Mexico Beach Vacations & Luxury Mexico Resort Reviews

Sara's Top Mexico Travel Tips

1. Use a Travel Checklist.  Download Sara's 150+ Point Mexico Vacation CheckList (right-click)
2. High season for Mexico Resorts is between December - April.
3. Check out the resort's "members" program (if they have one) to see what benefits they provide.  Here's an example of RIU's.
4. Weather conditions - Check local weather conditions BEFORE you travel.  Current Weather: Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen (Mayan Riviera), Puerto Vallarta
5. When you arrive at the airport go straight to your transportation.  Do not fall for the "whale watching and other tours" offers from the "tourist information" booths in the airport.  These are almost always fronts for timeshare pitches.
6. Attire - lightweight clothing made of natural fibers will be most comfortable.  Be sure to include comfortable, sturdy, walking shoes and socks for visiting archaeological sites, reserves, or parks.
7. Bring watershoes for the beach.
8. Bring a sweater or long sleeved shirt for the evenings as they can get cool.
9. Bring some extra wire clothes hangers for the closet.
10. Communication - the postal service in Mexico tends to be slow.  Never send anything of value from Mexico by mail.  This includes checks and credit card information. 
11. Dietary health - be careful of what you eat outside the resorts in order to avoid “turista,” or traveler’s diarrhea.  Water, fresh fruit and vegetables can be contaminated.  Luxury Resorts will typically (please check) provide bottled water, and properly washed fruits and vegetables for consumption.
12. Possession, transportation and sale of archaeological relics or historical treasure is considered a Federal offense.  Destruction, removal or mistreatment of marine coral is also a Federal offense. 
13. Online access - internet cafes are readily available in larger cities, at reasonable prices.  Most resorts will also offer internet access (may be at charge) on the premises.
14. Your bank may have a branch in the resort town.  Find out where it is.  Here's a link to Visa's global ATM locator database: VISA ATM Locator.  Here's an article on Banking in Mexico.
15. Money exchange - the best place to change money is through a bank.  The exchange rate will not be as good at airports, train or bus stations, hotels, restaurants or stores.
16. Pesos - get a small amount of Mexican pesos before leaving on your trip in order to avoid long lines at airport exchange booths.  Currency Conversion Calculator
17. Pharmacies - many drugstores are open 24 hours a day.  Medical facilities and doctor’s offices in the major resort towns are equipped to deal with most emergencies (check with you resort front desk).
18. Safety - Most resort areas are safe to travel in, but you should still consult your own government's tourist advisories for the area: Canadians, Americans.  Normal safety precautions should be taken, such as securing valuables and not flashing large amounts of money.
19. Solo travel - for women traveling alone, exercise caution.  Although violent crimes against women are rare, women are often subjected to whistling and flirtatious behavior.  Avoid eye contact with men on the street, say “No” to whatever is said, and walk quickly to a safe place such as a store.
20. Tipping - leave $1 to $2 for hotel maids per day, per room.  Bellhops and porters, leave $1 to $2.  Leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants - if a service charge hasn’t already been added to the bill.
21. Transportation - Most resort cities have an efficient public transportation system.  Transportation choices include taxis, local buses, and bike, scooter or car rentals.
22. Mexico's electrical grid operates on a 120v / 60 hz system, so most American appliances will work without an adapter.
23. Scan important travel documents such as your itinerary, passports, travellers cheque receipts, etc.  Print a duplicate as well as email yourself a copy.
24. Confirm the taxi fare to the destination BEFORE you get into the taxi.
25. If you need to make a long distance call buy a long distance phone card in Mexico.  It will be less expensive that using your credit card or charging the room.
26. Avoid the timeshare presentations.  (Unless you like timeshare presentations.)
27. If you have small children, take a photo of them before leaving on your trip.  If you become separated you will have a ready photo to show the authorities.
28. Take a small tube of an over the counter anti-bacterial ointment/creme such as Polysporin with you.
29. On board the plane to Mexico you will be given a visitors card to fill out. Give the top half to the customs officer on arrival and keep the bottom portion.  KEEP THIS CARD.  You will need it leave the country after your holiday.
30. Be sure to keep all your purchase receipts in case you have to show customs on your return.
31. Check with the airline about their luggage size and weight restrictions BEFORE you leave.
32. Consider buying a pair of pants with zippered legs that convert into shorts.  These can be quite handy heading into a hot humid Mexican airport, or back into a cold Canadian car.
33. Bring some extra zip-lock bags in various sizes.  They can be quite handy.
34. Take a Swiss Army knife (one with a pair of scissors).
35. Always use the safe in your room to store your valuables.  Never leave them lying around, or in a drawer.
36. If you use one of the resort's beach towels take a new one back to your room for the evening when you return the used one.  Sometimes the resorts can be late with the laundry in the morning, and this way you will always have a fresh towel for the beach.
37. Locate your consular office in the resort city you are visiting: Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel, Mayan Riviera, Puerto Vallarta
38. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18.

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