🌴 Isla Mujeres with My Daughter: Our First International Trip
When I booked our trip to Isla Mujeres, I didn’t overthink it. I knew I wanted easy travel (hello direct flights), sunshine, warm water, and a place that felt peaceful and safe for traveling with my 3-year-old. It ended up being all that — and more.
✈️ Getting To Isla Mujeres
We flew into Cancun and stayed one night at the Westin before heading over to Isla Mujeres. I thought we were too late for the ferry that evening; I later learned we could have made it — though honestly, I’m glad we didn’t. After an already full travel day, slowing down with a poolside dinner and watching the sun set from our hotel felt like the right call.
The next morning, we enjoyed the pool (and made some friends) at the Westin before heading to the ferry terminal in the afternoon. We grabbed a cab (which was very expensive — next time I’ll look into pre-arranging a transfer), and took the short ferry ride across to Isla Mujeres.
*tips on the Isla Mujeres ferries:
- Ultramar: has several locations that ferries leave from in Cancun. We left from Playa Tortugas and then wooden dock was bumpy and quite difficult to navigate with a rolling suitcase and stroller. Ultramar has a child ticket price for kids age to year to < 1.2 meters tall (47 inches).
- Xcaret: one ferry terminal, but very nice and has an elevator and smooth walkways that would be much easier with rolling luggage. Kids under 6 are free.
🏖️ Staying at Izla Hotel
We stayed at Izla Hotel for six nights, and it was wonderful. The property felt open, bright, and very secure — which made a huge difference for peace of mind as a solo mom. There were so many families with kids, and my daughter quickly made friends at the pool.
The ocean at the beach here was very calm and shallow for a long ways out. There was some seaweed to navigate around, but you could walk out 50+ yards and still be in 2-3 feet deep water. A toddler parents dream for worry free time at the beach.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was how friendly everyone was. We met a lovely family from San Francisco and ended up having dinner together one night, breakfast another morning, and even went exploring around the island with them on another day. It was one of those effortless travel connections that just makes everything more fun.
☀️ Days on Isla Mujeres Time
I didn’t plan an itinerary for this trip — and it was the best decision. My intention for this trip was relaxation and connection. Each morning, we’d wake up and decide what we felt like doing.
Most days, that meant relaxing by the pool/beach, ordering food from the poolside bar, and soaking up the sun.
I attempted to rent a golf cart for 24 hours, but most rental shops only offered 9–5 single-day rentals, and multi-day rentals were completely booked. If that’s on your list, definitely arrange it ahead of time!
We spent one day exploring downtown Isla Mujeres — wandering through the colorful streets, stopping for snacks and souvenirs. Another day we went to Punta Sur and Colonia Malecón.
🩺 A Quick Adventure in Medical Tourism in Cancun
In the middle of our trip, I needed an ultrasound and as a healthcare professional myself, I was interested in giving medical tourism a try. I booked an appointment in Cancun via text just two days in advance, and it was such a positive experience — friendly staff, professional care, and the cost was actually less than my co-pay would have been at home! We took the ferry over and back the same day, and everything went smoothly. I saw Dr. Flores at FertilityMed, the clinic had the diagnostic report and images sent back to my home clinic the following day.
🌅 Heading Home
For our final night, we returned to the Westin in Cancun to be close to the airport for our early morning flight. It gave us one last sunset by the ocean before heading home.
💛 Reflections
This trip reminded me that solo motherhood doesn’t mean doing less — it means doing it differently. Traveling abroad with my daughter wasn’t just about sunshine and ocean air; it was about allowing ease, connection, and joy on my own terms.
There was freedom in slowing down, saying yes to rest, and trusting that things would work out — even without a perfect plan. I came home feeling more confident, not just as a traveler, but as a mother leading the way with calm strength.
There’s something powerful about realizing you can do this. That you can create peaceful, beautiful memories — just you and your little one. It’s not always effortless, but it’s so deeply worth it.
If you’ve been dreaming about traveling with your little one but waiting for the “right time” — this is your sign. Start where you are. The memories you’ll make together are worth it.
I can hold both adventure and peace
