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TIPS FOR YOUR UPCOMING ALL-INCLUSIVE TRIP

Most all inclusive resorts have dress codes requiring long pants for men in some of their restaurants.  Check the website for your specific resort to see the requirements.  Some accept jeans and others do not.

Tipping is allowed at most resorts (Sandals​​ and Couples being the exception).  This is at your discretion.  Take small bills as they might not be able to change larger bills at the hotel.  They prefer money in the currency of their country but will accept US money as well.  Suggested Tipping Amounts:

Bar drinks $1 per drink

Waitstaff at buffet meals $2 per guest

Waitstaff at served breakfast/lunch $3 per guest

Waitstaff at served dinner $5 per guest

Luggage handlers $2 per bag

Drivers $5-10

Daily Housekeeping $5 – I like to leave it on the table with a note so they know it's for them.  I do this daily as you might have different housekeepers each day.

Room Service $3 per guest ordering

The frozen drink cups served at the pool are generally pretty small.  Take an insulated mug for your frozen drinks (like a YETI cup).  The bartenders will make your drink right into your mug and you won’t find yourself waiting for a drink as often.

Please use the safe in your room for valuables.  It is very rare that something would come up missing but why take the risk?  If you have an item too large for the safe (laptop etc) lock it in your suitcase after you unpack.

Pack a small can of bug spray.  Mosquitos can be a problem in the tropics and it can be expensive to purchase bug spray at the resort.

Rooms are generally not ready until 3 pm.  Make sure you pack a swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry on so you can enjoy the pool/beach when you arrive.  The bellmen will hold your luggage until your room is ready .

No need to pack towels.  Towels will be provided by the resort.

Pack some Tums or Immodium in your bag.  Most resorts filter their water but any time you travel and are eating foods that are out of your norm there is a risk of catching a bug.  Typically this won’t last long but be prepared just in case.

Sunscreen is expensive at the resort so make sure you pack plenty of it. Biodegradable sunscreen protects the reefs so when possible use that.  Some excursions like the Cenotes require it.  Don’t forget lip balm with SPF.

Depending on your resort some restaurants require reservations and others don’t accept reservations at all.  Ask when you check in what policy your resort has if they don't tell you.

If you have a lot of electronics, pack a power strip.  Most Mexico, DR and Jamaica resorts will have an outlet that doesn’t need to be converted.

Notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling out of the country.  If you don’t travel very often they could flag your transactions as fraud and lock your card.

[thefutureeckmans]

TIPS FOR YOUR HYATT ZILARA CAP CANA STAY

I know you will love your upcoming stay at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana. Here are some tips to maximize your time at the resort!

Adults 18+ on the Zilara, adults only side, but Zilara guests have full access to the Ziva (family friendly) side.

The Fire pits are first come, first served with service from the Martini Bar

All restaurants have no reservations (so recommended for larger groups to go to the restaurants right when they open)

The sports bar is the connection point between two resorts - kids can go to the sports bar until 9. The sports bar serves snacks until midnight, and shows all the major sports games.

Pool cabanas can be pre-reserved for a small fee. To reserve a cabana, email the concierge: pujia-concierge@haytt.com

In the lobby, visit the coffee shop for snacks, treats, gelato and amazing coffee (all-included)

Zilara Restaurants include: The Pier (buffet), Journeys (Indian), Brandos (South Pacific), Waves (American), Shutters (Caribbean)

Ziva dinner restaurants include Tempest Table (Asian), Noodle & Thread (Italian), Navigator Grill (Seafood), el Mercado (Buffet)

Room service is available all day.

Be sure to find the Grog Grotto Rum bar on the Ziva side

Don't forget to check out the waterpark. Tubes are provided, and there are lifeguards on duty. There are food trucks back there as well.

Be sure to visit the One-Eyed Cat for the most amazing cocktails in the Caribbean. ​

Take advantage of the amazing hotel staff to ask for anything you need!

[thefutureeckmans]

PUNTA CANA TRAVEL TIPS

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED! Do not forget your passports at home, as you will be unable to board your flight and please make sure that they are not expired, torn or unreadable. Passport booklets are required for all international travel. NO EXCEPTIONS. A passport card is NOT allowed for airline travel, so please make sure you have an actual booklet.

ENTRY FORMS All foreign and Dominican passengers entering or leaving Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the electronic entry and exit form, which combines the Traveler’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms.

Forms can be accessed through the following link: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do

Complete the form and save the QR code to your phone. I suggest printing a hard copy just in case.

ARRIVING IN PUNTA CANA The airport is open air, dress like you are ready to be on a hot tarmac! People may ask you to take your luggage, say no if you do not want to tip.

After clearing Immigration follow the signs to Baggage Claim, pick you up your luggage.  Proceed to Customs, hand in the form then proceed towards the transportation area. Take the form to Clear Customs and Immigration. Depending on when your flight arrives; be prepared for lines to be long as many planes usually land around the same time. Budget for 2 hours to clear Customs and Immigration, including getting baggage and locating your transfer company (hopefully it will be faster!)

WEATHER Average High Temperatures year-round are in the 80s, lows are in the 70s. Bring plenty of SPF & re-apply often.

MONEY Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere. American Express is accepted at most of the resorts. Some shops & restaurants may only accept cash.

TIPPING Remember to bring some cash to tip your driver as they are not employed by the resort. $3-5 is suggested. Gratuities are included in the all-inclusive resort package; however, tipping is appreciated at your discretion. Typically, I recommend tipping your house-keeper the first day and the last day, the bell-boy upon delivering your bags to your room, the room service delivery people and your favorite bartender at the end of the week. This is NOT mandatory or expected but they do work very hard and it is very much appreciated.

Should I exchange my currency? USDis accepted in Punta Cana so you do not have to change your money into Dominican Republic currency, Dominican Peso. The resort will only take credit card as a form of payment for incidentals (phone calls, gift shop, spa, tours & excursions). There is an ATM machine on property if you would like to withdrawal cash.

How Much Cash Should I Bring? As for how much cash you should bring on your trip: It depends on how much shopping and sightseeing you want to do and how long you are staying.

LANGUAGE Spanish is the official language in the Dominican; English is spoken at the resorts and nearby restaurants, although there can be a bit of a language barrier in communicating with the employees.

HOTEL Most hotels have a check-in time for 3:00pm and a check-out time of 11:00am. Hotels cannot guarantee early check-in or late check-out, especially in high season when the hotels are at max capacity. My recommendation is to dress ready to explore the property while you wait for your room to be ready. You can leave your luggage at the front desk and enjoy the palm trees, sunshine, restaurants/buffet and drinks while the hotel makes sure you have a clean room ready for you to enjoy! When you see your room, make sure it is what you requested. The hotels try to be as accommodating as possible, space permitting. If you are not happy with it NOW is the time to ask about problems/concerns & to request a room change

TIMESHARES A lot of the resorts have timeshare sales agents on property. They might approach you and offer some freebies to get you to come and watch a presentation. Tell the timeshare salespeople that you are not interested in what they have to offer and that you have a travel agent and they will leave you alone. They will waste precious hours of your vacation time in an attempt to sell you a timeshare.

WATER & FOOD SICKNESS Do not drink tap water—the resorts all filter their water, but I recommend using bottled water for EVERYTHING that goes in your mouth, including brushing your teeth. It is fine to shower or bathe in the water. All the food at the resorts are safe to eat; be careful of the dairy, it can cause gastrointestinal issues for certain people with more sensitive stomachs.

[thefutureeckmans]

ALL-INCLUSIVE PRE-DEPARTURE TIPS

1.   Bring small bills. I prefer to travel with a stack of singles, for tipping at your discretion. Remember, the one exception is your transfer driver. They are not employed by the resort and gratuity for good service is expected here.

2. Eat it all. Don’t be shy when it comes to dining. At an all-inclusive, feel free to order several items off the menus – I love trying multiple dishes at each meal! Entrée sizes might be smaller than you are used to at home, but again –order two… or three… or leave room for a delicious dessert!

3. Just say NO. Timeshare sales are an unfortunate reality at many all-inclusive resorts. I have already informed the hotel that you are VIP guests of Paradise Travel and should not be solicited for any timeshare presentations. But sometimes the message does not get passed on. If you are solicited, a polite, but firm NO THANK YOU should do the trick. Do NOT engage with the reps. Do NOT accept invitations to special breakfast events, or be lured by discounts for off property excursions. These are lengthy presentations that will eat away at your precious vacation time.

  If the timeshare (aka vacation club) reps become harassing, please inform the front desk and message me ASAP.

4.   Just ask. Staff at your resort will be more than willing to help with anything you need. Don’t be afraid to ask!

5. Payment and Check Out? Yes you are at an all-inclusive resort, and most things are included, but the front desk may place a hold on your credit card for on-site purchases and incidentals. This amount will vary, but can be as high as $500. If you don't make any on-site charges, the amount (or the difference) will be released back to your card upon check out.

And speaking of check-out, when its time to depart, you MUST check out with the front desk. They will give you a ticket, which you will need to show the bellhop to get your luggage, and show your transfer company to let them know you have settled up your bill. 

MOST IMPORTANT: Don’t forget your sunscreen and passport! And let me know if you need ANYTHING!

You should be all set for a fabulous trip!

SAVE TRAVELS & BON VOYAGE!

[thefutureeckmans]

Harmony's Contact Information

Harmony Skillman

631-796-4278

Harmony@YourParadiseVacation.com

[thefutureeckmans]

Caribbean - Mexico Flying Tips

Some helpful info for your upcoming travels to paradise-

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED!  Do not forget your passports at home, as you will be unable to board your flight and please make sure that they are not expired, torn or unreadable. I suggest making copies of your passport info to carry-on you, as well. Passport booklets are required for all international travel. NO EXCEPTIONS. A passport card is NOT allowed for airline travel, so please make sure you have an actual booklet.

AIRLINE'S APP Download your airline's app to stay on top of your reservation and to look for last minute changes. Turn ON notifications to be informed of any changes to your flight.

AIRLINE CHECK-IN Please check in with your airline no later than three hours prior to flight departure time. Confirm your flights 24-hours prior to departure to ensure that everything is on time. Your Record Locator is listed on your travel documents. Paradise Travel is not responsible for airline schedule changes, lost luggage or delays via the airlines.

BOARDING PASSES You will receive your airline boarding pass when you check in online 24 hours prior to departure or when you arrive at the airport. Please ensure you have an assigned seat on all segments of your flight at the time of check in.

SEATING For extra leg room, ask for bulk head, handicap or emergency row seating when you’re checking in, in person. Ensure you have assigned seats on all segments of your trip upon check in.

DELAYS If you have any delays, please contact the toll-free 24-hour hotline in your travel documents and send me an email, so we can advise the resort and your transportation. Imessage or whatsapp is a great way to reach me, 631-796-4278. I will track your flight, so please make sure I have YOUR phone number so I can communicate to you any delays.

TSA REGULATIONS Please remember the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage. No liquids over 3 ounces and all liquids must be in 1 1-quart bag per traveler. For additional information/updates on TSA: http://www.tsa.gov/

LUGGAGE I recommend packing as light as possible. Many/most airlines are now charging for luggage including the first bag. Fees can range from $25 to $50 per bag, depending upon the airline. Check with your airline’s website for luggage fee information. Cash, debit or credit cards are accepted for luggage fees.

LUGGAGE TAGS Make sure to specify your home address/email and phone number on your bags and note which hotel you are staying at. I recommend tying a ribbon on your suitcase that makes it easy for you to recognize as it comes off the luggage carousel. Please double check the tags before exiting Baggage Claim.

RETURNING HOME Please note when taking a connecting flight that first lands back in the US before getting to your final destination, you must collect all your checked luggage, go through customs, and then go back through security before getting on your connecting flight. Once you land back in your home city you will exit the plane into a domestic terminal and not have to go through customs again. The exceptions to this is travel FROM Nassau, Bahamas and Aruba - these airports offer US pre-clearance and you will enter the United States through a domestic terminal.​​