Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Passports, documents and insurance For yourself For your dog For the vehicle Keeping your documents safe Chapter 2 Your Vehicle 4wd –vs- 2wd Older –vs- Newer Gas –vs- Diesel Necessary items for the vehicle Suggested modifications Chapter 3 Finances How much should you budget Banks and ATM’s Money Changers Debit and Credit Cards Chapter 4 Packing for the trip Camping equipment Clothing Other useful items Suggested items to buy along the way Chapter 5 How to act while on the road The importance of being humble Police and Military checkpoints Dealing with other drivers Buying gas Chapter 6 Staying alive on the road General driving practices Free Roads –vs- Toll Roads How to avoid driving through large cities The myth about dirty cars Chapter 7 Mechanical issues General maintenance practices What to do if you breakdown. Being prepared to fix small problems yourself Finding a good mechanic Figuring the real cost of repairs Chapter 8 Your health and safety Watch your step First Aid Kit: What to add Preparing to deal with emergencies Doctors, clinics and pharmacies General practices to avoid getting sick Chapter 9: The health and safety of your dog Finding a vet Fleas (pulgas) and ticks (garrapatas) Heart-worm prevention Other parasites and infections Food for your dog Finding places to exercise your dog Leash laws Keeping your dog from getting stolen Chapter 10 Food What to bring with you. Yogurt, the ultimate travel food Restaurants and roadside vendors: Are they safe? How to avoid paying Gringo prices | Chapter 11 Water Where to buy it Is it safe to drink? Ice: The other water What to do in emergencies Chapter 12 Hotels, campgrounds and more Roadside hotels and getting a good price Campgrounds and beaches Alternative overnight spots General advice for staying safe overnight Chapter 13 Banditos, beggars and hustlers Tips for avoiding thieves Dealing with beggars Hustlers and hustles Chapter 14 Border Crossings Tramitadores (border helpers) What to expect at the borders. What to do with your dog at the borders. What I experienced at the borders. U.S. – Mexico Mexico – Guatemala Guatemala – El Salvador El Salvador – Honduras Honduras – Nicaragua Nicaragua – Costa Rica Costa Rica – Panama Chapter 15 Selling your vehicle down south. Finding a buyer Negotiating the sale Importing the vehicle Clearing your passport Chapter 16 Flying you and your dog back home Airline options Kennel requirements Exit requirements for your dog Getting around with your dog after selling your vehicle Chapter 17 Environmental issues Waste disposal When to avoid the ocean Toxins Chapter 18 Misc. Tips and Info Chapter 19 Other useful information Units of conversion Numbers Words and phrases Helpful tips for learning the language Acknowledgments Notes |