Getting the best online travel deals — whether that’s for accommodation, transportation, or activities — tends to take a ton of research and planning. Especially around the holidays when it seems like everyone and their grandmother is flying or on vacation, squeezing in an affordable holiday takes extra effort.
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How to Get the Best Holiday Travel Deals
About Getaroom
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Getaroom is for anyone looking to get the very best value on both domestic and international accommodations. Where you stay on vacation is such an important part of your trip, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend an arm and a leg just to find safe, comfortable lodging.
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Group Travel
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USA Holiday Deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2021
Planning to travel internationally in December or early 2022? Then check out these hot deals for some great destinations in the US market!
Once an idyllic sleepy village, Tulum has been transformed into a celebrity vacation playground. From cenotes to chilling on the beach — here are the best things to do in Tulum, Mexico!
Home to an ancient Mayan city, Tulum was once called Zama or “City of Dawn”.
Facing the sunrise, this tropical paradise destination along Mexico’s Riviera Maya has beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s also a scuba diver’s paradise with many cenotes and caves to explore.
Tulum is a place where the ancient and the modern world blend together. Today you’ll find a mix of ancient Mayan ruins, yoga retreats, shopping, restaurants, and plenty of famous people who flock here to refresh their mind, body, and soul.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Tulum over the years while living on and off in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and wanted to put together a guide on what to do in Tulum for first-time visitors.
My Tulum itinerary is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.
Mexico is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.
The Tulum Archeological Site is an impressive 13th-century cliff-top Mayan city which is the highlight of any trip to Tulum. Set 12-meters high overlooking the shimmering Caribbean sea, the ruins are the perfect backdrop for photos.
The 5-meter tall walls that surrounded the city, may have something to do with the name Tulum, which is the Maya word for fence.
Some important structures at the Tulum ruins are the Templo Dios del Viento or Temple of the God of the Wind, Pyramid El Castillo, Temple of the Descending God, and the Temple of the Frescoes.
Gates open at 8 AM, but the lines here are so long that you should get here 1 or 2 hours earlier to actually get in right as it opens.
Tulum is actually split up into 3 different areas, all commonly described as “Tulum”, which can make things a bit confusing for first time visitors.
Tulum Town (aka Tulum Pueblo, or El Centro) is where locals in Tulum actually do business. Here you’ll find grocery stores, local restaurants, and other Mexican shops.
Tulum Beach (aka Tulum Hotel Zone) is where all the beaches, resorts, and tourist shopping is. This is actually a 5-10 minute drive away from Tulum Town. Walking this distance would take about an hour (not recommended). A bike or taxi should be used instead.
And finally there are the Tulum Ruins, which I described above. The ruins are located North of both the town and the beach.
A few good places to stop in Tulum Town to get a feel for local Mexican life include La Chiapaneca for street tacos, Del Cielo for breakfast or brunch, and Huerto del Eden if you love fresh juice and coffee.
3: Relax On Tulum’s Best Beaches
Beautiful Playa Paraisao
Tulum has so many lush beaches with soft sands and dazzling waters, it’s difficult to choose which beach to get some sun at. Here are our top choices amongst Tulum’s white sandy beaches.
Playa Paraisao – Powder white sands, clear shallow waters, beach bars and coconut palms.
Playa Ruinas – The climb down the cliff face to this isolated beach is worth it.Pack some snacks because you won’t find any here.
Ziggy’s Beach – A private beach that you pay $35 to enter, but includes use of a lounge chair. This family friendly beach is perfect for some quiet time with family.
Santa Fe Beach– This relaxing public beach north of Playa Paraisao, and just South of the ruins, is dotted with tiny shacks to grab a bite or drink.
Sunrise Beach – if you’re looking for some real quiet, visit this beach. Especially at sunrise.
One thing most people don’t know is that Tulum can sometimes get hit with a sargassum seaweed invasion, making the pristine white sand beaches — a little less pristine. The seaweed comes and goes each year, and if you’re unlucky, it may be around during your visit.
Hotels and resorts try to clean it up from the beaches when they can, but sometimes it can overwhelm an area. The seaweed is harmless, but it can start to rot and smell bad if it isn’t removed right away.
4: Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Exploring Sian Ka’an Reserve
Sian Ka’an means “gate to heaven” or “origin of the sky”.The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is located just south of Tulum, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Sian Ka’an covers 5280 km² and is home to over 300 species of birds, 120 km of coastline, diverse flora and fauna, coral reefs, a lagoon and around 23 Mayan archaeological sites.
A popular activity is to book a Sian Ka’an boat tour or kayaking tour to explore the jungle mangroves and saltwater lagoons. There are also snorkeling trips too. It’s possible to see dolphins, turtles, manatees, and all kinds of bird life on these trips.
5: Swim (Or Scuba Dive) In Cenotes
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
You can’t visit Tulum, Mexico and not visit a cenote. The Tulum cenotes are natural sinkholes that over time filled with water developed marine life. Some of the cenotes also include underwater archaeological sites and relics.
With the Riviera Maya being home to the largest underground cave system in the world, connecting at least 226 different cenotes, there are many beautiful underground caverns and caves to explore. Some of my favorite cenotes near Tulum include:
Gran Cenote– The most popular cenote in Tulum with waters that are considered sacred, it’s the entrance of the Sistema Sac Actun.
Casa Cenote– Surrounded by mangroves with a tunnel that heads right out to the sea.
Dos Ojos Cenote– Called Two Eyes Cenote, this one has great snorkeling and cave diving (if you’re a licensed scuba diver).
Calavera – Looks like a skull from below, and holds pottery relics.
Cenote Aktun Ha – Nicknamed Carwash Cenote, it was once used for washing cars. It’s perfect for swimming or diving in its underground cavern.
Cenote Zacil-Ha – A family friendly cenote with restaurants and cabanas nearby.
6: Take A Yoga Class
Yoga Classes at Sunrise
Tulum is a bit of a hippie and new-age destination, and as such, you’ll find plenty of yoga retreats, music therapy sessions, and other kinds of health and wellness activities.
If you’re looking to unwind and immerse yourself in some yoga sessions during your visit, check out Naga Tulum.
7: Climb The Mayan Ruins Of Coba
The Mayan Ruins of Coba
About 45 minutes away from Tulum you’ll find Coba. Tall pyramids look out over the surrounding jungle. Once inhabited by almost 50,000 souls, these ruins date back to the Middle and Late Classic periods (500 to 900 AD) of the Mayan civilization. However, Coba has been inhabited as far back as 50 BC.
The most visited sites at Coba include the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, Sacbe, Coba Group, Coba Stelae, Macanxoc Group and Conjunto de Pinturas. One of the unique features of this Mayan site is the ability to actually climb the main pyramid — something you can’t do at other ruins.
8: Visit Yal-Ku Lagoon
Yal Ku Lagoon & Cenote
About 33 minutes drive from Tulum, the Yal Ku Cenote is popular for snorkeling and bathing.
What’s different about Yal Ku?
It’s a cenote that flows in a lagoon that is also an inlet for the sea. Because of the mix of sea water and fresh water, the lagoon is the perfect snorkeling spot. The shallow waters near the cenote teem with small fish, while the deeper waters near the sea are filled with turtles, rays, and bigger fish.
There are stores near the ends that offer snacks and snorkeling and diving gear on rent.
9: Go Shopping In Tulum
Shopping in Tulum
Tulum is a popular shopping destination. Boutique shops sell souvenirs, traditional Mayan clothing, and even some eclectic Western designs.
Some popular stores to visit are Wanderlust, Pura Vida Tulum, Arte Sano, and La Troupe. You’ll also find great buys at the street-lined stalls. Be prepared to pay Western prices though!
10: Eat At Local Restaurants
Fresh Fish Anyone?
You don’t have to visit the best restaurants in Tulum, Mexico to get a taste of local food.Grab someamazing bites some of the local shacks instead. Here are our favorites.
Matcha Mama – Serving plant based smoothies, kombuchas and acai bowls, they’re very popular on Instagram.
Burrito Amor – The best burritos in Mexico!
Raw Love – A vegan cafe with a hippie vibe that’s popular for raw chocolate and vegan delicacies.
The Dining Experience – If you’re above 18, you can eat at their communal table where you’ll enjoy a 7-course dinner and free-flowing alcohol while the hosts explain the food to you.
Origami – Go here for the best gelato!
Hartwood – Topping the list of the best restaurants in Tulum, you’ll enjoy wood-fire cooked meals made with local ingredients.
Flor de Michoacan – They make fresh fruit popsicles that look and taste amazing!
11: Check Out The Nightlife!
Mexican Mezcal
The nightlife is Tulum is happening, and beach bars are full almost every evening with weekends getting quite crowded. Here are some of the best bars in Tulum.
Gitano – Grab drinks at this open air jungle bar while snacking on appetizers!
Papaya Playa Project – Popular for the full moon and weekend parties.
Todos Santos – Good vibes and spectacular cocktails!
Batey – Mojito & Guarapo Bar – Popular for the blue-colored beetle parked outside, this bar is famous for its local cocktails using fruits like the prickly pear!
And don’t forget to drink Mezcal at any of the local bars. It’s an agave liquor that you’ll find in many Mexican cocktails.
12: Visit A Mexican Adventure Park
Rio Secreto Adventure Park
Throughout the Riviera Maya you’ll find a series of outdoor adventure theme parks that were built to take advantage of the natural landscape in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Some of the most popular ones are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor and Rio Secreto. They’re like organized adventures that will take you zip-lining through the trees, swimming in caves, driving ATVs, or snorkeling with colorful fish.
A great way for families to spend a day in Mexico, but adults will have a good time at these theme parks too. I think my favorite was Rio Secreto, because it feels a little more authentic and less touristy.
13: Water Sports Activities
Kiteboarding in Tulum
The crystal clear waters of Tulum are perfect for water sports. Paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, wind surfing, and boating are popular. So are river tubing, and snorkeling and diving in the cenotes. But the most touristy thing to do is kite boarding or kite surfing.
On land, there are also jungle tours, zip lining and rappelling adventures in nearby ranches.
14: Find Tulum’s Famous Instagram Spots
Ven a La luz Sculpture
Some of the architecture in the Hotel Zone is not to be missed. Hotel Azulik looks like something from a movie. Ahau Tulum has a giant wooden sculpture that invites you into its bosom. The Macondo restaurant in Nomade looks like a Moroccan Dream.
And then there are the murals by local artists that can be found all around Tulum Town. It’s an Instagram addict’s dream come true!
Ven a La luz sculpture (Ahau Resort)
The Tulum Sign
Crooked Palm Tree (Playa Paraiso Beach Club)
Beach Swings (Coco Tulum)
Matcha Mama
Follow That Dream Sign
15: Join A Temazcal Ceremony
Get Your Sweat On!
One very unique thing to do in Tulum while getting a taste of Mayan culture is take part in a Temazcal ceremony. This traditional Mayan ceremony of purification takes place in a tiny hut made of stone or wood. You strip down to your underwear (or swimsuit), and enter the sweat lodge which is heated with hot rocks & water, turning it into a steamy sauna.
The ceremony is led by a local shaman, who conducts the ritual and takes care of participants. The temazcal ceremony takes place in complete darkness, as the shaman pours water over the hot rocks, chanting and using different herbs to summon spirits.
Temazcal was performed since ancient times, and seen as a purification ceremony that cleans the body, mind, and soul. As your body is sweating in the tiny hut, you enter a deep state of meditation, enhanced by the shamanic chanting.
16: Laguna De Kaan Luum
Laguna Kaan Luum
Looking like the blue hole in Belize, the Laguna Kaam Luum is one of the best kept Tulum secrets. The waters of the lagoon supposedly have magical properties and you’re allowed to take a swim for 100 pesos. For an extra 300 pesos you can also fly a drone here.
Kaan Luum is also perfect for diving with the deeper area cordoned off to prevent entry to swimmers.
17: Drive To Chichen Itza
The Famous Ruins of Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also the most visted Mayan ruins in Mexico.
The massive city complex built by the Mayans thrived from 525 AD to 1200 AD. Entrance costs about 80 + 417 pesos.
One of the most popular places to visit while staying in Tulum, Yucatan, it’s a two hour drive from Tulum Town in a rental car, but there are also many organized tours that will take you there.
Chichen Itza Tour
Skip the line at Mexico’s most famous archaeological site, visit a colonial town, and swim in a cenote.
Hire a bike and wander around Tulum on your own. A bike’s also handy to visit most beaches and restaurants that are about 30 minutes bike ride from Tulum Centro.
Or take a bike tour to explore local culture or old ruins while traveling along the Mayan back roads and hidden paths.
19: Visit Pablo Escobar’s Beach House
Casa Malca Resort
Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord who founded the Medellin Cartel and was shot dead in 1993. His mansion in the Tulum jungle was bought by art collector Lio Malca in 2012 and turned into an art hotel called Casa Malca.
Stop by to see contemporary pieces of art from Leo Malca’s collection as well as vintage furniture. But remember, if you’re not actually a hotel guest and would like to visit — you’re required to spend at least 1000 pesos (about $50 USD) on drinks, food, etc.
20: Check Out The Muyil Ruins
Muyil Pyramid
Located inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, the Muyil Ruins displaying Peten architecture date as far back as 350 BC. Set along an old trade route to Coba, the ruins also known as Chunyaxché are very close to the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.
Apart from the main ruins such as the 17-meter tall Castillo, you can also climb to an observation deck to see the surrounding countryside.
Seasonal Seaweed on Tulum’s Beaches
Best Time To Visit Tulum
January – April
Excellent weather, with lots of sun and mild temperatures in the 80’s F. However this is also the high season, so there are many more tourists. Lots of Canadians and Americans come down for the winter.
May – October
These are the hottest and rainiest months of the year. The heat and humidity can be too much for some people. September and October is also hurricane season for the area. Far fewer tourists though.
November – December
This is my favorite time to visit Tulum, because the weather isn’t super hot, hurricane season is over, but the high season for tourists hasn’t started yet.
Frequent Traffic Jams in Tulum
Getting To Tulum
Most people get to Tulum after flying into Cancun International Airport. Search for the cheapest flights to Cancun on Skyscanner.com. From the airport, you can book a private shuttle or take the public ADO bus (much cheaper). Buses leave every 30 minutes and cost about 300 pesos ($15 USD).
NOTE: Traffic is terrible along Tulum’s beach road. A crowded mix of taxis, supply trucks, and tourists on bicycles makes it a mess. Be VERY careful on the road here, and don’t expect to get anywhere fast in a car during the high-season.
Rental Car
The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Mexico.
Renting a car offers the best flexibility to explore more remote and less touristy spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s my favorite way to get around!
Tulum Taxis
There are no Ubers in Mexico, but there are taxis. Taking a taxi is what most tourists do, but beware that the Yucatan has a “taxi mafia” that charges high prices whenever they think they can get away with it. Always settle on the price before getting in.
Bike
Cycling is a popular way to get around locally. For about USD 10 (Mex$200) you can rent a bike for the entire day. Your hotel should have bikes on hand. If not, pick bikes from Ola Bike Tulum or IBike Tulum.
Shuttles
There are a bunch of airport shuttle services offering rides from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen, and they’ll be sure to harass you at the airport exit. The most popular one is probably Cancun Airport Transportation.
ADO Buses
Buses in the Yucatan Peninsula are run by the ADO bus company. You can use these buses to get from Tulum Town or Tulum Centro to the Tulum Ruins or Tulum Zona Arqueológica, or literally anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula. You can buy tickets in advance if you want to, but most times you’ll be fine buying a ticket just before entering the bus.
Other local buses include the Mayab that goes to the Coba ruins where ADO doesn’t reach.
Colectivos
Colectivos are local minivans that transport a group of people to and fro. This is the cheapest way to get around Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula. These are what the locals use to get around the city, but routes can be confusing if you don’t speak Spanish.
Best Hotels in Tulum
Where To Stay In Tulum
Accommodation in Tulum can range from backpacker friendly to luxurious. The best areas to stay are Col Huracanes for the pubs and nightlife, Tulum Playa for the beaches, or Tulum Pueblo for something budget friendly.
Tulum regularly has a seaweed problem, where stinky green stuff washes up and covers the beautiful white sand beaches. Resorts try to clean it up, but aren’t always successful.
Pay in pesos instead of dollars so you don’t get ripped off.
Skip January to March as it’s super crowded and June to October is rainy. To avoid the crowds, best visit during November and December.
Be prepared not to have internet access in Tulum since WiFi is really slow in most places.
If you’re staying at the luxury hotels, take advantage of the free spas and complimentary wine.
There are only a few free public beaches in Tulum. The best beaches will require you to pay for entrance at a beach club.
I hope you enjoyed my guide on what to do in Tulum, Mexico! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
Find a great Black Friday coffee machine deal with our guide to the top savings on pod, bean-to-cup, and espresso coffee machines. Featuring brands we love such as De’Longhi, Sage, Russell Hobbs, Morphy Richards, Nespresso, and Breville, you’ll find brilliant Black Friday coffee machine deals on some seriously good coffee machines to get your caffiene fix lined up for the new year.
While Black Friday coffee machine deals don’t technically start until November 26th, but the best of the deals have well and truly arrived. Because the best coffee machines are always a popular choice on any Christmas wish-list, it’s also a great time to get some early gift shopping started in time for the holidays. Black Friday coffee machine deals can deliver a high-quality homemade brew every morning to keep you caffeinated all through the winter. That will save you from heading out into the cold to pick up a coffee to go, and allow you to work on your latte art or try different roasts to find your favourite bean.
We’ve rounded up the best coffee machine deals you can buy on Black Friday, so all you need to do is scroll through and find the right machine for you and your home. The cheapest coffee machines tend to be filter machines, with pod coffee machines costing slightly more. It’s a big jump up to bean-to-cup coffee machines, and there is a mixture of automatic and manual bean-to-cup machines on them market. In short, there is so much choice, you’ll be sure to find the best Black Friday coffee machine deal for you when you shop right now.
Black Friday coffee machine deals: today’s top discounts
Sage Barista Pro Espresso Machine: was £699, now £599 at Amazon
Save £100 on Sage’s smart coffee machine. With manual grinding and a steam wand, it still has a smart display to keep you involved in the process. This includes dose control grinding and precise espresso extraction.
De’Longhi Dinamica: was £929, now £429 at AO.com (save £500)
Save over 50% on this top coffee machine from De’Longhi. It’s got automatic settings for hands-free brews, and the latte crema system is perfect for milky drinks.
TASSIMO by Bosch Style TAS1102GB Coffee Machine: was £79.99, now £29.99 at Currys
Get quality Tassimo coffee from Bosch with the Style Tassimo. It can make brews from Cadbury’s, Kenco, and more
NESPRESSO by KRUPS Vertuo Plus: was £179, now £99 at Currys (save £100)
The Vertuo Plus is the latest Nespresso launch, and it’s incredibly stylish, too. The water holder swivels for any countertop, and it has a mighty 19 bars of pressure.
Calling all ‘cwaffee’ lovers! If you are looking for a good deal on the best pod coffee machines and can’t be bothered with the faff of filling up a portafilter with grounds or waiting for a filter brew to drip through, there are some great Cyber Monday deal on Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo pod machines.
NESPRESSO by Magimix Vertuo Next & Milk Coffee Machine | was £199, now £119 at Currys
The NESPRESSO by Magimix Vertuo Next & Milk Coffee Machine comes with automatic blend recognition to adjust its brewing settings for the perfect cup, every time.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie: was £79, now £49 at Amazon (save £30)
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie is one of our top picks of pod coffee machines. It has a simple lever for locking your pod into place, and a one-button controls to make operation easier.
De’Longhi Dolce Gusto EDG225.W Genio S Pod Coffee Machine | was £79.99, now £75.99 at Amazon
The Genio S Pod Coffee Machine is very adjustable and can be used to make 50 brews. It has an 800ml capacity and is compact enough for any kitchen.
Filter machines tend to be the most affordable option where a freshly brewed coffee is concerned. They don’t take up as much space on the kitchen worktop, and they tend to come in lots of great colours so you can match them to your decor.
Morphy Richards Verve Pour Over Filter Coffee Machine | Was £59.99, now £42.99, Amazon Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this chic white machine has a programmable timer so you can wake up to 12 cups of fresh coffee, and a reusable permanent cupcake filter to create a smoother flavour.
The best bean-to-cup coffee machines will come either with a wand for frothing milk by hand, or with a milt compartment where the job is done for you. Look out for a warming tray on top with room for multiple cups – this will ensure you serve your drink extra hot.
The machines are reduced by as much as 50 percent in the Black Friday coffee machine sales. For that reason – and the fact they would make excellent Christmas gifts – we can easily see these deals selling out before we even get to Cyber Monday.
Krups Arabica Digital EA817040 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine – Black: was £529, now £379 at AO.com (save £150)
Krups know their coffee machines, and with AO.com’s price promise, this is guaranteed to be the deal of the season.
De’Longhi Eletta Cappuccino Fully Automatic Bean to Cup Machine: was £999.99, now £599.99, Amazon
Can you really argue with over £200 off a smart coffee machine? The milk tank can be kept in the fridge and it can make literally hundreds of combinations of coffee drinks depending on how you like your beans ground or milk levels. It cleans itself, too.
De’Longhi Dinamica: was £929, now £429 at AO.com (save £500)
Save over 50% on this top coffee machine from De’Longhi. It’s got automatic settings for hands-free brews, and the latte crema system is perfect for milky drinks.
Serious coffee aficionados should consider a bean-to-cup machine. This won’t just deliver a freshly ground, aromatic cup of coffee. Unlike machines that use pre-ground coffee in pods or capsules, a bean-to-cup encourages you to get creative – try different beans and roasts, vary how coarse or smooth you like your grind, experiment with water temperature (up to a maximum of 98C – any higher and your coffee will taste bitter), steam and how much milk, until you find your favourite combination.
Keeping your machine clean and scale-free is key to getting years of problem-free use out of it and if it’s tricky to maintain, you’re less likely to use it regularly. Look for a model that offers an easy clean option combined with one where the milk doesn’t enter the internal machinery, avoiding any fiddly disassembly. Larger than pod machines due to the internal grinder, bean-to-cup models can live on your countertop, but do consider the space they’ll take up.
If you can’t function without a coffee first thing in the morning, but dread the rigmarole of making a decent cup from scratch, you need a pod coffee machine. There’s no faffing about grinding beans, measuring out the right amount of grounds, or cleaning up the mess they make.
These little machines are so simple to use, taking pods of coffee that’s been roasted, ground and sealed for freshness. Steaming water is forced through the pod at a high bar pressure, creating a tasty drink with a thick ‘crema’ of coffee extract on top, which is the key to a tasty espresso.
Some machines go a step further and have pods for longer, milk-based drinks, so you don’t even have to work wonders with a frothing arm to get a creamy cappuccino, mocha or latte. When choosing your system you’ll be tied into the manufacturer’s pod range, which might include a wide variety of coffees, or a smaller choice with teas and hot chocolates, so research before you buy.
Russell Hobbs invented the first fully automated coffee pot with a keep warm function back in 1952, and these machines have since become a fixture of many an office and kitchen since.
The pros and cons of filter – or drip as it’s known in the States – coffee machines are quite simple. The main con is they only make one type of drink – filter coffee. To add milk and sugar is really the only way to mix things up.
The main pro is that they can make a lot of drink at once. 12 cups of coffee in one jug is common. A decent machine will also come with a cup warmer – heating cups beforehand will keep your drinks hotter for longer. Some brands (KitchenAid, for one) have models that can be used with flasks, so you can brew your coffee to go.
Cleaning might be an arduous necessity for some, but for over 400,000 people using the cleaning products hashtag on Instagram, it is a hobby, if not an obsession. In the past 18 months, cleaning and organising has become a popular pastime for various reasons (including being at home a lot more), but as the rise of cleaning stars like Mrs Hinch and Lynsey Crombie shows, keeping your home looking its best is on a par with self care, fashion and beauty.
With the trend in cleaning, so too has there been a trend for cult cleaning buys. We are talking about the best cleaning products according to these ‘cleanfluencers’ and the items many of us buy in bulk, neatly stowed away in our cleaning cupboards. On top of the various solutions, pastes and sprays, there are a number of tools and accessories that every cleaning pro must have to make cleaning easy, quick and – dare we say it – fun.
Read on to see our pick of some of the best cult cleaning buys out there. Most of them are at their lowest prices too, thanks to the latest round of Black Friday home deals, meaning a germ-free and sparkling clean home has never been easier, or cheaper.
Cult cleaning buys Black Friday deals
SonicScrubber Household Electrical Cleaning Brush | Now £18.99 at Amazon
You have probably seen these in cleaning videos on social media. These electrical scrubbers make easy work of lifting grime and can cut cleaning time by as much as 57 per cent. With interchangeable heads to reach every crevice, people love this tool for taking the physical effort out of scrubbing.
Dyson V11 Absolute Nickel/Blue Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | Was £599, now £499 at Dyson
This is up there with the best cordless vacuum cleaners, but we have to admit that the usual price is a little off-putting. So we are very glad to see it with £100 off and can’t wait to get our hands on the power of corded in a cordless with up to 60 minutes of battery life to boot.
Kärcher WV2 Plus D500 Window Vac | Was £60, now £35 at B&Q
Try and find a cleaning enthusiast without this product in their cupboard. It not only clears condensation from windows, but can also be used for leaving a streak-free finish on mirrors, splashbacks and even shower screens. With £25 off, we definitely recommend taking advantage of this deal, or buying it for any friend with single glazed misty windows.
Asobeage Toilet Brush and Holder | Was £13.99, now £11.04 at Amazon
Trust us to get excited by a toilet brush but we aren’t the only ones. Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie was singing the praises of this silicone toilet brush this summer as it reaches all the nasty crevices, and has a breathable holder that is less likely to get that festering puddle of who knows what. The silver one is on offer, but there is a pretty rose gold one too.
Shark Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop | Was £149.99, now £99.99 at Shark
This nimble steam mop was given 4.5 stars out of 5 in our list of the best steam cleaners. It is very quick to heat and has a large, but agile head that is easy to manoeuvre – just what you need for a deep clean without harsh chemicals in no time at all. And because the cleaning head flips over, you get twice as much floor coverage from one pad!
Stardrops The Pink Stuff 500g | RRP £1, now £0.89 at The Range
Everyone on the Ideal Home team who has tried this cleaning paste can’t fault the stuff. We have used it on everything from grubby, stained ceramic sinks, to rusty barbecues. It is abrasive but mild enough to use on a multitude of surfaces and does wonders removing burnt on grease from oven doors. At just 89p we will be putting a few in our baskets.
Flash Powermop Starter Kit | Was £32, now £18.69 at Amazon
Mrs Hinch fans will recognise one of her favourite tools for a quick floor clean. This battery powered mop sprays cleaning solution in its path meaning no fiddling around with a bucket and no dipping your mop in mucky water. The kit includes 500ml solution, batteries and 10 refill pads.
Numatic Henry HVR160 Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner | Was £139, now £99 at Currys
We are a bit obsessed with Henry – if you don’t have one at home, likely a friend or relative does. And if you don’t you definitely should grab this deal. It’s not just his friendly face that makes him a cult cleaning classic. He is an all round work horse who can be relied on for any deep clean and is happy to tidy up after little DIY projects in a way your cordless can’t.
Flash Speed Mop Starter Kit | Was £22.99, now £11.99 at Amazon
Lovers of this mop say it is perfect for keeping on top of daily spills quickly and easily. Simply fix a wipe to the head of the mop, swish over the floor and you will have clean surfaces scented with lemony freshness. The single use wipes can be recycled with Terra Cycle too.
Zoflora 12pc x 120ml Assorted Disinfectant All Purpose Cleaner | Now £17.76 at Amazon
You can’t have a cult cleaning buy list without Zoflora. The beautifully fragranced disinfectant kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and can be used to clean sinks, drains, toilets, dishcloths and hard surfaces. No wonder it is loved by Mrs Hinch and her army of Hinchers.
There are a few stores that have really caught on to the lucrative nature of the cleaning industry. After all, when it comes to cleaning products and solutions, the more you use, the more you need to buy, so return custom is guaranteed if you stock the best things. We love to find a deal, and also bulk buy where we can and we find the following places are great for keeping our cleaning cupboards well stocked.
Getting ahead of the crowd is a common mission for beauty bloggers and the fashion crowds, and it is no different for the big names in cleaning. If you follow these top cleaning accounts on Instagram it is likely they (and therefore you) will know about the next big thing before the ads even hit our screens.
So what kind of things are we all looking for in the next ‘it’ cleaning product? Of course anything that can cut time or make cleaning easier is a big win. Then as the world becomes more conscious of our effects on the environment anything that cuts use of toxic chemicals or reduces plastic is quick to gain cult following.
Finally, there are lots of products that aim to make cleaning as enjoyable as possible. This is often achieved with adding scent to the product to make it so good it could rival the best home fragrance, and makes the room you have cleaned smell divine for hours after. Other brands will give their cleaning products and tools an iconic design, pretty enough to make an Instaworthy cleaning caddy shot. We can certainly appreciate anything that leaves the cupboard under the sink looking as neat as the home it has just helped clean.
