New Zealand Mirror Travel

Archive for the ‘Australia Travel Tips’ Category

Have you ever thought of hopping a plane for spring break in Argentina? Maybe you want to study Spanish in Buenos Aires or learn the Tango in Mendoza? Too difficult, you say? No way, but there are a few things you need to know when traveling abroad. Take advantage of the following top five travel tips for your next trip to Argentina and make it an experience to remember.

1. PASSPORTS – Argentina visitors that are citizens of the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will require a passport for entry. US Passport applications can be obtained at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html, with routine services taking up to 10-12 weeks from the date you applied. A Visa is not required for a tourist stay up to 90 days, for longer stays contact your local embassy for information. In the U.S. — Contact the Consular Section of the Argentine Embassy, 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202/238-6460). For more information, try http://www.uic.edu/orgs/argentina. In Canada — Contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic, Suite 910, Royal Bank Center, 90 Sparks St., Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5B4 (tel. 613/236-2351; fax 613/235-2659). In the U.K. — Contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic, 65 Brooke St., London W1Y 4AH (tel. 020/7318-1300; fax 020/7318-1301; seruni@mrecic.gov.ar).

2. CURRENCY – The current exchange rate is 3 to 1 for the US dollar to the Argentina Peso. The Peso is made up of 100 centavos. Money is denominated in notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos; and coins of 1, 2, and 5 pesos, and 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos. US dollars are widely accepted in Buenos Aires, but in the rural areas of the country pesos are the currency of choice and exchange locations are less abundant. American Express traveler’s checks can be exchanged at offices located in Buenos Aires at Arenales 707 (tel. 11/4130-3135), Bariloche, Salta, San Martan, and Ushuaia. Outside of these locations there are very few American Express exchange offices, so when traveling to remote locations be sure to plan ahead. Many of the hotels do not accept credit cards, so check in advance before you assume you can pay your bill that way.

3. CAR RENTALS – Argentines drive very fast in comparison to U.S. drivers and do not always obey traffic lights or lanes. The seat belt law is in effect, though few locals actually wear them. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in greater Buenos Aires, but you need an Argentine or international license to drive in most other parts of the country. When driving outside the city, remember that autopista means motorway or highway, and paso means mountain pass. It is not advised to drive in rural areas at night as cattle roam free and are hard to see in the dark. Fuel is about $1 per liter, or $4 per gallon. Car rentals are available at Hertz, Paraguay 1122 (tel. 800/654-3131 in the U.S., or 11/4816-8001 in Buenos Aires); Avis, Cerrito 1527 (tel. 800/230-4898 in the U.S., or 11/4300-8201 in Buenos Aires); Dollar, Marcelo T. de Alvear 523 (tel. 800/800-6000 in the U.S., or 11/4315-8800 in Buenos Aires); and Thrifty, Av. Leandro N. Alem 699 (tel. 800/847-4389 in the U.S., or 11/4315-0777 in Buenos Aires). Car rentals are more expensive in Argentina with compacts starting at $50 to $60 per day, ask for special promotions.

4. ELECTRICITY – Electricity in Argentina runs on 220v. Most U.S. laptops run on either 110v or 220v, check yours to determine which one you have. A transformer and a European style adapter will be necessary for any other small appliances. While most luxury hotels will have these items for your use, some smaller or rural hotels will not. Cyber cafes called “Locuturios” are common in Buenos Aires and other major cities, where you can connect for an average of $1.00US per hour.

5. SEASONS – While those of us here in the Northern Hemisphere are used to the seasons that we have come to know, you must remember that things are in reverse south of the equator. The summer months in Argentina are December thru February, perfect for a trip to Santa Cruz. However, Buenos Aires has a very hot, humid summer so it is therefore better to visit in the spring and fall (November or March). If winter sports are what you are looking for, then the winter months of June thru October would be when to plan your next trip.

These tips will certainly give you a leg up when planning a trip to exotic Argentina. Traveling to a foreign county does require a little effort, but the experiences you will gain will last a lifetime. The world is such a global community that visiting and understanding another country’s culture only brings people closer together.

Argentina is waiting for you, start planning your trip today?

Drive Campervan Safely

If you are experienced driver then you already know that driving campervan is something different then driving a car or any normal 4WD. For your successful campervan travel, every one should be aware of some safe sides, some helpful tips and also some dangerous circumstances which may be exist during your trip.

If you are going to hire campervan then you must be careful about the vehicle equipment and other basic things. And if you owned the campervan then you must check all fundamentals of the vehicle.

Before Leaving You Should:

Check your vehicle that it is fully equipped or not.

Check mirror of the vehicle and adjust it optimal for road scene.

Take enough food and water storage.

Check vehicle condition and service it if found necessary.

Campervan Travel Tips:

You should check brake, tires, spare wheel, equipments and other necessary

part of vehicle.

While driving your campervan take care about it’s size. Because it needs more care when you turn it because of its extra length.

You should take care when you break speed on busy highways.

Keep Campervan and tow vehicle engines well tuned to conserve energy and reduce emissions.

In Emergency You Should:

It will be helpful sometime if you make aware some one about your touring plan, because in some situation they can guide how to help you.

Put your seat belts on while campervan is running smoothly on highway.

In worst condition be with your vehicle, because it will be easy to find vehicle instead of an individual.

Try to complete driving in the whole day. I would be better then driving in night in strange areas.

Some other matter should not be ignored while you are going to enjoy your trip and want to save some memorable moments for your life long.

Always have travel insurance when starting your trip, so that you will have financial support if an accident happens. Discuss with your insurance trader to ensure that you, and any other drivers, are covered.

Drive carefully in strange areas to avoid accidents, but if accident occurs, the situation should be approached the same way you would deal with an accident in your own car. You will be more alert, and arrive at the campground with abundance of day light to get set up and settled in before it gets dark outside. This gives you a chance to relax and get have a rested for another day of travel, and to enjoy some of the facilities the campground has to offer.

Some certain points keep of in your mind when drive to Campervan :-

Your cell phone is switch off.

Be sure to engine warning lights.

Best position the seat and head fetters.

Safely to all loose objects in your Motorhomes.

Concentrates to your drive without any unusual thought.

Comfortable driving distances in a day are around 300kms.

If you feel you are getting tired pull over and take a rest or find a rest

area and stay the night.

The Aussie Campervans provides a range of weather forecasts and observations to assist you in planning your trip.