If we all listened to the news as an authority to everything, would we really ever leave our homes? Would we travel to California? According to the news California has so many earthquakes and could literally have one to fall off the rest of the United States – Would you want to travel there and take that chance? Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Los Angeles all have stories of high crimes and gangs, killings and riots. Miami has had many tourist killings in the 1990s and even in 2006, does that mean tourism died? People need to be smart. Working with a knowledgeable travel agent can help people get to safe destinations, learn what to do and not do in areas and of course get the best deals possible. Are there problems in Mexico? – Of course, just like any large country, there are issues, but one must understand that they can still have a tranquil and safe vacation. Knowing that the Swine Flu was just that, a flu that was treatable and preventable, helps people understand how media sensationalizes events to sell their products. Knowing that the drug-related violence is predominately along the Mexico-US boarder helps people know that there are so many places in Mexico that are not affected by these issues. Right now, the summer of 2009 is the best time to travel to Mexico. Security is strong. Health issues are low. Prices are obscenely low because the bad press has lowered the amount of people traveling there so resorts are slashing prices for at least the summer time. Cabo, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Xtapa and so many other destinations are wonderful destinations. Back in May, I sent a couple to Cozumel. They stayed at a 4-star resort – all inclusive, including airfare from Philadelphia, airport transfers, and of course all their meals and drinks. They were pampered since there was no where near the amount of people usually there. All that for only $1000 for BOTH of them. This past week, another couple booked a trip to Riviera Maya, a 4½ star resort also all inclusive with airfare and transfers and insurance for only $1195 for both of them.
Working with a good travel agent makes a difference. If you don’t have one you’re working with, as long as you are in North America, contact me and I can work with you. But remember, I’m not suggesting that no crime will occur ever if you travel. Any destination has a chance of crime anywhere in the world. I am suggesting that you travel smart. Think about what valuables you want to take with you. Do you really need to wear high end jewelry and target yourself wherever you go? Copy your passport and travel documents and e-mail them to yourself so that you have a copy available to you if they get lost or stolen. Call your bank and tell them you are traveling to that destination and have your bank or credit card’s international telephone number with you so that you can call them directly and not on an 800 number that won’t work across the borders. Make a copy of your itinerary and leave it with someone at home and be careful what you share about your travel plans with people while traveling.
If you’ve been thinking of going away, now really is the time to book your plans for the rest of this year to get away. Book now while the prices are low and lock in a great deal.