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13 Travel Tips For Central America

May 31, 2010 by  
Filed under Travel Tips

1. Practice Your Spanish: Part of the fun of traveling is trying to communicate with the local people and learning their traditions. In Central America you will always find nice people willing to let you know something interesting about their culture. So whatever Spanish you know, use it! In these beautiful countries you will always find a smile and warm people willing to give you a hand.

2. How to Learn More About Local Culture: It would be better to get a local, private guide. I mean the best way to get to know the local culture from the country or town you’re visiting is not to go with a big tour group. That’s because they will know more about what goes on in the town.

3. Eat Safely When Traveling To Central America: So you are traveling to Central America and concerned about what foods are safe to eat?

a. I’ll start by saying that any foods that have been boiled are generally safe, as well as fruits and vegetables that have to be peeled before eating.

b. You should also stay away from foods that require a lot of handling before serving.

c. You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t drink the water in some countries overseas. This is why: Water supplies in developing countries are not treated in the same way as water supplies in developed countries. I would suggest you drink only bottled water when traveling.

4. Airport taxis: Central America, along with every other country in the world, has its share of crime. The majority of them start at the airport with pirate cabs, that offer a much lower fare, await the newcomer. Airport cabs are registered, each trip is logged in and accounted for. They will never rob you because the whole company has to answer for the misdoing. So spend the extra few bucks.

5. Check out the Countryside: Central America is home to some of the world’s most fascinating ancient sites that include Mayan ruins, church ruins, old buildings form its colonial days, incredible forests and much more. So where’s the point in staying in the in the urban areas? So go out, explore, there are tons of new things to do waiting for you out there.

6. Enjoying Foreign Food: When we travel to a different country we tend to look for what is familiar like Mc Donald’s. In this case the advice would be to try the local dishes and not comparing them to the ones at home. Instead enjoy every new flavor. I know that some dishes might look a bit weird but you will be pleasantly surprised in most of the cases. So go for it!

7. How Not to Gain Weight on Your Vacation: Many people gain weight when they travel and I can’t blame them because who wants to cook when on vacation? Here are some ideas on what you can do to avoid it:

a. Don’t wait until you are starving to go to a restaurant.

b. Ask for healthier options in whatever restaurant you visit.

c. If you still want to have what’s in the menu you can always ask for a smaller portion.

d. Another good thing to do is to personalize your order, for example you can ask for a salad instead of smashed potatoes.

8. Useful Advice For Gifts When Traveling: Some of us like to take presents when traveling specially if we are traveling for a special occasion. If that is the case I would recommend putting it with the rest of your luggage. But there will eventually be some delicate things that you might want to take with you as a gift. So a good thing to do before you even buy the present is to check hand luggage restrictions of the country you are leaving and the one you will be entering because those must definitely go in your hand luggage.

9. Overcoming Jet Lag: During the first day the most important thing to do is to STAY AWAKE. The secret is, once you arrive to your hotel, don’t stay there. Central America has tons of fun activities so Go out! Go for a walk. Go to eat out. Whatever you decide to do that isn’t in your hotel room or television induced, will help you make it through the day and you can hit the sack at a decent hour. This way, when you wake up the next day you’ll be more or less on local time!

10. Get a Guide: I highly recommend at least one day with a guided tour driver of your own. I did it and found the guide’s knowledge and love of his country to be excellent. He also translated for me everywhere we went. It was 5-star treatment. Do it! I recommend this to most of my clients too. Even though you’re going to get a driver, they are not just a driver, but a loving citizen of the Central American country you are visiting.

11. Long Road Trip Boredom Solved: Let’s face it, long road trips or long airplane flights can drive a kid and everyone around them crazy! There is only so much coloring, destroying, play doo-ing one can do. My solution: Portable DVD player. Yeap, that’s right! I know that traveling is about the bonding, plus they get enough TV at home. But after you’ve bonded for an hour or so on a five hour trip, you’ll be bonded out and ready for a bit of calmness.

12. Obvious Stuff We Sometimes Overlook: The first one is to wear comfortable shoes but sometimes shoes that may have been comfortable at home are not comfortable for traveling so wear them for long walks before you travel. Another good idea is to do some research but skimming through a travel book doesn’t count! The trip will be a lot more smooth of you can map out a specific itinerary in advance. Plus you don’t want to spend your vacations being bored.

13. A Couple of Things to Consider When Flying While Pregnant: I know that sometimes women who are pregnant for the first time want to go on a final adventure before they have to go crazy with diapers and feeding. That’s why I came up with a list of tips that will help pregnant travelers have a better trip.

a. A seat near the bathroom will facilitate more frequent bladder emptying.

b. An aisle seat will make it easier to get up for those trips to the bathroom.

c. Bulkhead seats have the most legroom.

d. Get up and take a short walk down the aisle once every half hour.

e. Don’t travel alone. You never know when you are going to need some help.

f. Don’t forget to get a medical certificate from your doctor.

g. It is also a good idea to carry your emergency contact number and your doctor’s contact number.

h. Do some research about clinics of the country you are traveling to in case of an emergency.

Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

Canadian Hotels: Every Reason In Every Season

May 30, 2010 by  
Filed under Hotels

Hotels are not just places to sleep at night: tourists select where to stay for any number of reasons. These relate to holiday plans or business needs. They have to do with disabled needs, local attractions, or tranquility. Make a comprehensive list detailing what you need from your accommodation.

When the reason is business-related, your research will likely lead you towards on-site technology. You will want to plug in your laptop, both in your room and in the lounge or bar. For clinching deals in a casual setting, find out if you can soften your client with some angling close by on one of the Great Lakes or a game of golf. Look for meeting rooms which allow you to address a larger audience of potential clients or students, as well as overheads, kitchen facilities and more.

Retire to a lounge or bar at your accommodation to hold deceptively relaxed negotiations or toast a successful deal. Look for a sophisticated menu at a restaurant on or near the grounds. Moreover, make sure the wine or after-dinner drinks list features something classy.

Wedding planners know that the day itself is supported by many months of careful preparation, including figuring out where to hold the reception. The benefit of holding your event at a hotel is that if you choose wisely, you can host the meal, dance, even take photographs all in one place. Look for catering at your chosen venue, gardens, or attractions nearby such as Butchart Gardens or Bridal Veil Falls.

Look for packages that provide discounts to wedding guests and the wedding couple. This might make it easier for them to say yes to your invitation. Staying at the hotel where the reception is held does away with the worry of designated drivers or finding your way home in a foreign city.

Then honeymooning couple, or even wedding guests inspired by love, might wish to explore the romantic offerings at a facility. Ask about special arrangements to have items such as chocolates, wine or flowers left in the room to surprise your other half. Room service lets you stay in your room a long time before having to go anywhere, though if you choose a location in a romantic setting, somewhere scenic and tranquil, going out may be an important part of making memories together.

Take a sight-seeing tour of Banff, Alberta, choosing the facility which locates you closest to the attractions you aim to take in. If you want to drive, look for free, secure parking. For foot-travelers or those who just want a few days out of the car, book a facility close to public transport or even within walking distance or your destination. Some hotels staff a tour booth which can give you advice, ideas, even book days out for you.

Family friendly facilities do their best to make traveling with little ones easy. Among their amenities are restaurants with menus for younger guests, a kiddie pool or pool with slide, and even activity coordinators. Plan well and you could find yourself with a babysitter on staff and available for you to get out without the kids for a night.

Looking for a place to stay during your vacation? Then book an amazing room at any hotels or motels near you!

How Staying In A Bed And Breakfast Is Better Than Hotels

May 29, 2010 by  
Filed under Destinations

Planning to spend a vacation in Australia? Why don’t you stay in a B&B? You cannot have a full experience of spending a weekend getaway from the busy of city life if you stay in a hotel. If you are used to booking in hotels, try something unique, and make a reservation for a enjoyable stay in a band b.

There are some benefits for getting a bed and breakfast compared with hotels. It is relatively low cost and it feels more like home. Hotels are oftentimes designed to be lavish & costly. Typically, b&bs are private houses or guest homes rented by travelers. B&Bs being owned by ordinary families and individuals have a personalized touch and offer personalized accommodation, service & hospitality. The hosts have a very good local knowledge of the locality, which is often not found on travel brochures and maps. Owners tend to be more hospitable than hotels staff, they recommend local sights, assist with dinner plans, provide tasteful breakfasts & some offer afternoon tea.

These are few tips on getting a Bed & Breakfast for your next holiday in Australia:

1) Use Maps. Type in the address of your holiday destination & Google Maps will display listings of accommodation near your location. With this, you do not have to travel far to get around to check out local tourist spots & surrounding establishments.

2) Check for vacant properties from Bed & Breakfast Directories. This is ideal for price comparison purposes and comparing available accommodation services per property. Available B and Bs are Deluxe (high-end B & Bs w/ additional furniture & jacuzzi), Standard Baths are located outside the bedroom and En suite (bedrooms have a built-in bathroom, with water closet, shower etc..

3) Go ask your co-workers. If you know someone who has been there, get some details on how their vacation went & get ideas to fully enjoy your vacation. Recent studies show that people choose their next vacation destination based on the reviews of previous guests. This means it’s necessary to check what other past guests say about the property where you are planning to check in before you actually make a reservation with them.

Steven Breakershire is a Bed & Breakfast counselor on Bed and Breakfast Australia & Australian Bed and Breakfast Accommodation. Read articles by Steven Breakershire here.

Why The Beach Is Such An Appealing Vacation Destination

May 28, 2010 by  
Filed under Travel Tips

What makes beaches so appealing? Is the warm breezes that caress your skin and fill the air with a salty brine? Maybe it’s the squall of the gulls as they soar over the water searching for food.

As you walk along the waves, the tiny granules exfoliate your feet and leave you feeling relaxed. The sun feels good on your skin and you feel your stress melt away.

Beach vacations are a traditional summer retreat for many. They associate the sights, sounds and feelings of the beach with the season. The beach experience is loved because it is a feeling you can’t get anywhere else. There is no one reason why beaches are perennially popular and have been for years.

Whether the beach you visit is set in the tropics or somewhere colder, the calming feeling you get is the same. Its draw is undeniable and many people make it a regular retreat.

The appeal of a beach can’t be just the sun either. A lot of places are sunny but can’t lay claim to the attraction of waves and surf.

And the water alone can’t be why people flock to the beach. Rivers and lakes make for great getaways, too. They have the calming sound of the water that beach lovers seem to enjoy.

The sand can be found other places, too. Deserts and the shores of many lakes offer sand and similar wildlife. So, sand alone can’t be the reason people flock to the beach. What is it then that makes beaches the ideal vacation destination for so many?

Truly what makes the beach the welcoming too many is the combination of all the factors discussed. It has something for everyone and makes getting away from it all, such a memorable experience.

In addition to vacation destinations, this writer additionally frequently writes on solid brass floor registers and metal floor registers.

A Great Place For Family Vacations – Finca Chica In Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

May 27, 2010 by  
Filed under Destinations

My husband and I decided that we wanted to go somewhere nice, and private where we could enjoy a family weekend away from work and the city. I had heard from some friends about a place with all those qualities in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica called Finca Chica. So we decided to give it a try.

I some friends had told me about a place with all those qualities in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. It is called Finca Chica. Since they recommended it so much we decided to give it a try.

What we found was a private villa that offers 4 independent casitas of different sizes where you can fit a group, a family and there is even an option for couples. The casitas are scattered around the property with enough separation to allow total privacy.

Casa Pizote and La Casita Chica are cute one bedroom bungalows, perfect for couples. On the other hand there is Casa Lagarto with a maximum capacity of 5 people and La Casita del Ro with capacity for up to 6 people. Plus these casitas can also be rented by the week,

Right where the garden ends the jungle starts and it attracts wildlife such as birds, iguanas, monkeys and butterflies. The beach was just minutes away on foot and it is gorgeous and completely isolated. Here we didn’t see a lot of people or a lot of big hotels.

I was in Puerto Viejo here only for one night and that was enough to make love it, especially because my son had enough space to run around I a safety environment.

I was in Puerto Viejo here only for one night and that was enough to make love it, especially because my son had enough space to run around I a safety environment. I trusted my friend’s advice and had one of the best weekend trips I have ever had. I would also recommend it for anyone looking for some relaxation in the middle of the Costa Rican Jungle.

I trusted my friend’s advice and had one of the best weekend trips I have ever had. I would also recommend it for anyone looking for some relaxation in the middle of the Costa Rican Jungle. So give it a try!

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

Quick Ways To Find The Best And Cheap Hotels In Bandung

May 26, 2010 by  
Filed under Hotels

While seeking inexpensive hotels you will need to consider a lot of things before going for a booking. Today with a lot of competition in the tourism field lots of companies are throwing away a bunch of discount it is not that much difficult to find cheap ones. But the problem here is to discover the best ones from the cheap hotels. Most of the time while going for a first visit to a city, visitor will look for the low-cost hotels that are near to the central place of the city. But these cheap are located at outskirts of city only.

So it is wise to provide a detailed study on the locations around the city before going for a hotel in the central place. Sometimes the outskirts of the city may have some good places from where you can reach the cities at any time.

In case you are the one who don’t care about the location of the places then obtaining a hotel outside the city is the best option. Like I said above the transport is the most important thing while selecting a cheap one, but you have to make certain you are not paying more for the transport than for a luxury hotel.

Acquire a hotel around some five kilometers from the city that will convenient for you. Because with the traffic jams in the cities you will really find it difficult to get to the places at the correct time. You should make these plans before leaving for a city from your home itself.

The other ways to look for a cheap hotel is the through online travel agencies or local travel offices. A tons of travel web sites are out there to provide the information about the places and the different type of hotels to suit your needs. Once a decision is done means the next thing you have look on is the safety and the other facilities of the location.

Want to find out more about hotel di bandung, then visit Jack Andee’s site on how to choose the best hotel bandung for your needs.

Short Pointers To Do With Shopping For A New Travel Suitcase Set

May 25, 2010 by  
Filed under Travel Tips

How tedious can it be while taking a business trip and having to carry your heavy suitcase along with you? It is not unusual for an individual to become inconvenienced by their baggage especially when they are having to deal with several other bags at the same time.

In order for you to enjoy your holiday or trip more, perhaps you should try using wheeled suitcases the next time you go on your adventures. They are not only convenient in the way that they take the weight of your luggage off your back, they’re just a lot more efficient when it comes to moving around with your belongings.

No one wants to have to worry lifting about a bag that weighs a ton, which is why this is such a logical choice for a frequent traveler. With these bags, you simply roll your luggage right along beside you smoothly and effortlessly. There will be no more having to wrestle with your baggage, which means you can put much more focus on other things.

There are many different sorts of awesome pull-along suitcases on the market today with helpful instructions on how to get the best use out of the space provided within. Whichever brand you decide to go with, it is important to ensure they are of the best quality. Durability is the most crucial factor if you’re looking for a bag that can withstand rough transit handling.

When you consider how much easier these can make all your journeys, you will have to agree that they make a really economical long-term investment. Who would have ever thought your tote would be so much easier to handle being placed on wheels?

Your gear is so much more maneuverable now being on wheels and your travels will be less stressful than not only that, you get to buy and pack in more souvenirs than you used to without worrying about lifting heavy bags to and fro.

Individuals do not always have to fiddle with pulling their trolley. Good trolley trunks have the ability to either lock up the wheels or retract them for hand carry.

When going on an adventure, some individuals find it is best to travel with only essential bits of clothing and toiletry. The main reason for packing light is that they are able to avoid having to deal with baggage claims. As a result, they do not have to worry with being that their luggage would be lost as well as getting hit with additional fees for being over weight.

If you’d like to view other sorts of content articles crafted by the publisher, view these valuable critiques on involving the large travel suitcase and also vintage suitcase set.

Sun, Sand And Fun: Australia’s Sunshine Coast Region

May 24, 2010 by  
Filed under Destinations

One of the most fun filled family vacation destinations is the Sunshine Coast region in Australia. Sunshine Coast offers wonderful sights and activities that they whole family can enjoy. With its great amounts of amusement parks, along with other unique activities, it is a vacation destination that you will want to return to year after year.

One of the most unique and fun family activities is the Bellingham Maze. It is a great place for all ages as you travel through a magic waterfall, venture off to the caf through the rainforest and try to make your way through the hedge maze. There are many mazes and puzzles throughout. While visiting the caf you can try some of the brain teasers, or try your skills at the amazing tile puzzles on the ground. There are also a maze made from tires and another made of ropes. You can even enjoy a hunt for the seven dwarfs while in Snow Whites cottage. Bellingham Maze is a wonderful interactive activity that will provide you family with a whole days worth of entertainment.

Another fun place for the whole family is the fun park called Aussie World which contains over 30 different rides and games and is guaranteed fun for the entire family. Aussie World includes mini golf, a super giant Ferris wheel, an octopus ride and an incredibly cool roller coaster. The setting reminds you of being in an old Australian fairground, and although there are plenty of things for the older folks to ride and enjoy there are also many scaled down versions for the littler children in your group. While there be sure to make a stop in at the Ettamogah Pub, one of the most famous bars in the world and Blueys Grill where they serve some delicious grub suitable for the whole family.

Another great place to visit is the Sunshine Castle. This castle is complete with all the workings of a medieval one. There are turrets, towers, drawbridges and a moat. While exploring the castle children will enjoy a treasure hunt and some sweet goodies. This is a great adventure for all members of the family.

A visit to Sunshine Coast Queensland is more than just a vacation it is a family adventure.

There are many wonderful Mooloolaba Accommodation that you can stay at during your vacation. When you are trying to choose which Mooloolaba Hotels are best suited for you and your travel needs go to www.sunshinecoastinformation.com.au.

Spend A Few Days In Melbourne ” Melbourne Accommodation

May 23, 2010 by  
Filed under Destinations

Melbourne is a popular city to visit and there are plenty of Melbourne accommodation options available for your stay. If you are looking to stay in the central business district then the Darling Towers is a serviced apartment that has one, two or three bedroom apartments available. They have rooms available for short stays as well as extended stays.

An accommodation option that is very close to the airport, bus and train terminal is the Melbourne Enterprise Hotel. This hotel is split into two different sections; one section that was designed for business travelers and the second section that is for tourists and the tourist rooms overlook a beautiful courtyard. The Melbourne Enterprise is near New Quay, the Crown Casino and the Telstra dome.

If you want to save some money and are looking for budget travel then the Kingsgate Hotel has several different room options that are designed for budget accommodation. There are rooms that have ensuite facilities as well as shared facilities. The staff at the Kingsgate can also handle any type of group booking. The Kingsgate hotel is near the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Crown Casino, Aquarium, Queen Victoria Market and Waterfront City.

The Flagstaff Motel Hotel is found in Flagstaff city in Melbourne. This hotel is near the Yarra River, Spencer Street Interstate Terminal, the Cricket Grounds and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Almost all of the rooms open up into a central courtyard and there are single and double rooms available. The hotel also has some dining options as it houses a cafe and bar.

A luxury accomodation option is the five star Clarion on Canterbury. There are spa suites, luxury suites, two bedroom apartments and one bedroom apartments available. This hotel is environmentally friendly as it has been awarded green stars for its environmental practices. This hotel contains the Endota day spa, Oliver’s a al carte restaurant, spa and a heated pool.

A great family run independent hotel is the Magnolia court. This hotel is located in east Melbourne which is a beautiful and less built up section of the city. Elegance is the only word that can describe this area. Many of the homes were built when gold mining was prosperous and there are plenty of gardens to wander through. Nearby you can visit Parliament House, Hisense Arena, the Treasury Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, the Olympic Park and Captain Cooks Cottage.

A lovely old Victorian house is the home of the Hotel Charsfield on St Kilda road. This hotel belongs to the National trust and has been beautifully restored. This is a great boutique hotel that has received four stars. Some facilities at the hotel include free internet access, a business center, salon, restaurant, gym, conference facilities and a bar. This is an excellent setting of old world charm with modern facilities.

The Elizabeth Tower Hotel is a great choice for business travelers though it is also very close to many attractions. You are near the State Museum, Melbourne University, Queen Victoria Market, Flemington Racecourse, the exhibition Building and the Zoo.

If you are planning your next time away, think of Melbourne Accommodation. There is a lot of Accommodation near Etihad Stadium in Melbourne nowadays if you are a sport fan.

Travel Tips For Traveling In Guatemala

May 22, 2010 by  
Filed under Travel Tips

a. How Much Is It? Even though prices aren’t always the same in each region of Guatemala you might want to have some reference:

A short taxi ride inside Guatemala City can cost you between 25 and 50 Quetzals that is between $3 and $7.

A soda can be between $2 or $3. A Beer is between $1 and $5.

A traditional breakfast that includes: Coffee, beans eggs and juice can cost anywhere from 20 to 50 Quetzals ($2 and $7).

A lunch special can be $4 to $8.

A lunch or dinner in a more exclusive place (recommended) can be between $7 and $38.

The internet hour costs an average of 8 Quetzals (U$1).

The hotel accommodations may cost:

5 Stars: U$100 to U$200

4 Stars: U$80 to U$100

3 Stars U$50 to $80

2 Or fewer: U$10 to u$50

b. Chicken Buses – Go At Your Own Risk! Buses are by far the cheapest and most efficient way to get around the Central American Region but let me tell you not all of them.

There are some great bus companies where you can buy your ticket in advance; they are very comfortable really cheap. So there is no real reason to take a chicken bus, and here I have some more reasons to avoid them:

You are pushed and pulled the whole way

They tend to stop very frequently

Because of all the stops it takes forever to get anywhere

The door is always opened so thieves take them very often

They are usually so crowded that they don’t smell very good

c. Ask Before Taking Pictures: When I first came to Guatemala all I did was take pictures of everything and everyone. One day I was at the local market and I overheard a couple of local ladies talking about them not wanting people from other countries to take pictures of their kids.

So if you want to stay out of trouble avoid contact with local’s kids as much as you can or if you speak Spanish ask for their parent’s permission first.

d. Best Season To Visit Guatemala: April to October is Guatemala’s Green season, this is when you can get the best prices. But there’s a catch, it’s also the time of the year when you can do almost nothing because it rains almost every afternoon and sometimes all day long. That’s why the months between November and May (the dry season) are highly recommended. There are many things to do in the country during this time, but the highlights are:

That’s why the months between November and May (the dry season) are highly recommended. There are many things to do in the country during this time, but the highlights are: In November you will be witness of the celebrations of the day of the death, in December you are welcome to join the Christmas festivities and April will let you see Semana Santa, the Holy Week before Easter where the country opens up with parades and celebrations all over the country, most notably, in Antigua.

e. Parking in Antigua Guatemala: Driving in Antigua Guatemala is not a wise thing to do. It is a small place with lots of great hotels, restaurants and way too many cars, so take my advice and don’t.

But if you are driving in Antigua anyway, do not park on the red or white line of the street. The red line is on the edge of the sidewalk 10 feet away from each corner and in some streets, mainly the ones closer to the park, you will see white lines, they are for motorcycles ONLY! The reason? There are transit policemen on almost every corner and will give you a $25 fine if you do. Also be aware because sometimes you will find little ads on the light poles announcing that you cannot park there. Usually it’s because a procession is going to pass through that street at any moment. If you do your car will be towed and the fine for that is $60 if you want your car back.

f. Safety Tips When Traveling In Guatemala: Guatemala as the rest of Central American countries has a bad reputation, and you do need to be on your guard but it’s really no more dangerous than any other large city in a developing country, so don’t get paranoid.

Any way you might want to avoid being preyed upon by pickpockets and other unsavory characters, so here are a couple things you can do:

Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home,

Don’t carry purses, camera bags and phones or carry them close to your body,

Take along only as much cash as you need,

Carry a photocopy of your passport, leaving the original in your hotel safe,

At night stick to well-lighted and transited areas.

g. Register Your Trip in Guatemala – And Feel Safe! The US Gov’t recommends you secure your trip to Guatemala City by hiring, for a super super low price, the Tourist Police. You can arrange all of this before heading to Guatemala.

Security escorts for tourist groups and security information are available from the Tourist Assistance Office (ASISTUR) of INGUAT (the Guatemalan Tourism Institute) at 7a Avenida 1-17, Zona 4, Centro Cvico, Guatemala City. INGUAT’s ASISTUR division has 24-hour/seven days per week direct telephone numbers for tourist assistance and emergencies. These are (502) 2421-2810 and (502) 5578-9836. The fax is (502) 2421-2891. ASISTUR also maintains regional offices in all major tourist destinations in Guatemala, and the regional delegates provide rapid and appropriate assistance to crime and accident victims. You can also contact them by mail asistur@inguat.gob.gt. The request should be submitted by mail, fax or e-mail and should arrive at INGUAT at least three business days in advance of the proposed travel. Requests should provide the itinerary, names of travelers, and model and color of the vehicle in which they will be traveling.

Requests should provide the itinerary, names of travelers, and model and color of the vehicle in which they will be traveling. Travelers should also be aware that INGUAT might not be able to accommodate all requests. The normal fee is 50 quetzales ($6) for a few hours, 200 quetzales ($26) if you have them for longer and they need to be fed. 400 quetzales ($50) if you have to keep them overnight. Plus you have to pay their gas.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. Having first hand experience of all the places with her family, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

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