Remember Cancun? | May 2025 #Shorts

Every so often a memory pops up on our phones and we both stop what we're doing. This time it was May 2025, and the word on the screen was one we say with a smile: Cancun.

We put together a quick Short to bring it all back, and you can watch it on YouTube here. It's only a few seconds long, but it made us want to sit down and write about the whole trip properly. So here's what the video couldn't fit.

Why Cancun, and why May?

As a couple from Mississauga, we know how long a Canadian winter can feel. By the time May rolls around, we're ready for warmth in a way that's hard to describe. Cancun checked every box: a direct flight from Toronto, warm water, and a resort setup where nobody has to plan three meals a day.

May turned out to be a great choice for us. It sits just before the peak summer heat and the busiest stretch of hurricane season, which starts in June. The sea was warm, the crowds were manageable, and prices were friendlier than in the winter rush. The days were hot, so we learned quickly to plan our outdoor time for mornings and late afternoons.

What we loved

The water. If you've never seen the Caribbean in person, photos don't prepare you. The colour shifts from pale turquoise near the shore to a deeper blue further out. We spent far more time just standing in it than we expected to.

The pace. At home, our days are scheduled down to the minute. In Cancun we let ourselves slow down. Breakfast ran long. Afternoons were for the pool, a book, or a nap in the shade. Neither of us felt guilty about it, which is rare for us.

The food. Samantha grew up with Vietnamese food, where fresh herbs, bright flavours and balance matter a lot. Amir grew up with Punjabi food, where spice and richness are the point. Mexican cuisine turned out to be common ground. Fresh lime, chilies, cilantro, grilled meats and warm tortillas hit both of our palates. We ate more guacamole than we're willing to admit. If you love street food, our Vietnam street food guide for first-timers covers how we think about ordering and eating adventurously anywhere in the world, and a lot of it applies in Mexico too.

What we'd do differently

We love our memories, but we're honest people, so here's what we'd change.

1. Bring more sun protection than you think you need. The Caribbean sun in May is strong. Reef-safe sunscreen, hats and a rash guard saved us from a few painful lessons.
2. Book excursions early, and ask what's included. Some tours look cheap until you add transport, entry fees and extras. We'd read the fine print next time.
3. Don't overschedule. We were tempted to see everything. The days we did less were the days we remember best.
4. Carry small bills. Pesos or US dollars in small denominations make tips and little purchases much easier.
5. Drink bottled or filtered water. It's a simple rule that keeps your trip on track.

A quick note on the area

Cancun's hotel zone is built for convenience, and it's easy to get around. But we'd also encourage you to step outside it. Other places along the coast have a different feel, quieter and more local. On another leg of our Mexico travels we stayed near Playa del Carmen, and if you want to see what that resort felt like, you can walk through the Hilton Playa del Carmen with us. It gives a good sense of the setting, the grounds and the vibe if you're deciding between destinations.

Travelling as a couple with two cultures

People sometimes ask us how it feels to travel as an interracial couple, especially in places where we don't know the language or customs. Honestly, Mexico was warm and welcoming. Most of what we noticed was kindness, curiosity and a lot of patience with our very limited Spanish (a few phrases and a lot of smiling). If you're curious about the bigger picture, we wrote down what we've learned travelling as an interracial couple, including the practical stuff we wish we'd known earlier.

Why these little memories matter

The reason we make Shorts like this one is simple. Trips fade. You remember the highlights, but the small details, like the sound of the waves at night or the taste of a fresh mango, slip away unless you capture them. A few seconds of video can bring an entire week rushing back.

When we watch our Cancun clip now, we don't just see a beach. We remember how relaxed we were, how much we laughed, and how grateful we felt to be able to take the time. That's what we want from travel: not a checklist, just a feeling worth coming back to.

Over to you

Have you been to Cancun? Would you go in May, or pick another time of year? Tell us in the comments on the video. We read every one, and your tips often end up shaping our next trip.

Thanks for travelling along with us.

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▶️ Watch the video: Remember Cancun? | May 2025 #Shorts

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