<p>What risks are there in Honduras? Obviously it is poor and malaria infested, any others? I am going in May, so will it rain all the time or what?</p>
<p>I took a college course in Honduras my senior year (eons ago). I do remember getting special shots and medications (malaria pills?) prior to going. We also were advised to take mosquito netting to sleep under and to use a certain brand of mosquito repellent (cannot remember the name right now). Although I never slept under the netting, I did take my medications regularly. No one in our group had any problems with illness from foods or mosquitoes. </p>
<p>I’ve known a few youth groups in our area that have traveled on mission trips to Honduras over the past 2 years. I’ve never heard of any major problems that they have experienced either.</p>
<p>It is a beautiful country with many lovely people. I went in January and do remember some VERY rainy days…</p>
<p>I’ve also travelled to Honduras and the islands off the coast. You might want to review the State Dept travel advisories put together by the embassy in Honduras:</p>
<p> When on foot, be observant especially in malls, shops, and near ATMs.</p>
<p> Never go to Comayaguela (The west side of Tegucigalpa), especially to the “mercado.”</p>
<p> Carry a cell phone or company radio for emergency contact.</p>
<p> Carry a laminated sheet with emergency phone numbers.</p>
<p> Don’t flash cash in public or carry a lot of money or credit cards.</p>
<p> Dont wear gold chains, distinctive jewelry, or expensive watches.</p>
<p> Most women in Honduras don’t utilize purses but carry a “mochilla” or backpack instead. Be aware that carrying a purse may single you out as a foreigner to a potential thief.</p>
<p> Be aware of increased vulnerability after using alcohol.</p>
<p> Dont go out alone, especially at night. Always try to go out or travel in numbers.</p>
<p> Dont use the chicken buses.</p>
<p> Never drive a maid home - most live in unsafe areas for foreign visitors. Only offer transport as far as bus or taxi stop.</p>
<p> If you buy vegetables at the Stadium Market on Saturdays, go with your maid and don’t carry a purse, jewelry or excessive cash. Use a high degree of caution.</p>
<p> The north coast cities, San Pedro Sula, and the Department of Olancho have traditionally experienced more violent crimes. Many company security departments keep news clippings of crime information in a read file. Take advantage of this resource if available to you.</p>
<p> Check with business or security professionals prior to traveling to other cities or departments for updated crime situations.</p>
<p> Know nearby safe areas: hotels, malls, gas stations, and other mission employee residences that can be used in an emergency. A good safe area has lighting, security, telephones, food and bathrooms.</p>
<p> An SUV or extended cab (doble cabina type) vehicle with dark windows up, waiting close to your garage is a potential danger sign, especially if not usually seen in the area. If approaching by vehicle, do not go home but proceed to a safe area instead. If at home, contact the police or your company’s security professional / contractor.</p>
<p> These security precautions apply in other parts of the country and the crime rate in San Pedro Sula is even higher than Tegucigalpa.</p>
<p> If you become a victimDONT RESIST. Think about how you will react if ever confronted.</p>
<p>FIVE DANGER SIGNS - FOR AN ATTACK</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Excessive or prolonged eye contact.
Remember the old adage - The only people who will look you in the eye on the street are bad guys or cops.</p></li>
<li><p>People who appear to approach you deliberately.
This is one of the fastest ways to spot problems in crowds. Everybody is going with the flow except this guy.</p></li>
<li><p>People who move (with you) when you do.</p></li>
<li><p>Predatory movements.
Watch out for circling, splitting up, and trying to get behind you.</p></li>
<li><p>Distractions.
This may be verbal or physical such as being bumped.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>The Bay Islands are generally quite safe compared to the mainland.</p>
<p>I just got back from a mission trip to La Ceiba a couple of weeks ago. We flew into San Pedro Sula. Last year we went to Roatan (island). Roatan was quite safe. It is a cruise ship port. Still-leave your nice jewelry at home. I got followed around by kids begging for my Livestrong yellow wristband last year.
La Ceiba was safe if you used common sense. There are armed guards everywhere, which is a little disconcerting. They have BIG rifles. Stay in well lit areas. Cabs are safe. The mall was safe. We met wonderful people.
Many more people speak English on Roatan- it started as a black, English speaking colony. On the mainland there are many fewer English speaking people. The people we met and worked with were wonderful. The road between San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba is pretty dicey. Parts of it are washed out, and there are no really safe, nice places to stop for the bathroom or drinks.<br>
Do not drink the water. Do not even brush your teeth with the water. Most decent restaurants have purified water that you CAN drink, but do not even rinse your toothbrush under the tap water. Many in our group got some stomach upsets during the week. It helps to take precautionary doses of Pepto Bismol each morning. The bacteria is just different down there and it is easy for your system to get out of kilter.
Hope this helps.</p>