Going to Mexico on Sunday for a week...advice?

[kikithemermaid]

I'm only 20...never been there before, and I'm worried about parasites--which might sound silly, but one of my good friends got one in Mexico and is now paralyzed. My room mates and I are staying at a resort in Playa Del Carmen, and plan to scuba dive and parasail in Cozumel. Can anyone give any advice on anything? Health, how to stay safe, etc?
Thanks!

Sorry I've been MIA, I'm in my last year of college and already busy!
-Courtney

 

[morval]

dont drink the water! that includes getting no ice in any of your drinks

 

[teresaq]

I agree, and dont get it in your mouth while you shower.

 

[dragonzim]

Originally Posted by morval
http:///forum/post/2715108
dont drink the water! that includes getting no ice in any of your drinks

And if you go a bar like Carlos and Charlies where they do things like a conga line where they shoot tequila in your mouth as you pass by DONT DO IT! My buddy got really sick from that since we think they either watered down the tequila or put ice in it

 

[jerthunter]

You're probably pretty safe but if you are interested check out the travelers info at the CDC.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationMexico.aspx
And don't let any big nasty bugs bite you..

 

[reefreak29]

stay away from the local taco stand

 

[kikithemermaid]

Thanks guys! I'm a vegan so no tacos for me...although food may be difficult. I also don't drink.
What kind of water do I stay away from? Is hotel water okay? Only bottled? Do they serve purified drinks in restaurants?

 

[bigarn]

Originally Posted by Jerthunter
http:///forum/post/2715227
You're probably pretty safe but if you are interested check out the travelers info at the CDC.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationMexico.aspx
And don't let any big nasty bugs bite you..
the above link covers everything you need to know.

have a safe trip!

 

[1journeyman]

Also check State Department's webpage for travel advisories to the area. I think there is still one for Mexico.
Don't go alone anywhere including taxis, watch your back, drink only bottled drinks that you opened, and be alert.
Edit: Here is the link: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...a/pa_3028.html

 

[spanko]

Being only vegan may also be a problem in that they need to clean the vegetables with something and that is usually water!!

 

[dragonzim]

Originally Posted by kikithemermaid
http:///forum/post/2715239
Thanks guys! I'm a vegan so no tacos for me...although food may be difficult. I also don't drink.
What kind of water do I stay away from? Is hotel water okay? Only bottled? Do they serve purified drinks in restaurants?
I would stay away from any water that you didnt open a fresh bottle of yourself.

 

[jerthunter]

I forgot to add... The most important thing.... Have fun!

 

[sigmachris]

Water is covered, but also use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Playa del Carmen is buetiful and really safe. The downtown area is cobblestone with a lot of really good reataurants.
There is some cool ancient ruins not far south from...Tulleum (sp) is on a cliff over looking the ocean.
There is also something that I didn't get to do but sounded fun. It is an underground river that you can float through the caverns. I believe they are called sonatas but that is probably wrong. If you ask your dive ship about it they will be able to give you info on it.

 

[coral keeper]

With this many problems I wouldn't go to Mexico LOL I rather go to Florida, Hawaii, Bahamas, or Australia.

 

[cowfishrule]

keep your passport on you at all times.
they may not have the best plumbing so look out for the "wastepaper" basket.
way too easy to clog the toilet down there.

 

[matt b]

Originally Posted by COWFISHRULE
http:///forum/post/2715532
way too easy to clog the toilet down there.
Have to much bacon down there once?

 

[sluggo]

The wife and I will be going to the same place on a cruise, leaving on 8/25/08.

The first stop is Cozumel and the second is Calica which is only a bout 3 miles from Playa del Carmen. I have done a lot of homework on this before we leave. Look on the website cruisecritic.com and you can find all sorts of reviews for these places. Also do a Google search for Cozumel, Mexico reviews and Playa Del Carmen reviews. I believe both places should be very safe to visit, plus the reviews will tell you the best places to eat, shop and visit.

Don

 

[jennythebugg]

do not wear jewelry even wedding rings leave it all here .wear sunscreen, do not take a purse, keep your money in your pocket .leave nothing of value in your hotel room. last time i went to mexico my moms purse was stolen and things were stolen from the hotel room

 

[kikithemermaid]

Thanks so much guys! I'm really nervous now....but seriously, thank you!

 

[kikithemermaid]

HOLD ON!
Before visiting Mexico, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)
To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.
I NEED VACCINES?! I'm leaving Sunday!