Safe Summer Travel to Mexico and Abroad

As summer looms, millions are thinking of a trip to sunny Mexico, the beaches in France or the beaches in Greece. The sand, the sun, the sultry, sexy nights listening to hip shaking music! But, then they think of pandemic's and soaring crime rates and wonder if perhaps a trip to Disneyland would be safer.

Both the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and WHO (World Health Organization) have both weighed in on the Swine Flu pandemic and have differing points of view. The CDC, as of April 28th, 2009, were recommending that United States travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. As did the New Zealand's Ministry of Health due to college students who'd become infected with the illness while on holiday in Mexico. But, more recently the lead seems to have been taken by WHO and the advice has been much less urgent.

On their updated June 11th webpage, it's stated that the influenza pandemic is considered to be moderate and in their opinion restricting travel would not sufficiently stop the spread of the virus. And, while no one will stop you from getting on a plane, train, or ship, there are steps you can take to limit your exposure and risk to Swine Flu. For starters, if you are sick, do not travel. That might seem like obvious advice, but sometimes we think we're overreacting when changing travel plans because of a cold. But, in this case, it is ok to stay home.

Check on the resources in the country you'll be traveling to. Their immigration website will have the necessary information to assure your safety as well as the level of Swine Flu outbreak there and the steps you will need to take to receive treatment if you become ill while there.

Throughout your travel make sure to wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. It may seem silly, but sing the alphabet song in your head while you wash. It is the perfect length that doctors advise a person to wash. Of course, also carrying a bottle of alcohol based hang gel is advised when no soap is available.

Avoid contact with sick people if at all possible.

If you become sick while traveling, be sure to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing to prevent the spread of the virus.

If you become ill, seek medical treatment within seven days if you display symptoms of the Influenza Virus or if you believe you've had contact with someone with Swine Flu or another severe respiratory illness.

If you are traveling with a group or a high risk person, such as the elderly or someone with a chronic illness, attempt to get the prescription antiviral medications Tamiflu or Relenza to take while traveling in infected areas.

And, while there seems to be no reason to panic, it's still wise to rethink this type of travel if you are pregnant. In most cases, people infected with the virus (H1N1) recover without need for medical attention or hospital treatment. And, moreover, the reported cases of severe Swine Flu are similar to those levels during normal influenza seasons. And, what's important to keep in mind is that a pandemic puts the National authorities into motion to properly assess need, keep their citizens as prepared as possible and to see that each area can minimize the level of illness and death.

As you trip approaches, you can keep up with the WHO website for updated advice and information. www.who.int

Now, about safety. There really is more to using common sense then we really believe. When visiting a part of Mexico that you've never been to before, it's always wise to check travel websites to read what other travelers have experienced there. But, what's even more important to remember is the higher the tourist rate in any area of the world, the higher the crime rate. It's only logical. If you are visiting Mexico - a poverty stricken country - and visit Cancun, Cabo or Acapulco your guard must be high, especially when leaving the resort area and venturing out into the city on your own. You shouldn't view every local as just waiting to rob you, but you must stay aware that their tourist season makes up their income for the entire year. So, the more they make off of you, the better they'll eat and pay their bills in the off season. And, it just goes to reason that there will be some who decide purse snatching and wallet stealing are faster ways to make their income for the year. Be aware of your surrounds at all times because 9 times our of 10 you'll be rich, comparatively, to the locals around you.

Your resort is also you best way to stay safe and retain all of you possessions while on vacation out of your element. By seeking out the advice of the concierge or entertainment coordinator you can find out where or where not to go. It's a very large part of their job to keep you safe while staying at their resort, so never think you're asking too much for them to review all of your plans to make sure your itinerary is free of danger. And, you'll be doing yourself the biggest of favors to use only travelers checks, so they would also know if the little romantic restaurant you read about will actually accept them.

All in all, unless you are ill, there appears to be no reason to cancel your trip this summer. By taking the normal precautions, you'll have a great time! Below are some travel review sites popular on the web. Happy and safe traveling!

www.tripadvisor.com

www.virtualtourist.com

www.mytravelguide.com