Acknowledged as one of the world’s finest meeting properties, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancún, Mexico, was chosen to host the Global Flu Summit on July 1-3, 2009. The Global Flu Summit was held to reflect on the lessons learned from the Influenza A-H1N1 virus. Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon called the meeting to order on July 2, 2009 and then the attendees collaborated resources from around the world to uncover tools to  prevent, limit and mitigate the pandemic.

Attendees included the World Health Organization General Director Margaret Chan, who recently praised Mexico for the openness and speed with which it implemented health measures, as well as Pan-American Health Organization General Director Mirta Roses, ministers of health from approximately 40 different countries and the highest level specialists and representatives from more than 50 countries. Mexico’s immediate reaction, taking control of the epidemic in a matter of a month, and acquired knowledge is proof that the world can only benefit from Mexico’s experience, said the country’s Minister of Health.

The Governor of Quintana Roo, Felix Gonzalez, emphasized the importance of this event, as it shows the reestablishment of confidence and trust in the country, especially in the Mexican Caribbean, where tourism continues to recuperate at a rapid pace and is almost back to normal seasonal occupancy levels. The Global Summit not only positioned all of Mexico and singled out Quintana Roo as a safe place for tourist activity, but also served as platform to exchange knowledge and information regarding Influenza A (H1N1) virus benefiting people around the worlds, added Gonzalez.

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort was chosen to host The Global Flu Summit due to its stunning meeting facilities at the largest convention center in Cancún, as well as its reputation for five-star service and amenities. The extraordinary conference center facilities include 142,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with permanent staging, the capacity for up to 8,600 attendees, and the option of 40 breakouts. Serving as one of the most technologically sophisticated resorts in Mexico, high tech board of director rooms and a business center will make these conference facilities ideal for the Global Flu Summit.

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort is located on Cancun’s tranquil south shore, nestled between 123 acres of tropical foliage and secluded white sand beach. This quintessential family resort offers something for everyone, starting with 2,457 luxurious rooms, including waterside and garden view accommodations or golf villa suites. Two of the largest lagoon-style pools in Mexico wind their way along the beach for more than 650 feet and are complemented by two children’s pools, one Golf Club pool, six Jacuzzis and four swim-up bars. Additional on-site adventures range from a water sports marina and sporting activities to a fully equipped fitness center and private Kids Club. The Moon Spa & Golf Club is home to the only Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course in Cancun and one of Palace Resorts’ signature spas, which offers a complete hydrotherapy journey and signature treatments for the body and soul. Travelers enjoy a variety of international delights at 13 restaurants and premium beverages and nightly entertainment at 11 bars and lounges.

In most Mexican jungles the terrain makes it difficult or impossible for guided tours to take place from a bus or a car.  Hiking or biking is often dangerous or impossible.  If you are interested in scheduling a Mexican jungle tour, you will find that most tours are known as ATV jungle tours. The all terrain vehicles are what make most jungle tours fun and exciting. 

If you are interested in scheduling an ATV jungle tour, you will have to find a tour guide or company. ATV rentals are available, but you are advised against touring the jungles on your own.  Professional ATV tour guides not only know where to look in the jungle for exciting adventures, but they also know how to keep you safe. To find an individual or company that specializes in ATV jungle tours, you can contact your travel agent or do the research yourself.

While researching ATV jungle tours, it is likely that you will come up with a number of tour companies.  When selecting a tour guide, it is advised that you determine the location of each tour and then compare it to your intended Mexico vacation destination.  ATV jungle tour guides are popular, but they can only be found in limited areas.  If you are interested in scheduling an ATV jungle tour, you may have to be prepared to travel to the intended tour site.

The Ministry of Health initiated a certification program for tourism destinations that are free of influenza A H1N1 by analyzing the most important touristic places and endorsing them as safe and healthy.

To this date there are five cities certified as “virus free”. These cities are: Cancun, Cozumel, Villahermosa, La Paz and Manzanillo. Nine more entities will be added to this list, including Mexico City.

The program involves the daily review of tourists and employees and is led by the Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS). This commission will maintain control of the spread of the virus and confirm that these places are safe and ready to receive tourists.

The program declares a destination as safe after 20 days of certification–the estimated incubation period ensuring the absence of the virus.

Crime Threats

The Yucatan Peninsula has not suffered the same level of escalating violence seen in other parts of Mexico. There is no evidence that indicates that criminals specifically target American citizens. Criminals select victims based on appearance, vulnerability, and inattentiveness.

Safety

In recent years, moped rentals have become widespread in Cancun and Cozumel, and the number of serious moped accidents has risen accordingly. Most operators carry no insurance and do not conduct safety checks. U.S. Embassy Mexico City recommends avoiding operators who do not provide a helmet with the rental. Some operators have been known to demand fees many times in excess of damages caused to the vehicles, even if renters have purchased insurance in advance. Vacationers at other beach resorts have encountered similar problems after accidents involving rented jet skis.

One of the better recommendations for avoiding being the victim of a crime at tourist destinations is employing the buddy system, traveling with a trusted individual. Be cognizant of your consumption of alcohol. Most vehicular accidents and incidents of crime affecting U.S. citizens involve the excess consumption of alcohol.

Traveling by Automobile

Road conditions in the Yucatan Peninsula are different than those encountered in the United States. Extra care should be exercised when passing a vehicle or being passed. Non-toll roads between major cities can be narrow and vary in conditions. Toll roads are generally wider and better maintained. Drivers should beware of unmarked speed bumps in populated areas. Driving at night outside of major cities is not advisable due to the lack of adequate street lighting.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death of U.S. citizens in Mexico. Motorists should exercise special caution on the heavily traveled expressway south of Cancun, particularly between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where the road reduces from four divided lanes to two-way traffic on a narrow and poorly maintained road.

U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Prior to road travel ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and that fluids are at the correct level. When traveling long distances, it is best to travel in tandem with another vehicle. Ensure that there is enough fuel to reach larger cities or towns, as some smaller communities may not have service stations.

The following items are recommended for road trips:

• Cellular phone and charger
• Spare tire
• Portable gas can with funnel
• Potable water
• Non-perishable food items
• First-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Flares / reflectors
• Tool kit
• Spare key

Protecting Your Vehicle

Do not leave valuables or items such as laptops, iPods, and expensive sunglasses in plain view and unattended in your vehicle. Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street. When possible park your vehicle inside residential compounds or parking areas with attendants.

OSAC - Overseas Security Advisory Council

Travel Options While Vacationing in Mexico

Vacationing in Mexico is something that many individuals, families, and couples do. If you are interested in or you are planning on visiting Mexico, you may have to find ways to travel. Unless you are staying at a beach resort, spa resort, or golf resort, it is likely that you will want to get out and see everything that Mexico has to offer. If you plan on traveling while on vacation in Mexico, you have a number of different options.

Perhaps, the most preferred method of travel is driving. Most individuals fly into Mexico; however, some drive. If you drive into Mexico, it is likely that you would want to use you own car to travel. Driving in Mexico is not as hard as many people expect. The main thing that you need to be concerned with is the documents and insurance that is needed to drive in Mexico.

If you are planning on using your car to travel in or around Mexico, you will have to file for a vehicle import permit. These permits can be obtained before you leave for Mexico or your can obtain them as soon as you arrive. Vehicle import permits are important because without one you could be incarcerated, fined, or have your vehicle impounded.

In addition in acquiring a vehicle import permit, you will also need to have car insurance. Unfortunately, too many individuals believe that their current car insurance policy will cover their Mexico vacation. In most cases, this is not true. To obtain car insurance while in Mexico, you will have to find a Mexican auto insurance company or one that operates on an international level. When first scheduling your Mexico vacation, it is advised that you obtain auto insurance for your trip.

As previously mentioned, not all travelers enter Mexico by driving themselves.

If you choose to fly into Mexico, you can still use road travel to get around. A large number of tourist make the decision to rent a car. In Mexico, car rentals are a cheap and fairly easy way to travel.

Similar to car rental policies in the Untied States, you must be at least twenty-five years old to rent a vehicle. Other requirements may include, but are not limited to, having a valid driver’s license and a current auto insurance policy. As with driving your own vehicle, you may need to obtain auto insurance from a company in Mexico.

Traveling by train, in Mexico, can be an amazing experience. In addition to getting to your destination, you will find that a train ride is a great way to see all that Mexico has to offer. Traditional train rides can take you from one destination to another. In addition to traditional train rides, you will find that Mexico offers a number of train tours. Similar to boat tours, these tours are a great way for you to sightsee while traveling to another part of the country.

In addition to car rentals, driving yourself, or taking the train, you can also travel around Mexico by taking the bus. In many areas of Mexico, traveling by bus comes highly recommend. Buses depart from popular Mexico vacation destinations, often, on an hourly basis. Buses are available throughout Mexico, even in vacation destinations that are not as well-known or popular. No matter where you are located, it should be possible for you catch a bus.

Traveling by car, bus, or train is often viewed as the only ways to travel around Mexico. It may also be possible for you to travel by boat. The only downside to traveling by boat is that you are presented with a limited number of travel options. If you are interested in traveling from one coastal city to the next, boat travel may be a great way to get to your next destination.

Whichever method of travel you select, you should be able to get to your next stop. By selecting the proper method of travel, you may be able to see amazing historical sites along the way.