Before I dive into how to make the most out of your weekend in Tulum, I must admit one thing: I LOVE MEXICO. Mexico is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or to celebrate your birthday. Different Mexican cities will give you different vibes. Cancun is known for its nightlife and Tulum is known for its beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city. My best friend and I decided to book a trip to Tulum for a chance to escape our everyday routine. We snagged $250 flight tickets via Spirit Airlines and set off. Once we landed at Cancun International Airport, we hopped in a $30 SuperShuttle to Tulum. The ride was close to two hours from the airport. Major tip: avoid exchanging your dollars to pesos in the U.S., you'll get a better exchange rate in downtown Tulum. Mexico is becoming increasingly popular amongst tourists, especially Cancun so things can get a bit pricey in touristy areas. Taxi cabs are affordable but can add up quickly depending on where you are staying and the time of day. Most cab drivers are willing to haggle if you're patient with them. Thinking of traveling to Mexico soon? Be sure to respect the culture and locals, be aware of your surroundings and enjoy yourself! Here are tips on how to make the most out of your weekend getaway to Tulum:

Stay in Downtown Tulum

There are two main places to stay in Tulum, downtown or the beach. I would recommend staying downtown because it is more affordable. The beach area is more pricey and there is not much to do in the area other than go to the beach, shop and eat. The downtown area will give you a taste of local life with street food, locally owned shops and cenotes. I stayed in a chic boutique hotel called Turquoise Boutique, located 5 minutes away from central Tulum. The rooms were comfortable and there were two pools. The hotel also offers free breakfast and bikes for rent.

Take an Historic Express Tour

I couldn't go to Mexico without visiting the legendary Chichen Itza, one of the several new wonders of the world. Chichen Itza is a pre-Colombian city built by the Maya people with a sacred Mayan temple in the shape of massive pyramid at its center. The best time to visit the site is early in the morning to beat the crowds and heat. We embarked on a 4 am sunrise tour that allowed us to explore Chichen Itza, have lunch and return to Tulum with time to spare. You can also rent a car and drive there but if you're not comfortable driving in another country, I would go the tour route. This is the tour I booked. Our tour guide, Mario was super engaging and knowledgeable. There were few stops along the way and we didn't feel rushed at all. Note: visitors are no longer able to climb to the top of the pyramid. There are other historical attractions you can visit if Chichen Itza is not your speed like Tulum Ruins and Coba.

Eat with Locals

To get a bang for your buck, skip the fancy restaurants and dine with street food vendors. On our walk to downtown, we stumbled upon a guy serving up the best tacos for less than a dollar each!

Skip Sleep and Party Downtown

Tulum never sleeps! If you want to make the most out of your weekend, skip sleep (you can do that on the plane) and gallivant the night away. I recommend these spots for a fun night of dancing and libations:

Explore Beach Town

The town surrounding Tulum Beach is filled with restaurants, bars, hotels and shops. It’s the perfect place to bike or take a stroll. There are so many beautiful places to stop so take your pick! Here are a few places to check out while you're there:

Do it for the 'gram and acai bowls at Matcha Mama.
Grab some cheap delicious drinks with lively locals at I Scream Bar.
Marvel at insane art at Azulik's stunning art gallery, IK Lab.

Watch the Sunrise at Tulum Beach

Nothing can beat a beautiful sunrise at the beach. Rise early to watch the waves crash as the golden sun floats into the clouds. I was able to squeeze this in right before heading to the airport and it was a great decision. The beach is peaceful and surrounded by palm trees swaying in the breeze. Wear your favorite bather and make your way to shore.