If you’re traveling internationally and staying at an all-inclusive resort, you may be wondering how you’ll get from the airport to your resort and back, and I’ve got one word for you – transfers!

What are transfers?

Great question! A “transfer” is just travel-industry speak for “ground transportation.” If you’re working with a fabulous travel agent, you will likely be getting transfers included with your travel package. Most commonly, transfers take travelers between the airport and their destination. 

For destination wedding guests and couples booking with Tailored Travel Experiences, shared transfers are always included in the cost of their all-inclusive resort stay. 

What are shared transfers?

A shared transfer is ground transportation that may be shared with other travelers going in the same direction as you, that arrive around the same time that you do. This shared transfer may or may not make additional stops along the way to your final destination. 

If there are other travelers arriving around the same that you do (typically this only applies to the pick-up transfer from the airport to your resort), you may wait up to half an hour ish (hopefully less time, occasionally more time), for other travelers assigned to your shuttle. 

Remember that your fellow travelers are also eager to get to their destination, and just like you, had to stop at customs and immigration, wait through the passport line, get their luggage, and hit the restroom before heading outside to your shared transfer. Pack your patience, and be kind to the drivers and transportation teams and your fellow travelers. You’re in paradise, after all!

For my destination wedding guests, shared transfers will always be exclusively shared by other guests of that same wedding, going to the same destination. So if you’re sharing a transfer on the way to one of my destination weddings, you’ll only ever be sharing that shuttle with other wedding guests from your party, and only going to your destination (your resort or the airport).

Can I upgrade to a private transfer?

Yes! For all of my destination wedding groups and individual travelers, I will always provide options for you to upgrade your transfer from the included, shared transfer, to a nicer, more private and direct transfer for just your travel party.

Why upgrade to a private transfer?

If you decide to upgrade your transfer to some form of a private transfer, you will have several options. Some are just the private version of the same, usually large vehicle (think sprinter vans), some SUV options exist, and even some varieties of limousine are usually available as well!

Any of these private transfer options are going to give you the same experience, plus or minus some extra amenities. A private transfer guarantees that you won’t have to wait around for any other travelers outside of your party or make any unnecessary stops.

It’s just you (and your travel buddy / family / SO), getting straight into your private transportation vehicle, and going straight to your destination. Score!!

Plus, depending on what type of transfer you upgrade to, you may receive drinks, snacks, in-car wifi, etc. 

Which private transfer should I choose?

As I said, all private transfers are going to provide you with the same basic service; take you and only you (and your personal travel party) from place to place in a private vehicle. The differences lie in the type of vehicle, and whatever fun extra amenities they may provide inside.

Some SUVs and limousines will provide you with in-car wifi. Others will provide you with drinks and snacks. These can range from water to beer, to champagne and more! But this all depends on the type of transfer you desire!

Why should I book my transfers in advance? 

Simple, pre-booking your ground transportation ensures that you have a reliable, safe, and paid-for way to get where you need to go. 

It takes all of the stress, research, negotiation, and need for local currency out of the mix, and leaves you with a simple process to follow, so you can start relaxing right away!

Plus, traffic is typically crazy in the popular destinations my clients visit, and you don’t want to waste precious vacation time that you’ve already paid for, waiting for a cab to arrive, hoping they charge you a reasonable rate, and hoping that they get you where you want to go in a reasonable amount of time. 

You’ve already paid for a vacation, why start it off with a risk or crap shoot? 

How do I arrange my ground transportation for a destination wedding?

If you’re traveling with one of my destination wedding groups , all you have to do is forward me your flight confirmation email in its entirety, by the deadline given on your invoice, on the wedding website and in the emails I’ve sent you.

As long as I receive your entire flight confirmation email (no screenshots, please!), including all flight schedules, numbers, dates, times, and confirmation numbers, by the due date assigned to you, I will arrange everything for you!

If for some reason you miss the deadline, be sure to book a transfer with a reliable company prior to your departure. It’s MUCH easier to book and find a transfer than it is to flag down a cab once you’re already there, sweating in the pick-up lane. Trust me!

My favorite company in Cancun is Lomas Travel* (who you can see below)- if you need to book your own transfer (remember, my destination wedding guests need not do that), you can do so here. 

Good luck, and safe travels!!