Mexico

Going to Mexico was one of my classic last-minute ideas, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Work had been so stressful for months that I was having anxiety attacks in the middle of the night, and I knew I needed to step away. A quick trip to California, New York, or Florida wasn’t going to cut it, I needed real distance. So, I did what anyone in my situation would do: I booked a flight out of the country. The bonus? Company policy meant I couldn’t check email or answer work calls while abroad.

Since my sister and her kids were visiting from overseas, it felt like the perfect opportunity to take the whole family to an all-inclusive resort. I had no big plans, just the goal of lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun on the beach, and being as unreachable as possible. The resort had plenty to offer, but by day three we were itching to get out and explore a little. One afternoon we visited the famous Cancun sign and did some shopping at La Isla, and the next day we took the kids to the Croco Cun Zoo, which they loved.

Mexico has so much more to offer, like the Mayan ruins, which is still on my list, but that wasn’t really the purpose of this trip. This getaway was about unwinding, spending time with family, and giving myself the space to breathe again.

📍 Places I Visited

Cancun Sign: The colorful, iconic sign that’s a must for photos.
La Isla Shopping Village: An open-air shopping mall with stores, restaurants, and waterfront views.
Croco Cun Zoo: An interactive zoo where kids (and adults) can get up close with crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, and more.
Resort Beaches & Pools: Plenty of time spent relaxing in the sun and enjoying the all-inclusive vibes.

Croco Cun Zoo

Things I Didn’t Get to Do

Mayan Ruins (Chichén Itzá or Tulum): Ancient sites full of history and culture.
Isla Mujeres: A quick ferry ride away, known for its turquoise waters and snorkeling.
Cenote Swimming: Natural sinkholes unique to the Yucatán, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Xcaret or Xel-Há Parks: Eco-adventure parks that combine water activities, wildlife, and cultural shows.
Nightlife in the Hotel Zone: Famous clubs and entertainment that Cancun is known for.
Street Shopping and Local Eats in Downtown Cancun: Vibrant markets and authentic Mexican street food that I definitely missed out on this time.

🏨 Where I Stayed

Cancun Shuttle – 5/5 ⭐️
- Picked us up from the airport despite our delayed arrival and patiently waited for us. For our departure, they were right on time.
Sensira Resort & Spa Riviera Maya – 4/5 ⭐️
- I had previously stayed at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic that was phenomenal, so I came to Mexico with high expectations. The hotel grounds were beautiful, though getting there was a bit rough due to broken roads. The rooms were extremely spacious, and I appreciated that the fridge was restocked daily with drinks, corn nuts, and candy. The resort itself offered three pools, including an adults-only 18+ pool, a buffet, and three specialty restaurants: Mexican, Italian, and a steakhouse. To our surprise, the Mexican restaurant ended up being our least favorite. No one enjoyed their meals, and thankfully the buffet was still open so we could head back for a late-night snack. The buffet didn’t have as many options compared to my experience in the Dominican, but there was still enough variety to eat well. The resort also had nightly entertainment, but it felt a little underwhelming since there wasn’t much dancing or lively energy like we had experienced elsewhere. On the plus side, we did enjoy the on-site zip-lining and the kids’ trampoline park. The kids weren’t interested in the playhouse activities, but honestly, they were happiest spending their entire day at the pool.

🇲🇽Travel Tips

eSIM: Airalo — I’ve used this in nearly every country I’ve traveled to, and it’s worked great. Be sure to set it up before your trip begins.
All-Inclusive vs. Exploring: All-inclusive resorts are great for relaxation, but if you have more time, consider leaving the resort to explore local culture, food, and history.
Transportation: Arrange reliable airport transfers in advance, it makes arrival and departure much smoother. Taxis can be pricey, so look into shared shuttles or private drivers.
Bring small bills and cash: Tipping is customary, and small denominations make it easier for taxis, vendors, and resort staff.
Weather Prep: Cancún is hot and humid most of the year, pack light clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Family-Friendly Fun: Spots like Croco Cun Zoo are perfect if you’re traveling with kids, with interactive animal experiences that everyone can enjoy.