14 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Tulum

I've been to Tulum in December, right after the holidays. For someone who isn't a huge fan of people, this was a mistake. The beach road was so crowded, it felt like I was back in San Francisco city traffic. Restaurants were booked up, the beach was extra busy, customs at the airport a nightmare. I've also been in June, when everything was less crowded, the temperatures were higher, and the likelihood of rain increased. February was the sweet spot for me.

Knowing the climate of Tulum, as well as the low and high seasons, can make all the difference when you travel.

High season in Tulum: December through April. Temperatures are warm, there's the most chance for sun, and you avoid the rainy season. However, because this time is peak season, costs will be higher, and there will likely be more people visiting.

Summer season in Tulum: Summer season, or midseason, is usually May/June to October. This is also generally the more rainy season, and humidity is typically at its highest during some of these months.

Low season in Tulum: September and October, due to the fact that it's hurricane season and the two rainiest months of the year. Late Fall (November) is considered midseason, where weather improves and tourism picks back up again. On most hotel sites, the rates are broken down by season, so make sure to check before you book.

Yes, many places take cards. And yes, even more places take USD (a few even, oddly, only take USD). However, carrying pesos will make your life (and the lives of those who are serving you at restaurants and driving you in cabs) so much easier. Some of the best restaurants and bars on the beach are cash only, and if you're wanting to support local businesses there, show up with the currency that's easiest for them to make a transaction with. You'll save money using pesos over USD.

Tulum beach road, from start to finish, is relatively long (at least for walking), and there are cabs driving up and down the road at nearly all times of the day and night to make getting to and from your destination — especially if you've had a couple of margaritas — much easier. These cab rides are just a few pesos since they are short trips and can only use cash for these.

Many travelers don't realize that the closest airport to Tulum is in Cancún, which is nearly a two-hour drive from Tulum. There are countless car services, buses, and shuttles to get you to and from the airport, but they can be pricey (the service we use usually costs a little less than $200 USD for round trip).

Another option is to rent a car and either pick up in Cancún or pick up once you get down to Tulum. Because there are so many things to see and do not just in Tulum itself, but in the surrounding area, having a car makes it quick and easy to get to all the places you want to go. The price for renting a car can vary (one POPSUGAR editor rented one for around five days for about $180 USD and another rented one for just under $200 USD for seven to eight days, which isn't bad at all), but it really depends on where you go to rent and what deal you get at the time. Renting a scooter or bike for taking around Tulum beach and Tulum town is another smart option!

If you don't want to rent a car, Tulum is still totally doable by cab, bike, scooter, and even foot.

If you've read anything about Tulum's food scene, you've probably heard about Hartwood. The restaurant is a popular destination for visitors, which also means it's pretty much impossible to get a spot for dinner there these days. Hopeful diners used to line up outside the day they wanted to eat there in order to procure a reservation, but now, you're only able to reserve a table via email. If Hartwood is on your bucket list, make sure to plan way in advance of your trip. The same can be said for several of the popular places on Tulum beach. If the spot you want to go takes reservations, make them as early as you can!

Important: Don't just go to the "hotspots"! Yes, the Hartwood is great. And oh boy, are Casa Banana, Casa Jaguar, and Gitano truly delicious. Posada Margherita? So Instagram-worthy. But don't miss out on authentic Mexican food (again, explore the town, too!) and other great spots that may not be as crowded and as talked about but are also wonderful and probably a lot cheaper.

Because Tulum is such a popular international tourist destination, English is generally understood there. However, you're in Mexico, a Spanish-speaking country! Not everyone you encounter will speak English, so it's a good idea (and respectful of the people who live there) to brush up on your Spanish or learn some basic conversational phrases so that you're able to communicate with locals. If you hit only touristy spots, communication shouldn't be a problem, but many cab drivers and owners of local businesses, shops, and restaurants don't speak as much English and will greatly appreciate your efforts to speak Spanish. Even a simple "gracias" goes a long way.