You Need To Know How To Get To Tulum

Did you know that you can’t fly directly into Tulum? You should know that Tulum is two hours away from Cancun. The closest airport to Tulum is 2 hours away, so you’ll need to fly into Cancun. Once you’ve flown into Cancun, you’ll need to find a way to get from the airport to Tulum. You have three options:

1. Private/group transfer Shuttle – You can book a private transfer shuttle as a group or you can join a shuttle as an individual. You can arrange this ahead of time and this might feel safer than jumping into a random taxi once you land.

2. Taxi – This is by far the most expensive option. Once you step outside of the Cancun airport, you’ll be swarmed by taxi drivers. If you take a taxi, you can expect to pay between $60-$100 to get to Tulum. You can attempt to negotiate the price, but you’ll likely be paying close to $100.

3. ADO bus – This is your cheapest option. You’ll pay about $10 for a ride to Tulum. You can either book a bus that stops in Playa Del Carmen and transfers to Tulum or you can book a direct bus to Tulum. You can find an ADO bus kiosk in the airport alongside the rental car kiosks as you exit the airport OR you can pay for your ticket outside near the bus stop. After riding the ADO bus for years across Mexico, I can say that they are clean and completely safe.

4. Rental Car – A rental car will offer you plenty of flexibility in Tulum and nearby towns. I advise booking your rental car ahead of time. During high season, you should book the rental car directly through the company(I.e. Hertz, Avis) website as opposed to a third-party site (Expedia, Skyscanner, etc.)

You Need To Know How Exchange Money

While many places in Tulum certainly accept US dollars, you’ll need to know how to exchange your money to the local currency – Pesos. Skip the currency exchange kiosk in the airport. You’ll get the best exchange rate by withdrawing money from a local ATM once you arrive in Mexico.  You can withdraw cash from a local bank in the airport, in Cancun, or once you arrive in Tulum. Tulum Centro/pueblo is the best place to withdraw cash in Tulum as the ATMs in the hotel zone often run out of money.

Many businesses in Tulum accept credit cards, but you’ll need pesos for taxi rides, taco stands, excursions, etc. It’s also wise to carry cash in order to tip taxi drivers, servers, housekeepers, or anyone who provides a service/assistance during your trip. This goes a long way, especially now.

As a heads up, local businesses will charge you more if you do decide to use US dollars instead of Pesos.

You Need To Know Where Stay In Tulum

There are two sides to Tulum: the Tulum hotel zone and Tulum Centro.

Tulum Hotel Zone is full of villas, treehouses, & boutique hotels with direct access to the beach. It’s expensive AF but you’ll have direct beach access. Many hotels in the hotel zone don’t offer A/C during the daytime and the internet is all but non-existent. If you find yourself in the hotel zone, you’ll need to use hotel and restaurant wifi to stay connected.

Tulum Centro is an affordable area to stay and it’s about 10-15 minutes driving distance from the beach.  This is where the locals live and as a result, you’ll have a much more ‘local’ experience in the area.

Alternatively, Aldea Zama is a new development area in Tulum which is about a 5 minute drive from the beach. It’s directly between Tulum Centro and the Hotel Zone. You’ll find plenty of nice Airbnb’s to book in the area, which are great for large groups!

You Need To Know That Tulum Is Not A Resort Town

Unlike Cancun, Tulum is not a resort town. While the town changed tremendously, the original appeal of the town was it’s laid-back atmosphere and bungalow/boutique hotel vibe. There are plenty of boutique hotels, bungalow, and villas that have gone above & beyond to curate that bohemian vibe that Tulum is known for. Not to mention, the insane amount of resteraunts along the hotel zone with much better food than resort food. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret staying at a stunning bungalow in the hotel zone OR a sick airbnb in Tulum Centro. The options are endless.

There is only resort that is currently in Tulum is Kore Tulum. Other than that, you’ll need to drive 20-30 minutes outside of town to get to Dreams Tulum. Know that you’ll pay $50-$100 ONE WAY to get to the Tulum ruins, beach, and hotel zone if you decided to stay outside of town.

You Need To Know What To Pack

Ladies, leave your heels at home. The hotel zone is one long, rocky dirt road and you don’t want to twist an ankle or break a heel in that mud. I’ve seen it happen before.

The style in Tulum is very beachy, bohemian. Pack plenty of bikinis along with loose clothing for the daytime. Bring a few cute dresses to bar hop at night along with sandals.

The heat/humidity is on 100. Not too different than Houston, but it can be a lot of you’re not used to it, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen!

Do not forget the bugspray. The mosquitos in Tulum are from another planet. Better safe than sorry!

If you’re in need of anything, you can find anything you need at the Super-Aki(local supermarket) along with pharmacy’s in town. If you get sick, you should know that you don’t need a prescription to pick up medication in town.

You Need To Know When How To Get Around

Prior to leaving, you should decide how you plan to get around Tulum. If you choose not to rent a car, you should know that taxi costs can really add up. If you don’t plan to stay in the hotel zone, you will be paying for a taxi everytime you go to the beach or a restaurant in the area. While you don’t need a car in Tulum, it’s certainly more convenient to explore the town and surrounding areas. Traffic is pretty bad at nighttime and during holidays in the hotel zone, so you can expect to pay a lot for a taxi and/or wait up to an hour in traffic to get to your destination.

You Need To Know Where To Eat

You’ll have the opportunity to eat your heart out in Tulum, but first you need to make reservations. If you plan to eat at the best restaurants in the hotel zone – particularly on a weekend trip – you’ll need to book a table ahead of time. I recommend downloading the opentable app to make reservations or emailing/calling the resteraunt to book directly.

You Need To Know When To Go SightSeeing

When it comes to visiting ruins or cenotes, you’ll need to arrive close to open or closing time to have some peace without tour crowds. You can visit cenotes or ruins with a tour group, but it will be cheaper to pay directly at the door. If you’re curious about booking day trips in the area, you can book via viator or airbnb experiences.

You Need To Know That Tulum Is Not Cheap

While you can certainly do Tulum on a budget, the prices in the hotel zone rival New York and Las Vegas prices. If you plan to stay along the hotel zone, drink craft cocktails alongside hipsters, and party in Instagram-worthy beach clubs, be prepared to spend a pretty penny. The Tulum Hotel Zone is one of the most expensive areas in the entire country.

You Need To Know How To Do Tulum On A Budget

As I stated above, Tulum is a place where you can splurge OR save. It just depends on how you decide to travel. You can stay at a nice airbnb or hostel in Tulum centro on a for less than $30 a night. You can bike or take a collective bus to the beach for less than $10 a day. You can enjoy local street food for less than $5 a plate and enjoy cheap drinks at a variety of bars in Tulum Centro. You can get to and from Tulum using the ADO bus for less than $10 a day. If you go with a group, you can split a dope Airbnb for less than $50 a person. If you plan ahead, Tulum doesn’t have to be so expensive.

You Need To Know That Tulum Has Changed

I visited Tulum for the first time 5 years and I’ll be the first to tell you that Tulum has changed. You need to know that Tulum is not the low-key, unknown beach destination that it once was. There’s a Starbucks, there’s plenty of traffic, and it can get extremely busy in the high season. Despite it’s rapid growth, I still adore the area. If you manage your expectations, you can have an great time.

The post Things To Know Before Visiting Tulum appeared first on Showit Blog.

This post was sponsored by Rosetta Stone. All thoughts are mine. 

I’ve been on a mission to learn Spanish ever since I can remember. 

My language learning journey started in middle school. 

Of all the languages I could learn in high school, I chose Spanish as my language elective once again. 

As a Texan, it just made sense to learn Spanish. 

In my college days, I knew that learning Spanish would lead to more job and internship opportunities. I knew that it would make me a greater global citizen. I knew that it would help me travel more freely if I ever got the chance to see the world. Despite being fully aware of the benefits of learning Spanish, I still never managed to learn more than the basics. 

Once I began working full-time in HR, I found that I needed a hobby. Post-grad depression was setting in heavy and I needed to find a way to live life on my own terms in the context of working a 9-5. My blog, Hey Ciara, served as the perfect creative outlet at the time. It was a way for me to share my passion and love for world travel, even when I couldn’t travel at the capacity that I truly desired. I knew early on that I’d quit my job to pursue full-time travel. I began plotting where I’d kick off my year of travel. Mexico, Central America, and South America were the first regions that came to mind. 

Firstly, I knew that I could fly to Mexico for less than $200. I could easily make my way from North America down to South America on a budget. I could learn about a variety of cultures in Latin America and listen to plenty of Reggaeton along the way (and I listened to plenty). Finally, I knew that I could finally immerse myself in the Spanish language far beyond the classroom. 

If you’ve been following for a while, you know I spent several months backpacking throughout the region. I spoke Spanish in markets, taxis, restaurants, etc. I stumbled over my words and oftentimes had to whip out my translator if I needed any assistance. I took one-on-one Spanish classes in Guatemala and even stayed in a Guatemalan family’s home.  I practiced Spanish any chance I got and I truly fell in love with the language. 

After several months, I left the region speaking a conversational level of Spanish. While I was able to get a grasp on the language much quicker than I had in school, I still have a lot to learn. If someone speaks too fast, I find that I’m unable to follow. Let’s just say, I have the grammar and vocabulary of a 12-year-old. I planned to spend more time in both Mexico and Guatemala during 2020 so that I could continue learning, but the pandemic curved that plan. 

Once quarantine began, I knew that it would be the perfect time to brush up on my Spanish-speaking skills. This would give me a way to travel and learn about different cultures from the comfort of my home. I immediately downloaded Rosetta Stone, created a Reggaeton playlist, and tuned into Netflix Spain!

Since then, I’ve been using Rosetta Stone to learn more vocabulary and nail down some better grammar. This has been the ultimate way for me to stay busy, keep my mind active, and focus on a goal to keep me moving forward at this very uncertain time. I truly love learning Spanish and it has made me look forward to future travels. I’m more than ready to show off all that I’ve learned over the past few months. If I decide to continue classes in Mexico post-pandemic, I’ll be much further along in my language learning journey. Plus, I learned that Rosetta Stone also offers Live Lessons that are completely free. So there’s no better time to start learning a new language.

If you’re looking for a way to immerse yourself in another culture and build a skill that can help you in your future travels, I recommend learning a language with Rosetta Stone! 

The post Learning Spanish During Quarantine With Rosetta Stone appeared first on Showit Blog.

I have to be honest. I visit different towns in Mexico yearly, and I only recently heard of La Paz. This is exactly why Mexico just might be my favorite country in the world. I spent a month traveling through lesser known towns in Mexico earlier this year, yet I somehow missed La Paz. I find myself pleasantly surprised to discover a new side of Mexico every time I visit. This also means that I will always have reason to return. It doesn’t hurt that a flight from Texas is usually $200 and less than 2 hours away.

ABOUT LA PAZ

La Paz lies just two hours outside of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It’s the capital of Baja California Sur, but it remains laid back in comparison to many of the larger resort towns that many visit Mexico for. I stand by the fact that Mexico has much more to offer than the stereotypical resort vacation, and La Paz is the perfect example of that. It’s basically Heaven for anyone who is searching for adventure(think swimming with whale sharks & sea lions), idyllic beaches(#1 beach in Mexico), and possibly the best Ceviche that has ever touched your lips(#FACTS).

GETTING TO LA PAZ

La Paz has a small airport, but I flew directly into Cabo from Houston. You’ll likely pay less to fly into a larger airport, and then you can arrange transportation from there. Consider booking a shuttle with Eco Baja from the Cabo airport to the La Paz Malecon/Boardwalk

HOW LONG TO STAY IN LA PAZ

Admittedly, La Paz is a relatively small town. It’s perfect for day-trips or possibly even a two/three day weekend. You can definitely see everything within a weekend!

Things to do

SNORKEL WITH WHALE SHARKS

Most people visit La Paz to get up close & personal with whale sharks. I am proud to say that I found myself face to face with 5 whale sharks within a period of three hours. This was by far one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Check out Tuna Tuna Tours to book this experience!

SWIM WITH SEA LIONS

As if swimming with whale sharks wasn’t enough, I had the opportunity to swim with Sea Lions. It was hilarious to hear their howls and witness them in their natural habitat.

GO STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING

This was my first time stand-up paddle boarding and I fell in love! My legs were wobbling like crazy in the beginning, but it was so much fun once I got the hang of it! Check out Baja Desconocida Tours to book a session at Balandra Beach.

SWIM AT BALANDRA BEACH

Balandra Beach is known as the most beautiful beach in Mexico! There’s a lot of competition, so that’s saying a-lot. The beach is mostly full of locals and man, is it breathtaking! Be sure to take the short hike at the entrance of the beach for an incredible view from above!

VISIT ENSANADA GRANDE

Ensanada Grande was a true gem in every sense of the word. This beach can only be reached by boat, but I encourage you to make it a point to visit. It has the most crystal clear water I’ve ever seen with a pink hue of sand.

STICK AROUND FOR SUNSET

They say that no sunset in La Paz looks the same and I definitely believe it. Within the short amount of time that I was there, I saw the most beautiful pink and orange sunset.

CHECK OUT TODOS SANTOS

Todos Santos is a nearby ‘Pueblo Magic’(Magic Town) that’s worth a day-trip if you have the time. This is where I took surf lessons at Mario Surf School and simply admired the colonial architecture.

La Paz is literally a hop, skip & jump from Texas, so I’m sure that I’ll be back. It’s another destination has rekindled my love affair with Mexico.

Thank you to the La Paz tourism board for Inviting me to experience this destination. All opinions are my own.

The post A Weekend In La Paz, Mexico | Places That Leave You Pleasantly Surprised appeared first on Showit Blog.

Learning Spanish has been one of my biggest goals for years.

It’s the reason I decided to spend several months traveling Latin America. I took Spanish courses in high school, but let’s be real – that didn’t amount to anything.

So, last year I planned to fully immerse myself in Spanish speaking parts of the world. I used my 6th-grade level Spanish to navigate Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, and Peru. My Spanish slowly but surely improved with every cab ride, market exchange, restaurant interaction, and reggaeton song. I even took Spanish classes in Guatemala, which helped tremendously.

At times, the struggle was REAL. I butchered so many sentences and embarrassed myself way too many times. There were moments when people would speak to me and I would just stare at them in pure confusion.  Google translate became my lifeline, but I loved the progress I was making. By the end of it all, a few locals assumed I was fluent *flips hair*.

ONLINE SPANISH CLASSES WITH FLUENT CITY

I left Latin America after 4 months, but I still have so much to learn. My conversational skills are pretty good, but my grammar and vocabulary need serious improvement. I’m determined to continue learning Spanish, no matter where I am in the world.

I discovered Fluent City through my favorite travel vloggers Damon and Jo. Fluent City offers private, group, and online language courses. For someone who’s always on the go, their online courses seemed ideal. I could learn with a consistent structure and lesson plan no matter where I was in the world.

I enrolled in Fluent City’s online classes once a week. I was provided an instructor based on my schedule and skill level. All pre-course communications took place over email, which worked out perfectly while I was on the road. On the first day of class, my teacher evaluated my skill level by conversing with me in Spanish. We only spoke in Spanish and she asked me about my travels through Latin America. This initial course got me really excited to share and learn in a non-conventional way. Her enthusiasm and conversational approach made me feel comfortable from the very beginning. My courses were based on my specific needs and goals, so I felt like I was in complete control of my growth. The remaining courses were flexible, yet challenging. This was my first experience with online language courses, and I’m happy to say that they were effective.

Ideal Fluent City Students:

• Full-time travelers and digital nomads who move around often.
• People who want to improve their language skills so they can communicate with locals.
• People who want to take courses from the comfort of their home.
• Students who enjoy flexible learning styles

Use HeyCiara for $100 off your courses on fluentcity.com!

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Disclaimer: Fluent City allowed me to sample their courses, but all opinions are of my own.  

THANKS FOR READING! HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? SHARE THEM BELOW! HAVE YOU ALREADY TAKEN YOUR FIRST SOLO TRIP? ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO GAIN SUPPORT FROM YOUR LOVED ONES?

The post Learning Spanish Online With Fluent City appeared first on Showit Blog.

Read about sweat, screams, chants, and tears at a Mexican Sweat Lodge with Maya Tulum Resort

I returned to one of my favorite places on earth in January:

Tulum, Mexico

Things are changing fast in this tiny beach town, but it still holds a very special place in my heart. After all, it was the starting point for my year of full-time travel. Needless to say, I was beyond excited to return nearly a year later. I wanted to revisit the idyllic beaches, explore some new Cenotes, and eat plenty of tacos al pastor. I also wanted to try a Temazcal for the first time.

A Temazcal is a traditional Mexican sweat lodge. It’s an ancient Mayan ritual designed to remove toxins from the body. Indigenous people previously used these steam baths to cure illnesses or purify their bodies after battles. The four stages of the ceremony are led by a Shaman, which is a spiritual healer. It takes place inside a small domed structure that represents the womb. In other words, you’re supposed to feel like a spiritual and mental rebirth has occurred by the end of the process. I was interested to see if this would be the result.

When I discovered that Temazcal ceremonies were offered in Tulum, I was all in. I’m always open to new experiences when I travel, especially if they hold cultural or historical significance. So I thought, why not give it a try? I reached out to Maya Tulum Resort to schedule a session at their onsite Temazcal.

Admittedly, I had no idea what to expect. I was skeptical of whether the cleansing would actually be effective. I read many testimonials stating that the Temazcal proved to be an extremely intense and emotional experience, but naturally, I had my doubts. What if it was all a hoax?

I met a local girl on the beach the morning before I was scheduled to attend my Temazcal. We engaged in small talk and I told her that I’d be participating in a ceremony later that day. She replied, “Wow, you’re going to be so drained by the end of it. It is very powerful”. I was honestly hoping she was right. If I was going to do it, I wanted the real deal.

Later that night, I arrived at Maya Tulum Resort. I showed up alongside 5 other women who would be going through the experience with me. They revealed to me that this was their second time doing a temazcal, which gave me a sense of reassurance. On one hand, I was happy to go through this with a group of women who seemed to have great energy. On the other hand, I knew that it must be a great experience if they were back for more.

Before we knew it, we were entering the ‘womb’ with our designated Shaman. We sat shoulder to shoulder inside of this pitch black dome. The shaman asked us to state our intentions and then the process began. I can hardly put the experience into words.

There were chants, songs, screams, prayers, sweat, and tears.

Round after round, the steam picked up. I felt like I was inside of an oven. It was steaming and I honestly wanted out. I hoped that it was over everytime the door was opened, only to realize that more volcanic rock was being shoveled inside. As I crouched over in my swimsuit, I felt like I was about to pass out. My entire body was covered in sweat, but I attempted to focus on the moment. I tried to focus on the sounds around me and the feelings inside my body. So much was happening at once, yet it all felt extremely genuine. Somehow I lasted until the very end and I couldn’t have been more relieved to exit the steam house.

I stepped out onto the sand to the sounds of crashing waves and howling wind. A strong feeling of relief washed over me. I didn’t realize just how intense every second was until the experience was over. Time seemed to stop while I was inside, and the rush of emotion hit me once it all ended.

I didn’t feel like a brand new person or anything like that, but I could definitely feel the effects of the Temazcal. I walked back to my condo feeling lighter.

Additional Notes

This was all a very interesting experience. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen or done before, which makes me grateful for the chance. Here are a few tips in case you decide to give it a go:

• Drink plenty of water beforehand
• Bring or arrive in a swimsuit
• If you have any health issues, consult with your doctor before participating
• Understand that every person’s experience will be different
• It’s a very unusual experience so try to go in with an open mind

Thanks to Maya Tulum for the experience! All opinions are my own.

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• Here’s What Really Went Down on my Solo Trip Through Latin America After Quitting my Job 

The post My Experience In A Mayan Sweat Lodge | A Temazcal in Tulum appeared first on Showit Blog.

Here are some things that happened on my trip:

– I cried in my taxi on my first night because it finally hit me that I was about to embark on a such a new experience. I had no idea what to expect & my parents were freaking out about me traveling through Latin America alone. What if they were right? What if the worst did happen?

– I returned to love in Tulum, Mexico after having previously experienced the town with an ex. I intentionally started my trip here so that I could create my OWN memories, without them being soured by the thought of someone/something that once was. And so I did. I took back Tulum.

– I swam with sharks in the blue waters of Belize, but the captain on the boat offered us so much Caribbean rum that I hardly remember the experience. I guess that’s what pictures are for, right?

– What’s even more crazy? I stayed in a hostel in Caye Caulker, Belize named ‘DIRTY MCNASTY’S. LOL…wh…? Enough said.

– I went sailing for the first time in Belize  for 3 days. No showers, cell service, etc. I should also mention that all 3 of the boat crew were easy on the eyes, especially the captain.

– I got the chance to spend 3 days snorkeling in the 2nd largest barrier reef in the .

– I camped & slept in a tent for the first time – on a remote island in Belize. When I peaked from behind my tent at dawn to pink skies, I nearly cried.

– I camped & slept in a tent for the second time on a Volcano in Guatemala. We watched as the volcano erupted through the night right under the star filled sky.

– If the 13,045 ft hike to the top wasn’t hard enough, I shed a tear once we got to the top…not because I’d FINALLY made it, but because I realized that I’d lost my phone on the way up. After feeling like I was going to die and my legs were going to give out, It was the tip of the iceberg.   1 month of photos GONE! Stupid, beautiful Volcano.

– As a result, I traveled for a month without a phone and everything was fine. I used like…real maps & stuff. Like, I didn’t die.

– I camped for the 3rd time in the Peruvian Andes Mountains on 3 day, 18mile(30km) trek to Machu Picchu.

– I couch-surfed alone for the first time and made a life long friend. Sure, I feared for my life on the first night but my host ended up showing me his life in Belize. He’d prepare meals, help with laundry, show me around town & more all out of the kindness of his heart. We even illegally crossed the border just to go to his favorite bar over in Guatemala. Sorry mom.

– I rode a motorcycle for the first time in the Nicaragua. After stopping at a smoothie shop in town with my Canadian friend, two workers invited us to go dance salsa in town with them. They told us to meet them back at the restaurant at 9pm. When we arrived, they were waiting for us on their bikes. Well…when in Rome, right?

– I connected with people from all over the world, from Peru to Norway. White & brown, old & young, straight & gay, etc…it didn’t matter. It doesn’t matter. It’s amazing how quickly strangers can become friends. How you can share things with them that you haven’t shared with those you’ve known your entire life. How you can share intimate moments with them that you’ll never forget.

– I lived with a Guatemalan family to help with my Spanish. Although things got REALLY awkward and we sometimes had to use Google Translate to communicate, mi Madre(Sylvia) never failed to make me feel at home when she’d call me down for breakfast before school each morning. Anytime I’d feel uncomfortable, I’d remind myself that I asked to be challenged.

– I took one on one Spanish classes in Antigua, Guatemala and it really helped push me closer to my goal of becoming fluent. Also, every interaction I had..in taxis, in markets, in restaurants, and with new amigos/friends.

– I went salsa dancing every chance I got & attended so many free classes. I loved every second of it!

– I fell in LOVE with Reggaeton! J balvin, Maluma, Nicky Jam

– I stayed at a wonderful place in Nicaragua called Maderas Village. I met the most inspiring people here. It seemed that everyone had also quit their jobs to travel and/or work on their own personal projects. We had conversations that I didn’t even know my heart needed.

– The sweetest Isreali girl taught me how to surf the golden waves of Playa Maderas in Nicaragua. She spoke nearly 5 languages and she was such a bad*ss. Just a traveler who offered to show us to surf. I met so many awesome Israelis during my trip and although I never had a strong desire to visit before, I do now.

– I tasted exotic fruits that I didn’t even know existed. Maracuya, Guanabana, Pitahaya Mamoncillo, Apote…

– I ate alone in restaurants & sat in many coffee shops alone. It was always awkward at first, but I learned more & more each time that what others think of me is truly none of my business.

– I met so many amazing women who are just killing it at life!

– I volunteered on a sail boat for 6 days from Panama to Colombia. In exchange for cleaning dishes, preparing food, and sharing my experience with you all, I received a trip in the San Blas Islands at no cost.

– Honestly, I was ready to get off that dang boat after 6 days. I didn’t know it then, but my soul needed the solitude and the sea.

– I woke up one day & decided to go paragliding in Medellin, Colombia  and it was pure ecstasy. It was then that I decided fear wouldn’t stop me from doing anything in life.

– I also got robbed at knife-point in Medellin, Colombia. Oh, the literal highs and lows of travel.

See: Travel Insurance

– I trekked for 3 days in the sacred valley of the Incas on the way to Machu Picchu. Within 10 minutes, I was thinking “NUH-UHHHHH.*huffing & puffing* I *huff* CANT *puff* DO *huff* 3 *puff* MORE *huff* DAYS *puff* OF *huff* THIS *big puff*”. But of course I could. I might have been last but I did.

– I questioned my own beliefs/views about my life, myself, relationships, religion, and everything else I’ve been taught.

– While I need Google Maps to drive 20min away in my hometown, I navigated foreign lands alone. While I thought I was shy/introverted, I made new friends on a daily basis. I surprised myself many times.

– I learned that there are plenty of fish in the sea and they are only waiting to meet you. So, don’t trip over F*boys(or girls).

– I fell in love many times – with the strangers that so quickly became friends, with every sunset I saw, with the chaotic markets I visited, and each new chance life presented me with when I arose each morning.

– I visited Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia & Peru.

– I thought I was confident before, but this trip gave me more confidence than I’ve ever had.

If you are considering a booking a trip, applying for your dream job, quitting your job, or doing anything that scares you….please do it! I cannot promise the journey will be perfect, but I can almost guarantee that it’ll be worth it.

I am so grateful that I was able to see the world in this way. Since I only returned 2 weeks ago, I haven’t had the chance to fully process the past 3.5 months. However, my phone notes are FILLED with videos, blog post ideas, and more. I can’t wait to share everything with you all in more detail.

NEXT UP: EUROPE. I head there in less than a month. If any of you have recommendations, please let me know! I will be flying into Paris & bouncing around.

Note – These are bullet points that I originally wrote in my iphone notes. I then posted them in a private fb group & received phenomenal feedback so I decided to share it here. Hope you enjoy.

If you enjoyed this post, please comment & share. Your engagement helps me to continue sharing.

Thank you for reading. xx Ciara

The post Here is what REALLY went down on my solo trip through Latin America after quitting my job appeared first on Showit Blog.

I’d seen pictures of this unique tree-house lodge circulating around Instagram and it looked phenomenal. Now I know that pictures, despite how great they are, don’t even begin to do this place justice. 

Sometimes I don’t mind where I stay – Give me a clean room with a shower & I’ll be fine. Other times, I purposely seek out one-of-kind places that are an experience in themselves. That might be a purple airstream in the middle of east Texas, a treehouse in the middle of the rainforest in Costa Rica, a glamping tent in a Mayan town and in this case…a jungle treehouse overlooking Tulum’s white sand beaches. 

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a traditional Mayan ceremony to cleanse us of any toxins or negative energy so that we could focus on being present. It was explained that Azulik was designed to bring connectivity to ourselves and/or each other. This is why there are no tv’s, A/C, wifi, or other ‘distractions’ throughout the property. After giving us a tour around the property and explaining the philosophy at Azulik, they welcomed us with a green juice and walked us to our villa.

We were blown away the moment we walked through the entrance. The whole property is raised off the jungle floor and you are completely surrounded by nature. Despite being only 5-10min away from any establishments, it feels like you are a thousand miles away from civilization. My jaw nearly dropped as we walked through maze-like wooden bridges & enchanting archways to get to our room.

Our villa? Oh, It was love at first sight – a beautiful white round canopy bed in the center of the room, a private toilet with an intricate wood carved door, a small handmade mosaic bathtub with an empty coconut to fill & rinse our bodies with, an intimate dining area with pillows on the floor for seats instead of chairs, floor-to-ceiling windows with intricately designed wooden blinds, and two large doors in front of the tub in case we wanted to soak as the ocean breeze flowed into our room. Sounds like heaven, right? 

Then we step outside & we’re blown away by a spacious balcony that is equipped with a mosaic pool, 2 comfortable chairs, a wooden dining table, a magnificent view of the beach, and a round bed that hung from the ceiling. We jumped onto the bed like children and squealed in excitement. “Is this real life?”, I thought. I guess that cleanse worked because we looked at each other and admitted that we DID feel different. After laying on our balcony and overlooking the turquoise water, we did feel a shift in energy. It might sound corny, but my soul did feel a bit more calm & free. Within 30 minutes, we both declared that we’d never stay at a place better than Azulik.

We originally planned to stay here for 2 days and then move to a nice but more affordable place. We ended up loving it so much that we extended our stay for an additional two days. I was completely awestruck by the architecture every second that I looked around. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. We actually ended up sleeping on the bed on the balcony more than the bed in the room because it was so peaceful to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves just below us. We woke up at 4am daily to watch the sunrise from the hanging bed outside or the plunge pool because it was just that spectacular. It was a blast to experience such a unique place with someone, but I could see it being just as special alone. I never wanted to leave this jungle treehouse. 

Azulik is one-of-a-kind and I really do wonder if it can be topped. It’s pricey, but completely worth it even if only for a few days. It’s not for everyone – especially if you can’t go without showers, A/C, or wi-fi. It is NOT your standard hotel or resort because it doesn’t many offer modern amenities. However, it’s perfect for anyone who is looking for a highly unique experience within the jungle and along the white sand beaches of Tulum.

FYI: This is NOT a sponsored post(I WISH! HA). This place was SO amazing that it deserved a blog post of its own. 

Helpful things to know: 

• Azulik is adults only – all guests must be over 18
• The beach & entire property is clothing optional. People are not shy, so be prepared.
• Free yoga is offered every morning in the yoga dome
• The beach area is small , but private. 
  • If you are looking for a bigger area, you can wander along either side of Azulik to find endless stretches of beaches.
• The villas don’t have A/C(only a fan above the bed), meaning it can get really hot & humid during the daytime inside of the rooms. 
• Many restaurants are within a 5-10min walk down the beach
  • The food at Azulik is just ‘okay’ in my opinion. I’d recommend exploring some of the restaurants in town for better food options. There are SO many to choose from!
• There are no showers, only tubs with a coconut to rinse yourself off
• Since there are no lights, the place is candle-lit by nighttime 
  • This creates an inconvenience if you are trying to get ready at night or do anything in your room at night. You can use your phone flashlight or bring one
• There is only one outlet to charge your electronics in the room
• This is not a traditional ‘resort’, so you won’t have people waiting on you hand & foot. However, the staff is friendly & helpful if you need anything.
• The walkways are made of wooden sticks – Heels are probably not the best idea 
• Wi-fi is available, but only in a concentrated area – not in the rooms
• Organic mosquito repellant, body soap, etc. are provided inside of the room
• You will need to fly into Cancun to get to Tulum. Check out my guide to Tulum here.

The post A Look Inside Azulik Eco Resort, an Architectural Masterpiece! appeared first on Showit Blog.

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  

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!

The post Everything You Need to Know About Tulum, Mexico appeared first on Showit Blog.

Harmony offers 6 different glamping tents to travelers. Each tent has its own name & personality inspired from locations around the world. I was placed in ‘The Frida’, which was closest to the property’s entrance. Aside from colorful Mexican decorations inside of the tent, the layout was extremely simple. It included a queen-sized bed, floor fan, side-table, and a small veranda. Due to the lack of air-conditioning, the tents are not a place to lounge around in on a warm day in Tulum. However, it was perfect to return to after a day of wandering around town. While towels and soap are offered for showers, tent-dwellers will use the communal bathrooms placed in the center of the property. Since you’re outdoors, you may hear nearby street cars and dogs barking at night. You are given a key to lock your tent during the day and a locker for your valuables while you are away. If glamping is not your thing, there are 5 suites available with air conditioning, personal bathrooms, and complete privacy.

Like many other hotels in Tulum, Harmony is eco-friendly. It was built on the grounds of their  Organic Permaculture farm, only using sustainable materials. I was able to enjoy some of the produce grown on their farm during meals at their onsite Flow Restaurant. The restaurant is extremely vegetarian/vegan friendly. There are only a few meat options on the whole menu, so  I tried a veggie burger for the first time and it was surprisingly tasty! I also had a breakfast smoothie and Falafel for lunch the following day. Each meal was fresh, the service was prompt, and I loved the dimly-lit atmosphere at night.

Overall, I really enjoyed my stay at Harmony. Tulum holds a special place in my heart, so I love discovering new places to stay, eat, and play in town. During my last visit I stayed in the hotel zone right on the beach, so it was nice to stay in the ‘real’ Tulum this time around.

You can book on their website for the cheapest rate at http://www.harmonyglampingtulum.com/book-it

Note: Harmony Glamping Hotel & Boutique offered me a complimentary stay, but all opinions expressed are my own. 

The post Glamping at Harmony Boutique Hotel in Tulum appeared first on Showit Blog.

I’m currently restless. I’m itching to be in new surroundings. I have some pretty exciting trips planned and can’t wait to share those with you! Hope you enjoy these pictures for now!

Do you have any fun trips planned? If not, what would be your ideal trip? Comment below!

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