TULUM IS UTTERLY TERRIBLE
Tulum is a town that sits on the Caribbean Sea and overlooks Mayan ruins. This place has potholes in its streets, bad taxi drivers, terrible traffic jams with out-of-touch people who refuse to accept climate change as an issue because they’re living lifestyles which are detrimental for our planet’s future existence. There are also those looking to “find themselves” by spending money at overpriced retreats or visiting hotels where all of their needs have been taken care of without them having any input whatsoever.
It’s a town where one can overhear tech deals, talk of the “China flu,” Instagram algorithms, and an upcoming drum circle within the span of few minutes.
I came here with very low expectations. I had heard all those stories from my friends about what this place was like when they visited; seen all those influencers on social media gushing profusely; read articles by travelers who shared intimate details about their experience in Silicon Valley to give me some perspective before arriving but it still didn’t prepare me for how different things are now-a-days or help ease that feeling you get once you know something is changing forever knowing there’s no going back – so while being quite skeptical at first after spending.
I had very low expectations going into this trip. But after my experience with the people, culture and food I’m so glad I didn’t let others opinions taint what could be one of the most memorable trips ever!
Tulum is a sleepy little town on the coast of Mexico that was once an escape for those seeking solace from their busy lives. Now, it’s filled with people looking to get away and find themselves in its serene atmosphere.
It’s become another Bali or Goa: a relatively cheap retreat where most people come to drop in, drop out, stay in their bubble. Here you can eat Miami-style food and listen to EDM while lounging on your beach hotel bed all day long before partying all night long with the other locals who have arrived for one of those once-in-a lifetime vacations that will never be forgotten.
Tulum is a beautiful place, but it comes with its fair share of problems. The ruins are well-preserved and the beach itself is absolutely breathtaking; however, there aren’t many activities to do after you’ve exhausted your options at both sites. There’s also not much in way of nightlife either so no worries about staying out too late if that isn’t your thing! If tacos or seafood sound good then head downtown where those dishes can be found prefectly (and affordably) prepared by locals for hungry travelers passing through town.
Tulum may seem like an idyllic vacation destination: gorgeous beaches lapped by clear blue water, picturesque sunsets over palm trees swaying gently on breezy evenings…
I’m not irked by the ones that come to Tulum for that.
Yes, I enjoyed some of those bougie restaurants and beach bars when visiting abroad but it was like re-creating a lifestyle back home rather than experiencing what life is really like in other places. To get an authentic glimpse into destinations outside my own bubble, I rely on locals who don’t serve me food or work at tourist traps; they’re just trying to make their way through this world too with all its beauty and hardships (even if sometimes these people are also happy serving tourists). And while there may be times where you need nothing more than sunbathing time between classes or your office day job from across the country has been one disaster.
For those that stay here long-term, they would do better to be honest about their intentions and the real reasons for coming. They come with different expectations from what is typically found in Tulum (namely an abundance of spiritual enlightenment) yet never stray too far outside of themselves or return back home.
They complain incessantly about crime which exists largely because Westerners have a desire for drugs; lament things are changing even as they’re excited about new projects like a local airport opening up soon where Whole Foods styled grocery stores can now exist without having drive out into Playa del Carmen every time.
When you think Mexico, Tulum probably doesn’t jump to mind. But the tourist destination has a lot more going for it than just beautiful beaches and resort hotels.
If you’re like me and travel because of your love affair with learning about other cultures, an extended visit to Tulum might be perfect for you! There’s not much in the way of Mexican culture that tourists are likely to find here but there is plenty else: overpriced boutique hotels; expensive shops; retreat centers where people can learn yoga or study Buddhism; restaurants serving up pizza as well as pad thai – all at exorbitant prices- alongside juice cleanses from local vendors catering specifically to foreigners who want something “clean”.
