Grupo Mayan Business Travel Tips

Business travelers from all over the world attend meetings at the many Grupo Mayan Mexican resorts.  Companies and organizations plan their corporate meetings and retreats with Grupo Mayan as we offer all the current technologies and up to date facilities needed for successful events.  While in Mexico for meetings and events, the business traveler will enjoy free time to explore our beautiful and exciting country.  The people of Mexico are very welcoming and happy to have you as our guest.

Mexico is a melting pot of many different indigenous populations and the traditions of the country reflect these various cultures. Many of Mexicoís early peoples have left a permanent mark on Mexican society.  While at your Grupo Mayan resort, or off property touring the surrounding towns and villages, you will experience a unique way of life. Business travelers will want to learn about local Mexican customs and etiquette before visiting the country.

The people of Mexico are very polite.  You will want to address them properly using the proper nomenclature.  Men are distinguished by the term senor and women by senora.  A young, unmarried Mexican woman is addressed as senorita.

It is a good idea to learn some Spanish words before your vacation.  While you are onsite at your Grupo Mayan resort there will be no communication problems with our staff and many people throughout the country have English as a second language.  Learning a few Spanish words will show your respect for the Mexican people.  Por favor, (please), and gracias, (thank you), are terms you will definitely find appropriate in many situations.

Even though you are in Mexico for business you will no doubt enjoy some time to relax.  Keep in mind that Mexicans enjoy a more laid back lifestyle than you are used to and do not become impatient.  After a day or two you will come to appreciate Mexican time and the lack of stress it imposes. Off of the Grupo Mayan resort many local people take a siesta from 2 pm to 5pm.

Upon greeting one another, Mexican people customarily kiss each other on the cheek.  This air kiss will not be appropriate in your business meetings but do not be shocked when you see others offering kisses to friends and acquaintances. A firm handshake is the appropriate greeting in business situations.

Women business travelers should not be offended if a man whistles or winks at her when introduced.  Men sometimes introduce themselves to women by winking or whistling. This is known as the ëpiripoí.  Business travelers of both sexes should be aware that Mexicans do not require as much personal space as we have become used to.  Do not be offended if someone stands close to you.

Knowing the proper etiquette while in Mexico will help the business traveler avoid uncomfortable situations.  The Grupo Mayan resorts are more relaxed because of our many European and American visitors.  As in any country, respect is valued and appreciated by everyone.  We hope that you enjoy the customs and traditions of our lovely country while you are at your Grupo Mayan resort.

The luxurious Grupo Mayan Mexican resorts are honored to have you as a guest.  While here on business you will find everything you need for a successful corporate meeting or retreat.  In order to avoid the many stresses of travel planning we would like to offer the following steps you can take before and after your trip.

• Dedicate a folder for this specific business trip.  You will be able to keep all of your important documentation in one place.  Airline confirmations and receipts, the confirmation number and receipt from your Grupo Mayan resort, travel documents, frequent flyer and airline club cards, and copies of important identification numbers.  You can keep this folder with you while you travel making everything you need very assessable.  It will also be helpful when you return home and are preparing and expense account summary.
• Try to book your flight to Mexico a day early.  This will help you avoid cancelled flights and delays.  It will also allow you time to relax at your Grupo Mayan resort before your meetings begin.
• Will you be giving a presentation at one of the meetings?  If you are giving a slide show or PowerPoint presentation it is important to have a second copy of the presentation with you.  If something happens to the original you will have this to fall back on.  For PowerPoint back up you can carry an extra presentation on a portable flash drive, a CD, or email the presentation to yourself so you can retrieve it in an emergency.  You should plan on carrying two copies of all slides and videos when using that form of media.  The Grupo Mayan resorts will have equipment available on site for your presentation.
• Do not over pack.  Airlines have many restrictions these days concerning what is allowed on board.  Please check with your airline for their guidelines.
• Plan to bring an ample amount of cash.  You will be able to use credit cards at your Grupo Mayan resort but in some of the surrounding towns and villages you will need local currency.  We will help you with exchanges.  Travelerís checks are always excellent for travel. You will want to keep a record of all credit card numbers and travelerís check identification numbers in your travel documents folder in case they are lost.
• Make sure to plan for down time.  The Grupo Mayan resorts offer many activities for the business traveler, (and your family if they are traveling with you).  Golf, tennis, spa services, sandy beaches, pools, and many water sports are available onsite.  You will want to enjoy many of these activities while you are our guest.
• When you return home you will still need your travel documents folder.  You should have saved all of your receipts in this folder while in Mexico at your Grupo Mayan resort.  Having everything in one place will keep you from having to search for lost receipts when making out your expense report.

Grupo Mayan will make sure you have whatever you need while you are with us for your business travel.  Please ask our trained staff if you have any needs or questions.  Enjoy your time with Grupo Mayan.

The Grupo Mayan resorts are proud to be one of Mexicoís number one choices for business travel.  Our many resorts accommodate business travelers from all over the world throughout the year.   Our guests will find state of the art facilities and accommodations in a glorious tropical setting.

Here are a few tips for the busy business traveler.

• Plan for your business trip early.  As soon as you know you will be attending a meeting or event at a Grupo Mayan resort, or if you are in charge of scheduling the event, early planning will alleviate last minute stress.
• Make a list of what you need to take care of before leaving, what you will need to pack, and any questions that pop into your mind.
• You do not have to pack your entire wardrobe.  Pack the items you will need.  Include attire for your business meetings and recreation clothing.  The Grupo Mayan resorts offer golfing, tennis, pools, sandy beaches, and many water activities for your free time.  Also include clothing for evening.   Grupo Mayan has both casual and formal dining restaurants onsite.  Determine if your meeting will include any cocktail or dinner parties requiring formal dress. Donít forget your bathing suit!

• There are now limits on the amount of liquid items that can be carried on a plane.  Usually airlines will let you carry liquid items of less than 3.4 ounces if they are packed in resalable clear plastic bags.  The Grupo Mayan resorts have shops onsite for any toiletries items you need while with us.
• Check with your airline for baggage limits and carry on limits.  Pack as much as you can so you will not have to lug heavy bags through airports.  In your carryon bag, be sure to include an extra outfit and your important documents.  You will also want to carry on your laptop computer and any small electronic items such as a camera.
• Try to make your reservations so that you will arrive at the Grupo Mayan resort the day before your event.  This will give you time to rejuvenate after a long day of travel; (we suggest one of our wonderful spa treatments).  It will also give you some buffer time in case of a flight delay.  Arriving a day early will let you organize the things necessary for your meetings.  The day of your first meeting will not be rushed and you will not be frazzled.
• Wear shoes and an outfit comfortable for travel on departure day.  Make sure your shoes are easy to slip on and off as you go through security.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time to make it through security stations.  Each airport has a suggested time for you to arrive prior to your flight.  When making your airline reservations you can note the time suggested.

When you are 20,000 mile in the air on the way to your Grupo Mayan resort destination chances are you will remember an item you forgot to pack.  Sit back and relax; the Grupo Mayan resorts have shops onsite for any items you may need.

We look forward to welcoming you to Paradise!