I have been planning on solo traveling for a little over a year now. Ive been saving up for a big multi-month trip to Europe.
Then I met this girl. We dated for 7 months and I decided to buy us tickets to cancun for christmas. We're about to leave in a week and the relationship ended. I have the time off work, both tickets and if I want to go ill be spending it alone.
I should be happy im taking another step towards my goal. But I think im just so blindsided by the breakup that its fogging my judgement. Has anyone ever done something similar? How did it turn out? I want to go, but dont want to be depressed the whole time.
You can be depressed at home or you can be depressed in Cancun. Personally, I'd rather be in Cancun.
You can find new love in that beach paradise from Cancun to Tulum.
Maybe not love but at least a distraction.
Go, it will be like a practice run and you'll be able to eat excellent Mexican food.
ouch
I had something similar happen to me in 2019 and found myself traveling solo through Atlantic Canada despite months of planning to do it as a couple
Still went (solo) and saw the places I'd wanted to see. I thought of it as the start of post-relationship memories, which was the most positive spin I could manage at the time.
Go and do some excursions to hang around people.
This is key! Try not to stay in holiday resorts that revolve around pools and beach bars. It can be hard to sit there and watch couples stroll around, clearly in love and enjoying romantic dinners—it might quietly make things feel heavier.
Instead, do something that keeps you engaged. Talk to people if you feel like it, meet others along the way. And if socializing isn’t your thing, that’s completely okay too—bring a book to a local bar or café where people are just relaxing. It helps to be somewhere that feels a little more neutral, rather than surrounded by lovebirds walking hand in hand.
We got a suite at an adults only resort. Whereas im super excited to have everything all inclusive, im a little worried ill get bored quick without someone to talk to. All ive heard about cancun is that the resorts are fun but you cant really leave them. Hoping for some fun shows and to check out the club - besides that. Ill be excited to work on my tan and walk the beach.
Why can't you leave the resort? Go on day tours and you'll be fine.
I had a break up a month before a trip we had planned. I went (thankfully I booked the hotel in my name) I enjoyed myself. I met other people along the way and had a few long afternoons chatting with a group of strangers.
I had the opposite. I met a girl who had a holiday booked to Türkiye, she split up with her boyfriend so I ended up going. It was all goodish fun.
Find a random to take with you.
However, I have done Cancun solo and enjoyed it, just make sure you get out and about.
If you’re not locked into accommodation. One of my favourite places I’ve ever been to is Bacalar, at The Yak Lake House.
It’s a few hours by bus from Cancun, but it’s unbelievable, right on a beautiful lake and it’s super easy to meet people.
Then you can make your way back to Cancun staying along the way in Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Isla Mujeres or even Holbox.
Loads to do, people to meet, and the food is class. If you want to be you’ll be too busy to feel down. Or if you need chill time to think things over, you can find that too.
Definitely go!! But also keep in mind that if it’s a resort it may be more coupley and honeymoony and less solo oriented than a lot of other places, so if you do feel lonely don’t let it turn you off of your Europe trip!
Have you got a mate who might be able to go with you last minute? If not, use it as an opportunity to try out solo travelling and really lean into it. You'll be able to do what you want when you want!
Bring a friend instead.
Definitely still go. Live in the moment.
Go full Dirks Bently- get drunk on a plane on your way to Cancun.
I suggest making sure you are around people when you are there but also take some time for yourself.
First off, that sucks.
Second, points to you for being awesome! You dated for 7 months and bought tickets for both of you to Cancun? Just wow.
This validates my belief that I need to pick better.
You sound like a good person, the right person will come along. Go to Cancun and live it up!
Why not take a friend and gift them a free trip? A Cancun resort with a friend will be really fun.
Cancun in an all inclusive resort by yourself will be awful and lonely. I would rather stay home tbh.