy. Athens is the capital
city of Greece. The Olympic games originated in Greece. Not only that,
it was the world center for western philosophy, political science,
astronomy, mathematics, major scientific studies and what not. It is
also known as a Mediterranean country as it has Mediterranean Sea in
the south. It is a popular destination for world tourists in that
region known for its beautiful beaches, reach history and charming
villages. The Greek islands are one of the most wonderful places to be
explored by Cruise or Yacht. The trip of Greece will definitely be one
of the most memorable to remember in one’s life.
Population & Languages
The population of Greece is around 11 million and the official language
being spoken is Greek. The other popular languages are English and
French.
Electricity
The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used
are round pin with attachment, round pin with ground, Round pin plug
and receptacle with male grounding pin and "Schuko" plug and receptacle
with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It is located in Southern Europe bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea
and the Mediterranean Sea between Albania and Turkey. It is situated in
the southern side of Balkan Peninsula. It is also bordered by Bulgaria
and Macedonia in the southeast.
Climate
It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and
temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry
summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in
mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along
Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather.
Local Customs
The Greece is a place with strong historic and cultural background.
There are different traditions and customs in different parts of the
Greece. The throwing back of a hand is considered to be a negative
gesture here in Greece. Casual dress can be worn most of the times.
Smoking is prohibited in public transport services and public
buildings. Tipping 12 to 1 percent is customary in restaurants, hotels
and taxis.
Attractions
* The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic
Games)
* Mardi Grass Celebrations in February
* The Parthenon in Athens
* Skiing in Arahova Mountains between October and March
* Easter Celebrations
* Thessaloniki’s White Tower and country’s rich
Byzantine culture
* The south of Corinth
* The beaches in Lesvos
* The wine vineyards in the countryside
* The islands near the Aegean Sea
* The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park)
* The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in
Amorgos
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Greece is Olympic Airlines.
Many
popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily
flight from Athens. The biggest airport is newly constructed Athens
International Airport which is located like 17 miles northeast of the
city. The other international airports of Greece are Heraklion (Crete),
Thessaloniki (Macedonia) and Corfu (Kerkira).
By Sea – The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion,
Igoumenitsa,
Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Volos. Shipping
vessels and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Croatia,
Cyprus, Russia and Turkey. Some of the popular cruises operating in
Greece are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival
Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Swan
Hellenic.
By Rail – If one is coming from UK, the best way is to take
Eurostar
train to Brussels or Paris and from there take connecting train to
Greece.
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco
2. 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars
3. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine
4. Perfumes – 50 gm or 250 ml
5. Gifts up to €175
Prohibited Items
Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products,
eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages
that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol. To Top Of
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Travel Tips to European Countries: Holland
About the Country
The summers are cool here but the winters are severe with some chances
of snowfall. Rainfall can be expected in any month of the year. Dutch
is the official language here. English, French and German are the other
languages that are spoken, out of which English is widely spoken.
Incase of emergency call 112.
Culture
Handshake is the commonly practiced form of greeting. Although tipping
is not mandatory, but it’s better to pay rounds figure in
restaurants
and taxis. A humble gift should be taken to the host’s house
always
when invited for a meal. Informal clothes are worn on a daily basis,
but people are expected to turn up in formals at social functions and
smart restaurants.
Shopping
Pottery of Delft, Makkum and Workum is a must buy. Silverware from
Schoonhoven, crystals from Leerdam and diamonds from Amsterdam are
highly recommended.
Site Seeing
Apenheul Primate Park is a place to visit which is a home to more than
thirty species of mammals. It remains closed during the winter. De Hoge
Veluwe is the oldest and largest park of Holland. Bicycles can be used
to explore the 5,500 hectares of the park. Paleis Het Loo is a
magnificent Palace surrounded by gardens and remains open year round
except on public holidays.
Electricity
230 V and 50 Hz
Travel
The national airline that operates in Holland is KLM-Royal Dutch
Airlines. It connects to almost all the major cities of Europe, North
America and Asia. Amsterdam Airport is the hub for many international
and local flights. It is located at 15 km away from the city and it
takes 20 minutes to reach there by train. The Airline, KLM, provides
bus service every 15-30 minutes which takes passengers to some of the
famous hotels of the city. Public buses can be availed too, to reach
destination. Trains connect to Amsterdam’s Central Station
and Zuid
Station. Taxis take tourists to almost any location. The Airport
features duty free shops, banks, showers, business center, baby rooms,
and car hire.
Rotterdam airport and Eindhoven airport are 8km away from the city.
Trains and buses operate every 15 minutes to transport passengers to
their hotels. Facilities such as duty free shops, eateries, car rental,
and internet can be availed at these airports. No departure tax is
implemented on passengers at any of these airports.
The main sea ports are Hook of Holland, Vlissingen and Rotteradm. Stena
Line, P&O ferries and DFDS seaways provide ferry service to get
to
Holland.
If traveling by railway, Eurostar provides the best service and
connects to all the major cities of Europe. It provides high grade
services. Good offers are provided on regular basis and to utilize them
they should be monitored from time to time. Unused tickets are easily
refunded. The Inter-Rail pass can be bought to avail the unlimited
second class train travel within 29 European countries.
Top class road network connects Holland to majority of cities in
Europe. They are well maintained and signs are posted every where for
safe driving. 120kph is the speed limit while driving on highways. Many
car dealing agents exist if opting for car-rental. Some of them are
Avis, Europcar and Budget.
Cycling is also a major means of transportation in Holland and is part
and parcel of daily life. Tourists can hire cycles from the airport or
other service providers with some money-deposit.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco
2. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
3. 1liter of liquor or 2liter of sparkling wine or liquor wines and
2liter of non-sparkling wine
4. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
5. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract
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Travel tips to European Countries: Hungary
About the county
Also known as the Republic of Hungary or Hungarian Republic, Hungary is
a landlocked country located in Central Europe and bordering Austria,
Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Budapest is
the largest city and also the Capital of Hungary. One of the key
reasons why Hungary is popular is its hospitality to tourists. Also one
can find an ideal mix of history and modern day in Hungary. While
Hungarians proudly stick to their old Magyar Tradition they also keep
them abreast with current fashions across the world. Most visitors
flock to see Budapest, a truly world class city situated on River
Danube which enchants everyone with love and music. The city is a blend
of culture and outstanding beauty making it the right place for
tourists. The city has been a paradise for writers, musicians and
artists who were greatly influenced by this graceful city. If you
travel west in Hungary Lake Balaton is popular with tourists. Local
cuisines include halászlé (fish soup) with pasta
and goulash (gulyás)
soup.
Population & Languages
The population of Hungary is Roughly 10 million and the official
language being spoken is Hungarian.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs
used are Round pin attachment plug and "Schuko" plug and receptacle
with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
Hungary is a landlocked country located in Central Europe and bordering
Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
River Danube and River Tisza divide the country into three large
regions. The country is strategically located astride main land routes
between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine
and Mediterranean basin
Climate
The climate of Hungary can be termed as Temperate with hot summers and
cold winters. The average annual temperature of Hungary is around 9.6
°C. The maximum temperature in summer can be 43 °C and
as low as -30
°C. The summer average is 26 to 36 °C and winter
average is 0 to -16 °C.
Local Customs
Like any other country Hungary has its own customs too. It is customary
to handshake. It is customary to make the toast and return. It is
customary for guests to offer gifts to the host of a meal. Smoking is
prohibited in most public areas. But travelers can smoke in
long
distance trains. Casual dress is acceptable in most places and formal
for special occasions. Tipping up to 10 to 15 percent is customary for
all services including restaurants, bars, clubs, taxis etc.
Attractions
Budapest
* Castle Royal Palace
* Fisherman’s Bastion
* Matthias Church
* Gellért Hill
* Chain Bridge
* The Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum
* Parliament Buildings
* Statue Park
Eger
* Eger Castle
* Szépasszony Valley (Valley of the Pretty Woman)
Lake Balaton
* Hévíz
* Keszthely
The Danube Bend
* Esztergom
* Szentendre
* Visegrad
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Hungary is Malv which
operates flights
from more than forty cities across the world. Other international
airlines operating from Hungary include Aeroflot, Air France, British
Airways, easyJet, KLM, Lufthansa, Sky Europe, Swiss, United Airlines
and Wizz Air. Ferihegy Budapest International Airport (BUD) is the
biggest airport which is like ten miles southeast of Budapest.
By River - There is a daily hydrofoil service run by MAHART connecting
Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest in the months of April to October.
By Rail – The country is part of the extensive network of
trains
connecting the European cities. Hungary is connected to 16 European
cities and there are 47 international trains daily to Budapest by
direct rail link.
Duty Free Items
1. 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or1kg smoking tobacco
for EU countries.
2. 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of smoking
tobacco for Non-EU countries.
3. 10 liter of spirits with more than 22% and ethyl alcohol, or 20
liter of beverages less than 22% alcohol content, or 90 liter of wine
or 60 liter of sparkling wine, or 110 liter of beer for EU countries.
4. 1 liter of spirits and 2 liter of wine for Non-EU countries.
5. 50g perfume or 250 ml eau de toilette
6. Gifts , Food, fruits, medications and flowers for personal use of
value up to €175
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms,
ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and
alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol. To Top Of
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Travel tips to European Countries: Iceland
About the county
Officially known as the Republic of Iceland, is located in northwestern
Europe. It comprises of the island of Iceland and its outlying small
islands in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Greenland, Norway,
Scotland, Ireland, and the Faroe Islands. Iceland’s glassy
glaciers,
hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava
fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, indeed makes it
the original 'land of fire and ice'.
Iceland is a very large island with a unique landscape which is rugged
and colorful with black lava, red sulfur, hot blue geysers, rivers,
waterfalls, bays, fjords and green valley. The capital of Iceland is
Reykjavík which is also the largest city of Iceland. Nearly
half of
Iceland’s population lives around Reykjavík. The
popular tourist
attractions are centered also centered on this city. The most famous
attraction is Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall which is set off with an
outstanding rainbow and hot springs of Geysir.
People might wonder what one can do in Iceland. If you hear the list
you will be amazed that there are so many things to do and see here.
From watching whales to chic fine dining, hiking, seeing
Europe’s
largest glacier Vatnajokull, fishing in rivers, horse riding, rafting,
exploring the landscape on a snow scooter, shopping designing wear,
Summer Solstice Festival, visit island of Grimsey to cross the Arctic
Circle, visit medieval farm at Stong and what not, the list is endless.
Population & Languages
The population of Iceland is only 299,388 and the official language
being spoken is Icelandish. English, Nordic languages, German are also
widely spoken.
Electricity
The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs
used are Round pin attachment plug and "Schuko" plug and receptacle
with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It is located in northwestern Europe. It comprises of the island of
Iceland and its outlying small islands in the northern Atlantic Ocean
between Greenland, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and the Faroe Islands. It
is strategically located between Greenland and Europe
Climate
The climate of Iceland can be termed as temperate with damp and cool
summers and mild and windy winters. The highest temperature recorded
was 30.5°C (86.9°F) on 22 June 1939 at Teigarhorn. The
lowest
temperature ever recorded was -38°C (-36.4°F) on 22
January 1918 at
Grímsstaðir and Möðrudalur.
Local Customs
Like any other country Iceland has its own customs too and normal
courtesies should be followed. Handshaking is customary. Visitors are
invited to homes when on a business trip and normal courtesies should
be observed. The people pay careful attention to their appearance and,
as for most Western countries, casual wear is widely acceptable.
Service charges are included in the bills most of the time and tips are
not expected.
Attractions
Reykjavik Attractions – Hallgrimskirkja Church, National
Museum of
Iceland, Botanical Gardens and the Einar Jónsson Museum
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Iceland is Icelandair which
operates
to many internationsl destinations such as Amsterdam, Baltimore,
Boston, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Halifax, London, Minneapolis,
Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm and Washington, plus other destinations
in the summertime only. Other international airlines operating from
Iceland include Air Greenland (website: www.airgreenland.gl) and
Iceland Express (website: www.icelandexpress.com).
Other, predominantly Scandinavian, carriers also operate services. Some
airlines like Condor and Corsai, operate flights during the summertime.
Flights also operate to the Faroe Islands and Greenland during the
summer months. Major airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
located at 31 miles south of Reykjavik.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products
2. 1 liter spirits and 1 liter wine, or 1 liter spirits and 6 liter
beer; or 1 liter wine and 6 liter beer; or 2.25 liter wine
3. Food items up to 3kg not exceeding kr13,000
4. Permits from Post & Telecom Authorities
are required
for cordless phones, remote controls or radio
transmitters.
It is not required for a GSM mobile phone
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, pornography,
firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species,
fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent
alcohol.
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Travel Tips to European Countries: Ireland
About The Country
The summers are warm and the winters are moderate with some snow. May
and June are the sunniest months. Weather changes quite frequently from
cloudy to sunny and vice versa. If planning the visit during the
summer, lightweight woolen or cotton clothes are recommended and jacket
for spring and autumn. Always carry raincoat for that untimely showers.
Incase of emergency call 999 or 112.
Culture
Most of the locals prefer speaking English here. Handshaking is
customary. Irish are social people and are good at having a lively chat
even with strangers. People live in great harmony and make great
friends. Foreigners are welcomed with warmth and are made to feel at
home. Guests are never sent back empty stomach as food is always served
at any time of the day, to the guest. Most of the locals come from an
agricultural background. Dinner is considered to be a meal of
importance as it is the time when the whole family gets together and
eat. One can dress casually when out on the streets except women are
expected to dress formally at social gatherings and at fine
restaurants. Smoking is banned in public places.
Shopping
Many towns organize flee markets at least once a week, which is worth
checking out for cheap goods. Belfast is the shopping capital of
Ireland; most of the stores open up early and close early too. On
Thursdays, shops remain open till 8 in the night. Value Added
Tax
of almost 17% is charged, which can be reclaimed later. So if the
visitors buy anything from the stores remember to check if the store
operates the Retail Export Scheme, which would require the passport and
filling of the Tax Free Shopping Form by the sales person. If the
restaurant bill doesn’t includes any tax, leave behind a 10%
tip to
appreciate their service. Giving a tip to the porters and hair dressers
is customary here.
Electricity
The voltage in Northern Ireland is 240V, 50AC.
Getting There
The national airline that operates here is Aer Lingus, which provides
service from most of the major cities of the world. Airlines like Delta
Air Lines and many other have been introduced and to promote them,
promotional air fares are being offered. Checking out such offers will
prove to be money savers. There are many flights from UK to Ireland.
The Dublin airport is located at 10 km away from the city. Services
like taxis, air coach, buses transport passengers to their destination.
Airport has duty free shops, bank, currency exchange, car hire, tourism
information, and restaurants for a comfortable journey. Shannon Airport
is situated to the north of Limerick City and is 24 km and 25 minutes
away from it. Buses, coaches and taxis are available for
transportation. Other services that are provided are duty free shops,
currency exchange, bank, tourism information and restaurants. While
planning to travel, check out other airports like Cork Airport and
Knock Information Airport for more options. A departure tax of
€10 is
to be paid by people over 12 years of age at the Knock International
Airport.
To take ferries check out the Baltimore, Galway, Dublin, Wexford and
Kinsale ports. Most of the ferries offer high-speed services. Time to
time special offers are being announced which can be availed to save
money. Check out the websites as some of them offer online booking
facility.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2. 1l of spirits and distilled beverages (more than 22 per cent) or 2l
of other alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic strength not exceeding
22 per cent, including sparkling or fortified wine, plus 2l of table
wine
3. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
The carrier should be above 17 years of age. Sharp objects, explosives,
firearms, food or agricultural items and hay or straw should be brought
along as they are strictly prohibited.
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Travel Tips to European Countries: Italy
About the county
Italy, the birthplace of pasta and pizza provides a wide range of
choices for artwork lovers to experience. A temperate climate exists
here with very hot summers and not so cold winters. The weather is the
best in spring and autumn with pleasant temperatures and scenic views.
At that time of the year, the place isn’t crowded much and
things can
be enjoyed in leisure. Incase of emergency call 112. For fire
call 115 and for ambulance call 118.
Culture
Italian is widely spoken and is the official language. English
isn’t
very familiar to the locals. Family ties are of utmost importance here
and hence social courtesies mean a lot to the locals. There is a great
impact of the Roman Catholic Church on the culture here. There is a
high content of chlorine in tap waters, so bottled water is recommended
for staying fit during the trip. Since Italian is spoken on a wide
scale, it is highly recommended to learn few common Italian phrases
which can be of great use. Social gatherings call for formal wear, but
one can dress in casuals otherwise. At some religious places,
sleeveless shirt and shorts are frowned upon. So they are better
avoided. Purses and wallets should be well guarded and in case of any
theft, police should be informed about the incident.
Site Seeing
The first thing to check out is the leaning tower of Pisa, where
Olympics originated. At places like museums and art galleries,
photography, especially flash photography is restricted. Check out the
ticket counter for more information. Italy should be majorly discovered
on foot for a thorough viewing of all the beautiful buildings and
monuments. Coaches and trains are a good option to get to a tourist
spot.
Shopping
Shops here are open from 9am to 8pm, closed for lunch. Quality of goods
is great although the prices are very less. Items like crystals,
lacework, leather good, and jewelry can be bought at the stores.
Remember to hold on to the receipt. Tipping of 10% is customary along
with the service tax levied on the bill. Italy is famous for top
designers of the world, so do buy clothes and accessories to update
your wardrobe. Cruises have formal gatherings in the evening, so ensure
to buy a cocktail dress or some formal wear, though casuals can be worn
at other times.
Electricity
The voltage used is 220 volts and 50 Hz frequency.
Getting there
Alitalia is the national airline of Italy. Many other flights
connect to Italy from USA, Canada and Australia and there is big
competition to attract passengers giving a wide range of offers to
travelers. Rome airport is located 26 km away from the city
and
it takes 45 minutes to get there from the airport. Trains
connect
directly to Termini Station from where one can take taxi to get to
their destination. Duty free shops, bank, car hire and restaurants are
the other services provided at this airport. Milan has another famous
airport here, which is at a distance of 45km away from the city.
Brindisi, Ancona, Naples and Venice are the major seaports of Italy.
Italian State Railways connects many European cities. But, Eurostar
provides the fastest train service.
If choosing to drive, don’t forget to carry international
driving
license and international insurance certificate. Roads connect Italy to
France, Austria and Switzerland. Many coach services are provided from
the neighboring countries.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco
2. 2liter of wine and 1liter of spirits (over 22 per cent) or 2liter of
fortified or sparkling wine
3. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g
of coffee extract (if over 15 years of age)
4. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
5. Gifts not exceeding €89.96 (if entering from an EU
country), €175
(if entering from a non-EU country).
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Travel Tips to European Countries: Luxembourg
About the country
One of the Europe’s smallest sovereign states is The Grand
Duchy of
Luxembourg. The north part of the country is blessed with greenery and
hills. The Ardennes provides great scenic view. The country is small
and all the tourist attractions are within reachable limits. It snows
during the winters in Luxembourg, but isn’t as cold as its
neighboring
countries and the summer is warm which comes in May and lasts till
September. Incase of emergency dial 112 or 113.
Culture
Generally handshake is used to greet people. Although majority of the
locals speak English, Letzeburgesch is the national language of
Luxembourg. French and German is also spoken by many Luxembourgers.
When appearing as a guest at someone’s house, it is a good
practice to
bring along gift or flowers. People are expected to dress in smart
casuals, but it would be best to turn up in formals when attending
social functions, or clubs. It’s not advised to smoke in
public places.
Shopping
Crystals and porcelains of Villeroy and Boch are very famous and the
earthenware pottery from Nospelt is a shopper’s must have
item from
Luxembourg. VAT of 15% is applied to all items purchased other than
that from campground, hotel, and restaurant, which charge 3%. Tipping
is exempted.
Site Seeing
The capital, Luxembourg is a place to be. Stay for a day or tea to
explore the city. Village of Viaden has a cliff top castle which is a
famous landmark.
Taxis can be hired to move around the city. They charge 10% extra from
10 pm to 6 am and if hired on Sunday, an extra 25% extra will be
charged if hired for the whole day.
Accommodations
Luxembourg has many luxurious hotels, most of which are located in Lux
City. Other options are guesthouses which are beautifully decorated
with flower and plants.
Travel
The national airline which operates here is Luxair. There are flights
from London to Luxembourg every hour. The Luxembourg airport is at a
distance of 5km from the city and it takes about 20 minutes to reach
there. There are provisions such as duty free shops, bank, tourism
information and car hire for the passengers.
Eurostar provides a fast railway service from London, Paris, Belgium,
France or Brussels to Luxembourg. Bookings can be made via telephone
and £5 fee is charged for telephonic booking. Check out for
offers
which are provided on some of the routes. To travel within the country,
Inter-Rail pass can be bought which gives the offer of unlimited train
travel for 29 countries of Europe.
When driving on road, it is recommended to take the train or ferry
service when passing the channel between Dover and Calais. Check out
for vacancy before hand especially during the rush hours. While
driving, drivers should stay on the right side and there are strict
rules for drinking while driving and seat belt.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2. 1liter of spirits or 2liter of sparkling wine or 2liter of liqueur
wine and 2liter of non-sparkling wine
3. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
4. 500g of coffee and 200g of coffee extract
5. 100g of tea and 40g of tea extract
6. Tobacco and Alcohol can be carried by visitors over 17 years of age
only.
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Travel tips to European Countries: Norway
About the county
Norway, a Nordic country lying on the western portion of the
Scandinavian Peninsula is located in Northern Europe. It also borders
Sweden, Finland and Russia. Norway is an outstandingly beautiful
country with a long coastline, snowy mountains and breathtaking
fjords. Oslo is the capital of Norway and also the largest
city.
Norway is bestowed with lots of natural beauty encompassing wild
forests, historic towns and beautiful fishing villages. The country is
very hospitable to the tourists and people are very friendly too. Many
tourists are attracted by the famous midnight sun of the Arctic. All
three big cities of Norway offer different experiences to
visitors. Norway is a place to be for nature lovers and for
cultural enthusiasts. Norway is truly one of the greatest tourist
destinations of Europe.
Population & Languages
The population of Norway is only 4.6 million and the official languages
being spoken are Bokmal Norwegian and Nynorsk Norwegian. Other
languages that are also spoken in Norway include Sámi and
Finnish.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs
used are Round pin attachment plug and "Schuko" plug and receptacle
with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It is a Nordic country lying on the western portion of the Scandinavian
Peninsula and located in Northern Europe. It also borders Sweden,
Finland and Russia. About two-third area of the Norway is mountains,
has around fifty thousand small islands along its coast. It also has
one of the longest coastlines in the world.
Climate
The climate of Norway can be termed as Temperate with hot summers and
cold overcast winters. The highlands of interior Norway have an arctic
like climate with snow, severe wind chill and frost. Most of the rain
is along the coastal areas and comes down in winter quite heavily and
frequently. Winters are mild too along the coastal areas.
Local Customs
Like any other country Norway has its own customs too. It is customary
not to drink until the host makes a toast. It is customary for guests
to offer gifts to the host of a meal. Smoking is prohibited in most
public areas. Casual dress is acceptable for everyday wear.
Tipping the taxi drivers is not customary. Tipping up to five percent
is customary for service in restaurants. Porters at railway stations
and airports charge per piece, while porters at hotels generally charge
around NOK5-10 depending on the number of pieces of luggage.
Attractions
Bergen – Numerous museums, galleries, aquarium, medieval age
buildings,
cable car to the top of Bergen’s hills and boat trips to
fjords.
Oslo – Old medieval buildings, churches, modern architecture,
museums
like Edvard Munch Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum, art galleries,
Vigeland Park, and Akershus Fortress
Fjordland – Geirangerfjorden known for tiny S-shaped fjord,
Sognefjord – the longest and the deepest fjord, beautiful
villages such
as Balestrand and Flam, old stave churches,
Nærøyfjord – Narrowest
branch of the Sognefjord and Palteau of Jostedalsbreen glacier
Tromsø – Arctic cathedral, Polaria and
Tromsø Museum
Travel
By Air – Many airlines operate to Norway like Braathens SAFE
(BU) and
SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK), a Scandinavian airline, Air France,
British Airways, Finnair, Icelandair, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest
Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair and Swiss Airlines. Oslo
International Airport (OSL) (Gardermoen) (website: www.osl.no) is the
biggest airport of Norway which is located 30 mile north of Oslo.
Sea - The important passenger ports are Bergen, Kristiansand, Larvik,
Oslo and Stavanger. The main sea routes from the UK, operated by Fjord
Line and DFDS Seaways respectively, are from Newcastle to Bergen and to
Kristiansand.
By Rail – The country is part of the extensive network of
trains
connecting the European cities. If you are coming from UK, the
connections are from London via Dover/Ostend (via Denmark, Germany, The
Netherlands and Sweden) or Harwich/Hook of Holland, or from Newcastle
to Bergen via Stavanger. It is also connected to Sweden throught two
routes, with daytime and overnight trains from Copenhagen, Malm and
Stockholm.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products and 200 leaves of
cigarette paper for EU countries.
2. 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco products and 200 leaves of
cigarette paper for Non-EU countries.
3. 1liter of spirits and 1liter of wine or 2liter of wine and 2liter of
beer for EU countries.
4. 1liter of spirits and 1liter of wine or 2liter of wine and 2liter of
beer for Non-EU countries.
5. 50g perfume or 500 ml eau de toilette
6. Gifts , Food, fruits, medications and flowers for personal use of
value up to 3,500 kr
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms,
ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and
alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
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Travel tips to European Countries: Poland
About the county
Poland is one of the ancient nations that was formed around 10th
century. It is Central Europe, east of Europe and most of the area
being a flat plane and mountains along the south border. Warsaw is the
capital of Poland which was completely destroyed in World War II and
was rebuilt from scratch again. Royal Castle of Warsaw which was
reconstructed after the world war is a must see attraction. The
Lazienky Palace should also be not missed which has an open air theatre
and Chopin’s monument. Krakow is the second biggest city of
Poland
stands as a witness to its medieval era. Poland has a strong liking to
music and theatre and thus home to many theatres and opera houses.
Popular Polish Cuisines include Zrazy Zawijane (mushroom-stuffed
beefsteak rolls in sour cream) served with boiled kasza (buckwheat) and
pigs’ knuckles.
Population & Languages
The population of Poland is roughly 38.5 million and the official
language being spoken is Polish.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used
are round pin with attachment and Round pin plug and receptacle with
male grounding pin.
Geographic Location
It is located in Central Europe, east of Germany bordering the Baltic
Sea, the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania, the Czech
Republic, the Slovak Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany.
Climate
The climate of Poland can be termed as Temperate. Winters are severe
inland with average temperatures in Warsaw being 23°F
(-5°C). Summers are hot inland with average
temperatures in
July around 66°F (19°C). The precipitation occurs round
the year.
Local Customs
Handshaking is the common custom. It is customary to bring flowers if
you are going to someone’s house. Dressing is fairly
conservative and
casual and formal for entertainment in the evening or in a good
restaurant. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings. Tipping is
10 to 15 percent in restaurant, hotels and taxis.
Attractions
Warsaw: The city was completely destroyed in World War II and was
completely rebuilt after the war. The popular sights include Historic
Museum of Warsaw, the Lazienki Palace with its open air theatre and
Chopin’s monuments, and Palace of Culture and Sciences.
Cracow: St. Mary’s Church, Royal Castle, and Royal Cathedral
on top of
Wawel Hill
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Romania is LOT Polish
Airlines (LO).
Many popular airlines that fly to Poland include Aeroflot, Air France,
Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Easyjet, El Al, Lufthansa, Ryanair,
SAS and Swiss Air. The biggest airport is Warsaw Frederic Chopin
Airport which is located like 6 miles southwest of the city.
By Sea – Pol Ferries operates connect Poland to Sweden,
Denmark and
Finland
By Rail – Polish State Railways (PKP) (website: www.pkp.pl)
operates
Eurocity trains from Poland various major European cities. But, all
services from Western Europe to Poland pass through the Czech Republic,
Germany or the Slovak Republic. The main routes link Warsaw with Berlin
and Cologne, Budapest, Prague and Vienna. There is also a car-sleeper
service from the border of Holland to Poznan/ Warsaw.
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 250 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco or 50 cigars for Non-European
union countries.
2. 800 cigarettes or 200 cigars or 1kg smoking tobacco for EU Countries.
3. 1 liter wine and 1 liter spirits for Non-EU Countries.
4. 10 liter spirits, 90 liter wine and 110 liter beer for EU Countries
5. Perfumes, medicines and cosmetics for personal use
6. Gifts up to €175
Prohibited Items
Birds and poultry arriving from countries infected with Avian
influenza, Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics,
firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species,
fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent
alcohol. To Top Of
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Travel tips to European Countries: Portugal
About the county
Portugal was a world power in 15th and 16th century but was reduced to
rubbles during an earthquake in 1755, Napoleon’s Invasion and
Brazil’s
Independence. Sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Spain and bordering
Atlantic Ocean by both west and south coast it is popular for its long
and varied coastline, sunny climate and the charming towns makes it a
traveler’s paradise. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal.
The best thing about Portugal is that despite being a part of modern
Europe one can still find the rural dwellings which has stood by time
and has preserved its traditions. While modern architectural marvels
like high-rise resorts dot the coast in the Southern province of the
Algarve, Lisbon on the west coast on the other hand is a crowded city
home to many fine tourist resorts. If you want to go back in time you
have to just travel few miles north or east where you will see scenic
countryside still resemble medieval villages and towns of earlier
centuries.
Population & Languages
The population of Portugal is roughly 10.6 million and the official
language being spoken is Portuguese. Mirandese is also second
officially language spoken in some parts of Portugal.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used
are round pin with attachment and "Schuko" plug and receptacle with
side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It is located in Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It
shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain in north and east and borders
Atlantic Ocean by both west and south coast.
Climate
The climate of Portugal can be classified into two. It is oceanic in
the north and Mediterranean in the south. It is also one of the warmest
countries of Europe. The average temperatures in the mainland are
13°C
(55°F) in the north and 18°C (64°F) in the
south. Summers are hot and
dry. Winters are cold and wet. Spring and autumn are the best seasons
to visit Portugal.
Local Customs
Casual dressing is acceptable. But keep in mind not to wear beachwear
in towns. Smoking is allowed after meals in Restaurants. Smoking is
prohibited in theatres, cinemas and buses. Tipping is 10 to 15 percent
in restaurant and hotels and 10 percent to taxis.
Attractions
Castelo de Sao Jorge – Castle of St. George
Alfama - The oldest part of Lisbon
Sé (Cathedral) - first church in Lisbon
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Museum
The Bairro Alto - The Bairro Alto district, an historic enclave dating
back to 1513
Monument to the Discoveries - One of the popular attractions in Lisbon
is the monument, situated on the riverbank in the Avenida de Brasilia
in the district of Belem, which was designed to commemorate the
Portuguese Age of Discovery
Tower of Belem - This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Parque das Nacoes
Fatima
Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis - dedicated to Soares dos Reis, the
famous sculptor born and bred in Porto
Igreja de Sao Francisco
Solar Vinho do Porto
Vila Nova de Gaia
Frederico de Freitas Museum
Sao Vicente Caves
Cable Car
Cathedral
Whale Museum
Porto Santo
Setubal
Coimbra
Coimbra University
Guimaraes
Guimaraes church and palace
Braganca
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Portugal is TAP Air Portugal
(TP). The
airlines operates direct flights to many destinations like Faro, Lisbon
and Porto from a number of countries, including Canada, France, Spain,
the UK and USA. Portugalia Airlines (NI) operates flights from Europe.
Many popular airlines that fly to Poland from UK are British Airways,
GB Airways and Monarch Airlines, Easyjet, bmibaby, Jet 2, MyTravelLite,
Flybe, Flyglobespan and SATA.The biggest airport is Lisbon
International Airport which is located like 4.5 miles north of the city.
By Sea – The main ports for international passengers are
Lisbon, Leixes
(Oporto), Funchal (Madeira) and Portimão (Algarve), served
by Cunard,
Italia, Linea C, Olympia, P&O and Union Cas
By Rail – If coming from UK, the fastest way is to get on
Eurostar
train to Paris and from Paris to Portugal by Sud-Express.
Road – Spain is the only country sharing border with
Portugal. The
major border posts are open most of the time now.
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking
tobacco for Non-European union countries.
2. 1 liter spirits with alcohol greater than 22%, or 2 liter spirits or
aperitifs made of wine less than 22% or sparkling wines or liqueurs, or
a proportionate mix of these, and 2 liters of wine
3. perfume up to 50g and 250ml eau de toilette
4. Gifts up to €175
5. 500g coffee or 100g tea or 40g of tea extract
6. Medicines for personal use
Prohibited Items
Birds and poultry arriving from countries infected with Avian
influenza, Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics,
firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species,
fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent
alcohol. To Top Of
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Travel tips to European Countries: Romania
About the county
Lying in the Southeastern Europe Romania is slowly emerging from the
shackles of its dark history. Modern Romania was formed by merging two
Principalities i.e. Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859 which were ruled by
Ottoman Empire for centuries before. Romania is bordered by Moldova,
Ukraine, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Hungary.
Bucharest is the capital of Romania. Transylvania and Moldavia
constitute the northern half of the country. Romania’s main
attractions
include Black Sea Coast, the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania. The
Black Sea Coast is popular for its white sandy beaches and offers a
perfect experience for families. The Carpathian Mountains are beautiful
and covered by dense forests which offer skiing opportunities. There
are many health resorts also in Romania. Transylvania is popular for
Romanian Spas which have been known for its many healing powers. Local
food specialty includes cuisines like ciorba de perisoare (soup with
meatballs), ciorba tanancasca (meat with vegetables), lamb bors, giblet
soup and a variety of fish soups.
Population & Languages
The population of Romania is around 22.5 million and the official
language being spoken is Romanian. The other popular languages are
Hungarian and German.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used
are round pin with attachment and "Schuko" plug and receptacle with
side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It is located in Southeastern Europe bordering the Black Sea between
Bulgaria and Ukraine. It is bordered by Hungary and Serbia to the west,
Ukraine and Moldova to the northeast and Bulgaria to the south.
Carpathian Mountains pass through the center of Romania.
Climate
The climate of Romania can be termed as Temperate and it has four
seasons. While spring and autumn are cool and pleasant. Summers are
very short and hot occurring in July and August. The winters can be
harsh and cold with snowfall between December and March. The best
months to visit Romania are May and June and September and October.
Local Customs
Handshaking is the common custom. It is also customary to kiss when
being introduced to a woman. Mostly all normal European customs apply
to Romania also. Dressing is conservative and casual. Smoking is
prohibited on public transportation vehicles and theaters. Romanians
like smoking themselves and thus like if you gift them cigarettes.
Tipping is 5 to 10 percent in restaurant, hotels and taxis.
Attractions
Bucharest: Once used to be known as Paris of the East the city of
Bucharest is a city of lights bustling with cafes, night clubs and
restaurants. It also has Romanian Opera House and a huge National
Museum. The historic sites include the Palace of Parliament, Old Court
Church and Athenee Palace Hotel.
Brasov: Not to be missed places are Castles in Transylvania which
include Bran Castle, Rasnov Castle and also do miss to see Sighisoara
about 90 miles from Brasov, the birth place of Vlad tepes.
Romanian Riviera: This is along the coast of Black Sea which is huge
tourist attraction. It is also home to several resorts and Romanian
spas famous for their healing powers.
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Romania is Tarom. Many
popular
airlines that fly to Bucharest include Air France, Alitalia, Austrian
Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and Swiss. The biggest
airport is Bucharest Otopeni Airport which is located like 10 miles
north of the city.
By Sea – Constanta is the major port on the Black Sea.
Currently no
ferries are being operated. But there are many cruises available which
stop at various points of tourist interest like Vienna, Bratislava,
Budapest, Bazias, Giurgiu, Calafat and Bucharest.
By Rail – There is an international service to Bucharest from
Western
Europe which runs only in summer months i.e. from June to September,
the name of the train service is Wiener Waltzer.
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 200 gm tobacco
2. 200g cocoa and 200g coffee
3. Perfumes, medicines and souvenirs
4. Two cameras, One small movie camera, Twenty Four cassettes, One
portable radio, One TV set, One tape recorder, One pair of binoculars
and One typewriter.
5. Gifts up to €175
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms,
ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and
alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
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Travel Tips to European Countries: Spain
About The Country
Spain is famous world wide for its flamenco dancers and bullfights. The
architecture reflects the Moroccan style. Cave paintings, renaissance
cathedrals, Moorish palaces prove the diversity of the country. Spring,
fall and early summer are very pleasant here, though summers are hot.
Culture
Spanish is the regional language of Spain. English is also widely
spoken here. Over the period of time, Spanish people have become modern
in order to gel with the changing times and are no longer conservative.
But that hasn’t changed the values, traditions, manners and
customs of
the locals. People here have two surnames; the first surname can be
used to refer to the person. To greet someone, a handshake will do the
job. Take a small gift along when visiting someone’s house.
Save the
flowers for special occasions. Dinner is generally taken very late in
the night. People wear casuals most of the time. Men are expected to
wear jackets at some restaurants. Swimsuits should be confined to the
pools and beaches. Recently a ban has been applied on smoking in public
places.
Shopping
Shops open quite early in the morning and stay open late in the
evening. In the afternoon, they are closed for lunch or siesta.
Porcelain and leather goods are famous and they will be good gifts for
friends and family members back home. Bills are to be paid along with
the service charges, so tipping is a matter of gratitude.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 volts and frequency is 50 Hz
Getting There
IBERIA is the national airline of Spain. Many other low-cost airlines
offer services in the country. There are nearly thirty international
airports in Spain, out of which Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante
and Malaga are famous.
Madrid located at 13km away from the city has a good bus service every
fifteen minutes. Underground service also works to transport passengers
to their destinations. Other facilities offered at this airport are
duty free shops, bank, restaurant, tourism information, and hotel
reservations.
Barcelona is very close to the city, situated at a distance of 3 km
only. Buses are available every 15 minutes and trains are available
every 20 minutes. Taxis are available throughout the day. Duty free
shops, restaurants, bank, car hire and tourism information are
available here.
There is a good network of roads connecting Spain north to south. Toll
booths are installed in some parts of the country. Carrying few Euros
will help smooth sailing at the toll booths. If driving one’s
private
car, it would be better if the travel insurance covers medical costs
too. Carrying a medical kit can prove to be of some help.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (300
cigarettes, 150 cigarillos, 70 cigars and 400g of tobacco for EU
nationals)
2. 1litre of spirits if exceeding 22 per cent volume or 2 litres of
alcoholic beverage not exceeding 22 per cent volume and 2 litres of
wine (1.5 litre exceeding 22 per cent and 3 litres of up to 22 per cent
and 5 litres of wine for EU nationals)
3. 250ml eau de toilette and 50g of perfume
4. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (1000g of coffee and 4000g
of coffee extract for EU nationals)
5. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
6. Gifts up to the value of approximately €37.26. To Top Of
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Travel tips to European Countries: Sweden
About the county
Beautiful and clean, the peaceful Sweden is a land of cultural
diversity with a mix of Danish and Wild Arctic North influences. One
can also get the feel of urban living in its beautiful and
sophisticated cities and at the same time one can feel the tranquility
in the countryside. Sweden is full of charm with scenic medical
villages, islands, lakes and forests dotting its landscape.
Most of Sweden’s area is covered by forests and not to forget
thousands
of lakes. One of the beauties of Sweden is its islands and one cannot
go without seeing these islands. They offer the most scenic and
beautiful experience to any visitors. Stockholm is the capital of
Sweden, a city with 14 islands dotted with great restaurants,
nightclubs, pubs and artistic grandeur. Wherever you go most people
speak English. If visitors want to have a taste of seafood the west
coast is the place to be. Also it is popular for ancient city Uppsala.
Do no miss a trip to the Ice Hotel which is sculpted from ice each
winter in Lapland. Sweden is an exciting country with great roads and
state of the art high speed train system.
Population & Languages
Sweden has a population of around 9 million and the official language
is Swedish. Lapp is spoken by Sami people in the north. Most people
speak English fluently and also many speak German and French.
Electricity
Voltage - 230 volts, Frequency - 50Hz. Standard European 2-pin plugs
are used.
Geographic Location
Sweden is a Nordic country lying in the Scandinavian Peninsula and is
the fifth largest country in Europe. Its west neighbor is Norway;
Finland in the northeast, the southwest border is surrounded by
Skagerrak and Kattegat straits and the west coast is surrounded by
Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. Majority of the area is forest and
there are thousands of lakes mostly in the Southern part of Sweden.
Local Customs
Like any other country Sweden has its own customs too. It is customary
not to drink until the host makes a toast. Smoking is prohibited in
most public areas. It is also customary to say Tack för maten
to the
host after having a meal which means thanks for the food.
Casual
dress is acceptable for everyday wear and formal wear for social
gatherings. Also tipping up to ten percent is customary for service in
restaurants and around same percent for taxis also.
Places to see
Stockholm – The biggest city and capital of Sweden and is one
of the
most beautiful cities of the world. The old town is a treat for your
eyes and a walk around city’s waterways and parks is an
experience to
cherish. Most visitors prefer walking around on foot and visit the
medieval part of Gamla Stan. The city is basically constituted by
archipelagos which are outstandingly scenic and can be explored by
cruises.
Gothenburg – it is the second biggest city of Sweden. Not to
be missed
attraction in this city is Liseberg, a world class amusement park. It
is home to popular museums like Ostindiska huset, Konstmuseet and
Sjöfartshistoriska museet.
Vadstena - The Renaissance castle Vadstena slot & klosterkyrkan.
Visby – Port of Visby, ruins of Drotten, St Nicolai, St Lars
and St
Carin, cathedral of St Maria and Gotlands Fornsal historic musem.
Oland – Fort of Graborg, Eketorp museum and ruins of Borgholm
Castle.
Travel
By Air – It is well connected to the rest of the world by
air. Many
international airlines serve Sweden apart from its national airlines
SAS. The other airlines are Air Canada, Air France, Aeroflot, British
Airways, Finn air, Lufthansa, Ryan air etc.
By Sea – The ferries connect Sweden with other destinations
such as New
Castle, Copenhagen, and St. Petersburg etc.
By Rail – Trains connect Ostend, Sweden to London. It is also
connected
to Denmark by Eurostar train.
By Road – Visitors from UK can drive to Sweden through Demark
or
Germany
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco
2. 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars
3. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
4. Perfumes
5. Gifts up to SEK 1700.
Prohibited Items
Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products,
eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages
that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
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Travel Tips to European Countries: Switzerland
About the country
Switzerland is blessed with all the bounties of nature. It is the most
preferred tourist destination among all the countries in the world. The
Alps region has a cold weather most of the times, where as the summers
are warmer in the northern area. Visit Saas Fee to ski and snowboard.
Dream of living in real life igloo can come true as many resorts, like
Zermatt and St Moritz (which is a celebrity resort), had them built for
their customers.
Culture
Italian, German and French are the official languages of Switzerland.
Many English people can also be found here. Unwrapped flowers must be
presented to the host to show appreciation. White asters and
chrysanthemums flowers are reserved for funerals, so precaution must be
taken when presenting flowers to others, even red roses are better
avoided. One can move around in casuals but it is important to dress in
warrant jackets and ties when attending social gatherings or when
eating out at a fine restaurant. Swiss Franc is the currency used here.
Shopping
Switzerland is famous for its exotic chocolates, finest handmade clocks
and luxury watches. Other specialties are embroidered linen, music
boxes, wood carvings, Swiss cheese and Swiss army knives. Many shops
remain close on Monday, so shopping should be avoided on that day.
Since service charge is applied on all services, so tipping is an issue
of free-will. 7.6% VAT is charged on all purchases made in Switzerland,
which can be reclaimed later by asking for a global refund check, if
the purchase crosses 400 CHF.
Electricity
The standard current used is 230 volts (AC) and 50 Hz.
Getting There
Swiss airline is the national airline of Switzerland, which connects to
71 destinations all over the world. Zurich is the most popular airport,
located at a distance of 11km from the city. Every 15 minutes, trains
shuttles passengers to their destination. Fly-Rail Luggage ticket can
be bought if the passengers want to collect their luggage at the
railways station rather than the airport. While leaving Switzerland,
Fly-Rail Baggage service can be availed that enables passenger to
check-in their luggage at the railway station itself. Other facilities
provided here are duty free shops, banks, restaurants and car hire.
Check out Geneva, Basle and Bern airport for offers.
Since weather conditions are worst during the winters, train is an
efficient and cheaper option. They are also great if one wants to enjoy
the scenic beauty of Switzerland. Swiss Pass can be purchased to visit
most of the tourist attractions in Switzerland.
High quality roads are maintained here. Roads connect to Austria,
Germany, Italy and France. But in winters things can get worse, so it
is better to carry chains and snow tires. Cars should be kept to the
right.
Duty Free Items
a) Visitors from European countries
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2 liter of alcohol (up to 15 per cent) and 1liter of alcohol (over 15
per cent)
(b) Visitors from non-European countries
400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco
2liter of alcohol (up to 15 per cent) and 1liter of alcohol (over 15
per cent)
Meat items, narcotics and absinthe are strictly not permitted. Other
items that come under the prohibited items list are firearms and
animals.
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Travel tips to European Countries: Ukraine
About the county
Ukraine which is located in Eastern Europe is one of the largest
country in that region of Europe bordering Russia in the northeast,
Belarus in the north, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary in the west, Romania
and Moldova in the southwest and also Black Sea and Sea of Azov in the
south. It is a popular tourist destination especially for tourists from
Western Europe and North America. The main selling point is the rich
historical character of the country with as many five hundred cities
dating back as early as nine hundred years. Visitors are spellbound by
the architectural beauty of Ukraine. Kiev is the capital and the
largest city of Ukraine where most travelers begin their journey.
Population & Languages
Ukraine has a population of roughly 46.7 million and the official
language is Ukrainian. The other languages spoken here are Russian,
Romanian, Polish and Hungarian.
Electricity
Voltage - 220 volts, Frequency - 50Hz. Standard European Round pin
attachment plug
Geographic Location
Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe bordering Russia in the northeast,
Belarus in the north, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary in the west, Romania
and Moldova in the southwest and also Black Sea and Sea of Azov in the
south. The strategic location of Ukraine between Asia and Europe made
it a transportation hub in the region.
Local Customs
Ukrainians are warm hearted and welcoming people. Casual dressing is
mostly worn here though it will be a good idea to wear smartly for
theatres. Small gifts are appreciated. Tipping is not very common;
service is usually included in fine restaurants and hotel bills.
Places to see
St Sophia Cathedral – As old as nine centuries, it is one of
the
architectural marvels of Ukraine.
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery) – These caves are as
old as one
millennium and dating back to 11th century.
Great Patriotic War Museum
Statue of the Motherland, Kiev
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Ukraine is Ukrainian
International
Airlines. In collaboration with Aer Fi Group and Austrian Airline it
links Kyiv to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen,
Frankfurt, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Rome, Rotterdam,
Vienna and Zurich. There is one more airline in Ukraine called Air
Ukraine which serves relatively less number of European cities. Lviv is
also connected to New York, Warsaw and Washington. It is connected to
Turkey through Simferopol and to UK through IvanoFrankivsk. The major
airport is Boryspil State International Airport (KBP) which is located
twenty five miles from Kiev.
By Sea – The primary ports of Ukraine are Izmail and Odessa
which are
situated on the River Danube. The ferry services connect Ukraine with
Russia and Georgia. They also connect various cities on the Black Sea
and the Mediterranean Sea. Sevastopol is the port which connects
Istanbul, Turkey.
By Rail – Ukraine has approximately 14,000 miles of railway
tracks
linking most towns and cities. Kyiv and Lviv are the main stations
which connect with Moscow on a daily basis. Ukraine also has direct
lines to Berlin (Germany), Budapest (Hungary), Warsaw (Poland) and
Bucharest (Romania).
By Road – Ukraine has an extensive network of roads with
approximately
107,000 mile of road network out of which nearly 18,000 mile is main or
national roads.
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm tobacco
2. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
3. Goods for personal use with a combined value of €200
Prohibited Items
Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products,
eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages
that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
Travel tips to European Countries: UK
About the county
The United Kingdom also called as England or Great Britain is the
country which once ruled nearly the entire world a century ago. The
glory might have been lost but people are still proud of their country
and heritage. It has come a long way from a colonial empire to a member
of the EU. The country comprises mainly of England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland. The country is full of scenic locales and energetic
cities. Also the county is home to nearly two million heritage points.
The capital city of UK is London. A city beyond comparison,
representing itself as an icon of diversity with people from different
races, creeds and all walks of life blended into its culture. It is
also home to many architectural marvels and one of them is the London
Bridge. While York and Durham manifests the bygone era of country,
Liverpool and Newcastle are modern industrial marvels. Not to forget
the scenic Lake District and Edinburg still attract people from all
over the world.
Population & Languages
The population is around 61 million and the official language is
English. Other regional languages spoke are Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and
Irish etc.
Electricity
The voltage is 230-240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The type of plug
used is rectangular blade.
Geographic Location
It is located in Western Europe and consists of islands including the
northern one-sixth of the Ireland. It is 22 miles from the France
border and linked by a under sea tunnel. The terrain is mostly rolling
lowlands and low mountains.
Climate
It has a moderate climate but lots of rain with around half of the
years being overcast. The lowest temperatures never go below
−15 °C (5
°F) and in summer the average maximum is 34 °C (93.2
°F). It also gets
snow in winter and early spring.
Local Customs
The handshake is customary when you are meeting somebody for the first
time. When visiting someone’s house a small gift like flowers
or
chocolates is customary. Waiting till everyone is served before eating
is also one of the etiquettes. Tipping is usually 10-15% in hotels,
restaurants and taxis. Smoking and non-smoking areas are clearly
designated and thus should be taken care of.
Places to see
London – Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington
Palace,
Whitehall Palace and the Tower of London
Scotland - The Bannockburn Heritage Centre and Ben Lawers Mountains
Wales - Aberdulais Falls, King Arthur's Labyrinth, Dolaucothi Gold
Mines, Great Orme Mines, Portmeirion Village, Rhossili Visitor Centre,
Taff Valley Activity Centre and TechinQuest
Travel
By Air – The domestic airlines is British Airways which also
connects
almost all major world destinations. Almost all airlines connect UK
through London which is hub for all international flights between east
to west and west to east. Heathrow and Gatwick are international
airports of London.
By Sea – Since UK is surrounded by water from almost all
sides it has
many ports. There are many ferry services operating between Europe and
UK.
By Rail – Trains connect Ferries at Dover, Folkestone,
Newhaven,
Portsmouth and Weymouth, sailing for Belgium, France, Germany and Spain
(you need to board at Victoria Station in London); and at Harwich,
sailing for Germany, The Netherlands and Scandinavia (you need to board
at Liverpool Street). Eurostar train connects London with Brussels and
Paris through channel tunnel.
By Road – The vehicles can enter UK through channel tunnel.
Cars and
motorcycles, coaches, minibuses, caravans, campervans and other
vehicles over 1.85m (6.07ft) can also use channel tunnel. Bicycles are
also provided for.
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 3200 cigarettes
2. 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars
3. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
4. Perfumes
5. Gifts up to ₤145
Prohibited Items
Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products,
eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages
that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
Disclaimer:duty
free rules and other country information was current at time of
publication.
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