South America Travel

Destinations: Mexico, Central America | CDC Travelers' Health Home About CDC Press Room Funding A-Z Index Centers, Institute & Offices Training & Employment Contact Us CDC en Español Search: Travelers' Health Travelers' Health Home > Destinations > Mexico and Central America Health Information for Travelers to Countries in Mexico and Central America On This Page Vaccines for Your Protection Diseases Found in Mexico and Central America Other Health Risks What You Need To Bring With You Staying Healthy During Your Trip After You Return Home For More Information Travel Notices in Effect Update: Dengue and Travelers (Updated November 3, 2005) U.S. Department of State See all Traveler's Health travel notices Vaccines for Your Protection: Mexico and Central America Routine Vaccinations Check with your healthcare provider: you and your family may need routine as well as recommended vaccinations. Before travel, be sure you and your children are up to date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP). See the schedule for adults and the schedule for infants and children . Some schedules can be accelerated for travel. See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. If it is less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling. Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Mexico and Central America. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling. Hepatitis B , especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants. Malaria: if you are traveling to a malaria-risk area in this region, see your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Central America and Mexico . Rabies , if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities. Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors Yellow fever , for travelers to endemic areas in Panama As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles . Required Vaccinations None. Diseases found in Mexico and Central America (risk can vary by country and region within a country; quality of in-country surveillance also varies) Malaria An Anopheles freeborni mosquito takes a blood meal. Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites ( see below ). Your risk of malaria may be high in these countries, including some cities. Travelers to malaria-risk areas, including infants, children, and former residents of Mexico and Central America, should take an antimalarial drug. Chloroquine is the recommended drug for Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and the Bocas Del Toro Province of Panama. Travelers to Darién Province and San Blas Province in Panama (including the San Blas Islands) should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: (listed alphabetically): atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or primaquine (in special circumstances). For additional information on malaria risk and prevention, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Central America and Mexico . Yellow Fever Yellow fever is present only in Panama in this region. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries in the region if you have visited Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, or an endemic area in South America or sub-Saharan Africa. For detailed information, see Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements . Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center . Food and Waterborne Diseases Avoid buying food or drink from street vendors, because it is relatively easy for such food to become contaminated. Make sure your food and drinking water are safe. Food and waterborne diseases are the primary cause of illness in travelers. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout this region and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting ( E. coli , Salmonella , cholera , and parasites), fever ( typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage ( hepatitis). Gnathostomiasis (roundworms) has increased in Mexico, with many cases being reported from the Acapulco area, infection has been reported in travelers. Humans become infected by eating undercooked fish or poultry, or reportedly by drinking contaminated water. Additional information: see the Safe Food and Water page for a list of links. Other Disease Risks Dengue , filariasis , leishmaniasis , onchocerciasis , and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Myiasis (botfly) is endemic in Central America. Protecting yourself against insect bites ( see below ) will help to prevent these diseases. Other Health Risks Injuries Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. Protect yourself from motor vehicle injuries: avoid drinking and driving; wear your safety belt and place children in age-appropriate restraints in the back seat; follow the local customs and laws regarding pedestrian safety and vehicle speed; obey the rules of the road; and use helmets on bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes. Avoid boarding an overloaded bus or mini-bus. Where possible, hire a local driver. What You Need To Bring With You Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects (e.g., malaria , Dengue , filariasis , leishmaniasis , and onchocerciasis ). Insect repellent containing DEET . Bed nets treated with permethrin. For use and purchasing information, see Insecticide Treated Bednets on the CDC malaria site. Overseas, permethrin or another insecticide, deltamethrin, may be purchased to treat bed nets and clothes. Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes. Iodine tablets and portable water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available. See Preventing Cryptosporidiosis: A Guide to Water Filters and Bottled Water for more detailed information. Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. See Skin Cancer Questions and Answers for more information . Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you. Always carry medications in their original containers, in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to bring along over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide) and an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to self-treat moderate to severe diarrhea. See suggested over-the-counter medications and first aid items for a travel kit . Staying Healthy During Your Trip Travelers should take the following precautions To stay healthy, do... When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child. Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears. Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if hands are not visibly soiled, use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub to remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help prevent disease transmission. In developing countries, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink . Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed. (See your health care provider for a prescription.) To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, even on beaches. Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Use insect repellents that contain DEET (N, N-diethylmethyltoluamide). For more information about insect repellents and correct use, see What You Need to Know about Mosquito Repellent on the CDC West Nile Virus site . If no screening or air conditioning is available: use a pyrethroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours; sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones. If you are visiting friends and relatives in your home country, see additional special information about malaria prevention in Recent Immigrants to the U.S. from Malarious Countries Returning 'Home' to Visit Friends and Relatives on the CDC Malaria site. Do not Do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection (i.e., hepatitis A and typhoid fever). Do not drink beverages with ice. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis. (For more information, please see Swimming and Recreational Water Precautions .) Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague). Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas. For more information, please see Animal-Associated Hazards . Do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing or injections to prevent infections such as HIV and hepatitis B. After You Return Home If you have visited a malaria-risk area, continue taking your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks (chloroquine, doxycycline, or mefloquine) or seven days (atovaquone/proguanil) after leaving the risk area. Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician your travel history. For More Information For more information about these and other diseases, please check the Diseases page and CDC Health Topics A-Z Diseases carried by insects Dengue : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=dengue.htm : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=lyme.htm Malaria information for Travelers to Mexico and Central America : http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/camerica.htm Malaria Frequently asked questions : http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/faq.htm Malaria Prescription Drugs : http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malariadrugs.htm : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=yellowfever.htm Diseases carried in food or water : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=cholera.htm Escherichia coli diarrhea : http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/escherichiacoli_g.htm Hepatitis A : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hav.htm : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=schisto.htm Typhoid fever : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=typhoid.htm Diseases from person-to-person contact Hepatitis B : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hbv.htm HIV/AIDS prevention : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hivaids.htm HIV-infected travelers (in The Immunocompromised Traveler) : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=special&obj=hivtrav.htm&cssNav=browseoyb Important: This document is not a complete medical guide for travelers to this region. Consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for pregnant women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions. Date: November 3, 2005 Content Source: National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine Destinations Vaccinations Diseases Yellow Book Safe Food and Water Illness and Injury Abroad Traveling with Children Cruise Ship and Air Travel Special Needs Travel Traveling with Pets Travel Medicine Clinics Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinics References and Resources Travelers' Health Automated Information Line PHONE: 877-FYI-TRIP toll free (Information about ordering the Yellow Book and International Certificates of Vaccination and recorded messages on travel-related health topics) VIA EMAIL: Contact Us Form Home | Policies and Regulations | Disclaimer | e-Government | FOIA | Contact Us Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435

Family Vacation

Johnson Family Vacation Johnson Family Vacation Watching Johnson Family Vacation is like watching somebody's vacation videos - there is a feeling of being trapped, stuck at the mercy of whoever is narrating their boring experiences. The difference is that this is a movie, and one can leave the theater. Even better, don't go to the theater in the first place to watch this movie. It's not bad; it's just so derivative and uninspired that it's dull, which is especially disheartening given some of the talent in front of the camera. This is Cedric the Entertainer's ( Barbershop 2: Back in Business , Intolerable Cruelty ) first outing as the star of a film, and it was a serious mistake on his part. He plays Nate Johnson, insurance salesman and family man. The Johnsons are crossing the country from the Los Angeles suburbs to Missouri, site of the Johnson family reunion. Of course, everything that can go wrong along the way does, but that's okay, since everything will be peachy at the end. First, Nate is separated from his wife Dorothy (Vanessa Williams, Shaft , Light It Up ), but oddly enough, she lives literally right down the street. She had career aspirations, and apparently Nate disagreed with them. Still, for their kids, she agrees to go. So Nate, Dorothy, Nikki (Solange Knowles, sister of Beyonce), DJ (Bow Wow, Like Mike , All About the Benjamins ), and little Destiny (Gabby Soleil) pack into Nate's mistakenly tricked out SUV and head off across the county. The nature of the movie is episodic, and for better or worse (WORSE), the script by Todd R. Jones and Earl Richey Jones unfolds this way. Each state brings a new wacky adventure for the family, and they slowly begin bonding along the way. An episodic movie is not inherently bad, but director Christopher Erskin haphazardly strings all the various misadventure together, and then drops any sort of meaningful plot development that is supposed to tie all these things together. Along the way, they pick up a goofy hitchhiker (Shannon Elizabeth, Love Actually , 13 Ghosts ), stop by an Indian reservation, Nate gets stuck naked in a jacuzzi, and other random comedy bits strewn together with no rhyme or reason. The other diversions are so forgettable they aren't even worth mentioning. Waiting at the reunion is Nate's brother Mack (Steve Harvey, You Got Served , Love Don't Cost a Thing ), who is constant competition with Nate for the attention of their mother. He has also won the family of the year award at the reunion for a number of years running. And, Nate's mother doesn't know he is separated. Cedric the Entertainer is a wildly funny comedian. Not here. It feels like Erskin slipped him a sedative, then told him to start performing. The script gives him nothing to work with, and he seems too bored to make an effort to make bland material watchable. Other actors like Williams and Harvey can be appealing, but here Williams is also bland and Harvey is annoying. The Jones' are content to rely on bathroom material to wake up the viewers instead of doing anything memorable. Bow Wow acts like he is trying to hard, and all that Knowles does is bat her eyelashes and roll her eyes in disgust. Maybe the latter is from watching her own movie. Haro Rates It: Pretty Bad. 1 hour, 36 minutes, Rated PG-13 for some sexual references, crude humor and brief drug material. Back to Movies HOME MOVIES MUSIC ADVICE CAREERS ADULT HISTORY CONTACT

Orlando Vacation Home -

Florida, Orlando Vacation Rentals-1st Choice Vacation Rentals the #1 Online Vacation Rentals Website. Worldwide Vacation Rentals, Lodging Vacation Rentals, Homes Vacation Rentals, Cabins Vacation Rentals, Bed and Breakfast's, Hotels, Resorts, Inns, Villa Vacation Rentals, and Vacation Rental Properties United_States/Florida/Orlando Home Search New Rentals List Your Rental About Us NotePad My 1stChoice Customer Login Destinations United States Mexico Caribbean Europe Australia Africa South Pacific New Zealand Asia South America Central America Canada Activities Open NotePad Close NotePad About NotePad Customer Service Press Help - FAQ Web Development News Letters My Destinations My Specials You are Here United States Florida Orlando Orlando Categories > Condos 1-2 Bedrooms Homes 7 Bedrooms and up Condos 3-4 Bedrooms Investment Properties 4 Sale Homes 3 Bedrooms Luxury Homes Homes 4 Bedrooms Private Owners Homes 5 Bedrooms Resorts Inns Hotels and Motels Homes 6 Bedrooms Properties >> Orlando Vacation Home - Platinum Series 5 Star - 4... This Vacation Home was built in 2003. This home is luxurious, west facing, privatly l... Florida Spirit Guest Services : 407-396-4441 or Toll Free: 1-866-357-74 Calendar Max Bdrms: 4 Price/nt: $175 - $250 Some advantages 1st Choice has to Offer You as a Vacation Rental Manager/Owner: Exposure to 20,000 visitors a day Self manageable property page with quality tools and design that is easy to use Top in search engine rankings... Only $11-$25/month for this kind of exposure... "The site has been up for two weeks and already 5 bookings and 237 hits already. Fantastic exposure! Thanks for a great site!!" Peter Regla, Pine Arbor Retreat Yosemite, CA Do you have a vacation rental property you want to list on the internet? You should consider advertising with 1st Choice Vacation Rentals. Add Your Vacation Rental 1st Choice Testimonials 1st Choice Features Advertising Opportunities Featured Property of the Month.. Most Exquisite Vacation Homes in Florida! 1st Choice Voted Best of the Web Pick by Forbes.com. Join our 1st Choice Vacation Rentals Newsletter and get information on what's new with 1st Choice. Sign-Up Now! In the News Seven Great Tips for Making Your Vacation Photos Memorable IN THE NEWS: Wall Street Journal Instant Messages Are Popping Up All Overby Daniel NasawAcknowledging that instant messaging isn't just for gossiping teenagers anymore, companies increasingly are using new IM tools to promote products, boost productivi...... Full Story IN THE NEWS: New York Times RENTING A HOUSE WITH A CLICK OF A MOUSEBy Bob TedeshiRandy McNamara spent last spring in a protracted spin cycle of Internet irritation. Mr. McNamara, a salesman for a printing company in Phoenix, was hunting for a vaca...... Full Story Since 1994 1st Choice Remains a Leader in the Vacation Rental Industry! A pioneer and leader the online vacation rental industry since 1994, 1st Choice Vacation Rentals continues to lead the way in cost effective online advertising, marketing, and value added features for our customers.Reinve...... Full Story Home | About 1st Choice | Customer Service | Pricing Information | Help Press | Testimonials | Privacy Policy | Legal Notices | Site Map | Link Exchange © 1994 - 2005 1stChoice Internet | All Rights Reserved | Powered by 1stChoice Internet

Austria Travel Guide Austria

Austria Comment by nico23 | Travellerspoint Travel Guide U sername: P assword: R emember Me Car Hire Travel Insurance Airport Parking UK Cheap Accommodation Hotel Bookings Travellerspoint Travel Community Forums Blogs Destinations Accommodation Travel Help Reunions Tools Links Austria Comment by nico23 Travel Destinations Guide Austria Travel Guide Austria Comment by nico23 Vienna Square Mexikoplatz, Austria - Cecilia Fuentes Austria Photo Gallery The only one land where i'd like to live all my entire life... nico23 | 20th Jun 05 Member Comments More Members talk Login or become a member and add a comment about Austria. Want some personal advice on Austria? The Travel Helpers are Travellerspoint volunteers willing to answer your travel questions about a country they feel they know a lot about. There are currently 9 Travel Helpers available to answer your questions about Austria. Austria Travel Helpers Travel Products Below is a collection of Travellerspoint products and services that might be of use to you while you are researching your trip to Austria. Austria Accommodation Austria hotels (129) Austria last minute hotels (80) Austria apartments (2) Austria campsites (3) Austria bed & breakfasts (20) Austria hostels (27) Austria budget hotels (44) Other Products Cheap travel insurance Eurail passes & Train tickets Austria tours (45) Around the world tickets Austria Travel Sites Sponsor Austria SIM Cards & Cell Phones - Get free incoming calls with your own Austria prepaid SIM card and GSM cell phone. Roam Austria without the roaming surcharges. Austria - Official Guide - The tourism board's official guide to Austria is a comprehensive resource for travellers to the country. Austrian Guide - A growing guide to Austrian travel. Austria links can be found in our Travel Sites Directory. The links contained in this directory are external sites and will pop up in a new window. © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map

Mexico Travel Site: Everything

Mexico Travel Tools T RAVEL T OOLS T RAVEL T OOLS Alvarado Antigua Castillo De Teayo Catemaco Cazones Cempoala Cerro Azul Chachalacas Chiapas Coatepec Coatzacoalcos Coatzintla Cordoba Cosamaloapan Costa Esmerelda El Tajin Fortin De Las Flores Gutirrez Zamora Huatusco Jalcomulco Martinez Minatitln Naolinco Nautla Oaxaca Orizaba Otatiln Pnuco Papantla Poza Rica Puebla Quiahuiztln San Andres Tuxtlas San Juan Evengelista San Lorenzo-Tenochtitlan Santiago Tuxtlas Sontecomapan State of Veracruz Tampico Tecolutla Tlacotalpan Tlapacoyan Tlaxcala Villahermosa Xico Navigate Veracruz Mexico City , 20 million strong and growing, is the largest City in the Americas. It is built upon the ruins of the most glorious City of the pre-Columbian Americas by the Aztecs who were the last of many ambitious civilizations who rose to power and glory beginning around 1200 BC with the Olmecs of Veracruz. At the beginning of another age, about 500 years ago, our featured Carnaval City Veracruz was again the cradle of the Mexico today when Hernn Corts landed on the coast near modern-day Veracruz on Good Friday 21 April 1519 with 11 ships, 550 men and 16 horses. The determined man of destiny ordered his ships burned. (history continued ) Daily News Update from Mexico & Latin America ANNUAL EVENTS || PASSPORT/VISA CUSTOMS || GUIDES TO MEXICO || State Tourismo || LINKS || GETTING THERE || - Bus Companies || PLACES TO STAY -- Veracruz State || -120 Cities || HEALTH & SAFETY || TOURS || MAPS || MONEY || FAST FACTS || LANGUAGE || WEATHER || MEDIA || - Top Headlines || TRADE || HISTORY Planning at Trip Mexico by frommers.com > Planning a Trip > Tips for Travelers with Special Needs For Families Highly recommended For Students no formal network of student discounts For Gay & Lesbian Public same-sex affection is rare Disabilities one giant obstacle For Seniors popular country for retirees, paperwork important For Women Alone safer traveling in Mexico than USA Mexico Travel Site: Everything you need to know for an enjoyable vacation in Mexico. Annual Events Calendar of Events by www.visitmexicopress.com Calendar of Mexican Fiestas and Holidays by vivasancarlos.com Holiday Planner by www.infopv.com Similar pages Passport/Visa Customs /Documents Traveling in Mexico requires proof of citizenship, which is easiest to provide by carrying a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, never fear. It is also possible to get a tourist visa (tarjeta de turista) with certified copy of your birth certificate (embossed seal do impress) and a photo ID at border crossings. The cost of a tourist visa is about $20 USD, and is included in the cost of your international plane or cruise ship ticket . Visas are typically valid for 180 days M ost people officially need a passport to pick up their tourist card, but for US and Canadian citizens all that's required is proof of citizenship (an original birth certificate or notarized copy, for instance, or naturalization papers), along with some form of photo ID (such as a driver's license). D on't lose the blue copy of your tourist card, which is given back to you after immigration inspection. You are legally required to carry it at all times, and if you have to show your papers, it's more important than your passport. Get extra visas if you'll be leaving and returning to Mexico during your trip. Planning your Flight & air travel rules by carnaval.com When taking chances on an expired ID your biggest concern is the airlines will not accept it. The Mexican rules do not say the ID must be current but that may not matter to your air carrier. Visas And Red Tape by roughguides for travelnow USA Restrictions of entering USA from Mexico by mexicoweb.com State Department Travel Information Sheet on Mexico US Consulates: Embassies and consular agents should be contacted for such emergencies as police arrest, lost passports or tourist cards, medical difficulties or accidents, or if you find that your car is unable to make the requisite return trip out of Mexico. http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for Consular Information sheets and warnings http://travel.state.gov/tips_mexico.html Tips for Travelers to Mexico. Visa and Travel Advisories for Mexico by nationalgeographic.com Guides to Mexico OFFICIAL www.visitmexico.com Mexico's Tourism Promotion Board Mexico-travel.com / Ministry of Tourism of Mexico Select City: Acapulco Aguascalientes Ajijic Akumal Alamos Baha de Kino Bajamar Barra de Navidad Batopilas Boca del Rio Buceras Buenavista Cabo Pulmo Cabo San Lucas Campeche Cancun Catavia Cerocahui Chapala Chetumal Chichen Itza Chihuahua Chilpancingo Cholula Cihuatln Ciudad del Carmen Ciudad Delicias Ciudad Juarez Ciudad Madero Ciudad Mante Ciudad Obregon Ciudad Valles Ciudad Victoria Coatzacoalcos Cob Cocoyoc Colima Cozumel Creel Cuernavaca Culiacan Divisadero Dolores Hidalgo Durango El Fuerte Ensenada Garza Garcia Gomez Palacio Guadalajara Guanajuato Guaymas Guerrero Negro Hermosillo Huatulco Huatusco Isla de Navidad Isla Mujeres Ixtapa Ixtapan de la Sal Jalapa Jiutepec Juriquilla Kantenah La Huerta La Paz La Piedad Lagos de Moreno Lazaro Cardenas Len Loreto Los Barriles Los Mochis Manzanillo Maroma Matamoros Matehuala Mazatlan Merida Mexicali Mexico City Minatitlan Monclova Monterrey Morelia Mulege Municipio de Solidaridad Naucalpan Navojoa Nogales Nuevo Laredo Nuevo Vallarta Oaxaca Pachuca Palenque Paracho Patzcuaro Pie de la Cuesta Piedras Negras Playa del Carmen Poza Rica Progreso Puebla Puerto Angel Puerto Aventuras Puerto Escondido Puerto Morelos Puerto Nuevo Puerto Peasco Puerto Vallarta Queretaro Real del Catorce Real del Mar Reynosa Rincn de Guayabitos Rosarito Salina Cruz Saltillo San Blas San Carlos San Cristobal de las Casas San Felipe San Felipe del Agua San Ignacio San Jos del Cabo San Juan del Rio San Luis Potosi San Miguel de Allende San Quintin Santa Rosala Sn Pedro Garza Garca Tamazunchale Tampico Tapachula Taxco Tecate Tehuacan Tenacatita Tepic Tequisquiapan Tijuana Tlalnepantla Tlaquepaque Tlaxcala Todos Santos Toluca Torren Tultitln Tulum Tuxtla Gutierrez Uruapan Uxmal Valladolid Valle de Bravo Veracruz Villahermosa Xilitla Zacatecas Zapopan Zihuatanejo Zimapan OFFICIAL State Tourism Offices in Mexico Mexican Government Tourist Board -- main office in Mexico City (tel. 555/203-1103 ). USA: Mexico Hot Line (tel. 800/44-MEXICO Chicago (tel. 312/606-9252 ); Houston (tel. 713/772-2581, ext. 105, or 713/772-3819); Los Angeles (tel. 213/351-2069; fax 213/351-2074); Miami (tel. 305/718-4095 ); and New York (tel. 212/308-2110 ). The Mexican Embassy is at 1911 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20005 (tel. 202/728-1750 ). Canada: 1 Place Ville-Marie, Suite 1931, Montreal, QUE, H3B 2C3 (tel. 514/871-1052 ); 2 Bloor St. W., Suite 1502, Toronto, ON, M4W 3E2 (tel. 416/925-0704 ); 999 W. Hastings, Suite 1110, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2W2 (tel. 604/669-2845 ). Embassy office: 1500-45 O'Connor St., Ottawa, ON, K1P 1A4 (tel. 613/233-8988; fax 613/235-9123). Guide to Mexico by Lonely Planet || Map || Home Excellent short history and good overview of the highspots. Lonely Planet sells 4 guidebooks to Mexico. www.mexconnect.com mailto:davidmcl@mexconnect.com Mexico travel tips by mpsnet.mx || Interest Index || Mexico City || Espanol Immigration, Customs, Taxes, Tips, Banking Services, Driving, Safety and Health. Huge very capable and worthwhile site. by mexico.netgate.net Organized by State HISTORY MAPS RECREATIONAL SITES ECOTOURISM MUSEUMS LOCAL FESTIVITIES BEACHES COLONIAL SITES ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES . Getting There By Air - Aeromxico and Mexicana are the largest Mexican airlines but there are many airlines offering special pricing. The web is empowering air travelers like never before to enable them to get the best deal with the least hassle. Visit our frequently updated web- guide to this fast growing area. Airports in Mexico BUS Companies in Mexico Mexico has one of the best bus transit systems in the world. nearly every location is served by a bus. Some Spanish will be required By Car - Temporary Import Permit Required As a NAFTA border country, one hopes the long standing hassle of this process would ease. All foreign registered car requires a Temporary Import permit. You can do this at the border but you need to have prepared in advance if your car has a lien on it.. Process takes a couple of hours and requires proof of ownership (notarized permit to take car to Mexico from lien-holder, if any), a bond issued to the Mexican Government for the market value of the car or a valid credit card imprint charged with a processing fee approximately valued at US $12. It is good are good for six months. ... Driving at night is not recommended (potholes, livestock, and the lack of lighting are the chief hazards)... Also be cautious of roadside bandits who may attempt to get you to stop only to rob you... English speaking Angeles Verdes (Green Angels 91-800-90392), assist tourists on the highways for free except for gas and spare parts... Unleaded gas is found throughout Mexico at all gas stations... Gas up when reaching one-quarter level in remote locations. Last Minute Deals From City: To: State or Region... City... This page requires Javascript. Getting Around There Rough Guides Getting Around in association with TravelNow Buses camiones rule! (Mexican word for the long distance buses to serve virutally every town in the nation) First-class vehicles have numbered, reserved seats, videos and air conditioning Trains Only recommended for from the border to Mexico City (where sleeper services represent great value), Mexico City to Oaxaca, and the amazing Copper Canyon Railway. Flights Aeromxico and Mexicana, which between them connect most places to Mexico City, usually several times a day. Aviacsa serves the Yucatn, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Acapulco, Cancn, Tijuana and Monterrey. Aerolineas Internacionales and Aero California also cover most major destinations while Aeromar operates mainly in the north Ferries Baja California with a trio of ports on the Pacific mainland: Santa Rosala to Guaymas, and La Paz to Mazatln and Topolobampo (for Los Mochis). For detailed information on fares and schedules see http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/mexicoferryw.html Driving Recommends not taking your own car but renting for short periods. Mostly due to the targeting of tourists for shakedowns by underpaid traffic police. Drivers from the US, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand will find that their licences are valid. Other reasons to avoid the hassle: Speed bumps can be huge, gas by government monopoly Pemex expensive & Theft of your vehicle is a significant concern. Hitching Not recommended particularly solo. If you do keep your baggage to hand in case you need to leave in a hurry (feigned carsickness is one way to get a driver to stop). Particularly avoid areas frequented by bandidos Local Transportation always plentiful and inexpensive, Banditry: A Warning Roads where there have been regular reports of problems, and where you should certainly try to avoid driving at night, include Hwy-15 (Los Mochis-Mazatln) and express Hwy-1 in Sinaloa, Hwy-5 (Mexico City-Acapulco) in Guerrero, Hwy-75 (Oaxaca-Tuxtepec), Hwy-57 (San Luis Potos-Matahuela), and near the border, in particular on Hwy-2 (Mexicali-Agua Prieta) and Hwy-40 (Matamoros-Monterrey). Places to Stay tripadvisor has links to a growing number of places to stay in hundreds of Mexican Cities and over a third have ratings by real people 120 Mexican Cities with on-line booking starsanddiamonds.com.mx has certification program with 5 stars as the highest rating Health & Safety Although Mexico is considered a third world country, its general concern about sanitation and cleanliness have improved enormously in the past decade. As is the case in most tropical countries, consider what your system is used to before you eat it. Purified water is always available during trip. Montezuma's revenge or turista is best avoided by not drinking the water including ice cubes (which are not always made with " agua purificada ") but there is no sure way to avoid the unfamiliar bacteria. Mexico has a relatively low crime rate but take precautions against theft. Nationally: Red Cross Medical emergency 15-20-55 Police emergency is 18-39-54; Fire department 14-2 0 -50; Travelers’ Health Information for Mexico & Central America by www.cdc.gov/travel . Cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, polio, rabies, tetanus, typhoid. Air pollution in Mexico City between December and May. USA http://travel.state.gov/medical.html State Department offers medical information for Americans traveling abroad and a list of air ambulance services Health and Vaccinations for Mexico by nationalgeographic.com Talk About It Mexico State Tourism Offices by mexonline.com Travelers Message Service "Before you leave home, give your family and friends the URL of this board.... http://www.weblane.com/experiencia/bb/ ...then if you need to get in touch with each other, just post messages on this board." Tours Frequently updated inclusive list from Publisher Ron Mader, Mexican Association of Adventure Travel and Ecotourism (AMTAVE) Phone: (25) 661-9121 Fax: (25) 662-7354 Email: 74174.2424@compuserve.com Cancun Tours Operators by mexicoweb.com Maps www.maps-of-mexico.com 4000 pages of Mexico maps Maps google.com/search=mexico+maps Mexico Map by lib.utexas.edu Won't fit on your screen or print. Mexico Map by Expedia Money S ince 1998 when we began check the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar, and the one used in this book, is around 10 pesos; at that rate, an item that costs 10 pesos would be equivalent to US$1. However the peso is very unstable so you cannot count on this being the rate. Check before you go Best Exchange Rates: Automated teller machines (ATMs) and credit cards continue to offers the best exchange rates. Traveler's checks experiencing declining relative exchange rate and reduced acceptance. U.S. cash is accepted by many merchants at exchange rates that vary widely. Banks usually give the best exchange rate. Credit cards are widely accepted in most cities and resort areas at exchange rate determined by your bank. ATMS ( Cirrus and PLUS systems) are widely available and allow you to not carry too much cash. Tipping: Luxury resort areas are equivalent to US levels- 15% and 20%. Elsewhere 10% is acceptable. $1 per day for your hotel maid or $1 per bag for the porter. Taxi drivers don't expect tips but be sure to negotiate the price in advance. A tip of U.S. coins, which cannot be exchanged into Mexican currency, is of no value to the service provider. Support your Tour guides (including this one) VAT: Mexico has a value-added tax of 15% (Impuesto de Valor Agregado, or IVA; pronounced "ee-bah") on most everything, including restaurant meals, bus tickets, and souvenirs. (Exceptions are Cancn, Cozumel, and Los Cabos, where the IVA is 10%; as ports of entry, they receive a break on taxes.) Hotels charge the usual 15% IVA, plus a locally administered bed tax of 2% (in most areas), for a total of 17%. You quoted hotel rate may not have included this fee Y OUR CREDIT CARD BANK: There is significant credit card fraud and your bank may not honor your charge unless you have told them in advance of your plans. Also they are more likely to cut you off following significant activity so take a back-up card. Many cards add a surcharge onto foreign transactions particularly Airline cards and American Express. It is ieasy to avoid this chage of 1 to 4% by checking in advance since it is simply a gouge as there is actually no extra cost to the bank card provider more on c urrency Conversion at tradeday.com Costs And Money in Mexico by travelnow.com Mexico is not as cheap as it once was Shopping in Mexico by nationalgeographic.com 800/424-7787 or www.mastercard.com . 800/843-7587 or www.visa.com Fast Facts Electricity: 110V, 60 Hz same as USA Weights & measures: metric (see the conversion table .) Telephone Mexico international access code is 52 . Select city codes: Mexico City is 05, Vera Cruz Area Code 28 , Cabo San Lucas 0684, Cancn 0988, Cozumel 0987, Puerto Vallarta 0322. Omit the 0 when calling from abroad. Long-distance calls are expensive, it is best to arrange to have a calling card access number in advance. You can also place reversed-charge calls by reaching an international operator, dial 09. Business Hours : Banks are open 9 AM–1:30 PM Monday–Friday, although some banks are now expanding hours. Stores often open between 9 AM–8 PM, but can close for siesta in midday. Holidays Banks and most businesses close on New Year's Day (1 January), Constitution Day (5 February), Birthday of Benito Juarz (21 March), Good Friday through Easter Monday (four days in March or April; date varies), Labor Day (1 May), Anniversary of Battle of Puebla (5 May), Independence Day (16 September), Columbus Day (12 October), All Saints' Day (1 November), All Souls' Day (2 November), Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 (20 November), and Christmas Day (25 December). Area: 1,972,000 sq. km (769,080 sq. mi) Capital city: Mexico City (pop 20 million) Population: 97,967,000 in 1995 (growth rate 2%) ;Literacy rate 88%. People: Approximately 70% mestizo (mixed European and Indian descent) 9% European and 20% indgena (Native Americans or Indians - including Nahua, Maya, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, and Tarascos or Purpecha) 8% of the population speak Indian languages. Also includes Arabic 400,000, Chinese 31,000 Language: Language: Language: Spanish Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant GDP: US$370 billion GDP per head: US$4000. Travel Seasons -- Mexico has two principal travel seasons. High season begins around December 20 and continues to Easter; in some places it begins as early as mid-November. Low season is from the day after Easter to mid-December; during low season, prices may drop 20% to 50%. In beach destinations popular with Mexican travelers, such as Veracruz and Acapulco , prices will revert to high season during July and August, the traditional national summer vacation period. Prices inland fluctuate little from high to low season, but may rise dramatically during the weeks of Easter and Christmas and at Carnaval time at the port Cities of Veracruz and Mazatlan. Language English <-> Espanol <-> Portuguese travlang.com/languages One of the web's great travel resources with spoken words for 65 languages. Time to brush up on your travel Espanol? Weather Mexico is often considered tropical but is rather temperate or spring like year-round. Dry winter (November through April) and rainy (May through October) season, although the rain is usual tolerable for travelers. In short, anytime of year is going to be relatively nice for travel. Find the Weather for any City, State or ZIP Code, or Airport Code or Country by Wunderground Satelite Photo of the Hemisphere Be your own weather predictor. Weather and Climate of Mexico by nationalgeographic.com Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Acapulco F) 88 72 88 72 90 77 91 77 90 77 90 75 Rainfall (inch) .5 .2 0 8 11 .6 Guadalajara (F) 73 45 82 48 88 57 79 59 79 59 77 50 Rainfall (inch) .5 .3 1 7 7 .5 La Paz (F) 73 55 79 55 91 63 97 73 95 73 84 63 Rainfall (inch) .3 0 0 1 1 .5 Mrida (F) 82 64 90 68 93 70 91 73 90 73 84 66 Rainfall (inch) 1 .5 3 5 7 1 Mexico City (F) 72 43 81 50 81 55 75 55 73 55 73 48 Rainfall (inch) .5 .5 3 6 5 .5 Monterrey (F) 68 48 79 55 88 68 93 72 93 72 73 54 Rainfall (inch) 1 1 2 3 4 1 Oaxaca (F) 82 46 90 54 90 59 82 59 81 59 82 50 Rainfall (inch) 2 1 5 8 11 2 San Cristbal (F) 68 41 72 45 72 48 72 50 70 50 68 45 Rainfall (inch) 2 2 7 7 14 3 Tijuana (F) 68 43 70 46 73 54 81 61 81 61 73 50 Rainfall (inch) 2 1 .2 0 .5 1 Veracruz (F) 77 64 79 70 86 77 88 75 88 77 82 70 Rainfall (inch) 1 1 4 9 12 2 Media & News Mexico City News || Novedades.com.mx/Frontpage thenews@ri.redint.com Daily newspaper; oldest English-language paper in Mexico El-universal.com.mx Mexico's oldest daily has an English section MediaINFO Link - Latin America Another wonderfully comprehensive directory by Ron Mader eco-journalist. Internet del Diario de Yucatn based in Merida La Jornada en Internet : Espanol Only Diario.com.mx : Espanol Only Today's Top Mexico & Latin American Headlines Trade Business wear is formal. Mexicans attach much importance to courtesy and the use of titles. Prior appointments are necessary and if in doubt about a correct title it is advisable to use licenciado in place of seor. English is widelyspoken in business circles although it is a big plus to be able to speakSpanish. AmCham.com.mx || amchammx@amcham.com.mx American Chamber of Commerce - Mexico Phone: (011-52)(5) 724-3830 MexicoBusiness.com/ || MAILBOX@MEXICOBUSINESS.COM Subscriptions are $45 in the United States and Mexico LATCO.org || info@latco.org Latin American Trade Organization of Oregon. "The Mexican Government continues to enact reforms, including the privatization of many economic areas, making the Mexican economy one of the most open economies world-wide." History T he Spaniards were well received in the Veracruz coastal towns by the Toltecs who resented oppressive Aztec domination and were willing to march with Cortes against the great Aztec capital built on a lake. Moctezuma II, the Aztec god king had been expecting a momentous occasion for his priests had long predicted the phoenix like god Quetzalcatl's to return from the east in the year of 1519. Corts wasted little time reducing the City to ashes taking his eager host Moctezuma hostage immediately after being invited to the palace. The war of conquest would last another 28 months but the destuction and supression of the Aztec and Mayan cililizations would continue for centuries. However, the greatest decimation would soon come to pass with epidemics which reduced the population from 25 miullion to one million by 1605. T he Spanish were conquistadores who left their women at home and went off on a quest for glory, gold and God. Consequently they often took native wives. Spanish-born who expected to be treated like nobility and the natives of New Spain who built the country contolled the country amidst growing resentment between themselves. The natives also separated themselves as criollos (born of Spanish parents in New Spain), metzitos (mixed Eoropean, African and Indian blood) and Indians or Africans. In 1808 the Frenchman Napoleon Bonaparte occupied most of Spain weakening Spanish control and allowing the rivalry between New Spain groups to intensify. On 16 September 1810 Miguel Hidalgo a Criollo parish priest issued his now-famous call to rebellion, the Grito de Dolores. In 1821 Spain agreed to Mexican independence however the new governments were ineffective and unstable. I n 1845, the US congress voted to annex Texas and the Mexican-American War followed. Under the resulting Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848), Mexico ceded modern Texas, California, Utah, Colorado and most of New Mexico and Arizona to the USA. In 1864 Napoleon's nephew, the foolishly arrogarnt Napoleon III attempted to colonize Mexico, but the reign of his ruler, the Austrian archduke Maximilian of Hapsburg was shortlived ending with his hanging. T he Party of the Institutionalized Revolution (the PRI) took power in 1934 following the 10 year Mexican Revolution which claimed the lives of nearly 1 out 8 citizens. The PRI has dominated the history of Mexico for most of the 20th century but their control is eroding fast. In 1988, Carlos Salinas de Gortari was elected to the single 6 year term as president despite the widely accepted belief that the current Mayor Cardenas of Mexico City won the election. Salinas was very successful in bringing about economic reform and is the person most responsible for the signing of NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement on 1 January 1994. T he prior President, Ernesto Zedillo was 43 when he was elected following the assassination of Salinas' chosen successor. Zedillo has been a genuine reformer allowing opposition parties to win many key elections. His term has been beset be economic crisis as well as a revolution in the southern state of Chiapas by the Zapatistas who demand social justice for Mexico's oppressed Indians. The current President Vicente Fox seeks to completely redefine the relationship of Mexico and its powerful Northern neighbors by opening the borders as wide as possible and convincing his country men to think bigger. A talented and determined historic figure, Fox will have till 2006 to remake a difficult and corrupt bureaucracy staffed by enemies of reform. olmecs are mainly known for f the striking stone figures left behind by the mother culture of Meso America which preceded the Mayans and Aztecs . Olmec civilization was in ascendance between 1300 and 600 B.C. Their greatest architectural treasure has be found at La Venta in the state of Tabasco History of Mexico by nationalgeographic.com Lots of Links: Mexico dmoz Mexico : Travel and Tourism : Arts and Entertainment Business and Economy Education Maps and Views News and Media Society and Culture Transportation Weather Volunteer run DMOZ can be your best way to get a site indexed by google and other search engines Travel and Tourism Lodging Message Boards National Parks Travel Guides Travel Services Birdwatching Camping and RVs Roads and Highways Show Caves Travelogues Wineries Mexican States : Links indicated as of Jan-2004 Note only Baja, Quintana Roo and Jalisco have more than 400. Aguascalientes (7) Baja California (370) Baja California Sur (698) Campeche (10) Chiapas (49) Chihuahua (36) Coahuila (22) Colima (59) Durango (4) Federal District (64) Guanajuato (154) Guerrero (329) Hidalgo (2) Jalisco (405) Mexico State (13) Michoacan (21) Morelos (20) Nayarit (110) Nuevo Leon (79) Oaxaca (166) Puebla (7) Queretaro (13) Quintana Roo (709) San Luis Potosi (19) Sinaloa (76) Sonora (83) Tabasco (1) Tamaulipas (64) Tlaxcala (2) Veracruz see out special section Yucatan (69) Zacatecas (7) Northern Veracruz Costa Esmeralda || CASTILLO DE TEAYO || CAZONES || Cerro Azul || COATZINTLA || Gutirrez Zamora || Martnez || Nautla || Pnuco || P apantla || El TAJN || Poza Rica || Tampico || Tecolutla || Tlapacoyan || Tuxpan Xalapa >> Mexico City Central Antigua || Cempoala || Chachalacas || Coatepec || Jalcomulco || Naolinco || Quiahuiztln || Xico Orizaba- Great Mountains Cordoba || Fortin de las Flores || Huatusco || Orizaba >> Puebla || Tlaxcala Los Tuxtlas Catemaco || Santiago Tuxtlas || San Andres Tuxtlas || Sontecomapan >> Chiapas Papaloapan Plain Alvarado || Cosamaloapan || Otatiln || Tlacotalpan >> Oaxaca Southern Veracruz Coatzacoalcos || Minatitln || San Juan Evengelista || San Lorenzo-Tenochtitlan || Villahermosa Y ucatan Peninsula Cancn || MERIDA || Cozumel || Isla Mujeres || Playa del Carmen Where to Go in Mexico by nationalgeographic.com To Top of Page To Carnaval Home Page (restores frame menu) Questions or comments? email the webmaster@ carnaval.com Last updated Oct-04 Web www.carnaval.com To: From: Depart: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 12:00am 1:00am 2:00am 3:00am 4:00am 5:00am 6:00am 7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm Morning Noon Evening Anytime Stops: 0 1 2 3 Return: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 12:00am 1:00am 2:00am 3:00am 4:00am 5:00am 6:00am 7:00am 8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm Morning Noon Evening Anytime 0 1 2 3 4 5 Adults (15-64) 0 1 2 3 4 Children (2-14) 0 1 2 3 4 5 Seniors (65+)