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More UK Info:
Look out for the cheap Ryanair flights to Frankfurt Hahn. This is some two hours bus journey from Airport to Airport. Single fares can be as low as 12 Euros, payable to the bus driver. The stop is right outside the Terminal exit. This is possible either with or without overnight stays, but to be sure not to miss your connection, we recommend the overnight stay in any of the hotels near to Frankfurt MAIN airport (Pay a little more for your room and you can book a hotel that includes airport transfers in the price). Coming home, you can usually book a late evening flight and arrive from Porlamar early morning so there is plenty of time to make the bus journey on the same day. Also schedule flights weekdays from London City to Frankfurt Main, especially worthwhile to avoid the bus transfer and overnight leg.
To travel via Caracas you have more flexibility:
Try looking at www.opodo.co.uk or www.expedia.co.uk . Both sites have fairly good search facilities and can produce reasonable fares. I personally recommend, however, that you try booking direct with Air Portugal at www.flytap.com/uk/en/homepage who seem to have the best prices and shortest flight times. Tickets can be booked online or by telephone (the number is on the website). The fares go up depending on length of stay; up to 1 month is the cheapest, then up to 3 months, 6 months and a year being the most expensive.
Car hire:
We use Ramcar, available at the Airport and Bella Vista hotel in Porlamar. There are a number of other Rental companies based at the airport. Busiest times of year are Carnival (6 weeks before Easter), Easter week, July - August, and Christmas - New Year. Whoever you use, we advise you carefully check the interior and exterior of the vehicle before you sign for it, especially things that could easily be overlooked. For example, the floor mats, the pouch for a detachable radio front etc. You may well be charged for these on return so make sure you had them in the beginning. Caution: Driving standards in Venezuela in general are different to what you may be used to in Europe. The only reliable information you can glean from a flashing indicator is that the bulb is not broken. And remember that the other road users will not necessarily take any notice of your indicators. People will overtake, undertake, stop suddenly, go through any coloured traffic lights, and generally amaze you. Proceed with caution! Also, routine road checkpoints are manned by the police and or military, so always carry some form of ID, a copy of your passport and something to show you have the right to use the vehicle, such as the rental documents. Check points are indicated by a few red plastic bollards dropped along the central carriageway marking line and you must slow down to a crawl even if the police in attendance don't appear to be watching. Do not be alarmed, just slow down and look at them until they wave you on or ignore you. It is unlikely you will be stopped. Should they ask anything, offer your car papers and passport copy, then follow their instructions. Top of page |
