Lost in Tulum: Making Connections in Post-Pandemic Mexico

Tulum, Mexico. August, 2021.

Mexico, right after the world started pretending COVID was on its way out. People everywhere were desperate to feel normal again, to sit on plastic patio chairs and gobble down tacos under a sun that had been haunting their Zoom calls for two years.

I arrived solo—supposed to meet my friends in Cancun. The plan was simple enough, but travel is funny like that. One small miscommunication and I found myself stepping off a bus in Tulum, alone. My friends? Miles up the coast, off enjoying their version of the week.

That’s how my adventure began: no agenda, just a backpack and a sense of possibility. I grabbed a room at the first hostel I could find—no stress, just curiosity and relief.

Hostel life quickly became the center of everything. I found my bunk and got swept up in the scene—a mix of travelers from all over, trading stories and beach tips. The WiFi might have been unpredictable (not ideal for remote work, let’s be honest), but nobody seemed too worried. Instead of stressing, I tucked my laptop into my locker and leaned into the easygoing rhythm of Tulum.

Our hostel, meant to be just a base, quickly became the hub for the week’s celebrations. From the kitchen to the courtyard, there was always someone ready to share a plate of tacos or suggest a spontaneous night out. Plans changed, friendships formed, and every day felt brand new.

In the midst of it all, stories kept circling around Holbox—an island whispered about like a local legend where you could truly relax and lose track of time. The idea stuck with me, and after flying home, it only took a month before I returned to Mexico to see Holbox for myself. It was everything promised: sunsets, new connections, and late-night swims that make you feel lucky just to be there.

The real magic was in the people. I met incredible travelers; some faces faded, others stuck, and in a twist only travel can offer, I ran into one of my hostel friends three years later—of all places—in Times Square. Sometimes, the world feels impossibly big; sometimes, it reminds you how connected and small it can be.

No, it wasn’t gritty or dramatic—just pure adventure, laughter, fresh food, and friendly faces. If I learned anything, it’s that sometimes the best trips are the ones that surprise you, taking you exactly where you didn’t know you needed to go. Mexico did that for me. And that’s the joy I’ll keep chasing.