We are often asked by seniors or by those wishing to travel with an older relative whether or not it is wise to choose Mexico as a destination. The answer is an enthusiastic Yes!… with a little fine print.
Mexico is a delightful place for seniors to travel. The people in general are gracious and happy to welcome foreign visitors. The culture is vibrant and festive, and there are very few places on earth where one can see as much history and natural beauty. In fact, Mexico remains today the number one expatriate retirement choice for citizens of both the US and Canada, in spite of the much publicized recent troubles with Swine Flu and drug trade related violence.
For most senior travelers, the biggest concern with whether or not they are going to get sick. Fortunately, with a little advance preparation and a few precautions on the road, you can enjoy all the country has to offer without missing a beat.
The first and most important preventative measure is to see your doctor before leaving home. Just do it. Your physician knows your history and will also be up to date on latest medical news. Follow his or her advice. Make sure you receive the proper inoculations and vaccinations. This precaution is fundamental.
Montezuma’s Revenge
After your visit to the doctor’s office, it’s time to deal with more mundane issues. First among these is the universal concern with Montezuma’s Revenge, aka the tourista, or “traveler’s diarrhea” which results from consuming tainted food or water. Though usually not serious, the tourista is extremely unpleasant, and takes at least twenty four hours to run its course, leaving its victims weak and gun-shy about experimenting with the local cuisine.
At the risk of sounding unsympathetic: anyone who comes down with the tourista in Mexico today is just not being careful. Just know the lay of the land. Mexico is not a third world country, but it is a country in development. Over the last twenty years, great strides have been made in improving hygiene, and this is especially true in the many tourist zones.
To avoid the tourista, follow these simple precautions:
- Give yourself a few days to allow your system to adjust. One of our favorite treats in Mexico is the delicious street food, but when you first arrive, stick to the restaurants that obviously cater to foreign guests.
- Be careful with unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, it’s longer necessary to eliminate them from your diet while traveling in Mexico, and what a shame that would be! Throughout the country there is an abundance of wonderful produce served in ways that tempt the palate, serve up healthy doses of vitamins and other nutrients, and help keep your system hydrated. But it is important to check to make sure that all unpeeled produce has been sterilized by washing in disinfected water. If you are ever in doubt, never hesitate to ask. Don’t worry about offending your waiter…It’s worth it, believe me!
- Pack appropriate medicines. Pick up an anti-diarrheal at your local pharmacy and bring along a bottle of analgesic. A good multi-vitamin will ensure that you’re not missing essential nutrients while savoring an unfamiliar cuisine. If you forget to pack these items, don’t worry: there’s are pharmacies everywhere in Mexico and they are almost always first rate.
- Stay hydrated. This goes for everyone who travels to Mexico, regardless of age. It’s a hot place, and it’s very easy to dry out. Make sure you always have plenty of bottled water on hand at all times and take it easy with diuretic beverages such as alcohol, coffee, and cola.
Swine Flu
Again, the best advice here is to talk to your doctor. Having said that, it is clear that the Swine Flu, while officially a pandemic, turns out to be no worse than the more common viruses that appear every year during flu season. The good news for senior travelers is that, statistically, we are less likely to catch the Swine Flu than those who are younger. As we age, our immune systems become more mature and develop a greater ability to resist infections such as the flu virus.
Other serious disease.
There are localized, sporadic outbreaks of more serious disease in Mexico, but they are rare and generally only occur in isolated areas. Your pre-departure inoculations should keep you safe, but if you’re still concerned, just stay on the beaten track. There is a great deal to see in Mexico in places that the government has carefully developed to welcome foreign visitors. Expeditions to more remote locations, jungle or heavily forested areas prone to mosquito infestations, for example, do carry additional risks. We would never categorically exclude traveling to these areas, they are some of the best places of all, but they do require extra preparation and care. If this kind of travel is on your itinerary, tell your doctor.
Mexico is for most extranjeros a largely undiscovered, romantic, fascinating world of adventure. It’s a country to fall in love with. With just a little foresight, you can be sure that your trip will be safe, healthy, and worry-free.
Tags: Cancun Travel, Mexico Travel
I’ve always done the Griswold family vacation. My dad, an amazingly competent person, always tried to control his vacations to the point that he knew what meals would be served each time we ate at a restaurant. Despite this, we always had to deal with the unexpected. This might be a 10’ extension cord when we turned out to need 12’, or a car recall for possible shorts in the electric door locks we heard right after we stopped because the doors were on fire.
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