First, let’s address the size of Mexico in comparison to the United States.  The entire country is about one fifth the size of the US, or equal to all of Eastern Europe.  Think about it this way – if you are located in Pennsylvania, and there is an act of violence in Florida, is this violent act going to deter you from visiting Washington D.C?  This year to date (February 15, 2012), our very own City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, has lost 48 people to murder, yet we continue to travel there for work, a night out with friends, concerts, sports, or to ride the duck.

Reality #1 – The Riviera Maya is a 24 hour drive or approximately 1200 miles to areas of caution listed by the U.S. Department of State.  This is the same distance from Philadelphia to Miami Florida.

What about safety in the tourist areas?  During a recent trip to Cancun/Riviera Maya, we had the opportunity to meet with Jesus Almaguer Salazar, CEO, Cancun CBB.  The Cancun area was built specifically for tourists in the early 1970’s.  Visitors are the areas main revenue and they do everything to keep people coming back.  During our visit, we saw numerous resorts, went on an excursion to a natural park, zip lined through the jungle, and passed through various security check points.  Resorts keep their guests safe by checking every name that comes through the gate.  The local government performs random vehicle checks along the highway.  All of these checks and balances act as a major deterrent to illegal behavior!  Not one time in our stay did we feel that our safety was at risk.

Reality #2 – Travel with common sense.  Don’t flash money around.  Don’t hitchhike.  Don’t take candy from strangers.  Discuss destination options with your Travel Consultant.

Mexico has developed the reputation as being a huge party destination for rowdy underage spring breakers, especially Cancun.  Not surprisingly, many hotels in Cancun have put age restrictions on their rooms, particularly during spring break.  Those hotels that have not regulated their drunken co-ed occupancy are not desirable for anyone else anyway.  If you are looking for a Caribbean beach destination, travel south of Cancun to experience one of the top 10 beaches in the world.  For a Pacific experience, try Huatulco or Cabo San Lucas.  In the center of Mexico lies San Miguel De Allende, a historic artist’s sanctuary that will engross you in Mexican culture.  The city dates back almost 500 years and is a UNESCO world heritage site.  Mayan culture abounds on the Yucatan peninsula where coincidently, there are no noted danger zones for tourists.

Reality #3 – Don’t limit your travel experiences.  Mexico offers more than beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts.  Travel smart, broaden your horizons, and learn something new at one of the most accessible destinations to the United States.

Aside from all of the once in an eternity opportunities to celebrate a new beginning in 2012 with the end of the Mayan calendar, Mexico has so much to offer.  Don’t let the news or rare horror stories scare you away.  Travel safe, travel smart, and visit Mexico.  You will not be disappointed.

October 28th, 2012 – November 11th, 2012

This is a rare opportunity to travel with one of our consultants!

Give Jennifer a call today at 610-431-3642 to find out more and to reserve your cabin!

We will be open on November 25th, Black Friday from 9am – 5pm.

We will be closed on December 26th and January 2nd.

Happy Holidays and we hope to see you soon!

Our trip to the Greek Islands, the Adriatic and Italy was incredible.  You did a phenomenal job planning all the details that made us feel secure on our travels throughout the area.  Your choice of hotels was excellent, not only in services and décor, but also in location.  All the details for the flights, trains, and cars worked out beautifully.  What can I say about the tours and guides.  I have had many guides over the years, but all of our guides on this trip were excellent. Two in particular were absolutely outstanding.  The first was the guide in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.  Unfortunately, I can’t remember her name, but she was like having our own art history professor.  The other was Niccolo, who was our guide of the Coliseum and the Forum in Rome. His knowledge and love of history, architecture, art, and Latin brought these historic sites to life.  The Day in Tuscany tour was one of the highlights of the trip as well.  All in all, a once-in-a-life time trip.  Thank you for making it happen so well.

Donna