MEXICO: Kevin and Eileen Goodwin of Santa Cruz were in Tulum in mid-December and had the opportunity to snorkel in the nearby Gran Cenote. “We loved the crystal clear water and the many turtles and fish to commune with,” Kevin says. “Cenotes are openings to subterranean rivers that run under the Yucatan peninsula, and there are many of them in the area around Tulum, which is about 90 minutes south of Cancun and 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen.”

TRAVEL TIPS: “North of the main beach hotel corridor is Tulum National Park, known locally as a ‘protected area.’ Access is restricted and long lines form as people try to get in to view the Mayan ruins and other attractions in the park. We recommend staying at one of the hotels or glamp-grounds that are located within the protected area. The ruins, other archeological sites, excellent restaurants and swimming beaches are all located within a short walk, and travelers can avoid the long lines trying to get in. Another tip is to fly in and out of the newly opened Tulum airport; much more convenient than the Cancun airport.”

Dear Readers,

After 25 years at the Mercury News and East Bay Times, I am retiring. But I’m taking fond memories of all of you and your adventures with me, and using some of those Italian tips for my upcoming “Yay! I’m retiring!” trip. Thank you for everything!

— Jackie Burrell

If you’d like to send future submissions for Wish You Were Here, please send any photos of yourself on your latest adventures — local, domestic or international — to kbradshaw@bayareanewsgroup.com. Tell us where you are, who everyone is and where they’re from, and share a travel tip or two to help fellow readers go there, too.