Let me be honest.
I never wanted to visit Cancun.
In my mind, it was overrated, overly Americanized, and the kind of destination people go to when they want easy, predictable, and all-inclusive everything.
That has never really been my travel style.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Mexico.
I’ve been to Mexico City twice and absolutely loved it. The culture, the food, the history, the energy, it has a soul that pulls you in.
I’ve also done the Pacific side with Punta Mita, and let me tell you, that coastline is stunning. And the W hotel? Divine. Exactly my speed.
So Cancun?
Never the vision.
But I had one very important reason to go.
I needed to complete my final Wonder of the New World.
And that meant making peace with Cancun.
The Only Reason I Came: Chichén Itzá
Let’s be clear.
I came for one thing and one thing only: Chichén Itzá.
My final Wonder.
The last stamp on a journey that has taken me across the world, from Rome to Rio and beyond.
So yes, I had no choice.
Cancun became the gateway.
And honestly? Sometimes travel is not about loving the destination on paper. Sometimes it is about what the destination gives you access to.
In this case, history.
Legacy.
And a personal milestone.
The Flight: Because We’re Not Struggling Over Here
Now let’s talk logistics.
You already know I booked with Delta.
Are you surprised?
There was a direct flight on American Airlines, but please be serious.
I had a Delta credit.
I had my free first-class upgrade.
And honestly, you cannot beat that.
A short layover is a small price to pay for comfort, priority boarding, and arriving in soft-life mode.
I’m not suffering on purpose.
Hotel Drama: The Bougie Chronicles
Originally, I told myself I was going to stay in a small town closer to Chichén Itzá.
You know, practical.
Convenient.
Closer to the ruins.
Then common sense kicked in.
Girl, don’t be stupid.
You are traveling solo.
And with everything happening politically and the general craziness in the world right now, peace of mind matters.
So back to Cancun I went.
I finally settled on the JW Marriott because if I am going to be in Cancun, I am going to do it right.
Safe.
Beautiful.
Beachfront.
And let’s call it what it is: bougie.
Booked directly through Marriott at first, because loyalty points and status matter.
Then I remembered my Amex offers.
Cashback.
Rebates.
Benefits.
Next thing I knew, I was rebooking through Amex.
Because if I’m going to spend, I’m also going to maximize every benefit available.
That’s called strategy.
The Tour Drama: Because Apparently It Couldn’t Be Easy
Now let’s talk about the part that almost took me out: the tour.
Remember, I was very clear on my mission.
I came for Chichén Itzá and nothing else.
No detours.
No all-day excursions with five extra stops I did not ask for.
So after doing my research, I booked directly with Cancun Adventure.
Everything looked set.
I confirmed the details through WhatsApp and email, because one thing about me, I need receipts and confirmation for everything when I am traveling solo.
Tell me why, while I am literally en route from ATL to Cancun, I get an email saying that the specific tour I booked only departs from Riviera Maya.
Excuse me?
And then they casually tell me they can rebook me between Tuesday and Sunday at no extra cost.
At that point, my entire itinerary was already locked in.
Hotel booked.
Transportation planned.
Time blocked.
There was absolutely no flexibility.
Needless to say, I was annoyed.
I immediately sent them a response:
Why are you telling me this now… a day before the tour when I made arrangements several weeks ago? My itinerary is set and I don’t have the flexibility to change it. Please cancel and provide a full refund with no cancellation penalties.
Because no.
We are not doing last-minute chaos on a solo trip.
Especially not when the entire purpose of this trip is centered around one experience.
So instead of spiraling, I pivoted.
Immediately went over to Viator, found an express tour for less money, confirmed they had availability, and booked it on the spot.
Problem solved.
I will not be detoured.
Not literally and not figuratively.
At that point, the only thing that mattered was getting myself to Chichén Itzá.
Mission still intact.
Final Thoughts Before the Wonder
The irony is not lost on me.
The place I never wanted to visit is now the place that gives me the final piece of a personal travel goal.
That’s the thing about travel.
Sometimes it is not about the destination itself.
Sometimes it is about what it represents.
Closure.
Achievement.
Perspective.
And maybe, just maybe, Cancun is about to surprise me.
Anyhow, stay tuned.
Chichén Itzá loading…