INFORMATION

Who Can Join

This tour is open to any professional practicing in building design, architecture, urban planning or anyone that has an interest in architecture. You do not need to be a Design Matters member however you will receive preferential pricing as indicated on the pricing page. 

About Design Matters National 

Design Matters National is Australia’s largest peak body for Building Designers, Home Energy Assessors, and related built-environment professionals. When you become a member, you join one of the most highly recognised, innovative and collaborative networks of industry professionals in Australia, around since 1983. 

Design Matters National works closely with government agencies and industry groups to champion the Building Design profession, with representation on influential government committees and boards. Get access to ideas, techniques, and approaches to enhance the success of your career and your business.

For more information on membership or join now. 

CPD

All attendees will be provided an attendance certificate with 14 CPD credits attending the Mexico Tour and a further 3 CPD credits for attending the Palm Springs Tour.

How You Travel

Flights included in the cost of the Mexico Study Tour include flights from Los Angeles to Mexico City and Mexico City to Merida on AeroMexico.

Flights from your home port to Los Angeles and from Tulum back to your home port are not included. If travelling to/from Australia there are numerous flight options available on Qantas, United, Delta and Air New Zealand. You may contact Impact Events or your regular travel provider for fares and more information.

Passport

Please ensure that you are in possession of a current passport with more than six(6) months validity beyond your intended return date to Australia or home country. If you do not have a current passport, please apply well in advance of your departure date.

Visa Requirements

There are no visa requirements for Mexico for Australian passport holders, however an ESTA visa waiver is required to enter or transit through the USA. The ESTA process must be completed online via the official US Department of Homeland Security website  no later than 72 hours prior to travel to the USA, preferably much earlier. 

The visa waiver costs US$21 which is paid by credit card online and is valid for 2 years from the date of application unless your passport expires earlier. 

If your passport has expired recently and you have applied for a new passport, you will also need to apply for a new ESTA. Once the application is completed you will receive a travel authorisation number which must be printed out as it may be requested by check-in staff when checking in at the airport. 

NOTE: There are a number of third parties that have established websites that charge a fee for submitting your application on your behalf, so if you use one of these, you will pay more than US$21.

Travel Safety - Consular Directives

The Australian Government issues regular travel advice warnings for overseas travel. This information may be accessed by calling 1300 555 135 or visiting the Smartraveller website. Impact or DMN cannot provide any advice concerning the safety of travel and at all times passengers should make their own assessment based on Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Directives.

Health

Pre-travel preparation will help protect your health while you are away. Impact is not qualified to provide medical advice. This should be sought by consulting your GP at least three (3) months prior to travel, or reading the latest health updates for international travel on the Travelvax website  or calling them directly on 1300 360 164.

Fitness Levels and Weather

There is considerable walking involved with this tour, so participants need to have at least a moderate level of fitness and should be able to walk unaided. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Temperatures in Mexico in September (early autumn) will be mild in Mexico City and Puebla  with an average max 24 min 12 degrees centigrade. Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula will be warm and humid  with an average max 34 min 23 degrees centigrade.

Pricing

All pricing is quoted in Australian dollars and has been calculated according to exchange rates effective 12 April 2024. These costs are subject to alteration due to fluctuations in exchange rates. The pricing quoted in US dollars are confirmed. Changes in taxes within Mexico may alter the pricing.

Alteration of Itinerary

No change in the routing and/or itineraries is contemplated. However, the operator reserves the right to alter, amend or cancel any of the arrangements contained in this website.

Travel Documents

Please note that travel documents will be dispatched approximately two (2) weeks prior to the group departure dates. It is important if you are departing Australia earlier than the group dates that you advise Impact of your departure date in order to receive your documents before you leave.

Travel Insurance

It is strongly recommended that attendees consider travel insurance and this should be taken out at the time of booking. Like all forms of insurance there are a wide variety of options available from various companies. What is suitable for one could be quite inappropriate for another. Attendees should carefully consider these options and make the selection most relevant to their circumstances.

Note: It is rare that any travel insurance will cover disinclination to travel in the event of terrorist incidents. If you cancel for this reason, you will be liable for the full published cancellation fees as outlined in the terms and conditions on your registration form.

If you currently have an annual policy, please ensure that it is valid for this particular journey. If in doubt, please check with your insurance provider.

Terms & Conditions

Booking terms & conditions are outlined on the online booking form. It is very important that you read these terms and conditions before completing your booking.  Special note should also be made of the cancellation and amendment policies.