Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

American Jewish World Service: Study Tour to Mexico
September 22 – 28, 2024

 

HEALTH & SAFETY

Please note that your participation in the program is contingent on your ability to be covered under AJWS’s international medical and evacuation insurance policy.

You must complete this Physician Form no later than 30 days prior to the trip (August 23, 2024). Please email your completed Physician Form to Fiona (fiona@elevatedestinations.com). We strongly encourage you to create a list of prescription medications you are currently taking to give to your guide upon arrival or keep on your person. This could be life saving in case of a medical emergency.

Travelers over the age of 75 are required to complete an additional medical form which must be approved by Global Rescue, AJWS’s emergency medical and evacuation provider, in order to guarantee full coverage while traveling. If for any reason Global Rescue is unable to guarantee a participant’s coverage, AJWS reserves the right to deny the individual’s participation in the Study Tour, so please contact AJWS staff prior to making your non-refundable deposit to discuss your eligibility.

Please note that this trip requires participants to:

  • Walk at least one mile without difficulty on uneven surfaces
  • Spend extended periods of time on their feet
  • Climb sets of stairs without assistance
  • Keep pace with an active group of travelers
  • Spend time outside in warm, dry weather
  • Ride comfortably in a vehicle on bumpy roads for extended periods of time
  • Flexible and positive attitude in the case of sudden changes to the itinerary or weather – expect the unexpected!
MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Prior to travel, Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that you look into recommended immunizations for your time in Mexico. Given that we are not a licensed health care provider, we cannot advise travelers on which immunizations they may need. We recommend that all travelers do the following:

  • Please be sure check the CDC website for Mexico for updated information about vaccinations and health concerns, and check with your medical provider or travel clinic about your individual requirements.
  • In addition to being up to date on routine vaccinations 4-6 weeks before travel, the CDC recommends that most travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. The CDC also recommends some travelers be vaccinated against Rabies, and take prescription medicine before, during and after your trip to prevent Malaria. Consult with your medical provider or travel clinic to determine if these are necessary for you.
  • Review AJWS’s medical insurance coverage. If you would like to purchase any supplemental coverage, please see the Pre-Departure Information tab for more information.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

Your guide will give you current briefings on safety while in-country, but here are some basic ground rules for safety while traveling:

  • Keep all valuables in the hotel safe.
  • Avoid flashing money. Be mindful of your belongings at all times. Keep bags in front of you in crowds, and on your lap when at restaurants.
  • Pay attention: avoid walking around with your smartphone in hand.
  • Be vigilant when crossing roads.
  • Stick with the group.
  • Always make sure that others know of your whereabouts and movements.
  • Avoid street protests or large gatherings.
  • Do not wear expensive or sentimentally valuable jewelry while traveling.
  • Let a staff person or your guide know if you have any safety concerns.
  • Always wear sun protection in the form of lotion, a hat and/or a scarf to cover your shoulders, especially during the peak of the day.
SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP)

We recommend that all travelers from the U.S. sign up for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in case of an emergency. Enrolling in this program has enormous benefits
in case of an emergency while abroad:

  • You will receive information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
  • Enrolling lets the U.S. Embassy in that country know that you are there and helps them contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family-related.