Okay, babe, let’s get this straight: if you’re flying all the way to Tulum just to live inside an all-inclusive buffet line, we need to have a talk. Tulum is not that girl. She’s the cool, effortlessly chic friend who wears linen on purpose, takes film photos of sunsets, and somehow makes coconut water feel like a luxury moment. And if you want to feel that vibe — truly feel it — you gotta do Tulum like a pro.
1. Find a Boutique Stay That Feels Like a Secret
Skip the resorts with neon bracelets that scream “tourist.” Instead, look for a small, stylish boutique stay or a dreamy Airbnb with a jungle-meets-beach aesthetic. Think rustic wood beams, white sheets, and open windows where you can hear the ocean before you see it. Bonus points if there’s a hammock.
Tip: The closer you stay to the beach strip or Aldea Zama, the easier it is to bike everywhere (and yes, we’re biking, not calling cabs every five minutes like it’s 2010).
2. Biking Is the New Uber
Everyone in Tulum bikes. It’s basically the unofficial dress code. Grab a cute rental (most boutique hotels have them), toss a woven tote on the handlebars, and you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own dreamy Pinterest reel. Plus, biking through palm-lined paths beats sitting in traffic every single time.
Pro move? Go early in the morning before it gets too hot and the roads get busy. It’s the perfect time to scout coffee spots — because yes, Tulum’s coffee game is on point.
3. Coffee Shops > Hotel Breakfasts
Forget dry pancakes and sad scrambled eggs. Tulum’s café scene is where it’s at. Look for spots with slow-drip coffee, fresh coconut pastries, or even smoothie bowls that look like art. Find a place with outdoor seating, bring your journal (or just your aesthetic camera roll), and enjoy the low-key magic.
You’ll thank me when you have a latte under palm trees that makes every hotel buffet look like… well, cafeteria food.
4. Pack Pieces That Work Hard for You
We’re not doing “vacation outfits” that only work once. Think lightweight cotton sets, oversized linen shirts, and airy dresses that can go from the market to a beach walk without a wardrobe crisis. A cute straw hat? Yes. Flip-flops that scream “I tried”? Hard no.
Also, Tulum is all about neutral tones. Whites, beiges, dusty pastels — basically anything that looks good in golden-hour photos. You’ll thank me when your camera roll looks straight out of a travel magazine.
5. Markets Are Your Best Friend
Here’s the thing: Tulum is full of overpriced souvenir shops, but the real gems are in the local markets. Think handwoven bags, artisan ceramics, and jewelry that actually feels unique. You’ll spend less, get better quality, and have the kind of pieces that make people say, “Oh my gosh, where did you get this?” (Cue your smug little smile.)
6. Sunrise Walks > Crowded Afternoons
Let me put you on: the beach at sunrise is a whole different Tulum. It’s quiet, golden, and honestly, it’s where you’ll feel the vibe the most. No crowds, no chaos — just you, the ocean, and that soft pink sky. Bring a lightweight blanket or scarf and just exist. It’s a vibe shift you didn’t know you needed.
7. Eat Where the Locals Eat
Skip the overpriced tourist traps with English-only menus. Walk a little further off the main strip, and you’ll find family-owned spots serving authentic tacos, fresh fruit platters, and everything made with love. Look for where the locals are sitting — that’s your green light.
8. Capture Moments, Not Just Photos
Yes, Tulum is basically a content creator’s playground, but don’t forget to actually be there. Snap your cute sunset pic, then put the phone down and just let yourself breathe in the salty air. The memories you’ll make when you’re fully present? That’s the real souvenir.
Girl, You Got This
Tulum isn’t about doing it all — it’s about feeling it all. It’s slow mornings, sun-kissed afternoons, and those little moments when you look around and think, “Wow, I get to be here.” So skip the cookie-cutter vacation package and create your own vibe.
Pack your confidence, grab that linen shirt, and remember: you’re not just visiting Tulum, babe. You’re curating your own dream board moment.
Girl, you got this.
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