A nomadic, adventurous, untethered lifestyle has become more and more attractive and popular, especially as more and more people explore remote or seasonal work, entrepreneurship, freelancing, and early retirement... but, like anything new, this lifestyle can come with a lot of question marks. The most common concerns I hear about a nomadic lifestyle are: how to deal with inconsistent expenses, unreliable income, and financial uncertainty about the future. Here's my take.
Category: Travel
Practical travel tips for the female solo traveler on a budget, plus personal experiences and philosophies.
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca: My Experience Traveling on Nat Geo and G Adventures’ Group Trip
As a travel blogger and expat who's been living and traveling long-term in Mexico, one of the first things I was told after arriving in this country was that I HAD to experience Day of the Dead, Mexico's vibrant, elaborate, and legendary holiday to celebrate and remember deceased loved ones. So in 2023, I joined a 7-day, 6-night group trip, offered by National Geographic and G Adventures, to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca — and here’s my honest review.
What It Costs to Live in Mexico, and Why I Increased my Budget
If you guys have been tracking my spending updates during the last few years since I semi-retired outside the U.S., you’ve seen… my spending (more or less) slowly increasing. While some of that is a result of inflation, demand, and the strengthening Mexican peso... I've also made some conscious choices.
Hiking Peru’s Inca Trail in 4 Days: My Experience & What to Expect
Truthfully, hiking the Inca Trail was never really on my radar... not until I was invited to the G Adventures' GX Summit in Peru this September. Well, since I'm always up for a challenge, I couldn't say no to the opportunity to add on the 4-day hike, and stretch out of my comfort zone. And the trip changed my life.
3 Years Nomadic: My Top Advice, the Biggest Surprises, and the Things I Wish I Knew Earlier
So you wanna be a nomad and travel the world? Take it from me, as someone who’s been “nomading” full-time across North America, Europe, and soon-to-be South America for three years now… here are my top pieces of advice, the biggest surprises, and the things I wish I knew earlier — from a nomad, to a nomad.
Worldpackers Review: My Experience Volunteering in Mexico
If you would like to travel more, and are craving a more fulfilling and meaningful experience (both for you as a traveler and the communities you engage with) — while keeping costs down — consider volunteering. Here's my experience with the platform Worldpackers.
The Chase Sapphire Travel Credit Card: A Nomad’s Honest Review
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a favorite travel credit card, highly recommended by many international travelers, including myself. I've had the card for 3+ years — here's my honest review, the good and the bad, and some real-life examples.
My 7-Day Itinerary for Mexico City: What to Do, Eat & Visit
Mexico City: it's one of my favorite cities in the world, PLUS the city in which I've spent the MOST time since becoming a nomad in 2020! Here's what I tell tourists to do in the city if they only have 7 days. (Check out my Instagram for even more recommendations!)
The #1 Quality Each Minimalist Needs: And How I Nurtured It
People look at what I did — downsized my entire life into a few boxes and suitcases — and think: "Wow, good for her, but I never could!" and that doesn't surprise me. When the seeds were first planted, I thought the same. But my transformation boils down to ONE single quality that I nurtured to become a minimalist, and that is...
What It Costs to Live in Mexico… Welcome to Another Nomad Life Spending Update
How does a full-time solo traveler (with a car and a dog) spend her money, living and traveling Mexico? Peer into my spending the last three months, and take it from me... I can't afford *NOT* to travel!
Misunderstood Mexico: Busting the 7 Biggest Myths I Keep Hearing
I've been slow-traveling across the country of Mexico since early 2022, discovering its many towns, cities, landscapes, bodies of water, natural and historic attractions, and cultural and culinary traditions. ... So naturally I tend to encounter a lot of myths, biases, and falsehoods from people who just don’t have the firsthand experience with Mexico that I do. So, here we go — let’s bust some myths!
Discovering Querétaro Wine Country: How to Visit the Queso y Vino Ruta (and the Dog-Friendliest Wineries!)
Wine and cheese… what more could you ask for?! If you know me at all by now, you know that I absolutely LOVE wine tasting across the world. The tradition of winemaking and learning from the people who make it is a REALLY cool way to discover a new place! So, when I discovered last year that Mexico had an “other” wine country (second to Baja California, Mexico’s biggest wine-producing region) — I knew I would be visiting the area — and its multiple wineries and vineyards — more than once. Here are some of my favorite stops.
How I Secure Reasonable Accommodations on the Nomad Life (Hint: It’s Not Airbnb)
I’ve been traveling full-time since 2020, and while I started out strong on the platform, I now use Airbnb as a last resort due to a couple of bad experiences. So here's my tried-and-true formula for best results (for me, a solo female nomad) — for long-term stays, I rent direct-to-owner, and for short-term stays, I use hotels. Read on.
6 Reasons to Experience Mexico’s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca With Me (You’re Invited on a Group Trip!)
Day of the Dead celebrations bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to Mexico each year. Here's why everyone — you included — should experience this legendary and immersive experience in Oaxaca (with me!).
What I Spent in 90 Days Traveling Mexico: My Quarterly Spending Breakdown
I last wrote a spending breakdown at the end of 2022, when I shared with everyone that I lived on $74 a day as a global nomad (mostly in Mexico and Eastern Europe, with two months in the U.S). The lifestyle I lead would cost probably twice as much in the states — and while I wouldn't call my post-employment, full-time travel choices luxurious, I am comfortable. So, what does "comfortable" look like for me this year traveling in Mexico? Here's what I spent my first three months in 2023...
Essential Albania Travel Guide: The Albanian Riviera, History, and Nature
As part of my four months in Europe traveling the Balkan Peninsula last year, I spent a week in Albania. As usual, I documented my discoveries on social media, and I had a blast — but I got some unnecessary hate about Albania as a travel destination. Here's my itinerary for Albania, which includes relaxing in the turquoise waters of the Albanian Riviera, digging into its lengthy (and discordant) history, and experiencing the country's incredible nature (lakes, waterfalls, and the Albanian Alps)! Plus, I share my thoughts on the country: ultimately, I found Albania beautiful, affordable, and full of contradictions. This Albania travel guide includes information for both budget-conscious backpackers and those (with a little more to spend) looking for a more cultivated experience.
50 Days in Quintana Roo: What I Thought of Mexico’s Most Touristic State — and My Favorite Things to Do
Quintana Roo: it’s probably the most well-known and highly-touristed state in Mexico, and brings to mind all-inclusive resorts, powdery beaches, and turquoise water. That is — unless you dive under the surface. (No pun intended.) After spending most of February in central Mexico, this little nomad and solo traveler decided to venture east to see what "QRoo" had to offer. I spent a month in Tulum, a week in Playa del Carmen, and 4-5 days each in a couple other spots. Let’s count it down! Warning: Opinionated opinions ahead...
How Did I Get Here?: From Periodic Traveler to Full-Time Nomad
Last week, in Chapter 1 of my latest blog series, “How Did I Get Here?” I told you: I’ve always been a writer... the page my canvas, the written word my medium. But, did I ever dream of nomadism? Nope. That later came to me as a complete surprise. Like many of you, I went on vacations, both domestic and abroad... and over the years, each trip nourished my soul and whetted my appetite for more. Read on for Chapter 2.
Why Your Favorite Nomad Blogger Became a Travel Coach (and What That Is)
I launched my blog in 2017, borne out of a passion for travel, a desire to express myself, and the joy of educating and inspiring others. Now, I'm excited to announce the next natural step in my evolution — I'm partnering with one of the most well-regarded travel agencies in Arizona, Boutique Travel Advisors, as their newest (and only) travel coach. I'm super excited about this new endeavor and how I can serve a whole new batch of wanderlusters. Find out what I'll be up to and read the FAQ!
Things I Wished I Knew Before Driving to Mexico from the U.S.
While it’s great to have the freedom of the open road, the opportunity to go to far-flung places on my own timetable, and the ability to store a lot more belongings (including my trusty sidekick, Penny) — there are a number of downsides, like the associated costs, the physical and material responsibility, and the mental effort and concentration driving in new places takes. Here's what I wish I knew before crossing the border and driving in Mexico.
