Gift for travelling mom?

December 14, 2004 11:32 AM

GiftFilter: My mother will be traveling to Honduras after Christmas as part of a medical mission. She’ll be working in extremely remote areas. I’d like to get her something for Christmas that would be useful for the trip. [mi]

She’s in her late 50s, she’s not in the best medical shape, and her destination is apparently only accessible via a 2-hour horse ride, which I assume means the amenities will be limited. I’d like to, for once, get her a gift she could use, and this seems to be a good opportunity to do so. I’d love the advice of anyone with experience traveling in Central America, especially some of the more remote regions.

posted by bibliowench to Shopping (13 answers total)

I was Peace Corps volunteer in southern Africa (not Central America, I know, but...), and whatever you decide on I'd suggest you make sure it's easy to pack--especially if she'll be responsible for transporting her own belongings. You don't want to load her down and make it hard for her to carry her things.

I'd suggest an assortment of small, useful items: swiss army knife, twine (useful for tying up mosquito netting, hanging clothes to dry, and lots of other things), a small book of photos of family and the area you live in (postcards work too--this is great for use when introducing yourself even when there is a language barrier), a floppy, wide-brimmed hat (crushable is good--it's easier to pack), a head lamp (great for finding a pit toilet at night, and also reading), small stickers/pencils/novelty erasers to give away to kids, a nalgene water bottle.

A walking stick--there are telescoping varieties--might help her. Also a spare pair of glasses/sunglasses. Sunscreen, OTC meds for pain relief, stomach problems, etc., are all good--does the mission recommend any to bring, or provide any kind of medical kit?
posted by handful of rain at 11:57 AM on December 14, 2004

handful of rain makes some good suggestions.

Another item I have and take with me every time I go to to the tropics is a long sleeved, lightweight shirt. I have one of these from REI and it protects me from the sun, and keeps me cool (the zipper vents really work) in places where culturally it may be important to dress modestly. And it dries quickly and packs into nothing.

Absolutely bring some OTC meds for upset stomach and whatnot.
posted by ambrosia at 12:14 PM on December 14, 2004

Thanks, ambrosia--and those REI shirts are awesome. The quick drying is a huge plus. And any fabric that is wrinkle resistant would make a nice gift.

Also, re: the camera suggestion above, one interesting effect of having an instant camera may be that everyone will want their picture taken (this can be a good thing, but bring lots of film!). Many folks have no access to a camera, and will have literally no family pictures. So, one nice and very easy gift is to take a family portrait of your new friends and/or host family.

Just think of never having a picture of your children as babies, or having no picture of your parents.
posted by handful of rain at 12:24 PM on December 14, 2004

How about a good water filter?
posted by OmieWise at 12:47 PM on December 14, 2004

How long will she be there? I like a shortwave radio to keep in touch, there are some spiffy little ones out there. A nice flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs. Mosquito netting is great too, try Campmoor or REI. Finally, you might try your question on the relevant discussion board at Lonelyplanet.com, you will get feedback from people just returned from Honduras.
posted by LarryC at 12:50 PM on December 14, 2004

DreamSack. Actually, Magellan's has lots of good things.
posted by Sidhedevil at 1:15 PM on December 14, 2004

Dammit OmieWise, you stole my idea!

To re-iterate, the one modern contrivance I brought with me into the jungles of Northen Laos/S. China was a very good water filter. They're tiny. They'll help you live.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 1:19 PM on December 14, 2004

I'll second a decent knife. Either a back packer class swiss army or a folding shealth knife in the 5" range. A good knife that will hold an edge is a very useful tool.
posted by Mitheral at 2:20 PM on December 14, 2004

Mrs. Cuke has worked for MSF overseas and swears by her leatherman. She also found her digital camera very useful on the last overseas working trip (to Chad). The refugees were thrilled to see photos of themselves, even digitally.

The headlamp is also a very useful gadget.
posted by Cuke at 2:30 PM on December 14, 2004

Don't forget, though, that you can't bring a knife or a Leatherman tool in your carryon airline baggage.
posted by Sidhedevil at 2:50 PM on December 14, 2004

I don't know how long she'll be gone, nor what her amenities will be like, but maybe some phone cards? Some travel gear shops and youth hostels sell phone cards meant for budget travellers.
posted by spinifex23 at 5:35 PM on December 14, 2004

My sister has lived in Honduras for three years. All of these suggestions are useful, but let me emphasize two. A water filter is invaluable for when you need water for things like washing off fruit, brushing your teeth, taking meds, etc. The other essential piece of information that your mother should understand is the expected manner of dress is very different from what she might expect. In particular, in a conservative rural area, this means no shorts and no t-shirts or tanktops. Wearing these will be a barrier to interacting with the local population. So tell her to pack several pairs of breathable pants and shirts, so she won't completely stand out as a gringa!
posted by notme at 9:38 PM on December 14, 2004

A small hand pump water filter like this one could make all the difference between a pleasant trip and hell on earth.
posted by Megafly at 6:57 AM on December 15, 2004