5. Cancun Recap and the Wedding of the Century

In this fifth episode of the Cry Harder Podcast, with your host Chris Black, I’m diving deep into my recent family expedition to Mexico. We traded our usual routine for the sun-soaked shores of Cancun to celebrate my wife’s cousin’s wedding, and let me tell you, traveling with a spouse and a child is a completely different ballgame than the solo trips of my past. Our home base for the week was the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, a massive resort that essentially functions as two worlds in one. Since we had the kid in tow, we stayed on the Hacienda side—the designated family-friendly half. Meanwhile, the Heaven side is strictly for the 18+ crowd, offering a quieter, "adults-only" vibe that we could only look at longingly from across the lagoon.Episode Highlights:Resort Layout: I break down the "Red vs. Blue" (Hacienda vs. Heaven) dynamic and why choosing the right side is crucial for your sanity.Traveling with a Child: From navigating the sprawling property to finding the best snacks for a picky toddler, I share the unvarnished reality of "vacationing" vs. just "parenting in a nicer location".The Hacienda Experience: An overview of the family amenities, including the massive water park, the protected lagoon (perfect for "littles" because there are no waves), and the constant rotation of activities that kept our kid entertained.The Wedding: A recap of the beautiful ceremony and why the Hard Rock Riviera Maya is such a popular (and surprisingly generous) spot for destination weddings.Food & Service: My honest take on the 12+ eateries, the standout service from the staff, and why I might have a newfound appreciation for all-inclusive convenience—even if the room service pizza is a point of contention.Whether you’re planning your next family getaway or just want to hear me talk about the chaos of traveling with a toddler, tune in for the full story. Listen to the full episode on Spotify and remember... when the travel stress hits, you just gotta cry harder.