The big ones
- Flights: Often the largest cost after the resort itself. From the US or Canada, a round trip is commonly $400 to $600 per person outside peak dates.
- Airport transfers: Around $30 to $40 per person round trip for a shared shuttle, more for private.
- Tips: Around $10 per room per day is a reasonable budget.
Taxes and entry fees
- Mexico (Cancún & Riviera Maya): VISITAX, a state tourism fee of roughly 280 to 300 pesos (about $15 to $18 USD) per person, paid online before you fly. Mexico's federal visitor fee is normally included in your airfare.
- Dominican Republic: Entry and departure fees are generally included in your airfare. You must complete the free online e-Ticket form.
- Jamaica: Arrival and departure taxes are normally included in your airfare.
Fees change, so check the official government sites close to your trip.
Extras people forget
- Excursions: often $80 to $150 per person for a full-day tour
- Premium or club-level upgrades: commonly $30 to $60 per person per night
- Spa treatments, premium drinks and room service
- Travel insurance: very roughly 4% to 10% of the trip cost
- Phone data roaming, or an eSIM
Example: 5 nights in Cancún for 2 adults
- Resort at $140 per person per night: $1,400
- Flights at $450 each: $900
- Shared transfers: $70
- Tips: $50
- VISITAX and fees: $40
- One excursion each: $180
- Real total: about $2,640, or $264 per person per night
That's 89% more than the advertised $140. Plug in your own numbers with our trip calculator.
