For much of the world the economic conditions of 2010 are going to be very much like 2009.   In many parts of the United States (and Ireland, Spain and elsewhere) housing prices are still tumbling (though  not as deeply as before) and unemployment is still in double digits.

Cruise lines have built their economic models around keeping their ships operating at 100 percent capacity.  That’s because when you’re onboard they still have lots of opportunities to get you to spend some money.  With 14 new ships coming in service in 2010, including another giant 6,200-passenger ship from Royal Caribbean, you can bet cruise prices will continue to be at record-setting lows so that cruise lines can make money.  

Just remember that a cruise is NOT all-inclusive, unless you’re cruising on luxury lines like Seabourn and Regent.  On most cruises you still have to pay for most beverages, tips, some activities and meals in specialty restaurants.  Add in tours, spa services and other little items and what you can spend will add up quickly sometimes surpassing what you spent for the cruise.

If you want an all-inclusive cruise vacation, consider taking advantage of the extraordinary deals offered by luxury companies like Seabourn and Regent Cruises.   With rates at up to 70% off these companies are now a  bargain!  But if you’re looking for belly flop contests and endless hours of Vegas entertainment, these ships are not for you.  Enrichment activities, coddling service and endless gourmet delights are more the speed of Seabourn and Regent ships.

It’s been an incredibly tough year in the media for Mexico.  The country has faced intense media scrutiny on its war against drug gangs and unfortunately Mexico City was the epicenter of the world-wide outbreak of the swine flu (H1N1 virus).    But the sun always shines in Mexico and the country should be recognized for its ability to see a problem and tackle it head on.

Every traveler should be aware that the battle against drug gangs is no where near the major tourist regions of Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or the Riviera Maya.  You’re more likely to encounter Mexican drug cartel violence visiting Arizona and Texas, than you are visiting the beach resorts of Mexico!  The problems facing the Mexican drug cartels are predominately on the border of Mexico and United States, some two thousand miles away from most resort towns.

As for the swine flu (H1N1 virus), we’re now facing a situation where we have twice as many cases in the United States as there are in Mexico (source: flucount.org) and there are over 160 countries in the world reporting swine flu cases.  It is true the United States, Canada and Mexico have reported the largest number of swine flu cases in the world.  However, you are (statistically) more likely to catch swine flu in Hong Kong (2,334.75 cases per million), the Cayman Islands (1,803.57 cases per million) or Australia (1,641.73 cases per million) than Mexico (216.13 cases per million).

Mexico is home to many has of the worlds top-rated resorts, like the award-winning Royal Hideaway Playacar and Four Seasons Punta Mita.  And Mexico’s beaches, like the number 1 rates Maroma Beach, are paradise on Earth.   Her historic attractions, like Chichen-Itza and Xcaret, are the absolute best of any beach destination we can think of.  The hard working and hospitable Mexicans involved in the tourist industry make you want to return to the place they call home again and again, as many people have done for years.  And in recessionary times like these, few places on Earth beats the value of Mexico when it comes to travel.  

The sun always shines in Mexico, go out and enjoy it.