BudgetTravel

Palm Springs, Calif.: I escape the hottest part of the summer here in the California desert by spending the months of July and August in Buenos Aires. In planning for packing my clothing, what kind of weather should I be expecting?

Thank you,
John

Michael Luongo: John, I have been to Palm Springs in May and September and that is crazy hot, so must be awful in the summer! July and August in Buenos Aires can be cold and rainy. The best way to describe it is like British weather. Gray, cold, rainy, but never as cold as in say the Northeast US in winter (though Buenos Aires had its first snowstorm recently in something like 70 years.) So a jacket, coat, sweaters, umbrella for sure. You'll want to spend a lot of time indoors, so check out cafes, restaurants, and of course art galleries too.

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Minneapolis, Minn.: Michael, Buenos Aires always seems to have the young beautiful people in there ads. Would some young 60's gals enjoy themselves there? What would we find to do and where should we stay?

Michael Luongo: Minneapolis, I love your question! I find Buenos Aires is a great place for gals your age to enjoy themselves. Part of Argentina's European charm is the respect for women of a certain age, and in fact, you'll find plenty of North American gals your age living down there permanently. I don't know if you love to tango, or plan to, but I highly suggest some nights out—which are very late, I am talking busy time is like 2 in the morning. Some places to try are Bien Pulenta, which offers a great mix between milonga (tango hall) and show. You can also try afternoon places like La Glorietta which is an outdoors place. It does not matter if you tango and it is such a beautiful thing to watch.

There are galleries, restaurants, all kinds of things anyone would do no matter their age group. Of course ads have beautiful people all over the place in them, but doesn't all advertising have that?

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New Orleans, La.: I have always wanted to combine a trip to Buenos Aries with a ski trip in Argentina. Obviously this would happen between June and September. A week to 10 days would be the longest we could get away. Is it an impossible dream?

Michael Luongo: New Orleans, of course you can. You're gonna overnight flight anyway either end of the trip. A few days in Buenos Aires, and a few days in say Bariloche or San Martin de Los Andes can always be done. Look at travel companies like Borello Travel or Sayhueque. You're likely to get more convenient flights and choices with Bariloche, so with your time schedule that is what I recommend.

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Detroit, Mich.: We want to visit BA. He is loves architecture and I enjoy nature. Any suggestions on botanical gardens or nature reserves? What should I definitely bring back as a gift for my BFF?