OBH Tips, Tricks and Advice---

[Clarkwork]

As we get closer I would like to hear more from people who were there last year about advice and tips to make it a better experience. I already heard one about listening out for sound chexk which is cool. What other advice is out there?? 

[Bulldog]

Probably best advice I got was on tipping. Someone had a great suggestion on bringing sports related stuff like baseballs, and such, due to space constraints I couldnt do that. What we did do though was bring a ton of $1 and $5 bills with and while tipping isnt required it sure helps.

The resort was MUCH better in my opinion than advertised at that time (there was considerable concern about the changeover to the Hard Rock brand), but for me it was the staff that really made the place. They work their asses off and and do it with a smile on their face and I have no issues with paying a little for good service.

The one other thing we ended up doing was getting the lil woman a plastic tumbler for "to go" drinks.

I'm not adept enough to repost, but there was a ton of good information going in another thread leading up to last years.

[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 (and I will post this on the fan forum as well):
- 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 documents 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 day 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.

[Bulldog]

Thats the list I was thinking of, well said and sage advice G

[gluvmiller]

 

[walterfredo]

Lots of good info here...

http://forum.mymorningjacket.com/index.php/topic,18569.0.html

[Clarkwork]

Awesome stuff. Thanks for the input.

What about music wise. Is it tough to get by the stage or is everywhere a good view?

[Bulldog]

Personally we didnt have any issues at all and the views were generally great with allot of freedom to move around generally speaking. The wild card this year to me will be the approximately 1,000 extra people over what we had last year and what that may do to the ability to get closer to the stage.

[Clarkwork]

How is there 1k more??

[walterfredo]

How is there 1k more??

Last year didn't sell out.

[Bulldog]

The word I heard last year from a few folks was they were at about 1,500 last year and capacity is 2,500.

That said, honestly I dont think it will make much of a difference for shows. We were moving around freely and had no sight issues to speak of, sound was great and you could see where more would fit going back behind the sound boards.

The few folks I spoke to that had stayed over from the Dead shows had no complaints (on the music anyway) and were raving about that set of shows which of course was sold out.

[fortbethel]

Bulldog, tipping is indeed important you're drinks will come out stronger. I Tip five dollars the first round one dollar each round thereafter

[Derek713]

Did anyone go to Xel Ha last year? We did the ruins at Telum and a Cenote tour last year and were looking to do something different this year. It looks like it gets pretty good reviews, but I would love to hear some feedback from anybody here.

[gluvmiller]

Did anyone go to Xel Ha last year? We did the ruins at Telum and a Cenote tour last year and were looking to do something different this year. It looks like it gets pretty good reviews, but I would love to hear some feedback from anybody here.

We've spent a day at Xel-Ha, but this was back in fall '06. We loved it. Very relaxing floating around and being able to swim with the aqua life was really cool. We floated around on big tubes and when we saw something like a stingray or a big turtle we jumped off our tubes and dove down to swim around the wildlife. I also remember some great cliffs to jump off. A couple years ago we went to Xcaret which was fun, but we liked Xel-Ha better.

[Derek713]

Did anyone go to Xel Ha last year? We did the ruins at Telum and a Cenote tour last year and were looking to do something different this year. It looks like it gets pretty good reviews, but I would love to hear some feedback from anybody here.

We've spent a day at Xel-Ha, but this was back in fall '06. We loved it. Very relaxing floating around and being able to swim with the aqua life was really cool. We floated around on big tubes and when we saw something like a stingray or a big turtle we jumped off our tubes and dove down to swim around the wildlife. I also remember some great cliffs to jump off. A couple years ago we went to Xcaret which was fun, but we liked Xel-Ha better.

Thanks!

[FetusTree]

Those body scanners at the airport can't detect inside your asshole

[mentos]

how big a poster tube?

[gluvmiller]

how big a poster tube?

I carry one I bought at an office supply store used for blueprints. It's plastic with a strap. Good investment.

[mdgsolo]

Those body scanners at the airport can't detect inside your asshole

Followed by...

how big a poster tube?

That's.  Just.  Funny.

[rmpotsy]

one good bit of advice if you want to maintain contact with people on the resort is to add international calling/data to your plan.  most carriers will allow you to add it for a month and then cancel... just remember to cancel it after the trip.  i am not sure about others, but i think AT&T is about $35/month.  one thing most people do not understand is how expensive sending and receiving texts is in MX.  this can save you quite a bit of money from your friends texting you from the states.

i believe calls back to the US are free from your room, this is for more of a "are you going to the pool or the lagoon?; what restaurant do you want to meet up for dinner?; where is your spot going to be for tonight's show?" type of stuff.