You may have heard of Montezuma's revenge. News flash: it's probably real. People have horror stories about spending more time in the bathroom than outside of it. Good news — all of the resort's water, ice, and plumbing is filtered.

The one thing to be cautious of is fresh fruit and vegetables — agricultural practices in Mexico differ from the US, so eating a lot of raw produce can occasionally upset your stomach.

If you're not feeling great, packing some Imodium isn't the worst idea. When in doubt, ask Kamille – she will always carry medicine!

Always use Amstar and always book through your concierge. Skip Ubers, street taxis, and rideshares.

Behaving in Mexico: Remember — you're not in the US. Play by Mexico's rules, don't buy drugs, don't do anything you wouldn't do at home, and you'll have a perfect time. The inside of a Mexican jail is not on anyone's itinerary.

Try practicing and speaking in Spanish, even a simple “gracias” goes a long way. If you want to pick up more, the staff will happily teach you — they love it.

Get immersed in the culture & you will be sure to have a great time!

While not required, but bringing cash in $1, $5, and $20 bills will absolutely level up your service. Virgel and I usually bring about $200 per person for a week. Our rule of thumb: $1 - $5 every other drink order, $5–$10 at lunch, $20 at dinner.

Additional purchases, like bottles of alcohol, sunscreen, or other items on the resort are priced in pesos. If you're on an iPhone, the built-in Calculator app will convert for you. Don't be scared by big numbers — divide before you decide.

I don't care if you're 100% Italian with beautiful olive skin — you're closer to the equator than you think, and you will feel it. Sunscreen + hydration are the move. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a bad sunburn (or, worse, sun poisoning).