Travel idea: 9 reasons to visit Tulum, Mexico

Looking for some fun in the sun that's slightly off the beaten path? Look no further than the beaches of Tulum, Mexico, the ideal alternative to resort-heavy Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel – without going too far astray from the region's popular sights. Located on the shores of the Caribbean, about a 90-minute drive south of Cancun, Tulum offers a blend of natural beauty and tourist attractions that's guaranteed to keep you as busy – or relaxed – as you desire. Read on for 9 reasons to travel to Tulum, Mexico.

1. Snorkelling and diving
Did you swim before you could walk? Then Tulum has enough activities to keep you occupied for months. Diving enthusiasts will find plenty of guides ready to take them on excursions to the coral reef (the second-largest barrier reef in the world) or deep into the cenotes; if snorkelling's more your style, both options are open to you as well. Plus, don't miss the Yal-Kú lagoon near Akumal, about a half-hour drive north of Tulum; the warm, clear waters are home to countless fish both big and small, with snorkelling opportunities for all skill levels. Just make sure to pack biodegradable sunscreen, or an extra T-shirt to swim in, as standard sunscreen is prohibited due to its harmful effect on the local ecosystem.

2. Accommodation for every budget
The bulk of the places to stay in Tulum's "hotel" zone are actually beachside cabanas, from the most basic (walls, a roof and hooks for your hammock) to the luxurious, with prices to match. If you prefer your rustic with a ceiling fan, wireless Internet and a private bathroom (it is a vacation, after all), consider La Zebra, nine stylish cabanas plus a beachside restaurant serving delicious Mexican fare clustered near the southern end of Tulum's hotel zone. Or for more accommodation options, visit tulum.com.

3. A greener vacation
Tulum promotes itself as an eco-friendly destination; its hotel zone uses limited electricity (which comes primarily from wind-driven generators), and different hotels offer varying ranges of power access, from evenings-only (or even only in the restaurant) to 24-hour, although you'll notice the whole area is quite dark at night due to low levels of lighting. (Tip: Pack a flashlight, and consider scheduling your trip during the full moon for the best post-dinner beach walks.) Other eco-friendly measures found in Tulum include organic bed linens, water conservation measures and efforts to leave trees standing when building (check out the coco palms growing right through La Zebra's restaurant).

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