Central America Travel

Destinations: Mexico, Central America | CDC Travelers' Health Home About CDC Press Room Funding A-Z Index Centers, Institute & Offices Training & Employment Contact Us CDC en Español Search: Travelers' Health Travelers' Health Home > Destinations > Mexico and Central America Health Information for Travelers to Countries in Mexico and Central America On This Page Vaccines for Your Protection Diseases Found in Mexico and Central America Other Health Risks What You Need To Bring With You Staying Healthy During Your Trip After You Return Home For More Information Travel Notices in Effect Update: Dengue and Travelers (Updated November 3, 2005) U.S. Department of State See all Traveler's Health travel notices Vaccines for Your Protection: Mexico and Central America Routine Vaccinations Check with your healthcare provider: you and your family may need routine as well as recommended vaccinations. Before travel, be sure you and your children are up to date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP). See the schedule for adults and the schedule for infants and children . Some schedules can be accelerated for travel. See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. If it is less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling. Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Mexico and Central America. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling. Hepatitis B , especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants. Malaria: if you are traveling to a malaria-risk area in this region, see your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Central America and Mexico . Rabies , if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities. Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors Yellow fever , for travelers to endemic areas in Panama As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles . Required Vaccinations None. Diseases found in Mexico and Central America (risk can vary by country and region within a country; quality of in-country surveillance also varies) Malaria An Anopheles freeborni mosquito takes a blood meal. Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites ( see below ). Your risk of malaria may be high in these countries, including some cities. Travelers to malaria-risk areas, including infants, children, and former residents of Mexico and Central America, should take an antimalarial drug. Chloroquine is the recommended drug for Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and the Bocas Del Toro Province of Panama. Travelers to Darién Province and San Blas Province in Panama (including the San Blas Islands) should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: (listed alphabetically): atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or primaquine (in special circumstances). For additional information on malaria risk and prevention, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Central America and Mexico . Yellow Fever Yellow fever is present only in Panama in this region. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries in the region if you have visited Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, or an endemic area in South America or sub-Saharan Africa. For detailed information, see Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements . Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center . Food and Waterborne Diseases Avoid buying food or drink from street vendors, because it is relatively easy for such food to become contaminated. Make sure your food and drinking water are safe. Food and waterborne diseases are the primary cause of illness in travelers. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout this region and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting ( E. coli , Salmonella , cholera , and parasites), fever ( typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage ( hepatitis). Gnathostomiasis (roundworms) has increased in Mexico, with many cases being reported from the Acapulco area, infection has been reported in travelers. Humans become infected by eating undercooked fish or poultry, or reportedly by drinking contaminated water. Additional information: see the Safe Food and Water page for a list of links. Other Disease Risks Dengue , filariasis , leishmaniasis , onchocerciasis , and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Myiasis (botfly) is endemic in Central America. Protecting yourself against insect bites ( see below ) will help to prevent these diseases. Other Health Risks Injuries Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. Protect yourself from motor vehicle injuries: avoid drinking and driving; wear your safety belt and place children in age-appropriate restraints in the back seat; follow the local customs and laws regarding pedestrian safety and vehicle speed; obey the rules of the road; and use helmets on bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes. Avoid boarding an overloaded bus or mini-bus. Where possible, hire a local driver. What You Need To Bring With You Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects (e.g., malaria , Dengue , filariasis , leishmaniasis , and onchocerciasis ). Insect repellent containing DEET . Bed nets treated with permethrin. For use and purchasing information, see Insecticide Treated Bednets on the CDC malaria site. Overseas, permethrin or another insecticide, deltamethrin, may be purchased to treat bed nets and clothes. Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes. Iodine tablets and portable water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available. See Preventing Cryptosporidiosis: A Guide to Water Filters and Bottled Water for more detailed information. Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. See Skin Cancer Questions and Answers for more information . Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you. Always carry medications in their original containers, in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to bring along over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide) and an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to self-treat moderate to severe diarrhea. See suggested over-the-counter medications and first aid items for a travel kit . Staying Healthy During Your Trip Travelers should take the following precautions To stay healthy, do... When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child. Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears. Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if hands are not visibly soiled, use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub to remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help prevent disease transmission. In developing countries, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink . Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed. (See your health care provider for a prescription.) To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, even on beaches. Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Use insect repellents that contain DEET (N, N-diethylmethyltoluamide). For more information about insect repellents and correct use, see What You Need to Know about Mosquito Repellent on the CDC West Nile Virus site . If no screening or air conditioning is available: use a pyrethroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours; sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones. If you are visiting friends and relatives in your home country, see additional special information about malaria prevention in Recent Immigrants to the U.S. from Malarious Countries Returning 'Home' to Visit Friends and Relatives on the CDC Malaria site. Do not Do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection (i.e., hepatitis A and typhoid fever). Do not drink beverages with ice. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis. (For more information, please see Swimming and Recreational Water Precautions .) Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague). Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas. For more information, please see Animal-Associated Hazards . Do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing or injections to prevent infections such as HIV and hepatitis B. After You Return Home If you have visited a malaria-risk area, continue taking your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks (chloroquine, doxycycline, or mefloquine) or seven days (atovaquone/proguanil) after leaving the risk area. Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician your travel history. For More Information For more information about these and other diseases, please check the Diseases page and CDC Health Topics A-Z Diseases carried by insects Dengue : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=dengue.htm : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=lyme.htm Malaria information for Travelers to Mexico and Central America : http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/camerica.htm Malaria Frequently asked questions : http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/faq.htm Malaria Prescription Drugs : http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malariadrugs.htm : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=yellowfever.htm Diseases carried in food or water : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=cholera.htm Escherichia coli diarrhea : http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/escherichiacoli_g.htm Hepatitis A : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hav.htm : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=schisto.htm Typhoid fever : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=typhoid.htm Diseases from person-to-person contact Hepatitis B : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hbv.htm HIV/AIDS prevention : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=hivaids.htm HIV-infected travelers (in The Immunocompromised Traveler) : http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=special&obj=hivtrav.htm&cssNav=browseoyb Important: This document is not a complete medical guide for travelers to this region. Consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for pregnant women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions. Date: November 3, 2005 Content Source: National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine Destinations Vaccinations Diseases Yellow Book Safe Food and Water Illness and Injury Abroad Traveling with Children Cruise Ship and Air Travel Special Needs Travel Traveling with Pets Travel Medicine Clinics Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinics References and Resources Travelers' Health Automated Information Line PHONE: 877-FYI-TRIP toll free (Information about ordering the Yellow Book and International Certificates of Vaccination and recorded messages on travel-related health topics) VIA EMAIL: Contact Us Form Home | Policies and Regulations | Disclaimer | e-Government | FOIA | Contact Us Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435

Air Travel Prepare For

TSA | Transportation Security Administration | Air Travel - Prohibited Items Home | FAQs | Sitemap | Contact Us Travelers & Consumers Employment Business Opportunities Industry Partners Law & Policy Security & Law Enforcement About TSA Briefing Room Site Search Travelers & Consumers Air Travel Prepare For Takeoff Prohibited Items Transporting Special Items Special Considerations General Aviation Persons with Disabilities & Medical Conditions Links to Related Sites Passenger Rail Passenger Vessels Highway Travel Mass Transit TSA Partner Programs Persons with Disabilities & Medical Conditions TSA Customer Service Signup for Homeland Security Alerts Passenger Resources Travel Tips Travelers & Consumers Printable Version Prohibited Items Air Travel - Prohibited Items Prohibited items are weapons, explosives, incendiaries, and include items that are seemingly harmless but may be used as weapons - the so-called "dual use" items. You may not bring these items to security checkpoints without authorization. Permitted and Prohibited Items List: English (Word 280KB) (Revised 12-22-2005) Civil Sanction Guidelines for Individuals: English (PDF 122KB) If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint you may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or at the least asked to rid yourself of the item. A screener and/or Law Enforcement Officer will make this determination depending on what the item is and the circumstances. This is because bringing a prohibited item to a security checkpoint - even accidentally - is illegal. Your prohibited item may be detained for use in an investigation and if necessary as evidence in your criminal and/or civil prosecution. If permitted by the screener or Law Enforcement Officer, you may be allowed to: Consult with the airlines for possible assistance in placing the prohibited item in checked baggage Withdraw with the item from the screening checkpoint at that time Make other arrangements for the item such as taking it to your car Voluntarily abandon the item. Items that are voluntarily abandoned cannot be recovered and will not be returned to you. Please refer to the printable versions of the prohibited and permitted items list above where you will find a list of items that are permitted or prohibited in your carry-on or checked baggage. You should note that some items are allowed in your checked baggage but not your carry-on. Also pay careful attention to the 'Notes' included at the bottom of each section - they contain important information about restrictions. The prohibited and permitted items list is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as necessary. To ensure everyone's security the screener may determine that an item not on this chart is prohibited. The list of items applies to flights originating within the United States. Please check with your airline or travel agent for restrictions at destinations outside of the United States. Transportation Security Administration Internet Privacy Policy : Terms of Use : Accessibility : FOIA : FirstGov

Ski Vacation

Colorado Ski Vacations and Lodging Colorado Mountain Ski Resort SkiColorado.com offers world class accommodations throughout Aspen , Beaver Creek , Breckenridge , Copper Mountain , Crested Butte , Durango , Keystone , Snowmass , Steamboat , Telluride , Vail & Winter Park Colorado. Choose from thousands of Hotels, Condominiums, Private Homes & Lodges. Contact a SkiColorado.com reservation specialist to help plan your next unforgetable Colorado Vacation. Home Contact Us Hot Deals Reservation Request Snow Report Guest Services Real People! Real Answers!™ 1-888-604-5848 Search for lodging by Resort or # of Bedrooms. Enter your arrival date and # of nights. Resort: Bedrooms: Arrival Date: # of Nights: All Resorts Aspen Beaver Creek Breckenridge Copper Mountain Crested Butte Durango Keystone Snowmass Steamboat Summit County Telluride Vail Winter Park Any Hotel Studio 1-Bdrm 2-Bdrm 3-Bdrm 4-Bdrm 5+Bdrm Home - Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 - 05 06 07 - 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Our Agents "Live & Work" in Colorado! 1,000's of Luxury Properties 1 to 5+ Bdrm Condos & Private Homes Exclusive Hotels Attentive Guest Service Extensive Local Knowledge Complete Travel Packages Featured Resort Aspen Featured Resort Beaver Creek Featured Resort Steamboat Featured Resort Vail Colorado Partners: Colorado Central Reservations About Us Privacy Groups Quick Links Aspen Lodging, Beaver Creek Lodging, Breckenridge Lodging, Copper Mountain Lodging, Crested Butte Lodging, Durango Lodging, Keystone Lodging, Snowmass Lodging, Steamboat Lodging, Telluride Lodging, Vail Lodging, Winter Park Lodging, Ski Colorado Other Links Park City Utah Lodging Club Lespri Moguls Mountain Travel

Russia Travel Resources >

Travel Essentials - Russia  You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia Travel Essentials - Russia For your travels to Russia, use this resource to know where the tourist offices are, when to go, what to expect from weather, public holidays, and similar logistical information. Also find information about communications and health and safety Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Russia Profile Undergoing profound economic and political changes, Russia is struggling to remain an important power on the world stage. For travelers, the country is a rich trove of art, culture and history. Find out more about Russia in this overview of the government, people, languages, travel, history, and more, in one concise page. Money Matters- Russia Like everywhere else you travel, you'll need money when you visit Russia. In this article, you'll find handy information about money in Russia, including cash, credit cards, travelers checks, exchange rates, ATMs, costs, and banks. Transportation in Russia: Long Distance Whether you're traveling across borders or from city to city, Russia has transportation options to get there. Public Transportation - Russia In this segment of the Russia Travel Guide, you'll find general information about mass transit in Russia as well as specifics about Moscow and St. Petersburg: the metro, trams, buses and trolleybuses, and taxis. Driving in Russia Driving in Russia presents challenges. If you still want to drive, read on. Dining and Drinking - Russia Learn what to eat and drink (and what not to) in Russia. Shopping - Russia Visitors to Russia will find plenty of ways to spend their money, particulary in Moscow and St. Petersburg where shops catering to tourists are everywhere. Here you'll find art and antique stores, souvenir shops, department stores and outdoor flea markets. Before You Go - Russia Before you go on your trip to Russia, read this section of the Travel Guide for Russia to learn about tourist information, travel tips, when to go, and what you can bring with you. Need to Know - Russia Before you go on your trip to Russia, read this article about items you need to know, such as time zones, electricity, measurements, weather, and public holidays. Health and Safety - Russia With a little foresight and common sense, you can stay safe and healthy while traveling in Russia. Read on to learn what you need to know. This article deals with crime, theft of your passport, eating and drinking to stay healthy, immunizations, and sex in Russia. Communications - Russia Learn about communicating in Russia, from the post office (and its private sector alternatives) to mobile phones, the Internet, media and webcams.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Headlines Spas of Budapest Whether you want to simply swim or soak in... Warsaw for Travelers In Warsaw, modern glass office buildings have emerged all over... Castle Hotels in Europe If you're seeking unique accommodations for your travels in Eastern... Romantic Destinations in Eastern Europe Looking for something beyond Paris or Tuscany for a romantic...

Switzerland Travel Guide Top

Switzerland Travel and Destination Information sitemap Home Vacation Planner Main Attractions Hotels Getting Around About Switzerland Company Info 1- 800 33 SWISS (79477) - Call the Switzerland experts for immediate assistance ! Switzerland Travel Guide Top Destinations Zermatt Interlaken Montreux St. Moritz Lucerne Geneva Zurich Basel Mountain Resorts Crans-Montana Davos Grindelwald Gstaad Muerren Verbier Wengen Lakeside Cities Lausanne Locarno Lugano Murten Neuchatel Thun Other Cities Berne St. Gallen Regions Engadin Graubunden Bernese Oberland Ticino Valais Links Switzerland Travel Agency - Destination Guide & Travel Maps "MagicSwitzerland" provides you with a destination guide on travel to Switzerland and a reservation tool for hotels and other travel related services. On our site you will find travel information and maps of most Swiss travel destinations. Choose from one of our vacation packages and tours or work closely with one of our native Switzerland travel agents to design your perfect vacation. Start with our travel guide to Zermatt , the Bernese Oberland , the city of Zurich or any other place of interest in Switzerland. We would like to invite you to discover a variety of incredible destinations in Switzerland. The unique hospitality of our people plus the scenic beauty of our country will inspire your senses. Whether your interest are the Alps and other mountains, traveling by train through Switzerland, exploring the lakes or getting to know a Swiss City, we will assist you in putting together the perfect vacation. Our travel agents provide efficient and quality service and they can make all your travel arrangements for your visit to Switzerland. "MagicSwitzerland" is a full-service travel agency located in Kansas City, MO and we arrange for hotels , rail tickets , car rentals , ground transfer , international airfare and anything else to fit the needs of groups and individual tourists planning to travel in Switzerland. We specialize in custom itineraries and organize soft tours and adventures for all ages and abilities. We also organize itineraries combining Switzerland with visits to other European countries! Switzerland offers a four-culture diversity, service oriented hotels and the Swiss command of English which makes traveling pleasant. Please also visit our Magic Travel Deals page, where we present you attractive offers and last minute bookings for your vacation in Switzerland. Book Online Train Passes Swiss Hotels Rental Cars Vacation Homes Travel Insurance