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FLIP-FLOPS
Switching Seasons in Uruguay
and Buenos Aires
February 1 – 10, 2008

Switching the seasons

The world displays an infinite variety of contrasts, contradictions, and choices. People are always making decisions, only to change their mind and do something different than originally planned. What is common in one place may be considered a social aberration in another. Not only are the planet’s southern and northern hemispheres half a world away, they have completely opposites seasons from one another. Even beloved vacation spots may suddenly become passé when travelers collectively decide to go somewhere else.

     You might say the world is full of such flip-flops. In politics flip-flops can be career-ending, but in the world of travel a flip-flop might be as simple as getting fed up with winter and longing to escape to a warmer place. Flip-flops are also comfy footgear, and what better place to don them than on a sandy beach. Uruguay may not be the first place that comes to mind when people think of a winter escape, but this small South American country has beaches that can stand toe-to-toe (in flip-flops, of course) with some of the Caribbean’s best.

     Uruguay is one of South America’s smallest republics, only besting Suriname and French Guiana in square miles. Uruguay is bordered to the north by Brazil, to the southeast by the Atlantic, and is separated from Argentina in the west and south by the River Uruguay, which widens out into the Rio de la Plata estuary—the widest river in the world at some 120 miles across where the river meets the Atlantic. The landscape is made up of hilly meadows broken by streams and rivers.

     Uruguay is drawing increasingly more visitors each year, and for good reason. The country was a coveted port location, fought over by Portugal, Spain, England, and Argentina, and each country left something of itself behind over the course of more than 400 years. What draws most first-time visitors, however, is the 300 mile strip of fine sandy beaches on the Atlantic and the Río de la Plata. The most fashionable of these is Punta del Este, 90 miles from Montevideo, with two main beaches and plenty of outdoor activities including water-skiing, diving, fishing, surfing, yachting, and hiking.

     The capital city of Montevideo, the southernmost point of the nation, accommodates more than half of the population and is the country’s natural trading center. The city has nine major bathing beaches, and its architecture combines colonial, European and modern influences. The old inner city, known as the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) located on a small peninsula surrounded by the sea near the metropolitan port, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

     Colonia del Sacramento is a charming colonial town, dating back to the late 17th century, and another UNESCO site we visit on this tour. As an added bonus, the tour begins with three days in Buenos Aires, Argentina, just across the Rio de la Plata from Montevideo. In Buenos Aires we tour the city, enjoy the gay nightlife and spend a day at an exclusive “estancia” to experience the ways of the Argentine gaucho (cowboy).

     Escape winter’s wrath while strolling a balmy beach in Uruguay in a pair of flip-flops. Just like all the other diametrically opposed qualities of the world, Uruguay may be pint-sized, but it offers a huge amount of fun and is an exceptional winter vacation destination that is only now being discovered by Americans.

Click here to view itinerary

2008 Flip Flops Information

ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)

Buenos Aires: Regal Pacific Hotel

Punta Del Esta: Conrad Resort and Casino

Montevideo: Radisson Victoria Plaza

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements: Nationals of the USA, Canada, most Western European countries, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas to visit either Argentina or Uruguay. In theory, upon arrival all non-visa visitors must obtain a free tourist card, good for 90 days and renewable for 90 more. In practice, immigration officials issue these only at major border crossings, such as airports and on the ferries and hydrofoils between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. Once in your possession you should not toss your card away, but losing it is no major catastrophe. At most exit points, immigration officials will provide an immediate replacement for no charge.

Immunizations: Argentina and Uruguay require no vaccinations for entry. We recommend that you contact your physician or nearest travel clinic to obtain appropriate vaccinations and medications for this specific itinerary. In Argentina the water is drinkable, so consuming water shouldn’t be a problem. Be careful when leaving the larger cities and entering unpopulated areas where we recommend that you drink bottled water only. Please check the website of the Center for Disease Control for its latest immunization recommendations for travel to Argentina and Uruguay.

Exit Requirements: There is a departure tax of US $12 on international flights leaving from Montevideo’s Carrasco International Airport OR US $18 if leaving from the Buenos Aires Airport. Sometimes this charge is included in the cost of your international airline ticket, and sometimes these requirements are dropped without notice, but it is best to be prepared to pay a tax by carrying some cash when you arrive at the airport ahead of departure.

Suggested Viewing

The Official Story (1985) filmed in Buenos Aires
Miami Vice (2006) beach scenes filmed at Punta del Este.
Naked Tango (1991) with Vincent D’Onofrio, filmed in Montevideo.

WHAT TO BRING

Argentina and Uruguay are in the Southern Hemisphere, so their seasons are opposite from ours. We will be visiting during their summer, the most pleasant time of year to travel here. In February the climate offers bright, sunny days and barely a chance of a quick, passing shower. Temperatures can range from 62 to 85 degree Fahrenheit.

Suggested Packing List:

____ Proof of citizenship. Passport. Visa not necessary for travel to either Argentina or Uruguay.

____ Comfy walking shoes for touring, and sandals (or flip-flops) for the beach.

____ T-shirts and Polo shirts (7 or 8).

____ Long pants—a pair or two of casual slacks for dinners.

____ Shorts.

____ Swimsuit(s).

____ Sunscreen / lip balm.

____ Sunglasses / sun hat.

____ Rain jacket (just in case).

____ Personal toiletries (consider bringing diarrhea remedy as a precaution).

____ Ziploc bags—small for papers, large for wet clothes.

____ Copies of passport data page (pack one copy in checked luggage, one copy in carry-on, and leave one copy with a friend or family member at home).

____ Camera, extra batteries, plenty of film or digital memory.

____ A good book for the beach and the long flights.

MONEY MATTERS

Two countries mean two kinds of currency to deal with on this tour. Argentina and Uruguay both use variations of the peso.
     The Argentine Peso (ARS) is equal to 100 centavos, with bills in denominations of AR$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2, and coins are in denominations of AR$5, 2 and 1, and in 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. US Dollars are accepted in some hotels and tourist centers. As of August 17, 2007, the interbank exchange rate was 3.15 ARS to the U.S. $1.
     The Uruguayo Peso (UYU) is also equal to 100 centécimos. Bills come in denominations of UYU 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5, and coins are in denominations of UYU 10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50 centécimos. As of August 17, 2007, the interbank exchange rate was 24.06 UYU to the U.S. $1.
     To avoid getting the two countries’ currency mixed up, it is recommended then that you use your credit cards at hotels and restaurants and for large purchases, and only take out a small amount of local currency from an ATM for tips, snacks, and daily expenses.

Tipping—Tip 10% in restaurants and bars if you do not see that a service charge has automatically been added to your invoice. Taxi drivers appreciate (but do not expect) tips. Guides and drivers do expect tips. We will present a collective tips to both during the tour.

RESERVATIONS

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by November 11, 2007). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the signed reservation form and your deposit check or credit card authorization.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500 maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Argentina and Uruguay! We will provide the necessary forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page. You can also book your travel insurance with a phone call to Toto Tours.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of ten participants.
     Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:

fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
eager to try new things & test limits;
punctual;
not whiners!

You will absolutely flip over the gorgeous places we visit during this exciting South American adventure, so flop out of the winter doldrums and switch to summer serenity with Toto Tours. If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 800-565-1241.

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price: $2,495 double occupancy

Private Room: $800 extra, if available. (Not required. Toto Tours will try to match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)

Deposit: $500 (Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)

Remaining Balance: $1,995 double / $2,795 single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)

Remaining Balance Due: November 11, 2007
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included: Nine nights hotel accommodations; all ground and water transfers within Argentina & Uruguay; fully guided and escorted tour; all guided excursions except those listed as “optional”; meals and activities as listed in the itinerary. This is a fully guided and escorted tour.

Not included: Round-trip air transportation to Buenos Aires (EZE Airport Code), Argentina, and returning from Montevideo (MVD Airport Code), Uruguay; meals and other items not specifically covered in the itinerary; insurance; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers / guides are not included.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.