Cancún: My last trip before Corona
hate to say it, but I did not like Cancún
Ok, so hot take: I did not enjoy Cancún. BEFORE Y’ALL COME FOR ME, I am writing this to express my experience. Notice how I did not say that ‘Cancun was trash,’ or, ‘y’all dumb for liking Cancun,’ or make any other sweeping statement about a city based on my one ‘mehh’ experience. I support you if you choose to vacation there, and I would be willing to go back now that I know how accessible it is (or, was before #TheRona).
And, I get the appeal; Cancún is a major party and vacation destination. Technically, it’s in the Caribbean, so, you know the beaches are poppin, and it’s an easy getaway from the US. But, honestly, Cancún wasn’t for me.
why?
Aite bet. Imagine. It’s February 2020 and COVID-19 ain’t even in my vocabulary. I’m taking off from work for yet another vacation (#finesse). And, best of all, I’m geeked to escape the cold and dusty winter so I can frolic in some 80 degree weather and drink on the beach. It is a splendid and much simpler time.
me, living my best life B.C. …before Corona
I fly direct from the DMV to Cancun, and there isn’t even a whiff of pandemic hysteria in sight. I mean, I did encounter the occasional person wearing a mask, but nobody is worried about Corona. Because, as I’m sure most misinformed people felt at the time, 'that’s China’s/old people’s/not my problem.’ So, I’m ignorantly excited for this trip because it’s my first time in Mexico, and I’m ready to celebrate my homie’s 7th birthday. (YEEEEEEEE)! Yes, you read that right. She’s a leap year baby, so this is like the 7th time that she was actually able to celebrate on February 29.
I got my detailed itinerary for the week, and a pocket full of pesos. I mean, I even manage to get a fire IG pic the first day that I’m there. The weather is overcast (and was throughout most of the trip), so even though it’s not ideal, I’m still ready to live it up.
But, the longer that I’m in Cancún the more I start to realize that this $hit ain’t for me. And, here’s why:
It is a MAJOR resort town
One thing that I did not realize before I went to Cancún is that it is a MAJOR resort town. Everywhere you turn there are these major conglomerate level resorts offering all-inclusive perks for a hefty nightly price. It’s pretty wild, but then again, I realize why older people are attracted to Cancún. You don’t have to worry about anything: from coordinating excursions to finding your meals, all of your basic needs are met, and your entertainment is on the resort.
My $15 meal from Restaurante Mextreme! Overpriced, but still in my budget.
But, the main drawback of staying in a resort town is that there aren’t many cultural activities in the town or outside of the resort. Now, Cancún does have a few attractions and excursions that you can get into (post soon come) but they are not central to the Cancún experience. Resorts are the main focus.
I opted to stay in a hotel instead of a resort, which was my initial source of frustration…or disdain I guess you could say. It’s not fun staying in a hotel when the whole city is catered to resorts, because, most of the fun activities are on the resort. Granted, I have nobody to blame but myself for not doing more research or choosing accommodations that matched my needs. But, forreal, the resort lifestyle was not in my 2020 travel budget. I try to take a bunch of trips throughout the year, so I have to stretch my dollars where I can. As such, I made the executive decision to fall tf back on spending $200-$300/night to stay at a resort. I also don’t eat or drink much, so I tend to avoid all inclusive stuff because I know I’ll never get my money’s worth.
*pro-tip* If you ever want to try out a resort for the day without staying there, buy a day pass instead. It is a fraction of the nightly pass, and you still get access to the all-inclusive amenities. I did this for a day!
*pro tip #2 * There are no private beaches in Mexico! Legally, all beaches, even those that border private houses and resorts, are federal property and open to the public. So, if you find a resort with a dope beach, legally it is open to the public. This doesn’t mean that the resort has to let you in, and you won’t be able to just walk through the front to get to the beach (trust me I tried). Most resorts have vigilant security guards who are ready to make you pay for that day pass if you’re not a paying resort guest (they track you with a wristband). But, if you can find a public beach that borders a resort, and you’re adventurous…#DoYou
I did not feel connected with the culture
Cancún is a scammers delight! Everywhere you turn there is somebody trying to finesse you out of your money. Whether they’re pitching you an excursion at an unfavorable price, or just vying for your attention, isssss a lot. Even the taxis are OD expensive (take the bus instead)! Now, I get it. There is a tacit relationship between the tourist, who sort of agrees to overpay for $hit, and the locals, who deal with hundreds of tourists a day, and you know, they need to eat too. It’s a hustle, and you just gotta accept it in some cities.
They were so focused on selling me an experience that I didn’t get a chance to have an authentic one
But, because everyone was so focused on selling me an experience, I didn’t actually get to have one. Like, instead of showing me all that Cancún has to offer and exploring its rich history, everyone was trying to sell me the feeling and the lifestyle that Cancún is known for, even if that experience was not authentic. Needless to say, I wasn’t feeling it. That’s just not my vibe.
The Hotel Zone of Cancún is VERY touristy. This strip of land near the major resorts is close to the main clubs and popular restaurants. You have to venture further out to find culture, or to find a slower pace of life where you can choose to do things at your leisure, instead of being inundated with hawkers. You won’t be able to find or immerse yourself in authentic Mexican culture in the Hotel Zone.
The closest experience I got to authentic culture was a trip on the bus to Downtown Cancun. We hit up a “local” tourist market, where the artisans sold little trinkets. After my friends got their souvenirs, the store…hostess I guess (he was the one who pulled us into his store off the street) escorted us to this little spot in the cut (for a price of course). But, it was worth the tip. Because, when I tell you that this restaurant HAD THE BEST GUACAMOLE THAT I HAVE EVER TASTED IN MY LIFE, AND THE FRESHEST MANGO JUICE. My god! My Taco Tuesdays will never be the same! Forreal forreal, I WISH I knew the name of the spot so I could recommend it to you all (and, of course) go back. But sadly, I was too consumed by everything else going on to get the name. Perhaps it’s better that way, because that place was no joke. The locals were not too keen on seeing tourists. I mean, even the bathroom was savage. You have to pay 5 pesos to go through the turnstile to go in. We’re talking NYC subway style turnstiles. And, once you’re granted access, the bathroom attendant hands you your allotment of tissue paper and soap to use.
*pro-tip* Take the bus instead of a taxi. Cancun is one long strip with only two bus routes, so it’s pretty hard to take the wrong bus. As long as you know which direction you’re heading in, you can get anywhere. And, it’s only 1 peso, whereas taxis can run you a minimum of $10 per mile within the hotel zone.
I’m not a partier (anymore)
And, Cancun is surely the place to go and party. It’s the quintessential spring break location for white Americans, especially those who are trying to evade our higher drinking age (#SPRINGBREAK).
If your only positive experiences of Cancún are all associated with partying, then we have two completely different perspectives on life. And that’s cool. I do enjoy going out occasionally, but as I get older I can’t be bothered to pack myself into a small a$$ club just to be touched inappropriately by drunk people and get asked ignorant questions by “well” meaning tourists. I’ll pass on that fam. Not every club experience is like this, but I’d rather spend my free time doing something more chill, or partying in a less crowded environment.
Needless to say, I did not party while I was in Cancún. I did visit a few bars and roamed around to see what the nightlife had to offer. But, then again, if all your city has to offer is partying, then I’m not impressed. I get enough of that in DC.
I’m not old, but I do have a bedtime! Ya gurl gets tired.
but, I am willing to go back
Had I known that this was my last international trip (#ThanksCorona), I would not have chosen to go to Cancún. But, it is what it is. I’m thankful for the experience, and now I know what not to do when I go back.
There are many factors that impact the quality of your trip, like the time of year, the cost, $hit, even the weather. So, I’m looking forward to telling you about my second experience in the coming years when any of those factors are a little bit different. Until then, check back later on this week for my Cancún city guide, which will include my experience to Chichén Itzá (a natural wonder), Isla Mujeres, and some of the toursity things that I was able to do in Cancún.
But, you tell me!!! Am I bugging? Did you have a different experience while you were in Cancún? Or, are you content with going on a vacation and just partying? Let ya gurrl know in the comments!
