Lorry Perkins
Writer, Travel Blogger
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Interview with Jim Lucente, Owner of Lucente Travel: Planning Safe Travel to Riviera Maya, Mexico
Lucente Travel is a leading travel agency in the Pittsburgh area featuring exciting, affordable, and quality vacations. Their travel agents are dedicated to providing top-notch service to clients. Each experienced agent has been trained by travel companies and tour operators, which means they have experienced the vacation packages first-hand.
Lorry: Thank you for joining me today to talk about travel to Riviera Maya. My readers have told me they want to start traveling again as soon as it is safe. As you can imagine, that timeline differs for everyone depending on their situation. I know this could change depending on circumstances, but when do you anticipate the return of the charter flights to Riviera Maya?
Jim: The Charter direct flights from Pittsburgh to both Cancun, Mexico, Punta Cana, and the Dominican Republic are set to start on March 20, 2021 (Saturday departures only) until the end of December 2021.
Lorry: Can you take us step-by-step as to the precautions the travel industry is taking to protect their customers? How have the airlines prepared for traveler’s safety?
Jim: The airline and resort sides of the travel industry have taken great measures to ensure passenger safety in accordance with the CDC rules. The airlines have added stronger air filters on their aircraft which filters the air every 6 seconds throughout the cabin. Passengers must do their part by observing and respecting the airline’s mask rules set by the respective airlines, not only for their own protection but that of other passengers, from the moment they enter their departure airport to their final destination.
Lorry: Upon arrival to Cancun, what safety precautions are in place in regards to customs, immigration, and transportation to the resort?
Jim: Upon arrival, as an example in the Cancun Airport, there is a 6-foot separation while going thru immigration, picking up the luggage carts which are constantly disinfected, and going through and clearing customs. In regards to transfer companies, we are told by the transfer companies that their vehicles are sanitized after each transfer.
Lorry: From what I see on Facebook all-inclusive resort group pages, some all-inclusives have taken guest safety very seriously, and have been leaders in putting protocols in place. Where do you see the best precautions in place and in which resorts do you recommend staying?
Jim: All the resorts have been open since June 2020. They have constantly been updating measures in accordance with the respective Regional & Mexican government requirements. Their primary concerns are guest and staff safety.
Lorry: The food and drinks are an important part of the all-inclusive experience in Riviera Maya. What are the resorts doing to make this as safe as possible for their guests?
Jim: The resorts have taken great measure with both the buffets and the a la carte dining with spacing in respect to the sitting area. For example, in the buffet area, the serving staff along with you will prepare your food plate. You will not touch the food directly as before.
Lorry: The beaches are gorgeous in Riviera Maya, and the water is the purest color of aquamarine I’ve ever seen. One of my favorite activities is kayaking or paddleboarding during our stay. Are water sports still available for resort guests?
Jim: Both kayaking or paddleboarding are back in many resorts. I foresee full operation within the near future.
Lorry: One of our favorite past times is sitting at the swim-up bar or meeting new people in the lobby bar. What’s happening with the bars at the all-inclusive resorts?
Jim: As of today, you still have social distancing with other guests.
Lorry: We enjoy the live music and entertainment at the resorts both during the day and night. How has that changed? Are the theaters open in the evening? What are the resorts doing to promote social distancing?
Jim: The resorts are promoting live entertainment, BUT, like everywhere else on the resorts, social distancing rules apply. Masks must be worn everywhere at all times with the exception when swimming in the pool or the ocean, and while laying poolside or on the beach.
Lorry: With all of these precautions in place and the rollout of the vaccine, I image you will begin to see more people planning a vacation. How should my readers contact you to book their travel?
Jim: They can contact me at Lucente Travel at 412-299-7699 or email me at jim@lucentetravel.com to book their all-inclusive vacation. Mention No Shoes Just Travel when calling or emailing.
Lorry: I think I speak for many people who read my blog when I say, we can’t wait to travel again. Jim, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and sharing this important information with my readers.
Before you consider travel, please read about travel restrictions and suggestions from the CDC to protect yourself while traveling.
