Welcome! I’m Allison.
Hola, welcome to Viva La Travelista–a leading Mexico travel blog. My name is Allison and I’m a travel blogger with a passion for Spanish and a love of Latin America travel.
I created this travel blog after moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2018 to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Here you’ll find more information about me, how I ended up in Playa del Carmen, why I created my travel blog, and best of all, what’s in it for you!
About me
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, I am a Midwest girl with worldly ambitions. I got my first taste of international adventure when I spent a semester abroad in Alicante, Spain.
This was where I first got to put my Spanish skills to the test and where I fell madly in love with the hispanic culture and the “No pasa nada” way of life.
Since then, I have traveled to many Spanish speaking countries around the world to experience their vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes.
In every new place I visit, I’m so inspired by meeting diverse people, discovering lively hotspots, and indulging in local flavors, all while learning new Spanish words along the way.
Highlights from my travels abroad
Bogota, Colombia
Real Madrid Stadium, Madrid, Spain- Playing polo in Argentina!
Alicante, Spain- Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
- Colonia, Uruguay
- Sayulita, Mexico
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Barcelona, Spain
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Why I moved to Playa del Carmen
In 2018, I quit my job working in marketing for a luxury hotel brand in Chicago. It was honestly one of the hardest decisions of my life.
I had a degree in International Business and had spent years learning Spanish, so it had always been a dream of mine to live and work abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
I had some friends living in Playa del Carmen and when I got a job offer from a Mexican hospitality brand, I knew if I didn’t do it now, I never would.
So I sold most of my belongings, packed my life into two suitcases, and booked a one-way ticket to Mexico.
Why I created my travel blog
Working for a Mexican company was a valuable professional experience but I eventually transitioned to working remotely in the field of digital marketing, which also gave me the skills to start my travel blog as a side hustle.
Living at the beach may seem glamorous, but I can assure you it hasn’t always been easy. I was lost when I first landed in Playa del Carmen.
I didn’t know my way around. I didn’t know how to use the local transportation. I didn’t know the local slang. I didn’t know how to stay safe as a female traveler. I didn’t know how to avoid the tourist traps.
But with each new experience that pushed me outside of my comfort zone, I learned. I networked, I traveled around, I tried new things, and eventually I made some amazing new friends. It was hard but I haven’t regretted it once.
I know from my personal experience that planning travel to a new destination is fun but it can also be stressful, overwhelming, and loads of work to research and organize.
That’s why I created this travel blog–to help make traveling Mexico easier, less complicated, and more inspiring for you whether you’re a beach traveler, expat, or digital nomad.
I really enjoy getting to share incredible travel experiences (Mexico is full of them!) so you can experience them too and make the most of your trip. Because let’s face it, no one wants to waste their precious vacation days!
What’s in it for you
I have lived in Playa del Carmen and traveled around Mexico and the Riviera Maya long enough to have it all figured out–where to find the best food and drink, tours and activities, local hotspots, and best of all the hidden gems.
And I’ve made it my mission to share the most accurate and up-to-date local information to help with your Mexico travel planning.
What to expect from my blog
- Up-to-Date Local Insights: Get the most accurate and current information for traveling in Mexico.
- Insider Tips: Discover how to explore Mexico like a local, finding authentic experiences and hidden gems.
- Detailed Guides: Access comprehensive guides and honest reviews for tours, attractions, and activities across Mexico.
- Accommodation Reviews: Discover the best places to stay in Mexico, from luxury resorts to charming boutique options.
- Food and Drink Recommendations: Enjoy my top picks for restaurants, bars, and nightlife across Mexico.
- Travel Resources: Use my practical resources like packing lists and time-saving tools to make your Mexico trip planning easier.
Start with these Mexico travel resources
If it’s your first time to Playa del Carmen, start here with my Playa del Carmen Destination Guide for a mega guide on everything you need to know about visiting. Or check out these other popular Mexico travel resources:
Thanks for reading my blog! Mexico is such a beautiful and fun destination and I really hope you come to love it as much as I do! 💗