After reading a select few reports... I noticed that some people do not recommend bringing anything of significant value. What are your thoughts on this and have you ever had any unfortunate instances or close calls that you know of with suspected theft? I'm not implying anyone that goes to the resort would do this, but then again I'm asking in general. There are many different walks of life and also employees that are still human. Thanks!
Valuables and meds should stay in your carry on for travel and the rooms have a safe so you are covered. Easiest thing to do is minimize the number of valuables when you travel other than your phone, tablet (If you really need it on vacation) and camera.
I don't really know what not bringing anything of value would be. I mean my phone goes in the safe along with my passport and wallet. That's about as valuable as it gets for me. I mean I have a camera too, but that's pretty much on my person or in Elyse's beach bag. Not sure anyone would want to take that anyway. I have like a $1300 DLSR camera too, but that would be totally stupid to bring to TTR anyway. Most of the jewelry Elyse brings is more costume-ish. I mean her engagement ring and wedding band was expensive, but I just couldn't see her leaving it at home. Not like it comes off her finger anyway. If i had like a killer expensive watch, or she had a 10K necklace, I'd say leave it at home anyway. Not because it could get stolen, but it is more likely we would lose it in some hot mess incident. Be careful of flipflops at the pool, these can go missing. Could have been stolen, someone could have taken them by mistake, or I just completely lost them doing god knows what. (3 trips, 3 missing pairs of $40+ floppers. 95% sure all my fault)
How 'secure' are the safes? I agree with keeping it minimal. We're going to be there to enjoy our time with eachother and meeting other people anyway, not so much materialistic things. As you stated - Passport, wallet, cell-phone.. or some other things you may have or may have not listed that should be stored in a safe. When you bring cash to tip for various things, what you're preferred method? Does your woman keep it on her person or in a cheap clutch/purse or something?
Some people put their Ipads or laptops in the safe, but I don't bring those things with me. The safes are your basic hotel safe. Make your own pin each time you lock it. I doubt anyone would try to crack it for your stuff. Obviously there are master keys for these safes in-case they malfunction, or your drunken significant other fat fingers the code when entering it, then forgets they even used the safe. The workers breaking into these is defiantly possible, but they really value their jobs, so it is unlikely. I do keep my money in the safe, and just take out what I need, when I need it. Depending on my bathing suit, it might just be in a zippered side pocket. Or I just toss $20-40 bucks in Elyse's beach bag. Which is essentially left unattended under a beach chair with several other friends stuff. Never had a problem. And I generally just tip for the day at the pool when I first get there, so it isn't like I am in and out of the bag getting singles often. At night my cash is just in my pocket. Elyse will carry a clutch, but I don't know what's in there. Girl shit I guess, haha. When dancing at night, it is just left on a table wherever we are "parked".
I unfortunately left an expensive watch on the dresser in my room and it disappeared. The lesson was to leave anything of great value at home. Still hasn't deterred us from returning time and time again, but it was disappointing to say the least.
I've done about 50 trips and never had a problem. I use the safe for the cash and little valuables and leave my laptop next to my bed.
I typically take my laptop and cash as well. Never had an issue with leaving computer in the room and the safes are fairly good but can be opened by certain staff members with a master device they plug into safe. Did have someone pick up my camera bag one night but they turned it in cause they thought I had lost it. Best tip is to make friends around pool during the day and the bar at night. We typically pile most of our stuff along the theirs so there is always somebody near by it.
In my opinion. I would not bring valuable jewelry. Bring cheap things. No one is judging you on how real it is. Cameras/Phones I would leave in safe unless your going to use it! Passport leave in safe! Don't need it after you get thru customs! You can leave Mexico with out your camera & phone but if your missing passport! That's a different story.... The safes are pretty safe. Haven't heard any stories about things missing from safe. Carry only the money you need like for tips & excursions. Any extra leave in safe! Like Steve said get a cheap pair of flip flop & sunglasses. People tend to lose them some how while drinking!! LOL!!
I was surprised at the number of the same exact Reef sandals that were around the pool. Everyone must have good taste like myself, so I can see how a pair can walk off. The wife still holds a grudge and suspects the housekeeper at a hotel in Cozumel for stealing her favorite bra. Point is, Shit Happens on vacation. Don't bring the Rolex or diamond earrings. We use combination suitcase locks so it would be at least evident if things are opened while they are out of our sight like at the airport once you get your bags or at the curb waiting for check in etc. Someone above mentioned putting medication etc in a carry on. I used to say the same thing, until we had to gate check those bags and ended up turning around in the air to come back to the airport due to mechanical issues. Those bags disappeared for 2 days even though the plane was right there at the gate, they won't retrieve those for you even if you prescriptions are in them. So now we pack the keys, toothbrush, meds, charger and a pair of drawers in the backpack / personal item. Steve's advice below is pretty much standard operating procedure.
