Who: Madalyn, Ethan, Ela and Mark Kereszturi of Highlands Ranch
Where: Tulum Ruins, Tulum
Best meal: We stayed at the Bahia Principe Akumal, an all-inclusive resort just 20 miles north of the Tulum Ruins. The best food we had was the beach lunch of fresh shrimp, mussels and other seafood cooked with rice, butter, oil and lots of garlic. The hotel staff cooked this next to the beach in a giant open pan. First come, first served, though, so get there quick; it goes fast. The rest of the resort food was awesome, also.
Best deal: The collectivos local transportation vans took us to Tulum and Xel-Ha for about $2 per person each way. Much less than a taxi or tour bus.
Best time to go: We thought December (before the holidays) was a good time to go because of the lower prices and the amazing weather, which was in the mid-80s, and it was after the hurricane season.
Best travel tip: Go to TripAdvisor.com to look at reviews of your hotel, and bring small bills for small purchases and tips. And remember this is not home, so make the best out of all situations and just go with the flow.
