Anyone been to Oaxaca?

[BobbieZ]

My wife (and special bikemate) informs me that we are going to Oaxaca this December to celebrate our 40th wedding date. Anyone been to Oaxaca and care to share good lodging information?

[Krazo]

Don't have any lodging info, but you should probably mortgage the homestead before going. Since its miles from the beach, she's got in mind shopping for jewelry...silver!

Seriously, some of the best artisans of silver jewelry reside in the area, and you'll be able to get some really good deals on really good quality pieces. Suck it up and buy some. You'll be happy you did...for years to come. Have a great vacation, and congrats on the 40 years!

[Motorman]

Check if you need a passport to get back depending on your return date if you don't already have one. Have a great trip.

[LTOwner]

I would check with the State Dept, if I were you. Recently read an AP news article that the locals were seriously hassling tourists in that state, ie setting up roadblocks, and generally trying to make life difficult, if not dangerous, for tourists. Hotels were reporting losses in many millions because of reservation cancellations. Something about the locals being upset with the election, and wanting to hurt the "establishment" by driving off tourists.

[ksolomon]

We were there Oct 31, 2000 for "The Day of the Dead" celebration. Wonderful time, plenty of arts, crafts and great food. Every one was real friendly.

I would also check the current political situation. I uderstand it is not good.

Suites del Centro, Avenue Hidalgo 306, Centro Historico 011 52 951 68282
Excellent and close to the Zocolo. A friend stayed here in April 2006 and said it was still good.

[Burnszilla]

I drove throught there in 1998 on a month long Mexico road trip. I remember Oaxaca for its 40 miles of potholed highway. I've never seen more potholes in my life. I think it was the in the northwest area of the state. It's beautiful down there and the people are too.

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

I would check with the State Dept, if I were you. Recently read an AP news article that the locals were seriously hassling tourists in that state, ie setting up roadblocks, and generally trying to make life difficult, if not dangerous, for tourists. Hotels were reporting losses in many millions because of reservation cancellations. Something about the locals being upset with the election, and wanting to hurt the "establishment" by driving off tourists.
I would also check the current political situation. I uderstand it is not good.
LTOwner and ksolomon, are right, BobbieZ.

HEADLINE:- TOURISTS AVOID MEXICO AS PROTESTS, VIOLENCE ESCALATE

I'd hate to rain on Ms. Z's trip-planning parade, but check out the original CNN
article (http://www.cnn.com/2006/TRAVEL/08/04/mexico.tourism.ap/index.html) from August 4 2006. Your destination of OAXACA is specifically mentioned. Google up “Oaxaca violence” and read some of the editorials that are listed. Given that, wouldn’t you prefer. . . say, Burlington over Oaxaca in December this year? Good skiing to be had up at Smuggler's Notch, Bolton, Stowe and Sugarbush that time of year, you know.

Interestingly, the United States Department of State website (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html) does not advise tourists or travelers of possible dangers in visiting Mexico right now. Geez, I wonder why that would be. . .?

If you do go south, bring greenbacks. ` ` :thumb