I’ve always viewed the last few weeks of the year – the period of time between Thanksgiving and New Years – as a time for reflection and planning. This December, in between posadas and fiestas, I took some time off from posting to think about the year ahead on Go Mexico Guide.
When I first launched this site back in May the focus was destination specific travel to Mexico. In 2011 expect to see the scope of Go Mexico Guide expand beyond travel to include more entrepreneurship, self improvement and lifestyle-related topics.
Surviving & Thriving in Mexico City
Creating an insider’s guide to Mexico City will be one of my main focuses in 2011. I’ve been wanting to work on a project like this for a while, but it wasn’t until we moved downtown that the idea really began to come together and take shape in my mind. It’ll be a kind-of personalized budget travel guide, a year-long work in progress, that will include all of my favorite places – places not-to-be-missed in Mexico City.
Throughout the year I’ll also continue to post practical tips and resources for visitors to Mexico City and new expats, weaving in personal experiences and observations whenever possible.
For the Love of Travel
In 2011 my travel will be mainly limited to destinations within Mexico. This year we’re trading in our backpacks for weekend bags and focusing on destinations that can be easily visited on weekend getaways from Mexico City. In addition to exploring more of the country, I’ll be reviving past travel series, beginning a few new ones and welcoming new guest contributors to share their experiences living and traveling in Mexico.
I’ll also be providing practical tips and advice for planning career breaks, budgeting for long-term travel, itinerary planning, packing essentials, surviving on the road and extending your trip.
Simple By Design
Living simply was easy while we were backpacking. If an item wasn’t worth carrying, it wasn’t worth having. We grew accustomed to living with few possessions and even fewer luxuries. Stuff was replaced by experiences and after a while we hardly even thought about it anymore – that is until it was time to settle in one place again.
In 2011 the focus will be on maintaining a simple way of living in our new home. From making the most of small spaces to eating mindfully, being frugal and staying fit, simplicity and self-improvement will be reoccurring themes.
Freelancing & Making Ends Meet
This past year I began freelancing, discovered social networking and learned that it is possible – though not always easy – to earn an online income. One of my favorite things about working from home is having complete control over my schedule, but it’s easy to get distracted, lose track of time and fall behind on self-imposed deadlines.
In 2011 expect to see practical tips for improving organization, better managing your time, increasing productivity, diversifying income streams and simplifying your social media strategy – something I’m currently working on heading into the New Year.
In 2011 I’ll be returning to a regular posting schedule. In the meantime, be sure to check out my new About page, my recent Bug Bytes feature and find me on Facebook and Twitter.
That’s the year ahead on Go Mexico Guide and I think it’s going to be a good one. If there’s anything else you’d like to see just let me know. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Photo credit: via flickr
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Great idea for a blog! You must be pretty independent. I’m kind of scared of going out of country down south, though I wish I wasn’t as I would like to see some of the ancient ruins in person.
Thanks! It’s something I had always wanted to do and my fiancé is originally from Mexico City (though he lived in the US for several years), so it’s been easier with him by my side than if I had tried to make the move entirely on my own. My biggest challenge – aside from being so far away from friends and family – has been learning to speak Spanish. I didn’t speak any Spanish when I first arrived, but now I’m a bit better at it!