travel insurance policies and
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UK Travel and Holiday Insurance in an Instant UK instant online travel and holiday insurance cover All required policy cover details and emergency telephone numbers will be on the insurance documents you receive online and via email. Read about our various travel insurance policies and find the right one for you and your family Find a complete index to our travel insurance products by clicking on the bold text above. With the information on these pages, you can make better use of our comparison and booking software, and obtain the right cover . . . at the right price. We believe travel insurance should be affordable, solid, and effective. So, these pages offer the cheapest good quality insurance in the UK. Please feel free to click on the link above and read for yourself. If you are already comfortable with the process of taking travel insurance, then simply click on one of the quotation buttons in the blue panels at the top of this page. Contacting your Emergency Services Provider? Please Note : If you bought one of our policies prior to 1st January 2004 then your emergency contact details are as follows. For emergency contact details for policies purchased after this date then click here 24 HOURS MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE OPERATED BY MEDI-CALL LIMITED We try to make any claims procedures as easy as possible, but by reading a few of the rules below you can make any possible holiday claim you may need to make a lot easier. IMPORTANT - please quote Essential Travel and Scheme Number shown on the first page of your Certificate and Your Certificate Schedule Number. Medi-Call Limited provides immediate help in the event of Your illness or injury arising outside the UK (United Kingdom) - they provide 24 hour multi-lingual emergency service 365 days a year and can be contacted by telephone, telex or fax. UK Insurance Emergency Telephone Numbers Should a serious medical problem arise You must contact Medi-Call Limited immediately. (+44) 1273 321976 Fax: UK (+44) 1273 731261 Responsibility You are responsible in advising Your attending doctor to seek prior approval for any treatment except in extreme circumstances where a request for prior approval would delay surgery in a life threatening situation or medical crisis. Failure to contact Medi-Call Ltd may limit the benefits payable, or in certain circumstances, insurance cover will not be provided. When You call upon the services of Medi-Call Ltd it is a condition of the service that First Assist shall solely be responsible for all decisions on the most suitable and reasonable solution to any medical problem. The service includes, where necessary: 1. Multi-lingual assistance with hospitals and doctors 2. Repatriation arrangements and necessary escorts by a medical attendant 3. Travel arrangements for other members of Your party or next-of-kin 4. On arrival in the United Kingdom, an ambulance service to hospital or home. Please note: We are not responsible for the availability, quality or results of any medical treatment received by You. Ho To Make a Travel Insurance Claim from policies bought BEFORE 1st January 2004 All claims other than Medical Emergency Assistance must be made direct to: CLAIMS SETTLEMENT AGENCIES 308-314 LONDON ROAD HADLEIGH ESSEX SS7 2DD Telephone 01702 553443 Fax 01702 553231 They will send You a travel insurance claim form which You will need to complete and return to them with Your Certificate Schedule and any other documents requested. All Claims must be submitted within 31 days. Claims Agency For all claims we use Claims Settlement Agencies Limited who have been settling claims since 1990 and is our preferred Loss Adjusters and also handles certain insurance claims for other insurers such as AXA. They are experienced in handling and maintaining large corporate accounts in particular Air Miles. They currently have 25 staff who are processing approximately 25,000 claims per year . Emergency contact details for policies bought after 1st January 2004 Emergency Medical Assistance. It is important that in the event that you need to contact the medical emergency you must quote Optimum and your policy number ET/AON (followed by your number) Travelsolve Assistance provides immediate help in the event of an insured persons illness or injury arising outside the United Kingdom, they provide 24 hour multi-lingual emergency service 365 days a year and can be contacted by telephone or fax. Emergency Numbers are : UK: +44 (0) 1733 457593 FAX: +44 (0) 1733 502293 When an insured person calls upon the services of Travelsolve Assistance it is condition of service that Travelsolve Assistance shall be responsible for all decisions on the most suitable and reasonable solution to any medical problem. The service includes, where necessary: 1. Multi-lingual assistance with hospitals and doctors. 2. Repatriation arrangements by escort by a medical attendant. 3. Travel arrangements for other members of your party or immediate relative. 4. On arrival in the United Kingdom, an ambulance service to hospital or home. NOTE: FAILURE TO CONTACT THE ASSISTANCE COMPANY MAY RESULT IN A CLAIM BEING INVALID. Making A Claim on policies bought ON or AFTER 1st January 2004 If you need to make a claim please obtain a claim form by telephoning or writing to our claims handlers. Please note that for your claim to be considered you must register this within 28 days of returning from you trip. When contacting the claims company please insure that you quote Optimum and your policy number that will start ET/AON (followed by your policy number) At Instant Holiday Insurance we use Claims International Limited ( CIL ) who are the market leaders and are the leading specialist in there field. They have a large portfolio which includes travel and medical related claims handling, policy administration services and fulfillment services, financial protection and credit card enhancement and other related claims handling products. From 1992, CIL has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lindsey Morden Group of companies and as such forms part of a global network of claims handling companies, including Cunningham Lindsey, the UK's largest loss Adjuster. CIL has managed and administered over 140,000 claims per annum and has strong working relationships with major Insurers and Intermediaries as well as Lloyds Underwriters and other insurance based clients. In the event if having to make a claim on your travel insurance policy please use the contact details below: Claims International Ltd 14th Floor Leon House 201-204 High Street Croydon CR9 1ER TEL: 0208 680 5142 FAX: 0208 760 0298 info@cilint.com Once you have contact the relevant department, please return your claims form, with your original policy documents, and please insure you have photocopies or any paper work that is requested from the claims company. Tips for Travellers Abroad. Always take out Travel Insurance well in advance of travelling. The travel insurance policy will cover you for any medical expenses that you incur should you be involved in an accident or become ill and require hospitalisation . Sometimes medical costs can be astronomic and without sufficient insurance cover you could end up in serious trouble. Apart from medical expenses the policy should also cover things like; legal expenses,cancellation & curtailment, loss of money, baggage, passport, etc. and personal liability. Make sure you are covered for any activity that you intend to undertake so that you and your equipment are covered while participating, e.g. skiing, scuba diving etc. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport (and visas, if required). Also, before you go, make sure you fill in the emergency contact information page of your passport! Read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. Familiarise yourself with any local laws and customs of the countries to which you are travelling and avoid violating them whilst on holiday, deal only with authorised agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques. Remember, while you are in a foreign country on holiday, you are subject to its laws. Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Never leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers. If you plan to stay abroad for more than two months, upon arrival you should notify by phone or register in person with the British Embassy in the country you are travelling to. This will facilitate communication in case someone contacts the embassy looking for you. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewellery and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. Finally, if you do get into trouble, contact the nearest British Embassy. Travel Insurance Policies for UK Residents in Brief With instant online quote and immediate certificate & policy cover. Travel insurance in an instance without any hassle and with totally safe online transaction from start to finish. Covering backpackers and student cover as well as wintersport for ski and snowboarders and more as well as multi & single trip policies, annual and seasonal cover for resort workers who maybe in a ski resort or holiday complex for a matter of months and need adequate cover but do not want to pay the normal travel and holiday insurance rates. Online Travel Insurance Booking Procuedures Explained in Brief You will be presented with an instant online holiday insurance quote for your selected insurance package which could be for Europe or Worldwide or ski wintersport cover for example and for your selected dates of travel. You can then either select that policy or choose an annual policy which is also returned, this is usually slightly more but obviously it covers you for a full year and not just a single trip. You then enter your details with your credit card details being last of all. You can print off your travel insurance policy and cover details online immediately. You will receive your insurance certificate also via email and regular post. site map | ski-insurance | travel sites | uk-travel-links | worldwide-travel-links | home UK Airport Hotels | Uk Airport Lounges | Short Breaks other insurance sites which also offer great rates uk income protection insurance | uk mortgage insurance | uk home insurance | uk online finance
Family Vacations - ideas
Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > More Beach Vacations > Florida Family Vacations - ideas for best Florida family vacations Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses Search Travel with Kids Florida Family Vacations Florida is a magnet for families, with its double whammy of theme parks and popular beaches; but beyond the best-known spots, other great Florida family vacations await. Below are a number of ideas and reviews (moving roughly clockwise around the state). Florida Family Vacations: Amelia Island Amelia Island --in the northeast near Jacksonville-- has lovelybeaches, a historic fort complete with actors who play period characters, aquaint town with historic sections, delicious sea-food, and two fineresorts that welcome families. The AmeliaIsland Plantation covers 1350 acres, has Kids' Camps for several ages, a daily "family -play" time with poolside activities. More Florida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to do in Orlando Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World Florida Resorts Florida Family Vacations overview Florida Vacations deals: Orlando Islands of Adventure - Universal Orlando -fun theme park The Ritz-Carleton hasa kids' program, fine dining, kiddie pool, indoor pool, and lovely beach where shallow lagoons are great for tots. Both properties have golf, fitness centers, etc. The Ritz makes a special point of celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, and July 4th. Space Coast 45 minutes from Orlando is 72 miles of shore known as Florida's Space Coast : the place where the moon launches blasted away from earth, and site of the shuttle launches today. Big draw here is the Kennedy Space Center , and beautiful beaches. Less known are the eco-tours: this area has saltwater estuaries, marshes, and 250 sq. miles of wildlife refuges. Orlando/CentralFlorida Family Vacations Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando How much more fun can one city take? Here's our picks for fun in Orlando, from character meals to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Seuss Landing to Sea-World's elite sister, Discovery Cove (a Caribbean experience in the middle of Florida.) Thinkingof visiting the mecca of family holidays, Walt Disney World?? Have a look at BeforeYou Book Lodgings first. See also WaltDisney World Resorts :Five top picks, from the luxury at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (right), to the budget-lovers' favorite, All Star Sports Resort. Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World South Florida Family Vacations Club Med: Sandpiper A rare a ll-inclusive within the US, this Club Med is on the St. Lucie River, two hours from Miami or Orlandoairports, one hour from West Palm Beach. Club Med Sandpiper has a great ambiance and outstanding kids programs: a Baby Club with separate groups for different ages and stages, and excellent clubs for older kids also. Activities include waterskiing, wakeboarding, trapeze, inline skating, golf. Guests can also take optional excursions to Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, etc. Sonesta Key Biscayne Beach Afamily-friendly resort at Key Biscayne, right on Miami's doorstep . Miamioffers lots of fun with kids. CheecaLodge and Spa I n the Florida Keys, Cheeca offers: snorkeling overNorth America's only natural coral reef; "snuba", a wayto dive 20 feet down without scuba gear, ok for kids as young as eight; saltwater lagoon stockedwith fish Camp Cheeca for ages 6-12, is "an award-winningmarine education/environmental awareness program". FlamingoLodge: Everglades National Park The place to stay, if you're visiting the Everglades: the only resort inthis wonderful National Park is unpretentious but comfortable, with screened-inpool and barbeque, and nearby family-friendly restaurants. Close to manyactivities. Read more about visiting the Everglades. SanibelIsland Off the west coast and near the bottom of the Florida peninsula are Sanibel Island and Captiva Island: two beautiful islands for nature lovers.No beach pollution; visitors find miles and miles of beachesperfect for kids because of the gentle waves and shallow shoreline. The islands arefamous for shelling, too. For families, the SanibelHarbor Resort and Spa is a top-rated 80-acre oceanfront resort thatoverlooks Sanibel and Captiva islands; it's noted for a Victorian style with big verandas and wicker rockers on the porch. Kids Club for ages 5-12. The Sanibel Inn has 8 acres of tropical garden, free educational activities for all ages(such as Shell Safari, or Dolphin Watch), and "nature-themed discoveryprograms" for children ages 3-12. Read more about Sanibel Island and other places to stay. South Seas Resort, Captiva Island "Paddle a kayak into a mangrove forest in search of sea turtles and hawks". Rent a boat; bike, jog; at the beach, have fun with body boards, banana boats, inner tubes. Go fishing. Rent a Hobie, or a canoe; try parasailing. Such is the life at the South Seas, which has Fun Factory kids' programs, and teen and family activities. Florida Family Vacations:Tampa Bay Area St. Pete / Clearwater Beach Dubbed "Orlando's Beach", this affordable west coast area two hours from Orlando has nature outings, cultural gems, and miles of top-rated beaches. Read about local attractions such as the (free) Seacoast Seabird Sanctuary; fun outings such as dolphin-spotting, shelling, and Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise; and three resorts that welcome families: The Radisson Sand Key an all-suite resort near Sand Key Park, Clearwater Beach. the Sheraton Sand Key - right on Sand Key Beach, where sea turtles nest the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. The family-friendly TradeWinds Grand has a giant inflatable slide and meandering little river you can navigate in a paddleboat. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay This 335-acre theme park has four thrill-ride roller coasters, three water-rides, lovely landscaped grounds, attractive African theming, and opportunities to view elephants, rhinos, giraffes, etc. A fun, pretty park that's manageable to do in one day. Swim with Manatees: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge 75 miles north of St. Petersburg is one of the best places to see-- and even swim with-- these large gentle creatures in a natural habitat. (November to May are the best months.) More West Coast ColonyBeach Resort Thisisland resort on Longboat Key is just off the coast of Sarasota (central westcoast), south of the Tampa Bay area. (You can drive right to the property.)Children's programs, for ages 3-6 and 6-12; teen programs; tennis; lots of watersports. Bluewater Bay Resort, Niceville, Florida Locatedon the "Emerald Coast" in Northwest Florida, and voted "One of America's Top 10 Family Resorts" by Family Circle. 36 holes of golf, marine, biking and hiking trails, 4 pools, playgrounds. Northwest Florida Vacations Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort This giant 2400-acre resort has a beach side on the Emerald Coast (Gulf of Mexico) and also a bay side, with many activities: kids' sailing, kids' tennis, kayaking, putting course, Jolee Island Nature Park with pirate-ship playground, and a Kidzone with programs for ages 4-6 and 7-12. Watersports include body-surfing and Boogie boards (complimentary). Kids might also enjoy the Junior Golf Academy, with excellent instructors. Best way to get around this huge giant resort is on bikes. The centre of gravity of this huge resort is the picture-perfect Village of Baytowne Wharf. Read a review of Sandestin at TWKids, and see many photos too. Wakulla Spring In a state park in the "Panhandle" near Tallahassee is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Swim or snorkel in the natural pool above the spring; see alligators on a river boat tour; or do a glassbottom boat ride; dine and/or stay at a historic lodge; take nature hikes. And from About's Guide for Florida for Visitors, covering the whole state: Florida Summer Fun from A to Z 26 suggestions, from Astronaut Encounters to Zip Up Your Saddlebags (- horsey fun in Ocala.) You'll be surprised at the variety. From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...
TAIWAN Travel Guide Overview
VirtualTourist.com - Taiwan Travel Guide - Pictures, Tips and Reviews Taiwan Travel Guide. Tips, Reviews & Photos plus Hotels, Restaurants, Activities & More in Taiwan member log in | join for free! | help Home Travel Guides Hotels Flights Deals NEW! Members Meetings & Events Do It Yourself Guides Forums TAIWAN Travel Guide Overview | Hotels | Forum | Things To Do | Top Member Pages | Deals | Members | Meetings & Events Home » Travel Guides » Asia » Taiwan Destinations Members Keywords Sponsored Links for Taiwan Marriott Hotels Enjoy stylish luxury hotels with Marriott's new rooms. Book now. Hotels Compare Prices, View Photos & More! Low Rates Guaranteed - Book Now Priceline Hotel Discounts Great Low Prices, Pictures, and Guest Reviews. Shop. Compare. Save. Hotels Find Low Rates, Nearby Attractions & Dining, Hotel Pics, Maps & More! Cheap Hotels at Expedia Expedia Special Rates Means We Guarantee Our Low Rates on Rooms. Taiwan Hotel Rates City: Check-In Date: Check-Out Date: Guests: 1 2 3 4 Hotels by OneTime.com Taiwan Forum Join a Discussion Taiwan with kids for first time - Please Help!!! (7 replies, 7:52 AM Dec. 26, 2005) Telephone Calling Card (2 replies, 4:17 PM Dec. 21, 2005) Mobile SIM cards (1 replies, 3:48 AM Dec. 15, 2005) Be the first to reply to these questions Tainan hotel or hostel (no replies yet) calling card from taiwan to ...... (no replies yet) Different between WEST and Taiwan (no replies yet) » All Taiwan Discussions » Post a Taiwan Discussion Travel Resources Car Rental Cruises Vacations Luggage NEW! Taiwan Deals » All Taiwan Deals » Post a Taiwan Deal FREE VT Deals Newsletter great deals, inside tips & no spam Popular Taiwan Hotels In: Taipei Kaohsiung Taiwan Hualian T'ai-nan K'en-ting Taiwan Flight Rates From: To: Departure Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Return Date: Anytime Morning Afternoon Evening Midnight 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Passengers: 1 2 3 4 Flights by OneTime.com Taiwan Local time: 6:38 am Thursday, December 29, 2005. TravelPro Sale - LuggageGuru.com Hotels in Taiwan Flights to Taiwan Map NEW! Members living here: 1,503 Member tips: 3,178 Member pictures: 5,683 Popular Destinations in Taiwan Taipei Kaohsiung Taiwan Hualian T'ai-nan K'en-ting Taitung Nan-t'ou Jih-yueh T'an Changhua T'ai-lu-ko Tan-shui A-li-shan Chilung Chiayi Makung Lan Yu T'ai-chung-hsien T'ai-chung Lu Tao Jen-ai Hsien-chu Jui-sui Ta-li Pei-t'ou » More Destinations in Taiwan Regions in Taiwan Fu-chien Sheng Kaohsiung Shih Taipei Shih Taiwan Sheng Top Pages About Taiwan 1. Keeweechic's Taiwan by keeweechic 44 Tips 46 Pictures 2. Taiwan - Jewel Of The East by Kurtdhis 32 Tips 34 Pictures 3. Taiwan by kenmerk 41 Tips 43 Pictures 4. Mei Li De Taiwan by canadiantravelgirl 25 Tips 26 Pictures 5. Taiwan by AndreasK 27 Tips 27 Pictures » View all rated pages (85) » View newest pages » Build your own Taiwan page Tips and Photos about Taiwan in General Overview General Tips Tips: 190 - Pictures: 125 Restaurants Tips: 59 - Pictures: 29 Hotels and Accommodations Tips: 55 - Pictures: 30 Things To Do Tips: 294 - Pictures: 250 Nightlife Tips: 43 - Pictures: 18 Off the Beaten Path Tips: 87 - Pictures: 82 Tourist Traps Tips: 14 - Pictures: 7 Warnings or Dangers Tips: 38 - Pictures: 20 Transportation Tips: 70 - Pictures: 36 Local Customs Tips: 99 - Pictures: 74 Packing Lists Tips: 10 - Pictures: 2 Shopping Tips: 12 - Pictures: 6 Sports Travel Tips: 3 - Pictures: 3 » See tips about a specific place in Taiwan More Sponsored Links for Taiwan Experts in Taiwan hotels Big Savings - Discount up to 70%. Quality hotels at wholesale rates. Holiday Inn Taipei Taipei Hotels. Book Online Low Rate Guaranteed Luxury Hotel offers Find Amazing Luxury hotel offers 1000's of hotels & villas from 19 Find: Destinations Members Keywords Matching: Advanced About VT | Contact Us | Site Tour | Advertising | Local Merchant Login | Travel Tools | VT Chat | VT Gear | Help User Agreement | Privacy Statement Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2005 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Mexico Travel
Mexico Travel Guide - Mexico Articles Wednesday Dec 28th, 2005 Mexico Central Time Back to Mexico Articles Ok, you want to drive to Mexico (good for you!) and now you need to know what it will take to get you and your vehicle into the country. Here is the straight scoop. A friend of mine got in with a student ID and a smile, but she was much prettier than I am. All minors (under 18) need either both parents with them, or notarized permission from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. Vehicle Title or Registration Receipt. Owner is considered the name(s) on title only. For example: a wife cannot take the car if the title is only in the husband's name. If names of both husband and wife appear on title, either one may take the car. Birth certificate, passport or notarized proof of citizenship, or voter's registration card. Visa, MasterCard, Diner's, or American Express card with the same name as on title. Valid driver's license (with photo and same name as on title). Notarized letter of permission from the bank or lienholder is required on financed cars, rental cars, leased cars, or company cars (on company stationary). No borrowed cars or borrowed credit cards are accepted. You must sign an affidavit of promise to return vehicle back to the United States. Back to Top Failure to turn in your vehicle permit before the expiration date may result in fines. * This is subject to change without notice. In order to get your vehicle permit, you will pay an approximately $10-11 fee with a Visa, MasterCard or American Express. If you do not have a credit card, you will have to post a bond (much of which you will get back on your return). Your permit is good for multiple entries, but you MUST turn it in at border BEFORE it expires. We might as well warn you about customs before it is too late to do anything about it. Technically, both foreigners and Mexicans who are driving are only allowed to bring $50 worth of "merchandise" (mercancia, a word you will soon learn). Since nobody takes long trips to Mexico with only $50 worth of stuff, this is obviously impossible to enforce. What customs is looking for is new items that could be sold. The secret is not to have new-looking items with you. For example, if you have new clothes, take the tags off. If you have new camping gear, take it out of the shiny boxes and throw some dirt on them to make the boxes look old. Get the idea? One thing that will get you into trouble is a lot of stuff in Wal-Mart etc. sacks. If you bought a lot of items for your trip, take them out of the sacks, remove the price tags and distribute them among your baggage. I was once delayed for having too much film. I am a photographer and regularly take fifty rolls of film. Technically that is illegal, but I only had a problem once. That was when the rolls were still in a plastic bag from the store. From then on, I spread them out and haven't had a problem since. Computers Laptop computers are never (a dangerous phrase to use in Mexico, but I will go out on a limb here) a problem. Desktops can usually be brought in. A journalist friend of mine was moving to Mexico and had a lot of stuff, including a desktop computer. The customs inspector wanted to do his job, but he was a practical man. "Your computer," he asked, "it is small, no?" "Si," the scribe replied, "muy pequeño." Be honest and friendly and things will work out. Be arrogant and you will have trouble. Back to Top When to cross Allow at least 30 minutes for customs clearing. Early in the AM (6-7:30) is best. After 9:00 AM, it could take 30 minutes up to an hour. Weekends are the worst time, especially holidays. If you got a late start, please spend the night in a border town. Driving in Mexico is not as dangerous as you have been led to believe, but it is more challenging. There are plenty of four-lane toll roads that (for a price) can make you feel as comfortable as if you were back home. The two-lane roads vary in width and conditions so that some of them are usually in great shape, and others are often full of potholes. You will have to learn a few rules of the road For current gas and diesel prices, jump to gas prices. For road conditions, go to road updates. Driving in Mexico is perfectly safe and enjoyable. It is no more difficult than driving in the U.S., though defensive driving is a requirement. Despite what you have heard, Mexicans are very polite -- on the open road. In cities, a certain amount of aggression is required. Still, that's true in our country, too. How many of us can compete with NY or Boston cabbies -- or would want to? I have driven in most of the major U.S. cities and find the drivers in Mexico to be generally more polite, particularly the truck drivers and long distance bus drivers. (See the section about left turns). Accidents A remarkably small number of gringos have accidents in Mexico. Perhaps they learn the differences quickly or perhaps God watches out for fools, drunks and the U.S.A, as I was told by my father. So that you won't have to depend on divine intervention, I will give you some of the driving tips I have gleaned in my over twenty years of driving around Mexico. In that time, I have had one accident -- and that was because I passed out from carbon monoxide poisoning. Here's a tip -- if you have a back window on your 4WD, don't leave it open. Why is everyone flashing their lights at me? Flashing your headlights at a car in front of you indicates that you want to pass them. If you drive with your headlights on during the day, you will be flashed by oncoming drivers because they think you have left your lights on by accident. Back to Top Night Driving Don't drive at night on the two-lane roads. There is a lot of loose livestock and I have yet to see a cow equipped with tail lights. My tip for driving at night is - DON'T. On the toll roads (which are as good as or even better than those in the U.S. or Canada), you can drive at night, but should be aware that some roads -- particularly the Orizaba-Villahermosa road, and the Mexico City-Acapulco road, have been known to have assaults at night. Left Turn Signals On the open road, a left turn signal is an invitation to the guy behind you to pass. Trucks and busses frequently turn their left blinker on to guide you around them. I trust them, but use common sense. Sometimes they have optimistic views of your acceleration capabilities. Don't use your left turn signal on a two lane road when you are about to pass. You might get hit. A few readers have pointed out that on the toll roads, people use turn signals as they do here. My advice -- use 'em as you are used to on toll roads, but don't expect the other guy to do the same. Left Turns Left turns are different! When there is a left turn lane, there will usually be a left turn arrow. Look for 4 lights on signal. You MUST wait for arrow (whether or not you saw any Indians). Right Turns Right on red is usually not OK, unless there is a sign saying that it is. Lately, however, I have been honked at by locals when I wait for a green light. What to do? If there isn't a cop nearby, (and the coast is clear) I turn. Topes and Truckers Watch out for topes, which are speed bumps in every town of any size. They begin just as you enter a town and there are lots of them in-between. Slow down in rain -- more than you do here. The roads are slicker, due to the blowoff from the big trucks and it takes several hours of a heavy rain to wash it away. Truckers are usually friendly and will use the aforementioned left turn signal to give you the go-ahead to pass them when you cannot see around them. Back to Top Cops Traffic cops are more honest than you have been led to believe, but there are some in towns who are looking for bribes, especially in Mexico City. When this happens, stand firm and tell them you want to go to the comandancia. In Mexico City You cannot drive in Mexico City on certain days, depending on the last number of your license plate. Drive defensively at all times and you should have no problems. You will not go to jail for having a traffic accident, unless you do not have insurance, are drunk or high, or are argumentative. If the accident is serious, or if you kill someone, you could go to jail, or you and your car could simply be detained until the matter is settled. For this reason it is a good idea to have a legal assistance policy. This came from Live Better South of the Border. If you like the info you can order the book from a Secure Order Form with VI, MC, AM at http://www.mexicomike.com or by sending a check to Roads Scholar Press, 300 Zapata St., Rancho Viejo, TX 78520 or call 1-800-321-5605. The cost is $16.95 plus $4.00 S&H. Texas residents add 8.25% tax ($22.34). Back to Top Send us your comments about this article Back to Mexico Articles Acapulco | Cancun | CopperCanyon | Cozumel | Guadalajara | Huatulco | Ixtapa | Los Cabos Manzanillo | Mazatlan | Mexico City | Monterrey | Oaxaca | Puerto Vallarta © 1995 - 2005 Let's Go2Mexico ® - All Rights Reserved - Powered by ® Go2 Producciones ernesto luna sierra
Italy Travel Stories Italy
Italy Travel Stories Archives: BootsnAll Travel Network Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Bali | London | Australia | Written Road | Travel News Daily Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Contact | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Home » Italy » Italy Travel Stories Italy Travel Stories First Kiss Florence - Florence, Italy Ed Thompson wistfully recalls the reason behind a trip to Florence. Falling in Love: the Cinque Terre - Cinque Terre, Italy Cherie Yanek knew she would retun to Cinque Terre, but it was still so hard saying goodbye. Taking the Train to Naples - Rome, Italy Michael Cornn learns that when traveling by train, the Board giveth, and the Board taketh away. Get Us Out of The Tuscan Sun - San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy Just when you want to feel supremely sorry for yourself, Keridwen Cornelius says, it sends you a mint field, Chianti, and the sunlight setting aglow the towers of San Gimignano. Don't Go to Naples - Naples, Italy Leif Pettersen set out to find the gems of Naples. The problem was, there really weren't any and if there were, the supreme effort that was required to get your ass anywhere in Naples completely traumatized you and over-shadowed whatever it was you wanted to see. Grappa Delight - Bassano della Grappa, Veneto, Italy Jessica Nierenberg knows exactly what to do with leftover grape skins after visiting the birthplace of grappa. Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Joy - Rome, Italy Studying abroad in Rome, Bradley T. Kestner is saddened to learn of Pope John Paul II's illness and death. Vesuvius (Ad)Venture - Campania, Italy Joan Schmelzle reaches the top of a volcano - but not in the way she expects! Snap Out Of It - Naples, Italy Susan Van Allen becomes a member of her expressive homeland in Naples. Discovering Richard Mellow - Lecchi and Chianti, Italy Michael Swirnoff is surprised to learn that a tailgating Italian is a talented American painter. Il Ballo Di Autostrada (The Freeway Dance) - Florence, Italy A fender-bender is nothing Bobbie Webb can't handle - except she's in Italy, she only speaks a little Italian and she has to fill out two accident reports. Italian Cooking Lesson Justine Merrill knows the Italian secret for cooking chicken - and is willing to share. A Country Full of Love and Beauty - Italy Italy, the country millions of people go to, has everything. Take a huge step back in history - Sluderno, Alto Adige, Italy Check out German-speaking Italy: it's definitely worth the trip! The Dark Heart of a Beautiful City - Palermo, Sicily, Italy Just because you don't hear about the mafia doesn't mean it's dead in Sicily. Ruining Agrigento - Sicily, Italy Closed tourist offices, rain and the Festival of the Madonna may interfere with Leif Pettersen's plans, but at least he doesn't have to worry about tourists. Mind the Euro-Trash - Sicily, Italy Leif Pettersen wraps up his European tour, half-crazed and exhausted, in what he thought would be the quiet little town of Taormina, Sicily. Secluded and Ill-Researched - Sicily, Italy His trip was ill-researched and ill-advised, but Leif Pettersen still loved Marettimo. Buzzing Through Rome - Rome, Italy Despite his abhorrence of churches and tourist crowds, there is still enough in Rome to make Leif Pettersen's jaw drop. Florence Needs Italians - Florence, Italy With more tourists than Italians and more of a let-down than anything else, Leif Pettersen finds Florence lacking...everything. Hauling Ass Through Cinque Terre - Cinque Terre, Italy Leif Pettersen doesn't scuttle around Cinque Terre - he hauls ass. Fountain of Breasts - Bologna, Italy Leif Pettersen wants a break from tourist Italy and finds everything he is looking for in Bologna - good local food, a laid back city, and a fountain of breasts. Going Hungry in Milan - Milan, Italy After one day of reading the tourist brochure 'Hello Milan,' and not finding a decent place to eat, Leif Pettersen said 'Goodbye, Milan'. Deconstructing Venice - Venice, Italy Travelers often call Venice a maze. After getting lost multiple times, Leif Pettersen thinks the appropriate word for navigating one of Italy's oldest cities is extreme-giga-maze-hard-core-to-the-max-Gomer. Going Pink in Verona - Verona, Italy Leif Pettersen gets in touch with his feminine side, and Juliet's breast, in Verona. That's Italian - Italy Despite the 9/11 attacks, Joseph Koch decides to continue with his RTW adventure. One Leaning Tower and Two That Fall - Italy Joseph Koch stops his travels in Italy to watch the television as the towers fall in NYC. Five Steps to Heaven - Cinque Terre, Italy Laura Bennett found the path connecting the five villages of the Cinque Terre on Italy's North West Ligurian coast wasn't just for Aussie iron men. Lifting the Dark Side of Venice - Venice, Italy Neville Millen thought of Venice as a decaying aqua-fortress, until he got on Line 12. Tour of Duty: An art pilgrimage in southern Europe #8: Pilgrimage Postscript - Cinque Terre, Italy It is with great reservation that Neville tells about a place very special to him, so if you go, don't muck it up, okay? Tour of Duty: An art pilgrimage in southern Europe #2: A Rendezvous with Flora and Venus in Downtown Florence - Florence, Italy All the major tourist attractions of Florence are within a few kilometres of the main train station, but Neville's there for the 15th-century rock star. Tour of Duty: An art pilgrimage in southern Europe #1: Michelangelo: Master of Mallett and Palette in the Eternal City - Rome, Italy To Neville Millen's mind Michelangelo stands supreme as the star in the pantheon of artists held within the walls of Roman museums. So a Glaswegian Talks German to a Dutchwoman Part 1 of 2 - France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechenstein Natives beware: Scott and his friends confused foreign languages all over Europe back in 2001, and are plotting to return. So a Glaswegian Talks German to a Dutchwoman Part 2 of 2 - France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechenstein Natives beware: Scott and his friends confused foreign languages all over Europe back in 2001, and are plotting to return. Small World, After All - Florence, Italy Sarah Sung never expected the amazing adventure she would have in Florence, Italy, all the result of a chance encounter and coincidence. Non-Designated Camping - Fondi, Italy Kolby Kirk runs through the checklist of what makes a good alternative campsite when no other accommodation options are available. RTW Honeymoon #9: Cold War Memories and Grecian Ruminations - Italy and Greece One of the highlights of Greece was catching the sunset at Oia, supposed to be one of the best places in the world to watch Apollo parallel-park his chariot at the end of the day. RTW Honeymoon #8: Walt Whitman's Grandson and Hungarian Refugees - France and Italy No matter how boring a place might be, if the armed border guards eject you from your train compartment to extract a refugee from a small hole in your compartment ceiling, it kind of adds a bit of spice to the trip. Amalfi: the Splendor Surpassed the Glitch - Amalfi, Italy A glass of wine, some bread and cheese and some of the most spectacular Italian coastline. What more could you ask for? Palermo: a Quick Stay - Palermo, Italy Sylvia Seschel only had a day to enjoy Palermo, but she made as much of it as she could, taking in the sights along Via Vittoria Emmanuel. Question of the Quest - Florence, Italy When traveling, Colleen Dilts recommends taking that agenda you've been penciling in, tossing it out the window and following your whims. Sicily: Mafia, What Mafia? - Sicily, Italy Sicily wasn't Sylvia Seschel's first choice as a destination, but after a taste she did not want to leave. Venice: Twice is Not Enough - Venice, Italy Venice is Sylvia Seschel's favourite city and two visits spanning over 20 years is not even close to being enough. Il Piccalo Paradiso - Italy Il Piccalo Paradiso My terrible experience in Napoli (I awarded the city the honor of being the "Worst City in Europe") was redeemed ten times over by my wonderful time in Capri and Amalfi. Capri is a backpackers' paradise. Although... Boatgirl #13: Roma, Italia - Rome, Italy Read on to learn the secret of surviving taxi rides in Rome. At Home in Venice - Venice, Italy Leaving the guidebook behind, Anna Gibson enjoyed being part of Venice, even if only for a few days. Europe by Auto: Kilometers of Fun If you have a sense of adventure and have an explorer's heart, driving through Europe can be a rewarding experience, according to Laura Foy. Maremma Toscana - The Undiscovered Part of Tuscany, Maremma Toscana - Italy Maremma Toscana - The Undiscovered Part of Tuscany Maremma Toscana, Italy Tuscany, the land of yearning: for centuries the former European cultural center has held its many visitors spellbound. Most tourists however, visit only the famous and much traveled region... Florence, Italy - Florence, Italy Florence, Italy The city of Florence contributed largely to the cultural and political development of Europe. Even today Florence retains a strong resemblance to the late-medieval town it once was, even though it is Italy's biggest tourist attraction. Visiting Florence... Magical Sardinia! - Sardinia, Greece The slow, satisfying pace of Sardinia enchants Judy Smith. Game Of The Bridge - Pisa, Italy Jacqueline Harmon Butler describes the origin, actual battle and magnificence of an event held annually in Pisa. Luminara di Saint Ranieri - Pisa, Italy Jacqueline Harmon Butler found that thousands of people come every year to marvel at the spectacle of the candles and to watch the historic regatta. Escaping the Crowds - Sardinia, Italy Escaping the Crowds Sardinia, Italy Most travelers going to Italy, especially if coming on a Europe-in-30-days visit of the most important (and, alas, most touristy) attractions, often only stop in three cities: Rome, Florence and Venice (or as the... Visiting La Serenissima part 1 of 3- Venice, Italy Michaela Gabriel visited Venice in January, when it belongs more to the Venetians than to the tourist hoards. Visiting La Serenissima Part 2 of 3 - Venice, Italy Michaela Gabriel visited Venice in January, when it belongs more to the Venetians than to the tourist hoards. Visiting La Serenissima Part 3 of 3- Venice, Italy Michaela Gabriel visited Venice in January, when it belongs more to the Venetians than to the tourist hoards. Living the Dream in Sardinia - Sardinia, Italy Sonya Smith is living her dream - starting a business on a beautiful island, combining business ventures with an exciting lifestyle. Roman Holiday - Rome, Italy Roman Holiday This summer, while my husband and I visited Rome, we spent one memorable evening on the terrace of the Hotel Eden enjoying the most romantic view of the Eternal City's many cupolas, domes and steeples. It was a... Il Piccalo Paradiso - Capri and Amalfi, Italy The Italian isles of Capri and Amalfi proved to be slices of paradise that Melissa Vinitsky found very difficult to leave. City Girl on a Small Farm in Tuscany - Tuscany, Italy Jacqueline Harmon Butler's limited language skills brought a blush to the face of an Italian farmer. Venice, Italy - It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take #16 Episode Sixteen: Venice Green Gum, a Boat Race and the Oldest Men in the World The canals of Venice are like the streets of Florence, each one demands a photograph be taken. We arrive midday and sit upon the... It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take #15 Episode Fifteen: Florence David, Karaoke and a Room With A View The train stops and the sign outside says "Firenze", but the station looks somewhat odd. I remember reading that the main station is located in the heart of... It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take #14 Episode Fourteen: Rome The Pope, Confession and a Coin Toss We are on an overnight train to Rome. My light does not work so I am forced to neither read nor write. I would use this time to sleep,... The Fire of Mount Etna - Itlay On a day when Mount Etna was quiet, Jacqueline Harmon Butler managed to find the fire of Mount Etna, not in the volcanic craters, but in a little souvenir shop near the summit. Not Just Your Average Nunnery - Florence, Italy Gerry Schwartz had stayed in many other interesting places in Europe, but never in a working convent. Real Palermo for a Steal - Palermo, Italy Anika Scott rents an apartment in a run-down Sicilian neighborhood right where the people - and stray dogs - live. Carnevale Di Venezia (1 of 3) The fun of a Venetian festival does nothing to raise the temperature, Jacqueline Harmon Butler says through chattering teeth. Carnevale Di Venezia (2 of 3) The fun of a Venetian festival does nothing to raise the temperature, Jacqueline Harmon Butler says through chattering teeth. Photo Gallery & History of the Carnevale (3 of 3) The fun of a Venetian festival does nothing to raise the temperature, Jacqueline Harmon Butler says through chattering teeth. European Travelogue #7: Venice, Italy Take a few days to enjoy Venice. European Travelogue #6: Bologna, Italy Bologna is a place full of interesting things to see and do. European Tour, My Own Way #3: Salzburg, Gruenau, Venice, Florence - Austria and Italy Whirlwind stops in Salzburg and Gruenau and then on to Italy. Venice, Italy Painters, poets, priests, and pirates from all over the world have all been seduced by this incredible city. Navigating With Bob & Ed in Southern Italy (1 of 3) Two weeks in Southern Italy, including Sicily and the heel of the boot. Navigating With Bob & Ed in Southern Italy (2 of 3) Two weeks in Southern Italy, including Sicily and the heel of the boot. Navigating With Bob & Ed in Southern Italy (3 of 3) Two weeks in Southern Italy, including Sicily and the heel of the boot. Bologna, Italy Info Bologna Bologna, home of Spaghetti Bolognese, Ducati and the oldest university in Europe. A place of culture, style and genuine warmth. It is located in the middle of Italy. Getting There The city is served well by train, the... Seven Capital Cities in Seven Days (1 of 8) Two Celtic Warriors on a whirlwind train journey through Europe. Seven Capital Cities in Seven Days (6 of 8) Two Celtic Warriors on a whirlwind train journey through Europe. Seven Capital Cities in Seven Days (7 of 8) Two Celtic Warriors on a whirlwind train journey through Europe. Seven Capital Cities in Seven Days (8 of 8) Two Celtic Warriors on a whirlwind train journey through Europe. Home » Italy » Italy Travel Stories Book It! RTW Air Tickets (round-the-world) Plane Tickets (round-trip and one-way) Search for Hotels Rental Cars Youth Hostels Eurail Passes Travel Insurance Adventure Travel & Tours Travel Bookstore TEFL Courses Airport Parking GSM Phone Rental Travel Visas Newsletter Sign up for any or all of BootsnAll's newsletters. Why should you sign-up? Newsletter Sign-Up (enter your e-mail) Research It! 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