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Vacation tips for Caribbean and Mexico travel

Thursday, 23 February 2006

Traveling to the Caribbean and Mexico can be an exciting and relaxing experience when combined with the proper planning and research. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or leaving the country for the first time, it is prudent to prepare in advance to make certain that all bases are covered before making that drive to the local airport. The first step after receiving your documents is to carefully review the hotel vouchers and airline passenger receipts or tickets. Make sure that each passenger name matches the proof of citizenship required for travel to that destination. Review the hotel room category, any special requests, airport transfer vouchers and any additional items that were purchased. In the event of a discrepancy, you must contact your agent immediately to correct any issues prior to departure. We recommend reconfirming flight times and flight numbers with the airline 24-48 hours prior to the scheduled departure. Airline schedules change frequently and sometimes without notice. When calling the airline to reconfirm, it always a good idea to provide a cellphone number for emergency contact in the event of last minute changes.

Caribbean and Mexico travel require proper proof of citizenship for entry. Passports are required for all travel packages to Caribbean and Mexico. The most up to date information will be found at the travel.state.gov website. Travel requirements for children vary from destination to destination. The Dominican Republic, for example has very strict rules for children traveling without their natural parents or children that have different last names than the traveling parent or guardian. Information can be found for travel to the Dominican Republic at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1103.html
It is highly recommended that families research the requirements for individual destinations by visiting the travel.state.gov website.

Purchasing trip insurance with your vacation allows travelers to avoid penalties if unforeseen events or circumstances arise which result in the cancellation of the trip. The best type of travel protection is the "Cancel For Any Reason" protection that is provided by Travel Impressions and is administered through Berkeley Care. A complete description of the plan may be obtained by calling 1-800-453-4053.

Proper packing is vital to a successful vacation. All essentials, such as prescription medication, corrective lenses or glasses, proof of citizenship, travel documents, cellphones and other expensive items should be placed in carry-on baggage(please consult Homeland Security or the airport website for current restrictions regarding carry-on items). Checked baggage may not arrive at the destination on time due to mis routing or other unforeseen circumstances. It may be very difficult to replace essentials in some areas of the Caribbean and Mexico. Failure to show proper proof of citizenship will result in denied entry to the destination and you may be detained by immigration until proper documentation is obtained. NEVER pack proof of citizenship in checked baggage. Packing an extra day's worth of clothing in carry-on luggage is also prudent. In today's environment, the majority of airlines are offering only a limited beverage service and little to no food on each flight. Packing a snack and a bottled water(purchased after clearing security) will make your flight more comfortable and enjoyable. Include a book, magazine, or MP3 player to help pass the time on the plane. Purchasing a book or magazine for the return flight home will be a task at most Caribbean and Mexico resort areas. Limited access will be the main issue. Need to keep in touch with the office or family back at home? Remember to bring your cellphone charger and to contact your wireless carrier prior to travel to make sure that your service is activated for international use. Quad-band phones will work in most resort areas but special setup may be required for use.

Internet access is substandard on most Caribbean islands and in Mexico destinations. Dial-up access is still dominant but broadband service is making inroads in numerous areas. Wireless access is available at a number of resorts, and the Couples Resorts chain promotes its Wi-Fi connection as a way to stay in touch while taking in the sunshine and beaches of Jamaica.

Need to phone home but don't have a cell that works? Phone calls from the resort will be very pricey. In Jamaica, the best option is to purchase a Cable and Wireless phone card or one from competing Digicel. Most resorts will charge an access fee to reach an AT&T operator but then most phone cards can be utilized. Renting a local cellphone or purchasing a prepaid phone are other options. Phone calls placed from resorts in Cancun are US$7.50/minute so don't talk long. Having relatives call the resort from the US is the least expensive option. Cellphone calls are $1.99/minute from most Caribbean islands and long distance may apply. Collect calls are a last resort. The charge to accept a collect call from the Caribbean can run $30 or more plus the per minute charge. A 10 minute collect call can run over $100.

Airport transfers are another area that should be addressed. The Cancun area and some other destinations are prone to time-share pitches from numerous persons offering free transfers from the airport to hotel. Travelers should review their transfer vouchers and only accept transportation from the stated tour provider. In the event that you are acquiring your own transportation, please select island or hotel approved taxi providers. In the Caribbean, everyone is a taxi driver or could be one for the right price.

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