Need a last-minute vacation? Deals to Mexico abound and now is a good time to go as the swine flu scare has proven to be less menacing that imagined. Some resorts are offering a flu-free guarantee to customers and discounts of up to 70 percent, sometimes in addition to other deals such as kids staying free or meal credits. Customers are in a great position to negotiate, as hotel occupancy in some places has been around 20 percent.

But now beach resorts and flights are almost deserted because of the recent flu scare. Bargaining will probably work well. You have a lot of options, as many people aren’t even bothering to cancel, they just aren’t showing up. Tourism is almost 10 percent of Mexico’s economy, and they don’t want to lose you.

Travelers come to Mexico to enjoy Mayan ruins, vibrant culture, modern resorts and beautiful beaches with 6,000 miles of shoreline, a growing art scene, golf, fishing, and friendly people. Mexico has been one of the top 10 foreign destinations, according to the World Trade Organization. The western Baja coast is always popular with Americans, while Europeans often enjoy smaller resorts in south Mexico. Puerto Vallarta Restaurant week, an international food-tasting event, concludes next week, and there are many exciting yearly festivals well worth a visit.

On May 15th, a week ago, the U.S. Center for Disease Control reduced its warning level for travel to Mexico, while still urging caution for those at higher risk, which includes children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with previous health complications. Oddly, teenagers seem to be at higher risk to contract H1N1, but underlying health problems are much more likely to lead to death rather than an otherwise healthy person. So far swine flu has not proved to be more deadly than seasonal flu.

If someone offered me a trip, I would definitely go. Now it’s possible to stay in the fancy resort that is super affordable, but prices may be back to normal sooner than you think. While you should pay attention to news alerts, wash your hands regularly and be cautious, this summer is a great time to take advantage of deals to Mexico.

Source: The examiner.com/ www.examiner.com