Mexico: Perception vs. Reality

 

Travel to Mexico should not be overlooked! 

While the media makes it difficult to overcome perceptions, it is important to remember that  Mexico is a huge country with many diverse regions and  cultures.   

•  Mexico is the 14^th largest country in the world;
•  It covers almost 2 million square kilometers;
•  Mexico’s population of approximately 103 million makes it the 11^th   most populous country in the world. 

“Avoiding travel to Cancun because of  ‘drug wars’ in Juarez is like avoiding travel to California because of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill,” says Allison Flint, product manager for Mexico. 

Cancun, particularly, strives to emphasize their distance from the border regions. “The Yucatan peninsula is like a different world,” says Allison.

For 2011, two new tours to Mexico highlight the Yucatan region –Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures Mexico’s Treasure:  The Yucatan; and Treasures of the Yucatan.

“Mexico is a fantastic value destination, with such close proximity to the US and convenient flights,” explains Allison. “Plus, Mexico is a soft-exotic destination making it perfect for travelers wary of pricey long-haul trips. ”

Adding to the conversation is Deb Shaw, Collette product specialist, who has been on both of these tours.  

“Mexico is a great destination for travelers who want to experience a different culture, see amazing sights, and enjoy fantastic food, like papadzules, mole poblano and my favorite, panuchos,” says Deb. “And I could not have felt more safe!”

Deb and Allison both agree that the history and culture is intriguing and the people are  warm, friendly and welcoming to tourists (most all speak English).

“People will be pleasantly surprised,” says Deb.

For those who are considering travel to Yucatan, it is a great warm weather tour for the off season.

“The Yucatan is nothing like what is shown on the nightly news,” says Deb. “For a more real image of Mexico culture, food, and sights try tuning into the Travel Channel or PBS.”

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posted by Melissa McKee

Collette Vacations

Tags: Arts & Culture, Destination Spotlight, Food, Mexico

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