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Happy August, friends! I know it’s hot-hot-hot lately, at least here in Indiana. In fact, J and I spent a couple of the most miserable early days of the summer dealing with an air conditioner that couldn’t decide if it wanted to keep us cool or not. Fortunately, it’s since been fixed – because it’s sweltering out there!
That being said, I’ve kind of surprised myself by dreaming so much lately of a tropical vacation. I mean, sitting seaside with a fancy cocktail and that calming song of the ocean waves rushing to and fro always sounds grand, but usually I crave those trips more in the dead of winter. Maybe it’s due to dealing with such great amounts of sun and heat lately and not having a coast nearby to escape to, or the lack of that saltwater scent in the (very humid) air to accompany this weather. In any case, I’ve been spending my days wishing we could hop a plane and just chill out on a beach somewhere lovely and leisurely go about our days for a little while to recharge.
There are so many tropical locations on our beautiful planet and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit a handful already. I have a running bucket list of locations full of sea and sand and play that I hope to see one day, including Costa Rica, the Virgin Islands, Barbados, Bali…
But for some reason lately, I keep coming back to Mexico. I’ve visited our neighboring country a few times already, both with family and friends, but each time I reflect back on those visits, I’m left wondering just how much more there is to experience. Don’t get me wrong, my trips there have been incredible, but I’ve really only stuck to the super touristy, all-inclusive resorts – and neglected to explore a bit more off the beaten path.
I think my mind’s primary reason for wandering this direction is that travel to Mexico from the states can be SO affordable, and we’re able to get there fairly quickly, all things considered. This makes it a bit more of a realistic daydream, right?
Anyway, here are a few places I’d love to visit on my next adventure to Mexico!
Isles Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is an island not far from Cancún. It’s known, like many locations in Mexico, for its gorgeous beaches, but even more so for the snorkeling and scuba diving visitors can take part in on the surrounding coral reefs.
How amazing is this underwater museum you can dive to and explore? This island is also known for being home to a turtle sanctuary, a lighthouse, and the remains of a Mayan temple! Also, Casa Caracol – “The Shell House” – pictured below. I mean, I guess I could stay there, if I really had to…!
Cozumel
When I think Cozumel, I think adventure. I don’t think we’d get much sunbathing on the beach done if we visited this little island off Mexico’s cost, because it’s so jam-packed with places to explore and things to do!
My top two must-dos would be scuba diving and exploring the underground river (pictured above.) There’s so much life to discover in Cozumel’s waters – including gorgeous reefs, sea turtles, unique varieties of fish, and there’s even a stingray beach!
Plus, Cozumel presents the opportunity to swim with dolphins. I’m sold.
Mexico City
I’ve been enticed by and gotten lost in so many photos of, and stories about, Mexico City over the years. It looks like such a lovely and special place to visit – brimming with historic landmarks, ancient ruins, culture, and architecture.
To top it off, it’s surrounded with the most gorgeous landscape.
Sigh. I promise I’ll be back one day, Mexico. I’ve also got my sights set on Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and, lately, San Miguel!
What destinations are on your tropical vacation bucket list? And, if you’ve already crossed some off, what are your recommendations?
xo, Aly