Switzerland Travel and Tourism

Map of Switzerland - Switzerland Tourism and Travel Information  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Swiss Map and Switzerland Tourism and Travel Facts Switzerland in a Nutshell -- find essential information on traveling to Switzerland using our map and resources. You are Here Home Europe Map Switzerland Map and Travel Resources Switzerland Map Showing Cities and Languages Map of Switzerland © 2003 by James Martin, licensed to About Destinations in Switzerland Our Switzerland Travel and Tourism Information Guide is a directory of information on Switzerland travel, including Swiss guidebooks, regions, public transportation and cities to visit. Accommodations in Switzerland Accommodations in Switzerland tend to be expensive. There are usually fewer hotels located around train stations than in other countries. You may inspect a hotel beforecommitting to it. Hotel rooms in Switzerland tend to be smaller than other places, but there are usually more services available. Prices include service, taxes and sometimes breakfast (ask). Most Swiss hotels are members of the Swiss Hotel Association, which rates them according to their facilities and not necessarily their charm. For more general information on European hotel ratings, see our article: Hotels and their Star Ratings . Swiss Currency The Swiss currency is the Swiss Franc, abbreviated to CHF. Swiss Franc banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Francs. At the time of writing, 1 US Dollar = 1.35350 Swiss Franc (January, 2003). For the current rate, see CurrencyConverter by OANDA.com, The Currency Site . Language in Switzerland Four primary languages are spoken in Switzerland. See the map above for the approximate areas those languages are spoken in. The Federal Constitution stipulates that German, French, and Italian are Switzerland's official languages, whereas Romansh is an official language for communicating with Romansh-speaking persons. English is increasingly taught at an early age, sometimes taking priorityover a second national language. Foreign Languages for the Tourist gives a list of resources for learning just enough language to get along. Page two of that article is an account of going to language school in Perugia, Italy. I recommend undertaking such an experience in Switzerland if you're interested in the Swiss languages and people. Transportation in Switzerland Switzerland isserved by more than 13000 miles of train, bus and boat routes. Find outmore about Swiss transportation options in the article SwissRail Passes and Transportation information . Weather in Switzerland Due to the mountainous terrain in Switzerland, weather can vary greatly with altitude. For somehistorical information, see GeographyIQ . For current weather in Switzerland, see the Weather Underground . Eating in Swiss Restaurants Although eating in a Swiss restaurant is generally more expensive than eating in a neighboring country, you can find interesting, inexpensive food in Switzerland. Lunches are often cheaper than the same meal at dinner. Look for the plateof the day. General Eating Times: Lunch: 12-2 Dinner 6-8 pm As you might expect, Swiss cuisine is based around dairy products -- cheese, milk, cream, butter and/or yogurt. Beer is often cheaper and more readily available then soft drinks. Tipping Meals include a service charge, but tipping is common. 5% of the total is the usual tip. According to locals in Zurich, it is customary, when paying with a creditcard, to leave the tip in cash rather than adding it to the card total. Public Holidays in Switzerland Public holidays New Years: January 1st and 2nd Good Friday Easter Monday Labor Day - May 1st Ascension Day Whit Monday National Day: August 1st Christmas Eve (afternoon only) Christmas: December 25 and 26th New Year's Eve (afternoon) From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors        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 Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels

Vacation Rentals - CafeGetaway Homes, Condos, Villas, Car Rental, Airfare Cafegetaway vacation rentals in every state! Villas, condos, cabins and cottages. Even a castle or two! Santa Cruz, California Big Island, Hawaii Palm Springs, California Home Owners Search Information Travel Resources Contact Us Hot Travel Destinations Disney World - Florida Hawaii (The Big Island) Hawaii - Maui Hawaii - Oahu Hawaii - Kauai Hawaii - Molokai Palm Springs, California Lake Tahoe Las Vegas, Nevada Hilton Head, South Carolina Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Smoky Mountains, North Carolina International Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Aruba Australia Bahamas Bali Barbados Belize Bermuda Brazil Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Croatia Dominica Dominican Republic France French Polynesia Greece Grenada Guadeloupe Hungary India Italy Jamaica Martinique Mexico New Zealand Netherlands-Antilles Portugal Puerto Rico Saint-Kitts-Nevis Saint-Lucia South Africa Spain Switzerland Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United Kingdom US Virgin Islands Website Design CafeGetaway is now proud to offer website design services to our valued customers through an alliance with DLConcepts.com . Call 407.656.9955 for details. Select from our lists of available vacation home rentals in every price range by clicking on the interactive map below. Contact the owner directly. We have villas, condos, cabins and cottages. Even a castle or two! USA Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | State of Hawaii | Hawaii - The Big Island | Hawaii - Maui | Hawaii - Oahu | Hawaii - Kauai | Hawaii - Molokai | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Massachusetts | Maryland | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | Mississippi | Montana | North Carolina | Nebraska | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | Nevada | New York | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Virginia | Vermont | Washington | Wisconsin | West Virginia | Wyoming Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels Why would anyone choose a rental home over a hotel room? Click here to find out. Home | Owners | Search | Information | Travel Resources | Contact Us | Site Map Need a break? Florida Vacation Rentals, Villas, condos, and cabins CafeGetaway is an independent website offering cabins, condos, villas and cottages for rent by the owners or their appointed representatives. Please contact each individually. CafeGetaway Po Box 133 Windermere, FL 34786 For questions about the CafeGetaway website call 407.656.9955 For availability of a vacation rental please contact the owner using the phone or email on each listing. Please report any problems with this site to webmaster@cafegetaway.com dlconcepts website design and hosting

Hotel Travel

Thailand.com : Thailand Export, Thailand Exporter, Thailand Supplier, Thai Manufacturer, B2B, E-Market Place, Travel Thailand, Hotel Thailand, E-commerce, E-commerce Thailand, Thailand Market Place, Online Advertising, Thai Exporter, Thai Trade, Trade Directory Thailand Export, Thailand Supplier, Thai Manufacturer, Thailand Exporter,B2B, E-Market Place, Travel Thailand, Hotel Thailand, E-commerce, E-commerce Thailand, Thailand Market Place, Online Advertising, Thai Exporter, Thai Trade, Trade Directory http://www.thailand.com Thailand Export, Thailand Exporter, Thailand Supplier, Thai Manufacturer, B2B, E-Market Place, Travel Thailand, Hotel Thailand, E-commerce, E-commerce Thailand, Thailand Market Place, Online Advertising, Thai Exporter, Thai Trade, Trade Directory thailand.com is an Internet gateway offering users a one-stop source for information and services on Thailand and Southeast Asia. We present a broad spectrum of products and services to the global Internet community focusing on leisure and business activities in Thailand and the region under these categories: Travel: Using our local expertise, we offer users a travel experience focusing on information about Thailand and Southeast Asia complemented with a full range of on-line products and services including online air tickets, hotels and tour packages highlighting culture, adventure and eco-tours. Packed with destination guide, maps and traveler’s tips, travelers and holidaymakers can now take a virtual tour or the region without leaving home. Up-to-the-minute reviews from selected sources ensure web surfers reliable information about where to stay and eat, plus the lowdown on the cities and sites really worth seeing. Planning and purchasing your holiday in Thailand has never been easier. Exports: This section is loaded with information about exporting out of Thailand, where executives will find many essential tools and guides including currency conversion, export regulations, trade and logistics information plus an updated summary of all major trade shows and exhibitions. Users can also browse our interactive exporter directory to find partners and source products from Thailand or the region. News: We bring you up-to-the-minute local and regional news fed directly from the Nation Group News Agency, which is one of Southeast Asia’s most experienced and reliable news networks. Sections include business, economics, Internet and IT, sport, entertainment and politics from our regional perspective keeping you in tune with Thailand and Southeast Asia. Business & Finance: We have created an information hub for investors interested in Thailand providing them with the essentials about the local business and finance scene. Features such as real time stock quotes, updates on regional commodity markets, economic research and indicators, country profiles, combined with detailed analysis and insight into the regional business community, are sure to make this section every investor's ally. Shopping: An extensive selection of quality products exclusive to Thailand and the region, including local silk and garments, handicrafts and souvenirs will let you shop till you drop in the comfort of your own home. Browse at your leisure to find the best bargains, safe in the knowledge that your transactions are being protected by the most secure payment systems available. Thai Exporter Thailand Supplier Online Advertising Thai Manufacturer Thailand Export Travel Thailand Hotel Thailand B2B E-Market Place E-commerce E-commerce Thailand Thailand Exporter Thailand Market Place Thai Trade Trade Directory Thai Exporter Thailand Supplier Online Advertising Thai Manufacturer Thailand Export Travel Thailand Hotel Thailand B2B E-Market Place E-commerce E-commerce Thailand Thailand Exporter Thailand Market Place Thai Trade Trade Directory Thailand Export, Thailand Exporter, Thailand Supplier, Thai Manufacturer, B2B, E-Market Place, Travel Thailand, Hotel Thailand, E-commerce, E-commerce Thailand, Thailand Market Place, Online Advertising, Thai Exporter, Thai Trade, Trade Directory

Cruise Vacations Spa &

Luxury Vacation, Cruises, Luxury Travel, Luxury Tours, Luxury Cruises Luxury Vacations, Luxury Cruises, Luxury Travel, Luxury Tours, Luxury Cruise Ships Luxury Vacation, Luxury Travel, Luxury Tours, Luxury Cruises Guide Virtuoso Luxury Vacations, Travel, Tours, and Cruise Specialists Luxury vacation travel: Call 1-800-330-8820 to book now. Open every day! Luxury Cruise Lines Luxury Cruises Luxury Vacation Destinations Africa Vacations Asia Vacations Australian Vacations Canada Vacations Caribbean Vacations Central America European Vacations Fiji Vacations Hawaii Vacations Indian Ocean Islands Mexico Vacations Mediterranean Isles Middle East New Zealand South America South Pacific Islands Tahiti Vacations USA Vacations Luxury Cruise Guides Virtuoso Luxury European Cruises Luxury Cruises World Luxury Cruises Asia River Cruises European River Cruises River Cruises in America Corporate Incentives & Events Corporate Group Program Overview Corporate Incentive Programs Corporate Business Meetings Corporate Product Launches Travel Agent Career Opportunities The best available price is our starting point. Then we add value through complimentary excursions, amenities, or services. TravelWizard.com can get you the room, or suite, condo or villa you want, when others can't. We have tons of money saving specials: free nights, free meals, room upgrades, and wonderful inclusions such as free golf and spa visits. During certain times of the year we can give you a free air ticket from Los Angeles or San Francisco, or a $250 air credit from other cities. Free car with a 7 night stay at 40 different hotels in Hawaii, or receive a credit of $199 value, and apply it to another car category. We have every airline to Hawaii, so you can choose the airline you prefer. You get frequent flyer miles on most of them. We can get you discount first class, or business class tickets. You can book your activities ahead of time to assure peace of mind. How do we do it? Simple. We leverage our tremendous buying power! Email this page to a friend Bookmark this page "The sophisticated traveler's luxury vacation, luxury cruise, luxury travel, luxury villas and luxury tour planners." We are one of the most successful, award winning, highly recommended luxury vacation, cruise, tour and travel companies in the world. Our phenomenal success is due to our forging personal relationships based on trust and integrity with our clientele. Our Virtuoso luxury vacation and cruise planning experts specialize in connecting you to the worlds best destinations - in the best ways possible. We provide a wealth of priceless information that savvy traveler's need to make the right decisions to keep them out of harm's way and insure a memorable vacation. We will save you precious time, assure you of great value and exhilarating experiences. We are very innovative, add valuable solutions that consistently exceed our customers expectations and strive to always provide the ultimate travel experience. Our luxury travel specialists will take the time to get to know you so that your personal vacation dreams become reality. Our luxury travel specialists are available to you before, during and after your vacation. We are always available to serve you person to person! We readily handle luxury vacation, cruises, tours and travel requests from all parts of the globe. All of us at Travelwizard.com have a sincere passion for travel. We throughly enjoy our work, the exciting places we explore, the wonderful people we meet, and would be thrilled to share this passion with you! Why Should You Use our Virtuoso Luxury Vacation, Travel and Cruise Specialists ? We are Virtuoso, "Specialists in the Art of Vacation Travel". Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes Magazine, NBC TV and The Wall Street Journal. Our Virtuoso Vacation & Cruise Specialists offer exclusive insider connections and industry expertise on luxury vacations. Our professional services suit the world's most demanding luxury vacation travelers. Our name opens doors and guarantees value.You see, as your Virtuoso Luxury Vacation Travel Specialists, we're members of the most prestigious and established travel network in the world. So when you travel, you can do so with confidence - secure in the knowledge that you'll get more, simply by booking through us. The world awaits. Let us take you there. With us you enjoy the benefits of our exclusive agreements with the world's leading luxury cruise lines, luxury hotels and luxury tour companies. This brings you unsurpassed value in the world of upscale luxury travel, including outstanding amenities such as complimentary upgrades, privileged access opportunities and private events at many top international and domestic vacation destinations. You'll find loads of helpful information about luxury vacations, luxury cruises and luxury travel in every country in our luxury vacation guides, but only the very best luxury hotels, resorts, villlas, luxury tour operators, luxury travel related services, cultural travel experiences, personal enrichment travel, exclusive boutique vacation destinations and exotic tours designed specifically for the sophisticated traveler. They have been carefully chosen for your benefit. It's to your advantage to inspect your target destinations on this web site before you contact us. You may call us any time, however we can serve you much better if you use our " Luxury Vacation Travel Planner " so we will know your specific needs beforehand, and be able to answer all your questions professionally. Our Concierge will immediately direct your request to one of our Virtuoso Vacation, Cruise or Travel Specialists that specializes in your destination. Travelwizard.com was picked by the NBC Today Show to orchestrate the perfect honeymoon destination for their " Throws a Wedding " show. We are very proud that the Today Show turned to Travelwizard.com to find the perfect honeymoon. Travelwizard.com's renowned South Pacific specialists designed the perfect honeymoon to Turtle Island, in Fiji that was chosen for the NBC Today Show. Ellen DeGeneres, on the Ellen DeGeneres Show uses Travelwizard.com as her number one source for luxury vacations throughout the world. We are very proud to be the first choice for sophisticated travelers like Ellen DeGeneres! Forbes Magazine picked Travelwizard.com for"Best of the Web" because of our renowned luxury service and great choice of luxury vacations. In an uncertain world, be certain about us About Travel Wizard & Virtuoso Luxury Travel, Tour and Cruise Specialists Book Your Luxury Vacation Submit a vacation planner to our Virtuoso Travel Specialists Client Testimonials about our services Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Luxury Accommodations Luxury Hotels Luxury Resort Hotels Luxury Villas & Homes Luxury Vacations Luxury Tours Luxury Family Tours Honeymoon Specials Virtuoso Luxury Tours Virtuoso Luxury Cruise Vacations Spa & Wellness Getaways Active Vacations Golfing Luxury Vacations Biking Vacations Hiking Luxury Vacations Luxury Train Vacations Grand Prix Vacations Scuba Diving Vacations Family Luxury Vacations All-inclusive Vacations Luxury Villas & Homes Yacht Charter Private Jet Vacations Space Adventures Helpful Travel Links Other Helpful Links 24 Passports Travelex Luxury Travel Insurance CSA Luxury Travel Insurance Travel Guard Insurance Current Travel Warnings Travel Safety Manual Travel Consultant Career Opportunities Full Service Luxury Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury vacation with our full service Virtuoso Travel Specialists. We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Travel Consultants, and can arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree cruise experience at no extra charge! You may call our Virtuoso Travel Consultants, but first, we'd really appreciate it if you complete our "Luxury Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your luxury vacation . Full Service, Worldwide Luxury Tour Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury tour vacation with our full service Virtuoso Luxury Tour Specialists. We can arrange every little detail of your tour vacation, including air, and pre-tour and post-tour arrangements to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our "Luxury Tour Vacation Planner" our Virtuoso--Travel Consultants will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your luxury tour vacation . Full Service, Worldwide Luxury Cruise Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury cruise vacation with our full service Virtuoso Luxury Cruise Specialists. We can arrange every little detail of your cruise vacation, including air, excursions, and pre-cruise and post-cruise arrangements, to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our " Luxury Cruise Vacation Planner" our Virtuoso--Travel Consultants will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your luxury cruise . Regional Travel and Vacation Guides Africa Asia Australia Caribbean Islands Canada Central America Europe Fiji Islands Hawaiian Islands Indian Ocean Costa Rica Mexico Mediterranean Middle East New Zealand South America South Pacific Tahiti Islands United States Special Interest Vacations Luxury Tours Adventure Travel Ski Vacations Culinary Vacations Small Shi p Vacations Virtuoso Hotels Spa Vacations Private Jet Vacations Family Vacations Train Vacations Scuba Diving All-inclusive Vacations River Cruises Luxury Villas ClubMed Vacations Honeymoon Specials Wedding Vacations National Geographic Space Adventures Yacht Charters Golfing Vacations Active Vacations Biking Vacations Hiking Vacations Sports Travel Corporate V acations Corporate Events Food and Wine Luxury Cruise Destinations Luxury Cruises Cruise Vacations South Pacific/Tahiti Hawaiian Islands Scandinavia Alaska Cruises Caribbean Panama Canal Mexico Cruises Mediterranean West Europe Western British Isles/ Ireland Greek Isle/Aegean Bermuda Cruises Costa Rica South America River Amazon Antarctica Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Africa Southern Canarys/North Africa Far East/Orient Southeast Asia Trans-Atlantic Trans-Pacific Russia Europe East Coast Cruises India Cruises Israel/Egypt New England/Canada Red Sea/Suez Canal West Coast World Cruises Baltic/Russia Luxury Cruise Lines Crystal Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Windstar Cruises Clipper Cruises Silversea Cruises Oceania Cruises Am West Steamboat Princess Cruises European River Norwegian Cruise ResidenSea Holland America Line Sea Dream Yacht Club American Safari Travel Dynamics Seabourn Cruise Orient Express Royal Caribbean Orient Lines Star Clippers Cunard Line Costa Cruises Cruise West Celebrity Cruises National Geographic Hebridean Cruises MSC Cruises Lindblad Expeditions Peter Deilmann Viking River Cruises Swan Hellenic Delta Queen River Zegrahm Expeditions Disney Cruises Tauck Discovery French Waterways The Moorings Int'l Expeditions Carnival Cruise Great American River Journeys About Travel Wizard Advertising Info Privacy Policy Contact Inf ormation Home We accept credit cards: During this time of price volatility in the travel, tour and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until booked. State of California seller of travel License # 2061139-40 Travel Agent Career Opportunities Contact Information Advertise with Travel Wizard 1998 TravelWizard.Com, Tropical Island Vacation Dept. All rights reserved.

South 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