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Mexico Before You Book

Mexico is an amazing country with a rich heritage and diverse geography.  Our resort is in the Mexican state of  Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula.  The area is also known as Riviera Maya (the Mayan Riviera) for it's beautiful beaches, 2nd largest coral reef system in the world, many historical archeological sites, and other diverse geographical areas.

US Passports

As you make your plans to attend a destination wedding the first thing you should do is check your passport. Do you have one? When does it expire? 

Step 1a - If you do not have a passport, please check the US State Department for more information on how to get one. You will need to prove citizenship with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship. When you apply for the passport, you must present proof of identity to the person taking the application.  Click here to apply for a new passport.

Step 1b - If you have a passport, check the expiration date and how many pages you have left. Many countries require the passport to be valid for a specific time frame after you depart their country.   If your passport expires within the next 6-8 months, please go ahead and renew it now. Don’t worry — you won’t lose the stamps you have accumulated up to this point. You will get your current passport sent back with the new one.  Click here to renew a passport.

Step 2 - Book your travel using the full legal names exactly as they appear on your passport. If you are getting married right before your trip and/or are planning on changing your name, please make sure you book your travel using the name on your passport.  

Step 3 - Make copies of your passport and keep them in a safe area. Give a copy to a trustworthy person in case you lose your passport while abroad.  

Step 4 - Safeguard your passport. Your passport should never leave your possession. While at your resort, please make sure your passport is kept in the room’s safe. 

Start now!!!  Give yourself enough time to take care of these passport details. The great news is that once you’ve got your current passport in hand all that’s left for you to do is book your trip, pack your bags and get ready for adventure!  

US Customs

  • Global Entry (includes TSA PreCheck) - The cost is $120 for 5 years. If you travel AT ALL, this is worth it! Shorter TSA lines with TSA PreCheck (electronics and liquids can stay in your bag and you don't have to take your shoes off!), expedited line through customs and did I mention the shoes? NOTE: This can take AWHILE - do this NOW! Click here for more info

  • TSA PreCheck - If you don't have/want Global Entry, TSA PreCheck is always a great thing to have and your credit card may reimburse you the cost! https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

  • ​What you can bring back to the US - the most common thing of concern is alcohol - you can bring back up to 1 liter of alcohol per person. This can be multiple, smaller bottles, but the total should not go over 1 liter. Otherwise, you only need to declare gifts over $800.  (NOTE: the Mexican Vanilla is far superior to the imitation vanilla found in the US, and is a great item to bring home!) More info here​​

Travel Safety

The wedding will be in a secure resort and you don't need to leave the resort other than to get to and from the airport if you wish.  This is a family oriented destination and resort. We have been to this resort, and many others in Mexico and never felt unsafe at any point.  That being said, you should always exercise good judgment and safety precautions any time you are traveling.  Here are a few to consider;​

  • Airport - you should have already booked transportation to the resort. There will be MANY, MANY people offering "help" to you once you get through airport customs.  While they are not scams, they could cost you extra money you DO NOT NEED TO SPEND. IGNORE THEM. Note - they can be persistent. IGNORE. You will have instructions from your transportation provider on where to meet them outside for your shuttle.  TRUST they are telling you the right spot, and you will find it.  It is not too difficult. Once you are outside and if you have questions, go to a stand and ask them if needed.

  • Scams - just like at home, there are scams out there. Be aware. No is usually the best answer. 

  • Communications - If your phone does not have an international or mexican plan, it is a good idea to download WhatsApp - it's a free texting app and you can use over wifi. Our hotel conciergerie will often text us using this ap. The resort does have free wifi if your phone is wifi calling enabled, so you really don't need an international plan. It is convenient if 1 person in your party has it for any issues at the airport before getting to the resort.

  • Attention - don't draw attention to yourself by wearing expensive jewelry or fashion. Also don't wear a big American flag shirt, etc. Blend into your surroundings.

  • Money - don't flash money around, always carry smaller bills and show as little extra money as possible when buying anything.

  • Online - don't overshare online. You will notice the rest of our Mexico website for travel information is password protected. If your facebook is private, please share! But if it is public, it is often best to wait until you are home to post dates of travel or pictures of any trip (don't let would be thieves know you are away from you home and it is possibly left unattended).​

  • Excursions - there are plenty of opportunities to travel outside of the resort, if you wish. Make sure you are booking through a reputable vendor, or there are always resort approved vendors right on site at the resort.  

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