BudgetTravel

Michael Luongo: Detroit, I'll tell you a stroll down Avenida Libertador in Palermo will make both of you happy. It's a linear park system on one side, and grand architecture on the other. There are gardens at Plaza Italia and all kinds of beautiful greenery and grand buildings. Off Puerto Madero is the Nature Reserve. You'll both be very happy, and it is romantic too. The thing for your friend is anything leather, bought on Calle Florida or Calle Murillo.

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Lynn, Mass.: We would like to travel to Argentina in November. When is the best time to purchase flight tickets so as to increase chance for the best rates?

Michael Luongo: I would say the earlier the better. Flights can go up quite high then as that is the busy season. Hotels also fill up during that time period as well. That said, you can always find last minute bargains on kayak.com, and priceline.com and other websites, or even through your travel agent which might give you more flexibility than what you can book on the web.

November is a really beautiful time too in Buenos Aires, especially early November when the jacaranda trees are in their purple bloom.

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San Diego, Calif.: What areas of Buenos Aires would you avoid?

Michael Luongo: This is a tricky question because it can depend on the time. I would say for sure, avoid La Boca at night. Monserrat can be a little dodgy, but is generally OK with spillover from busy San Telmo. In general, use good judgement, avoid abondoned streets as you would in any big city.

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Bloomfield Hills, Mich.: Can you recommend an estancia that is within an easy distance for a day trip?

Michael Luongo: Almost all estancias near Buenos Aires have day trip options. One for sure is Estancia Susana for Fiesta Gaucha. I would also recommend the small, family style El Cencerro, El Ombu and La Bamba, with its striking red color against the green Pampas is another great choice. Many of the estancias also have car service options making it easier to get to them.

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Michael Luongo: It has been so great chatting with you all about Buenos Aires and answering your questions...there were just so many great ones, and so many I could not get to them all. But it shows how well loved Buenos Aires is! Thanks for spending time with me and see you in Buenos Aires!

Take care,
Michael Luongo