In August 2020, ALG Vacations hosted a few lucky travel advisors on familiarization (FAM) trips to Cancun to share what the new world of travel looks like. Here is the story of Kim Quimby, travel advisor at Double K Travel Services. Read, share and get inspired to travel again!
How was your airport experience in-dentation?
I arrived to CUN (Cancun International Airport) on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 4:05 pm. Flight attendants handed out Immigration and Customs forms during the flight. I had already filled out and printed the Immigration form before my flight. I also filled out and printed the health questionnaire before my flight, but this was not asked for at the airport. We were requested to stay in our seats, and we would slowly de-plane by rows. The flight was full, and these instructions were not followed very well by the American travelers.
Once I exited the plane, I approached a table where my temperature was taken. I then proceeded to immigration. I collected my luggage and headed for the door. The timeshare people were in the hallway before I left the building, but they kept their distance. They did try to say they wanted to help with finding your transfers and they had great deals for you. You must just keep walking through this area! I quickly found my Amstar rep once outside and was escorted to the van which would take me to my host resort. Overall, I feel like the airport was very quiet and this was a fast process. I did hear from others which came in on later flights took longer as there was not as many agents working. Everyone wore masks.
How was your transfer experience in-destination?
I reached our van and met the other agents who were also participating in this FAM. We had a driver and an Amstar rep with us throughout our resort visits. They would give us hand sanitizer every time we entered the van. They also kept ice cold bottled water for us. We did have an early morning transfer back to the airport (4:30 am). Amstar sub-contracted out this service to another company but our driver did have the correct paperwork with him. The van had a flat tire en route to the airport and had to call for a second van. This was a very fast change and we made it to the airport in plenty of time.
What resorts did you visit?
Wednesday – Dreams Tulum, Secrets Akumal Rivera Maya and Secrets Capri Rivera Maya Cancun
Thursday – Riu Palace Peninsula, Barcelo Maya Riviera, El Dorado Royale, Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, Grand Oasis Cancun The Pyramid and Live Aqua
Friday – Dreams Vista Cancun, Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres & TRS Coral Hotel, Riu Dunamar, Fiesta Americana Condesa and Iberostar Cancun, Coral Level
What is your main takeaway in regard to safety and health from visiting the resorts?
The main takeaway is that I always felt safe. Every employee wore a mask and many also had a face shield. Our temps were taken as we entered each resort and a lot of restaurants within the resorts. All resorts were restricted to 30% occupancy which gave plenty of room for social distancing. Tables in restaurants and bar lounges where spaced or chairs removed.
The restaurants use QR Codes for the menus and most buffets either have single-serve dishes or staff serving. There were plenty of hand sanitation stations around.
All the resorts had some form of protocol for cleaning and sanitizing the rooms. The liquor dispensers and coffee machines have been removed from the RIU resort rooms. The TV remote, glasses and iPad were wrapped in clean plastic shield at all AMResorts. The TRS Resort had seals on the room doors after being disinfected by an offsite cleaning company.
Most guests wore masks while inside the resorts unless eating or drinking. Most guests did not wear masks in the outside areas, including the pools.
Would you visit Mexico again this year?
Yes – I will be back with a group of golfers at the end of October.
This content is brought to you by ALG Vacations.
Disclaimer: The views, information and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Compass and VAX VacationAccess.
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