My Appendix Tried to Kill Me: Appendectomy Cost in Mexico
What started as food poisoning ended in an emergency appendectomy. Here’s exactly what the surgery and hospital stay cost me in Mexico. Saturday night was…
expat life
Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta: The Insider’s Guide from Someone Who Actually Lived There
Ask me where to stay in Puerto Vallarta, and I’ll say the Romantic Zone. It’s the most walkable, most photogenic, most alive neighborhood in the…
The Day Cartel Violence Hit Puerto Vallarta: What Really Happened
On Sunday, February 22, Puerto Vallarta experienced a wave of coordinated cartel violence that shook the city and rattled us to our cores. It was…
Versalles Puerto Vallarta: A Neighborhood Guide for Visitors & Long Stays
Versalles Puerto Vallarta, is one of those colonias (neighborhoods) you don’t stumble into by accident. You come here on purpose. Most likely for the food.…
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: Best Areas & Places {2026}
Not sure where to stay in Puerto Vallarta? Don’t worry. These are the best areas and hotels for your vacation from an insider who lives…
How to See a Doctor in Mexico: Healthcare Costs & Options
For many of us Americans, affordable healthcare feels like a bad joke. It’s an oxymoron. A unicorn. It’s no wonder some people pack their bags…
The Honest Pros and Cons of Living in Puerto Vallarta
Living in Puerto Vallarta feels like stepping into a postcard, except the colors are brighter, the air is saltier, and there’s always a cheap taco…
5 de Diciembre Puerto Vallarta: Insider’s Neighborhood Guide
Want to stay in an authentic neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta? The 5 de Diciembre Puerto Vallarta neighborhood is charming & the ideal place to stay.
11 of the Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Expats
Discover the best cities to live in Mexico for expats & what sets each apart. Read insider tips and realistic advice from an American expat…
Is Puerto Vallarta Safe? 25 Insider Tips for Staying Safe
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists and expats? Yes! But you need to know where to go & how to stay safe. This insider guide…
How to Find Puerto Vallarta Long Term Rentals
Looking for Puerto Vallarta long term rentals? It’s not easy. But this post shows you the exact steps you need to find your dream home…
Puerto Vallarta vs Playa del Carmen: Choosing Your Paradise
Puerto Vallarta vs Playa del Carmen—which beach town reigns supreme? It’s a question that is hard to answer—the answer is different depending on what you…
Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going? (Part 2)
The longer it’s been since I last wrote a blog, the harder it is to start. I realize I suck at telling my own story.…
Living in Puerto Vallarta: The Vibe, the Safety and All the Tacos
Want to know what it’s like living in Puerto Vallarta? You’ve come to the right place. While I don’t know Mexico as well as Malaysia,…
Digital Nomad Family in Mexico: Why Playa del Carmen is their Safe Haven
Welcome to My Expat Interview Series. This is all about Corritta’s digital nomad family in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This is an insider’s sneak peek…
Going Away Gift Guide: Saying Goodbye Sucks, Don’t Buy Gifts That Suck Too
Let’s face it, saying goodbye really sucks. It doesn’t matter if you are the one leaving or staying behind; it’s heartbreaking. So, if you are…
How to Be an Expat: Tips from the Pros
Moving overseas has its challenges and its rewards. But don’t just take it from me. I’ve asked some of my expat blogger friends to give…
Expat Life: How to be a Happy Expat
When people move overseas, they might expect a little culture shock. A little homesickness. But what they don’t expect is to feel melancholy and sad.…
You Know You’re an Expat When…
There are so many changes that happen when you move abroad. You go through all the pains of settling into a new country and making…
I Want to Move Abroad. Now What?
Have you ever said to yourself, “I want to move abroad, but where do I start?” You are not alone! That’s how we felt at…
Pros (and Cons) of Being an Expatriate in Malaysia
I’ll always be American but Penang, Malaysia is my latest home. Is it my forever home? Who knows? It is for now, and we love…
Want to Start a New Life Abroad? Here is Why I Moved
If you’ve been reading my blog, you probably know that Mark and I moved from Chicago to Penang six years ago. What many of you…
Learn from Our Mistakes Before Your First Home Exchange
By now you are probably sick of me droning on about the wonderful concept of home exchanging. Well, it is awesome, but it doesn’t come…