OK y’all, I’m not surprised to learn that apparently plenty of folks are fleeing the US and trying to start new lives in Mexico. That’s not my plan, just so y’all know. My goal is to EXPLORE, remaining nomadic and immersing myself for 3-4 months in a place; La abuela desplazada. I will stay in each location long enough to make a few friends and memories and plant them in my heart to carry forward. As a visitor to Mexico, I want to be respectful of both the people and the environment through responsible tourism and conscious spending. I asked Ai to give me suggestions of principals to adhere to in order to meet this goal, here was its advice:
1. Support Local Businesses & Artisans
- Stay in locally owned hotels, hostels, or eco-lodges instead of international chains.
- Eat at family-run restaurants and buy from street vendors to directly support local economies.
- Purchase handmade crafts from indigenous artisans rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
2. Engage in Ethical & Sustainable Tourism
- Choose tour operators that respect indigenous communities and ecosystems.
- Visit community-led tourism projects, such as those in Chiapas and Oaxaca.
- Avoid attractions that exploit animals, like captive dolphin shows.
3. Reduce Environmental Impact
- Carry a reusable water bottle and filter to avoid excessive plastic waste.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems when swimming or diving.
- Respect nature by staying on marked trails and not disturbing wildlife.
4. Learn and Respect Local Culture
- Take the time to learn basic Spanish phrases to connect with locals.
- Respect cultural traditions and sacred sites, such as Mayan ruins.
- Tip service workers fairly—many depend on tips as a primary income source.
5. Volunteer or Contribute to Local Initiatives
- Join local beach cleanups or reforestation efforts.
- Support NGOs working in education, conservation, or indigenous rights.
- If staying long-term, consider teaching English or sharing professional skills.
6. Avoid Supporting Corrupt or Harmful Industries
- Don’t engage with businesses tied to illegal or exploitative industries.
- Be cautious about where your money goes—choose ethical businesses over corporations with poor labor practices.
By making mindful choices, I can joyfully and with an easy heart, explore and appreciate this beautiful earth and her lovely people. 🌿🇲🇽 (end of Ai, Lisa doesn’t use conversational emojis but they’re pretty)
I have found several organizations in Mexico that will be helpful for keeping these commitments. For example, Eatmexico.com is a woman-owned company that offers food tours throughout Mexico. I also found Oaxaca by Locals, which makes exploring region with a local feel super accessible.
Since I am me, I created an Airtable Database with a form I can fill out daily to hold myself accountable for these principles. I’m sharing that database and form with you, for free. You can save your own copy, Airtable is free. Instructions are attached.
