
Is this trip right for me?
Trips traveling to Argentina and Peru are suitable for anyone in moderately
good health. If you have heart conditions or other ailments which might
be affected by high elevations (over 8,000 feet), consult your physician
before signing up.
What is the best time of year to take such a trip?
All of our scheduled trips are offered to take advantage of good weather,
cultural events and/or
activities. With a few exceptions, travel to most destinations can occur
throughout the year.
Remember
that those countries in the Southern Hemisphere have reversed seasons
from the
Northern Hemisphere. Rates are less expensive in the off-seasons due
to the weather. Don’t forget that trips in the off-season and winter
months have their own special charm and magic. And, tourists are fewer.
If you are willing to deal with less than perfect weather conditions,
consider taking a trip in the low season.
Will I need a passport?
Yes. You will need a valid passport issued by your government. If you
do not currently hold one, begin the process of applying for one now.
Is you do have a passport, check the expiration date. This date is
important because most countries will prohibit you from entering if
your passport is not valid for at least six months beyond the date
you complete this trip.
To obtain
a passport you must complete and official passport application form
and submit
the form to one of the appropriate passport acceptance
facilities within your country. Sometimes it can take time to obtain
a new passport so don’t put off applying for it as soon as you
know you want to travel.
Will I need a visa?
Most travelers will not need a visa to visit either Argentina or Peru
but you should talk to the
appropriate government office in your home country to determine if you
do or not. If you are a U.S. citizen a visa is not required.
Do I need shots/vaccinations to go to either Argentina or Peru?
No shots or immunizations are required but follow the recommendations
of your doctor.
If you are interested in traveling to certain jungle areas of the Amazon
in Peru, please be advised that outbreaks of both yellow fever and malaria
do occur. Consult your doctor about a vaccination for yellow fever and
an anti-malaria medication.
We suggest that you visit the website for the Center for Disease Control
at www.cdc.gov to learn more about specific recommendations for each
country.
Are these trips appropriate for children?
Yes, most children would love to experience Argentina and Peru although
the trips have not been specifically tailored to children. We feel
both parents and children will have a much more enjoyable time if the
child is 10 years or older.
If you are
a large family or a group with many children you may want to consider
a customized
trip. Don’t assume that a customized trip
will be more or too expensive just because it is tailored. That is often
times not the case.
How are the accommodations?
We stay in the best accommodations available in any location to provide
you with the utmost comfort and safety. All have the requisite amenities
you’d both expect and want. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms.
All have friendly, well-trained, English-speaking, customer-oriented
staff.
What can I expect of the food?
All meals are included in the trip. Large buffets are often standard
at breakfast, often including a few local dishes for you to sample.
Lunches and dinners are taken at local restaurants which we have personally
selected. All offer a wide variety of choices and are excellent. These
restaurants are not the standard “tourist” restaurants
typically part of organized tours.
If you have any dietary requirement, please advise us upon registration
so we can make arrangements to have your needs met.
What if I get hungry between meals?
Many people bring their favorite snacks with them but if you don’t
and find yourself hungry you won’t have any difficulty finding
a solution. Both the hotel and local community will offer options if
you find yourself in need of something.
Is it safe to drink the tap water?
We do not recommend drinking water from the tap anywhere on the trip.
Water served in the dining room of hotels is usually treated but that
may not be the case in local restaurants. If you have any concerns,
though, we recommend that you purchase bottled water.
How do I dress?
The general rule is casual during the day and smart casual to slightly
more dressy at night. Sport jackets for men are not required although
bring one if you wish. Expect temperatures to change, sometimes dramatically,
so it’s best to dress in layers. Comfortable walking shoes are
a must. Hiking boots are unnecessary and inappropriate. There are laundry
facilities in each hotel so you can send your clothes in to be laundered
when necessary.
Once you have registered for a trip we will send you a suggested clothing
list in your pre-trip information packet.
Remember; expect to be charged for excess baggage by both domestic and
international airlines. This can be quite costly so pack wisely.
What if I get sick while traveling?
Most hotels have doctors on staff or available to them who will be able
to treat you on the spot.
In the unlikely event that you become seriously ill you will be taken
to a hospital in either Lima or Buenos Aires. The cost of transport and
medical attention will be your responsibility.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is recommended. It can cover trip cancellation/trip
interruption, medical protection, baggage protection, travel accident
protection, and emergency assistance. Ask your insurance agent if your
current policy covers you for personal injury and loss of baggage outside
your home country. Remember, Medicare is NOT valid outside the United
States.
NOTE: Travel insurance policies normally require payment at the time
you pay your trip deposit.
Some providers we can suggest are:
· STA
Travel: 1-800-395-9808 or www.statravel.com
· Travel Insured International, Inc.: 1-800-243-3174 or www.travelinsured.com
· Travel Guard: 1-800-826-4919 or www.travelguard.com
Sue Doyle
of Mill Avenue Travel can also assist you. Sue can be reached at
1-800-815-6455.
Can trips to Argentina and Peru be customized?
Absolutely. We welcome the opportunity to work with you, your family,
and a group of friends or even an organization to tailor a trip just
for you. Using your parameters and guidelines we design the trip you’ve
always wanted to take.
When should I make my reservation?
Most people prefer to travel during high season so the sooner you can
reserve a spot the better. Accommodations and airlines both fill up
quickly. While it is possible to reserve a place within a month or
two of the trip, you should really do six months out, especially if
you want a customized trip.
How do I reserve a space?
To reserve a space you will need to complete and return a Traveler Information
and Preference Form along with a $500 per person deposit. Forms can
be downloaded off our website or you can request a form by either calling
our office at or by sending us an email.
Since international airfare is not included in the price of the trip,
how would you recommend getting to the starting point of the trip?
There are so
many ways to purchase international airline tickets. You can contact
your travel agent, use the Internet, or call the airlines.
Many prefer to use frequent flier miles. If you don’t have a travel
agent and want to work with one, we suggest contacting Sue Doyle, president
of Mill Avenue Travel, for any and all assistance in planning and booking
your airline travel. Sue can also assist you in making additional travel
plans outside of the trip itself. Sue can be reached at 1-800-815-6455
or via email at sue@millavetravel.com
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