This issue of The Escape was written by Sarah Gerrity. Follow her blog, Gurrity, for all her travel stories. Including this piece on Tulum on the Cheap.
Few places hold a place in my heart the way Tulúm does — I first visited the quiet little beach town in 2012 and fell pretty hard for the turquoise waters, white sands, and the freshest of the fresh ceviche.
Since then, Tulúm’s built up quite a reputation, and despite the fact that you’ll probably meet more people from Brooklyn than people from Mexico, it’s the perfect getaway: easy to get to, cheap, and incredibly beautiful. In fact, I just got back from a six-day, mostly off-the-grid vacay to keep me sane through the last biting days of winter.
These are my must-pack items, and if you’re interested in learning more about things to eat and places to go in Tulúm, check out my Tulúm roundup here!
Flowy Dress. What’s a bougie beach vacation without an effortless, flowy dress? I’ve been pretty obsessed with Faithfull the Brand lately, and the striped shirtdress above would be perfect for going from daytime tacos on the beach, to your evening mezcal cocktail hour at ARCA. Not into the stripes? This option from L’Academie will give you a softer look, and really emphasize that post-sun glow. And then there’s this bold floral dress, which I actually lived in throughout my Tulúm trip — obsessed.
Mad Shade. Avoid that shoulder sunburn with the biggest hat you can find — the “Currently Offline” hat above was too on-trend to not put on here, but this Ralph Lauren sun hat is a fun and affordable option. And real talk: I purchased this hat and hand sewed millinery wire into the edges to give it that Audrey Hepburn swoop.
Bikini. I recently purchased a Boys + Arrows Scout bikini bottom, and it’s the only bikini bottom I want to wear, ever. The material feels nice and luxe, and the suit hugs in all the right places. The matching red Dana top is super cute, too.
Sandals. I swear by Ipanemas for all types of trips — these rubber sandals are durable, comfortable, and easy to clean, so they’d be a great beach-to-dinner option. Want something a little more polished? This black flat slide would go with any outfit, but the orange suede speaks to me, too.
Beach blanket. I picked up this wonderful blanket on a trip to Hawaii, and it’s one of my favorite travel accessories — Las Bayadas makes gigantic, lightweight beach blankets that can fit up to 4 people (and matching tote bags, too). Is the neon stripe above too much? They have a softer, rosé version that you might like, too.
Last but not least, reading material. If it’s not on a Kindle, there’s a 90% chance that I won’t read it. On my most recent trip to Tulúm, I devoured Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, and The Girls by Emma Cline. Anyone read either of those books recently? Share your thoughts in the comments!
{image c/o Sarah; this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author.}
I read The Commonwealth about a year ago. Although family dramas are usually some of my favorites, I never really got into this one. I thought the writing was a little flat and none of the characters were particularly memorable.
I recently read The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen, another family drama, and could barely put it down. I know a lot of people take issue with Franzen as a person, but I love his writing style. It’s so specific, and as a Midwesterner, I find it to include some of the most observant portrayals of the types of people I grew up with. The characterization of the mother in The Corrections just about breaks your heart. It’s writing that sticks with you.
More recently, I started The Immortalists, which features four siblings, and am enjoying it a lot so far.
Where did you find the millinery wire, and how did you go about sewing it in? Great idea!