This is my first time traveling to Mexico and I can’t imagine being more excited to finally leave the confines of my living room. These last few months have felt like an eternity and I’m ready to not only stretch my legs, but my experiences as well.
After waking up in a frenzy to gather any last minute items, I’m the last in my group to arrive—it’s still a couple of hours before take off so in my book that’s perfect timing. It helps the airport is fairly empty so maneuvering around is easy.
During my morning haste, I was also fortunate enough to remember I’m currently living in a world where a global pandemic actually exists, so I was able to come prepared with extra masks in case I lose, tear or drench the one I’m wearing in sweat due to the heats offered in Mexico.
Getting Around The Airport During A Pandemic
It would be no exaggeration to say I’ve never seen an airport this crowded in my life. It seems as though everyone had the bright idea to experience the New Year on one of the beach cities of Mexico, and of course I can hardly blame them. If this global pandemic has taught me one thing, it’s that tomorrow is not promised. I know it’s cliché, but seriously, no more taking my life for granted. It’s time to live.
Getting through the airport is fairly straight-forward. Aside from running into a problem with the spelling difference on one of my friends passport versus their plane ticket, we manage to get through without hitch.
And just like that, we arrive in Cancun.
Upon getting off the plane my friends and I are immediately met by a sea of people that seems to stretch infinitely. Each time we make it to the end of an hallway, we quickly realize it’s just the beginning of another never-ending sea of people waiting somewhat patiently to continue onward.
It’s not until we get downstairs that we truly understand the disorganized chaos that is waiting for us, though.
If you decide to travel during this global pandemic you must realize you may not have the luxury of distancing yourself 6 feet from the people around you. Before booking a trip I would strongly advise being comfortable with that possibility.
All around me there are people. Crowds of anxious vacationers and travelers standing shoulder to shoulder as they attempt to get their passports stamped and that unyielding desire to breathe in the abundance of fresh air only attainable outside these crowded airport walls.
Luckily, though it’s impossible to keep an appropriate distance from those around me, everyone manages to wear their masks properly.
After just under 2 hours worth of lines we manage to make it outside the main airport where we are quickly greeted by taxi drivers and various shuttle companies calling for our attention. If this is reminiscent of what celebrities have to deal with on the daily than they can keep it. It’s a bit too stressful for my liking. Especially with a limited knowledge of Spanish.
Ultimately, my friends and I opt to pay $30 usd each for a shuttle that takes us not only to Playa Del Carmen, but also picks us up from our Airbnb to drive us back to the airport at the end of our trip. Though, one may argue we paid more than we should, being a decent size group of six that wanted to stay together, we think it’s a pretty solid deal considering it’s an hour drive.
Be prepared for the heat, because it’s HOT! I would highly recommend packing light clothes. Also, Uber does NOT work in this area.
After we pay the woman individually, she hands us a single receipt for the group and stresses the importance of keeping it safe. Without it, we would forfeit the ability to not only get back to the airport via our shuttle, but we also won’t be able to leave at all unless we get another.
Shortly after walking outside the airport, we are met by another wave of taxi drivers offering their services, but our shuttle driver promptly greets us and we’re off.
At this point we don’t have any pesos, but the driver kindly makes a quick stop for us—at no extra charge—so we can grab some money. Some of the group decides to go to the money conversion place to exchange dollars for pesos, while the others go across the street to a lone atm—which turns out to be a better overall deal.
Though, we could have done this at the airport, the conversion wasn’t so great so we ultimately decided against it.
Arriving In Playa Del Carmen
Eventually we make it to our Airbnb. We were lucky enough to find one of decent size and close proximity to not only the famous 5th Ave stretch and popular Coco Bongo, but a couple of local beaches and beach clubs, too.
After getting a quick tour of the apartment and two sets of keys, we toss our luggage to the side, change to more comfortable clothes, and begin our search for food. Since we spent more time in the airport than we could’ve hoped for, we are running low on energy and are ready for something authentic.
We walk for what seems like an eternity, but finally set our eyes on a place near the water called Lido Bar Restaurant. Upon walking in we feel as though we are underdressed compared to some of the other customers, but still manage to sit without waiting next to a table with an amazing view and a subtle, welcomed breeze.
I settle on ordering the chicken nachos and a margarita, which costs $180 and $150 pesos respectively. That’s about $16.5 in usd. Not horrible, but better prices can be found in less touristy areas. I really love how the menus can be accessed via the QR code that sits on the table, though. It’s pretty convenient, especially during the time of covid.
Like everyone else in my group, I think the food is decent at best, but because the feeling of starvation has settled in, it does the job. Not to mention whatever orange aioli sauce they have on the table. It’s so tasty!
I can’t wait to see what else this city has to offer.
