Cancun / PDC with a young 2 year old

For this trip we tagged along with my in-laws and stayed in a super fancy resort under their timeshare. These types of places aren’t my personal preference as I’m more of a boutique hotel and apartment rental kind of girl to truly immerse within a culture. But still, a fab resort or luxury hotel is a nice treat once in a while. Here we did spend a lot of time at the resort, a must when considering the cost of the place and the fact that resorts are usually really far from city centers. We had to take a van just to get from the hotel lobby to the entrance of the resort! We did enjoy the glorious swimming pools and delicious cuisine. We only spent a few days off site to explore Xcaret, Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote and Mamita’s Beach Club. Angel and I have been here before and we did Tulum and Cozumel.

Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote Tour: we hired a driver and guide to explore these places. It was truly convenient despite a minor setback when the driver was having car trouble. Addie, on the other hand, was having toddler trouble. She had several meltdowns and we definitely got frustrated and used ice-cream as a bribe to better behavior. She wasn’t too keen on Chichen Itza since it was a very hot day but she loved the cenote. Us adults assembly lined ourselves on the staircase to carry her in and out of the cenote so she could enjoy a short swim.

Xcaret Underground River Swim: We weren’t quite sure if Addie could handle this swim and the guides said she’s allowed to, they have life vests her size, but it’s entirely up to us. My mother in law agreed to watch her while we completed the swim but then we saw a tinier child enter the underground river swim. Well, if that kid can do it! Addie did great and I’m so glad we decided to take her!

Beach club: Addie loves the beach and I don’t recall her having any meltdowns this day. We enjoyed ourselves and relaxed under a cabana eating some of the best shrimp ceviche I have ever had. I mean, whole shrimp ceviche. Not cut up with tons of other stuff. Just simple, whole shrimp ceviche.

Other logistics: no carseat, I respect that everyone has their own opinion on this but we simply held her and pulled a seatbelt (if present) over both of us during car rides. No stroller and didn’t miss it! We did bring a backpack carrier for when she got tired on walks.

Flight: so far this was her worst flight- both ways. Major meltdowns and unobtainable desires. She wanted a strangers sandwich, to enter the cockpit, to run up and down during take offs and landings. She was the perfect example of why most people get flustered upon seeing a toddler or baby in an aircraft! But would we do it again? Absolutely!!!