by Kathy Taylor

Created on: May 24, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2009

There has never been a better time than right now for budget travel in Mexico. Recent events have conspired to make Mexico look like a dangerous place to travel, but that means big savings for travelers.

Worried about the cartel drug wars in the northern border towns and the H1N1 flu scare? Here's some advice: fly right over Juarez and Tijuana, and take the same health precautions that you would if you were traveling anywhere in the world, for a safe and economical holiday.

The airlines are hurting, as are the big all-inclusive resorts on both coasts. This is "shoulder season" for travel in Mexico, as the international tourist season has just ended and most nationals take their holidays in July. The crowds are thin and the tourism business is more than just a little hungry.

Look for very competitive pricing among major airlines from your city to Mexican resort towns. Should you worry about contacting an air borne illness on a plane? The major airlines have been sending reassuring emails to their regular customers about health safety, and stand behind their safety claims.

Want five star accommodations for 2 and 3 star prices? A recent searchfor hotel accommodation in Puerto Vallarta produced great results. A well known chain hotel right in the middle of the hotel zone, right on the beach, has rooms for under $60.00 a night. These five star rooms would normally go for over $150.00 a night. Looking for cultural and fun adventures? Well, the major provider in Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos is giving offering a 30 % discount on all present and future bookings till the end of May. Whale watching, ruin exploring and jungle zip lines just became more affordable.

Hotels on the Atlantic side of Mexico in Cancun are so sure that you will have a safe, flu-free holiday with them that they are offering a 3 year paid vacation guarantee if you get sick with H1N1 during your stay.

Condo and apartment rentals are going cheap,cheap,cheap. Visit any of the owner directed websites to find a real bargain. As always, eating out in Mexico can be very inexpensive. Because of the hot climate, most Mexicans eat their main meal around 2 in the afternoon. Many restaurants offer "comida corrida", a 3 course meal for very low prices. Look for a busy one - they are usually the best. You will generally get a soup, a main course consisting of a daily special - chicken, beef, or fish with rice and vegetables, and a postre or dessert, and a drink - all for under $5.00 USD.

Getting around in Mexico has always been relatively inexpensive. The buses are better than ever, and the prices are great. Luxury bus travel is known as premier,and often includes sanitized pillow, blanket, sandwich and soda, and non-stop movies. Travelers have to go through a security check similar to that of boarding an airplane, and these luxury coaches are secure and safe. A trip from Mexico City to Guadalajara costs about $330 pesos, which at today's exchange rateof 13.15%, is about $25.00 USD for a 7 hour journey.

No excuses. Now is the time to brush up on your Spanish and visit one of the most welcoming and affordable countries in the world, Mexico!

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