Help! First time to Mexico. How does this work? Hotel/flight together? Airbnb and flights separate? Car rental??

We want to take our family of five to Tulum this January as our first international trip. 2 adults and 3 kids (13, 10 & 8). I’m overwhelmed by the choices/decisions of how to book the travel. Do I get a hotel/flight package? Do I book them separate? Airbnb vs hotel? It seems like a rental car is the way to go, but is that wise?

Two years ago we went to Puerto Rico: we booked flights and airbnb separately and rented a car. Trip went extremely well. Would a trip to tulum be similar?

I guess we’re a little anxious about driving outside of the country and making a lodging choice that could potentially be unsafe.

Any insight would be helpful.

Caveat: Yes tulum, no Cancún. This area sounds much more pleasant. Our kids will be very happy to swim in cenotes and pools and the beach. We want to see natural and historical sites.