When people ask me about the coolest things I've done in Mexico, it's impossible to think of just one or two. I feel like I am constantly seeing beautiful, awe-inspiring, and unique things — some of them big and splashy, some of them small but impactful. Still, I knew I had to put together at least a small list of the places and moments in Mexico that will stick out in my memory forever... enjoy.
Category: Mexico
How Much I Spent in My 6th Month Traveling Mexico
Well guys, my six months in Mexico have sadly come to a close. To say my time there was incredible is an understatement… and I’m still processing! At the time of this writing, I’m in Austin, TX for the 4th of July weekend to get some of my USA errands handled before I head up to Kansas to see family. Then, I'll head overseas in late July. (First stop, Slovenia!)
Mexico’s Huasteca Potosina: My Solo Travel Experience (with a Dog)!
Here's my experience visiting Huasteca Potosina, the extensive waterfall and cave region deep in the jungle of Mexico... that you've never heard of but definitely have to visit! Use this as a guide to planning your visit (with or without a dog)!
7-Day Itinerary for Oaxaca: What to Do, Eat, and Visit
During my 6-month Mexico road trip, I spent two weeks in Oaxaca, known for its indigenous cultures, food, colorful streets and architecture, mezcal, textiles, and art. And like many others before me, I fell in love with Oaxaca...
I Invited My (International Travel Hesitant) Mother to Mexico: How It Went
I could tell my mom felt out of her element when she first arrived. But then I heard a Mexican man greet her on the street, I heard her reflexive reply of “hola”, and I saw the small smile that appeared on her face. I knew she was feeling what I feel when I travel internationally: triumph. Triumph at figuring it out, at being able to learn one more thing, at feeling self-sufficient... triumph at discovering the magic trick.
One Month in Mexico City: What I Did and What I Spent!
In May 2022, this little retired nomad went to Mexico City… staying in CDMX’s Condesa neighborhood (May 1-23) and Oaxaca (May 23-31 and ongoing)! Mexico City reminds of New York City, and according to this cost-of-living index, it’s 60% less expensive than NYC. And in general, Mexico is 47.21% lower than the United States. That math seems to check out with my experience!
My Spending Breakdown for Month #4 in Mexico: $2,253
Boy, does time fly. I’ve now been in Mexico for four months, and I have a number of new cities under my belt! After leaving Puerto Vallarta in early April, I went to La Mazanilla, Melaque, Mazamitla, Morelia, and Patzcuaro. I spent the long Easter weekend in San Miguel de Allende, a night in Querétaro, and the rest of the month in Mexico City. I have now traveled over 4,200 kilometers in Mexico!
My Experience Getting 180 Days in Mexico as a Tourist (In 2022)
“Were you worried about getting 180 days in Mexico on your tourist permit?” is a question I’ve received quite a bit since arriving in Mexico in January of 2022… so I’ve decided to go in-depth on my experience for all my readers! Read on...
How Solo Travel (In Mexico) Has Changed Me
I’m back in San Miguel de Allende for Easter. It's the first city I visited when I arrived in Mexico over 3 months ago, and the first city I’ve come back to… and I’m seeing it in a whole different light. Why? Because I was a different person back then; I didn't have the confidence and the know-how I have now.
My Mexico Road Trip: Where I’ve Been and What I Thought
"What’s been your favorite place in Mexico?” is a question I keep getting — and my answer is…
How Much I Spent in Month #3 in Mexico (Puerta Vallarta Edition)
Hola mis amigos, I am back with another spending recap for my THIRD month living in Mexico after quitting my job and taking an early (temporary) retirement to travel!! Damn, time flies! My January spending was just a bit inflated since I had some immigration and vehicle import costs and a 6-month policy for Mexican [...]
How Safe Do I Feel in Mexico… Really?
This week marked a few milestones on my epic 180-day Mexico road trip: my 9th week in Mexico (17 weeks to go!), 2,500 kilometers driven in Mexico, AND my 9th home base (Puerto Vallarta). So, now that I feel really very comfortable in Mexico — getting around, conversing, the ways of doing things — I feel much better suited to answer that persistent question: “How safe do you *really* feel in Mexico?”
My Spending Breakdown for Mexico, Month #2
Hola mis amigos, I am back with another spending recap for my second month living in Mexico. As you know, month one was just a bit inflated since I had some immigration and vehicle import costs and a 6-month policy for Mexican car insurance. So, how did I fare in my second month (segundo mes)? [...]
7-Day Itinerary for San Miguel de Allende with Photos (Plus Dog-Friendly Spots!)
As a nomad, I constantly find myself at odds with both wanting to stay in a community to immerse myself more fully, and wanting to keep moving to the next place. It’s kind of a dilemma! Case in point: in January and early February 2022, I decided to stay put longer than usual because I [...]
Dining Out, Hotels, Safety, Vet Care and Food: How Dog-Friendly is Mexico?
My 5-year-old, 26-pound miniature Australian shepherd Penny es mi vida y mi mejor amiga (my life and my best friend!). I have had her since she was a mere 7 weeks old, and ever since, I’ve never been away from her for longer than a month! In her five years on this earth, together, we’ve [...]
13 of My Favorite Street Art Murals in San Miguel de Allende
I'm a sucker for murals and wall art — I deliberately seek them out when I travel. Lucky for me, San Miguel de Allende is positively littered with them, as I discovered during my five weeks in the city. Here's a few of my favorite murals. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, whether you're visiting SMA or living vicariously through my photos!
Spending Breakdown for My First Month Living in Mexico: I Spent $2,367
I’ve never believed in living a life of restriction and deferred enjoyment, of saving up your money for a luxurious retirement that may never come. It’s just not me, nor is it what this blog is about. I’m ok without designer purses, new cars, and brand name clothes. I don’t stay or eat at the [...]
An American Woman Driving in Mexico: Prepping for my Mexico Road Trip from the U.S.
I embarked on my cross-Mexico road trip a few weeks ago. While I had driven in Mexico before, this time was different: one, I am a solo female. Two, I was going deep into the heart of Mexico. Three, I'll be driving around Mexico for six whole months! These are the preparations and precautions I took for the trip, plus some advice for getting gas and for solo women.
Why I Decided to Start My Sabbatical With 6 Months in Mexico
When I announced that I was quitting my job after 14 years in the workforce and “moving” to Mexico for 180 days on savings, “Why Mexico?” was one of my frequently asked questions. My answer is three-fold...