Tulum, a coastal paradise in Mexico, offers more than just stunning beaches and ancient ruins. This vibrant town hides many lesser-known spots waiting to be explored. Imagine swimming in crystal-clear cenotes, visiting quirky art installations, or savoring delicious local cuisine at hidden eateries. These hidden gems in Tulum provide unique experiences away from the usual tourist paths. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a foodie, Tulum has something special for everyone. Ready to uncover the secrets of this tropical haven? Let's dive into the 18 hidden gems that will make your Tulum vacation unforgettable.

18 Hidden Gems In Tulum For Your Next Dream Vacation

Carrabelle, FL

You don't have to go as far as Thailand to discover an idyllic, private beach. Located approximately 3.5 miles off-shore from the northwestern panhandle, Florida's Dog Island may be the ultimate, timeless escape. A short trip from the small town of Carrabelle, Dog Island features endless white sandy shores along a slender, 7-mile barrier island. A haven for tranquility, "The Dog" consists of 1,800 acres including various maritime relics, rare wildlife, and versatile fishing opportunities. Although you won't have to swim to reach the small island, you can travel across the Saint George Sound by boat, ferry, kayak, or plane.

Explore A Truly Secluded Island At This White-Sand Florida Paradise Where Time Stands Still

Mexico has long been a must-visit destination for party animals the world over, with legendary writer Hunter S. Thompson, Nobel laureate Ernest Hemingway, and pop icon Madonna being attracted to the country for its unique party culture and intriguing selection of alcohol. In addition to its delicious beer, Mexico is famously the home of tequila and its smokier cousin, mezcal — and who could turn down the chance to drink such delights as they were intended to be drunk under a hot Mexican sun?

Party In Mexico While Avoiding Puerto Vallarta Crowds At This Nearby, Low-Key Seaside Gem

Panama is the ideal place for people who want to take a luxurious vacation on the Pacific coast. Whether you stay on a private island or a luxury hotel and golf resort, you'll feel pampered and relaxed when your trip is over. Unfortunately, these places don't always let you fully immerse yourself in the culture. More than that, they can cost a pretty penny to visit, as extravagance isn't cheap.

This Overlooked Pacific Coast Town Offers A Luxury-Feeling Tropical Getaway At A Low Cost

You'd be forgiven for thinking the Tahitian surf scene is out of your league. The destination in French Polynesia is often considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and recently hosted the surfing competition at the Paris Olympics on a wave called Teahupoʻo, one of the most intimidating spots on the planet. While practically every surfer dreams of getting spit out of this reef's pumping tube, that wave is not for everyone — it's not even for most of us. Only a few lifelong lunatics will ever get to the point where they can comfortably surf that wave at its maximum conditions.

One Of The Best Surfing Spots In All Of Tahiti Is This Postcard-Worthy Black-Sand Beach

South Carolina State

Hilton Head Island, SC

The Carolinas are famous for their sprawling beaches and cute beachside retreats, like North Carolina's Bald Head Island. But if there's one thing to know about heading into the Lowcountry, it's that for every busy hotspot like Hilton Head, there's an equally quiet retreat like Hunting Island to escape the crowds.

This Unsung Island In South Carolina Is A Beach Paradise Like Hilton Head Without Crowds

Hawaii State

Travelers headed to the Hawaiian islands, particularly Oahu, who plan on driving should heed this Hawaiian heads-up: Driving and parking your vehicle around the island can get very tricky. It's understandable that tourists grab rental cars to explore Oahu since there are so many things to do there beyond Waikiki Beach, but adventure by rental car is best had when prepared for local driving and parking conditions. The biggest surprise for Hawaiian tourists renting cars is that most meters, even those close to or in larger towns, still only accept coins. While "smart meters" that accept credit cards are being rolled out in downtown Honolulu, parking meters around Oahu and other islands largely remain coin only.

Why Tourists Renting A Car In Hawaii Should Have Coins On Them At All Times

Tuscany, Italy, is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine. But beyond the well-known cities like Florence and Pisa, there are many hidden gems waiting to be explored. Have you ever wondered what the most beautiful towns in Tuscany are? From medieval villages perched on hilltops to charming coastal towns, Tuscany offers a variety of picturesque spots that will take your breath away. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or someone who loves scenic views, these towns have something special to offer. Ready to discover the magic of Tuscany's lesser-known treasures? Let's dive in!

Hidden Gems: The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In Tuscany, Italy

It's very disconcerting to experience an earthquake, even when it's small. Some may just cause your light fixture to swing, but larger ones can crack pavement, damage buildings, and, in some cases, cause a devastating tsunami. If one hits when you're on vacation, it's important to know what to do and what not to do. First, stay calm. We know that's a big ask, but knowing the right steps to take before you experience this situation can keep you from panicking. One of the most important things you can do is have an emergency meeting plan if you get separated from friends and family. When you arrive at your destination, pick a spot to meet up if you can't communicate.

The Best Thing To Do If There's An Earthquake While You're On Vacation

InsideHook

Don’t look now, but we might be living through a renaissance of specialized train travel. Whether you’re looking to take in the evocative landscapes of New Mexico or make your way across Canada, odds are good that there’s a way to do so via train and in style. Perhaps the apex of this is Orient Express’s new La Doce Vita line, which offers travelers a way to see Italy as it is while crossing the country in meticulously-designed interiors which hearken back to the aesthetics of a bygone decade.

Orient Express Is Taking Bookings for Its Retro-Inspired Italian Line

Is there any wonder people have been increasingly jumping ship to Costa Rica? The landscape is always green and luscious, the food is fresh and delicious, it’s safe, and the people are truly happy to see you and live the philosophy of pura vida (pure life). The longer you stay, the more tempting the prospect gets…

Pura Vida In Costa Rica: The Best Places To Stay

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Emily Standley Allard

"Baby why you gotta be so mean?" The zodiac is a fascinating system that many people turn to for insights into personality traits, behaviors, and compatibility. While every zodiac sign has its unique strengths and challenges, some signs are often perceived as being a bit more sharp-edged, vindictive or difficult (to say the least) to deal with. In this article, we'll delve into the four zodiac signs commonly considered the "meanest," exploring the characteristics that contribute to this perception and how these traits manifest in their interactions with others. To lighten the mood, we'll include some funny quotes about each sign's mean streak.

The 4 Meanest Signs in the Zodiac

London, UK, 11 July 2024: Is Crete the island you have heard of many times but still haven’t got to visit in person? Here are reasons why this giant island is worth your time according to Crete family holiday resort Fodele Beach with exclusive travel tips. Sprawling coastline and...

The Greek Island That Checks Every Box, and The Island Resort That Has It All

Vietnam has been touted as being one of the cheapest destinations in the world in 2024, but it's so much more than simply a bargain bucket list check. While, yes, Vietnam is decidedly an inexpensive destination, you'll come away feeling rich in cultural experiences and the interactions you have with friendly locals. Whether you're marching your way across the country by rail on the famed Reunification Express or discovering the lesser known hidden gem of Vietnam's southern islands, you'll be wowed at the value for money in this beautiful country.

One Of The Cheapest Travel Destinations In The World Is A Tourist-Friendly, Tropical Paradise

FinanceBuzz

We recommend you avoid wasting money on these overhyped vacation spots. Many are highly commercialized, expensive, and often better on TV.

20 Overrated U.S. Travel Destinations You Could Take Off Your Bucket List

Perched on a promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palazzo Avino was originally a 12th-century nobleman’s house before being reincarnated in 1997 as an elegant five-star hotel dedicated to giving guests a taste of la dolce vita. A design destination, it’s quieter than other Amalfi favourites and, while tourists may gather in the cobblestone alleyways, Palazzo Avino is like a beautiful fortress, offering the good life with stepped terraces dripping down the rockface, manicured gardens and high class hospitality. Affectionately known as the pink palace of Ravello, from the strawberry-hue, candy-striped parasols and crisp rosé wine to the blush of the horizon as sky and water become one, life here is rosy.

Hush Hush Haven On The Amalfi Coast: Palazzo Avino

No one likes to spend unwisely, not even on vacation. And it’s equally disappointing whether you spend too much money on overpriced experiences or you spend too little and get a subpar hotel room, a bad meal (yep, they exist in Italy), or a too-cheap souvenir. So let my...

Planning a Trip to Italy: Where to Save and When to Splurge

If you're planning a Greek vacation, it's a pretty good bet that you're going to be visiting Santorini. In 2023, there were 3.4 million visitors to the small island with a population of only around 20,000. Cruise ships bring in around 17,000 passengers a day to Santorini. That means, if you want to see the famous Santorini sunset from the town of Oia, you're going to be packed in with tons of other people (as you can see in the pic below), and even worse, you could be waiting hours to get a ferry from the ship and more time to take a chair lift to the city. It's gotten bad enough on Santorini with overcrowding from cruise ships that some cruise lines are canceling planned stops, meaning that, even if you've booked a cruise there, you still might not see it.

This Is Arguably The Worst Way To Visit The Iconic Greek Island Of Santorini

Travelers worldwide have had a love affair with La Dolce Vita in Italy for centuries. As over-tourism impacts popular destinations like Venice, Florence, Rome, and Cinque Terre, those seeking a quieter experience are turning to Umbria, Tuscany's lesser-known counterpart. Here, they'll discover the same natural beauty as Tuscany without the crowds of tourists.

Tenuta di Murlo in Italy's 'Green Heart' Rivals Tuscany Minus the Tourists

Looking for the best places to live in the Philippines? This beautiful country offers more than just stunning beaches and vibrant festivals. From bustling cities to serene countryside, the Philippines has something for everyone. Imagine living in a place where you can enjoy both modern amenities and natural beauty. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of Manila, the historical charm of Cebu, or the cool climate of Baguio, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. Each location has its own unique appeal, making it easy to find a place that fits your lifestyle. Ready to discover your next home? Let's dive into the most livable spots in the Philippines.

Hidden Gems: The Most Livable Spots In The Philippines

NewsBreak

Add European Flair To Your Next Beach Vacation At This Hidden Gem Getaway In Mexico

The world is full of hidden gems and beach vacations awaiting those answering the call of adventure. The question remains — which getaway is next on...

Add European Flair To Your Next Beach Vacation At This Hidden Gem Getaway In Mexico

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