Whether it’s this year’s spring break or the Christmas holidays, there’s nothing that can keep people away from Hawaii. You may be thinking of going to Hawaii for your vacation, and there are lots of things that you can do in Hawaii, so you’re in for a great relaxation session! You can get a massage or simply lounge at the spa. You can sleep the day away and dance all night. You can eat fresh fruit and seafood. You can go on jet ski trips, kayaking trips, cave explorations, or simply just sunbathe on the seashore. There’s a lot to do, so don’t forget to bring these things with you!

Camera – You could be traveling on your own, and this could be a great way for you to learn photography or get a lot of stock photographs in your collection. Hawaii is picturesque to say the least, so get yourself ready to take lots of pictures of sunsets, flowers, coconut groves, sand, shore, and water! Even if you’re with family or friends, you should still bring your camera to capture all your great moments!

Suntan Lotion – There’s no use lying about it: a tan is pretty, but the repercussions can last a lifetime! Keep yourself from getting burned by putting on the suntan lotion. The higher the SPF, the better, so don’t forget to pack, or you could find yourself roasted to a crisp when you get home! Even if the forecast is overcast for Hawaii, there’s still sun creeping from behind the clouds, so take nothing for granted.

Insect Repellant Lotion – This is especially useful if you’re going walking on the seashore at night. You could come into contact with all sorts of mosquitoes and insects, and you don’t want to get any unsightly bites on your skin, not to mention a sickness! Have DEET-free lotion to take along with you, and you won’t find yourself bugged by the nasty bugs.

A pair of good flip-flops – Better yet, get a pair of sandals that have straps to keep them tied well to your feet. You will be hiking a lot, and who knows where your feet will land? You could get lucky and find yourself on soft grass, or you could bleed from a nasty cut from a rock.

A trusty water bottle – You’ll be walking a lot under the sun, so keep yourself hydrated at all times with a swig out of a water bottle. Refill it constantly whenever you get into a restaurant or back at your hotel. Keep yourself hydrated so that you don’t end up a prune!

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, Plze?, Olomouc, , ?eské Bud?jovice, 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 (Starom?stské 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.

Choosing to visit Germany can be an educational and historically enriching experience for the whole family. Four must see cities in Germany are Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg.

Stopping in Berlin

A famous Berlin landmark is the Berlin Wall. This stop will provide for an education about Germany’’s history and how the dismantling of the Wall has affected the German people. Other exhibits in Berlin are the Jewish Museum, the Perganon ancient history museum, The Brandenburg Gate monument, the Atlas archaeological museum, The Story of Museum history exhibit and the Klusor Wilhelm Memorial Church ruins from bombings during World War II. The New Synagogue of Berlin features an exhibit of the Berlin Jewish culture. Wintergarten Variete showcases a world famous cabaret show. The Berlin Cathedral is a beautiful Protestant church and will delight architecture lovers visiting Berlin. The art lover will not want to miss the National Gallery featuring eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth century art, and the Tacheles hosting works by trendy German artists. The Ritz Carlton Berlin offers rooms at an average of $348 a night, the Swissotel Berlin for $168 per room, the Movenpick Hotel Berlin at an average of $177 , and the Hotel Pension Bregony provides rooms for about $87. All these hotel are highly recommended by other tourists.

While in Frankfurt

Visitors to Frankfurt will want to experience the Frankfurt Zoo, St. Leonard Church, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, the German Architecture Museum, and the Frankfurt Historical Museum. Other popular attractions are the Goethe House, home and museum of the legendary writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Leibieghaus, a unique castle-like art museum located in Frankfurt. Recommended Lodging in Frankfurt is provided by: the Hilton Frankfurt at about $486 a night, the Hotel Excelsior for an average of $251, the Hotel Friedberger Warte for an average of $159 a room, and the Best Western Alexander Am Zoo for about $152 a night per room.

Memorable Munich

Munich attractions that are popular with tourists are Staatlickes Hofbrauhaus a sixteenth century famous beer hall and the English Garden, a classic scenic park featuring classic English horticulture as well as Greek, Chinese and Japanese exhibits. Don”t miss Viktualienmarkt an outdoor marketplace featuring German crafts. The Old Pinakothek art gallery is a popular stop. Religious enthusiasts will enjoy the Church of Our Lady, a fifteenth century cathedral with domed towers as well as St. Peter’’s Church which offers amazing scenic photo opportunities. Munich is also home to the BMW factory museum, a great stop for the automobile enthusiast. Hotels that are recommended in Munich are: the Hotel Torbrau at an average of $280 a night, Le Meridian Munchen at $251, Hotel Uhland at about $148, the Hilton Munich City at about $338, and the Royal Hotel at an average price of $105 per night.

Touring Hamburg

Hamburg also offers popular tourists stops in the form of art galleries, historical exhibits and museums. Hamburg lodging that is recommended by other tourists are: The Park Hyatt Hamburg, Madison Hotel Hamburg and the 25 hours hotel.