Grupo Mayan Vacations Travel Tips

As you plan for your Grupo Mayan vacation you will want to spend some time planning what you will pack. The Grupo Mayan travel professionals have a few tips to make your packing go smoothly.

•     Place all heavy items on the bottom of your suitcase.  Make sure that not all of your heavy items are not on one side of your suitcase.  The Grupo Mayan pros say the proper packing order is heavy items like shoes and coats on the bottom, mid-weight items in the middle, and light items on top.
•     Plastic bags are the best way to keep travel items organized.  The Grupo Mayan travel pros say to use separate plastic bags for toiletries, medicines, and other items.  This storage method will stop leaks and keep similar items together.  No one want to be digging around their suitcase for a small item.
•     Rolling your clothes is a great way to pack.  Rolled clothes wrinkle less and take up less room in your suitcase.
•     Not all of your clothes can be rolled, say the Grupo Mayan travel professionals. Heavy or bulky items can be put in compression bags.  More delicate items should be wrapped in tissue paper before packing.
• ï    The extra large plastic bags are great to carry for dirty laundry.  Once sealed they will not allow odors to seep onto your other clothes.  You can also stuff some dryer sheets in your suitcase to keep it smelling fresh.
•     Keep a running packing list.  Make a list of all of the items you will be packing, say the Grupo Mayan travel professionals, and mark things off as you pack them.  This is a great way to keep organized if you are packing for an entire family.
•    Make sure you have the right chargers for all of your cell phones, camcorders, and any other electronics you will be bringing on your trip.
•     Speak with your doctor and get extra prescriptions to carry with you.  For all of the medicine you will be traveling with you must have the original labels attached in order to get through customs.
•     Make copies of all of your travelersí checks and other travel documents, urge the Grupo Mayan pros.  You should leave an extra copy of all documents with a family member while you are traveling in case of emergency.
• ï    The night before departure make a list of all of the bags you will be carrying with you.  This list will help as you pack the car to head for the airport.  It is no fun to get to the airport and find you left behind an important suitcase.

The Grupo Mayan travel professionals also urge you to pack all of your tennis and golf gear in the appropriate travel bags.  Sports stores sell travel golf bags and special traveling cases are also available for tennis rackets.

Once you are packed and in the air it will not be much longer until we are welcoming you to Grupo Mayan paradise.

The Grupo Mayan Mexican resorts welcome hundreds of guests each year.  To make your air travel to your Grupo Mayan destination less stressful, the Grupo Mayan staff has the following tips for speeding through airport security.

Airports themselves are working hard to speed up the security process. Technology is constantly being updated to reduce wait times in security checkpoint lines.  Even a new laptop bag is now available that is considered checkpoint friendly.

There are also several tricks the travel can use, say the Grupo staff, to speed up the security checkpoint process.  An internet check will tell you that the number one thing that slows down security checkpoint lines is the restriction on liquids.  All liquids that are carried on planes must be no larger than three ounces.  This can be very problematic to travelers who have not prepared, but by making sure that all of your liquids are in small containers will help you proceed through the security checkpoint line.  The Grupo Mayan hospitality staff says that the complimentary shampoos and beauty items from hotels are just the perfect size to use when carrying these items on a plane.

Travelers can also prepare to get through the security checkpoint line as they are waiting in line.  Remove your watch, keys, belts, and any other item that will set of the x-ray machines before getting to the head of the line.  By doing this you will be ready to proceed through the x-ray machine without any wait once your reach the head of the line.

The day of the week can also affect the time you spend in security checkpoint lines.  Weekday travelers are predominately business travelers who are experienced at getting through security checkpoint lines as quickly as possible.  The weekends see more pleasure travelers who are not as familiar with the procedures and slow down security checkpoint lines.  If possible, make plans to travel during the week and you can avoid the longer and slower lines.

The Grupo Mayan staff urges travelers to know the airport they will be traveling from.  Some airports require travelers to go through extra security procedures with checked baggage.  If this is a policy at your airport you will want to allow for even more time to complete this check in step.

There is even a way to avoid long checkpoint lines, say our Grupo Mayan professionals.  Several travel programs allow you to register with them to help you speed through the airports.  Once you register you will go through background and security checks and upon acceptance into the program you will be able to proceed through the security checkpoint lines with ease.  There is a small fee for this service but for many travelers it is well worth it to avoid long wait times.

The Grupo Mayan staff looks forward to having you as our guests at our luxurious resorts.  We hope that you will find this security checkpoint advice helpful in your travels.

The marvelous Grupo Mayan resorts, located throughout Mexico, are the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation.  Golden sandy beaches, azure seas, tropical breezes, and all the luxurious amenities offered by the Grupo Mayan resorts are the perfect prescription for to relieve your stress.  But planning to get away for a holiday is also known to cause stress.  Getting caught up on your work, packing, and the organizing necessary for a vacation can leave you frazzled.  Grupo Mayan would like to offer a few suggestions to help your time with us be a totally relaxing experience.

Your accommodations at our resorts will be like a home away from home.  Our rooms have all the comforts you need to make your stay pleasant.  For the first few days of your vacation, as you are ìdecompressingî from the stress of your daily life, it is a good idea to slowly ease out of your normal routines.   If you always have coffee and read a newspaper in the morning, continue to do so the first day or so of your vacation.  Keeping up with a few habits will help you slip into vacation mode!

Enjoy a game of golf, a game of tennis, or a walk around our lavish grounds.  If you arrive at your Grupo Mayan resort with a bit of nervous tension the best way to relieve it is to work it out.  Exercise is a great way to blow off steam and you will be releasing endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals produced by your body, while you work out.  All of our resorts offer excellent fitness facilities, water sports, and many other ways to get you moving.
Eat!  It is important to eat right and stay hydrated while on vacation.

Your body will be weary from travel and stress may have also had an effect on how your body is functioning.  The Grupo Mayan resort restaurants offer our guests the highest quality foods available.  Our award winning chefs use only the freshest ingredients to help rejuvenate your body and satisfy your taste buds.

A vacation is the perfect time to pamper yourself.  Repay yourself for all of the hard work you do throughout the year by treating yourself to spa treatments at one of the Grupo Mayan spas. Massages, facials, scrubs, saunas, and many more spa experiences are available at our resorts.

Journal about your time spent with us.   Writing has been proven over and over again to relive stress.  Keeping a written record of your Grupo Mayan holiday will allow you relive your vacation for years to come.  Place a notebook and pen in your beach bag and journal while on a lounge chair by the ocean!

Remember to rest.  When you arrive at one of our resorts you will find a abundancetress of activities to fill your time.  Do not be tempted to overbook yourself and your family.  Plan for some down time during which you can enjoy being with each other.  A walk along the shore, a relaxing breakfast in bed; a little rest will revitalize your body.
We want your Grupo Mayan holiday to be one you will remember for a lifetime.  Please let us know of any needs you may have while you are our guest.  Your tropical vacation will be just what the doctor ordered.

The Grupo Mayan resorts are known as gourmet destinations.  All of our resorts have award winning chefs serving world class meals.  At each Grupo Mayan resort you will find many types of international food on the menu.  French, Italian, American, and Asian are just a few of the cuisines that guests will find when dining with us.

A favorite cuisine of all of our guests is Mexican.  Our trained chefs serve delicious and traditional Mexican dishes along with new and creative takes on old stand bys.  You will also find local Mexican food off of our properties as you are touring the area.  To prepare you for the variety of Mexican cuisine, the Grupo Mayan staff would like to offer you descriptions of some of the dishes you will find on Mexican menus.

•    Carnitas: deep fried pork
•    Chicharron: deep fried pork skins
•    Chilaquiles: tortilla chips with a green tomato salsa
•    Enchiladas: tortillas filled with chicken or beef and covered with sauce and cheese
•    Gorditas: chicken, cheese, and other meats or veggies, stuffed inside a corn patty
•    Guacamole: a yummy mixture of avocados, green Serrano chilies, tomatoes, lemon juice, and onions
•    Huaraches: a very big Gordita
•    Mole: a spicy sauce made with cocoa and a small amount of peanut butter served over meat
•    Quesadillas: tortilla filled with cheese or a combination of meat and cheese
•    Sopa de Tortilla: soup with tortilla chips
•    Tacos: tortillas with a multitude of different fillings.  Several Grupo Mayan restaurants are known for their tasty and unusual tacos!
•    Tamales: meat and veggies stuffed in a shell made of a corn dough
•    Tostadas: lettuce, refried beans, sour cream, cheese, and other items piled on a flat tortilla that has been fried.
•    Tortas: a Mexican sandwich consisting of taco fillings placed between two slices of bread and fried- a Mexican monte christo!

Many Mexican dishes are quite spicy.  Peppers are very popular in Mexican cuisine.  If you do not like spicy food, or do not tolerate it well, the Grupo Mayan chefs will adjust your foods spice level.

Many of our restaurants, and most local Mexican towns, have a platillo tipico, or special dish.  Ask your server for advice on choosing any restaurants specials.  A special dish served on Mexican Independence Day is chile en nogada.  A large green chile is stuffed with meat and covered with pomegranate seeds and a white sauce.  The three colors of the dish; red, white, and green, are the colors of the Mexican flag.

All of the Grupo Mayan restaurants use only the freshest ingredients available and follow strict guidelines concerning health and hygienic procedures.  When eating off of the Grupo Mayan property guests are advised to do so with caution.  A good rule of thumb is to look at the cart you are being served from or the restaurant and determine if it is fairly clean.  If so, the owners are probably taking cautionary measures when preparing food.

As you prepare for your luxurious Grupo Mayan Mexican holiday you will no doubt be thinking of the country you will be visiting.  Part of the pleasure of a vacation to another country is learning about the ways of life for the local people.  Each country has its own unique beliefs and cultural mores, many quite different from your own.  The Grupo Mayan staff would like to help you familiarize yourself with our lovely country.

The majority of Mexican people are Roman Catholic.  Many locals are deeply religious and their traditions are very important to them.  You will enjoy learning about Mexican festivals and holidays while you are here.

There are many beautiful churches in Mexico. If you choose to visit a church while on holiday it will be important to remove all hats and sunglasses upon entering.  You may wear shorts but it will be considered more respectful if they are not too short or revealing.  In the north, and away from the Grupo Mayan resorts, traditional dress is more conservative.  At your Grupo Mayan resort vacation wear is appropriate.

The Spanish language, the national dialect of Mexico, is a formal and beautiful language.  The Grupo Mayan staff suggests that you learn a few local words and phrases before your vacation.  A por favor will be highly appreciated.  It is important to be aware at all times of what you are saying.  Strong language, especially around a Senora or Senorita, is terribly offensive.  Some words also have different meanings in Mexico.  While an American might use the term estupido as slang for stupid, it has a much more negative meaning in Mexico.
When touring attractions off of the Grupo Mayan property is imperative to respect Mexican law.  Many of our laws are similar to the ones of your home country so there should be no problems in following them.  In the past, people have tried to bribe Mexican officials when they found themselves caught speeding.  This is considered very disrespectful and could get you into even more trouble.

The Mexican way of life is more relaxed than the American and European lifestyles.  You should consider this an advantage while on vacation as no one will be rushing you and you will not have to stick to hectic time tables.  Sometimes it takes visitors a day or two to relax enough to enjoy our laid back lifestyle.  We promise you that once you do you will understand why the Grupo Mayan resorts, and Mexico, are one of the world´s most popular vacation destinations.

While in Mexico you may hear yourself referred to as a gringo.  Do not be offended.  The Mexican people use this term to describe tourists from every country.  Guero and guerito, Spanish for blonde and blondie, are not meant to be offensive either.  These terms are used in a descriptive manner and refer to all Caucasian people, in a friendly manner.

The Mexican people are warm, friendly, and happy to have you as a guest.  They want you to love their country as much as they do.  The best way to do this is to show respect for the local people, their customs, their laws, and their traditions.  If you have any questions regarding Mexican customs and traditions, or local laws, please ask any of the Grupo Mayan staff.

Grupo Mayan resorts are located in beautiful and exotic Mexico.  Your holiday with us will be a fun-filled, relaxing, and romantic adventure of a lifetime.  As you plan for your vacation, Grupo Mayan would like to remind you of the requirements for entering Mexico.

A person entering Mexico for vacation is required to have three documents; a photo identification, a travel card, and valid proof of citizenship.  All three items must be presented upon landing in the country and most countries ask to see your documents while you are pre-boarding your airplane on the way to Mexico.

A photo identification is required of any person over 18.  This could be one of several types of identification.  Travelers typically use a driver´s license or passport for their photo identification.  You will also need a driver´s license if you plan to drive to any attractions off the Grupo Mayan resort.

A tourist card gives you permission from the Mexican government to enter the country.  They are easy to obtain.  When you check in at your local airport there will be cards available. You may also get on upon landing in Mexico at Mexican immigration.

Your tourist card is a two piece document.  One piece will be submitted to Mexican immigration and you will keep the other half with you while you are in the country.  This portion of the tourist card will be returned upon departure.  It is a good idea to write down your tourist card number and keep it with your tourist documents in case something happens to the original.  The Grupo Mayan staff advises you to keep all important travel documents together.  We offer lock boxes at each Grupo Mayan resort for your convenience.

Most of our Grupo Mayan guests are with us for a week or two, but many stay longer.  You may have your tourist card validated for up to one hundred and eighty days no matter how long your travel plans state you will be in the country.

Proof of citizenship is also necessary to enter the country.  The rules regarding acceptable documents for proof of citizenship do change so Grupo Mayan advises our guests to check with the airline they will be using for international travel for up to date information.  Here are a few guidelines:

• United States citizens may use one of two items for valid proof of citizenship.  A valid passport is the recommended document and will make immigration easier.  A birth certificate may be used.  The birth certificate must contain your first name, your last name, your birth date, the place you were born, and the date the certificate was filed. It must also have the state seal. The birth certificate must be a legal copy and a hospital copy will not work.
• If you are getting married in Mexico, or are on honeymoon, it will be more effeciant to have the brides maiden name on her tickets.  This way they will match all of her documentation.

The entry requirements for European citizens are similar to those above.  You will find that the Mexican immigration officers are friendly and happy to have you as guests of their country.  We at Grupo Mayan advise you to be patient throughout the immigration process.  You are on your way to paradise at one of Grupo Mayans tropical Mexican resorts.

The Wonderful Grupo Mayan resorts are located throughout Mexico.  Our many lavish resorts provide our guests with luxurious accommodations, gourmet food, golf, tennis, and many water sports. We at Grupo Mayan also recommend that you make plans to tour the areas surrounding your Grupo Mayan resort.  Here are some ideas for offsite activities near Grupo Mayan Mazatlan

Mazatlan is well known for its many outdoor activities.  The Grupo Mayan resort staff will be happy to help you schedule outdoor activities while you are our guest.  Deep-sea fishing is one of the most requested activities of our guests.  The deep-sea fishing off the Mazatlan coast is known to be the best in the world.  You will spend the day on a chartered boat on the beautiful waters off the Grupo Mayan resort, fishing with local fishermen who know where to go to find trophy fish.  The Grupo Mayan chefs will gladly prepare your catch upon your return to the resort.

If you are a freshwater fisherman, the Grupo Mayan staff can arrange a trip for you and your family to fish on a charter boat on a nearby lake.  Several world-class lakes are located near the Grupo Mayan resort.

If you are into extreme sports, cliff diving might be for you.  Let the Grupo Mayan resort staff schedule a day of cliff diving on the craggy beaches near our resort.  You will be able to learn techniques from a pro and have a high-energy experience.

Mazatlan is a great place to spend a relaxing day.  The town is located only a brief ride from the Grupo Mayan resort and we will arrange transportation for you.  While in town you can visit the local aquarium, the botanical gardens, and several local museums.  The town of Mazatlan is full of old time charm and you will enjoy a stop in one of the local cafes for a bit of refreshment.

Another relaxing option is to take a boat tour to one of the three outlying islands off the Grupo Mayan resort coast.  These islands offer a great place for a peaceful afternoon spend strolling on the beach.  The Grupo Mayan chefs can provide picnic lunches for our guests who choose to visit the islands.

Trips to the areas surrounding the Grupo Mayan resort area will allow you to experience true Mexican culture. The local people in surrounding villages are wonderful artists and carry on crafting traditions that have been passed down for hundreds of years.

The Grupo Mayan staff wants your Mazatlan vacation to be full of memories for a lifetime.  Our resort, and the local Mazatlan area, is the perfect destination for your best family vacation ever.  Our professional staff will see to your every need while you are our guest.  You days will be filled with the many activities offered at our wonderful resort and your night will spent dining on gourmet food and experiencing exciting Mexican nightlife and traditional Mexican entertainment.  Make plans now for the vacation of a lifetime.

Grupo Mayan resorts are located in beautiful and exotic Mexico.  Your holiday with us will be a fun-filled, relaxing, and romantic adventure of a lifetime.  As you plan for your vacation, Grupo Mayan would like to remind you of the requirements for entering Mexico.

A person entering Mexico for vacation is required to have three documents; a photo identification, a travel card, and valid proof of citizenship.  All three items must be presented upon landing in the country and most countries ask to see your documents while you are pre-boarding your airplane on the way to Mexico.

Photo identification is required of any person over 18.  This could be one of several types of identification.  Travelers typically use a driver´s license or passport for their photo identification.  You will also need a driver´s license if you plan to drive to any attractions off the Grupo Mayan resort.

A tourist card gives you permission from the Mexican government to enter the country.  They are easy to obtain.  When you check in at your local airport there will be cards available. You may also get on upon landing in Mexico at Mexican immigration.

Your tourist card is a two-piece document.  One piece will be submitted to Mexican immigration and you will keep the other half with you while you are in the country.  This portion of the tourist card will be returned upon departure.  It is a good idea to write down your tourist card number and keep it with your tourist documents in case something happens to the original.  The Grupo Mayan staff advises you to keep all important travel documents together.  We offer lock boxes at each Grupo Mayan resort for your convenience.

Most of our Grupo Mayan guests are with us for a week or two, but many stay longer.  You may have your tourist card validated for up to one hundred and eighty days no matter how long your travel plans state you will be in the country.

Proof of citizenship is also necessary to enter the country.  The rules regarding acceptable documents for proof of citizenship do change so Grupo Mayan advises our guests to check with the airline they will be using for international travel for up to date information.  Here are a few guidelines:

•      United States citizens may use one of two items for valid proof of citizenship.  A valid passport is the recommended document and will make immigration easier.  A birth certificate may be used.  The birth certificate must contain your first name, your last name, your birth date, the place you were born, and the date the certificate was filed. It must also have the state seal. The birth certificate must be a legal copy and a hospital copy will not work.
•      If you are getting married in Mexico, or are on honeymoon, it will be more efficient to have the bride´s maiden name on her tickets.  This way they will match all of her documentation.

The entry requirements for European citizens are similar to those above.  You will find that the Mexican immigration officers are friendly and happy to have you as guests of their country.  We at Grupo Mayan advise you to be patient throughout the immigration process.  You are on your way to paradise at one of Grupo Mayan´s tropical Mexican resorts.

Grupo Mayan guests are always on the move. The work, they care for families and friends, and they travel. Here are some tips for traveling to any tropical destination, including Grupo Mayan.

The excitement leading up to big trip usually leads to your leaving things behind. Make sure to keep a list handy of all of the important items you will be taking with you say the Grupo Mayan travel pros. Include medications and travel documents. You can also put other important items that will most likely not be packed like a camera or laptop.

The Grupo Mayan travel pros urge you pack a good and well-stocked first aid kit. You can purchase one at a local store or make one yourself with items you think you will need. Tiger Balm is great for repelling biting and stinging bugs. The Grupo Mayan pros also suggest a specific repellent for mosquitoes. Anti bacterial ointment, alcohol, and bandages should be included. Some tropical destinations do not have nearby medical facilities and you will need to keep any wounds clean until you can get to help.

You don’t need that many clothes. As soon as you arrive you will notice that locals and visitors dress very casually in the tropics. Some tropical destinations require more modest dress than others so the Grupo Mayan pros suggest you check out the culture and mores of the place you will be visiting.

Some vacations are more active than other vacations. Plan accordingly. Grupo Mayan resorts are well known for golf, tennis, and water sports. Our guests pack their golf clubs, tennis rackets, and bathing suits when coming for a holiday with us. We also have rental equipment available but not every tropical destination will be so “user friendly”. Some destinations are extremely rural and primitive and require you to supply everything.

Some vacations are also more adventurous than others. If you are going camping in a tropical location there are specific items you must pack for health and safety reasons say the Grupo Mayan travel experts. A mosquito net will keep the pesky insects away at night while you sleep. The insect repellent in your first aid kit will become your best travel buddy. Shoes that are sturdy and keep your feet dry are a necessity in tropical locations. You will also want to include clothing with long sleeves and pant legs even though the weather may be hot. This type of clothing will protect you from many outdoor hazards.

Tropical vacations are fabulous. They allow you to leave your stress and worry behind and enjoy another lifestyle for a short period of time. The Grupo Mayan resorts off the perfect tropical destination for many travelers. We have many onsite activities, a spa, gourmet restaurants, and exciting nightlife. You will not be “roughing it” at Grupo Mayan; our vacations are fun, comfortable, and full of stress relieving activities. We hope to see you at one of our luxurious resorts for your next tropical vacation.