Special Interview

ambos Nogales gateway cities to Old Mexico

One does not know Mexico until one feels Mexico no more than one can feel Beethoven by reading the musical score. Only when one has lived and experienced Mexico through the emotions can one truly say he knows Mexico. First impressions, first acts and re-actions may endear or repulse the most beautiful preconceptions of a person, land or of heaven itself... so, with that thought in mind, we won't "beat around the bush" any longer, and we must state that the best friend a traveller can have is a licensed career travel agent. A competent source of travel information and service can be compared to family doctor, banker or favorite clergyman. It all reduces to the simplest forms of faith and communication.

Travel agencies are listed in Yellow Pages Telephone Directories. Most travel agencies and agents affiliate with agencies in Mexico. Remember that even with agencies and people, seals-of-approval and organizational plaques, etc., do not necessarily qualify the measure of knowledge or services available. Avoid booking agencies for "cut and dried" tours.

For the first-timer, who plans to make his first Mexican experience a sort of exploratory experience, we recommend first go to Mexico City by airline. Principal domestic airlines serving Mexico are Aeronaves De Mexico, Aerolineas Mexicanas, American Airlines, Eastern, Pan American, Western Airlines and Hughes Air West.

The airline of your choice will make reservations and recommendations "a-la-carte" or through pre-planned completely supervised guided tours. For example, Western Airlines will make and confirm hotel reservation, while you wait, through their international computer. Western also offers a year-around "Magic Week in Mexico" for as low as $59.00 per person, for two, plus air fare. Included in the itinerary are visits to Mexico City, Taxco and Acapulco by car, limousine, or coach with licensed and bonded drivers and guides.

The traveller who prefers to go it on his own schedule will find a travel desk in every major hotel and if one will remember that the Government and the people of Mexico want the visitor to return, the men and women engaged in activities related to tourism are usually career professionals who know their country, their people and the value of international good will, which in the business of tourism can be measured only by the standards of gracious hospitality, comfort and the foreigner's well being.

Everything considered in relation to time, money and attitude, the best way to know and feel Mexico is by auto. There are many border points of entry. Our preference, and the way we recommended, is by way of Arizona and Nogales. Seasoned international motor car travellers write to inform us that the twin cities of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora offer more to make their Mexican journey an adventure of pleasant memories than other border points. Nogales, Arizona's motor hotels and restaurants are first class. We make the elegant Americana Inn our "last chance" stop before crossing the border. We like it (without disparagement to the other first class hostelries) because its decor, people and atmosphere reflect mood, feeling and charm in the manner and tradition of old Mexico.

Opened in 1970 by one of Nogales, Arizona's first families, the Americana's authentic made-in-Mexico furnishings, original art pieces, fine restaurants, lounge and professional people reflect the words of Karen Smith, Americana's assistant manager who speaks for the management in stating, "We treat every guest as a V.I.P."

Nogales is far enough away from traffic jams and "the rat race" to mark it as the place to do all the simple but necessary things pertinent to motor travel in Mexico, such as Mexican Auto Insurance, Guide Maps, information and, of course, last minute shopping of things everyone suggests you take to Mexico.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) maintains a full bi-lingual staff of experienced people. If the traveller is not a member of Triple A, the 23 dollar first year fee carries many benefits more than worth the price. Their Mexico and Central America Tour Book is a classic with travellers. Also, any AAA in the U.S.A. will help plan your trip and the traveller will be rewarded with a priceless brochure of information including up-todate maps. Triple A border offices will handle reservations and their people will advise, explain and sell adequate Mexican Auto Insurance and help with all necessary papers.

ARIZONA HIGHWAYS Magazine people have used two other travel and trip planning agencies. Their Nogales offices will answer all requests for information, and as a service to our readers, we are pleased to recommend Sanborn's, Box 1584, Nogales, Arizona and Don Smith Travel Service, Box 1606, Nogales, Arizona.