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Summer may be coming to an end, but Cancun is still going strong.
Travelers must therefore expect a rush of tourists rushing through the airport at any time of operation.
Airports are usually forgotten when it comes to vacation, and this is no different at America’s favorite international vacation spot.
Cancun International Airport is currently implementing some changes to ease traveler frustration, but it sounds like the move could backfire.
Nobody likes being herded like cattle onto an airplane, and no one at the back will like it either.
However, local authorities believe that any subsequent changes are in the best interests of travelers.
Here are 3 things travelers need to know when arriving in Cancun:
1) Follow the only exit sign
Have you ever been to an escape room? This is what you might feel like after getting out in Cancun.
No, you don’t have to solve a secret puzzle to leave the airport, but the fear is still the same.
Cancun receives an incredible number of tourists every year, at any time of the year. We’re talking millions and millions.
When you arrive for your dream beach vacation, you can’t avoid the crowds before leaving the airport.
To potentially make matters worse, the airport has decided to close all but one exit and direct holidaymakers through only one section.
Why? An ongoing fiasco of various traffic divider issues. You know, private shuttles, Ubers, taxis – the same thing that’s been going on for years.
Can’t we all just get along?
2) Road closures: Prepare for Hiccups when turning on
Remember the famous line in Back to the future“Where we are going, we don’t need roads!”?
Well, when you visit one of the busiest airports in Latin America, it’s kind of obvious, right?
Authorities have closed the main road to the passenger pick-up area, putting both travelers and transportation providers (both legitimate and fraudulent) in a bind.
The point of traveling to an iconic paradise like Cancun is to leave the stress of home behind.
But in this case, it sounds like this stress will accompany you the whole time, at least until you reach your hotel.
First a single exit through which hordes of tourists stream out at once, and then who knows when you will be picked up – that really doesn’t sound like the best start to your vacation.
And it must be frustrating for both sides. In the world of drivers, time is money, and in the world of vacationers, time is precious.
Every minute lost is a stolen moment of relaxation on some of the most pristine beaches in the world.
But hey, once you’ve checked into your all-inclusive resort, at least the rest is taken care of.
3) New warning: Use only authorized transport providers
This may sound like one of those “oh yeah” moments: who in their right mind would fly to another country and ride with an unknown stranger?
This actually happens. Sometimes it is due to a misjudgment or sometimes people are simply too trusting.
Warning signs have been posted throughout the airport to remind travelers to use only authorized transportation providers.
This is not limited to a specific mode of transportation, but applies generally to shuttles, taxis and yes, even Uber. You are also on the safe side with the ADO bus service.
And this is where it gets even more difficult, because Uber is one of Americans’ favorite modes of transportation. They tend to feel safer when they can be tracked via an app than in an old-fashioned taxi.
What is the deal with Uber?
There are many horror stories about conflicts between taxis and Uber, especially from Mexico, where tourists get caught in the crossfire even though they simply wanted to enjoy a nice vacation.
This actually happened to me, but many years ago…
When I first traveled to Guanajuato, it happened to be the first Uber location in Leon, the most visited destination.
I ordered an Uber. Nothing was unusual until I closed the door. Then a man knocked on the window and made a quick conversation with my driver, and before I knew it, I was covered in hot coffee.
Thankfully, that was it. Years later, taxis and Ubers are still at loggerheads, even in mega-popular destinations like Cancun.
It seems like finding common ground between taxi commissions, state regulators and Uber headquarters is child’s play.
Technically, the National Guard says Uber is not permitted for airport pickup in Cancun, so keep that in mind.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other company. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the companies mentioned in the post.
