TRAVEL to Honduras
Prepared for UVM Classes, Farmer to Farmer Volunteers (F2F) & Homes for Honduras Volunteers (H4H)
Last Complete Update: October, 2001
by Fred Schmidt fschmidt@zoo.uvm.edu and Michele Cranwell mcranwel@zoo.uvm.edu
For additional information, please visit the Vermont Partners of the Americas website section on information for travelers at http://crs.uvm.edu/partners/orientation.html
Index
I. Trip Details: Passport and Money
II. Shots and Health
III. Heat
IV. Food and Water
V. Drug Use
VI. Trip Apparel
a) Basic
b) Miscellaneous
c) Generic Travel Tips
VII. Short Directory Who’s Who? And Where are They?
a) Vermont Rural Development Committee (and Farmer to Farmer Program)
b) Comite de Trabajo de FtF Hondurans
I. Trip Details: Passport and Money
Yes, you need a passport. No visa for Honduras, but yes indeed a passport. Find your passport, RIGHT NOW. Take it out and check the expiration date,being sure it doesn’t expire before you get back from this trip. If necessary, update - or start the process to get one now. Don’t let this detail slide!
** - Keep the passport handy and make a photocopy of both it and your ticket. If your trip has a coordinator or leader, give that person copies of your Xeroxed passport and itinerary.
Money in Honduras is called Lempira. At the moment (October, 2001) approximately 15.66 LPs (lempira) = US$1, but this fluctuates. In rural areas you can sometimes spend one lempira about like one US dollar. However, buying anything pre-packaged, usually means you go back to considering a lempira to be about 7 US cents. If you are on trip involving John Chater, John can usually arrange the best exchange rate in country. He can locate a bank that will cash checks at the prevailing rate. While there are ATM machines these are not always readily accessible and not everyone cashes traveler checks.
II. Shots and Health
Although the situation changes under different field conditions, officially there are few requirements for travel to Honduras. You must have a passport, * $25 for a visitor’s tax in order to leave, AND you need to become familiar with the challenges to your health in the country. The type of health precautions you need to employ vary by the area you are assigned and the type of work you will be doing. The CDC (http://www.cdc.gov) recommends specific immunizations for travel in Honduras and you should consult them (see below). Our policy here assumes that you will take responsibility for your own health. There is an immense amount of information available. A variety of suggestions and sources are provided below.
** Regardless of how you choose to take care of yourself, you will be required to provide a health information form (dietary requirements, etc. for trip planning) and, for UVM student travelers, ** UVM Risk Management requires signature of an MOU which reviews what we have all been told about health and behavior.
At UVM you have two options in seeking specific information as to your needs: one, the Travel Clinic at the Student Health Center, a part of the Center for Health and Wellbeing; and two, the Travel Clinic at UHC. Nancy Carney at the Travel Clinic at the UVM Student Health Center (appointment desk: 656-0847) has offered to check each traveling student’s record and recommend what you might need. There is a fee for this service which can be charged to your student account. The UHC Travel Clinic can provide similar services, but entails a charge that can be paid by your insurance.
Among other areas these are vaccinations to be aware of: malaria, tetanus shot or booster, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. Read the following, stay abreast of medical conditions in the area and get advice from physicians who know your history
Other good sources of Health Information:
· Check State Dept advisories: <www.state.gov>. Go to “Services” then
“Advisory”, the pick country - e.g. Honduras.
· Centers for Disease Control an Prevention (CDC_ - International Travelers
Information Line and Web site (877-394-8747) <www.cdc.gov/travel> has information on diseases found in specific countries, pre-travel immunizations, regional data and other health matters.
· Johns Hopkins Health Information <www.intelihealth.com>
· The World Health Organization <www.who.int>
· The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene <www.astmh.org>
· The International Society of Travel Medicine and the Journal of Travel Medicine <www.istm.org>
· Travel Health Information Service <www.travelhealth.com>
· The Medical College of Wisconsin, International Travel Clinic www.intmed.mcw.edu/travel.html
· http://www.carlsonwagonlit.com - Carlson Wagonlit Travel Company (represented at theUVM Travel Office at the Bookstore) is one of the largest travel agencies and has some useful materials. Also see http://www.Enquest.com/ for travel arrangements.
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Many of the sources above appeared in a BFP article by Anita Manning,
“Travel, abroad or not, can be hazardous to your health,” July 18, 1999: 8D.
III. Heat
Remember we are basically tropical animals. “Given adequate water and shade, humans can survive and work at almost any naturally occurring heat stress in the world” (Michael Sawka, chief , Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division at the US Army Institute of Environmental Medicine in Natick, Mass, was cited in the BFP, July 31, 1999).
It takes 4-15 days to acclimate to a dramatic increase in heat. The more fit you are the faster the adjustment. Most important change occurs with the reprogramming of body’s cooling system; with a move to a hotter climate your cardiovascular system concentrates on distributing more blood than usual to the skin so that your body’s excess heat can evaporate. Before you adjust to the heat, you often feel light-headed and crampy when exercising or working outdoors. As body reprograms, blood volume and pressure will stabilize. As you sweat more frequently, your body will lose less sodium and potassium than it does in cooler weather. Similarly, your metabolism will decrease slightly to help keep your body from overheating. When fully acclimated, your core and skin temperature are less likely to overheat and your heart rate is less apt to rise from heat stress. You will also sweat more efficiently and at lower temperatures then in the winter, which means drinking more water. The body doesn’t register thirst until its fluid levels are already reduced; people tend to drink only a ½ to 2/3 of the fluids they need.
Physiologists caution against skipping meals as most of your fluid is consumed then. It is a good idea to eat light in hot weather so you don’t burden your body with heavy digesting while its working so hard to stay cool. Dehydration stresses the body by requiring the heart to beat faster to maintain blood pressure in the absence of adequate fluid. Dehydration occurs often in hot and dry climates because sweat evaporates so effectively people don’t realize they are perspiring. In climates with high heat and humidity, sweat is prevented from evaporating, which reduces its ability to cool the body. Every drop of sweat that falls to the ground is wasted. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are fatigue, weakness and anxiety. Losing fluid by sweating will reduce the volume of blood and lower blood pressure. A person may feel faint when standing because the blood will collect in blood vessels of the legs, which are dilated from the heat.
To help keep cool, dress in loose cottons and micro fiber materials, which let air pass through to skin while also allowing for heat evaporation. Hats, long-sleeved shirts and long pants will also keep you cooler by protecting your skin from direct sun. Also carry water with you. If you are outside for long periods, a sports drink will provide electrolytes, but also calories. Salt pills are no longer recommended for hot weather. (Linell Smith, Baltimore Sun, “Some like it hot,” Burlington Free Press, July 31, 1999: C1.)
IV. Food and Water
Food is beans, tortillas, rice, eggs, avocados, lots of local fruits and plenty of chicken and especially, beef, a key export item. Find fish on the coasts and near the larger lakes. Ann Hazelrigg, Plant and Soil Science, who traveled with Daren Nicholson to Honduras in March, 1999 reported no big problems getting vegetarian food. Recent vegetarian travelers found little problem in locating vegetarian foods. Stick to bottled beverages and be assured that there is plenty of bottle water available at all the stores and most gas stations. If you are involved with any of the CEAs, they are sympathetic to organic and vegetarian diets and will provide a vegetarian alternative if you are in residence at one.
V. Drug Use
Among Honduran officials, a zero tolerance policy regarding drugs is universal. Zero tolerance is the attitude for all of us on all dimensions of our work in Honduras as well. We are informed that a “guest” in a Honduran jail has none of the rights one is accustomed to here in the US. The judicial process is a very slow and a very unpredictable one. It should go without saying, but for the record, note that Homes for Honduras and Farmer to Farmer Programs as well as the University of Vermont will tolerate no drug use by any team member or, collectively among the team. Immediate dismissal and travel home at your own cost is the rule.
I. What to Pack: Trip Apparel
A. Basic packing list
At altitude (over 1,500 feet), visitors are surprised to find that it often gets cool in the evenings and feels especially cool in the early mornings. During the rainy season, things may get very damp/wet, so be sure to pack enough clothing for your stay.
1. *Light, long sleeved shirt(s) as both the sun and insects are present in strength. Some insects carry Dengue fever. Too much sun saps energy and challenges the skin. A hooded sweatshirt is a good evening/early morning item for everywhere but Choloteca where it is always hot.
2. *Pack everything in a pack as per a camping trip and see if you can keep your hands free to carry useful stuff for our projects down.
3. *Flashlight - with batteries and extra batteries. Headlamps are a good option.
4. *In the rainy season rain jacket (pants optional), other seasons: a light wind breaker/light rain poncho. Rainy season from Mid-May to July in most of Honduras.
5. CDAE 171 won’t need: ground cloth/sleeping pad/air mattress, pillow, light sleeping bag or plain flannel sheet folded & pinned. This depends on the nature of the assignment. For most F2F assignments you will be in people’s homes or at inexpensive hotels. None of these items would be required, but then again, some people like to travel with their own pillow, sleeping bag, etc.
6. *Mosquito net - single hammock cover or sleeping pad sized. We can get hammocks there. (We have a number of mosquito nets stored at John Chater’s house.)
7. Personal care -*sunglasses, *sunscreen, *a hat, Band-Aids, *moleskin, aspirin, and *soap (frequent washing of hands, cuts disease cycles in many ways). *Insect repellent with DEET as the active ingredient (many brands make it and you should be able to pick it up at any outdoor (e.g. EMS, who donated 6 bottles to the H4H 1999 trip). Try to avoid putting it on your skin as it is toxic and some people may get vomit after massive applications.
8. Towel (purification tablets, pump/filter are optional), in all but the most rural areas, bottled water is readily available.
9. Work gloves - *sturdy (used/broken in) boots, sandals or sneakers, bandanna.
10. *Pocket knife
11. *A cup is useful. Depending on nature of the trip: not CDAE 171: a fry pan, etc.- plate set, fork/knife/spoon. Spatula. Cups.
B. Miscellaneous packing list
Throughout preparation and packing, avoid brand new, costly and showy items. This isn’t a winter weekend at Stowe. We aren't competing for attention from anyone. Faded stuff draws less attention. Leave leather and jewelry at home; they mildew and corrode in the tropics anyway. Dark colored stuff draws evening mosquitoes and retains the heat of the sun. For women light, semi-long dresses and for men at least one reasonable pair of chino and a dress shirt for possible prestigious meetings (remember we are development professionals):
- Camera & film films for slides (as in the states) is often hard to find; print film is everywhere as are throw away cameras.
- note book, one for journal, one for back pocket for Spanish phrases
- pencil, cheap ballpoints
- maps (zip-lock baggies/plastic trash bags (invaluable double as rain coats, ground cloths, etc.)
- playing cards - for long plane delays.
- watch - travel alarm.
- Reading book(s) useful to throw away, emergency clean-up use.
C. Generic Travel Tips
Tips for travelers to Central and South America http://travel.state.gov/tips_samerica.html
Services for American Citizens Abroad http://travel.state.gov/acs.html
General tips for a safe trip abroad http://travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.html
(from “Clear Skies: the Travel Newsletter of UVM,” Spring 1999).
1. Check the expiration date of your passport, and remember that it should extend to cover at least your return date. Many countries require 9 months additional validity from your projected return.
2. Never pack your passport in your checked baggage.
3. Check visa requirements for the countries you will be visiting. Remember that visa requirements may not be the same for US and Canadian citizens. Honduras doesn’t require a visa.
4. Make photocopies of important documents, like passports, tickets and traveler’s checks.
5. Carry traveler’s checks in a zip-lock bag. If they get wet; they are salvageable.
6. Read all pre-departure information carefully.
7. Check to see if your regular health insurance policy covers illness or injury overseas.
8. Consider medical evacuation insurance. The UVM Travel Center may be able to assist with this.
9. Learn the World Wildlife Fund’s guidelines on importing wild animal products.
10. If you haven’t had a dental check recently, go before the trip.
11. Always take along a copy of any eyewear correction prescription. Contact lens wearers may wish to consider disposables.
12. Break in your walking shoes before you leave home.
13. If traveling to malaria infested area, make sure you have the right malaria medication.
14. Get all the shots you need before you leave home. It is scarier to be inoculated on the road with needles of questionable origin.
15. If traveling at high altitude, check with your physician about medication for altitude sickness.
VII. Short Directory of who’s who and where they are
Farmer to Farmer Committee, Honduran Chapter
John and Marta Chater - daughter Sarah.
E-mail: <cchjohn@sdnhon.org.hn>
Telephone: 011-504-211-8161; FAX: 011-504-211-8611.
DROP BOX: J Chater, IMC-TGU, Dept. 338; PO Box 02-5320, Miami, FL 33102-320.
Christina Eleonor Hernandez - A staff member from the Honduran Conservation Corps who will be hosting our trip with John cchcris@sdnhon.org.hn. Website for the Honduran Conservation Corps (in English) http://www.cch.hn/index3.html
Chair of the Farmer to Farmer and Rural Development Committee, Vermont Chapter
Fred Schmidt fschmidt@zoo.uvm.edu
Fred and Ann Schmidt
PO Box 868, Shelburne, Vermont 05482
H802-985-3053. Ann’s e-mail: <avwschmidt@aol.com>
(w) Center for Rural Studies
207 Morrill, UVM, Burlington, VT, 05405-0106.
(802)-656-3021
Baker Dan dan_baker_vt@yahoo.com w (802)-656-0040
Michele Cranwell mcranwel@zoo.uvm.edu w (802)-656-0256
Partners of Americas Washington Contacts:
Matthew Clausen <mclausen@partners.net>
Danielle Mutone <DM@partners.net>
Peggy Carlson <PC@partners.net>
Rich Lamporte - <RL@Partners.poa.com>
Partners of the Americas, 1424 K Street, NW. Wash DC 20005.
Office Phone: 202-628-3300. Fax: 202-628-3306.
A. Updated Membership list available at the Vermont POA website at http://crs.uvm.edu/partners/whoswho.htm
Rural Development Committee (and Farmer to Farmer Program)
Schmidt, Fred - <fschmidt@zoo.uvm.edu>
Bramley, Dan - <dbramley@zoo.uvm.edu>
Cranwell, Michele - <mcranwel@zoo.uvm.edu>
Kelly, William - <chobe@together.net> President, Vermont Chapter
Carew, Lyn - lcarew@zoo.uvm.edu
Dowe, Tom - <tdowe@zoo.uvm.edu>
Gallot - Jim Gallot -- <jgallot@sover.net>
Garcia, M. Elena - <elena.garcia@zoo.uvm.edu>
Hazelrigg, Ann <ann.hazelrigg@uvm.edu>
Meyers, Nic - NMEYER52@aol.com
Nicholson, Daren - dfnichols@zoo.uvm.edu
Skinner, Elizabeth - <eskinner@?58686>
Comite de Trabajo de FtF Hondurans, (Honduran Farmer to Farmer Committee)
Celio Gilberto Osoria D., President
John Chater (Board Member, Farmer to Farmer Program)
1.Knab - Richard Knab, Asistente del Director, Escuela Panamericana de Agricultura, El Zamorano, tel. 776-6140 EX-2002, fax 504-776-6247
2.Thomas - Chet Thomas, Director Ejecutivo, Aldea Global, Tegucigalpa, Tel. 504-232-8287, fax 504-232-6511
3.Bautista - Juan Bautista, San Marcos de Colon, Honduras; 888-3015. (brother), 888-3092 (fax) \\
4. Ortiz - Carlos Abel Ortiz C. Centro de Enseñanza - Aprendizaje (CEA) Granja los Abuelos y Red Nacial de CEAs Dpto. Postal 20545 Comayagua MDC Fco Morazan, Honduras 504-225-1902; San Isedro 898-6897, 898-6902
5. Maradiaga - Freddy Maradiaga, 1505 Altos de las Colinas Tegucigalpa, Honduras 504-239-9195 , femaradi@hondutel.hn
6. Teeple - Paul Teeple, APCD Agricultura, Cuerpos de Pa z Honduras, 504-36-9320
7. Osorio - Celeo Osorio: Aptdo.3355, Tegucigalpa, 504-211-8790 (fax-Tel) - cell 990-6339
8. Nunez - Miguel Nunez, Guinope, El Paraiso, Honduras, tel 887-6803
9. Galvez -Carlos Galvez, Asociacion Hondurena de Productores de Café AHPROCAFE, Colonia Lara, Teg. (tel./fax) 236-7951
10. Aguilar - Rene Santos Aguilar, El Socorro "CEASO" tel 999-7007
11. Oliva - Jose Oswaldo Oliva, Marcala, La Paz.
12. Fiallos - Antonio Fiallos, La Esperanza, Intibucá
13. Munoz - Roberto Munoz- Honduras AGROBOLSA, 504-239-9947