That's right!  There are some beautiful islands with wonderful wildlife, gorgeous scenery and much more right here in the good ole' U.S.A.  Here are just 10.  How many of these have you visited? 
If you've visited any of these islands, I'd love to hear your stories!  You can email me at vonbears@sbcglobal.net.  If your story is chosen, I'll publish an excerpt of the highlights in one of my upcoming blogs. 

How about this:  For every reader who submits a story about one of these islands -- or any other island you've visited in the U.S.A. -- I'll enter your name in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to a restaurant of your choice . . . but you have to enter by Wednesday, June 3rd.  That's my Mom and Dad's 60th anniversary . . . SIXTY YEARS! 

Friday afternoon the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention downgaded the status of non-essential travel to Mexico from a warning to a precaution.

By Monday morning, the major cruise lines--who had just a week ago announced the official re-routed itineraries expected to be in effect until mid-July--began announcing they would return to their original schedules as early as mid-June.  Carnival first, followed quickly by Royal Caribbean and others.

This update to the original April 27 Travel Health Warning indicated the Mexican outbreak is slowing down, many countries are seeing increasing cases not associated with travel to Mexico and the risk of severe disease from the virus now appears to be less than originally thought.

In any case, there are BARGAINS GALORE to Mexico as hungry resorts and their package suppliers attempt to woo precious guests back to the region.  Shouldn't be a hard sell at these rates . . . if you "Have Passports . . . Let's TRAVEL!!!"

CALL ME TODAY for HOT-LINE SPECIALS!  The heat is ON!!!

The World Health Organization (WHO) is NOT restricting travel to Mexico.  Scientific research indicates restricting travel will be of "limited or no benefit" in stopping the spread of disease, according to WHO.

As of May 11 (and perhaps beyond), there have been NO reports of H1N1 virus in Mexico BEACH RESORT AREAS (neither tourists, employees in Mexico's tourism industry or local citizens).

"The influenza appears to be milder than regular influenza, and there are two anti-virals that work effectively to treat it," according to Janet Napolitano, US Secretary of Homeland Security.

"Only 16 deaths were confirmed to be associated with the H1N1 out of the 159 reported during the flu outbreak in the country [Mexico]," according to Jose Angel Cordova, Mexico's Health Minister.

Only 10% of the reported cases originally stated by the media were confirmed H1N1.

With a population of 26.7 MILLION people, the relative percentage of people infected in Mexico City is 5 ten millionths of one percent.

As of 2 days ago less than 100 people world-wide have died from H1N1.  As a point of comparison, according to Ted Epperly, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, garden-variety seasonal flu kills that many people each day in the U.S. alone.  The AAFP cites this estimate based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists reports that flu causes or contributes to an average of 36,000 deaths each year. 
              "This is no little deal," Dr. Epperly says. "I don't want people to think, 'Oh my gosh, we just avoided this bullet with swine flu,' when every day influenza kills 100 people."   Proper hygiene is ALWAYS important.  So here's what some of the experts recommend:

"If you're healthy, you practice basic good hygiene and pack a little common sense, hey, get on the plane!" . . . Peter Greenberg, CNN Travel Expert

"The most effective counters to fear and anger are not opposing emotions but facts -- i.e., credible information delivered quickly." . . . Arnie Weissman, Editor in Chief, Travel Weekly.

"Certainly you should use common sense in your travels and advise your customers to do the same.  But don't let run-away-train reporting form the basis of your travel decisions.  Or you next trip could be on the road to agoraphobia." . . . Kerry Medina, Executive Editor Hotels & Mexico TravelTribe.com

"Wash hands regularly . . . and wherever you're going . . . be sure to include a small sanitation bottle in your carry-ons." . . . Linda Logsdon, Von Bears Travel 5-4-09 

In the wake of U.S. travel warnings, about a week ago cruise lines began re-routing ships away from Mexico ports.  On Thursday Colorado health officials announced that the CDC had confirmed a Colorado woman who recently returned from a cruise to Mexico (IMPORTANT:  WESTERN Mexico, departing roundtrip SAN DIEGO) does have the H1N1 flu strain.

Although the Colorado woman has been isolated, she has not required hospitalization. 

As of early Friday, 8 other confirmed and 13 suspected cases were reported in the San Diego area so it's also possible the illness was contracted in San Diego after her cruise.  The Colorado woman, in her 30's, acknowledged she did go into San Diego after her cruise.  She is being interviewed by the CDC.

Think twice, take precautions, but get the facts.  Consider sticking to the Eastern Coast (Caribbean side of Mexico) where, to date, no incidences of H1N1 have been identified.  Think Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, etc. 

Wash hands regularly . . . and wherever you're going . . . be sure to include a small sanitation bottle in your carry-ons.