Top 6 Recommendations for “Snowbirds Flying South”

theyucatantimes.com

Here are several special domestic, banking and insurance moves that can help snowbirds protect their finances and homes while they’re away from home for several months.

Prepare your home for winter.Everyone should take some key steps to prepare their home for cold weather and snowstorms, to help avoid expensive damage or homeowners insurance claims. But it’s even more important to prepare your house if it will be vacant during the coldest months of the year and you won’t be there to notice problems — such as a small leak that can cause a lot of water damage by the time you return in the spring. Before you leave for the Yucatán or elsewhere in Mexico, inspect your roof for any damage or worn shingles that can lead to leaks. It is also recommended to clean gutters and downspouts and check for clogs that can cause water damage to interior walls. Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls and open cabinet doors to allow heat from the room to get into concealed spaces, which can make pipes less likely to freeze. Also drain and shut off outdoor water faucets.

Trim trees.Winter’s high winds and snowstorms can cause a lot of damage from fallen tree limbs — which can be very expensive and may not be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.

Ask someone to shovel snow.Arrange to have a neighbor clean snow from your driveway, sidewalk, hatch cover and dryer vent opening when you’re gone.

That can prevent melting snow from leaking into the home and causing damage. It can also reduce slip-and-fall liability losses, and prevent your home from looking vacant and becoming a target of thieves.


S
ecure your home.Home security is a big issue if you’re away from your house for months. Stop your newspaper delivery and forward your mail to your winter address or have it picked up on a regular basis. Also have someone check the house at least weekly to make sure any flyers or packages that are delivered while you’re gone don’t build up and make the house look unoccupied. Secure doors and windows with deadbolt locks, and install slide locks or other security locks on sliding glass doors or French doors. You can also install variable light timers, which turn lights on and off at different times to make it look like someone is home.

Monitor your house from a distance.Install smoke detectors on at least every floor, preferably tied to a centrally monitored fire alarm system so the fire department will be notified automatically if the alarm goes off. Otherwise, nobody will be home to hear the alarm if it goes off only inside your house. You can get a discount on your homeowners insurance premiums if you have a centrally monitored home-security system. You may even be able to hook up a water-flow sensor or low-temperature sensor to that system, which can alert your security provider of problems that could lead to freezing pipes. But nothing replaces the human touch. Share your winter contact information with a neighbor who can be your eyes and ears while you’re gone, forward important mail to you, check for any problems and take action in an emergency.

Sign up for online banking.This can be a good time to sign up to receive your bills online, so you don’t miss any payment deadlines while your mail catches up with you during your transition from north to south. Check your credit card due dates before you leave to avoid any missed payments.

Source: http://www.kiplinger.com

Making a Travel Insurance Claim? Being persistent and not giving up are the keys to success!

theyucatantimes.com

MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN – Travel insurance is something I rarely purchase. I’m not suggesting this is the right decision for everyone, however in my case I have international health insurance, and find the other benefits of travel insurance to be of questionable value. There are exceptions however; and when I purchased a train ticket for a journey in the UK last October, and was offered the chance to purchase a policy for £1.00, I figured it was worth it, since if my flight was delayed, and I missed the train, it would cover me. The email I received with the insurance policy (issued by a company called Columbus Direct) sounded reassuring: “Dear Mr. Mandy, Thank you for choosing to insure your train journey with Columbus Direct in Partnership with thetrainline.com. You can now relax and enjoy your trip, safe in the knowledge that you are covered for cancellation, missed departure, lost or stolen baggage, travel delay and more besides.”

In the event, I caught the train, although only just (you can read about the journey HERE if you are interested) however, due to someone being hit by a train just outside London, the train, and all other trains for the next few hours ended up being cancelled, and I elected to stay in London overnight and travel the following morning, a decision which cost me £70 for a night in a hotel near the station. A few days later, I remembered the insurance policy I had purchased. I was covered for “cancellation, missed departure, lost or stolen baggage, travel delay and more besides”!! I checked the summary of cover on the policy. Travel delay over four hours was a payment of £50; Travel delay over twelve hours, a payment of £75. Since I had been delayed overnight, it seemed to me I would be covered. On October 18, 2014, I emailed the insurance company to notify them I wished to make a claim for travel delay and to ask how this should be handled.

On October 20, I received an email from Intana Claims Team (who, apparently handle claims for Columbus Direct) with a 14 page claim form attached. I took this as their 1^st attempt to discourage me from making a claim, since 14 pages for a simple delay seemed somewhat extreme. Upon examining the form in more detail, I found it was in fact the wrong form, as it was for trip cancellation due to medical reasons. I replied, pointing out that I wished to claim for trip delay, not trip cancellation due to medical reasons. The following day, Intana responded with a ‘Travel Delay and Missed Departure Claim Form’ which I was delighted to see was only 8 pages long. I completed the form, detailing the delay, the reasons, and the expenses I incurred, with copies of receipts, and sent it to Intana by snail mail, which was the only method by which it could be submitted.



Intana responded to say that the expenses I incurred were not relevant; the cover provided was for travel delay; £50 for a delay over 4 hours; £75 for a delay over 12 hours, and in order for my claim to proceed, I would need to provide written confirmation from the carrier (train company) of the length of the delay measured from the scheduled time of departure to the actual time of departure. Fair enough; I was happy with the delay payments, so I contacted the train operator (First Great Western) via their website and asked them to provide confirmation of the delay, explaining the reason I needed it was to pursue a claim with Intana.

On October 29, First Great Western (who apparently had not bothered to read my request properly) responded, advising that since the circumstances of the delay were beyond their control, they were unable to offer any compensation. I replied to them the same day, pointing out I was not requesting compensation from them; merely confirmation of the delay in order to pursue a compensation claim with Intana.

On November 03, First Great Western responded again, confirming that my 12.30pm departure had been cancelled due to a person being hit by a train outside the station, and that services returned to normal ‘around 4pm’. I forwarded this information to Intana.

First Great Western

On November 24, having heard no more from Intana, I emailed requesting an update, and received a reply that my claim was ‘in the final stages of being assessed’ and assuring me I would receive a reply soon. On November 28, Intana responded, advising that my claim was being denied, as ‘we have noted that train services returned to their scheduled times at 4pm on 15^th of October’ and therefore my delay was less than 4 hours. I responded the same day, pointing out that even though train departures returned to normal around 4pm, it did not mean that I would have been able to depart at 4pm, even had I remained at the station trying to do so, and that the next scheduled departure to my destination (if it left on time) would have been at 4.30pm, i.e. exactly 4 hours after my original scheduled departure. I commented that we in fact appeared to be in agreement that the delay could be considered to have been no less than 4 hours, and therefore, I looked forward to the settling of my claim without further delay.

Intana then went silent. On December 18, I emailed them to request an update. The following day, I received a reply that my claim was ‘in the final stages of being assessed’ and assuring me I would receive a reply soon. A slight feeling of deja-vu took over. By December 29, not having received any further reply, I emailed Intana again. On January 06, again. On January 07, again. On January 08, they finally replied, advising me that perhaps my claim could be considered, if I could provide confirmation from the train company that the earliest actual departure to my destination on the day in question was at or after 4.30pm. I replied, pointing out that I was unclear as to why they could not obtain this information themselves, however I would endeavor to obtain it. I emailed First Great Western, asking them to provide a clear statement that the earliest I could possibly have departed from London on October 15 would have been at 4.30pm.

On January 13, Intana replied to advise me that they had indeed tried to obtain the information themselves, however due to ‘data protection’ laws, the train company had been unable to provide the information, stating it could be provided to the ‘account holder’ only. Really? All we were talking about here was what time a train left the station almost three months previously. Hardly a matter of ‘data protection’ in my opinion.

On January 15, First Great Western replied, with the requested confirmation, which I forwarded to Intana.

On January 16, three months to the day from the day I actually traveled, Intana paid the claim, in the amount of £50.

Lessons learned: Document everything, and keep records. Be persistent and insist on replies. Expect ‘accidental’ responses with erroneous information. Expect attempts to deny claims based on incorrect assumptions. Don’t give up, when you know you are right. In this case, it would have been all too easy to decide it wasn’t worth the effort to recover £50; it became a question of the principle however, rather than the money, since I knew I was entitled to the payment, and became determined to receive it.

By Stewart Mandy

How to: negotiate the purchase price

realestate.com.au

by Emma Sorensen

1. Know that negotiation is a process

Acknowledging the reality that negotiation is a two-way street can help make the process less daunting.

Each party – the buyer and the seller – need to gain something from the transaction and feel happy with the outcome. So expect some give and take.

Putting yourself in the seller’s shoes can help you work out how to best play your hand. For example, why is the vendor selling? And how can you present the case around your offer, and best time it for a successful outcome?

2. Know the market

What you’re willing to pay for the property is only part of the equation.

Sale and auction prices are determined by demand, and how much others in the market are willing to pay. Make sure you research current, comparable sale prices for similar homes in the same area before putting in an offer or bidding at auction.

Make sure you research current, comparable sale prices for similar homes in the same area.

3. Be confident

Put any fears and any negativity to the side. A confident, positive attitude is key in any kind of negotiation.

4. Use the agent

In most cases, the seller will be using a real estate agent. So avoid the temptation of negotiating directly with the property’s seller, and always redirect back to the agent even if the seller contacts you directly.

The agent is an integral player in the negotiation process so make sure you are polite, professional, respectful and make a good first impression.

The agent is an integral player in the negotiation process … be polite, professional and respectful.

Open, clear communication is vital. Resist too much game playing. For instance, hiding your interest in a property can sometimes backfire, with an agent not taking you seriously as a buyer; conversely, don’t put all your cards on the table at once without thinking it through.

5. Know your limits

Real estate is by nature a very emotional purchase for many people. Always be aware of your upper purchase limit and stick to it. Never allow yourself to be caught up in emotion – at sale or auction.

Always be aware of your upper purchase limit and stick to it.

Think carefully about how to present your offer – should you go in with your highest, best and final offer first up or present a lower offer allowing yourself room to negotiate up?

And in the fever pitch of an auction, always have a price limit fixed firmly in your mind and do not exceed that limit. Some people even ask others to bid on their behalf to avoid making hasty, emotional decisions.

6. Think through low offers

You could make a ridiculously low offer for a property in the hope that the seller may be naïve, desperate or not know the true value of their property.

However, if you are genuine about the property, for the sake of saving time and potential heartache, it’s best to offer close to your expectations. The seller will either be interested in your offer or not and negotiations will conclude, or you will have the opportunity to move away before any emotional attachment overwhelms you.

If you are genuine about the property, it’s best to offer close to your expectations.

If you make a legitimate low offer, inform the agent why your offer is low so they can communicate this to the seller. Reasons for making genuine low offers might be because some aspect of the property requires repair or renovation in order to make it more liveable for you.

5 Tips for Finding a Great Rental Home

usaa.com

The recent price upswing in the housing market is causing some Americans to put the dream of homeownership on hold. And according to the professionals, that's not necessarily a bad decision.

Walter Molony of the National Association of Realtors says that sometimes renting makes good financial sense. "If you have a short-term time horizon, insufficient credit or uncertain economic security, it is better to rent," he says.

USAA's J.J. Montanaro, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, agrees. "It's harder to qualify for a mortgage today," he says, "and more Americans are seeking a roof over their heads without the burden of a mortgage, maintenance and other responsibilities."

"Whenever there's doubt about homeownership, I always suggest renting. You can always make owning a home a longer-term goal."

A Look at the Numbers

If you don't own your home, you're part of a trend. According to the latest information released by the U.S. Census Bureau, renters made up 36.1% of U.S. households in 2012, up from 35.4% in 2011. Census statistics also show that rental vacancies fell to 8.2 percent in the second quarter of 2013 — that's 0.4% lower than the same time in 2012.

The drop in the availability of rental homes signals a strengthening economy, allowing landlords to charge more for properties, especially in areas where the job market has improved.

In areas where rentals are scarce, buying a home might be cheaper than renting, says USAA's Sarah Goodwin, assistant vice president of Home Event. However, she adds, you should base your decision on your overall circumstances.

If you're in the market to rent, these five tips can help you choose a good place for your lifestyle and budget.

1. Know the Rental Price and Fees

Figure out your housing budget. "The same rules apply when renting or buying a home," says Montanaro, who suggests spending no more than 28% of pretax monthly income on housing. "Closer to 20% is better," he adds.

Negotiating a lower rental price than advertised is acceptable. Be professional and polite, but don't be afraid to ask for what you want. The worst a landlord can do is say "no."

Some landlords may charge extra for appliances, such as a stove and a refrigerator, so be sure you know what's included in the rental price. Also ask if utilities and garbage pickup are included in the rent. If not, check with utilities companies in the area to get estimates based on ZIP code.

Military renters will know their budget from their basic allowance for housing, or BAH. Active-duty members also can use USAA's Home Circle™ tool to look up the housing allowance based on the ZIP code in which they are — or will be — stationed. Use this figure to help keep rental costs in check, remembering to set aside some of the BAH for utilities and other housing costs.

A Renter's Go-To Glossary

Grace period — Leeway for late payments. This time frame may stretch up to a week or 10 days after rent is due.

Habitable — The legal term that requires a landlord to keep the property fit to live in. Your lease shouldn't limit the landlord's responsibility for upkeep and regular maintenance.

Included vs. available — Typically, what's "included" comes at no charge, while "available" amenities come with additional fees.

Lessee — This is the person legally responsible for the lease. If you have roommates, make sure they sign the lease, too, so you will not be solely responsible if they fail to pay their share of the rent.

Notice before moving out — Typically, 30 days' notice is required for month-to-month leases. Not giving this much notice usually won't result in a penalty, but that depends on the landlord and the terms of the lease. Some landlords allow a shorter notice for tenants with military orders, the birth of a child or other life circumstances.

2. Know What You're Signing

Ask for clarification of any confusing language in the lease agreement, and make sure you understand the terms, such as:

• Length of the lease.
• Deposit requirement and any refund upon moving out.
• Property maintenance policies.
• Pet policies.
• Whether you'll be allowed to make cosmetic changes, such as painting or adding special lighting.
• Whether roommates cosign or negotiate their own lease.
• Consequences if you or your roomies default on payment.
• Any circumstances in which the lease can be broken, such as a new job opportunity or job loss. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may provide relief with your lease if you're deployed or receive PCS orders.

Montanaro also suggests finding out what happens when the lease expires. Some leases provide for month-to-month rental, while others automatically renew for a six-month term or longer.

3. Understand What a Landlord Can Ask For

A landlord can check your credit score and criminal history, and they also may ask for a copy of your pay stub or for personal references.

Montanaro says he's noticed a trend of landlords reporting renters' payment records to credit agencies. That can be good if you're trying to establish a credit history or improve your credit score. Ask if your landlord reports payments to credit agencies, and always pay your rent in full and on time.

4. Don't Skimp on Renters Insurance

A renters insurance policy helps protect your personal possessions and your pocketbook. Your landlord's insurance covers damage to the structure only — not, for example, your extensive music collection or other belongings. Some renters policies also cover earthquake and flood damage and provide protection for medical and legal expenses if someone is injured while visiting you.

5. Learn the Local Landscape

The proximity of a grocery store or shopping center, as well as your work commute and the accessibility of highways will help determine your quality of life. "It can be the biggest factor when you buy or rent," says Montanaro of location.

Richard Novak, vice president of USAA's Integrated Solutions, says "Schools also are important when looking for a place to live. Families often choose to rent in order to live in a better school district," he says. USAA Home Circle provides school data and GreatSchools™ ratings to help members identify and search for homes in the neighborhood that is best for their families.

Research neighborhood crime rates, too, so you'll be reassured that you're moving to a place where you and family will feel reasonably safe.

Before You Settle In

Once you've signed your lease agreement, take pictures of the apartment or house to document its condition before you move in. Doing so can help protect you from liability for any damages to the property left by the previous tenant.

Planning a Road Trip down to Mexico?

theyucatantimes.com

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.

10 Rules for Renting a Vacation Home

womansday.com

By Arricca Elin SanSone

Renting a vacation house is a family-friendly option for any budget. “With a whole house you get more amenities, such as a full kitchen, and more privacy than a hotel room,” says Alexis de Belloy, vice president of HomeAway.com. The biggest perk? A house rental is often 30 to 50 percent less expensive than a hotel. Add in the money you'll save by cooking for yourselves and having a private garage or driveway to park in, and it's a deal you shouldn't pass up. Plus, all that extra space will provide families with plenty of room to spread out and stay out of one another's hair—making for a very relaxing vacation. Whether you’re looking for beach, mountaintop or big-city accommodations, here’s everything you need to know before you rent.

1. Rent from a trustworthy source.

Check out established vacation home rental sites such as HomeAway.com,VRBO.com, VacationRentals.com and TripAdvisor.com, which offer homes rented directly through homeowners or professional property managers. Real estate companies in the area where you’re planning to vacation are another great resource; many located in large vacation rental markets offer seasonal rentals. You can also check a destination’s tourism website for links to realtors.

2. Start planning early.

Many rental homes are booked months in advance, so it’s a good idea to pin down your dates as soon as possible to score the best location and amenities. Though “it’s really never too late to book, as you will find last-minute openings in many locations, the homes that families have visited before and loved or that have positive traveler reviews tend to book up quickly,” says Hank Hudepohl, director of vacation rentals for TripAdvisor. If you’re booking late, you can ask if there are any special deals. Some owners will offer discounts rather than let the home remain empty; you’ll typically have more leverage the closer it is to the arrival date. Photo: Shutterstock

3. Don’t be shy about asking questions.

“Be as specific as possible,” says de Belloy. “For example, if the listing says the house is ‘close to beach,’ ask what that means. Do you cross the street or is it a mile away? Do you need a beach pass? Are there beach towels and chairs you can use?” Ask if linens are included; in some parts of the country they’re not a standard part of the rental. Find out how close you are to restaurants, grocery stores and drugstores. What’s the layout of bedrooms and how big are the beds? Do you need to bring your own crib? Is it OK to bring your dog (most rentals don’t accept cats), and is there a fee? Does the house have air conditioning? Finding out as much as you can beforehand will prevent unpleasant surprises once you arrive. Photo:Kindler, Andreas / Getty images

4. Ask for more photos.

Most websites offer a few images of the exterior and interior, but it’s fine to ask for more. Request specific shots that show all bedrooms and bathrooms, the kitchen, seating areas and, if you're concerned about privacy, how close the home is to other houses. Focus on what’s important to you; if you want to spend lots of time outdoors, ask for photos of the yard and deck areas. Photo: iStockphoto

5. Look for traveler reviews.

On many sites such as HomeAway.com and TripAdvisor.com, travelers who have rented a specific home can post reviews about their experiences (the rental period is verified by the website so not just anyone can write a review). “Traveler reviews are a good way to get additional feedback about a home and the overall rental experience,” says de Belloy. Owners are allowed to respond, but they can’t take down negative reviews, so you’ll get real renters’ perspectives.Photo: Stuart O'Sullivan / Getty Images

6. Do your own research.

Look at lots of different properties so you can compare features and locations, then make a short list of your favorites. Talk to the home owner or property manager; they’re great resources for recommendations on restaurants, nearby attractions and day trips to help you decide if the home fits your needs. Finally, be sure to get the exact address before booking; you can check it out on a site such as Google Maps, which often has street and bird’s-eye views to give you another look at the house and its surroundings, says Hudepohl.

7. Understand the terms before committing.

Most vacation rentals are rented by the week from Saturday to Saturday. But occasionally you’ll find weekend or daily rentals available in big cities, says Hudepohl. Also, some rental properties are discounted if you stay for more than one week. When you're ready to reserve the house, usually, you’ll place a deposit to hold the dates, then pay the balance 30 to 60 days before arrival. Refundable security deposits may also be required in case you damage the property; they range from $300 to $500. Most owners accept checks or PayPal for payment, with an increasing number now accepting credit cards. Cleaning fees (typically around $100 to $150 per stay), pet fees and local sales tax may also apply. Photo: Shutterstock

8. Ask for a rental agreement.

“The contract should spell out specific details such as how much money is required to hold the reservation as well as how much the security deposit is and when and how it will be returned,” says de Belloy. You’ll also want to get a copy of the pet policy, if applicable, and the cancellation policy so you’ll know what to expect if you have to change your plans. Many owners offer a refund minus a small cancellation fee; some offer a full refund if they can find other renters for your original booking dates. Photo: Epoxydude / Getty Images

9. Consider insurance policies.

Some websites, such as HomeAway.com and VRBO.com, offer property damage polices. Owners can choose to offer you the policy, which you purchase through the rental website for a small fee instead of having to put down a security deposit. The cost depends on total rental fee but runs approximately $50 on a $2,000 rental. There’s also a rental guarantee policy, starting at $39, which reimburses you if anything goes awry with the rental itself, such as the house is inadvertently double-booked or the owner wrongfully withholds your security deposit.

10. Plan ahead for unexpected circumstances.

You’ll usually be greeted by the owner or property manager to receive the key. But make sure you have a contact number, too, for the remainder of your stay. “You want to know who can assist you if the kitchen sink clogs or you lock yourself out,” says Hudepohl. When you arrive, walk around and look at the property. If something is wrong, such as a broken window, call the owner or property manager immediately. Most owners are quick to respond because they want you to have the best possible vacation experience so you’ll book again next year. Photo: iStockphoto

Mandatory Automobile Liability Insurance Mandated Today

by Murry Page

23 Sep 14  

mazmessenger.com

 

Tonatiuh Gutiérrez Ramírez, director of GNP Seguros Car Insurance, reminded Mexicans that beginning on Tuesday the Compulsory Liability Insurance for Road goes into effect, which requires all motor vehicle owners to have insurance which covers damage to people or property owned by third parties caused by a car accident on the road.

He pointed out that it is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to obtain the insurance coverage and compliance will be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Security (SSPF) by the Federal Police.

Gutiérrez Ramírez added that people who currently have automobile insurance from any company should contact their insurance company to confirm that their insurance coverage includes the liability protection required by law and that the coverage is a minimum of 100,000 pesos.

(from El Sol de Mazatlán)

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.