Travel to Mexico

We in the travel industry have been inundated by phone calls and emails from worried clients who are booked on vacations to Mexico and are now worried about all of the media coverage on the drug cartel crimes.

This is the the State Department's Alert (NOT WARNING) about travel to Mexico.

February 20, 2009


This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.
Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure. Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors. When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

None of my clients are booked to travel to any of the cities near or any of the cities mentioned in this alert. For my clients going to the Riviera Maya, this beachfront vacation destination is not near any of the border cities.

I have always recommended being careful of carrying large amounts of cash or jewelry and I always recommend that my clients not wander into unsafe areas of cities.

I was in the Riviera Maya in September and just had clients return 3 weeks ago. I never felt unsafe during my travels in the Riviera Maya, nor did I see any police activity during my stay.

I will keep my clients aware of any updates to this travel alert and advise them if anything changes but right now, I would have no qualms traveling to the Riviera Maya at all. I never want my clients to feel uncomfortable about traveling to a vacation destination and there have been many times I have declined to book clients to destinations that I have felt to be unsafe, but I don't feel that is the case with the Riviera Maya.

Please contact me if you have any particular concern over your vacation reservation.

Job Loss Insurance

NCL Intros Job Loss Insurance Policy
Wed Feb 25 2009, by Travel Trade Staff

Taking a cue from Hyundai, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is offering job loss protection when it announced its new BookSafe Travel Protection Plan. The plan is designed to provide a full cash reimbursement to guests should they need to cancel because of job loss prior to their cruise.
"In this changing economic environment, we are offering a safety net for guests who want to book a cruise, but are uncertain about what the future holds in terms of their employment," said Andy Stuart, NCL's executive vice president of global sales and passenger services. "Our BookSafe plan enables guests to book with confidence knowing that they will receive a full refund if they need to cancel their cruise because of job loss."

Effective Feb. 26, guests who purchase NCL's BookSafe Travel Protection Plan for any NCL cruise departing on or after May 1 are eligible for reimbursement of any cancellation fees if an insured guest loses their job as long as the person has been an active employee at the same company for at least one year.

The enhanced travel protection plan is available starting at $29 per person, depending on the cruise fare paid.

Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ASAP savings expire in 5 days

Take advantage of some of the best deals in the cruise industry-- avaailable only through Saturday 2/28/09.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are offering 50% off the deposits needed to hold a cruise cabin (group space does not apply), so instead of the normal $250 per person, you pay only $125 per person. For groups booked by Saturday, you can earn 1 free Tour Conductor (free cruise less taxes and port charges) for every 5 cabins booked.

This all expires on Saturday 2/28/09.
Don't delay.

Call me to take advantage of these great savings!

My Vacation Lady Specials

Special Offers and Group Space


MY VACATION LADY PRICE GUARANTEE

If you have already deposited your cruise and the cruise line reduces prices prior to your final payment, if you are eligible for those reduced prices, My Vacation Lady will request that the price of your cruise be reduced to reflect the lower rate!

Take a look at some of these special locked in rates!


Norwegian Dawn- 6/28/2009

7 night sailing to Bermuda from NYC
Enjoy 3 fabulous days in Bermuda while sailing aboard the NCL Dawn. Enjoy Free Style Cruising while on board.

Prices start at $1361.08.08 including all taxes and fees based on double occupancy.

Norwegian Dawn- 8/9/2009

7 nights to Bermuda from NYC
Enjoy 3 fun filled days exploring the beautiful island of Bermuda while your meals and entertainment await you on board the NCL Dawn.

Prices start at $1163.07 per person, based on double occupancy and include all taxes and fees.

Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas 9/3/2009
9 night cruise from Bayonne to New England and Canada
Cruise to Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine, St John and Halifax and Boston aboard the fabulous Explorer of the Seas!

Prices start at just $1095.71 per person based on double occupancy including all taxes and fees.

BONUS- $50 per cabin on board credit

Celebrity Constellation 10/30/09-11/9/0910 night repositioning cruise from Bayonne to Miami

Ports of call
Bermuda, St. Maarten, Aruba and Labadee with 5 glorious days at sea!

There is a reason that the Constellation is consistently ranked in the
top 10 large cruise ships, year after year, by Conde Nast Traveler.
I sailed this ship in November 2008 and I agree.

Pricing includes all taxes and fees, and are based on double occupancy:
Balcony category 2B- $1562.64 per person
Ocean view category 7- $1262.64 per person
Inside category 11- $1062.64 per person

$50 on board credit per cabin is included

Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas 11/9/09-11/20/09
11 night Ultimate Caribbean Cruise
Sailing round trip from Miami to
Aruba; Cartegena, Columbia; Colon, Panama (you can take an excursion to the Pacific Ocean!);
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica and Grand Cayman

$100 On Board Credit Per Cabin

Prices include all port charges, taxes and fee. These prices are per person based on double occupancy:

Inside - category Q- $1193.34
Ocean view - category I- $1453.34 category H- $1493.34
Balcony- category E3- $ 1893.34 category D1- $2093.34

If you have a non profit organization looking for a fund raiser, please contact My Vacation Lady. We have been able to help non profit organizations raise thousands of $$ while having fun at the same time!

If you like to travel with a group, you might be able to travel for free! Please contact me for more details.

For more information, email me at mindy@myvacationlady.com

Benefits of using My Vacation Lady

Although most of the people reading this blog are probably already clients of mine, I just need to toot my own horn on why you should use a travel professional (especially me) to plan your vacations and cruises.

Recently, prices of cruises have come down drastically for certain ships and sail dates. Part of the service I provide to my clients is that I check on their prices periodically to see if any specials that come up would apply to their vacations.

Doing this cuts down my commissions but it is part of my business model- providing value for my client's travel dollars as well as outstanding customer service.

Let me just tell you what I have done so far in the first 2 weeks of February.
*2 cabins on the Celebrity Solstice in June to Europe- prices have been reduced over $1500 per cabin and I upgraded them from a balcony to a concierge class cabin.
*1 cabin on the Celebrity Summit in April to Europe- prices came down about $1000 and I was able to upgrade them from an oceanview cabin to a concierge class cabin
* 2 reservations at Universal Studios for the end of June- I was able to reduce their package price over $600 per package.
*1 cruise tour to Alaska on Royal Caribbean- I was able to obtain a price reduction of about $700
*1 cruise to Alaska on Royal Caribbean- again I was able to obtain a price reduction of about $400

None of these clients asked for these reductions. I took it upon myself to call and check to see if the prices had come down. It doesn't happen on every vacation package but it it is available and my clients are eligible for the reduction, I will have it applied.

For those of you who book on an anonymous website, I challenge you to see if that website will take care of the price reductions for you without you having to ask.

There are great travel values out there now. Call me at 732-418-0819 for help in planning your next vacation.

Again- But No One is Traveling

I hate to bash the media but they are doing a great job of scaring the public to death. Every day we hear more about how horrible the economy is. No one is buying anything including taking a vacation.

If that is the case, then why did the price of a 5 nite Royal Caribbean cruise that I booked in November (sailing in July) go up $100 per person?

Why could I not find a single property in the Galway Ireland area for clients in May. Perhaps a Music Festival and a Racing Festival is enticing people to travel?

Why is airfare to Paris on Continental over Easter week over $800 per person?

People are traveling. There are some great values available if you book far enough out and may be a bit flexible.

Call me. I can certainly find you some of the best bargains for you!

Dollar Friendliest Destinations

This article was sent to me from Travel Research Online.


Where U.S. currency now buys more--luxury included.

Think for a moment about the word “value.” It originates from an Old French verb, valoir, which means, to be worth. Today it is used to describe the financial measure of something’s true worth. A meal of truffled foie gras and roast Maine lobster may be rare and delicious, but if the price-tag is too high, which it often is, it offers little value. Ditto for a bargain cheap burger and fries: You get what you pay for. But an inexpensive lobster meal for half the cost? Bingo.

Rich or poor, consumers are becoming increasingly savvy and virtually everyone these days knows how to find a deal and examine the value of it. This is especially true in the travel world, where hyper-customizable deal booking web sites, luxe-for-less newsletters, and airline, spa and hotel e-sales are filling junk mail boxes on a daily basis. But this year it’s been a bit difficult to stay abreast of where the best vacation values are found. Collapsing economies, wildly fluctuating exchange rates, and security issues in long stable countries (Kenya, Thailand, and India) have made choosing an affordable luxury destination especially challenging for 2009.

The fiscally promiscuous jet set who just a few years ago spent leftover currency on duty-free extras like bottles of Johnnie Walker and Chanel, have shrunk considerably, leaving behind a yawning gap between the coaches and first classes of the world, leading many to speculate that the golden age of internet deals and luxury value vacations has ended. Is this true? Absolutely not. Luxury—more than ever before—is on sale. Travelers just need to know where the dollar is strongest—a math that has been erratic and considerably hard to follow during these last few months.

“Shrewd travelers looking to get the most for their money naturally gravitate to places where the U.S. dollar is strongest—as such, destinations in South America and Southeast Asia have gained leverage over once-popular locales in price-fluctuating Europe,” says editor Elissa Richard, of ShermansTravel.com, a deal-based web site and magazine that’s built its brand upon the concept of “luxury value.” This two-pronged concept has become remarkably relevant to even the wealthiest of American travelers. Luxury value is about getting more for less, and web sites like CheapFlights.com and others have been using a combination of science, math, airfare costs and good old-fashioned wanderlust to determine “luxury value” and examine which destinations (or splurges to use Sherman’s lingo) are “worth it.” It’s a formula that measures experiential factors like the density of UNESCO sites, the variety of museums, or the sexiness of beaches, against the costs of dining, shopping, hotels, and last but not least, airfare costs and dollar exchange rates—the granddaddy factors of all deals.

Recently, however, the U.S. dollar has had remarkable gains against numerous currencies, adding a new twist to this formula and opening up new destinations and redefining old ones that were too expensive in recent years. The dollar has nearly doubled against the Icelandic krona, which lost its value by 91% in 2008, bringing hotel rooms and spa packages down in price significantly. In the last year the dollar has also seen sizeable growth against the Turkish lira (30%), the South African rand (50%) not to mention major gains against existing value destinations like Mexico (25%), Chile, (30%) and India (25%). These currency gains alone have slashed prices for African safaris, Bosporus spa treatments and luxury trains in Rajasthan. Even the British pound has slid down 37% against the dollar while the Euro continues to inch back down a little bit every day. When you add promotional discounts to the mix, you’re getting a significant luxury value. High-end hotels are making shifts to accommodate the need for more value travel. Four Seasons Resorts for instance, added a "Stay 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Free" promotion at several of their properties while many other luxury properties are lowering their prices after staunchly resisting discounts. “Many big hotel chains initially refused to lower their rates,” says a hotel publicist who wished to remain anonymous, “but we’re starting to see a small window of deeply discounted sales and a lot of last-minute hotel specials are suddenly popping up.”

Meanwhile more emerging destinations like Colombia and Laos continue to attract new tourism growth in spite of steadier economies. Both have seen considerably increased interest in airfare booking websites. “Colombia has increased in hits by 11%, while Laos has seen a 17% increase in hits,” says Kellie Pelletier at Kayak.com, the de facto search engine for low cost airfares. Travelers are indeed following the strong dollar wherever it goes.

Finally, in addition to the economic turmoil that’s swept the globe, less obvious factors like jet fuel costs and the EU-US Open Skies agreement have radically affected the costs of airfare. “In early 2008, airline profit margins were built around $70 per barrel of jet fuel. But in July ’08 prices hit their peak at $147 per barrel,” says Carl Schwartz, Cheapflights.com’s Chief Travel Officer. “It’s hard to predict jet fuel costs,” he continues from the Boston office, “but the airlines are renegotiating contracts for 2009 right now at much lower prices. That mixed with a strengthening U.S. dollar suggests that ‘09 is shaping up to be a year full of great deals for travelers, especially on the international front.” That’s valuable news that all of us like to hear in these tough times.