Escaping the cold weather over the holidays is a time-honored tradition. Remember that tropical paradises can pose a threat due to pesky mosquitoes. Here are seven travel tips to help you spend more time at the pool and less time scratching mosquito bites.
- Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient (https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html). You can purchase towelettes containing repellent before you go; they easily fit in luggage.
- When selecting a hotel room, try to get on a higher floor. Mosquitoes tend to stay closer to the ground.
- Resorts and hotels close to the ocean or at higher elevation tend to have fewer mosquito problems.
- Sleep in air-conditioned rooms that have screens. Sleeping under the stars may be romantic but you might regret it later!
- Do not leave patio doors and windows open unless they are screened.
- If you have a patio or veranda near the ground floor, consider buying a small floor fan. Most mosquitoes are weak fliers and the breeze will deter them.
- Finally, consider going to a travel clinic well before your trip. Here you can get all the latest information on health threats and any needed vaccinations.