But in Mexico, where drug violence has hobbled the nation’s $70 billion tourism industry, government leaders hope to counter Tinseltown’s doomsday scenario by promoting 2012 as the year of the tourist.

Several of Mexico’s top tourism officials have been making the rounds in their northern neighbor, betting that an invitation to see Maya ruins will attract hordes of older, wealthier U.S. visitors keen on Mexican culture.

Hosted by Travelocity.com.mx and the Mexican Council for the Promotion of Tourism (CPTM), this online competition featured weekly match-ups between 14 competing Mexican destinations this summer. Travelers were asked to vote for their top pick in four travel categories, including Family Beach, Luxury Beach, Urban City and Colonial Town.

More than 2.3 million people living in cities and towns throughout Mexico cast their online ballot for Mazatlán in the battle for Best Family Beach Destination, held during the week of July 1. With a grand finish of more than 73 percent of votes, the seaside destination known as “The Pearl of The Pacific” celebrated a landslide victory over the rival beaches of Cancún, Acapulco and Ixtapa.

The U.S. Department of State says the new fee scale is needed to help cover operating expenses for domestic and overseas passport agencies. Here's a look at how much more you're going to pay.

“The number of travel agents from 1995 until now has been cut almost in half,” says Maloney. “There were some 37,000 physical branch locations in 1995, which was the peak, and now there are about 16,000 to 18,000.”

Many agents today specialize in tours, cruises and vacation packages. Often they have extensive first-hand experience with the carriers, hotels and sites they recommend.