I think when most Americans hear Cinco de Mayo they immediately think drinks and tequila, right? I’m not going to lie that’s what I think too hahaha. However, there is just a little more significance behind the yearly anniversary than just Margarita’s. It’s actually the date that the Mexican Army defeated the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the state of Puebla than anywhere else in Mexico for this very reason. Contrary to popular belief Cinco de Mayo has taken on more significance in America than in Mexico mainly because it is not the Mexican Independence Day which is celebrated September 16. However, my chicas and I went to Riviera Maya/ Cancun just to celebrate life and the pursuit of happiness! Cheers to that!
Why Mexico and when?
For Cinco de Mayo, duh! Cause why not?!?! JK JK I went to Mexico from May 4, 2018 – May 7, 2018.
Get to it…HOW MUCH was it?!?!?
Dang y’all thirsty!!!! Y’all already know it was a lavish and thrifty trip because I don’t partake in anything else. But just to let you know my girls and I booked an all - inclusive trip at the Ocean Riviera Paradise on Cheap Caribbean back on March 20, 2018. After watching the prices jump around for a couple of weeks we finally settled on paying $660 a piece for everything! Yup dassit! If you stay ready you aint got to get ready! All the margaritas, tacos, and tequila we wanted were all included! Our room overlooked the pool and it felt good to just sit on the balcony and feel a nice summer breeze!
Ok so why was it was really that thrifty?
We flew Spirit Airlines. I know I know, before you go off and say you’ll never take Spirit Airlines anywhere, it was actually pretty decent for our first experience. Both flights left on time and the ride was pretty smooth despite not being in a reclining seat and not being provided with complimentary snacks and drinks.
The all-inclusive included a straight flight out of Baltimore, MD (BWI) that left at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 4th and we landed in Cancun at 12:45 PM. We took a straight flight out of Cancun headed to Baltimore on Monday, May 7th at 1:45 PM. FYI - Cancun is one hour behind Eastern Atlantic time.
Low cost carrier where?!
I believe Spirit Airlines makes up for their low cost fares by charging additional fees where they can. Whether you carry on a bag or check your bag you still have to pay for it! The cost for our checked bag was not included in the all-inclusive. We ended up having to pay an additional $94 to check our bag for both ways. Ugh.
Major Key Alert: If you book an all-inclusive where Spirit Airlines is the carrier make sure you pay for your checked bag at the time of booking instead of waiting to do your online check-in or waiting until you get to the airport because it is cheaper that way. We waited to pay for our bags when we did our online check-in that’s why we incurred that extra expense. With that being said, your online check-in will also save you money when you get to the airport as they will charge you $10 just to print your boarding pass when you get to the desk. Ouch! Don't let that be you!
Ok so now on to the fun stuff...
It was a girls trip and anytime I’m on a girls trip its nothing but a funky good time, duh! When we first got there before we could even get to our room we took patron shots at the bar in the lobby! Let me just say right here that we did a lot of tipping hahha. We then headed straight to the room to change into our bathing suits and then we went to the pool and drank some more! Then we went to the club on the resort that night and drank some more. Yea somewhere in there we ate, don’t let me forget that part!
On Cinco de Mayo we went to get an 80 minute massage. We all agreed that it wasn’t worth our $100 which was discounted for us from $165. My massage was better in Dubai and it was cheaper. We then went to the foam party on the resort that was so much fun! Then went out again that night on the resort.
On Sunday we spent all day on a boat. This was our excursion we decided on. It was called the Booze Cruise! We set out to sea on the Catamaran that morning around 9:30 AM and didn’t return until 7:00 PM that night. Our excursion was $100 and included lunch, all the liquor we wanted on the boat, snorkeling, holding a baby shark, waterpark on the beach and more. I think it was worth every dollar!
That Monday I woke up and I gave a word of inspiration from the balcony of our room at the resort and basically reflected on how far I’ve come and how much further I have to go! No worries though. I’m just at peace with the journey and the path that lies ahead of me!
Was it worth it?!?
Yup! If you can find a decent priced all-inclusive it’s worth it! I can almost guarantee you there will be at least one restaurant, one pool, and one club/bar you’ll like. So if you don’t like something…the good thing is you can go and try something else at no additional cost. There’s always something for everyone at an all-inclusive resort, trust me!
So how much did I really spend?
I took a total of $300 with me and I came back with about $50. I spent money on my massage, excursion, souvenirs and tips. If you want to get really thrifty leave out the massage, souvenirs and excursion and just partake and the resort activities. Keep it simple.
I want to shout out my girls for putting this whole thing together the lavish and thrifty way! Adios, Mexico for now! Which country or continent should I head to next? I’m trying to get lavish the thrifty way!
