cabo

Sun-kissed skin. Sandy feet. Ocean breeze.

I took my first solo trip to Cabo San Lucas in June 2021. After a few weeks of research on “safest” places to take a solo trip, I decided that somewhere in Mexico would be my best option since it was close to home (Texas). I recall my mom being worried that I was going alone, but like most curious, know-it-all 20-somethings, I assured her it was only for three days and I’d be fine.

I stayed at the Bahia Hotel & Beach House, which was absolutely stunning. It’s located on Medano Beach, which is known as one of the swimmable stretches in Cabo San Lucas. The bar and restaurant looked out onto El Arco which consists of Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) and Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach), which was convenient considering those are two famous landmarks in the city.

The accommodations at Bahia were great. Oddly enough, I can still smell the crisp, sultry body wash placed in the rooms. I wish I remembered the scent notes or brand.

I didn’t have excursions planned for this trip, but I took a sunset boat ride which allowed me to get a better view of El Arco. I can tolerate water as long as I’m not in it, but it was definitely a little intimidating coasting along the deep, blue Pacific. Talk about the endless unknown.

Despite Cabo being tokened as a tourist dense location, a goal of mine was to venture into areas that felt more local. I walked around the city and stumbled upon a restaurant called Tacos Gardenias where I ordered tacos de pollo, barbacoa, y camarones con arroz y frijoles, using my best attempt at Spanish. The food was delicioso!

During this time, I was obsessed with Nobu. I’d only visited Nobu Houston and learned there was a Nobu Cabo hotel and restaurant while on the trip. I didn’t know that it was located in the desert off of a main road, so it was a journey getting there.

As someone who appreciates a nice vibe (something aesthetically correct, I like to say), I was extremely pleased with Nobu Cabo. House music, tasty food, beautiful design, chill vibe. I couldn’t ask for more.

Since it was a journey getting there, it was a journey returning to the hotel. Due to the taxi driver not taking my card and me not having cash, we had a fun little run around town to find an ATM. Luckily the taxi driver was understanding!

I learned a lot on this trip as an amateur solo traveler, such as proactively mapping out the area I’m staying before arrival, carrying proper currency, wearing appropriate shoes and more.

Simply taking the trip was a lesson in itself, making me realize I was capable of enjoying an adventure on my own.

Most of all, taking my first solo trip made me realize I don’t need permission or have to wait on anyone or anything to live.