“Talk to me, baby / I'm going blind from this sweet-sweet craving.” – Cake by the Ocean - DNCE

After a whirlwind weekend meeting up with fellow agents in town for Travel Agent Appreciation Month at Walt Disney World, my co-worker Drew and I were off to Mexico to meet even more of our team for some time with Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts.

We took an Uber to the Orlando airport and met up with our co-worker Tracie. We had great luck on our Southwest flight. Drew and I didn’t have anyone in the middle seat, and Tracie scored an entire row to herself. Before we knew it, we had landed in Mexico, met up with our co-agent Morgan, and were on our way to Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya.

After checking in and soaking in the stunning lobby views, we took a quick tour of the resort, then ran back to the room to change before dinner.

Tonight’s dinner was at La Luce, the Italian restaurant on property. I started with the Ensalada de Tomate Local, and someone at our table ordered pizzas to share. They smelled way too good to pass up. For my main dish, I chose the Ragu de Cerdo.

For those who don’t know, I proudly claim “Beverage Goblin” status at most meals, meaning I’ll have three drinks at once: water, Diet Coke, and a cocktail (in this case, wine). Another fun fact: when I travel internationally, caffeine becomes a struggle. I don’t drink coffee, and many countries don’t have Diet Coke. I live for Diet Coke, and Coke Zero is not an acceptable substitute. I’ve even started assigning someone to remind me to drink it if it's all that’s available, because without caffeine I start to zone out quickly and get crabby. It’s a real thing.

After dinner, we headed to Azulinda Lobby Bar to wind down. Most of the group turned in early since travel days take a toll, but Drew and I were the last ones standing. We stayed up chatting until we were too tired to make sense anymore and finally called it a night.