My name is Cy Witherspoon, and I have worked at IMG since 2013. Prior to moving to Indianapolis, I lived in the Riviera Maya area of Mexico, specifically Cancún, for three years. On a recent visit back, I had my first international travel experience since the start of the pandemic. During my trip, I was able to document all of the things to do in a place that I love and once called home.
Upon arriving at the airport for my departure, I was quite surprised at how similar air travel’s “new normal” was to life before the pandemic. Once on the plane, the main difference is that you are required to wear a mask for the entire flight unless eating or drinking. There is also no formal in-flight drink, snack, or meal service. Instead, prior to takeoff, the flight attendants supplied each passenger with a zip lock bag containing a bottle of water, a cookie, and a sanitary wipe. The biggest shock to me was that the flight was completely full, and, of the four flights that we took on this trip, there weren’t any flights with restricted seating.
The Mexican Riviera Maya, or Mexican Caribbean, is a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight—even from the air. It’s the only portion of Mexico which resides in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Cancún is located in Quintana Roo (kin-TAH-nə ROH), one of the 32 Mexican states, and sits at the beginning of the second largest natural Coral Reef in the world, known as the Mesoamerican Reef. The reef begins North of Cancún then runs all the way down to Chetumal, before going into Belize then continuing to Guatemala and Honduras. The Mesoamerican Reef spans over 620 Miles (1,000 kilometers) and is regarded as a premier spot for water activities such as fishing, snorkeling, and especially scuba diving.
Due to the proximity of the region to the Tropic of Cancer, the Mexican Caribbean has a very humid environment. I would strongly recommend traveling with light, breathable clothing, and comfortable sandals (with straps) are a must to not overheat while walking around the city or its beaches.
Apart from the plethora of water activities, there are a number of amazing marketplaces, stores, and shops offering everything from large seashells to standard tourist items such as clothing and drinking glasses. Tequila and silver are very popular and common commodities for the region and the country. When entering one of the many open-air marketplaces such as Mercado 23 (Market 23) in Cancún or Avenida 5 (5th Ave) in Playa Del Carmen, it’s best that you haggle or bargain. The ability to haggle is almost an unspoken art form in the region. Most shopkeepers or employees won’t respect you if you don’t haggle with them. If you choose not to haggle, then you risk getting taken advantage of and paying too much for the item. Go HERE for the rest of the article.
Cy Witherspoon, Producer Recruitment, Training & Digital Support with International Medical Group