Progreso Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Essential Preparations

Start your planning well in advance for a smoother journey.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Steps to take at various intervals before your trip.

Three Months Prior

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6+ months beyond return). Research and apply for visas if needed.

Flight Bookings

Book international flights, especially for high season or holidays.

Accommodation

Secure your preferred hotel or vacation rental, notably for peak periods.

One Month Prior

Confirm Bookings

Double-check all flight, accommodation, and rental car confirmations.

Itinerary

Outline daily activities and excursions for better time management.

Essential Apps

Download navigation, translation, and communication apps (Google Maps, Google Translate, WhatsApp).

One Week Prior

Packing

Start packing climate-appropriate clothing, swimwear, and footwear.

Documents

Print copies of important documents (passport, tickets, reservations). Save digital versions.

Home Ready

Arrange pet care, house sitters, mail hold, and stop deliveries.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these elements ahead of time for a stress-free trip.

Reservations

Flights: Secure international and any domestic flights.
Accommodation: Your hotel or vacation rental.
Rental Car: Pre-book for availability and potentially better rates.
Popular Tours: Book specific group tours in advance for peak season.

Pre-Trip Research

Gather knowledge to enhance your travel experience.

Topics for Exploration

History: Read about Yucatecan history and Mayan culture.
Currency: Familiarize yourself with the Mexican Peso.
Language: Learn basic Spanish phrases.
Advisories: Review current travel advisories and health recommendations.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Attend to your home so you can travel without worry.

Security Measures

Lock all windows and doors.
Activate any home alarms.
Check exterior lighting for functionality.
Confirm security cameras are operational.

Mail & Deliveries

Arrange for a mail hold at the post office.
Stop newspaper or other routine deliveries.
Ask a trusted person to collect any unexpected deliveries.
Schedule any services needed during your absence.

Trusted Contacts & Bills

Share your itinerary with a family member or friend.
Provide emergency contact information.
Ensure all bills due during your trip are paid.
Organize pet care or house sitters if applicable.

Smart Tip

Pre-planning includes consulting your doctor for recommended vaccinations and prescription refills. Obtain a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Arrival Checklist

Steps for a smooth transition upon reaching Progreso.

First Steps upon Arrival

1
Clear Immigration and Customs
Have your passport and any required documentation ready.
2
Pick Up Luggage
Collect your checked baggage from the carousel.
3
Currency Exchange/ATM
Exchange a small amount or withdraw pesos from an airport ATM (often good rates).

Orientation & Connectivity

Orient Yourself
Locate the nearest ATM, convenience store, and pharmacy near your accommodation.
Explore Neighborhood
Walk around to understand local streets and identify nearby restaurants.
Local SIM/eSIM
Consider purchasing a local SIM card or activating an eSIM for phone connectivity.

Transportation from Entry Point

Pre-booked Private Transfer

Often the most convenient option, with a driver waiting upon arrival.

Arranges direct travel to your accommodation.

Authorized Airport Taxi

Purchase tickets at designated booths inside Mérida Airport.

A reliable option from the airport.

Ride-sharing Uber/Didi

Available and accessible from Mérida Airport, possibly requiring a short walk outside the terminal.

Offers another transport choice.

Orientation Detail

Once at your accommodation, take time to orient yourself. Pin locations on Google Maps for easy reference throughout your stay.

Departure Preparation

Plan for an easy departure from Progreso.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Plan souvenir purchases to fit within luggage limits.
For larger items, arrange shipping with an international courier (e.g., DHL, FedEx) in advance.
Keep receipts for significant purchases for customs declarations.
Weigh luggage to meet airline limits and avoid excess fees.

Departure Timing & Returns

Confirm your flight or bus departure times.
Allow ample time (2-3 hours international, 1.5-2 hours domestic) for airport transfer.
If taking an Autoprogreso bus, arrive 15-20 minutes before departure.
Ensure all necessary documents (passport, boarding passes, immigration slips) are accessible.

VAT Refund Procedures

Mexico has a VAT (IVA) refund scheme for foreign tourists on purchases above MXN 1,200.

Considerations

Limited to specific participating stores.
The process can be complex.
Often not practical for most travelers.
Check for official tax refund offices at major airports like Mérida (MID).

Affiliate Resources for Planning

Eagle Creek: For travel organization products to optimize packing.
Babbel: A language learning app to brush up on Spanish phrases.
NordVPN: A VPN service for internet security while traveling.
World Nomads: A travel insurance provider for unexpected events.

Departure Reminder

Weigh your luggage to avoid excess baggage fees.

Ensure all travel documents are easily accessible for your departure process.

Progreso Travel Checklist