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Plan Your Journey to Cancun with Confidence

Plastic surgery travel tips for a smooth, stress-free experience

Navigating Your Path to Rest and Recovery in Cancun

Deciding on surgery in Cancun is an empowering step, but it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’ve never booked international travel before. Take a deep breath and remember: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

Here’s your stress-free checklist to get started: ✅

  • Flights. Your journey begins with booking a direct flight to Cancun International Airport (CUN). Securing this early is a huge step.
  • Accommodations. Next, find a hotel or apartment that fits your budget and lifestyle, see recommendation below. Having this settled will give you great peace of mind.
  • Final Reassurance: Once those two steps are done, the hardest parts are over. Just remember: you are not alone! A support team is on the ground waiting to help you every step of the way.

Your Healing Journey Starts with the Right Space

Healing from plastic surgery is an emotional journey. To preserve your energy for a positive recovery, a supportive hotel is the best choice.

Here’s why a clean, effortless, and cost-effective environment is vital for your body and mind:

  • Focus on what matters most. Daily housekeeping provides a tidy room and fresh linens without you having to lift a finger. This lets you put all your energy into healing, not chores.
  • Create a positive mindset. A bright, clean, and well-kept space can significantly boost your mood, helping you feel relaxed and cared for.
  • A Cost-Effective Choice. In addition to providing a supportive environment, hotels can be a very economical solution for a seamless recovery.

Booking Your Flights

booking your flight 1

For your peace of mind, we highly recommend booking a refundable flight or a flight that allows changes for a fee. This gives you tons of flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly. It’s smart to compare prices on these websites:

For the most direct support, book directly on the airline’s official website. Don’t forget to check out flight + hotel package deals on sites like Expedia.com—they can save you a lot of money!

Booking Your Hotel

where-to-stay

Booking your hotel is so much easier with online travel sites! They often get special access to blocks of rooms, which means you can score better prices and refundable options. The price you see also includes taxes and fees, so you have a much better idea of the total cost upfront. Full service hotels start at about $80.00/night! 

Explore Your Options

Just a heads-up: the hotel will likely ask for a credit card for any little extras you might charge to your room.

Pre Procedure Arrival

Patient-Favored-Hotels

Give yourself the gift of arriving two to three days early to rest and get prepared. You’ll be so glad you did!

What to Pack

  • Travel documents: Your passport, ID, and all confirmations for flights and hotels.
  • Comfortable clothes: Think loose, cozy outfits that are easy to put on and take off. Don’t forget a hat and a scarf to protect you from the sun!
  • Medications: Bring your regular prescriptions and a few basic over-the-counter items, just in case.
  • Entertainment: A good book, your tablet or laptop, and an HDMI cable! Many hotel TVs in Mexico have limited channels, so an HDMI cable is a lifesaver for connecting your laptop to the TV and enjoying your favorite shows.

Full Service Hotels and Resorts

full service hotels

A hotel is your personal sanctuary for a truly effortless recovery. Focus on healing, not chores.

Your stay includes:

  • Daily housekeeping and fresh linens
  • On-site restaurants and room service
  • Reliable Wi-Fi
  • Laundry services

Price Range: Starting at $80.00+ per night (includes taxes and fees through third party sites like Expedia.com)

Top Patient Picks within 4 miles or 6 km of the clinic:

Limited Service Hotels

limited-service-hotels

A budget-friendly option with the core comforts of a hotel. You’ll have a clean, private room for a restful stay.

These hotels provide key amenities for a seamless recovery:

  • Daily housekeeping for fresh towels and clean sheets
  • Some have complimentary continental breakfasts and on-site laundry rooms
  • Reliable Wi-Fi

Price Range: Starting at $60.00+ per night (includes taxes and fees through third party sites like Expedia.com)

Top Patient Picks within 4 miles or 6 km of the clinic:

Self Service Stays and Apartments

apartment

For independent travelers or those with a caregiver, a private apartment is a perfect choice. Enjoy a home-like setting with Wi-Fi, a full kitchen and some have in-unit laundry.

Just a friendly note: you are responsible for your own meals and daily cleaning, so be sure you have support.

Price range: $44.00+ per night (may not include taxes or fees).

Top Patient Picks within 4 miles or 6 km of the clinic:

Check Reviews

Make sure the hotel allows visiting nurses or medical staff on the property. This is critical for your follow-up appointments and ongoing care.

Call the Hotel

Confirm there is no construction and that all the amenities you want are available during your stay.

Confirm Nurse Access

Make sure the hotel allows visiting nurses or medical staff on the property, the Dr. will give you a note. This is critical for your follow-up appointments and ongoing care.

Don't Settle

If your room doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to ask for a new one. A good hotel will be happy to move you as it’s part of their responsibility to ensure your comfort.

My experience with Dr. Valdez was amazing from start to finish. He has a professional team that works alongside him to make sure all the logistics (like the shuttle from the airport and transportation to all the appointments are taken care of and included in the price of the surgery). He performed surgery on my eyes and I am very satisfied with the results. Read Full Review on Real Self.

Aayala | July 2025

Protect Your Results: Skip the Sun & Do Not Swim!

For optimal results, staying out of the sun is essential during your recovery. Sun exposure can significantly impact healing and your final outcome. We’ll remind you of this vital precaution throughout our guides. And whatever you do, do not go in the water or sand which carries bacteria, you do not want that to derail your beautiful results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Valdez’s office does not assist with booking your flight or hotel. On the Travel Guide page (above) there are some patient recommended hotels. Before you book, think about what kind of recovery and hotel experience you want so you can find the perfect place for your stay and budget. Plastic surgery can be an emotional experience and your post-op patient experience and surrounding are important to your recovery.

There are apartment and suite stays in Cancun! These options are best with a caregiver and can offer the ultimate privacy in the comfort of a home. You will have to make your own meals, clean and change your linens, be prepared for that.

List of things you should confirm or check before you book:

  • Read recent hotel reviews
  • If you like a bright sunny room, make sure the hotel can provide one
  • If you want room service, confirm they have room service.
  • If you want a dining experience from morning until evening, confirm that too.
  • Make sure the place your are staying has many photo’s online of the property, the surrounding grounds, the lobby, the rooms.
  • If cleanliness is important to you, find out from the hotel how often they clean your room, and change your bed linens.
  • Find out what the tipping policy is for house cleaning staff and restaurant staff.

The short answer is yes! We understand that traveling alone for a procedure can feel a little overwhelming, but our entire system is built to ensure you are never truly alone during your recovery.

On the night of your surgery, you will spend the night in the hospital with your own private nurse. After that, you’ll receive daily nursing visits and have regular post-op appointments with your doctor. Our dedicated support team is also in daily communication with you, ready to help with anything you need.

We know the first few days can be a little difficult, but there are ways to make it manageable. For example, if you have blepharoplasty, you might not feel like leaving your room right away. But with some pre-op grocery shopping or room service, you can easily stay comfortable. After a couple of days, the swelling goes down, and you’ll be able to wear sunglasses out and about.

You can also rely on your support system back home and Facetime with them anytime. And of course, you can always lean on our VIP nurses who are here to help you every step of the way. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision. If you are a person with a lot of anxiety or prefer not to be alone, it may be best to bring a friend or family member.

explore-cancun-beyond

Explore Cancun Beyond the Beaches

While you focus on recovery, your companions can explore Cancun’s vibrant offerings:

  • Local Culture: Wander through lively markets, enjoy upscale shopping, or visit the Mayan Museum.
  • Adventures Await: Discover ancient ruins and mystical cenotes.
  • Culinary Delights: Experience the city’s diverse and lively food scene.

Should you feel up to it, you’re welcome to join. This flexibility ensures your companion enjoys Cancun while you prioritize healing.

getting-around

Getting Around Cancun & Essential Travel Tips

  • Medical Transportation: Your concierge nursing service handles all medical transport (airport & appointments). Stress-free from arrival!
  • Personal Travel: For leisure (dining, exploring), arrange your own:
    • Local Bus: Affordable & convenient in Hotel Zone (~$1 USD/ride).
    • Ride-Shares: Uber/similar services are readily available.
  • Currency: U.S. Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Financial-Considerations

Financial Considerations

  • Cash is King: While credit cards are common, it’s smart to carry some cash.
  • Notify Your Bank: Contact your bank/credit card company before your trip. Inform them of your travel dates and adjust daily spending limits for large expenses (hotel, medical). This prevents fraud alerts.
  • ATM Access: Be aware some ATMs may not work with all international cards.
  • Documents: Always remember your passport and essential travel documents for safe, seamless travel.

Schedule Your Consultation for Your Transformation

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