Travel Tips
Resort Dining
All resorts differ in options, but most have a common lineup. Also, most brands post their menus online so you can research them prior to booking and departure. Remember it's all-inclusive so get whatever you want and no need to wait for the check! *Premium options are the only exception to the all-inclusive package. You may see certain restaurants have an upcharge for foods like Wagyu steak or lobster. They may also have premium wines or spirits.
- Dining options
- Breakfast - Main buffet, coffee shop, or a specific restaurant for sit-down meal service.
- Lunch - Main buffet, specified restaurant, pool/beach service, and snack bars.
- Dinner - The typical resort has five or more restaurants for dinner. Mexican, French, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, steak house, and seafood are the usual themes. While the buffet is an option at family resorts, it's usually closed at adult only resorts.
- Room service - Don't feel like going out? Order room service and eat a meal in the comfort of your room or balcony.
- Bars - Lobby, sports bar, beach, pool swim-up, and a nightclub.
- Dress codes are strictly enforced by restaurant staff. During the day your fine to wear your beach wear for lunch. However, at night somewhat formal wear is required at most restaurants. Long pants/closed toe shoes for the men and dresses for the ladies.
- Tips
- Reservations - Most resorts don't require dinner reservations other than the Hibachi tables. It's first come first serve. The busiest times are 7-9 so plan to wait if going during those times. If your resort does require reservations, feel free to stop by anytime to see if they can get you in. Many times, they will.
- Some resorts offer food trucks, ice cream and churro carts, pizza ovens, and special theme night dinners. Keep your eye out.
- It's all-inclusive, get what you want. Don't feel bad about ordering two appetizers or even two meals!
Packing Tips on what and what not to bring
Information regarding flying in and out of Montego Bay, Jamaica
Tips while staying at the resort.
Information regarding flying in and out of Tulum
Information regarding traveling in and out of Punta Cana
Information regarding flying in and out of Cabo San Lucas
Information regarding flying in and out of Cancun International Airport.
Frontier Airlines - Fees and possible issues
Choosing a room category
Most resorts state that gratuities are not required. While this is true, we always recommend tipping. The average resort employee makes less than $10 a day so you can see what a few dollars here and there can mean to them. Below is a general guide for when we tip and the general amounts. Transfer driver - $20-40 depending on the total distance of the drive and driver courtesy. (each way) Bellman - $5-10 Breakfast - $2-3 Lunch - $3-5 Dinner - $10-20 depending on the type of dinner and service. Bartenders/Servers - While we don't tip on every drink, a dollar here and there is appreciated. Consider laying down a five or ten if you plan on being at a bar for a couple hours or more. Pool attendant/concierge - Not all resorts have these but tipping them can be crucial if you want prime real estate at the pool. $10-20 on the first day may secure your chairs for the week! Housekeeping - $2-3 per day. Be sure to leave this on the bed. Butler/Concierge - If a resort provides this service, then tip on the service provided. If they only introduce themselves and you never see them again, don't tip at all. If they have gone all out, leave a hefty one on departure. I've never done more than $100 though. Airport baggage porters - $5-10. At the airport you might be approached by porters wanting to take your bags. We used to think this was a scam but have recently realized it's well worth the tip. They will help you navigate your way through the airport chaos and will help you find your driver on arrival or check in to your flight faster when leaving. Here's some other pointers regarding tipping For a seven night trip we recommend bringing $500 in cash broken up by denomination. $150 in ones, $150 in fives, $100 in tens and $100 in twenties. We always come back with spare money but it's best to have more than not enough. ATM's come with hefty fees abroad. Not all tips have to be money. Consider leaving items for staff if you think they would like or need them. For example, the people in the Dominican Republic are huge baseball fans. Leaving them a cup with an MLB logo on it can mean a lot to them or their children. Also mentioning by them by name in a review can get them rewarded by the resort. Carry a cheap wallet for cash in your beach bag, leave the real one in your safe. Slipping a few dollars in your waterproof phone case is also helpful while at the swim up bar.