NATCHEZ — While advisories from the state department caution against unnecessary travel to Mexico, Frances Schwager is undaunted.

“I’m not going to worry,” Schwager said addressing concerns about the swine flu epidemic believed to have originated in Mexico. “I don’t think it’s something to panic over.”

Schawager said her trip to Vera Cruz was planned six months ago, and she’s not letting the flu stop her.

But while Schawager said she’s not worried about contracting the flu virus, she is taking precautions.

Schwager has purchased masks to use at the airport in Mexico City and has stocked up on hand wipes and hand sanitizer.

“Everyone has been telling me ‘Make sure you do this, make sure you do that,’’ she said. “But I think we’ll be OK.”

And while Schawager said she’s not worried about heading south of the border, another Natchez resident is glad to be heading east.

Tabitha Wroten is on a cruise headed to the Bahamas, but that was not the original destination.

Her trip was originally scheduled to go to Mexico.

Wroten said given the swine flu outbreak, she’s more than happy to take a detour.

“I probably would not have gone if had not been changed,” she said.

Wroten said she still has some concerns about being confined on a cruise ship.

“I’ll just be washing my hands and hope that everyone else is washing their hands,” she said.