Helpful Tips
- Most all inclusive resorts have dress codes requiring long pants for men in their restaurants. Check the website for your specific resort to see the requirements. Some accept jeans and others do not.
- Tipping is allowed at most resorts (Sandals & Beaches resorts being the exception). This is at your discretion. Take small bills as they might not be able to change larger bills at the hotel. They prefer money in the currency of their country but will accept US money as well. Suggested Tipping Amounts:
- Bar drinks $1 per drink
- Waitstaff at buffet meals $2 per guest
- Waitstaff at served breakfast/lunch $3 per guest
- Waitstaff at served dinner $5 per guest
- Luggage handlers $2 per bag
- Drivers $5-10
- Daily Housekeeping $5 – I like to leave it on the table with a note so they know it's for them. I do this daily as you might have different housekeepers each day.
- Room Service $3 per guest ordering
- The frozen drink cups served at the pool are generally pretty small. Take an insulated mug for your frozen drinks. The bartenders will make your drink right into your mug and you won’t find yourself waiting for a drink as often.
- Please use the safe in your room for valuables. It is very rare that something would come up missing but why take the risk? If you have an item too large for the safe (laptop etc) lock it in your suitcase after you unpack.
- Pack a small can of bug spray. Mosquitos can be a problem in the tropics and it can be expensive to purchase bug spray at the resort.
- Rooms are generally not ready until 3 pm. Make sure you pack a swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry on so you can enjoy the pool/beach when you arrive. The bellmen will hold your luggage until your room is ready .
- No need to pack towels. Towels will be provided by the resort.
- Pack some Tums/Immodium in your bag. Most resorts filter their water but any time you travel and are eating foods that are out of your norm there is a risk of catching a bug. Typically this won’t last long but be prepared just in case.
- Sunscreen is expensive at the resort so make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen. Biodegradable sunscreen protects the reefs so when possible use it. Some excursions like the Cenotes require it. Don’t forget lip balm with spf.
- Depending on your resort some restaurants require reservations and others don’t accept reservations at all. Ask when you check in what policy your resort has if they don't tell you.
- If you have a lot of electronics, pack a power strip. Most Mexico and Caribbean resorts will have an outlet that doesn’t need converted.
- Notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling out of the country. If you don’t travel very often they could flag your transactions as fraud and lock your card.
