While the U.S. faces the largest Measles outbreak in recent history, México has not had a single case since 1996

theyucatantimes.com

The recent outbreak of Measles in the United States, that turned Walt Disney‘s Happiest Place on Earth into the measles kingdom, is raising questions about the efficiency of the National Healthcare System.

But in fact, the largest U.S. measles outbreak in recent history isn’t the one that started in December 2014 at Disneyland, in Anaheim, California; it happened months earlier in Ohio’s Amish country, where 383 people fell ill after unvaccinated Amish missionaries traveled to the Philippines and returned with the virus.

And Americans are asking themselves, “How could there be an epidemic of a desease that was supposed to be eradicated decades ago?”

No one knows exactly what triggered this Disney-linked measles outbreak, but officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say it was most likely thanks to an overseas traveler visiting Disneyland Park in California late last year while infectious.

Girl with measles in Somalia (Photo: Google)

But, when talking about measles prevention, the USA should look into one of the best immunization systems in the world. It is just down the border.

Since January the 1st, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed 84 measles cases in 14 states.

Only 2 have been reported at the same period in México.

Both were imported. Both were from the USA. Both were unvaccinated patients.

México has had not a single case of autochthonous measles since 1996 and is about to be recognized by PAHO as a measles-free country.

An aggressive policy that works.

México is a developing country, which has come a long way in terms of health.

While its universal healthcare coverage is still being tuned up, the vaccination policy, with more than 35 years of been implemented, has proved to increase the survival rate of children and adults.

The under-5 mortality rate (the number of children under 5 years of age which die from every 1000 live born) has dramatically decreased since 1980, from 51 to almost 13. This is still a large number if compared to 7 in the USA or 4, which is actually, the goal of wellness for a fully developed country.

As shown in the table below, during the last 35 years, an aggressive vaccination strategy has been implemented, besides the obvious sanitary and nourishment improvements.

Which is the secret behind the success of México’s vaccination policy?

Basically 3 features:

1) It is Universal: By law, everybody in México has the right to have access to vaccines.

2) It is Free: In México everybody can and will have free vaccines. You can always pay for them with your private physician, many people prefer that instead of attending to the crowded public health services; however, there’s no restriction for asking for free vaccination.

As a matter of fact, in the so-called “National Health Days”, there are mobile vaccination brigades spread countrywide. In some areas, this brigades are located as near as 3km from another one, and they vaccinate every child, elder, pregnant woman or at-risk adult who attend.

3) It is Mandatory: Every registered Mexican child is granted a “National Vaccination Card” (which is actually a 3 page booklet), where their vaccination history has to be registered.

A complete vaccination record, shown and validated in the National Vaccination Card is mandatory for being enrolled in public schools, as well as the most majority of private ones.

With 14 preventable diseases included, México has one of the most complete vaccination schemes in the world.

Measles Rash (Photo: CDC)

These are the most important goals of Mexico’s immunization system:

Zero Measles cases from México since 1996. The only few cases reported, have been imported (from unvaccinated children living in the USA).

Polio was eradicated 23 years ago
Neonatal Tetanus has been eliminated (according to WHO definition)

Zero cases of:

• Acquired Rubella in 2011
  Congenital Rubella since 2006
  Diphtheria since 1991
  Haemophilus influenzae type b in children under 5 since 2008
  Haemophilus influenzae type b Meningitis in children under 5 since 2009

México could be a developing economy, but it has proved efficacy in terms of health and immunization policies. Dr. Julio Frenk, a former Health Secretary of México, and one of the main promoters of the actual Mexican vaccination scheme, became Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health.

With a current measles outbreak in the USA which could easily become a prelude of future potential epidemics, and a stubborn antivax movement, may be it’s time to look into some good practices from the neighbors down the border.

Sources:

• http://outbreaknewstoday.com/
• http://www.scientificamerican.com/

How to Vacation in Mexico With Kids

traveltips.usatoday.com

Robin Thornley, Demand Media

Thirty percent of the Mexican population is under age 14, according to the CIA World Factbook, so this is a kid-friendly country with a fondness for family traditions. Family life is celebrated often, but particularly on Sundays, the only day off for many Mexican workers. Friends and families descend on restaurants for a meal that can last several hours or gather at the park or the beach for an afternoon picnic. A trip to Mexico can be a rewarding experience for your family as well, as long as you prepare yourself and your children.

Items you will need

 

• Passports
• Maps
• Children's books about Mexico
• Recent photograph of each child
• Identification tag or bracelet
• Laundry pen or clothing name tags
• Spanish phrasebook
• Family first-aid kit

 

Before You Go

 

Step 1

 Apply for passports for all family members at least two months before your vacation. If the permission of a former spouse is required, it will require additional time and paperwork. All Americans, regardless of age, must have a passport to re-enter the United States. Laws and forms can be found at the U.S. State Department's website, www.travel.state.gov/passport.

Step 2

 Purchase an identification tag or bracelet and have it engraved with your child's name, a contact telephone number and any medical conditions or allergies your child has. Teach young children both their full name and yours. Mark their vacation clothing with name tags or a laundry pen and take a current photograph of each child with you.

Step 3

 Pack a small first-aid kit with over-the-counter painkillers and stomach disorder remedies suitable for children, plus bandages, antiseptic ointment, blister treatment, hand sanitizer and small packets of tissues. Take along a copy of any prescriptions and brief medical histories.

Step 4

 Study maps and online websites with your children to make a list of things to do, being sure to include activities for all ages. Plan to balance activities: a morning tour of a museum might be rewarded with an afternoon at an amusement or water park.

Step 5

 Buy a simple Spanish dictionary or download Spanish phrases. Look for books to familiarize children with Mexican culture. "Off we go to Mexico," by Laurie Krebs (2008), and "Look What Came From Mexico," by Miles Harvey (1999), are two books that introduce children to Mexican culture.

On Vacation

 

Step 1

 Encourage children to use their phrase books to spot signs at the airport and along the highway, or as they shop for candy and ice cream in Mexican shops. Help them use friendly phrases to meet Mexican children or greet hotel and restaurant workers.

Step 2

 Buy kid-friendly snacks at Mexican "tiendas," small neighborhood grocery stores, or at the "supermercado"--Gigante is a large Mexican supermarket chain, but Walmart also has a large presence. Buy a small cooler to keep drinks and snacks cool in your rental car and your hotel room if it doesn't have a refrigerator. Offer children only fruit that must be peeled.

Step 3

 Do as the Mexicans do on Sunday: Visit a local park or the town beach where musicians, vendors and street performers add to the air of fiesta. Check the calendar or ask at the hotel desk if there are any special local fiestas or national holidays during your stay that might include a colorful parade or firework show.

Step 4

 Shop at local markets for unique Mexican kid's souvenirs like lucha libre masks, the hoods worn by Mexican pro wrestlers. Toy stalls are filled with miniature versions of Mexican cookware, trucks, puppets, dolls and pinatas. Mexican candy stalls offer a new world of sweet treats.

Tip

 

• Don't overload your schedule and make sure to keep an hour a day for quiet time. Pack an extra bag to accommodate souvenirs your children are likely to haul home. Children are welcome in most places in Mexico, but it is not appropriate to take them to indoor bars or discos.

 

Warning

 

• Prepare your children for some of the sights they might see in Mexico, such as begging by children and older or handicapped people, and homeless dogs. Avoid the meat stalls in the market if your family might be sensitive to the smells and sights. Ancient Mexican culture featured human sacrifice and a preoccupation with death, and gruesome images can be seen in museums and at some ruins. Always accompany children to the restroom and take along hand sanitizer and tissues.

How to travel with your dog

travel.cnn.com
By Karla Cripps  
29 August, 2012

 

Don't deprive your dog of the opportunity to dress up in tacky tourist outfits. Take him on holiday with you. At the five-star Fairmont Whistler Hotel in British Columbia, cocker spaniels, golden retrievers and even German shepherds can be seen strutting through the hallways with their owners.

Out the hotel's back entrance, stainless steel dog bowls filled with fresh water are set out to rehydrate tired pets returning from brisk walks in the mountain air.

Long gone are the days when pet owners were banished to grim roadside motels with their contraband canines.

Thanks to a surge in the number of pet-friendly hotels, airlines with pet-friendly policies and pet immigration guidelines to facilitate international travel, more people than ever are taking their dogs overseas with them.

“I travel with my dog everywhere," says TV's “Dog Whisperer,” Cesar Millan. "It’s the right thing to do. In Mexico, we went to the market -- dogs follow. Went to school -- dogs follow."

He adds that being able to fly with them is a chance no one should pass up.

Who to fly with

 

 

Frankfurt International's Animal Lounge covers 3,750 square meters and combines handling, animal coordination and veterinary services. Website Petfriendlytravel.com has an extensive round up of global airlines and their policies on pets.

Among the most pet-friendly of the pack is Virgin Atlantic, with its Flying Paws plan that gives pets their very own reward scheme.

Sorry, no free flights though. Pets collect "paw prints," which can be redeemed for gifts like Burberry, Prada and Gucci pet clothing.

Fancy dress delights aside, pet owners do need to pay attention to the small print when booking flights for their animals.

For instance, Air France says some pets are accepted in the aircraft cabin and in the aircraft hold. But "dogs of the following breeds cannot be transported on any Air France flights, including by freight: Staffordshire terrier, mastiff (boerbull), tosa, pitbull. Ferrets and polecats can only travel by freight. Parrots must be transported by cargo."

Singapore Airlines requires that your pet has a certificate of good health but does not allow pets to travel in the cabin of the aircraft.

Most North American airlines, however, do let small pets travel in the cabin with you on  flights -- fees can be steep, while some only allow domestic travel -- provided you let them know at the time of booking.

“Pets traveling in the cabin require a reservation to ensure no more than seven pets are booked on any single flight," says American Airlines.

Get that dog a passport

 

 

Before you fly overseas, make sure your dog has the necessary paperwork specific to your destination's immigration laws. So you've found an airline that will accommodate you and your pooch. Next comes the hard part. Red tape.

Pet immigration laws are specific to each country, but one way to cut down on some of the headaches is to create a pet passport, which is "a collection of all identifying and required documents for entering a given country," advises Pettravel.com.

A pet passport is an essential part of the Pet Travel Scheme ("PETS"), a system that allows animals to travel into the United Kingdom without undergoing quarantine if all the regulations are followed.

It was originally introduced in 2001 for animals entering or returning to the UK from other European Union countries, but has since rolled out to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Pettravel.com has a full list of country-specific pet immigration rules, with an option to purchase the necessary forms online.

'Like training for a marathon' 

 

 

Give your dog time to get used to its crate before you fly, say travel experts. Next step: pee control.

Though probably a little easier than flying with kids, heading out on an epic journey with your dog isn't as simple as throwing it into a pet carrier and taking off, says Millan.

You need to prepare them for the long journey and let them get used to their carrier.

"Don’t just put them in a crate the day before. It should be a transition," he says. "You have to teach your dog to hold its bladder -- it's almost like training for a marathon.

"Go through the process before you fly. For example, flying from Los Angeles to Spain is 14 hours. So I conditioned Julio and rest of my dogs to gradually be able to wait two, four, six, eight hours."

Before you buy a pet crate, check out the International Air Transport Association's list of pet carrier requirements, which most airlines adhere to.

Finding a hotel

 

The uptrend in people traveling with pets isn't reserved to the West. Dog owners in Asia are also keen to let their pets tag along on holiday with them, though hotels are slower to adapt to the trend than in North America or Europe.

Kasama Nontamit, Bangkok-based vice president of distribution strategy for an international insurance company, often takes her tiny Maltese Baileys with her whenever she travels. (Thai Airways allows some dogs in the cabin.)

The challenge, however, is finding accommodations that will take her.

"If we want to take Baileys with us, we definitely call the hotel first or search on the Internet for one that allows pets," she says. "Most of the four- and five-star hotels in Thailand don't allow dogs, no matter how cute and tiny they are."


One of the best resources for people looking to travel overseas with their pets is Bringfido.com, which has a global database of pet-friendly hotels -- Thailand included.

Just click on the continent and the country you wish to visit. A list of cities with pet-friendly hotels will appear.

Though North America has hundreds of hotels that accept dogs, some charge extra for pets while others have size limits.

Couch surfing for pets or a luxury dog hotel?

 

 

D Pet Hotel Chelsea offers a fitness center, private chef and a suite for US$200 a night. There are of course those times when man's best friend can't tag along. Kennels are the obvious solution, but there are plenty of other options.

DogVacay.com lets people look up hosts in their area who will care for your dog in their own home. A doggy version of Airbnb or CouchSurfing.org, it costs an average of US$25-30 a day.

"For a dog lover to host on DogVacay.com they must complete an extensive online application, which our staff of experts manually reviews and approves," says the website.

You could always send your dog on its own luxury holiday. From Melbourne to London, pet hotels are popping up in cities around the world.

One pet hotel that just opened in New York's Chelsea neighborhood aims to give dogs the same experiences a holidaying human gets. Maybe even better.

Part of the D Pet Hotels chain (there are already properties in pampered pooch capital Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona), your dog will sleep in a double bed, watch movies on a flat-screen TV ("Lassie" or "Beethoven" anyone?), dine on gourmet dog goodies, spend hours in the spa and run on a treadmill.
Tokyo's Narita Airport has its own pet hotel, Pet Inn Royal, where travelers can drop off their animals before they take off on holiday.

Mentally prepare your dog 

 

If you do have to leave your dog behind, don't worry about separation anxiety. Cesar Millan says that with proper training your pet can handle the time apart -- even if you can't.

But it's also an issue that needs to be worked out if you're traveling with your dog, as there will be times you want to leave it in the hotel room without having to worry about it barking and clawing at the door or chewing things up when you're out.


 

Baileys the Maltese waits to check in for her flight at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport. "Separation anxiety is created by humans because they feel closer to the dog the more they bond. That’s not realistic for the dog, which doesn’t understand."

“I have to help people and show them how we create separation anxiety. In Mexico, a dog is not allowed in the intimate space. We don’t have a living room. Dog lives outside. Detached from humans.

"In America, a dog lives on top of the human. The human goes to work, the dog doesn’t know how to separate from them. It’s easy to rehabilitate, but you have to understand the concept of proximity for training to work.

"It's not good to let your dog follow you everywhere. Tell them when they can be near you, then tell them to go away," suggests Millan as a method of lessening your dog's attachment to you.

Frequent traveler Kasama agrees that making sure your dog is well behaved is the key to an enjoyable holiday.

"You have to be very responsible and considerate for others as well -- especially when in public areas or using public transportation," she says.

"The pets need to be trained and controllable."

Will Your Health Plan Cover You Overseas?

budgettravel.com

By Calvin Hennick 

May 2007

 

Most health insurance companies give members some coverage abroad. The only way to know exactly what is and isn't covered, however, is to ask your provider. But what do you ask about? It's impossible to anticipate every scenario in advance. With some prep work and an understanding of how the industry functions, you'll be able to minimize the unpleasantness of a bad situation.

Emergencies

The standard policies of many providers--including Aetna, Cigna, and Humana, to name a few--cover overseas emergencies.

But what exactly qualifies as an emergency? Insurance companies use something called the prudent layperson standard. This means that if a reasonable person would believe the condition could lead to death or permanent damage, the situation is deemed an emergency and will therefore be covered.

If a member experiences chest pains and thinks he's having a heart attack, an emergency-room visit would be covered, says Jackie Aube, vice president of product management for Cigna, "even if it turns out to be gas." James Coates, M.D., senior medical director for Aetna, says altitude sickness, broken bones, dog bites, heat stroke, and cuts requiring stitches are also examples of what would be covered under the standard.

Pinkeye, poison ivy, mild cases of the flu, and other maladies that don't put life or limb in serious danger are rarely covered abroad. And even if an initial symptom qualifies as an emergency, you'll probably have to pay for follow-up care overseas.

Paying Up Front

Chances are that outside the U.S., your health insurance card will just be a useless piece of plastic. If you see a doctor or visit a hospital overseas, you'll most likely need to pay on the spot. Don't expect countries with free health care, like Canada, to pick up your tab: Coverage is intended for citizens only.

In order to get reimbursed by your health care provider, you'll need to file a claim and include an itemized receipt from the hospital. The process can take weeks, if not months. The expenses covered will be on par with how your policy works in the U.S., meaning that if you normally have a $50 co-pay for emergency-room visits, your health insurer will subtract $50 from its reimbursement check.

Medicare and Medicaid

If your only source of coverage is Medicare or Medicaid, you effectively have no health insurance outside the U.S. Medicaid pays only for services in the 50 states; Washington, D.C.; and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico. Medicare is nearly as strict, though it provides coverage in Canada and Mexico when an emergency occurs in the U.S. but the nearest hospital is over the border. You're also covered if you're hurt or fall ill in Canada while on a direct route to Alaska. But in any other country, neither program pays for health services--even for emergencies.

Finding a Good Doctor

If you get hurt or sick abroad, you don't want to be flipping through the phone book to locate services you can trust. Some insurers provide online directories of prescreened foreign doctors and hospitals that meet U.S. standards.

Many U.S. consulates have lists of local doctors, although the State Department makes a point of saying that it doesn't endorse them or guarantee the quality of service. Embassies and consulates can also facilitate medical evacuations and, if you need money to pay a hospital, help arrange for cash to be wired from home.

Staying Healthy in Mexico

frommers.com

For the latest info on health risks when traveling to Mexico, and what to do if you get sick, consult the U.S. Department of State's website (www.travel.state.gov), the CDC website (www.cdc.gov), or the World Health Organization website (www.who.int).

General Availability of Healthcare

In most of Mexico's resort destinations, you can usually find healthcare that meets U.S. standards. Care in more remote areas is limited. Standards of medical training, patient care, and business practices vary greatly among medical facilities in beach resorts throughout Mexico. Cancún has first-rate hospitals, for example, but other cities along the Caribbean coast often do not. In recent years, some U.S. citizens have complained that certain healthcare facilities in beach resorts have taken advantage of them by overcharging or providing unnecessary medical care. On the other hand, Mexican doctors often spend more time with patients than doctors do north of the border, and may be just as good for less cost. Only rudimentary healthcare is generally available in much of Chiapas, Tabasco, and the Yucatán.

Prescription medicine is broadly available at Mexico pharmacies, and many drugs that in the U.S. require a prescription can be obtained in Mexico simply by asking. However, be aware that you may still need a copy of your prescription or may need to obtain a prescription from a local doctor.

Over-the-Counter Drugs in Mexico -- Antibiotics and other drugs that you'd need a prescription to buy in the States are often available over the counter in Mexican pharmacies. Mexican pharmacies also carry a limited selection of common over-the-counter cold, sinus, and allergy remedies. Contact lenses can be purchased without an exam or prescription.

Common Ailments

Sun/Elements/Extreme Weather Exposure -- Mexico is synonymous with sunshine; much of the country is bathed in intense sunshine for much of the year. Avoid excessive exposure, especially in the tropics where UV rays are more dangerous. The hottest months in Mexico's south are April and May, but the sun is intense most of the year.

Dietary Red Flags -- Travelers' diarrhea -- often accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting -- used to attack many travelers to Mexico. (Some in the U.S. call this "Montezuma's revenge," but you won't hear it called that in Mexico.) Widespread improvements in infrastructure, sanitation, and education have greatly diminished this ailment, especially in well-developed resort areas. Most travelers make a habit of drinking only bottled water, which also helps to protect against unfamiliar bacteria. In resort areas, and generally throughout Mexico, only purified ice is used. If you do come down with this ailment, nothing beats Pepto Bismol, readily available in Mexico. Imodium is also available in Mexico and is used by many travelers for a quick fix. A good high-potency (or "therapeutic") vitamin supplement and even extra vitamin C can help; yogurt is good for healthy digestion.

Because dehydration can quickly become life-threatening, be careful to replace fluids and electrolytes (potassium, sodium, and the like) during a bout of diarrhea. Drink Pedialyte, a rehydration solution available at most Mexican pharmacies, or natural fruit juice, such as guava or apple (stay away from orange juice, which has laxative properties), with a pinch of salt added.

The U.S. Public Health Service recommends the following measures for preventing travelers' diarrhea: Drink only purified water (boiled water, canned or bottled beverages, beer, or wine). Choose food carefully. In general, avoid salads (except in first-class restaurants), uncooked vegetables, undercooked protein, and unpasteurized milk or milk products, including cheese. Choose food that is freshly cooked and still hot. Avoid eating food prepared by street vendors. In addition, something as simple as clean hands can go a long way toward preventing an upset stomach.

High-Altitude Hazards -- Travelers to certain regions of Mexico occasionally experience elevation sickness, which results from the relative lack of oxygen and the decrease in barometric pressure that characterizes high elevations (more than 1,500m/5,000 ft.). Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, insomnia, and even nausea. Mexico City is at 2,240m (7,349 ft.) above sea level, and a number of other central and southern cities, such as San Cristóbal de las Casas, are as high as or even higher than Mexico City. At high elevations, it takes about 10 days to acquire the extra red blood corpuscles you need to adjust to the scarcity of oxygen. To help your body acclimate, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, and don't overexert yourself during the first few days. If you have heart or lung trouble, consult your doctor before traveling to places above 2,400m (7,872 ft.).

Bugs, Bites & Other Wildlife Concerns -- Mosquitoes and gnats are prevalent along the coast and in the Yucatán lowlands. Repelente contra insectos (insect repellent) is a must, and you can buy it in most pharmacies. If you'll be in these areas and are prone to bites, bring along a repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET. Another good remedy to keep the mosquitoes away is to mix citronella essential oil with basil, clove, and lavender essential oils. If you're sensitive to bites, pick up some antihistamine cream from a drugstore at home.

Most readers won't ever see an alacrán (scorpion). But if one stings you, go immediately to a doctor. The one lethal scorpion found in some parts of Mexico is the Centruroides, part of the Buthidae family, characterized by a thin body, thick tail and triangular-shaped sternum. Most deaths from these scorpions result within 24 hours of the sting as a result of respiratory or cardiovascular failure, with children and elderly people most at risk. Scorpions are not aggressive (they don't hunt for prey), but they may sting if touched, especially in their hiding places (which can include shoes). In Mexico, you can buy scorpion-toxin antidote at any drugstore. It is an injection, and it costs around $25. This is a good idea if you plan to camp in a remote area, where medical assistance can be several hours away. Note that not all scorpion bites are lethal, but a doctor's visit is recommended regardless.

Tropical Illnesses -- You shouldn't be overly concerned about tropical diseases if you stay on the normal tourist routes and don't eat street food. However, both dengue fever and cholera have appeared in Mexico in recent years. Talk to your doctor or to a medical specialist in tropical diseases about precautions you should take. You can protect yourself by taking some simple precautions: Watch what you eat and drink; don't swim in stagnant water (ponds, slow-moving rivers, or wells); and avoid mosquito bites by covering up, using repellent, and sleeping under netting. The most dangerous areas seem to be on Mexico's west coast, away from the big resorts.

On occasion, coastal waters from the Gulf of Mexico can become contaminated with rapid growth in algae (phytoplankton), leading to a phenomenon known as harmful algal bloom or a "red tide." The algal release of neurotoxins threatens marine life and can cause rashes and even flulike symptoms in exposed humans.

Although red tides happen infrequently, you should not enter the water if you notice a reddish-brown color or are told there is a red tide.

7 Tips to Help You Stay Safe While Traveling in Mexico

tripping.com

By archer10 on FlickR

With incredible weather, delicious food and a rich, welcoming culture, it’s no wonder that Mexico is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Fortunately, even though there has been an increase in crime in certain northern regions over the past few years, many areas of Mexico are still completely safe to visit.

We’ve put these 7 tips together to help you prepare for a fun, safe trip to Mexico.

1. Select the area you visit carefully.

It's well-publicized that certain areas in Mexico are suffering from heightened levels of crime and are best avoided. In particular, the northern states along the U.S.-Mexico border are particularly dangerous for travelers.

Talking to locals is the best way to find information about where it’s safe to visit. To get a better idea of where you should go, try messaging a few local Trippers before buying your tickets or finding accommodations.

You can also consult the U.S. State Department’s website, which will provide information about official travel warnings.

2. Fly to your destination.

In the past, driving down from the United States was a popular way to travel to destinations in Mexico. Unfortunately, it’s become more dangerous to drive through the northern regions along the U.S.-Mexico border, which makes driving to a destination unsafe. The safest, most recommended way to travel to destinations in Mexico is by plane.

3. Stick to traveling on toll roads.

Mexico has an excellent toll road system that offers a lot of advantages for travelers who are driving. For example, toll (“cuota”) roads tend to be more direct and better maintained than the toll-free (“libre”) roads. Your toll also covers road side assistance and limited insurance for damage caused by the road way.

If you are traveling by bus, opt for a first class bus, such as ETN, as they take direct, non-stop routes and generally stick to the safer toll roads. The prices are higher but not astronomical and is well worth the added safety.

4. Avoid traveling at night.

If you are traveling by car, avoid traveling after dark. This is especially critical if you are traveling on toll-free roads, but is best avoided even when traveling on toll roads. Though highway bandits have become less common, it’s better to avoid the risk altogether.

5. Learn key safety phrases.

Though many people in Mexico speak English, especially in popular travel destinations, it’s a good idea to learn a few key phrases. When it comes to safety, travelers should at the very least know and understand the following words -

• emergencia = emergency (pronounced "emm ehr hen zee uh")
• peligro = danger (pronounced "peh lee grow")
• ayuda = help (pronounced "ah you duh")

6. Update your vaccinations.

The recommended vaccines for Mexico are fairly common and include the following: Hepatitis A, typhoid, MMR and Tetanus-Diptheria. For the most part, malaria is confined to certain regions and isn’t a risk at any of the major resorts along the Gulf and Pacific Coasts.

7. Be careful about what you eat and drink.

Though the water quality in Mexico has improved in recent years (especially in popular travel destinations) it’s safest to avoid drinking tap water. If you’re visiting a rural area, be sure to use bottled or boiled water when brushing your teeth.

At restaurants, stick to bottled beverages and avoid ordering any uncooked food items like salads, especially outside the major tourist zones.