Are the "crowds" back to normal, yet?

[Susie Q Roo]

Originally Posted by zacharysmommy

That is ashame. The drug cartel and swine flu have really impacted Mexico's tourism.

Let me edit that a bit...

Originally Posted by zacharysmommy

That is a shame. The ridiculously misleading US media coverage of the mostly imaginary drug cartel and swine flu have really impacted Mexico's tourism.

[AZRN]

Originally Posted by absoluteAL

In a word, NO......things are still quite slow around town. I think there will be a lot more restaurants, etc. closing in the not to distant future.

That's really awful! Everyone at my workplace is talking about the great travel deals that are available--but many of them are saying no big family vacation this summer. A lot of good opportunities for people to get out and stimulate the economies, if they can. In all seriousness, those who can judiciously spend (without going into debt!) should! Get a great deal and help out all the folks in the industry who are trying to make a living.

I'll jump off my soapbox, now!

I think we'll eat out more often this trip, too. Who wants to cook on vacation, anyway?

[AZRN]

Originally Posted by laurab

Yes. we used to have about 15 weekly direct flights from Italy, now it's down to 2. And they are probably cancelling these too. Now, to go home, it's about 18 hours against the 12 of a direct flight.

Oohhhh. Of course! Drastically cut the number of flights and pack the ones that are left. I, too, was wondering why no great flight deals and such packed seating. Oldest airline trick in the book! Now I feel just plain stoopid..

[himynameisjan]

There is an article in this month's Consumer Reports on traveling inexpensively. They are highly recommending travel to Mexico. Hope some of this positive press will undo the damage of the swine flu media frenzy.

[bababua]

Originally Posted by zacharysmommy

That is ashame. The drug cartel and swine flu have really impacted Mexico's tourism.

In today's Sunday paper, (Oregonian) had a nice column in the Travel section about why folks should go to Mexico. It talked about how wonderful of a country Mexico is with the diverse land and people. It also talked about the exchange rate and how good travel bargains can be found in Mexico right now.

Same thing here in NJ. Big article in Sunday Star Ledger about why Mexico is a great value with all the nonsense that has been reported. I am doing my part by going down July 11th for a week then bringing 9 friends August 11th for 9 nights. As always looking forward to one of the best places in the world.

[C-Dog]

We took our usual trip to playa in February. We then worried about our favourite spot on the planet as the swine flu news evolved and mexican tourism plunged. And then when we started to talk about our summer holiday it became obvious that there was really only one choice and a pox on the expense. This family's vacation $$'s are going to Playa (Royal) and we plan to spend more time off the resort and trying out some of the places we've always talked about. Two weeks and counting.

[bellaa]

We got such a good deal this year we couldn't say no. It's costing us a so much less than last year. I can't wait to get there and help stimulate the economy.

[NDSmitty]

we just got back also. The crowds seemed less than any other trip. Our hotel had 33 rooms and MAYBE 1/2 were in use. Fifth wasn't as crowded as usual and we have never seen the sales people as aggressive as on this trip. It was truely bothersome and in some cases we just took 10th if we wanted to get anywhere. The flight in and out was full and the flight out was so full that we ended up in first class after discovering that someone had vomited in our seats on the way in and the seats smelled so bad we refused to sit there. Hate it when that happens
The lack of crowds has closed quite a few businesses and lowered prices at many more. We enjoyed a 1 hr couples massage for $48- the going rate from what we could see.

[maestranba]

We are doing our best to support the Mexican economy. We'll spend two weeks in August, then we have a week booked in February, and I'm bringing down a group of high school kids in April. If I had any other vacations other than Christmas, I'd be there spending my hard earned money!!!!

But talk about poor planning on my part...but who would've known that just when I decide to take a bunch of kids to Mexico, the economy would go crazy and the media would go wild with the drug cartel violence and the swine flu???? I'm lucky I have 16 kids registered to travel right now, and I'm praying I get 4 more by next fall!

[AZRN]

"The flight in and out was full and the flight out was so full that we ended up in first class after discovering that someone had vomited in our seats on the way in and the seats smelled so bad we refused to sit there. Hate it when that happens "


Reaallly? Hmm...Perhaps I should sneak a small 3 oz bottle of Eau de Vomite' and accidentally have a small leak....with my luck, I'd probably have to stay in that seat all the way home, though....

Great to hear how folks are still planning on getting down to Playa.

[LucyE]

Everyone is talking about great deals... We got a great deal on orbitz (back in March) and went June 4th to June 11. As soon as we got back home, hubby and I decided to go back in November.... first time going in the fall!
BUT the airfare is horrendous!! LAX to Cancun, with a minimum 8+ hour flight (because of layovers) is $400+ roundtrip! If we want nonstop at least for the flight going there were looking at $500+.
We've gotten a condo, so now we just need the flights to go down a little (as there will be 4 of us!!). But I'm getting nervous.

[AZRN]

It's too bad you aren't a little closer to PHX. A group of us from the hospital are going down in November and we are looking at 369RT inclusive of all taxes and fees for US Scareways non-stop. That's a great price for a flight with good times--9a-3p to CUN and 4p-7p PHX return.

[LucyE]

that is a good price... what days in November are you all going?

[RandallParmley]

i'm doing my part to stimulate the local economy next week

[equinenut]

From an outsiders perspective, it seems like the Playa hotel owners are expecting things to pick up by the Christmas/NYE holiday. I've booked a condo for the Sat-Sat following NYE but every request I've sent for Dec 31st to Jan 2 has been rejected based on the 4-5 day required booking during that period. I realize normally that makes sense but I wonder if they might be losing a sure booking now in the hopes things get better.