Where Would You Be Without Your Travel Agent?

If you made your Mexico travel plans on your own, you are probably on the phone and have been for hours, trying to get through to your airline, tour operator, cruise line, or hotel. If your upcoming Mexico travel was purchased through a travel agent, it's likely that you've been contacted (or will be soon) by your travel professional with your options. Fox World Travel has and will continue to monitor the influenza outbreak, the advisories by the CDC, and the alerts that we are receiving from our travel industry partners so that we can provide our customers the most up-to-date and accurate information.

The swine flu outbreak has forced many travelers with Mexico itineraries to make a difficult decision: should I cancel my travel completely, should I change my dates and/or destination, or should I proceed as planned? These decisions are certainly personal and can be difficult but armed with the facts, they can at least be informed.

Many airlines and tour operators are waiving the change or cancel fees for travel to Mexico (there are some restrictions based on dates of travel). If you still want to travel but would like to avoid Mexico, consider the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or perhaps a cruise (which doesn't visit a Mexican port). Some tour operators are offering discounts for rebooking at select hotels. Your travel agent can help you find alternate arrangements which are right for you.

If you do decide to travel to an area where swine flu has been reported, WebMD has these recommendations:

1. Check updates from the CDC, WHO and local health authorities, and follow their guidelines.

2. Check on health care resources in the area you'll be visiting before you depart.

3. Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel.

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

5. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

6. Seek medical care if you are ill with a fever and other symptoms of the flu.

And if you didn't heed the advice of your travel professional regarding the importance of purchasing travel insurance for your current trip, this should be a lesson learned. "All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes" Winston Churchill