October 20, 2018We dream of carefree days sipping umbrella drinks near white sand beaches, or just enjoying the warm touch of the Mexican sun as we escape harsh wintry days.
Each year, thousands of tourists visit Mexico and stay at All-Inclusive Resorts and partake on the sinful luxury of unlimited food and drinks. If this is your first time, here are a few travel tips you need to know for your stay here in Mexico.
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Tip # 1 Not Everything is Inclusive
What is included: hotel stay, unlimited food and drinks, room service, tips, entertainment, activities
What may or may not be included: WiFi access, Airport Transportation
What is mostly not included: spa services, stores, souvenirs, personal necessities like bug sprays and lotions
For the most part, you won’t be spending anything extra on your stay at the resort. Options may vary depending on where you’re staying. Always take the time to read what is or is not included in your package.
Tip # 2 Bring Cash or Pay With Credit Card
Most businesses will accept most major credit cards. If you would prefer to bring cash, you have two options. You can pay with US dollars but you will end up paying more because of the exchange rate. Your best option is to have your US dollars exchanged to Mexican pesos ahead of time. Otherwise, the exchange rate at the airport is not as good.
Tip # 3 Research Excursions and Always Shop Around
If you love excursions, take the time to research what is available and know which ones you want to do ahead of time. At the resort, you will receive multiple offers at different price points. Shopping around for the best deals can save you and your family some money.
Tip # 4 Bring Change for Tips
Tipping is definitely optional. However, it doesn’t hurt to leave a tip especially for the room cleaning staff. Let’s face it; if you’re a vacation slob, leaving a little tip goes a long way. They’re happy with your token of gratitude, and you’ll be happy with better and faster service. It’s a win-win.
Tip # 5 Research Hotels and Resorts Before You Book
Not all hotels and resorts are the same. Some are more inclined to appease the younger crowds, some for the older honeymooners, and some are more family friendly. There are also a handful of clothing-optional and naturists-friendly resorts. Be sure to research ahead of time and know what you’ll be expecting during your stay.
Tip # 6 Let Your Bank Know About Your Travel Plans
If you’re planning to use your debit/credit card, call your bank ahead of time and let them know your plans. Some banks will put a freeze on your account if a suspected fraudulent foreign transaction is detected.
Tip # 7 Use Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Save money by using only credit cards with no additional fee for foreign international transactions. I use my Capital One Savor Card for all my travels for the 4% cashback on restaurants and no foreign transaction fees.
Tip # 8 Keep Your Hotel Address and Contact Information Handy
Always make sure you have your hotel’s contact information at all times during your trip especially when dealing with transportation services.
Tip # 9 Learn to Say No to Membership and Timeshare Presentations
Some of these high pressure presentations start the moment you get off your plane at the airport. They have agents trying to persuade you with great deals on excursions or entice you with free gifts and offerings. If you want to save some money on excursions and have 2-3 hours to spare, then this is an option for you. I would much prefer not listening to a business pitch while I’m on vacation. On a side note, some of these agents will require you to put down a small deposit deductible towards your excursions to somehow show your commitment. If you change your mind, you can have your money refunded to you at the airport.
Tip # 10 Research Restaurant Options Ahead of Time
Take the time to know the types of restaurants available to you at the resort. Some restaurants are open only on certain days. Take the time to know their schedule, dress code and if reservations are required. They will also have buffets and a la carte options. My personal favorites are Steak House Type Restaurants and Hibachi Style Restaurants. From my experience, their Asian, Italian and even Mexican restaurants are somewhat inauthentic.
Tip # 11 Keep Yourself Hydrated
As a general rule, tap water is not safe to drink. Their ice, however, is generally made with purified tap water. You should be able to enjoy your frozen margaritas with some peace of mind. If you’re out and about, keep yourself well hydrated and bring purified bottled water with you at all times.
Tip # 12 Complimentary Day Trips
Most hotels offer complimentary day trips available to you at the concierge. These trips typically takes have a day and most of them include tequila tasting, sampling local products and shopping.
Tip # 13 International Calling Plans
Depending on your usage, you might want to invest on an international calling plan. You can purchase some international minutes, or in my case with Verizon Wireless, they offer Travel Pass, which allows you to pay a small amount per phone per day ($5 – $10 depending on the country) to be able to use your remaining minutes. If your hotel offers free WiFi and you’re planning to stay at the resort most of the time, then you can just use your carrier’s free WiFi Calling Feature if available.
Tip # 14 Language
Most of the staff at the hotel can communicate in “Working” English. They should be able to answer most of your questions at the resort. Learning a few Spanish words, however, is a great way to create a connection and in some cases can translate into better and friendlier service. If outside the resort, I would recommend using a language translation app on your smartphone.
Tip # 15 Always Use The Safety Deposit Box For Your Valuables
Theft is oftentimes kept at a minimum in the resort. However, leaving your gadgets, money, travel documents, jewelry and other valuables all over your hotel room can be quite tempting. If you can’t afford to lose them, use the Safety Deposit Box so you will have that added level of security and peace of mind.
Tip # 16 Watered Down Alcohol
Alcohol is not cheap. Yes, they will serve you unlimited alcohol beverages but some of their drinks might be watered down to cut cost.
Tip # 17 Chichen Itza
Venerated as one of the great wonders of the world, this ancient Mayan ruin is a must-see architectural wonder in Mexico. If you are planning to book a tour to Chichen Itza, opt for the earliest schedule to beat the crowds and the smoldering Mexican sun.
Tip # 18 Pack Your Bug Sprays and Sunblock Lotions
Bug sprays and sunblock lotions are relatively cheap and readily available at any store with a pharmacy section here in the US. Get them ahead of time before your trip. Otherwise, you’ll find them severely overpriced at the resort.
Tip # 19 Safety First
Staying at the resort is generally safe. If you plan on going on a side trip, stay with the group or in a crowd at all times. Keep an eye on your belongings. If you’re traveling with kids, keep that parental leash on them at all times. Trusting your instincts and having some common sense goes a long way when it comes to keeping you and your family safe.
Tip # 20 Negotiate Prices
If you enjoy shopping at street markets, always remember that the first price they offer might not be the final price. Always try to get them lowered and negotiate your way to a better deal. This is a good way for you to save money on your trip.
Tip # 21 Transportation Services
I would recommend booking your transportation service ahead of time. Most travel sites will help you arrange your transportation with your purchase. If you do, make sure to keep the transportation company name, address and contact information handy at all times. You can take a taxi if you prefer. This might be a more costly option, but some rates are negotiable. Insurance rates are steep if you decide to rent a car. Otherwise, you can also take a bus to your hotel.
Tip # 22 Don’t Lose or Remove Your Wrist Bands
Wrist bands shows that you’re a paying customer and can have all the food and drinks you want at the resort. If you lose them, someone else might put them on and start taking advantage of the hotel’s list of privileges. As a result, resorts will oftentimes charge you a percentage of your room rate per person per day to get a new wrist band.
