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Mexico

the category

Playa del Carmen

Things to do in Playa del Carmen

30 Things to do in Playa del Carmen (by an Expat) 2025

July 28, 2024

There are just SO many things to do in Playa del Carmen — from exploring cenotes to scuba diving and dining in caves — that you'll need a lifetime to try them all!

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Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen

Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen

October 26, 2023

While the Riviera Maya is a year-round destination, it does get affected by hurricane and seaweed. This guide will show you the best time to visit Playa del Carmen.

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How to Get From Cancun to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

How to Get From Cancun to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico 2025

June 13, 2022

What's the best way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen? As a local expat, I will share the various forms of Cancun to Playa del Carmen transportation.

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Cenote Azul, Playa del Carmen: My 2025 Guide

Cenote Azul, Playa del Carmen: My 2025 Guide

May 19, 2022

Cenote Azul in Playa del Carmen is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. Here's my guide on how to get there, when to visit etc.

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Cenote Jardin del Eden : My 2025 Guide

Cenote Jardin del Eden : My 2025 Guide

May 12, 2022

As an expat living in Playa del Carmen, I've explored at least 20 cenotes and can safely say Cenote Jardin del Eden is my favorite cenote in the area. Cenote Jardin del Eden is one the biggest cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, if not Mexico, with a large underwater cave system to explore. It's o[...]

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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.

Current Location

Current Location

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

My Books

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Lonely Planet Mexico

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Lonely Planet Singapore

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Explorers

product_title_4

Amsterdam Like a Local

product_title_5

The Adventure Traveler's Handbook

Recent Posts

  • Mexico City with Kids: My Guide to the Perfect Family Trip

    Mexico City with Kids: My Guide to the Perfect Family Trip

    March 27, 2025
  • Bacalar  Mexico: My Guide to Bacalar Lagoon

    Bacalar Mexico: My 2025 Guide to Bacalar Lagoon

    March 19, 2025
  • Driving in Mexico

    Driving in Mexico: All You Need to Know in 2025

    March 15, 2025
  • Staying at Casa Viva Troncones

    Staying at Casa Viva Troncones

    February 20, 2025
  • Day of the Dead in Mexico

    Day of the Dead in Mexico: The Ultimate Guide 2025

    October 21, 2024
@wildjunket
Nellie Huang | Adventure + Family Travel

@wildjunket

✈️ Travel writer & @lonelyplanet author 🌎 Sharing all about digital nomad family travel 🗺️Visited 150 countries 📍 Singaporean in Mexico 🇲🇽
  • 2 weeks in and we’re in love with Cape Town! Here’s why:

1️⃣ Wildlife is everywhere – spotting penguins at Boulders Beach, seals at the harbor, and ostriches on the roadside make every day feel like a little safari. 🦒

2️⃣ Nature is part of daily life – hikes, beaches, mountains… it’s easy to get outside and into nature without needing to go far. 🏔️

3️⃣ So much culture to explore – from local markets and museums to colorful neighborhoods like Bo-Kaap, there’s plenty to experience (and talk about) as a family. 🪘

4️⃣ Tons of space to play – parks like Green Point Urban Park and Kirstenbosch Gardens are perfect for running around, climbing, and picnic breaks. 🌿

5️⃣ The weather helps – Cape Town gets a lot of sunshine even in winter, which makes being outside pretty effortless most of the year. ☀️

If you’re traveling with kids, Cape Town is one of those places that impresses even the little ones!

👋🏻 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! 🌏 

 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily #Capetownwithkids #TravelWithKids #capetown #capetownsouthafrica
  • Studies link adventures to more meaningful relationships and happier lives. 

So no, it’s not a luxury to travel and have fun with your kids, It’s essential.
 
Whether it’s a local weekend away camping, a beach holiday or a hike in the mountains — take the trip! 🥾⛺️⛰️🌎

Because what you’re really packing…is connection.
 
	
👉Which of the science backed facts makes the most sense to you?


👋🏻 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! 🌏 

#adventureswithkids #familyadventures #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
  • I’ve been living abroad for 20 years now — and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

You don’t have to have it all figured out to get started. Your first move doesn’t have to be forever. And your dream life doesn’t arrive all at once.

I started out studying abroad in the US, got a work holidaymaker visa in UK, then lived on a spouse visa in Spain and the Netherlands, before getting temporary residency in Mexico.

Now, we’re spending a few months living in Cape Town, South Africa, and absolutely loving it! 🙌

Every step has taught me something new. And the biggest concern I see most people have about moving abroad? Waiting until it’s “the right time.” 

If your gut keeps whispering “I want more…” Listen to it. Because life doesn’t wait.

👋🏻 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! 🌏 

#thirdculturekid #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
#moveabroad #liveabroad #workingabroad #goabroad #workandtravel #workfromanywhere #digitalnomad #digitalnomadlife #digitalnomadlifestyle
  • These simple travel hacks have saved us thousands of dollars over the years — and they’ve made it possible to travel tons. 💸✨

1️⃣ Stay flexible with dates 📅

Travel during the shoulder season often cut airfares by half. Even adjusting our travel dates by a day or two has made a huge difference. This year alone, we slashed airfare to Chile and Argentina by flying home two days after the school break ended.

 2️⃣ Go glamping or camping 🏕️ 

We love glamping — it’s not only cheaper to stay in wooden cabins than Airbnbs, you get to spend time in nature too. 

A great platform to use is @glampinghub — I’ve found beautiful bell tents in places that we didn’t know about, like Sierra Gorda in Mexico!

3️⃣ Stay further out to cut cost on accommodation 🏰

Staying in the city centers is convenient but it can be expensive. By veering further out, you can get great deals in some amazing places. 

On our last trip to Salamanca, Spain, we found an incredible castle hotel outside of town for less than $100/night and surrounded by vineyards and pools. 

4️⃣ Cook your own meals 🥘

Dining out for every meal adds up fast. It might sound small, but grabbing groceries and cooking at your rental can seriously slash your daily expenses.

On our recent trip to Chile, we ate out for lunch but made simple breakfasts and dinners in the apartment. Way cheaper and gives us downtime in the evenings.

5️⃣ Make your own magic ✨

When we’re traveling as a family, we almost never book tours or guides. We’ve always been independent travelers and we love creating our own adventures! 🧭

In Patagonia, we did a super fun Easter Egg hunt for our daughter. And in Madrid, we visited fun museums that provided great background knowledge for our Spain trip. 🙌

👋🏻 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! 🌏 

#worldschooling #familytravel #intentionalparenting #learningeverywhere #homeschooltravel #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #edventures #unschoolinglife #worldschooltribe #digitalnomadfamily #travelhacks
  • Is it worth venturing out into Amsterdam on a 16-hour layover? 🇳🇱

Hell yeah! The train to the center only takes 30minutes, and the city doesn’t sleep till late. 🚞

We lived in Amsterdam for 4 years and haven’t been back since then, so we knew we had to make the most of our layover! We landed at 6pm and still had plenty of time to head into town, wander around the historic center, and meet up with friends for dinner. 🥘 

Here’s what we did:

🚆 Catch the train from Schiphol Airport to Centraal for €10.70 return (€2.5 for kids)

🚣 Stroll along Damrak and get canal views

🏫  Wander around Dam Square and admire the beautiful architecture 

🎭 Marvel at the mosaic art along the De Beurpassage

🥟 Feast on authentic HK style dimsum at my favorite Oriental City 

👋🏻 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! 🌏 

#layoverinamsterdam #amsterdamlayover #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
  • Who’s ready to learn more about South Africa with us? 🇿🇦 We’re so excited for this new chapter in our life, and cannot wait to get under the skin of the Mother City!

You know we LOVE Mexico — but we’d lived there for 4 years, and as a digital nomad family who can live anywhere, we felt that it was time to move on and get to know a different part of the world. 

Over the next few months, we plan to explore Cape Town thoroughly, and venture out to and do:

🐋 Day trips to nearby towns and see penguins in Simons Town and sharks and whales in Hermanus 

🚙 Roadtrips to the Cape of Good Hope, Garden Route and Panaroma Route

🌵Camping trip around the dunes and deserts of Namibia

🐒 Return to Madagascar where we honeymooned 

🇪🇹 Travel around Ethiopia as it’s on my kid’s bucket list!

👋🏻 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! 🌏 

#southafrica #capetown #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
  • We’ve landed in Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦 where we’ll be based for the next 6 months! 

It’s so exciting to be back and the city is just as stunning as the last time I was here. Kaleya is already in love, especially with all the beautiful nature, museums and playgrounds. 🍃

Can’t wait to explore more of South Africa! If you’ve been or from here, please share all the tips you have for Cape Town with kids👇

👋🏻 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! 🌏 

#capetown #capetownwithkids #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
  • What’s it like raising a third culture kid? 

First things first, a third culture kid is a child raised in a culture that’s not their parents. 🎏

Ever since Kaleya was 2 years old, we have been living outside of our home countries (Spain and Singapore). 🇸🇬 🇪🇸 

She doesn’t feel Spanish nor Singaporean — or fully Mexican or Dutch. Yes she struggles with identity and belonging; but I remind her that she’s a citizen of the world, and she has a bit of all the cultures she has experienced. Besides, being a third culture kid has helped her to be open-minded, globally aware, and very resilient. 🌍

There are pros and cons when it comes to raising a third culture kid but I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I can already see how travel has made her so adaptable and worldly. 🤯

Do you think the pros outweigh the cons? Let me know in the comments 👇

👋🏻 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! 🌏 

#thirdculturekid #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
  • What’s it like raising a third culture kid? 

A third culture kid is a child raised in a culture that’s not their parents. 🎏

Ever since Kaleya was 2 years old, we have been living outside of our home countries (Spain and Singapore). 🇸🇬 🇪🇸 

She doesn’t feel Spanish nor Singaporean — or fully Mexican or Dutch. Yes she struggles with identity and belonging; but I remind her that she’s a citizen of the world, and she has a bit of all the cultures she has experienced. Besides, being a third culture kid means she’s open-minded, globally aware, and very resilient. 🌍

There are pros and cons when it comes to raising a third culture kid but I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I can already see how travel has made her so adaptable and worldly. 🤯

Do you think the pros outweigh the cons? Let me know in the comments 👇

👋🏻 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! 🌏 

#thirdculturekid #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
View on Instagram
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
2 weeks in and we’re in love with Cape Town! Here’s why: 1️⃣ Wildlife is everywhere – spotting penguins at Boulders Beach, seals at the harbor, and ostriches on the roadside make every day feel like a little safari. 🦒 2️⃣ Nature is part of daily life – hikes, beaches, mountains… it’s easy to get outside and into nature without needing to go far. 🏔️ 3️⃣ So much culture to explore – from local markets and museums to colorful neighborhoods like Bo-Kaap, there’s plenty to experience (and talk about) as a family. 🪘 4️⃣ Tons of space to play – parks like Green Point Urban Park and Kirstenbosch Gardens are perfect for running around, climbing, and picnic breaks. 🌿 5️⃣ The weather helps – Cape Town gets a lot of sunshine even in winter, which makes being outside pretty effortless most of the year. ☀️ If you’re traveling with kids, Cape Town is one of those places that impresses even the little ones! 👋🏻 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! 🌏 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily #Capetownwithkids #TravelWithKids #capetown #capetownsouthafrica
20 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
Studies link adventures to more meaningful relationships and happier lives. So no, it’s not a luxury to travel and have fun with your kids, It’s essential. Whether it’s a local weekend away camping, a beach holiday or a hike in the mountains — take the trip! 🥾⛺️⛰️🌎 
Because what you’re really packing…is connection. 👉Which of the science backed facts makes the most sense to you?
 👋🏻 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! 🌏 #adventureswithkids #familyadventures #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
I’ve been living abroad for 20 years now — and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You don’t have to have it all figured out to get started. Your first move doesn’t have to be forever. And your dream life doesn’t arrive all at once. I started out studying abroad in the US, got a work holidaymaker visa in UK, then lived on a spouse visa in Spain and the Netherlands, before getting temporary residency in Mexico. Now, we’re spending a few months living in Cape Town, South Africa, and absolutely loving it! 🙌 Every step has taught me something new. And the biggest concern I see most people have about moving abroad? Waiting until it’s “the right time.” If your gut keeps whispering “I want more…” Listen to it. Because life doesn’t wait. 👋🏻 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! 🌏 #thirdculturekid #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily #moveabroad #liveabroad #workingabroad #goabroad #workandtravel #workfromanywhere #digitalnomad #digitalnomadlife #digitalnomadlifestyle
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
These simple travel hacks have saved us thousands of dollars over the years — and they’ve made it possible to travel tons. 💸✨ 1️⃣ Stay flexible with dates 📅
 Travel during the shoulder season often cut airfares by half. Even adjusting our travel dates by a day or two has made a huge difference. This year alone, we slashed airfare to Chile and Argentina by flying home two days after the school break ended. 2️⃣ Go glamping or camping 🏕️ 
 We love glamping — it’s not only cheaper to stay in wooden cabins than Airbnbs, you get to spend time in nature too. A great platform to use is @glampinghub — I’ve found beautiful bell tents in places that we didn’t know about, like Sierra Gorda in Mexico! 3️⃣ Stay further out to cut cost on accommodation 🏰 
Staying in the city centers is convenient but it can be expensive. By veering further out, you can get great deals in some amazing places. On our last trip to Salamanca, Spain, we found an incredible castle hotel outside of town for less than $100/night and surrounded by vineyards and pools. 4️⃣ Cook your own meals 🥘 
Dining out for every meal adds up fast. It might sound small, but grabbing groceries and cooking at your rental can seriously slash your daily expenses.
 On our recent trip to Chile, we ate out for lunch but made simple breakfasts and dinners in the apartment. Way cheaper and gives us downtime in the evenings. 5️⃣ Make your own magic ✨ 
When we’re traveling as a family, we almost never book tours or guides. We’ve always been independent travelers and we love creating our own adventures! 🧭 In Patagonia, we did a super fun Easter Egg hunt for our daughter. And in Madrid, we visited fun museums that provided great background knowledge for our Spain trip. 🙌 👋🏻 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! 🌏 #worldschooling #familytravel #intentionalparenting #learningeverywhere #homeschooltravel #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #edventures #unschoolinglife #worldschooltribe #digitalnomadfamily #travelhacks
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
Is it worth venturing out into Amsterdam on a 16-hour layover? 🇳🇱 Hell yeah! The train to the center only takes 30minutes, and the city doesn’t sleep till late. 🚞 We lived in Amsterdam for 4 years and haven’t been back since then, so we knew we had to make the most of our layover! We landed at 6pm and still had plenty of time to head into town, wander around the historic center, and meet up with friends for dinner. 🥘 Here’s what we did: 🚆 Catch the train from Schiphol Airport to Centraal for €10.70 return (€2.5 for kids) 🚣 Stroll along Damrak and get canal views 🏫 Wander around Dam Square and admire the beautiful architecture 🎭 Marvel at the mosaic art along the De Beurpassage 🥟 Feast on authentic HK style dimsum at my favorite Oriental City 👋🏻 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! 🌏 #layoverinamsterdam #amsterdamlayover #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
Who’s ready to learn more about South Africa with us? 🇿🇦 We’re so excited for this new chapter in our life, and cannot wait to get under the skin of the Mother City! You know we LOVE Mexico — but we’d lived there for 4 years, and as a digital nomad family who can live anywhere, we felt that it was time to move on and get to know a different part of the world. Over the next few months, we plan to explore Cape Town thoroughly, and venture out to and do: 🐋 Day trips to nearby towns and see penguins in Simons Town and sharks and whales in Hermanus 🚙 Roadtrips to the Cape of Good Hope, Garden Route and Panaroma Route 🌵Camping trip around the dunes and deserts of Namibia 🐒 Return to Madagascar where we honeymooned 🇪🇹 Travel around Ethiopia as it’s on my kid’s bucket list! 👋🏻 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! 🌏 #southafrica #capetown #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
We’ve landed in Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦 where we’ll be based for the next 6 months! It’s so exciting to be back and the city is just as stunning as the last time I was here. Kaleya is already in love, especially with all the beautiful nature, museums and playgrounds. 🍃 Can’t wait to explore more of South Africa! If you’ve been or from here, please share all the tips you have for Cape Town with kids👇 👋🏻 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! 🌏 #capetown #capetownwithkids #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
What’s it like raising a third culture kid? First things first, a third culture kid is a child raised in a culture that’s not their parents. 🎏 Ever since Kaleya was 2 years old, we have been living outside of our home countries (Spain and Singapore). 🇸🇬 🇪🇸 She doesn’t feel Spanish nor Singaporean — or fully Mexican or Dutch. Yes she struggles with identity and belonging; but I remind her that she’s a citizen of the world, and she has a bit of all the cultures she has experienced. Besides, being a third culture kid has helped her to be open-minded, globally aware, and very resilient. 🌍 There are pros and cons when it comes to raising a third culture kid but I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I can already see how travel has made her so adaptable and worldly. 🤯 Do you think the pros outweigh the cons? Let me know in the comments 👇 👋🏻 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! 🌏 #thirdculturekid #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
What’s it like raising a third culture kid? A third culture kid is a child raised in a culture that’s not their parents. 🎏 Ever since Kaleya was 2 years old, we have been living outside of our home countries (Spain and Singapore). 🇸🇬 🇪🇸 She doesn’t feel Spanish nor Singaporean — or fully Mexican or Dutch. Yes she struggles with identity and belonging; but I remind her that she’s a citizen of the world, and she has a bit of all the cultures she has experienced. Besides, being a third culture kid means she’s open-minded, globally aware, and very resilient. 🌍 There are pros and cons when it comes to raising a third culture kid but I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I can already see how travel has made her so adaptable and worldly. 🤯 Do you think the pros outweigh the cons? Let me know in the comments 👇 👋🏻 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! 🌏 #thirdculturekid #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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