The ideal, most convenient, and cheapest option for airfare can usually be found with www.cheaptickets.com. All prices shown below are round-trip and already include all fees and taxes. Estimations are based on flights leaving on Sunday, August 3rd and returning on Sunday, August 10th. Below are the expected price ranges to help gauge the relative value of your purchase.
From Fayetville: $550 - $600 per person
From Tulsa: $450 - $500 per person
From Dallas: $250 - $300 per person
From Minneapolis: $450 - $500 per person
Note: Flights from Joplin are $700 - $800
Make sure to double check your point of arrival and departure. Many flights are offered out of or into Toluca, even though Mexico City is indicated. Please book arrivals and departures through Benito Juarez International.
A valid passport is required. You will fill out a free tourist visa on the plane before landing. SAVE your visa, you MUST present this visa when you DEPART.
Keep a marshmallow warm with a fire
19.2.08
☺ GETTING AROUND
While Mexico City has an excellent public transportation system, for our purposes, it is not the most comfortable or convenient way to travel. We will meet every arrival at the airport and we will escort all guests during the entire week, so no one will be expected to find their away around or communicate in Spanish without assistance.
To do this however, it will be necessary for each family / group to rent a car or, depending on size, split the cost of a van. If you are not comfortable driving, Victor, I or another family member will drive. A US Driver’s License is valid. We will personally be able to transport up to 4 individuals during the week in our car.
Car and van rentals can be easily reserved through Yahoo!Travel with pick-up and drop-off at the airport . An air conditioner is not generally necessary. The heat is not usually overly intense, and it is relatively cool in August. The rates are as follows (taxes and fees already included):
Economy Car Standard, No air $75/wk 5 seats
Economy Car Automatic, Air $152/wk 5 seats
Minivan Automatic, Air $550/wk 7 seats
To do this however, it will be necessary for each family / group to rent a car or, depending on size, split the cost of a van. If you are not comfortable driving, Victor, I or another family member will drive. A US Driver’s License is valid. We will personally be able to transport up to 4 individuals during the week in our car.
Car and van rentals can be easily reserved through Yahoo!Travel with pick-up and drop-off at the airport . An air conditioner is not generally necessary. The heat is not usually overly intense, and it is relatively cool in August. The rates are as follows (taxes and fees already included):
Economy Car Standard, No air $75/wk 5 seats
Economy Car Automatic, Air $152/wk 5 seats
Minivan Automatic, Air $550/wk 7 seats
☺ LODGING
We have found several economical options in a very nice area of town that is both safe and convenient. Please contact us if you need help with reservations. Visit the web sites to see pictures and a get a feel for the places. I have listed three options ranging from $50 per couple to $82 per couple per night. Most places require a 50% deposit. See map on next page to reserve the room. There appears to be a large event occurring between August 3rd and August 9th, as some hotels are completely booked. For the moment, these hotels are open, however, if you find that these places are booked, please contact us. TAXES ALREADY INCLUDED! SEE MAP ON SIDE! My personal reccomendation is CASA INN.
HOTEL DEL PRINCIPADO
1 GUEST
USD 50 PER NIGHT
USD 350 ($371 with breakfast) PER WEEK
2 GUESTS
USD 60 PER NIGHT
USD 420 ($483 with breakfast) PER WEEK
3 GUESTS
USD 70 PER NIGHT
USD 490 ($553 with breakfast) PER WEEK
4 GUESTS
USD 80 PER NIGHT
USD 560 ($623 with breakfast) PER WEEK
Booking: Directly through the hotel
Number: (52) 55 5533 2944
Reservations by internet: http://www.hoteldelprincipado.com.mx/reservaciones.html
CASA INN
1 or 2 GUESTS
USD 82 PER NIGHT
USD 570 PER WEEK
3 GUESTS
USD 95 PER NIGHT
USD 670 PER WEEK
Booking: Through www.virtualmex.com/mexicohotel.htm Click on ‘’Casa Inn Mexico City’’ in first column.
CASA TARAMI
If you are traveling in a larger group and looking for an affordable option with separate rooms, this is ideal. There are a total of 8 suites. One mini apartment has space for children, one is for a single adult, and the others have room for 2 adults. They have fully stocked kitchens.
Booking: See me
Number: 52 555 525 0377 or +52 553 276 2092
Website: http://www.vrbo.com/108350
1 GUEST
USD 35 PER NIGHT
USD 250 PER WEEK
2 GUESTS
USD 50 PER NIGHT
USD 350 PER WEEK
HOTEL DEL PRINCIPADO
1 GUEST
USD 50 PER NIGHT
USD 350 ($371 with breakfast) PER WEEK
2 GUESTS
USD 60 PER NIGHT
USD 420 ($483 with breakfast) PER WEEK
3 GUESTS
USD 70 PER NIGHT
USD 490 ($553 with breakfast) PER WEEK
4 GUESTS
USD 80 PER NIGHT
USD 560 ($623 with breakfast) PER WEEK
Booking: Directly through the hotel
Number: (52) 55 5533 2944
Reservations by internet: http://www.hoteldelprincipado.com.mx/reservaciones.html
CASA INN
1 or 2 GUESTS
USD 82 PER NIGHT
USD 570 PER WEEK
3 GUESTS
USD 95 PER NIGHT
USD 670 PER WEEK
Booking: Through www.virtualmex.com/mexicohotel.htm Click on ‘’Casa Inn Mexico City’’ in first column.
CASA TARAMI
If you are traveling in a larger group and looking for an affordable option with separate rooms, this is ideal. There are a total of 8 suites. One mini apartment has space for children, one is for a single adult, and the others have room for 2 adults. They have fully stocked kitchens.
Booking: See me
Number: 52 555 525 0377 or +52 553 276 2092
Website: http://www.vrbo.com/108350
1 GUEST
USD 35 PER NIGHT
USD 250 PER WEEK
2 GUESTS
USD 50 PER NIGHT
USD 350 PER WEEK
☺ MONEY
Don’t bring a lot of cash. It is not necessary to have more than $100 on hand at any time. The easiest way to get money while traveling is to use your ATM debit card. Money exchange booths are easily accessible but not as convenient or as numerous as ATM’s. It is also ideal to use a credit card when paying for lodging, car rental, etc. American Express travelers’ checks can only be changed in banks. Consider bringing them for back-up purposes.
☺ SAFETY
Using common sense and taking into account specific precautions, traveling in Mexico City is both safe and enjoying. Please keep in mind that during this week we will not be using public transportation or visiting any place that is off the beaten path.
Still, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings. Take note of anything unusual and don’t make unnecessary eye contact with people in the streets. Dress casual and do not where expensive or expensive-looking jewelry. Never flash your money. If you carry a purse, it is handy to carry one that hangs in front of you. Do not take a taxi alone. As a traveler, avoid green and white taxis, especially the Volkswagen beetles. Take only red and white taxis. Also, upon arriving, your hotel will be able to provide you with a radio cab number, just in case. Radio cabs are more expensive but they are very safe.
If you are interested, some great safety travel tips can be found at the following government site.
Still, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings. Take note of anything unusual and don’t make unnecessary eye contact with people in the streets. Dress casual and do not where expensive or expensive-looking jewelry. Never flash your money. If you carry a purse, it is handy to carry one that hangs in front of you. Do not take a taxi alone. As a traveler, avoid green and white taxis, especially the Volkswagen beetles. Take only red and white taxis. Also, upon arriving, your hotel will be able to provide you with a radio cab number, just in case. Radio cabs are more expensive but they are very safe.
If you are interested, some great safety travel tips can be found at the following government site.
☺ COMMUNICATION & CONTACT INFORMATION
If you would like to be able to use your cell phone during your stay, you must first activate your phone for use abroad by contacting the company at least two weeks beforehand. This is a good idea just in case the necessity arises.
National and International calls can be made from a pay phone. Most pay phones require a card deposit.
To make a call to the US you will need the AT&T access number (below) and an AT&T US CALLING CARD.
1. Dial 01-800-288-2872, if that does not work use the access number 001-800-462-4240.
2. An English-language voice prompt will ask you for the telephone number you are calling. For calls to the U.S., dial the area code and 7-digit number you are calling.
3. After the tone, enter your regular AT&T Calling Card number (not the international number).
4. To place another call, do not hang up, press # and follow the prompts. If you need assistance, press zero or stay on the line and an AT&T Operator will assist you.
To dial directly to the US from a home phone or cell phone, dial 001 followed by area code and the number.
To make a call within Mexico, see the packet we sent in the mail. If you don't have contact information, let us know!
The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/. The phone is answered 24 / 7.
National and International calls can be made from a pay phone. Most pay phones require a card deposit.
To make a call to the US you will need the AT&T access number (below) and an AT&T US CALLING CARD.
1. Dial 01-800-288-2872, if that does not work use the access number 001-800-462-4240.
2. An English-language voice prompt will ask you for the telephone number you are calling. For calls to the U.S., dial the area code and 7-digit number you are calling.
3. After the tone, enter your regular AT&T Calling Card number (not the international number).
4. To place another call, do not hang up, press # and follow the prompts. If you need assistance, press zero or stay on the line and an AT&T Operator will assist you.
To dial directly to the US from a home phone or cell phone, dial 001 followed by area code and the number.
To make a call within Mexico, see the packet we sent in the mail. If you don't have contact information, let us know!
The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/. The phone is answered 24 / 7.
☺WEATHER
Despite being Mexico, August is not Mexico City’s hottest month, partly due to its high altitude. It is also one of the rainiest months. Mornings tend to be cool, while afternoons can get somewhat hot. Most of you will probably consider the weather cool compared to those humid summers. Dress in layers. An extra jacket or light sweater is perfect. Pants, knee-length skirts and capris are ideal. Don’t wear short shorts or short skirts. You will probably want to wear something more substantial than flip flops on most days.
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