10 ways to stay healthy on vacation

How to outsmart germs and more while you're traveling

Published: May 2014

consumerreports.com

Travelers lay a lot of groundwork for summer vacations by researching locations, airfares, and the best hotel deals. But planning how to stay healthy (and what to do if they happen to get sick) usually isn’t part of their preparation. It should be. “There are several travel-related health concerns to think about no matter where you’re going,” says Orly Avitzur, M.D., medical adviser for Consumer Reports. Follow these strategies to stay well while you’re away from home:

1. Check your insurance coverage

 

Emergencies such as broken bones or heart attacks are usually covered outside of your network or area, but doctor visits may not be. In foreign countries, you might have no coverage at all. If you have a chronic health condition or you’ll be doing something that could conceivably lead to injury, consider buying travel health insurance. Avoid commission-driven policies sold by tour operators, cruise-line representatives, and travel agents. Instead, check out an online broker, such as InsureMyTrip, that sells coverage from multiple companies.

2. Download your health records

 

If your doctor has a patient portal, you can access portions of your medical record, such as medications, allergies, and other vital pieces of information. Download it to a thumb drive and take it with you to give doctors instant access in case of an emergency.

3. Find where to get medical help

 

Knowing the quality of health care you’ll have access to is especially important if you have a chronic condition, are traveling outside of the U.S., or will be taking a cruise. “Contrary to popular belief, cruise ships are not floating hospitals,” Avitzur says. According to international maritime law, they aren’t even required to have a doctor onboard; a crew member with medical training is sufficient. Basic treatment such as stitches or IV fluids may be available, but for anything serious, you probably will have to disembark at the next port of call.

4. Stash medicines in your carry-on

 

Even if you don’t have to take a dose during your flight, it’s best to have medications with you instead of in your checked bags, in case the luggage is lost. Be sure to pack enough of any prescription medication to last the entire trip, plus a little extra.

5. Baby your back

 

Lugging a heavy suitcase onto a plane to avoid paying baggage fees may cost you in another way. When people hoist their suitcase into the overhead bin, they often swing it too fast and away from their body, says Raj Rao, M.D., a professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The farther the suitcase is from your body, the greater the toll on your back as you lift it. When you stow the bag, hold it as close to your body as possible, bend at your hips and knees, then carefully raise it without twisting.

6. Don't sit still

 

Photo: Digital Vision.

Sitting for long periods on a plane or in a car without moving raises the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening blood clot in your lungs. The clot usually forms in a vein in your leg, and may break off and travel through your bloodstream. Warning signs include pain and/or swelling in one calf.  A similar risk has been found with traveling by car, bus, or train. If you can’t get up from your seat, flex and extend your feet (like you’re pushing the gas pedal of a car) at least once per hour. When driving, stop the car every 2 hours or so to take a walk or to stretch.

7. Outsmart germs

 

Photo: AlexRaths

From norovirus to colds and flu, certain infections spread easily where large numbers of people congregate—planes, hotels, cruise ships. Your best defense is to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as you can. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

8. Drink a lot of water

 

That sluggish feeling you get while flying may have nothing to do with jet lag. Being dehydrated, even mildly, can cause fatigue. The air in planes is very low in humidity. That can lower fluid levels in the body and dry out your eyes, skin, mouth, and nasal passages. Not only is that uncomfortable, but a dry nose is the perfect incubator for a cold virus.

9. Watch what you eat and drink

 

Enjoy the local cuisine, but don’t overdo it. Studies have identified that the highest likelihood of sudden cardiac death occurs on holidays associated with overindulgence, such as Thanksgiving. Triglycerides—a type of fat that becomes elevated in your blood after a large meal—can cause coronary artery inflammation, a common prelude to a heart attack, Avitzur says. Eating your way through Italy, for example, could create the same conditions in your body.

10. Prevent traveler's diarrhea

 

Sticking to bottled water and hot, freshly prepared foods is your best defense. But bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and generic) has a mild antibacterial effect, and taking it may cut your odds of getting diarrhea in half. Take two tablets four times per day throughout your trip. Cut back if you become constipated, and stop taking it if you experience ringing in your ears. It contains salicylate, an ingredient in aspirin, so check with your doctor if you have ulcers or other medical conditions.

11 items to pack in your travel medical kit

foxnews.com

By Sue Byrne

Published July 05, 2014

When you leave home, it pays to be prepared in case you get sick. Although you might be able to find medication at your destination, you could fall ill late at night and pharmacies might be closed.

And if you're going abroad, consider that the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 50 percent of the drugs on shelves in the developing world are substandard or counterfeit. No matter where your travels take you, the CDC recommends bringing the following items in a carry-on bag that you keep with you.

• Your prescription medications in their original containers with your name and dosing regimen on the label (take what you'll need for the duration of your trip, plus a few extra days' worth just in case).
• Copies of your prescriptions, including the generic names of the drugs.
• Pain medication, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
• An over-the-counter drug for diarrhea, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D and generic) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and generic).
• A mild laxative.
• An antacid.
• An antihistamine, a decongestant, and a cough suppressant for colds and allergies.
• Medication for motion sickness.
• A hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol).

Taking Medication Abroad

by Chantelle Dadd
alphatravelinsurance.co.uk


If you have a pre-existing medical condition, chances are you will have to take prescribed medication on a regular basis to keep your condition under control. When travelling abroad, there are many rules and regulations regarding what you can and cannot bring with you. Take a look at the tips and advice below around medication and prescriptions overseas.

Firstly, gather up all of the medications that you are currently taking so that you do not forget any. If you are undergoing investigation regarding a new medical condition, please be aware that you might be prescribed additional medication prior to travel that you will need to leave room for.

Make a note of the full name of the medications you are taking, not just the short name.

Check the restrictions as some countries limit the amount of medication you can take with you. The rules of each country differ, so what might be considered safe and allowed in the UK might not be in another country.

Check with your airline prior to travel and ask them what their medication procedure is. Usually they will require you to also obtain a Doctor’s note, which should contain your name, date of birth, travel dates, the countries you are visiting, what medication and your reasons for taking it.

All medicines and letters should be carried and stored within your hand luggage, not in your hold luggage.

If you are carrying essential medication within your hand luggage, most airlines will require you to put them all in a 20x20cm clear plastic bag and seal it shut. If you have a large amount of medication or have containers that mean that bag cannot be sealed, it is worth contacting your airline provider beforehand and enquire as to their individual procedures regarding on-board medication.

If you have medicines which need to be kept cool, these can be stored in a small cool bag for the duration of your trip. Check with your accommodation in advance if there will be a fridge in your room, if not, can this be arranged?

Bring the medication with you in its original packaging. This not only helps airline staff, but usually the box will have all your details affixed to the front in the form of a sticker.

Make a note of important phone numbers, such as your Doctor, pharmacist, and any specialists you are currently seeing that relate to your medical condition.

Photocopy any prescriptions and bring the copies with you, just in case. If you are travelling to Europe, make sure you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) because if you need any medication abroad you will be able to get this for the same price as residents.

Purchase travel insurance and declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your provider through medical screening. If you face any problems abroad, they will be able to help you and know exactly what you are taking if you have declared it beforehand.

Health Care Abroad

 independenttraveler.com

No one wants to imagine being sick or injured on vacation -- but if the worst happens, it pays to be prepared. A few minor precautions can save you considerable hassle, time and money, and offer you peace of mind if you encounter health problems while traveling.

Medical practices abroad may be very different than those you're used to at home, and language barriers can make matters worse. Between these factors and the fact that a new doctor won't be familiar with your medical history, it's crucial to prepare as much as possible for medical emergencies.

The following tips, contact information, medication names and additional resources will help you find health care abroad and deal with medical needs both minor and critical.

Learn About Your Destination

If you aren't familiar with the country you're visiting, the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheets are a good place to start to see what type of medical services will be available to you once you're there. Select your country and look for "Medical Facilities and Health Information." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has destination-specific health information.

Check Your Insurance

Before you travel, call your health insurance provider to see what coverage, if any, you will have in the destinations you're visiting. Some insurance companies will not cover injuries or illness outside your home country, while others require that you pay for any treatment up front and then apply for reimbursement after you get home. If you're not satisfied with the coverage available to you, look into purchasing a travel insurance policy that will cover health care and emergency medical evacuation.


Collect Health Care Contact Information Before You Leave

Keep the following information with you at all times:

- Your regular doctor's office, home and/or cell phone numbers in case you need a consultation while traveling

- HMO/insurance company contact information in case you need to get approval for treatment (don't forget your insurance card)

- Travel insurance company contact information, if applicable

- Embassy contact info for countries in which you are traveling

Also, ask your doctor for a contact name and number in the event of an emergency that occurs outside of his or her regular office hours.

All of this information should be with your primary identification in your carry-on luggage, wallet, purse or money belt so that, should you be incapacitated, whoever comes to your assistance will find it. If you have serious allergies or a medical condition such as diabetes, be sure to ask your doctor about medical emergency bracelets.

Know the Generic Names of Your Medications

Common brand names at home may not be available or widely known where you are traveling. It's a good idea to bring along a list of any medications you're currently taking, but be sure to include the scientific name as well as the brand name (such as atorvastatin calcium for Lipitor or esomeprazole for Nexium).




Knowing the generic/medical names of common medications is also helpful when you're hunting for over-the-counter remedies in a foreign country. We recommend packing a range of common travel medications in a first-aid kit before you leave, but if you need to replenish your supplies while traveling, keep in mind the following generic medication names:

- Advil/Motrin = ibuprofen
- Aleve = naproxen
- Tylenol/Excedrin = acetaminophen
- Bayer, others = aspirin
- Benadryl = diphenhydramine
- Dramamine = dimenhydrinate
- Bonine = meclizine
- Pepto-Bismol = bismuth subsalicylate
- Antacids = calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide
- Imodium = loperamide

Because it can be difficult or even impossible to get prescription medications when traveling in remote locations, we recommend bringing enough extra medication to tide you over in case of flight delays or other occurrences that might unexpectedly extend your trip.

Medical Assistance Companies

Membership in a medical assistance company buys you access to an extremely wide range of medical and other services, from the mundane (vaccination recommendations, doctor referrals, legal advice) to the dramatic (repatriation, emergency evacuations).

Plans, services and prices can vary widely, so read all information carefully, and compare the various service levels and companies. A few recommended medical assistance companies include InternationalSOS.com, OnCallInternational.com and TravelAssistance.com.

Locating Doctors and Clinics While Traveling Abroad

The U.S. State Department provides a list of doctors and hospitals abroad. The nearest embassy or consulate in your destination should also have recommendations. Finally, check your guidebook -- many include hospital, clinic or doctor recommendations.


 

Especially at upscale lodgings, ask the hotel concierge for physician recommendations. Some doctors will make "house calls" to your hotel. Alternatively, your best bet may be to contact the nearest medical school, where you will often find English-speaking doctors and students.

If you travel frequently, you may wish to look into becoming a member of the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT). Membership is free and grants you access to a database of English-speaking doctors and clinics around the world. See iamat.org.

Obtain Information at Your Location

If you are sick or injured, ask for complete contact information (including a fax number) of the hospital or clinic at which you're being treated before you call your doctor or insurance provider. Having this information will make it easier for your provider to process your claim and to fax pertinent documentation to your caregivers.

Food Safety: How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

independenttraveller.com

You love to sample foods around the world -- but while your palate may be game, your stomach isn't always up to the challenge. To prevent spending half your trip running to the bathroom, it's important to find a middle ground between sampling local cuisines and treating your belly well.

First, understand that the food you eat at home isn't necessarily "safer" than food abroad; it's often simply that your body isn't accustomed to it. One important difference between home-grown and foreign foods is the use of more "natural" fertilizers abroad, which can carry bacteria that could cause intestinal distress -- also known as traveler's tummy.

A few of the most common foodborne illnesses include salmonellosis (caused by salmonella bacteria), E. coli infection and Norwalk virus. Outbreaks of these and other foodborne illnesses are monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); it's worth checking out the Web sites of these organizations before you travel to see if any of the places you're visiting are currently affected. These sites will also inform you about any ongoing threats you might face where you're going, such as typhoid or hepatitis.

Your best defense against foodborne illnesses is not to panic, but to use common sense -- and with that in mind, we've compiled these tips for eating well and eating safely no matter where you travel.


What (Not) to Eat and Drink

The most common source of dietary problems while traveling is drinking water, including ice. 

Cold meat platters, cheese, buffet foods and unsealed mayonnaise are often home to rampant bacteria.

Seafood dishes are notorious for causing intestinal problems, as fish accumulate contaminants from a wide variety of sources. Smaller fish tend to be safer. Fish organs and shellfish (such as clams, mussels and oysters) are usually best avoided.

Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, including cheese and yogurt. Check labels for evidence of pasteurization; most canned milk is safe.

Nuts and other shelled foods are usually a good choice.

Coffee and tea are generally harmless, but it's best to take your hot drinks black, without potentially contaminated milk. Cream from sealed containers, if pasteurized, is usually safe.

The traveler's mantra, attributed to colonial explorers, goes something like this: "Cook it, wash it, peel it or forget it." Freshly cooked foods are less likely to acquire airborne contaminants, and raw foods such as salads, and fruits and vegetables without peels, are often likely culprits for trouble. Fruits and vegetables you can peel yourself are usually safe.

Condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup and salad dressings are safest in sealed packages.

Order portions "well done" or at least "medium well," and eat them only if served hot. Be careful especially of runny eggs and sandwiches with lots of raw vegetables.

Beer and wine in other countries may contain more or less alcohol content than in the United States. Pay attention to the effects of all drinks. Moderation is the safest course of action.



Eating Out
It may be convenient, but it's often risky to purchase food from street vendors. Be sure your dish is served hot, and take a look at the cart or kiosk before ordering. Does it look clean and well kept? Is it busy? (The fewer the customers, the longer the food may sit before being served.)

When choosing a restaurant, our advice is similar: Go with the people flow. Busy restaurants typically serve fresh, clean and safe food. Still, ask that your meal be cooked well, and take normal precautions. If you're in a non-English-speaking country, it's a good idea to have a phrasebook on hand to help translate the menu and avoid potentially risky dishes.

One other bit of advice, straight from the mouths of moms everywhere: Wash your hands before you eat. Keep in mind that you must use "safe" water to wash not only your hands but also any foods you're preparing.


General Nutrition
Those most at risk for foodborne illness are the pregnant, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. However, being on the road can be rough on even the healthiest travelers. In the midst of dashing from one place to the next, it's easy to neglect proper nutrition; following irregular eating schedules or existing for days on the same foods can compromise the immune system and cause a cascade of health problems. Try to maintain a well-balanced diet. In the absence of meat, you can find protein in eggs, nuts, lentils and tofu. Peelable fruit and vegetables are a good source of trace minerals and vitamins. Make sure your diet includes breads and grains such as rice. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of (safe) water.

Supplements and vitamins, including iron pills, can help maintain balance when your diet is insufficient. Also, "sports bars" such as Balance or Power Bars are excellent, nutrient-packed travel snacks.



Special Needs

The vegetarian lifestyle has moved into the mainstream in many parts of the world, and vegetarian sections have become common on restaurant menus. However, be careful of any entree that is not specifically marked as vegetarian, especially in places such as South America, where beef and other meats are important staples. In these cases, you may explain to a waiter that you do not eat meat, and yet be served lasagna made with meat sauce. Be aware that sauces and soups are often made with meat stock. Buying your own food at a grocery or other merchant is often your best option.

If you have allergies or food intolerances, or are on a special diet (low sugar, low calorie, etc.), it's especially important that you have a phrasebook to help you decipher foreign language menus. Like vegetarians, you may want to consider purchasing your own food at a grocery store.

Medical Travel Tips For A Successful Experience

Posted by Dr. Santiago Hernandez, October 10, 2013
chapalamed.com
 

 

Medical travel in Mexico is becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. The standard of service is as good as or better than your local hospital, yet the cost is far less expensive and you get the opportunity to visit and recuperate in tropical surroundings. However, like any hospital or holiday, medical tourism is not without its mishaps, so to ensure you have a positive experience in Mexico here are some tips you should follow through before booking medical travel.

Research the hospital

Medical travel is a little different to your average holiday and you want to ensure that nothing goes wrong. But it is also quite natural for patients to feel some apprehension therefore by thoroughly researching the medical facility where you will receive your treatment you will avoid the stress and it will give you peace of mind.

Read reviews left by other patients on online travel sites such as TripAdvisor and see what other people are saying about their experience, the professionalism of the hospital staff and the standard of the equipment used in the hospital. To give some measure against the information you find, the majority of medical facilities in Mexico use state of the art equipment, are extremely clean and employ English speaking staff.

Questions to ask before booking medical travel

When enquiring about medical travel you want to make sure that the agency and medical facility you use are going to provide you with everything you require. Some medical procedures can be very stressful so you need to ensure that the travel package caters for your every need so that you have nothing to worry about other than the success of the operation.

You need to know that the procedure you need can be performed, how long it takes, what experience the doctor has and what aftercare you will receive. Bear in mind that aftercare is often essential after a medical procedure and you should expect it to be included in the package.

Accommodation is important on any holiday and you will want to know what facilities there are at the hospital. This may be crucial to your recuperation process depending on the type of surgery you have undertaken. Ideally you want to be accommodated in a quiet, peaceful hotel preferably with a spa.

Keep your doctor in the know

Before you have any surgery it is always best to tell your GP – especially if you are considering medical travel overseas. It is advisable to consult with your local doctor to ask his opinion about medical travel and for him to confirm you are safe to travel. Keeping your doctor up-to-date with your medical history also allows him or her to prepare for any post-treatment care once you return home. You also need to ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records to take with you.

To avoid unnecessary stress it is also a good idea to prepare our documents ahead of your journey. Make sure your passport is still valid and apply for visa. Take photocopies of each and keep them separate. You may also need a valid driving license. Follow this advice and you will enjoy a successful medical travel experience.

Mazatlan Destination Basics

westjet.com

Climate

Situated south of the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan enjoys temperate, semi-tropical weather year round. 

January, February and March are the coolest months, when the balmy, sunny days cool down during the evenings. If you do plan to visit during these months, be sure to bring a sweater and a pair of pants so you can enjoy the sea breezes when the sun goes down.

If you like to sleep with the windows open, this is the ideal time of year to go. You'll still need a bathing suit or two, flip-flops, hat and sunscreen during the day.

July through to September is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures reaching an average high of 32 C. That's when savvy locals take an afternoon siesta, jump into the pool or head for an air-conditioned bar or cafe.

This is also the rainy season, but it only rains sporadically for short periods. Visitors may experience some exciting thunder-and-lightning shows at night. By late October, the temperature starts to drop again.

 

What makes it different?

In Mazatlan, there are plenty of activities to keep the entire family happy. Check out Latin America's largest aquarium, where you can swim with sea creatures, or why not root for the home team at the baseball stadium?

For sand and surf, Mazatlan has several beaches – Playa Camaron, Playa Las Gaviotas, Playa Sabalo, Playa Brujas and Playa Cerritos, among others. Try surfing on Playa Brujas beach, named for the female witch doctors that used to perform their rituals here.

Sports fans, name your game and you can probably play or watch it here. Want to take a swing? Mazatlan is emerging as a hot destination for golfers. There are currently 72 fairways – and more are always in the works.

Meanwhile, serious snorkellers and divers will find underwater paradise off the shores of Deer Island (Isla de Venados) and Goat Island (Isla Chivos) nearby. And as the billfish capital of the world, Mazatlan seldom disappoints those in search of a trophy angling experience.

If you enjoy getting a sense of local culture, there is a vibrant art, music and theatre scene in Old Mazatlan. You might find yourself dancing to banda, a form of music that injects Latin energy into traditional German polka music. Unique to Sinaloa state, banda was created when Bavarian immigrants arrived around the turn of the 20th century.

Food lovers will enjoy the variety of restaurants here, from funky beach shacks to romantic candlelit courtyards. Shrimp doesn't come any fresher, and the talented chefs all over town have mastered fantastic recipes. Try the shrimp breaded in coconut, marinated ceviche-style in lime juice, smothered in garlic and butter, flambéed in tequila, spiked with a Diablo sauce or just plain steamed.

And when the sun goes down, Mazatlan's night clubs and bars offer everything from discos and karaoke bars to salsa on the beach.

Now, here's the best part – since it doesn't rely solely on tourism, Mazatlan gives visitors a taste of authentic Mexico at prices considerably less than other destinations on the Pacific coast. So live it up in Mazatlan, where your pesos really do go further.

Geography

 

Mazatlan is located on Mexico's Pacific coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains in the state of Sinaloa.

For centuries, the port's strategic location at the juncture of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez attracted foreigners from Spain, France, Germany, America and Asia. Its location provided important access to Mexico's natural bounty, but it also meant the city was frequently besieged by invaders and pirates at different points in its history.

For travellers looking to explore Mexico from a home base, Mazatlan is the ideal gateway to the country. The Baja California peninsula is a short flight or overnight ferry ride away. Magnificent cities such as Guadalajara are approximately 45 minutes away by air, or five hours by coach.

Mazatlan has a great deal of natural beauty as well. Lagoons, estuaries and rivers running through the state are lifelines to rich ecosystems and agricultural fields. Mazatlan's unspoiled nature also attracts avid bird-watchers from all over the globe.

As Mexico's second-largest coastal city, Mazatlan has nearly 600,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into three main areas: Old Mazatlan (Centro Historico), the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) and New Mazatlan (Nuevo Mazatlan). An 11-km coastal road runs between Old Mazatlan and the Golden Zone.

Culture 

 

For thousands of years prior to the first Spanish arrival, the Native American Nahua tribes migrated through Mazatlan, which they called "land of the deer," after the herds that once roamed along the countryside.

Spaniards founded the port in the early 16th century and it thrived due to the nearby gold and silver mines of El Rosario, Copala and Panuco. However, frequent pirate attacks stifled early development.

The pirates disappeared by 1800, but legends of buried treasures in the caves along the coast still circulate today.

In the 1840s, American settlers passed through Mazatlan on their way to the gold fields of California. By the end of the 19^th century, Mazatlan was a thriving international seaport, attracting people from various parts of the world. To this day, there are strong German, Spanish, French, North American and Asian influences.

In the 1940s, Hollywood discovered Mazatlan and, soon after, tourists came knocking. Most of the development in what's called the Golden Zone around the beaches happened shortly after, in the 1960s.
Today Mazatlan continues to attract visitors from all over the world who love all this city has to offer – an authentic Mexican retreat, plus all the seduction of a beach destination.

Approximately 120,000 Canadians visit Mazatlan each year, many of them returning over and over again. In fact, more than 2,500 Canadians make Mazatlan their winter home and become actively involved in community events and charities. The locals, known as Mazatlecos, are fun, friendly, helpful and justifiably proud of their hometown.

Transportation

 

There are a variety of transportation methods available in Mazatlan that come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Whether it's oversized golf carts (pulmonias), red or green striped "Eco-Taxis" or public buses, there is no shortage of ways to get around this beautiful city.

Open air pulmonias are unique to this area, with hundreds roaming the streets. Popular among locals and tourists, these small carts will take you wherever you want to go in the city. Just be sure to ask for the rate before hopping in since the rates may vary.

Since there is no real pricing grid for pulmonias or Eco-Taxis, you do have an opportunity to bargain your way to a good deal for transportation. However, as the night grows later, the cost for transportation will increase.

Buses usually run from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. To get from the Golden Zone to downtown (Centro Historico), the bus is often your best option. The fare is only around four pesos but make sure you hang on to the ticket the driver hands you – proof of purchase is checked frequently here.

Currency

 

The Mexican peso is the official currency in Mazatlan. Canadian currency and travellers cheques are not widely accepted, and most stores in Mexico do not accept debit cards, so using pesos for purchases is usually simplest.

To exchange your Canadian cash or travellers cheques, stop by one of the many banks, exchange kiosks or your hotel front desk. Just don't forget your passport – it's required to cash your travellers cheques. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs found in banks, grocery stores and hotels.

Although American money is widely accepted, regulations are now in place to limit the amount of U.S. cash both residents and visitors can exchange in Mexico.

By regulation, the maximum visitors can exchange per month is US$1,500. Many financial institutions have imposed additional rules, limiting this amount further to US$300 per transaction.

As for using American money for purchases, local businesses will only accept a maximum of US$100 per transaction; however, there is no limit on the maximum number of transactions per customer. You should also keep in mind that many businesses in Mexico have chosen to forgo accepting U.S. money altogether. The best way to pay is therefore with Mexican pesos or credit card.

Travel requirements 

 

Arrival
During your flight into Mazatlan Airport, you’ll receive two forms to fill out. One is your Customs Declaration Form. The other is your Multiple Migratory Form for Foreigners or FMM for short. One Customs Declaration Form needs to be filled out per family, while each guest must complete an FMM.

In Mexico, there is a tourism tax of US$20 per person. For your convenience, when you fly WestJet, this tax is included in the price of your airfare.

Upon arrival in Mazatlan, a Mexican immigration officer will ask you for your passport and photo ID and for your FMM. The immigration officer may ask you a few questions as to the purpose of your trip, how long you will be staying and if this is your first time in Mexico. The officer will then stamp the card and return a portion of it to you.

Keep your FMM in a safe place – you will be asked for this document when you depart Mexico.

After passing through immigration, you will collect your bags and proceed to customs. A customs agent will ask you for your Customs Declaration Form and ask you to press a button on a device that looks like a traffic light. A green light means "pass through without inspection" and a red light means "your baggage will be inspected." If you get the red light, you will have to open your bags for a quick inspection.

If you've booked hotel transfers with WestJet Vacations, look for a friendly Pronatours representative holding a WestJet Vacations sign once you depart customs. Be sure to identify yourself as a WestJet Vacations guest. As you make your way outside to your hotel transfer shuttle, you will find several representatives from other transfer companies, tour operators and timeshare sellers in the corridor soliciting business. Please ensure you make your way promptly to the Pronatours transportation to avoid delays.

Departure

When departing Mazatlan, you'll need to provide officials with your signed FMM card. Lost FMMs can be replaced at the airport or at the immigration office before you check in for your return flight. However, there is a fee to obtain a replacement card.

Vaccinations

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, typhoid and tetanus are commonly recommended. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that all travellers to Mexico get vaccinated for the H1N1 flu virus before leaving Canada.

Voltage 

 

Mexico uses the North American standard plug, however some properties have only two-pronged receptacles in the room rather than three-pronged receptacles.

Jellyfish!!

emedicinehealth.com

Jellyfish Stings Overview

 

Jellyfish are free-swimming, non-aggressive, gelatinous marine animals surrounded by tentacles. These tentacles are covered with sacs (nematocysts) that are filled with poison (venom) that can cause a painful to sometimes life-threatening sting. The marine animals included in the "family" are jellyfish, box jellyfish (sea wasps), Portuguese man-of-war, hydroids, anemones, and fire coral. Jellyfish are found throughout the world. But, the most deadly are found in the Indo-Pacific and Australian waters.

Jellyfish are usually found near the surface of the water during times of diminished light, floating in the water column, or after washing up on the beach. Jellyfish stings are generally accidental - from swimming or wading into a jellyfish or carelessly handling them.

Some types of jellyfish have reproductive jelly gatherings 8 to 10 days after a full moon, thus there is an increase in the number of jellyfish found at that time.

There are over 200 types of jellyfish (that have been documented).

Jellyfish Sting Symptoms

• Symptoms include an intense, stinging pain, itching, rash, and raised welts.
  
  
• The progressive effects of a jellyfish sting may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lymph node swelling, abdominal pain, numbness/tingling, and muscle spasms.
  
  
• Severe reactions can cause difficulty breathing, coma, and death.
  
  
• A sting from a box jellyfish or other venomous types of jellyfish can cause death in minutes.

Jellyfish Stings Treatment

• If you are stung by a box jellyfish, seek medical help immediately. While you are waiting for medical help, flood the area with vinegar until medical help is available and keep as still as possible. If you are not close to medical care, soak the area and tentacles for 10 minutes or more, before attempting to remove them. If the sting is on the arms or legs, you can place a pressure dressing (like an ACE wrap used for a sprained ankle) around the sting. Be careful that you do not stop blood flow - the fingers and toes should always stay pink. This will help to slow down the spread of the toxin.
  
  
• For other jellyfish stings, soak or rinse the area in vinegar (acetic acid) for 15-30 minutes to stop the nematocysts from releasing their toxins. If you do not have vinegar available, rinse in sea water,70% isopropyl alcohol, or Safe Sea Jellyfish After Sting® pain relief gel. Do not use fresh water. Fresh water will cause the nematocysts to continue to release their toxin. For the same reason, do not rub the area, apply ice or hot water.
  
  
• Remove tentacles with a stick or a pair of tweezers. Wear gloves if you have them available.
  
  
• Apply shaving cream or a paste of baking soda to the area. Shave the area with a razor or credit card to remove any adherent nematocysts. Then reapply vinegar or alcohol. The shaving cream or paste prevents nematocysts that have not been activated from releasing their toxin during removal with the razor.
  
  
• Eye stings should be rinsed with a commercial saline solution like Artifical Tears; dab the skin around the eyes with a towel that has been soaked in vinegar. Do not place vinegar directly in the eyes.
  
  
• Mouth stings should be treated with 1/4 strength vinegar. Mix ¼ cup of vinegar with ¾ cup of water. Gargle and spit out the solution. Do not drink or swallow the solution.
  
  
• For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325 mg 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours for pain; or Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Aleve every 8 hours for pain.
  
  
• CPR may be necessary for all stings if the person stops breathing and/or no longer has a pulse.

Prevention

• Wear protective clothing (gloves, wet suits, dive skins) when swimming in jellyfish-infested areas. Avoid picking up dead jellyfish. Dead jellyfish may still have live nematocysts that can still release toxins (even after they have dried up).
  
  
• Avoid going into known jellyfish-infested areas. If you do, know what type of jellyfish are common to the area.
  
  
• Be prepared to treat a jellyfish sting. Have a basic first aid kit (make sure it has an oral antihistamine in the kit) prepared and bring it with you.
  
  
• Take a course in basic first aid before heading to the beach, snorkeling, swimming, or scuba diving.
  
  
• In the evening or at night when swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving, take care to look for jellyfish on the surface of the water.
  
  
• Expel air from the alternate air source while ascending during scuba diving to disperse any jellyfish directly above you.
  
  
• Educate yourself as to the type of jellyfish that may be in the waters in which you are swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
  
  
• Bring Safe Sea Jellyfish After Sting® pain relief gel in case you do get stung.
  
  
• Do not swim in waters where large numbers of jellyfish have been reported. Wearing a wet suit or Lycra dive skin can prevent stings.
  
  
• If you have a known insect sting allergy carry an allergy kit, which contains injectable epi-pens (epinephrine, adrenaline). Make sure those with you know how to administer the epi-pen in case you are unable to do so.
  
  
• Do not touch any marine life while swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Most marine animals have a protective coating that when touched, is rubbed off when and exposes the animal to bacteria and parasites; moreover, touching, "playing," or moving marine animals is stressful for them. Corals are easily damaged when touched and the area if the coral touched by hands, fins, or the body will die. To protect the ocean environment, when swimming, snorkeling, or scubadiving look, don't touch, and leave only bubbles.