Swine Savings

The State Department lifted its travel advisory warning for Mexico last month, but that doesn't mean Americans have lined up to fly south and grub on pork carnitas. Ironically, they should because the swine flu outbreak (a.k.a. The Aporkalypse) is under control and Mexican businesses are slashing prices to attract tourists. There's never been a better time to change your latitude, mi amigo. Here are some places you will probably not get a swinus infection of the other white flu: If you want the beach, go Playa Del Carmen over Cancun on the Caribbean tip and Acapulco over Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific, but the real explorers should focus inland on Mexico City. Sure, they might beat you up if you're emo and you shouldn't scream "I'm so drunk" walking down the streets at night (save that for TJ), but the city's not as dangerous as it's portrayed. Locals explained to me how New Yorkers wouldn't want their city defined by Queensboro or Angelinos by South Central, and that Mexico City likewise has nice places and not so nice places.OK, so then where to stay? Speaking from experience, the place to be (as seen in these photos) is Zona Rosa. I know, it sounds like a hooker area, but I assure you it's not. Located near the city center, Zona Rosa is the entertainment and business district and features several fantastic restaurants and lounges. You might not find a burrito in any of them, but you will arguably find the best Mexican food in the world. As far as nightlife goes, there's only one other area, Condesa, that's even a rival. Zona Rosa is also near many of the landmarks, including the old historic downtown, and the area boasts a real Manhattan vibe overall. Certain parts even seem to imagine a world where Soho sits next to Central Park. Plus, since Mexico City is not the tourist trap that Cancun and Cabo are, prices are reasonable even without a hamthrax scare.Being that it's inland, late July and August might be too hot, but Mexico City would be a quality, affordable vacation now or in the fall. Just make sure to toast a shot of tequila to our boy Pancho Villa, and don't catch the bacon lung.

Special thanks to hashtag #namethatflu