Spring and Summer Break Guide 2005

Spring and Summer Break - every year thousands of US college students head down to Cancun for some wild spring breaK partying both during the Spring and Summer. Spring Break normally takes place throughout March and April, with Summer break tending to occur in June and July.

Before you leave

Packing:
Before you leave for your Spring Break trip make sure you have your required identification to board the plane and also make a checklist of all the clothing you need to take while in Cancun. If you don't have a passport it is best to obtain one within 3 months before departure to avoid any unnecessary delays and extra costs. Remember, it can get a bit chilly at night so it is recommended to take a light jacket for the evenings. Girls might want to take a smaller purse to carry with them during the day and while out at night. Also make sure you pack some stronger than normal sunscreen as you are closer to the equator the sun is stronger, and you will burn easier. Don’t forget the pain reliever just in case. Most airlines will allow you to check 2 pieces of luggage and have one carry on.

Money:
In Mexico the national currency is pesos. For a better exchange rate you might want to wait until you are in Cancun to exchange your money. You can exchange your money at your hotel there are also tons of places you will find out and about. Although the exchange rate is constantly changing, you can estimate 11 pesos for every one American dollar. American money is widely accepted but you get a better rate by paying in pesos. You can get travelers checks if you desire or use a credit card at most places. Some people carry all their money in cash which is fine just beware of pick pockets and don’t carry all of it with you all the time. Most hotels have safes in the room or safety deposit boxes one can use to store valuables.

The amount of spending money you bring is totally your preference. Depending on what you want to do and if you have a prepaid package will really affect the amount of money you will spend. If you have an all inclusive hotel or not is also a factor to consider when determining the amount of money you should bring along. Although I would recommend getting some $1 bills to take along for tips. If you do not have a prepaid package or all inclusive hotel here is an approximate guide to how much you should expect to spend on food and nightclubs. Shopping and tours are solely up to your spending habits. Tours can range for $25-$300 depending on what you do. Brants 2 for 1 card is also a great investment when going to Cancun and can save you plenty of dollars on the normal tour prices as well as give you 2 for 1 dining at many of Cancun's restaurants.
Food- Depending on your taste average in $30-$70/day you can spend more of less.
Clubs- Most have a cover of $25-$45 plus tips for all you can drink which usually is the only option during spring break. These prices are subject to change.

Research:
The number one thing to do before you leave is to check out the breakers board here on this site and make sure you get all your questions answered to ease the feeling of uncertainty of traveling to a foreign country. Also make sure you read the stickys in each section of the forum because it contains very important information about your travels. Obtaining the most information as possible will make the trip more enjoyable and give you the ability to somewhat plan all the things you would like to do while on vacation. In addition it's agreat community to chat with fellow spring breakers and perhaps meet up to party together.

Arriving at the Airport:
Arriving at the airport at least 2 hours early should give you ample time to get checked in and to the gate before you board your plane. You have 2 options for identification: You can either use your passport or have your state issued original birth certificate plus another form of picture identification. Using a passport is easier of course. Remember you board approximately 30 minutes before the actual departure time.

In the Air:
Once you get on the actual plane that is going to Cancun (some may have to change planes) the flight attendants will hand you 2 documents for immigration into Mexico. They are simple to fill out and should not take more than 10 minutes. They just ask basic questions like your address, your passport number, of what country you are a citizen, and if you have anything to claim that you are bringing into the country (animals, fruits and veggies, alcohol. etc.) they also ask if you are bringing more than $10,000 or more. Make sure you have a pen ready the airline will usually not provide one. Keep these forms handy along with your identification as you are going to need them when you get there.

From the Plane to the Hotel

Immigration:
Once you arrive in Cancun you will go directly to the Immigration area. Depending on the time of day (peak or not) this usually does not take longer than 15 minutes but can take up to an hour. Have your identification and immigration documents in hand as you will be handing them to the officer once you get up to the station. They usually don’t ask you any questions and I have found that a smile and a friendly attitude will speed up the process. This should take no more than 2 minutes, if you have all your stuff ready to be presented. The officer will take your documents and give you ONE back. DO NOT LOSE THIS it is your ticket back into your home country. Once you and your party have cleared immigration you will then proceed to the baggage claim. The airport is fairly small so don’t worry about getting lost.

Baggage:
The baggage claim is small and before you get off the plane they will inform you of which area your baggage will be arriving at. Once you pick up your baggage you will then proceed to the red light/green light area. You will press a button and if you get a green light you are clear to go. If you get a red light your bags will be searched by the officials standing by. Most people get a green light and it is random so I would not worry too much about this.

Transportation to the Hotel:
When you pass the stop light point you will feel like a movie star with people calling for your attention left and right. I would recommend ignoring them. Beware of timeshare body snatchers. You do want to stop at the ladies dressed in Mexican style dresses handing out bag of great information and coupons for some great money off deals. If you arrive late at night or early in the morning the ladies might not be there. If you have arranged for a transfer service or are with a travel agency or tour group there will be someone at this point either inside or outside with a sign that has your name on it. They will promptly load you up and take you to your designated hotel.

If you are traveling on your own, once you get outside this is the time to get a private or group transfer. The difference in the two is with a private transfer you pay about $50 and it is just your party. With the group transfer you will be with several other people and depending on whether you are the first or last in the van you might have to wait a bit. The group transfer also will stop at different hotels rather than be direct transport to your hotel. This usually costs about $9/per person. I usually go this route as it gives you a chance to check out other hotels and meet other people on your way in. If you are looking for a Private Transportation Service a great (and cheap) one to check out is at the entertainment plus site this is from the same guy who does the 2 for 1 card but you do not have to buy the card if all you require is transfer.

When you arrive at your hotel, your driver and the bell hops at the hotel should help you unload your things. Don’t forget to tip!!

Checking into the Hotel:
Hopefully, you have arrived after your check-in time so you can go directly to your room. If not, you can pre check in but they will tell you that your room is not ready yet. At check in, there can be an extremely long line if you arrived at a peak time. These waits can be up to an hour depending on the line. Once you reach the counter have a credit card handy (not applicable for all hotels) so they may charge any additional charges and room taxes to the card. Some hotels require you to leave a deposit in case there is any damage to the room or its contents. Make sure you ask the clerk checking you in for an Ocean Front Room. If not they may stick you in a room with no view. Sometimes, if you ask for a free room upgrade, depending on the occupancy of the hotel, you may get one. I know just by asking we went from a small hotel studio, to a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom ocean front suite all for free!! They will then give you your hotel keys after each person staying in the room signs for the keys. This is also when you will receive your all inclusive wrist bands if you are purchasing that package. In some hotels, beach towel cards will be issued at check in as well. If your room is not ready, most hotels will allow you to leave your bags in the lobby area if you feel safe doing this, and while you are waiting you are more than welcome to enjoy the pool, beach, or bar. For most of you, the hotel will be so breathtaking; you might want to take a quick walk around the hotel as well.