Hotel Travel

O'Reilly Open Source Software Convention 2003 Home Registration Speakers Keynotes Tutorials Sessions At-a-Glance BOFs Community Meetings -- Events Community Software Exhibitors Sponsors Hotel/Travel Venue Map See & Do Press Mail List then put your text -- Hotel and Travel Information Hotel Info | Directions | Room Sharing | Restaurants | Travel Assistance | Rental Cars | Airline Tickets Event Headquarters Hotel Portland Marriott Downtown 1401 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97201 Phone: 503-226-7600 Fax: 503-221-1789 Nestled in a beautiful riverside location with picturesque views of the Willamette River, the Portland Marriott Downtown will serve as the headquarters hotel for the 5th annual O?Reilly Open Source Convention. With the convenience of a downtown location, the Portland Marriott also provides access to numerous downtown amenities, including the MAX Light Rail and an eclectic blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. -- Open Source Convention Room Rate Discounted Room Rate: $129.00 (This rate is for single, double, triple or quad occupancy. Looking for a roommate? ) The cutoff date to make your room reservations is Friday, June 13, 2003 . In order to receive the discounted room rate, you must identify yourself as attending the "O'Reilly Open Source Convention." Reservations received after the cutoff date of June 13, 2003 will be honored on a space-available basis at the prevailing rate of the hotel. Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state & local taxes (currently 11.5%) in effect at time of check-in. Make your hotel reservations online: Portland Marriott Downtown Choose the red "Reserve a Room" button that appears at the top of the page. Enter Group Code: OAAOAAA (using the letter "o") to receive the O'Reilly discounted room rate. Choose your arrival and departure dates, and continue through the reservation system. An email confirmation will be sent to you confirming your hotel reservation at the Portland Marriott Downtown for the O'Reilly Open Source Convention. Make your hotel reservations by phone. Call: 1-800-228-9290 or call the hotel directly at (503) 226-7600. Alternative Hotels If you've waited to make your hotel reservations and find the headquarters hotel Sold Out, try these walking-distance alternatives. Residence Inn by Marriott 2115 SW River Parkway, Portland, OR Phone: 503-552-9500 Four Points by Sheraton 50 S.W. Morrison, Portland, OR Phone: 503-221-0711 Days Inn City Center 1414 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR Phone: 503-221-1611 Doubletree Hotel Portland Downtown 310 SW Lincoln, Portland, OR Phone: 503-221-0450 Getting There Portland International Airport (PDX) The Portland Int'l Airport serves approximately 120 domestic and international cities by 17 commercial airlines. Arrival/Departure Information Direction To/From PDX Gate Locations at PDX Location of Car Rental Offices at PDX Ground Transportation Services at PDX MAX Light Rail For cheap & convenient transportation from the Portland International Airport (PDX) to Downtown Portland, hop aboard the Airport MAX light rail "Red Line". Service runs every 15 minutes. If you are staying at the convention headquarters hotel - Portland Marriott Downtown - you will want to exit the rail at the "Morrison downtown" stop. The Marriott is only a 6 - 8 minute walk South from the Morrison train stop. The fare for this ride is less than $2.00. Airport Shuttle Services The Portland Marriott Downtown provides an airport shuttle service. Cost is $15 per person. For airport pickup going to the Portland Marriott Downtown, you must make a reservation ahead of time by calling: (503) 740-0403. Driving Directions Visit the Marriott web site for customized driving directions from your unique starting point to the Portland Marriott Downtown. Click here for specific driving direction to the Hotel from the Portland International Airport. From the North (Seattle) Stay on I-5 South. Take the OMSI/Oregon City exit (#300B), remain in the right lane. Exit onto the Morrison Bridge, remain in the right lane. Take the ramp to Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) which makes a sharp loop to the right, going back under the bridge. Head south on Front Avenue (Naito Parkway), the hotel is located 8 blocks on the right. From the South (Salem) Remain on I-5 North and as you approach closer to Portland remain in the extreme left lane. Take the Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) exit (#1a) which approaches rapidly. When you get to the stop light, cross Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) onto Clay Street. Remain on Clay and make a right on 2nd Avenue. Make a right on Columbia Street and follow it down to Front Avenue (Naito Parkway). The hotel's driveway is the second entrance on your right. From the East (Portland Airport) Follow the signs to I-205 South/Salem. Take the exit I-84 West to Portland. Remain in the left lane and follow the signs to OMSI/City Center. On the overpass, switch to the right lane and take the City Center exit that goes onto the Morrison Bridge. On the bridge, remain in the right lane and take the Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) exit, which makes a sharp loop to the right, going back under the bridge. Head south on Front Avenue (Naito Parkway), the hotel is located 8 blocks on the right. From the West (Oregon Coast) From Highway 26/Sunset Highway, take the Market Street exit (just through the tunnel). This will take you to 4th Avenue. Follow 4th Avenue to Columbia Street. Make a right on Columbia and follow it to Front Avenue (Naito Parkway). Make a right on Front Avenue (Naito Parkway) and the hotel's driveway is the second entrance on the right. Parking Valet Parking Hotel Guest: $21.00 per night Visitor: $5.00 per hour (not to exceed $21.00 per day) Self Parking The Portland Marriott Downtown does not offer a self-parking service, however, there are several self-parking garages located adjacent to or within close walking distance to the hotel. 1st Street (between Clay & Columbia) (located directly behind the Hotel) Self-parking Garage. $12.50 per day. No security is available in this parking garage. Jefferson Street (between 1st & 2nd) (located 2 blocks away from Hotel) Self-parking Garage. $3.00/Hour (not to exceed $12.00/Day). No security is available in this parking garage. Please Note: Parking fees are approximate and completely subject to change without notice. Room Sharing If you are looking to save money on your housing costs, you may wish to room-share. We have set up a room-share mailing list to facilitate finding a suitable roommate. Please visit the Room Sharing page to submit your information and be added to the mailing list. The list will be updated and broadcast weekly. Restaurants within Walking Distance Visit the OSCON Restaurants page for a detailed listing of local restaurants within walking distance from the Portland Marriott Downtown. Travel Assistance The official O'Reilly conference travel planner offers one-stop shopping for your air travel and other travel needs in connection with your attendance at the O'Reilly Open Source Convention. Vivian V. Russell Travel Services 182 Farmers Lane, Suite 102 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Email: vivianv@sonic.net Phone: (707) 525-0550, Fax: (707) 525-0560 Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the O'Reilly Open Source Convention. To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV #01XY0021 . Air Travel United Airlines is offering attendees traveling to our event a 5% discount off of the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class, or a 10% discount off of the unrestricted mid-week coach fare. They will also offer an additional 5% off of those tickets purchased at least 60 days in advance. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express flights. You must refer to Meeting ID #510CS in order to receive the convention attendee discount. Be certain to give either your travel planner or the United reservation agent (1-800-521-4041) this number. Our Environmental Commitment O'Reilly is committed to holding environmentally responsible events by using recycled products and choosing venues willing to partner with our Green efforts. Visit our Gone Green page for more information on the recycled products you'll receive at the convention. O'Reilly & Associates assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this convention releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this convention. O'Reilly Home | Privacy Policy © 2003, O'Reilly Media, Inc.

European vacation for more

Europe hotels and vacation deals from EuroVacations.com Hotel Location City/Country: - Select a City - Aix-en-Provence, France Amsterdam, Netherlands Antwerp, Belgium Athens, Greece Avignon, France Barcelona, Spain Basel,Switzerland Beaune, France Belfast, N. Ireland Bergen, Norway Berlin, Germany Bern, Switzerland Bilbao, Spain Bordeaux, France Bratislava, Slovakia Brig, Switzerland Brugge, Belgium Brussels, Belgium Budapest, Hungary Caen, France Cannes, France Chamonix, France Chur, Switzerland Cologne, Germany Como, Italy Copenhagen, Denmark Cordoba, Spain Cork, Ireland Crete, Greece Davos, Switzerland Dresden, Germany Duesseldorf, Germany Dublin, Ireland Dubrovnik, Croatia Edinburgh, Scotland Engelberg, Switzerland Florence, Italy Frankfurt, Germany Freiburg, Germany Geneva, Switzerland Ghent, Belgium Glasgow, Scotland Granada, Spain Graz, Austria Grindelwald, Switzerland Gstaad, Switzerland Hamburg, Germany Heidelberg, Germany Helsinki, Finland Innsbruck, Austria Interlaken, Switzerland Istanbul, Turkey Kilkenny, Ireland Krakow, Poland Lausanne, Switzerland Liege, Belgium Linz, Austria Lisbon, Portugal London, England Lourdes, France Lucerne, Switzerland Lugano, Switzerland Lyon, France Luxembourg, Luxembourg Madrid, Spain Malaga, Spain Malmo, Sweden Marseille, France Milan, Italy Monte Carlo, Monaco Montreux, Switzerland Moscow, Russia Munich, Germany Mykonos, Greece Naples, Italy Nice, France Normandy, France Oslo, Norway Oxford, Great Britain Pamplona, Spain Paris, France Plymouth, Great Britain Porto, Portugal Positano, Italy Prague, Czech Republic Provence, France Rhodes, Greece Rome, Italy Rothenburg ob Tauber, Germany Salzburg, Austria San Sebastian, Spain Santorini, Greece Santa Margherita, Italy Seville, Spain Sorrento, Italy Split,Croatia St. Moritz, Switzerland St. Petersburg, Russia Stockholm, Sweden Strasbourg, France Tallinn,Estonia Tuscany, Italy Valencia, Spain Venice, Italy Vienna, Austria Warsaw, Poland Waterford, Ireland Wurzburg, Germany York, England Zagreb, Croatia Zell Am See, Austria Zermatt, Switzerland Zurich, Switzerland Check-In Date: (MM/DD/YY) Check-Out Date: (MM/DD/YY) Number of Hotel Guests: Room 1 # of Adults 1 2 3 4 # of Children -- 1 2 Child Age 1 -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Child Age 2 -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Room 2 # of Adults -- 1 2 3 4 # of Children -- 1 2 Child Age 1 -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Child Age 2 -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Please wait while we check prices and confirm availability YOUR EUROPEAN HOTEL SPECIALIST B ook from over 1,000 quality hotels in Europe with eurovacations.com. W e know that the hotel you choose for your vacation in Europe can make your vacation special. Every hotel we offer has been inspected by our team of travel experts, and we know what makes a great hotel. As part of the Rail Europe Group, we've been helping travelers get the most out of their European vacation for more than 60 years. FLORENCE 4th Night Free Hotel Paris 11/7 to 12/29 /05 PRAGUE 4th Night Free Golden Star 11/1 to 12/27/05 LONDON 3rd Night Free Marlborough 12/19 to 2/28/06 Extra night will be automatically calculated into your price. England & Scotland : London, England Ireland France : Provence, France Paris, France Italy: Florence, Italy Rome, Italy Venice, Italy Spain : Barcelona, Spain plus Amsterdam, Netherlands , Munich, Germany , Vienna & Salzburg, Austria , Switzerland , and Eastern Europe SHOPPING CART 0 ITEMS Current Savings The more you book the more you save. Watch your savings grow with our shopping cart . Save more with each item you book! We have partnerships with major airlines and hotel chains. We offer you steep discounts when you Book Air + Hotel Our exciting, free newsletter and special e-deals alerts have great offers on European hotels, travel tips, and more! Click here to subscribe And don't worry, we have a very strict privacy policy Read our latest issue Home . Hotel . Air + Hotel . Car . Rail . Packages . How To Vacation In . View Shopping Cart Affiliates . About Us . FAQ’s . Help © 2004 Eurovacations.com. All rights reserved. Eurovacations® is a registered trademark of Eurovacations.com. Use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the Eurovacations Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy . 1-877-471-3876 State of California Seller of Travel Certificate of Registration # 205-2601

Orlando Vacation Home Travelosity.com

Insider.com The Insider's Guide to the Internet Visit our Other Sites | Auto Insurance.com | Getaway.com Travel | Free Hosting & Forums | Laptops.com | 121Chat.com | Related Links Orlando Vacation Home Travelosity.com Weather Discount Travel All Inclusive Vacation Air Travel Las Vegas Golf Yosemite Destin Florida Bahamas Winter Vacation Spring Break Ski Vacations Italy Tour Outer Banks Family Vacation Grand Canyon Globus Cheap Vacation Belize Sponsored Results for Orlando Vacation Home: Disney Area Vacation Homes - Orlando Disney area vacation homes. Choose from 100's of vacation villas, condos and town homes next to Disney. Don't book from a sample - choose the exact villa your family wants to stay in. www.villadirect.com Vacation Rentals in Kissimmee Florida Get two free tickets to Universal Studios Orlando with any stay of six nights or more in any of our luxurious vacation villas. Act now on this limited-time offer. www.fanfareproperties.com Windsor Palms Resort - Orlando Windsor Palms Resort located three miles from Disney World. Affordable 3-6 bedroom vacation homes with private pools, costing much less than you would expect to pay for a Disney Hotel room. www.windsorpalmsresort.com Disney World Vacation Rental Homes Huge savings on luxurious 2 to 6 bedroom condos, villas and executive pool models all located within 5 minutes to Disney's Maingate. Great discounts on all attraction tickets for our guests. www.wdwvacationhomes.com Orlando Vacation Homes - Florida Spirit Search and book online from over 100 luxurious Orlando vacation homes just minutes from Disney. These affordable luxury homes feature from 3-6 Bedrooms with private pools - Book today. www.floridaspirit.com Orlando, FL Vacation Rentals Choose from multiple Orlando vacation specials on 3 to 7 bedroom vacation homes with private pools, spas, game rooms or home theatres, all within 4 miles of Disney World. www.allstarvacationhomes.com Orlando Vacation Home Rentals Beautifully furnished and immaculate vacation rental homes and villas, just minutes from Disney. Choose from 3-7 bedrooms, all with private pools. Experience great comfort and value. www.floridavacationsinc.com Next Page>> INVADER | CATWOMAN | COMIC | MANGA | MARVEL COMIC | Email - | - Terms/About

Travel Guides Community Special

Adventure Travel & World Travel | iExplore FORBES' #1 ADVENTURE TRAVEL SITE 5 YEARS IN A ROW — TIME MAGAZINE TOP 50 Keyword Search: -- Home Trip Finder Travel Guides Community Special Offers Store My iExplore About Us | Testimonials | Corporate Travel | Advertise | Contact Us -- All Regions Africa Antarctica Australia and the South Pacific Caribbean Central and South America Europe Far East Middle East North America South and Southeast Asia All Countries All Activities Bicycle Touring Canal and River Cruising Canoeing Culinary Cultural Exploration Expedition Cruises Field Research / Volunteering Fishing Hiking / Trekking / Walking Horseback Riding Miscellaneous Mountain Biking Mountaineering Multi-Sport Once-in-a-Lifetime Rainforests and Ecotours Safari Sailing and Yachting Scuba Diving Sea Kayaking Snow Sports Whitewater -- -- Featured Destination The people, the place, the unhurried pace... Come discover the enchantment of Ireland. Check out Ireland's great cycling, hiking and horseback riding trips! Partner Offer -- Tour Spotlight iExplore Cape to Cairo Adventure Africa's ultimate journey... Trip Overview Trip Itinerary Departure Dates Egypt Photos Egypt Travel Guide Destination Of The Day Portugal Portugal is a country of astonishing beauty and diversity, not to mention clear blue skies and friendly, courteous people. Pick any destination and the view from your window might be a rugged stretch... Overview Where To Go Travel Tips Portugal Tours Portugal Photos Travel Photos Browse over 225,000 user-submitted travel photos. Journals & Reviews Read and write travel journals & reviews. Find a Travel Buddy Post a listing to find a like-minded travel buddy. Get Answers Find answers for all of your travel-related questions. Top Selling iExplore Tours 1. Machu Picchu Peru 2. Adventure in Argentina 3. Cultural Tour in Thailand 4. Safari in South Africa 5. The Pyramids of Egypt 6. Safari in Gabon 7. Cruise the Galapagos 8. Cultural Tour in Greece 9. Culinary Tour in Italy 10. Cultural Tour in Tunisia Client Testimonials " I had an absolutely wonderful time!! The staff treated the guests like family. Overall it was one of the best trips I have ever taken. Thank you so much! " Penny, 12/01/2005, Argentina " I wanted to let you know that my trip was beyond my wild dreams. I loved it!! Thanks for helping me. " Mary Lou , 11/16/2005, Vietnam & Cambodia Click here to view more testimonials Sponsored Listings ( Add your listing ) Europe and Russia Africa Central and South America South and Southeast Asia North America England France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Russia Spain Botswana Egypt Kenya Morocco Namibia South Africa Tanzania Argentina Belize Brazil Chile Costa Rica Ecuador Galapagos Islands Guatemala Peru Venezuela India Nepal Philippines Thailand Vietnam Indonesia Alaska Canada Greenland Mexico United States Australia and South Pacific Far East Caribbean Middle East Antarctica Australia Fiji French Polynesia New Zealand Papua New Guinea China Hong Kong Japan Mongolia South Korea Tibet Bahamas Barbados Cuba Dominican Republic Jamaica Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Iran Israel Jordan Syria Turkey Advertisement -- advertisement Why iExplore? About Us Advertise Site Map Privacy Policy Travel Agents Contact Us © 2005 Adventure Travel with iExplore --

Mexico Travel Guide pages!

Mexico Travel Guide - Travel Tips Wednesday Dec 28th, 2005 Mexico Central Time Just like traveling to other parts of the world, there are some general concepts we suggest you think about while packing your luggage. Follow these suggestions so your visit to Mexico will be a success. Entry Requirements When To Go Getting Around Weather Considerations What To Bring Health Tips Money Exchange & Credit Tips For Seniors Entry Requirements Enter in Mexico Three items are needed to enter Mexico: A Photo I.D. (such as a Driver's License or a passport, starting at age 18 and above) A Tourist Card or F.M.N. A Valid Proof Of Citizenship • Tourist Card This two part document is your "permission" from the Mexican government to visit Mexico . It is available free of charge, although sometimes difficult to obtain in large quantities. The airlines always have an ample supply upon check-in. Or, if all else fails, you can obtain one in Mexican Immigration upon arrival. Here are a few words of advice about tourist cards: Do not lose or deface the bottom portion returned to you after the immigration inspection. It must be returned to Mexican Immigration upon departure. TIP: Write down your tourist card number and keep it with your travel documents. If the card is lost, having the number will help greatly. Keep your tourist card and travel documents in a secure place. Do not carry them with you everywhere you go, unless traveling extensively from your point of arrival. You can ask to have your card validated for more time (up to 180 days) than you'll actually need. • Proof of Citizenship Note: information regarding entry requirements is subject to change without notice, and should be reconfirmed with the airline being used for international travel. U.S. Citizens may use one of the following for entry into Mexico: Valid Passport: This is the most recommended document - secure and convenient. Certified Birth Certificate: (hospital certificate is not acceptable). A birth certificate must include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records (usually the Department of Health Services in the city where you were born). Brides will have an easier time if tickets are issued in their maiden name to match their documents. For U.S. airport security purposes the name on the driver's license and the name on the ticket must match. Women traveling with tickets in their married name whose driver's license (or state issued ID) is in their married name, but who are using a birth certificate as proof of citizenship will be fine as long as the first name and date of birth on their driver's license and their birth certificate match. Natural U.S. Citizens born outside the United States may use a Certificate of Citizenship, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth (Form DS-1350 or FS-545). U.S. Naturalization: If you claim citizenship through naturalization you may use your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship or laminated Naturalization card. Note: Some airlines/charter companies may still accept the Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship or possibly a Voters Registration Card. Canadian versions of the above documents are acceptable; notarized affidavits must be executed in Canada . The "Canadian Identification Card" is an acceptable proof of citizenship document as well. Mexican Citizens Here the rules are a little more lenient, although Mexican nationals must have some official document proving Mexican birth. For one way travel any one of the following is accepted: Passport: may be expired Birth Certificate (Acta de Nacimiento) Consular registration form (Matrícula Consular) Military Service Card (Cartilla Militar) Voter's Registration Card (Cédula de Empadronamiento) For round trip travel Mexican nationals must have all three of the following: Valid Passport or valid Matrícula Consular Alien Registration Card or U.S. visa A Military Service Card if traveler is 18 years of age or older. If none of the above are available, the nearest Mexican Consulate will issue a "presunción de nacionalidad." Traveler must provide two passport size pictures to obtain the document. Remember, alien residents must have proof of U.S. residency to return to the States. Other Nationalities Most foreign citizens traveling to Mexico from the U.S. need a valid passport and U.S. "Alien Registration" card only. Contact the airlines serving Mexico or the Mexican Consulate for more details or specific situations. For Student Visas contact the Mexican Consulate in your area. Minors Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor for travel purposes. Very strict regulations govern international travel by minors into Mexico . Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents listed below. Minors traveling with both legal parents or guardians: nothing else is needed. Minors traveling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians: they must obtain an original notarized letter of permission signed by both parents. Minors traveling with only one parent: must have notarized written permission from the other parent. (Airlines will also require the name, address and phone of the person meeting the unaccompanied minor upon arrival in Mexico .) In the case of deceased or divorced parents: legal proof must be carried to accept just one signature on the letter. This proof (death certificate, proof of sole custody etc.) can also be shown to a notary who can then notarize an Affidavit of Sole Custody form. EXCEPTION: Mexican children often have a stamp on their passports that reads, "El titular del presente pasaporte viaja de conformidad con El Articulo 421 del Codigo Civil Vigente." This allows the child to travel with only one parent and without a notarized statement. • Entering Mexico Your first stop is at Mexican Immigration (Migración) where proof of citizenship is inspected, and tourist cards are validated. DON'T LOSE YOUR TOURIST CARD! Next stop is at Customs (Aduana). Mexico has instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist. Here's the way it works: Visitors complete a customs declaration form. Visitors choose to either declare or not declare that they are importing items beyond their allowance. Those declaring items have their belongings searched, and duty is collected. Those not declaring items are asked to push a button on a street traffic light that is mounted on a post inside thecustoms area. A green light allows you to pass without inspection. A red light will signal an inspection. In the event that items are found that were not declared, heavy fines and penalties apply. You are allowed to bring in any of the following: Personal items, e.g. clothing, footwear, toiletries, all in reasonable quantities according to trip duration. Books and magazines medicine for personal use, with medical prescription in the case of psychotropic substances. Used or second-hand sporting equipment One portable T.V. set, one portable typewriter, and one VCR. Up to 20 records or cassettes A musical instrument Fishing equipment, a pair of skis, and two tennis rackets Three liters of alcohol or wine, if carrier is over 18 years old 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, if carrier is over 18 years old One movie camera and one regular camera, and up to 12 rolls of film • Returning to the U.S. and Canada You are allowed to enter free of duty any purchases with a combined value of up to USD $400.00 For Canada the amount is CD $500.00 IF travelers have been outside of Canada at least seven days. This allowance may be claimed every 30 days. With a verbal declaration a returning Canadian resident can claim duty-free entry for articles (excluding tobacco products or alcoholic beverages) that do not exceed a total value of CD $20.00 upon return from each trip of more than 24 hours. For the U.S. this limit does not include items listed on the Generalized System of Preferences List (G.S.P.), which are allowed in duty free. Contact the U.S. Treasury Department for a detailed list (Dept. of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, Washington , D.C. 20229 ). Upon Arrival By Air You will receive two forms to fill out before you can enter Mexico. These are normally distributed by the airlines either at the ticket counter or while in transit. I know every airline representative will appreciate this next tip: Bring a ball point pen, preferably black. Don't expect to borrow one. With more than 200 fellow passengers there are never enough to go around. The first form is your temporary visa. The form has recently changed and may not be exactly as shown here. They are in several languages, you'll need one per person. Familiarize yourself with this one to avoid embarrassing mistakes later. Upon arrival at the airport you will first go through Customs, which is a simple review of your documentation and warm greeting from the Mexican Government Official. These are nice people, really! Save the stamped copy of which you will receive to exit the country. Back to top Your tourist card will be endorsed for a 30 day stay. If planning to stay more than a couple weeks, be sure to ask for the maximum entry of 180 days. Applying for a longer stay can be a hassle once in Mexico. Play it safe! The second form is for Hacienda which sounds like a nice house to visit, but is actually the Customs and Taxation arm of the government. You will need one of these forms per family. After passing through Immigrations, go to thebaggage area and collect your bags then proceed to the exit. Depending on your destination and size of the airport some of the following may differ. Hand the form to the Customs Agent and push the button on the 'traffic light'. Yes, that's right, a traffic light. It is set up to randomly turn green for Go or red for Stop and Inspect. I've never seen it turn yellow, but you may. If you do get a red light, they will kindly ask to see the contents of your bags. I don't think it need be said here, but I will: Don't be so foolish as to bring something illegal into Mexico. You know what I mean! Driving If you are driving into Mexico, check with your auto insurance carrier. Most companies exclude coverage in a foreign country. If you are involved in a traffic accident: - Do not loose your temper. You're not in Kansas. - Do not leave the place of the accident. - Cooperate with the legal authorities. - Do not sign any agreements nor accept any liability. - Contact your Mexican insurance company immediately. For detailed information please read Driving Into Mexico article . When to Go The travel industry designates several business seasons during the year, High, Swing or Low. If you are coming from the Northern Climes, you probably consider winter the only time to visit. However, persons from others areas of North America, Europe and including the Mexican nationals find the rest of the year equally enjoyable. They also find it quite a bit more affordable. Take advantage of these somewhat arbitrary dates and save yourself some money. The difference between a High Season vacation and a Swing or Low, may be as little as one day and it could save you hundreds of dollars. Other vacationers just prefer the country when there are fewer tourists. Back to top Getting Around the Country Rental Car Rental cars are available from the major rental companies. To rent you must be at least 25 years of age, have a valid driver's license and a major credit card. Be sure to reserve your vehicle before you leave home; this will ensure you the lowest rate and availability. Driving Hitting the byways in a foreign land might sound challenging to some, but to many its their favorite means of getting involved. Especially if you live in the southern reaches of the US, driving deep into Mexico is less than 48 hours away. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Mexico. It is sold in liters (3.78 liters = 1 gallon). Magna Sin (green pumps) is unleaded. Prices are about the same as in the U.S. Only cash is accepted and there is no self service (tips are customary for gasoline attendants). Most stations close by 10 PM. The highway systems between major cities is modern and similar to the freeways further North. What makes them unique is their dependence on toll funding rather than taxation to pay the development cost. So, you should expect to 'pay as you go'. Have a hefty handful of small bills available so you'll encounter no problems with making change. Auto insurance is a MUST, whether you are driving a rental car or your own. Don't expect your hometown agent to supply you with a policy that will be valid in Mexico. Most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact your carrier. You will find insurance vendors on both sides of the border crossings. A better idea is to set up your insurance before you go. You might also find that it can be considerably cheaper to do it this way. Major highways are patrolled by Los Angeles Verdes (Green Angels). These government-operated pickup trucks are driven by mechanics . To date, Mexico is the only country with this service. It's free, except for parts and gas! Buses Mexico has a vast inter-city bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation. There are two grades of buses: First Class, with air conditioning and possibly a TV, and a stewardess serving soft drinks and snacks. And Second Class- with no frills. As Second Class costs slightly less than First Class, we recommend you go with First Class. Within the metropolitan centers buses offer the natives their primary means of transportation. For the tourist these can be a bit daunting at first, but when viewed with fun and adventure in mind, they can certainly add color and memories to your vacation. Train Train travel can be safer and more enjoyable than a trip by bus, but considerably more expensive. As with bus service, we recommend you pay for the highest class of travel available. Primera Especial class is recommended for day trips and the top-of-the-line Pullman compartments for overnight travel. Pullman service offers sleeping compartments suitable for one (camarin) or two (alcoba). Each converts to a comfortable sitting room during the day. Back to top Weather Considerations Mexico is made up of several different regions, each with its own type of seasonal weather, climate, altitude and terrain dictating what you will need to be prepared and comfortable. Generally, rains fall and temperatures rise from June through October, leaving November through May as the more temperate, drier season. Here's a regional climate overview: - Northern Baja California Despite the desert landscape, this region resembles Southern California: mild winters with a little rain; warm, dry summers. The Sea of Cortes tends to be warmer than the Pacific side of the peninsula. Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C. - Southern Baja California A subtropical desert, with over 350 days of sunshine a year, cool winter evenings, low humidity, sea breezes. Summer temperatures can be high, Generally cooler on the Pacific side. Annual average temperature: 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C. - Northwest Coast Similar to Northern Baja, but with more rain and some storms. Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C. - West Coast Also known as the Mexican Riviera, it has warm tropical weather year round. Warm, dry days and balmy evenings from November through May. The rainy season is June through October, with daily rain showers and warm temperatures. Annual average temperature: 77 degrees F or 27 degree C. - Central Plateau Due to higher elevation, it has pleasant spring-like conditions most of the year. Rain is frequent from June through September. Evenings can be quite cool in winter. Annual average temperature: 65 degrees F or 18 degrees C. - The Yucatan Peninsula In this region, proximity to the coast determines temperature and humidity. In summer, Gulf and Caribbean areas stay cooler due to trade winds, while interior jungles are humid, with higher temperatures. Rainfall is frequent from April through May and September through January; temperatures can be higher. September and October sometimes bring overcast or rainy conditions. Winters are very pleasant. Annual average temperature: 80 degrees F or 27 degrees C. - The Gulf Coast Somewhat humid, with warmer temperatures. Rainfall and cool brisk northerly winds (nortes) from September through February. Annual average temperature: 72 degrees F or 21 degrees C. Back to top What to Bring Be sure to include the following in your suitcase: - A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary - A small first aid kit - Camera and Film - Walking Shoes - Suntan Lotion - Traveler's Checks & ATM cards - Swim Suits - Casual Dress Clothes for Nightlife and Fine Dining - Copies of your favorite Mexico Travel Guide pages! - Sunglasses & Hat - Necessary medications - Passport/Birth Certificate & Driver's License Health Tips In your quest for a good time on your vacation, your eating and drinking habits are often radically different than what you're used to back home. In addition, climate and altitude changes can throw your system off. To ensure you enjoy your vacation to its fullest, consider the following: Be sure to drink lots of fluids; especially the day before arriving. Try not to go overboard your first night. Give your body a chance to acclimate. Drink only distilled or bottled water. When buying fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to wash them with distilled or bottled water before eating; peel them if possible. Back to top Money, Exchange & Credit The Mexican economy operates on the rise and fall of the Peso. While most businesses will accept foreign currency, especially US dollars, using pesos is your best bet. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses). Mexican banking hours are normally Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 P.M. however for money exchange the hours time are normally from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Casas de cambio are open later than most banks and they generally offer quicker service. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express being the most popular. Check for Current Exchange Rate: Use Xenon Labs' currency exchange calculator to check the Mexican New Peso against your currency. Clicking on the search button will retrieve the current exchange rate for nearly 50 currencies. The rates are usually no more than a couple of days old. MXP Mexican Pesos Tips for Senior Travelers Retired travelers have a great advantage in planning their vacations. There are many advantages to having the freedom to plan a vacation without the hassles of work schedules. Many older travelers find that their favorite times to travel to Mexico are in off season months when there is less demand and less traffic through the resort cities. Usually the summer months are the least in demand due to high temperatures. This can be an advantage if you enjoy shopping and organized tours more than spending time at the beach. Most shops and tour buses are air-conditioned, so the heat shouldn't be much of a concern. The reduced numbers of tourists in the summer months makes getting around much easier, and there is usually more peace and quiet at night. There are a number of discount packages and group tour options for seniors. Your travel agent should have a list of the discounts that you're entitled to in the city that you'll be visiting. There are a number of senior citizens tour clubs that offer members the opportunity to go on tours with a familiar group of people in an organized tour that provides everything that you'll need. There are many senior citizen tour organizations across the nation, most of which your travel agent should be able to provide information about. Even if you don't like traveling in groups or with organized tours, you are entitled to a number of senior citizens discounts. When booking hotel reservations, always mention that you're a senior and ask about discount rates. At restaurants, mention it when you order, not afterward. Many places will refuse the discount if you don't mention it before a reservation or an order has been made. The infrastructure in Mexico is not as well-developed as it is in some countries. If you have a disability, you may find it difficult getting around some parts of Mexico. There are few wheelchair ramps and wheelchair access bathrooms in Mexico currently. In some cities, there aren't even stairway handrails. The sidewalks are typically narrower and aren't maintained as well. If you have any problems getting around, speak with your travel agent about the state of the city you'll be traveling to. Your travel agent should also be able to provide information about hotels which offer accommodations for people with disabilities. If you aren't content just to visit Mexico, it is possible to retire to Mexico permanently. Please click here to see an overview of how to begin the process of retiring to Mexico. 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