Playa del Carmen Was Calling, but I Was Hesitant
About 15 years ago, we booked our first trip to Mexico. The destination was Playa del Carmen. I had some hesitation because of the many warnings about travel safety in Mexico. News reports, travel advisories, and even friends had made me unsure. Still, we decided to go and see for ourselves.
A Smooth Trip Until the Return
The entire trip was wonderful. The beaches, the food, the people, and the overall experience were better than we expected. We had no issues at all during our stay.
That changed when we arrived at the Cancun airport for our return flight. We found out that severe weather in the United States had caused many flights to be cancelled. Suddenly, we were stuck in a foreign airport with no plan.
Lost in Translation
We did not speak Spanish and had no idea what steps to take next. There were long lines and very little information available. Outside the airport, things were even more chaotic. Taxi drivers were everywhere, and they all seemed to be shouting over each other trying to get our attention.
We had been warned to avoid these drivers. There were stories about tourists being taken advantage of. Still, we had no place to stay and no idea how long we would be stuck.
Taking a Risk That Paid Off
One driver approached us calmly. He said he knew a place we could stay for the night. It was a condo rental near the airport and right on the beach. He asked for cash, about one hundred dollars for the night.
We were skeptical. It felt risky, but we were exhausted and out of options. We agreed to go.
The place turned out to be beautiful and clean. It was part of a quiet condo complex just a short ride from the airport. We only stayed one night, but it gave us peace and comfort during a stressful moment.
Travel Insurance Came Through
When we got home, we filed a travel insurance claim. We expected some pushback because the payment was in cash and the place was not a big-name hotel. To our surprise, the entire cost was reimbursed. The extra night, the taxi rides, and the changes to our flight were all covered.
Why It Matters
That trip taught us the value of travel insurance. Even when you think everything will go smoothly, something unexpected can happen. Having protection in place means you are not alone in those moments.
If you are planning a trip, especially internationally, make sure you have real coverage. It can make a frustrating situation much easier to manage and turn it into a story you look back on with gratitude instead of regret.