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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday December 29, 2007 - 15 Canadians love Mexico M y love affair with Mexico started 15 years ago, when I got over my ignorance about this huge, lovely country. Before that when planning a vacation, I'd say to my agent "Anywhere but Mexico, with my tummy problems I'm afraid of the food and the water." No agent ever argued with me. But when I began writing this column I needed to go where you go, so Mexico was definitely on the list. I started planning by calling Martha Chapman President of Tourism Marketing International. "I need to see Mexico," I stated. "Just where were you planning to go?" Everywhere, Canadians holiday was my response and I have a week. "Have you looked at a map, it is a huge country." And she didn't laugh. We narrowed it down to the Mayan Riviera, and a trip that included following a destination rep around while she did her job, to see the problems, Canadian tourists have. There were couples who thought a holiday would solve their domestic problems, and it didn't, and the rep and hotel security had to remove one of the spouses for her own safety. Young adults thought they could freely buy drugs, and ended up in jail, and then couldn't understand why the rep couldn't spring them from a very unpleasant cell. Some Canadians left their most important assets at home, their brains and wandered into neighbourhoods and bars that they wouldn't dream of venturing into at home. There were people suffering from too much sun, and too many drinks. And others that didn't like the colour of their bedspreads, and wanted a room change. Others were devastated because the maid forgot to deliver their clean washcloths. One young visitor was injured bungee jumping, a dangerous sport no matter where you do it. It was a week to remember. Quintana Roo State? "Yes, it is safe "she says. I also asked Cesar Castañeda Director of the Mexico Tourism Board who says Canadian tourism to Mexico is way up over last year, 25 per cent up in fact. He urges Canadians to remember that every city has its dark side, and common sense is needed. He was too polite to make any comments about safety in North America, compared to his country, but Lawrence Elliott a guru in the industry, and group vice-president at Sunwing Vacations, had a lot to say. "Statistically you are a million times safer in Cancun, than in a large city in North America. Unfortunately innocent people get shot on Boxing Day, or watching a parade in Toronto. People have died from drinking the water in Walkerton, Ontario. Natives very recently demonstrated both peacefully and violently in southern Ontario. When a tragedy occurs in Mexico, it is blown completely out of proportion." I agree. My neighbour across the street died when she was hit by a car a few blocks from her house. Sadly tragedies happen everywhere. Use your common sense; ask which areas are safe. Don't flash a lot of money, and leave your expensive jewelry at home in the safety deposit box. Make sure the cab you're getting into is a legitimate cab. Look both ways before you cross the street. When I'm travelling alone, I take precautions. I don't go out alone at night. I certainly don't walk deserted beaches, and I try to be aware of my surroundings wherever I am. Of course that is true at home as well. Can anyone assure you, you will be safe. No. If you're in the wrong place at the wrong time all bets are off. I'm packing for Huatulco, see you! -- Sam Ion can be reached at sion10@cogeco.ca And no I didn't get sick. I had ice cubes in my drinks, and ate fruit, and fresh salads. Since then I traveled to Mexico more than 50 times, and am the only Canadian member of the Mexico Writers Alliance. In all of those visits I've been ill once, and so were 56 other people, on the trip. None of us ate the same food or were even staying in the same resort. It was traced back to a virus on the aircraft. Do I take precautions? You bet. I wash my hands a lot, and I never eat from a street vendor. Of course that is true at home as well. Am I always in an all-inclusive resort? No not at all. I often visit local restaurants. In the last several years the questions about Mexico have had a different slant. "Is it safe, with all that violence down there and does it make you think twice about Mexico before you go?" Well, no, I don't think twice at all. I was there last month, and will be going again the first week in January. In my long term planning is a driving trip to Mexico City. In case you didn't know it is 40 hours driving time, closer than Vancouver. Over the holidays, this season I've been asked about safety at almost every holiday event. So, I asked Gabriela Rodriguez Minster of Tourism of the BEAVER TRAILS TO SCOTLAND: Hazel (in photo) and Sean Peel took The Oakville Beaver to Dunbar, Scotland to celebrate Sean's grandmother's 90th birthday. Take along a copy of The Oakville Beaver on your next vacation and send it in for publication to Beaver Trails, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4 or email to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. KIDS STAY FREE!* (15 years and under) Enjoy a 7-night escape to Club Med and your kids stay free. Available at: Punta Cana, Dom. Rep. Cancun Yucatan, Mexico Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico Sandpiper, Florida. Travel dates from 23/2/08-27/6/08 *Certain restrictions apply. Please call us for more details Oakville Town Centre I 300 North Service Road, W. Oakville 905.849.0333 www.totaltravel-oakville.com Gina Cheng Ont Reg No 2766538 Ont Reg No 2766538 Relax... you're with us Oakville Town Centre I 300 North Service Road, W. Oakville 905.849.0333 www.totaltravel-oakville.com 221 Lakeshore Road E. 905-337-2228 www.hookedoncruising.com To advertise in this section call 905-845-3824