The Cypriot Tourist
Overall, Cyprus is a Greek and English speaking island. But the presence of French and German speaking people is becoming popular as well. Most of this is due to the large tourist presence. The people of Cyprus live much like we do today. They have banks which are usually open from 8:30 to Noon and some are open in the afternoon as well. Money is issued in “notes” of 20, 10, 5, and 1 pounds. Their pound is much like our dollar bill by being divided into 100 cents. They have electricity, pharmacies, and telephones. The only difference in their electricity from ours in America is it is the European standard electricity. You will need a converter if you bring any electrical appliances with you. They also celebrate most of the holidays we do, such as Easter.
If you are not sure what to pack then look to your climate for help. Cyprus experiences the same temperatures we do. In the summer months it is highly recommended that you wear the coolest and lightest clothes possible, as Cyprus is very humid. In the early fall you can get away with a light jacket, but come the winter months, warm clothes will be needed. If you will be driving in Cyprus, get ready for the opposite. All cars and other means of transportation are driven on the left hand side of the road. Many of us have only experienced this in the movies so be ready for a very big adventure.
The best thing about touring Cyprus is the short distance between cities. If you really want to see all of Cyprus, tour buses are available. They are very modernized with air conditioning. One of the main reasons to visit Cyprus is its easy access to the Holy Lands. In only a cruise ship away, you can visit Egypt. If you decide to visit a church while in Cyprus, conservative clothing is required no matter the climate. Many cruise ships provide food and entertainment. If you want to experience the water on your own, then yachts are also available for rent with or without the presence of a crew.
The entrance of Cyprus is very flexible and easy. There are over 30 name brand airlines connected to Cyprus and are easily available if you want to visit other European countries. You will need a visa to enter Cyprus, but people from surrounding European countries may not need one. You will also not be required to get any form of vaccination unless you are coming from an infected country. In that case you will be quarantined until you have gotten a cholera, smallpox, and yellow fever vaccine. They do not limit the amount of cash you bring and the form that you have it in whether it be travelers checks is not limited either. However, they do place restrictions on what you take out of Cyprus. You are not allowed to take any objects from the bottom of the ocean, nor are you able to leave with any ancient antiques.
There is an abundance of hotels in Cyprus, ocean front as well. Some of the hotels are so luxurious you would not believe you are in a country with so many battles. Many of the hotels are made for families with amenities such as fun and exciting pools, baby sitting services, entertainment, satellite TV, and much more. If you stay in one of the name brand chain hotels such a Marriott, a typical room in the summer months will run you close to 250 pounds. However, the best time to visit is in the cooler months because the rooms only run around 80 or 90 pounds a night. You won’t be able to enjoy the exciting pools but you will not get as hot as you would in the warmer months.
If you are an excellent wine taster then you should check out the Cyprus Wine Route. The tour will take you from Mesa Geitonia to Palodeia. Along the way you will have the privilege of drinking tasteful wines with a zing of old country feel. Many of the flowers are cultivated into the wine which gives it an ancient and Romanesque taste. Cyprus is best known for their glorious wines so the tour will certainly be a trip to remember.
If your child is visiting Cyprus on a school trip or with a church, and you want them to get the best discounts around the island then you might want to consider the Euro 26 card. Any person under the age of 26 is eligible to have the card and can use it anywhere the you see the Euro 26 logo. With the Euro 26 card your child can get discounts on museums, food, transportation, gifts, and it also has several help telephone numbers in case your child gets into a bad situation. The best part is that you can use the card all over Cyprus. However, you must obtain the card before the trip because even though Cyprus respects the card, the retail stores do not administer the cards.
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