Travel Alert Issued for Mexico
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert cautioning against travel to Mexico due to infighting among the drug cartels. In response the Mexico Tourist Board issued the following response:
Mexico ranks tenth as an international travel destination in the world and is the number one international tourism destination for North Americans traveling abroad. Many tourists to the country are repeat visitors, which demonstrate that the vast majority of tourists are satisfied and leave with overwhelmingly positive impressions.
Nevertheless, visitors to any destination in the world should exercise caution and common sense, and the same holds true when traveling to Mexico.
Q. With the travel alert issued by the US State Department cautioning that even travel within the country beyond the border is dangerous. Should I just avoid traveling to Mexico completely?
No, common sense and proper precautions must be taken when traveling anywhere in the world, and Mexico is no exception. Whether traveling on the border or if you find yourself in another area of the country, stick to high-traffic businesses and tourist areas; be aware of your surroundings, chart your course before-hand, and your stay should be a memorable and safe experience. Mexico? frontier, like many other frontiers in other countries, at times experiences certain conflicts. Those visiting or crossing border cities should do so while taking the proper precautions.
Q: But then what do you make of the U.S. State Department cautioning against travel to the border due to infighting among drug cartels?
The recent isolated incidents involving drug traffickers have prompted U.S. and Canadian authorities to suggest travelers exercise extra caution when visiting certain border towns. It is important to note, however, that this temporary announcement does not advise travelers against visiting our many safe tourist destinations.
In fact, Leslie Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, declared that the intention of the alert is to inform of the punctual violent acts that are taking place in specific states of Mexico as well as in other nations. She clarified that in no way does this alert seek to negatively portray the tourist destinations
Q. Shouldn? everyone just avoid going to Mexico, with everything that is going on with the crime and drug dealers?
More than 22.6 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2008 representing a 5.9 percent increase compared to 2007 out of that the number of tourists who suffered accidents were minimal.
Mexico is the tenth most visited tourist destination in the world and is a very large country with many safe destinations to visit and enjoy. As the country? promotion agency, the Mexico Tourism Board recommends visitors to contact our many offices for more information on the destination they are planning to visit.
Q. Is the drug situation out of control in Mexico, and should international visitors be concerned?
Drug dealing and possession are a social problem that every nation faces, and Mexico is no exception. Fortunately, in Mexico and elsewhere, the violence associated with drug trafficking is isolated in cities that are far away from tourism destinations.
The possession and consumption of drugs are illegal in Mexico, and the country has strict laws governing these offenses. Perpetrators are punished with harsh fines and prison sentences in Mexico. Visitors can be confidant that local authorities are working hard to apprehend all those who violate the law to bring them to justice.
Q. We are worried because what if something does happen? Will emergency services be able to help?
Federal and local governments are constantly working on improving emergency services, not only for tourists but for locals. Visitors should take precautions if they have any pre-existing medical needs and speak to their doctors before they travel abroad. We are also working on raising the bar in our standards to that our guests are kept safe, such as de-legalizing open bars in areas known as spring break destinations.
Q. Reports of drug violence in Mexico have been widely circulated. Have these stories affected tourism to the country?
These incidents have mostly taken place in some border cities and have not affected the decision of tourists to travel to Mexico, which received thousands of tourists in the past months. More than 22.6 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2008 representing a 5.9 percent increase compared to 2007.
In addition, and according to the central Bank of Mexico, border tourism increased 11 percent, compared to 2007.
Mexico is the number one most popular international tourism destination for Americans, with more than 18.34 million US visitors in 2008. Tourism revenues increased 4.6 percent in 2008 compared to 2007 to almost 13.2 billion dollars.
Blue Tulum Resort Changes in the Mayan Rivera
Blue Tulum Resort in the Mayan Riviera orginially planned to change to 100% gay and lesbian resort on April 15, 2009. However due to the continued economic downturn combined that their unyielding commitment to making these changes at the highest possible standards has ledthem to altertheir plans.
This shift will now be undertaken in stages. The first stage will extend throughout all of 2009, during whichthey will offer a total of 8 weeks devoted exclusively to gay and lesbian travel ?eight weeks for gay male groups, two weeks for lesbian groups, and two weeks a special gay Spring Break celebration.
These 8 exclusively gay and lesbian travel periods will feature a variety of special themes targeting singles and couples with 100% clothing optional packages, as well as gay and lesbian families with kids, weddings and more.
Those weeks are:
- Family Gay – Jul. 11 – 18, 2009 and Nov. 7 – 14, 2009
- Men Only – Apr. 18 – 22, 2009, Sept. 26 – Oct. 3, 2009 and Dec. 5 – 12 , 2009
- Women Only – Jun. 13 – 20, 2009 and Oct. 17 – 24, 2009
- Latin FeverWeek – Aug. 29 – Sept. 5, 2009
For interline rates and more information on these weeks or any other time in the year for Blue Tulum Resorts contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW Area call metro 817 481-8631 or go online to www.interlinetravel.com.
New Customs Rules in Mexico
The Mexican Customs Office has issued a policy change concerning checked baggage, which will now include the baggage belonging to in-transit and connecting passengers landing in any international airport in Mexico.
Published in the Official Daily Gazette, the measure specifies that “International passengers who arrive in the country by air on a flight that will connect to their final destination within Mexico or abroad, must have their luggage checked by the customs authorities in the first airport where they land.” It goes on to explain that the decision also applies to “in-transit” passengers, those who continue their trip on the same airplane.
Travellers may still check their baggage to their final destination, but airlines must now deliver all luggage to the owners so they may go through the customs check at their first port of entry. To expedite the process, it is important for all passengers to have already filled out the Customs Declaration Form. Once the customs check has been completed, passengers will leave their luggage in the connecting-flight conveyor belt area (in Mexico City) or at the check-in counter.
This decision went into effect this past November for passengers arriving from the Caribbean, Central and South America. It will go into effect this coming Feb. 1st for flights arrving from Canada, Europe and Asia and on Sept. 1, 2009 for flights from the USA.
Introducing the Next Mayan Riviera
Most interliners know of the Mayan Riviera. That stretch of land south of Cancun that is loaded with great all-inclusive resorts. For those who have been traveling to Cancun for years, you can easily recall the dates when there were few if any resorts in the Mayan Riviera. It was just a big stretch of nothing expect for a few small towns with small boutique hotels. Now look at it! Most interliners wish they had bought land in the Mayan Riviera 20 years ago.
Well now we want to introduce you to, what we think, will be the next Mayan Riviera. The Riviera Nayarit is an area north of Puerto Vallarta. This is area offers over 100 miles of beaches to discover, luxury resorts and charming boutique hotels, history dating back to the Aztec civilization, unspoiled fishing villages and ?own home?Mexican cooking, world class golf and deep sea fishing: these are just some of the reasons travelers will want to be the first to experience Mexico? newest destination, Riviera Nayarit.
If you are looking for a place to invest in a 2nd home or you just want to buy some land for your retirement, then this is an area worth checking out!
Hugging 100 miles of Pacific coast north of Puerto Vallarta and protected by the dramatic Sierra Madre Mountains, Riviera Nayarit blends the timeless authenticity of Mexican culture and hospitality with the latest in tourism facilities and services. The Four Seasons and St. Regis are among the hotel companies bringing a new level of luxury; superstars like Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus are redefining the game of golf here. An extraordinary abundance of wildlife from giant manta rays and whales to protected sea turtles and rare migratory birds draw both vacationers and experts from around the world. And, with ambitious plans for new resorts, hotels and recreational facilities, Riviera Nayarit is well on its way toward making a major impact on North American tourism.
This new destination is located in the State of Nayarit, extending from the Rio Ameca beside the resort town of Nuevo Vallarta along Banderas Bay to exclusive Punta Mita, then further up the undeveloped Pacific coastline to the colonial town and wildlife sanctuaries of San Blas.
For visitors, the gateway to Riviera Nayarit is Puerto Vallarta International Airport, only ten minutes away from Nuevo Vallarta. Most of the region? current tourism facilities are located on Banderas Bay, one of the world? largest bays, which is also renowned for its extensive variety of water sports from diving and snorkeling to sailing and deep sea fishing. Riviera Nayarit is also fast-becoming one of Mexico? foremost golfing destinations. Renowned professionals and designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom Weiskopf, Robert Von Hagge, Jim Lipe and Joe Finger have created aesthetically pleasing golf courses with varying degrees of difficulty. Among the highlights is the El Tigre Golf Club at Paradise Village designed by Von Hagge; the Jack Nicklaus designed course at the Four Seasons Golf Club in Punta Mita; and the Mayan Golf Resorts Vallarta by Lipe.
And there is so much more to discover in Riviera Nayarit.
Ecological wonders abound on this ?lice of heaven on earth,?like whale watching on a catAmecan, viewing of sea turtle preservation efforts and snorkeling in crystal clear aquamarine waters to get closer to colorful coral reefs and underwater species. Precious ecological sanctuaries for rare birds are located in Islas Marietas and La Tovara National Park. In Las Caletas and Banderas Bay, visitors can even swim and interact with friendly seals. For outdoor adventurers the rich natural habitat that is Sierra Madre beckon culminating in a visual hike and 2,000 feet stop above sea-level.
North of Banderas Bay and Punta Mita are miles of seemingly endless white sand beaches, the somewhat bohemian surfing town of Sayulita and friendly fishing villages where new tourism facilities will be developed in the next decade. Driving along the thickly forested and scenic two lane highway north of Punta Mita to San Blas, visitors cannot resist stopping in colorful roadside markets to sample homemade candies, fresh juices and succulent tropical fruits.
Riviera Nayarit? cultural history dates back thousands of years, encompassing four ethnic traditions, including pre-Columbian cultures and the Huichols. Nayarit? excellent preservation of its culture can be seen in its native Huichol tribe who have preserved their rich culture and ancient beliefs through their art. The Huichols are renowned for the detailed and elaborate yarn paintings and these evocative paintings contain elaborate symbols borne out of their culture and shamanistic traditions. Mexcaltitan is a small island of floating mangroves that is reputed to be the birthplace of the Aztecs. Archeological sites with hundreds of petroglyphs and vestiges of ancient villages remain still wait to become accessible to visitors.
With every visit to Riviera Nayarit, there is always something new to discover and the essence of this destination will rejuvenate and excite the most jaded of travelers. For more information on Riviera Nayarit please visit www.VisitRivieraNayarit.com. For interline rates in the Riviera Nayarit contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW Area at 817 481-8631 or online at www.interlinetravel.com.
Resort Name Changes in 2009
Two popular resorts for interliners are changing their names in January and Februaryof 2009. They are:
Blue Tulum is changing their name to Seduction Resort & Spa. This will be an adults only resort in the Mayan Riviera.
On February 21, 2009 Desire Los Cabos will become Temptation Los Cabos Resort & Spa. Construction of a new resort on the adjacent property has forced a change from a clothing optional destination. As the Temptation Los Cabos Resort & Spa it will an adults only resort. The new concept will no longer include a clothing optional policy. Topless sunbathing will only be permitted within the resort grounds. Desire Resort & Spa Los Cabos will continue to operate and accept reservations through February 20, 2009.
An evolutionary concept in Los Cabos, Temptation Resort Spa welcomes singles and couples to experience a contemporary take on the all-inclusive holiday. A hip vibe is the hallmark of this beachfront 151-room and suite resort where the over-21 atmosphere allows guests to invigorate and refresh in a chic and modern atmosphere. Amenities include three divine restaurants, five bars, disco lounge, roof-top infinity Jacuzzi lounge, a crystalline heated pool with swim-up bar complete with beachside and poolside cabanas, internet access, gym, full-service spa and nightly entertainment. Temptation? Cast Members lead the charge each day with fun and adventurous activities for guests to enjoy.
For interline rates, reservations and more information contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW Area at metro 817 481-8631 or online at www.interlinetravel.com
Top Scuba Diving Destinations in Mexico
One of the most popular activities for any interliner heading for a beach vacation in Mexico is scuba diving. Scuba diving facilities are abundantly available all along both Mexican coasts with many of the popular resort towns and resorts offering great deals that combine scuba diving Mexico with accommodation and other travel plans. If you want to include scuba diving Mexico in your Mexico beach vacation, keep reading for information on some of the more popular locations you will want to visit.
The top destination in Mexico to experience scuba diving, either as a novice or experienced diver, is Cozumel. Located just 12 miles from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, scuba diving Cozumel is known for the fantastic reefs that stretch along its coast. Apart from great shopping and exciting nightlife, Cozumel has an intricate underwater landscape that is one of the most beautiful in the world. Scuba diving Cozumel reveals a dazzling underwater world with cliffs, canyons and underwater vegetation. Friendly fish flock to these underwater paradises for food and travelers scuba diving Cozumel will have the chance to swim along side schools of angelfish and other sea life. There are numerous spots to dive. Interliners find the Allegro Cozumel very convenient as it is just a 5 minute boat ride from the Palancar Reef, which is one of the major dive destinations in and around Cozumel.
Another thriving diving hotspot on the Yucatan is Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. Scuba diving Cancun or the Mayan Riviera is also one of the most popular activities in the area. Nearly every hotel in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera will offer packages for scuba diving and for good reason. Divers may choose from one of two popular locations. The shallow and colorful reefs off Playa Del Carman is widely frequented, as is Chinchorro Banks, which offers access to the second largest barrier reef in the world (after Australia’’s Great Barrier Reef). Scuba diving Cancun and the Mayan Riviera is a great choice for divers of every level. Cancun also offers plenty of other entertainment, such as visiting nearby Mayan ruins or just hanging out on the beach. If Cancun is too big for you then head down to Playa del Carmen to find a charming city with just enough night life and dining options to keep just about anyone happy.
Another of the more popular scuba destinations for divers around the world is Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta scuba diving offers special treats to divers such as the many of the nearby islands and bays, such as Los Arcos, Majahuitas. The Marietas islands have been designated as protected underwater national parks. Between December and April, Puerto Vallarta scuba diving will also offer views of humpback whales, as these mammals migrate to the warms seas off the coast each winter. Whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish also make this safe haven their home. Puerto Vallarta scuba diving is a great adventure for anyone taking a Mexico beach vacation in the area.
Although Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Cozumel are the three most popular and famous spots for scuba diving, there are also some great spots off the coast of Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. Depending on the length of your Mexico beach vacation, you may want to take a day or two to explore all that diving has to offer. Day trips, as well as longer boating excursions, are widely available. Winter is by far the best season for scuba diving, as the highest number of sea creatures will migrate to the warm waters of Mexico. If you plan to dive during this time, be sure to book ahead, as tours do fill up. Whether you”ll be taking your first dive or your hundredth dive, the scuba diving Mexico offers is truly world-class.
If you need to find a room in any of these resort destinations contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW Area at 817 481-8631 or online at www.interlinetravel.com.
Shopping in Mexico
Interliners love headingto Mexico. Besides the great beaches, wonderful food and friendly people, airline employees can often be seen at the airport bringing back goodies from each trip. So besides Tequila and a sombrero what else should you buy when in Mexico and where are you going to find the best bargain?
The best bargains aremost likely goingto be found at roadside stalls and in rustic markets in town that dazzle the senses with sights, sounds, and smells. Every town (and most neighborhoods) has at least one indoor market, as well as a fresh-air component on the street. Acapulco has several of these types of markets and stalls up and down the main boulevard. Other exceptional ones can be found in theareas with major Indian populations, such as Oaxaca, Puebla, and Chiapas.
So the next question is when isthe best time to go shopping? Well right before major holiday times, street markets reflect the coming excitement. You?l know it? closing on Easter with the appearance of decorative toys, masks, and figures. Skulls and skeletons emerge before Days of the Dead and are real popular with your teens and pre-teens back home. During December you will findcountless versions of the Nativity that are proudly put on display.
In major cities such asMexico City and Guadalajara, an array of galleries, upscale designer boutiquesand American-style shopping malls will all vie for your pesos. Government-operated shops also deal in quality crafts for those who appreciate paying fixed prices when shopping rather than bargaining for handmade items, but bargaining is half the fun of shopping in Mexico. Also better hotels in resort areas feature shops with well-edited collections of local goods, but again no bargaining in those stores. So get outto the local shops and stalls for your best bargains andlocal creafted items.
Dedicated crafts centers are convenient places to survey what? widely available. It? fine to haggle with vendors by counter-offering with a price 50 percent of what they initially propose ?and then settle somewhere in between.
Pottery Shopping in Mexico
From humble earthenware pots to items used in ceremonial rituals, Mexican pottery reflects ancient techniques and modern skills. Connoisseurs of collectible blue-and-white Talavera tiles and ceramics head for Uriarte for the largest selection.
Silver Shoppingin Mexico
The best place for selection and prices in a little town southwest of Mexico City called Taxco. It is just off of the highway between Mexico City and Acapulco (just about 3 hours or so from Acapulco via the highway). The main silver market takes place on Saturday when hundreds of local vendors turn out to sell their hand made items. You will find everything from cuff links and ear rings to statues, belt buckels and silverware in Taxco and if you can’t find it, draw it out and they will make it! While Taxco alone has some 200 shops selling silver, the shiny metalcan be foundthroughout the country. To make sure you are getting the real thing you shouldlook for the .925 stamp indicating that an item is sterling. Lower-priced articles are made from plated or alpaca alloy silver. Note: Canc??as a large selection of Taxco silver at relatively reasonable prices.
Textiles Shopping in Mexico
Traditional embroidered garments include sashes, shawls, blouses, and dresses. Complete an outfit with a leather bag, belt, and huarache sandals. To decorate a home, consider shopping for brightly colored hand-woven rugs and blankets.
Mexico Shopping Tips
Stores are open 9:30 am to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday. But go early to street markets, which close around 2 or 3 pm. Sunday shopping is generally limited to tourist areas and malls.
Independent sellers deal in cash; large ones take well-known credit cards. Some may charge a percentage for the convenience of using plastic, so use cash to save on purchases. Also, ask if VAT tax has been added to your bill. If so, save receipts to get money back when you leave.
Then the last thing to figure out is how in the heck are you going to get it all home!
Open Flights to Mexico
We are hearing reports that flights even over the holidays are open to lots of Mexico destinations. I spoke with a travel agent last week who said for the first time in as long as she could remember you could find AAdvantage seats to Cancun for Christmas a week before the big day! If AAdvantage seats are open then the odds are good there are seats to non-rev to your favorite beach destination. Most resorts still have space so there should be no problem finding place to stay if you can find the seats.
