OBH travel tips thread...

[fortbethel]

Just wanted to start this. There are many threads on this elsewhere on the net but started one anyway. To start...

1) Mexico State parks will not let you enjoy water sports with regular sunscreen. It has to be Eco friendly so buy now before you go cuz they charge an arm and leg at the park gates.

[gluvmiller]

Here is the list I've been compiling as far as recommendations when preparing for your trip to Mexico. This has come from people who have ventured off on one or more of these excursions. Obviously it isn't an end all be all and is sometimes relevant to each individual but not to everyone. I hope this helps:
-   Check your passport early and be sure it doesn't expire before your trip. At the same time make copies of your passport and leave a copy in the States with someone and take a copy with you. Would also recommend copies of your driver's license and maybe a credit card just to be safe. You should also leave a detailed itinerary with phone numbers and locations with someone in the States. And definitely call your credit card and let them know you're leaving the country. I like the recommendation of scanning your important documents to a password protected pdf and then emailing it to yourself. This way you can access these documetns anywhere.
-   Upload an app for your phone that allows it to be a walkie talkie (i.e. voxer, viber) so you do not get charged international fees for using your phone abroad. The apps are free and the resorts have free wifi. This allows you to stay in touch with other Holiday-ers at the resort. Also, you can use an app like Wickr for texting
-   Imodium, Cipro and/or probiotics to help with nausea. Maybe even some pedialyte for the morning after.
-   Big plastic insulated cup, tumblr (the resort will fill your cup and you're not mandated to use their cups)
-   Emergen-C – If you've never used it, it works wonders. Great when you're starting to feel a "cold" coming on
-   Extra sunscreen and cigarettes is highly recommended. Very expensive at resort
-   Take a poster tube. I bought a plastic one from an office supply store. The poster is a treasure you won't want damaged.
-   Bring lots of $1 and $5. I know it says we're not supposed to tip, but I ALWAYS tip at these resorts. You will get much better service and stronger drinks. They very much appreciate it. I've heard mixed opinions about using US dollars versus Pesos. I believe the locals have better resources for exchange than tourists.
-   DEFINITELY use your resort credits. Book early at the spa. Also works for merch in the Hard Rock store.
-   Airplane bottles of booze for your flight as your carry on liquids. Their size meet the criteria
-   MUSIC FOR YOUR ROOM
-   Shoes are an interesting topic. Some don't feel flip flops cut it. Some are happy to bare feet. The resort is really big so be aware you may be doing some walking depending on where you're located compared to the stage. If you do choose to go with the flops, many recommend a carabiner to hold you flops or sandals during the show. You most likely will want to go bare foot in the sand so with the carabiner you can clip you footwear and hang them somewhere safe.
-   Take a picture of the instrument on your building and your room number.
-    You can get a Hard rock specific shuttle from the airport and if this is what you choose, book it early. Many do recommend getting a cab instead or the VIP shuttle out of customs. Personally I like the chance of riding the HR shuttle with Holidayers and getting to know new friends early.
-   Condoms & lube
-   Go early, stay late (obviously this is $ dependent). Personally, we're going a few days early and staying somewhere non-resorty and cheap to get some culture before lapping in luxury.
-   Great tips for your maids and room servants: school supplies, toys and baseballs. Your maids will love you for it when they get to take these things home to their kids. Sometimes these things are better than money. And if you leave something like this for your room servants, please tell either the front desk or housekeeping manager so they're not accused of stealing

[fortbethel]

Good job Gluvmiller! Thank you! :)

[fortbethel]

Will the Jacket shows be on a beach? Barefoot? Sure?

[JTG1975]

Will the Jacket shows be on a beach? Barefoot? Sure?

Not from what I see. Check the Facebook and Instagram pages for the hotel. There's a huge pavilion in the center of the property. I can't imagine the shows being anywhere else.

[MrWhippy]

Also, always remember not to eat the brown acid.

[ItBeats4Jew]

Also, always remember not to eat the brown acid.

Whippy Gravy

[JTG1975]

Will the Jacket shows be on a beach? Barefoot? Sure?

Not from what I see. Check the Facebook and Instagram pages for the hotel. There's a huge pavilion in the center of the property. I can't imagine the shows being anywhere else.

That photo of the pavilion is on the trip advisor photo reel.

[ms. yvon]

Also, always remember not to eat the brown acid.

or to lick frogs in the jungle.

[MarkW]

Posted this in the other thread before I found this one.

Hope you guys have an awesome time - free booze and MMJ will definitely help with that.  I loved Mexico when we went about 10 years ago - we spent six weeks or so travelling around and ten days or so in that part of the Yucutan peninsular before heading to Cuba.

If the resort isn't working out for you, I suggest heading up the road to Cancun and getting a scheduled boat across to Isla Mujeres (takes about 20 minutes).  One of the most beautiful sets of beaches I've ever visited, anywhere.  You can get a bucket of beers for about $10 at a beachside bar too.

http://www.isla-mujeres.net/generalinfo.htm

[My Morning Tube top]

Posted this in the other thread before I found this one.

Hope you guys have an awesome time - free booze and MMJ will definitely help with that.  I loved Mexico when we went about 10 years ago - we spent six weeks or so travelling around and ten days or so in that part of the Yucutan peninsular before heading to Cuba.

If the resort isn't working out for you, I suggest heading up the road to Cancun and getting a scheduled boat across to Isla Mujeres (takes about 20 minutes).  One of the most beautiful sets of beaches I've ever visited, anywhere.  You can get a bucket of beers for about $10 at a beachside bar too.

http://www.isla-mujeres.net/generalinfo.htm

Thank you for the tip! ! I am really looking forward to beautiful beaches!

[tdb810]

Posted this in the other thread before I found this one.

Hope you guys have an awesome time - free booze and MMJ will definitely help with that.  I loved Mexico when we went about 10 years ago - we spent six weeks or so travelling around and ten days or so in that part of the Yucutan peninsular before heading to Cuba.

If the resort isn't working out for you, I suggest heading up the road to Cancun and getting a scheduled boat across to Isla Mujeres (takes about 20 minutes).  One of the most beautiful sets of beaches I've ever visited, anywhere.  You can get a bucket of beers for about $10 at a beachside bar too.

http://www.isla-mujeres.net/generalinfo.htm

OH, MarkW, you and your lovely beach and drink getaways!  Seriously though, Bob and I went to the Island of Women when we were in Cancun in 1998.  The hotel offered a catamaran rum-punch ride over to spend the day and have lunch.  It was seriously my most favorite part of the trip!  Back then it was so secluded, and I think it has grown a bit since then.  I remember laying on hammocks after lunch just watching the boats go by!
Have fun everyone!!!

[Munneh]

What are tipping guidelines? I've read a bunch of different stuff and it's mostly contradictory.

[gluvmiller]

What are tipping guidelines? I've read a bunch of different stuff and it's mostly contradictory.

I tip everybody. In a drinking situation, I tip my server/bartender at least $5 on my first drink and then $1 intermittently. I bring school supplies and/or baseballs for the housekeepers and then I leave a $20 when I leave. While dancing during the music I will tip a waiter/waitress when I place my order so my drink comes to me quicker and stronger. I've been told $2 are very popular, but I've never gone that far to get $2 before I leave.

[Munneh]

I mean specifically for meals...?

[gluvmiller]

I mean specifically for meals...?

Really depends on the meal. The day time meals are typically simple and don't require as much service and thus I tip a few dollars. You will have a buffet option, but even at those you'll have a server bring you drinks (alcohol or non alcohol) and I'll leave them a couple bucks. At night we usually go to one of the nicer restaurants. With those I'll tip like $5. And please, these guidelines are probably on the tip heavy side. I don't know that this is the norm and I certainly don't always hold true to it all of time because I can't remember to always have cash on me, esp when in swim shorts.

[Munneh]

Thank you!  I was hoping it wasn't the customary 15-20% for meals, since it's all inclusive because that could get expensive. This is my first solo trip abroad, and I just don't want to be the big dumb American.  :)

What about the spa treatments?  Does anyone have an experience with that?  I'll be using resort credits and they charge a 20% fee.  Is that essentially the tip or do I have to ante up more?

[gluvmiller]

Thank you!  I was hoping it wasn't the customary 15-20% for meals, since it's all inclusive because that could get expensive. This is my first solo trip abroad, and I just don't want to be the big dumb American.  :)

What about the spa treatments?  Does anyone have an experience with that?  I'll be using resort credits and they charge a 20% fee.  Is that essentially the tip or do I have to ante up more?

Now you're getting out of my familiarity. I have done some spa in previous trips and I know I tipped, but don't remember how much. I would ballpark around $10. In the big picture, I'm probably taking somewhere around $150 specifically for tips, but I have a family of 5.

[Munneh]

Thanks for all the help!

[Munneh]

Just FYI (for anyone who wants to know), I e-mailed the spa people and got this e-mail back:

The 11% of servcie  fee is for using the Resort Credit promotion.

Additional gratuities are welcome, but not expected.