If you're planning a trip to Tulum, you probably already know it's a dream destination with stunning beaches, amazing food, and a unique mix of laid-back vibes and upscale experiences. To help you make the most of your trip, here’s a breakdown of everything we learned—from where to stay to how to get around, budgeting tips, and must-do activities.

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Flight Booking & Air Travel

This is one category we don’t mess around with anymore. After years of booking the hotel, resort, or Airbnb first and then scrambling to find flights, we now prioritize flight times and pricing. We book the best Business Class seats we can get (within reason) with Air Canada.

Most major airports have an Air Canada lounge for Business Class travelers, and this is where the splurge pays off—free food, drinks, and cozy chairs. Let me ask you this: how often do you buy food or drinks at the airport while waiting for your flight? Probably pretty often. And if you don’t get a table at a restaurant, you likely find yourself overheating while searching for a free seat—probably far from bathrooms, chargers, and stuck under fluorescent lighting in a sea of stressed-out travelers.

Unless you pack your own food, you end up spending money, time, and energy at the peak of your vacation—sometimes even on the plane, buying $10 cracker-and-hummus combos and waiting for a flight attendant to bring water. Alternatively, if you upgrade to Business Class, you get automatic access to the Air Canada Lounge, which offers a variety of hot and cold foods, a salad bar, hot pots of meatballs and spring rolls, and even some dishes pan-sautéed by a chef. We had pasta aglio e olio, pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts, herbal teas, and freshly baked cookies. The lounge also has a bar with free drinks, private bathrooms, dim lighting, comfy lounge chairs, showers, and an exclusive upstairs area for Aeroplan elite members.

It was our first time booking non-economy tickets, and we were shocked when we walked in—it was such a nice surprise, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Not to mention the flight itself: priority boarding, bigger seats, a wide variety of entertainment, and all the perks. The flight starts with a hot towel, followed by more free meals, unlimited drinks, extra storage and charging space, more room for elbows and legs, and a footrest that I didn’t expect to love so much. Full recline? Yes, please.

I get that Business Class is a luxury, but if I had to recommend one travel splurge, this would be it. And here’s the thing—you can often find Business Class tickets for the same price as economy if you’re flexible with your dates. Once we lock in our flights, we search for accommodations within those dates (more on that later).

A few vital travel day tips:

If you're heading to a hot climate, bring a change of clothes for the plane and change before landing.
Unless you absolutely need closed-toe shoes, skip ‘em. They’ll sit in your luggage. Thick cotton socks and sandals are the way to go.
A few weeks before your trip, exchange Canadian dollars for Mexican pesos to save on conversion rates—especially if you monitor prices a month in advance.
If you're a travel pillow person, I recommend the Infinity Pillow. Loop it once for comfort and sound dampening, twice for sleep, or fold it into the perfect shape for you.

Casa Tolok, our favourite accommodations just south of Tulum.

Accommodations & Must-Haves for the Perfect Stay

Your landing pad is everything. It doesn’t need to be the most luxurious or expensive place, but after bouncing between four different accommodations in Tulum, we now know exactly what makes or breaks a stay.

For us, there are three absolute must-haves:

A kitchenette/kitchen – Paying more for a kitchen upfront actually saves you money (and time) in the long run. Being able to prepare food and drinks on your own schedule is a game-changer.
A private bathroom – A basic necessity that, trust us, makes a huge difference.
Proximity to a great beach – Surprisingly, being beachfront isn’t everything. Sometimes, a short walk is worth the trade-off for a quieter, more private space.

Each of our four stays had a different mix of these essentials. Some, we’d go back to in a heartbeat. Others, not so much.

1. Maya Tulum by G Hotels – Best for a Convenient Beachfront Stay

✅ Beachfront, private bathroom, mini-fridge
❌ No kitchen, a bit crowded

Maya Tulum by G Hotels offers private beach cabanas right on the sand, steps away from Tulum’s main strip. If you don’t plan to cook and don’t mind purchasing all your meals, this is a great option. The location is great, with shops, cafés, and restaurants within walking distance. Plus, it has a mini fridge, so you can purchase some snack and bevvie needs for your room. The ability to go to the grocery store (more on that below) and keep some food in your room at minimum is a must. These creature comforts make things more enjoyable — something I bring, which you don’t even need to refrigerate, is my Cymbiotika Magnesium L-Threonate. I add it as sweetener to my coffees.

There are plenty of places like this on the beach that offer a room with private bathroom and mini-fridge right on the beach—another one we loved the look of was Nomade—, but by day two, we were reminded again that it was all too easy to spend way more than expected on meals and water or bevies of any kind. And while the beachfront location was nice, it was also busy and came at a premium price—comparable to what we paid for our next stay, which had far more to offer…

2. Casa Tolok – The Ultimate Private Escape

✅ Full kitchen, private bathroom, private beach access
❌ Remote location (which we actually loved)

After one day in ‘Tulum Town,’ we drove an hour south to Casa Tolok, an eco-villa tucked away in Sian Ka’an. Folks, this place was magic. A fully stocked property with two bedroom and two bathrooms (one outdoors), and a full (albeit small) kitchen which meant we could cook whatever and whenever we wanted! Think: gas range, full-size fridge/freezer, BBQ, and all the cookware needed to make incredible meals.

The setting was unbelievable and we were pinching ourselves everyday. We made friends with the iguanas on the property—Ramona become quite comfortable with us—and some of the neighbour’s dogs and us grew a little friendship..

The best part? The total privacy. Casa Tolok offers a private stretch of beach, so if unplugging from society is your vibe, this is the place. We spent our days sunning, playing soccer on the sand, and taking sunset strolls to Emily’s, a nearby beachside restaurant.

It was all too much fun finding a styrofoam ball or funny rock to toss along the beach with these two pups. We missed our pooch and def brought this on. They were respectful and kept distance until we begged them hard enough they couldn’t resist.

This became our "'reading nook” in the afternoon shade.

This place would be perfect for two couples or a small family.

We cannot wait to go back to Casa Tolok in Tulum!

3. Glamp IKAL – A Harsh Reality Check

✅ Budget-friendly, unique setting if on your first trip inside Jaguar Park
❌ Shared bathrooms, no kitchen, noisy, restrictive park rules

We had stayed at Glamp IKAL two years ago during our first ever trip to Mexico for one week and we loved it. But this time? Not so much. The bed was smaller than we remembered (especially after being treated in a king at Tolok) and lack of a kitchen already made things tricky. But the worst part was we had loud guests walking around the tents until 2AM and forgot about the fee to get into Jaguar Park, plus their restrictions—once you're in, you’re in. Leaving after 5 PM meant risking being locked out or fined another entrance fee of $500 pesos.

Without a kitchen or even a minifridge, we also spent an extra $250+ that day alone on food and drinks and tips. The reality hit hard: while IKAL is a cool spot if you’ve never been—truly, the Mayan ruins onsite are amazing, and there’s plenty of great food if you’re willing to wait and pay. But for us it felt limiting compared to the freedom we had in Sian Ka’an. We ended up canceling our stay after night one.

4. Vida Silvestre – The Perfect Balance

✅ Full kitchen, private bathroom, pool, walking distance to town
❌ Not beachfront (but we didn’t mind)

After bailing on IKAL, we found Vida Silvestre that day at a great last-minute rate. Located in South Tulum Town, it gave us the best of both worlds: access to great restaurants and cafés, plus a quiet, private retreat. The villa had a fully equipped kitchen (not as well-stocked as Casa Tolok’s, but good enough), a shared pool and outdoor grill/dining space, and an amazing observation deck overlooking the mangroves facing west, which was gorgeous at sunset! I watched many a flamingoes and wild birds with our binoculars from that deck in the morning.

Surprisingly for us, not being beachfront wasn’t an issue at all! After a week of ocean days, we welcomed a sand-free stay by the pool, only heading across the street to the beach when we wanted to (the hotel across the street works with the owner to allow Silvestre residence free beach and beach club access, but we only took advantage of this once! With no other guests most of our stay, it felt like we had the entire villa to ourselves and we took advantage of it poolside. We’d definitely stay here again.

This was our eco-villa with thatch roof and two stories with a king bed, two bathrooms, lounge/dining room, and a kitchen.

The place also had an outdoor charcoal grill and propane grill.

Final Thoughts

This trip completely reshaped how we choose accommodations. A kitchen, a private bathroom, and a well-located (but not necessarily beachfront) spot make all the difference.

🏆 Best for Privacy & Relaxation: Casa Tolok
🏆 Best for Convenience & Walkability: Vide Silvestre
🏆 Best for a Short Beachfront Stay: Maya by G Hotels
🚫 Would Skip Next Time: Glamp IKAL

Where to Eat & Shop for Groceries in Tulum

One of the best parts of having a kitchen while traveling? Getting to explore local markets and cook with fresh ingredients!!! That said, we also treated ourselves to a few restaurant meals—and found some gems worth sharing.

Grocery Shopping: Where to Stock Up

Gypsea Market – Our first stop for groceries, this place is aesthetically stunning and has a curated, health-conscious selection. But it’s also pricey—think Whole Foods meets a boutique organic store. They have great quality options, but if you need variety or plan to cook most of your meals, it’s not the most budget-friendly.
Chedraui – Halfway through our stay, we discovered Chedraui, and let me tell you, we wished we had started here! I also wanted to give this grocery store its own section and feature because it was just a breath of familiar air for a Canadian. It was like a mix between Costco and a Real Canadian Superstore—massive selection, way better prices, and everything you could possibly need, from tons of fresh produce and meats and fish to snacks, drinks, clothing, appliances and even dirt bikes. Yes, dirt bikes. Bonus: The attached café, Black Shroom, also became a favourite for an iced latte while browsing the aisles. But the best part about Chedraui? The fresh bakery where you grab a tin pizza tray and tongs and select whatever you wish for from a godly selection of fresh pastries, breads, cookies, cakes, galettes, muffins, donuts, and Mexican confectionaries. Call me crazy but we had too much fun shopping here and looked forward to going back. We even bought 10 loaves of bread and put them in our carry-on exclusively to bring home with us!

Best Places to Eat & Drink

Even though we made most of our own meals, we did check out a few spots that were absolutely worth it:

Matcha Mama – With two locations (one at IKAL and another in South Tulum near Silvestre), this smoothie and matcha bar was a lifesaver. Fresh, refreshing drinks and the perfect pick-me-up, especially in the heat.
Fresco’s – Great for breakfast and lunch, with fresh, healthy, and vibrant dishes.
La Taqueria – Classic and delicious tacos. No fuss, just good food.
Mezzanine – A beautiful beachfront spot with a mix of Thai and Mexican cuisine. The view alone is worth it.
Black Shroom Tulum – Located next to Chedraui, this cozy little café had great coffee and pastries.
Maia Restaurant (at IKAL) – The shrimp tempura tacos here? Insane. One of our favorite meals.
Fred’s (Cancun) – If you have a layover or time to kill before your flight home, Fred’s is a solid spot for a last, indulgent meal.

Transportation & Getting Around

Tulum isn’t the easiest place to navigate, but with a little planning, you can move around smoothly.

Renting a Car: If you're planning to explore outside of Tulum (like visiting Sian Ka’an or cenotes), renting a car is the best option. Be warned: roads can be bumpy (especially the Sian Ka’an road OMG), but having your own ride gives you freedom. Just be aware that parking along the beach strip can be a challenge, and rental agencies often require high deposits. We rented a car in Cancun at the airport and drove it down. In hindsight and next time, we will get a shuttle/bus to Tulum and pick up a rental car or scooter there to save money.
Taxis: Tulum’s taxi prices are notoriously high—expect to pay $25–$40 USD for even short trips. Always confirm the price before getting in. We just avoid them outright.
Colectivos (Shared Vans): These are the cheapest way to get around if you're comfortable with a more local experience. They run between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and are a great way to save money.
Biking: Many places in Tulum offer bike rentals, including at many Airbnbs or resorts,, and it’s a great way to explore the area. Just keep in mind that cycling along the main road to the beach can be intense with no sidewalks and car traffic.
Walking: If you're staying near the main town or beach area, walking is totally doable, but the humidity can make it tiring. Just plan accordingly!

Packing & What to Bring

Tulum has a tropical climate, so packing right will make your trip much smoother.

Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothes are best. My advice is you don’t need as much as you think! Bring a swimsuit, cover-ups, and something nice for a fancier dinner or two. Otherwise you’ll be in your sleep shorts, tanks and t-shirts.
Footwear: Flip-flops for the beach, comfortable sandals for walking, and water shoes if you plan to visit cenotes. Tropic Feel makes a great pair.
Bug Spray: The mosquitoes in Tulum can be relentless, especially in jungle areas. A natural bug spray is a must! I make one through Heelr that works wonders.
Sunscreen: Opt for a reef-safe sunscreen, especially if you’ll be swimming in cenotes or the ocean.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated—many places offer filtered water refills, just don’t drink the tap water. Consider buying a big water jug from a convenience or grocery store,
Headlamp or Flashlight: If you’re staying in a more remote area, power outages happen occasionally, and a flashlight comes in handy.

Money & Budgeting Tips

Tulum isn’t cheap, but you can make it work on different budgets with some smart planning.

Cash is King: Many places don’t take credit cards, or they add a surcharge. Bring pesos, and exchange money in town (avoid airport exchange rates!).
ATMs: The best ATMs are inside Chedraui or banks in town. Avoid standalone ATMs on the beach strip—they have high fees and sometimes run out of cash.
Daily Budget: Expect to spend about $50–$150 USD per day, depending on where you eat and what activities you do.
Save on Food: Grocery shopping at Chedraui instead of eating out every meal can save a lot.

Beach & Swimming Tips

Seaweed (Sargassum): Tulum struggles with seasonal seaweed—and it can be a lot. If you can’t get over the seaweed which lines most beaches south of Cancun, it might not be for you. Check live seaweed reports before you go. Some hotels clean their beachfront daily! Cancun even has a massive net set out at sea to catch most of it for travellers there.
Best Beaches: Playa Paraiso is one of the best public beaches. If you want a quieter spot, check out Secret Beach in Sian Ka’an, just prepare for lots of plastic trash on the beach. Where there’s people, there’s little trash, but in Sian Ka’an we were shocked at how much garbage was washed up and seemingly never removed.
Beach Clubs vs. Public Beaches: Beach clubs charge for entry unless you’re staying at a beachfront spot or you tell them you’re buying food at the restaurant. Public beaches are free but lack amenities.

Shopping & Activities

Tulum has so much to offer beyond just the beach. Check out:

Cenotes: Must-visit spots include Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, and Dos Ojos. Go early to avoid crowds!
Ruins: The Tulum Ruins offer a breathtaking ocean backdrop, but if you want a more immersive experience, check out Coba or Chichen Itza.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere: If you’re up for an adventure, take a boat tour through this stunning nature reserve, just don’t bike there! You’ll regret it.
Wellness & Yoga: Tulum is a wellness hub—consider trying a sound healing session, breathwork, or a temazcal ceremony. We enjoyed massages and use of the sauna, hot tubs, pool and steam room at Yaan Healing Sanctuary.
Shopping: The boutiques in Tulum are pricey but offer unique fashion, jewelry, and handmade goods. You could shop all day on the main strip. Outside of the strip, there’s a whole city to explore and shop. We absolutely loved and spent a ton of time in World By Hand. We left with a set of mugs, a set of bowls and a kilim pouf so we could brig a taste of Mexican style home!

Safety, & Bonus Tips

Is Tulum Safe? Generally, yes! The idea that it’s unsafe due to the cartel is just not realistic. If you don’t nose around for trouble, you likely won’t find any—but petty crime like pickpocketing happens. Keep valuables secure, use common sense and avoid walking alone at night.
Common Scams: Overpriced taxis, restaurant bills with extra charges, and ATM skimmers—stay aware. We had a scam-free 2 weeks just using common sense.
Water Safety: Don’t drink tap water. Buy big jugs of filtered water from Chedraui for your stay.
Power Outages: If staying in the jungle or more remote areas, occasional blackouts are common—have a flashlight ready.

Final Thoughts

Tulum is what you make it—it can be an expensive, luxury escape or a chill, budget-friendly getaway. Planning ahead will help you enjoy it to the fullest! Whether you're sipping a smoothie at Matcha Mama, swimming in a cenote, or making dinner at your Airbnb, there are so many ways to experience the magic of Tulum.

Have any specific questions? Email me at Hello@SabrinaSmelko.com or drop them in the comments below!