| Honduras travel tips posted by real travelers and Honduras locals. Map |
 | Honduras Warnings or Dangers | Tips 1 - 10 of 53 |  |
 New and Improved by epicult
At the other end of the island, they've really cleaned up the beach area. See photo to the left. The photo in the previous trip is the same beach 3 years ago. Again, it's nothing like the beaches on the mainland or Roatan but nice enough if you're into beaches. Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Honduras?
Read reviews about Honduras Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
The following warning only applies to women traveling alone or very cautious travelers.
Places like San Pedro Sula, Tegus and, to some extent, La Ceiba can be a little rough around the edges and taking a taxi can make some people feel uneasy. Therefore, when hailing a cab - unless you're in a group or able to confidently fend for yourself - don't accept a ride if the driver has a friend in the passenger seat.
It must be noted that taxis in Honduras will frequently pick us as many people as they can enroute to make as much $$$ as they can and who can blame them? There have been many times I've hailed a cab with someone in the passenger seat and had no problems. With the odd exception of an aloof driver, all cabbies have been helpful, freindly and just trying to make an honest buck. Leave a Comment
|
 by traveldave
In order to protect tourists from criminal activity, the Honduran government has established the tourist police. Armed officers of the tourist police patrol areas popular with tourists to make sure tourists are safe from crime. In addition, tourist police officers are often sent with groups traveling to remote areas where crime is a possibility. When we went to the Lancetilla Botanical Gardens near Tela, we were birdwatching along a remote road where muggings and other crimes have occured. The two police officers pictured here accompanied us to ensure that we would be safe. Although it was unlikely that any crimes would have been commited against us, it was reassuring to know that armed police officers were there just in case. Leave a Comment
|
 | |  |
 The Law! by epicult
It's hard to break old habits, but it's important to adhere to these simple rules of third-world toiletry law. Leave a Comment
|
 Waters off Utila by epicult
On more than a few occasions, my experiences have been focused on 'watching over' less experienced divers (while underwater) to ensure they have a safe and adventure filled experience. This is usually due to the fact that the Dive Master(s) has/have no clue as to what is going on or that he/she is simply too inexperienced. While I'm more than happy to sacrifice my trip to this end, this is not necessary nor is it right.
This scares the sh*t out of me!!! I would certainly not want to be a newly certified openwater diver and have my dive master disappear completely! Nor would I want another diver to sacrifice his/her trip to watch over me. No matter what your experience/certification level, you have the right to good gear, watchful guidance, and a safe, stress-free, underwater adventure. If you ever do experience this, be sure to complain to the shop and demand a partial refund. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
Visiting Honduras?
Read reviews about Honduras Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 Dave and Min, Utila by epicult
Although not an exhaustive resource, this covers relevant criteria in choosing a good shop without exploring areas frequently covered in dive texts and other publications. I'll be updating this as additional thoughts cross my mind :-)
Experience:
Prior to signing up, meet the people you will actually dive with. Ask about their overall experience (how many dives, what level of certification, etc.) as well as their 'actual' experience in diving the sites you want to experience. i.e., If the site is home to a moral eel, the people employed by your dive shop should know (without question) where to locate it.
Resources:
This not as important to more experienced divers, but for those new to diving, be sure there is a maximum 4 to 1 (openwater to divemaster) ratio while underwater.
Dive Locations:
If you have your heart set on a particular dive location, be sure to confirm that the dive you are signing up for is indeed the site you are going to visit. A shop may promise you one site and take you to another. Due to weather conditions, you may not be able to reach your site and may have to settle for another. If this is the case, try another day.
Gear:
Ever had bad air? You don't want to, trust me! Ask how often tanks are replaced and/or serviced. In what shape are their BCD's, reg's and other gear? These are probably good overall indications of the dive shop in general.
Boat:
What kind of boat(s) do they have? I personally don't care, as long as it can make a safe trip and has no holes in it. You may feel different. If so, ask to see the vessel before signing up. You may also want to ask about the skipper. Some of them can be a little crusty :-)
Price:
I have stated elsewhere, and ALWAYS tell fellow travelers, price alone is foolish decision criteria!!! Good gear, experienced dive masters/instructors, thoroughness, safety, and people 'you enjoy' make the difference between a cheap, ***ty (potential dangerous dive) and a reasonably priced experience of a lifetime! Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Dive Friends, Utila by epicult
This advice series looks at important elements beginners should consider when looking for a good dive shop. This advice simply transfers the knowledge I have gained from my diving experiences, to you the reader.
If new to diving, please don't take another travelers word that a dive shop is good. People will always boast about how the shop 'they' dive/dove with is cats ass. Compared to what? How much dive experience does he/she have? Who knows?!?!
Choosing a good shop begins with a little pre-trip homework, your educated judgment and feeding off of your intuition... chances are, it's correct. Leave a Comment
|
When in La Ceiba, only one bank (BFA) will cash your travelers cheques. When you do cash them, be sure your signature is absolutely identical to the one you originally signed on your cheque, or just forget it!
If you happen to be in La Ceiba, go to Expatriates. Mark and his wife (a nice Canadian couple) may cash them for you as long as you pay out for a great dinner and a couple drinks. Out of respect, I would not attempt this otherwise. The food is VERY good, and affordable. Leave a Comment
|
Always do these two things before getting into a taxi. Ask the price per person. Here in La Ceiba, 2003, the price anywhere in town is L11.00, but they´ll surely try and get more. After, remember the taxi number. These numbers are on the outside of the two front doors. This way, if a problem arises, you have the taxi number and can report it to the police or the taxi union. WOMEN: if you must get into a taxi alone, always sit in the back seat. People can hide in the trunk and pop out though this has never happened to me. If you feel better, pay alittle more for the taxi to bring you directly to your destinatin without picking up other passengers. ALSO: Don´t get into a taxi that all ready has passengers. A friend of mine was robbed by the passengers sitting in the backseat. Leave a Comment
|
This is true of all bus terminals, but especially in San Pedro Sula. You can't find centralized information. Nearly everyone you ask for direction has only one thing in mind: to get you on his bus or on his friend's bus, even if it is not the earliest or most direct to your destination.
This is very different from my experience in Ecuador, where bus transfers are much clearer... or in Guatemala where tourists can often find a shuttle from one interesting spot to another.
The best way to cope with this fierce competition between tiny bus companies is to be aware of where you are going, and where a transfer might be necessary.
In addition, not all bus companies use the same terminal. You should always be prepared to connect via a few miles by taxicab. Leave a Comment
|
|
More Honduras Travel Deals Find a Local Hotel
Let Switchboard Help Find a Local Hotel in the New York Area. Panama Resort
The 1st All-Inclusive in Panama Stay on the Beach in the Panama. Newark NJ Hotel
Brand New Facility & Shuttle Bus 11 Minutes from the Newark Airport! Sponsored Links
|
