Travel Tips

Tips while staying at the resort.

Drinking the water

This is still somewhat true. While we wouldn't recommend drinking large amounts from the sink, it's safe to brush your teeth in. They will have plenty of bottled water available and it's filtered in restaurants. Remember, STAY HYDRATED!

Phone Apps

Some resort brands have mobile apps you can download to your phone to get dining menus, activity schedules, and a schedule of nightly entertainment.

Security

The most common thing we hear "is it safe there". Yes. Any country or city has crime problems, but they differ from the US. Resort destinations rely on tourism and do everything they can to keep visitors safe. While you may see news stories about a crime in a destination it usually doesn't involve random tourists. Reports of visitors being drugged or given tainted alcohol are usually a result of someone drinking way too much. We do not send our clients to shady resorts!

Shopping

Resorts have various shops for toiletries, souvenirs, jewelry, and apparel. The prices are high so please remember to bring everything with you. A bottle of sunscreen can cost as much as $40. 

Timeshare Sales

Many resort brands have some sort of timeshare program they will try to sell you.  It might be called a vacation club or unlimited travel.  Steer clear of these salespeople.  They will try to trick into a presentation by offering resort coupons, free romantic dinners, spa packages, etc. 

"The towel game"

This is the most unfortunate part of all-inclusive travel. Other guests who come out early to reserve pool/beach chairs and leave, not to be seen until later in the day. Most resorts have policies against this, but they rarely enforce them. It varies by resort and occupancy. Be prepared to get up early for a prime spot!

TQO - Tulum Airport

By Stephen Couch • September 5, 2025
Terminals There is only one terminal at TQO.

PUJ - Punta Cana Airport

By Stephen Couch • August 15, 2025
Information regarding flying in and out of Punta Cana 

SJD - Cabo San Lucas Airport

By Stephen Couch • August 15, 2025
Terminals The Cabo San Lucas airport has only one terminal. Immigration There are no forms to fill out when you arrive. Simply present your passport and boarding pass to the officer. Customs After you pick up your bags from luggage claim, you will exit to the customs area. You are required to fill out a customs declaration form. They have them available at the line entrance. When you approach the officer, they will have you press a button. If you get the green light, you may proceed. If you get the red, then you will be taken back for additional screening.

CUN - Cancun Airport

By Stephen Couch • August 1, 2025
Information regarding flying in and out of Cancun International Airport.

Why we don't prefer Frontier Airlines

October 4, 2024
Why we don't prefer Frontier Airlines.

Resort Dining

October 4, 2024
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. Some resorts offer food trucks, ice cream and churro carts, pizza ovens, and special theme night dinners. Keep your eye out.

Choosing a room category

October 4, 2024
Room categories vary by name at each resort but typically fall into the following categories. Keep in mind you will not be spending the majority of your time in the room. Standard rooms have a sitting area, TV, mini fridge, safe, closet, hair dryer, balcony/patio, and coffee/expresso maker. Room categories Tropical/Garden View - Usually ground or second floor and not really a view of anything. Cheapest, but consider its less steps to get to. Swim-up - Not all resorts have these, but your room will have direct access to a private pool. Ocean View - In most cases this means you are able to see the ocean in some way. It might be just a glimpse through the trees or an adjacent building. Very deceptive and usually not worth it. Ocean Front - If an ocean view from your room is important, then this is the best option. They are located in the buildings closest to the beach. Family suites - These include two bedrooms and it's a good option for those traveling with children. Not all resorts have these, contact us and we can give you some recommendations. Master and Presidential Suites - These are suites with a living room and separate bedroom. They can get pretty extravagant depending on the resort but so does the price tag. VIP service - Most brands offer some type of VIP package. This could mean better room categories or locations, access to special lounges and restaurants, and other amenities. We will give you our honest opinion if we think it's worth it at your resort. Tips Let the staff know what beverages you would like to have stocked in your mini fridge. Housekeeping will clean your room while you are out for the day.

Our guide to tipping

September 30, 2024
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. Upon arrival at the airport for flight home you will 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 chaos of the departure area and to check-in. 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.