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The First Hour of My Cancun Trips Has Taught Me One Valuable Lesson

After Visiting Every Country, I Value Simplicity More Than Ever

When you’ve spent as much time in airports as I have, you start to realise something. It’s rarely the destination that causes stress—it’s everything that happens between landing and checking into your hotel.

Over the last fifteen years I’ve travelled to every country in the world. I’ve arrived at airports in the middle of the night in places where I couldn’t speak the language, had taxis refuse to use the meter, been quoted ridiculous prices, and occasionally wondered if I’d ever make it to my hotel at all. Those experiences teach you pretty quickly where it’s worth spending a little extra money.

Cancún is one of those places.

I’ve always enjoyed Mexico. The Caribbean coastline is stunning, the food is excellent, and it’s one of those destinations that works whether you’re travelling as a backpacker, as a couple or with family. But Cancún International Airport is also one of the busiest airports in the region, and after a long international flight, it’s not somewhere I particularly want to be making transport decisions. That’s why I’ve become a big believer in organising the boring stuff before I leave home.

I’ve Learned That the Holiday Starts at the Airport

Years ago I probably would have landed, walked outside and figured it out.

These days I think differently.

If I can remove one unnecessary decision after a ten-hour flight, I will. I’m usually tired, I’ve probably been awake since 4 a.m., and the only thing on my mind is getting to the hotel, taking a shower and starting my trip.

The reality is that your holiday starts the moment you land, not when you reach the beach. That’s why, whenever I know I’ll be arriving somewhere busy, I like arranging airport transfers for a guaranteed smooth and stress-free experience before I even board the plane.

It isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of those travel decisions I never regret.

Travelling Has Changed Since Becoming a Dad

One thing that has changed dramatically over the last couple of years is how I travel.

Before my son Aidan was born, delays and small inconveniences didn’t really bother me. If I had to wait half an hour for a taxi, it wasn’t the end of the world.

Now I’m travelling with a toddler, luggage, a stroller and my wife.

That completely changes the equation.

After a long flight, the last thing we want is standing outside in the heat trying to compare transport options while everyone gets progressively more tired. Having somebody waiting for us removes a surprising amount of stress, and honestly makes the first day of the trip much more enjoyable.

I’ve realised that convenience isn’t laziness. Sometimes it’s simply the smarter option.

Time Is Usually More Valuable Than Money

One thing people often forget is that holidays are short. Most of us spend months planning them, then lose an hour or two on arrival trying to organise transport.

When I visit somewhere like the Riviera Maya, I’d much rather spend that time having lunch overlooking the Caribbean than standing outside an airport. Whether I’m heading to Cancún itself, Playa del Carmen or further south towards Tulum, the goal is always the same: arrive, check in and start enjoying the destination as quickly as possible.

After travelling almost continuously for more than a decade, I’ve found that reducing unnecessary friction makes every trip feel better.

The Small Decisions Often Make the Biggest Difference

People often ask me what I’ve learned from visiting every country in the world. The answer usually surprises them. It’s not about luxury hotels or flying in premium cabins. It’s about removing avoidable stress wherever you can.

Sometimes that’s paying for lounge access before a long flight. Sometimes it’s travelling with only carry-on luggage. Sometimes it’s booking transport before you arrive.

None of those things are particularly exciting, but together they make travelling feel effortless.

Cancún and the Riviera Maya remain some of my favourite beach destinations anywhere in the Americas. The beaches are incredible, there are fantastic day trips in every direction, and it’s somewhere I always recommend to friends looking for an easy tropical escape.

My advice is simple: don’t spend weeks researching the perfect hotel only to leave the airport transfer until the last minute. After thousands of flights, I’ve learned that the first hour of a trip often sets the tone for everything that follows—and if I can make that first hour easier, I always do.