Slowly starting back in Mexico

COVID has changed many things in our lives, but our desire to travel and see new places remains the same.  I had clients start to travel in July and more and more people are reaching out to talk with me about Mexico. I decided to see for myself how Mexico was adjusting to the "new normal".  Mexico is one of the few locations that is open to Americans and does NOT have a COVID testing requirement for entry (as of the time of writing….).   Even for travelers who never really considered traveling to Mexico before COVID are suddenly thinking now may be the time to explore.  
 
So, let’s start at the beginning.  Travel in the time of COVID means that some decisions are made a bit differently. Looking at flights, I had my choice of several airlines to fly into Cancun  (roughly all the same price).  I have always loved Delta and their amazing customer service, but now it was the fact that they were the only airline flying to Cancun that were blocking middle seats AND capping the number of travelers on the plane.    I want to be a responsible traveler and not put myself (or others) at any unnecessary risk.  Once I decided on Delta, I started looking at dates.  My schedule was flexible and so I played around some and found an amazing price on first class airfare. First class isn’t all that on flights within the US and Mexico, but it did allow me to have even more space to myself. It also allowed me to board at any time and be one of the first off the plane.   This is important because although airlines are asking people to remain seated until the row in front of them is 6 feet ahead, no one (on any airline) seems to be able to hear the ding of the fasten seat belt sign turning off and not run to get off the plane :)   So, being first avoided the crowd of people.  I get that first class isn’t affordable for everyone and this was my first time in first, but for around $100 more, I decided now was the time.  Plenty of extra benefits for a small upcharge.    
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Delta requires you fill out a form saying you don’t have any symptoms of COVID, have not been around anyone with COVID  and that you will wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth while in the airport and throughout the entire flight (except while eating and drinking) before you can check in.   The planes are sanitized before each departure and as an extra measure, you are given a sanitizing wipe to use in your seat area.   There is no drink or snack service---only a snack bag with a bottle of water and a small snack (for flights under 4 hours).  In first class, I did have the option of beer and wine on afternoon flights (but no option for soda or juice).  

​When I landed in Cancun, there were thermal cameras that take your temperature as you walk through.   I didn’t see this happen, but if you have a fever, you will be taken aside for further screening.   There are signs all over the airport suggesting social distancing and they have markers on the floor so you can see the distance you should be keeping.   I walked outside of the terminal to the shuttle area and found my private transfer.  A private transfer is an additional charge, but you have the vehicle to yourself and you go directly to the resort.   Drivers are required to wear masks in Mexico and passengers are strongly encouraged to wear one (I wore a mask every time I was in a vehicle).  
 
When I arrived at my resort, The Fives Beach Resort and Residences, I was greeted by bell staff in masks who took my checked bags (much like a pre-COVID arrival).  The new detail is that the bell staff are sanitizing your luggage while you are checking  in.  The Fives had a sanitization sprayer when you enter the lobby---it looks like a metal detector, but it sprays a fine mist of sanitizing product (at The Fives it is an eco-friendly, natural product).   I didn’t realize it at the time as the resort is not advertising it, but just before the front desk, there is a camera that  takes your temperature.    It looks just like a regular security-type camera.  The front desk area has plexi-shields between you and the agent and the area is sanitized between guests.  The staff all are required to wear masks and guests are asked to also wear masks during check in.  

​I chose to stay at this resort because they offer options for 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms residences (fancy word for a condo).   Each room has a full kitchen, dining area and a living room.    They also have at least 1.5 bathrooms.  Even traveling alone, it is nice to have the extra space.   Other  resorts offer larger options at an increased price---most $800 and up per night.   The Fives is able to offer these larger rooms at a more reasonable price (varies a lot by season).   The rooms are perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together.  The resort is all inclusive and has amenities like several pools, a kids club, spa and a beautiful beach, so you aren’t missing out on resort perks to stay in a condo.   The location is also close to Playa del Carmen, so you can go explore the city if you like. There are several styles of rooms---the pictures below give you some examples.  

​The Fives has changed a few policies since COVID.   Along with all of the accommodation in Mexico,  they  are currently only allowed to sell 30% of their rooms.  Housekeeping staff does clean rooms each day, but they are not allowed to clean while you are in the room.   They are still doing  turndown service.   Restaurants are open, but on a revolving schedule, so not all of their restaurants are open each day.  They are trying to not use paper menus and instead ask you to scan a code on your phone to view the menu on-line.  24/7 room service is available.   They are now charging a $3.50 fee per delivery for room service as they have to do additional sanitization.   As I mentioned, staff have to wear masks---from landscapers to concierge to those that work in the dive shop.   There are markers to help show social distancing in the lobby and other indoor buildings.  The Fives also now provides sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer in each room.   
 
There are plenty of things that have stayed the same.  Beach chairs and Bali beds are still on the beach and they are still offering beach and pool wait service (so you don’t have to leave your wonderful spot to get a drink).  Masks for guests are not required at the pool or beach.   They still have a concierge team to help you make dinner reservations or book a tour.  The mini-bar in your room is still stocked as usual.  My experience at the resort was very similar to resort  visits I’ve had  pre-COVID.   

​I also did inspections at several other resorts to see what their COVID protocols were and how they were adjusting.  I will explain more about those resorts in another blog post.  
 
When it was time to leave, I also used a private transfer back to the airport.   Mexico requires that you complete a COVID screening before leaving with questions about your symptoms, if you came in contact with anyone with COVID and details like how long you were in the country.   I was given the option to fill out the form on-line or do it on a paper copy (I did mine on-line).  You have to show  security that have completed the form before you are  allowed to  go into  the main security screening area.    The Cancun airport had plenty of signage about social distancing and frequent announcements were made over the PA to wear your mask and maintain a distance.   I had one stop in Atlanta en route back to DC.   When I landed in Atlanta, there were no questionnaires, temperature screenings or other procedures in place because of COVID. The Atlanta airport had similar precautions as the other airports---masks are required and announcements are made about social distancing.   
 
I felt safe in Mexico and appreciated all of the precautions put in place.  I believe the Cancun area has done a good job balancing COVID precautions with tourism.  While I was there, the COVID  threat level was lowered and plans were being put in place to increase hotel occupancy  rates up to 60% and attractions such as the Tulum ruins were being scheduled to open.  I know now is not the time to travel for everyone, but if you feel ready to travel, I   would love the opportunity to help you plan your next trip.