Friday, March 27, 2009

Passport Changes

On June 1, 2009, new passport requirements go into effect for border crossings within the Western Hemisphere. Click on the title of this post to go to the website that lists all the important changes. For scuba divers, this is important as U.S. citizens will now need to present a passport or a passport card when entering the U.S. from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada. This is part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Has anyone traveled with the U.S. Passport Card (as opposed to a passport)? Just wondering if there's any benefit to it.

Thanks!
Jenny

Packing a Diver's First Aid Kit

So I'm packing for Belize, and I'm not going to get caught in a foreign country without an adequate supply of medications and first aid stuff this time. I'm getting together some items for my kit, and I'd love your input.

My first stop on the Internet was DAN - Divers Alert Network - to see if they had any helpful suggestions, and of course, they did. They emphasize the importance of protecting yourself from malaria, so the first thing to go into my bag is going to be mosquito repellant.

Here's my list so far:
Mosquito Repellant
Calamine Lotion
Benadryl
Hydrocortisone Cream
Dramamine
Motrin
Decongestant
Nose Spray
Band aids
Neosporin

DAN lists the various potential concerns with medications here: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=84

Does anyone have any further suggestions?
Thanks!
Hugs and fishes,
Jenny