Taco’s Travel Tips – ZancaTravelers

While we are not heading to the high elevation of Machu Picchu in Peru, Mexico City is still quite high (2,240 meters/7,350 ft), especially as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is at sea level.
Staying hydrated is the best way to avoid altitude sickness: Drink an extra 1-1.5 liters of water daily at high-altitude, for a total of 3-4 liters daily, starting 48 hours prior to your trip.
Also:
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine
Get plenty of rest
Avoid strenuous activity
don’t skip out on any of your medications!
The CDC offers this advice on their website:
People with pre-existing medical conditions should talk with a doctor before traveling to high elevation.
People with heart or lung disease should talk to a doctor who is familiar with high-altitude medicine before their trip.
People with diabetes need to be aware that their illness may be difficult to manage at high elevation.
Pregnant women can make brief trips to high elevations but they should talk with their doctor because they may be advised not to sleep at elevations above 10,000 feet.
People with some illnesses (e.g., sickle cell anemia, severe pulmonary hypertension) should not travel to high elevations under any circumstances.
CDC
Here’s to a healthy, fun time in the heights!
– Taco

Packing your favorite sunblock is always your best option. Why spend precious time shopping for sunblock that might not even be sold here- or worse… it might be old!
Tips for the heat:
Sunblock sticks are not only often more natural, and they tend to not wash off so easily (sweat, fun in the pool or ocean). Try to avoid sprays, as most of the sunblock ends up in the air or on people nearby (watch those eyes!)
HYDRATE!! That doesn’t mean drink more beer or margaritas, and ice does not count. Bring that refillable water bottle, and add hydration tablets or powder accordingly.
Be careful with those tropical fruits! Papaya and mango are delicious, and absolutely good for you. Especially good at cleaning out your system.
I cannot say enough about sun protection- even if you come from a hot, sunny environment. The sun here is stronger, and the tropical breeze will make you feel fine…
I rememeber a man who came on his first trip outside of Chicago, and laughed when I mentioned sunblock. He told me that he worked shirtless in Chicago (where indeed summers can be hotter than Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo), and never wore sunblock. 24 hours later, he was redder than a lobster, and couldn’t bend his arms, He wasn’t the first to make that bad decision, and sadly- he won’t be the last…
Please be kind to yourself and your skin! Lather or cover up, and hydrate!
– Taco

Social media can be our best friends, but often times the kind-hearted, well-traveled souls out there who insist they know what they are talking about when it comes to traveling (“I come through that airport 4 times a year!” Just might have outdated information. Mexico’s Customs, as well as any country in the world, just might change the rules at a moment’s notice, and suddenly what was allowed last week is no longer allowed. ALWAYS check the proper government links prior to packing!
Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Relations (in English, but it is NOT Customs!)
Mexico’s official Customs (Aduana) page (only in Spanish)
– Taco

While travelers who rent condos, homes or rooms on Airbnb often bring their own supply of sheets and towels, those who stay in hotels do not. But wait- let’s rethink that for purposes of repurposing!
Fact: We all have old sheets and towels that we turn into rags, but often we have a surplus.
Fact: Packing old sheets and towels and leaving them behind frees up space in your suitcase for souvenirs (or simply a lighter bag), as well as space in your closet upon return home!
Fact: There are several animal shelters down, and they all rely on donations.
Fact: Those donations can be old sheets and towels.
As much as we all want to help worthwhile charities out, it isn’t always financially possible to lend a hand to all of them. Maybe that’s you. Here’s a way to think outside of the box in a practical way that helps. Repurpose those old sheets and towels! You bring them down; we will distribute them to the shelters!
(PLEASE NOTE: Mexico has recently began to look down upon items brought down to donate. Items must be brought down for personal use ONLY. So go ahead and bring them down to use while you are here…)
– Taco

Start a “Repurpose for Zihuatanejo” pile! Go through your closets. Surely there is something unworn for 2 years! Fold up those unwanted clothes and put them in your suitcase, ready for when you travel. Folding is important! Folding the clothes to be donated not only takes up much less space, it´s much nicer to be at the receiving end of folded clothes vs bunched up questionable wrinkled ones…
(PLEASE NOTE: Mexico has recently began to look down upon items brought down to donate. Items must be brought down for personal use ONLY. So go ahead and bring them down to use while you are here…)
– Taco