Where to drink, eat, and stay on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in Illinois
Things to know before visiting Tulum
You Need To Know How To Get To Tulum
Did you know that you can’t fly directly into Tulum? You should know that Tulum is two hours away from Cancun. The closest airport to Tulum is 2 hours away, so you’ll need to fly into Cancun. Once you’ve flown into Cancun, you’ll need to find a way to get from the airport to Tulum. You have three options:
Private/group transfer Shuttle - You can book a private transfer shuttle as a group or you can join a shuttle as an individual. You can arrange this ahead of time and this might feel safer than jumping into a random taxi once you land.
Taxi - This is by far the most expensive option. Once you step outside of the Cancun airport, you’ll be swarmed by taxi drivers. If you take a taxi, you can expect to pay between $60-$100 to get to Tulum. You can attempt to negotiate the price, but you’ll likely be paying close to $100.
ADO bus - This is your cheapest option. You’ll pay about $10 for a ride to Tulum. You can either book a bus that stops in Playa Del Carmen and transfers to Tulum or you can book a direct bus to Tulum. You can find an ADO bus kiosk in the airport alongside the rental car kiosks as you exit the airport OR you can pay for your ticket outside near the bus stop. After riding the ADO bus for years across Mexico, I can say that they are clean and completely safe.
Rental Car - A rental car will offer you plenty of flexibility in Tulum and nearby towns. I advise booking your rental car ahead of time. During high season, you should book the rental car directly through the company(I.e. Hertz, Avis) website as opposed to a third-party site (Expedia, Skyscanner, etc.)
You Need To Know How Exchange Money
While many places in Tulum certainly accept US dollars, you’ll need to know how to exchange your money to the local currency - Pesos. Skip the currency exchange kiosk in the airport. You’ll get the best exchange rate by withdrawing money from a local ATM once you arrive in Mexico. You can withdraw cash from a local bank in the airport, in Cancun, or once you arrive in Tulum. Tulum Centro/pueblo is the best place to withdraw cash in Tulum as the ATMs in the hotel zone often run out of money.
Many businesses in Tulum accept credit cards, but you’ll need pesos for taxi rides, taco stands, excursions, etc. It’s also wise to carry cash in order to tip taxi drivers, servers, housekeepers, or anyone who provides a service/assistance during your trip. This goes a long way, especially now.
As a heads up, local businesses will charge you more if you do decide to use US dollars instead of Pesos.
You Need To Know Where Stay In Tulum
There are two sides to Tulum: the Tulum hotel zone and Tulum Centro.
Tulum Hotel Zone is full of villas, treehouses, & boutique hotels with direct access to the beach. It’s expensive AF but you’ll have direct beach access. Many hotels in the hotel zone don’t offer A/C during the daytime and the internet is all but non-existent. If you find yourself in the hotel zone, you’ll need to use hotel and restaurant wifi to stay connected.
Tulum Centro is an affordable area to stay and it’s about 10-15 minutes driving distance from the beach. This is where the locals live and as a result, you’ll have a much more ‘local’ experience in the area.
Alternatively, Aldea Zama is a new development area in Tulum which is about a 5 minute drive from the beach. It’s directly between Tulum Centro and the Hotel Zone. You’ll find plenty of nice Airbnb’s to book in the area, which are great for large groups!
You Need To Know That Tulum Is Not A Resort Town
Unlike Cancun, Tulum is not a resort town. While the town changed tremendously, the original appeal of the town was it’s laid-back atmosphere and bungalow/boutique hotel vibe. There are plenty of boutique hotels, bungalow, and villas that have gone above & beyond to curate that bohemian vibe that Tulum is known for. Not to mention, the insane amount of resteraunts along the hotel zone with much better food than resort food. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret staying at a stunning bungalow in the hotel zone OR a sick airbnb in Tulum Centro. The options are endless.
There is only resort that is currently in Tulum is Kore Tulum. Other than that, you’ll need to drive 20-30 minutes outside of town to get to Dreams Tulum. Know that you’ll pay $50-$100 ONE WAY to get to the Tulum ruins, beach, and hotel zone if you decided to stay outside of town.
You Need To Know What To Pack
Ladies, leave your heels at home. The hotel zone is one long, rocky dirt road and you don’t want to twist an ankle or break a heel in that mud. I’ve seen it happen before.
The style in Tulum is very beachy, bohemian. Pack plenty of bikinis along with loose clothing for the daytime. Bring a few cute dresses to bar hop at night along with sandals.
The heat/humidity is on 100. Not too different than Houston, but it can be a lot of you’re not used to it, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen!
Do not forget the bugspray. The mosquitos in Tulum are from another planet. Better safe than sorry!
If you’re in need of anything, you can find anything you need at the Super-Aki(local supermarket) along with pharmacy’s in town. If you get sick, you should know that you don’t need a prescription to pick up medication in town.
You Need To Know When How To Get Around
Prior to leaving, you should decide how you plan to get around Tulum. If you choose not to rent a car, you should know that taxi costs can really add up. If you don’t plan to stay in the hotel zone, you will be paying for a taxi everytime you go to the beach or a restaurant in the area. While you don’t need a car in Tulum, it’s certainly more convenient to explore the town and surrounding areas. Traffic is pretty bad at nighttime and during holidays in the hotel zone, so you can expect to pay a lot for a taxi and/or wait up to an hour in traffic to get to your destination.
You Need To Know Where To Eat
You’ll have the opportunity to eat your heart out in Tulum, but first you need to make reservations. If you plan to eat at the best restaurants in the hotel zone - particularly on a weekend trip - you’ll need to book a table ahead of time. I recommend downloading the opentable app to make reservations or emailing/calling the resteraunt to book directly.
You Need To Know When To Go SightSeeing
When it comes to visiting ruins or cenotes, you’ll need to arrive close to open or closing time to have some peace without tour crowds. You can visit cenotes or ruins with a tour group, but it will be cheaper to pay directly at the door. If you’re curious about booking day trips in the area, you can book via viator or airbnb experiences.
You Need To Know That Tulum Is Not Cheap
While you can certainly do Tulum on a budget, the prices in the hotel zone rival New York and Las Vegas prices. If you plan to stay along the hotel zone, drink craft cocktails alongside hipsters, and party in Instagram-worthy beach clubs, be prepared to spend a pretty penny. The Tulum Hotel Zone is one of the most expensive areas in the entire country.
You Need To Know How To Do Tulum On A Budget
As I stated above, Tulum is a place where you can splurge OR save. It just depends on how you decide to travel. You can stay at a nice airbnb or hostel in Tulum centro on a for less than $30 a night. You can bike or take a collective bus to the beach for less than $10 a day. You can enjoy local street food for less than $5 a plate and enjoy cheap drinks at a variety of bars in Tulum Centro. You can get to and from Tulum using the ADO bus for less than $10 a day. If you go with a group, you can split a dope Airbnb for less than $50 a person. If you plan ahead, Tulum doesn’t have to be so expensive.
You Need To Know That Tulum Has Changed
I visited Tulum for the first time 5 years and I’ll be the first to tell you that Tulum has changed. You need to know that Tulum is not the low-key, unknown beach destination that it once was. There’s a Starbucks, there’s plenty of traffic, and it can get extremely busy in the high season. Despite it’s rapid growth, I still adore the area. If you manage your expectations, you can have an great time.
A Girls Guide To Charleston, South Carolina | Three Day Weekend Guide To Charleston
I can’t emphasize how long I’ve been waiting to visit Charleston, South Carolina. I’d heard that the city was rich in history, culture, and charm. I’d heard that architecture would make me feel like I stepped back in time and that the food would quite literally make my mouth water. I’d heard this from so many people that I knew I had to go see for myself. Just a few years ago I visited South Carolina for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the Lowcountry - Beaufort, Daufuskie Island, and Hilton Head to be exact. I was simply counting down the days until my return so that I could finally see what all the Charleston hype was about. I was ecstatic when Discover South Carolina invited me to visit at the top of 2022. The timing was perfect, so I couldn’t have said yes quicker. I am now back from a 4-day/3-night trip to Charleston and I’m here to share the (sweet) tea! Before we dive into everything I got up to, here are some things you should know about the ‘Holy City’(one of the city’s many nicknames):
The first public US public college, theatre, museum, and golf club were established in Charleston. The city is full of history!
The pineapple symbol that you see displayed on buildings around the city represents hospitality. The Southern hospitality that permeates the city is REAL!
The state of South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia. The more you learn!
Charleston’s Angel Oak Tree is one of the oldest living trees in the US - 500 years to be exact!
Sweetgrass baskets are South Carolina’s official handicraft and you can shop for these cultural souvenirs at the Charleston City Market
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s get into this weekend guide for your trip to Charleston!
Where To Stay In Charleston
I was fortunate enough to stay in the pretty and (very)pink Mills House Wyndham Hotel. Pink is my absolute favorite color, so I thought the hotel was stunning. The architecture is reflective of the vintage allure that radiates through the cobblestone streets of Charleston. The Mills House was built in 1853 and the hotel just steps away from the city’s most historic sites. It’s full of amenities like a fitness center, a pool, a business center, and an onsite restaurant. You’re only .2 miles from the Charleston City Market, 315 feet from the Gibbes Museum of Art, 1.1 miles from the Aiken Rhett House, and .9 miles from the Charleston Museum. That’s just the beginning. Now that you know where you’re staying, let’s get into things to do on your visit.
What To Do In Charleston
Shop For Souvenirs At The Charleston City Market - You cannot go to Charleston without strolling through the historic Charleston City Market. Established in the 1970s, there are four long blocks for you to shop your heart out. What would I recommend picking up? Sweetgrass handicrafts! Sweetgrass basket-weaving is a cultural skill that has been passed down through Gullah culture from generation to generation. I got to meet Corey Alston who is a direct ancestor of the Gullah Geechee family and he demonstrated the process of basket weaving. His stall is set up at the very front of the market and his baskets are artfully crafted. Not to mention, he’ll share a wealth of info on the history and craft of Sweetgrass basket-weaving!!
Go Casual Crabbing With Tia - Charleston is known for fresh seafood and this is a unique yet quintessential way to get hands-on with all that’s under the sea. Tia Clark is native to the city and she will show you how to cast a net, set bait, fish, and catch crabs. I hope you have more luck than I did with crab catching, but I can assure you that you’ll enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. This is the ultimate way to experience a different side of Charleston that most tourists miss. Plus, Tia is just amazing! There’s a reason why Airbnb hand-selected her experience and story as one of the best on the platform.
Relax at The Battery & White Point Gardens - If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax, then you’ve gotta visit The Battery & White Point Gardens. This site was once a public garden and it even served as a fortification for the city during the civil war. You’ll be able to witness historical structures throughout the park along with an incredible view of Charleston Harbor. Soak up the sun, smell the salt water, feel the saltwater breeze against your skin, and sit under the giant oak trees that line the park.
Learn about Black History At The Boone Hall Plantation - It’s impossible to deny the horrors that were once inflicted upon enslaved African-Americans on plantations across the south, but it’s equally important to understand what took place at places like the Boone Hall Plantation. While sobering, it is a moving depiction of the life of an enslaved person. Don’t leave without seeing a live presentation of Gullah Culture from a third-generation Gullah who was born in South Carolina!
Admire THE Angel Oak Tree - Drive out to Kiawah Island to witness one of the oldest living trees in the US - over 500 years to be exact! South Carolina is already known for its gorgeous Spanish Moss and Palmetto Trees, but this one takes the cake! The tree is 65 feet tall and the limbs are quite literally grazing the ground. Don’t take it from me though! The Angel Oak Tree is a natural wonder that you must see for yourself!
Tour The Aiken Rhett House - The Aiken Rhett House demonstrates the stark contrast between the lives of slave owners and the enslaved whom lived under the same roof yet within entirely different realities. You’ll take a self-guided tour through the home and get a unique look at one of the best-preserved homes in the US since the 1830s.
Roam Rainbow Row - Rainbow Row just might be the most picture-perfect neighborhoods I’ve seen in the US! Before you get to the Battery, you’ll walk through a community of pastel-colored and cobblestoned streets wth homes that date back to the 1740s. Don’t forget to be camera ready! You’ll definitely want to snap a few photos!
This should be more than enough to fill your weekend, but you can also take a ghost tour, drink your way through the local craft beer scene, go to the Gibbes Museum of Art, lounge on the beautiful beaches, and bop around King Street! Needless to say, you certainly won’t be bored in Charleston!
What To Eat In Charleston
Enjoy Rooftop Vibes at The Watch - Catch the best views of Charleston while sipping on brunch cocktails at the Watch. Get the roasted pimento cheese dip - thank me later!
Let’s Taco ‘bout Mesu! What sounds better than Sushi and Mexican fusion at a black-owned restaurant right on King’s Street? I’ll wait!
Nothing beats a Southern breakfast and Miller’s All Day has you covered. The biscuits and gravy are truly some of the best I’ve ever tried. And don’t forget to check out the 175-year-old mill in the front of the store as proof that Miller’s All Day is producing some of the best grits around!
Slip into Chez Nous for a dining experience like no other! You’ll eat from a daily-changing menu while sitting inside of an intimate, candle-lit home.
Nobody does Barbecue like South Carolina and that’s coming from a Texan! Rodney Scott’s is no exception! We’re talking about a James Beard award winner and chef that has been featured by the likes of Anthony Bourdain. Need I say more?
Grab a glass of wine to the sounds of live jazz music at The Graft. It’s good vibes only at this black-owned wine bar!
Chow down on hand-made biscuits at Callie’s hot Biscuits! These are undoubtedly some of the best biscuits I’ve ever had in my life. And don’t even get me started on the Grits! I had the pleasure of making biscuits with the founder Carrie and she is incredibly inspiring. While Charleston is Callie’s founding location, It’s easy to see why she’s expanded to markets like Atlanta and Charlotte.
Grab some speciality goodies to go at Caviar & Bananas! Consider gathering some local snacks for a picnic at Battery Park!
Get Gullah at Gillie’s Seafood! Every Gullah I met said I couldn’t leave without tasting some soul food & traditional Gullah cuisine at Gillie’s. As a lover of soul food, I knew I had to visit and I wasn’t disappointed. Show up with an empty stomach because Gillie’s will fill your belly & soul.
Eat brunch inside of a refurbished cathedral at Church and Union! The property is one-of-a-kind and the food is just as special.
There’s no shortage of places to eat in Charleston. Make reservations to secure a spot at some of the best spots in town! Regardless of where you choose to dine, there are certain Southern classics that you must try like Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, and She-Crab soup! Thank me later!
Have I convinced you yet? This is definitely the most dynamic US city that I’ve visited in a long time! As a traveler with an abundance of interests, Charleston ticked every box. From tasty food to exciting adventures to ample history, it undoubtedly lived up to the hype. Whether you want to take a family trip, travel solo, or bring your girls on a bachelorette trip, you’re bound to have a fantastic time! Get yourself to Charleston ASAP so you can see what the hype is all about! Have I steered you wrong yet?