Traveling to South America’s largest and most diverse country, Brazil, can be a wonderful and enlightening experience.

Engaging with the people and learning the customs is a wonderful way to enrich your travel. Here is some information that will help you fit in and show your respect to the Brazilian’s way when traveling in this Portuguese-speaking country:

1. Handshaking is the method of greeting. This is done upon meeting and leaving.
2. It is cultural and customary to be offered tea or coffee. An acceptance of the offer often leads to new friends and great conversation.
3. A small gift is a common way for guests to show appreciation. Flowers or small souvenirs from other countries are the most common ways of showing your gratitude.
4. The Brazilians often dress in casual attire, especially in times of hot weather. If you are wondering if your event is of formal attire, the invitation is customarily the place to find out the appropriate style of dress.
5. Smoking, as with most Latin countries, is a common and frequent occurrence. It is allowed in places of business unless posted otherwise.
6. Brazilians are very Catholic. It is recommended to respect the beliefs of the countrymen. They take their religion very seriously.
7. The majority of all hotels will add a ten percent service charge for your stay.
8. Restaurants usually add an automatic ten percent gratuity to bills but will let you know that it has been added. It is customary to add an extra five percent for the wait staff if they did a good job.
9. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers unless they assisted with luggage.
10. Hotel staff expect tips usually, as with all service employees (approximately ten to fifteen percent).
11. The common Latin practice of siesta is not practiced in Brazil. Business hours are normally Monday thru Friday, 8:30 to 5:30.
12. Brazil is a machismo society. Though women are shown respect, it is expected that men are the ones in charge and are the ones that are spoken to.
13. Electricity comes in different voltages (even within the same city). Transformers are available at electric stores. The hotels usually run on the 220 volt system.
14. United States citizens do need a visa before entering the country. Be sure to begin the process several days before your flight. It can sometimes take up to two weeks to obtain clearance.
15. Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country.
16. The airports charge US$36 for the airport tax.
17. Most of the crime is centered around the slums (favelas in Portuguese). Try to avoid these areas unless accompanied by a guide.
18. Tourist visas are valid for ninety days.
19. Credit cards are considered the best way to travel, due to being able to protect yourself if it is stolen or lost.
20. The unit of currency is the real - plural reais.
21. Over half of the county contains the Amazon Basin, which is the home to dense jungle and countless wildlife.
22. Brazil is home to one of the world’s greatest wildlife preserves, Pantanal. Rivers flowing vicariously through the plains creates a wondrous habitat for such animals as over-sized storks, large guinea pigs and amazing species of fish.
23. Only about ten percent of roads are paved in Brazil.
24. Hitchhiking is considered unsafe and is difficult throughout the country. The locals feel responsible for the person if they pick them up thus them being reluctant to do so.
25. There are three types of buses in Brazil; the comum is the basic, slow, cramped, uncomfortable style of bus. The executivo level of bus is more comfortable (sometimes reclining seats are available) but does not stop to pick up travelers en route. The semi-leito or leito (meaning bed) are night run buses that have routes between major cities. The seats recline and have foot and leg rests, there are toilets and, sometimes, refreshments.

The French Loire Valley is known as Chateaux Country, the Garden of France and the Cradle of the French Language. In 2000, UNESCO named the Loire Valley, between Maine and Sully-sur-Loire, a World Heritage Site. The valley is home to over 300 chateaux. Not all are your traditional fairy tale chateaux, as some stately homes are included in the list. The enormous castles, build by royalty, started being constructed in the 10^th century. In the 16^th century, when King Francois I made Paris once again the center of power, castle building died down, however the area remained rich and continued to be courted by royals and the nobility. However, during the French Revolution, dozens of chateaux were destroyed and some sold off or ransacked for building materials.

Azay le Rideau

Azay le Rideau is one of the more famous chateaux, with good reason. Located in a small village, the chateau site on an island in the Indre river. Built between 1518 and 1527, it is one of the first French Renaissance chateaux. Gilles Berthelot, then state treasurer of Francois I and mayor of Tours, commissioned the build, but it was his wife, Phillipe Lesbahy, whose inheritance paid for it, who supervised the construction. She is credited with the idea of the central staircase, for which the chateau is famous.

In 1528, Berthelot was suspected of embezzlement and was forced to flee. The unfinished chateau was acquired to the kind, who gave it to a high ranking soldier as a reward. In the 20^th century it was acquired by the French government, who restored it and opened it to the public.

The outside of the castle, with its romantic location, can be beaten by the interior. The famous staircase was one of the first straight-flight staircases built in France. Based on Italian designs, the staircase was meant to reflect the nobility of the Berthelots, which they felt was not adequately reflected with a spiral staircase. The castle also has traditional Renaissance architecture with its high roof and long rows of windows. It has to be fortified, as well as demonstrate wealth, but the turrets and other fortification elements balance out an excessively majestic design. The surrounding park has an English garden feel to it and is used for Son et Lumiere shows that run throughout the spring and summer.

The interior decoration is somewhat sparse. Loire chateaux were generally only used during the summer and rarely filled with furniture. Also, much of the existing furniture disappeared or was ruined over time. Today the rooms are decorated with rich tapestries and several historical paintings.

Chateau de Chenonceau

Built in the on the site of a mill on the Cher River, the chateau is located near the village of Chenonxceaux. Built some time in the 10^th century, the chateau was burned in 1411 to punish the then owner, Jean Marques. He quickly rebuilt the castle, which was inherited by his son Pierre Marques. The castle was quickly sold off to Thomas Bohier, Chamberlain for Charles VII. He destroyed the castle and rebuilt a new one between 1515 and 1521. The Renaissance aspects of the chateau, such as the wide staircases, are usually attributed to Bohier’s wife, Katherine Briconnet, who oversaw most of the work. The entrance hall, which is covered with rib vaults, are in excellent condition, considering they were built in 1515.

Eventually seized by Francois I, after his death Henry II gave the chateau to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. It as she who ordered the construction of the famous arched bridge, which joined the chateau to the opposite bank. After the death of Henry II, his wife and queen, Catherine de’ Medici took over the castle, expelling Diane to the Chateau Chaumont. Catherine moved into the castle and added her own touch to the gardens, already made famous with Diane’s triangular designs. The castle is also known as the Chateau of the Six Women because of the number of female owners, whose influences are still present throughout the site.

Practically every room in the house is impressively restored, even down to the kitchen with a large rotisserie and an attached butchery. The chateau has its own chapel, consecrated by Cardianl Bohier. Although the architecture and gardens are impressive, the detail inside the chateau is stunning. The tapestries, starting with Diane de Poitiers’s Flemish tapestry and ending with the gold tapestries in the Louise XII chambers, can be found throughout. The Gallery, which took eight years to complete, is enamelled tiles of chalk and slate.

After Catherine’s death, the castle passed through many hands, including Louise de Lorrain-Vaudemont, Gabrielle d’Estrees, and the Duke of Bourbon. It is now owned by the Menier family, who acquired it in 1913. Other than the Palais de Versailles, Chenonceau is the most visited chateau in France.

New England has some of the most beautiful foliage in the country and the end of October is the best time to do. If you don’t know why leaf peepers - which is the official term for those who flog to New England during the fall season - get so excited, check out these foliage photo sites:

• Vermont Fall Foliage Picture A Day
• New England Fall Foliage
• About.com’s Fall Picture Gallery

Where to Go

With six different states that are ideal to tour through, you are spoiled for choice. Each state has it’s own unique history and landscape. The Official New England Tourism site provides resources about each state and you can call the Fall Foliage Hotline for information about each state.

If you are visiting New England for the foliage, you want to keep up to date on which areas are changing. Before you decide where to go, you should look at each state and when their foliage is at it’s peak colouring. Each state has a specific site with information about the best dates to visit:

• Massachusetts
• Vermont
• New York
• Maine
• Rhode Island
• New Hampshire

New England has a range of different activities to do while enjoying the foliage. It’s also the start of the festive season, with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner:

• Wine and Cheese Tasting: Wine enthusiasts will be thrilled to find out that there are over 70 wineries in the six New England states. New England Vine has a list of wineries and tours you can take to taste the tipple. new England cheeses are famous throughout the world. In the past few years there has been an increase in artisanal cheese making, with more and more dairy farms reviving traditional recipes.
• Fairs and Festivals: Up until Christmas, you can find a number of fairs and festivals, from farmer’s markets to craft events. Yankee Foliage has an extensive list, divided by state. There are also a number of other festivals happening in New England that aren’t foliage-focused but are worth a visit, for instance Boston’s International Fine Art Show is on the November 15^th weekend.
• Foliage Drives: The weather’s already getting a bit cold, but you can still enjoy the season through the car window. If you want to find the perfect driving route to maximize your leaf peeping, New England Scenic Drives has maps with six different routes.
• Historical Sites: When visiting New England, you will inevitably come across some of its history and heritage. Historical sites tend to incorporate the Halloween and foliage aspect of the season into their schedule, such as Salem’s Halloween celebrations.
• Outdoor Sports: New England winter weather is brutal, but the fall still allows for many outdoor sports. You can pick from a range of hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing or opt for some more extreme sports such as extreme hiking, rafting, and rock climbing, all with the added bonus of being surrounded by the beautiful foliage.

New England in the fall is also a great place for children. Besides Halloween and sugar candy, there are a number of events that are a mix of educational and fun, with a focus on nature:

• Halloween Events: Salem is obviously a great place to go during Halloween as the town throws itself into creating a spooky atmosphere. In fact the whole month of October is full of Haunted Happenings.
• Family Drives: Northern New England has some great spots for kids, including Vermont’s Ben & Jerry Ice-cream Factory (there’s also the Sandwich Creamery in New Hampshire if you are in a need of another ice cream fix).
• Leaf Collecting: Leaf picking and collecting is fun way to get your kids interested in nature and there are dozens of craft projects that can be done with their collections.
• Pumpkin Patches and Mazes: Pumpkins are obviously a necessary part of October and New England is covered in farms that open their doors for family fun. Check out Pumpkin Patches and More to find pumpkin activities and corn mazes.

Traveling is a wonderful way to see other cultures, learn about people and see strange lands. Everyone should take time to travel. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling near or far, to foreign lands or staying local, traveling has certain characteristics that put a smile on a person’s face.

Knowing that travel is so great for the soul, let’s talk about what to include to make it that much better. Here are my top fifteen items that a person should include on any trip.

1. The Travel Guide: this can be any of the travel books out there. My personal favorites are the Footprint and Travel Guide series. These books are helpful insight and can make a trip much more enjoyable.
2. A Journal: a journal is a great place to record the sights, lessons and experiences learned on a trip. It is also a great way to remember the name of the helpful local ten years later.
3. Business Cards: this is a great, easy and small item that helps build contacts and friends when traveling. You never know when you might meet that interesting person that has a new insight into something you have interest in. The card can also be an impressive way to introduce yourself to others.
4. A Pen: this might sound silly but I have been on a trip once or twice before where I realized that I didn’t have anything to write with and was in a bit of a bind because of it.
5. Vaseline: this might sound like a funny item but can actually come in handy for a couple of reasons. Of course, there is the obvious reason: it is good for moisturizing the lips. Another is that it is a great way to protect you from getting sick when flying in the airplane. It also moisturizes the air, helping the nostrils from drying out.
6. Travelers Insurance: this is often overlooked but an extremely important element to the worry free vacation. Even though you may have insurance that covers you outside your homeland, those other countries may not accept your insurance as a form of payment. The travelers insurance is always accepted. I have heard and experienced some horrifying stories of people not being treated in a timely manner because of not being properly covered. Be sure that you take the needed to precautions to protect yourself in case of injury or accident. You’ll be glad you did.
7. A Photocopy of your Passport: this is a simple thing to do that can help avoid huge headaches in case of theft or misplacement of your passport. Without it there could be major time issues and stress providing concrete evidence of your identity.
8. An Inflatable Pillow: this is a neck saver for those times when a cramped space (such as a bus or plane) is the only option for sleep. It works great because it is easily packed away but then a comfortable head rest when needed.
9. A Water Bottle: though you can’t have it containing any liquids before entering the gate terminal (in the United States anyway), a water bottle should be filled up before take-off to insure proper hydration during flight (the small, plastic cups really don’t offer much) and then, again, anytime during travel.
10. A Compact, Water-Resistant Wind Shell: this light, small item can be a life saver. It is never fun to be caught in the middle of a storm without proper protection. The best space efficient models are the ones that pack into themselves.
11. The Hidden Purse: this is a light or skin-colored pouch that is big enough to carry a passport and money in. It is hidden well underneath clothing and creates a safe way to travel in busy areas.
12. Unique Baggage: it is all too common to see black luggage after black luggage coming through the baggage turn-style. To help mistaken identity of the wrong bag, tie a colorful ribbon to the handle or sketch initials into the handle. When shopping for travel luggage keep in mind that a more original design and fabric will help your stuff to be easily identifiable and less likely to be lost.
13. Emergency Contact: It is important to have an emergency contact number on your person (usually with the photocopy of the passport is best) at all times. In the case that you are unable to speak for yourself, this can prove to be life saving.
14. Vitamins: traveling can be hard on the immune system so it is important to carry extra vitamins on the trip to insure a healthy body. Such companies as Airborne have created travel handy doses.
15. Comfortable Walking Shoes: if you are traveling then now is not the time to break-in the new pair of hiking boots, running shoes or ski boots that you just bought. I have seen too many people bring new footwear on a wonderful trip, only to be hating life later because of the blisters on their feet.

I hope these fifteen items that have helped my travels be more successful do the same for you. When traveling, a few small items can make a good trip great.

Happy Travels!

When it comes down to it, people are people. The real differences come from the way the culture has created variations in the way we look at things.

Argentina is an interesting culture because it has the intermixing of European and Latin cultures. Here is a list of some of the interesting aspects to the European/Latin blended culture of Argentina.

1. Family is # 1.
   Time for family is put at the top of the list for the majority of the Argentine culture. It is common to see an elderly person being guided by their grandchild, a young sibling walking hand in hand with an adolescent sibling or a teenager walking arm in arm with their mother or father.
2. Football is a Close Second.
   When I say football this means what the United States calls soccer. Football is a national pastime that literally closes down the country during important games. I was driving from Buenos Aires to San Rafael, Mendoza and was able to shave four hours off of my usual time during the 2006 World Cup because there was absolutely no one on the road and all of the police stops were shut down.
3. Mate is an Acceptable Reason to Take a Break.
   Mate, the group-oriented tea, is a common reason for a person to stop what they’re doing, relax a little and enjoy conversation with friends and co-workers. In all professions, from the cement worker to the office executive, it is commonplace to see the gourd and thermos, the mate tools of the trade, sitting near-by, waiting to be used.
4. They Use Plastic Jugs as For Sale Signs.
   Advertising that your car is for sale is not only done with a sign in the window, but in addition, a large plastic jug will sometimes be placed on top of the parked car to let potential buyers know. The jugs oftentimes do not have contact information and it is a bit of a game to find out where the owner of the car is located.
5. Political Correctness is Out the Window.
   Do not take anything you hear to heart. The Argentines are up front and say-it-like-it-is people. Plus, they are passionate. This sometimes makes for an awkward moment if comments are taken literally. For example thick or larger people are called Gordo/a, skinny people are called Flaco/a, ugly people are referred to as Feo/a, dark skinned people as Negro/a.
6. Swearing is Not a No No.
   It is common to hear every type of person swear in different ways. From the sweet Grandma to the high society, mens club member, swearing is considered to be just another form of language and not vulgar. Of course, this is referring to the words of their language, vulgar words of other cultures are still considered as such.
7. The Tango Dance is More than the Classic Tango Shows.
   The tango dance began in the late 1800’s but has evolved into other dances all together. This sexually-charged dance has diverged into two different branches. One with the same look but modern, techno music interlaced with classic tango music. The other with completely different attire, music of different genres and beats and a less sultry vibe. These new ways of expressing the tango dance has brought a breath of fresh air to the century old practice. It also gives another aspect of great visual entertainment for the tourist.
8. The Argentines are Passionate.
   The reason that the elderly, young and rich are fine with swearing is because passion lends itself to passionate words being said. The Argentine people are passionate about everything. Whether it is politics, their favorite football team or if it will snow soon, their opinion is a vibrant and energetic one. Their passion overflows into everything they do, which makes things such as seeing a music concert or football game that much more fun.
9. The Siesta is Taken Seriously.
   When it is siesta time, it is siesta time. Everything shuts down. It is a time for family, for relaxing, for doing whatever you find appropriate for the four hours of chill time. Once you become adjusted to the business hours it is a nice thing for the quality of life. Important things such as taking time for yourself and family are not suddenly being fit into the fifteen minutes before bed each night.
10. Plastic Surgery is Common and Acceptable.
    Argentina has one of the highest per capita rates of experiencing the plastic surgeon’s trance. That is why it is common to see 60-, sometimes 70-year old women (and men), looking as if they are in their twenties from behind. Some of the best surgeons are found in the greater Buenos Aires area. It is so common, in fact, that the major Argentine insurance company, OSDE, offers full coverage of plastic surgery for only an additional $100 to the normal plan.

There are many differences between the cultures of the world but that is what makes traveling so much more exciting. If we were all the same, life would be quite boring, wouldn’t it?

The city of Manila is the capital city of the Philippines located in Luzon, the country’s largest island, and home to over 10 million people. Manila is usually the starting point of any traveler’s travel to the Philippines, since most flights to other provinces and islands leave from Manila’s airport. But just before you board your plane to Boracay or ride the bus to Baguio, have you thought of touring the country’s capital? Here are 7 great sights to visit that will make your trip to Manila complete.

1. Intramuros - the Walled City of Manila - the city within the city, Intramuros was constructed by the Spaniards in 1571 during their colonization of the country. The two oldest stone churches in the Philippines are also located in Intramuros - the Manila Cathedral (the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila) and the San Agustin Church. From cobblestone roads to Spanish style buildings, Intramuros is the highlight of any trip to Manila.
2. The National Museum of the Philippines - established in 1901, the museum serves as the keeper of the Philippine’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum has tri-dimensional goals and objectives namely: 1. as an educational institution; 2. as a scientific institution; and 3. as a cultural center.
   
   Two of the most famous possessions of the National Museum is the Spoliarium by Juan Luna and the “Tabon Man,” the oldest human remains in the archipelago. Rates for the museum are PHP 100 for adults and PHP 30 for students with ID. The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and admission is free onThursdays.
3. BSP Money Museum - the Bangko Sentral or Central Bank of the Philippines’ Money Museum gives visitors a glimpse of how the economy of the Philippines has evolved, along with an evolution of the country’s currency. Visitors can choose from a variety of activities, from viewing the different coins and paper money that the country has used, to participating in lectures about how to detect counterfeit bank notes and coins. The Money Museum has around 60,000 visitors a year, who are mostly students.
4. Rizal Park - named after the Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, Rizal Park features historical markers, gardens, an observatory, a light-and-sound theater, plenty of fountains, and several busts of heroes with a brief biography and their contribution to the Philippine history. A monument with Rizal’s remains stands at the place where he was executed and carries the following inscription:
   

   I want to show to those who deprive people the right to love of country, that when we know how to sacrifice ourselves for our duties and convictions, death does not matter if one dies for those one loves – for his country and for others dear to him.”

5. Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden - established in 1959, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden features a variety of Philippine animals and information about animal habitat. One can opt for a guided tour while exploring the children’s zoo, the picnic area, souvenir stores, and participate in lectures about various animal habitat.
6. Manila American Cemetery and Memorial - the largest cemetery in the Pacific for US personnel who died in World War II. The cemetery is 615,000 sq m in area and located in Taguig, Metro Manila. The cemetery also holds the remains of Filipinos and other allied nations slain during said war. The white crosses that serve as markers are a sight to see - they are aligned from every location viewed.
7. Manila Bay - the most popular Philippine harbor not only because it was the setting for the Battle of Manila Bay, but also for the spectacular sunset that many tourists to Manila patiently wait to see. Tourists often walk the stretch of the Manila Bay to enjoy several places to dine, dance, and listen to performing musicians. The bay has undergone environmental rehabilitation projects to help make and keep it a clean, safe, and wholesome ecosystem.

As with any travel, securing your money from pickpockets is something that you should consider when traveling in Manila. Bring a map, have access to a mobile phone, and make the most of the top transportation methods in the country - the LRT and MRT. They’re more secure and let you get to where you’re going without the traffic.

Elsewhere in the Tenfootsquare travel blog network today…

Traveling With Children on the Eurostar and TGV
Children, especially very young ones, need special attention while travelling. It might seem that public transit is not designed with this in mind. Fortunately, if you’re in Europe, there are some child options for the Eurostar and TGV trains, as Ann points out.

Top Things to Buy in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is said to be a shopper’s paradise because it has what’s known as a free-port status, reducing the total cost of items. Jewelry, precious gems and stones rank on high the shopping lists of tourists to Hong Kong. Leslie Ann offers a quick rundown of what to expect.

For many people, one of the great things about a Caribbean vacation is the food. With the growing popularity of vegetarianism, there are now more opportunities to experience flavorful vegetarian dishes highlighting local produce and cooking styles in Jamaica. Recent years have seen an increase in vegetarian restaurants.

Ras Rody’s Roadside Organic is about 20 minutes to the southwest of Negril and offers an excellent example of one of the types of vegetarian restaurant found tucked away here and there on the island, if you know where to look. The dishes on the menu feature home grown organic vegetables, raised by the family that runs the restaurant. The menu varies with the availability of ingredients, but the food is always fairly inexpensive and very fresh. The soups are especially notable. Indeed, some even refer to the cook as an artist, as his food has as much visual appeal as it does flavor.

Kingston has its share of quality vegetarian restaurants, as well. One of the top rated all vegetarian dining spots is found at Hope Gardens, just off of Hope Road. Ashante Oasis Vegetarian Restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes traditional vegetarian favorites, such as veggies burgers, with a splash of island flavor and a hint of the east in the chutneys the burgers are served with. In addition to familiar fare, specials change daily, and are made of the freshest possible local produce. Tropical fruit juices are among the beverages served at this reasonably priced restaurant set in a lovely atmosphere complete with a waterfall.

Also in Kingston, affordable and open daily, is the Eden Vegetarian Restaurant. Located at 13 Constant Spring Road, this restaurant offers sit down dining and take out, as well as a variety of vegetarian groceries and other products. The menu has a variety of standard vegetarian fare, as well as offerings that feature traditional Jamaican seasonings and local tropical fruits and vegetables.

In addition to a variety of all vegetarian restaurants, many other restaurants have vegetarian dishes available as well. Restaurants, such as Akbar’s, in Kingston, that serve Indian and Pakistani dishes are good bets, as are eateries that cater to a Rastafarian clientele, as they tend to be vegetarians.

Eating vegetarian in Jamaica has never been easier or more flavorful. There are numerous choices throughout the island for enjoying a broad range of vegetarian cuisine. There is no better way to experience the wealth of tropical produce and Jamaican spice that the island has to offer than the clean flavors of quality vegetarian food.