This “codeshare” arrangement will be for the main route Mexico City to Saõ Paulo, but will also offer connections to cities in both countries.  Passengers arriving from Mexico City will be able to connect through to Rio, Brasilia, and a half-dozen other main cities in Brazil.  Passengers coming into Mexico City from Saõ Paulo will be able to connect on to cities such as Acapulco, Cancun, and many others.

First – the simple and obvious fact is that crime is world-wide. There is no place a person can go that could be guaranteed to be free of the chance of encountering a “bad” person who would be willing to take advantage of you in one way or another.  Another simple fact – crime in the U.S. surpasses that in Mexico, both when measured in total volume., or when measured as a ratio/percentage of the total population.

Certainly there are places a traveler should not go at all – in both countries – and places one should not go at night. Think about it: Would you, as a tourist, want to go the “poor areas” of Detroit, Philadelphia, or Los Angeles after dark or unaccompanied even during the day? The same holds true for certain cities of Mexico (and every other country).

That said . . . there has been escalating, and usually drug-cartel related violence in several parts of Mexico. There are state department warnings for travel in all the northern states of Mexico along the U.S. border, as well as other particular locations further south.. It would make good sense to heed those warnings as much as is possible. Best to avoid travel to places like Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Monterrey, Veracruz, even Guadalajara.

Yet the prime tourist destinations of Yucatan peninsula; Riviera Maya, Cancun, Merida, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, etc. remain safe for visitors, with very little (other than petty) crime. The same holds true for the great resorts in the Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose del Cabo area of southern Baja. As well, the monumental cities of Oaxaca, Puebla, Guanajuato, etc remain safe destinations.

An interesting fact that helps keep it all in perspective: More travelers from the U.S. will visit Mexico – each day – than visit London in an entire year!  Now if the danger were as prevalent as the news sometimes makes it out to be – why in the world would Mexico remain one of the top international travel destinations? The real truth is that 99% of all visitors have a safe and wonderful experience in Mexico.

Travel with care, stay away from known “bad spots,” do not put yourself into questionable situations or areas, and you will not only remain as part of that 99% – but will come from Mexico already looking forward to your next trip “down south.”

The mile-long walk along the beach front adjacent to the city – the “Malecon” – has been completely refurbished.  What was only recently a stretch that was a bit “down-in-the -heels” has been revamped with a wonderful collage of artworks, sculptures, and an array of other treats for the eyes.

Now, a walk down the pretty pebble-tiled promenade is like visiting an outdoor art exhibit – and for free! The “upgrade” has attracted performance street artists like jugglers, mimes, painters, etc. – as well as the incredible “Papantla flyers” (which have to be seen to be believed!).

The shops along the Malecon are also in a revival, and the whole area has become an even more enjoyable place to visit and take leisurely strolls.

FlightstoMexico.org has uncovered some very affordable fares to this Pacific beach resort – available now from various departure points in the U.S., so why not check out all the new happenings in Puerto Vallarta soon?!

Premier Artists and Musicians from Mexico and around the world will be performing all around the city.  The primary spot for the action is the Zócalo, but there will be “happenings” of interest in many of the other squares and monuments around the city; music, dance, fine art, theater, literary, and even events especially for children.

If you will be in Mexico City during this time, you’re in for a special treat!  Call today for best rates for flights to Mexico City.