More Central America Travel Tips
For those looking for a different cultural experience, or even just a great holiday destination, then adding Central America to your travel list will not disappoint. A Central American vacation can be a relaxed resort style getaway on one of the many beaches in one of the seven Central American countries, exploring tropical rain forests, Mayan ruins, volcanoes, or any of the other numerous things you can do to experience the diversity of this amazing region.
For first time travelers to Central America there are several tips that will make your vacation less stressful and infinitely more enjoyable, such as:
Checking Health Warnings
Before leaving for Central America visit your family doctor to check health warnings for the area you intend to visit. If you intend to do any hiking or rainforest walks then you will need to start taking malaria tablets around a week before your departure. Your family doctor will be able to advise of any other precautions or medications that you need.
Airports
If you will be traveling to more than one of the Central American countries you will need to know where the airports are and different forms, rules, and regulations each may have.
Transportation
Always ask how you will get to your various Central American destination's before going. Your hotel concierge can advise you on what the busiest traffic times are likely to be. Planning your movements outside of these times may save you money if you're on a tight budget.
Don't drink the tap water
To reduce your chances of having your vacation ruined by stomach upsets it is wise not to consume the local tap water. During your stay keep these points in mind:
1) Clean your teeth and toothbrush with bottled water.
2) Remember to specify "No Ice" when ordering cocktails or mixed drinks. (Many of the more up-market resorts and hotels have ice that has been made using filtered or bottled water which is perfectly safe, however if you wish to be extra cautious then it is safer to forgo the ice).
Buy personal items from a supermarket
Make purchases of personal care items such as sunscreen, toothpaste or bottled water from a local supermarket instead of the resort or hotel where you are staying. Although the prices of these items may not seem too expensive you will normally find a supermarket or small convenience store somewhere close to the resort where these items are up to a third of the price that you will pay at the resort. Any money you save on these purchases can be used for souvenir shopping instead.
Restaurants
When you're staying in regional areas and choosing somewhere to eat keep in mind that you are no longer at home. Central American has some relatively poor countries which may or may not be evident in your surroundings. The best guide for choosing a restaurant is if the local people are happy eating there it is probably a good indication that the food is safe.
Keep valuables concealed
Always keep wallets, purses, mobile phones, etc... in your pockets or backpack to avoid the attention of pickpockets, especially in larger cities. Although not a major problem in most of Central America just about anywhere you go has its share of thieving, so it is best to keep your valuables secure.
Central America is a great vacation destination with excellent beaches, friendly people, amazing scenery, delicious food, and just about anything else a vacationer could as for. By following these simple tips you'll have such a memorable time you'll want to return again and again.
