4 Mistakes that will Kill your Cancun Vacation Vibe

You’ve finally arrived in Cancun, now it’s time for some fun in the sun! But, there are 4  mistakes travelers make that can kill the vacation vibe before you ever leave the airport.

RESEARCH THE HOTEL

You’ve booked your hotel, but how much do you know about it? There are a couple of things you need to consider before you leave on vacation, especially in the world of coronaviruses.

• Ask About Seaweed — Cancun is known for its beach and party vibe. If you shell out the cash to stay at a beachfront hotel, you’ll want to make the most of the location, right? That may not always be possible. When I stayed at the Azul Beach Resort, the beach wasn’t even open because of the seaweed. This is an issue from Cancun to Playa de Carmen, along the Atlantic coast. It happens because the seaweed grows easily in the area’s calm water. There was so much seaweed at the Azul Beach Resort, it was piled up on the beach. The resort even has a dedicated “seaweed department,” but just can’t keep up with the issue. The seaweed not only closed the beach, but the rotting seaweed smell was overwhelming. Specifically ask about seaweed before you book a beachfront hotel. I did not, but did ask if everything was open because I was concerned about COVID, and the reservation line at the resort told me nothing was closed.
• COVID-19 Tests — Just because the U.S. doesn’t require testing to reenter the country doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Airlines still require a negative test before you can board the plane. Know the requirements before you leave for vacation. You’ll also need to know if the tests are offered on site at the resort or hotel where you stay, and how much the tests cost. Some resorts offer testing included with your stay, others don’t. There are also off-site testing options. You’ll just need to know where to go. Keep in mind that your test needs to be taken no more than three days before you leave to go home.

AIRPORT TRANSFER

Uber and Lyft don’t operate in the Cancun area at this point, so you need to think about how you’ll reach your hotel. The experience can be easy and relaxing, or a frantic search that ends up costing you.

• Hotel Transfer — Does the hotel you booked offer a complementary transfer from the airport? If so, ask if it’s an exclusive service or if other hotels share the transfer. If it’s free and you won’t have to stop at other hotels, this is the way to go!
• Private Transfer — There are dozens of companies that off this service. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting with this option. I booked a company called Happy Shuttle. At the time Happy Shuttle only offered private transfers because of the pandemic. The price was $71 total for 2 people, roundtrip. At the time of booking, you can choose to add beer, soda or water to your transfer. You can also add a stop at a store for an extra fee. I did not add either of these at the time of booking, HOWEVER, when our driver picked us up, he also had cold beer and water in the van. He couldn’t “sell” us the beer. Instead he “gave” it to us and we tipped him more for the trip. I also realized we needed to buy sunscreen. He made a quick stop at a gas station on the way to the resort for no additional charge.
• Shared Transfer — This will likely be the cheapest transfer, because you’ll share the van with other people. Keep in mind that you’ll likely stop at several hotels to drop off passengers, so it will also take longer to arrive at your hotel.
• Taxi — This will likely be the most expensive option, but also doesn’t require any preplanning, if you’re willing to pay the price.

THE “PITCH”

Getting through customs , baggage claim, and the crowd of other travelers can be overwhelming, but not everyone is actually trying to help you at the airport.

• After following the masses through the terminal and rental car area at the Cancun airport, you’ll reach another massively crowded area. Just keep walking. You’ll meet your driver or get in a taxi queue outside. As you walk, people will offer to help you and then act like they’re with the transfer company you booked. They are not. If you acknowledge them, you’ll be pulled aside and have to stand through a sales pitch. They may say they’re offering a special deal to check out the Hard Rock resort and you’ll only pay $20 pp. Of course you’ll also have to sit through a sales pitch at Hard Rock when your arrive. Instead of stopping, politely say “no thanks” and keep walking. If you need help finding your driver, you can ask any operator once you step outside the terminal and you’ll be pointed in the right direction.

MARGARITAVILLE

• It’s not a vacation without a margarita! Looming right outside the airport terminal is Margaritaville. It beckons at each traveler walking by in the summer heat and humidity. Just keep walking. Stopping here will cost you at least $22 dollars a margarita! There are other stands in the same area that also offer drinks, or you can get to your transportation and wait a few short minutes to arrive at your hotel.

Follow these steps and you’ll be at the beach in no time!