Mold Avoidance

It’s oddly difficult to find campsites in the Caribbean by Googling. Though not the most popular camping destination in the world, I did find with a lot of digging, a good number of proper campsites where you can pitch a tent.

The focus is on both dedicated and unofficial campsites where you can bring your own tent. Many of the same spots also have tents that you can rent.

I did not include glamping in this post. I plan to do a separate post on glamping in the Caribbean.

This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Alternative Places to Camp

Camp in a Yard

Of course, you don’t have to have a dedicated campsite to camp. In some countries, it’s perfectly acceptable to camp in a yard, on a balcony or roof.

I did that in Cuba, a country that does not have any official campsites. I set up my casita de campaña in all sorts of places at BnBs.

You can do this just about anywhere, especially if you rent a yard that is big enough to stealth camp.

WWOOFING

WWOOFING is a work trade website. You can find farms or ecovillages where you can volunteer your time in exchange for usually a free stay (lodging and usually food too).

Very often the lodging provided is a spot to tent camp.

The labour required is most often physical labour, but it can be administrative labour too.

I have also contacted many farms (both WWOOFING and other private organic farms) to ask them if I can pay a monthly fee to camp there – many said yes.

HipCamp and AirBnB

HipCamp is a site offering private spots to camp, and since the pandemic Airbnb hosts have listed more private properties on which you can camp.

If you are new to AirBnB this is a discount link for $40 USD or 75 CAD off.

You can get $10 off Hipcamp with this link.

The Locations Effect

For those following the Locations Effect Paradigm, you have to analyze these campsite by campsite. We cannot generalize on a whole country, though there are some islands that are so small that it may make sense to generalize. We don’t have reports from every country/area, though I give my true thoughts on these areas at the bottom of the article.

What you NEED to know before heading to the Caribbean to camp!

1. Confirm everything – if they are open, what are the rates, do they have wifi, etc. before going with the campsite! Things could change between asking and when you get there too! Don’t depend on the website being accurate. Everything is less official in the Caribbean.
2. Flexibility on where you can camp – Along with changes for the worse, you are also likely to find flexibility with camping at places that offer simple cabins or anywhere not too formal. Just ask!
3. Ask for direct pricing (not through the hotel booking apps).
4. You can’t buy camping gear in most of these areas (though many sites rent it out). Come prepared!
5. There is a lot you need to know! Get the Lonely Planet book for each country you are considering and do your research. It’s a must! Things are different than in The West/Global North.
6. If you have environmental sensitivities there is even more you need to know and you can find yourself with very unwelcome surprises like toxic seaweed, excessive charcoal campfires, moldy tents, parasites in food and water…….. my post on traveling with sensitivities covers this.

Campsites in Puerto Rico

Because Puerto Rico is an American Territory it has more campsite options than most islands in the Caribbean.

You can also buy camping gear locally, something that cannot be said in most parts of the Caribbean – they have Walmart, Kmart, Sears, Sams, and Costco.

They also are the only island I know of with RV parks.

Government Campsites in PR are closed during the second wave of the pandemic, but they will reopen in 2021.

There are 11 private campsites on HipCamp for Puerto Rico ranging from $12-200 a night.

1. Vieques Island

There is a campsite on Sun Bay Vieques, a beautiful island off the south coast of the big island, in a National Park (Compañía De Parques Nacionales).

The campsite has a cafe for food and drinks. Tent sites are in a flat, grassy, fenced area just off the beach.

The campsite has bathrooms and outdoor showers. They have security overnight.

$10 per night per site.

2. Culebra Island

The only campground on Culebra is the right on Playa Flamenco. It is managed by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.

This spot looks quite pristine and the beaches are really pretty.

$30 per tent per night. ($20 for senior citizens and people with disabilities).

3. Caguas

Mi Casa Eco Camping is a private camping “resort” inland in central PR. They have tents set up that you can rent.

They have bathrooms, showers, a shared kitchen, wifi, and community activities.

This is a well set up place to camp and I like all the communal activities.

$25 a night.

4. El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest a USDA Forest Service park has dispersed and group camping sites. Camping is permitted at designated campsites only.

Campfires are only permitted at Molindero and Old Nursery, in designated fire rings. Cookstoves fueled by butane or propane are permitted.

There is limited cellular service in the forest (don’t count on it working), and there are no washrooms.

Some have reported very difficult camping conditions (like severe mud).

Camping is free, but you do need a permit. There are stay limits.

5. Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo

The calm water turquoise Seven Seas Beach allows camping and has washrooms and showers.

The beach has shelters and camping spots (you need a permit prior to arrival). The local police act as security for the beach.

Call first for sure to check up on if they are in operation.

$10 a night.

6. The Toro Negro Forest Reserve

A State Forest, Toro Negro offers camping.

You can only get here in your own rental car and you need to make prior reservations. You can get a permit in the capital city.

Camping facilities include bathrooms and waste disposal.

$4 a night.

7. Isla de Mona

You can also check for WOOFING and other volunteer opportunities where you can camp like Las Maria’s Project Farm on Isla de Mona.

Campsites in Mexico

1. Holbox Island

Balam Eco Camping is a cute little campsite with spots to pitch a tent and little simple cabins. They have shared space like picnic tables, an outdoor kitchen, and simple bathrooms.

On google listings it is showing that they do have wifi.

It’s not clear if the rates are for renting a tent or for bringing your own tent.

$10 a night for one person (as indicated on booking.com)

One Love Camp is another nearby campsite, very similar to Balam Eco Camping. They have tents for rent and I would think that you can bring your own too.

They have little basic cabins, shared kitchenette and shared bathrooms.

Aldea Camping like the two above has tents to rent and little cabins as well as shared spaces. This one is very close to the beach.

Kin Camping is similar to the others. This site has tents already set up, it doesn’t look like they have space for extra tents.

Glamping Holbox sunset, similar to the others but reviews say it’s particularly loud. (All of these packed in campsites in Mexico should be assumed to be fairly noisy at best).

Message them for the prices. (All these spots on Holbox are probably similarly priced).

2. Yucatan

Just across the water from Holbox on the mainland is a campsite Camping del Ritmo.

A site close to the beach. They have a campfire area, shade palapas that you can put your tent under, a well-equipped kitchen with 2 bathrooms, hammocks, tables and chairs, and wi.fi.

Contact them for the costs and for booking.

3. Cancun

There is a full-service RV park west of Cancun if you are traveling in a van or RV. It’s a basic site, but they offer full hook-ups, wifi, a small pool, restaurant, cabins and it seems tent sites as well, an outdoor grill, simple dishwashing area.

The rates are not listed.

4. Xpu-Ha, North of Tulum

North of Tulum in Xpu-Ha there is a full service RV park. It’s also possible to camp on the beach there.

For full hook ups it’s 15 USD a night. Contact them for tent camping costs.

5. Tulum, Playa Roca

If you want to camp right next to the beach, Playa Roca is a good spot. This is a lot more spacious than the sites on Holbox, but it is simple.

It is quieter than the spots on Holbox too which are quite packed. At this site you can definitely bring your own tent, though they do rent them out as well.

They have shared showers and bathrooms and a kitchen. There is no electricity and no wifi.

100 pesos per person per night ($5 US)

Arena camping next door sounds like they share the bathrooms with Playa Roca and they don’t have their own kitchen. Though they do have large tents that are already set up for you to rent.

Rates are not listed.

6. Tulum, Camping Chavez

Camping Chavez south of town is a great spot to camp on the beach. A little more established than the other sites they have a shared outdoor kitchen, bathrooms with hot showers, and electricity in the common areas. The little shelters, and cabanas that look very simple and clean to me. They also have wifi!

Booking.com is showing the price at 37 USD for a single tent (which looks like renting their tents and bedding).

7. South Tulum, Sian Ka’an Ecological Reserve

Lastly, a bit of a hidden gem, El último Maya, is remote, secluded, and beautiful. It’s within a nature reserve so you can expect to get away from the usual pollution in Tulum.

Personally (for the Locations Effect) I would want to get out of Tulum.

They don’t have a website and there isn’t a tonne of info on them but the photos are beautiful and you can camp there. There is a restaurant, showers, and bathrooms.

Reviews say they do not have electricity.

You can’t cook your own food here so you would be relying on their restaurant which sounds pricey (at least some items). One reviewer says it costs 50 pesos for cold beer, 35 pesos for soft drinks, and 250-300 pesos for a meal.

No bonfires are allowed.

350 pesos a night (around 18 USD) if you bring your own tent.

8. Mahahual (Southern Caribbean Coast)

Eco Camping La Mar is a sweet little campsite in this more remote area.

They use solar energy and collect rainwater. There is a common kitchen in a concrete building, storage area, and bathrooms.

They have a little cabin but most spots are tent spots.

They are not taking bookings as of winter 2020/21, but check back post pandemic.

Further south there is another campsite called El Xahuayxol. Their website is also down but they do have very recent reviews. Contact them for more info and rates.

It was listed on Booking.com as 25$ a night.

9. Lake Bacalar (Southern Mexico)

There are number of campsites in this area including Gris Monkey campground in Xul-Ha, Ecocamping Yaxche, DelMar Camping, Camping Bacalar/Magic Bacalar.

At Magic Bacalar they have cabins and tent spots. You can rent camping gear or bring your own.

This is a well developed site with common spaces, palapas, a kitchen, lockers and wifi.

If you bring your own tent it’s 180 pesos per night. (Currently that’s 9 USD)

What to Know About Mexico:

• It’s best to know some Spanish outside of high tourist areas.

• Life is more flexible, be sure to confirm all the details with the site first. You can bargain on rates.

• Look into health (food and water can make you sick) , mosquito-borne illness and COVID restrictions, sourcing specialty foods and medications, MCS triggers like pesticide spraying, charcoal grills, sargassum seaweed, and garbage burning. You can’t import supplements to Mex.

• The Lonely Planet has a main Mexico book and one for the Yucatan.

HipCamp has 3 sites in Mexico starting from $2 a night.

Campsites in Belize

1. Sarteneja Village, Northern Belize

Backpackers Paradise is a cool organic farm with some great little cabins, a communal kitchen, wifi, lockers, and a communal room with hammocks.

I think this spot looks lovely.

You can bring your own tent to camp or rent a little cabin.

It’s a 5 minute walk from the ocean, and is very close to the border with Mexico.

If you are new to AirBnB this is a discount link for $40 USD or 75 CAD off.

Camping is listed at 10 USD.

2. South Water Caye (45 min off the Mainland)

Private island alert! Bamboo Belize is on it’s own 15-acre caye. While you don’t get the island to yourself (unless you are a party of 12), it’s still pretty cool.

A fairly remote island, there is no wifi, no hot water, they say to bring solar chargers.

Camping is 25 USD a night.

3. Saddle Caye South

Another private island! Kayak Belize operates off Saddle Caye South. They can arrange for camping on other islands.

While clearly this is focused on kayaking they do offer campsites for tents.

Camping with no gear rental is $5 per night. Be sure to check in on other charges.

Those are the Belize campsites that are on the Caribbean sea. There are other campsites in the jungle as well like Chateau De Pradines, and quite a few others that don’t have much of an online presence. Belize is a good country to find little simple cabins for rent.

What to Know about Belize:

English is the main language in Belize.

It’s more expensive than Mexico and Guatemala.

Be sure to look out for the same safety and illness concerns as in Mexico.

Belize City is notorious for crime, but if you’re reading this you already probably wanted to get out of there asap.

Campsites in USVI

1. St John Camp

On St John island in the US Virgin Islands, Camp St John is a beautiful campground up the hill looking over Caneel Bay.

The campground has a community power source, bathrooms with running water, an outdoor camp shower (not heated) stocked with toiletries, a stocked coffee station, an electric griddle, silverware, and dishwashing supplies, potable water, and a cooler for community use.

This is USVI, nothing there is going to be cheap. But if you want an American Territory and a more economically developed island (and everything that comes with that from less disease to safety) this is the cost of that.

$55 per night if you bring your own tent.

2. Cinnamon Bay Resort & Campground, St John

In St John, this campsite is still be rebuilt from the last hurricane (as of winter 2021).

They used to offer simple cabins and tent spots.

They plan to reopen at the end of 2021.

3. Mt Victory Camp on St Croix

An 8 min drive up the hill from Rainbow beach is Mt Victory Eco Camp. They offer bungalows and tent camping.

For the tent camping option, you bring your own gear. Tent sites are in the open air and within the forest.

Campers can have access to open-air showers (with hot water), bathrooms, an outdoor kitchen with a fridge, gas stove, sink, dishes, and cookware, outdoor areas like a campfire pit and shaded picnic tables.

Wifi is available (and included in the price).

They also offer workshops that look interesting.

$30 per night

This US territory has three main islands – St John, St Thomas, and St Croix.

There isn’t much camping in the USVI so don’t count on having many backup options.

If you want a safer location and are willing to pay more, this is one of the only more upscale islands with camping.

Apart from the options above, there is one camping spot (with no amenities) on HipCamp.

You will see the options above plus a couple other options on Airbnb.

Campsites in The Dominican Republic

1. Barahona (South Coast)

Near Barahona, there is a campsite for surfers called Camping surf Bahoruco. They don’t have a website but they do list a phone number. Use Whatsapp to message them.

2. Jaragua National Park (South Coast)

This national park nature reserve has an exceptional true turquoise beach. This is likely the most spectacular beach that you can camp on in the Caribbean.

There isn’t much official information about camping there but many photos and google reviews of folks camping there.

I imagine there are no services, this is camping in the wild. They have a phone number.

The prices (and stay limits) are not clear but one reviewer said it’s $3.

3. Close to Jaragua

If you need to escape to somewhere more comfortable close by, Glamping Cueva De Las Águilas is near the national park.

They only have tents that are already set up, and this makes it a much pricier option than most campsites.

The tents have electrical outlets, washrooms are shared, there is a restaurant (you can’t cook your own food). It doesn’t say if they have wifi but I would expect so.

$53 per night for the least expensive tent.

3. Parque Nacional Francis Caamaño

Further east on the south coast towards the capital, Francis Caamaño National Park does appear to have campsites but there is no further information online.

Call them, contact local people or check guide books for more info.

4. Samana (North Coast)

This is a thatched dome that is already set up on a 4 acre mountain property in Samama overlooking the ocean. Just 5-10 minutes from Playa Coson.

You get the property to yourself other than the owners who live downhill.

There is a camping toilet as well as a outdoor camping shower. No kitchen. There is electricity for charging your devices and for lights inside the dome. There is cell service. Wifi is available only down near the owner’s house.

If you are new to AirBnB this is a discount link for $40 USD or 75 CAD off.

$33 USD a night.

5. West of Semana on the North Coast

There are a couple of other sites on the north coast that might have camping but it’s not very clear and they don’t have websites. Afuera Camping Club, and River and Woods (which isn’t that close to the beach) are two. You would have to contact them to see what they offer.

6. In the Interior Forest

There is a campsite at Spirit Mountain, an organic coffee farm in the interior of the country. It’s secluded and beautiful.

It has a few shelters, outhouses, potable water, sleeping pergolas, and a kitchen with a wood-fired bread oven.

It looks like the pandemic might have been a hit to this campsite but you should contact them to find out if you can still camp there.

There are a lot of similarities to Mexico here.

Spanish is needed outsidee of tourist areas.

The DR is a very popular tourist destination, tourist and expat areas are weell developed, that means you can find many of your North American products.

Unlike Mexico you can import supplements.

Campsites in The Bahamas

The Bahamas don’t have any official campgrounds and you can’t camp on public land but one place you can camp is at a yoga retreat.

Ashram Yoga Retreat, Paradise Island

The Yoga Vacation program is included in their all-inclusive accommodation rates.

This includes vegetarian meals, yoga classes, satsangs, and daily workshops, as well as access to the beautiful beach, ashram grounds and amenities like shared washrooms.

For tent space only: bring your own tent, bedding, and towels.

$65 a night for the tent camping rate.

Campsites in Antigua and Barbuda

1. Rendezvous Bay Beach, Antigua

Not an official campsite, Rendezvous bay is part private estate (under development) and part of the Antigua and Barbuda National park.

The 330-acre park is difficult to access either by a long hike or 4 wheel drive vehicle, but it sounds like it’s well worth it.

Locals camp here and there are a few other mentions of camping here. You should connect with the National Park or local people to find out the rules and norms before camping here.

There are no services at the park for camping, but as you can see from the above photo it’s beautiful and looks pristine.

I do not believe there is a fee to enter.

2. Frangipani, Barbuda

This camping and glamping site has one little cabin and spots to tent camp.

You can bring your own tent or rent equipment there (tents, camp beds, ice box, and sheets).

The site has running water and an outdoor toilet.

They have reopened after the pandemic shut down.

Message them for rates.

Campsites in Jamaica

Holywell Park

In the highlands of Jamaica, Holywell Park is part of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park.

Campsites feature BBQ grills, water, shower and toilet facilities. You can bring your own tent or rent one of theirs.

At this higher elevation you will have more pleasant temperatures.

$10 per night

Campsites in Barbados

Camping Barbados

Camping Barbados operates 3 campsites throughout the island.

They operate one campsite on the south coast near Silver Sands, one in a tropical forest site in the heart of Barbados (St Thomas), and one east coast site near Tent Bay.

They also have urban camping spots around the island, ideal for solo travelers and small groups.

All but their Tent Bay site have a live-in host on the property.

You can bring your own tent, rent a ready pitched one, or rent a tent to use off site. 

Their pandemic discount is excellent. If you bring your own tent the rate is $5.00 US per person per night.

Sites with private bathrooms available. They have on-site security and 24/7 on-site personnel. Meal plans are available.

$5 per night during the pandemic

Campsites in Guadeloupe

Hamac Camp

Hamac Camp Guadeloupe is five minutes up the hill from the beach La plage de Malendure. This place looks so cool!

They provide the little shelters that have hammocks, duvets, and sheets and tables, and chairs.

They also have a little stove, dishes, and coffee maker.

Shared spaces include a campfire area, outdoor toilets and showers.

This is a French overseas territory.

25 Euros per night

St Maartin and Panama camping coming soon!

The Locations Effect

It’s hard to summarise the location effect by country here because we have limited reports especially from experienced avoiders who generally prefer to stick to the US.

But I’m going to try to summarise:

PR

We have some good reports from the islands off the south east coast of puerto rico. Buildings in PR are especially bad for the region though, leaving back up options very very slim.

The DR

We don’t have reports from unmasked avoiders, but we do have some good reports. A fairly large country I definitely expect some good locations here. The campsite in the nature reserve looks wonderful though not practical.

Mex

We have the most reports from Mexico. I feel very confident in saying that the Caribbean coast of Mexico is so-so (esp around the tourist areas). With a few people making substantial recoveries but those unmasked having a hard go at it, I feel quite sure of this being so-so. (Also, I’ve been there). Mexico is a large country though and I don’t think we have any reports from the more remote areas.

Barbados

We do have one bad report from Barbados and personally, I don’t think there would be many good locations there.

Now based only on factors from other countries and my intuitive approach to locations:

Guadeloupe looks like it could be really amazing; the beach in the nature reserve in Antigua looks wonderful; I like the little communal site in northern Belize but the rest of the country I’m pretty wary of.

I think USVI might be better than we think, but I’m not sure. I think if someone has the money and wants the safety and lack of disease (mosquitos, parasites) it could be very worth it. Many of the mountain campsites in the jungles look good to me. There is one is the DR. I’m not sure about the others.

Did you find this post helpful? If so you can buy me a coffee to support the research behind this blog. Thank you!

I’ve been watching reports on healing locations in Canada for ten years. Being Canadian myself, I have kept a keen eye out for anywhere that looks promising.

For a long time, there were not many extreme mold avoiders in Canada who were unmasked. So reports were conflicting, sparse, and hard to make sense of.

I now feel that I have a good grasp on the reports. We have more unmasked mold avoiders healing in Canada.

I myself have been to quite a few of these places, and many of us have met up in person, which helps me corroborate info and compare levels of environmental sensitivity.

I have followed the stories closely of those avoiding in Canada and through triangulation of reports I have put together my take on which locations have good outside air free of outdoor toxins, which are just OK, which ones went bad, and which ones are just no good at all.

If you are new to The Locations Effect, this is my main post explaining the topic of pursuing mold avoidance in locations free of outdoor toxins.

British Columbia

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have been healing locations for many folks over the years. Dave Asprey healed in Duncan BC, just down the road from where I first made major progress in my tiny house. A couple of other mold avoiders came to visit me and found the area to be good.

Others have reported Vancouver Island to be quite good before the fires in 2018. During that time a lot of flame retardant was dumped all throughout BC, creating widespread FRAT (flame retardant associated toxin).

The waters around Vancouver and Vancouver Island are also dodgy for the toxin known as Mystery Toxin (MT), creating really tricky plumes that can form on the breeze and even blanket Victoria during foggy days. This is very likely due to the sewage dumping into the water around Victoria.

Though a few mold avoiders have found some healing in Victoria and Sooke, it is a very tricky area due to FRAT and mystery toxins. Not for the beginner, unless you are only mildly affected by mold and environmental toxins.

Gulf Islands

We have had two good reports from the Gulf Islands. One was Saltspring Island from someone not extremely sensitive, and one was from another nearby island.

Caution to those very sensitive because the ocean water toxins around that area mean the smaller islands off Vancouver Island are not necessarily better locations.

FRAT in BC

My thoughts on escaping this devastation of FRAT we unleashed on the province was that it was likely necessary to escape to the Yukon to get very clear of this.

That has been confirmed by one of our most unmasked mold avoiders. Though the area is not 100% clear of FRAT, she reports, the area is much easier to navigate than BC.

BC Interior

The interior of BC has mostly bad reports from unmasked mold avoiders, with the Okanagan and Slocan valley usually getting bad reports.

Though we have one unmasked mold avoider citing that skilled avoiders could find good pockets in the Oakanagan.

Nelson has two OK reports from folks who are not as extreme, with one good report on Nakusp. Though reports do indicate the 2018 fires worsened this area, and it is not as good as it was.

Cranbrook, East Kootenay area, was reported surprisingly good – at least for the interior of BC.

The Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains have for a long time been reported as an excellent area in Canada, both on the BC and AB side.

But more recently, since those same fires in 2018, the most unmasked, or most sensitive to the environment, have not found this to be a pristine environment anymore. Flame retardant associate toxin (FRAT) is reported all throughout this area. A big loss.

Those less sensitive may still do well here, but it’s not a world-class location anymore. It is still better for many folks compared to the south coast or interior of BC.

Northern BC and the Yukon

Alberta

The Rocky Mountains AB, as I mentioned, have the same reports as on the BC side.

Calgary and Edmonton, have gotten OK reports from some (and even good reports from those new to mold avoidance). This to me indicates the area is not that great or is patchy based on the area or time of year.

Lethbridge has mixed reports.

The one spot that comes recommended as “clear” in Alberta is Chain Lakes. Two people have had the same assessment of Chain Lakes.

Big Cities in Canada

Most of the big cities have been reported as at least semi problematic for those sensitive to outdoor toxins, with Ottawa usually reported as the worst (I agree!) But other big cities are fairly difficult as well.

It depends where you are in your healing, those not very sick or fully recovered can expect to go back to one of the major cities, as most are not absolutely terrible.

Certainly many less sensitive folks have done well (or well enough) in Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria, North Vancouver, and even Vancouver proper.

When highly unmasked I could always feel a dramatic improvement in North Van, especially near the tree line, compared to Vancouver. Though keep in mind Vancouver proper is my ground zero, where I got sick with CFS. That can skew things.

We also have quite a few bad reports from all those areas – controversial areas indicate it’s not that great of an area, usually. There are also differences in which toxin exactly knock folks out.

One very experienced avoider can dodge MT areas in Vancouver and Victoria. Many others get slammed. Toxins in these areas can be inconsistent – dependant on season, weather, wind, fog, snow etc.

I found the Toronto area to be OK when I was less sick, but not a place for recovery after major mold injury.

There is some consensus that the Vancouver area is better than Toronto, however, that was before the fires of 2018. Toronto is full of MT and BC is now more FRAT.

Quebec

The area north of Montreal has been reported good by a couple of very reliable mold avoiders – Sainte-Adèle and Laurentian Mountains.

And although it’s an old report, I have seen another big improvement even further north, camping in Quebec.

In terms of finding good areas north of Quebec, it’s not a straight line of better and better further from the city. Sainte-Adèle appears to be a bubble of a clear area. And, just like almost every location on earth, the Laurentian Mountains have pockets of good air and not so great air.

Though it’s great that we have more than one really good report here, this area is of course very cold in the winter.

Ontario

I lived in southern Ontario for 10 years in the middle of my illness. I was not unmasked at the time but I personally did not find any relief from “cottage country” north of Toronto or anywhere within in a few hours of Toronto.

I have seen someone do well north of Toronto, but she was not unmasked.

There are many areas like this that are good enough for those in the early stages. If you are right out of a moldy house and into the wilderness you can often feel a lot of improvement, even if the area is not considered pristine.

This is not where I would head if I had a choice.

The Maritimes

I don’t have any good reports from the Atlantic coast of Canada. I did go to PEI, but it was a long time ago and I don’t consider that report to be very accurate anymore. I didn’t do well there.

For the top spots in the US, I made this booklet. If I make future booklets I will also share those with the mailing list.

Newsletter

Sign up for news, deals, and the free ebook:

Permissions

The information you provide here will only be used for our newsletter. Your privacy is important.  

Please let us know how you would like to keep in touch:

I want to sign up for the email list!

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Opt in to receive news and updates.

Subscribe

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

More on – What is a Mold Sabbatical and what you need to bring with you.

Did you find this post helpful? If so you can buy me a coffee to support the research behind this blog. Thank you!

How to Dilute 35%, 34% or 29% Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) Down to 3% and 1%

This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Personal Safety Equipment should be used!

Goggles, gloves and protective clothing. (Source & Source).

Dilution Table

Dilute 35% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H2O2 to 1 part water (math is 35/2) = 17.5% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H2O2 to 2 parts water is 35/3 = 11.7% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H2O2 to 3 parts water is 35/4 = 8.75% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H2O2 to 4 parts water is 35/5 = 7% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H2O2 to 5 parts water is 35/6 = 5.83% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H202 to 6 parts water is 35/7 = 5% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H202 to 7 parts water is 35/8 = 4.4% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H202 to 8 parts water is 35/9 – 3.9% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H202 to 9 parts water is 35/10 = 3.5% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H202 to 10 parts water is 35/11 = 3.18% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H202 to 13 parts water is 35/14 = 2.5% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H202 to 34 parts water is 35/35 = 1% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 35% H202 to 69 parts water is 35/70 = 0.5% Hydrogen Peroxide

Another way to make 1 gallon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix 1 and a quarter cup of 35% HP with 14 and three quarter cups of water.

Dilution Table

Dilute 34% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 34% H202 to 4 parts water = 6.8% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 34% H202 to 4.5 parts water = 6% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 34% H202 to 8 parts water = 3.7% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 34% H202 to 9 parts water = 3.4 % Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 34% H202 to 10 parts water = 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

Make 1 gallon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix just a touch under 1.5 cups 34% HP with 14.5 cups of water.

Dilution Table

Dilute 29% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 29% to 1 part water = 14.5% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 29% to 2 parts water = 9.6% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 29% to 3 parts water = 7.25% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 29% to 4 parts water = 5.8% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 29% to 8 parts water = 3.2% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 29% to 9 parts water = 2.9% Hydrogen Peroxide

How to Make a Gallon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix 1 cup, 9 tablespoons, and 2 teaspoons of 29% HP with 14 cups, 6 tablespoons, and 1 teaspoon of water.

Dilution Table

Dilute 12% Hydrogen Peroxide Down

1 part 12% to 1 part water (12/2) = 6% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 12% to 3 part water (12/4) = 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 12% to 11 part water (12/12) = 1% Hydrogen Peroxide

Make 1 gallon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix 4 cups of 12% HP with 12 cups of water.

Dilution Table

Dilute 10% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 10% to 2 part water (10/3) = 3.3% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 part 10% to 2.5 parts water (10/3.5) = 2.85% Hydrogen Peroxide

How to make a gallon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix 4.5 cups of 10% Hydrogen Peroxide with just under 11.5 cups of water.

Non-Toxic Disinfectant for Viruses

In order to kill viruses, the CDC recommends three different options. The least toxic and safest one for most people is hydrogen peroxide at at least 0.5% left on the surface for one minute. Alcohol is also safe for many people to use. Source

Where to Buy Hydrogen Peroxide During the Pandemic

You can find higher concentrations at hydroponic stores and sometimes at gardening stores and hardware stores.

You may be able to find hydrogen peroxide at 29% on Amazon, if they are not sold out.

The next place I would look is online hydroponic stores. Search “buy 29% hydrogen peroxide hydroponic”.

You can also find some concentrations at beauty supply stores (usually 12%).

Updated in April 2020

Areas of Concern for those Homeless or on the Road for Mold Avoidance or from MCS

Updates April 25th – Campsites are re-opening in many states: Tennessee, Georgia, Alaska (weather dependant), Alabama, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas. Check each state to see if private and or sate parks are open.

May 1st should see another wave of openings.

• Gyms closed in Italy and highly affected areas. Gyms are closed for the most part in North America now (march). Those reliant on gyms for showers and lockers need to make other plans.
• Post offices closed for airmail in parts of Italy. This is less likely to happen in North America, however, those in Europe may want to prepare for what Italy has gone through. Those who need really important supplies like supplements and other necessities for mold avoidance should have the basics, especially now (late march). Many supplements and essential supplies are selling out. In Canada the Post office and UPS PO boxes are deemed essential services and will stay open for now.
• Stores closing, Amazon restrictions – many stores are closing that mold avoiders buy supplies at. Many countries are closing “non-essential stores” like clothing stores and camping supply storse. Amazon is only restocking “essential” (to normal people) items. Nonessential orders are delayed.
• Govt campsites are closing. Those living in campsites are being hit hard. Here is the current list of closures in the US. Here is another website to double-check. BLM land closed some showers/bathrooms. Campsites in southern Canada closed as far as I have seen.
• Private campsites closures expect and plan for closures or getting quarantine at the site. It’s also possible the government closes them due to this being a gathering place of sorts. Campsites are closed in Italy. Private campsites are closing in the US (March 22).
• Airbnb can kick anyone out of a stay in progress (even a long term one) with 24 hours or less notice. The owner only has to say that they need the place for themselves and that’s it. No proof (from what I saw when I was booted) and you’re out. Short term rental sites like Airbnb are being restricted depending on local laws. You may not be able to move after lockdown goes into place, or bookings under 30 days may not be allowed. It may only be open to those health care workers, those in quarantine or those homeless. It depends where you are, but be prepared for both of those to happen.
• General movement restriction. Italy and China have been especially strict with movement. The US and many other countries will not have the power or resources to restrict movement to this degree. The US and Canada are headed towards if not already in “Shelter in Place” (March 22).
  Hunker down in one location as best you can. In the restricted regions of Italy you have to put in a special request to be able to move apartments. You cannot move outside the area other than for special circumstances, of which mold avoidance will certainly not be one of them. The US is restricting movement between states in some areas.
• Forced quarantine, especially when crossing borders is too risky for those with high reactivity to indoor housing. I would not move countries at this point (mid March).

Where should you hunker down?

In most of the Western world now is the time to start to secure your location if you are doing mold or HT avoidance, or are homeless from chemical sensitivities.

A couple of people have bought vans and trailers to create a stable (or flexible) place to stay during the viral pandemic.

Though most are simply looking for a stable location where they can stay in one place.

Where to park or camp

If you are on the road I would start to look for places where you can stay for the next three months.

I would not bank on a campsite staying open – I would have another backup plan as well.

With government campsites closing in the US and parts of Canada, I would also expect more or all government campsites to close down.

Some people have moved over to BLM land in the US, however that does not seem like the safest place to be in the long term in terms of accessing resources while on the move. They are starting to shut bathrooms and showers (March 15).

It could be possible to wait it out by camping off the radar on BLM land, especially if you have no other option, but it’s not too clear what kind of complications you might face with movement and getting supplies or if you do get sick yourself.

Check out new sites that have opened to help folks find places to part their RV like NomadParky. There are Facebook groups as well.

My severe flu while camping:

I did get a severe respiratory flu with (and Erichlia at the same time) two years ago while camping in Florida. My tent washed out in a storm the night I got sick and I ended up forced to sleep in a truck that I was reacting to.

Luckily I did have that truck as a backup and I was warm enough.

Make sure you have supplies of food, water and what you need to stay warm if you get sick.

While both my helper and my one friend also had a severe flu and couldn’t help me, I did have a stockpile of bottled water, canned soup, and replacement gear. I had little choice but to wait it out until others recovered and could help me get a new tent set up.

While the situation worked out, it was close to deadly for both me and my friend who had a fever of 105.

Camp/park on private property

This would be the time to start looking at places you could park your RV, car, van, or pitch your tent on private property where you will have some safety, privacy and stability. You can ask around with people you know if you can park or camp there.

You could also look at regular market rental houses that have a parking spot or backyard.

The safest bet right now is a regular market rental now a friend’s or family’s place. More below.

Accessing BnBs During the Pandemic- pros and cons

The final option is of course to rent a BnB. I have been following the price changes that are related to the virus outbreak.

There are a few challenges with Airbnbs but it could be a good option for many.

Pros

One benefit is that prices are coming down in many places. They came down slowly until the area is severely affected by the virus or there is a full travel ban, and only then they are coming down by a lot.

There are few places just outside of lockdown cities where prices have gone up as people try and escape the city lockdown!

If cases are on the rise in your area this may be the time to negotiate a medium-term 1 to 3 months stay with a host. Hosts will start looking for more stability with their rentals and might be looking for fewer people coming and going. In most places right now this would be the time to negotiate a monthly rate and longer stay. Get checked in before your area goes into lockdown.

Cons

There will, of course, be some people that need to come back to their own BnB themselves if things go badly, since some people are actually renting out their own house.

Anyone can be booted with 24 hours notice from a bnb they are currently living in even if it’s a long term rental. They only need to tell Airbnb they need the rental for themselves or their family and you are out just like that.

Be very cautious with a room in a house or any shared property since they may decide (and I think it’s more likely than not) that they do not want to have the risk of anyone sharing their house if things escalate.

I would ask the owner upfront if there’s any chance that they would need the property for themselves if the outbreak gets worse, and how else the outbreak could affect their plans to rent out the bnb. I asked the owner where I was staying this she lied about it and booted me with 3 hours notice (by the time she actually got ahold of me it was only 3 hours).

The most ideal situation, for those living in RVs, cars and tents, would be to afford to rent a whole house where you can safely park or pitch a tent without anybody’s interference.

It appears that some bnbs are being taken off the site and converted to regular long term housing. So you might find them in regular classifieds. Though in many places you cannot view a long term rental before signing a lease.

In some places there are government restrictions on being able to move into a short term rental like the vacation rentals or you may only be able to book more than 30 days. Check into your rental before the lockdown starts.

Back up plans

Now is the time to lock in to a rental if you haven’t already.

If you are relying on a bnb/vacation rental, your rights are not as strong as if you were in a regular market rental. If hotels and campsites close and if you can’t view regular rentals make sure you have an idea for a backup plan.

What about hotels?

Hotels are a little riskier based on what’s been happening in countries with a high infection rate.

It looks to me from what has been happening in China and Europe that some hotels are closing down due to lack of business and it’s possible to get kicked out.

A smaller family-run hotel could find themselves have too many employees ill to continue running it, along with lack of business.

There are of course a few horror stories out there as well, in the Canary Islands one hotel where there was a confirmed infection went under total quarantine.

This means you could get stuck in a hotel that may not turn out to be mold safe for many weeks or months.

Some hotels are being used as quarantine facilities themselves.

In California they are using them to house those who are homeless. Some are used to house health care workers. Some are staying open to both health care workers and regular bookings (look for extended stay rentals you might be able to book something monthly and it might be a place you can stay).

In China many hotels are temporarily shut down. In Italy, it does not look like as many are completely shut. But with extreme restrictions on movement, you may be de facto quarantined to that location.

Should you leave the country for a safer or warmer place?

Although it might be tempting to leave for the Caribbean or a country that does not yet have the outbreak, there is no guarantee that this will be a safer option in the long term.

Update: The window for this strategy has passed in most of the world (March 18). Most countries are canceling travel insurance, you almost certainly have to come home unless you are working overseas.

Although some have left where they were living in order to come back home in February, I would not leave your home country for another location at this moment (mid March) unless there was a specific spot that you know would be safe and you are prepared to stay there until summer.

If you do need to come back home after leaving, it’s possible you could be put into quarantine upon reentry. Most people are put into self-quarantine. If there is an outbreak on a ship or plane you may be put into forced quarantine.

You would also have to see if you have the needed medical and other supports in the country you want to go to.

Risks that are particularly Worrisome for those Severely Ill with Environmental Illness

True quarantine:

The risk of being put into quarantine is a severe risk for mold avoiders, those with high MCS and those with limited functioning.

Those returning from cruise ships have put into military housing which should not be assumed to be mold safe.

Those crossing certain borders are being put into quarantine housing. You would not want to be forcefully quarantined in a hotel or other facility chosen by the government if you are mold and chemically sensitive.

Caregiver shortage:

For those relying on caregivers, expect shortages of caregivers and for all companies to cut back on hours as any sick employees will be mandated to stay home for two weeks.

I would stock up on things that you are able to eat without cooking like soup in tetra packs, baby food, juice, as well as frozen foods. Anything that could help you get by with fewer helpers.

Grocery delivery services are overloaded and they don’t seem to have found a way to prioritize those who are physically disabled, or very sick.

More grocery stores are offering delivery than were before.

Restaurants are expanding to offer delivery, so keep checking call them and tell them your needs.

Check with local groups in your area many people are volunteering to deliver groceries and many people are out of work and looking for small jobs doing deliveries.

As the crisis progressed it actually became easier to get help that before, but there was a blip between those two situations.

Challenges for those HT sensitive:

For those with HT, if there is any chance of post office closures where you are, stockpile your absolute necessities as much as you can

Special cleaning products for HT, clothes, soap and other necessities that HT avoiders need must be kept safe somewhere.

This is of course a huge challenge and it may be worth taking out a storage locker.

Those who were relying on gyms for storage lockers or showers should have other plans in place.

Clothing stores are closing in affected areas, in less affected areas they are cutting back on hours.

Supplement stores are delayed with their orders due to stockpiling.

All non essential items on amazon .com and .ca are delayed.

Those on the move due to HT avoidance should consider a clean break now (mid march, if doing a clean break do it now time is running out for what’s needed to do this).

Recently many folks have set out on a Locations Effect sabbatical without enough information on the risks or challenges in developing nations. They have run into many unexpected problems that I’m going to outline in this post.

If you have health challenges or environmental sensitivities and you take off unprepared to a developing country this can lead to very difficult and risky experiences.

This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A number of folks recently have set out for locations known to have good outdoor air to experience the Locations Effect.

There are many developing countries (the Global South, also known as third world countries) that have great outdoor air and might also be appealing in terms of cost savings.

But there are a number of really important things to know before you take off if you are someone that has health challenges or mold and chemical sensitivities.

If you haven’t traveled to a developing country before, or you haven’t traveled while sensitive, it’s essential that you know what you are going into.

My Background

I have a 5-year degree in International Development Studies, and my area of expertise is Latin America. I also had to study development factors – poverty, disease, access to health care – in all other regions of the developing world.

I worked for a year in Ghana and have backpacked through Morocco, Ghana, and Togo. In Latin America, I have spent about 7 months total in Cuba, Mexico, and Costa Rica, outside of tourist areas.

I have traveled recently with very high environmental sensitivities to mold and chemicals. I am also immunocompromised and physically limited.

What you MUST consider before doing a Locations Effect Sabbatical In a Developing Country

1.Much higher disease potential

Almost all of the developing world has high disease potential. All topical areas, other than very high elevations and a few other exceptions, have very risky mosquito-borne illnesses.

Denge and Chik V are the most concerning for those already sick. Malaria and Zika are the next most concerning. There are a couple of others that you should research as well. Vaccines are not available for most mosquito-borne illnesses.

Parasites are rampant in developing nations. They are mostly in food and water, but can also be caught by walking barefoot or swimming in freshwater.

There are many other illnesses transmitted through food and water: viruses, ecoli, hepatitis, etc. Many of us get sick very easily and it is almost a guarantee if you are immunocompromised.

I cook all my food and take pretty extreme precautions with water after a few really rough experiences.

2. Unexpected MCS (chemical sensitivity) triggers

Possible unexpected MCS triggers include: way more potent (less regulated) car exhaust, more cigarette and cigar smoke in public, burning garbage smoke, scented cleaning products, more cologne or perfume use, increased pesticide spraying both inside for pests and outside for mosquitos.

Other unexpected triggers might include, charcoal burning, wood-burning, exhaust from boats, other people’s mosquito repellant and sunscreen, and widely used incense (including in restaurants) or smudging.

These differ by country.

You may not find any unscented personal care or cleaning products in stores.

3. Unexpected level of mold in buildings

In general, in both developing nations (due to poor building standards), and tropical locations (where mold grows faster), buildings are more likely to be moldy.

If the type of construction is different than where you are coming from, you will not be able to predict which buildings might be OK if you haven’t been there before.

There are exceptions, for some people the general mustiness (or even visible mold growth) in concrete buildings in tropical areas is not enough to affect them. Many can still improve, but those already unmasked probably won’t.

On the other hand, there may be simpler structures available that are even better than buildings in the US, Canada and Western Europe.

If you are aiming to stay in a building, this has to be carefully considered.

I also prepare for the possibility of musty or otherwise contaminated beds and bedding by bringing bedding and tarps to sequester beds.

4. Exasperation of symptoms from heat

If you haven’t traveled anywhere hot for a while, this might be an unpleasant surprise.

You also should look at whether taxis, buses and hotels often have AC (likely many or most don’t).

High-end hotels usually have AC almost anywhere in the world, but even then, not always! Some areas are prone to power outages.

If you are reliant on AC in hot weather you have to think this through carefully.

There are tropical countries that are not that hot and there are developing countries that are not hot at all.

Plan ahead if you know this will be a problem.

5. The safety profile of the area

While many people do assume that some developing nations are more dangerous, do not go based on news reports. Look up actual statistics. I look at whether crime is isolated to certain areas or certain groups of people.

What are the real risks and will they be likely to affect you in the area you plan to go to and the activities you plan to take part in?

There are many guides to safety for travelers out there. Look at those and then look at special circumstances (like is it safe to camp where camping is not the norm).

Driving is often the biggest risk to personal safety. I consider myself an excellent driver and would never drive in a developing country, at least not until being there for a long time and getting used to the norms.

The Lonely Planet outlines things you need to know like which cities are not safe to walk in after dark and whether you should use a money belt or not. This is always my first resource. They have a book for each country.

6. Do they have the foods you need

The foods you are used to might not be available in many developing countries. There may not be organic food stores or no distinction made between organic and conventional produce.

You may not find the types of foods you need or expect. Expect less variety and a different variety of foods. It’s possible that imported foods are extremely expensive.

There are some places that don’t have grocery stores (or the grocery stores are just small stores for canned goods). You may find it hard or almost impossible to gather groceries yourself from all the places they are sold.

It might not be realistic to go gluten-free or vegan.

In Cuba it was prohibited to cook in a casa particular (a bnb).

7. Do they have supplements you need or are you able to order them

The availability of supplements is limited, sometimes severely limited (possibly nonexistent) in most developing countries.

Some countries have high tariffs on imported goods and it may be extremely expensive for the shipping cost as well.

In some countries like Mexico, it is not legal to order supplements from abroad. In Ghana, it was difficult and very expensive to send anything there by Fedex.

8. Is good medical care available

If you are on any medication you will want to check if that medication exists in the country you want to go to, and how easy is it to get.

You will also want to look at the quality of medical care, both clinics and hospitals. What kind of ailments (including emergencies) can they address? Which ones are not treated there?

How far away are you from a good hospital if something did happen.

How common is it that doctors and nurses speak your language (or do you speak theirs).

Don’t expect alternative health care – look up whether they have the practitioners you need.

Make sure you have travel medical insurance!

9. Is camping allowed or viable

Camping is mostly a first world activity. If you plan on camping as your primary option or backup option, be sure to research the feasibility thoroughly.

If camping outside of a proper campground, check on the legality, safety and general acceptance of doing this.

If camping is non-existent there, it’s most likely there are no stores in which to buy camping gear that may need to be replaced.

10. Are vaccines necessary

There are a few countries that have vaccine requirements, but not that many. If that is the case I would suggest looking at whether they have metal-free options and whether the vaccines are tolerated by you.

Many vaccines are likely recommended (though not required). The first thing I do is check on what the transmission routes of those diseases are. If they are food and waterborne, you may be able to avoid them by cooking your own food.

Some depend on the area you will be in and the likelihood of your exposure. I always look at the Lonely Planet books for everywhere I have ever traveled to as they have very good overviews of disease profiles and vaccine requirements.

11. Noise levels!

It’s possible and likely that developing countries will be noisier than Western countries – whether it’s traffic, roosters, howler monkies, people who get up very early, or a culture of playing music in public places – this is another thing to know about.

If your sleep is highly affected by noise then plan your strategy accordingly. I like a three-step approach to earplugs for worst-case scenarios. Foam, silicone, and noise protection gear. (And note, don’t count on being able to buy these locally).

I bring a borderline insane amount of things with me, including earplugs and any supplement or medication I think I might need, emergency snacks and scent-free products. Here is my packing list.

You may also want to plan carefully where you stay – whether it’s a rental or campground. Find out what it’s close to. Find out when the holidays are.

I got stuck in Cuba’s week-long New Year’s celebration, woken by howler monkeys in Costa Rica, and was right by the community well in Ghana where everyone pulled water at 5 am.

What else!? A lot…

There many other things that could be different in your destination country.

Rocky roads can be painful for many to drive down, they may not be conducive at all to wheelchairs. There may be very different cultural norms that influence clothing you wear. They may not be tolerant of LGBTQ. There may be limited access to ATMs. Credit cards may not work there. There may be many safety precautions you need to take that you would not think of in your home country. Etc etc etc…..

Most of that you can find in regular travel guides and blogs.

Again, I recommend the Lonely Planet as the first place to look. I’ve never gone anywhere where I didn’t carry the local guide book everywhere.

The 11 factors here are not discussed in normie blogs and books, please make sure you get enough advice on the area you are going to.

If you are ill, sensitive to chemicals or mold you will have challenges that you might not be prepared for.