"Kenny-Z" wrote in message
news:QqcRb.29$O71.36917@news.uswest.net...
> 1. I understand I need proof of US citizenship and ID. I have no
> passport and don't plan on needing one in the near future again (and
> may be running out of time for application), so an alternate proof of
> citizenship would be my preference if possible. What can I do?
> Something with a birth certificate, I hear? What is the process?
My girlfriend and I recently flew into Cancun and back to the States.
She used her birth certificate because of technical problems with her
passport (a very long story I won't be telling here). She didn't have any
problems and it didn't take her any longer to clear customs than it did for
me. However, there are advantages to having a passport. For example, while
traveler's checks are mostly a waste of time, if you were trying to use
them, every bank that I've ever been in required a passport for cashing
them.
>
> 2. Is it truly not recommended to drive/rent a car?
Other than the expense, I don't know why not. Thousands of tourists do
it everyday. While it's preferable to know at least a little spanish all you
really have to know is: "lleno por favor". Which means fill it up please.
(The double ll is pronounced as 'y', so lleno is pronounced yay-no.) I've
driven thousands of miles in Mexico with no more spanish than that. You'll
get more out of your trip with at least a little spanish, but I don't see
how bus travel will be any easier than driving yourself if you don't speak
any. Even now my limited spanish is best at reading road signs--there aren't
that many different ones to learn--and menus. While I don't agree with this
guy 100% here's a link to a good article on driving in Mexico:
http://www.rversonline.org/ArtMexDrive.html
>
> 3. Following up on #3, how about the bus system? This sounds like
> planning an itinerary could be a challenge without knowing bus
> schedules in advance. For instance, how long should one allow from DF
> to Oaxaca, or Acapulco, etc... Any suggestions on finding schedule
> info/travel times between cities?
>
> 4. I also wonder about accommodations. I'm tempted to reserve only
> first and last nights and wing the rest in between in favor of a
> flexible itinerary/bus schedule concerns.
Except for Christmas holidays and high season on the Mayan Riviera
reservations aren't generally needed. I usually wing it because it allows me
a lot more flexability. As for "reputable" hotels: I've stayed in everything
from Club Med to some tiny $10 a night place I found along the highway
without problems. I once checked into a no-tell motel without realizing what
it was until I started reading the signs on the walls--again no problem.
When selecting a hotel my only concerns are that it be clean and comfortable
and have a safe place to park the car.
>
> 5. Would anyone suggest an airport entry point other than Mexico City
> for a trip that may include Mexico City to Oaxaca to Acapulco and
> maybe even Veracruz....
You could fly into either Oaxaca or Acapulco. If you want to fly with a
US carrier you would only be able to fly into Veracruz certain times of the
year. Check with American Airlines or Alaskan, depending on where you want
to go.
Dennis
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