Take a look at Susan Cocking’s story of diving into Akumal’s Dos Ojos cenotes for a beautiful picture of what lies beneath the famous Riviera Maya. Her story tells of underwater mountain ranges surrounded by acid clouds and a natural high that can only accompany such an experience. Take the dive here to read about how Susan’s adventures led her to 12,000 year old human fossils and prehistoric cats.

First off, remain calm. Everything’s going to be okay. Now that we have your attention, read on…

Spring Break’s around the corner and the U.S. State Department has issued a Travel Alert for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico (view the notice here). Make note it’s a Travel Alert and not a Travel Warning but should still be taken seriously. This Travel Alert was issued in February 2009 due to the escalating violence in northern Mexico along the U.S. border although the U.S. State Department reports U.S. citizens have been kidnapped from across Mexico.

If you’re planning a vacation to popular Mexican destinations as Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, or Puerto Vallarta, there’s no need to be afraid, just be cautious, exercise common sense, and enjoy the moment. It’s tempting to do dumb things during Spring Break but remember to enjoy everything in moderation ranging from tequila-filled margaritas to beach time in the sun (keep the sunscreen lathered).

Other useful tips include staying in tourist-friendly areas, dress moderately – leave the bling and expensive gadgets at home, don’t do anything illegal (again, exercise common sense), and avoid drinking the tap water! Remember, soda from the fountain and ice cubes are most likely made from ordinary tap water. Be sure to pack Imodium or the trip. Importantly, do as your mother says and avoid dark alleys.

Also, brush up on a little Spanish before the trip. Although Cancun, Cozumel, et al, are popular with Canadians and Americans so English is spoken, speaking at least some of the language shows respect to the host country. LearnSpanishFeelGood.com offers good basic Spanish phrases for travelers.

No matter where traveling in the world there’s always an element of risk. When traveling to Mexico for Spring Break this year, use your common sense to have a positively memorable trip. Check out the U.S. State Department’s “Spring Break in Mexico: Know Before You Go” article for tips on what to expect.

It’s not the end of overpriced airline tickets, but it’s a step in the right direction! It will come as a surprise to many that airlines have policies which will help put money back in your pocket, rather than siphoning it out!

If you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket and the price drops before your departure, your airline may actually refund, or at least provide you with travel vouchers, in the amount of the difference! Depending on your flight and ticketing procedures, a change fee of up to $150 may apply, but in many instances it is more than appropriate to at least inquire about such policies.

Southwest, for example, offers a cash refund without a change fee! On the other hand, companies like AirTran, Frontier, and Virgin America don’t offer any sort of refund or vouchers. Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Northwest, Midwest, United, and US Airways all provide vouchers, although some deduct change fees. Some airlines,  however, allow you to cancel your reservation within a certain timeframe and rebook at the lower rate!

We all loathe air-travel, but this is one thing to restore a little confidence in customer service! If you’re intrigued, there’s even more details in a recent USA Today article.