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!
Tag: budget travel
50 Travel Tips for Digital Nomads, Roadtrippers, and International Travelers
When you’ve been traveling full-time for almost two years and part-time ever since your first international trip at age 17, you pick up a tip or two. Whether you’re traveling by air or by car, here are some of my top tips for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Read on… I guarantee you’ll learn something!
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!
How Much I Spent in Nomad Life, Mexico Month #3 (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 [...]
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)? [...]
Nomad Life is NOT for the Faint of Heart
I’ve been at the nomad life for over one year in the U.S., and it suits me. It does! But I’ve made a point to be honest with you guys. I see people on the web glamorizing this life. And it’s not for everyone. I think it’s important to have as many facts as you can, and be honest with yourself. Here are some truths you need to face if you want to be a nomad...
Does It Cost a Lot of Money to Travel Full-Time as a Nomad? Myths and Truths
When I tell people I’m a nomad that travels full-time, they either think I’m a vanlifer who only eats ramen (the cheap kind, not the good kind) or that I must be staying in posh places and spending a lot of money. Well, false on both counts! I’m here to say: it can, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to be a vagabond. So, let’s talk comparisons, facts, and figures… time to break out the spreadsheet!
You *DO* Have Money to Travel
International travel does not need to be expensive or out of reach. It’s about choices. These are the choices I made, which freed up hundreds of dollars in disposable income per month.
From Unemployment to Saving More Than $40K in 2 Years
Two years ago I was filing for unemployment and down to my last $1,500. Well, I turned things around by re-shuffling where my money was going, making full use of my assets, and prioritizing experiences over possessions.
How I Use Couchsurfing for Local Experiences and Budget Travel
As a host, to Couchsurf is to open up your space and share the secrets and joys of your home city. As a guest, Couchsurfing is for those who want a different experience and the companionship, guidance, and friendship of a local.
Grabbing Euros Before Your Trip, Exchanging in Europe, or Taking Out Cash: What’s Best?
Would you rather pay $245, $233.50, or $228 for the same €200? When every dollar counts, I'll help you choose wisely when it comes to spending money overseas.
The Values Most Important to Me in 2018
As I look back on the last year, I feel fortunate to have adopted these three principles, now so wholly ingrained in my thinking that they might as well be a part of me.
Why I Constantly One-Up Myself with Travel
My flight into Dublin landed around 8 a.m. Sunday. When I approached the passport control officer in the non-EU citizen line, he fired off a number of questions. The exchange went a little something like this: “How long are you staying in Ireland?” he asked...
How to Avoid Travel Burnout, From a Frequent Flier
The cities, the sights, the experiences. Frequent travel may look glamorous on Instagram, but in reality, it means time zone hopping, insufficient sleep, disrupted exercise and eating routines, and of course, airport annoyances. If you've ever felt like you needed a vacation from your vacation (I have), try my tips on beating travel fatigue.
Continued: Solo Travel is a Gateway Drug (an Autobiography)
Costa Rica. My first international trip ENTIRELY ALONE, opened the floodgates to my new wave of solo travel.
My Magic Formula for Comfortable Budget Accommodations in Europe
It’s the ever-present traveling conundrum: with a finite budget, the more you spend to lay your head, the less you can spend on everything else.
Ecuador Recap: 8-Day Ecuador Itinerary (Mostly) on a Shoestring
Ecuador as a travel destination: Enough have come before to pave the way, but not enough that the people and the country are jaded, advantageous of or overrun by foreigners. Check out my Ecuador itinerary from Quito to Quilotoa to Cotopaxi to Cuenca to Guayaquil.