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Mexico

How to Get from Cancun to Cozumel

How to Get from Cancun to Cozumel 2025

May 27, 2023

What’s the best way to get from Cancun to Cozumel? As an expat who lives here, I’m sharing the various Cancun to Cozumel transportation options.

Playa del Carmen, locally referred to as Playa, attracts visitors with its lively vibes and expansive palm-fringed beaches. In addition, the city’s strategic location makes it an ideal destination for exploring the best of Riviera Maya, from cenotes (natural sinkholes) to Mayan ruins and eco-adventure parks.

All the major places of interest in the Yucatan Peninsula are just a day trip away from Playa del Carmen. Playa is close to Cancun international airport, yet far enough to allow easy access to Isla Cozumel, Tulum, or Coba. That’s the reason why many ex-pats (myself included) and remote workers have made this city a home base.

In this post, I will explain how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. I live in Playa del Carmen and have myself travelled from Cancun to Playa del Carmen many times using different modes of transport. So, let’s dive into the various Cancun to Playa del Carmen transportation options.

How to Get from Cancun to Cozumel


Table of Contents

    • Where is Cozumel?
  • How to Get from Cancun to Cozumel
    • By Air
    • By Ferry
    • By Private Transfer
  • How to Get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
    • 1. By Shared Shuttle
      • Pros and Cons of a Cancun Airport Shared Shuttle
    • 2. By Car Rental
      • Approximate Driving Distance to Playa del Carmen
      • Pros and Cons of Renting a Car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
      • Tips for Renting a Car from Cancun Airport
      • Is it Safe to Drive from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
      • Driving Tips in Mexico
    • 3. By Bus
      • Approximate Cost and Time by Bus
    • 4. By Colectivo
    • 5. By Taxi
    • How to Get from Downtown Cancun to Playa del Carmen
    • Ferry to Cozumel
    • How to Get Around Cozumel
    • Where to Stay in Cozumel
      • Budget: Albatros Suites by Bedsfriends
      • Mid Range: Westin Cozumel
      • Luxury: Secrets Aura Cozumel
      • Luxury: Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa
    • Further Reading on Mexico

Where is Cozumel?

Located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is the biggest island in the Mexican Caribbean. Cozumel Island is just 12 miles (20km) off Playa del Carmen, where we currently live, and it’s just 1 hour by car from Cancun. Since moving to Mexico, we’ve hopping over to Cozumel as often as we can!

In contrast to commercialised coastal cities like Cancun and Tulum, Cozumel Island is wild and relatively unspoiled. Most of the island is covered by lush tropical forests, nature reserves and empty beaches. Yes, it is a popular cruise destination — but time your visit to avoid the cruise ship and you’ll have the island to yourself.

It may be the biggest island in the Yucatan Peninsula (far bigger than Isla Mujeres and Holbox island), but it still retains a laidback, island feel. There are resorts dotted all along the island’s west coast, so you won’t have to sacrifice creature comforts. Check out my list of things to do in Cozumel.

Welcome! I’m Nellie — a travel writer, book author, and worldschooling mum. Since moving to Mexico in 2021, I’ve been sharing my secret haunts, favorite towns, and the many things that make Mexico so special on this blog. Read about me here.

getting from cancun to cozumel


How to Get from Cancun to Cozumel

Considering that Cozumel is an island, it’s actually really easy to get there. It’s just a 1-hour drive and then a quick ferry ride away from the Playa del Carmen. Taking the ferry is the most popular way, but you can also fly to Cozumel is your budget allows. Let’s drill in on the details of different ways to get from Cancun to Cozumel.

By Air

Cozumel has a small international airport. Flying is of course the most expensive way to get from Cancun to Cozumel. But if you’re short on time, this is the fastest and easiest.

Vuelatours run private charter flights from Cancun to Cozumel 24 hours a day every day. You’ll get to fly over the Caribbean Sea and drink in views of the wonderful turquoise sea from above. The 25-minute flight on a Cessna206 costs around US$550 (up to 5 passengers).

It’s a pretty good deal if you’re traveling in a group — considering the total cost of a journey by land for a group of 5 people is close to $400 and takes up to 3 hours.

Aeromexico also runs flights to Cozumel, but they only fly direct from Mexico City (i.e. flying from Cancun to Cozumel involves a transit in CDMX which doesn’t make sense). Return flights from Cancun currently cost around US$500.

cancun to cozumel by air

By Ferry

The most popular way to get to Cozumel is by ferry from Playa del Carmen, a beach town just 1 hour away from Cancun. The ferry is a comfortable, affordable and convenient way of traveling to Cozumel — the boats are always air-conditioned and they leave regularly in a well-organised manner.

However the ferries to Cozumel only leave from Playa del Carmen, there are no direct ferry from Cancun to Cozumel. So you will first have to get to Playa del Carmen, in order to catch the ferry. I will explain in details how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen below.

See also  15 Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico [2025]
cancun to cozumel ferry

By Private Transfer

If you want to be free of the stress of getting a cab, I recommend booking a private transfer from Cancun to Cozumel. This includes the transfer to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen AND the ferry to Cozumel. I always book with Cancun Airport Transportations, as they are reliable, responsive, and provide door-to-door service from Cancun Airport to Cozumel.

Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers

We’ve been using Safety Wing for years now, and it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made as digital nomads. Their Nomad Insurance plan is affordable and provides solid coverage for medical emergencies regardless of where we’re traveling. 

Private transfer from Cancun Airport to Cozumel  not only saves you time but it’s convenient and keeps you away from haggling with the drivers. It usually costs around US$85 one-way or US$165 round-trip. This is ideal if you’re traveling as a family or with a group of friends as you can split the cost!

You’ll have a bilingual driver who speaks English (and actually drives safely!), waits for you for arrivals even if your flight is delayed, and drives you in an air-conditioned car straight to your hotel on Cozumel island.

How to get from Cancun to Cozumel By Private Transfer


How to Get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

If you’re not flying to Cozumel or booking a private transfer, you will need to first get to Playa del Carmen to catch the ferry. Thankfully the beach town is only an hour drive away (or 35 miles/ 55 km away).

There are 5 different ways to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. I commute regularly between Playa del Carmen and Cancun and have tried all kinds of transport modes. In this article, I’ll share the pros and cons of each of them.

1. By Shared Shuttle

Shared shuttle services to Playa del Carmen are a good transport option for solo travelers and budget travelers, who don’t want to spend a lot yet seek a comfortable and convenient service.

You can pre-book your ride from Cancun to Playa del Carmen in a shared shuttle vehicle online for 600 MXN (US$30) per person one-way. Whenever I travel alone, I always book a seat in a shared shuttle with Cancun Shuttles. The vehicles are sanitized, comfortable, air-conditioned, and always clean. You’re also greeted by a bilingual driver.

The only drawback of opting for a shared shuttle is that you’ll have to wait for the driver to pick up and drop off all the passengers (usually max 12). That means it can take up to 1 h 45 minutes or 2 hours to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.

If you are traveling with another person (or more), booking the shuttle from Cancun airport to Playa doesn’t make sense. Even if there are just two of you, you’ll only be saving US$10 and that would not be worth the extra time. Book private transfer instead.

cancun to playa del carmen shuttle

Pros and Cons of a Cancun Airport Shared Shuttle

Pros – You get picked up by a bilingual driver, usually in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. The driver is always reliable and will pick you u on time. It’s fairly cheap.

Cons – The journey takes much longer than a private transfer and you will be sharing with 10+ other people.

2. By Car Rental

Renting a car is one of the best ways to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. It’s convenient, flexible, and relatively affordable; the average price ranges from 600-800 MXN (US$30-40) per day, including insurance and taxes.

I always use DiscoverCars.com to for car rentals worldwide. The search engine compares rental-prices from all the major companies and has consistently given me the cheaper rates and best services. Search for car rentals in Cancun here!

Approximate Driving Distance to Playa del Carmen

  • Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen – 35 miles (55 km); 50 minutes
  • Cancun Downtown to Playa del Carmen – 45 miles (70 km); 1 hour
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen – 40 miles (65 km); 1 hour
  • Merida to Playa del Carmen – 180 miles (290 km); 3.5 to 4 hours
renting a car  - cancun to cozumel flight

Pros and Cons of Renting a Car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Pros – Allows you to travel at your leisure, make as many stops on the way as you want, and even make small detours to nearby areas.

Cons – You don’t really need a car in Playa del Carmen, unless you want to explore the surrounding cenotes and Mayan archaeological sites. If your hotel does not have a parking space, you may have to find paid parking spaces in Playa that might cost 200-300 MXN/day (US$10-15).

Pros and Cons of Renting a Car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Tips for Renting a Car from Cancun Airport

  • Purchase a Personal Liability Insurance and a Car Insurance without fail.
  • Inspect and take good photos and videos of the car’s interior and exterior. Focus on any visible dents, scratches, stain marks, rips in seat fabric, etc.
  • Keep a copy of all the rental agreements, booking information, and car papers.
See also  Staying at Casa Viva Troncones

In Mexico, it’s very common for car rental companies to find a way to get more money out of you when you return the car. The first time we rented a car here, we were told a safety device was missing from the car, which we didn’t even remember having it in the first place (but sadly had no proof) and had to pay a fine of $50.

Is it Safe to Drive from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

Yes! Highway 307 is a 4-lane smooth road that is rather well maintained. It’s the main highway that connects all the beach towns along the Riviera Maya and beyond. We have a car and I drive along Highway 307 everyday, and never had any issue.

That said, there are quite a few police checkpoints and speed bumps along the way. The police usually check for any abnormal behavior and only stop drivers that look dodgy. We have been driving in Playa del Carmen for a year now and have only been stopped once and even then the police officer only said hi and let us get on our way.

map from cancun to playa del carmen

Driving Tips in Mexico

  • In Mexico, you drive on the right side of the road.
  • Always keep your driving license, car rental papers, and proof of insurance handy.
  • The main road hazards are reckless drivers; they tend to go very fast, changing lanes as and when they like without signaling. Be wary of these drivers and keep calm!
  • There are plenty of speed bumps along the Federal Highway, especially when you get close to Playa del Carmen. When you see the signpost “TOPE”, slow down and prepare for the bumps.
  • Avoid driving at night as you won’t be able to see the speed bumps and drivers go even faster than usual.

3. By Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest option to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. All major cities in Mexico are well-connected with an extensive bus network. These buses are clean, safe, comfortable, and air-conditioned.

ADO is Mexico’s largest bus company that has regular departures from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen throughout the day. I’ve traveled in ADO buses many times and can safely say the bus company is top notch. They always leave on time and boarding is pretty well organized.

Pre-book your bus tickets here before arriving at Cancun Airport to ensure availability or visit the ADO counter at the airport to get tickets for the next bus. Bus tickets from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen cost around 225 MXN (US$11) each way.

The first ADO bus from Cancun Airport departs at 8:00 AM, and the last bus leaves at 11:40 PM. Several buses are scheduled in between, and the waiting time is not more than 1 hour. The bus drops you off at the Playa del Carmen’s ADO stop on 5th Avenue and also at Juarez Station near Walmart.

ADO bus from cancun to playa del carmen

Approximate Cost and Time by Bus

  • Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen – 225 MXN (US$12); 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Cancun Downtown (Centro) to Playa del Carmen – 100 MXN (US$5); 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen – 115 MXN (US$6); 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Merida to Playa del Carmen – 600 MXN (US$30); 4 hours

4. By Colectivo

Colectivos are shared minibus/minivan-like vehicles that run on set routes in Mexico. They are a cheap transport, without any fixed schedules. For those on a shoestring budget, this would be the cheapest way to go. A colectivo ride from Cancun to Playa del Carmen costs only about 40-60 MXN (US$2-3) per person.

There’s no advance booking for colectivos. You simply get to the starting point of the colectivo, or flag down one as it passes by, ask for a seat, get through your journey, and pay the driver directly. The driver will stop many times along the way to pick up and drop off passengers.

There are 2 companies that operate colectivos from Cancun to Playa del Carmen – Playa Express and Colectivos Foraneos. These colectivos do not service Cancun Airport. To catch one, you either have to walk from your terminal to the Highway 307 roadside and flag one or take a bus from Cancun Airport to Downtown Cancun, where the colectivo stand is (right opposite the ADO bus station).

I personally wouldn’t recommend catching a colectivo. Firstly, it is not a comfortable ride, and secondly, there’s little to no luggage space. The colectivos also make many stops in between, lengthening the journey time. They are only good if you are on a day trip from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, have no luggage, and are looking for a means of cheap transport.

colectivo from cancun to playa del carmen

5. By Taxi

Taking the taxi is the worst option, and I’d suggest only considering taxis as your last resort. Taxis here don’t have meters and drivers will often offer an inflated price based on how you look.

See also  30 Cool Things to Do in Tulum 2025

As you near the airport exit, you’ll find many locals approaching you offering taxi services. Nod and say ‘no thank you’ politely. Many taxi drivers look decent but will trick you into taking a taxi regardless. Some will say that rental companies are closed or buses are not running due to the rain etc.

Even if you opt for a taxi to get to Playa del Carmen, agree on a fare before getting into the taxi. A fair cost for a taxi from Cancun Airport to Playa ranges from 1700-2000 MXN (US$85-100). I highly recommend booking a private transfer rather than going through the hassle of negotiating with the taxi drivers.

taxi from cancun to playa del carmen


How to Get from Downtown Cancun to Playa del Carmen

If you’re spending a few days in Cancun first (Remember to check out our list of things to do in Cancun), the bus is the best option to travel from downtown Cancun to Playa del Carmen. The ADO bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen leaves from the bus station and runs multiple times per hour. Click for the location of the bus station on Google Maps. The bus will drop you at the ADO bus station at Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen. A ticket costs around 80 MXN (US$4).

Don’t miss my recommendations on where to stay in Cancun.

getting from cancun to cozumel


Ferry to Cozumel

There are only ferries to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. Two ferry companies run the route: Ultramar and Winjet. Currently, Ultramar runs on even-numbered dates, and Winjet on odd-numbered dates. Both companies have comfortable ferries that air-conditioned and punctual, and take 45 minutes each way.

You can book tickets online directly on their websites (links below).

Ferry ticket prices are as follow (per person):

  • Ultramar: US$25/adult, US$20/child
  • Winjet: US$25/adult, US$17/child

*Car Ferry: There is also a car ferry to Cozumel, but it leaves from Punta Venado, outside Playa del Carmen. The ferry takes 1.5 hours each way and you need to be there at least 1 hour before departure. Tickets can only be reserved through Whatsapp. Check out the Ultramar Carga website for rates.

cancun to cozumel ferry


How to Get Around Cozumel

The best way to get around Cozumel is by hiring a car. The island is relatively large and you won’t be able to explore without a car. Taxis are expensive — a taxi ride to any resort on the west coast would cost US$20 each way.

We hired an open-roof Nissan hatchback for 800 Pesos ($40) per day from HTL Rentals, a block away from the ferry terminal. It worked well for us, although we did get pretty wet whenever it rained. Alternatively, you can book your car rental online to ensure availability.

Here are the rental prices from HTL Rentals:

  • Scooter — 500 Pesos or $25 a day
  • Normal sedan — 1000 Pesos ($50) a day
  • Jeep — 1200 Pesos ($60) a day
  • ATV/quad —1500 Pesos ($75) a day
renting a car in cozumel - cancun to cozumel


Where to Stay in Cozumel

Read my guide on where to stay in Cozumel, including the best areas to stay and hotel recommendations for all types of travelers.

Budget: Albatros Suites by Bedsfriends

With a great location near San Miguel, this budget hotel has simple, modern suites decorated with a tropical feel. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Westin Cozumel

With surprisingly reasonable prices, this new hotel is a high-end resort with a small beach on the north end of the west coast. It looks more upscale than where we stayed and was just $30/night. Check rates here.

Luxury: Secrets Aura Cozumel

This is one of the few adults-only resort, perfect for those looking for a more exclusive experience. Check rates here.

Luxury: Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa

Lauded as the best resort on Cozumel, the Presidente is swanky and modern (pictured). It’s not cheap of course, but you’ll be guaranteed the best digs. Check rates here.

hotel presidente - where to stay in cozumel


Further Reading on Mexico

A trip to Cozumel is a dream come true for beach bums and active travelers who love underwater adventures. Getting to Cozumel Island is pretty easy; I hope I’ve answered all your questions. Don’t forget to check out this list of things to do in Cozumel. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

  • Cozumel Travel Guide
  • Where to Stay in Cozumel
  • 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary
  • 35 Fun Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
  • 30 Best Things to Do in Cancun
  • Where to Stay in Cancun
  • How to Get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
  • How to Get from Cancun to Tulum
  • How to Get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!


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Nellie Huang

Nellie is a book author, travel blogger and worldschooling mum. Having traveled to over 150 countries, she currently lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with her digital nomad family. She started this Mexico travel blog to share her love for her adopted home. Read more about her and get real-time updates from her on Facebook and Instagram.

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  • brian robinson
    February 23, 2024

    We’re a family of 4 arriving at 5pm Tue 19th March into Cancun, with 1 x week staying on Cozumel and then 1 x week in Tulum. We are trying to find the best option for car hire and i’d hoped to hire in Cancun then simply drive to the car ferry and take this across to Cozumel. However, i read on Tripadvisor someone suggesting it was better to hire the car on Cozumel to avoid a really long wait for the ferry, i’m also thinking we might not get to the ferry port until 7.30pm (by the time we have got bags and our car) so don’t want to miss the last car ferry. Any advice would be appreciated.
    Thanks
    Bri

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      brian robinson
      February 26, 2024

      hi Brian, I agree that it’s easier to hire a car on Cozumel rather than taking the car ferry. I personally haven’t taken the car ferry before, but my friends who have said it took a lot longer than the passenger ferry. It’s more of the waiting around for the ferry to load up than the actual sailing time. Also you are arriving at 730pm so you might risk missing the ferry. I’d recommend booking a transfer from Cancun airport to bring you straight to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (or take the ADO bus) then rent a car there. Or rent a car from Cancun for the entire trip, but take your time and stay the night in Playa del Carmen before hopping on the ferry the next day. I live in Playa del Carmen, and I’d say it’s not a bad place to stay for the night! 🙂 Hope this helps!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Nellie

A travel writer, Lonely Planet guidebook author and worldschooling mum. Living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with my family since 2021. Read about me.

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@wildjunket
Nellie Huang | Adventure + Family Travel

@wildjunket

✈️ Travel writer & @lonelyplanet author 🌎 Sharing all about digital nomad family travel 🗺️Visited 150 countries 📍 Singaporean in Mexico 🇲🇽
  • Which of these resonates with you? 🌎

I’m a firm believer that success is not measured by wealth but by experiences and happiness. 

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive; we used to backpack around the world for less than $50/day. 

Life does not end when you have kids, and kids are capable of alot more than you imagine. 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
  • We recently stayed at a beautiful Airbnb in Valencia, Spain 🇪🇸 and we all enjoyed having it as our temporary home. 

With high ceilings and an open concept, the loft is a rare find in a big city like Valencia. It has 3 queen beds, large cushy sofas, a big dining area and even a work desk - perfect for digital nomads like us. 💻

It’s located next to the hip Russafa district and the lush Parque Central, steps from tapas bars and supermarkets. We spent €150/night for this place, which we found pretty reasonable.

Comment AIRBNB and I’ll dm you a link to the apartment.

P.S. We paid for the stay ourselves, just wanted to share this rare find with y’all! 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Spain with kids | Valencia travel | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#spainwithkids #uniquestays #valenciahotels  #uniqueairbnb #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
  • I might be biased as my husband is from Spain and I lived in Spain for 7+ years… but I think Spain has the best food in the world! 🇪🇸 🍷🥘🍤🫒

Our recent trip back to Spain felt like a culinary journey, where we had all of our favorite dishes (mine’s seafood!) and probably ate more than we should. 

We had paella in Valencia where it was meant to be eaten, fresh mussels right on the beach, perfectly grilled octopus just off the grill, tangy snails in Madrid, and way too many tapas to count.

We ate our way through Madrid, Calpe and Valencia and returned back to Mexico with our stomachs and hearts full. 

📌Save this list for your next trip to Spain!

Madrid

Arroceria d’stapa — the best arroz con bogavante (lobster rice) I’ve ever had!

@Txapelamadrid — amazing pintxos and traditional txakoli from northern Spain

@Loscaracolesdeamadeo — excellent snails and old-school vibes 

@Cavabaja17 — yummy tapas in lively La Latina

Calpe/Javea

@Safra.calpe — amazing seafood on the beachfront of Playa de Fossa

@costamarifach — great prices, comfort food at the base of the Calpe peñon

@Calabandida — set right on the marina, their black-ink fideua was to die for!

@Lulubeachclub — stylish joint with gourmet food and man-made ‘beach’

@Calaclemence1 — hip, lively spot perched over Cala Portitxol

Valencia

Mercat Central — Touristy but excellent jamon, fruit and oysters 

El Paeller — Amazing paellana valenciana (with rabbit and chicken)

Osteria Pedrin — The freshest oysters Ive ever had!

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

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  • A few summers ago, Alberto and I spent 2 blissful weeks in Greece, just the two of us. And it was truly magical! ☀️🔱🏛🧿🌊🧜🏻‍♀️🇬🇷

Sailing the Ionian Sea with @yachtgetaways, we spent our days snorkeling, paddle boarding and exploring gorgeous Greek towns. For the first time in years, we actually had time to nap, read and simply do nothing. 🤿🛥️🌊🌴

By the end of the trip, we felt refreshed and truly rested. It was the break that we never knew we needed!

What are your plans for this summer??? Travel, hit the beach, or simply do nothing? 

#greecetravel #sailinggreece #summeringreece #digitalnomads
  • Facts that don’t match our IG feed:

1. We are not full-time travelers; we consider ourselves semi-nomadic, traveling often from our home base in Mexico. 🇲🇽 

2. As much as we love travel, we also enjoy having a home base and community. Living somewhere really allows us to immerse deeply and learn about a country’s culture. 

3. Like other families, we have boring days at home when we do laundry, clean the house, and take care of household chores. It’s not all beach days, mountain hikes and road trips! ⛰️

4. Both Alberto and I work full-time remotely. But that also means we need to be always connected, which can be challenging when we travel to remote places. 🛜

5. We hardly get real vacations (only at Christmas or when we’re in places with no wifi). We work even when we’re traveling. Sometimes it can be stressful and tiring. 👩‍💻

6. Despite being a travel writer and blogger, most of our travels are self-funded. We get hosted in certain hotels but we mostly pay our own way these days. 🌎

7. We don’t homeschool our kid; we make the most of school holidays and take Kaleya out of school often to travel. 🧳 

8. We’re not super wealthy and don’t have any trust funds — we work hard, we don’t spend money excessively, and we manage our finances well. 💰

9. Kaleya was born in Spain, then we lived in the Netherlands when she was 2-6 years old, and Mexico from 7-10 years old. When people ask her where she’s from, she always proudly says Spain! 🇪🇸 

10. Now that Kaleya is 10yo, it’s easy to travel with her! She packs her own bag, reads on her Kindle during downtime and walks everywhere with us. But there are still days when she complains, refuses to walk, and wants to do nothing. 🤪

Just trying to keep it real! Who else can relate to these?

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads
  • My parents taught me to dream big ✨— that anything is possible as long as you work hard for it. That big dreams aren’t just for other people — they’re for anyone who’s willing to go after them.
⁣
That stuck with me.

And now, I want my kid to grow up seeing that too. I want her to know the world is huge and full of opportunity. That she’s capable of chasing whatever lights her up inside.

So we travel. We say yes to adventure. 

Because the best way to teach her to dream big… is to chase my own dreams.

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
  • We’ve just spent a few days in Valencia 🇪🇸 visiting our friends and sussing out the city to see if we can perhaps live here in future. And as it turns out, we love it more than we expected to! 

Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain, but the green spaces, bike lanes, and city beaches make it feel livable and friendly. It’s vibrant, international and energetic, just what we’re looking for.

For those of you planning a visit with kids, here’s our Valencia itinerary: 

Day 1 (Ciutat Vella or Old Town)

⛲️Start at the Mercat Central 
⛪️ Visit the Cathedral 
🕍 See the Lonja de Seda (Silk Exchange)
🦪 Have fresh oysters at Osteria Pedrin 
🥘 Try Paella Valenciana at El Paeller
🏰 Climb up the Torre Serrano
🥛 Drink horchata at Orxateria Santa Catalina

Day 2 (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències)

🚲 Rent a bike (Flexibiles has kids bikes for 15euros/day) 
🪴 Cycle through Turia Park, one of the biggest in Europe
🛝 Stop at Parque Gulliver, a giant playground for both kids and adults 
🛸 See the futuristic Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias, which consists of a few buildings 
🏛️ Visit the Museo de Ciencias (science museum)
⚗️ See an IMAX show at the planetarium l’Hemisferic
🪼 Explore the Oceanografic, the biggest aquarium in Europe

Day 3 (The beach)

🚢 Head to the Valencia Marina
🌊 Stroll along the beachfront or enjoy a day on the beach (Malvarrosa is the most popular)
🦞 Enjoy seafood at La Mar or Casa Carmela
🚶🏻‍♀️‍➡️Explore the neighborhood of el Cabanyal
🍺 Have a drink at Fabrica de Hielo
🌳 Dinner in the hip Russafa area

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Spain with kids | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel | Valencia with kids
#spainwithkids #valenciaspain #valenciawithkids #valenciaitinerary #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
  • Everyone talks about South of Spain but have you heard of these beautiful beach towns in Costa Blanca on the eastern coast? 

I lived in Spain for 7+ years (my husband is from here) and we’ve been to many beach destinations all over the South of Spain but they can get really busy. 🌊

We love how glorious and quiet the beaches and historic towns here are at this time of the year! These spots are just 1-1.5 hours from Valencia and Alicante, easily accessible by car or bus. 🏝️

📍 Altea — Voted the most beautiful old town in Spain, topped by a stunning cathedral 

📍Calpe — A laidback beach town dominated by the iconic monolith, Peñon de Ifach

📍 Javea — Quaint village surrounded by stunning coves, sea cliffs and beachfront restaurants 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Spain with kids | Spain beaches | Soain travel | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels 

#spaintravel #spainbeaches #spain_vacations #costablanca #calpespain #javea #altea 
#spainwithkids #murallaroja #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily #digitalnomads
  • 20 years on, we’re still traveling hand-in-hand… now with our kid in tow! Life would probably look very different if I hadn’t gone on exchange, met my husband, and got hooked to travel. 🌏

Funny how a small decision can make a huge difference in life. So glad I chose this path — I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads
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@wildjunket
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Which of these resonates with you? 🌎 I’m a firm believer that success is not measured by wealth but by experiences and happiness. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive; we used to backpack around the world for less than $50/day. Life does not end when you have kids, and kids are capable of alot more than you imagine. 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
2 days ago
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@wildjunket
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We recently stayed at a beautiful Airbnb in Valencia, Spain 🇪🇸 and we all enjoyed having it as our temporary home. With high ceilings and an open concept, the loft is a rare find in a big city like Valencia. It has 3 queen beds, large cushy sofas, a big dining area and even a work desk - perfect for digital nomads like us. 💻 It’s located next to the hip Russafa district and the lush Parque Central, steps from tapas bars and supermarkets. We spent €150/night for this place, which we found pretty reasonable. Comment AIRBNB and I’ll dm you a link to the apartment. P.S. We paid for the stay ourselves, just wanted to share this rare find with y’all! 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Spain with kids | Valencia travel | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #spainwithkids #uniquestays #valenciahotels #uniqueairbnb #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
3 days ago
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2/9
@wildjunket
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I might be biased as my husband is from Spain and I lived in Spain for 7+ years… but I think Spain has the best food in the world! 🇪🇸 🍷🥘🍤🫒 Our recent trip back to Spain felt like a culinary journey, where we had all of our favorite dishes (mine’s seafood!) and probably ate more than we should. We had paella in Valencia where it was meant to be eaten, fresh mussels right on the beach, perfectly grilled octopus just off the grill, tangy snails in Madrid, and way too many tapas to count. We ate our way through Madrid, Calpe and Valencia and returned back to Mexico with our stomachs and hearts full. 📌Save this list for your next trip to Spain! Madrid Arroceria d’stapa — the best arroz con bogavante (lobster rice) I’ve ever had! @Txapelamadrid — amazing pintxos and traditional txakoli from northern Spain @Loscaracolesdeamadeo — excellent snails and old-school vibes @Cavabaja17 — yummy tapas in lively La Latina Calpe/Javea @Safra.calpe — amazing seafood on the beachfront of Playa de Fossa @costamarifach — great prices, comfort food at the base of the Calpe peñon @Calabandida — set right on the marina, their black-ink fideua was to die for! @Lulubeachclub — stylish joint with gourmet food and man-made ‘beach’ @Calaclemence1 — hip, lively spot perched over Cala Portitxol Valencia Mercat Central — Touristy but excellent jamon, fruit and oysters El Paeller — Amazing paellana valenciana (with rabbit and chicken) Osteria Pedrin — The freshest oysters Ive ever had! 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Spain with kids | Spain food | Where to eat in Madrid | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #spainwithkids #spanishfood #wheretoeatmadrid #madridfood #wheretoeatvalencia #valenciarestaurants #familytravel #travelwithkids
4 days ago
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3/9
@wildjunket
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A few summers ago, Alberto and I spent 2 blissful weeks in Greece, just the two of us. And it was truly magical! ☀️🔱🏛🧿🌊🧜🏻‍♀️🇬🇷 Sailing the Ionian Sea with @yachtgetaways, we spent our days snorkeling, paddle boarding and exploring gorgeous Greek towns. For the first time in years, we actually had time to nap, read and simply do nothing. 🤿🛥️🌊🌴 By the end of the trip, we felt refreshed and truly rested. It was the break that we never knew we needed! What are your plans for this summer??? Travel, hit the beach, or simply do nothing? #greecetravel #sailinggreece #summeringreece #digitalnomads
5 days ago
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4/9
@wildjunket
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Facts that don’t match our IG feed: 1. We are not full-time travelers; we consider ourselves semi-nomadic, traveling often from our home base in Mexico. 🇲🇽 2. As much as we love travel, we also enjoy having a home base and community. Living somewhere really allows us to immerse deeply and learn about a country’s culture. 3. Like other families, we have boring days at home when we do laundry, clean the house, and take care of household chores. It’s not all beach days, mountain hikes and road trips! ⛰️ 4. Both Alberto and I work full-time remotely. But that also means we need to be always connected, which can be challenging when we travel to remote places. 🛜 5. We hardly get real vacations (only at Christmas or when we’re in places with no wifi). We work even when we’re traveling. Sometimes it can be stressful and tiring. 👩‍💻 6. Despite being a travel writer and blogger, most of our travels are self-funded. We get hosted in certain hotels but we mostly pay our own way these days. 🌎 7. We don’t homeschool our kid; we make the most of school holidays and take Kaleya out of school often to travel. 🧳 8. We’re not super wealthy and don’t have any trust funds — we work hard, we don’t spend money excessively, and we manage our finances well. 💰 9. Kaleya was born in Spain, then we lived in the Netherlands when she was 2-6 years old, and Mexico from 7-10 years old. When people ask her where she’s from, she always proudly says Spain! 🇪🇸 10. Now that Kaleya is 10yo, it’s easy to travel with her! She packs her own bag, reads on her Kindle during downtime and walks everywhere with us. But there are still days when she complains, refuses to walk, and wants to do nothing. 🤪 Just trying to keep it real! Who else can relate to these? 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
My parents taught me to dream big ✨— that anything is possible as long as you work hard for it. That big dreams aren’t just for other people — they’re for anyone who’s willing to go after them. ⁣ That stuck with me. And now, I want my kid to grow up seeing that too. I want her to know the world is huge and full of opportunity. That she’s capable of chasing whatever lights her up inside. So we travel. We say yes to adventure. Because the best way to teach her to dream big… is to chase my own dreams. 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
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We’ve just spent a few days in Valencia 🇪🇸 visiting our friends and sussing out the city to see if we can perhaps live here in future. And as it turns out, we love it more than we expected to! Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain, but the green spaces, bike lanes, and city beaches make it feel livable and friendly. It’s vibrant, international and energetic, just what we’re looking for. For those of you planning a visit with kids, here’s our Valencia itinerary: Day 1 (Ciutat Vella or Old Town) ⛲️Start at the Mercat Central ⛪️ Visit the Cathedral 🕍 See the Lonja de Seda (Silk Exchange) 🦪 Have fresh oysters at Osteria Pedrin 🥘 Try Paella Valenciana at El Paeller 🏰 Climb up the Torre Serrano 🥛 Drink horchata at Orxateria Santa Catalina Day 2 (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) 🚲 Rent a bike (Flexibiles has kids bikes for 15euros/day) 🪴 Cycle through Turia Park, one of the biggest in Europe 🛝 Stop at Parque Gulliver, a giant playground for both kids and adults 🛸 See the futuristic Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias, which consists of a few buildings 🏛️ Visit the Museo de Ciencias (science museum) ⚗️ See an IMAX show at the planetarium l’Hemisferic 🪼 Explore the Oceanografic, the biggest aquarium in Europe Day 3 (The beach) 🚢 Head to the Valencia Marina 🌊 Stroll along the beachfront or enjoy a day on the beach (Malvarrosa is the most popular) 🦞 Enjoy seafood at La Mar or Casa Carmela 🚶🏻‍♀️‍➡️Explore the neighborhood of el Cabanyal 🍺 Have a drink at Fabrica de Hielo 🌳 Dinner in the hip Russafa area 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Spain with kids | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel | Valencia with kids #spainwithkids #valenciaspain #valenciawithkids #valenciaitinerary #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
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Everyone talks about South of Spain but have you heard of these beautiful beach towns in Costa Blanca on the eastern coast? I lived in Spain for 7+ years (my husband is from here) and we’ve been to many beach destinations all over the South of Spain but they can get really busy. 🌊 We love how glorious and quiet the beaches and historic towns here are at this time of the year! These spots are just 1-1.5 hours from Valencia and Alicante, easily accessible by car or bus. 🏝️ 📍 Altea — Voted the most beautiful old town in Spain, topped by a stunning cathedral 📍Calpe — A laidback beach town dominated by the iconic monolith, Peñon de Ifach 📍 Javea — Quaint village surrounded by stunning coves, sea cliffs and beachfront restaurants 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Spain with kids | Spain beaches | Soain travel | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels #spaintravel #spainbeaches #spain_vacations #costablanca #calpespain #javea #altea #spainwithkids #murallaroja #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily #digitalnomads
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
20 years on, we’re still traveling hand-in-hand… now with our kid in tow! Life would probably look very different if I hadn’t gone on exchange, met my husband, and got hooked to travel. 🌏 Funny how a small decision can make a huge difference in life. So glad I chose this path — I wouldn’t have it any other way! 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads
2 weeks ago
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9/9
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