Mexico is Open to Tourists and Some are Saying it is Safer than Ever! But the CDC May not Agree...

 Mexico has begun the process of welcoming back tourists to their country and press releases are being generated at an increased rate.  Yet, prior to planning any trip, travelers need to assess potential risks.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel warning for Mexico makes those risks sound dire: The federal agency flatly recommends against all non-essential travel to the country, citing the high risk of contracting COVID-19. In addition, it warns that if travelers fall ill and require medical care in Mexico, resources may be limited.  But resorts in Mexico are going full-press to welcome visitors as you can see in the press release below. 

On September 8, 2020, the U.S. Department of State downgraded the Mexico Travel Advisory alert level from Level 4 (Do Not Travel) to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), which should boost tourism. Border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico have been restricted since March, but the restrictions don’t apply to air, rail or sea travel.

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico, Sept. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The best beach destinations in Mexico have been through some challenges this year, but thanks to quick action and firm leadership, Mexico travel restrictions are being lifted and Mexico family vacations have resumed across the country. Travelers who desire to vacation in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta might wonder "Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?", but research shows how Mexico beach destinations are protecting travelers and putting fears to rest. Travelers can once again revel in the excitement of jetting off to Los Cabos, Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, or wherever your Mexico travels take you.

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Miami International Airport (MIA) Ranked Best Airport in Eastern U.S. and Florida by J.D. Power

Based on surveys from U.S. or Canadian residents who traveled through at least one U.S. or Canadian airport from August 2019 through July 2020, Miami International Airport was ranked as the best mega airport for passenger satisfaction in the eastern U.S. and Florida by the J.D. Power 2020 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, released on September 23.  See if you agree with their findings!

The study measures overall traveler satisfaction with mega, large and medium North American airports by examining six factors (in order of importance): terminal facilities; airport arrival/departure; baggage claim; security check; check-in/baggage check; and food, beverage and retail.

On a 1,000-point scale, MIA achieved a score of 801 – second among mega airports in North America only to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which earned a score of 805. Mega airports are those with 33 million or more passengers per year - the busiest airports in the study. MIA was able to jump from 11th place in last year's study to 2nd place overall in North America, while serving a record-high 46 million passengers in 2019 – an increase of nearly one million passengers over the previous year.

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Do Empty Middle Seats or Other Factors Make Flying Safer During COVID-19?

Americans have debated the risks of getting on a plane during the COVID-19 pandemic — especially during the summer vacation season — with few clear answers or evidence to guide their decisions.  Still, compared to the number of flyers in 2019, only 25% are deciding to fly in 2020. 

The airline industry itself has been split over pandemic safety approaches, with airlines including Delta, JetBlue, Alaska, and Southwest opting not to sell middle seats to provide more distance between passengers and reduce the risk of illness. 

Southwest Airlines recently published their intent to continue to keep the middle seat clear on flights through November 30, 2020. Other airlines, like United, Spirit, and American Airlines, are not blocking middle seats, with United’s chief communications officer calling the idea “a PR strategy” instead of a safety strategy.  This has led some to consider the science behind the airlines' decisions including MIT Sloan professor Arnold Barnett. Arnold Barnett is the George Eastman Professor of Management Science and a Professor of Statistics at the MIT Sloan School of Management, who holds a BA in mathematics from Columbia College and a PhD in mathematics from MIT.

“I've been doing research about aviation safety from a statistical viewpoint for many, many years, and this is the first time that I've seen where U.S. domestic airlines disagreed overtly on a matter related to safety,” MIT Sloan professor and aviation safety expert Arnold Barnett said. “It seemed to me that all we were getting was a clash of conjectures.” 

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Ridiculously Affordable Fall Clothes for Your Carryon 2020

You don't have to spend your life savings to look great, be elegant and comfortable this fall! Use our guide to find great outfits for home or away! What things do we look for when we travel?????

1. Deals
2. Comfort
3. Travel well with few wrinkles
4. Pair well with other fashion pieces so you can go with a carryon only

Bottoms

With temperatures dropping we all want that one pair of bottoms that take us into those low temperatures in style! We can only wear so many pairs of skinny jeans but sometimes you want something that doesn't feel as tight around your middle! Try our favorite fleece-lined leggings by Baleaf. the pickets on each side will keep you organized and the fabric looks great from day to night.

 

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Wide leg jersey pants are a cult favorite of travelers for comfort and style. They’re sweatpants masquerading as work pants is how one influencer described the U Wide-Fit Curved Jersey Pants by Uniqlo. Details that put them in the sweatpants category, are a hidden elastic waistband and a drawstring to cinch the waist, but a good looking button and zipper highlight make them look more elevated and presentable. Tip: we love these pants with a pair of white tennis shoes for a chic casual look.

Buy at Uniqlo

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NHTSA's New SaferCar App Hopes to Stop Deadly and Serious Recall Notification Delays

Unlike mailed notices, the US Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration's (NHTSA) government app will tell you about recalls right away.  With more of us taking road trips during the pandemic, why risk the safety of your family? It is one thing to miss or ignore the pesky recalls that occur for a minor bracket, but if the recall is about something that could cause injury or even death, don't get into the habit of ignoring and missing a serious recall. 

In October of 2019 there was a major recall of 928,000 Toyota, Scion and Lexus Cars, Minivans, SUVs and Pickup Trucks.  Why? The same flawed design as the Takata airbags from years before: a risk of explosion given enough exposure to high humidity or significant temperature cycling.  Another 2019 recall involved Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling approximately 30,354 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans for a seat issues.  In the event seat fail, the seat or seat belt may not adequately restrain the occupant, with the seat potentially being ejected from its location in the vehicle.

Studies show that nearly 40 percent of consumers avoid vehicle safety recalls because they fear their dealership will recommend additional repairs, according to a study from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

Bundling recalls with regularly scheduled maintenance is one way to boost participation, according to 52 percent of respondents, while 51 percent supported receiving incentives such as free oil changes or tanks of gas for complying with the recalls.

Other findings:

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