Planning a Road Trip down to Mexico?

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Taking a Mexico Road trip?

Many thousands of snowbirds make their way annually from Canada and the US to Mexico. Many RV and many more drive to warmer destinations and sunnier climates. Some of those travelers are nervous with reports about drug cartels and have opted to stay home while others just “couldn’t” winter in any other destination.

Mexico road travel experts Bill and Dot Bell have been driving extensively in Mexico for 25 years and offer plenty of advice to make your road trip safer and easier. They also offer a match-making service, Travel Buddies, for people who want to drive together for security and companionship.

“For safety’s sake we suggest drivers read up on the basics for Mexican driving. Don’t drive at night. Get out of border areas as soon as possible. Start your drive days early,” says Dot Bell. “Informed travelers are safer drivers.”
The Bells started the Travel Buddy service for Mexico road travelers five years ago and is free. It lists newbies, caravans as well as experienced drivers that enjoy showing new travelers the roads. “We are pleased that there are drivers that just want to share Mexico with others. It is an amazingly beautiful and diverse country,” says Bell. “Travel Buddies helps build skills and gives confidence to others.”

Mexico on the Road In Website

To sign up for the Free Travel Buddy service, simply send an email to dot@ontheroadin.comand answer the “Five Magic Questions.”

1. Name
2. Which border will you cross
3. When will you likely cross that border
4. What is your destination
5. How do people contact you (Facebook or email)

“We have helped hundreds of travels over the years” say Bill. “Become informed and have a wonderful vacation.”
Go to the Bell’s website at www.ontheroadin.com and check out the “Travel Buddies” Tab.

Traveling While Pregnant

c.cdc.gov

 

Although there are some special considerations for women who travel while pregnant— especially if they are going to a developing country—most pregnant women can travel safely with a little advance preparation. If you are pregnant and planning an international trip, follow these tips so that you and your baby stay safe and healthy.

Pre-Travel Care and Travel Health Insurance

The first thing you should do is make an appointment with a doctor who specializes in travel medicine, ideally at least 4–6 weeks before you leave. A travel medicine specialist can review your itinerary, make recommendations based on the health risks at your destination, and give you any vaccines you may need. You should also talk to your obstetrician about your trip, so he or she can make sure it is safe for you to travel. Your travel medicine doctor and your obstetrician may need to talk to each other about your care.

Next, consider how you are going to get care overseas, if you need it. Your health insurance in the United States might not pay for care you receive in another country, so check with your insurance company. Consider getting supplemental travel health insurance, and make sure the policy will also cover the baby if you give birth during your trip. If you are traveling to a remote area, an insurance policy that covers medical evacuation will pay for your transportation to a high-quality hospital, in case of emergency.

Transportation Issues

Before you book a flight, check how late in your pregnancy the airline will let you fly. Most will let you fly until 36 weeks, but some have an earlier cutoff. Your feet may become swollen on a long flight, so wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing, and try to walk around every hour or so. To reduce your risk of a blood clot, your doctor may recommend compression stockings or leg exercises you can do in your seat.

If you are going on a cruise, check with the cruise line to find out if they have specific guidance for pregnant women. Most will not allow you to travel after 24–28 weeks, and you may need to have a note from your doctor stating you are fit to travel.

At your destination, always wear a seatbelt on a car or bus. A lap belt with shoulder strap is best, and the straps should be placed carefully above and below your stomach.

Food and Water Safety

Travelers’ diarrhea is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and dehydration from travelers’ diarrhea can be more of a problem for pregnant women. In addition, other bacteria and viruses spread by food or water can lead to more severe illnesses that can cause problems for a pregnant woman and her baby. Therefore, if you are traveling in a developing country, you should carefully follow food and water safety measures:

• Eat only food that is cooked and served piping hot.
• Do not eat cold food or food that has been sitting at room temperature (such as a buffet).
• Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables only if you can peel them or wash them in clean water.
• Do not eat unpasteurized dairy products.
• Drink only water, sodas, or sports drinks that are bottled and sealed (carbonated is safer).
• Do not drink anything with ice in it—ice may be made with contaminated water.

If you get travelers’ diarrhea, the best thing to do is drink plenty of safe beverages while you wait for it to go away on its own. However, your doctor may give you an antibiotic you can take in case diarrhea is severe. Do not take products containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate.

Malaria

Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas with malaria. If you must go while you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about taking a drug to prevent malaria. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so you should also wear insect repellent for additional protection.

Transportation Safety in Mexico

nc.cdc.gov

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Mexico may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Mexico, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.

Flying

• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reportsavailable for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions for Mexico.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

 nc.cdc.gov

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Mexico’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mexico. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Auto Insurance to be Mandatory on Federal Roads

theyucatantimes.com

Does your car have insurance? No? Well, from now on you will need to insure it if you want to hit the road.

 

Last week the House of Representatives approved amendments to the Law on Roads, Bridges and Federal Motor Carrier that makes it mandatory for all vehicles traveling on toll roads, federal roads and bridges to have insurance for third party liability.

 

So if you live in a state where insurance is not mandatory (it is in Yucatán), you will need to obtain insurance coverage to drive on a federal highway.

 

Juan Carlos Muñoz Márquez, president of the Transport Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, said in an interview that since it was previously approved by the Senate, the amendment only requires enactment by the President to take effect immediately.

 

Federal Police vehicles on the Mérida – Cancún Highway

 

The amendments establish penalties and fines of between 20 and 40 days of minimum wage to those driving without an insurance policy that covers third parties for damages arising from an accident.  The fine would be waived if the motorist obtains insurance within 45 days.

 

Regular inspections will be conducted by the Federal Police.  Proof of insurance may be required by the Ministry of Public Security, via the Federal Police, through inspections on roads or when a Traffic Regulation is violated.

 

Car Insurance to be mandatory

 

Currently 32 companies sell this type of insurance, although the number will grow because of greater demand.  The insurance companies will supply a wider variety of these products, and therefore, premium insurance prices are expected to decrease.

 

Planning a family vacation

pintsizepilot.com

1. managing expectations

While traveling with a little one (or little ones) is wonderful, it is a drastically different experience from pre-child trips. Once you accept that you will be digging in the sand, not resting on it; playing in the pool, not floating on it; and that “happy hour” is any time your baby or child is not demanding one on one attention; you are ready to start planning.

2. setting up for success

What things are absolutely necessary for you to have a good vacation? For one person it might be a trip to the spa, while for another it might be an afternoon of uninterrupted reading. May we suggest:

• If you are traveling with a partner, plan to take turns watching your child so that each of you can have some time to pursue something you enjoy.

• Consider bringing grandma, aunty or another caregiver along to do a little babysitting.

• Find out if your preferred hotel or resort offers certified babysitters, at what cost, and if they need to be arranged in advance. Hotel babysitting services can sometimes be very expensive so you could also research outside agencies. Please see the following North American directory for a babysitter on vacation.

• A baby or kid’s club can be a great option, but be sure to find out the cost, what the age requirements are, if they are fully supervised, if you need to pre-register, and if it will be in operation during your travel dates (some are only offered during high season).

3. where to go

Traveling with a child may require you to put extra thought into your destination and type of accommodation, especially if you have a newborn.

Thing to consider include:

• proximity to good medical care
• access to clean drinking water (especially if you are formula feeding)
• childcare options
• vacation home rental versus hotel or resort

This is not to say that you can’t go anywhere you want. Travel magazines are full of stories about amazing travelers who circumnavigate the globe with a baby in a sling. It is advisable, however, to either choose a destination relatively close to home or in a country with a very high standard of medical care until your baby is at least six months old.
Traveling with a child may require you to put extra thought into your destination and type of accommodation, especially if you have a newborn.

4. safety first

If you do make the decision to travel to a less developed country, or a tropical location, we recommend looking up your destination on the website of the Center for Disease Control in case there are any medical advisories you should be aware of (Malaria, Dengue Fever etc.). On the website, you will find advice on how to minimize your risk, suggested vaccinations, and recommendations on types of medications to bring with you. If necessary, plan to visit a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks prior to your trip. Bring with you the immunization records for each family member. Use the following links for a list of travel medicine clinics in the U.S. or in Canada (in Canada they are often referred to as Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres despite the fact that they vaccinate for a variety of travel related diseases).

Should you be interested in other information, such as the current political climate or any serious weather advisories in the region you plan to travel to, you can research your destination through the U.S. State Department or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

5. can you drink the water?

In many fantastic vacations spots, the tap water contains microbes that can cause diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration if ingested (think Mexico). You can still travel to these places with your baby or small child, but you need to give some thought as to how you will deal with this inconvenience. Carefully chosen accommodation (ideally with a water filtration system), or a well tipped maid bringing you copious amounts of bottled water can also make this job much easier.

The following steps will reduce your risk:

• Use bottled or purified water, a brush and dish soap to clean any of your child’s bottles, cups, bowls, and utensils. After washing, sterilize all of these items. For information on how to do so, please consult the babycenter. com website.

• Use only sterilized water for teeth brushing and wiping sticky hands and faces.

• Do not let your child have anything with ice in it unless you can be sure the ice has been made from sterilized water.

• Make sure your child does not swallow any water when in the bath or shower.

6. are children welcome?

Does the accommodation you are considering welcome children by providing rooms and services that will make your trip easier? A family friendly hotel or resort will offer some, if not all of the following features and amenities (ideally without an additional charge) :

• high chairs and booster seats

• cribs and playpens

• child proofed rooms

• baby monitors for loan

• gradual entry pool

• llfe jackets

• toys

• babysitting service

• baby or kids club

• large rooms with a private sleeping area for your child

• adjoining rooms

• kitchenette or fridge and microwave

• complimentary laundry service for kids or in-room washer and dryer

• room service

• baby menu, kids menu or buffet

• in room entertainment system

• coffee maker for bleary eyed, sleep deprived parents

When researching a hotel or resort, it is also helpful to spend some time reading reviews specifically from families. Tripadvisor.com, and  Family Vacation Critic are both decent resources.

7. love your room

With a child now sharing your space, you need to think about the location, layout and size of your room within the hotel or resort.

The most important consideration is where you will be when your child is sleeping. Having accommodation with a separate bedroom, walk in closet where you could fit a crib, or a living room with a sofa bed, allows you to still enjoy this time. Even a nice patio where you can retreat to can make all the difference between being on vacation, and feeling like you are a prisoner of your room. Many parents we have spoken to (as well as the author) have spent evenings holed up in the bathroom with a bottle of wine watching a movie so as not to disturb their child; but generally this is not ideal. The long and short of it is that if at all possible spend the extra dollars and get the suite, the one bedroom, or the adjoining rooms rather than a single standard room.

Depending on your personal style and the temperament of your child you may also want to:

• request a room away from the noise of the elevator/bar/restaurant

• request a room away from other guests so you do not need worry about a screaming baby disturbing anyone

• request a room close enough to the amenities that you can use a baby monitor while you child is napping(not everyone is comfortable doing this of course)

8. vacation home rentals

Many parents find renting a house or apartment a much more convenient option than a hotel. The benefits of a home rental  include: more privacy, more space, a lower per night cost, laundry facilities, a kitchen, and the ability to have meals and naps on your schedule, not on that of a hotel. Several popular vacation rental companies include  VRBO.com, and Airbnb.com (be sure to use the ‘kid-friendly’). Also worth taking a look at is KidandCoe.com which features some very special family properties

There are several potential drawbacks to vacation rentals of course. Booking it may require a little more time and work than a hotel as you are often dealing with an individual owner. Another consideration is that since you now have the ability to do more for yourself, you may find that you spend a lot of your trip cooking and cleaning. For a price, however, anything is possible. If needed, you can arrange maid service and plan to eat some of your meals in restaurants. You could also hire a babysitting or nanny service to give yourself a break once in a while. Some home and villa rental companies even offer a concierge service that can help to arrange things for you such as pre-stocking the kitchen with groceries. For a list of reputable villa rental agencies around the world, please see this Travel and Leisure article.

If the property you have selected does not have certain things that you need such as a crib, almost every city has a baby equipment rental company. The following link will provide you with a directory of baby equipment rental companies in North America.

9. passports for international travel

If you are traveling internationally you will need a passport for everyone in your family no matter how old they are (this includes newborns). The processing time for a passport in Canada is about 10-20 days and in the U.S. it is about 4-6 weeks (although in both countries it can be done in as little as a few days for a higher cost). Give yourself ample time since the application is lengthy and there is nothing worse than being a week away from travel and not having your documents in order. For more information on getting a passport, consult the website for Passport Canada or the US Department of State. If you already have a passport, make sure that it does not expire within 6 months of your trip as this is generally frowned upon by foreign governments.

Single parents planning to obtain a passport for their child will be expected to present a copy of the court order establishing custody and guardianship. Also important to note is that regardless of custody or guardianship, if only one parent is traveling internationally with a child, they may be asked to provide to customs and immigration a notarized letter of consent signed by the other parent. Please see the following link for an example of a letter of consent.

10. visas for international travel

In addition to presenting your passport, some countries require that you have a tourist visa for entry. To find out if you need one for your travel destination, check on the following government website links for Canada and the US.

11. programs that will get you through the airport faster

More than the flight itself, one of the most dreaded parts about airplane travel with babies, toddlers and kids, is the security screening process. While there have been small improvements over recent years (such as the fact that children no longer need to remove their shoes), the new TSA Pre expedited screening lane is making things much easier for qualified passengers and their children 12 years and under. These pre-screened travelers are allowed to leave their shoes, light outerwear and belt on, keep their laptop in its case, and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on,when traveling through one of 115 designated airports across the U.S.A. and most recently Canada (Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto with Air Canada).

There is a bit of a laundry list of things required to participate in the program including either a personal invitation from TSA-Pre, or membership in the following trusted traveler programs; CBP Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. You also need to be flying domestically in the U.S. on one of the following airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America (or on Air Canada between the U.S.A. and Canada). Still, if you can qualify it can be a real time and stress saver.  For more information on the program see the TSA Pre website or for entry through another trusted traveler program, see the GOES website.

12. travel insurance

We all know that buying travel insurance is important when traveling out of country, but your chances of needing medical, cancellation or trip interruption insurance are much more likely when traveling with a child. A serious medical problem out of country can easily cost you more than $50,000 especially if you require an ambulance or an air evacuation.