Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is a beautiful city in Morocco. The “Rose City” or “Red City” offers visitors an enchanting taste of old world charm and opulence. Here are some of the best things to do in Marrakesh.

Many travelers who visit Morocco spend at least a few days in Marrakesh, before moving on to other parts of the country. And there’s a lot to see in the city.

Marrakesh (sometimes spelled Marrakech) is without a doubt one of the most exciting destinations in Northern Africa. The city has been an important trading hub for centuries and inside the walled Old City Medina, you’ll find a maze of lively markets and a myriad of busy alleyways – a true feast for the senses.

There are smells, colors, flavors, sounds and textures to be devoured, and even though the hectic heart of the city can feel both enticing and overwhelming at the same time, there are places where you’ll be able to enjoy moments of calm, such as the riad hotels, and several parks.

The city’s bustling souks, theatrical street vendors, and mesmerizing performers are attractions in itself, but don’t ignore the palaces, the mosques, and the food – here are my top picks for the best things to do in Marrakesh.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten

I’ve been traveling the world for 10+ years as a professional photographer & writer. I hope you enjoy my Marrakesh tips! If you find them useful, using my affiliate links to book something will give me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

About The Author

Marrakesh Morocco Travel Guide

1. Exploring The Souks

The Medina, Marrakesh’s walled Old Town, is the most popular tourist attraction in Marrakesh: a labyrinth of small alleyways lined with shops (called souks) that sell anything from fruits and vegetables to Berber rugs and furniture.

You can spend hours wandering the streets here, and I recommend taking your time: soak up the smells, marvel at the old buildings, shop for souvenirs, and finish your visit with a tea in one of the rooftop cafes to take in the hustle and bustle from a different perspective.

The main souks, markets, are all located in the Medina, and are arranged according to the kind of product they’re selling. Souk Semmarine is the main area of the market, which means it gets the most tourists.

Go further away and you’ll be able to get away from the crowds. There are over 3,000 market stalls and the endless maze of market streets can feel intense, but don’t worry too much about getting lost and just enjoy the spectacle that Marrakesh’s markets are.

However, if the thought of getting lost in the alleyways and the vast souks stresses you out, I recommend booking a tour. That way you won’t get lost, and you also know that you won’t miss any of the must-see places inside the Medina.

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2. Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square in Marrakesh’s Medina. No matter what time of day or night you come here, there’s street theater non-stop. From street food stalls to street performers and musicians, the square has always a show going on – especially at night!

Apparently, the market on this square is the busiest market in all of Africa and UNESCO recognized Jemaa el-Fnaa as World Heritage in 2001. In fact, it inspired UNESCO to create a whole new category: “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”

It is worth visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa during the day and then come back at night, because the entire atmosphere of the square changes depending on the time of day: During the day, it is much less crowded and less exciting, but you can take in the square itself. At night, Jemaa el-Fnaa really comes to life, and you can enjoy the performances of entertainers and musicians.

USEFUL TIP: Be aware of pickpockets in the Medina – always make sure your belongings are safe. Don’t have any valuables on you, such as your passport. This is especially important if you go at night when the square gets very crowded.

3. Koutoubia Mosque

Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech, and even if you don’t want to visit the mosque, it is impossible not to notice it while you’re in town.

Koutoubia is Marrakech’s most famous landmark, and the mosque’s 250-feet (76 meters) high minaret towers above all the other buildings in the city. You also won’t be able to escape the call to prayer: the muezzin calls the faithful five times a day.

Non-Muslims are not allowed to visit the inside of the mosque, but the outside of the building and the grounds are worth visiting for the spectacular Almohad architecture.

USEFUL TIP: Don’t miss the gardens behind the mosque! Koutoubia Gardens is a lovely park and welcome retreat from the packed Medina. From the gardens, you also have a great view of the minaret.

4. Stay In A Traditional Riad

Staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse, is an unforgettable experience – it allows you to take in all the extraordinary details of Moroccan architecture.

A riad is a mansion that is typically set around a small swimming pool in a courtyard filled with plants – a tranquil oasis in this bustling city. The ambience of the riads with their ornate decorations and the traditional architecture is completely unique!

These are six of the best-rated riad hotels in Marrakech:

Riad Palais Sebban – Stunning riad with a beautiful pool. This is where we stayed.

Riad Dar Anika –

Riad Sultan Suleiman – Double rooms starting at US$77 per night

Riad Janate & Spa – Double rooms starting at US$94 per night

Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis – Double rooms starting at US$124 per night

Dar Dama – Deluxe Suite from US$118 per night

Riad Melhoun & Spa – from US$154 per night

If you’re traveling on a budget, check out the Rodamon Riad hostel (Dorm beds start at US$20)

5. Eat Traditional Moroccan Food

Moroccan cuisine is influenced by Berber, Jewish, Arab, Mediterranean and French cultures with hints of European and sub-Saharan influences. Moroccan food has savory, sweet, and sour flavors and is uniquely seasoned with a multitude of spices.

Try to eat as many traditional Moroccan dishes as possible while you’re in Marrakesh – the obligatory ones are:

• Tangia (a traditional dish in Marrakech: slow-cooked lamb is placed in a clay pot with lemon, garlic and saffron and then cooked in charcoal – not to be confused with tagine)
• Tagine (a slow-cooked savory stew typically made with lamb, chicken or fish together with vegetables, often also nuts and dried fruit, cooked and served in the clay or ceramic pot it is named after)
• Couscous (a processed grain derived from durum wheat semolina, served with vegetables and meat)
• Bastilla (Moroccan chicken pie: saffron chicken, a spicy omelet stuffing and crunchy fried seasoned almonds are layered within a crispy pastry shell)
• Taktouka (a zesty puree of tomatoes and green pepper)
• Zaalouk (a dip made with eggplant, fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin, paprika, parsley and fresh cilantro)
• Shakshouka (a popular Mediterranean breakfast dish for which eggs are cooked in a tomato sauce with peppers, garlic, onions, olive oil, and spices)
• Harira (a tomato-based soup with lentils and chickpeas)
• Fish Chermoula (a herb sauce used to marinate grilled fish)

Marrakech has hundreds of restaurants and trying to find the best ones can feel like a daunting task. Here are a few places that are worth eating at:

For the best slow-cooked lamb, head to Mechoui Alley, where local families roast mechoui – whole lamb or mutton – in an underground oven for four to six hours. You won’t get a more authentic lamb experience than this in Marrakech.

Café des Épices, right on the edge of Rahba Kedima Square is a great place for a Moroccan breakfast.

For Tajine, visit Atay Café (62 Rue Amsafah) where you can try chicken, kefta (meatball) or lamb tajine. They also have a vegan tajine and vegan couscous. Café Clock (224 Derb Chtouka) is also a fantastic place to try traditional Moroccan dishes.

Nomad (1 Derb Aarjane) is a popular rooftop restaurant that has scrumptious Moroccan food, including tajine, lamb, fish and a vegetarian platter.

As for drinks: Moroccan mint tea is ubiquitous in Marrakech, and I guarantee that even non-tea drinkers will enjoy a delicious cup of it. The terrace of Café De France (Rue des Banques), which overlooks Jemaa el-Fnaa, is a great place to enjoy a cup of mint tea.

USEFUL TIP: For a more hands-on Moroccan food experience, join a cooking class!

You can learn how to make tajine with a local, which includes a visit to the market to source all the ingredients: Tagine Cookery Class With a Local

Hosts Khmisa and Kawtar show you how to make a broader range of Moroccan dishes that includes a market visit: Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class & Market Visit

If you don’t want to get your hands dirty but still want to experience authentic Moroccan food, consider this street food tour: Street Food Tour by Night

6. Visit A Tannery (at your own risk)

Bab Debbagh is the part of Marrakech where you find many tanneries. Leather tanning is one of Morocco’s oldest crafts and watching the leather-makers in action will make you appreciate any leather goods you may buy there even more.

The leather is treated and dyed the old-fashioned way here, and the colorful tannery pools are a fascinating sight. I recommend visiting the tanneries early in the morning when most of the work is done. The best photos are from the rooftops of the shops surrounding it.

Of course, you can also buy leather goods here, from bags and jackets to leather poufs and traditional babouches (Moroccan slippers). Be prepared to use your haggling skills here.

IMPORTANT: Do not try to visit the tanneries on your own. Many people are scammed and/or harassed by fake local “guides” who try to extort way too much money from unsuspecting tourists. The area can be a bit dangerous too, and easy to get lost in. If you want to visit this area of the city, arrange for an official group or private tour with your hotel in advance.

7. Dar El Bacha Palace (Musee Des Confluences)

Dar El Bacha Palace is one of the best places to see some of the most beautiful riad architecture with incredible Zellige tiles, the geometric tile-work unique to Morocco.

Dar El Bacha was built in the early 20th century for Thami El Glaoui, who was the Pasha Of Marrakesh from 1912 to 1956. The palace is worth visiting it for the extraordinary interior design, the Moorish decorations, and the symmetrical courtyard. In addition to the interesting architecture, the palace also offers regularly changing art exhibitions and a well-preserved Hammam (Moroccan bathhouse).

If you’re a coffee lover, make sure to stop at the swanky coffee house that is part of the palace: Bacha Coffee. It is on the pricier side, but the gorgeous interior as well as the specialty coffees and French baked goods are well worth the splurge. (The opening times are the same as for the museum).

Address: Rue Lalla Fatima Zahra
Opening times: 10am – 6pm; closed on Tuesdays
Admission: Adults pay Dh60 (around US$6); free for children.

8. Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is another palace where you can see some of Morocco’s finest architecture, with Moorish and Andalusian influences.

The palace, which was built in the 1860s, has 150 rooms and several courtyards with marble floors, lined with orange trees and pretty fountains. Throughout the palace, there is impressive tile art, there are mosaics, muqarnas, arabesques and stucco carved with Arabic inscriptions.

If you’re smitten by the architecture in Morocco, then definitely don’t miss Bahia Palace – especially since it almost free to visit! Make sure to arrive early though; it can get crowded later in the day.

The blue colors of the tile here reminded me of another of my favorite Moroccan cities, the blue city of Chefchouen.

9. Badii Palace

The third great palace in Marrakech is Badii Palace (full name El Badii-Ksibat Nhass Palace), which was built in the 1570s. The name translates to “The Incomparable Palace” and that is exactly what this palace was — once a dazzling palace with more than 350 luxurious rooms, today only the sandstone shell of the palace remains.

There are a few noteworthy intact features that make visiting the ruins worthwhile nonetheless: The four sunken orange orchards with the (empty) reflection pool, floor mosaics in some rooms, and several artifacts and original pieces of art.

USEFUL TIP: You can climb on top of some of the ruined walls for beautiful panoramic views of Marrakech city.

Location: Ksibat Nhass
Opening Hours: Open from 9am – 5pm. CLOSED on Saturdays.
Admission Cost: Dh10 (around US$1)

10. Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are a royal necropolis that was created during the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century and comprises of around 170 mausoleums and tombs.

Ahmed el-Mansour, who ruled from 1578 to 1603, built the most lavish of the mausoleums: the Hall of Twelve Columns, which is his very own mausoleum. In total, 66 princes and other notable figures are buried here, plus more than one hundred chancellors and their wives.

You will see some of the finest classic Moroccan architecture and intricate details in the design, such as Italian Carrara marble, ornate wood carvings, beautiful tile mosaics, domed ceilings and gilding honeycomb plaster-work decorated with gold.

Location: The Saadian Tombs are located along Rue de la Kasbah on the south side of the Kasbah Mosque (not far from El Badi Palace).
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9am -5pm.
Admission Cost: Dh70 (around US$7)

USEFUL TIP: There is a combined tour of the Bahia & Badii Palaces as well as the Saadian Tombs with Skip-the-Line Tickets.

11. Jardin Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle are the most colorful gardens in Marrakech, set around a stunning, bright blue building and home to a variety of plants such as cacti, palm trees and bamboos. The gardens were created by French painter Jaques Majorelle and were later co-owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his business partner Pierre Bergé.

In addition to all the beautiful plants and flowers, you’ll get to admire Moorish-style archways, colorful tile art, fountains and pools.

There is also a small museum that outlines YSL’s connection with Marrakech (his ashes were scattered in the rose garden at Jardin Majorelle when he died in 2008), worth checking out if have an interest in haute couture fashion.

Fun fact: The shade of blue the house is painted in was invented by Jaques Majorelle and is known as “Majorelle Blue”. Allow about an hour to visit the gardens, or at least 90 minutes if you also want to check out the YSL museum.

Location: The Jardin Majorelle is located on Rue Yves St Laurent
Opening Hours: Open daily from 8am – 6.30pm.
Admission Cost: Dh70 (around US$7). The museum is an additional Dh30 (US$3).

12. Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef Madrasa was built in the 14th century and used to be the largest Islamic college in all of Morocco with room for 900 students. Today it is a historical site that is visited for the stunning architecture and Islamic design – it is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Morocco!

The artistry of the former school is incredible: a stunning marble-tiled patio with a reflection pool, remarkable mosaic tilework, stuccoes, latticed balconies, and a grand bronze doorway. Most of these ornate details were added during the Saadian dynasty, making it the most extravagant Islamic college in Northern Africa.

Allow about one hour for your visit.

Location: Rue Assouel
Opening Hours: Open daily from 9am – 6pm.
Admission Cost: Dh50 (around US$5).

13. Heritage Museum Marrakesh

The small Heritage Museum (Musée de Marrakech) in the heart of the Medina, just a short walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, is housed inside a 17th century riad and showcases Moroccan antique artifacts collected by the Alouani Bibi family. The collection includes many fascinating items, from jewelry to traditional Berber costumes.

Tip: There is a café on the rooftop which has fantastic views over the Medina – the Heritage Museum is worth visiting for those views alone!

Location: 25 Zinkat Rahba
Opening Hours: Open daily from 9am – 6pm.
Admission Cost: Dh50 (around US$5) for adults / Dh20 (around US$2) for children

14. Le Jardin Secret

Le Jardin Secret, which translates to Secret Garden, is a garden inside a small Riad right in the Medina. The origins of the gardens date back to the Saadian dynasty, more than 400 years ago!

The garden is a traditional Islamic Garden, so expect to see beautiful Moroccan architecture and tile art. The garden is much larger than you’d think and feels like a hidden oasis right in the Medina: the perfect place to escape the noise and the crowds for a while, and to enjoy the tranquility of the gardens.

In addition to the garden, there is a small museum, a shop and two cafes. The tower of the complex is the second highest tower in Marrakesh (after the minaret of Koutoubia Mosque) which means you’ll have amazing views – you can see the Atlas Mountains on a clear day. If you’re looking for a great spot to take photos from Marrakech from above, it is worth to pay the additional 30 Dirham (US$3) to climb to the top of the tower.

Location: 121 Rue Mouassine
Opening Hours: Open daily, between March and September from 9.30am – 7.30pm. Between February and October from 9.30am – 6.30pm.
Admission Cost: Dh80 (around US$8) for adults / free for children under 6

15. Visit A Hammam

Visiting a Hammam – a Moroccan bathhouse – is a quintessential Moroccan experience and if you enjoy spas, you will not want to skip a Hammam visit. The Berbers have perfected their way of cleaning a body for thousands of years: you’ll get a nice scrub-down and your skin and hair are treated with beauty products containing Moroccan argan oil and Moroccan black soap.

You can also get a massage but be aware that Moroccan massages involve a lot more scrubbing than your regular massage.

The antique hammams themselves are worth visiting for the simplistic architecture alone: a high dome, star-shaped vents and stone-paved or marble steam rooms.

Hammam Dar el-Bacha is the largest public hammam in Marrakech, but there are countless hammams in Marrakech, many of which cater to tourists.

Location: 20 Rue Lalla Fatima Zahra
Opening Hours: Open daily, separate entrance times for men and women. Men enter from 7am to 1pm; women enter between 1pm and 9pm.
Admission Cost: Dh10 (around US$1)

Additional Hammams in Marrakech

• Royal Mansour (Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti) – owned by the King of Morocco
• Hammam Mouassine (Rue Sidi el Yamani) – the oldest hammam in Marrakesh
• Hammam de la Rose (Route Sidi Abdelaziz) – beautiful, elaborately decorated spa
• La Mamounia Spa (Avenue Bab Jdid) – a posh hammam in a 5-star hotel
• Les Bains de Marrakech (2 Derb Sedra)
• Hammam Rosa Bonheur’s (35 Derb El aarssa)
• Le Bain Bleu (32 Derb Chorfa Lakbir)
• Heritage Spa (40 Arset Aouzal Rd)

Price: Most hammams in the Old City cost between USD $10 – USD $30.

Travel Planning Resources For Morocco

Packing Guide Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Book Your Flight Ready to fly? Here’s how I find the cheapest airline flights. Rent A Car Discover Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal. Cheap Accommodation Learn how I save money booking hotels & vacation apartments. Protect Your Trip Don’t forget travel insurance! Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read why you should always carry travel insurance.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Rome, Italy

The Colosseum one of the most popular sights in Rome, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire world. Here are some useful tips for visiting the Colosseum!

No matter if you’re a serious history buff or a Gladiator fan – you can’t miss a visit to the Colosseum on a trip to Rome. I was super excited to see the Colosseum when we were in Rome for the first time, but visiting this historic landmark can be a bit overwhelming.

To ensure that you get the most out of your visit to the Colosseum and to avoid any disappointment, it pays off to plan your visit well in advance.

In this article I’ll be sharing my best tips for how to visit the Colosseum, how to buy tickets, and other things that you should know based on my experience traveling in Italy.

Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten

I’ve been traveling the world for 10+ years as a professional photographer & writer. I hope you enjoy my Colosseum tips! If you find them useful, using my affiliate links to book something will give me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

About The Author

Rome Colosseum Travel Guide

The Colosseum is a famous Roman amphitheater that was built between 72 and 80 AD. The three-tired theater is the largest amphitheater ever built, and the largest (still standing) amphitheater in the entire world.

It is the largest ancient structure to have survived: It stands 157 feet (48 meters) tall and measures 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters). The Colosseum was built to hold more than 50,000 spectators.

Roman theaters were generally built in the same way: circular or oval open-air structures with raised seating. They were used for popular events such as gladiator fights, chariot races, animal slayings and executions.

There are around 230 amphitheaters that were built during the Roman Empire, however, none compare to the Colosseum, which is unique in its style and grandeur. Because it was built by the Flavian Emperor Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian, it is also known as the “Flavian Amphitheater”.

The Roman theater has three stacked arcades: the lowest one built in Doric style, the middle arcade built in Ionic style, and the highest one in Corinthian style. It was built in this way to reflect the civilization that created it.

Even though the Colosseum has been severely damaged by earthquakes, visitors can still experience most of the structure that ancient Romans saw when they entered the Colosseum to watch a gladiator fight or spectacle.

How To Get To The Colosseum

The Colosseum is located right in the center of Rome, and the entrance is near the Arch of Constantine.

The nearest metro station is “Colosseo” on the B Line – it is right across the street from the Colosseum, about a 3-minute walk to the entrance.

If you are taking the metro from Termini, take the metro that is going to Laurentina. It’s a 3-minute train ride, or two short stops.

If you have a Rome Hop On Hop Off Bus Ticket, they also stop at the Colosseum. (Hop On Hop Off bus tickets are included in both the Rome and the Vatican Pass).

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How To Visit The Colosseum

There are a different ways to see the Colosseum. You can simply see it from the outside (which is free), or you can book a ticket to go inside.

If you want to go inside, you have the option to book tickets for different areas of the Colosseum.

Furthermore, you can choose to visit the Colosseum independently, or join a guided tour.

How Much Does Visiting The Colosseum Cost?

The general admission ticket to the Colosseum is €18 (€16 + €2 online booking fee) and also includes the Roman Forum and the Palatine. With this ticket, you’ll be able to visit the first and second levels of the Colosseum, including three overlooks, however, NOT the arena level or the hypogeum, the underground area of the Colosseum. (You need to book a guided tour to visit these restricted areas – see below for more details.)

Discounted Tickets: European Union citizens between the age of 18 and 25 only pay €4 (€4 + €2 online booking fee) to visit the Colosseum. However, you must show an ID at the entrance verifying the right to a reduced ticket.

Children / People With Disabilities: Children under 18 and disabled people (plus one family member / helper) don’t have to pay to visit the Colosseum.

Full Experience Tickets: Include entrance to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine as well as the S.U.P.E.R. sites (the Palatine Museum, Neronian Cryptoporticus, House of Augustus, House of Livia and Temple of Romulus) AND a tour in English are €32 (discounted: €12) plus the €2 booking fee per ticket. This ticket option includes access to the arena level and an accompanied visit to the underground, but it does NOT include Level 3 of the Colosseum. “Full Experience Tickets” are valid for 48 hours from the first use.

If you are buying a ticket that includes a guide through the official Colosseum website, be careful when selecting the ticket option: the English version of the website is unfortunately not very well translated and can be a bit confusing. You don’t want to accidentally book an Italian tour.

Skip-The-Line Tickets

If you are pressed for time or simply don’t want to waste time waiting in line, I recommend spending a few more dollars on the Skip-The-Line Ticket (around €22). Just be aware that you must book this ticket with an allocated starting time, and tickets usually sell out, so book your ticket well in advance. Skip-the-line tickets are not sold through the official Colosseum website, but are available through GetYourGuide.

What’s Included In Your Colosseum Ticket

The General Admission Ticket includes the Colosseum (without access to the arena), the Roman Forum archeological area, the Imperial Forums and the Palatine. It also includes admission to temporary exhibitions at these sights.

The ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you don’t have to visit all three sites in the same day. You can decide in which order you visit the sites included in the ticket. The 24 hours start when you access the first monument.

Note: If you buy the ticket online, it is not necessary to print it out, you can simply show it on your smartphone upon arrival at the Colosseum.

What’s Not Included in the Colosseum Ticket

The general admission ticket to the Colosseum doesn’t include access to the arena, the underground area and Level 3 of the Colosseum. To visit these areas, you need to book a special ticket or a guided tour (see below for more details).

How Long Does It Take To Visit?

You need to plan in at least one hour to visit the Colosseum, and if you want to visit the other sights included in the Colosseum ticket, plan in at least one hour for those, too. If you want to take in each monument in more detail, you’ll need about 2 hours for each site. Both the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are larger, more spread-out areas.

As for distances between the sights: The Palatine is a five-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is also less than five minutes away and the Imperial Fora is about 10 minutes from the Colosseum. If you’re pressed for time, it is possible to visit all three sites in half a day, but ideally, you’ll want to plan in 6 hours for all three sites.

Guided Tours Of The Colosseum

If you have more time and really want to understand the Colosseum, I highly recommend taking a guided tour. There is little signage throughout all the monuments included in the Colosseum ticket, which means that you will have little understanding of what you are looking at unless you are listening to a podcast about the sights, or you are using a guidebook.

1-Hour Express Tour

The 1-hour Express Tour is perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time, and the ticket also allows you to skip the line. Get 1-Hour Express Tickets Here

Standard Colosseum Tour

Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (from US$39)

Visit The Hypogeum (Under The Colosseum)

A tour is required to see the arena floor and hypogeum, the fascinating underground area of the Colosseum. The hypogeum was where gladiators and animals were waiting before their battles, and visiting it with a guide means you’ll learn a lot more about the spectacles that visitors came to see at the amphitheater, the life of the gladiators, and the battles that were fought.

Colosseum Tour with Underground Hypogeum & Arena Floor

Colosseum Kid-Friendly Tour

This is a great tour for anyone visiting Rome with kids, since it aims to entertain children and tell stories about ancient Rome in a way that they’re enjoyable for youngsters and adults alike.

Colosseum and Ancient Rome Family Tour for Kids

How To Buy Colosseum Tickets

There are several ways to buy tickets to the Colosseum. The official ticket website is of course the obvious choice but be aware that you can often only get general admission tickets through the official Colosseum website.

You can buy special access tickets that include a guide through the official Colosseum website, too, but the English-speaking tours are limited and thus often sold out. No worries though: If there are no tours in English available for any of the dates you’re planning to be in Rome, you’re usually still able to find guided Colosseum tours in English through third-party websites.

If you want to book a guided tour or access to special areas, you will have to book through a third-party tour operator who is licensed to offer these tickets.

There is also a ticket office right at the Colosseum but you’ll most likely have to wait in line to purchase a ticket. Since tickets are timed and visitor numbers are capped at 3,000 a day, I strongly recommend buying your Colosseum tickets online.

After clicking on the “Buy Tickets” button, a calendar will pop up, and you can select the date you’re planning to visit the Colosseum on. After choosing a date, you will see all the available time-slots on the date you selected. If there aren’t any tickets available anymore for the time you’d like to visit, try a different date.

It is worth noting that you can only book a timeslot up to one month in advance, so if your trip to Rome is still in the distant future, you may want to put a reminder in your calendar to book a Colosseum ticket a month before your visit.

Roma Pass / Rome and Vatican Pass

If you have a Roma Pass (which gives you free admission to a couple of landmarks / historic sites and reduced ticket prices to all other museums and archeological sites as well as free use of public transportation), you still have to reserve a time-slot online and pay the €2 reservation fee.

This means you should check availability for the Colosseum as soon as you purchase the Roma Pass, to make sure there are still time-slots available during the days your pass is valid (they are usually valid for 48 or 72 hours). You’ll find the option to reserve a time-slot for Roma Pass holders on the official ticket website.

Visit The Colosseum For Free?

On the first Sunday of every month, the Colosseum can be visited for free. This includes all sites that are usually included in the Colosseum tickets: The Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine.

Be Warned: The sites included in the free ticket tend to get very crowded when they can be visited for free. If you are on a tight budget and would like to take advantage of the Free First Sunday, I recommend arriving as early as possible.

Colosseum Opening Hours

The Colosseum is open seven days a week, and it opens 9am year-round.
Closing times differ, depending on the time of year:

• 2 January – 28 February: 9 – 4.30pm
• 1 – 26 March: 9am – 5.30pm
• 27 March – 31 August: 9am – 7.15pm
• 1 – 30 September: 9am – 7pm
• 1 – 30 October: 9am – 6.30pm
• 31 October – 31 December: 9am – 4.30pm

Note: Final admission is one hour before closing time.
Colosseum Closed: The Colosseum open year-round, with the exception of two days: Christmas Day (25th December) and New Year’s Day (1st January).

More Tips For Visiting The Colosseum

• Large backpacks or suitcases are not allowed. Security is tight, and all bags are screened by a metal detector at the entrance. A medium-sized daypack is ok. Glass bottles and alcohol are not permitted.
• Water fountains can be found in several places inside the Colosseum, which is very useful during the hotter months. Bring your reusable water bottle!
• If you’re only visiting the outside, look for the water fountain near the Colosseo metro station.
• If you visit during the summer months, you’ll need to pack a sunhat / visor or an umbrella. You’ll find yourself exposed to the sun a lot. Apply sunscreen before your visit.
• I recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes for your visit to the Colosseum. The surfaces are uneven, and if you visit the other sights included in your ticket: you’ll walk on ancient Roman cobbles and uneven surfaces Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
• If you are fascinated by the Gladiator myth and culture, you can train to be a gladiator on your visit to Rome. The Gruppo Storico Romano and Gladiator School offers 2-hour gladiator training courses and will teach you more about the gladiator games, weapons and history.

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READ MORE ITALY TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my guide to visiting the Colosseum in Rome! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

• 25 Best Things To Do In Rome
• Where To Stay In Venice, Italy
• Hiking Tre Cime Di Lavaredo
• Italy’s Beautiful Lago Di Braies
• Matera The Italian City Of Caves

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Any questions about the Colosseum in Rome? Do you have other suggestions? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Annecy, France

While France is full of charming places, my favorite has to be the mountain town of Annecy. From lake cruising to farmer’s markets — here are the best things to do in Annecy, France!

Annecy is a beautiful lake town in the Haute-Savoie region of France surrounded by mountains on the edge of the Swiss border. The lake, Lac d’Annecy, boasts some of the freshest water in Europe, replenished each year from the snow melt.

The town isn’t too big — or too small either. With a very walk-able and bike friendly atmosphere, you can spend many lazy afternoons exploring local shops, snacking at fresh food markets, or take a picnic in one of the many parks.

We spent 2-months living in Annecy as digital nomads with our two kids and cat, and absolutely loved it! So here are some of our best tips for activities and great things to do in Annecy, France.

My Annecy itinerary is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.

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Annecy France Travel Guide

1: Explore Annecy’s Old Town

One of the reasons Annecy is so picturesque is the network of canals that make their way through the old town. It’s sometimes called the “Venice of France”. Annecy’s canals are shallow, and not really used for boating, but it still gives the town a charming feel.

Combined with the colorful old buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower boxes, a walk through the Old Town neighborhood of Annecy is always a treat.

You’ll catch glimpses of the mountains and lake in the distance, while enjoying the town’s many street-side restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops.

2: Boating On Lake Annecy

Arguably Annecy’s top highlight is Lac d’Annecy, a stunning large blue lake located right on the edge of town. Lake Annecy is France’s 3rd largest lake and regularly receives accolades for being the freshest lake in Europe (due to snow melt from the Alps).

The lake is surrounded by mountains, and while cold, is a perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. There are biking paths around it, plenty of beaches, and many opportunities to go boating!

• Rent A Pedal Boat – You’ll find all kinds of pedal boats available to rent along the lake’s edge at Jacquet Promenade. The boats cost about €15 EURO for 30 minutes, depending on size. Some even have slides or diving boards attached!
• Rent A Motor Boat – Small 4-5 person motor boats can be rented, and you don’t need a boat license either. Some have sunshades, and rentals cost about €65 EURO for an hour.
• Join A Lake Tour – There are some large tour boats that will take you around the lake while describing key points of interest. You can even book a table for dinner on the boat!
• Go Waterskiing – Waterskiing is a popular pastime on Lake Annecy, and it’s possible to book a trip with one of the local water-skiing companies.
• Take A Sailing Lesson – You can rent a small sail boat to cruise around the lake, or take a beginner sailing lesson too!

3: Walk Across Lover’s Bridge

Pont des Amours is an extra pretty and famous bridge on the edge of Lac d’Annecy that spans the Vassé canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade.

Local legend says that lovers who kiss on the bridge will stay together for life.

The bridge has two great views. One looking at the lake itself with mountains in the background, and if you turn around, you’ll enjoy a tree-lined canal with wooden boats moored on each side.

4: Picnic At Jardins de l’Europe

When the weather is nice, walking or biking down to Jardins de l’Europe is a wonderful family friendly activity. This massive park sits on the edge of the lake, with large green fields, boardwalks, and playgrounds.

There’s even an old wooden Carousel, originally built in 1871, for kids to ride.

The park is popular for late afternoon picnics — just bring down some wine, cheese, and bread from the markets and a blanket to enjoy the mountain views. A French experience you just can’t miss!

5: Explore Annecy Castle

Château d’Annecy is a castle in the heart of Annecy, located on a hill above the town. Originally built as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours from the 13th to 16th centuries.

These days the Chateau houses a museum (Musée-Château d’Annecy), featuring local sculpture, art, and a nature exhibit of animals and fish that are found around the lake. The castle also has some good views of the lake and town from the edge of its walls.

Entry tickets cost about €5 EURO for adults, and are free for kids under 12.

6: Walk The Promenade du Thiou

The Promenade du Thiou is a nice easy walk through the old town of Annecy along the crystal blue Thiou River, that progressively gets more wooded and secluded as you move out of town. There are paths on both sides of the river.

The trail is bike and stroller friendly too. It’s a wonderful way to spend an hour or two, enjoying nature (and getting away from the busy tourist-filled city center). There are some playgrounds, sitting areas, and bridges spread out along the tree-shaded trail.

Promenade du Thiou starts around the Quai des Cordeliers (just past the famous Le Palais de I’Île), in the center of Old Annecy and you simply walk up river from there.

7: Visit Annecy le Vieux

Annecy le Vieux is a different part of town, a residential area raised up on a hill overlooking the rest of the lake. It features a nice park, old buildings and churches, some restaurants & bars, and is generally a more relaxed place compared to the busy old city down below.

Some highlights here include the Clocher Roman Church, Parc Gabriel Fauré, and Les Quatre Gourmets Restaurant.

8: Shop At The Farmer’s Markets

One of my favorite parts of living in Annecy was the many fresh food markets that line the streets of the old town. You’ll find a variety of produce, cheese, sausage, wine, olives, bread, flowers, crafts, and more.

The Annecy street markets happen every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7am–1pm. Make sure to try some of the local reblochon cheese, used in many local dishes.

9: Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard

Chateau de Menthon is an impressive medieval castle just outside of Annecy. Home to the same family for over 100 years, it’s open to visitors from April to October on weekends.

The castle towers over Lake Annecy, the Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with wonderful views of each.

Guided tours of the castle (in French only) are in the afternoons, and last about an hour. There’s also a small garden along with sheep, pigs, and peacocks.

10: Bike Around The Lake

Annecy is very bicycle friendly, with many dedicated bike paths and trails that will take you all around the town. There is wonderful bike path that encircles the lake too, and it’s a great way to kill a few hours while enjoying the mountain scenery.

This 35 km paved greenway follows the old route of a railroad that connected Annecy with Albertville, and stops in smaller villages along the way like Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile and Doussard.

You can rent a bike from many shops in Annecy, and even get a trailer for kids (like we did).

11: Palais de l’Île

Palais de l’Isle is probably the most postcard-famous spot in Annecy. A unique castle-like building that sits in the middle of the Thiou River, surrounded by restaurants and shops in Annecy’s old town.

Often described as a “house in the shape of a ship” — the building has been a prison, a courthouse and an administrative center. The original structure was constructed in the 12th century.

These days it is a museum (about €4 to enter), featuring an old courtroom, dungeon, prison cells and chapel that you can visit. The most famous photos are taken from the bridge out in front.

12: Go For A Hike

Annecy is located at the base of the French Alps, and a great place to base yourself for visiting the mountains. There are many local hikes nearby, as well as day trips to excellent skiing and trekking opportunities.

From easy walks, to extreme mountaineering, there’s something for everyone. Hikes around Annecy can include waterfalls, mountain lakes, and wildlife sightings of ibex mountain goats.

Here are some popular hiking trails around Annecy:

• La Tournette – The highest peak near the lake, La Tournette is a very difficult hike. But the views are amazing. About 6-hours round-trip. Experienced hikers only.
• Mont Baron & Veyrier – A moderate 2-hour loop hike that visits two mountain peaks, with wonderful views.
• Gorges du Fier – An easy walk for the whole family, this hike takes you across suspension bridges in the middle of a gorge.
• Cascade d’Angon – Beautiful shaded waterfall hike that’s not too difficult, and gives you nice views of the lake. About 2-hours round trip.

Best Time To Visit Annecy

March – May

We visited Annecy in the Spring, primarily in April and May. The weather in this part of France can be unpredictable, and it snowed on us a couple times. In between sunny days filled with wildflowers. The mountains will still have snow on them, but the weather isn’t too hot yet in town.

June – August

This is Annecy’s high season, and while beautiful, it can get very crowded. Many tourists visit Annecy as a day trip while traveling through Switzerland, because it’s so close to the border. It’s difficult to find accommodation in the summer, unless you book months in advance.

September – November

This is probably the best time to visit Annecy. Most of the high-season tourists are gone, the weather is cool, but the snow hasn’t come yet. There’s also a great festival in October called the Return Of The Alpine Pastures Festival.

Where Is Annecy (Getting There)

Annecy, France is located 44 km West of Geneva (Switzerland) about a 40-minute drive away. Most people get to Annecy after flying into Geneva International Airport, and then driving over the border.

However it’s also possible to fly into Paris and take a train. Search for the cheapest flights to Geneva on Skyscanner.com.

Where To Stay In Annecy

Accommodation in Annecy can range from backpacker friendly to luxurious. As we were staying there long-term, we rented a wonderful holiday apartment from My Sweet Home Annecy that was close to everything.

The best areas to stay in Annecy are near the old town for easy access to the markets and the lake.

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BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ANNECY

Luxury

Imperial Palace

Midrange

Le Pelican

Budget

Allobroges Park Hotel

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Costa Rica Driving Guide

Ready for an epic road trip driving in Costa Rica? Renting a car is the best way to experience this beautiful country. But there are a few things you should know before you go.

So you’ve been wanting to visit for years, and are finally planning your own epic road trip to drive around Costa Rica!

For such a small country, Costa Rica is surprisingly mountainous with winding dirt roads and occasional river crossings, so my first time driving there was quite an adventure! Since then, I’ve visited the country many times, always preferring to rent a car.

Renting a car and self-driving Costa Rica on your own is the best way to experience this stunning country, as it truly gives you the freedom to stop at every waterfall, volcano, beach, and national park along the way.

Here are some important tips I learned about driving Costa Rica, so you’re ready to hit the road and explore the Rich Coast on a vacation you’ll never forget.

Driving In Costa Rica Guide (2023)

1. Should You Drive In Costa Rica?

Hey, if you love those big group bus tours, by all means, go book one. It’s a decent way to see Costa Rica if you don’t have a lot of time.

No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work!

But if you’re like me, you prefer the adventure of independent travel.

No set schedule or timetable — driving around Costa Rica with the freedom to stop anyplace cool you find along the way.

If that’s the kind of traveler you are, renting a car in Costa Rica is the way to go!

Yes, there is a public bus system in Costa Rica too, but it’s really only good for getting from one big town to another, and often the bus stops are located just outside of town, so you’ll also end up having to take a taxi. Not to mention that traveling by public bus is just a slower way to get around the country.

Just keep in mind that some of the back roads in Costa Rica can be very rough & muddy, and some local drivers don’t follow their own laws. With some practice though, you’ll gain confidence driving here!

Another nice thing we enjoyed about having a car was the ability to store things in the trunk, stopping off in Costa Rican towns with small travel backpacks rather than hauling luggage everywhere.

2. Where To Rent Your Car In Costa Rica

Some common car rental companies in Costa Rica include Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, a local one called Adobe Rent-a-Car, and many more.

But the best site to book your car is Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Costa Rica.

We rented our car from San Jose Airport in Alajuela, and began our Costa Rican road trip from there.

San Jose Airport: Plan to pick up your car about 60 minutes after your flight arrives. When departing, try to be at the airport at least 3 1/2 hours before your flight leaves. Because returning your rental car and catching a shuttle back to the airport can take up to 30 minutes.

Liberia Airport: Plan to pick up your car about 30 minutes after your flight arrives. When departing, try to be at the airport at least 2 1/2 hours before your flight leaves. Again, because of the shuttle.

Rent A Car In Costa Rica

Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.

Check Latest Prices

3. Car Rental Insurance In Costa Rica

Some of the rumors about driving in Costa Rica are true, and the roads are VERY rough in some areas. Especially the back roads outside Costa Rica’s smaller towns. Don’t worry, I’ll share some tips for dealing with them below.

This is why I highly recommend getting full insurance coverage.

Typically, rental cars in Costa Rica come with a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but this isn’t exactly insurance, and only covers the car for up to $1000-3000 USD worth of damage.

This is the amount they hold on your credit card until you return the car in one piece. CDW typically does not include tire, cracked windshield, or undercarriage damage either.

While you can often save money booking your car with a good travel credit card that includes car rental insurance, you REALLY must read the fine print, because many people wrongly assume their card covers them in Costa Rica.

If you get in a wreck driving in Costa Rica, declined full coverage, and you suddenly learn your credit card doesn’t actually cover the damage — you’re screwed. I can’t tell you how many travel horror stories I’ve heard like this…

It’s why I usually pre-book full coverage online. It’s cheaper than at the counter — and then you won’t have to worry about accidents at all!

4. How Much Does In Cost To Rent A Car In Costa Rica?

Renting a car in Costa Rica is going to cost you around $25-$40 USD a day, depending on the type of car you get. Our 4-door sedan was about $25 per day. A four-wheel drive SUV will cost you more like $40-$70 USD per day.

A 4X4 campervan, or truck with a tent attached, is going to cost over $100 USD per day (however you can sleep in it too!)

I recommend renting a car with an actual trunk (no hatchbacks) to hide your luggage from prying eyes. It helps to prevent break-ins if thieves can’t see your stuff.

Gas Prices

Currently, gas costs about $4.75 USD per gallon ($1.25 per liter) in Costa Rica. Diesel cars will often save you some money on gas, and diesel fuel costs about $4.20 per gallon. It’s much more expensive than in the gas in the United States!

Automatic vs Manual

Automatic cars are more expensive to rent than manual cars (but manuals are more common in Costa Rica), and you must specify what type you want when booking. If you’ve never driven a manual car before, don’t start in Costa Rica! It’s safer to get an automatic.

One-Way Rentals

There’s an additional fee for one-way car rentals in Costa Rica, which can vary by company. For example, if you want to drop off the car in a different city than where you started from. But because the country is so small, you probably won’t need to do this.

5. Age Requirements For Renting A Car

The minimum age for driving in Costa Rica is between 21-25 years old, depending on the company you book a car with. They also might charge an additional fee (usually $10 a day) if you’re under 25 years old.

6. Things To Remember While Driving In Costa Rica

Driving laws in Costa Rica are similar to driving laws in any other country. However local drivers don’t always follow them. For example, drivers may not use turn signals or will run red lights if they think they can get away with it.

Speed Limits In Costa Rica

Speed limits in Costa Rica are quoted in kilometers per hour. The maximum speed on most highways is 120 km/h (about 74 miles per hour). On secondary roads, the limit is usually 60km/h (37 miles per hour), and around towns & cities it is 40km/h (25 miles per hour).

If you happen to get a speeding ticket, please let your car rental company know right away, as you’ll have to pay for it when you drop off the car at the end of your trip.

Road Signs In Costa Rica

The road signs in Costa Rica should be pretty self-explanatory, as they look similar to US road signs, just in Spanish. You can browse some common Costa Rican road signs here.

Road Conditions

Costa Rica’s highways are paved and in good condition, however the country is also covered in back roads. Lots of dirt roads, and many are not in great shape. Muddy, potholes, etc. If you plan on driving off the beaten path in Costa Rica, I highly recommend renting a four-wheel drive SUV. Some bridges are only single lane, requiring one car to wait for the other to cross before proceeding.

River Crossings

You can road trip around Costa Rica without ever having to cross a river, but there are also some back roads that pass through rivers. Especially during the wet/rainy season, and in the Nicoya Peninsula, Drake Bay and Osa Peninsula areas. If you’ve never crossed a river before, please watch someone else go first!

Put your vehicle into 4X4 mode, go slow, and pay attention to the route. Some rivers aren’t crossed directly, but require you to drive up or down stream before exiting. This can be due to hidden obstacles, depth, or simply the best entry/exit points.

7. International Driver’s License

No, you do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica or rent a car there. Just bring your passport, credit card, and your driver’s license from your home country. So yes, you can drive in Costa Rica with a US driver’s license.

8. Extra Advice For Renting A Car & Driving In Costa Rica

• Lock your doors while driving in Costa Rica, and never leave valuables visible in your car.
• Pedestrians don’t really have right-of-way in Costa Rica. Meaning if you politely stop in the road to let someone cross, they’ll be confused, and the car behind you won’t expect it — which could cause an accident! This is similar in Mexico and other parts of Central America.
• Don’t book a car without reading the company reviews. You’ll find plenty of bad reviews for every company (people love to complain online), but try to pick one with the LEAST bad reviews.
• You may not always get the make/model/type of car you booked. If they give you a smaller car, or a manual when you asked for an automatic, be pushy and ask for an upgrade.
• Inspect your car thoroughly and record video on your smartphone pointing out damage before you leave. This is a backup if they attempt to charge you for damage that was already there. This is a common car rental scam in Costa Rica….
• Pay attention to if your Costa Rica rental car takes regular gas or diesel fuel, so you fill up with the correct type at gas stations.
• Use Google Maps on your smartphone for directions instead of renting a GPS device. Simply use your own hands-free car mount and a good international cell phone plan.

9. Accident & Breakdown Information

In an emergency, you can dial the Costa Rican Emergency Phone Number which is 911, just like in the United States. They have an English speaking line too.

However if your car simply breaks down, and no one is injured, its probably better to call your Costa Rican car rental company’s own emergency roadside assistance number located on the rental agreement.

Enjoy Your Costa Rica Road Trip!

Exploring the small villages, pristine beaches, jungle mountains, and national parks of Costa Rica in a rental car was definitely the right choice for us.

Self-drive road trips allow you to get off the beaten track to see things most people miss! ★

Rent A Car In Costa Rica

Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.

Check Latest Prices

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Cancun, Mexico

Heading to Cancun this year? Plan your trip with my tips on the best places to stay in Cancun, including neighborhoods suited to your budget and vacation goals!

Mexico’s beautiful Yucatan Peninsula home to beautiful sandy beaches and Mayan Ruins. One of the most popular places to base yourself is the city of Cancun, known as a gateway to to the Riviera Maya.

Formerly known as Nizuc or ‘point of grass’ to its Mayan inhabitants, the city now called Cancun means ‘enchanted snake’ or ‘nest of snakes’. 

But its far from a nest of snakes. Being the entry point to Mexico – Cancun is a vibrant city that is home to crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and a thriving night scene.

The perfect base to explore the Mayan Riviera, Cancun is also well connected to Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Chichen Itza, Playa del Carmen and more. 

Your stay in Cancún will introduce you to Mexican delicacies, nightlife, and street food. It’ll also be the perfect chance to go scuba diving, snorkeling, explore nearby Mayan ruins, go shopping, and join some cultural experiences.

If you’re looking for the best hotels in Cancun to enjoy your stay, read this free guide to the best areas in Cancun and find the perfect accommodation for your budget!

Mexico Travel Restrictions 2022

Mexico is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.

Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.

You can find the latest updates on traveling to Mexico here.

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Best Places To Stay In Cancun Guide

Top Neighborhoods In Cancun

Zona Hotelera

Zona Hotelera is Cancun’s main tourist district where you’ll find the higher-end resorts that cater to tourists. Stay here and you’ll find restaurants, shopping malls, and a happening night-life scene. Extending all the way from Puerto Cancun to Punta Nizuc. It’s also where some of the best beaches in Cancun are located.  

El Centro (Downtown) Cancun

The place to be if you want to feel the heartbeat of the city. Watching busy locals go about their days, eating street food at stalls, or visiting affordable night clubs and restaurants. El Centro offers more affordable budget accommodation options than other parts of Cancun.

Costa Mujeres

At the far North end of the Zona Hotelera sits Playa Mujeres (Costa Mujeres) – a newer developed luxury resort area of Cancun. A bit closer to El Centro and Puerto Juarez, this area is not as crowded as Zona Hotelera. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet on a holiday with the family, Playa Mujeres is a top choice. 

Puerto Juarez

Situated about 2 km from the center of Cancun, Puerto Juarez is another good place to stay in Cancun if you’re on a budget. It’s quieter than the city center, but not as touristy as Zona Hotelera. It’s also the perfect place to stay if you plan to visit Isla Mujeres, since the Ultramar Ferry to the island leaves from here twice and hour.

Zona Hotelera – Where To Stay For First Time Visitors

Luxury Hotels In The Hotel Zone ($200+ USD)

• Ritz Carlton Cancun – The luxury AAA Five Diamond Award winner, the Ritz Carlton is within walking distance of popular beaches Playa Marlin and Playa Ballenas. Guests will enjoy the 2 swimming pools, Kayanta Spa, 7 onsite restaurants, kids club and a teens club. Elegantly decorated rooms with the best amenities, Ipod docking stations, Egyptian cotton sheets, private beach cabanas, what more can you ask for?
• Nizuc Resort & Spa – Situated on Boulevard Kukulcan in Zona Hotelera’s Punta Nizuc, the Nizuc Resort is one of the best places to stay in Cancun. Guests at this 29-acre beachfront resort can soak in the most luxurious environment catering to all their needs. Enjoy access to 6 international restaurants, 2 swimming pools, a top-grade fitness center, spa and wellness treatments, thermal experiences, free parking, free WiFi, and the best amenities.

Mid-Range Hotels In The Hotel Zone ($150 – $190 USD)

• Renaissance Cancun Resort – Located in the Puerto Cancun section of Zona Hotelera, the Renaissance Cancun is within walking distance of the Marina Town Center, restaurants and a shopping center. There’s a free shuttle to the beach, a sauna, infinity pool, beach club, and spacious rooms and suites with every amenity you need. 
• Marriott Cancun Resort – Set on the beachfront of the Caribbean sea, the large spacious rooms at the Marriott are perfect for a luxurious stay at not-so-luxurious prices. Guests have access to 8 international restaurants including Japanese and Thai, free WiFi, fitness center, and the top amenities. Day care programs to take care of kids too.

Budget Hotels In The Hotel Zone ($50 – $100 USD)

• Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel – Previously known as Senor Frog, and right in the heart of Zona Hotelera, the Mayan Monkey Hostel is within walking distance of beaches, restaurants and bars. You can either choose from dorm rooms, double rooms, or a suite. Free WiFi, free private parking, barbecue facilities, a lounge, bar, and pool make this hostel perfect! 

El Centro Neighborhood – Cancun On A Budget

Mid-Range Hotels In El Centro ($150 – $190 USD)

• Selina Cancun Downtown – Within walking distance of the Cancun Bus Station and Cristo Rey Church, this Selina Hotel offers a swimming pool, free WiFi and free onsite parking. Pets are allowed at a charge, and guests have access to a shared kitchen, breakfast at the onsite restaurant, as well as access to a co-working space. Whether you choose the dorms, apartments or rooms, you’ll enjoy your stay at this colorful hotel. 
• El Rey Del Caribe – Located right in the heart of downtown Cancun, this eco-hotel has a hot tub, terrace, swimming pool and garden area. They have solar water heaters, and recycle all waste water, and use rain-water collection systems. Just one mile from Cancun’s famous beaches.

Budget Hotels In El Centro ($50 – $100 USD)

• Casa Blanca Boutique – You’ll love the bright and colorful rooms and furnishings at this El Centro bed & breakfast which allows pets on request. Guests have access to the onsite pool, continental breakfasts, rooms with balconies, and friendly advice from an accessible host. And in keeping with its organic mantra even the coffee here is organic!
• Gaia Studios – The rooms at Gaia come with kitchens, flat-screen TVs and a private bathroom. Some rooms have air conditioning and/or a balcony. Located in a nice area of downtown Cancun, close to the family-friendly park “Parque las Palapas”. They also offer airport shuttle service for an extra fee.
• Nomads Hotel – Featuring a rooftop pool and huge bar, this hostel is set 3-minutes from the main bus stop in Downtown Cancun. Apart from free WiFi and parking, this adults-only hostel offers access to a shared kitchen, loungers, and is within walking distance of good nightlife.

Puerto Juarez – Cancun’s Newest Area

Luxury Hotels In Puerto Juarez ($200+ USD)

• Dreams Vista Cancun – A super nice luxury resort in Cancun’s Puerto Juarez area, it boasts a private beach, huge swimming pool, children’s playground, fitness center, and free WiFi. They have a spa, golf course, and water slides too.
• Planet Hollywood Resort Cancun – This fancy all-inclusive resort is adults only, and just a 10-minute walk away from Cancun’s Playa Blanca beach. The offer free parking, multiple outdoor swimming pools, bars, a spa and a fitness center. There’s also an in-house movie theater.

Budget Hotels In Puerto Juarez ($50 – $100 USD)

• Hotel Del Sol – Offering free continental breakfasts at their onsite restaurant, Hotel Del Sol is just 450 meters from Playa Blanca and a world of water activities. The affordable compact bedrooms include free WiFi and air conditioning, and has the best amenities for a budget hotel.

Costa Mujeres – Luxury Beach & Golf Resorts

Luxury Hotels In Costa Mujeres ($200+ USD)

• Secrets Playa Mujeres – An adults-only all-inclusive resort offering Junior Suites and ocean-front Master Suites. They have a private beach, luxuriously decorated rooms, 7 international restaurants, an elegant spa, top-notch fitness center, and everything you need for a fantastic holiday. It’s pet-friendly too! 

FAQ: Top Cancun Questions

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READ MORE MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my guide on where to stay in Cancun! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

• Fun Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen
• The Ultimate Travel Guide To Cancun
• How To Visit Chichen Itza Ruins
• The Best Mayan Ruins In Mexico
• Useful Tips For Visiting Tulum
• Best Cenotes For Swimming In Mexico

Do you have any questions about where to stay in Cancun? Are you planning a trip to Mexico? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

One of my favorite things to do in Mexico is swim in the beautiful cenotes of the Yucatan. Here are tips for visiting a cenote in Mexico, and how to enjoy them responsibly.

Cenotes in Mexico are super cool! The Mayan people used cenotes to supply their ancient cities (like Chichen Itza) with fresh water, as well as a sacred place to conduct sacrificial offerings to their gods.

Ancient artifacts and even human bones have been discovered in many.

Offerings were made to the Mayan god Chaac, the god of rain, when drought threatened the area. The Maya also believed these underground wells were entrances to the afterlife.

Despite their slightly creepy history, these days cenotes in Mexico are enjoyed by foreigners and locals alike as refreshing jungle swimming holes and cave diving hot-spots. No trip to Mexico is complete without swimming in a cenote!

Here you’ll find details about Tulum cenotes, as well as cenotes near Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid too.

After spending years living in and regularly traveling to Mexico as a digital nomad, I wanted to put together a helpful guide to my favorite cenotes throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.

Mexico Cenotes Map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll find a map of cenotes in Mexico. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places I mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Enjoy!

Mexico Travel Restrictions 2023

Mexico has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements, including for Americans. It’s the perfect time to visit Mexico!

You can find the latest updates on traveling to Mexico here.

Get Travel Insurance

Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!

Click For Details

Best Cenotes In Mexico

What Exactly Is A Cenote?

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its amazing cenotes — natural pools of fresh water located in limestone caves. These pools are connected to each other through the world’s largest underground river system.

Rain water seeps through the porous limestone, collecting underground.

Cenotes themselves are created when the limestone surface collapses, creating a cave opening into this river system. Some cenotes are “open air” meaning the roof has completely collapsed, while “cave cenotes” may have most or all of their roof still intact.

Many cenotes in Mexico are home to a variety of fish and plant life, some even have turtles!

There are supposedly over 6000 different cenotes located in Mexico. Some have been turned into swimming holes for tourists, others are used for technical cave scuba diving, and many more are simply inaccessible – hidden in the remote Mexican jungle.

Best Cenotes In Tulum

Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí)

One of my favorite Tulum cenotes, Casa is an open-air cenote that looks more like a river than a typical cenote. Jungle plants go right up to the edge of it, and it’s an excellent spot for snorkeling. It’s narrow but VERY long, so you might want to use a life jacket (they have them) if you’re not a strong swimmer.

Locals call it “Cenote Manati”, because there used to be a population of Manatees living in it. While they are no longer there, a friendly crocodile named “Panchito” does sometimes make appearances to swim with tourists. I wouldn’t pet it, but otherwise there’s nothing to be afraid of!

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN ($7 USD)

Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Dos Ojos

Dos Ojos Cenote is one of the coolest cenotes near Tulum. It’s very popular for scuba diving, due to its “two eyes” (sinkholes) separated by a 400m long underwater tunnel. But it’s also fun for snorkeling, as there are plenty of caves to explore that are just above the water line.

Because Dos Ojos is one of the most famous cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, it can get crowded fast. It’s actually part of a huge cenote complex, and there are many different ones you can visit in the area.

Entrance Fee: 350 MXN ($17 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Gran Cenote Tulum

Gran Cenote (aka Great Cenote) is one of the closest cenotes to Tulum. In fact it’s possible to ride a bike here if you want to. It’s not super big, but has two cool chambers separated by a cave tunnel. They also have a mini turtle sanctuary!

A nice cenote for swimming and snorkeling, they also have showers and restrooms on site. It’s grown in popularity over the years, and can see huge crowds sometimes.

Entrance Fee: 180 MXN ($8 USD)

Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Taak Bi-Ha

This cenote hidden in the jungle of Tulum is a special one. A full on cave cenote, it’s lit with led lights, but still kept looking natural, which I love. The water is super clear, and snorkeling here makes you feel like a cave diver. Which, by the way, you’ll see plenty scuba divers disappear into the abyss beyond.

It’s generally one of the less-crowded cenotes in Tulum, partly due to its steep price to enter compared to others.

Entrance Fee: 500 MXN ($24 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)

The Car Wash Cenote is located right off the road from Tulum to Coba, and used to be where locals would wash their cars! Now it’s a proper Tulum swimming cenote where you’ll see tons of fish, water lilys, iguanas, and even some turtles from time to time.

Car Wash has a few wooden jumping platforms, a rope swing, and is another cave diving spot. There are a lot of downed trees at the bottom too, making for a unique underwater world to view while snorkeling around.

Entrance Fee: 200 MXN ($10 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Calavera (Temple Of Doom)

Cenote Calavera gets its name from the appearance of a skull, with three openings into the ground. It’s a very deep cenote in Tulum which cave divers love. Perfect for jumping from the sides (there’s even a narrow opening you can drop into).

It’s sometimes called The Temple Of Doom by professional scuba divers. There is a swing, as well as a climbing rope. They have lounge chairs for sunbathing too.

Entrance Fee: 250 MXN ($12 USD)

Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Choo Ha

This shallow water cave cenote is located next to the ruins of Coba (about 45-minutes from Tulum). It boasts crystal clear blue water and many stalagmites hanging from the ceiling. It’s a dramatic looking cenote, and one of my favorite cenotes near Tulum.

The shallow water makes this a great cenote to visit with a family or small kids, although the stairs down are pretty steep and slippery. So just be extra careful! Choo Ha is actually one of 3 cenotes located around Coba, and it’s possible to buy a ticket that covers all of them.

Entrance Fee: 100 MXN ($5 USD)

Location: Click For Map

Kaan Luum

Laguna de Kaan Luum is a clear shallow lake with bright blue water which encircles a deep cenote (sinkhole). With a depth of approximately 262 feet, the waters of this cenote supposedly have magical properties.

Kaan Luum is also perfect for scuba diving or freediving with the deeper area cordoned off to prevent entry to swimmers. There are water hammocks, swings, and small tower that you can climb for a great view of the whole area.

Entrance Fee: 300 MXN ($15 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm

Location: Click For Map

Tulum Cenotes Tour

Prefer a guided tour? Explore some of Tulum’s beautiful cenotes as well as some Mayan ruins.

Book Online Now

Best Cenotes In Cancun

Cenote La Noria

The best cenotes near Cancun are located along the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route) just outside the city of Puerto Morelos. La Noria was my favorite of these cenotes. It boasts milky blue water, some rope swings, a jumping platform, and dramatic cave stalactites hanging from the roof.

Entrance Fee: 300 MXN ($14 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm

Location: Click For Map

Verde Lucero

Cenote Verde Lucero is a fun one, with different cliff jumping spots and even a zipline! A very popular cenote that many tours stop at. They also have kayaks to rent here. If you are staying at a hotel in Cancun, these are some of the closest cenotes to go to.

Entrance Fee: 300 MXN ($15 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Sol & Luna

Cenote Sol y Luna is the first cenote you’ll encounter on the Ruta de Cenotes. It’s a big complex, featuring the cenote itself, as well as a pool, waterslides, temazcal sauna, ATV rides, and more. The cenote is large and green, with fun zipline and some jumping platforms. Lifejackets are provided (and required) here.

Entrance Fee: 350 MXN ($15 USD)

Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Boca de Puma

A super fun cenote to visit near Cancun is called Boca de Puma (Mouth of the Puma). It’s actually comprised of two different cenotes, one in a cave, the other open-air. They also have a zipline course here, as well as a handful of rescued spider monkeys who roam free in the jungle, but aren’t afraid of people at all. One of them wouldn’t leave Anna’s side!

Entrance Fee: 400 MXN ($20 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Ojo de Agua

This cool cenote called Ojo de Agua has multiple openings (eyes) into the crystal clear water below. There are jumping platforms up to 20 feet high, and swimming through the caves below is super fun. You have to shower before getting in, and there’s a little place to buy lunch here too.

Entrance Fee: 250 MXN ($12 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Adventure Tour

Visit 4 different cenotes on a guided tour from Cancun. Includes kayaking, zip-lining, rappelling, and more!

Book Online Now

Best Cenotes In Playa Del Carmen

Garden Of Eden Cenote

Cenote Jardin del Eden (Garden of Eden) is a large open-air cenote just outside Playa del Carmen. It’s pretty popular with locals and expats, with lots of shady trees, multiple decks for jumping or sunbathing, and plenty of little fish swimming around. A great spot for snorkeling!

Depending on the time of year, and time of day, it can get crowded here. However because it’s big, there is usually plenty of room to spread out.

Entrance Fee: 100 MXN ($4.75 USD)

Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Azul

Located right next to Garden of Eden, Cenote Azul has stunning blue water. The “blue” cenote boasts a nice small cliff you can jump from, a wooden boardwalk, and a few shaded areas to hang out.

There’s lots of small fish in this cenote too, who will nibble on your dead skin if you put your feet in the water. A natural Mexican fish spa! Make sure to walk the jungle path that circles the cenote too, it’s super cool.

Entrance Fee: 100 MXN ($4.75 USD)

Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Yax Kin

Cenote Yax Kin is a wonderful cenote in Mexico for families and kids. This is due to its large shallow areas, something that most cenotes don’t have. They also have lounge chairs, and pathways that take you to even more cenotes that are part of the same complex.

There are grills and campsites available to rent too. Keep an eye out for all the HUGE iguana lizards who like to hang around this cenote! Sometimes they chase each other up trees. It’s pretty entertaining.

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN ($7 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Best Cenotes Near Valladolid

Ik-Kil Cenote

Cenote Ik-Kil is a super popular cenote near the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and is often included as a stop on guided bus tours. As such, it’s often packed with people. Massive vines stretch down to the water, making it look very dramatic. While cool, due to the crowds, it’s not my favorite cenote in the area.

Entrance Fee: 350 MXN ($17 USD)

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Zaci-Ha

Cenote Zaci is located right in the heart of the Mexican town of Valladolid, and an easy bike ride from anywhere in town. It’s not quite as popular as others, but has a few different cliff jumps, some big black fish swimming around, and sometimes a little waterfall.

Entrance Fee: 30 MXN ($1.50 USD)

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Suytun

One of the most photogenic cenotes in the Yucatan, Suytun Cenote has become an Instagram sensation. Sunlight streams down from a hole in the ceiling, making for a very dramatic scene. Due to its popularity, it can get quite busy as everyone waits in line for a photo on the circular walkway.

Each person gets about a minute to pose on the walkway for photos, before they blow a whistle and let the next person in line get their turn. Makes a wonderful photo, but is not a very magical experience like some other cenotes can be. A bit of a tourist trap.

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN ($9 USD)

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote X’Canche

X’canche cenote is next to the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam, and part of the archaeological site. It’s pretty cool, and looks like a circular crater in the ground with steep sides. It’s about a mile (1.5 km) walk from the Mayan ruins, but they also offer bicycles to rent.

To get down to the water itself, you need to walk down a couple of very steep wooden staircases. The water is less clear than some other cenotes, so there isn’t much to see with snorkeling gear. There are some jumping platforms, a free rope swing, plus ziplines & a rappel that you do for an extra fee.

Entrance Fee: 70 MXN ($3.50 USD)

Opening Hours: 8am – 3:30pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Palomitas

This cenote in Mexico is a bit off the beaten path, about 30-minutes from Valladolid. It doesn’t see as many tourists as others do. It’s actually part of a 3-cenote complex. It’s a massive cave cenote, with a single hole in the top that allows sunlight to stream in. There’s also a knotted rope hanging down for climbing!

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN ($7 USD)

Opening Hours: 8am – 4:30pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Sac-Aua

One of the most unique cenotes I visited in Mexico, Sac-Aua has a giant island in the middle of it, creating a doughnut shape. They rent kayaks here, so you can cruise around the island. There’s also a jumping platform, and a bunch of iguanas hanging around. They also have a cavern (cave) you can visit, and will cook a traditional Mayan meal for lunch too.

Entrance Fee: 345 MXN ($17 USD)

Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

Cenote Secreto Maya

There’s lots to do at this cenote near Valladolid. A 22 meter jumping platform, 10 meter rope swing, caves to explore, and when you enter, you’re treated to a traditional Mayan blessing. There is also food, a swimming pool, hammocks, and a massive colorful mural to enjoy when you’re done with the cenote. Loved this one! It wasn’t too crowded either.

Entrance Fee: 200 MXN ($10 USD)

Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm

Location: Click For Map

How To Visit Cenotes

Rental Car

The best site to book a rental car in Mexico is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

Renting a car offers the best flexibility for exploring and visiting some of the more remote cenotes around the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favorite way to get around! You can use my Mexico cenote map at the top of this article to help you find them all.

Take A Guided Cenote Tour

There are several tour options for visiting cenotes leaving from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Some are part of Mayan Ruins tours, while others combine cenote visits with ziplining, ATV’s and other adventure activities. One popular option leaving from Cancun is the Xenote Experience.

Bicycle Or Taxi

Some of the Tulum cenotes can be reached by bicycle, as well as some cenotes near the town of Valladolid. For most others, unless you have your own rental car, you’ll need to hire a local taxi to take you. Often taxi drivers will give you their business card, allowing you to call them when you’re done visiting the cenote to get a ride back into town.

Tips For Visiting Cenotes In Mexico

• To avoid polluting the water in cenotes, most places require you to shower before entering. Please don’t use sunscreen either, as it can be harmful to wildlife.
• Many cenotes in Mexico provide life jackets for people who are not strong swimmers. Most cenotes don’t have a shallow area — they can be super deep.
• Some cenotes include rope swings, jumping platforms, zip lines, and will rent you snorkeling gear.
• Cave divers frequent some cenotes, so make sure to give them plenty of room, and be careful where you jump!
• Some cenotes can get very crowded, depending on the season and time of day. If you arrive at a cenote and see a bunch of tour buses, it might be worth looking for another if you want to avoid crowds.
• The water in most cenotes is pretty cold, as they are fed from underground sources.

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Travel Safety Tips

Picking travel insurance can be a very confusing part of planning your international trip. Is it worth the expense? Which insurance companies offer the best coverage?

Getting some travel insurance is an extremely important part of planning a trip to foreign countries. Many regular health insurance companies don’t cover much (if anything) when you travel. This means you should purchase a dedicated travel insurance plan.

Travel insurance plans can cover a mix of medical emergencies, accidents, theft of personal property, illness, and even trip cancellation or interruptions. It’s just a smart option if you want to travel safely these days.

But the best part is, decent plans can cost only a few dollars a day.

After 10-years of travel, I’ve had quite a few incidents happen on the road (Dengue Fever, a stolen camera, phone, etc.) So I never travel without insurance to protect me from these unexpected situations.

My goal with this travel insurance guide is to help you narrow down the overwhelming choices out there — and pick some good travel insurance whether you’re traveling for 2-weeks or 6-months.

Why listen to me? Experience! I’ve been traveling around the world for ten years as a digital nomad, while visiting over 50 countries.

Matthew KarstenThe Expert Vagabond

Types Of Travel Insurance

There are a few different kinds of travel insurance, and some plans cover more than others.

You’ll have to ask yourself a few questions before picking a plan. Are you a short-term traveler going away for a week or two? Or are you a long-term traveler leaving for 6-months or more?

Do you carry a lot of expensive photo/computer gear, or not?

Will your current health insurance cover you overseas? How much will it cover? Does it include medical evacuation? Do you have any pre-existing conditions?

Are you the type of person who books hotels/flights/activities in advance? Or do you just wing it and pay for these services as you use them? Are you worried your trip might get canceled?

Travel Medical Insurance is coverage for accidents, injuries, illness, or hospital visits while you are away from home.

Medical Evacuation Insurance is coverage for emergency transportation (often via airplane) to a major hospital for better treatment.

Trip Cancellation Insurance is coverage for unexpected interruptions in your travel plans.

Baggage/Property Insurance is coverage for theft or damage to your gear while traveling.

Best Travel Insurance Options In 2023

Short-Term Travel Insurance

SafetyWing

SafetyWing is a fantastic budget travel insurance option for travelers. They offer the flexibility to purchase a plan before or after your trip has already started. Plans start at only $40 per month, and they include theft of personal property too!

Another big perk is that they can also cover you in your home country, or a dependent child who is traveling with you. Which is nice for digital nomads and families traveling with kids.

World Nomads

World Nomads specializes in short-term travel coverage, including theft, and are very popular among travelers. I used them for years before I decided to get long-term expat type insurance instead.

Buying insurance with World Nomads for your next vacation is quick & easy. You can even purchase a plan with little advanced notice. You can extend coverage online from anywhere too.

Health Coverage Worldwide: Yes.
Coverage At Home: No.
Medical Evacuation: Yes.
Trip Cancellation: Yes.
Theft/Damage Insurance: Yes. ($500 per-item limit)

Long-Term Insurance For Digital Nomads & Expats

Because I’m a digital nomad and travel with thousands of dollars of camera equipment for work, I have a more long-term travel insurance mindset. I use an expat dedicated health insurance policy, combined with a gear policy for professional photographers.

This mix is more expensive than a World Nomads Policy, but works best for my long-term travel lifestyle.

IMG Global

This plan specializes in long-term worldwide medical coverage, but does not cover theft or trip cancelation. Coverage inside the United States is included, but to qualify you must spend at least 6 months of the year living abroad. You can choose a deductible from $250-$10,000.

Health Coverage Worldwide: Yes.
Coverage at Home: Yes.
Medical Evacuation: Yes.
Trip Cancellation: No.
Theft/Damage Insurance: No.
Example Quote: Global Gold (1 year policy) = $74/month with $1000 deductible

HTH Worldwide

Full international medical insurance, including the United States. No limits as to how long you are in the US. Deductible waived for regular doctor checkups. Excellent insurance, but pricey. Sherry from OttsWorld.com is a happy customer.

Health Coverage Worldwide: Yes.
Coverage at Home: Yes.
Medical Evacuation: Yes.
Trip Cancellation: No.
Theft/Damage Insurance: No.
Example Quote: Global Citizen (1 year policy) = $269/month with $1000 deductible

More Insurance Options

Your Current Health Insurance

Already have regular health insurance in your home country? Check to see if they provide coverage internationally. If they do, you might not need anything else.

Homeowners Or Renters Insurance

Your homeowners or renters insurance may cover your belongings when you’re traveling in foreign countries too. Call them up to verify the details.

Credit Card Travel Insurance

Many travel credit cards often include some basic travel, theft, and even car insurance (which is great for renting a car overseas). Call your card company up to get details on what is exactly covered (or not).

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

This is the million-dollar question — and ultimately a personal decision. I’ve met plenty of people who travel without travel insurance and I’ve contemplated doing the same.

But after over 10-years of constant travel, hearing horror stories from other travelers, and getting into a few dangerous predicaments myself — if someone asks for my opinion on the subject I answer with:

YES. Everyone should carry some kind of health/property insurance when traveling.

Why? Because stuff happens. Whether you think it will or not. Despite your best-laid plans and preventative measures. Sure, if you sprain your ankle, it might not be a big deal.

But what if your appendix bursts? Or your bus crashes? Or you contract a deadly disease? Or require medical evacuation after breaking your leg?

These things definitely happen to travelers from time to time, and could cost you tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, you’re screwed!

My recommendation is based on listening to countless first-hand tales of disaster from other travelers, as well as my own personal experiences.

Real-Life Examples

I know a woman traveling in Costa Rica who fell off a ladder, shattering her arm. She did not have health insurance, received horrible treatment at the local hospital, and was basically held hostage there until she was able to pay the HUGE medical bill.

Another person I know lost everything he was traveling with when his locked guesthouse in Ecuador was broken into. Without personal property insurance, he would have needed to spend thousands replacing all his gear.

Another friend contracted a flesh-eating parasite while trekking through the jungles of Peru. He required months worth of treatment from specialized doctors, and a medical evacuation flight back to the United States.

These are all people I know personally.

Making An Insurance Claim

Insurance companies are notorious for trying to avoid paying out claims. Making a claim might take some work on your part, depending on the situation. Here are a few tips for getting paid through travel insurance:

• If you’re having issues filing a claim, always work your way up the corporate ladder. Talk to a supervisor. Then talk to the supervisor’s supervisor. Make your claim issues public using Social Media if needed.
• Record conversations. At the beginning of every phone call, tell the other party you’re recording the conversation to ensure no misunderstandings later.
• When filing a police report of any kind, keep the story simple. The longer and more in-depth the report, the easier it is for insurance companies to find a loophole to deny your claim.

Additional Travel Insurance Tips

• Read the fine print first! Know what you’re covered for. For example, some policies don’t cover extreme sports or theft of unattended items.
• Take photos or a video of all your travel gear with a date stamp.
• Save PDF copies of any travel gear purchases & hospital receipts. Keep originals too.
• Write down serial numbers, policy numbers, and insurance contact information.
• Store this information online in a secure, easy to access place. I use Evernote. Another good option is Dropbox or Google Drive.
• File a police report immediately after any theft or accident while traveling.

No one likes to think about theft or injury when they’re on vacation, but the threat is real, and without good travel insurance, an unexpected incident could ruin the rest of your year. Never travel without it! ★

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Tulum, Mexico

Once an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum has been transformed into a celebrity vacation playground. From cenotes to chilling on the beach — here are the best things to do in Tulum, Mexico!

Home to an ancient Mayan city, Tulum was once called Zama or “City of Dawn”.

Where is Tulum? This tropical paradise is located about 2-hours south of Cancun, along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Boasting beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear water, Tulum is also a scuba diving paradise with many cenotes and caves to explore. 

Tulum is a place where the ancient and the modern world blend together. Today you’ll find a mix of ancient Mayan ruins, yoga retreats, shopping, restaurants, and plenty of famous people who flock here to refresh their mind, body, and soul.

In fact, the Mexican government is opening a new international airport in Tulum (as well as a train) sometime in 2023.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Tulum over the years while living on and off in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and wanted to put together a guide on what to do in Tulum for first-time visitors.

My Tulum itinerary is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.

Tulum Highlights Map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll find a map of highlights in Tulum, Mexico. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places I mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version. Enjoy!

Mexico Travel Restrictions 2023

Mexico has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements, including for Americans. It’s the perfect time to visit Tulum!

You can find the latest updates on traveling to Mexico here.

Get Travel Insurance

Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!

Click For Details

Tulum Mexico Travel Guide

1: Visit The Tulum Ruins (Archeological Site)

The Tulum Archeological Site is an impressive 13th-century cliff-top Mayan city which is the highlight of any trip to Tulum. Set 12-meters high overlooking the shimmering Caribbean sea, the ruins are the perfect backdrop for photos.

The 5-meter tall walls that surrounded the city, may have something to do with the name Tulum, which is the Maya word for fence. 

Some important structures at the Tulum ruins are the Templo Dios del Viento or Temple of the God of the Wind, Pyramid El Castillo, Temple of the Descending God, and the Temple of the Frescoes. 

Gates open at 8 AM, but the lines can be long so I recommend arriving about an hour earlier, if you want to be first in line. Or you can also join a guided tour.

➜ Read My Guide To Visiting Tulum’s Ruins Here

Tour Of Tulum & Coba

Explore 2 archaeological sites in one day, as well as a Mayan village and swimming in a cenote.

Book Online Now

2: Explore Tulum Pueblo (El Centro)

Tulum is actually split up into 3 different areas, all commonly described as “Tulum”, which can make things a bit confusing for first time visitors.

Tulum Town (aka Tulum Pueblo, or El Centro) is where locals in Tulum actually do business. Here you’ll find grocery stores, local restaurants, and other Mexican shops.

Tulum Beach (aka Tulum Hotel Zone) is where all the beaches, resorts, and tourist shopping is. This is actually a 5-10 minute drive away from Tulum Town. Walking this distance would take about an hour (not recommended). A bike or taxi should be used instead.

And finally there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are located North of both the town and the beach.

A few good places to stop in Tulum Town to get a feel for local Mexican life include La Chiapaneca for street tacos, Del Cielo for breakfast or brunch, and Huerto del Eden if you love fresh juice and coffee.

3: Relax On Tulum’s Best Beaches

Tulum has so many lush beaches with soft sands and dazzling waters, it’s difficult to choose which beach to get some sun at. While Mexican law guarantees public access to all beaches, many hotels in Tulum attempt to charge tourists a fee to “use their lounge chairs”.

Here are our top choices amongst Tulum’s white sandy beaches. 

• Playa Paraisao boasts powder white sands, clear shallow waters, beach bars and coconut palms. 
• Playa Ruinas is the isolated beach directly below the Tulum Ruins. Only accessible from the archeological site, it opens around 10am.
• Ziggy’s Beach is a beach club that costs $35 USD to enter, but includes use of a lounge chair. This family friendly beach is perfect for travelers with kids.
• Santa Fe Beach is a relaxing public beach north of Playa Paraisao, and just South of the ruins. It’s dotted with tiny beach bars to grab a bite or drink.
• Mirador Tulum Beach is the place to go for sunrise if you’re looking for a quiet place to chill.

One thing most people don’t know is that Tulum can sometimes get hit with a sargassum seaweed invasion, making the pristine white sand beaches — a little less pristine. The seaweed comes and goes each year, and if you’re unlucky, it may be around during your visit.

Hotels and resorts try to clean it up from the beaches when they can, but sometimes it can overwhelm an area. The seaweed is harmless, but it can start to rot and smell bad if it isn’t removed right away.

4: Sian Ka’an Biosphere

Sian Ka’an means “gate to heaven” or “origin of the sky”. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is located just south of Tulum, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. 

Sian Ka’an covers 5280 km² and is home to over 300 species of birds, 120 km of coastline, diverse flora and fauna, coral reefs, a lagoon and around 23 Mayan archaeological sites.

A popular activity is to book a Sian Ka’an boat tour or kayaking tour to explore the jungle mangroves and saltwater lagoons. There are also snorkeling trips too. It’s possible to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and all kinds of bird life on these trips.

5: Swim (Or Scuba Dive) In Cenotes

You can’t visit Tulum, Mexico and not visit a cenote. The Tulum cenotes are natural limestone sinkholes that provide access to Mexico’s underground river system for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Some of the cenotes also include underwater archaeological sites and relics. 

With the Riviera Maya being home to the largest underground cave system in the world, connecting thousands of different cenotes, there are many beautiful underground caverns and caves to explore. Some of my favorite cenotes near Tulum include:

• Gran Cenote – The most popular cenote in Tulum with waters that are considered sacred, it’s the entrance of the Sistema Sac Actun.
• Casa Cenote – Surrounded by mangroves with a tunnel that heads right out to the sea.
• Dos Ojos Cenote – Called Two Eyes Cenote, this one has great snorkeling and cave diving (if you’re a licensed scuba diver).
• Carwash (aka Aktun Ha) – Located right off the road to Coba, Carwash was once used for washing cars, but now it’s just for swimming or cave diving.
• Calavera (aka Temple Of Doom) – Looks like a skull from below, and is a popular spot for divers. But there’s a ladder and rope swing too.
• Cenote Taak Bi Ha – One of my favorite cenotes in Tulum, this giant cave boasts crystal clear blue water. Another cenote popular with cave divers.

➜ Read My Guide To Mexico’s Best Cenotes

Cenote & Ruins Adventure

Prefer a guided tour? Explore some of Mexico’s Mayan ruins, and go swimming in a beautiful cenote.

Book Online Now

6: Take A Yoga Class

Tulum is a popular destination for hippie/bohemian/new-age types, and as such, you’ll find plenty of yoga retreats, music therapy sessions, and other kinds of health and wellness activities.

If you’re looking to unwind and immerse yourself in some yoga sessions during your visit, check out Naga Tulum or the beachfront yoga studio at Sanara.

7: Climb The Mayan Ruins Of Coba

About 45 minutes away from Tulum you’ll find Coba. Tall pyramids look out over the surrounding jungle. Once inhabited by almost 50,000 souls, these ruins date back to the Middle and Late Classic periods (500 to 900 AD) of the Mayan civilization. However, Coba has been inhabited as far back as 50 BC.

The most visited sites at Coba include the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, Sacbe, Coba Group, Coba Stelae, Macanxoc Group and Conjunto de Pinturas. One of the unique features of this Mayan site is the ability to actually climb the main pyramid — something you can’t do at other ruins.   

➜ Read My Guide To Visiting Coba Ruins Here

8: Visit Yal-Ku Lagoon

Just a 30 minute drive from Tulum, the beautiful Yal Ku Lagoon is a popular spot for snorkeling and sunbathing. What’s different about Yal Ku? It’s a cenote that flows into a lagoon that is also an inlet for the sea.

Because of the mix of sea water and fresh water, the lagoon is the perfect snorkeling spot. The shallow waters near the cenote teem with small fish, while the deeper waters near the sea are filled with turtles, rays, and bigger fish. 

There are stores nearby that offer snacks, plus snorkeling and diving gear that you can rent.  

9: Go Shopping In Tulum

Tulum is a popular shopping destination too. Boutique shops sell souvenirs, traditional Mayan clothing, and even some eclectic & bohemian Western designs.

Some popular stores to visit in Tulum are Wanderlust, Pura Vida Tulum, Arte Sano, and La Troupe. You’ll also find great buys at the street-lined stalls. Be prepared to pay Western prices though!

10: Eat At Local Restaurants

You don’t have to visit the best restaurants in Tulum, Mexico to get a taste of local food. Grab someamazing bites some of the local shacks instead. Here are our favorites. 

• Matcha Mama serves plant based smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re very popular on Instagram. 
• Burrito Amor has some of the best burritos in Mexico!
• Raw Love is a vegan cafe with a hippie vibe that’s popular for raw chocolate and vegan delicacies.  
• Mexican Dining Experience is a unique restaurant where you eat at a communal table for a 7-course dinner and free-flowing alcohol while the hosts explain the food to you.
• Origami Tulum – Go here for the best gelato!
• Hartwood is one of the best restaurants in Tulum, where you’ll enjoy fire cooked meals made with local ingredients.

11: Check Out The Nightlife!

The nightlife in Tulum is happening, and beach bars are full almost every evening with weekends getting quite crowded. Here are some of the best bars in Tulum. 

• Gitano – Grab drinks at this open air jungle bar while snacking on appetizers!
• Papaya Playa Project – Popular for the full moon and weekend parties. 
• Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
• Batey – Popular for the blue-colored beetle parked outside, this bar is famous for its local cocktails using fruits like the prickly pear! 
• Mateos – This place is great for drinks, or lunch. They often have live music at sunset on their rooftop terrace!

And don’t forget to drink some Mexican Mezcal at any of the local bars. It’s an agave liquor that you’ll find in many Mexican cocktails. 

12: Visit A Mexican Adventure Park

Throughout the Riviera Maya you’ll find a series of outdoor adventure theme parks that were built to take advantage of the natural landscape in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Some of the most popular ones are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor and Rio Secreto. They’re like organized adventures that will take you zip-lining through the trees, swimming in caves, driving ATVs, or snorkeling with colorful fish.

A great way for families to spend a day in Mexico, but adults will have a good time at these theme parks too. I think my favorite was Rio Secreto, because it feels a little more authentic and less touristy.

13: Water Sports Activities

The crystal clear waters of Tulum are perfect for water sports. Paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, wind surfing, and boating are popular. So are river tubing, and snorkeling and diving in the cenotes. But the most touristy thing to do is kite boarding or kite surfing, as there can be a lot of wind on the coast. 

On land, there are also jungle tours, zip lining and rappelling adventures in nearby ranches. 

14: Find Tulum’s Famous Instagram Spots

Tulum has attracted the interest of many famous artists & designers, so there’s lots of cool art & sculpture in the Tulum Hotel Zone. The Azulik Museum feels like you’re walking around in an acid trip.

Ahau Tulum has a giant wooden sculpture that invites you into its bosom. The Macondo restaurant in Nomade looks like a Moroccan Dream. 

And then there are the murals by local artists that can be found all around Tulum Town. It’s an Instagram addict’s dream come true!

Some of my favorite Instagram spots in Tulum include:

• Ven a La luz sculpture (Ahau Resort)
• The Colorful Tulum Sign
• Crooked Palm Tree (Playa Paraiso Beach Club)
• Beach Swings (Coco Tulum)
• Matcha Mama
• Follow That Dream Sign (Lolita Lolita Tulum)
• Sfer Ik (Azulik Resort)

15: Join A Temazcal Ceremony

One very unique thing to do in Tulum while getting a taste of Mayan culture is take part in a Temazcal ceremony. This traditional Mayan ceremony of purification takes place in a tiny hut made of stone or wood. You strip down to your underwear (or swimsuit), and enter the sweat lodge which is heated with hot rocks & water, turning it into a steamy sauna.

The ceremony is led by a local shaman, who conducts the ritual and takes care of participants. The temazcal ceremony takes place in complete darkness, as the shaman pours water over the hot rocks, chanting and using different herbs to summon spirits.

Temazcal was performed since ancient times, and seen as a purification ceremony that cleans the body, mind, and soul. As your body is sweating in the tiny hut, you enter a deep state of meditation, enhanced by the shamanic chanting.

16: Laguna De Kaan Luum

Looking like the blue hole in Belize, the Laguna Kaam Luum is one of the best kept Tulum secrets. The waters of the lagoon supposedly have magical properties and you’re allowed to take a swim for 300 MXN ($15 USD). For an extra 150 pesos you can also fly a drone here.

Kaan Luum is also perfect for scuba diving or freediving with the deeper area cordoned off to prevent entry to swimmers. There are water hammocks, swings, and small tower that you can climb for a great view of the whole lagoon.

17: Drive To Chichen Itza

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also the most visted Mayan ruins in Mexico.

The massive city complex built by the Mayans thrived from 525 AD to 1200 AD. Entrance costs about 80 + 417 pesos.

One of the most popular places to visit while staying in Tulum, Yucatan, it’s a two hour drive from Tulum Town in a rental car, but there are also many organized tours that will take you there. 

Chichen Itza Tour

Skip the line at Mexico’s most famous archaeological site, visit a colonial town, and swim in a cenote.

Book Online Now

18: Rent A Bicycle

Hire a bike and peddle through Tulum on your own two feet. A bike is also useful to visit most beaches and restaurants that are a 15-30 minute bike ride from Tulum Centro (Downtown). Bike rentals cost about $5-$10 USD per day.

You can also choose to book a bike tour of Tulum to experience local culture, stop by some ruins, and hop into a cenote that may be off the beaten path a bit.

Classic Tulum Bike Tour

Visit the Tulum’s ruins via bicycle, cruise around town, try some fresh tacos, and hop into a refreshing cenote.

Book Online Now

19: Visit Pablo Escobar’s Beach House

Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord who founded the Medellin Cartel and was shot dead in 1993. His mansion in the Tulum jungle was bought by art collector Lio Malca in 2012 and turned into an art hotel called Casa Malca.

Stop by to see contemporary pieces of art from Leo Malca’s collection as well as vintage furniture. But remember, if you’re not actually a hotel guest and would like to visit — you’re required to spend at least 1000 pesos (about $50 USD) on drinks, food, etc. 

20: Check Out The Muyil Ruins

Located inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the Muyil Ruins displaying Peten architecture date as far back as 350 BC. Set along an old trade route to Coba, the ruins also known as Chunyaxché are very close to the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.

Apart from the main ruins such as the 17-meter tall Castillo, you can also climb to an observation deck to see the surrounding countryside. 

21: Head To Bacalar

Bacalar is a massive beautiful blue lagoon located about 3 hours South of Tulum. Also known as Laguna de Siete Colores, it’s a wonderful spot go sailing, kayaking, or check out a unique cenote. There’s even a shipwreck you can visit!

A trip to Bacalar is best done as an overnight adventure, and you can return to Tulum the next evening. You can drive yourself in a rental car, or take an ADO bus.

Best Time To Visit Tulum

January – April

Excellent weather, with lots of sun and mild temperatures in the 80’s F. However this is also the high season, so there are many more tourists. Lots of Canadians and Americans come down for the winter.

May – October

These are the hottest and rainiest months of the year. The heat and humidity can be too much for some people. September and October is also hurricane season for the area. Far fewer tourists though.

November – December

This is my favorite time to visit Tulum, because the weather isn’t super hot, hurricane season is over, but the high season for tourists hasn’t started yet.

Where Is Tulum (Getting There)

Tulum is located 131 km South of Cancun, about a 2-hour drive away. Most people get to Tulum after flying into Cancun International Airport. Search for the cheapest flights to Cancun on Skyscanner.com.

From the airport, you can book a private shuttle to Tulum or take the public ADO bus (much cheaper). Buses leave every 30-minutes and cost about 300 pesos ($15 USD).

NOTE: Traffic is terrible along Tulum’s beach road. A crowded mix of taxis, supply trucks, and tourists on bicycles makes it a mess. Be VERY careful on the road here, and don’t expect to get anywhere fast in a car during the high-season.

Rental Car

The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive down to Tulum, Mexico.

Renting a car offers the best flexibility to explore more remote and less touristy spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favorite way to get around Tulum!

Tulum Taxis

There are no Ubers in Mexico, but there are taxis. Taking a taxi is what most tourists do, but beware that the Yucatan has a “taxi mafia” that charges high prices whenever they think they can get away with it. Always settle on the price before getting in.

Bike 

Cycling is a popular way to get around locally. For about $10 USD ($200 MEX) you can rent a bike for the entire day. Your hotel might have free bikes to rent too. If not, you can rent them from Ola Bike Tulum or IBike Tulum. 

Shuttles 

There are a bunch of airport shuttle services offering rides from Cancun airport to Tulum, and they’ll be sure to harass you at the airport exit. The most popular one is probably Cancun Airport Transportation. 

ADO Buses

Buses in the Yucatan Peninsula are run by the ADO bus company. You can use these buses to get from Tulum Town or Tulum Centro to the Tulum Ruins or Tulum Zona Arqueológica, or literally anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula. You can buy tickets in advance if you want to, but most times you’ll be fine buying a ticket just before entering the bus. 

Other local buses include the Mayab that goes to the Coba ruins where ADO doesn’t reach.

Colectivos 

Colectivos are local minivans that transport a group of people to and fro. This is the cheapest way to get around Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula. These are what the locals use to get around the city, but routes can be confusing if you don’t speak Spanish.

Rent A Car In Mexico

Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.

Check Latest Prices

Where To Stay In Tulum

Accommodation in Tulum can range from backpacker friendly to luxurious. The best areas to stay are Col Huracanes for the pubs and nightlife, Tulum Playa for the beaches, or Tulum Pueblo for something budget friendly.

Tulum Travel Tips & Advice

• Tulum has a persistent on-and-off seaweed problem, and it can cover the beautiful white sand beaches. Resorts try to clean it up, but aren’t always successful.
• Tulum is not like other parts of Mexico, it can be super expensive. It has also become a popular vacation spot for celebrities.
• January to March is usually very crowded and June to October is rainy. To avoid the crowds, it’s best visit in November or December. 
• Don’t expect amazing internet access in Tulum since WiFi is really slow in most places.
• There are only a few free public beaches in Tulum. The best beaches will require you to pay for entrance at a beach club.

FAQ: Top Tulum Questions

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Learn what it takes to become a professional nanny or au-pair for rich families living overseas, while making up to $100,000 a year. Where to find jobs, qualifications needed, and more.

Looking to change up your job this year? Maybe find one that lets you travel more? Do you enjoy working with children?

What if you could do all of the above, while making great money in the process. Welcome to the world of VIP Nannies & Au-Pairs.

In this guide I’ll explain the best way of finding and getting hired for VIP tutor, au-pair, or nanny jobs, and – in the process – why you might (or might not) want to work in this industry.

Nanny Job Guide For 2022

Childcare For Rich People: VIP Au-Pair

If you’re not yet convinced that this whole thing is doable, get on Google and do a quick search for ‘VIP nanny agency’, or check out the salaries for nanny, governess and tutor jobs.

You’ll see that salaries of £1000 or $1400 per week are fairly commonplace for full-time positions.

But if you want to reach the coveted 6-figure bracket of English teaching, tutoring and nannying jobs, you’ll need to do a little extra research into particular locations, and understand what exactly the work entails.

Nanny, Au Pair, Governess, Tutor

All of these terms are describing a similar role. Getting paid to take care of other people’s kids while also living (and traveling) with the family. These jobs are for both women & men.

The highest paying jobs are usually private, overseas positions tutoring or nannying kids for an UHNW (Ultra High Net Worth) family. It’s a pretty simple concept.

Wealthy families understand that English is a valuable language for their children to learn.

They know their children will have better opportunities to study or work abroad, or simply be more comfortable traveling if they speak English well.

For families that don’t have English as their first language but DO have the financial resources to pay for top-notch education, hiring a private tutor or nanny from the United States, Canada, or United Kingdom is often the answer.

A native-level English nanny or tutor working with their kids on a 40-50 hour per week basis can give these VIP children the kind of immersive experience that gets them fluent fast, and ultimately they are brought up speaking English with a clean accent, like a native.

For many wealthy families overseas, this is quite a prestigious matter.

The Life Of A Professional Nanny

The day-to-day experience for a nanny will include getting the charge (or charges) up in the morning, washed, dressed, fed breakfast and off to kindergarten or nursery, then probably a break.

In the afternoon perhaps walks, games, small trips and then the evening routine of getting the child ready for bed.

A tutor (or ‘governor’) might focus more on after-school sports, games, homework support and reading, whilst speaking English all the while. And, of course, tagging along on all the family’s vacations.

The pros of this type of work include the obvious great salaries (full-time work usually starts at a minimum of £1000 or $1400 per week), worldwide travel to luxury resorts (the Maldives, South of France and Dubai are popular choices for these types of wealthy families) and even occasional bonuses. Sounds pretty good, right?

Where Do Wealthy Families Live?

This is actually a pretty easy one to answer. The highest paying locations for tutors and nannies working for VIP international families are usually:

• Russia (mostly Moscow and St Petersburg)
• The UAE (tends to be Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
• The South of France (Monaco and surrounding areas).

Naturally, this list isn’t exhaustive. Whilst the areas listed above are the most common, more niche locations will include places like London or New York (international families that have moved there but haven’t achieved native-level English yet), Paris, Lagos, and plenty more.

Most large international cities will have some sort of market for VIP nannying or tutoring, it’s just a question of looking in the right place.

The bottom line is; almost all of these types of positions involve travel and relocation. If you want a job like this make sure you really are ready to commit to an overseas contract and prepare yourself accordingly.

OK, so you love travel and adventure and you’re cool with working with kids. What’s the next step?

Qualifications & Relevant Experience

It’s important to be realistic here – it’s very unlikely that you’ll find a wealthy VIP employer ready to pay you $100,000 per year to work with their family if you have zero experience or qualifications.

Time to go and get some! The qualifications to obtain will vary for a nanny or a tutor. A nanny applicant would ideally have a degree in Early Years, Childhood Education or similar to get to a top-level salary.

However it is possible to do shorter nannying courses and certifications. A CACHE certificate would be a good start for nannies based in the UK, but there are a huge variety of options – get on Google to find nanny courses near you.

You would also ideally have some sort of background check done (many agencies will ask for this) and First Aid certification would be helpful too.

For tutors, a couple of years’ tutoring English to your target age group, as well as a TEFL, TOEFL or CELTA certificate is generally enough. You can do these courses either in a school or online. A degree in education, languages or childhood education would be even better.

Full teaching qualifications would allow you to max out your salary potential.

You’ll also need to show at least a couple of years of work experience. The longer-term the better; a year or more in one stable position demonstrates to families or employers that you are reliable and committed and suitable for their family.

Families don’t want a nanny or tutor who leaves after a month or two, unless they are specializing in summer placements.

You’ll need references from previous employers (not necessarily VIP), so check that you have someone ready to speak to the agency or to a potential new boss.

As a general rule of thumb, the better your qualifications and experience, the better chance you have of finding a VIP nanny or tutor position.

Craft An Exceptional Resume/CV

The first thing to put on your CV is your qualifications and experience (as above). Family employers will also usually like a photo to ‘visualize’ how you might fit into their lives, so smile in your CV photo and wear something smart and sensible, clean and professional.

Your CV needs to include some personal information about you (but keep it professional, this isn’t the place for sentimental childhood memories) and information on any extra-curricular skills you possess.

The nannies and tutors getting paid the highest salaries usually have musical or sporting ability, or the ability to speak a second or third language on top of English. Anything you can think of here (piano, yoga, chess, Spanish) that you could theoretically teach to a child is a bonus.

When it’s all been put together, your CV should be a maximum of 2 pages (no longer, cut out information that isn’t relevant). Write a cover letter email introducing yourself, add some photos of you working with (or just spending time with) children, attach your CV, copies of your qualification certificates and your references and your application ‘package’ is good to go.

Where To Find Great Nanny Jobs

Now that you’ve got your application package prepped you need to start shopping for suitable positions.

One of the best places to get started is, as per usual, the internet. Both job sites and agencies can be your friends here. Job sites like Jobs in Childcare have a variety of positions from VIP agencies.

Alternatively, get on Google and use search terms like ‘VIP nanny jobs’ or ‘VIP tutoring’ to access individual agencies. Your best bet is to upload your CV and documents to job sites or to email them as a package to individual agencies.

Have a browse around the job sites and agencies themselves, scoping out what kind of terms are on offer. Look at schedules, responsibilities and pay careful attention to the charge’s ages and the working requirements, and see if you can find any positions that particularly peak your interest.

What Are The Downsides?

We talked about the ‘pros’ above’; this is probably a good moment to mention the dreaded ‘cons’. Working with a family can go either way. You might have a fantastic employer, or a terrible one.

Make sure that:

a) You are comfortable and confident that this is a real job (99% chance it will be, but just in case). Speak to real humans during the process, and do as much background research into the agency/ position as you can.

b) You are ready for what might be a different culture, homesickness, the possibility that people don’t speak good English where you are headed.

c) You are aware of the possibility that the children you nanny or tutor may be badly behaved, badly brought up or just generally unpleasant.

Whilst these are possibilities that you need to be aware of, that’s not to say that working for a family is a bad idea. On the contrary, a good employer with well-brought up children can bring a blissful working life that pays you a fantastic salary, and I personally know lots of people in this situation.

It’s important to be aware of potential pitfalls, to approach this kind of work with an open mind and to be ready to backtrack if the position isn’t quite what you expected. If your interview goes well, try and lock in a fixed trial to give you time to understand if the position is right for you.

The Interview Process

A professional interview is the next step if the agency or employer likes your profile. Your job interview will either be in person (if local) or (much more likely post-COVID) on Skype, Zoom or a similar video-conferencing platform.

Make sure you are on time! It is massively unprofessional to be late for your interview, so don’t make this basic mistake.

You also need to be well dressed and suitably prepared. Make sure your WiFi connection is good and make sure nobody will interrupt you, either on the phone or in person. Have sensible lighting and keep a pen and paper nearby to make notes.

If your interview is for a specific position (rather than a general ‘welcome to our agency’ interview), think of questions you might want to ask to demonstrate a little genuine interest in the role).Oh, and remember to smile!

Nanny Trial Period

So if you have put together a good CV and interviewed successfully, then it’s time for the final step – a trial period.

If you are local then you will typically make your own way there. If it’s a long way (or overseas) a good employer will generally arrange this and pay for it for you, along with any visas you need.

Trial periods should always be paid; discuss this with the agency you work with.Key tips for your trial would include:

a) Do not be late under any circumstances! Better to be there 15 minutes early and take a book.

b) Be prepared – take suitable books and games for your charge or student’s level, as well as outdoor clothes for yourself in case you find yourself outside

c) Dress appropriately, be clean, don’t wear too much perfume or aftershave, and – again – smile!

At the end of your first day, ask your employer for feedback if you get the opportunity. Remember that the trial is as much for you to see if you are comfortable as it is for the employer. So if you don’t like the position, don’t sign up for it – there will be others!

And if you are offered a job, make sure that the agency you work with provides you with a contract and that the terms are clear and concise, particularly with regards to salary, schedule, working hours and holiday conditions.

Good luck!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Photography Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect holiday present for that photographer in your life? It’s not always easy! These are best photography gift ideas for camera lovers, no matter what your budget.

Skip the gift card this year, and buy a birthday or holiday photography gift that your favorite amateur or professional photographer will actually appreciate.

These popular gifts for photographers can help make taking photos more convenient.

Photographers can be a picky bunch! If you’re not a photographer yourself, it can be difficult to know what they want.

As a long-time travel photographer, I choose to pack photo gadgets that have multiple uses, don’t take up to much space, and will improve my photography experience of capturing beautiful images.

So here are some of my best gift ideas for photographers that are guaranteed to put a smile on the recipient’s face!

Why listen to me? Experience! I’ve been traveling around the world for ten years as a professional travel photographer, licensing images to brands like National Geographic.

Matthew KarstenThe Expert Vagabond

My Photographer Gift Guide For 2022

Best Photography Gifts Under $100

1: Camera Sensor Cleaning Wand

A must-have for photographers to keep their camera sensors clean. The Eyelead Cleaning Kit is used to pull away stubborn sensor dust that can’t be removed with a standard air blower.

Dust on a digital camera’s sensor can ruin photos & video with spots, this camera cleaning kit allows you to safely remove the dust without damaging the sensitive sensor.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

Check CURRENT price →

2: Peak Design Camera Clip

One of my favorite pieces of photography gear, the Peak Design Capture Clip allows you to wear your camera on your belt, or on your backpack straps, keeping your hands free for other tasks. The camera adapter fits into most tripod heads too!

Clipping in and out of the device is very quick and easy. You can even run with your camera strapped to your belt wearing this thing. Never miss another shot due to messing around with a camera bag. It’s a fantastic accessory for those who hike or walk a lot with their camera.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

CHECK CURRENT PRICE → View On Amazon →

3: SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

Photographers can never have enough storage space for their photos! The SanDisk Portable SSD is a pocket hard drive you can bring with you anywhere. Because it’s SSD, the drive is super reliable and can take a bit of abuse on the road.

I bring one of these drives with me to backup up any photos I take during a trip, so I have at least two copies of the images somewhere, just in case my computer gets busted or stolen. The 500 GB version costs less than $100, but you can also get storage up to 4TB (it just costs more).

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

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4: Wireless Bluetooth Remote

Does that photographer you’re shopping for never get photos of herself/himself? Why not give the gift of great selfies and group shots without needing to hand the camera over to someone else? Check out this Sony Wireless Bluetooth Remote!

Once paired to a Sony camera, you can use the remote to focus and shoot photos or video from up to 60 feet away. The perfect accessory for an Instagram addict!

IMPORTANT NOTE: this particular remote only works with Sony Cameras. Check out this remote for Canon Cameras, and this one for Nikon Cameras.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

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5: Peak Design Sling Bag

A Peak Design Sling Bag is wonderful gift for a photographer who needs something small and lightweight to carry their equipment around. The bag is weather-resistant, stylish, and will help protect camera gear. It also has has a lifetime guarantee!

There are 3 different sizes, and both the 3L & 6L bags are under $100. They are the perfect size to carry a camera and spare lens around a city for a day. Available in multiple colors too. It’s also a wonderful gift for travelers.

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6: Camera Rain Cover

A Peak Design Camera Shell is always in my camera bag, as it allows me to protect my camera in bad weather like rain or snow. It also doubles as some basic protection in general, like if I’m just going to throw my camera in a beach bag for the day.

Combined with a Peak Design Capture Clip mentioned earlier, photographers get the best of both worlds — quick access to their camera on the go, but with protection from the elements too. A very unique gift idea for photographers!

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

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7: Quick Release Camera Strap

The Peak Design Leash is a minimalist camera strap that packs down small, but is easy and convenient to use. The quick connectors can hold up to 200 lbs, so it works for both small and larger camera setups.

If the camera strap is getting in the way or blowing in the wind, for example when your using a tripod, you can easily remove it. It comes in multiple colors, and they have wider versions too if you prefer more comfort.

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Gifts For Photographers Under $25

8: Filtered Air Blaster

An air blaster is used to clean a digital camera’s sensor, lens, and other sensitive components from dust buildup. I personally love this particular air blaster because it pre-filters the air coming in, so you’re not just blowing dusty air back on your camera.

It’s also super small and easy to pack in a camera bag. Most photographers carry multiple lenses with them, that need to be changed from time to time. Dust can get into the camera during these lens changes, and it can ruin photos unless it’s blown away.

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9: Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloths

Another photographer must-have gift is a healthy stash of micro-fiber cleaning cloths. These are used to clean fingerprints, smudges, and water droplets off a camera lens to get the clearest images possible.

I always pack a few of these in my camera bag, and I’m always running low on them too.

These K&F Concept Micro-Fiber Cloths are my favorites so far, each comes individually vacuum-sealed to ensure they are free of dust. They are small, and don’t take up much space.

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10: Think Tank Camera Accessory Pouch

I own a few of these Think Tank Camera Accessory Pouches (in different sizes) to keep all my cables, battery chargers, SD cards, and other camera accessories organized. The clear sides allow me to quickly figure out what’s inside.

An awesome gift for photographers who want to stay more organized!

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11: Camera Lens Coffee Mugs

This is just a fun photography gift. Know someone who’s both into photography, and loves coffee? These camera lens coffee mugs are a wonderful gift idea!

The mugs look exactly like camera lenses, and they come in both white and black colors. The top of these stainless steel insulated coffee mugs even looks like lenses! This could also be a good idea for photography enthusiasts who work from home.

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Unique High-End Photographer Gift Ideas

12: Portable Travel Camera Tripod

Every photographer needs a solid tripod to help capture the magic of the northern lights, epic sunrises and sunsets, and other kids of low-light or night photography. The Peak Design Travel Tripod is small enough to take anywhere and strong enough to hold large cameras.

The innovative design allows it to be packed down very small for travel, yet extends to a full size tripod. It also includes a handy attachment for your smartphone! You can read my full review of this tripod here.

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13: Fujifilm Instax Smartphone Printer

This thing is magic! The Fujifilm Instax Printer is an ultra small portable photo printer that allows you to quickly print photos directly from your smartphone for friends and family. It’s super fun to bring to parties, family reunions, or while traveling.

Send your photos to the printer via Bluetooth from your phone, and print them out to give to friends or hang them up around the house. Images print fast, with surprising quality, in a 2X3 format.

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14: Aura Mason Digital Photo Frame

While it may look like a normal picture frame, this Digital Photo Frame from Aura can store all your favorite photos and display them in high resolution on a rotating basis. The frame is 9 inches.

You can control what’s displayed on the frame using their smartphone app, or set it up with some pre-loaded images before you give it as a gift (great for family or friends who might not be very tech savvy). The brightness of the photos automatically adjusts to the ambient lighting of the room too.

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15: An Online Photography Course

I know most photographers think their photos are amazing already, but there’s always room to improve! The best way to level-up your photography skills is to learn from other professional working photographers.

Gifting a professional online photography course is a wonderful present for that photographer in your life. Plenty of amature photographers could use some help with turning their hobby into a well-paying career.

Luckily I’ve put together a review about my favorite online photography classes that cover everything from post-processing techniques — to making money with your photography.

Browse Top photo courses here →

Happy Holidays This Season!

Well, that’s it for the best gifts for photographers in 2022. I hope you found some unique gift ideas for the photographer in your life who loves shooting images.

Whether you’re photography shopping for a birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwansa, or even Festivus — you can’t go wrong with these fun photography gifts!

I actually own and use most of these products regularly as a working photographer.

Happy shopping this holiday season, and remember to get out there with your own camera too! ★

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Check out my full Amazon Shop to see all my favorite travel, photography, and outdoor gear.

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.