Let me just be honest here. At first, I almost wanted to change my mind and not go to Mexico due to the negative comments I found online. The main issue? SCAM, SCAM, AND MORE SCAM! From cops who will pull you over and bribe you money to gas stations who will play a “switcharoo” and play tricks, making you think you did not give them the right amount, even if you did and makes you question yourself whether you did or not. As I plan my itinerary, I almost just did not want to bother going. I am all about safety, and though I can be adventurous, I’m really OCD about how I plan my trips. Even with those “internet comments”, I decided to go. Again, this was one of those short stays but had the best time and even fell in love with the country, the people, and its culture. So here’s my escape to Mexico itinerary!
Stay: We stayed in Tulum, Mexico. About an hour away from Cancun International Airport.
Internet Access : I used Tep Wireless for this trip, which is awesome! It gives me UNLIMITED internet access anywhere in any country. This was the first time I used Tep and it truly did not disappoint! It helped me with using GPS, googling local hot spots, and eating at places while updating photos! 😀 Also, the most important thing is that you avoid roaming charges! Using Tep is definitely way easier and more convenient.
Accommodation: I was traveling with my family on this trip, so a hotel stay would have cost us a fortune. So for the first time, booked through Airbnb and it was the best decision! We had the whole house to ourselves, the pool to ourselves (no other tourists to share it with), just the whole experience made us feel more at home into a foreign country.
check out the house here or if interested to book! Celine was a great host
Rental Car: This is probably the most important information I could possibly share. If you googled rental cars in Mexico almost 99% of the comments are full of negative reviews with companies always trying to scam you with your money. Things like “they may say this on the website but when you get there to pick up the vehicle” or “the price is completely different and more expensive.” Another issue is rental companies are often very picky with every single dent or scratch, and when they see one and you did not purchase insurance, they will immediately try to make you pay. As I kept searching and searching I almost gave up and thought I ran out of luck. I then found out about this car rental company called “Yes Rent a Car”. If you google them most reviews are positive, so with less time to be picky and almost on a dead end with these rental car options, I went ahead and gave it a try. Definitely no regrets here!
- located in Cancun
- they will pick you up at the airport and take you to their location. When dropping off vehicle, they will also take you to airport (NO EXTRA CHARGE)
- to book with them, you pay online with just the deposit. We booked for four days so the deposit was $38 and for the whole stay was $380 (we rented a mini van)
- lower prices and most importantly NO HIDDEN CHARGES. What you agreed on the price when you booked it, is the price you pay once you pick up the vehicle. Which to me, that never happens with rental cars! Even in the United States.
- also with their pricing, it includes insurance
- process was very easy! Best experience for a rental car!!
rent here!
Tulum has that laid back kind of vibe, and that’s what we wanted for this trip!
SIGHTS TO SEE
Tulum Ruins
- We were a far drive to visit the Chichen Itza but Tulum Ruins is also as beautiful because this Mayan archaeological site overlooks at the sea
- Get there early to avoid the crowds. Opens from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m
- access fee is $35-40 pesos
Beach : Playa Paraiso
Restaurant: El Paraiso Restaurant
El Gran Cenote
- this is seriously a must see! Here you will find the clearest water and if your adventurous enough, swim through dark caves!
Best mode of transportation to see Tulum is to rent a bicycle! Rentals are everywhere!
Avenida Tulum – full of restaurant options and offers a wide variety of cuisines. From authentic Mexican food, Italian, Asian, American, street foods, and so much more. Also lots of souvenir shops here.
Food suggestions:
- Del Cielo (if wanting something healthy)
- Zamas
- La malquerida
- Hartwood
- El Mariachi Loco (with a mariachi band! Try here to really feel the authentic Mexican vibe)
- El Capitan (best fish tacos I’ve ever had!)
Let me just say, here I’ve witnessed the beauty of Mexico even in such a short period of time. What captured my heart is its rich culture and history, and most importantly the people.
Reminder: All my travel itineraries are based on my own travel expectations. Of course it’s up to you to omit or add more to it, I’m just here to hopefully be that stepping stone for those who simply seek suggestions.
nezzavtravelz 