Exito Travel

Travel With Children:Part 2 - Infants

By emma | May 27, 2009

Take the baby? Yes. Babies are the greatest ice-breakers in the world. Little old ladies who once eyed you suspiciously will come up to talk, pinch the baby’s cheeks, and coo over the little darling. Total strangers will stop you to admire the baby. Traveling with a baby in Latin America is like traveling with a celebrity. It’s fun, gratifying, ….and requires some adjustments.

The biggest adjustment is relaxing. Babies are a full part of society in Latin America, and people are not reluctant to approach them. I have had the waitress at a restaurant ask if she can take our baby across the street to show her mother, or the waiter whisk the baby to the kitchen to show off to the cook. Relax. They are not dangerous criminals seeking to steal your child - they just think babies are cute, and like to share them. If your baby happens to be blonde and blue-eyed (my oldest child had blonde ringlets as an infant), the attention will be twice as intense. Take it as the compliment that it is. Your baby is adorable — of course people want to admire. You don’t have to let people “borrow” the baby, or anything else you don’t feel comfortable with, but don’t be offended or frightened by the attention.

You will also receive lots of unsolicited advice, just like you do at home. I have had little old ladies in Belize assure me that my 4-month-old was freezing and that I needed to put a sweater on her (it was 80 degrees out!). To this day, when I am at a beach in Latin America with my blonde children, every mother who walks by will worriedly ask me if they have sun screen on. Once again, relax and take these comments in the spirit in which they are intended - true, honest concern for the child. They know you are a visitor, and worry that you may not be aware of how strong the sun is, how cold it actually is (yeah, right!), etc. They say something because they really do care. So, smile, reassure them, and thank them for their advice.
Once you have taken a deep breath and relaxed, it’s time to pack. Don’t go overboard - remember, they have babies in Latin America. Lots of them. So anything that you truly need for a baby, you will be able to obtain down there.

For example, disposable diapers are widely available in Latin America. Even if you usually use cloth diapers, consider using disposable diapers for the trip. Washing diapers is a hassle in the best of circumstances, so make it easy on yourself. Baby wipes are also widely available unless you are in really rural areas.

Don’t worry about bringing every possible medicine along for every possible thing that could happen. Children get tummy aches and teething problems down there too - they have medicines available for all of these. Don’t be afraid to venture into a farmacia (pharmacy) and explain what the problem is - you will get lots of sympathy, advice, and whatever medication you need.

The one exception is sunscreen. Good quality sunscreen can be hard to find and very expensive. I strongly suggest you bring sunscreen from home.

I would, however, suggest leaving the Pack-n-Play at home. Hauling a portable crib around is really kind of a hassle. Even if your baby doesn’t usually sleep with you, you might try it on a trip to Latin America. If you truly need one, bring it, but you might instead find out if your hotels can provide one.

It’s a good idea to trim down on extra stuff in general. Latin America is the land of stairs, uneven sidewalks, and broken elevators. So try to resist the urge to bring everything and the kitchen sink. Just bring what you actually need. For example, you don’t need four changes of clothes for every day of the trip - it’s pretty easy to get laundry done in Latin America. Even the cheapest hotel will know someone who does laundry.

Strollers are often not that helpful in Latin America. In many places the sidewalks are either nonexistent or very uneven, making strollers impractical If you do take a stroller, take a lightweight umbrella-type stroller that can easily be picked up and carried, if necessary. Baby carriers such as a Baby Bjorn, Snuggli, or a backpack are more useful.

If your baby is still exclusively breast-fed, congratulations - your trip logistics will be pretty easy. Your baby’s food will always be safe, available, and just the right temperature.

If your baby uses formula, infant formula is widely available. With all the safety issues with formula that have come up recently, though, you might want to take formula along. In big cities you can usually purchase formula made by reputable companies, but you might want to have a supply along with you. Be sure to always use purified water to wash the bottles and mix the formula.

If your baby has started to eat solids, you will find plenty of options. Most restaurants will be happy to bring you plain rice or sliced banana, if it’s for the baby. Bananas and avocados are widely available in markets or stores. Larger grocery stores will also have jars of baby food.

Once you are packed, it’s time for the trip itself. Where you go and how much you do will depend a great deal on your baby. Some babies easily nod off on the bus, making long bus trips a snap. Others sob from the noise, crowds, and smell. You know your baby better than anyone. Don’t be afraid to be a bit adventurous, but at the same time, be realistic. You may have a more relaxing trip if you just go to one or two places, and stay there for several days or even weeks. Many babies like routines, and you can get into a little vacation routine if you stay in one place for a while.

Beach vacations are often a big hit. Just be careful with sun exposure. Mountain trips are a bit more problematic. Some children do great, others have problems with the altitude. Unfortunately it’s hard to know in advance if you child will have trouble with altitude sickness. One of my children has no problems adjusting, and the other one gets horribly sick at high elevations. Which brings me to my final point….

Don’t be afraid to change the plan. If everyone’s miserable, scuttle the current plan and do something different. Maybe your baby is having a horrible time with the heat. Changing hotels to a place with air conditioning is not a sign of moral weakness, and it just may save your sanity. Be flexible, and you will all have a wonderful trip - parents and baby too!

Posted in Destinations, Extended Stay, General information, Local transportation, Multi Stop Travel, Staff Trips, Travel with Children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

TSA’s Secure Flight Program Begins

By emma | May 18, 2009

Secure Flight, the US Transportation Security Administration’s long awaited passenger vetting program, began today, May 15th.  The TSA now asks that passengers use their full name, as it appears on their passport, when booking airline tickets.  At this point small discrepancies such as the use of a middle initial instead of a full middle name or no middle name/initial at all, should not be an issue for passengers. Over time, however, consistency will become mandatory - the names in an airline reservation will need to match the name on the passport exactly, including  full middle names.

By August 15th, all passengers will be required to provide their date of birth and gender when they make airline reservations.    And eventually, passengers will be required to submit their passport numbers at least 72 hours prior to departure.

The goal of the program is to determine if the passenger is a match to the No Fly or Selectee lists. By providing the additional data elements of gender and date of birth, Secure Flight will more effectively help prevent misidentification of passengers who have similar names to individuals on the watch list and better identify individuals that may pose a known or suspected threat to aviation.

So what does this all really mean to the Latin America-bound traveler?  For now, not much.  Your name on your reservation must already match the name on your passport.  However, in the near future, it means that you will need to have the full names (including middle names) and dates of birth of all travelers before you can make reservations.

It also means that the name on your frequent flier accounts will need to match your passport as well, if you are to get the miles from the flights.  This is most likely to be an issue if you have a middle name which appears on your passport, but which you seldom use.  The middle name will soon be required on your airline ticket, but then the name on the ticket may not match the name on your frequent flier account.   When names don’t match, the airline’s computer rejects the frequent flier number as invalid and does not give you credit for the flight.

To avoid these kinds of hassles, now is the time to verify that the name on your frequent flier account matches you passport exactly.  If not, change it now, and get used to using your full name on all airline tickets.  And finally, start learning the birth dates of anyone you might want to travel with!

Posted in Airlines, General information, Group Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Travel With Children: Part 1- The Basics

By emma | May 8, 2009

“Should we take the kids?”   Yes.  Latin American is one of the most child-friendly places on earth.   Traveling with children will make your whole trip special in ways that you could never have imagined before you became parents.

But traveling with children also has it’s own challenges and special considerations.  Here are a few of the basics to cover before you depart on your trip.

Passports - Every child, including infants,  must have his/her own passport.  US passports may be obtained through most US post offices.  Apply well in advance, particularly for summer travel - it can take several months to get a passport (you can get a passport in less time, but it is more expensive).

In order to get a passport for a child, both parents must be present when you hand in the application, and give their permission.  If it’s not possible for both parents to apply together, the absent parent can give permission via a notarized statement of authorization.

You will also need a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate ( a simple photocopy will not due, it has to be an official copy), and two passport photos.  Passport photos for an infant can be a bit of a problem, as the baby can’t sit up.  Try going to a portrait studio that specializes in baby pictures.  These are often found in malls or near stores like Sears or Penny’s.  They will have ways to prop the baby up in order to get a proper passport photo.  Their prices are usually quite reasonable, too.

Visas - If you are visiting a country that requires visas, such as Brazil, all children (including infants) will need visas as well.  Most countries charge the same amount for children as for adults, so be prepared - it can be costly.

Permission to Travel -If both parents will not accompany the child on the trip, get a notarized letter from the absent parent giving permission for the child to travel.  Many countries, such as Mexico, absolutely require it - your child will not be allowed to board the plane if you cannot prove that both parents have authorized the trip.   Even if a country does not officially require it, take one along - I was asked for permission to travel for my infant daughter when entering a country that did not officially require any such thing.  Fortunately, being paranoid, I had it.

The letter of permission should include the trip dates and destination.  I usually include a line authorizing the traveling parent to seek medical care for the child if necessary, as well.

Vaccinations.  Infants are often too young for many vaccinations, but be sure your child receives any that he/she is able to get.  Remember, vaccinations are not widespread in many parts of Latin America, so there is no “herd immunity” - diseases spread faster and are more serious.  Infants who are still breast-feeding will get some immunity from their mothers, but vaccinations are still the most effective deterrent.  Check with a travel clinic to find out what vaccinations are recommended for the countries you will be visiting - the usual US vaccinations may not be sufficient.

When to travel - it’s always nice to travel on off days, but even more important when flying with children.   Statistically, Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be the lightest travel days.  Try to avoid travel on Fridays and Sundays - flights tend to be packed, and tensions flare more easily.

Where to go - Anywhere!   Don’t be afraid to take children away from resort areas.  Children can have fun at the beach, in the mountains, or in the city.  Markets, ruins, and bus rides are all an adventure for them.  Don’t be nervous - buy your tickets and start traveling again!

Posted in Destinations, Extended Stay, Multi Stop Travel, Travel with Children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Swine Flu Outbreak in Mexico

By emma | April 27, 2009

An outbreak of swine flu in Mexico has prompted the Mexican government to close museum, churches, some restaurants, and markets.  Travelers planning trips to Mexico in the immediate future may wish to delay their journey.  While at this time no country has imposed a travel ban to Mexico, the lack of tourist services might make your trip less convenient and enjoyable.

Some airlines are allowing ticketed passengers to Mexico, with scheduled departures prior to  May 6th, to reschedule their trips without a change fee.  If you already have purchased a ticket, departing by May 6th, and are interested in delaying your trip, contact Exito to expore your options.

Posted in Destinations, Local transportation, Multi Stop Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Renting a car in Latin America

By emma | April 22, 2009

Ah, the lure of the open road.  America’s love affair with the automobile is long and well-documented.  But, does it make sense to continue it overseas?  Does it make sense to rent a car in Latin America?

There is no one right answer to that question.  There are pros and cons to be weighed out before you decide whether or not to rent a car during your trip.

The reasons in favor of it are familiar ones - you have complete freedom to go where you want, when you want.  Public transportation in Latin America can be unpredictable - the train that usually goes on Wednesday just may have left on Tuesday this week.  Public transportation can also be inconvenient - there may not be a direct bus to Chugchilan today, you may have to go to Sigchos and wait for a connecting bus.  By renting a car, you may avoid a fair amount of inconvenience and discomfort.   Often, this may be enough of a plus to outweigh all the arguments against it.

There are, however, a number of problems with renting a car to consider, before you take the plunge.

The first consideration is, once you have rented a car, you then have a very expensive thing that you are responsible for.  You will have to be careful of where you park, and what hotels you stay in - you will generally need to stay at hotels that offer secure parking.  The responsibility of a car will certainly affect your trip - you must be comfortable with the trade-offs you may have to make in order to look after the car.

Secondly, a car isolates you.  Yes, you have the convenience of going where you want, when you want, but you no longer have the possibility of human interactions and connections that you have on public transportation.  You will not make any new friends or learn new things in the isolation of your own car.

Third, if you rent a car, you then have to drive in Latin America.  This may or may not be a disadvantage to you, depending on your experience and comfort level.  While driving in Latin America is nowhere near as bad as people try to tell you, it’s certainly a lot more anarchic than driving in the US.  If driving on a busy freeway in the US makes you nervous, you might not feel comfortable driving in Mexico City.  And if you do get into trouble, you will have to deal with the authorities of that country.  If you have an accident in Mexico, you have to deal with the Mexican authorities.  An encounter of this kind can be anything from confusing to downright frightening.  (Don’t get too freaked out by this, though - I have dealt with police in a number of different countries, and have lived to tell the tale).

Finally, it’s often expensive.  The basic rental may not be particularly costly, but many countries in Latin American require mandatory insurance.  In the US, car rental insurance is often covered either by your own auto insurance or by your credit card company.  In Latin America, often neither of those apply.  You may be required to purchase a collision damage waiver that can add another 50% on to the cost of your rental.

Before making the decision of whether to rent a car or not, it often makes sense to investigate alternatives.  In Latin America, many people do not own cars, so there are more different options available than there might be in the US.

Public buses and trains are, of course, always an option.  There are a wide variety of public buses in Latin America, from the famed third-class chicken buses to quite elegant first-class buses with movies and stewardesses.  Trains are less common, but can be an interesting alternative.

Taxis are also a great option.  In Latin America, it’s not unusual to hire a taxi for a day, to take you around while you shop or sightsee.  Negotiate the fare in advance with the driver, and you then have a private car for the day.  Actually, it’s better than a private car - you never have to hunt for a parking space.  Your hotel can often help you arrange this, and can give you an idea of the price.

Private transfers can also be a good compromise.  Even remote hotels usually work with someone to provide transfers, often to a city or airport many hours away.  While it may seem expensive for one day, if it saves you a week of car rental, it may work out to be the most economical option.  Ask your hotel if they can arrange transfers for you.

Having said all this, there are still times when renting a car makes sense.  You can stop in that cute little town, buy bulky souveniers, and have some privacy while traveling.

If you do decide to rent a car, here are a few tips:

1.  Get an International Driver’s Permit.  This is essentially a translation of your driver’s license into 10 different languages.  While these are not strictly required in most places, they can save time - all your information is already listed in Spanish and Portuguese.

2.  Check the fine print with your credit card company before you go.  Yes, many credit card companies do provide insurance for car rentals, but there are often many exclusions for Latin America. Check before you go.

3.  Find out the requirements for insurance coverage for the country you will be visiting.  Some countries will not accept credit card coverage as sufficient insurance.  Research this before you go, so you don’t have to figure it out while standing at the rental car counter.

4.  Rent with a company that has offices in the US.  If you do end up having a problem, it is much easier if there is a US office you can work with after your return home.  It is worth spending a bit more money on your rental to have some recourse later on with any problems that might arise.

Finally, if you do rent a car - don’t stress too much about it.  With a good map and a sense of adventure, you can have a wonderful trip to remember for years afterward.

Posted in Local transportation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment