If you have ever been on an all-inclusive resort, you know that the drinking usually starts when the swim-up bars open (usually around 10:00am). There is a huddle of people waiting to get drinks. This usually happens after a late wakeup because of drinking the night before, and the mimosas at breakfast are wearing off.

I have been in this situation before. It seems as though your whole vacation turns into a blur. One day leads to the next, and then the next, and then it’s all over. Even the slightest alcohol I would drink in the past would cause me to not have clear memories, and make time fly by while on the resort.

Recently I traveled back to Mexico again. I decided before I left that I would stick with Diet Coke or water during the beautiful days in the sun there. My friends asked what was wrong a few times, and instead of going into detail I would just say, “I’m just chilling out and relaxing, not really feeling drinking right now.” They were like, “Cool dude!” I have some really great, great friends and they just wanted to make sure I was having a great time because they love me like a brother. 

Yeah, it was a little weird ordering Diet Cokes all day, but it was so worth it!

After the 4 day trip to Riviera Maya, I noticed something. 

By the way, have you ever been to Riviera Maya? It’s beautiful there.

What I noticed after limiting my alcohol each day to almost nothing is that:

• the trip seemed to go by very slow (which was awesome)
• I was able to have more meaningful conversations 
• the food tasted better
• the sun felt better
• the water felt better
• I was able to seek out the needs of my wife and my friends better
• I left my short travel to Mexico feeling refreshed and amazing

If you are reading this article and can relate, give it a try on your next trip. Sure, it is enticing to have all of the frozen colorful drinks that you can fit in your belly, but as I personally know from the past, that is an end in and of itself.

Love ya,

JT