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Mexico

Who is the Day of the Dead Catrina

Who is the Day of the Dead Catrina?

September 25, 2023

La Catrina has become a Dia de Muertos icon – but did you know it was originally a satirical statement? Here’s the backstory of the Day of the Dead Catrina.

Everywhere you go during Day of the Dead in Mexico, you’ll see her face. It’s in the decorations, the paintings, the makeup on children’s faces, the elaborate dress of the women, and in every shop window selling souvenirs of this uniquely atmospheric festival. 

This is La Calavera Catrina (which translates to mean “the elegant skull”) – an elegantly dressed female skeleton adorned in European clothing and often depicted wearing a wide-rimmed hat. Even if you haven’t been to Mexico, you have probably seen La Catrina in various contexts because the striking unique character has become a Mexican icon in the last years.

So who is she exactly? What is the story behind La Catrina? How did she become a symbol of Day of the Dead? The essence of her story goes deep into Mexican traditions and roots but has been restyled only in the last century. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Day of the Dead Catrina.

who is la catrina - calavera catrina - day of the dead catrina


Table of Contents

  • La Catrina: Day of the Dead Icon
    • What is Day of the Dead?
    • Origins of the Day of the Dead Catrina
    • How La Catrina Gained Fame
    • The Evolution of Day of the Dead Catrina
    • Where to See a Catrina Parade
    • Is It Disrepectful to Dress Like La Catrina ?
    • What Are Other Day of the Dead Symbols?
    • Things to Know About Day of the Dead
      • When is Day of the Dead ?
      • Celebrate Day of the Dead with a Group!
      • It Gets Busy in Mexico
      • Day of the Dead is NOT Halloween!
      • Dress Appropriately for Day of the Dead in Mexico
      • Be Respectful at Cemeteries
    • Mexico Travel Guide
    • Is It Safe to Visit Mexico for Day of the Dead?
    • How to Stay Connected in Mexico
    • Final Tips for Celebrating Day of the Dead
    • Enjoy Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico!

La Catrina: Day of the Dead Icon

What is Day of the Dead?

First, let’s dig deep into the origins of La Catrina and how it’s associated with the Day of the Dead. The origins of the Day of the Dead can be traced back to pre-Columbian indigenous cultures in Mexico, such as the Aztecs, Maya, and Purépecha.

The Aztecs held a festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, the “Lady of the Dead,” who presided over the underworld. This festival was celebrated during the ninth month of the Aztec calendar (approximately August) and involved offerings to honor the deceased, including skulls made of amaranth seeds.

For the Aztecs, death was simply a trip to Mictlán, the underworld in Aztec mythology. This was a blessing, not a curse. They saw death as more of a transition than an end, and the underworld was a place they could relax and enjoy. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 16th century, they brought Catholicism with them. The Catholic All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) were aligned with the beliefs and practices related to death and ancestor worship.

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.

Day of the Dead in Mexico


Origins of the Day of the Dead Catrina

La Catrina was not the preHispanic goddess of death, Mictecacihuatl. The classy skeletal lady was first created in 1910 by Jose Guadalupe Posada, as a satirical commentary on the Mexican upper class’s emulation of European customs.

Posada was a controversial and political cartoonist that was widely adored and who drew and etched calaveras (skeletons) in a satirical way to remind people that we all die someday. He drew the dandy-looking female skeleton with a fancy feathered hat because many Mexicans tried hard to look wealthy and aristocratic like the Europeans at that time.

The satirical illustration served as a poignant reminder for individuals to be themselves and stop pretending to be someone they’re not. Regardless of one’s wealth, poverty, racial background, or societal affiliation, the ultimate fate for all was the same: we all die. This profound message was eloquently conveyed through Jose Guadalupe Posada’s numerous caricatures of calaveras engaged in everyday tasks. Among his most widely recognized phrases was “Death is democratic,” a concise yet profoundly accurate assertion.


How La Catrina Gained Fame

The image of La Catrina gained further prominence when Diego Rivera (Frida Kahlo’s husband who’s also one of the most famous Mexican artists) included La Catrina in his famous work “Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central” (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central). The mural, which depicts 400 years of Mexican history, dates back to the 1940s and features a prominent depiction of various significant Mexican figures, prominently including La Catrina.

See also  Day of the Dead in Mexico City: Parade & Events 2025

Rivera portrayed her adorned in elegant attire, complete with an opulent feathered hat, a defining style that endures as her signature look to this day. In Rivera’s mural, La Catrina is depicted walking alongside other historical figures, capturing the idea that death is an inevitable part of life.

This remarkable mural can still be admired at the Museo Mural de Diego Rivera, one of the best museums in Mexico City. If you ever find yourself in Mexico City, I highly recommend visiting this museum; it’s an experience well worth your time.

day of the dead catrina - who is la catrina


The Evolution of Day of the Dead Catrina

The intertwining of La Catrina and Día de los Muertos was a natural evolution of traditions over time. Today, La Catrina is a beloved figure often depicted in Day of the Dead celebrations through art, crafts, and costumes, serving as a beautiful and meaningful representation of the interconnectedness of life and death. The adoption of La Catrina a Day of the Dead symbol takes many forms – from the sugar skulls in every shop window to the makeup and dress exhibited by festival-goers everywhere, male and female, Catrin and Catrina.

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In many ways, the Day of the Dead Catrina connects different eras and their interpretations of death. Her graceful attire suggests a sense of festivity, while her unwavering smile reminds us that accepting mortality can offer solace and that it’s important to remember and honor the departed rather than fear them. It underscores the idea that, regardless of who we are, we all share the same destiny.

catrina day of the dead parade


Where to See a Catrina Parade

Each year, hundreds of people dress up as Catrinas during Day of the Dead in Mexico City and descend on the zócalo to take part in the Catrina parade. Attendees paint their faces in the typical style of the Catrina skull, complete with colorful accents around the eyes and cheeks, and dress in outfits appropriate for the occasion.

Anyone can participate and march along the Paseo de la Reforma. This year (2023), the procession will start at 18.45 at Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City’s historic center. Follow the event FB page for details.

Who is the Day of the Dead Catrina


Is It Disrepectful to Dress Like La Catrina ?

Many people will get their faces painted in the Day of the Dead Catrina style. I checked with many locals, and they confirmed that it’s not rude/disrespectful to wear face-painting in the cemeteries either.

There are tons of makeup artists with temporary stands everywhere in Oaxaca and Mexico City. A face paint costs around 100 – 150 MXN ($5-7.5) and takes 10-20 minutes. They usually have a book of designs to choose from, or you can show them what you want on your phone.

To complete the look, you can also get flower crown headbands from these street vendors. Most are inexpensive, at around 100-200 MXN ($5-10). If you want to buy them online before your trip, Amazon has a few options.

catrina makeup - day of the dead catrina make up


What Are Other Day of the Dead Symbols?

There are so many Dia de los Muertos symbols — every single item on the altar and in cemeteries represents something and has a meaning. For instance, you’ll often find cempasúchil (marigold flowers) in altars and decorations. They are also known as “flor de Muerto” (Spanish for flower of the dead) and play a central role in Day of the Dead traditions. Cempasúchil symbolizes the beauty and fragility of life.

You’ll often see figures of alebrijes, vibrant and fantastical Mexican folk art sculptures that represent creatures from the underworld. These Mexican spirit animals are often imaginative combinations of different animals, resulting in surreal and visually captivating forms. They hold deep cultural significance and have become emblematic of Mexican folk art.

What Are Other Day of the Dead Symbols


Things to Know About Day of the Dead

When is Day of the Dead ?

Officially, Day of the Dead is a two-day holiday, taking place November 1st and November 2nd. But in many cities, Dia de los Muertos can be a week-long affair. Some events start as early as 23 October and many decorations and altars will be up by 26 October. The parade in Mexico City usually takes place on the Saturday before 1-2 November.

See also  15 Day of the Dead Symbols & Traditions

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico for Day of the Dead, I suggest planning to stay from 26 October to 2 November. In Oaxaca for example, there will be non-stop events happening throughout the week, from parades to street parties, outdoor markets, display of mega ofrendas, and food festivals. Spending a week will give you time to experience all the events and explore the city and its surroundings.

day of the dead catrina parade

Celebrate Day of the Dead with a Group!

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico is a deeply immersive experience, but it can also get extremely hectic and intense. If you’re not a confident traveler or you don’t do well in crowded places, your best bet is to book a group tour. They will take care of the logistics and the local guide can give you a great overview of Dia de Muertos traditions.

We didn’t book a tour, and we went to all the events and cemeteries mentioned in this article ourselves. It was easy taking Uber around. But for solo travelers who don’t speak Spanish, it might be wise (and more fun!) to join a group.

Here are some Day of the Dead tours available:

day of the dead catrina

It Gets Busy in Mexico

In recent years, more and more travelers are flocking to Mexico for the Day of the Dead celebrations. Being able to witness and join in the festivities is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I honestly think it’s the best time to visit Mexico.

However, this means that airfares and hotel prices are higher than ever, and accommodation gets fully booked months in advance. You’ll also need to prepare for the overwhelming amount of tourists wherever you go. Oaxaca in particular was packed with foreigners when we visited in 2022.

day of the dead catrina

Day of the Dead is NOT Halloween!

If there’s one thing you need to know about Dia de los Muertos — it is not Mexican Halloween.  Deeply rooted in indigenous traditions, the Day of the Dead is a celebration that honors deceased loved ones and reflects a belief in the continuity of life and death. It has a strong connection to pre-Columbian cultures like the Aztecs, Maya, and Purépecha.

Halloween, on the other hand, has its roots in Celtic and European pagan traditions. It originated in the Gaelic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It has evolved into a more commercialized holiday, emphasizing on silly costumes, going to parties and trick or treating.

That said, Mexicans (usually the younger generation) do celebrate Halloween and tend to dress up in ghoulish costumes on 31 October. Kids also go trick-or-treating and get candy. But Halloween is definitely not as celebrated as Day of the Dead in Mexico.

day of the dead catrina

Dress Appropriately for Day of the Dead in Mexico

As mentioned, Dia de los Muertos is not the Mexican Halloween — please leave your sexy nurse or superhero costumes at home! To resemble La Catrina, most people wear black velvet dresses or simple floral dresses. You can find beautiful Mexican embroidered dresses in local markets for cheap (US$10-15).

Keep in mind that at this time of the year, it gets chilly in the evenings in many cities like Oaxaca and Mexico City. It will be dry and warm during the day, but the temperature drops once the sun sets. So pack jeans and a sweater or light jacket for night time.

dia de muertos in mexico face painting

Be Respectful at Cemeteries

During Day of the Dead in Mexico, cemeteries are filled with people gathering, singing and celebrating their departed loved ones. The atmosphere is incredible: people huddle in blankets, sipping tequila, and telling stories amidst candlelight and burning incense. Outside the cemetery, you will find street food carts, games stores, and a carnival-like atmosphere.

Even though the atmosphere in the cemeteries are lively and festive, remember to be respectful. Don’t touch any of the graves or displays, and don’t sit on them.

mexico death festival - cemetery vigils


Mexico Travel Guide

Whether you are traveling Mexico for a year or a week, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance. You never know what will happen, plus you’ll get compensated for things like flight cancellations, delays, loss of luggage and other incidents. Read my travel insurance guide.

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

See also  30 Mexican Holidays and Traditions
oaxaca day of the dead cemetery


Is It Safe to Visit Mexico for Day of the Dead?

It can get crowded in many parts of Mexico during Day of the Dead; but as long as you’re on your guard, you will be fine. Be on the alert while in crowded areas or when joining in a comparsa (mini parade), especially at night. My husband, daughter and I all never felt unsafe celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico City and Oaxaca.

But I have heard of friends getting robbed while drinking on the streets in Oaxaca. Things like that do happen, so keep your wits about you. Always make sure to keep your belongings close to you, bring minimal cash with us, and stay in a group. Avoid seedy areas or please don’t get drunk on the streets if you’re alone.

death festival mexico - mexico city crowd


How to Stay Connected in Mexico

Internet in Mexico is pretty fast and reliable, and you can get WiFi in most hotels and guesthouses. To get internet on the go, I recommend getting an eSIM before traveling. With a Mexico eSIM (digital SIM card), you can toss out your physical cards and simply activate it on your phone through an app. I have bought many eSIMs on Airalo and they have all worked perfectly. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store. Check out Airalo’s Mexican eSIMs. 

You can also get a SIM card at the airport upon arrival or at any OXXO shop in Mexico. A SIM card itself costs between 29 and 149 pesos (around $1-6 USD). You can get 3GB of data valid for 30 days on the sin limite plan (unlimited) for 200 pesos (~8 USD.) That will also give you unlimited calls, texts, and most social media within North America.Read my guide on how to get a SIM card in Mexico.

day of the dead festival in mexico - oaxaca


Final Tips for Celebrating Day of the Dead

  • Book your hotels early and reserve Day of the Dead group tours in advance as it’s a very busy time of the year.
  • Plan to arrive in Mexico by 26th October as the festivities start early. The big parade in Mexico City usually takes place on the Saturday before 1 November. In 2023, it will likely be on 28th October (dates have not been announced yet).
  • Be respectful of the Oaxaca Day of the Dead celebrations. This Mexican holiday celebrates the deceased with centuries-old traditions. Have fun and join in the celebrations, but don’t get drunk or high on the streets.
  • Dia de Muertos is not a version of Halloween, so please do not wear sexy nurse or superhero costumes.
  • Read up on Day of the Dead symbols and understand their meaning — it will make your experience in Mexico all the more meaningful here.
  • Do not touch ofrendas or anything you see on an altar, it’s disrespectful.
  • Tourists are welcome to visit the cemeteries during Day of the Dead, but please do not touch anything on the altars or sit on tombstones.
  • Avoid taking photos of people, or ask for permission before taking. Do not use flash at night.
  • Cash is king in Mexico, so carry cash with you at all times. Only nice restaurants and hotels will accept cards.
day of the dead mexico - oaxaca altar decorations


Enjoy Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico!

I hope this article has shed some light on the mysterious Day of the Dead Catrina. She is such a visual representation of how Mexicans view death. No matter what you look like and where you come from you will end up a skeleton in the end with everyone else!

If you’re planning to visit Mexico for Dia de Muertos, here is a complete guide on Day of the Dead, including its history, traditions and some things to know before you go. I have also written specific posts on celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico City and Oaxaca Dia de Muerto celebrations, including schedules of events, specific places to visit, and restaurants to try. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below.

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

  • My Guide to Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico
  • Best Places to Celebrate Day of the Dead
  • Day of the Dead Symbols & Traditions
  • Day of the Dead in Mexico City
  • Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
  • What Are Alebrijes?
  • Mexico Holidays and Traditions

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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Nellie Huang | Adventure + Family Travel

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✈️ Travel writer & @lonelyplanet author 🌎 Sharing all about digital nomad family travel 🗺️Visited 150 countries 📍 Singaporean in Mexico 🇲🇽
  • 🇻🇳 If you’re traveling Vietnam with kids, don’t miss this underrated gem — Ninh Binh is Vietnam’s inland Ha Long Bay (but without the crowds or chaos!).

📍Just 1.5–2 hours south of Hanoi by train, car, or bus — it’s super easy to reach and perfect for spending some time in nature. 

Here’s your kid-friendly guide to exploring this magical region:

🛶 Tam Cốc Boat Ride – Glide through rice paddies and under caves with towering limestone cliffs around you. Boats are rowed by locals using their feet! Kids LOVE this.

⛰️ Hang Múa Viewpoint – 500 steps up, but older kids can totally do it! You’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views over the rivers and karst peaks. Kaleya loved the lotus flower gardens. 🪷 

🦕 Trang An Grottoes –  This was where they filmed “Kong: Skull Island”. The UNESCO site feels like a scene out of Jurassic Park. Peaceful, scenic, and a big hit with curious little explorers.

🐐 Hoa Lư Ancient Capital – Teach kids a little Vietnamese history where emperors once ruled. Wide open spaces for them to roam and learn.

🦜Thung Nham Bird Garden – Great for nature-loving families. Spot flocks of birds at sunset and explore hidden caves along the way.

🛏️ Where to Stay – Family-friendly homestays in Tam Cốc with rice field views, bikes to borrow, and home-cooked meals. Perfect for downtime after adventures.

🛵 Bonus Tip – Rent a scooter to weave around the rice paddies. Our family of 3 fit nicely into one scooter. It was our daughter’s favorite experience! 

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  • “Is Pakistan really safe to visit? Isn’t it irresponsible to bring your kid there?!” 

🇵🇰 Pakistan is a place I’d dreamt of traveling for years. I did the research and decided to finally visit with my family — and it turned out to be everything I’d imagined, and more.

📺 What you see on the news is never the whole picture — Pakistan is not a terrorist-filled war zone or a shell-shocked wasteland. 

🏔️ As we discovered, Pakistan is a country power–packed with mountains more impressive than anything I’ve seen elsewhere. Landscapes here are of truly epic proportions, framed by dramatic valleys, crackling glaciers and dreamy waterfalls. People are incredibly warm, welcoming and kind.

🕊️ There are still security issues in more remote areas of the country, such as Balochistan, KPK and the Tribal Areas, but many parts of Pakistan are considered safe for locals and foreigners alike.

So if you’re considering traveling Pakistan, take this as a sign to just GO! I highly recommend exploring with @hannanbalti, an experienced Gilgit guide who’s great with kids.

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Many moms tell me how lucky I am to have an easygoing kid who’s a great traveler. Truth is she’s had lots of practice! We’ve traveled with her since she was 5 months old and we haven’t stopped. 

I remember the days when she screamed her head off in the plane, refused to walk in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle and had a meltdown in a mosque. 😂 But we kept going and never gave up. 

The more we traveled, the better she got at traveling. She’s an incredible traveler now, always up for adventures and ready to try anything! So keep going, things will get easier!!! 

👋🏻 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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  • This was the craziest thing I’ve ever done. 🤪

When I traveled New Zealand, I knew I had to do this canyon swing or I would totally regret it! It was such an epic experience thanks to the ridiculously fun crew at @shotovercanyonswing! 

They made me laugh, calmed my nerves and kept me safe (You can still see the look of fear in my face thou)! YOLO!!! So glad I did it. 🏔️

When I showed my kid this video, she went “I wanna do it too!” ☺️ That’s my girl! 

👋🏻 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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  • “Move. As far as you can, as much as you can.” — Anthony Bourdain

That’s why we’re moving again. After 4 amazing years in Mexico, we’re heading to South Africa.

We want to show our kid what life is like when you step out of your comfort zone. To show her that the world is full of stories. 📚


That every culture has something to teach. 👩‍🏫


That food is more than survival — it’s history, culture and love. ❤️
 


👋🏻 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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But it’s time to move on. We cannot wait to start this new chapter in Africa. We’ll be spending 3 months in South Africa before traveling around Madagascar, Malawi, Ethiopia and more! But I know we’ll be back in Mexico soon enough! 

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The country may be small, but it packs a punch with so many bucket-list worthy sights — from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest and the spectacular Galapagos Islands.

We recently returned to Ecuador for our daughter’s birthday trip and it was just as spectacular and impressive as we remembered. It didn’t come as a surprise that Kaleya loved it as much as we did. 

✅ Our 2-week family itinerary included:

🏙 3 days in Quito — colonial charm + the Middle of the World
🌲2 days in Otavalo — one of the largest artisan markets in South America
🌋 2 days in Cotopaxi — hiking and wild horses at altitude
✈️ Fly to the Galapagos Islands
🐢 3 days on Santa Cruz island — giant tortoises, swimming iguanas, unique wildlife everywhere
🦭3 days on San Cristobal island — sealions, blue-footed boobies, empty beaches


Every day was an adventure, and every stop taught our kid (and us!) something new — about the planet, about people, and about how to live a little more curiously.

Have Ecuador on your list with little ones? It’s wildly worth it. 🌎💚

Comment ECUADOR and I’ll send you the link to my free Ecuador itinerary with all the details on where to stay, eat and play. 🇪🇨 

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That experiences shape us more deeply than things ever will. 🪂

That adventure can teach us to manage our fears. 🏔️

That minimalism creates space for joy, unlike materialism, which clutters our minds. ✨

That time outdoors heals and grounds us more than screen time ever will. 🛝

That family is our first community—and worth showing up for.👧🏻

And that keeping an open mind is one of the greatest tools we can take on the road, especially in a world that too often chooses intolerance. 🌎

This is why we travel. This is what I hope stays with her, long after the passport stamps fade. 🌍💛🗺️

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Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #familytrips #digitalnomadfamily #familyadventures
  • If life gets too stressful, move to the beach! When we lived by the beach in Playa del Carmen, we felt like we were always on vacation. 🏝️🥥👙

Yes we worked and Kaleya went to school, but we’d spent afternoons at the beach, lunch breaks at cute cafes and evenings strolling downtown. Kaleya’s after-school activities were surfing or marine biology classes on the beach. Weekends were always filled with fun days at the cenote or roadtrips around the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Life wasn’t perfect (when is it ever?!) — the Caribbean coast of Mexico can be touristy, we felt like we weren’t getting to know the real Mexico etc — but for awhile it felt like a long, dreamy vacation! 

And we’re so glad we got to experience it with Kaleya! 

👋🏻 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! 🌏 

Mexico travel | Mexico with kids | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #playadelcarmen
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🇻🇳 If you’re traveling Vietnam with kids, don’t miss this underrated gem — Ninh Binh is Vietnam’s inland Ha Long Bay (but without the crowds or chaos!). 📍Just 1.5–2 hours south of Hanoi by train, car, or bus — it’s super easy to reach and perfect for spending some time in nature. Here’s your kid-friendly guide to exploring this magical region: 🛶 Tam Cốc Boat Ride – Glide through rice paddies and under caves with towering limestone cliffs around you. Boats are rowed by locals using their feet! Kids LOVE this. ⛰️ Hang Múa Viewpoint – 500 steps up, but older kids can totally do it! You’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views over the rivers and karst peaks. Kaleya loved the lotus flower gardens. 🪷 🦕 Trang An Grottoes – This was where they filmed “Kong: Skull Island”. The UNESCO site feels like a scene out of Jurassic Park. Peaceful, scenic, and a big hit with curious little explorers. 🐐 Hoa Lư Ancient Capital – Teach kids a little Vietnamese history where emperors once ruled. Wide open spaces for them to roam and learn. 🦜Thung Nham Bird Garden – Great for nature-loving families. Spot flocks of birds at sunset and explore hidden caves along the way. 🛏️ Where to Stay – Family-friendly homestays in Tam Cốc with rice field views, bikes to borrow, and home-cooked meals. Perfect for downtime after adventures. 🛵 Bonus Tip – Rent a scooter to weave around the rice paddies. Our family of 3 fit nicely into one scooter. It was our daughter’s favorite experience! 👋🏻 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 #familytravelvietnam #vietnamwithkids #digitalnomadfamily #worldschoolers
13 hours ago
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1/9
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“Is Pakistan really safe to visit? Isn’t it irresponsible to bring your kid there?!” 🇵🇰 Pakistan is a place I’d dreamt of traveling for years. I did the research and decided to finally visit with my family — and it turned out to be everything I’d imagined, and more. 📺 What you see on the news is never the whole picture — Pakistan is not a terrorist-filled war zone or a shell-shocked wasteland. 🏔️ As we discovered, Pakistan is a country power–packed with mountains more impressive than anything I’ve seen elsewhere. Landscapes here are of truly epic proportions, framed by dramatic valleys, crackling glaciers and dreamy waterfalls. People are incredibly warm, welcoming and kind. 🕊️ There are still security issues in more remote areas of the country, such as Balochistan, KPK and the Tribal Areas, but many parts of Pakistan are considered safe for locals and foreigners alike. So if you’re considering traveling Pakistan, take this as a sign to just GO! I highly recommend exploring with @hannanbalti, an experienced Gilgit guide who’s great 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! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #travelpakistan #pakistanzindabad #visitpakistan #pakistandiaries #gilgitbaltistan #pakistanwithkids
2 days ago
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2/9
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Traveling well is something kids aren’t born how to do — even we adults had to learn how to travel! 🧳 It’s a skill just like learning to read or ride a bike. It takes time and practice to master. Many moms tell me how lucky I am to have an easygoing kid who’s a great traveler. Truth is she’s had lots of practice! We’ve traveled with her since she was 5 months old and we haven’t stopped. I remember the days when she screamed her head off in the plane, refused to walk in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle and had a meltdown in a mosque. 😂 But we kept going and never gave up. The more we traveled, the better she got at traveling. She’s an incredible traveler now, always up for adventures and ready to try anything! So keep going, things will get easier!!! 👋🏻 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
3 days ago
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3/9
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This was the craziest thing I’ve ever done. 🤪 When I traveled New Zealand, I knew I had to do this canyon swing or I would totally regret it! It was such an epic experience thanks to the ridiculously fun crew at @shotovercanyonswing! They made me laugh, calmed my nerves and kept me safe (You can still see the look of fear in my face thou)! YOLO!!! So glad I did it. 🏔️ When I showed my kid this video, she went “I wanna do it too!” ☺️ That’s my girl! 👋🏻 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 #shotovercanyonswing #newzealand #newzealandtravel
4 days ago
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4/9
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“Move. As far as you can, as much as you can.” — Anthony Bourdain That’s why we’re moving again. After 4 amazing years in Mexico, we’re heading to South Africa. We want to show our kid what life is like when you step out of your comfort zone. To show her that the world is full of stories. 📚 
 That every culture has something to teach. 👩‍🏫
 That food is more than survival — it’s history, culture and love. ❤️ 
 👋🏻 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 #familytrips #digitalnomadfamily #familyadventures
5 days ago
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5/9
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Mexico has given us so much and I cannot be more grateful. All the amazing experiences, work opportunities, amazing friends… It’s a bittersweet feeling to pack up our lives and say goodbye to our friends here who have become family. 🥹 But it’s time to move on. We cannot wait to start this new chapter in Africa. We’ll be spending 3 months in South Africa before traveling around Madagascar, Malawi, Ethiopia and more! But I know we’ll be back in Mexico soon enough! Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #familytrips #digitalnomadfamily
6 days ago
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6/9
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15 years ago, my husband and I backpacked South America for 6 months, and Ecuador turned out to be our favorite country in the continent. 🇪🇨✨ The country may be small, but it packs a punch with so many bucket-list worthy sights — from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest and the spectacular Galapagos Islands. We recently returned to Ecuador for our daughter’s birthday trip and it was just as spectacular and impressive as we remembered. It didn’t come as a surprise that Kaleya loved it as much as we did. ✅ Our 2-week family itinerary included:
 🏙 3 days in Quito — colonial charm + the Middle of the World 🌲2 days in Otavalo — one of the largest artisan markets in South America
🌋 2 days in Cotopaxi — hiking and wild horses at altitude
✈️ Fly to the Galapagos Islands 🐢 3 days on Santa Cruz island — giant tortoises, swimming iguanas, unique wildlife everywhere
🦭3 days on San Cristobal island — sealions, blue-footed boobies, empty beaches
 Every day was an adventure, and every stop taught our kid (and us!) something new — about the planet, about people, and about how to live a little more curiously. Have Ecuador on your list with little ones? It’s wildly worth it. 🌎💚 Comment ECUADOR and I’ll send you the link to my free Ecuador itinerary with all the details on where to stay, eat and play. 🇪🇨 #travelingfam #familytravelers #familytravel #ecuadorwithkids #ecuadorfamilytravel #ecuadoritinerary
1 week ago
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7/9
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What I’m teaching my daughter through travel… That experiences shape us more deeply than things ever will. 🪂 That adventure can teach us to manage our fears. 🏔️ 
That minimalism creates space for joy, unlike materialism, which clutters our minds. ✨ 
That time outdoors heals and grounds us more than screen time ever will. 🛝 
That family is our first community—and worth showing up for.👧🏻 
And that keeping an open mind is one of the greatest tools we can take on the road, especially in a world that too often chooses intolerance. 🌎 This is why we travel. This is what I hope stays with her, long after the passport stamps fade. 🌍💛🗺️ 👋🏻 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 #familytrips #digitalnomadfamily #familyadventures
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
@wildjunket
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If life gets too stressful, move to the beach! When we lived by the beach in Playa del Carmen, we felt like we were always on vacation. 🏝️🥥👙 Yes we worked and Kaleya went to school, but we’d spent afternoons at the beach, lunch breaks at cute cafes and evenings strolling downtown. Kaleya’s after-school activities were surfing or marine biology classes on the beach. Weekends were always filled with fun days at the cenote or roadtrips around the Yucatan Peninsula. Life wasn’t perfect (when is it ever?!) — the Caribbean coast of Mexico can be touristy, we felt like we weren’t getting to know the real Mexico etc — but for awhile it felt like a long, dreamy vacation! And we’re so glad we got to experience it with Kaleya! 👋🏻 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! 🌏 Mexico travel | Mexico with kids | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #playadelcarmen
1 week ago
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9/9
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