Germany Travel > Cologne

Cologne Germany Travel Essentials - Cologne Profile  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Germany Travel > Cologne Germany Travel Essentials - Cologne Profile Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Map showing the location of Cologne, Germany. James Martin Stay up to date! Map showing the location of Cologne, Germany. James Martin Email to a friend Print this page Cologne and Germany on this site Germany Map and Travel Essentials German Rail Map Cologne Travel Links Cologne Essentials Cologne-Bonn Airport Cologne Map (1.6 mb pdf) Cologne Public Library Cologne Highlights Cologne Events, Music and Fairs Cologne Carnival Cologne Live! Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Cologne Germany Travel Essentials Cologne (Köln) City Profile From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Cologne Location:  Cologne is located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, along the Rhine river between Dusseldorf and Bonn. Founded by Romans, Cologne is one of Germany's oldest cities. Cologne Population:  The fourth largest city in Germany, Cologne has over 1.8 million people. Cologne Tourist Office:  The Tourist Office is located at Unter Fettenhennen 19, just southwest of the train station. It's open 9 am to 10 pm in summer, and 9 am to 9 pm in winter, except for Sundays and public holidays, when it's open 10 am to 6 pm. They will help you make same-day hotel reservations. Phone: +49(0)221-30400. Cologne Airport:  Called the "Köln Bonn Airport" both Cologne and Bonn are served from the airport that sits between the two cities. A taxi ride at the time of writing (see the airport site for current rates) to Central Cologne costs around 25 Euros. The distance is 17 kms and it should take around 15 minutes. There is bus service to the main train station in Cologne every 15 minutes. Cologne Central Station - Köln Hbf:  The huge central train station is one of the key rail hubs in Europe. It is centrally located near pedestrian shopping streets and the Cathedral. For travellers using Germany's excelent rail system, Germany Rail Passes (buy direct) offer discounted travel around Germany and to neighboring countries. Cologne Map:  The Cologne Tourist Office offers a fine, full color tourist map you can download and print on a legal size page. See the box in the upper right for the link. (1.6 mb download) Cologne - When to Go:  Cologne has moderate, mild winters. It seldom snows. Summers can be humid (but seldom blazingly hot). Fall is considered idea; hotels lower prices in September-October and raise them when the carnival season starts on November 11. Cologne - Library and Internet Access:  Free internet access is available at the Cologne Public Library (StadtBibliothek Köln), one of the biggest in Germany. There is a wireless LAN there, as well as international newspapers. Cologne Carnival:  Although carnival season in Cologne starts on November 11, the main event called the "three mad days" is held around easter time (opens the Thursday before the beginning of Lent) and attracts over a million revelers. See our links on the upper right for more. Cologne Attractions:   The Cologne Cathederal - Cologne's Gothic Cathederal is one of its top attractions. It took over 600 years to build and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Conveniently located right next to the train station. In 2000, the Cathederal treasures were placed in a historic vaulted chamber so folks could view them easier. If you can climb 509 steps you'll get a good view of Cologne on the observation platform. Open 6am to 7:30 pm for viewing, except during mass. Bring a wide-angle lens if you want to get it all in the picture, or you'll end up with an impressionistic shot like this picture of the Cologne Cathederal and its soaring spires. Rhine Boat Trips - lots of day trips and longer excursions are available. Ask at the tourist office. Visit the house of 4711, the Original Eau-de-Cologne - Wilhelm Mulhens marketed a concoction called Aqua Mirabilis on the basis of its stimulating and refreshing effect (splash it on or drink it, it didn't matter). It later got to be know as the first Eau de Cologne when French Revolutionary troops sent it home for gifts to the family. Glockengasse, in the city centre between the cathedral and Neumarkt, opposite the opera house. Have a brew and a bite to eat in the Altstadt (old town) - Cologne is definately a beer city with their own beer styly called Kölcsh, a pale top fermented beer that must be brewed in the Cologne metoopolitan area. While most of the breweries in the city center are gone, you can still enjoy a beer with other tourists at a pub in the Altstadt. Visit the Roman-German Museum (Romisch-Germanisches Museum) - See Roman antiquities from the first through fourth centuries--and the 230 foot long mosaic showing Dionysus, the Roman god of wine. Highly recommended. Cologne Pictures Take a virtual tour with our Cologne Germany Pictures . Around Cologne Strasbourg and Colmar , France, and Baden-Baden are interesting nearby destinations. A fast drive around the Nurburgring should get your blood flowing nicely.        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. 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vacation package to Europe

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ID Port Angeles,WA Portland, ME Portland, OR Presque Isle, ME Providence, RI Pullman, WA Quebec City, Canada Raleigh/Durham, NC Rapid City, SD/Black Hills Redding, CA Redmond, OR Regina,Canada Reno, NV Rhinelander, WI Richmond, VA Roanoke, VA Rochester, MN Rochester, NY Rockford, IL Sacramento,CA Saginaw, MI Salida, CO Salt Lake City, UT San Antonio, TX San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Santa Barbara, CA Sarasota, FL Saskatoon,Canada Sault Sainte Marie, MI Savannah, GA Seattle, WA Shreveport, LA Sioux City,IA Sioux Falls,SD Sitka, AK South Bend, IN Spokane,WA Springfield Springfield, MO St. Cloud, MN St. Louis, MO State College, PA Steamboat Springs, CO Sun Valley,ID Syracuse,NY Tallahassee Tampa, FL Thief River Falls, MN ThunderBay,Canada Toledo,OH Toronto, Canada Traverse City,MI Tri Cities Regional, TN Tucson, AZ Tulsa,OK Tupelo,MS Vail/Eagle County, CO Vancouver, Canada Victoria, Canada Walla Walla,WA Washington, DC (Dulles) Washington,D.C.(National) Waterloo,IA Watertown,SD Wausau, WI Wenatchee,WA West Palm Beach, FL White Plains,NY Wichita,KS Wilkes Barre,PA Winnipeg,Canada Wrangell, AK Yakima,WA Yakutat, AK Youngstown,OH Destination City: Choose a City Acapulco, MX Amsterdam Netherlands Anaheim/Orange County, CA Anchorage, AK Atlanta,GA Baltimore, MD Banff/Lake Louise, Canada Bangkok,Thailand Barcelona, Spain Beijing, China Berlin, Germany Boston, MA Brussels,Belgium Burbank,CA Cabo San Lucas, MX Calgary, Canada Cancun, MX Chiang Mai, Thailand Chicago, IL (Midway) Chicago, IL (O'Hare) Clearwater Beach, FL Cozumel, MX Denver, CO Detroit, MI Edmonton, Canada Florence,Italy Fort Lauderdale, FL Fort Myers, FL Fort Walton Beach, FL Frankfurt, Germany Grand Cayman, BWI Guilin Gulfport/Biloxi, MS Hamilton, Bermuda Hawaii - Hilo (Big Island) Hawaii - Honolulu (Oahu) Hawaii - Kahalui (Maui) Hawaii - Kona (Big Island) Hawaii - Lanai Hawaii - Lihue (Kauai) Hawaii - Molokai Hong Kong, China Ixtapa, MX Jasper, Canada Key Largo, FL Key West, FL Kyoto, Japan Las Vegas, NV Liberia, Costa Rica London, Gatwick Long Beach, CA Los Angeles, CA Madrid, Spain Manzanillo, Mx Marco Island, FL Mazatlan, MX Memphis, TN Merida, MX Mesa, AZ Mexico City, MX Miami, FL Milan, Italy Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN Montego Bay, Jamaica Montreal, Canada Munich, Germany Napa, CA Naples, FL Nashville,TN Nassau, Bahamas Negril, Jamaica New Orleans, LA New York,NY (JFK Airport) New York,NY (La Guardia) Newark, NJ Nice, France Ocho Rios, Jamaica Ontario, CA Orlando, FL Osaka, Japan Ottawa, Canada Palm Springs, CA Paris, France Pensacola, FL Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Phuket,Thailand Portland, OR Puerto Plata, Dom Republic Puerto Vallarta, MX Punta Cana,Dominican Republic Quebec City, Canada Rapid City, SD/Black Hills Reno, NV Rome,Italy San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA San Jose, Costa Rica San Juan, Puerto Rico Santa Barbara, CA Sarasota, FL Scottsdale, AZ Seattle, WA Sedona, AZ Seville, Spain Shanghai,China(Pu Dong Arpt) Singapore, Singapore St. Petersburg, FL Tampa, FL Tokyo, Japan Toronto, Canada Tucson, AZ Tulum, MX Vancouver, Canada Venice, Italy Victoria, Canada Washington, DC (Dulles) Washington,D.C.(National) West Palm Beach, FL Whistler, Canada Departure Date: Return Date: # of Adults: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 # of Rooms: 1 2 3 4 Children's ages: Ages 0-2 Promo Code/MLT E-Cert: More package options: • Purchase a Gift Card • Book using your WorldPerks miles • Visit our Ski Vacation Packages web site View all WorldVacations destinations • Cash & Miles! 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Spain Travel

SPAIN HOTELS - SPAIN TRAVEL For Best Hotel Rates Phone Toll Free 1 800 426 5445 Or..Request Online Spain Hotels, Hotel Location Maps, Photos, Reviews Toll Free Access to Travel Experts... and Best Rates! G ateway C ities Madrid Barcelona M ajor C ities Seville Granada Palma de Mallorca Marbella R egional C ities Alicante Bilbao Zaragoza Cordoba La Coruna Malaga Salamanca San Sebastien Toledo Valencia Valladolid Canary Islands More European Cities Austria Salzburg Hotels Vienna Hotels Innsbruck Hotels Kitzbuehl Hotels Belgium Brussels Hotels Antwerp Hotels Bruges Hotels Czech Republic Prague Hotels Denmark Copenhagen Hotels England London Hotels Manchester Hotels Bath Hotels Stratford-Upon-Avon Hotels Finland Helsinki Hotels France Paris Hotels Nice Hotels Lyon Hotels Cannes Hotels Marseille Hotels Monte Carlo Hotels French Alps Hotels Germany Berlin Hotels Dusseldorf Hotels Frankfurt Hotels Hamburg Hotels Munich Hotels Stuttgart Hotels Bonn Hotels Dresden Hotels Heidelberg Hotels Cologne Hotels Greece Athens Hotels Crete Hotels Rhodes Hotels Holland Amsterdam Hotels Rotterdam Hotels The Hague Hotels Hungary Budapest Hotels Ireland Dublin Hotels Italy Florence Hotels Rome Hotels Venice Hotels Milan Hotels Bologna Hotels Capri Hotels Genoa Hotels Naples Hotels Sardinia Hotels Sorrento Hotels Palermo Hotels Taormina Hotels Umbria Hotels Norway Oslo Hotels Poland Warsaw Hotels Portugal Lisbon Hotels Algarve Hotels Russia Moscow Hotels St. Petersburg Hotels Scotland Edinburgh Hotels Sweden Stockholm Hotels Switzerland Geneva Hotels Lucerne Hotels Zurich Hotels Basel Hotels Berne Hotels Davos Hotels Interlaken Hotels Lausanne Hotels Lugano Hotels Montreux Hotels St. Moritz Hotels Zermatt Hotels Spain Car Rental Rates & Reservations

Travel Insurance, Home Insurance

Easycover Car Insurance UK - Cheap Travel Insurance - Home Insurance Quote UK Insurance Quote - Cheap Car Insurance UK quotes, Travel Insurance, Home Insurance UK Insurance - compare quotes from Norwich Union, Endsleigh, Budget and more Car Insurance UK - compare quotes from Norwich Union, Endsleigh, Budget and more CAR INSURANCE · HOME INSURANCE · LIFE ASSURANCE · TRAVEL INSURANCE Car Insurance UK Guide Easycover.com is the unique and original UK car insurance quote service that allows you to complete one form and get cheap car insurance quotes from some of the UK's biggest names. Established in 1995 as Carquote car insurance UK. Car insurance reminder emails About Easycover Insurance Retrieve Insurance Quote Sales Contact T&Cs Site Map Many UK car insurance companies claim to shop around but they only offer a quote from their limited panel of underwriters. EasyCover.com goes further to give you the best quotes from many different UK insurance companies. Clever technology links us to both brokers and direct insurers web sites (and hundreds of different underwriters in fact) to give you more quotes and more value without the hassle of shopping around. CAR INSURANCE QUOTE UK car insurance whether it's renewal time or a new car. One form brings up to 8 independent quotes! TRAVEL INSURANCE QUOTE Possibly the cheapest travel insurance on the web - single and annual multi-trip policies. HOME INSURANCE QUOTE Looking for buildings and/or contents insurance? Get quotes and compare rates. LIFE INSURANCE QUOTES Simple and quick quote application. Peace of mind for you and your family. COMMERCIAL VEHICLES Commercial vehicle insurance including van insurance, pick-ups, minibuses and more. MOTORBIKE INSURANCE Motorbike insurance and scooter insurance. Leading name cheap quotes here! Page generated - 28th December, 2005, 10:45:19 pm GMT Easycover.com was established in November 1995 in Manchester, England. We are a web service designed and built by Walsh Simmons and Partners and have a number of partner services including Bargains.co.uk , Holidaydeals.com , QuickInsurance , QuickCarInsurance , Quote.co.uk , QuickTravelInsurance , CheapTravelInsurance .All information contained on this web site is property of Easycover.com Ltd. and cannot be reproduced in any format for any purposes without the prior written permission of Easycover Ltd. Information which you supply whilst using this website may be held in our computer records. It may be used to offer you new services (by post, telephone, e-mail or fax) which we think might be of interest to you. If you do not want your information to be used for marketing purposes please inform us in writing at: Easycover.com Ltd, 247 Chapel St, Manchester, M3 5EP, UK; or by visiting www.easycover.com/unsub.php3

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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