Mexico, 8 years and still learning

We say we learn something new every year we go to Mexico. I was trying to remember them all. This goes beyond the normal recommendations, of don't drink the water. By the way, that does not apply in the resorts. Or, to me, what is logical, be polite and respectful of your host and their employees. Paying to stay somewhere does not release you from your manners.

Ok, the lessons we've learned:

When booking a resort, read reviews, of course. Then, go to Google Earth and look at the aerial view. This will show you several things; what does the beach/ocean look like? Is the resort built parallel to the ocean or is it a 20 minute walk to the beach? We booked one that was on a narrow piece of land, so it was built so that the lobby was a 20 minute walk from the beach. Everything was a long walk. Also look to see if there is a "sister" resort. A resort will advertise that they have xxx number of rooms, but when you get there, you find a second hotel on the property, doubling the number of people, often sharing your restaurants and pools. We've even found sister hotels, where one is adult only and the other is family oriented. What good does it do to book adult only, if that only means your room?

Take an ink pen in your carry on. There are immigration papers to fill out. It is really hard to borrow an ink pen from people in a hurry to start their vacation.

Once you clear customs and immigration at Cancun's airport, put on your, I have a destination face, and walk with purpose right past all the people that want to stop you. Do not stop until you are outside. They will tell you anything to get you to stop. Then they will waste your time trying to sell you something.

Once you make it outside, you should be looking for the private transportation you prearranged. Our first year, we just booked transportation. To our hotel in Playa del Carmen, an hour from the airport. We were the last stop, of I don't know how many. Never again.

At the resort, order your drinks the way you want them, by name. We order anejo margaritas, in order to get the aged tequila. Smoother drink. If you prefer Absolute vodka over Smirnoff, order your drink that way--if the resort has it.

Speaking of never again. Never, ever, enter the US through Miami. As annoying as all the winding lines can be, it beats the mass chaos that is Miami.

Some years we have been lucky, some years, heading home has been a nightmare of endless lines. Checking in with the airline and printing your boarding passes at the hotel, the day before departure, can save you one entire line and a tremendous amount of irritation. There may be a nominal fee, so far ours have been free, but it would be worth it, if you hit high tide at the airport.

There are more, I'll add them as I recall.