Travel warning to Mexico canceled as swine flu fears ease

by Aaron Hotfelder on

Yesterday the U.S. Centers for Disease Control lifted its warning that travelers avoid non-essential trips to Mexico as fears over the swine flu have faded.

The CDC wrote on its website that “the Mexican outbreak is slowing down in many cities… [and] the United States and other countries are now seeing increasing numbers of cases not associated with travel to Mexico.”

Still, at-risk groups such as pregnant women, children under 5, and the elderly “may want to consider postponing travel,” according to the CDC.

Thousands of trips to Mexico were canceled over the CDC’s earlier warning, and most cruise ships were re-routed to avoid Mexico because of fears of the H1N1 virus, popularly known as the “swine flu.”

Time will tell whether the travelers return to Mexico, or whether flu fears will continue to keep people away– despite the CDC’s assertion that Mexican travel is now safe.

More here.

Swine flu symptoms? Next holiday in Mexico is free

by Jamie Rhein on

It’s a bummer to get sick on a vacation. Anyone who has been holed up in a hotel with the chills or worse instead of out enjoying the trip that you paid for can vouch for that. Illness isn’t great for tourism either. Mexico tourism has hit the skids because of H1N1 virus, aka, swine flu. Folks in the Mexico tourism industry have begun to cook up ideas to entice tourists to head south. Here’s one.

In an effort to make amends, and woo tourists into thinking that a little swine flu is worth the risk, three hotel chains: Real Resorts, Dreams and Secrets are offering a screaming deal to anyone who has swine flu like symptoms within eight days after they get home from their Caribbean coast vacation. According to this Daily Mail article, if you arrive home and get sick, you get three years of free vacation fun in Mexico. The eight day limit, I suppose, is to keep people from blaming any old ailment they acquire days, weeks or months later on their beach holiday.

There’s a couple of hitches with this plan. The U.S. is still recommending that people not travel to Mexico unless they really have to and several companies have canceled trips. But, still, it’s a creative odd reverse of what is usually the case of what people want from a vacation.

Most people head to Mexico, or anywhere else for that matter, hoping to NOT get sick. In this case, getting sick is like hitting the lottery. I wonder how many people will be disappointed on the ninth day after they have returned home and wake up without one ache and pain–not even a twinge. Not only do you NOT win three years of free vacation, but you have to go to work. Most people will end up heading to work. Probably all of them. Mexico’s Health Minister has reported that out of the 2,000 registered swine flu cases, only two have been from Cancun.

Daily travel deal – 4 nights all inclusive Puerto Vallarta hotel + air from $409

by Scott Carmichael on

Ready to get away from the unpredictable Spring weather? How about a nice 4 night trip to Nuevo Vallarta?

Starting at just $409 (based off a Los Angeles departure, Chicago from $425), you’ll fly to Puerto Vallarta, and stay at the 5 star Riu Nuevo-Vallarta all-inclusive resort.

This place offers some serious “all-inclusiveness” – lets start with the coolest part; a 4 bottle liquor dispenser in your room.

In addition to this, you’ll also find 5 restaurants, 4 bars (including one poolside swim-up bar), 2 adult pools, a jacuzzi, a kids pool, a kids playground, free loungers and parasols, a complimentary gym and sauna and a night club.

All of course, this is all offered on a premium beachfront property. The deal does not include airport transfers, so be sure to calculate that when you budget for this trip.

Continental Airlines reduces flights to Mexico

by Jamie Rhein on

In response to the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, Continental Airlines is cutting the number of fights to Mexico by 40% and reducing the size of the planes making the trips. Because the demand for Mexico travel has gone way, way, way down, the airlines is taking these cost cutting measures.

The cuts are in effect starting Monday and are expected to be only temporary. Also, for folks who already have tickets, the airline is letting people change their itineraries until the end of the month.

Depending on demand, more adjustments could be made. Hopefully, people’s places of employment will be understanding and let people adjust vacation days, otherwise insult could be added to injury. What good is the ability to change an itinerary if the rest of life doesn’t make an adjustment? [El Paso Times]

Biden says “Don’t Fly,” White House says “Sorry”

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The White House issued a non-apology today, clearly practicing a technique that it will use often over the next four years. Vice President Joseph Biden is famous for speaking without thinking “saying one thing and meaning another.” Today, he announced that he would not only avoid Mexico but also suggests staying away from confined spaces as the spread of swine flu contines.

This is exactly what an ailing airline needs … not to mention the 200,000 people expected to lose their jobs in the U.S. travel and tourism industry this year. But, don’t worry about it, Joe. We know you meant well.

White House officials are playing it safe, “clarifying” the Vice President’s remarks.

The feds hope that nobody was “unduly alarmed.” The best part, though, is that “What the vice president meant to say was the same thing that many members have said in the last few days … And that is, if you feel sick, are exhibiting flu-like symptoms….that you should take precautions, that you should limit your travel.”

Yeah, that’s the same thing, right?