A.  Yes, I did return to Cancun, and found it just as lovely as the week before!

The flight was booked at a slightly higher passenger count, and that’s a good sign.

The hotel occupancy rate, according to one source at the hotel, was hovering around 12%.  That’s certainly not enough to fend off wide spread layoffs, but my source said that bookings for next week include several groups, putting the rate somewhere around 40%.  And that’s not too horrible for this time of year.

So if you’re going to Cancun, what can you expect?

We are heading into the low season for travel to Cancun.  That means that many airlines will be shifting equipment to higher traveled routes.  Most airlines that fly into Cancun cut back on the schedule seasonally.  This isn’t because of the flu, it’s because historical travel data shows that fewer people travel to Cancun when the weather is humid and a zillion degrees.  There will be fewer flights, but it’s nothing to worry about.

Hotel occupancy rates will be low.  This again is seasonal, and based on the fact that many people see Cancun as a winter destination rather than as a summer one.  That’s also part of the reason why there are some screaming deals out there.  Sure, occupancy may be slightly lower as a result of the flu scare, but it’s also the time people book city to avoid the wall-to-wall throng of tourists.  There will be people there, but you won’t be packed in like sardines around the pool.

Restaurants, bars, and clubs are open.  I went downtown for dinner, and restaurants were open.  Most of the patios had a lot of tables full of diners (this was about 7 pm).  It wasn’t packed, and you’d have no problem getting a table, but people were out.  I’m a little too old for the club life, so can’t tell you if Cocobongo or any of the other infamous clubs were open (I believe they were) or how many people were out dancing till the wee hours.

If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, it’s a good time to head south.  Hotels and resorts are offering all sorts inducements to come to Cancun.  From discounted prices, free nights, or complimentary upgraded rooms and amenities – if you want to visit Cancun, there’s a way to afford it.

Adios mi amigos!

Photo credit:

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Today’s questions comes from Addison Schonland, a principal in IAG (Innovation Analysis Group), a consulting firm to the transportation and travel industry. 

Q.  Would you be willing to talk with me a little bit more about your experience in Cancun for a podcast?

A.  Sure!

Addison always has a good handle on what’s going on in the industry, and keeps up on the news and trends.  Plus, he’s an interesting guy to talk to talk to, so I jumped at the chance to share a little more about my trip to Cancun, and why the stories of swine flu don’t make me afraid to travel.

I invite you to take a listen to what I have to say in the podcast about why I choose to go to Mexico.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

First off, let me address the swine flu issue, and why that didn’t concern me.

• As an adult in good health, with no immune system issues nor other special health concerns, I am not in a high risk category for picking up any kind of bug – whether here at home or in another country.
• When I’m working, I come in contact with hundreds of people a day (and their trash), so I’m exposed to lots and lots of germs, even in the best of circumstances.
• I wash my hands with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer when that’s compromised.
• I don’t walk barefoot on the plane (EEEEEEW – that’s just gross), and never eat anything that’s dropped on the floor.
• Common sense reigns supreme, and after working on a plane for so many years, I’d like to think that I have it figured out.

There weren’t a lot of people on the plane going to Cancun.  Not a lot at all.  A couple had masks on.

After arrival in Cancun, we went through customs and immigrations, and it was like a ghost town.  Other than the people on my flight, and remember, there weren’t many of them, there was no one in line.  Officials and workers were mostly masked, and went about doing their jobs.  There was no one in the shops, no one in the taxi line, no cars in the pick up zone.  It felt surreal, like I had walked into a parallel universe.

The hotel was equally empty.  No one in the lobby and only one person in the bar.  A quick walk around the pool and I counted 7 people, and back in the lobby bar another party of 4 had gathered for a beverage.  There were a handful of tables in the cafe that were taken.

This picture of the pool and beach area was taken from my balcony.  If you look very, very closely you can see one person swimming in the pool, and a few others nearby.  There are lots and lots of empty chaise lounges, and those are usually full of tanning bodies.

I had a chance to chat with some of the people who were working in the pool area.  Most speak English fairly well.  They are devastated by everything going on, and are obviously worried about their jobs and how they will take care of their families.  (Sound familiar?)  Businesses are cutting back on hours open and services offered, and that means cutting back in personal.  These are hard working, kind, thoughtful, and frightened people who were bending over backwards to make sure that everyone who was there had a wonderful experience.

I think this is fear is going to last for awhile.  And that’s a real shame.  I’m not one for putting myself at unnecessary risks, but for most people, travel to Mexico doesn’t present much more of a risk than hanging out at your local mall.  I’ll be back there next week, soaking up the sun and hospitality of what’s become a tropical ghost town.

Are you traveling to Mexico?  Or has the swine flu caused you to re-think your travel plans?  Or maybe you’re avoiding traveling altogether?  Please sound off in the comments and let me know where you stand on the issue.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

And here’s another:

I’m taking lots of common sense precautions, the kind that we should all take whether we’re traveling or at home, and heading off for a bit of a sun fix.  Besides, it’s time to take a few more photos to keep me company during the long rainy season here.

Are you traveling?  Are you changing your plans?  Have you scratched Mexico off your vacation list?

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

But what a difference a week can make!

I took the top photo about ten 10 days ago.  My hotel room looked out onto the beach, and there was a tremendous storm.

I took the second phot a couple days ago.  That was taken while lounging in a chair on the beach.

Guess which weather I like better?!

Post from: Fly Away Cafe