Articles with the theme Yucatan Holidays
What you (probably) don’t know about Halloween and Day of the Dead Celebrations.
Mexico’s Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, at first glance sounds the same as Halloween or All Hollows’ Eve in the United States, but in fact, they’re quite different – just as the two cultures who celebrate these holidays have fundamentally different views about death.
Day of the Dead in Mexico celebrates the life and death of their deceased loved ones in a spirit of joy, fellowship, and humor (reciting “calaveritas,” or little skulls, which are short, satirical poems about them). Americans view Halloween as a more mischievous celebration about the darker side of death. Both do believe, however, that the boundary between the living and the dead is blurred on these holidays for intercommunication.
Differences and Similarities between Halloween and Dia de los Muertos
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Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexico
Consider taking part in this delightful Mexico tradition, and celebrate the lives of your dearly departed on a vacation in the Yucatan Peninsula. Celebrations begin the last week in October through the early days of November. The official Day of the Dead holiday for children is recognized on November 1st; for adults, on November 2nd.
Interpretations of Dia de los Muertos vary in different Mexico states. In the state of Yucatan, it’s called Hanal Pix’an, a Mayan version of the Day of the Dead, which means “feast for the souls.” Still, the basic theme throughout Mexico is the same: the dead are welcomed back into their homes via an offering (“ofrenda”) of traditional foods such as bread of the dead (“pan de muerto”), celebratory flowers such as marigolds (“flor de cempasuchitl” also called “flor de muerto”), and ornaments; by visiting and decorating their grave sites; and by dancing, singing, and otherwise enjoying each other’s company.
Where to Celebrate
In Cancun and the Riviera Maya, the Day of the Dead celebrations are visible all over town at restaurants, bars, and hotels, but one very special celebration takes place at Xcaret. Their annual Life and Death Mexican Traditions Festival, features traditional variations in Mexico’s regional Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
On October 30th through November 2nd, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 pm., Xcaret shares the culture, history, food, music, dance, and religious ceremony given for the dearly departed.
Enjoy this traditional Mexican holiday at the end of October and early November with a visit to Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Join in the Day of the Dead festivities with colorful decorations, costumes, tasty treats, and music to wake the dead!
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About the Author
Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor with experience in various industries. Her most recent passion is the Mexican Caribbean, where she lives and is inspired to write about her beloved Mexico — its nature, culture, travel, and tourism.
Starlite Gala 2011
The second annual Starlite Gala was held on Saturday, August 6th 2011 at the Villa Padierno Palace Hotel in Marbella, Spain. Co-hosts Eva Longoria and Antonio Banderas, along with other special-guest support and contribution, raised money to support various charities ranging from financially supporting terminally ill cancer patients to helping impoverished children in Mexico obtain education.
Among the special guests that attended, Yucatan Holidays CEO Erika Garcia and Yucatan Holidays representatives, Sherif Abd Rabbo, Paul Mattimoe and Gustavo Miranda were present. The Yucatan Holidays group auctioned off two vacation packages to the Riviera Maya which raised 16,000 euros for the event. Other well-known guests included philanthropist, Sandra Garcia Sanjuan, super model, Eugenia Silva, Jermaine Jackson of the Jackson Five and many more. Other items auctioned included a day on the set of Desperate Housewives with Eva Longoria, tickets to Rock in Rio and invitations to the Cannes Film Festival.
The foundations Niños en Alegría, The Eva Longoria Fund and Lagrimas y Favores, supported by Antonio Banderas, were the three charities represented at the event. The Eva Longoria Fund , founded by Ms. Longoria and located in San Antonio, Texas, was created to help children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities flourish in today’s society. Niños en Alegría supports impoverished children in a western region of Mexico and assists them in obtaining education. Lagrimas y Favores backed by Mr. Banderas and his wife, Melanie Griffin, is a non-profit organization that not only assists in financially supporting cancer patients but creates educational scholarships for the University of Malaga, Spain.
With plans already in themaking for Starlite Gala 2012, it is safe to say that this year’s event was a great success. After the auction, guest then celebrated early into the morning on Puro Beach whilst being accompanied by musical performances by Spanish female vocalist Marta Sanchez among others.
Why I need a vacation
So you want to come to Cancun? Let us all decide that.
You have to name 3 reasons why you think you should come to Cancun.
The one with more “Likes” will be the winner.
As simple as that.
Be creative and good luck!
Restrictions:
- •You have 5 days / 4 nights of hotel accommodation in Cancun (not all inclusive accommodation) for 2 adults and up to two kids (under 12 years old)
- •You can use your e-certificate for 18 months and there are no black out dates.
- •You must be at least 25 years old to claim the prize. If you are not 25 years old, you still can use it, but must travel with someone this age. The certificate is transferable.
- •You’ll ONLY have to pay an activation fee for the e-certificate of $69 USD.
Off the Beaten Path through Yucatan (Part 2)
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El Corchito
What it is: Near Progreso City, El Corchito is an ecological preserve that has been around for the last 10 years. The reserve is operated by local fishermen who work to nurture the mangrove swamp. A 5-minute boat ride will take you into the cool shadows of the mangroves. The fishermen who tend to El Corchito have build palapas and picnic tables. There are designated fresh-water pools where you can swim or explore the well-kept paths, or simply sling your hammock in the shade and relax. Pack your own lunch and camera.
How to get there: Located just 2 KM east of the entrance to Progreso, turn east toward Chicxulub at the entrance to Progreso (where the Pemex station is). Travel 2 KM to the second roundabout (known as glorieta in Mexico). You will see a sign to El Corchito. Veer right, continue on for a few meters until you see a dirt road on your right until you find the boat landing area. Boat rides begin at 8:30 a.m. daily.
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Celestun
What is it: This quaint fishing village with lovely beaches and no crowds is located 60 miles southwest of Merida. Celestun is famous for its seafood restaurants served on the beach. But mostly for the beautiful flamingo colonies, fresh water springs, and 36 foot tall lighthouse and salt fields. The main reason to visit Celestun is to travel the ria (river) and see the flamingos. The flamingos form part of a fragile ecosystem and we highly encourage you to respect their surroundings. Celestun is the main wintering area for the greater pink flamingo. You can also visit fresh water springs and “petrified forests”.
How to get there: By car, take the Periferico out of Merida to Uman and continue on to Kinchil and then Celestun. There are signs along the way. To reach Celestun by bus, go to the terminal on Calle 67 between 50 and 52 in Merida. The trip takes approximately two hours.
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Loltun Cave
What it is: Loltun Cave is located in the Yucatan. The cave contains paintings attributed to the Mayan civilization from the Late Pre-Classic period. Lol-Tun is Mayan and means “Flower Stone.” According to prolonged examinations of over two kilometers, the cave is one of the most extensive in all Mexico. Recovered bones from mammoth, bison, cats, and horses confirm human occupation. Pottery, marine shells, stone artifacts, bas-relief carvings, petroglyphs and mural paintings have also been found inside the cave. The occupation in Loltun Cave goes back more than 10,000 years. Mammoth bones and extinct vegetation have also been found inside the cave. The Lol-Tun cave network, at its lowest levels, holds secrets that literally rewrite history.
How to get there:
This cave is located 110 km from Merida via federal highway 31 in the state of Yucatan. The two-hour tour is guided and venturing on your own without a guide is not allowed or recommended.
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Balankanche Cave
What is it: The Maya believe caves and caverns to be links with the underworld, or “inframundo. The Balankanche caves should be visited for their natural beauty and stone formations. Because of the humidity, stunning stalagmites and stalactites continue to form in this cave system. The most impressive one is located 200 meters from the entrance of Balankanche, next to the Balam Throne, a religious altar. The ceiba-looking formation is referred to as the sacred tree inside the earth. The cave also has archaeological importance as they once served as a ceremonial site for the Mayans. Caves are ceremonially important to the Mayans as they believed that sacredness of life is especially concentrated at unique geographic points such as mountains and caves. Ceremonial objects can be seen throughout the walk as well as reproductions of the original artifacts discovered in the cave.
How to get there:
Balankanche is located only 6 kilometers from Chichen Itza, via federal highway 180 in the state of Yucatan.
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Labna
What it is: Labna means “Old or abandoned house”. The Mesoamerican archeological site is located in the Puuc Hills region of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Mayan ruins dates back to pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The site was incorporated with Uxmal as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1996. Although small, one of its notable structures is a large two-story palace. It is one of the longest contiguous structures in the Puuc route at approximately 120 m (393.7 ft) in length. A ceremonial road (sacbe) extends from the palace to an elaborately decorated gateway arch known as “El Arco.” The archway is believed to have been a passageway between public areas rather than an entrance to the city. Next to the gateway is “El Mirador” – a pyramid-like structure surmounted y a temple. The site was built in AD 862 as inscribed in the palace.
How to get there: Labna is located 42 kilometers southeast of Uxmal along freeway 261, detour to the left at km 30 by interstate 31. It is approximately 122 km.of Merida.
In case you missed it, take a look at the Off the Beaten Path through Yucatan – Part One.
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About the Author
Pamela Acosta is a travel photographer, beer drinker and writer for Yucatan Holidays. She is seeking to travel throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya & Cancun in an attempt to capture beauty and wonder in words & pixels. Follow Pamela on Twitter.
The Three Tulums
Tulum Archeological Site | Pre-Columbian Mayan Ruins
Tulum, the well-known Mayan ruin site is located approximately 81 miles south of Cancun. This well-preserved, ancient port is the only major Mayan ruin located directly on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and is one of the most visited ruin sites. However, Tulum is also the name of a charming small town and beach community.
Tulum Pueblo | Convenient Charming Downtown
Just down highway 307 from the ruins, the town of Tulum has everything a local or visitor needs; hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, internet cafes, ATM machines, small hospitals, dive shops, tour companies, car rental agencies and souvenir boutiques, yet it still maintains its Mexican authenticity and charm.
Tulum Beach | Bohemian Beach Burg
Tulum’s real treasures are its white sand beaches and aqua blue water. Tulum’s “hotel zone” (turn left off of 307 right before Tulum Pueblo) is lined with boutique, spa and ecological hotels. There are also rustic shops, restaurants, bars and nightspots, all designed in order to prevent the ecological problems that have occurred in larger more modern vacation spots.
Tulum has it all, culture, convenience and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it’s the perfect spot for a family vacation, a relaxation retreat or a backpacking adventure.
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About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
5th Sacred Mayan Journey | Xcaret Park [Photo Essay]
Yesterday’s afternoon, Xcaret Park was filled with tradition and mysticism for the grand opening of the 5th Sacred Mayan Journey, a recreation of the ancient Mayan tradition of worshiping moon goddess Ix Chel. The event began with the representation of the ancient market of Ppolé (original Mayan name of the place where the eco park is located today) where visitors were able to buy original handcrafts & food, using ancient Mayan currency – cacao seeds.. The night ended with the official inaugural ceremony, with a show that transported guests back in time. Starting today, more than 300 canoeists will begin the journey to Cozumel Island, where the temple of the goddess is located.
Hurricane Season in Cancun: What You Should Know
It’s that time again folks. Hurricane season in the Caribbean will begin in less than a month on June 1, 2011, and will continue through November 30, 2011. It is possible for Tropical cyclones to form before or after the official season, depending on ocean temperatures. The water must be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit for a hurricane to form, so if this happens before June or after November a hurricane could occur outside of the season.
For the people living in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, tropical cyclones are a fact of life, just like tornados or earthquakes are for people living in other places. However, they may seem frightening and daunting if you are planning a vacation, but if you are well informed about hurricane season you will be able to make good decisions about your trip.
August, September and October are considered to be the peak months for hurricanes, which coincides with low tourism season, when airfare and hotel prices are lower, so it’s actually a great time to visit the area. Generally if you visit during tropical cyclone season everything will go smoothly. The weather will be fine, albeit maybe a bit hotter than in let’s say, January. It may rain a little more often, but this generally means that there is a quick downpour once or twice a day and the rest of the time the sun is shining.
The Yucatan Peninsula, which is home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, has experienced many tropical storms/depressions and hurricane watches/warnings, but Cancun was “born” in 1970, and only 4 hurricanes have made landfall in 41 years. That is pretty encouraging news. If you visit from June through November, chances are you probably won’t run into any hurricanes.
These are the 4 hurricanes which have actually made landfall in Cancun:
Inez (October, 1968) – Category 4
Gilbert (September, 1988) - Category 5
Roxanne (October, 1995) – Category 3
Wilma (October, 2005) – Category 5
If you would like to monitor the weather in the weeks leading up to you vacation, here are 3 helpful websites: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Weather.Com & Weather Underground.
Of course, there is always the possibility that a tropical cyclone could occur before or during your vacation so it is a good idea to buy trip insurance. If a hurricane should threaten the area during your vacation, rest assured that your hotel or resort has an emergency plan for its guests and employees. The good thing about hurricanes is they don’t just pop up, they need time to organize so there is always plenty of warning. So by all means, go ahead and plan your vacation!
Have you ever experienced a hurricane while on vacation?
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Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
What Not to Do on Your Next Mexican Vacation
You will find a lot of web pages here on the internet listing things you should do while visiting Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, but what about the things you shouldn’t do? Don’t worry, we’re here to provide you with that list.
1) Don’t blame the ice for your, eh-hem, stomach issues.
The ice is made with purified water. Yes, even downtown. Do realize that the fifteen beers and huge plate of nachos with extra jalapeños that you consumed yesterday may be causing your issues. The two shots of tequila didn’t help either.
2) Don’t yell “Alto!” at the bus driver when you want him to stop just because that’s what it says on the stop signs.
That isn’t how you say “Stop!” in Spanish. Do tell the bus driver what your destination is when you board or use the bell to indicate you would like to get off at the next stop. It’s a little more civilized and this way the locals won’t giggle at you.
3) Don’t fall asleep on the beach when you are lying in the sun.
Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it because of the cool ocean breeze, but the sun here is very strong. Do fall asleep in the shade. Wake-up well rested and not sunburned.
4) Don’t go swimming, especially in the ocean, when you are intoxicated.
One word: Dangerous. Do go swimming, especially in the ocean, when you are sober. One word: Amazing.
5) Don’t be frustrated if someone doesn’t understand you or speak English. You’re in a country where English is not the first language. Do have fun and try to practice your Spanish. The locals love it when you try and they don’t mind if you make mistakes.
6) Don’t pay the first quoted price for souvenirs in the flea market. They are highballing. Do haggle. Then pretend to walk away when you are almost to the price you want to pay.
7) Don’t buy drugs. Can’t you wait until you get home? You probably shouldn’t be doing them in the first place. Do stay away from any and all illegal activities. The legal system here is based on the Napoleonic Code…guilty until proven innocent. Need we say more?
Don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what’s going on. You probably shouldn’t do this anywhere, but it is even more relevant when you are visiting an unfamiliar place. Do drink and be merry. You can still drink, but remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
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About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
The Islands of Quintana Roo, Mexico
When you think of vacationing in Mexico, you probably think of Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen. You may not be aware of the fact that the state of Quintana Roo is home to four islands as well. The sun shines brightly on these island paradises and reflects off of their white sand beaches, so island life tends to move slowly, as do its habitants. These islands range in size and population but are all rich with natural beauty, Mayan history and/or Mexican culture. Next time you are in the area, take a day (at least) to explore one or more of these laid back, relaxing island retreats.
Cozumel
The largest and most populated of the four islands, Cozumel is located approximately 11 miles off the coastal town of Playa del Carmen. It is about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. It is Mexico’s third largest island. Cozumel is home to the second largest coral barrier reef in the world, and is a snorkel and dive mecca. The largest concentration of restaurants, bars and shopping is located in the downtown area of the city of San Miguel. Mayan people have inhabited Cozumel since 300 AD. The island has a rich history that includes Mayan worship of the goddess of fertility, a smallpox epidemic and pirates.
Major airlines fly to Cozumel, cruises dock there, or you can take a ferry or air taxi.
Isla Mujeres
“The Island of the Women” is named for the many cult images of goddesses that the Spanish found when they discovered the island, a sanctuary dedicated to the Mayan goddess Ixchel, in the 16th century. Isla, as it is lovingly called by locals, is located 8 miles off the coast of Cancun and is only about 4 miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point. There are many charming hotels and restaurants that welcome visitors from all over the globe. You won’t find a lot of cars on Isla, but you will find scooters, bicycles and golf cars galore. Rent one and be your own tour guide. Then park at North Beach and have a cold one while you take a dip in the crystal blue water.
You can take an air taxi or a ferry from the Cancun Hotel Zone or Puerto Juarez to get to Isla Mujeres.
Holbox
As we go down the list, these islands become less inhabited. Holbox is a true island refuge, where you won’t find ATMs or even cars! Most of the locals are fishermen, so imagine the fresh seafood that is available. There are many charming boutique hotels on the island. Tourism still hasn’t taken over Holbox, which means “Black Hole” in Maya, but it is quickly becoming a popular destination due to the hundreds of whale sharks that gather in the area each May-September. Visitors come from all over the globe to swim with these gentle giants. Visitors also love to kite boarding off the beaches of Holbox.
You can get to Holbox by traveling by bus to the port of Chiquila and then taking a private boat or ferry, or by taking an air taxi.
Isla Contoy
Nobody lives on Isla Contoy! Well, except for many birds and sea turtles. This island is located approximately 18 miles north of Isla Mujeres, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet. It is only about 5 miles long and only about a tenth of a mile wide. It is considered the most important nesting place of sea birds in the entire Mexican Caribbean. Isla Contoy is a Mexican national park and is protected. There are only a few tour providers who are allowed to bring visitors to the island and only 200 people may visit per day. There are no hotels on the island. There is only a visitor center.
You can visit Isla Contoy by taking a tour or if you would like to visit in your own boat you must apply for permission at the park offices in Cancun or on Isla Mujeres.
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Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
Disconnect to Reconnect | Why Tulum is Our Ideal Family Vacation
While flipping through an April 2010 Conde Nast Traveler magazine (yes, I still read printed materials!), the Room with A View article peeked my interest. It looked like the perfect spot for warmth after a long, snowy Vermont winter. The spot was Tulum, Mexico—just about a two-hour drive south of Cancun.
On a whim, we booked our first trip to the area called Tulum Beach and even chose the same hotel from the article—Playa Mambo. This “whatever/whenever” girl has traveled extensively with kids in toe. When I am on vacation, I usually like fresh towels and clean sheets every day, a/c, service by the pool; the luxuries that make a vacation into a holiday for Mom. For the most part, Tulum Beach isn’t like that. It is made up of affordable (starting at $100/night) casitas, casas and a few boutique-ish hotels set along a few miles of beach. I was a little skeptical to say the least, but my husband spurred me on just like he did when we went on a self-guided, no reservation tour of Ireland back in the day. As usual, his instincts were right but even he did not anticipate how truly amazing our Tulum vacation would really turn out to be. So much so we have now returned two years in a row.
For the first time ever we decided we were going to ban all electronics on this vacation. Who needs them? We’d have the sand, the surf, each other…right? Right! After all, Tulum is “off the grid” and many hotels don’t even have electricity 24/7. Instead we packed travel-sized games like Sorry, Uno Spin, Apples-to-Apples, a deck of cards, and what I thought was a ton of books. I was astounded at how fast my kids blew threw those. I saw this as a real opportunity for our family to unplug, stop looking at our screens, and plug into what was important – each other.
Using Locogringo.com we made reservations this year at Villas Las Estrellas. Sandwiched between Los Liros and Shambala, our little slice of paradise was a bit hard to find at first. But when we did, Giuseppe greeted us warmly and showed us to room #2. With a large King sized bed, plus a twin and a trundle bed underneath we found it was perfect for families. We were on the ground level so from our balcony we were able to step right out onto the powdery, sandy beach. The waves were only a hundred steps or so away—convenient and wonderful to fall asleep to at night. This small boutique hotel has 6 beachfront rooms, as well as a reception area that serves as a lounge and restaurant. You can sit for a drink/coffee, eat your breakfast, (included) of warm pastries and fresh fruit, or enjoy an amazing dinner – simply delish! It’s easy to walk to other establishments for lunch and dinner, but I recommended eating at least once at Villas Las Estrellas.
The beaches of Tulum are scarcely populated and it’s not uncommon to find yourself alone in the water. Our days were spent boogie boarding and body surfing. The water is clean, warm and has great waves helped by the steady breeze coming from offshore. We’d read, lounge in the hammocks; go for long walks on the beach and just reconnect with each other. Mid-day we’d head out to find a place like Om or Las Ranitas for lunch. Every place is so low-key, not only are reservations not required, neither are shoes. Our kids tended to head back to the beach while waiting for our food to arrive. They would make a game out of jumping of the stairs, palm trees and other things. You will find there are not many rules. Kids probably wouldn’t get away with these antics at a big resort.
If lying around all day isn’t your thing, there is plenty to keep you and your kids busy. You can go to the ruins, swim in a cenote, visit a water activity park like Xel-Ha or Xcaret or teens can even learn to kite-surf. The first year, we visited the Tulum ruins. This is a very cool archaeological site for kids to see that is so close, you shouldn’t pass it up. A few things to keep in mind: it is hot there with limited shade and no snack stand beyond the front gate. However, there is a nice beach, accessed down a long set of stairs so bring your suits for a quick dip off. The gravel paths are going to make it hard to push a stroller so plan accordingly. This is a great place to spy iguanas so don’t forget your camera.
So what is a cenote? This natural wonder is best described as an underground sinkhole. After the cave falls in, what’s left behind is a cavern. Some are partially closed; some are open to the sunlight. Stalagmites and stalactites grow in them. Some even have bats. And there are definitely great fish to observe. You can explore them on your own, but we felt more comfortable snorkeling at Cenotes Dos Ojos with a cavern guide. You can find one of these in town a local dive shops.
We were curious about Sian Ka’an, the natural persevere located at the southern end of Tulum’s beaches. One day after lunch we drove the long and bumpy road out to the biosphere. While it might be great for older kids to spend a day here on a boat tour, fly-fishing, kayaking or bird watching the ride out there is really rough and would be enough to deter me with little ones. I’d reserve this spot for the more adventurous families
Everyone knows eating can often be a challenge when traveling with kids. Luckily, the food in Tulum is not only outstanding, but we thought it was rather kid friendly as well. Oddly enough in additional to all the great Mexican food, there is a lot of Italian. So finding a wood fired pizza or a bowl of pasta is pretty easy to come by. As a matter of fact, we had excellent pizzas at La Neve the day we decided to explore the town of Tulum (a few miles inland). Back on the beaches, La Zebra has an adorable kids playground as well as highchairs. Our son has his first tableside flambé at Ana Y Jose. The $135 pesos we spent on that flaming dessert elicited more “muchas, muchas, gracias” then we heard him say all week. It is worth mentioning that Ana also has a true kids menu with burgers, chicken fingers, quesadillas and pasta. The only place you might need a dinner reservation is Posada Margherita – a popular spot not to be missed for food connoisseurs.
Things I love most about a Family Vacation in Tulum Beach:
✔ I love watching my kids play with each other, and not a device
✔ I love playing cards with my kids at lunch and dinner
✔ I love not wearing shoes (even to dinner)
✔ I love that there are few TVs, clocks, or radios to be found anywhere
Tips For Family Vacations in Tulum Beach:
✔ Pack snacks for kids no matter their ages. For my 9 & 12 yr olds I brought fruit leathers, energy bars, goldfish, etc. Keep them in Ziploc bags.
✔ Headlamps are great for reading and walking on the beach at night.
Don’t overpack. You will be surprised how little you really need. Leave your hair dryer and those extra shoes at home.
✔ There is a large grocery store (the San Francisco) at the intersection of Highway 307 and the road to Coba/Tulum. It has a very large baby aisle with diapers, baby food, etc. You should have no problem stocking up there.
✔ You can’t go wrong with a small can of bug spray in case that wonderful breeze does die down.
✔ Expect the unexpected. If you can’t handle the occasional gecko or a crab in your room, this vacation is not for you.
The Mexican government plans to build an international airport in Tulum within the next few years. We’re not sure what this means to our favorite sleepy, beach town of Tulum, but you may want to visit now—just in case.
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About the Author
Dana Freeman started FindandGoSeek.net, the fastest growing on-line destination for families to discover what to do and see in Northern Vermont. She is the Editorial Director, a.k.a Miss Magpie. As a compulsive fun seeker, Miss Magpie, is out there taking copious notes on what her family encounters. Recent accolades and achievements include making the “Social Media 40 over 40 list in 2010″ and FindandGoSeek has been named by Hybrid Mom as one of the “Top 20 Fall Family Activities Blogs of 2010″. Follow Dana on Twitter.
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