Use the safe! Safety deposit boxes are provided to guests for a reason – use them! Your passport, wallet and any other valuables should always be in the safe.
Keep your doors locked – security locks are in place on patio doors and front doors – make sure they are securely closed.
Keep valuables out of site both in your room and while on the property.
Don’t take your valuable jewelry with you on vacation unless you plan to wear it all the time. Bottom line – don’t flash your wealth.
Ladies – carry a purse that can stay on your shoulder or right with you at all times – hanging that purse on your chair or setting it on the floor out in the open and walking away is asking for trouble.
Don’t take more credit cards and money than you need. I carry one that I use and a back up and that is it. Leave the rest at home. Before you leave home, photocopy all of your cards and ID and leave that behind with someone you can call if they go missing. Get the number for your credit card company and keep that somewhere but not with your wallet.
Be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t be paranoid but be smart.
Use common sense – violence and crime happen around the world – avoid situations that put you in jeopardy and remember you’re in a foreign country.
Drugs are everywhere but that doesn’t mean they’re legal. Avoid them or be willing to pay the consequences.
If you’re going out for a night drinking, don’t go alone – travel with a group, make sure one of you is always sober and make sure someone always knows where you are.
Remember that excessive sun/heat combined with alcohol can intensify effects and make certain you know how any medications you take will interact with alcohol.
It's best not to drink alcohol after travelling for several hours on an empty stomach and little sleep. Also try to limit your alcohol on an empty stomach or on a stomach full of food you aren't used to. Drink plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated.
If you want to go on a tour only go with a reputable tour operator –if you choose one that is sold through the resort that you stay at, they have been already been checked out by the resort and will have proper insurance and licensing.
Don’t drive unless you are used to driving in the destination. If you are staying at a resort taxis and tours will cost you less than renting a car without the hassles of fueling up and road-side spot checks.
At night walk in lit well-traveled paths and avoid back of the resort areas and dark hallways.
If you have any concerns speak to a concierge or the resort manager. Speak to them quietly and in private and express your concerns.
Each resort has dress codes for their restaurants, make sure you are aware of them so you are not turned away.
Some resorts require you to make advanced reservations for dining at a la carte restaurants, you'll want to set this up within the first day or arrival.
A reminder when ordering room service it may take up to an hour before your food is delivered so you want to take this into consideration.
Most resorts have onsite photographers, this may be a great opportunity to capture some precious vacation memories. Sessions are held at various times, in various places around the resort. Packages and individual pictures can be purchased, generally pictures start around $20 USD each.
There can be a lot of marble and smooth surfaces throughout your resort please take caution when they are wet as theses surfaces can be very slippery and a fall can happen very easily.
You may not have hot water for your shower. From time to time during peak shower (mid-morning 9-10am/ late afternoon 5-6pm) times you may not have hot water. Showering at off times will help to avoid this.
Don't run out of sunscreen. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, purchasing it at the resort is extremely expensive.
Sunscreen awareness. It's important to check to see if your sunscreen is biodegradable and reef safe.
Take your own re-usable straws. Many resorts are getting rid of plastic straws in drinks so if you have to have a straw for your favorite cocktail bring your own re-usable straws, there are many different types available.
Leave it at home:
The best way to protect yourself against crime is in the prevention. Take these precautions no matter where you travel and you will enjoy your vacation to its fullest extent. Do not travel with valuables, do not wear expensive jewelry this only draws attention to yourself. When you go to the beaches, do not carry such things as money, watches, purses, or wallets. The beaches are public and many other tourists are also walking around the beach. Anyone could pick up your wallet or anything else while you are swimming.
Ridiculous amounts of cash – take some cash with you for tipping purposes. And, have some cash with you if you would like to do any shopping with local vendors. We do not recommend traveling with obnoxiously large amounts of cash as you do not want to be worried about losing it!
Other valuables – ladies, is it really necessary to take your gorgeous pair of 2 carat diamond earrings with you on vacation? Probably not! Traveling with costume jewelry is a smart route to go and you will not worry about it all week. If you are taking valuables with you (such as your passports & wallets), remember to lock everything up in your in- room safe! Housekeeping and maintenance staff at most resorts are honest and will not bother your belongings, but you are better to be safe rather than sorry!
Appropriate clothing for dinner at your resort:
You’ll probably live in a swimsuit, cover- up and flip flops most days, but you’ll likely need to get a little dressed up for dinner. Most resorts have restaurants that have a dinner dress code, which generally asks for men to wear long pants and collared shirts and for women to wear nice capris, skirts or dresses.
Guys, should take lightweight khakis or linen pants and breathable button-down or polo shirts, plus nicer-looking sandals. Flip flops are generally not acceptable for dinner.
Ladies, we do suggest considering taking a lightweight jacket, sweater or wrap with you as the ocean breezes can leave you feeling a little chilly in the evening, especially if you have a sunburn!
As with travelling anywhere outside your home....keep your wits about you, know your surroundings and make good choices.