If you’re like me, you’ve been itching to get out and it is a matter of your mental health at this point! Can I get an Amen? 😅
You may be wondering, “Can I travel to Mexico right now? Is travel to Mexico permitted and who can travel to Mexico right now?”
Or, you might be trying to figure out what countries you can travel to right now. I understand, it is confusing with all the constant changes and different States having restrictions.
Good news, my friend! Travel to the Cancun/Riviera Maya area is open to all U.S. Citizens and it doesn’t require a COVID test! If that doesn’t make you want to do back flips, I don’t know what will! 🤸♀
Let me introduce myself…
I am Tami and I’m a travel professional specializing in honeymoons and destination weddings for over 12 years.
As a travel pro, I recently (July 28-31, 2020) went to Cancun and now I’m sharing my experience with you so that you know what to expect for your trip.
What to expect for your trip?
- U.S. Citizens, it is recommended to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so that the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate has your trip details in case they need to contact you in an emergency. Additionally, once you enroll, you will be emailed updated information from the U.S. Embassy nearest the destination you are visiting so you can be in the know as you are traveling.
- Masks are worn throughout the airport unless you are eating or drinking. Masks are also required for the duration of your flight (unless eating and drinking).
- Upon entering the plane, a mini hand sanitizer is given.
- Middle seats are not available unless family is traveling.
- Snack bags are premade and sealed, so there are not beverage options like usual. You are given a bag with a bottle of water and snacks and that is what you get.
- Flight attendants are super friendly and very appreciative. They went down the aisles with a device so they could look up your name and greet you personally and thank you for flying with them and choosing Delta. It was a nice touch.
- The Delta app notifies you when your flight is disinfected and ready for you to board.
Honestly, it is unbelievable that the safety touch points that occur to make travelers feel safe. I love that the planes are really wiped down as it always grossed me out before! 👍
Airport protocol in Mexico
It was interesting. I filled out a health questionnaire form online (you can find the app here) and I filled one out a paper version of the questionnaire on the plane as well. I thought for sure there would be a station that I needed to stop at for a health screening and to give my paperwork, but it was a random check.
They did have a body heat indicator monitor as you walked through the airport, so maybe that was how they chose who to pull aside.
In your transfer, you will wear a mask. Upon arrival at the resort you will have your temperature taken and your luggage will be sprayed down and a sticker notating that it was disinfected will be applied.
Resort protocol in Mexico
In your transfer, you will wear a mask. Upon arrival at the resort you will have your temperature taken and your luggage will be sprayed down and a sticker notating that it was disinfected will be applied.
- At the resort everything is sealed; your room door has a seal notating that it was completely disinfected. The toiletries are in a sealed bag with a sticker, room service delivers disposable items and utensils and cups are in a sealed bag.
- In fact, for room service they remain at your door and serve your delivery bag on a tray. You will need to grab the bag off the tray rather than them coming in and setting things up for you.
- Upon entry to a restaurant, there is a mat to clean the bottom of your shoes and antibacterial gel for your hands.
- Partitions are up at the counters and at the buffet, they will serve you what you would like on your plate and hand it to you.
- If being served a beverage while sitting pool or beachside, they will lower the tray for you to grab the drink rather than them handing it to you.
- The staff is required to wear a mask at all times but not the guests.
- Beach and pool chairs are separated to adhere to standards and beach towels are wrapped in plastic wrap.
- Resorts are allowed 30% occupancy and government officials will arrive like a mystery shopper and will shut down operations if any violations are found. Everything must be to the highest of standards and code and no exceptions are made. It is critical that you choose to travel to a reputable resort with high standards. I would recommend going somewhere that has been opened for at least a month. Contact your travel advisor for advice.
- To comply with standards, the beach has a sign notating it is closed but guests are allowed to be at the beach. So, while the beaches in Mexico are closed to the residents, they are open to the tourists.
- Local restaurants are open with capacity restrictions of 30%, clubs, bars and churches are not open. Most stores are open for shopping.
- Tours and excursions are operating with the exception of Chichen Itza and Coba at the time of my trip (July 28-31, 2020).
- Spas are open and gloves are worn by the therapists. Couples massages will only be done outside.
- Given the occupancy, there will be rotation of open restaurants and reservations are recommended so they can remain in capacity.
- Gyms at the hotels are open with thorough cleaning standards and reservations for equipment. Certain classes are not taking place like a spin class or Pilates.
All in all, it actually felt really normal. I felt badly for the staff wearing those masks out in the hot sun, but it makes everyone feel safe – the tourists and the staff.
They are thrilled to be back to work and have guests to serve and it showed. I actually like the low occupancy. I know it isn’t realistic as they are operating at a loss, but I enjoyed the level of attention and service received plus all the space to go hang out wherever I wanted without battling for a chair.
At the resort, things feel normal and everyone is mindful of others. The thing is that anyone who is willing to travel right now is not in fear. They are respectful of the rules and just want to enjoy a getaway. For example, if an elevator had two people on it already, I would ask if it was okay for me to join them.
Travel to Cancun/Riviera Maya is super easy right now. I highly recommend a getaway here. Even if it isn’t 100% up and running in every area, I’m not complaining. I think it is worth the money, especially given the amazing rates, and you’ll be glad you stepped out and allowed yourself to get away from it all for a few days. Your health will thank you for it! 😉
Airport protocol on departing Cancun
Upon departing Mexico, fill out a health questionnaire and show it to the TSA agent before going through security. You can find the questionnaire at: afac.hostingerapp.com
When you fill out the questionnaire, take a screenshot of the QR code to show.
Phew! I hope this was helpful to you as you consider your vacation getaway to Mexico. I love Mexico and would be delighted to help you reserve your vacation to ensure you have an advocate in your corner and a trustworthy recommendation.
Watch my travel video on YouTube! 👇
If you are a travel pro who is struggling to kickstart your leads, I would love to extend my free training to you! 👇
Great article Tami. Very informative and the photos/video clips are great!
Thanks, Stephanie! It’s good to be traveling again!
Thank you Tami for taking us on your trip. For sure things are not so scary now that we can see how guests are pampered and how all the safety precautions are taken for guests and travel consultants’ peace of mind.
You are most welcome! Can’t wait until you can go too!