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If you have never traveled to Mexico City before, getting around can be a bit overwhelming. There are many ways to travel within Mexico City, and the methods, rules and day-to-day getting from Point A to Point B can be frustrating.

This article will give you the necessary information you require to get around in Mexico City, while ensuring your travel plans are still pleasant, exciting and fruitful. So let’s get started! It’s an exciting journey you are about to embark upon.

Traveling in Mexico City, a General Overview

The naming conventions used for Mexico City’s streets and neighborhoods can be very exasperating to the out of town traveler if you aren’t sure what everything means. The most important thing to remember when trying to find a certain location is: Patience. Many times, streets that ’should’ be in a certain place, just aren’t.

Numbered streets are usually (but not always) designated as North/South (norte/sur) or East/West (oriente/poneinte). A block can be numbered, depending on how far it is from an arbitrary starting point. However, you’ll notice during your travels that many Mexican addresses have only “s/n” (sin número) listed after the street name, which means, literally, “no number”. And yet other addresses have a kilometer designation in the address, indicating that they are located a certain number of kilometers down a major street, such as a highway.

All addresses in Mexico City are written with the street name at the start, then the street number. The postal code (código postal) is listed before the name of the city, not after. Apdo., or apartado, means box, and Postal, or A.P. means post-office box number. And finally, most addresses include the neighborhood (colonia, or col.) that the residence is in.

Traveling in Mexico City, By Bus

The bus system in Mexico City is used extensively by locals and travelers to the area. It is often crowded, and pickpockets are an issue. Never show a wallet on the bus, and make sure to carry change with you if you plan on using this method of transportation.

When boarding the bus, tell the driver where you plan on going, and the driver will tell you the fare. Sometimes bus stops will have signs above them, telling you where you are; many times, you’ll know it’s a stop only because there are people waiting by the side of the road. Buses are rarely on time in Mexico City; if you plan on traveling later in the day or at night, alternate methods of transportation are recommended.

Traveling in Mexico City, By Car

Driving through Mexico City’s streets, especially for the traveler, can be a harrowing experience. One way streets abound, and rush hour is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Millions of people, literally, are sharing the road with you.

Renting a car is possible in Mexico City, but poses different risks for the out of town traveler. Driving on Mexico City roads is not only dangerous because of the lack of skill used for travelers (many get their license not by taking a test, but by paying someone off), but treacherous because of the unusual and poorly maintained roads.

Another option is to hire a taxi, or limousine, to chauffeur you around. Ask the travel hotel you are staying at in Mexico City for recommendations, or for the closest cab stand (sitio).

For travel ideas, I highly recommend Mexico! Here are a few tips and facts to help you on your way to this vacation paradise. When you get back home and youre organizing all of your pictures and souvenirs and may think, wouldnt it be great if I could find a beautiful Mexican Flag to remember my vacation by that doesnt cost too much to add to my whole vacation experience?

Well, I’ve found a great site that sells great looking flags for not a lot of money and their shipping is super fast!

Mexico Travel

Mexico is fun and exciting - beautiful sites, exotic fashion and a lively culture can be found here! There are also a lot of different customs to be aware of. Here are some tips to make your trip a fun and hassle free experience.

Getting into Mexico

To enter Mexico you will need a photo ID like a driver’s license, a tourist card and valid proof of citizenship. A tourist card is your permission from the Mexican government saying that you are allowed to be there. These cards are free and you can get help from your airline to obtain them.

Travel by plane

If you are traveling to Mexico by air, you will have two documents to fill out before you can enter Mexico. They are given to you by the airline before you get off the plane.

Getting a Rental Car

There are many rental car companies to choose from in Mexico. To rent a car, you must carry a valid drivers license and be at least 25 years old. Plan to carry a Visa or MasterCard credit card with you and reserve your car before you arrive to ensure that it is ready for you when you get there. You may even get a lower rate if you reserve your car ahead of time. Make sure that you have auto insurance. Your regular insurance from home will probably not be sufficient in Mexico. Before you go, make sure that you call your agent to make sure that you have coverage. It doesn’t matter if you are driving a rental car or your own, insurance is a must in Mexico.

The Climate

Mexico is a great place to visit any time of the year. The rainy season is from June to October. November through May has more moderate, drier temperatures. Whenever you go to Mexico, you should be safe from weather worries.

Staying Healthy

Be very careful what you eat and drink in Mexico. Drink lots of fluids, but ONLY bottled water. When you eat fruits and vegetables, remember to peel them first. Bring along over-the-counter medications from home such as aspirin and pepto. These are good to have on hand just in case you eat something that doesnt agree with you and you may need them fast! Remember to use good common sense when traveling and youll have a great vacation in Mexico.

If you are seeking the ultimate vacation experience then consider the wonderful world of the “all inclusive dream Cancun resort vacation”. You will need to know the differences in the types of all inclusive vacations to be able to make an intelligent decision when choosing your vacation.

I have traveled to many beaches in many parts of the world and have experienced wonderful stays at four and five star resorts, but my most pleasant experience all the way around was my all inclusive stay at the Playacar Palace Resort which is owned by the Palace Resort Company. This was the ultimate all inclusive dream Cancun Resort vacation.

Please let me explain why. There are different types of all inclusive vacations. The first type not only includes your room and board, but also includes your airfare. These types of all inclusives are available through many of the online services such as Expedia, Travelocity, Trip Advisor, Priceline, and AAA. Sometimes you can get great deals on these vacations and if the airline schedules suit your schedule, then you will want to jot down the price and what is offered. But you may not want to buy though until you have considered the other excellent alternative.

The second type of all inclusive dream Cancun resort vacations do not include airfare. However, these vacations are offered by VIP timeshare owners of the Palace Resorts and they include your room, board, and ground transportation to and from the Cancun airport and much more, but you will need to make your own airfare arrangements. This is a great option for those of you who have frequent traveler miles or for the many who do their research on the internet to compare the cost of flights instead of just blindly trusting what the other all inclusive packages are offering. It is always wise to check the airfare on your own even if you are leaning toward traveling using the first type of all inclusive package.

A great way to save some serious money on an all inclusive week is by bidding on the auctions offering the use of a timeshare owner’s week. The timeshare owner is the one who had to come up with the thousands of dollars to purchase the timeshare. Chances are they purchased so many weeks that even their families would have to pass their weeks down to their families and so on. You can benefit tremendously because you can get a wonderful deal on an all inclusive dream Cancun resort vacation by searching for Cancun without actually buying a timeshare.

When deciding on your vacation, the cost is important, but the other amenities that are offered will dictate whether you have a good vacation or the best time of your life. Renting your ultimate vacation week from a timeshare owner will provide you with more than what you will need to have a great vacation. You need to take this information into consideration when deciding on your all inclusive dream Cancun resort vacation as well.

How would you like to go on a timeshare vacation and leave your wallet behind? This is surely a recipe for disaster—unless you vacation at an all inclusive resort. These ever-popular timeshare resorts charge you one fee for everything from your room to your meals. You can vacation like the elite without ever having to worry about paying a check because there are none! Different packages include beverages and activities, so you can sip frosty drinks by the pool or play golf without ever seeing a bill.

There are several all inclusive timeshares waiting for you to enjoy in exotic places such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The beautiful Royal Sunset in exquisite Cancun, Mexico is an excellent choice for anyone interested in some wallet-free fun and sun. The Dominican Republic’s Talanquera Vacation Club in Juan Dolio is nearby the historic Santa Domingo and features crystal blue water and soft sand beaches. Both of these timeshare resorts are completely all-inclusive and have several packages with different levels of inclusion. If you would rather head to the hills instead of the beach, Austria’s LTH Resort at Alpine & Golfhotel Interstar. Set among the breathtaking Salzburg mountains, this all inclusive resort is perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts. Whether your passion is skiing, tennis, golf, mountain-biking, hiking, or climbing, this resort is an excellent destination. All inclusive timeshare resorts have different packages depending on the options in which you are most interested. Additionally, prices of the timeshare may vary depending on the season. When you decide to invest in an all inclusive timeshare, be sure to ask exactly what is covered. One timeshare resort may offer only one inclusion package and others may have different options for inclusions from which to choose .

There are all inclusive timeshare resorts located in many parts of the world, from Egypt to Brazil. Just as with traditional timeshares, knowing all the details before you purchase will save you a great deal of money and grief. If possible, you may wish to visit a property to become familiar with the area and the resort’s features. As is the case with all timeshares, you would still have the option to exchange your all inclusive timeshare which would allow you to vacation at new properties each time.

Although purchasing an all-inclusive timeshare may be more expensive upfront than a traditional resort timeshare, you may save money in the end. By taking an all inclusive vacation, you know exactly how much you are spending, whereas traditional vacations can quickly add up when meals, drinks, and activities are added to the bill. If you have ever returned home after a fabulous stay at a traditional timeshare only to be shocked by the pricey bill you racked up, then an all inclusive timeshare resort may be just the right option for you.

What are your chances of getting the vacation of a lifetime without having to save for a lifetime?

Renting a timeshare may be the answer to your dream vacation without having to make a long-term commitment. Many individuals are willing to rent their allotted timeshare week to you. Because of an inconvenient date or some other personal reasons, many times owners are unable to use their timeshare and are willing to sell their time period to you. With a little research either on the Internet, local newspapers or even visiting with realtors, you may be able to step into a dream vacation. Exotic places wait for you and your loved ones.

Timeshare companies and timeshare owners offer an alternative to the overpriced hotel and motel rooms. Virtually every year the costs of hotels go up. You can usually control the price tag of your vacations by utilizing timeshare resort rentals. Timeshare owners normally charge a set price for their rentals, and they do not need to increase prices to pay for labor and other usual expenses incurred by hotels. This keeps the price of a vacation rental on a more consistent level each time it is rented.

Timeshare resorts are located in incredible destinations around the world. Where have you always longed to go, but thought, “Wow, it would be too expensive to stay in a place like that!”? Mexico? Hawaii? How about Europe? Sure, those destinations can be expensive, but with a timeshare rental, you can get into incredible resorts for a fraction of the costs of a hotel vacation.

In most cases, hotel and motel rooms are undersized, have few amenities, and cost more than a timeshare rental. Typically when you rent a timeshare unit, prices are for seven nights, not per person. The units can sleep anywhere from 2 to 10 people. You choose the type of room and amenities you want! Studio, 1, or 2 Bedroom with kitchen, dining and living area units are all available.

No matter how nice the Hotel or Bed & Breakfast….. it still is just one small room! Why spend one or more weeks on vacation in a cramped hotel room and have the extra expense of eating out for every meal. Enjoy the spaciousness and freedom of a completely furnished resort condominium and save money all at the same time! And you will not be required to attend a timeshare sales presentation.

Put your vacation plans into motion and start your search for the ultimate spot you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you have dreamed about walking barefoot on an island or skiing down a mountain in another country, there is a timeshare available to you at a more than reasonable price. It takes only a little time to put the details together and make your dream vacation become a reality.

Timeshares are a proven concept for vacationers in many countries, and holiday planning is one of the top growing segments of the leisure time industry all over the world today. Why not begin your search today by perusing newspapers and travel magazines, or logging onto the Internet and searching for “timeshare rentals?” Dare to dream!

Since the horror of 9/11, airport security has become tighter than ever before. Every year they develop more rules about what you can and cannot take on a flight. Many of the items that could cause you to be held up by security are items that you would not think to leave out of your carry on or luggage. Some items can be packed into your luggage but not carried on the plane. Before you fly for the first time, make sure you check over these travel tips for the first time flier.

One of the best travel tips you will ever get is to err on the side of caution. If you are not sure of what can be carried onto the plan or put in your luggage, it is not something that you absolutely need, and/or it is something that you can buy when you get there, leave it at home. Not only will this travel tip keep you from spending eternity with airport security, it will lighten your load!

Another one of the best travel tips is to check with the airline or your travel agent before packing for your trip. Because security measures change so frequently, it is a good idea to get the most recent lists of contraband items for luggage and carry on bags. Make sure that you get the list for both carry on bags and luggage, because they will likely be different. You can also get other types of travel tips lists from airlines and travel agents when you are a first time flyer.

Lists of travel tips often neglect to mention medications. Even when you are flying within the country, it is a good idea to be prepared for emergency replacement of your medications. Make sure that you pack enough medication for your stay, as well as additional medication in case you are delayed in your return.

You should also make a list of all of your prescribed medications and dosages along with the name, address, and phone number of your doctor. Put it in a large zip lock bag with all of your medications, in their original prescription bottles. This will help you in two ways. First, it will help you move through security with your medications without too much trouble. Second, you will be prepared for any emergency replacements of your medications should they be lost or stolen. These travel tips about your medications will not only help you in security, but could save your life.

Cancun, a coastal city in Mexico’s easternmost state, is a world-renowned tourist resort. The warmth of its weather and the combination of blue waters and the white sand are just some of the reasons it is so popular. People from all over the world come here to enjoy nature and see the remains of Mayan culture. There are many historical ruins all over Cancun.

There is an exclusive hotel zone in Cancun, with upscale restaurants, bars, and the like which have catered to quite a number of the rich and famous. With a friendly environment, these restaurants offer international cuisine, bars and coffee shops, as well as a fast food area offering a variety of choices.

But instead of opting for this rather expensive option, one can think of Timeshare Rentals in Cancun. If one seeks courteous hospitality and great service at a sensible price, a Timeshare Rental is the best option. There are several timeshare and vacation rentals available in Mexico at the finest resorts, at rates discounted up to 30-50%.

One can have a two-bedroom, two-bath villa on a white sand beach for an affordable price. One can also enjoy a fully equipped kitchen and nicely decorated bedrooms. With these facilities, resorts also arrange for golf, scuba diving and visits to dolphins so that one can enjoy his/her vacation to the fullest. To become a member of these resorts, one can purchase an ownership interest to fully meet one’s vacation needs, depending on length of the stay, the size of the accommodations.

The August selection for the The Most Beautiful Hotels in the World is the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, Egypt. The setting for Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, this historic colonial hotel is possibly the best hotel in all of Egypt. It is and experience, combined with artifact hunting and tomb visiting that should be on the list of every luxury adventure traveler’s list.

The Old Cataract Experience

Imagine this scenario: Enter the large high-ceiling lobby and note the blend of Victorian elegance and eastern arabesques. Keep straight on until you reach the terrace. Gaze out at the Egyptian sailing boats called feluccas gliding over the waters of the Nile on either side of Elephantine Island. Feel the warm breeze as you sit down and notice the long-robed porters quietly scuffing down the wide halls. Survey this confluence of the past and the present, of East and West and as the waiter hands you your icy martini or cold lemonade, and contemplate the peacefulness and tranquility of it all. This is the Old Cataract Hotel, welcoming guests to its calming interiors since 1899 and unanimously considered one of the finest hotels in all of Egypt.

Perched atop a granite outcrop at the Nile river’s edge in Aswan, Egypt, the hotel takes its name from the rivers First Cataract (rapids). The large spacious guest rooms feature antiques, fine Egyptian linens, high ceilings, and most have achingly beautiful Nile views.

The grand restaurant, 1902, one of several at the hotel, was inaugurated for the opening of the first Aswan dam, with Winston Churchill, assorted royalty and dignitaries in attendance. French Continental cuisine is served in a grand colorful Moorish interior. There is also a freshwater swimming pool with terraces overlooking the Nile. The languorous beauty of the Nile will capture you at the Old Cataract, an experience not to be missed.

Luxury experiences for the adventurous from your base at the Old Cataract:

* Take a taxi to the nearby island of Philae. You can bargain for a boat to motor you over to see this fantastic isle which is filled with temples that were moved there to be preserved when the Aswan Dam was created.

* Take a 2-hour plane ride to visit the tremendous Abu Simbel — gigantic seated figures presiding over a small temple that can be entered.

* Go for a cruise on one of the feluccas, the graceful sail boats that course across the Nile.

Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel

Location: Abtal El Tahrir Street, Aswan, Egypt; arrival is more likely by train or coach; airport one half hour by taxi.

Luxury style: Adventurers who love the whiffs of the Old Cataract’s colonial past; dreamers who want nothing more than to watch feluccas drift lazily across the Nile; historians who wish to walk in the shoes of Howard Carter; Agatha Christie fans who wish to glimpse shadows of “Death on the Nile”; actually just about everyone who has had the thought that they would like to see the tombs of the ancient pharaohs as one of their lifetime list accomplishments.

What we’ve heard: If there was to be a contest for most beguiling spot in the world to while away the hours, the terrace at the Old Cataract hotel would surely be a contender.

More details on this hotel and other exquisite luxury experiences available at http://mostbeautifulhotels.com

Letitia Fairweather is the nom de plume of a travel and publishing maven who has taken upon herself the glorious task of choosing the most beautiful hotels in the world. After stints in both the world of luxury travel and publishing, she has traveled near and far and deems that no ‘life list’ is complete with out planning a stay at several of these heart-stopping, totally five-star deluxe properties in some of the most stupendous settings imaginable.

Mexico’s history is full of vibrant episodes. Beginning with the first indigenous settlers arriving from the north of the continent, continuing with the Colonial period initiated by the arrival and occupation of the territory that is now known as Mexico by the Spaniard soldiers and missionaries. And stretching until our modern days with all its contradictions and beauties; but with Mexican people always maintaining that peculiar identity that has identified them throughout the centuries.

Among the many Mexican cities that are vivid testimonies of this history there is one that has, along with history, a very particular charm and identity.

This city is called Guanajuato and is situated 400 km north of Mexico City, near the geographical center of the Republic. It has a pretty mild climate with a spring-like weather during most of the year. Guanajuato is not a big city and its origins go back to the settling of the first Spaniard explorers in the XVI century, who found and exploded the huge mineral deposits of the hills that surround this beautiful town. The richness of silver and gold of its mines was of such great importance to the Spanish Crown that the city was given the title of “Real de Minas” and its fame, along with its gold, traveled all over the world.

Guanajuato was not only witness of great richness but also was one of the starting spots of the revolution leading to the independence of the country. The first major battle of this struggle for freedom against the Spanish Crown took place in this city, more specifically at the building known has the “Alhondiga de Granaditas”. This is a huge building that used to be a corn and wheat depot and that, considering the situation of the insurrection, was used by the Spaniards and their alleys has a refuge during the battle. At the end Insurgents conquered the “Alhondiga” thanks to the local hero known as “El Pipila”, who burned the main entrance door protecting himself from the bullets fired from above with a stone plate laced to his back.

This along with other vibrant episodes of Mexican history have made of Guanajuato an important historical place to visit and to even establish and live permanently for many people around the world.

Where to Stay in cancun

There are a considerable number of budget-priced or economy hotels located throughout the city but when looking around at budget or even mid-range hotels in Orizaba, you’ll note that many come stocked with “ladies of the evening” who are standing at or just inside of the hotel front door. Make no mistake, many of these ladies come with “the gift that keeps on giving” – AIDS. Most well-run hotel establishments will not allow them and these hotels are usually marked as “family” hotels. You will have far fewer problems (or temptations) staying at a “family” hotel even if it’s located across from or next door to a “stocked” hotel. Keep your eyes open and BE CAREFUL at all times! Some recommendable places include these:

Name: Hotel Arenas
Address: Norte 2 No. 169
Phone: 725-2361

A small, family-run hotel located directly in back of the yellow-walled Parrish Church of San Miguel. There is an attractive, plant-filled courtyard fronting the economically priced rooms. Most have a TV and fan with private bath and are clean but unpretentious. The street out front is usually pretty crowded as it’s the market district, so there’s plenty of activity until about 9 pm when things go quiet. Singles / doubles are 100 pesos and 120 pesos respectively. Expect to pay slightly more during peak seasons.

Name: Hotel San Cristóbal
Address: Norte 4 No. 243 (between Orientes 5 and 7)
Phone: 725-1140

Also in the market district three blocks from the Hotel Arenas, this small hotel is a bit more secure and is newly renovated, but still plain. Singles / Doubles with TV, fan, and private bath (hot water available most of the day) are priced at 70 pesos and 110 pesos. Similar in facilities to the Hotel Arenas but cleaner and brighter although more Spartan. A good value “family” hotel. You’ll also pay a bit more here during “peak” seasons.

Name: Hotel Trueba
Address: Oriente 6 and Sur 11
Phone: 724-2930

This fairly pricey hotel located near the ADO bus terminal has single and double rooms with AC, TV and private bath with 24 hour hot water priced at 280 to 320 pesos for a single / double. Accommodations are adequate, but for the price Hotel L’Orbe would be a better value. However, tours up Mt. Orizaba to mid-range altitudes can be arranged by Turismo Aventura from the lobby of this hotel, departing on Saturday and Sunday mornings. A few of the guides speak some English and the tours are interesting and unique but should be arranged well in advance. Be sure to bring warm clothes if you’re planning even a low-altitude trek up the mountain as it can get pretty chilly even in the dead of Summer. A Pico de Orizaba tour, however, is most definitely recommended and will cost in the neighborhood of $25 to $30 U.S. dollars per person – a bit less in the “off” seasons.

Name: Hotel L’Orbe
Address: Poniente 5 No. 3
Phone: 725-5033

In the heart of downtown, upscale and pricey, this hotel has excellent local information, as you might expect. Staff is friendly and informative even to non-guests. Rooms are nice, fully air conditioned, with cable, color TV, phones and go for around 320 pesos for a double. The hotel has recently been completely remodeled and re-furnished as well.

Name: Hotel Mirador
Address: Madero Sur No. 469
Phone: 725-2381

The Hotel Mirador is mid-range in price and services with cable TV, private bath, 24 hour hot water, and fans. It fills up fairly quickly during peak seasons, but isn’t really anything super special. Accommodations are adequate though, and the location isn’t bad as it’s in the city center near a variety of restaurants, cafes, theaters and other facilities. Rates are 170 to 190 pesos for a single / double room.

Name: Hotel Pluviosilla
Address: Poniente 7 No. 163
Phone: 725-5300

An upscale hotel located near one end of the city with nice, clean rooms for a bit higher price. It fills up quickly in the peak tourists seasons as do other tourist favorites in town. Rooms are priciest then with typical rates at 330 to 380 pesos for singles / doubles with AC, cable TV, private bath, and 24 hour hot water. There is a good on-site restaurant.

Name: Hotel María Isabel
Address: Sur 21–A No. 36 Col. Hidalgo
Phone: 724-1430

Located right in the city center and not a bad value is the Maria Isabel. Clean, upscale and well-located there is a good restaurant and fairly nice facilities. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly, but no English is spoken. Tours can be arranged and some guides speak a little English. Rooms are good with cable TV, AC, hot water and phone for around 230 pesos for a double.

For English language teaching leads see the companion articles, “Teaching English in Mexico: Orizaba Language Institutes” and “Teaching English in Mexico: Orizaba Jobs. Additional aspects of living and working in Orizabab can be found in the series, “Traveling in Mexico: The City of Orizaba”, “Traveling in Mexico: Hotels in Orizaba”, “Traveling in Mexico: Picture Yourself Living in Orizaba” and “Traveling in Mexico: The Food in Orizaba”.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Teacher Trainer, English language learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. He has published more than 350 articles and academic papers and presented at numerous EFL teacher training and TEFL conferences throughout North America, South America and Europe.