Every year I go to Mexico, just outside Puerto Vallarta, for my annual Play With the World Women’s surf/yoga retreat. I team up with Las Olas Surf Safaris, which is the world premier surf school for women of all ages. We stay in an ocean view luxury resort, eat fabulous food, get massages, surf, and do yoga and inspirational workshops every day. It’s a dedicated time to come back to you. We rediscover the joy of rest, play, and tap into a new sense of joy. I hope you can join us this year April 15 – April 20. There’s only a few spots left.
“But it’s Mexico. Isn’t it dangerous?”
Without fail, this is one of the first questions friends and family members ask when I say “Mexico” and “wonderful vacation” in the same sentence. But the truth is, Mexico continues to be one of my favorite places on earth, and as a women solo traveler, that is saying a lot.
There’s a lot of confusion around Mexico right now, mostly because of lack of education and misguided information. Mexico is a cultural phenomenon with world-class food, beautiful colors, and some of the nicest people in the world. Lonely Planet just named Guanajuato, Mexico, one of the top cities in the world to visit in 2018. And it’s not too far from Puerto Vallarta, near where I hold my annual retreat with Las Olas Surf Safaris.
While we are in Mexico, we will be surrounded by like minded-women and in a supportive and safe environment.
One of my new year goals is to be more open-minded and step out of my comfort zone even more. Which means I am going to live my life the way I want to from my heart. I want to live a fearless year.
Will you join me?
If you are considering my retreat but are still concerned about Mexico, here are Top Travel Myths about Mexico: Debunked.
Myth #1: Mexico is very dangerous.
There are dangerous parts of Mexico, but the people dying due to violence are not Americans, and it’s not happening in the place where we are going. Like every place in the world, including your own city, crime can happen, but you don’t go to those areas, and Las Olas and I are committed to your safety. We would never put you in harm’s way. In fact, many women when they arrive often sigh with wonder, and exclaim, “I can’t believe I was worried, this is so amazing.” Mexico has so much to offer in terms of history, culture, and sights; worrying incessantly about this issue will take the fun away from your travel. Trust me, your biggest concern won’t be about crime but to stay up on your surfboard longer or which restaurant to choose for dinner.
Myth #2: Eating the food will turn your vacation into a staycation—in the hotel bathroom.
There’s always some risk when eating abroad. Even Anthony Bourdain, famed for his willingness to eat everything, says that when someone on his crew gets sick, it’s usually from hotel buffets or other “Western-style businesses.” The key is to stick with what you’re used to—and if that includes street food, frequenting stalls with high-heat cooking happening in front of you can keep you safe. The great thing about the location we are at is the wide variety of food, from street carts to five-star dining. In the twenty years Las Olas has been running its surf camp, with very few guests have been sick ever become sick. The percentage is low, and most incidents weren’t from the food but traveling and catching a bug on the plane. Just pack up on vitamin C before you leave and you should be good. I’ve never been sick in Mexico and I’ve been going for six years now.
Myth #3: If you carry valuables, they’ll be stolen.
When I travel I make it a rule to not bring bling or valuables. The location we will be visiting is a tourist town and the locals rely on this income, so they are very welcoming and friendly to guests. There is virtually no crime. Plus, there is a safe in each hotel room. So you really have nothing to worry about here.
Myth #4: The U.S. State Department warns against visiting.
The U.S. State Department very specifically does not warn against visiting Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas. The general country warning states, “The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens about the risk of traveling to certain places in Mexico due to threats to safety and security posed by organized criminal groups in the country.” This warning is for areas in Mexico were local crime is focused on locals. Tourists aren’t targets, especially in the area we will be in.
To be honest, Mexicans are one of the most fun-loving people in the world.
They are very friendly and have a laid back attitude to life. If you are looking for more joy in your life and you want to surround yourself with supportive, like-minded women, join us. There’s only a few spots left. Get details here.
If Mexico is on your bucket list and you want to travel more this year, consider joining me and Las Olas Surf Safaris for a once in lifetime, soul nourishing, uplifting, retreat.
