Mexico's tourism industry is increasing promotions and packages to capitalize on Americans' worry about the euro, says Oscar Fitch, director of Mexico Tourism Board.

Bookings for the first three months of the year are already 10% higher than this time last year, he says.

"Mexico offers some of the things that Europe offers," he says. "Another culture, artists, food, music, and also sun and beach. It's a very nice vacation with a budget that they can afford."

Free accommodations for kids, a daily kids' club, welcome gifts, and dining discounts make family travel easy at Marquis Los Cabos, which offers a "Marquis Kids Package" from now until October 10, 2008.

Consider travel insurance. In some cases, buying insurance will cover everything from lost luggage to flight cancellations, but know the conditions beforehand.

While the medical emergency ruined her vacation, it didn't ruin her finances. Because Williams had purchased travel insurance, she recouped the several thousand dollars she paid for air travel, hotel rooms, a cruise and more.