How to Survive a Solo Trip to Cancun during Spring Break
If you’ve been following me on Instagram and Snapchat, you saw I went on a solo trip to Cancun last week. Mexico has been on my list for a long time, but it wasn’t until booking my resort that I realized I was traveling to Cancun during Spring Break!
I looked forward to relaxing poolside in warm weather, but I was dreading the fact that I’d be there with a bunch of wild and crazy college students. To my surprise, the experience wasn’t so bad. Here are some tips for a solo trip to Cancun during spring break.
Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Before I even share my Spring Break tips, I want to get this out of the way. When planning and even on my solo trip to Cancun, I received a lot of concern from friends and family about traveling to Mexico as a solo female traveler. The US has issued a Level 2 travel advisory to certain parts of Mexico due to crime and kidnapping.
Please be advised that a Level 2 Travel Advisory is to exercise extreme caution. At the time of this post, there are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in the states of Quintana Roo and Yucatan where many solo and group travelers visit during Spring Break. So yes, Cancun, Mexico IS safe for solo female travelers.
Cancun Spring Break Tip #1 Know What You’re Up Against
I’ve never had a Cancun Spring Break experience but had a general idea of what to expect: overcrowded pools, loud music, parties, and drunk people. At the end of the day, I made up my mind to just deal with it when the time came. During my stay, I didn’t get catcalled or harassed, and most importantly, I was able to get my drinks from the resort’s bars without any issues.
Cancun Spring Break Tip #2 Stay on the Quiet Side of the resort
If you’re staying at a hotel or an all-inclusive resort in Cancun during Spring Break, it can get loud. I stayed at The Pyramid at Grand Oasis Cancun which gave me access to the full property. The resort typically had two sides: one for the party-goers and a quiet side for families. On occasion, I ended up in the party zone to get some food, but the majority of my time was on the quiet side laying out by the pool and soaking in the sun.
Cancun Spring Break Tip #3 Take Advantage of Outside Excursions
One of the main reasons for traveling to Cancun was to visit the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum. After doing nothing relaxing on my first day, I booked full-day excursions through my resort’s booking service. If you want to save some money on tours and activities during your travels, I suggest booking tours prior to your visit. I was able to do and see what I wanted and be around other like-minded people.
Cancun Spring Break Tip #4 Use The Resort’s Free Activities
Outside of the pool parties and clubs, The Pyramid at Grand Oasis Cancun offered free non-motorized sports, golf and tennis lessons, a gym, a casino, cooking and fitness classes, a spa, and more. If your resort or hotel offers activities and amenities away from the “party zone”, use them and enjoy yourself.
Cancun Spring Break Tip #5 Skip Cancun and Stay in a Different Area
If you have enough time to plan, avoid the party crowds in Cancun and stay in other areas such as Riviera Maya, Cozumel, or Isla Mujeres. You may pay a little bit more for accommodation and transportation, but it is further away from the airport and Cancun Hotel Zone. These areas usually have an older, more reserved crowd, but they still offer beautiful resorts, beaches, and excursions for all types of travelers.
View highlights from my solo spring break trip
I passed areas smelling like beer and urine on occasion, but I enjoyed my solo trip to Cancun during Spring Break experience If I ever get to visit the Cancun area again, I hope it can be with a group of friends.
Read More Travel Guides & Tips
4 Ways to Use Your Smartphone When Traveling Overseas
Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle
How to Spend 3 Days in Athens, Greece
You would think this is a Spring Break destination I would have visited by now but I have not traveled to Cancun yet. I was thinking of going for a mini vacay during one of my 3 days weekends this summer so I will keep your tips in mind when booking my lodging.
Thanks Tia. Visiting the ruins are a must see. Tulum won my heart. So beautiful
Great tips! I’m always looking for warm weather destinations in late winter, but run into the same spring break problem. This sounds like a good solution!
Thanks Christina. I was annoyed at the thought, but it worked out well in the end.
Using the resorts amenities can really save people a lot of money. Especially if it’s a all inclusive package.
Yes! My cousin and I used EVERYTHANG in Barbados. lol
I have never been solo on vacation and Spring Break is usually spent in Vegas which can be crazy depending on where you go but fun none the less.
My mom’s been wanting to go to Vegas. I think it’d be a fun girl’s trip.
I have been to Cancun 2 years ago but never for Spring Break. I actually wouldnt mind, I would love to plan a cool solo trip to Cancun!
When I think spring break I automatically think of Cancun and how I don’t want to be bothered. Good tips. I loved Cancun, I just relaxed when I went, much needed.
I was really thought it’d be worst than what it actually was. I’m pretty sure there were wild things going on though. lol
I’ve never been to Cancun but the pictures are beautiful! I’m glad you were able to enjoy your trip!!
Thanks Carissa. I try my best to enjoy myself no matter the situation I’m in.
I am dying to travel alone, don’t know when that will happen but I can’t wait to experience it. Sounds like you had a relaxing time. Thanks for these tips!
It was scary at first, but it was a great experience for me.
These tips! Your photos are beautiful. I am in desperate need of a vacation, asap!
thanks Chelsea
Looks beautiful. The more I read about these beautiful locations, the more I’m ready to break loose for a little vacation of my own.
lol I hope you get to go away soon!
How beautiful! I’d love to travel and see such a lovely place. I could use a vacay right now!
It was definitely a great time.
It sounds like you had an amazing time. Traveling during spring break is always tricky. You lucked up for sure. It looks beautiful. I’m in desperate need of a warm beachy vacation.
The way this NYC weather is, I’m glad I was able to get away. I sure did luck out.
As of yet I haven’t traveled while spring break was going on. At least you didn’t have to endure a peace breaking experience. I went to Mexico and stayed in puerto Vallarta a long time ago. Great place.
I have yet to visit the West Coast. I want to go so bad!
These are great tips. I haven’t been to Cancun. I like visiting the non-touristy areas of Mexico. I agree, with you on Riviera Maya for that reason.
Next time around, I’ll plan better to stay in Play del Carmen or Tulum. It was a huge difference. lol
Wow! Sounds like you had fun….that place is soooooo beautiful. I agree with all you’ve said. With the second point tho, I feel, for every vacation, it is better to stay on the quiet side (not every time tho)
Thanks for sharing, Jo <3 and keep having fun :*
Yes it was a great time. Thanks Victoria
Isn’t it beautiful?! I just took a trip to Playa Del Carmen (http://thehautemommie.com/the-hautemommie-jetsets-playa-del-carmen-mexico/) in February and enjoyed every moment. These were great tips, looks like it was a blast!
xo,
Leslie / @hautemommie / http://www.thehautemommie.com
I really enjoyed myself. I was scared the Spring Break crew would ruin my trip.
I love traveling alone. Great tips!
Thanks so much Queen!
Great tips! Are the prices inflated during Spring break? I do plan on visiting the Mayan ruins one day soon. Thanks for sharing!
Yes. Busy season is generally Jan-April. I was able to get a really good deal at an all inclusive on Travelzoo (almost $200+ off regular price) though.
I have never been to Cancun, I do plan on going.
I’m glad you enjoyed your trip. Cancun can get a little crazy from what I hear.
My friend went a few weeks ago for a birthday celebration and he said it was wild and overpriced. He’s not much of a partier, but he enjoyed the trip.