Traveling to Central America is the same as traveling to any other part of the world, but as we all know, there are some things that we all have to keep in mind to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.
This might sound like paranoia speaking, but the truth is that there are some things about the places we are going to visit that we need to know but we don’t know that we don’t know them.
That’s why I thought it would be a good idea if I gave you a some pieces of advice for your Central American trip:
Children Need Paperwork
If only one parent is planning to go to a Central American country and is taking a child, you have to get a notarized letter from the other parent granting permission for the child to travel abroad. You wouldn’t believe the stories I have heard. The problem is that they won’t let you get into the country without that letter, and if they do, they won’t let you leave until it’s fixed somehow.
Be Vigilant
Pickpockets gravitate towards busy public areas where unsuspecting tourists congregate. Most of them look like regular people, so make sure that all of your possessions are stowed away safely somewhere under your clothing. I’m not saying that you have to become a human radar, just being a little more careful than normal will do.
Bedbugs Everywhere!
Central America is filled with forests and wildlife. Wherever you look there are mountains, rivers and volcanoes and most of the towns are placed very close to these. So when checking into your hotel room, do a pest inspection before unpacking your luggage. Bedbugs can be lurking, even in the cleanest and most respected hotels. They can make an overnight stay a miserable, itchy experience.
A Great Way to Hide Valuables
I have just found out about a great product that gives you a great way to hide valuables: Passport security socks. They come in different sizes and heights, from ankle socks to over-the-calf styles. They have a zipped pocket that can hold cash, passport, keys, and other small valuables. This way, you will never have to worry about losing them.
Good ideas. It's especially important to remember little things like this if you just have a short stay.
I lived in Belize for a year, and when I started out I was super-paranoid about everything – pickpockets, crackheads, outhouses, giant cockroaches, Taco vendors not washing their hands. I carried my money around in my socks and my bra! After a few months I was able to relax and enjoy it, and I became a whole new person. Everyone should experience a year in a foreign country, especially a poor one.
I did travel with my son alone into and out of Belize, and I didn't have any issues coming or going. We didn't think about it then, but since we always have to travel separately from dad (who is a German citizen) we always take an authorization letter now.
Tips I would add: Christmas time is the worst time for robberies. People want to have all the nice stuff for their families. And money's short. So that's when they happen the most. I never had a problem with it, but they happened all around us.
Werever you stay, make sure you have mosquito netting no matter the weather or season! We didn't realize it, and after our first night in Belize, my son looked like he had a bad case of the measles.
If you're fair-skinned, get a tan before heading to Central America. Bright white skin makes you stand out and look like an easy target. Or at least a naive tourist who has a lot of money.
Leave your gold jewelry and cell phone at home. Buy phone cards to use pay phones like everyone else, and wear local, handmade jewelry that you buy on your trip. It helps the local economy, and you stand out less.
I spent four months travelling in Central America with my girlfriend. We didn't experience any trouble, but as usual met people who had. As usual the trouble tends to gravitate around gringo towns, which is good for travellers who like to get off 'the trail'. Some of the border crossing in Central America are a bit dodgy, so keep an eye out in these areas.
You can see some photos I took on the trip here
Marina you’ve always got great advice for traveling to Central America. That letter requirement seems silly – how can they verify it’s legitimacy?
Hi Guys,
Thanks for your replies.
Great tips there Leighann! Great article from Marina.
Love the photos Tom, although I think you know that already!
Thanks,
Paul @
TravMOnkey.com