Travel Tips

Baggage

Please be sure to print your name and address clearly on each tag or insert a business card and then affix it firmly to each piece of luggage.

New Current Baggage Restrictions (subject to change). All airlines have recently revised their baggage allowance policies. The following is a short synopsis of regulations for major airlines in effect at the time of publishing. Please check with your airline for the latest, up-to-date information prior to departure as rules & regulations are subject to change without notice.

American Airlines, US Airways and JetBlue. JetBlue is allowing the first checked luggage at no charge and is charging $40 each way for the second checked piece at a maximum of 50 lbs. and 62 total linear inches (total length + width + height). US Airways and American Airlines are charging $25.00 for the first checked bag and $40.00 for the second checked bag. There may be an additional $5.00 charge for paying these fees at the airport. Exceptions exist for high mileage members of the respective airline’s frequent flyer program. Please note that baggage fees are at attendee’s own expense.

As of June 11, 2014, your one carry-on bag must be small enough to fit beneath your seat or in the overhead compartment on board the plane. This carry-on bag should not weigh more than 45 pounds and should not be more than 22 inches long by 9 inches in height by 14 inches wide.

We suggest that you make a detailed list of everything you are bringing to the Riviera Maya. This will expedite the “search-and-claim” procedure in the case of missing or delayed luggage. As a further safeguard, it's a good idea to place name-and-address information inside each piece of your luggage.  We also recommend that you pack essential medicines, a swimsuit, some articles of clothing and toiletries in your carry-on bag in the event you are separated from your luggage overnight. If you do, remember the 3-1-1 rule outlined below.

3-1-1 Rule - Carry-On Allowance for Liquids, Creams or Pastes

If you wish to carry any toiletries on board, passengers may bring through the security checkpoint travel-size toiletries (3-ounce containers or smaller) that fit in 1, 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-lock bag (the 3-1-1 rule). The bag must be completely closed and sealed and must be submitted for inspection separately from other carry-on baggage. Examples of allowed toiletries include the following; lotion, mouthwash, perfume, shampoo, toothpaste, eye care products, and cosmetics.

Locking your checked baggage.

In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process.  If your bag is unlocked, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will simply open and screen the baggage.  However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open it through other means; the locks may have to be broken. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism.  These "special" locks can be opened by TSA using special keys without damaging the locks or your luggage.

Interlining your baggage.

If you are making flight connections en route to Riviera Maya be sure to have your baggage checked straight through (interlined) to that final destination. This interlining procedure is for your traveling convenience and is the tried-and-true method of getting luggage efficiently. The airport designation code is CUN. This code should appear on your baggage-claim stubs.

Banking

Banks are open Monday through Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. Some banks open on Saturday morning. Most banks will exchange money only until 2:00pm.

There is an ATM available onsite at Grand Velas Riviera Maya however it only dispenses Mexican Pesos.

Climate

The average temperature in April ranges from 86 degrees during the day to about 77 degrees in the evening with the water temperatures steady around 76 degrees year round.  Use those guidelines when planning your wardrobe for your stay in the Riviera Maya.  A lightweight windbreaker would be a good idea to have with you for the evening. Remember also that a comfortable pair of shoes or sandals is a good idea for walking on the hot sands of the beach.

Clothing

Travelers should pack lightweight, breathable clothing, and expect to dress in layers, as air-conditioned hotels; stores and restaurants can sometimes be chilly compared to outside temperatures. Sunscreen is a must, as are hats, because the sun is quite strong during the day. Daytime attire is generally resort casual which consists of nice pants, skorts, skirts, nice top, casual dress, sundress, nice sandals or casual shoes for the ladies and shorts or slacks with a golf/polo shirt for men. For evening attire - please note that a jacket & tie is not required for men. However, slacks with a collared shirt for men and stylish attire for the ladies is suggested for the Recognition Banquet and the fine dining restaurants at the hotel. Also note that the dress code at the other restaurants at the Grand Velas is generally Business Casual. They do not allow shorts, Bermuda shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, sneakers or flip-flop sandals in the evening.

Currency

The currency is the Mexican Peso.  Presently, there are approximately thirteen (13) pesos to the US dollar.  Monetary Exchange is done at the bank and at the airport. Pesos come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. Coins come in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 peso and 50, 20 and 10 centavos. Some denominations of bills and coins are very similar, so check carefully.

U.S. dollar denominated bills, but not coins, are widely accepted in Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen. Many hotels, shops, and market vendors, as well as virtually all hotel service personnel, take them, too. Dollar bills are particularly welcome as tips.

Electricity

The electrical current throughout Mexico is 110-120 volts, 60 cycles — the same as in the States. This means you won't need converters or plug adapters for small electrical appliances (hair dryers, shavers, travel irons, battery re-chargers, etc.) that you might wish to bring with you.

ID Requirements

The Government of Mexico requires that all US citizens present a valid US passport when entering Mexico and you will need your passport for re-entry into the US. A visa is not required for a tourist/transit stay up to 180 days. Citizens of countries other than the US should check with their country’s consulate to verify if a visa is necessary for your entry to Mexico.

Don't pack your passport — for you'll be asked to show it as part of the immigration procedure entering and exiting Mexico as well as in the U.S. upon return. A Tourist Card will be distributed by the airline and needs to be completed prior to arrival along with the customs declaration form. Tourist cards will be stamped by immigration authorities upon entering Mexico. DO NOT PACK your filled-out tourist card form for the return trip. When departing, each visitor must present this card at airline check-in to obtain an outbound boarding pass.

In an effort to enhance your travel experience we suggest that you apply for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

TSA Pre✓™ allows low-risk travelers to experience expedited, more efficient security screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints.

Global Entry - Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program. Your time is valuable. As a pre-screened Global Entry member, you arrive in the United States, check-in at the Global Entry kiosk - and you're on your way.

Included Features

As a Windstream ELITE participant, your Riviera Maya program includes: round-trip economy class air transportation from your designated airport on program dates; hotel accommodations for three (3) nights on program dates, hotel taxes and gratuities; baggage handling on transportation to and from Grand Velas Riviera Maya as well as at the hotel; ½ day group catamaran sail on Monday, April 13; one (1) company hosted pre-selected activity per person on Tuesday, April 14; full breakfast buffet daily on program dates; lunch and dinner with beverages each day during the program as indicated in the daily itinerary.

Air upgrades or deviations will be at your personal expense as well as any pre or post extensions.

Language

Spanish is the official language of Riviera Maya. However, English is spoken in virtually all the hotels, restaurants and shops. Below are some Spanish phrases that you might find useful.

Good morning…...Buenos dias.
Good afternoon/evening…...Buenos tardes.
Good night…...Buenos noches.
Hello…...Hola.
Goodbye…...Adios.
See you later…...Hasta luego.
How much…...Cuanto?
Very expensive…...Muy caro.
Still too expensive…...Todabia es demasiado cara!
I don’t want it…... No lo quiero.
Please…...Por favor.
Thanks…...Gracias.

Laundry Service

The hotel offers a rather expensive laundry service and dry cleaning. It is suggested that you bring garments that don’t require dry cleaning. A spot remover is a handy item to have with you. For wrinkle removal, irons and ironing boards are available or you can use the traveler's reliable trick of hanging your rumpled clothing in the hotel bathroom, running a hot shower for a few minutes and waiting for the “steam” to make the creases disappear.

Meals

Since the Grand Velas is an all-inclusive resort, full breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided as part of each day's group program while we're together in Riviera Maya. Breakfasts and lunches will be at leisure during posted hours in the hotel. For at leisure breakfasts and lunches in the hotel just print your name, room number and Windstream on the check, sign it and you are all set.  Please note that you will see prices on the menus at the restaurants at the hotel. This is because they are open to the public as well as all-inclusive hotel guests. Dinners for three nights during the program will be provided at the times and locations indicated in the daily itinerary.  

Medical Services

In case of medical emergencies, the resort has medical services available on property. To access the doctor, simply dial 0 for the hotel operator.  The doctor is available from 9:00am – 5:00pm and then on-call 24/7 for any emergencies after hours.

Name Badges

We ask that you wear your name badge to our Welcome Function and Recognition Banquet — as a courtesy to your fellow travelers and hosts as well as to quickly identify yourself to the travel staff as a guest of Windstream.

Personal Expenses

Any incidental charges incurred, such as additional meals, personal bar bills, laundry/valet service, room service, telephone calls, etc., will be your own personal expenses. The resort hotel will keep a separate record of these expenditures. Please be sure to settle your incidental account with the hotel cashier in ample time prior to departure. For your convenience, traveler's checks as well as American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted for payment.

Shopping

Avenida 5 in Playa del Carmen is bursting with shops that offer visitors marvelous opportunities for shopping. There are very upscale prestigious brand boutiques reminiscent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. There also are stores featuring the designs and creations of local tailors and dressmakers utilizing an amazing palette of colors and cloths. Some of the shops specialize in the regional dresses that the women of the Yucatan wear, the huipil, as well as the cool guayaberas or shirt-jacs that the men use. Others feature regional dresses from all over Mexico.

There is a plethora of jewelry stores on La Quinta, some featuring the lines of internationally renowned designers and others specializing in creations in Mexican silver and gold. It is important that you purchase such items from the reputable stores on La Quinta rather than from street vendors and others who often foist off ersatz jewelry on unsuspecting tourists. Quite often, you can bargain with the jewelry shop owners in order to get better prices on the items you wish to purchase.

The same thing goes with the myriad number of shops featuring creations by local artisans, beautiful arts and crafts that will lend an air of color and sophistication to your home. Bargaining usually is a given with these shop owners. Shops are open 7 days a week generally from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. Many shops will accept credit cards as payment but there are shops that only accept cash as a payment method.

Sun Warning

The sun on the Riviera Maya is glorious, but it is stronger than it feels! It is advisable to limit your sun exposure, especially during the first days of your island vacation. Bring plenty of suntan lotion and sunblock with a sunscreen formula that’s best for your type of skin. Be sure to always apply sunscreen whether at the beach or just out sightseeing and especially while on our catamaran sail!  Remember to reapply your sunscreen several times during the day to prevent burning.  A good pair of sunglasses and hat are also a must.

Taxis

Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen transportation is very easy, with most people using taxis to get around.  Taxis are available 24 hours a day and at all hotels. Rates are per taxi and a maximum of 4 people per taxi is allowed. There are taxi stands at strategic places in the mayor towns or simply stop any taxi on the street.  Taxis have fixed rates and all taxi drivers should have a rate chart available. It is recommended to make out the price before boarding. Make sure you carry small bills or the correct amount as change is difficult sometimes.The current average cost for a taxi from the resort to Playa del Carmen is approximately $10.00 – $15.00 for 1–4 people each way. Make sure to ask for the fare before getting in as most taxis in Mexico are not metered.

Telephone Calls

Placing a long-distance call through the hotel operator will result in a substantial service charge applied to your room bill. Dialing direct from your room and billing the call to a credit card or by making collect calls easily avoid this. When calling direct to the United States or Canada, dial 001 (country code) before the area code and phone number. Please note that long distance dialing including the use of a credit card, calling card, collect calls and 800 numbers are accessed a service fee of approximately $4.00 USD per call.

Riviera Maya operates on the GSM system that is supported by AT & T, T-Mobile and other carriers. Guests must be signed up for international roaming service with their carrier before departing the US. Sprint and Verizon have developed global phones which include a SIM card that can operate on the GSM network. However, the phone owner must contact the carrier to ensure that their phone will function in the Riviera Maya and that the SIM card is activated and ready to be used outside the United States.

Check with your local carrier to see what the current prices for calls are as roaming rates can range typically $1.00 - $3.00 per minute. Texting is less expensive and rates are typically $0.50 to send and $0.05 to receive.

Since each room includes free internet access, consider using Skype or another form of VOIP software if you will be bringing a computer or Wi-Fi enabled phone. There are also a number of free apps available for the iPhone or Android smartphones that can be downloaded prior to departing the US which will help with avoiding roaming and texting charges as long as Wi-Fi is available on your smartphone and in the area. Some of these apps are WhatsApp, Viber, Tango and UppTalk.

Time Zone

During our trip in April, the Riviera Maya is on the Central Daylight Savings Time, the same time as Little Rock, Arkansas and one hour behind Eastern Daylight Savings Time.

Tipping

Ample gratuities are provided for hotel personnel, all services connected with group activities and meals. It is, however, recommended that you tip on your own for any special or personal services you may receive during your trip.

You should expect a thorough inspection of your luggage and carry-on bags when you return to the U.S.  Not declaring all purchases prior to going through Customs could be both expensive and embarrassing!

U.S. Customs

You will be entitled to an $800.00 per-person customs allowance. Purchases in excess of $800.00 up to $1,600.00 will be assessed at a flat 10% customs duty rate. Purchases in excess of $1,600.00 will be subject to customs duty rates of typically 10% to 40% depending on the item. One liter of alcoholic beverage per adult 21 years of age or older, may be included in the exemption. If you have any question about U.S. Customs regulations and requirements, please refer to the Customs & Border Protection website, www.cbp.gov/travel.

Valuables

We strongly urge you to leave your valuables safely at home. If you insist upon bringing expensive jewelry, watches or other such belongings, safe-deposit facilities and in-room safes are available for you.

Value-Added Tax(VAT)

Mexico has a value-added tax (VAT) of 16%. Virtually all establishments already include the IVA in the quoted price.

Eligibility for tax refund
To be eligible for the tax refund, you must have spent at least 1,200 pesos on Mexican goods - there's no refund for services, so hotel and food expenses do not apply - and you must return to your country by sea or air. Each receipt that you present must be for at least 1,200 pesos (individual items may cost less, but the complete purchase at the store must be for at least that amount). If the purchase was paid for in cash, the refund will not surpass 3,000 pesos. Purchases must be made in stores and establishments that are affiliated with the tax reimbursement program in order to qualify.

Procedure for obtaining a refund
To obtain the refund, on the day of your departure you must visit one of the tax refund kiosks located at airport in Mexico and hand in the reimbursement request form completely filled out, with banking information (name of bank and account number). You must present your passport, immigration form (such as a tourist card), plane ticket, purchase receipts, and bring along the goods purchased to be verified.

You will receive 50% of the reimbursement (up to 10,000 pesos) in cash, and the other 50% will be refunded through electronic transfer to your bank account within 40 days. The companies which process the tax refunds charge a 35% fee of the total tax refund. Tax refund kiosks are available at the airport in Mexico.

Water

The hotel’s water is purified and safe to drink. We recommend that when outside of the hotel, that you drink only bottled water.

Packing Tips

A checklist to help you remember everything before you go!