Vacation Freak Out -- Cancel Trip to Mexico?

Vacation Freak Out -- Cancel Trip to Mexico?

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

filed under: travel

What would YOU do?

A mom we know is beyond worried ... her son is set to go on a senior trip to Mexico in less than two weeks. In light of the swine flu outbreak, should he stay or should he go?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an April 27 notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Stephen Berger, the founder and medical advisor for GIDEON, an online database used for diagnosing and treating infectious diseases, says that it's better to postpone a trip to Mexico for now. "No matter which area of the country you're visiting, you'll probably go through Mexico City or regional airports where infected people may be present, so I recommend postponing a trip there until a later date if at all possible."

If you DO travel to Mexico, he says you should take some basic safety precautions. "I would advise travelers to carry Tamiflu, avoid large gatherings, distance themselves from people with obvious respiratory symptoms, wash hands frequently, and use a mask if others in their vicinity are doing so. At the first sign of possible influenza -- cough, sore throat, fever, muscle pain, and headache -- they should seek medical assistance and adopt avoidance procedures (mask, etc.) to protect others."

U.S. Airways, United, Continental, and American Airlines are offering to waive change fees for customers with booked flights to Mexico through May 4 or May 6 due to the influenza outbreak. Cruise lines are not issuing refunds at this time. If you booked a tour package and do not have travel insurance, you might also be out of luck. Check the latest information on a daily basis. Tour operators and airlines are likely to change their refund and amendment policies as more information becomes available.

Would you send your kid on a senior trip to Mexico right now, or go on a family vacation south of the border?