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

Argentina Travel

Travel: Argentina Travel Notes -- The Country and Links Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail Travel Notes : Latin America : Argentina @ Travel Notes -- Booking Engine Vacation Finder Latin America @ Travel Notes Argentina Belize Bolivia Brazil Caribbean Chile Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador El Salvador Falklands Fr. Guiana Guatemala Guyana Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Sth. Georgia Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Argentine Republic The Argentine Republic is the second largest country in South America, after Brazil . Somewhat triangular in shape, Argentina's apex is at the very south of the American continent, with Punta Dungeness the south-eastern extremity of the South American mainland. Crossing the lakes and mountain passes of the southern Andes with a condor flying overhead beats looking up at hang-gliders in the Alps. Insight Guide to Argentina : Get a real insight into Argentina with quality articles from journalists and candid photography from masters of the art. About Argentina : An interesting blend of information about Argentina: maps, climate, postcards, wallpapers, emblems, history, economy, news, people, tango and destinations. Argentina Tourism Enter Argentina : Getting to Argentina, and other information for tourists. Around Argentina Argentina Business : Information about doing business in Argentina, telephone numbers, yellow pages and Argentine Embassies. Argentina Cities : The major cities in Argentina. Skiing in Argentina : The main ski resorts in Argentina. SightseeingTours, Events and Attractions . Miscellaneous -- Online Reservations Maps & Travel Books : Stanfords is the UK's leading specialist retailer of maps and travel books. 1800-Hostels.com : Budget Accommodation in Latin America. Latin American Directory : Latin America links sorted by country and category. Send @ Postcard Unique images of travel destinations by Travel Notes. Travel Industry : Add Your Tours Add Your Property Latin American Spanish Phrasebook : Most guidebooks have a few words to help you get by but real travellers will need this companion. Learn Spanish . Mailing List Keep up with the latest news @ Travel Notes. Meta-Travel Forums : If you have a question, want to hang out with other travellers, tourists or the natives.... then join Travelnotes in the Meta-Travel forums and share in the global experience. Countries Weather Flights Cars Lodging Specials Contact Meta Flight Tickets : Save money on Round The World flight tickets. Travel News : Get the inside scoop with the latest travel features and tips. Past Articles . Argentina Cities Argentina Culture Argentina Hotels Argentina News Argentina Regions Argentina Skiing Argentina Tourism Argentina Tours Bariloche Buenos Aires Business Corner LearningSpanish Patagonia Local Currency Convert your currency into Argentine pesos. Travel Directory : Latin America : Argentina @ Travel Notes -- Add URL Search Travel Notes | Travel Notes | Search Resources | Submit Your Travel Site | Meta-Travel Search | | 1800-Countries | 1800-Casinos | 1800-Cruises | 1800-Olympics | 1800-Worldcup | | Airlines | Airports | 1800-Fly | 1800-Lodging | 1800-RentalCars | Vacation Rentals | | Legal Notice | Travel Articles | Magun's Compass | Advertisers | Online Reservations | The URL for this page is: http://www.travelnotes.org/LatinAmerica/Argentina/index.htm

Argentina Travel Advice »Destinations

Destinations in Argentina - Argentina Travel Advice Destinations in Argentina Contact Travelsur | Log Out | Argentina Forums | Search Travelsur Home | Moderators | Register | Edit Profile Argentina Travel Advice »Destinations in Argentina Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post Qualcuno mi potrebbe aiutare!! Roberto 2 1 12-28-05 5:15 pm American Dollars Santiago Bengolea 6 1 12-27-05 4:42 am Entering Brasil from Argentina Roberto 2 1 12-24-05 4:55 pm Christmas Buenos Aires Santiago Bengolea 4 1 12-24-05 6:17 am Advice for trip to Argentina Roberto 40 1 12-22-05 11:45 am Mendoza Fishing and Hunting Riyad Anabtawi 4 1 12-21-05 6:45 pm Ranches in Buenos Aires Roberto 20 1 12-21-05 4:56 pm Bariloche and Iguassu Falls Santiago Bengolea 37 1 12-13-05 7:41 pm Hi there... ... Sren Winther 1 1 12-12-05 3:11 pm Advice for BA trip Feb/Mar 2006 Roberto 4 1 12-09-05 2:30 pm Salta trip - Tren de las nubes Roberto 29 1 12-09-05 2:25 pm Rafting in Bariloche ( El Manso River) Santiago Bengolea 1 1 12-08-05 12:49 pm Flights from Bariloche - El Calafate Tenette Ludlow 1 1 12-07-05 10:46 am Beach Resorts? Roberto 7 1 12-05-05 1:30 pm Traveling to Argentina in March anymous 4 1 11-25-05 8:30 pm Christmas Holiday in BA Roberto 2 1 11-23-05 2:06 pm Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica Roberto 21 1 11-16-05 11:51 am Flights from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Roberto 2 1 11-02-05 9:58 am Travel from argentina to elqui valley in chile Roberto 2 1 10-17-05 1:27 am Guide me please Roberto 10 1 10-06-05 7:10 pm Iguazu Roberto 31 1 10-05-05 7:07 pm Must See Things in BA? rac717 3 1 10-04-05 4:20 pm Peninsula Valdez & Glaciers combination in October Roberto 2 1 9-27-05 10:54 am Argentina+Brazil,2Month Trip-Route advice please! Roberto 2 1 9-25-05 2:29 pm Late 2005-Early 2006 Travel to Argentina Gail Gonzalez 5 1 9-23-05 11:39 am El Calafate & Ushuaia Roberto 2 1 9-22-05 4:19 pm Round trip bus and air Roberto 4 1 9-20-05 3:16 pm Around Argentina bluechip 9 1 9-14-05 11:20 pm Where to stay in BA Nadja 3 1 9-09-05 2:49 am Brasiian Iguacu Roberto 2 1 9-08-05 1:50 pm Mar/Apr - BA, Iguazu, Montevideo Roberto 2 1 9-08-05 1:39 pm What to see and do in February Namgay Dorji 4 1 8-31-05 12:26 pm Argentina in Sept??? Roberto 7 1 8-30-05 11:25 pm Airfares Roberto 12 1 8-19-05 10:56 am Spanish Schools in Buenos Aires Roberto 2 1 8-19-05 10:02 am Places to visit in August? Roberto 12 1 8-18-05 12:24 am Places to see Roberto 2 1 8-12-05 2:56 pm Train and bus in Argentina Roberto 2 1 7-25-05 2:01 pm Buenos Aires Sept. 23-29 Roberto 2 1 7-17-05 3:57 pm Quebrada de Humahuaca Roberto 2 1 1-26-05 9:50 pm How is the weather in Bariloche these days? Roberto 4 1 12-28-04 11:43 am Start New Thread Argentina Destinations There are some wonderful, inexpensive options that you can explore while visiting Argentina. Depending on the length of your trip I'd recommend spending time in Buenos Aires -the capital of Argentina- and also in Iguazu Falls , about 700 miles north of Buenos Aires. Visiting Iguazu is economical. A three night package that includes air fare, lodging in a 5 stars hotel , all transfers and breakfasts, plus 3 excursions is about $480 USD per person (pricing may vary at the time of booking due to availability and may differ from May 2005 prices). In Buenos Aires, there are many things to do , including outdoor activities such as visiting ranches and learning about Gauchos ' life. Not to mention getting acquainted with tango and other forms of traditional argentine music like malambo . Perhaps 4 nights in Buenos Aires and 3 nights in Iguazu may do for a nice one week vacation, but this is just but one alternative. For more accurate pricing on specific destinations in Argentina, we usually require: - Approximate date of traveling. - Length of trip. - Main destinations you would like to visit. - Number of people traveling. There are 7 main regions that visitors like to see. In order of how much they cost they are as follows, from cheaper to most expensive: 1) Buenos Aires (capital). Lots of attractions: tango , ranches and gauchos . Buenos Aires lifestyle: shopping, hanging out and best steaks in the World. 2) Iguazu Falls in Misiones province (The Iguazu Falls, jungle trips, Wanda mines, San Ignacio Jesuits ruins, etc). Many times, this visit will include crossing the border into Brazil for which american citizens are required a visa. Iguazu Falls, sometimes called Iguassu, are known because of their enourmous water beds and heights. 3) Mendoza (west of Argentina, Andes ridge): wine tours, mountains, horse riding, white water rafting , many parks and museums . Probably, the 'greenest' province in Argentina for its many parks and flowers. During winters, Mendoza is also a well known destination for its ski center Las Leas . 4) Northwest: Salta , Jujuy and Tucuman provinces. Ravines and high altitude trips. In touch with Incas past history. Salta is of special note. It's building city codes only allow facades to resemble the colonial period so a visitor will find an enchanted place with an old flair to it, a spanish one. In Salta it is also possible to do some great trout fly fishing 5) Peninsula Valdes (in Patagonia , Chubut province). Animals in the wild: sea lions, penguins, orcas, large amount of birds species. When in season, there are guided whale watching trips . If you are into fly fishing , west of Chubut -in a town called Trevelin, the Rio Pico region- there are some of the most sought after river streams in the World for trout fishing . 6) Bariloche (southwest of Argentina in Rio Negro province, like a ski community). Spectacular scenery and unforgettable southern lakes . Bariloche is the largest southern city in Argentina with over half a million people and is house of Cerro Catedral , where great skiing is possible. 7) Glaciers (includes Calafate in Santa Cruz province and Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego province). Most travelers take a combo Calafate/Ushuaia for about 5 nights. This is a gorgeous trip. One caveat, Argentina is large. It is the 8th largest country in the world and 4th in South America. Distances are long and logistics for traveling are not sometimes easy. So choosing too many destinations in a short span will not work. Flight connections will make you waste a lot of time in airports. One last thing. At the time of this writing -February 2005-, Argentina is still very cheap and has a very favorable rate of exchange. In particular for Europeans. So you will probably be happy visiting us, making the most of your precious travel monies. Meals and cabs are very cheap. A very nice filet mignon (almost a pound) with french fries may be around 6 bucks. Depending on the restaurant, add one more dollar. Yes, you read correctly. I was there last December. I hope this brief commentary on why you should consider traveling to Argentina sparks your desire for the 'unknown' or for traveling to a place you have never considered before. Contact Erna when you have a chance. She will help you decide how to best enjoy your stay while in Argentina. Best wishes and traveling in 2005. Travelsur staff. Weather in Argentina Author Message Argentina Forum | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Guidelines | Travel Directory | Argentina Vacation Administration

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

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. Back to top 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