IMMIGRATION
IS A HOT TOPIC, and one San Francisco-based company is
offering a four-day tour to the U.S.-Mexico border for travelers
who want to explore the immigration debate up-close. Global
Exchange is a human rights organization that has been offering
reality tours to such politically charged countries as Cuba,
Mexico, Nicaragua, China and Iran since 1989. Its U.S.-Mexico
Border tour includes visits to a foreign-owned factory and migrant
shelter; meetings with womens rights groups and border patrol
agents; and discussions with academics about the impact of the
North American Free Trade Agreement on the Mexican economy and
immigration. Upcoming tours are scheduled for June 16 to 19 and
Sept. 1 to 4. Tours cost $750 per person, double, and include two
daily meals, transportation to all program activities, reading
materials, a guide and trip leader and the services of a
translator. Air fare and airport transfers are extra. For
information or reservations, call (800) 497-1994 or visit www.globalexchange.org.
UNITED
VACATIONS is offering savings of up to $350 on packages to
Cancun and the Riviera Maya departing from Chicago aboard United or
Ted. The promotion is valid for bookings made by May 31 for
customers traveling from July 1 to Dec. 15. Discounts start at $50
per person on packages priced from $850 to $1,599 per person,
double, and climb to $350 off on packages costing $5,000 or more.
At the Crown Paradise Club in Cancun, for example, a seven-night
package costs from $899, with up to three kids age 12 and younger
staying and eating for free. All packages include roundtrip air
fare on United or Ted from Chicago and airport transfers. For
package details or reservations, call (800) 328-6877 or visit www.vaxvacationaccess.com.
LA CASA QUE
CANTA, the upscale, 25-suite resort in Zihuatanejo,
launched summer discounts, including rates that are 22% below
high-season prices, and a spa package. The Summer Spa Package
includes two 50-minute massages, one manicure and one pedicure per
room. Prices start at $2,606, single or double, for a four-night
package in a grand suite or $3,522 for a master suite. The resort
is also offering discounted villa rates this summer. Prices include
airport transfers; complimentary minibar stocked with beer, sodas
and water; and a bowl of fresh fruit replenished daily. The resort
does not accept guests under 16 years old. All summer promotions
are in effect from June 1 to Oct. 15. For information or
reservations, call (888) 523-5050 or visit www.lacasaquecanta.com.
THE HOTEL
MARINA EL CID RIVIERA MAYA launched all-inclusive packages
starting at $99.50 per person, double, in a junior suite for spring
and summer travel. Platinum Club Level Service, which includes
butler service, dedicated check-in areas and turndown service with
hors doeuvres, among other extras, costs $40 more a night. All
prices included unlimited food and drinks as well as use of all
resort facilities and water sports. For information or
reservations, call (800) 525-1925 or visit www.elcid.com.
SOL MELIAS
PARADISUS BRAND launched a concierge program for families
that includes amenities such as children-size slippers, towels and
bathrobes and Sony PlayStation video games and equipment. The
service also includes walkie-talkies for parents to communicate
with the concierge as well as milk and juice for the minibar. For
more info or to book, visit www.solmelia.com/solNew/home/jsp/C_Home_Paradisus.jsp.
Mexico
E-Letter Editor:
Jorge
Sidron
Phone: (973) 898-0011
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].