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HOW I AFFORD TO TRAVEL WITHOUT A TRUST FUND

How I afford to travel without a trust fund and how you can too! Keep reading for my no-BS tips that have made it possible for me to travel to over 20 countries without spending a fortune. 

No, I'm not rich. I don't have a sugar daddy. No trust fund, either. Mommy & Daddy would laugh if I asked them to fund my travels(or any other aspect of my adult life). So what's the secret? 

HOW CAN I AFFORD TO TRAVEL SO MUCH? HOW, SWAY? HOW?

This is the number one question I receive and understandably so.

I never thought I'd have the opportunity(or money) to travel the way I do now. It didn't seem within the realms of possibility for someone like me. Then, I discovered the secret. I discovered that normal people without trust funds & rich parents were traveling the world too - just in a different way. 

The travel industry has touted travel as something luxurious & extravagant, but it doesn't have to always be that way. The real secret is that travel can be affordable if you're willing to get resourceful. 

I shared my tips on twitter and they went viral, reaching over 6,000,000 people. To my surprise, this information wasn't common knowledge. It helped many see that travel can be affordable. Check the responses below to see that these tips are legit. 

So, I'm bringing these tips to the blog! As always, I'm here to show how you can travel too! Here's how I afford to travel without a trust-fund and how you can too: 

BE AWARE

Being aware that there are affordable flights, accommodation options, etc. plays a crucial role in your ability to afford travel - in both the short term & long term.

Like I said, I had no idea about these options until I did some research for myself. This newfound awareness got me thinking - "Hm, maybe I CAN actually make this happen for myself!". After that, I was able to save & budget accordingly. If I assumed that this was out of reach, I wouldn't be traveling today. 

If you make it to the end of this article, I encourage you to open up a tab & test these tips out for yourself. You might be surprised! 

BE SMART ABOUT LOCATION

Where are you going? Places like Australia, the US, & Western Europe will be way more expensive than Mexico, Central America, parts of South America, South East Asia, Eastern Europe & parts of Africa.

Your money will stretch much further in certain countries, allowing you to travel for comfortably, for longer periods of time, or simply save more in the long run. The location could make the difference in whether you can afford to take the trip or not. 

For example, You can travel to Thailand and  live, eat, sleep & have fun for a month on what people in the US pay for a month's worth of rent. The cost of living varies greatly from country to country. Consequently, countries with lower cost of living will likely be more affordable to travel to.

FIND CHEAP FLIGHT DEALS

USE GOOGLE FLIGHTS

This flight search engine is seriously the greatest of all time. I could go on & on about it. The features are unmatched and it's extremely user-friendly. Here are some of the best features: 

  • If you don't know where to go, it will provide you with suggestions & related prices. Before entering a destination, you can view a variety of cities with suggestions of what to do once you get there i.e, hiking, museums, etc. Perfect if you want to travel but have a hard time deciding where to go. It will also give you suggestions & prices if you enter "everywhere" or a specific country into the destination box without specifying. 

  • You can view prices by the day. This feature is ICONIC. Once you enter a destination, select a departure date and a calendar view will pull up for you to see the price for every single day going forward. From here, you can view which travel dates are cheapest or you can see if you'd be overpaying by selecting a certain date. The lowest prices will be highlighted in green. 
  • Set price alerts and you will receive emails/notifications when prices drop. 

SEARCH FAR, WIDE & OFTEN

Use multiple search engines to search for flight prices. Different sites will show different prices. Look at @skyscanner @kayak @agoda & direct airline sites! Set price alerts so you know when prices drop with @hopper.

Flight prices change every single day. There's no method to the madness. Searching often will help you to know if you're overpaying or getting a good deal. 

BE FLEXIBLE

In order to score the best flight deals, flexibility is key. Flexible dates, airlines, locations, etc. If you aren't obligated to fly into a destination by a certain date, search for flights FIRST and schedule your vacation/trip around what price works best for you. 

GO INCOGNITO

Search engines can track your search history and increase flight prices. To avoid this, search in incognito mode on Google Chrome, private browser mode on Safari, or clear your cache & cookies

GET TWITTER

Follow Twitter accounts like @scottsflights @airfarewatchdog @theflightdeal , they tweet out flight deals & glitches on the regular. Or you can sign up for email newsletters Be ready for that deal!

 

FIND AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION

AIRBNB

Airbnb is an accommodation site that is great for really unique places, a local feel, and just an overall better range in prices for the budget traveler to the luxury traveler. Plus you can give friends your code for a discount on your next stay! Sign up now to receive $45 off your first Airbnb stay! 

You may be interested in: My Best Airbnb Experience Yet!

HOSTELS

If you’re open, give hostels a try! Hostels are a big reason many people can travel. Why pay hundreds for a hotel when you can pay $10-$25 a night or less in most cases?  If you're not too keen on sharing a room with strangers, you can book a private room but still get the benefits of a communal environment! Although I don't love hostels, I have to admit that they've played a huge role in my being able to travel so much. They're also perfect for solo travelers!

Some hostels even allow you to volunteer for 4-5 hours a day in exchange for a free stay. Simply send an email asking if they're looking for volunteers or see the next tip for more info! 

You may be interested in: 7 Reasons To Stay in Hostel

HOTELS

I typically use Booking.com to search for great hotel deals. Get 10 percent off bookings using this code!

Check @HotelTonight for last minute hotel deals. 

COUCHSURFING

Couchsurfing is a website where people offer to host you in their home for free. In a way, it's similar to shared Airbnb. Some might find this creepy! Why would anyone host people in their home for free? Many travelers on the site have experienced the kindness of strangers that have hosted them & simply want to give back to the CS community. 

VOLUNTEER IN EXCHANGE FOR ACCOMMODATION

You can even volunteer around the world in exchange for a place to stay. Check Workaway, Worldpackers, & WOOFING for random jobs that will give you a room & possibly meals for working 4-5 hours a day! You just need to book the flight!

I saved $450 by volunteering on a 5 day sailing trip from Panama to Colombia.

TRADE SKILLS FOR ACCOMMODATION

Are you a photographer? Writer? Blogger? Videographer? Think about what skills you can offer to hotels or companies in exchange for accommodation! Be resourceful!

STUDY ABROAD

Sometimes a semester exchange is actually cheaper than your school's tuition. For example, my university had partnerships with schools overseas & the semester tuition abroad was usually cheaper than our school's semester tuition. You'd just need to cover flight & accommodation costs, which also may be affordable than it would be in your college town!

You never know until you ask! I worked at my university's business school & was heavily involved in our Center for International Business(study abroad office). There are SO many opportunities that students miss out on simply because they aren't aware these scholarships or programs are offered. 

I studied abroad in South Africa, Panama, and India. While I received partial academic-based scholarships, I also worked 2 & 3 Jobs to save up for those programs. This was probably the best decision I made in college! As a matter of fact, these experiences are what prompted me to start this blog and lead the lifestyle I do now. :)

You may be interested in: 5 Reasons You Need To Study Abroad

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STUDENT STATUS

NEVER forget your student ID on trips because a lot of museums & other activities are offered for free or discounted for students!

Also, check flights like Student Universe and STA travel for student exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, tours & more. You don't even need to be a student for member access - you only need to be under 26. These sites constantly offer deals available nowhere else, like a recent deal for $100 off all roundtrip flights to Chiang Mai from the US at Student Universe!

 

Get $20 off your next booking at student Universe by clicking here

AVOID TAXIS

Avoid taxis - take Uber(Uber Pool is even cheaper!) or local transportation. Taxi costs can add up very quickly no matter where you are! You can also rack up referral credit, allowing you to ride for free!

For example, a taxi from the airport in Paris cost around $50, Uber cost around $30-40, local bus $5 & less. 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CHEAP CROSS-COUNTRY TRAVEL

If you live in or plan to visit a European country, you've got it made! Country hopping can be really affordable with Airlines like RyanAir and bus companies like Flixbus make it possible to travel nearby countries for under $20. Not to mention, a high number of affordable accommodation(i.e. hostels) options that just aren't available to US citizens just yet!

I've paid less than $6 to fly from one European country to another using RyanAir! This is unheard of in the US. 

TRY BUDGET AIRLINES

Airlines like Ryan Air, Frontier, & Spirit make it possible to fly at really affordable prices. These kind of budget airlines are best for those who pack light because baggage space is sold at an additional price. All terms are stated on their website!

Don't forget to pack light to avoid additional fees! Please don't play yourself!

FREE ACTIVITIES

Think about all free or low-cost activities you can do abroad:

Live street music

Visit white sand beaches

Wander through cobblestone streets

Hike a volcano

Go on a street art tour

Go for a bike ride around the city 

Go to happy hour

Once you get to your destination, you can always find ways to enjoy yourself at a low cost! 

EAT LOCAL

Eat local! Go to the local markets OR just walk a few streets back from the tourists' spots for cheaper & usually more authentic food!

MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS

Are you a military, AAA, or AARP member? Check for discounts EVERYWHERE, on car rentals & hotel bookings!

MAXIMIZE TIME

Time is money, so let’s talk about time. A 3-day trip is better than no trip. Use 2 weekend days & 1 vacation day. Take a quick road trip or visit the next town over! ANY change in scenery could be super beneficial & also low cost.

JOIN A TOUR GROUP

Planning a trip yourself will likely be cheaper than booking a tour. If you don’t have the time or know how to plan - check Groupon, Ef College Break, or Geckos Adventures for affordable group trips!  

After graduating, I knew I wanted to do a big Eurotrip. I didn't have the skills or confidence to plan a long-term foreign trip alone, so it definitely paid off for me to travel with EF College Break. Sure, costs could have been lower if I planned it myself but I honestly wasn't ready for that. Their program offered a competitively low rate, especially in comparison to my a similar program that my university offered at double the price.  

PUT YOUR PHONE ON AIRPLANE MODE

International roaming costs are expensive. Put your phone on airplane mode while you travel & take advantage of free wifi offered at restaurants, hotels, public parks, etc. You can use wifi calling, iMessage(if you have an iPhone), facetime(audio & video calling), facebook messenger(to call & message), WhatsApp & many other apps with wifi alone. 

If you're from the US, TMobile offers free data usage & texting in nearly every country. I have Tmobile, so I always take advantage of this while traveling.

USE REFERRAL CREDITS

Many of the resources I've listed here offer referral credits which could ultimately lead to free travel. Referral credits could cover any of your major travel costs. You can use referral credits that other people share and you can also share your referral code for others to use. It's a win-win for both people!

Airbnb.com - Get $45 off your first stay

Booking.com - Get 10% off your next stay

StudentUniverse.com - Get $20 off your next flight or hotel booking

Lyft - Get $15 off your next ride

Perfect for group trips, because they can cut costs for you AND your friends! 

TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS

I'm a solo traveler at heart, but I'll be the first to admit that one of the biggest downsides to solo travel is paying for everything alone. 

With group travel, you can split taxis, meals, hotel rooms, Airbnb, etc. Costs are cut in half or more. 

GET A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

I just booked a flight to Southeast Asia for FREE with my Chase Sapphire Rewards Credit card. This card gave me 4 free flights in 2017 alone and it just keeps giving. Free global entry sign-up, lounge access, TSA pre-check, travel insurance, $300 yearly travel credit are among some of the amazing benefits this card has to offer.

Due to a high annual fee, I'd only recommend this card if you plan to travel multiple times a year. I'd also only advise a travel credit card if you have the cash to avoid going into debt. You can use this to make everyday purchases and then immediately pay the card off to avoid interest.

You can use points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and even activities! 

Apply here - You will receive an offer for 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

TRAVEL LONG-TERM

This is what I am currently doing!

This option isn't available to everyone, but it's one of the greatest ways to save on travel. When you hear about people quitting their job to travel, they're likely taking advantage of long-term travel benefits. This may include saving a big chunk of money,  selling all belongings, giving up rent, etc. Instead of paying for rent, car payments, etc. all of their money goes directly into their lifestyle of travel. It's also possible to cover a lot of ground using this method because you can take advantage of traveling to nearby countries without a time limit. Instead of paying for flights to go back & forth year after year, you can pay for one flight and cover an entire continent.

For example, many people I know pay over $1200 in rent alone. This doesn't even include all other monthly living costs. That amount of money can cover food, accommodation, & activities in so many countries around the world. 

THINK ABOUT WHAT TRAVEL MEANS TO YOU

Finally, think about what travel means to you. Is it about luxury? That’s fine,  but understand that it may be a little more pricey! If it’s simply about meeting people, learning about cultures or languages, stepping outside of your comfort zone, you can definitely make it happen on the low!

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance can cover many things - illness, infections, theft, injury, missed flights, death, etc. It's not ideal to imagine that these things happen while traveling, but they do all of the time. In the past, I never got it. However, it was a lifesaver on my recent trip through Central America. My belongings were stolen and $1000 was reimbursed to me through my travel insurance. You never just never know. Travel insurance can save you a lot in the long run!

I use world nomads travel insurance, which you can check out here!


So, there you have it! These are the strategies that I, and so many others, have used to travel on a reasonable budget. I encourage you to give them a try for yourself! 

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If you find something, leave a comment below and let me know which tip you used. If you have any tips to add, share them in a comment below! Don't hold out on us!

IF YOU FOUND THIS HELPFUL, YOU CAN HELP OUT BY SHARING, COMMENTING, OR PINNING THIS POST. THANKS FOR READING!  

 

How To Find Insanely Cheap Flight Deals | 13 Proven Tips

Wondering how to always find the cheapest flights? In, this blog post. I share 13 proven tips that have helped me fly to over 20 countries - never paying more than $500 for a flight. Seriously, keep reading. You don't wanna miss this. 

"Y’all tryna travel in 2018? Here’s a thread on how I always find the cheapest flights." - Me, Twitter

I tweeted these exact words, followed by my best tips for booking cheap flights.

The entire twitter thread/storm went viral - over 5 MILLION impressions.  The best part? People discovered that these tips were legit and they began booking flights, as a result.

People responded saying the information I shared helped them book their first flight, or see their long distance boyfriend/girlfriend, or finally visit a sick family member. How cool is that!? See what some had to say below!

What seemed like common knowledge to me, proved to be extremely valuable to hundreds, if not thousands of people. And that felt good!

The bottom line? Flights aren't as expensive as you probably think. You've just gotta know where & how to search! And you've just gotta start searching! You might be surprised! You know what they say about people who assume..... ;)

Since Twitter moves so fast, I've created a blog post sharing proven tips for anyone who wants or needs to know how to find cheap flights. Here are 13 proven tips to help you find cheap flights: 


1. BE FLEXIBLE

howtobookcheapflights
cheapflightsmorocco
cheapflights

Be flexible with locations, airlines, dates, etc. Ditch the bucket list. Specific dates will lock you into prices. You could discover an amazing place you knew nothing about.

There are several airline sites that allow you to search for flights without entering a destination(Google Flights, Skyscanner,etc). If you aren’t obligated to be somewhere on certain dates search for flights first, THEN choose dates based on what’s the most affordable. Then request time off based on that.

2. SEARCH FAR & WIDE TO COMPARE PRICES

cheapflights
cheapflights

Use multiple sites! I like http://google.com/flights, Skyscanner, and direct airline sites(americanairlines.com, united.com, etc.). Different sites will show different prices & also have diff features. Compare prices on multiple sites to find the best deal!

Different sites to use: 

www.momondo.com

www.kayak.com

www.Kiwi.com

www.agoda.com 

www.justfly.com

www.cheapoair.com

www.hopper.com

3. USE GOOGLE FLIGHTS

cheapflights
cheapflights
cheapflights

USE GOOGLE FLIGHTS!!! THIS IS NOT A JOKE!

This flight search engine is seriously the greatest of all time. I could go on & on about it. The features are unmatched and it's extremely user-friendly. Here are some of the best features: 

  • If you don't know where to go, it will provide you with suggestions & related prices. Before entering a destination, you can view a variety of cities with suggestions of what to do once you get there i.e, hiking, museums, etc. Perfect if you want to travel but have a hard time deciding where to go. It will also give you suggestions & prices if you enter "everywhere" or a specific country into the destination box without specifying. 
  • You can view prices by the day. This feature is ICONIC. Once you enter a destination, select a departure date and a calendar view will pull up for you to see the price for every single day going forward. From here, you can view which travel dates are cheapest or you can see if you'd be overpaying by selecting a certain date. The lowest prices will be highlighted in green. 
  • Set price alerts and you will receive emails/notifications when prices drop

After these features Google.com/flights, search around via Skyscanner, StudentUniverse, Agoda, & more.

4. SEARCH OFTEN

cheapflights
IMG_1520.jpg

Flight prices change EVERY DAY! There is no exact rhyme or reason. Because of this, you need to search often. Like...multiple times a day, every day - especially if you have a trip planned.  

This is the best way to avoid overpaying. If you search often, you’ll know if whether getting a really good deal OR if you’re actually getting played.

5. FOLLOW FLIGHT DEAL ACCOUNTS ON TWITTER

cheapflights
cheapflights

 

Follow sites like @TheFlightDeal @airfarewatchdog @EscapeHouston @scottscheapflights. They tweet out crazy flight deals & glitches, all day every day.

This is how I scored those $400 flights to Europe, TWICE!

6. SUBSCRIBE TO FLIGHT DEAL ACCOUNTS EMAILS

cheapflights
cheapflights

Alternatively, you can subscribe to email alerts from the exact same websites if you don't have twitter.

www.airfarewatchdog.com

www.theflightdeal.com

And the list goes on...

7. GET A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

cheapflights
cheapflights

As I said, I just booked a flight to Southeast Asia for FREE with my Chase Sapphire Rewards Credit card. This card gave me 4 free flights in 2017 alone and it just keeps giving. Free global entry sign-up, lounge access, TSA pre-check, travel insurance, $300 yearly travel credit are among some of the amazing benefits this card has to offer.

Due to a high annual fee, I'd only recommend this card if you plan to travel multiple times a year. I'd also only advise a travel credit card if you have the cash to avoid going into debt. You can use this to make everyday purchases and then immediately pay the card off to avoid interest. 

Apply here - You will receive an offer for 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

8. TRY BUDGET AIRLINES

A flight I paid $5 for on RyanAir 

A flight I paid $5 for on RyanAir 

cheapflights

Check out budget airlines like Frontier, JetBlue, Ryanair(in Europe), Etc. You won’t be getting free peanuts, but you could be saving hundreds on airfare.

Be sure to read the fine print to avoid paying additional fees for baggage or other costs. Everything will be clearly stated on the website before checkout.

9. USE YOUR STUDENT STATUS

Guatemala 

Guatemala 

cheapflights

Anyone up to the age of 26(you don't actually have to be a student) can use sites like Student Universe and STA Travel for unique flight promotions & deals. 

For example, Student Universe is currently offering $100 off flights to South East Asia via Qatar Airways. That's a big deal!

10. BOOK NOW, THINK LATER

cheapflights
cheapflights

Most airlines and flight search engine sites offer a free 24-hour cancellation period for a full refund. This will allow you 24 hours to change your mind. If you find a killer flight deal but aren't sure about the remaining logistics, you can book before missing out with 24 hours to make a final decision.

As always, double-check to make sure the airline provides this before locking yourself into a flight you're unsure of.

11. USE REFERRAL CREDIT

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cheapflights

Rack up referral credit on sites like StudentUniverse by referring your friends. 

12. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STOPOVER FLIGHTS

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cheapflights

Use sites like Skiplagged to take advantage of stop-over flights. Just don't check a bag & you can get off at layover stops that won't be revealed to you during a regular flight search. 

13. CHECK NEARBY AIRPORTS

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cheapflights

If you live in a small town, it may be best to search for flights departing from the biggest city near you. Flights are likely to be cheaper from larger hubs. Likewise, it may be best to search for flights flying into all major airports in your destination country. Catching a bus or renting a car to drive to those larger airports could save you hundreds. 


As you can see, it takes a lot of time & research to find cheap flights. However, it's usually worth it. If you can save hundreds or thousands in the long run, why not? The purpose of. my blog is not for you to see me travel, but for me to show YOU how to travel! 

So go ahead, open a second tab, and give it a go! Or simply search below!


cheapflights

If you find something, leave a comment below and let me know which tip you used. If you have any tips to add, share them in a comment below! Don't hold out on us!

If you found this helpful, you can help out by sharing, commenting, or pinning this post. Thanks for reading!  

 

Everything You Need to Know About Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is a DREAM! Of all the places I’ve traveled to, I can see myself returning over & over again. Despite being such a small town, it has so much to offer for every type of traveler - serene beaches, ancient Mayan Ruins, mysterious underwater Cenotes, strong Mexican culture, delicious food, and so much more.


I decided to begin my trip through Central America in Tulum. I visited for a week last December and had a blast. Despite some bittersweet memories, I thought it would be the perfect starting point for my solo trip throughout Central America. It doesn’t hurt that a one-way ticket from Houston was a steal, priced at $100. Not so bad for a flight to paradise, right?


Getting There

There is no airport in Tulum, so you must fly into the Cancun International Airport. Once you are at the airport, you have 4 transportation options to get to Tulum:

Rental Car: The most expensive option, but it allows you more flexibility with exploring the area. We rented a car during my first visit and found it to be really convenient for stopping in a variety of places since taxi and uber costs can add up. You can rent online before arriving or stop at one of the rental companies before exiting the airport. The 2-hour drive is a straight shot down the highway!

Private Shuttle: There are companies that will take you to Tulum in a private shared van for around $120usd. This option is feasible for large groups.

ADO Public Bus: On this trip, I hopped on the ADO(ah-day-oh) bus right outside of the airport taxi/shuttle area. This is probably one of the nicest coach buses that I’ve ever been on. You will receive two tickets because you must first take the ADO bus to Playa Del Carmen and then take a second bus to Tulum. The ticket can be purchased at the stall/station or online(https://www.ado.com.mx/). The total trip will be around $15(USD), which makes it the most affordable option.

Taxi: As soon as you exit the airport, you will be met with a number of taxi drivers shouting out “Taxi!!” repeatedly. You won’t have any issues finding one and the one-way trip will run you around $100(USD). 

Collectivo: The cheapest option typically used by locals. I was a bit apprehensive about hopping in these shared vans, but two nice Swiss girls from my hostel encouraged me to join them and I had no issues. This option is completely safe and dirt cheap, but it will take you considerably longer because of the stops that are made to drop off locals along the way.


Tulum Pueblo vs. Tulum Hotel Zone

Tulum has two different areas to spend time at - the beach and the town center. I haven’t seen this information shared much online so I want to give some general tips about both sides of town.

Tulum Hotel Zone

During my first visit, I stayed along the beach in the hotel zone. Some may argue that this isn’t the “real” Tulum, but I can’t lie - I’m a fan! I love beautiful spaces and it’s quite obvious that many hotels in this area have put thought into every aspect of their design to capture the essence of Tulum. The hotels aren’t traditional big & fancy resorts, as there are hardly any in the area. They are typically cabanas, bungalows & eco-lodges meant to mimic traditional Mayan huts. You'll find that most of the hotels line the left side of the road which faces the beach. While there are plenty of lodging options/hotels available along the strip, they are well hidden so you must venture inside to have a look around. Here are some general tips about the area:

  • If you stay in the hotel zone, be sure to do plenty of research beforehand to determine where exactly on the strip you want to be located.
  • The further south(away from town, towards the Sian Ka’an biosphere) you get - the more secluded you will be. This means quieter beaches but it also means that you may be further away from restaurants, nightlife, etc.
  • Each building has a very bohemian vibe. If you’re looking for Instagram perfect...this is it!
  • I’d recommend renting a bicycle for $9-$12USD(some hotels provide them for free) to ride along the palm-lined hotel zone, stopping in bohemian shops, yoga studios, and restaurants along the way.
  • Be aware that prices for lodging and food are much higher in this area in comparison to Tulum Pueblo, the town center.  
  • Car-rental is also convenient for getting around town since there is a considerable distance from one end of the hotel zone to the other & also heading into Tulum Pueblo. It’s also helpful for getting to various cenotes & taking day trips since taxi costs can add up!
  • The hotel zone is off the grid - completely run by generators. Many of the hotels don’t have a/c or basic electricity. You most likely won’t have cell service and you’re lucky if your hotel offers wi-fi in certain areas. Be sure to see what your hotel offers!
  • You’ll see an overwhelming amount of restaurants and beach clubs along the strip. There are SO many to choose from! Most hotel beach clubs have a restaurant open to the public - you must typically purchase something inside or pay for a chair to hang out at the beach club.
  • There is a large yoga & health scene, so be sure to do some research on retreats in the area if that interests you.
  • I’ve stayed at Azulik, which was absolutely incredible. Pricey, but worth every dime if it is in your budget. If not, there are SO many hotel options to choose from along the beach.

Tulum Pueblo  

On my most recent trip, I spent the majority of my time in Tulum Pueblo and had a blast. Aside from the shops on the main strip, this part of town is underdeveloped in comparison to the hotel zone. This is where the locals live and work. Wander a few streets back and you’ll need to know Spanish or even Mayan to get by. You’ll see many authentic & cheap local restaurants where they grill up your food right in front of you. While staying in town, I used a bike & the local collectivos to get around/to the beach.

  • You’ll find everything you need along the main road - restaurants, tour shops, souvenirs, bike rental shops, pharmacies, markets, bars, clinics, etc.

  • Perfect for anyone who wants to experience Tulum on a budget - lots of cheap & local eateries, budget accommodations(including hostels), etc.

  • The beach is about a 15-35min bike ride or a 5-10min taxi ride away from town.

  • You can get by with English on the main strip, but you’ll likely need to know a bit of Spanish if you venture deeper into the neighborhoods.

  • The food in this part of town is often the cheapest AND the tastiest - a winning combination!

What to do in Tulum

Snorkel in a Cenote

You can't visit Tulum without swimming in a Cenote. Sacred to the Mayans, Cenotes are natural underwater caves found exclusively in the Yucatan. There are over 6000 in the region, and quite a few are accessible in & around Tulum.

  • Snorkel or Dive Dos Ojos Cenote - I originally saw footage of Dos Ojos(two eyes) on Planet Earth, so it was amazing to witness this natural wonder in person. It stretches over 50 miles and most of the cave has yet to be discovered. I highly recommend a snorkeling tour because a local will take you deep into the caves, showing you various underwater rock formations. It’s amazing to see the crystal blue waters from above, but it felt like I was witnessing another world beneath the surface. You’ll see stalagmites, stalactites, fish, bats, & more. Absolutely Incredible!
  • There are many other Cenotes around the area. They are easiest to reach by car. If you want to get off the beaten path, you can simply ask some locals for directions on getting to lesser known Cenotes.

 

Explore the Tulum Ruins  

These are the only seaside ancient Mayan Ruins to ever exist. The ruins aren’t massive, but the grounds are well maintained. You’ll find the most beautiful beach right below the cliff-side ruins. Be on the lookout for Iguanas!

  • Due to an increase in popularity, the cenotes and ruins can be VERY crowded. I recommend arriving as early as possible or closer towards closing time to avoid hoards of tourists that will be flocking in from Cancun.

  • While many day tours are offered to travelers, you can visit both the cenotes & ruins on your own at a much lower cost.

EAT! EAT! EAT!  

From cheap eats to world-class restaurants, Tulum has an endless amount of restaurants for any foodie to choose from.

  • Stop at Pollo Bronco for delicious Al Carbon tacos.

  • Sip mojitos with fresh sugar Cane while listening to live music at Batey’ s Mojito Bar.

  • HAVE THE BEST TAPAS OF YOUR LIFE AT MIVIDA! My goodness!

  • Enjoy the Ceviche & fresh Octopus at Nomade Tulum - such a gorgeous setting!

  • Eat more authentic, cheap tacos at Antojitos La Chiapaneca!

  • I had my first “veggie burger” at the vegan/vegetarian-friendly, FLOW restaurant(Harmony Glamping & Boutique Hotel) and I was rather impressed.

  • Looking for outstanding Chicken Lime Tortilla Soup? Check out Papaya Playa Project.

  • Want more bomb tacos? Go to El Rincón Chiapaneco! You can never have enough.  

Catch Sunrise

Despite being on “vacation”, we woke up to catch the sunrise every morning while staying at Azulik. I’m typically a sunset girl, but the beach faces sunrise and the incredible colors are worth every lost minute of sleep.

Go Shopping  

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Visit the Tulum Art Club

An art gallery AND coffee shop in one beautiful building? Yes, please! I was wondering around Tulum Pueblo and decided to walk into Tulum Art Club. I spoke with the events director & she explained that they bring in international and local artists’ for a residency program so many of the pieces sold here are one-of-a-kind.

Drink Fresh Coconut Water on the Beach  - Enough said.

Take a Day Trip!  

Climb ancient Mayan pyramids in Coba, party all night at Playa Del Carmen, or relax at Isla Holbox - the opportunities for quick trips to the surrounding areas are endless!

Go Out! 

  • Batey’s Mojito Bar - Sip on a variety of mojitos with fresh sugar cane while listening to live music!

  • Papaya Playa Project hosts weekly parties at their beach club & monthly full-moon parties. 

  • Danced until nearly 4am at Curandero! Such a good time!

Thanks to some big celebrities and Instagram, Tulum is growing quite rapidly.  Put this town place on your bucket list before the magic disappears!