Why Mexico is the Perfect Place to Visit Post Quarantine!

 You've been imprisoned with your annoying relatives, crazy roommates, and aggravating zooming co-workers for months now. You're thinking “I want to be healthy and cautious but I HAVE to get out of here before I kill someone!” No worries…. I'm here to help you out! My name is Brandon Nicholas Baker but you can call me Sir Brandon Nicholas and I will be your personal travel guide. I LOVE TO TRAVEL! In fact, I consider myself an adventure aficionado. I have been circling the globe embarking on solo and group travel adventures since 2015; so I have a very unique perspective when it comes to travel. And if you've ever been bitten by the travel bug you know that even during a pandemic sitting still is not a realistic possibility for you. You get antsy just thinking about staying in one location for too long. You hate having your freedom cut off. But with the world opening back up and restrictions lifting in various countries its time for you to get out there and do what you love… as long as you're safe about it.

I am not naïve. I understand that disease and danger is real. I understand you're hesitant but in my experience if you do it the right way… travel can sometimes be safer than staying at home. 

Last month my best friend, Salma, asked me to accompany her on a trip to Cancun. Surprisingly, it was my first time in Mexico. And Im not gonna lie I was a bit nervous. I have never been to South America and the thought of visiting at this point in time was a little scary. However, I knew I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to travel with my best friend to her home country. So I did tons of research and found that Mexico’s COVID numbers have dropped tremendously since the summer. Not to mention as a nation they are taking every precaution to ensure the health of their citizens and foreign travelers. (Be sure to do your research before you go ANYWHERE!) The low COVID-19 numbers really put my heart at ease so I booked a flight and went on a shopping spree for the perfect speedo! 

I flew from JFK in New York and the airport was totally empty! I arrived at the airport an hour before departure and had ample time to spare before lift off. WHICH IS UNHEARD OF FOR AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT! I literally got through security in less than 10 minutes. And it only took that long because security took 5 minutes to throw away MY ENTIRE SKINCARE ARSENAL! Once I arrived at my gate I was greeted by a kindly Delta Flight Attendant who handed me clorox wipes to further disinfect my seat. Delta is very particular when it comes to social distancing so absolutely no one is allowed to occupy a middle seat (which I greatly appreciated). The cabin attendants provided each customer with a complimentary snack pack enclosed in a large sandwich bag like package. Even the wine was packaged in a tiny shot glass. The flight attendants wore gloves and instead of pouring our drinks handed us all disposable cups. Wearing masks throughout the duration of the flight was required for everyone boarding. Being an avid flier, I have been on my fair share of good and bad flights and I have to say that this was one of the best flights I have ever taken. In fact, I even had a first class seat due to the various free seats on board. *I PROMISE THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED POST, I JUST REALLY LOVE FLYING WITH DELTA!*

Once, I landed in Cancun I was greeted by a driver from our resort, Ocean Coral & Turquesa http://www.oceancoralturquesa.com . The driver of course wore a mask. He was super nice and accommodating--he carried my bags for me and offered me a selection of complimentary beverages that he had chilling in a cooler. He didn't speak much english but he was a great conversationalist. (If you don't speak Spanish do not worry the majority of resort staff is bilingual). I had the large resort van all to myself so I decided to take a tiny nap in the back. Upon arrival, I was instructed to check in at the front desk. The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming! They checked me in within minutes! Everyone from the janitors to the managers were wearing masks, even if the guests weren't. Due to the open concept plan of the resort, masks are not required for guests but you are more than welcome to wear them if you'd like. Throughout my stay at the Turquesa I didn't see many guests with masks on nor did I wear one myself. But like I said before Covid is real so I suggest you do what feels most comfortable for you. The resorts in Mexico are very accommodating so if you want to stay somewhere with stricter health guidelines there are plenty of options available. I had a wonderful and safe experience but I know that may not be the case for everyone. (And I was blessed to return to the states healthy and Covid free)

Thankfully, the Turquesa took great care of me and my friends. The food was divine! I gorged myself on endless room service, dined at a few buffets, and tried out practically every restaurant on the facility. The fresh fruit, succulent steaks, and decadent desserts were my kryptonite and the main cause of every food baby! During each meal we were provided with pre-packaged utensils and disposable paper place settings. The chefs all wore masks, chefs hats, and gloves. Each waiter, waitress, and indoor bartender wore a mask and gloves as well. Poolside bartenders were only required to wear gloves due to the open spaces and humidity. However, most of the poolside bartenders took it upon themselves to wear a mask. The maids were cautious as well, wearing their masks & gloves and visiting only when the guests were out. 

If you're reluctant to be surrounded by people so soon you will find it comforting to know that there are 3-4 pools on the resort. AND THEY ARE HUMONGOUS! So if you don't want to be around other humans you definitely don't have to be. There is a massive adult pool where children are not allowed. Servers circulate the pool practically every 15 minutes taking orders so guests can avoid jumping in line at a crowded bar. Each server wore a mask, gloves, and those see through face coverings. The adult pool is very secluded so If you are hoping to relax in solitude you most certainly can.  However, if you are looking to get “yo party on” and socialize there are smaller pools and restaurants where staff members host aquatic exercise sessions, dance competitions, and cool giveaways. In fact, I was entered into a contest for “The Sexiest Man on the Resort” and won! If you like pool party vibes you will LOVE Cancun. The people are so warm and inviting. (and they know how to turn up!) Not to mention they genuinely love to celebrate people! I cant even lie, being in Cancun made me feel like a local celebrity. 

Now If the spotlight isn't your thing- Mexico also has some extraordinary private beaches. I spent a lot of time on the beach and every time I would stroll down to the shore I would find no more than 10 people occupying it. You were lucky if 10 people were even in the water. So if you want a secret get away and an amazing tan the ocean is going to be your hang out spot. And if by some odd chance you don't like water you can take a private van into downtown Cancun to check out the restaurants, clubs, and even explore other resorts.

Mexico has something for everyone and for every type of traveler. Of course traveling post quarantine is going to be a bit of an adjustment but if you're flexible, safe, and down for a good time you will come to find that adventure is still accessible. You don't have to stop living… you just have to be aware. (Which if you were traveling pre-covid you should have been doing anyways)! 

BASICALLY… book your trip now and Thank me later! A Mexican vacation may be everything you need and more!