One of the most common calls our agents at Dream Vacations are getting these days is “Is Mexico safe?” And with all the current news about Mexico and the drug cartels and the swine flu scare of 2009 its not surprising that responsible travelers would want to ask this question. Luckily, as a smart and responsible traveler, Mexico is one of the most cost effective destinations you can visit safely and soundly. In fact just today there was an article on MSN promoting Mexico as a safe area to travel to.

Of course avoiding border areas like Tijuana and Juarez is a must, but travel into areas like Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cabo San Lucan, Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel are just as safe now as they were 10 years ago. In fact, due to over-hyped Swine flu (which turned out far worse in the US than in Mexico) and the concern over border violence, Mexico is one of the most likely destinations to find the best deal for your money. Many hotels are offering “kids stay free” promotions and steeply discounted prices as Mexico tries to rebound from the dip in tourism that has been seen in the last year or so. The annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards just selected Tulum and Huatulco among its “Top 10 Beach & Sun Destinations” in the world.

So if you love beautiful beaches, all inclusive resorts and great values, dust off your passports, pack your bags and give me a call so we can find your family the trip of a lifetime!

With 2010 just around the corner, Dream Vacations would like to wish you a Happy New Year. May the coming year bring you new beginnings and a prosperous year. As the clock strikes 12 on Dec 31st, it will be a time to wish all of your friends and loved ones Happy New year. We look forward to helping you find the perfect celebration (or vacation) for the year ahead.

Having been lucky enough to visit multiple destinations in Mexico, I have come to discover that the small tourist town of Playa Del Carmen, located in the Mayan Riviera south of Cancun is one of my favorite off-resort places to visit.

The minute you reach 5^th avenue, which is the main street in Playa, your surrounded by amazing Mexican culture, cobblestone streets lined with multiple shops filled with unique  souvenirs, amazing local cuisine, costumed performers standing on the streets and even the opportunity to have a monkey sit on your head for a picture op.

As you walk the streets of Playa Del Carmen, shopping and grabbing a snack here and there, you can’t help but to feel safe and secure in your surroundings.  Take a moment to head to a rooftop restaurant or bar and relax for a few minutes while watching the streets below filled with enthusiastic visitors.

During the daytime, you can even see the beautiful turquoise and deep blues of the Caribbean waters as you’re walking through the town. If night life is your thing, head to one of their bars on the beach.  A personal favorite of mine is the Blue Parrott, where you will be sure to take in a fire dancing show as the night progresses.

If you’re planning a visit to one of the many fantastic hotels in the Riviera Maya, be sure to schedule a day in Playa Del Carmen, as it is an experience you won’t want to miss.