How I Conquered my First Solo Trip to Mexico

Lately, I’ve been very nostalgic and reflective. Maybe it’s because this year is coming to an end. I’ve been thinking a lot about the content I want to write about and the future of this website. And I randomly thought about my first-ever solo trip to Mexico and how far I’ve come.

Eight years ago, I may have had an early quarter-life crisis. I was fed up working, waiting for a paycheck, paying bills, and repeating the cycle. I had this crazy idea that I would start incorporating more of my favorite things into my life. Traveling was definitely at the top of my list and something I always dreamed of doing. I figured that if I had to work almost every day for the next thirty years, I would also have to travel.

From booking flights and reading Lonely Planet books to waiting in line at the airport, I’m in awe of all things travel. One of the best feelings in this world is not being able to sleep the night before a trip because you are too excited about going!

So, like all newly developed ideas, there was one major hitch. I did not have anyone to travel with. I have a small, great group of friends, but our lives were at different stages. Some have demanding careers, children, and financial constraints. After being fed up with waiting and canceled trips, I decided to go for it and travel alone. I began scouring the net, searching for solo travel bloggers, and discovering many travelers exploring the world.

Inspired, I figured, if they can do it – so can I! I had a little experience from planning trips with friends and family and practically being the leader, so being alone was my only obstacle.

Or so I thought.

My first official solo trip was to the Riviera Maya region in Mexico. I visited Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum; I chose the area because of its affordability and touristy. I remember it like it was yesterday; my first day there, I was sitting on the beach alone at the Westin Resort with a book, bored as crap. Looking around at all the couples and groups of people having a good time, I was incredibly lonely. I called up a friend from home, sounding pathetic, and I felt like maybe I made a mistake, thinking I could do this. While I was on the phone with her, I saw a group of girls around my age with Southern American dialect, and she encouraged me to approach them and try to make friends.

Surprisingly, I went through with it and approached them. Turns out the three girls were from Texas, a state not too far from where I’m from in the States. We hung out for the rest of the day, and it was like hanging out with friends from back home. Our day was filled with drinking, lying by the pool, and even being chased by hotel security after hours. Later that evening, I realized that even though I had stepped out of my comfort zone and made new friends, I was also seeking out the comfort and safety of others. Meeting those girls was a blessing, but I knew I would not be so lucky on future trips.

Good Times in Mexico

The next day, I went on group tours around the region and became more comfortable traveling alone. I forced myself to leave the resort and see what else Mexico had to offer. Each day, I tried something new, I went paragliding and jet skiing. I visited Mayan Ruins and went swimming in caves with sinkholes, called cenotes in Mexico. I rode the public buses, walked around a little lost, and attempted to converse with locals in my broken basic Spanish.

My last night in Cancun was like my first day: sitting alone on the beach. This time, I was happy and incredibly proud of myself for conquering my first solo trip, and I was ready for the next one! Although I didn’t hang out with the girls from Texas after that night, I am forever grateful. If I had not met them, I doubt I would have continued traveling solo. Even though I broke a few quintessential solo traveler safety rules, the trip prepared me for an incredible journey.