Is Mexico Cheap? Our REAL Costs Traveling Through Mexico

[@penelopegreenland3537]

I love that you show the country map and then zoom in to the area you will discuss.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching, Penelope!

[@PC800Fixes]

One of the best travel channels on KZbin. Thanks again for all the hard work, keeping track, and documenting.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We very much appreciate the support! ❤️

[@IramisandGerry]

I agree on accommodations. I rather be in a comfortable place. A homemade drink looking out a beautiful view from my room beats a crowded bar, any day. 💗🇵🇷🙏🏽

[@BrianandCarrie]

It's so worth the extra money. Spend more on accommodations and less eating and drinking out! 😁

[@davidbaillieul109]

We have had 4 trips to Mexico in the last 2 years. We find now that costs have risen, and from Nova Scotia, Portugal offers tremendus value with better healthcare and 'preceived' safety. With the worldwide inflation, the value locations are changing every year. Great video.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We agree that value is changing rapidly almost anywhere you go. We love Portugal, and the Algarve is still one of our favorite places!

[@LuisZarate-w3y]

So are you saying the in 4 trips to Mexico some one robbed you? I hope Mexico really gets expensive so we don’t get many Americans and the ones that live here can leave.

[@johnmclean6380]

As a fellow (albeit solo) full-time traveler, I always learn a lot from your vids, thanks…and also thanks so much for the timestamps! ❤

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We do chapters when it makes sense for the viewer! Thank you so much for watching!! 😊

[@ProgRockPianoBar]

We spent the month of February this year in San Miguel de Allende. Absolutely loved it, can't wait to return!!

[@BrianandCarrie]

It is such a beautiful town. We loved our time there, too!

[@ltdodgen]

I loved it so much I bought a condo there last year and now get away from the Arizona heat for 5 months out of the year. It’s a magical town!

[@joyceweinstein9249]

Hope you saw the Anthropology Museum, and Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, the Diego Rivera murals and buildings around the zocalo, the pyramids, ballet Folklorico, etc., etc. As with New York, one can spend several weeks in Mexico City and not run out of things to do,

[@FotosLostnFound]

hi good video thank you but when you mentioned that you could've only stayed three days in Mexico City ?? that's crazy! There's so much to do there's over 150 different museums but I don't think that's your vibe.? we can't wait to spend at least one month there soon our nomad retirement travel starts in March! Hasta Luego!

[@peterpritzl3354]

That was a great comment on 'entertainment value'. 'Just walking around on the streets. Just staying in a nice hotel or cottage, or aibnb,' Just eating out , and have a beer in a place with a view. Just being. That's enough entertainment.

[@BrianandCarrie]

It really is all about enjoying the simple things! 😊

[@ClaudeRacine]

I like your videos and I relate -- your thinking, your budgeting and your reviews are aligned with ours. Claude from Canada

[@BrianandCarrie]

That's great to hear, Claude! Thank you for watching and safe travels!

[@bethdevenis271]

Wow, I was surprised how much it costs to visit Mexico! Except for the cost of airfare, you could visit gorgeous New Zealand for those prices and maybe a little less. It’s an English speaking country try so you can be very comfortable visiting smaller towns set in drop dead beautiful scenery. We have been here for a month already and find it amazing. TrustedHousesitters is quite active in this part or the world as well, especially Australia.

[@ltdodgen]

Mexico is gorgeous too, and has many more things going for it than just beauty…..a rich and ancient culture, outstanding cuisine and warm and friendly people. I personally prefer to visit non English speaking countries.

[@jackiecabrera7290]

Hello from Florida. Love your channel and all the valuable information you share with us. Much appreciated. Looking forward to all your South America travel and adventures in 2025, happy and blessed travels.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We appreciate your support, Jackie, and look forward to sharing more adventures with you in 2025! Happy New Year!! ❤️

[@kat7544-t1h]

We are in our 7th retirement winter season based in Mexico, and we know firsthand that Mexico is not as cheap as it once was. That said, we love it, and it works for us (climate, people, scenery, food, things to do, travel time from home....). Early in our Mexico winter travels we chose really budget accommodations that negatively impacted our experience. Every traveller needs to decide what works best for their needs. I think you have done an amazing job of deciding your priorities and making an effort to balance your budget. I'm pretty astonished at how cheaply you are able to see the world - it takes discipline to stick to a budget. It may look to some that this is not fun, but all fun would end if you could no longer afford to do what you are doing.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Exactly! We do sacrifice some experiences in the short term, but we know what the big picture looks like and don't want what we are experiencing to end anytime soon. Thank you, Kat!

[@anaborges616]

It had become expensive because of you 😠

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yep, world inflation is our fault. 🙄🙄

[@LuisZarate-w3y]

It’s not because all Americans are visiting the same place so one thing you need to know that they are more states where you can go other then Jalisco, Bajas, Quintana Roo and Mexico City, they are more states where they lack of tourism promotion and they are cheaper.

[@SandiHooper]

Really great video with tons of pertinent info. I’m very interested in your take on some of the towns I’ve been to as well as ones on my list. Thanks B&C!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Sandi! We are so glad you enjoyed the video! 😁

[@kimmacneil7562]

Excellent video guys! Lots to think about. Take care.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Kim!

[@sherryvietor5767]

Another great video. We are just part-time travelers now. Looking to travel a lot more in the next few years. These videos help with the planning. Happy Holidays

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thanks so much for watching and happy holidays to you as well!!

[@billrowe88]

Great video with lots of great info, will definitely be using it in planning our own central Mexico travel!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Glad it was helpful! We hope your trip is amazing! 😊

[@jimstehle-ln7ti]

Did either of you experience any gastrointestinal issues from the food while in Mexico? Appreciate all the good tips.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We did not have any issues at all. 😊 Thanks, Jim!

[@dianamartin9558]

@jimstehle-ln7ti we did when we went to Mexico City. Hubs and I were stuck in our hotel room for 2 days. Dragged ourselves to the pharmacy and got some meds. Day 3 we flew out. I had to take four Imodium and hoped for the best.

[@sherrygonzales5437]

my son traveled Mexico in 2024 and got sick in Mexico City. He learned to avoid anything that might be washed in water, like lettuce. 3 miserable days. The other cities he went to he didn't get sick at all

[@agasque]

Thanks for the great video! As a couple who spend about 6 months of each year traveling in Mexico with San Miguel as our home base, we think you did a great job of accurately showing expenses that we've also experienced in the last few months. Too many videos paint a too rosy picture of places like Oaxaca and San Miguel, in particular. Thanks for your honest take! That said, boy, are we missing the cost of living in Mexico right now. We're spending a month in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the cost of living has skyrocketed. It is now more comparable to Washington, DC. It is beautiful and we are so glad we are here, but it is not a good location for budget travelers right now.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! Thats too bad to hear about Buenos Aires, we will be there in January! 🤔 We won't be staying long but long enough to feel the effect, I'm sure. Thank you for watching!!

[@agasque]

@@BrianandCarrie We just missed you in San Miguel so maybe we will overlap in BA! We will be here through around January 10 and then going to Mendoza for a couple of days before heading to Chile. There are also a whole bunch of retired nomads (including other KZbinrs) who are arriving next week who we met through Facebook. Many of them will be staying longer than we are in BA and traveling around the country. It would be great to plan a meet up if you are here when we are still here. And we're happy to connect you with the rest of the group if you are interested! We are absolutely loving Buenos Aires - it is stunningly beautiful.

[@BrianandCarrie]

It sounds like we will be a couple of weeks behind you. We will end up in Chile but not until sometime in February. We are not planning too far ahead this round and kind of winging it!

[@agasque]

@@BrianandCarrie Sorry to miss you again! We are winging it as well and that has worked out quite well, although we now realize we are here in the high season so some things (like tours, internal flights) are more expensive. We hope you enjoy it as much as we have!

[@Theraddicalsabbitical]

Love it guys! This is a very good video with an overview of how to do a multi location trip, and not just to Mexico. We are headed to Japan in February /March and plan on using these techniques! Thanks guys! Still love your channel and we need to get together one of these days to exchange ideas and for us to thank you guys for all this amazing information!

[@BrianandCarrie]

That’s awesome, Eric, we hope you have a wonderful time in Japan! We are planning on visiting in 2026! 😊

[@mariagillinson8527]

Yes I was thinking about “ the prices are for a couple!” But something like accommodation could be smaller but not necessarily much cheaper.

[@Peter-m5n7m]

Brian and Carrie, Wonderful video! I concur, México is not an inexpensive destination. And, with their current President, I don't see México becoming more affordable. The one thing I learned from my career as a road warrior is; the more I spend on "accommodation", the less I have to spend on other things. Also, I've learned that some of the best, most authentic and affordable local cuisine is not often listed on TripAdvisor, nor Yelp. Thank you for your expertise!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Peter!

[@jlovel124]

Very helpful informative video guys thanks so much. Happy Holidays!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We hope you have a very happy holiday season too!

[@devinmoore5015]

Sorry we missed you in San Miguel. We are officially retired in our 50’s and headed back to San Miguel next month. Hoping to be moved and living there full time by the end of 2025. It is not a cheap place to live by Mexico standards, but compared to Bend, OR where we currently live, SMA is much more affordable and still offers an incredible experience! Thanks for sharing all of your experiences with us 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

It’s a great place to live and visit! 😊 We always remind ourselves that whatever the cost, its less expensive than Bellingham, WA. 😉 Thank you for watching and safe travels!!

[@ltdodgen]

Thrilled for you! I live in SMA June through November and miss it when im back in Phoenix, as I am now. I’m happy here too, but San Miguel has my heart.

[@triciag7927]

I really enjoyed this series of videos on some cities in Mexico you don't hear as much about. What beautiful cities, great culture and terrific food! No worries about going over budget... It's like you always say, you can just pivot and get the budget back on track in a different part of the world. :)

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will make an adjustment and move on! Thank you for watching! 😊

[@elizabethanderson8528]

I loved Puebla, i was there on a Sunday. Its known for many churches. Ar Casa de la Cultura, there was people dancing to live music. So cool. Then at the plaza more live music. I could live there

[@tatiana.lifeinglow]

Thank you for sharing guys! 🌿Love cost of living videos. Interesting channel! 1st video which I saw. Re movie theatre - was it something that often happens in/near that hotel or it was just a one-time event?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are so happy that you found our channel and thank you for all the comments!!! ❤️ The movie theater was set up for a week-long festival that Guanajuato has every year.

[@anthonypeter8652]

Thanks for the video! Smaller cities like Morelia are still very affordable. You mentioned the food was different in Oaxaca from Puebla. You’ll find the cuisine is very different in each region. You’ll gotta go to the Michoacan state!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Good to know, Anthony! We are looking to return sooner than later!! Thank you for watching!!

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

Morelia has a population of over 1,000,000 that's not small. The reason it's more affordable is that it's not a gringo hot spot and people think that because it's in Michoacan it's really too dangerous for them to visit. Buena suerte!

[@anthonypeter8652]

@ True, but it’s certainly smaller than Mexico City or Puebla!

[@andreww4898]

I have a small problem is the air pollution seems everywhere in Mexico?

[@anthonypeter8652]

@ depends on the city. I’ve found it can sometimes be worse in Mexico City but not so much in other cities. I found Morelia and Merida pleasant.

[@2008israelramos]

Guanajuato is the most beautiful city in Mexico. The food scene doesn't compare to Puebla/Oaxaca or even CDMX, but it is a wonderful place.

[@MurrayOOO]

Nice helpful video! To the point, but with a good balance of details. Our home base is Arizona, so Mexico has always been tempting to spend more time exploring! Enjoying your videos on the different areas.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Glad you are enjoying our videos! 👍 Thank you, Murray!

[@dave.wendy.wander]

Another good video from you two. I think you generally did pretty well on your costs considering where you went. Have yet to visit San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato but they're on the list. Depending on what the currency exchange's doing, it can be only moderately inexpensive in Mexico, but I still love the place (especially Mexico City).

[@BrianandCarrie]

Areed! Mexico may be moderately expensive but still worth the visit. We hope you make your way to San Miguel and Guanajuato soon! Thank you for watching guys!!

[@Mr.S65]

Did you go to Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City? The Ballet Folklorico is amazing. I like to stay in Mexico City Centro Historico, at the Hilton. It’s much more fun than staying in a neighborhood.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We did not.

[@futaogwj]

Would you recommend traveling from south to north like you did or from north to south? Thank you again, love your vedios ❤

[@BrianandCarrie]

It wouldn't make any difference to us. 😊

[@futaogwj]

@@BrianandCarrie Thank you for the responses!

[@mariagillinson8527]

Great vlog

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thanks! We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@Resmith18SR]

I've been retired living here in Mexico for many years. My monthly rent for the past 9 years has been about $350 USD.

[@BrianandCarrie]

You are so fortunate to have found such a deal! We enjoyed our stay in this beautiful country and plan on returning very soon! Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@cland4140]

Where in Mexico do you live?

[@Resmith18SR]

@cland4140 Cuernavaca Morelos Mexico about an hour and a half from D.F. Mexico City

[@joelfaulk]

Great videos and info..

[@BrianandCarrie]

We appreciate you watching! 😁

[@futaogwj]

Could you share what web sites you use to find accommodations? Thank you!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We use Expedia and Booking. com.

[@pedrozatravel]

Not too bad, but like you said it is just good to be mindful of costs.

[@Saintor1]

Just returned from Cancun, not in an all-inclusive resort this time but in an Airbnb. Surprised by the cost of food in groceries, not really cheaper than in the US or even Canada.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Even food out costs about the same as the US!!

[@antoniochevalier797]

Those numbers are not bad at all. Divide by two and remember you were in short term rentals in two more expensive cities. Don't forget the experience of the beautiful scenery from your place in San Miguel. Forget the wine tasting thing. You can do that all over the world

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are planning on wine tasting in Argentina next month!! 😁

We are currently spending three months in Mexico and can’t wait to return to spend six months. Not as cheap as people may think but I love the culture, people and food. I live in Sydney but I am originally from Spain so I am fluent in Spanish and I am able to connect with the locals because of the shared language. I don’t think it is an unsafe country as many people say. We are currently in Morelia and we are having a great time. Love your channel guys. Safe travels

[@BrianandCarrie]

It is a great place to experience the culture, food, and people! We are looking to return next spring! Thank you for the continued support!! 😊

[@tammyvig8253]

You guys are sooo budgeted! Honestly, for us, we don’t want to spend our retirement watching every penny. That’s exhausting! Also, going to places because they are cheap versus going where your heart desires. If it works for you great. We worked longer, took wonderful vacations when we could, and now retired, money is good.

[@BrianandCarrie]

I guess we would rather do what we are doing now rather than work 9-5 for the next 10 years. We are happy that you have the finances to spend freely! That is awesome!!

[@davidbaillieul109]

What a cruel thing to say.

[@tammyvig8253]

@@davidbaillieul109 Really? yes so awful. I bet your not doing well in this cruel world. Get a life!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Tammy, I bet David is doing just fine. We all have a different way of living out our retirement. Some of us are budgeted and some can spend freely. We appreciate all the comments you have made on the channel, but your comment did come across as being rude.

[@tammyvig8253]

@@BrianandCarrie I'm sorry you felt my comment was rude. I read it again and I don't see that. I said you are very budgeted, which is something you say many times in your videos. I guess I mean, that maybe you don't have to say the word budgeted more than once in a video. I for one, get it. I used to live paycheck to paycheck until I discovered Dave Ramsey. I do enjoy your videos and appreciate the work it takes to do them.

[@tracylauriente8657]

what has been the best way to find the accommodations you have been staying in?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Tracy. Here is a video that we released last week that will answer your question! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qabEeKF9d81omq8

[@suzannerodio1744]

What are your reasons for not staying a month to get the deeper discounts?

[@BrianandCarrie]

The discounts are not what they used to be. We were also getting ourselves in a situation where we didn't like the place (either the accommodation or city) to stay for a month. The discount was no longer worth it.

[@peterz53]

Thank you. Well done!

[@BrianandCarrie]

You're welcome! We appreciate you watching! 😊

[@nordicvolkan]

Great info & I think the prices were not too bad. Similar stays in Europe would have cost about three times much.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We haven't traveled to many places in Europe because the costs are too high. Mexico isn't expensive, but it isn't as cheap as many think.

[@taraann-ms1oi]

Thanks again for the super content. ❤ Are you guys no longer aiming for a month a place?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are no longer staying for a month in each location. We have covered reasons why in past videos. 😁

[@suzieesqueda4180]

How did you get to Guanajuato from Leon and how much did it cost?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We took an Uber - can't recall the cost, but think it was about $25.

[@lorettaroes3547]

You didn’t mention the cost or how you got to Leon airport, can you share what you used? I will be arriving at Leon airport in January to stay in Guanajuato and was wondering.

[@BrianandCarrie]

It was part of the transportation costs while in Guanajuato.

[@WendyDurant]

Another fantastic summary of your travels and costs, Carrie and Brian. Thank you so much for the valuable content. I'm so glad you enjoyed SMA so much. I loved it! It ticked a bunch of boxes for me, and some it didn't, and I appreciate how you always highlight your tastes for context for those folks who would judge your choices. You absolutely have it dialed in, know what you like / don't like, and also are willing and happy to be surprised. I love that too! Another thing I particularly enjoy about your content is learning your strategies. I would be very keen to learn about the strategies you are going to employ to pivot that budget back into your range. Cheers!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Wendy. We are always surprised when we get criticized about our choices and interests. But we are very grateful for the interest in the channel and do our best to give our honest opinions. Thank you again for the support, Wendy! ❤️😊

[@quinnrivera5075]

Oaxaca is great! Was there a few years back. Stayed in Guadalajara for a month. At a hotel. $55 a night. Block away from Chapultepec. Really nice hotel. And was in Ajijic and Chapala. Had 5 tacos Al pastor and coke for $5. Restaurants in Guadalajara were kind of pricey. But I remember when it would cost $3 for huevos rancheros and a coffee. Now it’s about $8 or $9. But that was in a touristy area. What can you do ? Inflation has hit everywhere. And the food changes with every region. It’s a huge country. Food changes. Accents and dialects change as well. Mexico is not cheap. But it’s cheaper than the US. By alot. CDMX is awesome. Roma Norte is wonderful. Love it.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for sharing your Mexico experiences! We know it's not cheap but we also know that it is far less expensive than where we are from in the US.

[@cwqrpportable]

A little off topic, sorry folks. How do you handle your phone/data etc when traveling. We’re going to Thailand for 2 weeks at the end of January. Wondering what you folks do?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We use esim or if your phone doesn't have that option, you can by sim cards. Both are very cheap and work great.

[@cwqrpportable]

@ That’s great, thank you! Someone recommended Airalo esim. Appreciate it folks…

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is the one that we use. There is a link in the video description if interested.

[@cwqrpportable]

@ Thanks so much. I was already subscribed and Judy just subscribed too. We really enjoy your videos, they make so much sense to us and we’re basing a lot of our upcoming travel on what we’ve learned. 👍. Brent

[@freetowandernow]

As Canadians, we look for warm weather for the winter months (this comment coming to you from chilly Toronto) and have been visiting different climates in the 3 years we have travelled full time. We did see costs rising quickly and that is why we bought a wee condo on the Pacific. FIrst as a cost saving measure-do you find that the winter months it is difficult to find affordable accomodations in warm places? We love Europe in spring and fall but Jan-March anywhere tropical is getting more expensive. We do rent it out when we are not there (🥶) which helps it pay for itself. Cheers!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are finding prices have gone up year-round all over the world. We have found that June-August is still the most expensive.

[@freetowandernow]

@@BrianandCarrie That's fair! We live in our campervan or housesit while here in Ontario during the summer and so in my mind it wasn't included 🤪

[@paulz6491]

Thank you for a great video on Mexico! In the past you’ve mentioned that you preferred staying in one place for a month or so as it was less tiring (fewer travel days) and you remembered each place more (also less expensive:) Have your thoughts changed on longer term stays? Thank you again for a terrific video 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, we have addressed in past videos that we are changing the way we travel. We have decided to spend less time in each location. We still slow travel but looking to find a better balance. 😁 Thank you for watching!!

[@paulz6491]

Thanks, I will get caught up on your past videos. I’m also trying to find the right balance which is why I asked 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

The month-long discounts became so minimal it was no longer a factor in our decision making. We do know that we don't want to move every three days! 😊

[@Stevenfrijol]

Great video

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you!! 😊

[@MsOnitemi]

You guys are doing an amazing job with your budget! I think you are beating yourselves up too much.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you!! We appreciate the support! 😊

[@futaogwj]

Did you fly one way in and one way out of Mexico? Which airports ？ Thank you❤

[@BrianandCarrie]

We fly one way. We started in Oaxaca and finished in Cancun.

[@HH-fo9sg]

You did very well in o keep your restaurant costs so low! Any tips for that?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We cook and stay in! 😊

[@2008israelramos]

If you want a nice trip; fly into Mexico City and rent a car. Drive to Pena de Bernal, Tequesquitengo, Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato. They're all in the relative same path and they are all worth a stop. I've done it twice and can't wait to take more of my family.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for the great recommendations! We are always looking for new places to visit.

[@rubbertoad3681]

Would you attribute the higher cost to not spending a month in the same town and getting the big monthly discount? Spending a few days to a couple weeks in a place and moving on will always be more expensive, but sometimes that change of pace is needed and worth it.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Some is due to not getting the discount that we used to, but we also upped our budget on accommodations.

[@mariagillinson8527]

Thank you

[@TerryTreks]

Yeah, Mexico’s not a budget destination. Traveling alone, I was able to keep costs to $105 a day by staying at budget guesthouses, eating two meals a day and being careful to limit the cost to $15 and not drinking alcohol. I also had to cut back on museums because some are exorbitant

[@ltdodgen]

Ive found museums to range from free to inexpensive in all the places Ive visited in Mexico. CDMX has so many fabulous museums, and I felt the entrance fees were far from expensive. Where, specifically were you referencing?

[@robertmcfarlane4151]

Puebla for a week for two for less than $100 a day all in is exceptionally cheap. You did very well. I think that it is fair not to recommend certain places to stay. Things they don't tell you is surrounding noise and building conditions. But good to pass along. San Miguel accommodation for $100 a day is very economical. It's interesting that viewers get judgy on how you are spending your money (excursions vs accommodations) - whereas I think they should stop and listen to see what you are doing and how. This, for me, is the whole point. Your overall budget is very affordable. 49 days for $5730 or $117 is very good. Thanks for all that you do! Cheers!

[@BrianandCarrie]

It’s always interesting how people react to our budget. 😁 Most understand, others don't believe that we are enjoying life. 🤔 We very much appreciate the support, Robert! 😉

[@bronjackman3274]

It would be very interesting if you were to do a video on your income v expenditure. Explaining how it is possible for you to travel as KZbinrs without spending your savings, many thanks

[@Rachelgpuentes]

Thanks for the information! I wanted to know if at anytime did you feel unsafe while traveling through central Mexico? The reason I ask is because my husband & I are Mexican American and most of my husband's family lives in Matamoros. My father in law always tells us how bad the Cartel is where he lives and that they are worse in Central Mexico. Being that you are Americans, did you feel safe throughout your visit?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, I did! We had an amazing time!!

[@Rachelgpuentes]

Thank you for your videos. They are very informative & I enjoy watching them.🥰

[@pware9643]

Can you add the time of year you went.. and whether the hotels had adequate heat or AC .. can be an issue in Mex...

[@BrianandCarrie]

We just left and were there for 3 months. Check out our Mexico playlist. 😁 We had great AC in every location with the exception of our place in Oaxaca.

[@vin255]

Enjoy your videos .. One of the basic things which is hard to comprehend is lack of drinkable water! many places dont have water that one can use from tap. Do you limit yourself to bottled water or carry a filter setup wih you? Water is a basic need of existence and sad to see many countris dont have access to clean drinkable water !

[@BrianandCarrie]

We use Larq filtered water bottles, and most places supply bottled water as well. It was never an issue for us.

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you very much. Hey it's me 🙂 got back from Vietnam about a week ago and absolutely loved it. This Tuesday, December 11th I am moving back and permanently to Vietnam. Sold just about everything except 100 lb to fill the luggage 🙂 I'll be staying in Da Nang and then venturing out once in a while. There is a ton of pickleball in Vietnam and it's really growing fast. Hope you guys are doing well and thank you very much for the video. 🙂

[@BrianandCarrie]

That's awesome; you're living the dream! We hope to revisit Vietnam one day, 😊 we may be back as soon as 2026! Congratulations!!

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

Pray that Vietnam doesn’t become Californicated.

[@ashvoj]

What will you do about the hot & humid weather and bad air pollution?

[@Mr.DJones]

@@ashvoj I'm betting you say that but I've never been there

[@Mr.DJones]

@@malcolmnicoll1165 not even worried about it. That's for people who constantly think negatively

[@mariagillinson8527]

Was wondering what your ideas are to lower your budget going forward?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will be doing more housesitting.

[@orangelily935]

Nice, well spent money . May i know which place you stay in San Miguel? I love that view .

[@BrianandCarrie]

We no longer have the exact link, but we found it on Expedia. The link is in the video description. 😊

[@bluetuesday]

You didn’t include your expenses in Merida?

[@BrianandCarrie]

That video comes out this Saturday!

[@karenmcgovern3452]

Link to San Miguel place please? Just lovely. Thank u!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi! We unfortunately Don't have the exact link for that listing. There is a link in the video description for rentals in the area.

[@michellethurlow466]

This is my first viewing of your channel. Can you confirm you are comparing USD or CDN? Thanks

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Michelle! Our cost videos are all in USD. Thank you for watching!

[@lyndalozner6706]

Loved your Mexico travels so far. Your answer to a commentary below said you started in Oaxaca and finished in Cancun. Are you back in Bellingham? Planning a meet up before you leave ? Been checking Instagram but nothing since Guanjuanto.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, we have arrived back in Bellingham for the holidays! We will not have time to plan a meet and great this time of year, but we do plan on something ether this spring or summer. Thank you, Lynda! 😊

[@martina5923]

Hi you two! I found this to be very informative! Even though you already did video coverage on all the individual places you visited in Mexico, I still think this one was hugely beneficial, especially when including all the final costs. Thanks so much!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are glad this was helpful! 😉 We will always follow up with a total cost video on each location! 😊

[@oderblock]

for that apartment for 14 days would be 150 to 200 dollars in thailand.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We spent almost three months in Thailand last year. Vietnam is even better for the budget!

[@karinmcdermott8443]

This is an ignorant question, but do you have to be worried about drinking the water in some of the places you travel to

[@BrianandCarrie]

This is a great question actually! We use Larq water bottles that filter our water and keeps us from buying plastic. Here is a link to our website where you can find them under "resources" then "travel essentials", scroll down to the Larq bottles and click. www.brianandcarrietravels.com/shop

[@flutingaround]

Carrie- That is such a cute blouse! Where did you buy it?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much. I found it at TJ Maxx 🙂

[@flutingaround]

​@@BrianandCarrie Wow! Thanks for the quick response

[@Chap17]

For 2 people $🎉🎉🎉🎉117/day That's a deal

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching!! 😊🍻

[@misspimake]

I was just in your neck of the woods (Bellingham) for the night before heading to Vancouver Canada for the Taylor Swift’s concert. Any recommendations on any good camping sites up near the border?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Birch Bay State Park in very popular as well as KOA in Lynden. 😊

[@Cali4rniadreaming]

I'm thankful for KZbin because the more i watch this videos about México the less i want to go there 😂😂

[@BrianandCarrie]

Mexico is fantastic so you'll miss out. Happy New Year.

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Wow 😮 it's definitely more expensive than when we lived there. But again Long term rentals in those areas of Mexico city, are still around $500-$800 for a 2 bedrooms. But it feels like a little mini flashback of your Northern Europe fast travel period.🤔💰😳 Over $5k whoopsieee....😳💰

[@BrianandCarrie]

Much slower and less expensive than our fast Europe travel but we did move more than usual. This pace may be our new normal. 😁

[@hicutiecar]

I think I'm definitely in the same camp as you two when it comes to just wandering and looking at the beauty of my location vs. spending on stuff like museums an how often I'd do that. SMA looks dreamy and that view from your place is chef's kiss. And it's so great to hear your bus experience was so good. I always forget about the bus which is weird because I may as well be a dog as much as I love just looking out the window at the world passing by. I hope I'm not missing it but I'd LOVE to see a video of your trip planning process and resources. Like, how do you decide on a destination and neighborhood, how you'll get there and how you choose the order of your travels. It all seems so overwhelming to me.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We are thinking about doing a trip planning video sometime the next couple of months. 😁

[@tonyafrizzell1156]

We really enjoy your channel! We watch all your videos as we will be doing the same in 2 years. Super helpful info. But, I have a couple of thoughts to improve your content and make it more suitable for a broader audience. - when sharing costs include the currency! And include the local amount. You keep saying dollars but places other than the US use the dollar. Please use metric for your measures. The entire world except 2 countries uses metric. (Your American-centricm is showing!) Keep up the good work!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for the advice. A large majority of our viewers are from the US and most of the world knows the value of USD compared to other currencies. We have tried in the past to include both and it becomes confusing. Traveling the world as we do, and seeing it for what it truly is, we have no American centrism. Thank you again for the advice and for watching the channel. Cheers!! 🍻

[@tonyafrizzell1156]

@@BrianandCarrie Thanks for the response! Happy New Year to you both.

[@sarahloyd4876]

How did you choose the places to stay at (town/city)? Blindfold darts on a map?😆

[@BrianandCarrie]

We decide on a country and then research on where to go with in that country.

[@INTERNETVID]

Could you please remind me if and when you might be traveling to Argentina? Thank you.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We leave for Argentina the first of the year!! 😊

[@INTERNETVID]

@@BrianandCarrie Awesome.. Looking forward to watching! I visited Buenos Aires way back in Jan. 2011 and loved it. Starting Dec 18th I'll be vacationing in Clearwater for two months and although 70 degrees is a lot better than 34 here in NJ it's even warmer in BA and very much like being in a European city aka 'Paris of South America'. I recall transportation and restaurant prices were extremely economical and now with a strong USD vs Peso it should be a terrific time to be there. Tentative plan for this time next year is to spend one month in BA and two months in Clearwater. Safe travels!

[@Mo4All-e7y]

How much did it cost to travel place to place? Did you fly or drive? Sounds like you don't have your own vehicle.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We took buses, and we made a video of it last week. We also covered it in this video. 😁

[@johnharestad782]

That cost seems to be very reasonable @ $ 117day!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Our end of year 2024 cost video is out tomorrow morning!

[@siouxrose7766]

I enjoy your videos. How do you pay for these things without dealing with currency fees? When I use my credit card there are all these extra fees when I am in places like Costa Rica. Is there a universal credit card that does not charge for dollar to peso fees?

[@davidsebastianelli1326]

Look for a bank that doesn't charge those credit card fees. Stop using your credit card and just take out money needed from an ATM. ATM's are where you'll always get your best exchange rate. Lots of people still don't know to always DECLINE the exchange rate the ATM is offering! You will still get your money! It's a tricky way for them to give you a terrible exchange rate. Just knowing this could save you hundreds of dollars a month! I use my Charles Schwab debit card because it refunds your ATM use fees and doesn't charge you an exchange rate or transfer fees between US banks. For years living here full time I've done all of banking needs remotely through US banks for free. Plus if you use a credit card they will always try to overcharge you and you have better chance of being scammed. Buena suerte!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We use Charles Schwab with free ATM.

[@chelseawhaling1205]

There are credit cards that have no foreign transaction fees like the Capital One Venture card

[@aripg359]

When we travel to MX we always use our credit union debit card to withdraw pesos from HSBC and decline the exchange rate. Also our credit union credit card never charges fees when we use it.

[@siouxrose7766]

@@aripg359 --Thank you for the info.

[@JohnJoseph999]

I like your idea of entertainment. Take a walk and enjoy the scenery. Then have some street food and a beer. Stay away from the tourist traps.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That’s what we try to do as much as possible, the more authentic experiences the better. 😊

[@frankrodasky5260]

I’ve heard of a lot of Anti American sentiment in Oaxaca; did you guys experience that?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We had heard a lot as well before arriving, but we didn't witness anything, and the people were very kind and welcoming.

[@frankrodasky5260]

@ ok great, thanks

[@chickengod9184]

Mexico used to be a lot of fun when it was cheap but the more expensive it became and having to put up with scams and Petty crime, kind of took the fun out of it. The more things cost the higher the expectation becomes

[@BrianandCarrie]

Unfortunately, you just described almost every country in the world. Inflation, petty crime, and scams are everywhere! 😒

[@chickengod9184]

@BrianandCarrie I guess. If you want to talk about degrees of what that is, there is a great deal less crime in Asia than there is in Latin america.

[@mariagillinson8527]

Do they have fish, meat and cheese markets …

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, they do!!

[@Guanajuato_gus]

Ya messed up with San Miguel. Gringo Gulch. I visited it for two days and have been in Guanajuato for four years 😂😂😂😂

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yeah, we did a video on Guanajuato. Fantastic city.

[@deborahsearle2339]

CdMx needs a minimum of 7 days. You would miss so much!!

[@ambergalbreath1652]

I was in Tulum for a few months. Very very expensive and do not recommend for that reason!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Amber!

[@erinaustin9968]

Helpful info but I loved CDMX - very walkable for us. We also took the bus to the other cities mentioned. The buses aren’t my favorite sine the bus station we’re very chaotic.

[@BrianandCarrie]

It's funny. CDMX is a place people either love or they think that it's just ok. Either way it is still a must visit. Thank you for watching! 😊

[@erinaustin9968]

@ so true! Love following a fellow Washingtonian.

[@elizabethanderson8528]

Do you guys speak Spanish?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We do not.

[@alalesc3796]

Mexico still is way cheaper in general than the USA and Canada!😀 Touristy places are expensive just like any other countries in the world.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That's true, the touristy areas get expensive but not nearly as expensive as in many places in the US and Canada. Thank you for watching!!

[@JimK1020]

My spouse and I have vacationed in Mexico many times over the years and found that our recent two months slow travel was indeed more expensive than in the past. It’s not as expensive as our hometown NYC, but it certainly is pricier than in the past. Partly, no doubt, it is world inflation. But also, especially in Mexico City, during the COVID experience the country has attracted many more digital nomads. That also increased the cost of living there. It’s still a wonderful place to visit, and with patient shopping, it can be done within a reasonable budget. It just won’t be a bargain.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Agreed! It is not a bargain but reasonable and worth visiting! Thank you, Jim!

[@sbkpilot1]

Mexico is not cheap at all.. this is a myth. Would classify it as a "moderately expensive" destination. Even so, I love Mexico and think it's worth it.

[@peterbedford2610]

Inflation is all around

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, it is!