Health, Security and Safety

Travellers diarrhoea is probably the most common health problem for tourist in the countries we visit. Here are some basic tips to avoid it:

• Do not drink water from the tab. You can refill your bottles from the potable water in our vehicle. As a tourist, you may be better off taking the precaution of using bottled water to brush your teeth. Also, try to remember to keep your mouth shut when you shower.
• Only eat at places that look clean and have loads of movement, as this way we make sure food will be fresh. Try to make sure the restaurant is full of locals and not only tourists.
• Carry always with you a small hand sanitiser and use it frequently. We will give you one at the beginning of your tour and you can refill it as much as you need. Remember to always use your sanitiser after using the toilet.
• Avoid contact hands-mouth. If you bite your nails, this is an excellent occasion to stop doing this! Additionally, avoid sharing bottles with the rest of the group.
• Try to avoid salads, fresh fruits and ice-creams at street food markets. Additionally, clean the top of any can or bottle before drinking it.
• Don’t eat much if you don’t feel like it, but remember to stay hydrated! Powder hydration salts are widely available and an excellent choice.
• If starting to feel a bit sick of your stomach, try to avoid coffee, spicy, grassy foods, sugar and dairy products.

We recommend to always stay hydrated by having at least 2 litres of water (remember you can refill your bottles at our vehicle). Trying to stay at the shade is also a great precaution against dehydration. Additionally, it is very important that you pack appropriate gear for all seasons in most of our trips, especially:

• A good hat and sunscreen to protect you from the Caribbean sun, this is a must!
• Some light long trousers and t-shirts will help you to protect from mosquito bites. You can easily find lotions and is always good to have it handy. If in areas with mosquitoes, it is recommended that you wear shoes and socks instead of sandals.
• If travelling in the rainy season, bring a good rain-jacket or poncho. It is recommended not to stay in wet clothes for long periods of time.
• For North Mexico’s trips during winter, don’t forget to bring some warm clothes as during some nights temperatures can decrease down to 5ºC.

• A few of the activities we include maybe a bit physically demanding. We are totally OK to find easier alternatives for you and/or reimburse you the money, but please you need to inform us as soon as possible.
• Streets at the towns we visit may have holes or be slippery -especially if raining-. Please, always keep an extra eye on the floor when walking!
• When in the jungle, avoid touching the trees and plants. There may be insects or spines that hurt you.
• When partying, please take it easy with the booze. Hung-overs are not very nice if there is intense activity on the next day…

• If you are happy to share and be surrounded by the group, we are sure you’ll have the time of your life. However, you may be a bit more introverted or prefer to do things on your own, and that is totally OK! Group travelling requires some interaction at some stages of the trip, but you’ll have plenty of time for exploring on your own.
• Being away from home, and sharing a tour may be a bit challenging, but we are always at your side to listen and encourage you. Our crew will make sure everyone is feeling welcome and adapted, giving an extra hand for those who need it.

• The safest place for your belongings is the vehicle or hotel safe. However, try not to leave them in plain sight.
• If you don’t need something then don’t take it with you. Only carry small amounts of money.
• Never leave your belongings unattended and be careful at crowded places, since they are where pickpockets usually perform. If you feel boxed in, move to another direction.
• Don’t carry all money and valuables in one place and make sure you always have copies of your documents.
• Watch your camera and electronic devices, they are the objects that attract more attention. Don’t wear expensive jewellery, watches or anything gold.
• Use exchange bureaux when possible. In some situations such as border crossings, you may have to change money on the street. Please do so only under the guidance of your crew.
• If someone offers to sell you drugs or prostitution, do not get involved.
• Generally, Police is only authorized to check your passport and visa. We recommend you to carry a laminated copy unless you are exchanging money, as it may be required for this. In the exceptional case of police insisting on seeing the original document, you can always come back to the hotel and show it to them.
• Remember not to lose the migration receipt that you’ll receive when entering some of the countries we visit. Have it always together with your passport. Fines may apply if you lose it!
• If confronted by a policeman, stay calm. Do not get intimidated or hand over any money. Don’t tell them more info or hand them more documentation than strictly what they ask for. Try to get the attention of the people around you.

• Incorrect Change: You might find dishonest people who might trick you, especially when exchanging money. Make sure the change is correct.
• Common distractions: Something apparently random (such as what it seems to be a bird poo falling on you), maybe just a fake trick to get you distracted while dishonest people take anything from you.
• The local that friendly takes you to a bar: A local may approach you as a friend wanting to improve their English and ask you to go for some drinks. If you accept, make sure there is a menu on which the currency and prices are detailed, as sometimes they may be partnered with the owners and charge you ridiculous amounts.
• The drug scam: Remember not to leave your bag unattended, a small packet of drugs may be slipped into it. If a stranger drops anything at your feet or offers you drugs, just keep walking. This can lead to a policeman accusing you of dealing with drugs.

• Just after exchanging or withdrawing money.
• All your gear is with you and you are carrying expensive electronic devices.
• Anywhere crowded, public transport, markets and street performances are risk areas.
• On the beach. Don’t leave belongings unguarded and avoid being alone after dark.
• Especially if you are tired, drunk and/or alone, avoid lonely dark streets. 
• You do not speak the language. Some people will take advantage of this; give you incorrect change, etc. Your crew can help you to get some basic knowledge of the local language and prices.