Requirements Changed for Driving in Mexico

In an effort to stop the flow of stolen American vehicles into Mexico, as well as to protect the Mexican automobile industry from illegally imported cars, the Mexican government has changed requirements for travelers driving 12 miles past the border--excluding the Baja peninsula. Effective immediately, at checkpoints south of the border, drivers will be given free temporary importation permits required for further driving, after presenting: 1) vehicle registration or lease documents; 2) a valid U.S. driver’s license issued to the owner of the vehicle; 3) the owner’s U.S. passport or birth certificate and 4) proof of insurance in the form of a bond issued by a Mexican company covering the total value of the vehicle or a copy of a full coverage insurance policy issued in the United States, good for at least 60 days from the day of entry. Additional checkpoints will also be set up within Mexico’s cities and towns. In the past, no insurance or proof of U.S. residency was required to obtain the temporary importation permits, according to a government spokesman.

Travel Quiz: Through what Asian country does the Equator pass?

Quick Fact: Germany, the only country in the European Community without expressway speed limits, is preparing to put them on its autobahns as soon as the German Parliament can pass legislation outlining procedures, sometime within the next couple of years. Accidents are one reason for the proposed drop, but studies also indicate that a pared-down speed limit will result in reduced air pollution. Yet would-be race-car-driver/tourists need not worry. The limit will probably be a speedy 80 m.p.h.

Good Cents Travel: The cost of air travel has replaced safety as the No. 1 concern of the traveling public, according to a survey by the American Automobile Assn. In the 1991 survey, 23% of those questioned said cost was their major concern, up sharply from the 7% in the AAA’s 1990 survey. At the same time, safety concerns grew only slightly, from 21% to 22%. When asked to evaluate changes in the quality of air travel for such things as lost or damaged luggage, limited flight destinations or limited personnel at airports, the respondents reported fewer problems in all areas, except fares. Other issues of concern to air travelers included the condition of planes (10%) and air traffic congestion (8%).

Where ground transport was concerned, less than one-third of respondents (32%) reported car traffic congestion as one of their major travel concerns, a significant drop from the 69% who cited it as a hassle in the 1990 survey.

Avoid the Philippines: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens that there are continuing security threats to Americans in the Philippines from Communist rebels and criminal elements. The danger will probably persist during the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Subic Naval Base, scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31, 1992. Tourists on short-term stays and business travelers to the Philippines, especially those with no visible connection to the U.S. government, face substantially less risk from politically motivated terrorism than U.S. government employees and military personnel. Travel to outlying areas is not advised due to crime and insurgency problems. Since the security situation can change at any time, U.S. visitors are strongly urged to check with the American Embassy in Manila or the consulate in Cebu concerning the situation in areas they might want to visit.

Credit Where Credit Is Due: The National Park Service has a new system for making reservations at national park campgrounds and for cave tours at heavily visited parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone and Mammoth Cave. Until now, only travelers with credit cards could make phone reservations. But the Park Service’s new deferred-payment system accepts credit cards, personal checks or money orders. Reserve by calling (800) 365-2267, then send the payment within 14 days.

Reservations for a family campsite at a national park campground can be made no more than eight weeks in advance, and group (eight or more people) site reservations are accepted no more than 12 weeks in advance (except at Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri, where they must be made 25 weeks in advance).

As an additional bonus, the new system provides recommendations for alternative locations if a campground is booked, according to NPS representatives. For information and a new camp reservations brochure detailing frequently visited parks and procedures for family or group campsite reservations, call (202) 208-4747 or write: National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, 1013 Washington, D.C. 20013-7127.

Comparatively Speaking: Number of passengers involuntarily bumped from major U.S. airlines, July-September (most first): Southwest (2,523), TWA (1,474), Continental (1,327), United (1,111), USAir (1,071), America West (1,044), Pan Am (851), Northwest (527), American (768) and Delta (448). (Source: Department of Transportation.)

Fair Warning: Flamboyant floats and flying trinkets will cover downtown San Luis Obispo during the 14th annual Mardi Gras Festival parade at 7:15 p.m. Feb. 29. Also that day will be costume and mask workshops, live entertainment and a gumbo cook-off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. That evening, there’s the Mardi Gras Masked Ball at the San Luis Obispo Veteran’s Hall. Costumes are required and tickets must be purchased in advance for $25. For more information, call the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce at (805) 781-2777.

Quiz Answer: Indonesia.