YES! Check to see if your passport is VALID and not EXPIRED :) You will need it to arrive in Mexico
This is TOTALLY up to you! We want this to be a vacation for you as well. There will be wedding related events 12/16 Thursday PM (rehearsal dinner), 12/17 Friday PM (wedding), and Saturday 12/18 AM (brunch) and would love for you to be a part of them! Alex and Marcus will get in Tuesday 12/14 leave Monday 12/20.
Tulum is 81 miles south of Cancun. It's about a 90 minute drive from the airport on a paved four lane highway.
We recommend booking a hotel on the beach. We've stayed in the Aldea Zama area halfway between town and the beach which was nice, but traffic can be tough since the Beach road is just a two lane dirt road. Also, its important to know that most of the beaches in Tulum are private so you will not have an easy time finding a beach to go to unless you pay to get into a beach club. It is worth the extra money to stay on the beach at a hotel in our opinion.
Most bars, restaurants, and stores accept credit cards! However, you should carry cash for things like taxis and smaller purchases. We recommend exchanging money ahead of time through your bank or at the airport, but there are ATMs available in Tulum if needed. Remember to alert your Credit Card company that you are traveling Internationally!
The current exchange rate in Mexico is ~20 pesos = 1 US Dollar
Tulum is a casual, jungle, beach town! Feel comfortable wearing whatever you want during the rest of the time. For the big day we will ask that you step it up a notch and wear something more formal. Ladies - a cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top will be perfect! An elegant pantsuit is also appropriate. The reception will be held on the beach, so no shoes- no problem :) Guys - we recommend a suit or dress pants & a jacket, but a tie is optional!
While Mexico is no stranger to drug-related violence, Tulum has remained a relatively safe travel destination. The locals understand how much tourism boosts their economy and are very welcoming to travelers. Of course, you should exercise common sense when traveling in the Tulum area: Lock the doors to your cabanas, keep your passport in a safe, be mindful of your valuables, etc. Basically be smart and use common sense.
Yes! Well mostly yes. Majority of taxi drivers, concierge, waiters and bartenders all speak english. Everyone we encountered on our trips to Tulum have been friendly, welcoming, accommodating and generally delightful. Won't hurt to brush up on your Spanish greetings though!
Tulum is a laid back, yet stylish beach town. The wedding will be fancy attire and bringing your boogie shoes is a must. Other then that, plan to dress in casual sun dresses, short sleeve button downs, swimsuits, sunglasses, sandals, and straw hats the rest of the time! Sun tan lotion and bug repellent are good options too.