-
What are the worst disadvantages of living in Mexico?
11 pros and cons of living in Mexico as an American After spending a year and a half traveling around Mexico, I found there were several disadvantages of living in Mexico. Despite the many advantages of living in Mexico – like low cost of living and perfect weather – many Americans move back home after living in Mexico for a while. The disadvantages of living in Mexico can take over if you aren’t prepared. During my time there, I lived in Queretaro – a state just 3 hours north of Mexico City – for ten months. The rest of the time I spent traveling to a total…
-
5 Safest & Most Beautiful Beaches in Mexico 2022
Skip the busy crowds of Cancun and the party boys of Cabo, and visit one of these safest beaches in Mexico instead. Read until the end for extra tips on being safe in Mexico! My dream this year was to be at the beach for the entire summer. So that’s what I did. With my one-way ticket booked to Baja California, and plans to visit the Yucatan, I discovered that the most popular beaches in Mexico were not actually the most beautiful. They definitely weren’t the safest beaches in Mexico. They were crowded and expensive, and I didn’t feel as safe as I would have liked. I was…
-
Is Todos Santos Worth Visiting On a Budget?
On the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula lies the popular party town of Cabo San Lucas. But, just an hour north, the real Baja adventure begins in a little town called Todos Santos. Quieter, but with the same bohemian and hippy vibes as Tulum on the opposite coast. Although Todos Santos is full of lavish hotels and boutique shops, it can actually be a safe and fun place to visit even if you’re on a budget vacation. You can find affordable surf lessons, nature encounters, and artisan crafts in and around Todos Santos. Personally, I like a little party. However, when I want an authentic Mexican experience,…
-
Hiking in El Cimatario National Park in Queretaro, Mexico
El Cimatario National Park in Santiago de Querétaro is a nature reserve located only a twenty minute drive from the city center. Hiking in El Cimatario in Queretaro is my favorite place to visit close to town, and today I’m sharing my best tips for your hike. Even from the center of town, you can spot the candelabra of transmission towers on the top of the 6 million year old, inactive volcano! Not to be confused with the more haunted cementerio…the word cimatario means coyote. Maybe you will even hear some howls during your visit. The historic center of Queretaro is full of perfectly landscaped plazas. But I…
-
Packing List for Long-Term Travel
Creating your packing list for long-term travel or a semester abroad can feel daunting. When you need to pack jackets, bikinis, hiking boots, and flip flops all in the same bag, how will you have any space left for a cute dress to wear out for dinner? (PSSST: Sign up to my email list for the free PDF printable version of this packing list!) >>> After traveling long-term for years now, and repacking infinite times, I have figured out the answers to these questions. Carry-on or Checked Bag? Below is my exact packing list for long-term travel that I use every time I get ready…
-
USA Road Trip: The Great Smoky Mountains
As a Tennessee girl, I have always loved a road trip through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is one of the most visited parks in the country, and it’s easy to see why! It’s a great place to camp, hike, and explore the healing benefits of nature. Whether you are taking your family or going solo, it’s a perfect vacation in the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans across two states: Tennessee and North Carolina. It’s beautiful for a road trip, and the park is FREE to visit, which is rare for National Parks, so it’s perfect for a…
-
How Expensive is Cancun?
Cancun doesn’t have to be expensive. The best way to avoid tourist traps is to be prepared for them. Read on for the cheapest places to stay, how to get around, and where to visit the best beaches without emptying your wallet. We are spilling the beans on how to stay within your budget while relaxing on the Mayan Riviera. Affordable Accommodation The most expensive and most popular area to stay in Cancun is called the “Zona Hotelera” or the “Hotel Zone.” Instead, I recommend finding an Airbnb or hotel in Downtown Cancun or in the La Isla/Pok-ta-Pok area. In downtown, you will find local markets, cheap…
-
Solo Travel in Tulum, Mexico
The hippie vibe and beautiful beaches in Tulum, Mexico has made it a popular destination around the world, and it tends to attract some interesting people. Many come to enjoy Mayan rituals in the jungle and others arrive looking for a yoga retreat. When you travel solo in Tulum, you will experience the true essence of this ancient Mayan city. Use this as a guide to allow yourself to discover the hidden secrets of the town.Solo travel often results in an unforgettable experience. How to Arrive in Tulum At the Cancun airport, find the red ADO Bus stand. You can get a ticket straight to Tulum for…
-
How I get FREE Accommodation while Traveling
Did you know that you can trade your skills for free accommodation while traveling? Now let’s throw in cultural immersion and maybe even language practice. Are you in? The Best Budget Travel Secret I discovered Workaway on a google deepdive four years ago, and I dreamed of going on one of these adventures. There are countless hosts around the world willing to let a traveler stay with them for free. All they ask in return is a cultural exchange and a few hours of work. The site is full of possibilities of places to go and people to meet. I have now worked as a farmhand, an au…
