TRAVEL GUIDE // Deutsch

VISIT FLORIDA | Florida's Official Vacation Guide Including Florida Travel Information THERE ARE 0 ITEMS IN YOUR CUSTOM TRAVEL GUIDE // Deutsch Espaol Franais Portugus UK Welcome to the State of Florida's Official Travel Planning Website. Use www.VISITFLORIDA.com to plan your best vacation ever in beautiful Florida! Explore our colorful destinations and pursue your own interests to create your dream vacation in the Sunshine State. -- -- -- Information for Travel Professionals Media Site RSS Feeds experiences 18 Ways to Fore! In the Miss America pageant, the judges have to choose one winner from a field of 50 beauties. In baseball, 28 teams play all season, but only one wins the World Series. In golf, especially in the Sunshine State, you can find a great golf course within a few miles of anywhere. Read Article More From Golf experiences Luxurious Escapes Hoteliers and innkeepers must surely lie awake nights inventing new ways to knock their guests’ socks off. A suite without a private concierge or personal butler is positively ho-hum , and a lowly after-dinner mint on the pillow is practically dclass . Discover how Florida resorts pull out all the stops for over-the-top luxury. Read Article More From Luxury experiences Unique Camping In Florida, “roughing it” isn’t always so rough. There are literally hundreds of great campsites throughout the Sunshine State, from deserted coastal islands ideal for tents to full-service campgrounds that can accommodate recreational vehicles. Camp on the beach, in the shadow of Cinderella’s castle, or even in a real chickee. Read Article More From Camping Sweeptakes See For Yourself Florida. Still here. Beautiful as ever. See it on our live web cams. Then catch a plane or hop in a car and see it for yourself. Enter Contest -- RSS Feeds | Advertising Information | Travel Professionals | Photo Credits | Feedback | FAQ | Site Search | Site Map | About VISIT FLORIDA™ VISIT FLORIDA™ is the Official Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation. All material© 2001-2005 by VISIT FLORIDA™ , All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Privacy Policy Please report problems to webmaster .

Italy travel Palermo -

Palermo guide - Palermo travel guide Palermo Sicily - Palermo - guide to Palermo - Italy travel Palermo - airport Palermo Palermo guide - Palermo travel guide - Palermo Sicily - Palermo - guide to Palermo - Italy travel Palermo - airport Palermo - travel links Wednesday, 28 December 05 - 11:43 pm Top destinations Art Cities Beaches Lakes Mountains Spa Resorts Regions guides Abruzzo & Molise Alto Adige Apulia Basilicata & Calabria Campania Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Lazio Liguria Lombardy Marche Piedmont Sardinia Sicily Tuscany Trentino Umbria Valle d'Aosta Veneto Cities guides Aosta Asiago & 7 comuni Asolo Assisi Belluno & Dolomiti Venete Bologna Bolzano Brescia Bressanone Caorle & Bibione Capri Catania Cervia & Cesenatico's Beaches Chianti, Valdelsa, Valdarno Comacchio's Beaches Cortina d'Ampezzo Courmayeur M.Bianco Elba & Capraia Florence Garda Lake - Eastern Side Grosseto & Maremma Ischia Jesolo & Eraclea Como Lake & Lecco Lucca & Garfagnana Madonna di Campiglio Merano Milan Monte Cervino Montecatini Terme Naples Padua Palermo Pisa Portofino & Tigullio Gulf Ragusa Ravenna's Beaches Ravenna City Rimini, Riccione, Cattolica Riviera dei Fiori: Sanremo & Imperia Riviera del Brenta Rome Rovereto Rovigo e Delta del Po San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero, Val Venoi Siena Siracusa Sorrento & Amalfi Taormina Terme e Colli Euganei Turin Trento Treviso Val di Fassa Val di Fiemme Venice Verona Versilia & Viareggio Vicenza Palermo Hotels Reserve Palermo Hotels: save up 70% on rooms! Compare offers & book on line at hotel's web sites. About Sicily Catania, the City that Never Sleeps In Catania there's so much to do, see and experience that 24 hours aren't enough... The seasons of Taormina, between the deep blue sea and picturesque handicrafts Set between sea and sky, a precious gem that literati and poets of all times have translated into amazing verses and astonishing prose, Taormina is magic, always... Palermo Guide Italy THINGS TO KNOW Getting there History and culture THINGS TO SEE Churches and Museums Historical buildings and monuments Places and charm THINGS TO TRY Food and drink Shopping Hotels and lodgings THINGS TO EXPERIENCE Events La Dolce Vita ITINERARIES A special day Trip outside the city Directories of Web Sites Palermo Italy Palermo Hotels Downloads Palermo Guide in PDF format A city that contains centuries of different kinds of culture: Arabs, Normans, the French, Spanish and the Byzantines have all left their permanent mark on the place. Getting there Palermo is the first city in Sicily and it is well served by highways and trains and also has an international airport... >>> History and culture In our tourists guide to Palermo there just had to be a section dedicated to the history of this amazing city. Let’s discover it together... >>> Churches and Museums A selection of religious buildings and museums that have to be seen, from the Palatine Chapel to the Puppets’ Museum. With historical notes on works of art and useful information... >>> Historical buildings and monuments The Arabic-Norman architecture: architectural styles that live side by side in perfect harmony and balance... >>> Places and charm All the most charming places in Palermo: from the Quattro Canti to the Kalsa... >>> Food and drink The tastes and aromas of extraordinary cuisine where East and West blend together perfectly... >>> Shopping The traditional craft products from Palermo from “Puppets” to Sicilian carts... >>> Hotels and lodgings All the advice needed for anyone who wants to sleep in Palermo : lots of solutions for every size of budget. From hotels to hostels... >>> Events From the Festino di Santa Rosalia festival, in honor of the city’s Patron Saint, to the Festival of Morgana, that celebrates the art of the marionettes: all the most important cultural events that are organized in the city... >>> La Dolce Vita Discovering the places that are the setting for Palermo’s nightlife... >>> A special day 24 hours dedicated to Palermo for a quick look around the city... >>> Trip outside the city The Cathedral in Monreale, the beach at Mondello and the Monte Pellegrino Reserve... >>> More guides on: Region: Sicily Sicily Cities: Catania Ragusa Siracusa Taormina Click to view the map Servizi per le aziende Acquista la tua visibilità su Travel Plan Netplan Travel Network Travel Guides ItalyTravel Guides | VeniceTravel Guide | FlorenceTravel Guide | RomeTravel Guide | MilanTravel Guide | NaplesTravel Guide | Palermo Travel Guide | Taormina Travel Guide | SicilyTravel Guide | Cortina Travel Guide | VeronaTravel Guide | JesoloTravel Guide | Lucca & Garfagnana Travel Guide | Treviso Travel Guide | Ischia Travel Guide | Capri Travel Guide | Sorrento Travel Guide | Amalfi Travel Guide | More Italy Travel guides ... 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Venice Hotels | Cortina Hotels | Asolo Hotels | Hotel Golden Rome | Hotel San Niccolò - Chianti | Hotel Il Granduca Florence | Venice Travel Guide | Venice Booking Center | Venice Hotels Servizi per le aziende - Netplan Travel Network Links A1 A2 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1 H2 I1 I2 J1 K1 L1 M1 N1 O1 P1 Q1 R1 S1 T1 U1 V1 W1 X1 Y1 Z1 AA1 AB1 AC1 AD1 AE1 AF1 AG1 AH1 AI1 AJ1 AK1 AL1 AM1 AN1 AN2 AO1 AP1 AQ1 AR1 AS1 AT1 AU1 AV1 AW1 AX1 AY1 AZ1 BA1 BB1 Italy Travel Guide © 2004 Fatto da: Netplan

Germany Travel Travel Go

Germany - Travel Information and Planning Travel in Germany  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Germany Travel 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 > Germany Austria Switzerland > Germany Travel Germany Travel Information - Planning your Trip to Germany Germany covers a huge part of Europe, and there is a great variety of landscapes to cover, from the Black Forest to Bavaria to the romantic Rhine river, to the urban sprawl of Berlin--get information on traveling in Germany here. Subtopics Auto Museums (5) Germany Transportation (11) Baden Baden (9) Germany Web Resources (22) Bamberg (7) Hamburg (11) Berlin Germany (39) Heidelberg (24) Bonn (10) Karlsruhe (8) Cologne Germany - Koln (17) Leipzig (12) Cycling Germany (3) Maps of Germany @ Dinkelsbuhl, Germany (10) Munich (8) Dresden, Germany (13) Oktoberfest (7) Dusseldorf (7) Pictures of Germany (10) Frankfurt (14) Romantic Road (13) Freiburg (4) Rothenburg (7) German Rail Passes (3) Trier, Germany (7) German Wine Regions (13) Weimar (9) Germany - Lodging (7) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Germany Travel Map and Travel Resources See a map of Germany showing the main tourist cities, as well as basic information on transportation, tipping, language and customs in Germany. Links to Germany Rail Map with Rail Pass information and a Germany region map. Germany Maps - Michelin Road Maps of Germany Michelin road maps of Germany to buy for your travel while driving in Germany. Germany Travel Guides - Recommended Guidebooks for Germany The top ten recommended travel guidebooks for Germany, featuring German cities and Germany travel advice. Germany's Castle Road - Map and Travel information Like scenic drives? Here's one with plenty of fairytale castles in the south of Germany. We have a map, tourism information, and alternative attractions in the region. Cologne Travel Essentials - Cologne City Profile Our page of essentials for visiting the German city of Cologne, including transportation options, attractions, weather, internet access, and more. Leipzig Germany Travel Planner A concise guide to visiting Leipzig, including hostel and hotel information, a recommended restaurant, attractions, travel and transportation information, and pictures. Munich Germany Travel Planner Information on visiting Munich, including restaurant and hotel recommendations, pictures, walking tour information, and information on visiting the Dachau Memorial. Neuschwanstein Castle Mad Ludwig's Dream - Neuschwanstein Castle: Perched over one of the world's prettiest gorges, Neuschwanstein Castle is everyone's fantasy dream. It's the image you've seen everywhere that makes you want to start planning your trip to Germany. Why not rent that Porsche and hit the romantic road? We'll give you what you need to know. Nuremberg Germany Travel Planner Picturesque Nuremberg, a compact city with cobble-stoned squares and half-timbered houses, is a photographer's dream and a great place to visit. We give you essential info on traveling there - hotels, restaurants and attractions, plus a map and photo gallery. Nurburgring - Driving Germany's Nurburgring Race Track on Your Vacation The Nurburgring is the most challenging race track in the world. Called "The Green Hell" by Jackie Stewart, the Nurburgring is today a toll road, test center, and formula one race track. Strasbourg Cathedral - View from the Viewing Platform of the Cathedral Pictures from the viewing platform of Strasbourg cathedral in Strasbourg, France. Schwabish Hall - Travel and Tourism guide for Schwabisch Hall Germany Schwabisch Hall is a less touristed stop along Germany's Castle Road than Rothenburg. Known for its salt production, Schwabisch Hall is a rail junction and a popular tourist center with saline baths. Bavaria - Travel Guidebooks to Germany's Bavaria Region Bavaria is in the southwest of Germany, home to Munich and Pope Benedict XVI. Bavaria is one of the top regions in Germany to visit The Pope's Bavaria - Map and Information for Following in the Pope's Footsteps Pope Benedict XVI grew up and taught in southern Bavaria. Here we offer a map of important places for an independent pilgrimage to the places that were touchstones in the new Pope's spiritual life. The Pope's Bavaria - Traunstein and Marktl am Inn, Germany Here is a map for the Bavarian cities that influenced Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, the new Pope Benedict XVI, including his birthplace Marktl am Inn, and the village of his seminary, Traunstein. Travel and tourism information for pilgrims interested in the new Pope.        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 Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

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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