The TravelPulse Podcast returns this week with host Mark Murphy once again providing his expert take on all things travel, starting with the TravelPulse team's recent trip to Cancun, Mexico amid the mainstream media hysteria.
"The bottom line is I have been to Mexico seven times this year and I've never had an issue. If Mexico was so dangerous and I've got my finger literally on the pulse of what's going on in travel, why would I put my employees in harm's way? The reality is I didn't," says Murphy, comparing the threat of crime in Mexico to other domestic destinations, including Chicago, New York and Philadelphia.
"Mexico is a huge country, geographically really dispersed and that means, yes, there are places you'd stay away from, just like there are places in Chicago you wouldn't go unless you're looking to score drugs. The reality on the ground is very different from what you're hearing."
Murphy also reveals some helpful tips when using social media and an easy way to improve your airport experience.
"I can't believe more of you don't use Global Entry," added Murphy. "It's a no-brainer, less than $20 a year and you get out of the door [through immigration] in minutes and then when you go through security most of the time you get TSA PreCheck."
Later, the travAlliancemedia president and CEO breaks down the impact politics is having on travel right now.
"The U.S. is putting pressure on Turkey by cratering their currency by imposing tariffs. That means if you've ever thought about going to an amazing city like Istanbul, now would be the time to go. It is an unbelievable destination and what you're going to find is the price point to go there is dirt cheap," he said. "The most expensive thing you're going to do is fly there and Turkish Airlines is one of the best values in the air these days."
Murphy goes on to share a flurry of other fall travel deals, including cruises starting as low as $99 per person.
You can listen to episode three of "TravelPulse: The Intersection of Travel-Where Politics, Finance, and Travel Meet" in its entirety below:
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast at Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.
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