How, What, Where, and When – Pre-Travel COVID-19 Testing Information in Mexico’s Top Destinations

Posted by & filed under Covid-19, Health and Safety.

Top travel destinations across Mexico are prepared to meet testing requirements in place for visitors.

As Mexico has remained open to visitors, people have been traveling to the country to enjoy its many treasures. The best hotels and resorts have been following the WTTC’s Safe Travel guidelines and even adding additional layers of protection, like fully sanitizing rooms and offering contact-free check-in and check-out. Villas continue to offer an extra level of privacy and have been taking extra caution in these unique times. The travel industry in Mexico is working hard to make visitors as safe as possible.

With the recently announced requirements for COVID-19 testing before flights to the US, the destinations are coordinating with local hospitals and clinics to make the testing process a convenient as possible. Below, we have collected COVID-19 testing information from some of Mexico’s top destinations for you that will let you know:

  • How to get tested
  • Where to get tested
  • How much the test cost
  • What kind of test you will need

Covid-19 Test Protocols and Programs by Destinations

RIVIERA MAYA
https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/covid-19/covid-19-tests/

CABO
https://www.visitloscabos.travel/covid-test/

PUERTO VALLARTA
https://visitpuertovallarta.com/covid-19
PVR-RN_COVID-19_Testing_Preparedness

PUNTA MITA
https://www.rivieranayarit.com/covid-19
https://www.puntamita.com/h/e-com/club/update-covid-19/healthy-punta-mita.pdf

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
https://www.enroutecommunications.com/san-miguel-de-allende-maintains-its-health-first-approach-as-it-relates-to-covid-19/

YUCATAN
https://www.enroutecommunications.com/state-of-yucatan-to-offer-rapid-covid-19-testing-for-travelers-flying-to-us-from-meridas-international-airport/

If you desire more information or have any questions about travel in Mexico, feel free to contact Journey Mexico and we can answer your questions and help plan your trip, making sure you have the safest travel experience possible.

What You Need to Know: New Covid-19 Testing Rules for Travelers Flying to the United States

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety, News.

On January 21, U.S. President Biden signed an executive order to affirm new COVID-19 testing requirements and direct agencies to consider additional travel-safety measures. Now travelers flying to the United States from any country, including Mexico, need to show a recent negative COVID-19 test and comply with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention guidelines concerning international travel.

The new rules took effect last January 26, 2021. Here are the CDC’s guidelines for international travel:

  • Get tested 1–3 days before your flight—make sure to have actual results (not pending results) before traveling.
  • If you have a positive result, do not travel.
  • Get tested 3–5 days after your flight.
  • Stay home for seven days after traveling, even if you test negative.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19 after you travel, isolate yourself and follow public health recommendations. Do not travel until you are no longer considered a transmission risk—this includes your return trip home.
  • If you do not get tested, it is safest to stay home for 14 days (about 2 weeks) after travel.
  • Avoid those who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 for 14 days (about 2 weeks), whether you get tested or not.

 

Valuable information about these new regulations:

Do the U.S Citizens need to get tested?

Yes. The order applies to everyone traveling to the U.S. on international flights, including U.S. citizens. There are exceptions for children under the age of two.


 

Do I need to get a test to travel to Mexico?

No. Mexico does not have any travel restrictions on U.S. and Canadian citizens. That means you do not need to get a test before your flight to Mexico. It is important to know that all international travelers need to complete a Questionnaire of Identification of Risk Factors in Travelers (Cuestionario de Identificación de Factores de Riesgo en Viajeros) upon arrival in Mexico and your temperature may be taken.

The form can be complete here: https://afac.hostingerapp.com/


 

Will the Airlines provide the Covid-19 Test?

No. Airlines will not be testing you when you arrive at the airport for an international flight to the U.S. Travelers are required to obtain a test. The test must be taken no more than three days before your departure date.

 

Who is checking test results at the airport?

According to the CDC, airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers before boarding and deny boarding to anyone who does not provide documentation of a negative test or documentation of having recovered from Covid-19.

 

I am flying to the U.S. by private plane. Does this new requirement apply to me?

Yes, the order applies to commercial and private flights, according to the CDC.

 

Where can I get tested?

Resorts across Mexico, tourist destinations, clinics, and main airports in Mexico are working to offer testing options. Several hotels in Mexico are offering on-site testing that can be coordinated.

Journey Mexico’s Statement on US Requirements for Covid-19 Tests for All International Travelers

View the list of COVID-19 testing sites in Mexico

 

What is the difference between the antigen test and PCR test, and which one do I need?

Antigen test: This test detects protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. It can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and, in some cases, results can be reported within 15 minutes.

PCR test: This test detects RNA (or genetic material) specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even those who have no symptoms. The test can be done in a clinic, hospital, or even in your car. Turnaround time is longer, in the 2–3-day range, but results can be obtained in as little as 24 hours. When demand is high, results can take a week or longer.

It is important to note the distinction in what test results the U.S. will accept. The U.S. will accept either the PCR or antigen test results, while Canada accepts negative results from PCR tests only.

 

What kind of documentation do I need to show?

The CDC requires travelers flying to the U.S. to have a paper or electronic copy of their negative test results before boarding their flight.

 

What if my test is positive?

If a guest tests positive and is unable to return home, Journey Mexico will work closely with guests, travel advisors, suppliers, and health facilities to organize the best possible care and services on a case-by-case basis. If you choose not to travel with Journey Mexico, travelers should contact their travel representative or hotel for information.

 

I already had Covid-19. What kind of documentation do I need?

If you have recovered from Covid-19 within the past three months, you will need proof that you tested positive in the past three months before your flight, as well as a letter from your doctor stating that you are cleared for travel.

 

I have received the Covid-19 vaccine. Do I still need to test?

Yes, the same requirements apply.

 

Do I need to quarantine when I go back home?

There is currently no mandatory quarantine when you return to or arrive in the United States. It is recommended by the CDC and President Joe Biden, however. The CDC recommends that travelers get tested three to five days after travel and stay home or in a hotel to self-quarantine for seven days post-travel regardless of the test results.

The CDC recommends that international travelers get tested again 3 to 5 days after arrival from abroad and stay home for seven days after travel, pending a negative test result, or self-quarantine for 14 days (about 2 weeks) with no postflight test.

 

Interested Links:

Covid-19 in Mexico: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-mexico

Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.htm 

Testing and International Air Travel: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-air-travel.html

What to Do If You Are Sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

COVID-19 Testing Overview: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

Media Link

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2021/01/25/covid-travel-restrictions-covid-test-international-flights-us-cdc-biden/6673817002/

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/coronavirus/us-quarantine-requirement-seen-as-new-blow-to-tourism-and-airline-travel/

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/united-states-travel-new-covid-test-requirement/index.html

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-covid-19-testing-rules-for-travel-to-the-u-s-what-they-mean-for-you-11610566341

https://www.afar.com/magazine/all-travelers-to-us-will-need-to-have-negative-covid-test

Journey Mexico’s Safe Touring Suite of Services

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety.

With worry-free travel still some months away, Journey Mexico has created a suite of safe touring services to add an extra layer of protection to travel in Mexico. These services are designed to offer travelers the ability to tour and experience Mexico in the safest way possible. Enjoy the services of a guide, visit historical sites, tour cities and towns in private vehicles, and more. These services provide intrepid travelers with the opportunity to create lifelong memories and unforgettable vacations we have all been missing.

Below are some of our exclusive safe touring services. Contact Journey Mexico for more information and details.

Private Tours & Experiences

Book after-hour and private visits to archeological sites, museums, and more.

Guide & Driver Testing & Quarantine

Before arrival, arrange for a dedicated driver and guide to quarantine and be tested for COVID-19.

Exclusive Guides & Drivers

Arrange for a dedicated driver and guide throughout a vacation. From airport transfers to day tours, limit contacts within vehicles.

COVID-19 Testing

Coordinate testing for our guest during travel and before departure as desired.

Please note that additional fees apply for additional services.
Contact a Journey Mexico Travel Planner for more information and cost of services

New Hotels in Mexico – 2021

Posted by & filed under Mexico City, New Hotels, News, Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

If you’re looking for the newest and hottest hotels in the world, Mexico is a great place to start. From the Pacific to the Caribbean, Mexico continues expanding its tourism offerings with new hotels and innovative attractions.

Here’s what we’ve heard is coming soon:

 

The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City (Debuting February 2021)

To be located in a new building rising 58 stories above the heart of the financial center, the home of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, this new building will add a striking structure to the city’s skyline.

Residing in a new 58 story building in the heart of Mexico City’s financial center, this new building will add a striking structure to the city’s skyline.

The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City will reside in a new 58 story building in the heart of Mexico City’s financial center, adding a striking structure to the city’s skyline.  Located on floors 36 to 47, the hotel will offer sweeping views of Chapultepec Park from each of its 153 accommodations and private residences. Luxury amenities to include a Club Lounge, a Mediterranean-inspired bar and restaurant, a spa, pool, fitness center and meeting and event spaces.

The Ritz Carlton Mexico City

 

Susurros Del Corazón, Punta Mita (Debuting March 2021)

On the Pacific coast of Mexico, overlooking Banderas Bay, is a pristine beach surrounded by sun-kissed bluffs and lush equatorial flora. Here, an extraordinary boutique resort is taking shape: Susurros Del Corazón, a new destination from Auberge Resorts Collection.  This property will reintroduce romance to the stunning Punta de Mita peninsula and captivate with unscripted luxury, authentic connection, and reverence for nature.

Susurros Del Corazón

 

Etéreo, Riviera Maya (Opening 2021)

Etéreo will be nestled along the coastal paradise of Riviera Maya on a pristine oceanfront site, remarkable for its lush and expansive mangrove gardens and deep white-sand beach.  This new property, from the Auberge Resorts Collection, is being constructed to offer guests a unique connection with nature.   Its secluded location will provide its guests with a truly luxurious experience where they can get away and connect in comfort.

Etéreo

 

Four Season Tamarindos (Opening late 2021)

Escape to a hidden eco-reserve on Mexico’s Costa Alegre – the pristine coastline between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo – where dense jungle rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. At Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, modern organic architecture defines three distinct enclaves: a protected beachfront for families, a panoramic clifftop for adults, and a private hideaway immersed in greenery. Feel fully connected to nature while savoring the utmost in Four Season’s sophistication.

Four Season Tamarindos

 

Villa Paradise In The Heart Of Punta Mita At Villa Tres Amores

Posted by & filed under Holidays, Fairs & Festivals, Luxury, Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita.

If you were trying the create the perfect villa, set in an ideal location and community, you’d come up with something just like Villa Tres Amores.   This elegant, comfortable, and stylish home, overlooking the Bay of Banderas sits in the heart of the Punta Mita private resort community and is the quintessential Mexican villa rental.

Read full blog >>

 

Journey Mexico Exclusive:
– Early check-in and late check-out with no additional cost (subject to availability)
– One complimentary round trip airport transfer with Mercedes Benz Sprinter
– Option of Private Mixologist experience or private in-villa Mexican theme dinner

Travel + Leisure Selects Journey Mexico’s Ceo As Top Mexico Specialist For The 11th Consecutive Year

Posted by & filed under Travel + Leisure.

Journey Mexico is pleased to announce that Zachary Rabinor, Founder and CEO of Journey Mexico, has been named Mexico’s leading travel expert by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

Zach is recognized along with 147 other elite travel agents, tour operators, and destination specialists from around the world in Travel + Leisure’s 19th annual A-List Awards.

Travel + Leisure credits Zach’s personal connections throughout Mexico, insider recommendations across the country, and ability to create unique and customized travel experiences as the reasons for his recognition.

The award is the latest in a long string of accolades which includes:

  • Eleven years in a row on Travel + Leisure Magazines A-List
  • Ten consecutive years as one of Conde Nast’s World’s Top Travel Specialist
  • Seven successive years on Wendy Perrin’s WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts

Journey Mexico and Villas by Journey Mexico have been recognized with multiple awards and received extensive press recognition.

To find out more about the unforgettable travel experiences Zach and his team have designed, check out our customizable sample itineraries.

We’ve got something for everyone, so whether you want to see the pyramids of Mexico, take the nature trip of a lifetime, stay at a luxurious villa, or something completely different Journey Mexico can make it happen.

Private Adventures for Your Punta Mita Villa Holiday

Posted by & filed under Family vacations, Luxury, Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita.

Add some outdoor adventure to your stay at one of our incredible Punta Mita private home rentals.

After spending a couple of days around the pool and enjoy the exclusivity of your villa, you may want to get out and explore some of the adventures that Punta Mita has to offer. Though group tours can be fun and offer a chance to meet new people, in the current times we are in, private tours are more in demand than ever.  Let us arrange something for just your group—from something convenient like surf lessons in front of your villa to a full-day on the water or something in between.  Here is a sample of some of the fun and exciting private adventures we can arrange for you and your group during your stay in Punta Mita.

Read Full Blog >>

Is It Safe to Fly on a Plane During COVID-19?

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety, News.

This is a question many people are asking recently.  According to Airbus, The Boeing Company & Embraer research, the risk of inflight COVID-19 transmission appears to be low if passengers are following recommended safety measures.

Source: The International Air Transport Association (IATA)

 

“The risk of a passenger contracting COVID-19 while onboard appears very low. With only 44 identified potential cases of flight-related transmission among 1.2 billion travelers, that’s one case for every 27 million travelers. We recognize that this may be an underestimate but even if 90% of the cases were unreported, it would be one case for every 2.7 million travelers. We think these figures are extremely reassuring.  Furthermore, the vast majority of published cases occurred before the wearing of face coverings inflight became widespread,” said Dr. David Powell, IATA’s Medical Advisor.

 

According to the IATA and Aircraft companies, the new protocols implanted on airports and aircraft design characteristics add a further protection layer, contributing to the low incidence of inflight transmission. These include:

  • Limited face-to-face interactions as passengers face forward and move about very little
  • The effect of the seat-back acting as a physical barrier to air movement from one row to another
  • The minimization of forward-aft flow of air, with a segmented flow design which is directed generally downward from ceiling to floor
  • The high rate of fresh air coming into the cabin. Air is exchanged 20-30 times per hour onboard most aircraft, which compares very favorably with the average office space (average 2-3 times per hour) or schools (average 10-15 times per hour).
  • The use of HEPA filters which have more than 99.9% bacteria/virus removal efficiency rate ensuring that the air supply entering the cabin is not a pathway for introducing microbes.

For more information and details: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2020-09-08-012/

Mexico’s Archeological Sites in the Yucatan and Riviera Maya Are Reopening to Visitors

Posted by & filed under Chichen Itza, Riviera Maya & Tulum, Yucatan.

We have great news!  With controlled capacity and health and security protocols in place for visitor safety, many of the Mayan archaeological sites in the Yucatan and Riviera Maya are reopening for national and foreign visitors.

These are the archaeological sites in the Yucatan and the Riviera Maya ready to amaze their visitors with their historical significance and incredible architecture.

Archaeological Site Open Schedule Max Capacity Comments
Uxmal Sep 14, 2020

Monday – Sunday

(8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

 250 daily visitors Nightly shows suspended until further notices
Izamal Sep 14, 2020

Monday – Sunday

(8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Ek’ Balam Sep 14, 2020

Monday – Sunday

(8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Tulum Sep 14, 2020

Monday – Sunday

(8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Cobá Sep 14, 2020

Monday – Sunday

(8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Dzibilchaltún Sep 22, 2020

Monday – Sunday

(8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

 150 daily visitors Some areas remain closed until further notice
Chichén Itzá Sep 22, 2020 Monday – Sunday

(8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

 3,000 daily visitors Ten people max per group Nightly shows suspended until further notices

Some of the health and security protocols being implemented while visiting the archaeological sites are:

  • Wearing of a mask at all times within the archaeological site
  • Maintaining a social distancing of 1.5 meters or 6 feet
  • Avoiding physical contact with railings, doors, signage, or surfaces that could be in contact with other visitors.

Learn more about our global protocols for travel safety here. Or contact our travel planners to arrange a private visit and explore these ancients cities.

The Safest States And Destinations in Mexico for Travel Now

Posted by & filed under News.

Mexico has started to welcome back international and domestic travelers. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), more and more tourism destinations and states in Mexico have implemented the Safe Travels Global Protocols and received the Global Safety Stamp—an emblem to help travelers recognize the businesses and destinations meeting safety standards and following best practices, so travelers can experience “Safe Travels.” These increased safety measures are helping to make travelers feel more comfortable and safe as they consider traveling to Mexico again.

 

At Journey Mexico, we work daily to provide the lastest and most informative updates regarding travel in Mexico during COVID-19. Our goal is to offer open and transparent updates, so people can travel when they are ready. Visit our updated travel information in Mexico for the latest updates.

Safe Travels with the WTTC & Journey Mexico

Posted by & filed under News.

As a proud regional member of the WTTC, Journey Mexico volunteered to actively participate in the working group that helped to design the organizations Protocols for Tour Operators. We’re hopeful and confident that industry-wide collaboration in the design, implementation, and adherence to globally accepted standards is a vital step in the industry’s recovery. We are proud to receive and promote the safe travel stamp, which reiterates our commitment to follow the guidelines and collaborate with our industry partners towards the same goal.

 

JOURNEY MEXICO HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

 

Travel Pioneers, let’s hit the road!

Posted by & filed under Adventure, Family vacations, On the Road.

Hola amigos! We’re all working hard to harvest the silver linings of this unique moment in time. Over the past two weeks, I managed to escape down the remote Mexican Coast with dear family friends on a father/son surf expedition. We were welcomed into small, kind fishing communities; enjoyed fresh seafood, and empty tropical waves; and even forgot about COVID-19 for a moment! Mexico’s pristine beauty beckons when the time is right for you; there is so much Mexico for you and yours to explore too.

Check out the highlight reel from our road trip below.

Travel Unites

Posted by & filed under News 1.

As if the pandemic hadn’t highlighted the inequity in the world, the protests over the past two weeks highlight the deep injustice in our governments, institutions, and communities.  While we each attempt to process the senseless murder of George Floyd, I can’t help wondering what I can do to help; how can I be part of the solution?  Throughout the pandemic I have relied on a sense of purpose, my own personal mission to orient me in my response on a personal, professional, and community level.  And so, I’ll redouble my efforts to survive and thrive through this crisis and continue to seed the deep roots of interracial, international, and interpersonal understanding that travel offers.

Stay strong, compassionate, and optimistic, only together will we get through this,

Zach #strongertogether

Travel: Essential

Posted by & filed under News.

As the world reemerges from lockdowns and the global economy lurches back to life, travel and tourism finds itself down at the bottom of the list of essential activities. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth!  We feel it personally and are hearing how badly people NEED to travel—from our families, friends, colleagues… everyone! Beyond the sheer enjoyment and well-being that travel and tourism bring, the industry accounts for one in ten jobs worldwide and more than 10% of global GDP. In many places in Mexico, travel and tourism account for more than 80% of jobs; in fact, it is of such essential importance that it is included in the first phase of restarting the nation’s economy in June along with strict protocols to keep everyone safe.

The widespread economic fallout from the pandemic has had far reaching impacts on those that depend on travel to put food on the table.  Here in my hometown of Puerto Vallarta, news spread of dire need for food amongst the most vulnerable families that had lost their jobs in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism related businesses. Upon a visit to our local market, the reality was stark: lines of women and children asking for food.  Our friends at our local fruteria, lamented that with $300.00 MXN (approximately $13.00 USD) a family of 4 could eat for a week. We adopted 10 families on the spot and went home with a heavy heart.  Later that day, I related the experience to one of my industry friends, and she and her family immediately adopted 10 more families.  These grassroots efforts grew with each new person who heard about it; this week we’ll feed over 300 families.  While I wrote about this several weeks ago, many of those supporting the effort have encouraged me to continue to spread the word, it’s essential to help in any way we can.

So travel is indeed essential on many levels.  And until travel resumes, we’ll keep on providing the essential support needed by Mexico’s most vulnerable communities.  Please do get in touch in case you’d like to adopt a family, no amount is too small.  As you can see below, they are grateful for our support.  Coming together helps us stay positive, knowing that there is good coming out of this, a recognition that we are all connected and will only get through it together.

With strength, gratitude, and compassion,
Zach

65 Days Of Solitude

Posted by & filed under Chiapas, News.

After 65 days of video conferences, panels, webinars, global classrooms, and industry think tanks, I’m nearly all Zoomed out – living my own magic realism. It’s been an inward journey where each day is a year; news travels at the speed of light as does our understanding of the world; while we all just stay put. Unimaginable, and yet we are living it.

The good news is, things are changing – PROGRESS! China has opened, Italy is opening, and Europe, the US, and Mexico are loosening restrictions, we are making our way through this and however faint it may be, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Mexico’s stay at home orders will end on May 30th and a slew of hotels and villas are opening in June.  While limited in routing and frequency, commercial flights are available and operating into Mexico’s major airports. We’re working harder than ever on new standards and protocols along with our friends at the WTTC; we’ll be ready to welcome you when you feel safe to travel. Only second to your personal safety, we’ve worked hard on new Booking Terms and Conditions to afford you with as much flexibility as possible and protect your travel investment.

And it’s not just the governments and hotels that are moving forward, we’ve been pleasantly surprised with a flurry of interest and bookings that are showing new trends in the post-COVID mind-set: private homes, villas, and residences; remote, active adventures; and luxury beach relaxation are leading the way for the intrepid first wave of travelers who can’t wait to feed their pent up wanderlust!

Me personally, I’m ready to escape my own private Macondo and take this staycation on the road. I’m dreaming of taking my family down to the remote Pacific coast beaches for a wild camping surf trip with fresh ceviches, ice cold beer, and lots of hammock hanging in a remote stretch of perfect waves and friendly locals.  Dreams are rooted in memories and this week we’ll hear from our Business Development Manager based in the UK Amberley, who can’t stop dreaming about her favorite Mexico memories.

The Old Is The New

Posted by & filed under Nature, News.

Remember big hair? Workout videos? Baking? Doing Puzzles? Buzz Cuts?

What was old, will once again be new and so it is during the COVID19 outbreak.
As we look forward to what is next for us, we’re excited and clear that, at least for us at Journey Mexico, the old is the new too.

We founded Journey Mexico 17 years ago to share Mexico’s towering peaks, thundering surf, jaw-dropping landscapes, and vibrant culture with the world and we’re singularly focused on improving the way we do it into the future.  Implementing new systems as well as an upgrade of our Booking Software will certainly make us more efficient and better able to serve our valuable guests.  We’ll bring a renewed appreciation of the honor and gift to serve those who entrust us with their valuable travel time too.

Other old things that seem new include our first post-COVID bookings scheduled to travel as soon as June and stretching into the fall and winter of 2020-21.  I remember our first ever bookings at Journey Mexico back in 2003 from my garage, which I called Suite G to seem like I worked in an office…  these first post-pandemic bookings evoke the same hope and optimism 17 years later.  And something as routine as heading to the airport and getting on a flight also seemed incredibly adventurous and new as our team members did just that (essential travel) on Friday of last week!  Despite the anxiety around airports, immigration lines and the flight itself, it turned out to be extremely mundane albeit a bit eerie with the incredible emptiness of the airports, plane, and general departure/arrival processes.

Like an old pair of blue jeans, slowing down, cooking as a family, reading on a lazy Sunday, have all been dusted off and tried on again, as has taking care of our neighbors in times of need.  I was telling one of my dear industry friends from Avenue Two Travel about how we had organized a food drive to help some of the most vulnerable families here in our home town of Puerto Vallarta for only $15.00 USD / family/week; she immediately volunteered to adopt 10 families for a week!  If any of you are so inclined, there’s an insurmountable demand for basic food here where unemployment has reached over 80% (Puerto Vallarta) and we’d be glad to facilitate your support.

And finally, what never gets old, and is always new and inspiring for us are our amazing memories of Mexico; Jessica Seba, our Villa Program Director shares hers with us this week below.  I for one am delighted to find that digging deep into the old core values and inspiration of what has gotten us this far still seems timely, fresh, relevant, and new!

Warm regards from Mexico,

Zachary Rabinor
Founder | President | CEO
JOURNEY MEXICO

Our Favorite Mexico Memories

Posted by & filed under News 1.

Dear friends,

I’ve had it with the endless stream of “breaking news” and politicized information overload. I’ve taken shelter within my home and my family; in fact, I think we’re all in agreement that the big winner throughout this crisis has been the family. Closer, stronger, and more fun; we’ve deepened our relationships beyond what we thought was possible and it keeps us grounded, positive, and optimistic that we will get through this.

On our recent weekly all staff Zoom Call we shared what we were all up to and I asked the team if they’d be interested in sharing with our larger family – YOU. The response was overwhelmingly positive and so each week, from our Journey Mexico Family to yours, we’d like to share what moves us and hope it moves you too. The first video is from Alfonso, our Business Development Director, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Warm regards from Mexico,

Zachary Rabinor
Founder | President | CEO
JOURNEY MEXICO

Sharing Journey Mexico’s Values

Posted by & filed under News.

So let’s get real and honest. None of us have time for fluff these days. In business terms, we’ve found about as close to the worst case scenario as we could have ever imagined; with total uncertainty about when we will be able to market, sell and deliver unforgettable travel experiences again. Fortunately, our foresight and solid financial planning gives me great confidence that we will weather this perfect storm that has all but sunk the travel industry. So, why then do I wake up with a jump in my step and an excitement to get to work? The answer is YOU.

I’m just plain fired up to continue to face this challenge with my team, colleagues, clients, and suppliers as we all struggle to find our way through this extraordinary moment in our lives and the world. I’m inspired by my team, who despite reduced pay have redoubled their efforts and commitment (not to mention their heroic volunteering to bring relief to Mexico’s most vulnerable communities). The collaborative spirit of the whole industry reaches new heights daily!  It’s palpable, former competitive friction has turned to open-hearted collaboration. The non-stop video conferences begin with genuine pause to ask how each other and our families are doing. The support from our clients and suppliers has been humbling and reinforced our passion for and commitment to our mission to share Mexico’s wondrous travel experiences with the world.

I know we’re all asking ourselves, “How could this happen?”  “What needs to be fixed so that it never happens again?”  “What must we learn from this momentous challenge?”  Nobody could have been prepared for this unprecedented challenge; and it is abundantly clear with each passing day that the best path forward is to work together. I’m hopeful and confident we’ll make it out the other side, wiser, stronger, more compassionate.

I get it, that this is a long hard slog that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight, so let’s focus on the journey and not the destination.
In solidarity from Mexico,

Zach #allinthistogether

 

Zachary Rabinor
Founder | President | CEO
JOURNEY MEXICO