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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

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25 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for the Eco-Conscious Traveler

Last Updated: December 9, 2022 · Responsible Travel, Slow Travel

Eco-friendly, mindful travel today should be a must, rather than an option. But traveling more consciously comes with its own challenges, which is why I want to share some tips on how to be an eco-friendly traveler that I have picked up over the years from my travels.

I have been traveling and living abroad for over 8 years. And every year there’s something new that I’ve learned. But there is one theme in my travels that seems to be getting stronger and louder, to the point I can no longer ignore it: Sustainable, green, eco-friendly travel!

When I began traveling nearly ten years ago, I wasn’t focused on my environmental footprint. I usually didn’t consider what stores I shopped at. Nor did I care about drinks served with straws.

But nowadays, with every decision I make, I’m constantly considering my impact.

Eco-friendly travel, for me, goes beyond caring for the environment. It also is about slow travel, ethical travel, and responsible travel.

For the most part, these tips are quick fixes to unsustainable habits we’ve grown accustomed to. But being aware of our impact (good and bad) is crucial to learning how to travel more eco-friendly.

The earlier we all can learn, the better!

Also Read — How We Became Full-Time Slomads (& How You Can Too)

Table of Contents show
25 Best Eco-Friendly Travel Tips
1. Say NO to plastic bags
2. Ask for “No straw, please” at restaurants, cafés, bars, etc.
3. Use bars of soaps and shampoos instead of liquids from plastic bottles
4. Use bamboo toothbrushes, not plastic
5. Shop locally and responsibly — Don’t buy on a whim
6. Eat less meat
7. Travel overland instead of by air
8. Pack light!
9. Don’t buy single-use plastics – say BYE
10. Do not pay to see animals in captivity!
11. Stay at eco-friendly hotels and other accommodation
12. Choose reputable, eco-friendly tour operators
13. Ride the bus or carpool… or bike!
14. Use reef-friendly sunscreen!!
15. Follow rules and respect the local environment
17. Gift smart souvenirs
18. Drink local beer
19. Consider the packaging when you shop
20. Reduce energy use whenever possible
21. Generate electricity from solar (for Overlanders)
22. Pick up 1-3 pieces of trash every time you go to the beach (or anywhere)!
23. Use menstrual cups over pads & tampons
24. Do your research
25. Review & report!
Final Thoughts on Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Travel

25 Best Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

If I can make the conscious choice in my travels to be more environmentally friendly, then so can you! It’s easier than you think. 🙂

1. Say NO to plastic bags

Plastic bags are pure evil and they do not degrade for 500 years. 500 YEARS! They are disastrously convenient in all the wrong ways.

It can even be a pain in the arse sometimes to say no to a plastic bag when you forget to bring your own.

But not giving in to temptation can be the boldest, bravest choice you made all day.

Take your own reusable bags when you go shopping! If you forget easily (like I do), then make the effort to put a reusable shopping bag in each location so you’ll always have one nearby. Put one in your purse or backpack, one in your car, one in your gym bag… and so on.

Already, doing just this makes a world of difference — even if you can’t see it.

25 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for The Sustainable Traveler

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Sad to find tons of trash washed onshore even in a small beach town in Mexico. Pick up 2-3 pieces of trash wherever you go!

2. Ask for “No straw, please” at restaurants, cafés, bars, etc.

As a traveler, I often explore new restaurants and cafés, especially because eating out is sometimes cheaper while traveling (depending on the country). And because I’m enjoying the moment, I’m not always thinking about asking for no straw – until it’s too late and I see my drink coming toward me with a bright pink plastic straw floating in it.

(FUN SCARY FACT: 500+ million straws are used in the U.S. each year!)

People love straws. There are so many restaurants still handing out plastic straws like free candy, even if you hadn’t asked for one. It’s definitely the norm in the States, and I’m guilty of doing this exact thing when I used to be a waitress at several restaurants. It’s just normal to hand out straws.

But is it, really?!

Nowadays, with the availability of sustainable straws like bamboo, metal, and even straws made from avocado seeds, there’s no excuse to accept plastic straws from restaurants or other public spaces.

I still forget to ask on occasion, and I even forget to bring my own metal straw.

So just like you, I’m learning. But I do know this: refusing a straw is one of the easiest ways to become a conscious, eco-friendly traveler.

3. Use bars of soaps and shampoos instead of liquids from plastic bottles

When it comes to products in general, the less packaged it is, the better!!

Beauty products are huge polluters, which is why seeking out natural soaps and shampoos while traveling (or in general) is paramount to becoming an eco-friendly consumer.

Since we travel often, we always have to adapt to the place we are in. Sometimes there are better organic or eco-friendly options than others. So you just got to make the most of it.

Seek out local markets and artisanal products first before buying commercial shampoos, conditioners, and soaps that can be found in nearly every convenience store worldwide.

4. Use bamboo toothbrushes, not plastic

So many products exist to make travel convenient. Like mini travel-sized toothbrushes. I know, they’re small and cute and hard to refuse for only .99 cents, but let’s focus on the bigger issue here, please.

Plastic toothbrushes are so much of a norm, it can be hard to see the damage they do.

When you toss out your 4-month-old toothbrush, that thing is going to wreak havoc on some poor fish or bird’s innards until it dies a slow death. Or maybe, it’ll break up into thousands of small plastic pieces – aka microplastics – which get consumed by small fish that are eaten by bigger fish, that are consumed by us humans at 4-star seafood restaurants.

Spend the extra $2 to buy a bamboo toothbrush instead! The first time I bought a bamboo toothbrush, I was living in the Netherlands studying for my master’s in humanitarian aid. We spent a Saturday visiting a nearby seal rescue organization with two visiting friends.

After our tour and reading about the seals, I took a peek into their gallery. Lo and behold there was a bamboo toothbrush, for something like €4. I bought it, but only because I insisted. Everyone thought I was ridiculous for spending “so much” on a toothbrush.

But I couldn’t care less about those euros. I was so happy to find a product I knew would biodegrade and not end up in a baby seal’s stomach and contribute to the over-pollution of our oceans and landfills.

Sometimes, the extra few bucks are worth it. And in this case, choosing renewable and eco-friendly materials over plastic will always be worth it!

25 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for The Sustainable Traveler

Shop locally or from the source! These are handmade mochila bags from local Wayuu women in La Guajira desert, Colombia.

5. Shop locally and responsibly — Don’t buy on a whim

With #fastfashion stores like H&M, Zara, Forever 21, etc., and Instagram influencers changing their outfits for every shot, it’s no surprise we’re polluting our planet in ways we cannot imagine by just dressing up.

The fashion industry is extremely irresponsible, which is why we – the consumers – must make the conscious choice to buy from sustainable manufacturers and businesses.

When you travel, shop local – that goes for clothes too! Locally-made clothes from small, artisanal shops are generally way better for the environment. Even if they’re a little more expensive, it’s such a wiser choice.

You’ll not only be helping out the environment by avoiding buying from huge stores (and also consuming less in general), but you’ll also be supporting the local community and a small business owner. You can be way prouder of your purchase when you buy responsibly and locally.

I have gotten pretty good at resisting the temptation to buy on a whim. There are extremely nice clothes out there for cheap, sure, but at what cost?? Practicing this has made me less of a consumer in general.

Now, if I do buy new clothes, my first reaction is to look for the best local or eco-friendly options first, even if it is pricier.

I’ll keep that item of clothing 10x longer, anyways, so the investment is worth it even if I didn’t consider the environment in my decision-making process.

6. Eat less meat

The general rule of thumb when it comes to eco-friendly travel is less is better. And that goes for meat, too.

WAIITTTT! I didn’t say you have to be vegetarian or vegan to be eco-friendly.

Already, reducing the amount of meat you consume has a huge impact.

I believe it’s extremely hard for people to make the “all or nothing” decision to eat meat. There’s so much pressure to go vegetarian and not look back.

But without going into detail about the health benefits, or the animal rights welfare debate (which I am for entirely), I just want to point out here that eating less meat is better on the environment.

For strictly environmental purposes only — eating less meat is better!

Even if it’s just one less meal with meat while on your travels – that’s already a start.

And if you do want to consume meat but struggle because you care for the environment, that’s ok! Then you can choose meats – such as chicken or fish – which have smaller environmental impacts than beef.

You don’t have to privy yourself to be an eco-conscious traveler. If you’re reading this article, it’s likely you’re already practicing these sustainable travel tips in your own life.

✨ It’s all about being aware of our choices and choosing the route of less impact.

7. Travel overland instead of by air

One of the biggest contradictions I have about my sustainable travel journey is that I am a frequent flyer!

Each time I fly by plane, I add to my carbon environmental footprint. It’s the same with everything, I know, but in general, traveling by air is much more harmful to the environment than driving.

Flying is inevitable in some cases, but there are ways to improve how we travel.

If you do fly, there are 30+ IATA (International Air Transport Association) member airlines that offer carbon offset programs.

These programs aim to balance out carbon emissions by funding and supporting reduction projects.

Traveling and living the van life was a great way to cut down on our air carbon emissions.

8. Pack light!

Traveling lighter is not only a sustainable way to travel, but it’s also a lot more fun and so liberating! Pack light and you’ll lower your carbon emissions by A LOT.

It can be challenging to fit everything into one bag, but it’s not impossible. It does take practice, but there are a few packing tips that can help you get there faster.

9. Don’t buy single-use plastics – say BYE

Single-use plastics, like water bottles, are already overflowing and polluting nearly every corner of the earth.

Even the most distant, remote islands and coastlines are receiving tons of washed-up plastic bottles (among other plastic monstrosities) in alarming numbers.

Water is such a necessity and commodity that it’s really hard to not buy a bottle when you’re literally parched or dehydrated. Especially while traveling, people tend to consume much more single-use plastics than the average person.

Bali, Indonesia is one of the best and worst examples of this. Bali was filling up so fast with throw-away plastic items (like bottles, straws, etc.) from tourists that the beaches were literally entangled with the crashing waves.

The situation became so extreme that the Indonesian government imposed a single-use plastics ban on the island of Bali. And they are enforcing all businesses and stores to put an immediate stop to selling single-use plastics. Any person or business caught using, buying, or selling single-use plastics might have their business permit revoked (according to this Jakarta Post article from Dec. 2018).

Instead of using water bottles, refill a reusable water bottle and keep it with you at all times. Make carrying it around a habit, so you’re never in a situation where you have to buy plastic water bottles, but can fill up instead.

25 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for The Sustainable Traveler

Support local organizations, associations, and sanctuaries doing things right with animals + the environment in mind – Like this wild hummingbird reserve in Colombia.

10. Do not pay to see animals in captivity!

The BIG #10!! Eco-friendly travel can also be ethical travel. And I want to highlight an important issue that is still causing lots of damage. Animal activities. Dolphin shows. Petting lion cubs. Elephant tourism.

We are probably all guilty of it, in some way, whether we know it or not, we’ve contributed to this demand to pay to see or be up close to wild animals.

Paying to see wild animals in captivity is stringing along an incredibly harmful side of tourism.

11. Stay at eco-friendly hotels and other accommodation

Environmentally friendly accommodation is popular nowadays. Just look at Tulum, Mexico which is full of “eco-resorts” (which aren’t actually eco-friendly as they run on diesel generators and the waste runs into the below-ground cenotes).

Businesses know people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint, which is why you need to be careful when searching for eco-friendly housing.

Truly environmentally-responsible hotels will be willing to talk about their waste management, recycling program, maybe farm-to-table menu… and so on. Don’t be afraid to ask about their energy consumption; if they use renewable sources such as solar or hydroelectric energy.

12. Choose reputable, eco-friendly tour operators

Environmentally friendly tour operators do exist, you just got to seek them out.

So many tour operators profit from exploiting the natural environment. When you search for travel tours, make sure to look for any links to certified programs, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), or other environmental programs.

Chances are, if a tour operator is truly eco-friendly, they’ll go out of their way to prove that to you. In fact, they’ll proudly display it and their actions and demeanor will back up their environmental philosophy.

Look for sustainable development, organizations that give back to the local community, and make every effort not to harm the environment.

25 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for The Sustainable Traveler

In a new city? Rent a bike or go on a bike tour! We did this in Bogota after I lived there for 3 months and it was the best way to show Paul around.

13. Ride the bus or carpool… or bike!

If you are able, consider overland journeys first instead of air travel. Carpooling is a great way to reduce your impact as a traveler. If you can share a ride rather than hire or rent your own vehicle, that’s already huge!

Avoid hiring your own vehicle, especially when you have the option to take the public bus or hitch a ride with someone else.

Or even better, when you’re traveling around a new place, rent a bike!! Exploring by bike is our most favorite way to get around. Leg power!

14. Use reef-friendly sunscreen!!

Going to the beach? Replace harmful, commercial sunscreen with reef-friendly, natural and organic sunscreen alternatives (like this one). They are just as effective and they don’t contribute to the deadening of our precious, exotic reefs and sea life.

15. Follow rules and respect the local environment

Please be mindful of where you are when you travel. If you’re hiking, take out any trash you take in. Don’t wander into blossom fields and off footpaths to take the best Instagram shot. Don’t pick flowers.

And resist the urge to feed the animals, no matter how cute. These types of behaviors, while they may seem innocent, are extremely harmful when multiplied by millions of tourists each year.

And for f***’s sake, throw your cigarette butts in the trash, not on the ground.

25 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for The Sustainable Traveler

Pack out all trash you pack in and visit places where your financial contribution helps to preserve and maintain the area. Follow all local rules, don’t smoke in parks, don’t pick plants, etc, etc.

17. Gift smart souvenirs 

Souvenirs are little testaments of our presence in a place. They shout, “Look! I’ve been here!” While some are cute, most are mass-produced and not environmentally-friendly. Moreover, be careful about the kind of souvenirs you buy.

Lots of souvenirs are crafted from animal body parts, like ivory, coral, or tortoise-shell – all either illegal or unethical.

Buy smart souvenirs! Buy from local artisans that sell authentic items specific to that culture or country, instead of buying at souvenir shops.

18. Drink local beer

Drink a local beer at the bar instead of ordering your classic Heineken (unless you’re in the Netherlands, then by all means..).

Honestly, it’s quite silly to travel and be adventurous but trap your taste buds to your regular way of eating and drinking – don’t you think? When you drink a locally brewed beer you will contribute to eco-friendly travel because your beer will have less mileage. The same goes for anything you eat or buy, too.

Eating and drinking local beers and foods is not only environmentally-friendly, but it is also budget-friendly, too as most local beers tend to be cheaper than imported ales.

19. Consider the packaging when you shop

One sneaky tip for becoming an eco-friendly traveler is to look at products’ packaging. It’s often something we dismiss because we see it so often. But once you start to look, you realize just how much we package everything!

Buying fruits & veggies without packaging (no plastic bags, vacuum-packed anything – nada) can be challenging, especially if you shop in supermarkets (Hint: Shop at local outdoor markets instead).

Not just produce, but anything humans generally buy comes in a package. And if you’re really good at it, you can find the off-brand products that aren’t packaged. Or, compare the packaging of the same product to identify which one is more eco-friendly. Am I the only one that does this? It sounds crazy, but hear me out!

You might find similar products but one has plastic wrap packaging and the other has brown paper bag packaging. Which one are you gonna buy? I know which one I’ll add to my shopping cart. 🙂

20. Reduce energy use whenever possible

Do you really need a hairdryer on your travels? Did you turn the lights and air conditioner off when you left the room?

Years ago, I stayed at a hotel with a friend who said to me bluntly, “Why do you care about turning off the lights, it’s not like you pay for it.” I remember chuckling, while I switched the light off.

But I regret not trying to reach out to her to share about the importance of limiting our energy use – whether we pay for it or not. The environment will ultimately pay, won’t it?

Limiting your energy use, or at least being aware of your energy use, is a big step toward sustainable travel.

25 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for The Sustainable Traveler

Make it a habit to think “eco” first! Use recycled materials before buying brand new, turn off lights, eat more plants, reuse and reduce!

21. Generate electricity from solar (for Overlanders)

If you’re an overlander – traveling overland in a van or camper – generating your own energy via solar is a brilliant eco-friendly way to travel.

Finding creative ways to use renewable energy, such as solar, is a big step in the right direction. There are thousands of travelers who make the PanAm trip from Alaska to Ushuaia, covering thousands of miles, every year. Why not be the one with the awesome solar rooftop that powers your electricity?

22. Pick up 1-3 pieces of trash every time you go to the beach (or anywhere)!

A good way to visibly promote sustainable travel is to pick up trash every time you go to the beach or out in general. It’s a very simple thought, so why doesn’t everyone do this more often?

I have found that whenever I willingly pick up trash, others notice and they either will say something (like thanks) or will do the same.

It’s one tiny act of kindness for our planet that takes literally no time and no money, just a small ounce of effort!

23. Use menstrual cups over pads & tampons

Ladies, one of the best eco-friendly must-haves for travel or otherwise is a menstrual cup! No doubt you’ve heard of them!

Using a cup instead of pads or tampons greatly helps cut down on your environmental footprint and waste. Disposable single-use pads and tampons are terrible for the environment, just like diapers are.

If you want to be even more eco-friendly with your cup, then talk about it with your friends! There are still many girls and women who, due to their culture, are ashamed of periods and often resort to using dirty rags or have to miss out on school because of a lack of supplies.

Raising awareness about menstrual cups helps preserve girls’ health and the environment’s health!

24. Do your research

Research is an eco-friendly traveler’s best friend. Doing your research can completely change your vacation, who you book your tour with, and what activities you do…

Make sure to consider your impact at every leg of your trip. By planning a little bit in advance, you can more easily discover which shops and businesses offer ethically-made products, or which restaurant sources their produce locally, and so on.

If you make it a habit to research ethical and eco-friendly businesses during your travels, it will increase the chance you actually end up giving your financial support and business to pro-environment retailers.

25 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for The Sustainable Traveler

Stay at low-impact places. This was in Tayrona National Park where we slept in hammocks, ate on-site, and packed out all trash we packed in. This place we chose in advance for its natural environment! See what planning can do? 😉

25. Review & report!

When you make it back from your vacation, make sure to evaluate your trip. I always try to leave both positive and negative reviews based on my experiences and observations.

I also, via blogging, reflect on what we did while traveling (i.e. activities, food, lodging, choices, etc.) that I could improve on and make even more environmentally friendly for the next trip.

Did I buy water bottles? Did I seek out eco-friendly lodging or buy only products from ethical and sustainable businesses?

If you witness an organization, tour, or hotel, acting or operating in a way that’s detrimental to the environment, make sure to report it. Reviews can either make or break a business, so it’s crucial to spread the word to help other travelers not make the same mistake!

Final Thoughts on Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Travel

There’s so much more I could write about eco-friendly travel but at 3,591 words, I better take a break!

I must not be the only one who wants to keep traveling the world but doesn’t want to contribute to its degradation.

I believe if everyone could become more aware, already we would see a huge difference in the way we consume and the way we travel.

Let’s share with the world that environmentally-friendly and sustainable travel is possible, with the right open-mindedness and awareness for ourselves, others, and the planet! 🙂

Thanks for reading! Leave me your thoughts and comments below.

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By: Bri · In: Responsible Travel, Slow Travel

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Comments

  1. Dom says

    December 23, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    Hey Brittany!

    Thanks for all the awesome tips! I actually do most of them but some are great to know about and remind yourself to keep up with some of them! Especially drink local beer! 😉

    All jokes aside though I’ve been trying to carpool lots and there’s a rideshare app in Canada called Poparide that benefits both drivers and passengers so I’ve tried using that as well. Along with the biggest change these past few months has been eating no meat!

    All these are great for the environment but you also feel like a better person as well! So everyone wins!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      December 26, 2019 at 7:52 am

      Hey Dom! You’re so right! It’s a definite win-win situation for both us and our environment. I love the idea of drinking local beer as well! It’s something a lot of people overlook when they order their favorite drink, I think! Next time we’re in Canada we’ll definitely have to try Poparide! I wish they would bring a better carpooling app/system to the US soon as well. In Europe the app BlaBlaCar is pretty good! Thanks for your comment! xx

      Reply
  2. Maria says

    June 5, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    Love your tips and I agree with all of them! I’ve never heard of reef friendly sun screen before but I’ll definitely check it out. I think it’s also important is to raise awareness among friends and family and show them how to be more eco friendly and why it’s so important.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      June 6, 2019 at 8:36 am

      Definitely, Maria! I traumatized my sister with my “no straw” policy – now she can’t have one without thinking of me, lol! I often fall back and let my good habits slip, but it’s so important to keep trying. xoxo

      Reply
  3. Sydney says

    June 5, 2019 at 10:21 am

    I love this post! Such great tips on how to travel smarter!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      June 6, 2019 at 8:35 am

      Thanks so much Sydney! xoxo I hope to keep adding to the list!

      Reply
  4. Taylor Deer says

    June 4, 2019 at 6:24 pm

    This is an amazing blog post Bri! I am slowly implementing ways to become more sustainable when I travel. I use a bamboo toothbrush now, I shop locally and I also eat and drink locally. I also stopped using plastic straws as well. Every little bit helps. 🙂

    Reply
    • Bri says

      June 6, 2019 at 8:25 am

      Aww thank you Taylor! Thanks so much for reading xoxo I’m happy to hear!! I am far from being 100% eco when I travel but I hope to share and raise awareness! I often fall back sometimes too, so progress isn’t linear. But like you said, every bit counts! <3

      Reply

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Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
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adventures await x

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