Q. What documentation do I need?
 

UNITED STATES CITIZENS

All U.S. citizens must have a Government Issued Passport, valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your trip, in order to travel to Mexico.

NON-UNITED STATES CITIZENS

If you are NOT a U.S. citizen (are traveling on a non-United States passport), please verify your specific documentation requirements with your country's consulate before departing. Please note that non-U.S. citizens may require a visa to enter Mexico.

ALL GUESTS

It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to verify and obtain all necessary documentation requirements when traveling to another country. Many countries require passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return and may require blank passport pages for entry and exit stamps. Some citizens may be required to obtain a Visa to enter certain countries. More information for US citizens can be found HERE.

We also recommend packing a photocopy of the picture and signature pages of your passport. If your passport should get lost, the photocopies will make it much easier to get an emergency replacement.

 

Q. How do I get a Passport? (U.S. Citizens)

Your local post office will be able to tell you where the nearest passport agency is. You will need a certified birth or naturalization certificate and a government-issued photo ID, along with passport photos, which can be taken at almost any photo studio or photo lab. Typical processing time is approximately six weeks. If you choose to pay the expedite fee, typical processing time is only two weeks. You can download current passport applications via the Internet by accessing: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

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Q. When should I leave for the airport?

Recommended international check-in time is three hours prior to departure. Please call the airline or access the airline's Internet site to check for schedule changes/flight delays and reconfirm recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage.

Remember, it’s your responsibility to arrive at the airport with enough time to complete all ticketing, baggage check and security clearance procedures to arrive at the gate ready to board.

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Q. What items can I carry on?

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Due to potential security issues on flights, the Transportation SecurityAdministration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can still carry on, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/.

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Q. Should I lock my checked luggage?

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may need to open your checked bags in order to perform a random security screening. If your bags are locked, TSA will break the locks during the screening process and does not assume liability for any damage this may cause.

TSA-recognized locks, which can be opened by TSA using tools provided by luggage-industry members, help prevent the need to break locks. However, TSA-recognized locks are still occasionally broken during the screening process. If you want to guarantee that your checked bags are not forced open, leave them unlocked, but make sure you carry all documentation and valuables with you.

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Q. How do customs procedures work at the Cancun International Airport?

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Upon arrival at the Cancun International Airport, you will pass through immigration and present the Mexican immigration agent your tourist card (which you will receive on the airplane) and your passport. You will then claim your luggage and proceed through Customs to declare any goods. You will press a button on a light resembling a traffic signal. A green light means that your bags will pass through without inspection, a red light means that your bags will be randomly inspected. You will need to keep your tourist card with you for when you depart Mexico.

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Q. Should I purchase Travel Insurance?

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Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance through TravelGuard. TravelGuard is an affordable plan with a comprehensive package of travel assistance and concierge services available 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world. With TravelGuard, you receive basic coverage in the event of trip-related expenses, including cancellation, interruption, or delay; emergency medical treatment or evacuation; lost, stolen, or damaged baggage or travel documents; or baggage delay. Coverage may be purchased any time up to 24 hours before departure; however, in order to qualify for coverage for cancellations that may be necessary due to pre-existing medical conditions, TravelGuard requires purchase within 15 days of registration. For full details of description of coverage or to purchase TravelGuard click HERE.

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Q. How much luggage can I take?

Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case. All carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. You will also be allowed to check bags. Most airlines charge fees for checked baggage. Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees.

Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

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Q. What should I pack?

Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are suitable for men, while shorts, skirts, tank tops, T-shirts and sandals are ideal for women. Temperatures can be lower than normal in February so it is always a good idea to pack a warmer outfit, such as jeans and long-sleeved T-shirts, just in case.

Dress Clothing

Your daily clothing is sufficient for casual restaurants, but you'll need dress clothing for the more formal restaurants. Slacks and dress shirts are acceptable for men, while slacks, skirts, blouses and dresses are suitable for women.

Beaches and Excursions

As you plan your vacation, research the destinations in and around Playa del Carmen that you might consider visiting on a day trip. The area is home to several ecological parks, such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha, which offer highlights including swimming with dolphins and snorkeling with fish. If you're interested in Mayan ruins, El Rey is just south of Playa del Carmen and Chichen Itza is west of Playa del Carmen. If you plan to walk around the ruins or do something else that requires significant hiking, pack running shoes and light clothing that will shield you from the sun. Ensure you have an extra bathing suit, sandals or water shoes and plenty of sunscreen for visiting an ecological park.

General Items

The list of general items you pack should range from those that are essential to those that will help you enjoy your visit. Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, hair products, makeup and other accessories, and if you get ill easily when traveling, take some medication that will help with an upset stomach and other common travelers' ailments. To help record the memories of your trip, pack a camera and some spare batteries. Remember to pack your passport and information about your visit.

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Q. What is the weather like in Playa del Carmen?

  

Located on the eastern side of the low-lying Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen has a fairly predictable climate, making it a great vacation destination. The dry season in Playa del Carmen starts in November and lasts until April. This period generally sees comfortable temperatures because of the north trade winds, which are strongest in these dry months, bring cooling breezes to the coast.
 
Among all of the months, January and February are the most comfortable with an average high of 83°F, but temperature rarely drops much below 68°F even at night. The dry season is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen. March and April are the driest and sunniest months in the year. Humidity can be high throughout this season, often around 79%.
 
Playa del Carmen's proximity to the sea makes it subject to ocean-related breezes. Generally, winds are calm but can gust, especially with an approaching storm. Average rainfall in February and March is around two inches.

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Q. For what can I expect to pay?

Items of a personal nature including, but not limited to, spa treatments, shopping, tours, excursions, etc. are not included.

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Q. Can I drink the water?

It is recommended that you do not drink tap water in Mexico. Most locals in Mexico do not drink water from their tap and prefer to drink bottled water. The tap water and ice at most resorts in Mexico is purified, it is recommended that you drink bottled water. Bottled water will be provided in each guest room for your use.

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Q. What is the electrical voltage in Mexico?

 

Electric current throughout Mexico is conformed to 110 volts, 60 cycles. It is the same type used in the United States and Canada. Some electrical outlets at hotels and resorts are still the two prong type. To get around this and enable you to use a notebook computer with a three prong electrical cord plug, it is recommended that you take a converter with you.

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Q. What if I have a special health concern?

If you have any medical conditions or physical disabilities that may require special attention, please contact Destinations at (801) 446-5000 prior to departure. Passengers requiring prescription medications are advised to bring keep them in their carry-on luggage or personal item (purse or back pack, etc).

 

While we don't require information about the extent of your disability, the more information you can share with us about your specific needs, the better we are able to assist you. If we do not receive enough advance notice, we will make reasonable efforts to provide requested equipment and/or services. If anything is needed, please email Destinations as soon as possible.