Page 40 March 2014 ¡Viva! Mexico makes a comeback with tourists By Michelle Donati-Grayman After being plagued by cartel violence and the struggling economy, Mexico is making a comeback. “Mexico has always been an appealing destination to Arizonans,” said Amy Moreno, senior travel manager for AAA Arizona. “It’s really no surprise that travel              back up.”        In fact, Arizona passenger bookings for Mexico itineraries on Princess Cruises are up 240 percent so far this year, according to AAA Travel, a full-service travel agency. The popularity of Mexico cruises can              After struggling with crime and chaos, Mexico begins to make a tourism comeback. Tino Ferrulli We are in our new facility. It has a 2-story indoor showroom that holds up to 18 brand new Mercedes-Benz vehicles. We also have over 150 new vehicles on our outside lot. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a test drive and pick out your next new vehicle. You just can’t have much more fun than that. Stop in today and we’ll set up a test drive in the vehicle of your choice. 480-748-4810 tinoferrulli@gmail.com Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale 4725 North Scottsdale Road • Scottsdale, AZ 85251 We have moved. . . . . .but only 9.3 miles from where we were! Programs vary by school. See school for details. Tutor Time Learning Centers, LLC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2014 Tutor Time Learning Centers, LLC. Tutor Time ® is the SMART choice for your child. Schedule a tour today! (602) 956-1020 or TutorTime.com 4736 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix Come to our Open House every third Thursday of the month. March 20, April 17 and May 15. • Infant and toddler care • Preschool and pre-kindergarten • Junior kindergarten • Before and after school care • Full and part-time enrollment Eileen Klecka, R.N. Medical Director: David Francyk, D.O. affordability. Cruises can be as short as three days and generally depart from California, which make for a quick and convenient getaway for Arizonans. These itineraries also tend to be less expensive than others. “If you haven’t traveled to Mexico before, a cruise is a great way to experience a few areas of the country in a safe environment,” said Amy Moreno, senior travel manager for AAA Arizona. “Another option is an all-inclusive. Mexico is also home to some fantastic all-inclusive resorts.” But it isn’t all about cruising. Drive               Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is also on the rise. Mexico auto insurance, short-term policies that drivers buy before driving to destinations, like Rocky Point, increased more than 62 percent from 2012 to 2013, according to AAA Insurance. The full- service insurance agency sold more than 4,000 policies in 2012 – that number grew to 6,500 policies in 2013. Arcadia resident Stacy Pearson has been traveling to Mexico since 1994. Pearson says that once cartel violence began in Rocky Point, she became more reluctant to take her family. “We understand violence could happen anywhere in the world, but it’s a risk we weren’t comfortable taking,” said Pearson, who said she also looks forward to returning to the country. “Mexico, particularly Rocky Point, is among our favorite destinations in the world. I look forward to getting back to the lazy worry- free days on the beach!” Michelle Donati-Grayman is an Arcadia resident who works for AAA Arizona. AAA is the largest leisure travel agency in North America. Mexico Travel Tips To ensure a safe and enjoyable Mexico getaway, AAA Travel suggests four tips: 1. Use recommended crossings. U.S citizens visiting Puerto Peñasco should use the Lukeville, Ariz./ Sonoyta, Son., border crossing. Travel should also be limited to daylight hours. 2. Carry a passport. Citizens are required to have a passport to gain re-entry into the United States. 3. Travel smart. Stay with your party at all times. Don’t share your itinerary and do not travel with valuables and expensive jewelry. 4. Be insured. U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. Mexico auto insurance can be purchased at AZ.AAA.com/insurance/mexico.