Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Check with the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) in Atlanta for last-minute health updates
on travel to Ecuador. (404) 332-4555 or www.
cdc.org.
Travel Insurance
I never travel without travel insurance. Depending on the
policy, it will cover everything from lost, stolen or damaged
baggage and travel documents, to medical costs and medi-
cal evacuation from remote areas. If you are on a package
tour, you can also purchase a policy that covers trip cancel-
lation and interruption. Since 9/11, some policies even
cover a certain level of terrorism, but be sure you are clear
about exactly what is and isn't covered. I usually purchase
an annual coverage plan, which is great if you travel a lot.
Major reputable providers in the US include Travelex
(www.travelex-insurance.com) and Travel Guard (www.
travelguard.com).
Food & Drinking Water
Other than in high-end hotels and restaurants (which will give you
bottles of water), drink bottledwater or boiled rainwater only. The ex-
ception to this is in the Galápagos, where water is generally safe. If
you are a backcountry traveler and will be depending on a filtration
system, make sure that it is extremely effective, i.e., that it uses both
mechanical and chemical methods of treating water.
Food quality on tours differs significantly from local cuisine. Salads
and unpeeled fruit are normally the worst culprits for making you
sick. Jungle ecolodges tend to cater themost to tourists with regard to
food safety and appeal. When in restaurants, check around for how
“gringo”-oriented it is. A good rule of thumb is that if a large percent-
age of the customers are tourists, it is probably safe. If, on the other
hand, most are locals, be wary of salads and water-based salsas or
other such items. Make sure water for hot drinks such as coffee has
reached boiling. If in amore rural environment, make sure the food is
cooked well. Undercooked meat, poultry or eggs are a sure way to be-
come deathly ill from salmonella.
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