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Author name: Susan

Merida Travel Guide: What to do in Merida Vacation (Instagram Po

Merida Travel Guide: What to do on your Merida Vacation

Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Merida, Mexico

Why Visit Merida A Merida vacation offers a unique cultural experience. The city is rich with Mayan heritage, delicious Yucatecan cuisine, and stunning colonial architecture. If you travel to Merida, Mexico, you’ll find it’s a perfect base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, offering countless day trips from Merida to nearby archeological sites, cenotes (natural underground

eco friendly airbnb in puerto escondido casa de la tierra (Insta

Eco Friendly Airbnb in Puerto Escondido: Casa de la Tierra Tree House

Beach Escapes, Hotel Reviews, Mexico, Mexico Beaches, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca Coast, Off-the-Beaten Path

Puerto Escondido is growing at lightning speeds, which means that the infrastructure is struggling to keep up with demand from Airbnbs, hotels and tourists flooding in. Amid this bustling tourist influx, Casa de la Tierra stands out as an eco-friendly Airbnb that not only reduces its impact on natural resources but also offers a luxurious

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Huatulco Boutique Hotel: Where to Stay in Huatulco for Small Hotel Lovers

Beach Escapes, Hotel Reviews, Mexico, Mexico Beaches, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca Coast

Though I’ve visited the Oaxaca coast countless times, it took me years to stay in Huatulco because I had trouble finding a Huatulco boutique hotel. There aren’t many, this area is mostly filled with very large all-inclusive resorts. That’s just not my preferred travel style. So when I found the charming Huatulco accommodation of Villas

Mexico Road Trip Itinerary: Off the Beaten Path in Mexico for Waterfall Lovers

Cultural Destinations, Hidalgo, Hiking + Adventures, Mexico, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path, Puebla, Pueblos Magicos, Road Trip Itineraries, Uncategorized, Veracruz

My schedule was a bit complicated this summer but when I suddenly had the opportunity to take time off, I threw together a 10 day Mexico road trip itinerary, to get out of town quick and “do something simple but fun” (I thought). Our road trip was actually a super epic incredible 10 days exploring

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Zihuatanejo Travel Guide: Best Beaches, What to Do, and Where to Stay

Beach Escapes, Eat Well in Latin America, Hiking + Adventures, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path, Zihuatanejo

For years, Zihuatanejo was at the top of my Mexico travel list. I finally made it in 2022, and immediately loved it as much as I thought I would. The dramatic cliffs surrounding the deep bay that the town sits on give you striking views at almost any angle: sweeping aerial views from many hotels

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The Best Beach Airbnb in Oaxaca for Groups: Bianni Beuú Mexico Vacation Rental on Playa Estacahuite Oaxaca

Beach Escapes, Hotel Reviews, Mexico, Mexico Beaches, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca Coast, Off-the-Beaten Path

Bianni Beuú is hands down one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed, and it’s the best beach Airbnb in Oaxaca for groups of friends or families who want a gorgeous place to stay with lots of space and comfort. It’s the kind of place you never want to leave, as this Mexico vacation rental

Agave Gin: A Mexican Gin Made from Agave Thumb

Agave Gin: A Mexican Gin Made From Agave & 14 Local Herbs in Oaxaca

Eat Well in Latin America, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Mezcal, Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal

The line between typical mezcal and Mexican gin is hazy (but delicious), when it comes to agave gin. By definition, gin is a grain based alcohol that has been distilled with juniper and/or botanicals. Though mezcal is not grain-based (it’s made from agave), in Oaxaca, there has been a tradition of mezcal that is similar

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Guatemala Itinerary – 1 Week Guatemala Trip to Tikal, Antigua + Lake Atitlan: Travel Daydreaming

1 Week Itineraries: Travel Daydreaming Series, Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Guatemala, Hiking + Adventures, Lodging Tips, Nature, Tours

Guatemala is an incredible, diverse country and it’s impossible to do everything in a week. But we’ll visit 3 distinct regions during our 1 week Guatemala trip. From the jungle and ruins of Tikal, to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, to magical Lake Atitlán, we’ll learn about Mayan culture, history, artisan work, and typical

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1 Week Oaxaca Trip – Mezcal, Food + Culture Itinerary in Oaxaca: Travel Daydreaming

1 Week Itineraries: Travel Daydreaming Series, Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Mezcal, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal, Off-the-Beaten Path, Tours

Many people only plan a long-weekend Oaxaca trip, and miss out on so much food, culture, and beauty in the city and pueblos. I can’t tell you how many times those visitors have started planning their next trip before their first is over. So we’re going on a 7-day itinerary in Oaxaca full of mezcal,

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1 Week Coastal Oaxaca Itinerary to the Best Oaxaca Beaches: Travel Daydreaming

1 Week Itineraries: Travel Daydreaming Series, Beach Escapes, Eat Well in Latin America, Hiking, Hotel Reviews, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Mexico Beaches, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca Coast, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal, Off-the-Beaten Path

Travel Daydreaming is a virtual travel series, where I take you day-by-day through an itinerary in one of my favorite places. Today we will spend 1 week traveling to the best Oaxaca beaches, including Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite and Punta Pajaros. I’ll take you to my favorite restaurants, wildlife tours, cocktail bars, day

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A Design Lover’s Beach Getaway in Punta Pajaros: Casitas by the Sea Puerto Escondido Airbnb

Beach Escapes, Cultural Destinations, Hotel Reviews, Mexico, Mexico Beaches, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca Coast, Off-the-Beaten Path

The reason I started this blog years ago, is because I worked in a creative industry (fashion) but was burned out & craved inspiration (alongside my insatiable urge to travel). Learning from local artisans, seeing amazing architecture, and visiting museums would fill me with ideas and a renewed desire to create. That’s why I think

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Antigua Travel Guide: What to do in Antigua Guatemala, Prettiest Colonial City in Central America

Budget Travel Tips, Central America, Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Guatemala, Hiking, Hotel Reviews, Nature

Antigua Guatemala is a place I visit often, so I finally decided to put together an Antigua travel guide. This beautiful and lovely little city is one of my favorites in Central America, it’s full of gorgeous historic homes and churches, colorful walls, leafy greens, incredible textiles, and mountains + volcanoes on all sides. So

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Best Places to Visit in Guatemala: Lake Atitlan Things to Do + Lake Atitlan Hotels

Budget Travel Tips, Central America, Cultural Destinations, Guatemala, Hiking, Hiking + Adventures, Hotel Reviews, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path, Retreats

After several trips to the country, I can absolutely say that Lake Atitlan is one my favorite places to visit in Guatemala. When I think about Guatemala, I picture the magical lake surrounded by epic mountains and volcanoes, and the vibrant traditional Mayan towns that surround it. I want to write about all the villages

Banana Backpacks, 60 liter, quality, ethical backpack

Ethical + Quality 60 Liter Backpack: Review of Banana Backpacks

Clothing + Accessories, Hiking, Hiking + Adventures, Longterm Travel, Packing Tips, Travel Planning Resources, Travel Tips

Finding the perfect travel luggage has felt like a never ending search for me. But it’s become clear that I prefer and find a quality backpack so much more convenient than rolling options. I recently came across Banana Backpacks, and loved the company’s social mission. So I tried out my new 60 liter backpack on

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Palenque Ruins Guide: 1 or 2 Day Palenque Tour Itinerary with Hotels, Misol Ha + Agua Azul

Budget Travel Tips, Chiapas, Cultural Destinations, Hiking, Hiking + Adventures, Hotel Reviews, Mexico, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path, Tour Reviews, Transportation

Planning my Palenque tours from San Cristobal was probably the most difficult part of my Chiapas travel planning. The Palenque ruins are quite far from San Cristobal, and there is mixed information online about the safest way to get there. So after lots of research and actually doing the trip, I want to write about

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Wellness + Yoga Retreat Guatemala: Villa Sumaya Lake Atitlan Retreat

Central America, Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Guatemala, Hiking, Hotel Reviews, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path, Retreats

A couple of months ago, I started planning a solo trip, but wanted to be in a space where I would: 1) meet interesting people and 2) have a meaningful experience. I had planned on finding a yoga retreat somewhere in Central America, and when I stumbled on Villa Sumaya, Lake Atitlan retreat, I knew

Reusable Travel Utensils + Travel Food Containers

Reusable Travel Utensils + Travel Food Containers: To-Go Ware to Reduce Your Environmental Footprint on the Road

Budget Travel Tips, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Hiking + Adventures, Packing Tips, Travel Planning Resources, Travel Tips

I’ll be honest, I spent a few years of travel being lazy about my environmental choices. When I was traveling full-time, I didn’t feel like I had time to research and find natural, healthy, and sustainable products. Now I know that was an excuse (I could have made time) so I’ve become determined to cut

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Chiapas Travel Guide: Best Things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas + Hotels

Chiapas, Cultural Destinations, Food, Hotel Reviews, Mexico, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path, Tours, Transportation

After years of dreaming about Chiapas travel, I finally had a chance to explore the southernmost state in Mexico. It’s a beautiful and unique place, really different from anywhere else I’ve been in the country. If you like visiting places with stunning, wild nature or cultural destinations, you will love this region. Over my week

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Artisan Oaxaca Tours: Thread Caravan Hammock Workshop + Textiles, Ceramics, and Mezcal Tours

Central America, Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Guatemala, Mexico, Mezcal, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Panama, Tour Reviews, Tours, Travel Planning Resources

There is very little that gets me more excited than learning from talented, master artisans in their homeland. In fact, the original reason I came to Oaxaca years ago was because of its reputation for gorgeous textiles and traditional artisan work. A couple years ago, I discovered Thread Caravan’s artisan Oaxaca tours (as well as

Puerto Escondido to Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite

Puerto Escondido to Mazunte, San Agustinillo + Zipolite: How to Get Between These Oaxaca Beach Towns

Beach Escapes, Budget Travel Tips, Mexico, Oaxaca, Oaxaca Coast, Off-the-Beaten Path, Transportation

My favorite way to spend time on the Oaxaca coast is to divide my time between the larger surf town of Puerto Escondido, and the laid back beach villages of Mazunte, San Agustinillo and Zipolite. My first time making the journey between Puerto Escondido and Mazunte, I scrapped together details from lots of forums and

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San Agustinillo Hotel with an Epic Ocean View: Beautiful Zazil Retreat

Beach Escapes, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Hotel Reviews, Mexico, Mexico Beaches, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca Coast, Off-the-Beaten Path

I’ve been on a spree of writing blogs about the Oaxaca coast because it’s such a gorgeous area that few people know about. My new favorite part of the coast is the tiny, relaxing, off-the-beaten path town of San Agustinillo. Last trip we settled ourselves into Zazil Retreat, a beautiful San Agustinillo hotel that was

vision global wifi international roaming wifi

International Wifi Roaming for Mexico + Beyond: Vision Global Wifi Review

Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Oaxaca, Packing Tips, South America, Travel Planning Resources, Travel Tips

As a digital nomad and former full-time traveler, I can attest that I am (sometimes too) aware of international wifi roaming options. I’ve lived and worked in 17 countries, and spent lots of time being stressed out about having adequate wifi to meet deadlines and make meetings. Whether you are a digital nomad or a

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San Agustinillo + Mazunte Oaxaca Travel Guide: What to Do, Where to Eat + Where to Stay

Beach Escapes, Budget Travel Tips, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Hiking, Hotel Reviews, Mexico, Mexico Beaches, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca Coast, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal, Tour Reviews, Tours

The Oaxaca coast is still outside of the mainstream tourist itinerary, so you can escape the crowds here and be treated to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. One of my favorite parts of this coast are the adjacent towns of San Agustinillo and Mazunte, Oaxaca. They are so close you can walk

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Zicatela & La Punta, Puerto Escondido Guide: Things to Do in Puerto Escondido, Restaurants + Where to Stay

Beach Escapes, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Hiking, Hotel Reviews, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Mexico Beaches, Nature, Oaxaca, Oaxaca Coast, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal

I visit La Punta Zicatela, Puerto Escondido often from my home in Oaxaca. I’ve gotten a good handle on all the best things to do in and around Puerto Escondido – including releasing baby turtles, cliffside walks, and the best swimming beach in town – so I wanted to share them here, along with some

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HelloTalk: Free Language Learning Tool for Spanish Language Exchange

Budget Travel Tips, Central America, Europe, Mexico, South America, Spain, Travel Planning Resources, Travel Tips

I’ve been learning Spanish for years now. First in high school/college, then out in my travels, and then pretty heavily over the last 3 years as I’ve traveled full-time in Latin America. I’ve tried lots of language learning tools, some I’ve found effective, and some not so much. But one of the best ways I’ve

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Best Things to Do in El Salvador: Why El Salvador Travel Should Be On Your Radar

Beach Escapes, Budget Travel Tips, Central America, Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, El Salvador, Food, Hiking, Hiking + Adventures, Hotel Reviews, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path

El Salvador travel is very off the radar for many, which is exactly the reason I was so interested to visit. During my whirlwind 6 day El Salvador tour with the El Salvador Tourism Board, I visited 10 towns/cities, 4 beaches, 2 volcanoes, 2 local markets, and a coffee farm. I learned so much about the

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Best Restaurants in Oaxaca: Ultimate Oaxaca Food Guide – Street Food, Fine Dining, Bakeries, Cocktail Bars + Everything in Between

Budget Travel Tips, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Mezcal, Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal, Travel Tips

The time has come for me to put together a comprehensive Oaxaca food guide of all the best restaurants in Oaxaca, a place that has pulled me into its orbit again and again. After years in this city, I’ve been able to experience living in different neighborhoods as well as villages outside the city, eating

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A Roatan Vacation for Adventure Lovers: Camp Bay Lodge in Off-the-Beaten Path East End

Beach Escapes, Budget Travel Tips, Caribbean, Central America, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Hiking, Honduras, Hotel Reviews, Islands, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path

I’ve already established that my time on the Caribbean island of Roatan was above and beyond anything I expected. I loved this interesting and beautiful island. One of the most surprising parts of my Roatan vacation was my 3 days on the wild and undeveloped East End.   The East End of the island receives

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Roatan Travel Guide: Non-Diver’s Guide for Where to Stay, What to Do + Where to Eat on Roatan Island

Beach Escapes, Caribbean, Central America, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Hiking, Honduras, Hotel Reviews, Islands, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path, Tours

Roatan is an beautiful Caribbean island that seems to be on very few non-divers’ radar. It’s actually fairly little known in the travel world in general. This small island is part of a chain of 3 islands in the clear Caribbean waters off the coast of Honduras. Most Roatan travel revolves around exploring the second

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Cayos Cochinos from Roatan Tour: Snorkeling + Sailing the Most Pristine Coral Reef with Zeppelin Dive & Sail

Beach Escapes, Caribbean, Central America, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Hiking + Adventures, Honduras, Islands, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path, Tour Reviews, Tours, Transportation

The Cayos Cochinos are a little-known and postcard-worthy island archipelago off the coast of Honduras. The only way to reach them from Roatan is by chartering a sailboat or taking one of only a couple sail tour options. I was determined to visit this gorgeous island chain, so I did my research and booked a

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The Best West Bay Roatan Hotel: Artistic + Secluded Ibagari Boutique Hotel

Beach Escapes, Caribbean, Central America, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Honduras, Hotel Reviews, Islands, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path

If you are looking for a boutique hotel near Roatan’s most beautiful beach, West Bay Beach, Ibagari Boutique Hotel is a gem. This West Bay Roatan hotel is beyond gorgeous, in a perfect location, and is both luxurious and relaxing.   After spending 10 days on the island of Roatan in Honduras, I am so

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Location Independent Travel Packing List: Every Essential Thing for 3+ Years of Full Time Travel

Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Longterm Travel, Mexico, Packing Tips, South America, Travel Planning Resources, Travel Tips

When you travel 100% of the time for over 3 years, you learn some things about what things you REALLY need and what things you don’t. I’ve made lots of tweaks and changes to my location independent travel packing list over the last couple of years, including some major ones at the end of last

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Boutique Hotel Lake Titicaca: A Luxurious Experience at Amantica Lodge

Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Hiking, Hotel Reviews, Nature, Off-the-Beaten Path, Peru, South America, Tour Reviews, Tours, Uncategorized

When I first found Amantica Lodge online, I immediately fell in love with this Peru luxury hotel. The design of the exclusive villa was everything I look for in a hotel – sleek, hip and beautiful. This seemed like the perfect choice for a boutique hotel Lake Titicaca experience. The stay totally lived up to

oaxaca markets what to eat

7 Things to Eat in Oaxaca Markets: Mercado Benito Juarez & 20 de Noviembre

Budget Travel Tips, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Mezcal, Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal, Uncategorized

One of my favorite things to do in any Latin American city or town is visit the local markets to quickly get a feel for the local culture and taste the traditional food. I’ve been to the most famous Oaxaca Markets – Mercado Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre – dozens of times, but never

oaxaca mezcal tour

Oaxaca Mezcal Tour: Guide to Visiting the Best Mezcal Distilleries with Las Bugambilias Tours

Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Mezcal, Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal, Off-the-Beaten Path, Tour Reviews, Tours, Uncategorized

It shocked me to find so little info online about what mezcal distilleries to visit on a Oaxaca mezcal tour. Sure there are lots of articles about the trendy spirit – but almost all focus on what mezcal is with a brief mention that Oaxaca is the place to find it. Then there are many

santa teresa hotel

Santa Teresa Hotel: Review of Nautilus Boutique Hotel, Costa Rica

Beach Escapes, Central America, Costa Rica, Hotel Reviews, Lodging Tips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Uncategorized

 When I found Nautilus Boutique Hotel online, I knew they filled all 3 of my Santa Teresa hotel requirements:◆Jungle plant overload◆Central location to beach and amenities◆Lots of cute details So if you hadn’t already guessed, I loved my time here! I only had 9 days in Costa Rica, so I wanted to make sure that I made

tlayudas oaxaca

The 3 Best Places to Eat Tlayudas in Oaxaca

Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal

Tlayudas in Oaxaca are what street tacos are to Mexico City, or pizza is to New York City. They’re the quintessential meal/snack/post-bar grub/hangover food/etc.. Every restaurant has their own version, plus plenty of street food stands. At worst I’ve had a couple tlayudas that were “good.” But at best, they are ricisimo (delicious) ! So

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Oaxaca Mezcaleria Guide: 8 Places to Drink Mezcal in Oaxaca

Cultural Destinations, Eat Well in Latin America, Food, Mexican Food + Mezcal, Mexico, Mezcal, Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Oaxacan Food + Mezcal

After spending years in Oaxaca, I’ve made it my mission to visit just about every Oaxaca mezcaleria in the Centro. I’ve narrowed down my list of favorites, each with their own vibe, depending on your mood. I think mezcal is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. (I love mezcal so much, I

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