When you think about Cancun in March, it’s so easy to think it’s all about the wild co-ed parties. But did you know that Cancun and Riviera Maya is a destination for couples too? (engaged couples, married couples, couples, couples, couples! LOL) It’s practically unavoidable and love is definitely in the air in Cancun & Riviera Maya, Mexico.
From the parrots of Xcaret Park to the lizards right outside my Grand Palace luxury room – they’re all doing it, so how do you avoid that awkard alone feeling when you’re around couples ALL THE TIME? I’ve rounded up five ways to avoid feeling awkward while traveling to Mexico alone below.
5. Invest in luxury / all-inclusive accommodations.
During a recent stay at the all-inclusive Palace Resorts in Cancun / Riviera Maya for the Cancun Food and Wine Festival, I had the chance to experience a full inclusive experience where I was in need of nothing! Food, fun, drinks and the beach – there’s something for any and everyone within an all-inclusive resort. Never worry about boredom or the basic necessities while on a vacation ever again.
4. Have a confident itinerary and plan.
If idle hands are the devil’s workshop, then keeping busy is a heavenly requirement for a successful solo vacation. Take the time before your trip to research local attractions, look for a mexican restaurant with high ratings and great reviews, sign up for specified tours that peek your individual interest and write out a plan that accounts for your everyday activity hourly. (After all, you can always cancel your plans without feeling guilty if you choose. But it’s better to have a plan the deviate from than not have a plan at all.)
3. Stay on top of wifi for connecting with friends.
Feeling a little homesick, or friend sick? Connect with your friends on social media, face time or skype using wifi – anytime.
2. Get friendly with waitstaff, locals and other resort guests.
If you’re looking for input, opinions or just a friendly face to tag along with during your stay, get to know the locals or your fellow resort guests. Not great at introducing yourself to new people? Try smiling! Whenever I’m feeling a little awkward and need a little conversation to keep me company, I smile and ask a question about the weather later – it’s an easy conversation starter and nine times out of ten, instantly makes a stranger an anti-awkward resource at any given time. The locals may also recommend an authentic mexican restaurant or hidden beaches or tourist spots that you should try.
1. Discover your adventurous side and try new things daily.
Challenge yourself to learn and grow with each passing day while in Mexico. I challenged myself to try eating crickets, hold a conversation beyond “Hola” in Spanish and learn interesting little known facts about the area, the people and the history of Mexico. During a recent visit, I visited the Xoximilco tranjinera boat tour experience for the first time and it was an unforgettable experience.
Overall, there are many different ways to combat boredom while traveling abroad. These are just a few ways I experienced during my recent trip to Cancun / Riviera Maya, Mexico. What are your favorite ways to enjoy singles travel abroad alone? I’d love to hear your tips and ideas below.
