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Janine in the World | Mexico Travel

by Janine DeVault

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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Featured Post

🇲🇽 get ready with me!

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...

4 months ago • 3 min read
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...

6 months ago • 4 min read
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...

7 months ago • 1 min read
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...

9 months ago • 3 min read

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...

9 months ago • 5 min read

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...

10 months ago • 3 min read

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...

11 months ago • 4 min read

Hi Reader! It’s easy to understand why so many travelers are drawn to Mexico’s tourist hubs and major cities: each one is pretty incredible in their own way. But, if you’ve already been there and done that, or you’re simply determined to avoid the crowds, it’s well worth seeing some of Mexico's less buzzy destinations. I worked with a group of fellow bloggers to put together this article compiling some "lesser-known" destinations in Mexico (though, some of them are rapidly becoming more...

11 months ago • 2 min read

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...

about 1 year ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader! One of the perks of visiting Mexico is that there are experiences suitable for every budget, even tiny ones. Whether you're considering a backpacking trip through Mexico or just looking for ways to save $$ on an upcoming trip, this post is packed with helpful advice. You'll find suggested backpacking routes, transportation tips, money saving tips, and suggested daily budgets to help you plan your trip! Click here to read 👉 Backpacking Mexico on a Budget: How to Save Money & Have an...

about 1 year ago • 2 min read
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