WORLDWIDE CULTURAL AND CULINARY VACATIONS
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Discovering the Soul of Oaxaca from Its Markets to Moles

(The Enduring Heart of Mexico's Oldest and Most Revered Cuisine)

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Priced From
$3,998 USD *
(Price Per Person, Double Occupancy)
* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.
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7 days | 6 nights

Where Oaxacan Cuisine, Artisan Traditions,
Mezcal, and Cacao Share a Living Legacy

Explore a Globally Celebrated Culinary Destination through Moles, Mezcal, and Living Indigenous Culture on this 7 Day, 6 Night Oaxaca Culinary Adventure. Close your eyes and follow the aroma of warm mole, toasted cacao, and blue corn tortillas as Oaxaca tells its story through flavor, ritual, and time honored tradition. Celebrated as one of the world's great culinary landscapes, Oaxaca is a place where food is not merely sustenance but ceremony, shaped by Indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec heritage and sustained through generations of shared knowledge and care. In vibrant markets and ancestral kitchens alike, recipes function as lineage, carrying memory, resilience, and belonging. Corn is revered as an ancestor, mezcal as an offering shaped by patience and invocation, and cooking itself as an act of cultural sovereignty rooted in land and season. Known for its seven moles, ancestral corn dishes, wild botanicals, and artisanal mezcal, Oaxaca invites you into a living archive where each dish reflects a sacred relationship to the earth and to community. On this immersive journey, food becomes a bridge to understanding, allowing you to taste not only what Oaxaca eats, but who Oaxaca is, and to leave with a deeper way of seeing, gathering, and honoring the stories held at the table.

Discovering the Soul of Oaxaca from Its Markets to Moles

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Small Group Friendly
Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.
•6 Nights Boutique Accommodations
•Round-Trip Airport Transfers
•6 Oaxacan Breakfasts Each Morning
•3 Lunches, 3 Spirit Pairing Dinners
•Ocotlán Cooking Class & Dinner
•Michelin Star Traditional Meal
•Mezcal Distillery Tour & Tasting
•Oaxacan Craft Beer Tour & Tasting
•Quesillo Making Factory & Tour
•Artisan Food Markets & Tastings Tour
•San Agustin Art Experience
•Black Pottery Demo Tour
•Hand-Carved Wooden Alebrijes Tour
•Architecture, Murals & Cultural Exploration
•Guided Mitla Ruins Journey
•Artisan Weaving Experience
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
This is a 7-Day tour that begins on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This tour runs multiple weeks throughout the year. Click the orange "Check Pricing & Dates" button to view available dates.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Private Transfer | Arrival & Check In to Oaxaca Hotel Check into your boutique hotel and relax before dinner. Take a quiet moment by the pool or on the terrace with a refreshing drink or consider a stroll through the surrounding streets, where colorful facades, local shops, and the scent of fresh tortillas invite gentle exploration. Or simply relax in your room, open the windows, and take in the sounds of the city as it transitions into evening.
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Welcome Mezcal Pairing Dinner Welcome to your first evening in the culinary capital of Oaxaca. This opening dinner unfolds on a beautiful downtown terrace, where the colors, aromas, and energy of the city surround you. Designed to bring everyone together, the evening centers on the flavors that define this region, with a generous abundance of food and drink that reflects Oaxaca's deeply rooted culture of hospitality. At the heart of the experience is Mezcal, the iconic spirit of Oaxaca, deeply woven into its landscape, traditions, and daily life. Tasting Mezcal here, where it is crafted, creates a direct connection to the land and the hands that produce it. Each of the five artisanal Mezcals you will experience, reveals a distinct expression, from bright citrus and fresh herbs to smoky, earthy depth shaped by wild agaves and time-honored methods. Each pour is paired with a vibrant progression of Oaxacan dishes, including rich, complex moles and seasonal specialties served in generous abundance. You'll experience layers of chile, cacao, spice, and slow-developed flavor that reflect generations of culinary tradition. As you gather, sip, and savor, this evening becomes a true feast for the senses and a warm introduction to Oaxaca's spirit. It is the perfect way to arrive, connect, and begin your time immersed in the culture. (D)
Day 2
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Oaxacan Breakfast Enjoy your Oaxacan breakfast, a vibrant and comforting start to the day rooted in local tradition. Fresh corn tortillas accompany dishes such as chilaquiles with salsa and cheese, eggs in rich mole or tomato-chile sauce, or memelas topped with beans, asiento, and fresh cheese. Meals are often served with black beans, seasonal fruit, and strong local coffee or traditional hot chocolate made with cacao and cinnamon, offering a hearty and flavorful introduction to Oaxaca's culinary heritage.
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Oaxaca Market Exploration with Tastings | Architecture, Murals & Cultural Discoveries Step into the heart of Oaxaca through its vibrant markets, rich neighborhoods, and storied streets, where daily life, striking architecture, and the city's culinary soul come vividly to life. This guided walking experience unfolds at a relaxed pace through colorful districts, historic plazas, and tucked-away corners, as your guide shares layers of history, cultural insight, and hidden details often missed by visitors. Along the way, admire colonial-era buildings with thick stone walls and shaded courtyards, wander past vibrant murals that tell the city's stories, and pass artisan workshops that offer a glimpse into Oaxaca's thriving creative scene. At the center of the experience is Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where the famous Pasillo de Humo fills the air with the irresistible aroma of meats sizzling over charcoal as vendors prepare tlayudas, grilled specialties, and handmade tortillas before your eyes. Nearby, Mercado Benito Juárez reveals a lively tapestry of stalls overflowing with chiles, spices, mole pastes, fresh produce, textiles, pottery, and handcrafted goods. Throughout the walk, enjoy curated tastings that showcase the bold, complex flavors of Oaxacan cuisine while connecting you to the traditions behind each dish. The experience continues through beloved gathering places and charming neighborhoods known for cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and expressive street art.
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Authentic Oaxacan Lunch After building your appetite, enjoy a relaxed sit-down lunch featuring authentic Oaxacan specialties, paired with refreshing aguas frescas such as hibiscus jamaica, tangy tamarindo, and creamy horchata. Thoughtfully paced and rich in detail, this experience offers a deeper connection to Oaxaca through its flavors, artistry, and the everyday life and heritage of its people. (B,T,L)
Day 3
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Oaxacan Breakfast Enjoy your Oaxacan breakfast, a vibrant and comforting start to the day rooted in local tradition. Fresh corn tortillas accompany dishes such as chilaquiles with salsa and cheese, eggs in rich mole or tomato-chile sauce, or memelas topped with beans, asiento, and fresh cheese. Meals are often served with black beans, seasonal fruit, and strong local coffee or traditional hot chocolate made with cacao and cinnamon, offering a hearty and flavorful introduction to Oaxaca's culinary heritage.
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San Bartolo Coyotepec Black Clay Pottery | San Martín Tilcajete's Hand-Carved Wooden Alebrijes Spend the day exploring the artistic heart of Oaxaca on an immersive journey that brings you face to face with master artisans, time-honored techniques, and the creative traditions that make this region one of Mexico's great centers of craftsmanship. Begin in San Bartolo Coyotepec, where artisans transform clay into the region's signature barro negro pottery using methods passed down through generations. Continue to San Martín Tilcajete to witness the creation of vibrant alebrijes, hand-carved from copal wood and intricately painted, with each piece uniquely expressive.
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Michelin Star Traditional Oaxacan Lunch After a morning of creativity and discovery, enjoy a memorable traditional lunch at a Michelin-recognized restaurant in Tilcajete. Many of the ingredients are grown on-site, and you'll have the opportunity to visit the orchard and learn how fresh, local produce is cultivated and woven into the dishes you'll savor. This experience invites you to slow down, explore, and connect in a meaningful way, offering a deeper appreciation for Oaxaca's rich artistic heritage. This day is a vibrant celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and cuisine, leaving you with a lasting sense of the creativity, tradition, and spirit that define this remarkable region called Oaxaca. (B,L)
Day 4
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Oaxacan Breakfast Enjoy your Oaxacan breakfast, a vibrant and comforting start to the day rooted in local tradition. Fresh corn tortillas accompany dishes such as chilaquiles with salsa and cheese, eggs in rich mole or tomato-chile sauce, or memelas topped with beans, asiento, and fresh cheese. Meals are often served with black beans, seasonal fruit, and strong local coffee or traditional hot chocolate made with cacao and cinnamon, offering a hearty and flavorful introduction to Oaxaca's culinary heritage.
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Traditions & Art of Quesillo Making | Iconic San Agustín Arts Center Experience Discover a unique side of Oaxaca where tradition and innovation come together, offering a fresh perspective on how the region's culture continues to evolve. Begin your day by witnessing the making of Oaxaca's iconic quesillo. Watch as fresh milk is transformed through a skilled stretching technique into its signature silky strands, and gain insight into how this beloved staple is woven into everyday Oaxacan cuisine. Continue on to San Agustín Etla to explore the Centro Cultural de las Artes, where a beautifully restored former textile factory now houses open galleries, gardens, and creative spaces. Here, art, history, and nature intersect, creating a peaceful and inspiring setting that contrasts beautifully with the morning's culinary experience.
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Flavors of Oaxacan Dinner Paired with Craft Brews The day culminates at Teufel Cervecería in nearby San Lorenzo Cacaotepec, where Oaxaca's craft beer scene takes center stage. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process before settling in for a relaxed evening dinner paired with artisanal beers, each thoughtfully selected to complement bold, local flavors. Blending food, art, and craftsmanship, this experience offers a vibrant and memorable way to connect with Oaxaca's creativity, innovation, and evolving cultural spirit. (B,D)
Day 5
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Oaxacan Breakfast Enjoy your Oaxacan breakfast, a vibrant and comforting start to the day rooted in local tradition. Fresh corn tortillas accompany dishes such as chilaquiles with salsa and cheese, eggs in rich mole or tomato-chile sauce, or memelas topped with beans, asiento, and fresh cheese. Meals are often served with black beans, seasonal fruit, and strong local coffee or traditional hot chocolate made with cacao and cinnamon, offering a hearty and flavorful introduction to Oaxaca's culinary heritage.
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Santa Catarina Minas & Ancestral Mezcal Day | Traditional Lunch | Family-Owned Mezcal Distillery | Artisanal Mezcal Tastings Discover the soul of Oaxaca through its most iconic spirit on this immersive mezcal journey to Santa Catarina Minas, a village celebrated for producing mezcal using deeply rooted, ancestral methods. Your experience begins with a stop at a local eatery for a traditional Mexican lunch, where you'll enjoy authentic regional dishes in a warm, unpretentious setting, the perfect way to begin the day like a local. Continue on to Santa Catarina Minas, where you will visit family-owned Mezcal distillery and witness mezcal crafted using centuries-old techniques. Here, you'll learn the full production process, from harvesting agave in the fields to roasting it in underground pits, fermenting in wooden vats, and distilling in clay or copper stills, depending on each producer's tradition. Enjoy guided tastings of a variety of mezcal expressions, discovering how different agave varieties, production methods, and terroir shape their distinctive flavors. Along the way, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and spiritual significance of mezcal in Oaxacan life while having the rare opportunity to connect with local producers, their craft and appreciate the authenticity behind every bottle.
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The Sacred Ruins of Mitla | Artisan Heritage Weaving Continue your day as you step into the heart of Oaxaca's cultural heritage at the Mitla Archaeological Site, where history, symbolism, and living traditions come vividly to life. As you walk through this sacred ceremonial center, you'll feel its quiet power, unlike any other site in the region, while uncovering the legacy of the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations. Wander through ancient courtyards, temples, and tombs adorned with intricate geometric stone mosaics known as grecas, each pattern telling a story rooted in spiritual and cosmological meaning. Your experience deepens as you stand within Mitla's sacred spaces, long believed to be connected to the underworld, adding a profound sense of resonance to your journey. In the town of Mitla, tradition continues to shape daily life. Stroll through lively streets and the local market, taking in the colors, textures, and rhythms of this enduring community. A visit to a traditional textile workshop brings another layer of the experience to life, where skilled artisans share generations of knowledge. Watch as handwoven fabrics are created on backstrap and pedal looms, and discover how natural dyes and ancestral techniques transform raw materials into vibrant rugs, garments, and decorative pieces. As you engage with the process, you'll gain insight into the symbolism woven into each design and the importance of preserving these time-honored traditions as a living story where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side in a rich and meaningful cultural expression. (B,T,L)
Day 6
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Oaxacan Breakfast Enjoy your Oaxacan breakfast, a vibrant and comforting start to the day rooted in local tradition. Fresh corn tortillas accompany dishes such as chilaquiles with salsa and cheese, eggs in rich mole or tomato-chile sauce, or memelas topped with beans, asiento, and fresh cheese. Meals are often served with black beans, seasonal fruit, and strong local coffee or traditional hot chocolate made with cacao and cinnamon, offering a hearty and flavorful introduction to Oaxaca's culinary heritage.
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Authentic Ocotlán Cooking Class | Dinner Creations with Traditional Drinks On your final day, enjoy a relaxed morning before departing in the afternoon for the culturally vibrant valley of Ocotlán, an area celebrated for its deep Zapotec roots, artisan traditions, and enduring culinary heritage. In this town, daily life remains closely tied to the land, the seasons, and recipes passed carefully through generations. You will be welcomed into a traditional cocina de humo, where cooking over firewood fills the space with the scent of earth and flame and offers a glimpse into the rhythms of rural Oaxacan life. Guided by a traditional cook and steward of ancestral knowledge, you will take part in a hands-on culinary experience preparing iconic dishes such as complex moles and delicately wrapped tamales using local ingredients and time-honored techniques. A highlight is the preparation of traditional drinking chocolate on a metate, where hand grinding cacao reveals its ceremonial importance and its role in community life. Throughout the experience, you will discover how even the simplest foods carry deep cultural meaning, reflecting discipline, tradition, and emotional connection. Enjoy refreshing mezcalitas crafted with local mezcal perfectly paired alongside the bold flavors of your prepared dishes. This experience in Ocotlán centers on the heart of the cooking class, enhancing it with a sense of place, where the aroma of woodsmoke, the rhythm of hands shaping masa, and a shared table bring food, stories, and tradition to life in a way that feels both intimate and deeply authentic. (B,D)
Day 7
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Oaxacan Breakfast | Departure Enjoy your final Oaxacan breakfast, savoring the last flavors of this unforgettable journey, before being transferred to the airport alongside newfound friends and a deeper appreciation for the culture and people of Oaxaca. Thank you for traveling with us where we strive to have each journey thoughtfully crafted to bring you closer to the heart of a place through its culinary traditions. We hope you enjoyed another Edible Destinations, where these living traditions come alive within you, shared alongside local artisans whose craft you carry home through stories, flavors, and a deeper understanding of how Oaxacan life is rooted in its culinary heritage. Having endured the heart of Mexico's most revered cuisine, you will carry home a newfound appreciation of the old Oaxacan adage,"La cocina es el corazón de la casa" … "the kitchen is the heart of the home." Savor the memories of this Oaxacan journey and we look forward to welcoming you again on another unforgettable culinary tour adventure. Drop-off at the airport is on demand according to your flight details. (B)
Sauvé Casa Boutique Hotel (Oaxaca)
Sauvé Casa Boutique is an intimate Oaxacan retreat where hospitality and gastronomy meet. Rooted in the rhythms of the local kitchen, the experience celebrates seasonal ingredients, market sourced produce, and the deep culinary heritage of Oaxaca. Thoughtfully situated for authentic exploration, the property offers easy access to local markets, cultural landmarks, and neighborhood life while remaining a calm refuge from the city's pace. Mornings unfold with regionally inspired breakfasts, and shared tables invite conversation and connection through food. Designed for travelers who value presence and depth, Sauvé Casa Boutique offers a nourishing immersion into Oaxaca's culinary soul, where every detail reflects care, tradition, and a sense of home.
San Bartolo Coyotepec•San Martín Tilcajete•Oaxaca City•Reyes Etla•Teufel Cervecería•Cacaotepec•Mitla
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection plans that can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Travel Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Coverages available to residents of U.S. States and the District of Columbia only. Certain coverages are not available in all states.

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