Need help for Cabo travel

[KevJan]

We are going to stay at the Hacienda Del Mar in March and invited my sister and her husband to join us since we have a 2 bedroom unit. The problem is that my sister is flying on a different airline than my husband and I. She will be arriving at Terminal 1 about 2 to 2 1/2 hours later than we arrive at Terminal 2. Where is the best place to meet? Neither of us have ever been there before so we can't just meet at McDonald's because we don't know if it exists. I have a rental car reserved and wonder if it would be best to pick up the car and then pick up her or walk (?) to Terminal 1 to meet her. My husband is the only one in either party who speaks any Spanish at all, and his is quite limited. Also wondering where the best place is to pick up groceries. Buy them on the way from the airport or check in to the unit and then go shopping? Maybe there's time to grocery shop while waiting for her flight to arrive? As you can tell, my thoughts are running wild. HELP!

 

[Karen G]

I've moved this thread to the Mexico forum where I think you'll get more information.

One option would be for you to get your rental car and go check in at the resort. Survey your kitchen and see what kind of storage space you have and how large the refrigerator is. Do your grocery shopping. There's a large Mega store at the junction of the airport toll road and the main highway that would be on your way to your resort, but I think it's wise to see what your kitchen set-up is before buying stuff.

Your sister and her husband could take a shuttle to the resort and maybe you'll be all settled in by the time they get there. Shuttle information can be found here:
http://www.loscabosguide.com/loscabosairportshuttle/

I'm sure others will chime in with other transportation options.

When you get your rental car, be sure to take the toll road because it will save you a lot of time and you won't have to get into all the San Jose traffic.

Another shopping option would be Costco or Walmart. Both are beyond your resort toward Cabo San Lucas on the main highway.

When you exit the customs area you'll be bombarded by guys trying to make you think they are officials, car rental guys, or transportation guys. They are timeshare guys and they'll tell you whatever they can to get you to sign up for a presentation. Keep going until you get past them. If your sister & her husband are taking the shuttle, warn them of this horde of guys and tell them to go outside and look for the shuttle. They can pre-arrange for the shuttle online and someone will be waiting for them.

Most of the people at the airport speak English, so there shouldn't be any problem communicating.

 

[anteween]

Another thing to think about when shopping for groceries, how big is your rental car? Can all your luggage and everyone fit with groceries as well?

 

[california-bighorn]

First of all you can relax about your limited Spanish. We speak almost none and get by in Cabo and Puerto Vallarta quite well.
I would recommend getting everyone together, going into town for dinner the 1st night and stopping for groceries on the way back. There are several stores to select from including the new Sam's Club. Ask anyone and they will help you find a store.

 

[Barbeque]

Karens advice was excellent and Marty's was right too and antween's. It would not be comfortable to wait in the Cabo airport get to the resort.

One bonus thing I would add an excellent restaurant that is between your resort and Cabo is Villa Serena. It is our favorite.

 

[CaboColl]

Just the thought of having to wait at the Cabo airport for an additional two hours, makes me break out in a cold sweat.

I am not a great traveler (understatement) and after all of the "waiting" time involved with airline traveling and then sitting on the plane for many hours - and now more waiting. No offense, but I want my vacation to begin NOW!

With that being said, I also like the idea of getting the rental car (you don't know how long that process will take) and driving to the resort and starting the check-in process ~ because you never know just how long that will take either

I would also agree with having your sister and her husband taking a pre-arranged shuttle directly to the resort. That way, you can welcome them at the resort with a cold beverage. You will be more relaxed, and so will they.

For the record, I can only speak about 5 words in spanish and have never had a problem getting around Cabo. Those words involve beer (cold), bathrooms, my check please, and how much does this cost

You can then go on your shopping trip after you all settle in, or wait until the next morning.

We will be in Cabo in late February for 10 days, and guess what....
I can't wait.

Enjoy your vacation.

Colleen

 

[nazclk]

Sharks

I like to play with the sharks when I go I think it's fun :hysterical:

 

[KevJan]

Just to give an update, my sister had an interesting experience when booking her tickets through Hotwire. When she purchased, she agreed to a particular price but when she got her confirmation it was $50 per ticket more. She called them and they told her she must have not seen the change at the last minute. She told them she had watched and nothing had changed. Hotwire asked if she could "prove" it and she informed them that she could, she had the screen still up on her computer. They asked her to fax it to them and they would investigate. Yesterday they called and told her she would receive $50 in hotwire credit. She told them "no thanks" because she is entitled to $50 per ticket and she doesn't want it in credit at hotwire. She is going to call her credit card and contest it today. We'll see what happens. Anyway, her plan is to rebook on the same flights that my husband and I will be on, thus avoiding the concerns at the airport, rental car, groceries, etc. Thanks to all for your suggestions.

However, I am still having questions about what to see and do. Are there any fresh produce stands nearby? What kinds of produce at what prices? We are all crazy about fresh pineapple, mangoes and all kinds of fresh food. I have also read somewhere about places to buy fresh tortillas by the pound but can't remember where I read it.

Tuggers are the best because I can always count on you to relieve my concerns when traveling to places I've not experienced. Keep the suggestions coming!

 

[Karen G]

Anyway, her plan is to rebook on the same flights that my husband and I will be on, thus avoiding the concerns at the airport, rental car, groceries, etc. Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Are there any fresh produce stands nearby? What kinds of produce at what prices? We are all crazy about fresh pineapple, mangoes and all kinds of fresh food. I have also read somewhere about places to buy fresh tortillas by the pound but can't remember where I read it.

That will be wonderful if you can all be on the same flight. My advice is still the same about checking into your resort and seeing the kitchen, refrigerator, storage space, and cooking facilities before you buy groceries. Someone also mentioned having dinner before you go shopping and that's a great idea because you won't end up buying lots of stuff because you're hungry.

About the fruit stands: There probably isn't a lot of locally-grown fruits because it's a desert climate. Cabo is at the tip of the Baja peninsula and everything has to be flown in or trucked in so prices may be higher than elsewhere. But, since you'll have a car you can venture farther into the city than just the tourist areas, and I think that's always kind of interesting.


Here is a link to a good article about the grocery stores in Cabo that will help you decide where you want to shop. I liked CCC the last time I was there and thought their produce was very good. I haven't been to Soriano's yet, but I hear it's good, too. Of course, Costco seems to always have good produce.

Maybe have a big dinner out somewhere your first evening, relax, and plan a shopping excursion the next day when you are rested and not rushed.

Also, check out the Cabo information in the sticky post at the top of the Mexico forum if you haven't already done so.

 

[nazclk]

Cabo Airport

One piece of advice I like to pass along came to me from a person that goes to Cabo a couple of times a year. When you get your luggage hire one of the "bellman" guys with carts, the quickest way to avoid the sharks if you don't want to swim with them. I think it's fun to get two of them vying for your business and see how high they go. :hysterical: