Seems like a terrible time to kick off my blog. Who in their right mind would even think of traveling now with swine, oops, Mexico flu, on the brink of making the day for all the Wacos who believe the end of time is imminent?
However, those sharing the common sense and political incorrectness of Michael O’Leary know this is only another case of problem saturation, and that next week nobody will remember that Mexico was supposed to be ground zero for the worldwide apocalypse. As Ryanair’s boss
aptly noted
the flu poses a risk only to the unfortunate ones “living in slums” of Mexico and Asia and, sorry as I am for those affected, I can’t help but agree. In fact, I believe that this is exactly the reason to plan your best trip ever now.
Three reasons you should book your trip now:
1.
The risk is marginal
: as of May 15 the number of deaths worldwide
totaled
66. By comparison, the so called Long May Weekend in Poland (May 1-3 are national holidays) claimed 58 car fatalities and I don’t see WHO issuing warnings against traveling to Poland. Let’s face it – it was never that deadly and
it seems to be over
. So unless you choose to skip some basic precautions, you should do fine.
2. You will be able to
enjoy Mexico
and most likely the whole region for a song as tourism comes to a standstill. For every time there’s a disaster, whether natural or man-made, there follows a period when your average tourists will be mass media-shocked – the real or imaginary danger projected by TV and other media lingering in their minds, making them too afraid to visit. Take Croatia after the Balkan war, Poland after the collapse of communism, or Nicaragua long after their civil war (my personal experience).
3. After reading point 2 you might think me a vulture and cheapskate, which I am by the way, but think again:
The
locals need you
, their travel industry starved by the iron grip of the virus scare. Not only are you likely to get a better deal on anything from air fares to nachos, but, more importantly, the locals will be genuinely happy to see you. And feeling welcome or unwelcome can mean the difference between your best and worst travel experience ever.
So, amigos, start planning for your cheapest and most authentic Mexican holiday
now
. Tortillas, tequila, crazy drivers, smiling restaurateurs and deserted beaches await.
Hasta luego!
P.S. Make sure to let me know how it went when – if - you come back.
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