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 Smi 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 Bergens 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, Nryfjord Narrowest branch of the Sognefjord and Palteau of Jostedalsbreen glacier

Troms Arctic cathedral, Polaria and Troms 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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Don’t Be E-Oblivious
For the most part it’s pretty easy to tell a tourist apart from everyone else. They have that confused look. A giant map pressed against their nose. A t-shirt proudly displaying some home school or different city name. Probably one of the worst ways a tourist can stick out has to do with the bags they carry. Usually they have a very noticeable camera bag (video, film or digital). Using these bags might be convenient to hold your electronics. However it does put all of your stuff at risk. The way the bags are designed you know right away they are holding those tech toys. Which makes it super easy for some less-than-honest individual to know what they should grab first. The solution is simple — change your bag. Use an unassuming tote bag for cameras and any other electronic equipment. Plus, don’t keep stuff like memory cards in the outside pockets to prevent easy pickings from pick-pocketers.


For more Travel Insurance tips, visithttp://TravelInsurance.lifetips.com

When we think of really terrific destinations to find great sights and experiences, we somehow tend to think of the coasts of America. And to be sure, from the California to Washington State to the eastern seaboard, these states boast some of the most exciting vacation destinations we have in this country. But its never a good idea to overlook the wonderful locations located dead center in the middle the country for that experience of the Midwest that will be as unique as your trip to Boston or San Francisco.

Kansas City boasts a robust Midwest culture that is both boisterously western and very metropolitan as well. It is actually a beautiful city that is filled with fabulous art that is on display literally anywhere you can turn. The city fathers made sure that art was a big part of how the city grew up and you will see interesting and skillfully made art sitting in the middle of a garden, off the side of the road or in an out of the way place all over Kansas City.

But no trip to Kansas City is complete without enjoying the amazing tastes of what is possibly the best steak and barbeque in the entire country. Kansas City sits directly on the route of the Cumberland trail. If you remember your history well, you know that in the days of the early west, the Cumberland trail was used by cattlemen to drive herds of cattle up to the markets of Kansas City, Omaha and other great merchant stops to be sold and shipped out via railroad or by barge to be meals for consumers all over the country in the world. Small wonder that it is Kansas City is the home of chefs who know better than anyone does how to prepare beef that will literally melt in your mouth. Some have said the quality of meat you will get in a fine Kansas City restaurant is so good that you wont even have to use your teeth to eat it.

Kansas City is also home to some great historic stops. Just a few miles away from the city center, you can visit the inspiring Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. You can walk through the notes and pictures of the term of this great president and get a feel for what he went through as he made decisions that shaped the history of this great nation. And dont be surprised if you will find your kids not bored at all but completely enthralled with the story of the life of this historic American president. And its likely if they take back some mementos from their visit, they will probably get extra credit in school for taking the time to enjoy this wonderful stop in Independence Missouri.

But Kansas City is also all about fun. For the kids, Kansas City has some of the best water parks in the country. You can drop them off for a day of fun and the adults can take in some of the exciting casinos that have sprung up along the river for some pleasant adult time of recreation as well. Then that night, everybody can gather at a Kansas City Royals baseball game and take in Americas pastime, eat a few hot dogs and enjoy one of the best baseball parks in the nation. Whether the Royals win or lose doesnt matter. Its a thrill to go to a major league game and it will be a memory the kids will be talking about for months, maybe years to come after you finish your trip to Kansas City Missouri.

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There are not too many people who would fee comfortable hopping in their car or getting on an airplane to set off for a trip without some sort of directions. Luckily, there are many different types of directions available and very easy to obtain.

The most basic directions can simply be gathered by asking someone how to get from one point to another. A person who is very familiar with a particular route could give basic directions that would be easy to follow, but not always completely reliable, if they can not remember specific details about the route, such as the exit number to take off of a freeway, or which way to turn at an intersection.

Other directions can be found online as a person searches for online maps and types in where he or she is traveling from and where he or she is traveling. The search will come up with very specific and detailed directions, including how long it will take to get from one point to the next along the journey as well as how long the entire trip is supposed to take. Of course, there are variables that must be accounted for. Roads may be closed which the directions could not forecast, it may take longer then expected due to traffic or problems along the way, so a person following these directions must be ready for variables.

Other forms of directions come in maps. Generally speaking, maps are the best source for getting directions since they show most roads available to travel on, which gives the traveler a way to plan his or her own route, and account for unexpected problems along the way. If one road is closed for any reason, all the person would have to do is look at the map to find an alternate route.

Maps come in many varieties. There are online maps, which can also be printed up with directions, giving the person the best of both; easy to follow directions with the added benefit of having a map, which usually highlights the path the directions, will take the person. Along with traditional paper maps, there is also a fairly new form of maps called global positioning systems, or GPS, which are electronic maps connected to a satellite. These forms of maps are a good source of directions since they not only show a person how to get to where they are going, but also tells the person which direction they are headed, perfect for those that can easily get turned around.

Obviously, there are many different forms of directions to choose from, each having their advantages and disadvantages. Each traveler must decide which form of directions will be best for them to follow, keeping in mind that it is generally a good idea to have a couple of different options available while traveling and being familiar with them before the trip. This simple practice could save a person time and stress while traveling to unfamiliar locations, making the entire travel experience more enjoyable.

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Looking for the sun, the sand, and the waves on your honeymoon? The State of Florida offers the perfect honeymoon destination for newly-married couples who would like to bask in the sun and sip some cool, refreshing drink under the shade of a palm tree. Think of a tropical island in the United States. You dont have to go abroad or too far to experience the romance of a beautiful and romantic tropical island.

The Sunshine State is one of the top destinations for weddings and honeymoons. With its stretch of beaches and beautiful city attractions, Florida has always something new to offer newly-weds. Put on your list the Caladesi Spring State Park, which offers fishing, scuba diving, swimming and Manatee watching. Visit the Bok Sanctuary and the Coral Castle Gallery which houses the Three Bears Grotto.

And if youre looking at the ultimate wedding and honeymoon experience in sunny Florida, this is the place to be: the Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. At Walt Disney World, honeymooners are offered an extensive array of honeymoon packages, or if you want, you can even personalize your own honeymoon package! There are concierge honeymoon options at Walt Disneys deluxe hotels and ultimate honeymoon experience that includes a land and sea vacation package complete with a Disney cruise and a visit at Disney World. Experience the magic and be one of those that have been well-pampered by this magical resort.

Honeymooners are provided with choices on dining, special merchandise, exclusive spa treatments for you and your honey. There are also photo shoots, outings and unlimited admission to Disney theme parks, carriage rides and cruises.

For some wholesome entertainment, Disneys MGM Studios stages Fantasmic, a show that showcases dramatic music, dancing water, animation, fireworks and lasers perfect. Truly, grandeur and luxury would be at your beckoning.

If you want to bask in the sun, hit the pristine beaches of Miami! South Beach, Miami is the place to go if you want some surfing and swimming with your significant other. There are also a number of trendy clubs and bars you can hit for some evening entertainment. Bash in South Beach, Miami is a dance club frequented by most celebrities. So if you and your spouse would like to go party and rub elbows with the stars after a day in the sun, go to Bash or the Marlin Hotel on Collins Avenue. Jacksonvilles T-birds is a good place to relax and listen to retro music. There are numerous other themed bars that can provide you with all the entertainment you need.

Hotels like Orlandos Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort are five-star resorts with luxurious accommodations and services. For more variety, theres the International Drive and SeaWorld Orlando, which offers a hundred or so restaurants and other attractions. You can check this and more with your travel agent or better yet log on to different websites that showcases Floridas multitude of tourist and honeymoon spots

Swim, bask in the sun, be merry and enjoy the company of your loved one. The sunny state of Florida offers you the ultimate hip, trendy places to be on your honeymoon. What better way to start the life of marital bliss than to enjoy the waves, the sun, the sun, and more sun.

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Most people have been on at least one trip, whether that trip was for business or for pleasure, and whether that was a short road trip, or a long once in a lifetime vacation, the majority of people have traveled. What sets the savvy traveler apart from all the rest is experience and education in traveling. Traveling is meant to be enjoyable, but for some it is more enjoyable then for others. The reason for this is typically how prepared the travelers are. Preparation is usually the difference between a stressful and pleasant experience.

One of the best ways for travelers to be prepared is by giving him or herself enough time to make the necessary preparations, which include booking the necessary transportation, hotels, and other services needed while traveling. These are usually the first steps travelers take before their trip. However, another necessary preparation, which may be overlooked by those that do not travel often, is the gathering and studying of maps. There are many people who do this as a hobby, and there are others who never touch maps because they do not understand them and feel they are too much trouble. The savvy travelers know that maps are an essential part of any trip, whether a short road trip on a weekend or a trip around the world.

The first step that was mentioned is gathering maps. There are several resources available to travelers. A person planning a trip can buy road maps at most stores or gas stations. They can go to their local travel agency and they can also contact the travel and tourism office for their destination, this can be done online for those who know how to use the internet. Other methods for obtaining travel maps is shopping for specific ones online or calling the hotel or car rental agency that the traveler will be using and asking them for maps.

Once the maps are collected, the savvy travelers will study those maps, not just gather, and pack them. They will mark the route, which will be traveled if driving either by car, the whole trip or just once at the destination by using a rental car. They will circle any places they plan to visit either along the way such as rest stops or scenic sites along the road, along with attractions or sites at the destination itself. Savvy travelers will also keep their maps on them while traveling so they can easily be accessed when needed. A map will do a person no good if it is packed at the bottom of a suitcase or left at a hotel.

There are certain people that enjoy the thrill of spontaneity and do not care for planning. This may be all right for quick weekend trips to familiar locations; it is not necessarily the best idea when traveling to unknown places, especially when traveling to foreign destinations. Savvy travelers know it is best to be prepared, and enjoy the trip with little stress and hassle, which is what anyone hopes for while traveling.

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JFK baggage system glitch delaying flights
Read full story for latest details.

Delta Air Lines to offer Wi-Fi on U.S. flights
Read full story for latest details.

Chad-Safety and Security Update
Australians are strongly advised not to travel to Chad because of the volatile security situation and ongoing violent civil unrest and the threat of terrorism. The situation could deteriorate further without warning.

Lyne and Mayo By-Elections - 6 September 2008
Electors enrolled in the divisions of Lyne, New South Wales and Mayo, South Australia are advised by-elections for these divisions will be held on Saturday 6 September 2008.

When going on a snowmobile vacation, one way to lessen your hassles is to leave your snowmobiles at home and rent the equipment from the resort where you are going to stay. Many resorts that specialize in winter seasonal vacations offer snowmobile rentals and even equipment and clothing to make your snowmobile experiences safer and more enjoyable. Other vacationers might choose to ship their own snowmobiles to their destination. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option. In order to fully enjoy your snowmobiling vacation, it is important to consider the options available to you regarding your snowmobile equipment.

If you are a beginning snowmobiler, you might enjoy a snowmobiling vacation at a resort where you can rent a snowmobile and the equipment needed. Rather than buying expensive machines that you will not enjoy, many resorts offer the newest equipment available along with top-notch experts to help you learn to use it safely. This gives beginners the chance to test their enthusiasm about snowmobiling while also giving avid snowmobilers the opportunity to test out the newest equipment before buying a new one. Along with the rental of the snowmobile, customers also have the option of renting waterproof suits, boots, and gloves to help protect them from the cold weather and the winter elements while still enjoying the season. Helmets are also available and they are essential to ensure the safety of snowmobilers, whether they are beginners or experts.

Another benefit of renting a snowmobile from a resort or dealership is that it saves money. Infrequent snowmobilers will benefit from renting a snowmobile and the equipment needed to enjoy the fun that snowmobiling has to offer. Renting a couple times a year will invariably be less expensive than buying a snowmobile every few years if you are not an avid snowmobiler. Even for avid snowmobilers, renting equipment from a resort that you are vacationing at will be less expensive not to mention less of a hassle - than shipping your snowmobile and equipment to your vacation spot. Rental places will undoubtedly offer insurance for the rented equipment where the user will be responsible for only a deductible in case of an accident.

An added advantage to renting a snowmobile from your vacation resort is that they normally have experienced guides who will take families or individuals along the more scenic and exciting parts of the available trails along the forests. The guides are expertly trained so they can customize tours and trails to your specific riding ability. The beginning snowmobilers will be taken on tours along smooth trails with more straight-aways while other more experienced users can choose to go on more thrilling trails that wind through the forests and hills of the winter landscape. This not only provides riders with peace of mind, but it can also give beginners and experts alike the opportunity to experience views and experiences that they otherwise would have missed if they went on the trails alone.

Although it is easier and less expensive to rent a snowmobile from a dealer or a vacation resort, experienced users might prefer to have their equipment shipped to their vacation spot. There are several reasons for this, but the most common reason is because it may take some time for a person to get accustomed to a new snowmobile. By the time an experienced user gets accustomed to rental equipment, the vacation could be over. Several companies offer door-to-door snowmobile shipments and plenty of insurance if an owner is willing to pay for it. That option is generally used for experts and competitive riders rather than the occasional rider. Oftentimes, the amount that it takes to ship a snowmobile and the accompanying equipment is just as much, if not more, than the rental price with rental insurance included. It is up to the user to weigh the available options to make a decision based on their personal preference.

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Mongolia
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Civil Unrest/Political Tension (update). The overall level of the advice has not changed.