Our first night out in Oaxaca at Los Danzantes.
We woke up early on our final morning in Oaxaca MX and came up with five remaining SMART Tips we can all use for both travel and the journey of life. Overall our vacation in Mexico has introduced us to captivating and interesting sites and experiences. Everywhere we’ve gone we’ve met friendly, kind and generous people. The variety, quality and presentation of the food and beverages have been asombroso (amazing). And like the very best of travel, we have learned more about ourselves and discovered that people everywhere mainly strive for the same things—love, meaning, peace and a sense of purpose. How SMART is that?
With that in mind our five final SMART Travel Tips are:
#1 End your trip on the highest note possible. I read one time that scientific studies show that people who had good and positive memories about the end of their trip remember the ENTIRE trip in a more rewarding light. Our primary destination for this trip was Oaxaca, MX because when I first heard that it is considered the artistic “heart” of Mexico I knew I wanted to go. Then when I originally began planning the trip I arranged our time in Oaxaca at the end along with the most days. This turned out to be an excellent plan for many reasons—and certainly because we saved the best for last.
Local women in the market.
Standing on an ceremonial alter at Monte Alban.
The courtyard of the museum at the Santa Domingo Church In Oacaca.
#2 Seek your vibe (Place). While I realize that this sounds rather “new-agey” we feel that it focuses on the fact that every one of us will feel more connected to certain locations than others. Even though it took us nearly eight years to arrive in Oaxaca after first learning about it, almost instantly we both felt that this location was our favorite from the time we arrived. Both Thom and I resonated with the city, the people, the food and all we encountered. Knowing whether you are a city person, a country person, or what type of place (and people) feels best to you, is an important step in successful travel.
Dancing in the street in front of the Santo Domingo Church in Oaxaca.
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3 Be where you are. When experiencing a multi-location trip it is tempting to spend time thinking back on what you did (or didn’t do) in the last location or what comes next—or worse, what’s back home. But the primary purpose of travel should be the day, and the “now” right in front of us. Some of our most memorable experiences were sitting over a glass of wine at sunset or chatting about local life over lunch with our tour guides. And while we have photos of the sites, the memories of some of our sweeter experiences could only be felt. Stay present in the moments as much as possible.
The limestone “falls” at Hierve el Agua near Oaxaca.
More native women in the marketplace.
#4 Make the effort to connect to others. Something that Thom has always been very good at is taking the time to learn some phrases in the language of every country we visit. On top of that Thom is excellent in engaging people in conversation about themselves and their world. Again, some of our strongest memories were the people we met in every location we have traveled to—either the local people or other travelers. What makes so many of our memories strong and rewarding is the connections and relationships we have made along the way.
Thom with Rufina and Cristina. A couple of the ladies who took good care of us on our trip.
At Mitla–Thom with Juan–one of our many great tour guides.
#5 Make sure the trip supports your values and priorities. Two of the best experiences here in Oaxaca had to do with guides taking us to meet the people of the area and introducing us to their lives and their work. The first is an organization named En Via which supports local women in creating, expanding and developing individual businesses. En Via provides small loans to women at no interest to support their business/work. But even better, they provide counseling and ongoing support for their lives. The money we paid for the tour is used to provide loans to the women and we were able to meet with over five women in the program who are doing their best to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Very inspiring!
Carmon, one of the women supported by En Via. Carmon raises chickens and makes pinatas.
Maria and her entire family make amazing woven rugs and purses with the help of En Via.
Another tour we took was a Mezcal tour of small, local and artisan families who make what is the second largest “industry” in Oaxaca. Going out into the countryside and visiting these extremely humble places of business where the long and laborious process happens was eye-opening. Plus, meeting the unassuming but friendly people was equally beneficial. Because Thom and I believe so much in supporting other people’s dreams and aspirations in life, both of these tours (and the money we paid) helped to make our visit to Oaxaca extra special.
One of the many little home shops we stopped at during our tour.
Some of the old fashioned techniques for making mezcal.
Buying handcrafted Mezcal from Felix.
Our journey to Mexico and our last three weeks has been everything we hoped it would be. But in spite of the fact that we have had an amazing time, one of the best things we always remember when we travel is how very fortunate our lives are and the many benefits that we enjoy on a regular basis. Sometimes it is SMART to get away from everyday routines to really know and appreciate that on every level. Plus, it is also SMART to remember that every single time we travel it is merely another step on the overall journey of our lives—so let’s all do our best to make it meaningful, peaceful and as happy as possible.
A quiet street in one of the many tiny villages around Oaxaca.
Great post, I really enjoyed reading it! Oaxaca was one of my highlights on my recent trip through Mexico – the food, the art, the people – all amazing. I really hope to go back as soon as possible, I know it’s a great place to do a spanish language course so I will try to spend a lazy summer there soon!
Hi Emma! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and leaving a comment. Yes, isn’t Oaxaca wonderful? We had such a great visit and never even got to the coast which we’ve heard is also a great place. So many places to go and so little time. It’s so important to make the most of every day right? ~Kathy
I enjoyed your post! Great pictures and wonderful advice for any traveler. I haven’t made it to this area in Mexico yet but it’s on the list.! Thanks and Happy Travels.
Hi Jennifer! Glad you enjoyed the post. Oaxaca is an incredible place and I strongly encourage everyone who can to visit. Now I will have to go your blog to check out your post about Costa Rica! ~Kathy
Nice post! I like to think about myself, that when i travel, I’m in that location and I enjoy every little thing and event that happens. Thank you for sharing your life experience with us.
Hi again Jess & Brandon! Staying present to where ever your are is not only good advice when we travel but every single day of our life right? Thanks again for stopping by! ~Kathy
I want to Stand on ceremonial alter at Monte Alban once in my life….its looking so beautiful.
Hi Ravi! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and sharing your dream–YES! visiting Monte Alban at least once in your life. Very cool. ~Kathy
I LOVE Oaxaca! That surely was a high note! I’ve been there twice and cannot wait to go back someday!
Hi Jodi! I wish I had known you had gone before and I would have picked your brain about what you liked best before we went. It sure is a lovely city and I strongly encourage others to go. ~Kathy
Thanks for taking such great pics. I feel as though I just went on a mini vacation to Mexico. My husband went on a work-related trip to Mexico last year. He enjoyed himself. I am glad that you have the opportunity to travel. So good for mind, body and soul.
Hey Karen! Glad you liked the photos and I’m hoping it encouraged you to want to go yourself next time your husband goes down for a visit. It really is an amazing and wonderful place. Thanks for your comment. ~Kathy
Thank you so much for taking us with you on your delightful trip.
We loved Oaxaca. Monte Alban was pure magic and yes, we definitely felt the spiritual essence.
We stayed at Camino Real and walking through the hallowed halls listening to the vesper bells gave us such a sense of peace and love. We can still recall with such clarity the amazing purity of the city.
Have been wanting to return.
Hi Katie! Oh YES! Isn’t Oaxaca great. I’m am so hoping that others read about it and put it on their travel list. All our tour guides said that tourism is definitely down in the area, which is a real shame because it is so great. Together let’s keep spreading the word. ~Kathy
Great post. I arrived in Oaxaca City around 8 years ago planning to study Spanish and quickly fell in love with the state. We ended up settling in Puerto Escondido on the coast of Oaxaca but you’ve highlighted many of the best reasons to visit Oaxaca City and the highlands. Hopefully you’ll return and explore the beaches – its culture and nature combined.
Hi Michele! We had originally intended to make it over to the coast when visiting Oaxaca but read too much about the heat and humidity (which we were trying to escape from back home) so decided to miss it this time. But we will be back for sure and plan to go to your area for sure. You are very fortunate to have found such a lovely state to live in that contains so much culture and nature! Thanks for your comment…and know I’m going to check out your site to see if you post recipes for some of the amazing food we found there! ~Kathy
I enjoyed your post – I have lived here in Oaxaca for over 9 years and I still feel its magic spell.
Just a note – En via is a great effort but do remember that visiting Teotitlan de valle is visiting one of the richest pueblos in Latin America. Other pueblos don’t have the paved streets, the nice school, the lovely market. I have many friends in Teotitlan and love visiting but I think often tourists believe this is a “typical” Oaxaca pueblo. I only wish it was true. The poverty and disappearance of men up north is very real in Oaxaca. Thanks for visiting.
Hi Teri! Yes, Oaxaca is amazing and lucky you for living there. We actually got to visit two different villages with En Via so we did get a broader perspective of the differences in villages. Of course the Mezcal Tour was even more eye-opening because we visited 4 or 5 different farms in very rural area and most homes were very humble (We did not go to any of the commercial production places.) All of our tours were very honest about the poverty and lack of services for many of the people but we were still amazed at the friendliness, kindness and generosity of the people we met. We also talked to at least 6 or 7 young men working in stores and restaurants who admitted they had previously worked in the states but had recently returned. (Their improved English offered job opportunities) Every single one of them was happy to be home and glad they were there. To us it was a great example that even though the lure of income is strong in America, they usually only do it for the money but when that has been resolved (or at least somewhat alleviated), they return to their families and their home. I am hoping that more people make the effort to travel to such a great and beautiful place in the future. ~Kathy
**Some of our most memorable experiences were sitting over a glass of wine at sunset or chatting about local life over lunch with our tour guides**
Love that!
And I LOVE your photos. What a great, memorable experience. xx
Hi Kim! Thanks for reading along with me 🙂 and I’m glad you liked the photos. Someday maybe you and I will sit down over a glass of wine and catch up–something tells me it would be equally memorable. ~Kathy
What a wonderful post to wrap up this series, Kathy. All 5 points were …on point! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip and that you saved the very best for last. I’m so glad for you!
Thanks Nancy. It was a good trip in so many ways and I think I did pretty well writing as I went too 🙂 It was a bit more work of course but as with all our blogging, it helped remind me of what is that is most important to me–and how can that be bad? ~Kathy
What wonderful tips, Kathy! The pictures are lovely. I especially like the last tip. 🙂 There’s nothing like being away from our routine to freshly appreciate our lives.
Hi Lisa! Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos…we REALLY like taking them but then it is very difficult to know which ones to include. And I SO-O-O agree that travel really helps us remember what is most important in our regular lives. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy & Thom, your smart travel tips are excellent. I particularly like the “living in the moment” one as having just returned from a six month trip, I can identify with this. You have to immerse yourself in the culture, the people, the place of where you are visiting to truly live the moment.
Hi Kathy M! So glad you liked my tips! As you know part of the fun (and the benefits) of doing tips like this are the reminders to ourselves about what is important. Wow! I’ll bet you had an amazing time with six months away–but even then it’s good to get reminders about living in the moment, right? I can sure use all of them I can get. ~Kathy
SMART advice as usual! Isn’t Oaxaca where they make those beautiful, brightly-colored sculptures of animals out of wood? My parents brought some back from a visit many years ago.
Hi Janis! Glad you liked my SMART suggestions. And yes, those carved and painted animals and figures are definitely from Oaxaca and for sale all over the place. We didn’t get to the village where they made them this visit but it’s always good to leave wanting more so now we have a reason to return! ~Kathy
Sounds like you did save the best for last. Love the outfits of the women in the market place. Glad you enjoyed your stay.
Hi NR…..yes, I hope I communicated how much we loved Oaxaca. Definitely a place that should be on more people’s list! ~Kathy
Wow, sounds like a great trip. Great advice too. I am traveling to New York City next month; I haven’t been there in about 29 years, so I want to do a lot. But I want to remember to stay in the moment, too. Thanks for the reminder.
Hi Lisa! Just got home and YES it was a great trip. Of course that suggestion to stay in the moment applies each and every day as you well know. I’m getting better as I go along but I can sure use as many reminders as possible. Have a GREAT trip yourself! ~Kathy