What would you do????

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
What would you do????
29
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 10:24am

Once again, my plans have fallen apart because my BF is an idiot. So a few questions...

Have any of you here ever been to Mexico? If so, where did you go? Did you rent a car or take taxis or buses? What did you think of that experience and how difficult would it be to take a trip alone?

Long story short - this trip has been planned since about June. My work vacation time has been reserved since about February. This is the ONLY three weeks I've had off from school since December. We have airline tickets and hotel reservations.

My Ph.D educated, world-traveled, university professor BF, who's supposed to be smarter than I am, NEVER BOTHERED to check HIS work schedule and now can't go on this trip. And I can't change my work vacation time due to the amount of people who are already scheduled to be off.

I'm so mad at him I'm thinking of taking this trip alone without him. Or just canceling all together and going somewhere else.

He's apologized but it's feels hollow, like it's no big deal to him. And I know that I could just put off this trip, but I was really looking forward to this - I guess I'm just disappointed more than anything. HE'S traveled. HE'S getting to go to New Zealand in December (to visit his family), and I've never been anywhere like this and I'm having to probably cancel this trip and sit at home because he can't plan ahead. So yeah, I'm pretty mad at him.

So any thoughts? Anyone been to Mexico? Is this a trip a single woman could make by herself?

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Avatar for cl_shywon
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 11:06am

I don't have any advice as far as what to do when you're there, but I say absolutely go.

Avatar for northwestwanderer
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 11:25am

Oh, man, I'm so sorry to hear that! What a drag. I'd be so upset.

I haven't been to Mexico so can't comment on that but I do travel by myself a lot. Where in Mexico? Is it a beach community or will there be other things to do (like if you were in or near Cancun, there are the pyramids, etc)? I don't think I'd want to do a vacation that was entirely a beach vacation by myself but if it's part beach and part other stuff, then that could work.

The biggest thing (to me at least) when you're traveling alone is whether you'll get a chance to meet people. If it's a beach resort with all couples/families, then the chances are not so great.

Sheri

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2005
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 11:29am

I think you should go.

Where in Mexico?

I'd say dress conservatively if you aren't on resort property.

And just take the usual precautions that you would anywhere else in the world.


iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2007
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 11:31am

Other than Cabo San Lucas or Puerta Vallerta, Mexico not recommended for a woman on a solo trip. If you will be carrying a gun (for which you will need a permit) that's different. ("God made man and woman - Col Colt made them equal" -A.C.).

Why don't you go to NZ with your Oh-so-learned BF ? There are few places in the world as spectacular as there (South Island at least). Ask him if he could plan a trip to Fjordland National Park. You will return a changed person.




Edited 7/18/2007 11:34 am ET by c2shiningc
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2005
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 11:37am

<<>>

That's just not true.


iVillage Member
Registered: 02-11-2007
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 11:38am

Where in Mexico?

I've been to Acapulco by myself. Well, I traveled there with a boyfriend, but he ditched me the moment we landed -- sweet, wasn't it? But it actually turned out very well -- I spent the entire week by myself. I didn't feel unsafe for a SECOND. Don't believe all the hype you hear about Mexico.

I meandered downtown, caught cabs (those are certainly an adventure), dined, waded in Acapulco Bay, shopped -- everything, by myself. And I stuck out like a sore thumb, with my very pale skin, freckles, and red hair, but the locals could NOT have been nicer or more accommodating! It did help that I speak Spanish, though.

I say GO! Just call someone before you go out so they know where you're at.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 11:39am

>Oh, man, I'm so sorry to hear that! What a drag. I'd be so upset.<

I am, and I'm trying not to hold him TOO responsible because it's not *entirely* his fault - the university changed their start times this year and he wasn't aware of it - but yet, he COULD have checked just to be on the safe side. This 'not being able to plan ahead' thing is really discouraging.

Anyway, I'm leaning towards what Shy said - I'd regret it if I didn't go. And I HAVE traveled alone and I always end up meeting people - and I'm also perfectly happy doing things alone as well - but it's only ever been here in the U.S. I've never been out of the country and my Spanish isn't so good. (I can ask where the bathroom is. LOL!)

Our original plans, and is what I would probably follow, is to fly into Cancun, sit on the beach for a few days, go out to Chichen Itza, then to Merida, then back to Cancun and come back home. I'm like you, Sheri, I don't want to JUST sit on the beach. I do want that, but I want to see more things if possible.

I talked to a co-worker this morning and he made me feel better about it. He and his wife have been there numerous times and he told me not to worry about it - that it's fairly easy to get anywhere.

Now it's the letting go of this anger I'm feeling. :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-11-2007
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 11:41am
You should be fine - Cancun is extremely Americanized. In fact, I definitely recommend taking side trips out to local Mexico so you can experience the "real" Mexico, which is so rich with culture, diversity, and FOOD!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 12:02pm

>Why don't you go to NZ with your Oh-so-learned BF ? There are few places in the world as spectacular as there (South Island at least). Ask him if he could plan a trip to Fjordland National Park. You will return a changed person.<

I considered that but it's not doable. The very max amount of time I could take would be 10 days - and part of that would be unpaid leave.

The plane ride from LAX to Auckland is 12 hours and we lose a day in the process. I figure the trip would give me 7 or 8 good days, considering the date line and then jet lag. AND the ticket would cost $2,500 (peak season in December). So $2,500 for an eight day trip? That doesn't seem worth it. I don't even HAVE that much money. I'm a poor student.

He's staying in NZ for a month because he's from there and his family lives there. If I go that far and spend that much money, I don't want it to be for only one week. That doesn't make sense to me.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2007
Wed, 07-18-2007 - 12:12pm

I have seen LAX-Auckland-LAX advertised for as little as $899 (Air New Zealand), but not sure if it was peak season. $2500 for eight days is definitely not worth it. Sydney will actually be cheaper as it's a major international hub and there are many smaller airlines connecting the two.

I have been to Australia a number of times, but on employee pass so I guess that doesn't count.




Edited 7/18/2007 12:14 pm ET by c2shiningc

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