The hot Yucatan sun was creating a shimmering heat wave over the tarmac of the airport as I climbed the steps of the aircraft ahead of the passengers now waiting patiently in the departure lounge. From the large glass windows they could see the plane being made ready to take them home from their sun drenched holiday; the flight crew boarding, the baggage handlers loading the many cases into the hold along with the food trolleys destined for the galleys.

The past 2 weeks had been hot and sunny, unlike my last vacation to Playa Del Carmen 6 months before. Then it had rained most days, albeit for short, sharp...