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Janine in the World | Mexico Travel

Learn to be a savvy Mexico traveler with the help of my tips and guides, informed by my experience as an expat in southern Mexico.

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🇲🇽 my new go-to hotel in Puerto Vallarta

Hi Reader! If you're dreaming of your next getaway to Puerto Vallarta, I'm excited to tell you about my stay at Hotel Mio Vallarta! I found myself at this hotel in March after a sketchy Airbnb incident 😰, and trust me, this adults-only hotel became my haven. In my latest blog post, I cover everything this adults-only, ocean-view retreat offers—from the chic, modern rooms to the rooftop pool with incredible views. 😍 Whether you're looking to relax by the water or want a chill place to unwind...

Hi Reader! All the major travel publications have released their "Where to Travel in 2024" lists, along with predictions for what the next big trends and hotspots are going to be. So, I figured I might as well do the same! These are some of the Mexico destinations I expect to be popular in 2024. This list is based primarily on my own casual data analysis. I've considered which Mexico destinations travel publications are touting, what's currently popular, and factored in the places I receive...

black DSLR camera near sunglasses and bag

Hi Reader, Last week, I shared that I'm heading to Mexico this year. I leave in four weeks, and I'll be traveling through the country for about three months! I'm planning to share regular (weekly) updates with you once I get there. My hope is that sharing my experiences and reflections along the way will help inspire you or support you in taking your own trip like this! So in that spirit, here's what I'm doing to prepare, one month from departure. Created a budget for the trip - I came up...

10 and one 10 us dollar bill

Hi Reader! This week I want to dig into a question that comes up over and over again: How do you manage your finances while traveling to different countries? What cards do you use with low fees and good exchange rates? This is such a great question for a couple of reasons. For one, it's really easy to overlook things like exchange rates and ATM fees when you're planning a trip, but they can add up really fast, especially on a long trip. On top of that, even if this is on your mind, there may...

a woman standing in front of a display of fruits and vegetables

I shared this with the Facebook Group earlier this week, and what ensued was a really fascinating conversation on strategies and tactics to keep your cost of living lower in Mexico. Many of these tips will work for travelers, too. The cost of living in Mexico has inevitably increased with inflation. But, in most areas, it’s still quite a bit lower than in the US. That said, it’s easy (especially in areas with large concentrations of foreigners) to get trapped spending almost as much as you...

people in market during daytime

Skip the touristy stuff. I know this advice is probably a little obvious, but I also know that sometimes it's easier said than done. Whether you're heading to Mexico on vacation or planning to move there full-time, the lower cost of living might be part of Mexico's appeal (though, hopefully, not the main draw). But, if you're not careful, you can easily get swept up in all the tourist-oriented attractions and options and end up spending all of your time in those zones just because it's...

If you're planning to stay in Mexico long-term, securing rentals through Airbnb likely isn't going to cut it. It's probably time to sign a lease! You might be inclined to secure a rental online so you have somewhere to land when you arrive to start your new life. I don't recommend this. Unless you know your destination very well or have someone who can vet the place for you before you arrive, I think it's too risky to commit to anything in advance. Instead, I'd arrange an Airbnb for a couple...

Hi Reader! Something that might come up for you as you plan your trip to Mexico is what to wear. Often, travelers want to know how locals dress in their destination so they can pack strategically and blend in. And while there's something to be said for trying NOT to stand out blatantly as a tourist, I want to free you from the task of trying to blend in. I don't think you can. I was having a conversation with a Mexican friend once, and I remember saying something about how wearing "X" (I...

Hi Reader! Let me just say I know this topic may be a bit polarizing. Packing is hard enough as it is. Trying to shove everything you need into a carry-on bag only makes it harder. But, to me, carry-on travel isn’t just about trying to cram my stuff into a smaller bag to save on checked luggage fees (though that’s a bonus). There are heaps of benefits to traveling light. I know it’s not going to be right for everyone, and it’s not right for every trip, but just hear me out, okay? Here’s why...

Hi Reader! If you're looking for Mexico travel inspiration, allow me to direct your attention to Guanajuato City. I get the sense that Guanajuato is often overlooked in favor of its showy neighbor, San Miguel de Allende, but I urge you to not to do that. Located in Mexico's central highlands, Guanajuato is a scenic, artsy city with beautiful, meandering streets, a pedestrian friendly downtown core, and a really lovely atmosphere. It's a popular destination among Mexican tourists, and attracts...