travel insurance Annual travel

Travel Insurance - from Columbus Insurance Great Deals for Rough Guide Readers! Home Our Products FAQs About Columbus The company The group Jobs Single trip travel insurance Annual travel insurance Backpacker travel insurance Ski travel insurance Business travel insurance Adventure travel insurance Over 64 travel insurance Pre-existing medical conditions Motor insurance Home insurance Pet insurance Credit cards Cruises Hostels International Rail Travel Let us find a quote... Help & Information Residence: You must have been a resident of this country for at least 12 months.','infoboxPosition');" My residency is: Australia Austria Belgium Canada Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Maldives Malta Netherlands New Zealand Norway Papua New Guinea Poland Portugal Qatar San Marino Saudi Arabia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand United Kingdom United States Vanuatu Vatican City State The destination: Europe Australia/NZ Worldwide ex USA/Canada Worldwide Annual multi-trip policy If you plan to travel 2 or more times per year, this policy can save you money. It means you won’t have to set up a new policy every time you travel.','infoboxPosition');" Annual multi-trip policy: Ski Cover Our ski policy covers you whether on or off-piste and also if you are a skier or a snowboarder.','infoboxPosition');" Ski Cover: My Trip Date Please use the Calendar function to help you select the exact dates you are travelling, please add the extra day if you are getting a night flight back.','infoboxPosition');" My trip dates: My start date: - The total number of travellers is: adults (19 - 64) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Individual Couple Family Group Children Students who are in full time education, aged 19-21 can also be included on a Columbus Family annual policy.','infoboxPosition');" children (2 - 18) 0 1 infants (0 - 1) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Tools and Options Country news Airport Lounges Airport Parking Car Hire Travel Guides Single trip travel insurance Annual travel insurance Backpacker travel insurance Ski travel insurance Business travel insurance Adventure travel insurance Over 64 travel insurance Pre-existing medical insurance | Definitions | Travel Tips | Disclaimer | Security & Privacy | Affiliates | Agents | Policy wording | Claims | Contact Us | Recommend a friend | Site Map | Columbus Direct is a specialist travel insurance intermediary which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Family Vacations - ideas

Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations  You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > More Beach Vacations > Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Travel with Kids Florida Family Vacations Florida is a magnet for families, with its double whammy of theme parks and popular beaches; but beyond the best-known spots, other great Florida family vacations await. Below are a number of ideas and reviews (moving roughly clockwise around the state). Florida Family Vacations: Amelia Island Amelia Island --in the northeast near Jacksonville-- has lovelybeaches, a historic fort complete with actors who play period characters, aquaint town with historic sections, delicious sea-food, and two fineresorts that welcome families. The AmeliaIsland Plantation covers 1350 acres, has Kids' Camps for several ages, a daily "family -play" time with poolside activities. More Florida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to do in Orlando Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World Florida Resorts Florida Family Vacations overview Florida Vacations deals: Orlando Islands of Adventure - Universal Orlando -fun theme park The Ritz-Carleton hasa kids' program, fine dining, kiddie pool, indoor pool, and lovely beach where shallow lagoons are great for tots. Both properties have golf, fitness centers, etc. The Ritz makes a special point of celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, and July 4th. Space Coast 45 minutes from Orlando is 72 miles of shore known as Florida's Space Coast : the place where the moon launches blasted away from earth, and site of the shuttle launches today. Big draw here is the Kennedy Space Center , and beautiful beaches. Less known are the eco-tours: this area has saltwater estuaries, marshes, and 250 sq. miles of wildlife refuges. Orlando/CentralFlorida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando How much more fun can one city take? Here's our picks for fun in Orlando, from character meals to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Seuss Landing to Sea-World's elite sister, Discovery Cove (a Caribbean experience in the middle of Florida.) Thinkingof visiting the mecca of family holidays, Walt Disney World?? Have a look at BeforeYou Book Lodgings first. See also WaltDisney World Resorts :Five top picks, from the luxury at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (right), to the budget-lovers' favorite, All Star Sports Resort. Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World South Florida Family Vacations Club Med: Sandpiper A rare a ll-inclusive within the US, this Club Med is on the St. Lucie River, two hours from Miami or Orlandoairports, one hour from West Palm Beach. Club Med Sandpiper has a great ambiance and outstanding kids programs: a Baby Club with separate groups for different ages and stages, and excellent clubs for older kids also. Activities include waterskiing, wakeboarding, trapeze, inline skating, golf. Guests can also take optional excursions to Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, etc. Sonesta Key Biscayne Beach Afamily-friendly resort at Key Biscayne, right on Miami's doorstep . Miamioffers lots of fun with kids. CheecaLodge and Spa I n the Florida Keys, Cheeca offers: snorkeling overNorth America's only natural coral reef; "snuba", a wayto dive 20 feet down without scuba gear, ok for kids as young as eight; saltwater lagoon stockedwith fish Camp Cheeca for ages 6-12, is "an award-winningmarine education/environmental awareness program". FlamingoLodge: Everglades National Park The place to stay, if you're visiting the Everglades: the only resort inthis wonderful National Park is unpretentious but comfortable, with screened-inpool and barbeque, and nearby family-friendly restaurants. Close to manyactivities. Read more about visiting the Everglades. SanibelIsland Off the west coast and near the bottom of the Florida peninsula are Sanibel Island and Captiva Island: two beautiful islands for nature lovers.No beach pollution; visitors find miles and miles of beachesperfect for kids because of the gentle waves and shallow shoreline. The islands arefamous for shelling, too. For families, the SanibelHarbor Resort and Spa is a top-rated 80-acre oceanfront resort thatoverlooks Sanibel and Captiva islands; it's noted for a Victorian style with big verandas and wicker rockers on the porch. Kids Club for ages 5-12. The Sanibel Inn has 8 acres of tropical garden, free educational activities for all ages(such as Shell Safari, or Dolphin Watch), and "nature-themed discoveryprograms" for children ages 3-12. Read more about Sanibel Island and other places to stay. South Seas Resort, Captiva Island "Paddle a kayak into a mangrove forest in search of sea turtles and hawks". Rent a boat; bike, jog; at the beach, have fun with body boards, banana boats, inner tubes. Go fishing. Rent a Hobie, or a canoe; try parasailing. Such is the life at the South Seas, which has Fun Factory kids' programs, and teen and family activities. Florida Family Vacations:Tampa Bay Area St. Pete / Clearwater Beach Dubbed "Orlando's Beach", this affordable west coast area two hours from Orlando has nature outings, cultural gems, and miles of top-rated beaches. Read about local attractions such as the (free) Seacoast Seabird Sanctuary; fun outings such as dolphin-spotting, shelling, and Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise; and three resorts that welcome families: The Radisson Sand Key an all-suite resort near Sand Key Park, Clearwater Beach. the Sheraton Sand Key - right on Sand Key Beach, where sea turtles nest the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. The family-friendly TradeWinds Grand has a giant inflatable slide and meandering little river you can navigate in a paddleboat. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay This 335-acre theme park has four thrill-ride roller coasters, three water-rides, lovely landscaped grounds, attractive African theming, and opportunities to view elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc. A fun, pretty park that's manageable to do in one day. Swim with Manatees: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge 75 miles north of St. Petersburg is one of the best places to see-- and even swim with-- these large gentle creatures in a natural habitat. (November to May are the best months.) More West Coast ColonyBeach Resort Thisisland resort on Longboat Key is just off the coast of Sarasota (central westcoast), south of the Tampa Bay area. (You can drive right to the property.)Children's programs, for ages 3-6 and 6-12; teen programs; tennis; lots of watersports. Bluewater Bay Resort, Niceville, Florida Locatedon the "Emerald Coast" in Northwest Florida, and voted "One of America's Top 10 Family Resorts" by Family Circle. 36 holes of golf, marine, biking and hiking trails, 4 pools, playgrounds. Northwest Florida Vacations Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort This giant 2400-acre resort has a beach side on the Emerald Coast (Gulf of Mexico) and also a bay side, with many activities: kids' sailing, kids' tennis, kayaking, putting course, Jolee Island Nature Park with pirate-ship playground, and a Kidzone with programs for ages 4-6 and 7-12. Watersports include body-surfing and Boogie boards (complimentary). Kids might also enjoy the Junior Golf Academy, with excellent instructors. Best way to get around this huge giant resort is on bikes. The centre of gravity of this huge resort is the picture-perfect Village of Baytowne Wharf. Read a review of Sandestin at TWKids, and see many photos too. Wakulla Spring In a state park in the "Panhandle" near Tallahassee is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Swim or snorkel in the natural pool above the spring; see alligators on a river boat tour; or do a glassbottom boat ride; dine and/or stay at a historic lodge; take nature hikes. And from About's Guide for Florida for Visitors, covering the whole state: Florida Summer Fun from A to Z 26 suggestions, from Astronaut Encounters to Zip Up Your Saddlebags (- horsey fun in Ocala.) You'll be surprised at the variety. From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...

TAIWAN Travel Guide Overview

VirtualTourist.com - Taiwan Travel Guide - Pictures, Tips and Reviews Taiwan Travel Guide. Tips, Reviews & Photos plus Hotels, Restaurants, Activities & More in Taiwan member log in | join for free! | help Home Travel Guides Hotels Flights Deals NEW! Members Meetings & Events Do It Yourself Guides Forums TAIWAN Travel Guide Overview | Hotels | Forum | Things To Do | Top Member Pages | Deals | Members | Meetings & Events Home » Travel Guides » Asia » Taiwan Destinations Members Keywords Sponsored Links for Taiwan Marriott Hotels Enjoy stylish luxury hotels with Marriott's new rooms. Book now. Hotels Compare Prices, View Photos & More! Low Rates Guaranteed - Book Now Priceline Hotel Discounts Great Low Prices, Pictures, and Guest Reviews. Shop. Compare. Save. Hotels Find Low Rates, Nearby Attractions & Dining, Hotel Pics, Maps & More! Cheap Hotels at Expedia Expedia Special Rates Means We Guarantee Our Low Rates on Rooms. Taiwan Hotel Rates City: Check-In Date: Check-Out Date: Guests: 1 2 3 4 Hotels by OneTime.com Taiwan Forum Join a Discussion Taiwan with kids for first time - Please Help!!! (7 replies, 7:52 AM Dec. 26, 2005) Telephone Calling Card (2 replies, 4:17 PM Dec. 21, 2005) Mobile SIM cards (1 replies, 3:48 AM Dec. 15, 2005) Be the first to reply to these questions Tainan hotel or hostel (no replies yet) calling card from taiwan to ...... (no replies yet) Different between WEST and Taiwan (no replies yet) » All Taiwan Discussions » Post a Taiwan Discussion Travel Resources Car Rental Cruises Vacations Luggage NEW! Taiwan Deals » All Taiwan Deals » Post a Taiwan Deal FREE VT Deals Newsletter great deals, inside tips & no spam Popular Taiwan Hotels In: Taipei Kaohsiung Taiwan Hualian T'ai-nan K'en-ting Taiwan Flight Rates From: To: Departure Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Return Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Passengers: 1 2 3 4 Flights by OneTime.com Taiwan Local time: 6:38 am Thursday, December 29, 2005. TravelPro Sale - LuggageGuru.com Hotels in Taiwan Flights to Taiwan Map NEW! Members living here: 1,503 Member tips: 3,178 Member pictures: 5,683 Popular Destinations in Taiwan Taipei Kaohsiung Taiwan Hualian T'ai-nan K'en-ting Taitung Nan-t'ou Jih-yueh T'an Changhua T'ai-lu-ko Tan-shui A-li-shan Chilung Chiayi Makung Lan Yu T'ai-chung-hsien T'ai-chung Lu Tao Jen-ai Hsien-chu Jui-sui Ta-li Pei-t'ou » More Destinations in Taiwan Regions in Taiwan Fu-chien Sheng Kaohsiung Shih Taipei Shih Taiwan Sheng Top Pages About Taiwan 1. Keeweechic's Taiwan by keeweechic 44 Tips 46 Pictures 2. Taiwan - Jewel Of The East by Kurtdhis 32 Tips 34 Pictures 3. Taiwan by kenmerk 41 Tips 43 Pictures 4. Mei Li De Taiwan by canadiantravelgirl 25 Tips 26 Pictures 5. Taiwan by AndreasK 27 Tips 27 Pictures » View all rated pages (85) » View newest pages » Build your own Taiwan page Tips and Photos about Taiwan in General Overview General Tips Tips: 190 - Pictures: 125 Restaurants Tips: 59 - Pictures: 29 Hotels and Accommodations Tips: 55 - Pictures: 30 Things To Do Tips: 294 - Pictures: 250 Nightlife Tips: 43 - Pictures: 18 Off the Beaten Path Tips: 87 - Pictures: 82 Tourist Traps Tips: 14 - Pictures: 7 Warnings or Dangers Tips: 38 - Pictures: 20 Transportation Tips: 70 - Pictures: 36 Local Customs Tips: 99 - Pictures: 74 Packing Lists Tips: 10 - Pictures: 2 Shopping Tips: 12 - Pictures: 6 Sports Travel Tips: 3 - Pictures: 3 » See tips about a specific place in Taiwan More Sponsored Links for Taiwan Experts in Taiwan hotels Big Savings - Discount up to 70%. Quality hotels at wholesale rates. Holiday Inn Taipei Taipei Hotels. Book Online Low Rate Guaranteed Luxury Hotel offers Find Amazing Luxury hotel offers 1000's of hotels & villas from 19 Find: Destinations Members Keywords Matching: Advanced About VT | Contact Us | Site Tour | Advertising | Local Merchant Login | Travel Tools | VT Chat | VT Gear | Help User Agreement | Privacy Statement Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2005 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Travel Insurance Life &

Travel Insurance Center - The Travel Insurance Experts! products | review your policies | help with insurance | affiliates Travel Insurance Life & AD&D Global & Expat Benefits War & Terrorism Insurance Group Insurance Travel Insurance is designed to protect your travel investment, cover emergency medical expenses, and provide peace of mind. Whether traveling for business or fun, travel insurance protection packages provide financial security for those unforeseen perils that may occur. Travel Insurance benefits vary by carrier and plan design, and may include coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical expenses for illness or injury, costly emergency medical evacuation, travel delays, lost or damaged baggage, emergency assistance services, and more. Policy Picker ® Place of Residence United States United Kingdom Canada Mexico Caribbean Australia New Zealand Europe South/Central America Asia Africa I'm Interested In Protecting My Trip Cost Travel Medical Insurance Emergency Evacuation Departure Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2004 2005 2006 2007 Return Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2004 2005 2006 2007 Trip Cost Per Traveler (US$) Enter "0" to exclude Trip Cancellation Traveler Ages Destination Domestic International Both Click To Add More Travelers Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and International Life Insurance protect your family's financial well-being should you become disabled or die prematurely. Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance plans will pay you, your beneficiary, or your estate a lump sum benefit (e.g. $500,000) should an accident result in your death, or the loss of a limb/eyesight. Available plans include coverage for Individual Trips, High Risk Activities, War coverage and International Term Life Insurance. No one can predict when an accident will happen but you can be sure your loved ones will be financially secure should one occur. Click here to view all Life and AD&D plans Now Featured Annual Travel Accident Elite Provides up to $1 million of Annual Common Carrier Travel Accident insurance with coverage worldwide for unlimited trips up to 185 consecutive days per trip. An Additional $10,000 for Emergency Evacuation, $10,000 for Repatriation of Remains, and 24/7 Travel Assistance services makes this a well-rounded annual package plan (US residents only). High Limit Accident Insurance (US$20 Million Max Benefit) Single-trip & annual accident insurance with optional war and terrorism coverage is available for all ages and nationalities. Benefits range from US$500K to US$20 Million. Additional optional coverages include: nuclear, biological and chemical coverage, dismemberment and disability, and choice of 24-hour, common carrier and flight-only coverage . To view all of our Life and AD&D Products, click here Our Global and Expatriate Benefit plans provide essential insurance benefits for all nationalities working and living anywhere in the world. The following types of insurance are available for individuals, families, and employer groups worldwide: Global Health and Medical Insurance, International Life Insurance, International Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and International Disability/Income Protection. Coverage for War and Terrorism is available upon request. Click here to view all Global and Expatriate plans Now Featured Global Medical and Global Basic Insurance Annual, renewable global health/medical insurance for individuals and families living worldwide. Maximum lifetime benefit is five million US dollars (US$5,000,000). Does not cover US citizens living in the US. International Life Insurance Guaranteed renewable term life insurance for individuals and groups. Covers all nationalities - including expatriates, missionaries, employees and contractors. Simplified underwriting with no medical exam and no blood test. International Accidental Death (AD&D) Annual, guaranteed renewable AD&D insurance for individuals and groups. Covers all nationalities - including expatriates, missionaries, employees and contractors. Simplified underwriting with coverage for War and Terrorism available upon request. To view all of our Global and Expatriate Products, click here War Risk & Terrorism Coverage provides otherwise unavailable insurance for acts of war and terrorism in areas of political unrest. In today's political and economic climate, acts of war and terrorism remain a constant threat. Many businesses, contractors, and professionals are finding that their jobs require them to travel abroad to places of political unrest (even war zones). We specialize in finding Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, AD&D, Defense Based Act (DBA), Disability Income Protection, Flight Accident or Common Carrier Accident plans for these high-risk areas. Click here to view all War Risk & Terrorism Insurance plans Now Featured Security First Travel Accident War Risk Insurance Travel accident insurance and travel assistance services for work-related travel outside traveler's home country. Covers acts of War & Terrorism worldwide. High Limit Accident Insurance Single trip or annual accident insurance for all ages and nationalities. Benefits from US$500,000 to US$20 Million. Annual Travel Accident Elite Annual Travel Accident insurance with coverage worldwide for unlimited trips up to 185 consecutive days per trip. Also includes Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation of Remains and 24/7 Travel Assistance services (US Residents only). To view all of our War and Terrorism Insurance Plans, click here Designed to protect groups of people traveling on the same itinerary If your group consists of ten people or more traveling to the same destination, then purchasing a group travel insurance plan may be your best choice. We can provide both voluntary and mandatory group programs (mandatory means that everyone traveling on the trip must be included in the coverage). Click here to view all Group plans orfor a customized group travel insurance quote click here. Now Featured Student Travel Protection This program is ideal for students on a budget. Perfect for full or part-time students 25 years of age or under who are enrolled in school or summer camp. 360 Group Travel Protection A competitively priced plan whose cost is not dependent on age and provides a waiver of pre-existing conditions. Click here to view all Group plans orFor a customized group travel insurance quote click here Contact Us By Email or call us +1 866-979-6753 or +1 402-343-3699 (source id: wtc ) Understanding Travel Insurance click here for our complete guide Why do I need travel insurance? You can begin your trip without any travel insurance and be self insured. But did you know that if you become ill abroad the costs to treat you could be very high. How would you find a doctor? Where would you find appropriate healthcare facility? Where would you seek advice? Did you know that HMO's, PPO's and Medicare typically do not cover you abroad? Travel Protection vs Travel Medical Travel Insurance Protection plans typically reimburse your non-reimbursed travel expenses if an emergency occurs causing your trip to be canceled, interrupted or delayed. Travel Medical insurance is medical insurance designed to reimburse you for medical expenses incurred while traveling. What's a Deductible? (Also known as excess in UK, NZ, AU) This is the amount that the insured must pay before the travel insurance provider starts paying. This may be an annual amount, an amount for the duration of the policy, or an amount for each incident. What are Pre-existing Conditions? Medical conditions that existed before the travel insurance plan or policy took effect. Different plans defined and cover Pre-existing Conditions differently. Be sure to check the plan details! What if my travel supplier declares Bankruptcy? Many travel insurance protection plans cover lost travel expenses due to travel supplier bankruptcy, but there are substantial differences among plans. Some travel insurance plans only cover a specified list of travel suppliers, others require that you purchase the insurance within 7-14 days of paying the initial trip deposit. Be sure to check plan details What is Co-Insurance or Co-pay? This is the percentage or amount of expenses that the insured pays (if any) after the deductible is paid. Example: "Co-Insurance = 20% or co-pay is 80/20" means that the travel insurance company pays 80% of the charges, the insured pays 20% Buy online or call us at +1 866-979-6753 or +1 402-343-3699 M-Th 8AM - 6PM Fri 8AM-4:30PM EST (source id: wtc ) products | my policies | helpdesk | insurance providers | affiliates contact us | site map | privacy policy | insurance licenses | about us © 2005 Travel Insurance Center and Senior Market Sales, Inc.

Mexico Travel

Mexico Travel Guide - Mexico Articles Wednesday Dec 28th, 2005 Mexico Central Time Back to Mexico Articles Ok, you want to drive to Mexico (good for you!) and now you need to know what it will take to get you and your vehicle into the country. Here is the straight scoop. A friend of mine got in with a student ID and a smile, but she was much prettier than I am. All minors (under 18) need either both parents with them, or notarized permission from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. Vehicle Title or Registration Receipt. Owner is considered the name(s) on title only. For example: a wife cannot take the car if the title is only in the husband's name. If names of both husband and wife appear on title, either one may take the car. Birth certificate, passport or notarized proof of citizenship, or voter's registration card. Visa, MasterCard, Diner's, or American Express card with the same name as on title. Valid driver's license (with photo and same name as on title). Notarized letter of permission from the bank or lienholder is required on financed cars, rental cars, leased cars, or company cars (on company stationary). No borrowed cars or borrowed credit cards are accepted. You must sign an affidavit of promise to return vehicle back to the United States. Back to Top Failure to turn in your vehicle permit before the expiration date may result in fines. * This is subject to change without notice. In order to get your vehicle permit, you will pay an approximately $10-11 fee with a Visa, MasterCard or American Express. If you do not have a credit card, you will have to post a bond (much of which you will get back on your return). Your permit is good for multiple entries, but you MUST turn it in at border BEFORE it expires. We might as well warn you about customs before it is too late to do anything about it. Technically, both foreigners and Mexicans who are driving are only allowed to bring $50 worth of "merchandise" (mercancia, a word you will soon learn). Since nobody takes long trips to Mexico with only $50 worth of stuff, this is obviously impossible to enforce. What customs is looking for is new items that could be sold. The secret is not to have new-looking items with you. For example, if you have new clothes, take the tags off. If you have new camping gear, take it out of the shiny boxes and throw some dirt on them to make the boxes look old. Get the idea? One thing that will get you into trouble is a lot of stuff in Wal-Mart etc. sacks. If you bought a lot of items for your trip, take them out of the sacks, remove the price tags and distribute them among your baggage. I was once delayed for having too much film. I am a photographer and regularly take fifty rolls of film. Technically that is illegal, but I only had a problem once. That was when the rolls were still in a plastic bag from the store. From then on, I spread them out and haven't had a problem since. Computers Laptop computers are never (a dangerous phrase to use in Mexico, but I will go out on a limb here) a problem. Desktops can usually be brought in. A journalist friend of mine was moving to Mexico and had a lot of stuff, including a desktop computer. The customs inspector wanted to do his job, but he was a practical man. "Your computer," he asked, "it is small, no?" "Si," the scribe replied, "muy pequeño." Be honest and friendly and things will work out. Be arrogant and you will have trouble. Back to Top When to cross Allow at least 30 minutes for customs clearing. Early in the AM (6-7:30) is best. After 9:00 AM, it could take 30 minutes up to an hour. Weekends are the worst time, especially holidays. If you got a late start, please spend the night in a border town. Driving in Mexico is not as dangerous as you have been led to believe, but it is more challenging. There are plenty of four-lane toll roads that (for a price) can make you feel as comfortable as if you were back home. The two-lane roads vary in width and conditions so that some of them are usually in great shape, and others are often full of potholes. You will have to learn a few rules of the road For current gas and diesel prices, jump to gas prices. For road conditions, go to road updates. Driving in Mexico is perfectly safe and enjoyable. It is no more difficult than driving in the U.S., though defensive driving is a requirement. Despite what you have heard, Mexicans are very polite -- on the open road. In cities, a certain amount of aggression is required. Still, that's true in our country, too. How many of us can compete with NY or Boston cabbies -- or would want to? I have driven in most of the major U.S. cities and find the drivers in Mexico to be generally more polite, particularly the truck drivers and long distance bus drivers. (See the section about left turns). Accidents A remarkably small number of gringos have accidents in Mexico. Perhaps they learn the differences quickly or perhaps God watches out for fools, drunks and the U.S.A, as I was told by my father. So that you won't have to depend on divine intervention, I will give you some of the driving tips I have gleaned in my over twenty years of driving around Mexico. In that time, I have had one accident -- and that was because I passed out from carbon monoxide poisoning. Here's a tip -- if you have a back window on your 4WD, don't leave it open. Why is everyone flashing their lights at me? Flashing your headlights at a car in front of you indicates that you want to pass them. If you drive with your headlights on during the day, you will be flashed by oncoming drivers because they think you have left your lights on by accident. Back to Top Night Driving Don't drive at night on the two-lane roads. There is a lot of loose livestock and I have yet to see a cow equipped with tail lights. My tip for driving at night is - DON'T. On the toll roads (which are as good as or even better than those in the U.S. or Canada), you can drive at night, but should be aware that some roads -- particularly the Orizaba-Villahermosa road, and the Mexico City-Acapulco road, have been known to have assaults at night. Left Turn Signals On the open road, a left turn signal is an invitation to the guy behind you to pass. Trucks and busses frequently turn their left blinker on to guide you around them. I trust them, but use common sense. Sometimes they have optimistic views of your acceleration capabilities. Don't use your left turn signal on a two lane road when you are about to pass. You might get hit. A few readers have pointed out that on the toll roads, people use turn signals as they do here. My advice -- use 'em as you are used to on toll roads, but don't expect the other guy to do the same. Left Turns Left turns are different! When there is a left turn lane, there will usually be a left turn arrow. Look for 4 lights on signal. You MUST wait for arrow (whether or not you saw any Indians). Right Turns Right on red is usually not OK, unless there is a sign saying that it is. Lately, however, I have been honked at by locals when I wait for a green light. What to do? If there isn't a cop nearby, (and the coast is clear) I turn. Topes and Truckers Watch out for topes, which are speed bumps in every town of any size. They begin just as you enter a town and there are lots of them in-between. Slow down in rain -- more than you do here. The roads are slicker, due to the blowoff from the big trucks and it takes several hours of a heavy rain to wash it away. Truckers are usually friendly and will use the aforementioned left turn signal to give you the go-ahead to pass them when you cannot see around them. Back to Top Cops Traffic cops are more honest than you have been led to believe, but there are some in towns who are looking for bribes, especially in Mexico City. When this happens, stand firm and tell them you want to go to the comandancia. In Mexico City You cannot drive in Mexico City on certain days, depending on the last number of your license plate. Drive defensively at all times and you should have no problems. You will not go to jail for having a traffic accident, unless you do not have insurance, are drunk or high, or are argumentative. If the accident is serious, or if you kill someone, you could go to jail, or you and your car could simply be detained until the matter is settled. For this reason it is a good idea to have a legal assistance policy. This came from Live Better South of the Border. If you like the info you can order the book from a Secure Order Form with VI, MC, AM at http://www.mexicomike.com or by sending a check to Roads Scholar Press, 300 Zapata St., Rancho Viejo, TX 78520 or call 1-800-321-5605. The cost is $16.95 plus $4.00 S&H. Texas residents add 8.25% tax ($22.34). Back to Top Send us your comments about this article Back to Mexico Articles Acapulco | Cancun | CopperCanyon | Cozumel | Guadalajara | Huatulco | Ixtapa | Los Cabos Manzanillo | Mazatlan | Mexico City | Monterrey | Oaxaca | Puerto Vallarta © 1995 - 2005 Let's Go2Mexico ® - All Rights Reserved - Powered by ® Go2 Producciones ernesto luna sierra