- When I visited Tulum, Mexico, for the first time, I planned to lounge on sunny beaches.
- I didn't realize my trip was on the heels of rainy season, and I thought bad weather would ruin it.
- Instead, I found great local experiences and indoor activities that made my trip more meaningful.
I planned to spend most of my three-night trip to Tulum, Mexico, lounging on sunny beaches with friends. When I wasn't there, I'd be enjoying the views from my beachfront hotel room at the stunning Nômade Tulum.
However, these plans went out the window the second I arrived in Mexico.
I didn't realize I'd planned my trip right on the heels of Tulum's rainy season, which is typically June to October.
Rain quickly derailed my plans to lounge on the beach, and heavy winds prevented me from dining outdoors and taking part in a beachside bonfire. One morning, the tide came in so far that the hotel's lounge-chair cushions washed out to sea.
My trip could've been ruined, but I ended up making it memorable in a better way.
I pivoted my plans because I knew the worst thing I could do was let rain ruin my trip
Although the weather was disappointing, I was determined to still enjoy my getaway.
So, I filled my time by looking for indoor activities and stores near the hotel. Soon, my friends and I were walking around local shops and making new plans.
We even scored reservations at Kuu Jū, an intimate omakase restaurant that only offers two seatings a night. It was a bucket-list dining experience we may not have sought out if it had been sunny.
The weather pushed us to check out the programming available where we were staying, too. Our group spent a lot of time at our resort, which has on-site breathwork workshops, sound baths, yoga, and ice baths.
My friends and I went to a few of these sessions and set up a Human Design reading, a practice that's similar to astrology but goes deeper, with a local guide.
One highlight of the trip was the cacao ceremony, a traditional local ritual that uses the creation of the cacao drink to symbolize transformation and foster connection.
During it, we got to grind cacao beans and learn more about Mayan culture — by the time it ended, I felt reflective and open-minded.
I also took part in the temazcal, a traditional sweat-lodge ceremony meant to promote spiritual healing and cleansing.
During it, participants sat in a closed dome where heated lava rocks filled the air with heat and steam. I ended up enjoying the process, especially the part where we set intentions.
After the temazcal, I felt calm, strong, and relaxed, even though I was hot and sweating. Plus, stepping out of the heated dome into pouring rain was the one time of the trip that I actually appreciated the weather.
I may not have had a relaxed beach vacation, but I learned a lot about the local culture and myself
Looking back, I wish I'd researched the best time to visit so I could better avoid the rainy season. I would've loved to spend more time on Tulum's beautiful beaches.
However, my booking misstep didn't ruin my trip — in some ways, it made it better.
I didn't come home from Tulum with an enviable tan, but my trip helped me disconnect, which was exactly what I needed. Plus, I had many opportunities for self-reflection and I left feeling like I'd gained a new perspective.
I learned how important it can be to do more than sunbathe on a beach vacation — and that there's a lot of value in learning about the local culture and practices in any place you visit.
Next time I travel to a tropical destination, I hope to create an itinerary that combines relaxation, education, and exploration regardless of the weather.
