My Solo Destination Wedding Adventure in Tulum

A few weeks ago I did something I never imagined I would do: I traveled alone to a destination wedding. I boarded a plane by myself and stayed at an all-inclusive resort—just me. I’ve hardly ever dined alone before, and the idea of attending a wedding without a plus-one used to feel odd. But I discovered that going solo can be freeing, fun, and surprisingly full of connection.

My college best friend got married, and she was absolutely radiant. Sam and I met during our sophomore year in design school at the University of Minnesota and became instant friends. Even when Sam moved back home to Boise after a year, our friendship stayed strong. Sam and her partner, Jake, had been friends since high school and reconnected as adults—together they’re an amazing couple. We’ve shared memorable trips over the years, and this wedding was another chapter in that friendship.

The celebration took place just outside Tulum at The Grand Oasis Tulum, an all-inclusive resort that offered a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. I flew into Cancun and stayed for five nights—just the right amount of time to enjoy the wedding, the resort, and some exploration. Sam chose a beachside, black-tie wedding, which was delightfully unconventional; having the ceremony on a Tuesday felt intimate and perfectly suited their laid-back style.

The wedding party was small and meaningful: Sam and Jake opted for only a maid of honor and a best man. Sam’s cousin Cortney stood by her as maid of honor, and Jando, Jake’s brother, was the best man. I spent lots of time with Sam and Jake’s closest friends, and the whole group felt warm, funny, and welcoming. Their energy made the trip feel like a family reunion at the beach rather than a formal event.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well I ate during the trip. The resort offered abundant choices, and I gravitated toward fresh Mexican flavors—guacamole, beans, rice, grilled proteins—and balanced my meals with light cocktails like mojitos and vodka sodas. Small comforts, like finding peanut butter in the buffet, made me unexpectedly happy. Dining was relaxed and delicious, and the food complemented the carefree vacation atmosphere.

Sam and I committed to being workout buddies while we were there. She was the one who first introduced me to hot yoga back in college, so it felt fitting to keep up some activity during the trip. The resort gym was tiny, but we made the most of it with a simple tabata-style routine and bodyweight circuits—short, effective sessions that were easy to repeat each morning. I also attempted a short treadmill run in the heat; it was challenging, but one of those experiences that makes you appreciate the rest of the day by the pool.

Beyond the resort, we spent an afternoon exploring the town of Tulum. The town’s boutique hotels, yoga studios, and relaxed, bohemian vibe were not what I expected—and I loved it. Tulum felt effortlessly chill, with local restaurants that served creative, flavorful dishes (including quinoa on the menu, which was a pleasant surprise). The local scene was a refreshing contrast to the resort: intimate, unique, and full of character.

Overall, this trip earned a gold star in my book. I’m proud I stepped outside my comfort zone and traveled solo for a meaningful celebration. I returned feeling refreshed, connected, and grateful for friends who feel like family. The experience reaffirmed that you don’t always need a travel companion to enjoy a destination wedding—sometimes going alone leads to new conversations, unexpected fun, and a confident reminder that you can have a great time on your own terms.

Here’s to taking risks, embracing new experiences, and celebrating love in beautiful places—congratulations to the newlyweds!