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Comments (12)
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Save/ShareGenevieve Shaw Brown is Travelocity's Senior Editor and contributor to the Window Seat Blog. You can also find her on Twitter @gsbrown.
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It's important for travelers to remember that while airfare for spring is higher than is was at this time last year, it's still a relative bargain when compared to the average ticket price in spring 2008.
Looking at Travelocity's Spring Data Report, there are several popular spring break destinations where both airfare and hotel rates are down. Maui, Kona, the Dominican Republic, New York City, and Reno-Tahoe are all examples. But far and away the best-value destination this spring is Mexico.
How does Mexico's value now as a destination compare with other destinations?
The top-booked Mexico destinations are all showing deep price declines, particularly on hotel rates. Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo are showing hotel rate declines of 14, 13, and 22 percent, respectively. So, compare that to the overall international hotel price decline of three percent for spring break and it's clear Mexico is a huge bargain. Factor in a favorable exchange rate and you're getting even more for your money. Mexico's value is particularly apparent when you look at average round-trip airfare from the U.S. to Mexico compared to spots in say, Western Europe. Now, these are totally different experiences but if you're just looking to get away, airfare to Mexico is roughly $500 cheaper than to London, Paris, or Rome.
Last year was a tough one for Mexico because of swine flu and border violence. Are Americans realizing that the popular tourist spots in Mexico are now safe?
It certainly seems that way. Mexico has jumped up the list of spring break destinations to take the top three international spots and has surpassed even its 2008 popularity levels. Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta are the top three international destinations for Travelocity customers this spring break. Travelers with plans to visit Mexico this spring will likely be pleasantly surprised by the high level of service they receive—with all the hardships Mexico endured in 2009, the tourism industry is rolling out the red carpet for visitors.
Well, it is a little early to tell. Certainly, the renewed travel alert won't be beneficial to Mexico's tourism industry, but I'm hopeful that the media reporting on the alert will do so responsibly and the traveling public will educate themselves on the distance between the border cities and the resort cities—often hundreds and hundreds of miles. My advice to travelers is to read the alert carefully and then make an informed and educated decision about your trip.
What about hotels?
Overall, domestic and international hotel rates are lower than last year. That's where travelers will find value this spring and beyond—not just from lower rates, but value-add promotions like free nights, free room upgrades, and resort credits. And most importantly, don't forget about packaging. Just booking your flight and hotel together saves hundreds of dollars with one click of the mouse.
Is there anything relatively new in online travel booking that may make the process easier and less stressful?
The great thing about online travel is that it's always innovating, but one challenge is that the choices can be a little overwhelming—especially when there's so many amazing deals to be had right now! A new tool Travelocity recently launched that helps address that issue is the is the Deals Toolkit (travelocity.com/travel-deals). It lets users view and compare travel deals and customer reviews side-by-side to make the most informed decision.
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Along this vein I'd like to see similar stories about Peru since Machu Picchu was hit with floods. I'd assume that is turning off some visitors - but more than likely things are getting patched up - so I'd hope their are some spring time deals. Airfare to Lima these days seems low in the 300's fairly regularly.
Posted By Iolaire McFadden on February 26, 2010, 1:38 PM
Just returned from Troncones/Zihuatanejo. Great value, beautiful beaches, friendly people and wonderful food. If you've not been, don't miss it. Downtown Zihua is clean and always felt safe where we were.
Posted By D Edwards on February 26, 2010, 9:56 PM
There was a drug war-related mass murder of 13 farmers and police officers in Oaxaca state this week by masked gunmen.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8535750.stm
Posted By Lauren from casacasa.org on February 26, 2010, 10:25 PM
Your article leaves out some very important points. The first point being, a shocking 32% of all non-natural deaths of U.S. citizens outside this country occur in Mexico. Many of these deaths are a direct result of little or no safety standards both inside as well as outside of the resorts. To read tragic Mexico vacation DEATH stories as well as stories written by victims that "survived" their Mexico vacation go to:
WWW.MEXICOVACATIONAWARENESS.COM
Posted By BeSafe on February 27, 2010, 6:19 AM
Too bad this doesn't help those of us who use timeshare to travel. Yes, hotel prices are down, but when flights for this spring break cost twice as much as the same week last year, Mexico does not appear as affordable.
Posted By ann on March 1, 2010, 4:18 PM
Everyone talks about the beach resort destinations in Mexico, which do have some crime. I live part-time in Guadalajara, Jalisco, 4 hours from Puerto Vallarta. GDL is the second largest city in Mexico and is 45 miles from the largest lake in Mexico, Chapala. GDL has many wonderful sites, including round pyramids, Guachimontones, a scant 40 miles from the city. Tourists who realize that there is more to life than just beaches will enjoy GDL, its cathedral and city center, other interesting sites, and its low crime rate.
Posted By Bette Drummond on March 1, 2010, 4:40 PM
In response to the danger warning about Mexico...I NEVER stay in hotels in Mexico and I never stay away from tourist areas..I always rent from someone who cares about their vacation rental...it's much safer. I don't trust anything for safety in Mexico...it's just not America. Going away from tourist spots is becoming more and more dangerous. But it's worth it if you keep all of this in mind and don't drink too much, keep track of your friends, and enjoy being at the beach. It's not for everyone and children should be watched very closely. It's beautiful, and there are many freindly people and good experiences to be had. IT could be unsafe anywhere in the world, you need to be very aware when you are travelling. I am very sad for people who have lost loved ones in Mexico both from accidents and the drug cartels, Mexico has some big issues, but it's still a nice place to visit as long as you don't expect to be "safe" it's just not.
Posted By SLS on March 1, 2010, 5:14 PM
If you want to see mexicans come to my town.
Posted By buckeye on March 1, 2010, 5:55 PM
After many trips to Mexico over 50 years, I still love the country, warts and all. Except for the Yucatán peninsula, Veracruz area, and Chiapas, I have seen good samples of most of the country. Health permitting, I am eager to return for the remaining archeological treasures, artwork, and food (especially Puebla, Oaxaca, and Mérida areas). I now prefer the safety of an organized tour--getting a bit old for freelancing travel. I am bilingual, but might want to do advanced language study in Cuernavaca.
Posted By John White on March 1, 2010, 6:41 PM
If you're a typical resident nobody would ever want to go to your town, buckeye.
Posted By BCS Chumps on March 2, 2010, 9:30 AM
anybody have opinions on the safety situation in san miguel de allende?
Posted By narfnargle on March 2, 2010, 12:39 PM
Does anyone have a professional opinion on the safety in the resorts in Playa del Carmen?
Posted By ccodgton on March 10, 2011, 3:04 PM