Hey babes! I am back from an amazing getaway to Tulum, Mexico and had such a fun time I couldn’t wait to get back and share my experience with you!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Visas – Legally entering Mexico is fairly easy: all nationals receive a traveler’s permit upon entering Mexico, and it costs 15 USD, while there are still some countries do need to acquire a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency – The Mexican peso is the official currency in Mexico. ATMs are widespread throughout the country, and while credit cards are accepted in most high-end hotels, restaurants, and stores, Mexico is considered largely a cash economy.
You’ll notice there are restaurants and hotels in Tulum that will take Visa and Mastercard payments, but to avoid any worry your best bet is to always have cash on hand. Yes! While US Dollars are accepted at some local restaurants and shops, you’ll typically find yourself paying more than if you were to pay with Pesos, so just save yourself the headache and take advantage of the local ATM’s on the ground.
- Airports – Mexico City International Airport is an international airport serving Greater Mexico City, while at the same time it is Mexico’s and Latin America’s busiest airport. It is located around 5 km east from Downtown Mexico City.
- Travel Insurance – Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Mexico, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
MY TIME IN TULUM
Tulum has been on my must visit list for a while and I truly love the location, the people, and of course the food! Not only did I get to experience the culture for the first time but was able to meet some amazing women in the process.
I went on the trip through Chidi Ashley Travels a company that plans and curates travel experiences for female solo travelers like myself.
During our time there we did everything from ATV and zipline rides, did a meszcal tasting, swam in cenotes, went to some of the best beach clubs, and dined and shopped among the locals. It was truly an amazing experience.
I shared a fun TikTok to document my travel experience.
@imaubreyjacksonPOV: You’re in Tulum with us living your best life 🇲🇽✨🇲🇽 #traveltiktok #tulum #melanintok #travelmoreworryless♬ Buss It – Erica Banks
INSTAGRAM HOT SPOTS IN TULUM… SO YOU CAN FLEX FOR THE GRAM (WINK)
@imaubreyjackson✨Dope✨ Insta worthy spots to see in Tulum 🇲🇽 #traveltiktok #tulum #melanintok #photoshoot #instagram♬ SUNNY DAY – Matteo Rossanese
WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM
During my trip to Tulum I stayed at Ambres & Epices a Mediterranean hotel with two outdoor pools, full-service spa and on site Chef!
This smoke-free hotel is also available to book via airbnb and offers free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking. All rooms offer hydromassage shower heads, in room conditioning and fans, hair dryers, and safes to keep your items protected.
Pros: Amazing staff, great accommodations, great prepared food and luxurious ambiance.
Cons: We experienced a lot of price gauging when it came to taxi rides due to the distance of the hotel from Tulum town and the beaches.
Trying to decide If you should stay beachside or in Tulum town? No worries I explain here the differences and benefits of both.
I also go into detail here about the climate and weather experience in Mexico based on seasons. It’s super important to plan your trip based on the temperature because you would hate to find yourself on vacation during the hottest times of the year and unable to enjoy your getaway because of it.
WHERE TO EAT
During my stay we dined at the following locations
- Mezcal tasting in the jungle: This was one of the best dining experiences the entire trip. The hosts are super knowledgable, welcoming, and the food was all cooked fresh on site to serve. 5 stars!
- Parole : This is a MUST visit in Tulum they have a live music DJ and candle lit ambiance with the table setting. I ordered their salad to start and shrimp dinner! A lot of the items on the menu here are Italian influenced.
- Taboo Tulum: You can’t visit Tulum without going to Taboo. This is a premiere beach club and dining destination! They have amazing food, a violinist that appears during the dinner/party hours and it turns into a nightclub instantly. I had a blast here!
In most restaurants, it’s customary to leave a tip equal to 10 to 20 percent of the total cost of the bill. A service charge may sometimes be included automatically, particularly if you’re part of a large group (which we were) but this is not usually the case, so double-check the bill when you are there.
HOW TO GET AROUND
There’s no such thing as “Uber” in Tulum. So be prepared to either use public transit or ride in a cab.
Cab rides are easy to hail depending on the time of day and location in which you are trying to get one. The more “in town” you are the better such as Tulum Pueblo or near any of the beach clubs. There’s ALWAYS cabs driving up and down the beach area to grab passengers.
LATEST TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS …
Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure.
Mexico has a color-coded stoplight system to categorize states based on their COVID-19 situation. The list is continually updated according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico.
Currently, only essential activities are allowed in states that are considered “red,” which currently includes Mexico City. In those states, hotels are limited to 25 percent occupancy for people who are there for critical activities.
Whereas in states that are designated “orange,” hotels and restaurants are allowed to operate at 50% capacity.
All international travelers returning to the U.S., including those coming from Mexico, are required to show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of their departure. Children under 2 years old are exempt.
States in Mexico have been increasingly offering COVID-19 tests both at airports and hotels.
Not sure what to pack for your trip to Tulum? No worries I put together a complete packing list for you to download along with a detailed blog post about weather conditions, suggested outfits, and more!
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