Q.  You said that you were going back to Cancun.  Have things changed?  What’s the travel picture look like for that part of Mexico.
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 …read more

Ah, the place has been abuzz with talk about travel and swine flu.  Hopefully you read my post yesterday about my personal assessment of Cancun, and why I think it’s safe to visit.  In fact, I’ll be back there next week.
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 …read more

I’m just back from Cancun, Mexico, and despite dire warnings and precautions from lots of well meaning friends and acquaintances, Mexico held no fear for me.
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 …read more

If you watched the television, read a newspaper, or checked news online, you’ve heard all sorts of information, discussions and recommendations about traveling in light of the swine flu outbreak.  It can be hard to sift out solid information from reactionary opinion, and it’s not surprising if you’re feeling a little confused about making the best choices.
So it came as no surprise that I got the following question:
Q.  I’ve got travel plans to (fill in the blank, there were lots of locations asked about), what should I do?  Should I go or stay home?  What would you recommend?
A.  I …read more