Carefree Caitlin

1. If the beach is a vital component of your vacation, the Riu Lupita probably isn't the best resort to choose. Even though the shuttle wasn't long, it was a little annoying.
2. If your resort isn't on the beach and you do have to take a shuttle, make sure you're aware of the times it departs and arrives but most importantly, know the time of the last shuttle.
3. f your sunglasses are valuable, do not bring them into the ocean just in case an unexpected wave hits and they're gone forever.

1. Tour operators might change the time on you three times and they'll all blame each other.
2. Cab drivers can try to rip you off after you've already paid, and it's definitely beneficial to have someone in the car that speaks the native language!
3. Sometimes taking your complaints to the closest company rep doesn't get you anywhere in resolving a problem, meaning be prepared to take the situation to someone above them.

1. It's possible for the same brand to have more budget friendly as well as more luxurious properties without either of those markets tainting the other.
2. In group travel there will, obviously, be individuals with different wants when it comes to spending their free time, and it's nice when it just so happens that a few of us all had wanting to go to Tulum in common and it allowed us to grow closer.
3. When in a group, always take turns watching over all of the belongings because otherwise a tidal wave might suddenly come in and wash everyone's possessions out to sea.

1. Even though you can sleep on the long drive, it's still exhausting traveling for 4 hours in one day.
2. Merchants will do just about anything to stop you, and if you stop a one person's booth, the surrounding sellers think you owe them your time.
3. Hiring a guide is definitely worth it, hearing the history while looking at it makes it an even more memorable experience.

For Day 3 we headed to Coba in the morning and did some hiking, ziplining, and swimming in a cenote in the afternoon. I learned that...

1. Coba is higher than you think it is so do not look down if height freaks you out like me, because if you fall, you really fall. 
2. Sometimes tour operators will change the itinerary without exactly discussing it with you, meaning you eat breakfast at 7am and lunch at 3pm.
3. Tour operators will also provide extras, like a photographer, that you didn't ask or care for and they'll try to guilt you into buying their product afterwards.

Today we went into town to explore 5th Avenue, check out the ferry terminal and go to Cozumel. What I learned today was,

1. Before you exchange your money, check out the rates at a few places as well as your hotel to get the best bang for your buck.
2. Sometimes people working in a restaurant with the prices on the menu, will still try to rip you off because you're "American".
3. People will consistently bother you to buy their jewelry/clothes, even when you're sitting in a restaurant eating so be patient but persistent!

Today our flight was scheduled to depart at 10:15am, but on my way to the airport I was told our flight was delayed...until 6pm. This was a new experience for me, I've never dealt with a delayed flight before and I was having a slight freak out in the car with my dad debating whether or not to still go to the airport just in case. So today I learned

1. Triple check your flight. Once you're done triple checking, check again.
2. Go to the airport if you're not absolutely sure if it's on time or not.
3. I had no idea airlines give out vouchers for delayed flights?! I got so much food at Tim's for $15!