Changes in Latitudes—and Attitudes: A Mexican Getaway to Remember

Jeremy and Tina Ämick pause for a photo during their stay at Oceans Allure in Cancún. A spontaneous decision to exchange a planned trip to Germany for Mexico proved to be exactly the change of scenery, and attitude, they needed. Courtesy of Jeremy P. Ämick

For several months, my wife, Tina, and I had been planning a summer trip to Germany. The itinerary was taking shape, the anticipation was building, and we looked forward to revisiting a country that has long fascinated us. But as the departure date approached, we realized what we truly needed wasn't another busy sightseeing adventure. We needed sunshine, warm ocean breezes, and a chance to simply relax.

So, we traded Germany for Cancún.

As Jimmy Buffett famously sang in Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, "If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane." While he celebrated the healing power of tropical destinations, another line perfectly captured our experience: a true "change in latitudes" brought about a dramatic "change in attitudes." Within a day of arriving in Mexico, the pressures of work, deadlines, and everyday responsibilities seemed to melt away beneath the Caribbean sun.

Our journey began on an early Wednesday morning with a flight from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago before continuing south to Cancún. After landing, we boarded a shuttle for the 45-minute ride to Oceans Allure, a relatively new beachfront resort nestled along Mexico's beautiful Caribbean coastline.

The first thing that struck us was the heat. Cancún in early July doesn't merely welcome visitors with warm weather but embraces them with tropical intensity. Fortunately, every few steps offered another opportunity to cool off, whether by dipping into one of the resort's pools or enjoying the constant breeze coming off the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Oceans Allure proved to be everything we had hoped for. The accommodations were comfortable, the grounds beautifully maintained, and the staff consistently friendly and attentive. Meals ranged from casual poolside fare to elegant evening dining, and every day seemed to offer another opportunity to sample caffeinated drinks, tropical fruits, and authentic Mexican cuisine.

Perhaps the greatest luxury wasn't found in the restaurants or the pools, however. It was simply having nowhere we had to be.

Our days settled into a pleasant rhythm of leisurely breakfasts, walks to the beach, relaxing by the water, reading, and visiting with other vacationers, something that often becomes a casualty of busy schedules back home. It reminded us that sometimes the best vacations aren't built around elaborate itineraries but around the freedom to do very little at all.

One unique aspect of our trip was spending America's 250th Independence Day outside the United States. While we were hundreds of miles from home, many of the resort employees surprised us by offering cheerful wishes of "Happy Independence Day." Their thoughtfulness made us feel unexpectedly connected to home while enjoying another country.

That evening, we watched an impressive fireworks display launched from a neighboring resort. Against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, the colorful explosions reflected across the area, creating a memorable conclusion to the holiday.

The festive atmosphere throughout the resort was heightened even further by soccer fever. Guests and employees alike eagerly followed Mexico's national team, and conversations throughout the resort frequently turned to the match against England. Whether gathered around televisions in lounges or discussing the game while serving meals, there was an unmistakable sense of national pride and excitement that added another layer to the vacation experience.

As wonderful as our stay had been, Monday eventually arrived, and it was time to head home … or so we thought.

Before leaving for the Cancún airport, we discovered our scheduled flight to Chicago had been delayed indefinitely. Like thousands of travelers every summer, we suddenly found ourselves navigating the unpredictable world of airline logistics.

Fortunately, our travel agent quickly located another option. Instead of flying through Chicago, we would travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, and connect there for the final leg to Columbia. The flight itself went smoothly, even arriving in Charlotte a few minutes ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, that's where our good fortune ended.

Our aircraft remained parked on the runway for more than an hour and a half before passengers were finally allowed to disembark. Later, I learned the delay reflected the interconnected nature of modern air travel. Construction affecting runways in California, fuel-related issues in Boston, and severe weather along portions of the East Coast had combined to create a cascading series of delays that rippled throughout the airline system.

By the time we reached the terminal, retrieved our luggage, cleared Customs, rechecked our bags, passed through TSA security once again, and hurried toward our departure gate, our flight to Columbia had already left.

The airline did the right thing by providing us with a hotel voucher since the next available flight wouldn't depart until the following evening. There was only one small problem. Our luggage continued its own journey while we began ours without it.

After checking into the hotel, we took an Uber to a nearby Walgreens to purchase necessities. Tina then demonstrated the kind of practical thinking that makes travel partnerships successful by ordering fresh clothes from Walmart, which were delivered to our hotel the following morning.

Since we unexpectedly found ourselves with an entire day to spend in Charlotte, we decided to make the most of it by visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Neither of us would consider ourselves devoted racing fans, yet we found the museum surprisingly engaging. Interactive exhibits explained the engineering, strategy, and personalities that have shaped stock car racing for generations. One of the highlights was seeing a full-size replica of Lightning McQueen from Pixar's Cars films, which brought out the child in nearly every visitor.

As someone with the last name of Amick, I was especially pleased to discover displays recognizing racers Bill Amick and Lyndon Amick for their accomplishments in the sport. While no close family connection has ever been established, it was still enjoyable to see the Amick name prominently represented within one of auto racing's premier museums.

Finally, on Tuesday evening, we boarded our flight to Columbia without incident. After landing, it was only about a 40-minute drive home, which was a welcome contrast after nearly two days of unexpected travel complications.

Looking back, the delayed flights and missed connections have already become part of the story rather than the frustration. Travel has a way of reminding us that not everything unfolds according to plan. Sometimes the most memorable experiences arise from detours we never anticipated.

Most importantly, the trip gave Tina and me something increasingly valuable in today's fast-paced world: uninterrupted time together. We returned to get some rest and reunite with our beloved Miniature Schnauzer, Riker, while carrying memories that extended well beyond beautiful beaches and ocean views.

The late Jimmy Buffett had it right. Sometimes all it takes is a change in latitudes to bring about a much-needed change in attitudes.
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Jeremy P. Ämick is author of the historical compilations “Moments on the Moreau” and “Beyond the Moreau.”       

Sunset settles over the entrance fountain at Oceans Allure. Warm Caribbean evenings, tropical breezes and spectacular sunsets became a welcome escape from the routines and responsibilities waiting back home. Courtesy of Jeremy P. Ämick

An airline delay unexpectedly gave Jeremy and Tina an extra day in Charlotte, where they visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame. One highlight was this full-size replica of Lightning McQueen from Pixar's Cars, along with exhibits honoring accomplished racers Bill Amick and Lyndon Amick. Courtesy of Jeremy P. Ämick