A different kind of traveling

My last all-inclusive resort holiday was spent in Cuba when I was 14 years old. Although this was the first and favorite of all my worldly travels at the time, it has a lot to compete with at this point in time ranking amongst new travels such as Australia, Southeast Asia, Europe, Eastern Canada and now, Mexico.

How could the Mayan Riviera not sound enticing after finishing such a demanding semester at university and who wouldn't want to relax on the white sands of Akumal Beach Resort for a whole week? When my mom offered the occasion to live life like those with money to spend (she would subsidize my trip) I had to jump at the opportunity! I was well aware that it was a big jump from a 10 person dorm room to a double bed laden with swan-towels and was looking forward to the comforts of not having to carry my backpack around the downtown area of a new city while looking for accommodation.

The plane ride to Cancun was smooth in terms of the physical part of flying, but there was a bit of turbulence towards the end in terms of the socially inept passengers that were accompanying us on the flight. I shake my head now as I write. These fellow college students apparently didn't cover airplane etiquette in their business class studies as even before the plane came to a complete and full stop, the inebriated passengers at the very back rows rushed to the front of the plane signally their obvious importance and priority, even over the first class passengers. The worst part was that everyone else on the plane didn’t seem to have a problem with their rudeness. I thought to myself that backpackers who have been wearing the same clothes on their backs for weeks would have more courtesy and respect then these wealthy egotistical students. Okay, I realize I may be sounding a little harsh and making many generalizations, however I must end this rant with my utmost disrespect for rude people! If anyone ever reads this that was on the Aero Mexico flight departing Edmonton for Cancun on April 26th, I hope you grow up and get some manners! You will know who you are.

Now, on a more pleasant note, we were in Mexico! The warm humid air immediately brought back memories of drunken nights in Thailand and gave me chills ironically in a teenager in love kind of way. It was about a two hour bus ride to our resort but this was one of the most memorable parts of the trip nonetheless as I got to see the sights of suburban Cancun and Playa del Carmen (sadly to say this is the only culture I would take in that week).

After the first couple days of lying in the sun and relaxing, it was safe to say I was a little bored. We went on a Catamaran excursion and booked a jungle trip in Coba but this second trip was cancelled because of the swine flu “pandemic”. Thus, my mom, sister, and I were trapped on an all-inclusive resort for one week! It’s like that reality show that never aired because it’s much too real. I have no complaints whatsoever about the resort itself (apart from some rude staff members who were not very welcoming to any young female who was not extremely tanned, blonde, and skinny). The food, accommodation, service and everything else was definitely up to par and beyond… however it was so easy. As the week passed, I became more aware of all the things this type of trip could not offer. The challenge of traveling was gone; those moments you hate at the time because you feel as though your life and your dignity are on the line…but you laugh it off later when reminiscing. As well, there was very little culture to take in (well, for the price of $1500/ week), or an absence of cultural barriers because everyone there is the same. Again, I generalize, but mainly to make a valid point. I must state that our trip would have been very different had we been able to leave the resort and visit some of the local city markets etc, but with the swine flu uproar and precautions this wasn’t meant to be.

In conclusion, would I travel to Mexico again? Of course! The true sides of this country enticed me no doubt and I would love to see all this southern beauty has to offer. Would I stay at an all-inclusive resort again? Not likely. Perhaps if the trip was free or largely subsidized again, or for wedding or large gathering but I would never give up the true beauty that is the backpackers hostel.

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