I could write whole books about why Mexico is simply breathtaking. Rarely have I met such warm and hospitable people and you see everything in a much more relaxed and laid-back way. I can definitely say that I have fallen in love with Mexico and would go back any time.
In September 2019, our participant Marlene strapped her backpack onto her back and traveled to Mexico for six months. Among other things, she worked in a hostel in paradisiacal Tulum, on the famous Riviera Maya. In her luggage: excitement, curiosity and a thirst for adventure. Now she tells us personally about her time in the land of the Maya and tequila.
To be honest, I just let everything come to me. Of course, you should take care of the vaccinations early enough, for example, but also the medication and the essential basics for your backpack in general. However, I have to say that I never felt stressed, I was just looking forward to finally getting started! I only packed 2 days before departure and everything went really well. In my opinion, the most important thing is to take a relaxed approach to everything, because even if you forget something, you're not flying to the moon and there's everything you need in Latin America.
Of course, at the beginning of such a long journey, you worry about what to expect. That's how I felt and I had no real idea about my new life in Mexico. But after the first few hours in Playa del Carmen, where I spent the first night, I was able to get to know people and I always felt very comfortable in Tulum. I was immediately accepted into the hostel family.
During my Hostel Experience program, I first worked as a tour guide or entertainer. My day started at 9 a.m. and at breakfast I told all the guests about the tour of the day (for example, going to the beach, watching turtles or swimming in a cenote) and always "gathered" a group. I then spent the day with them (11am to 3pm). In the afternoon and evening, depending on the day of the week, different activities were always planned, for example Tequila Sunrise Class, Mojito Lesson, and so on. Everything followed the same principle as in the morning: talking to the guests, motivating them or simply taking them by the hand - figuratively speaking. In the evening, for example, I often organized beer pong tournaments or general drinking games in teams. My day ended at around 10 p.m. I have to say that it never really felt like work, as long as you don't find it difficult to talk to strangers and you enjoy meeting new people.
I thought really hard about what my best moment in Mexico was, but I absolutely can't decide. I would say that there were maybe three or four moments or situations in my six months that weren't so great - but the rest of the time was just breathtaking and incredibly worth living.
I was particularly impressed by the small village of Sayulita in Nayarit. Not far from the city of Puerto Vallarta lies the Pueblo Mágico, right on the Pacific Ocean.
I spent four days there with friends from Guadalajara and just enjoyed life. Even if there's not a lot to see, it's just a liberating feeling to go to the beach in the morning, maybe rent a surfboard and just let the day come to you.
What I liked most there, however, were the people. Always friendly and totally uncomplicated.
I can definitely say that I fell in love with Mexico and would go back any time. Not only because of the beautiful nature, but above all because the people there "live more". The mentality of the people is different, and you see everything in a much more relaxed and laid-back way.
I have also rarely met such warm and hospitable people. And don't even get me started on the food! When I was in Mexico, I could eat tacos every day and still never have enough. And of course there's much more. I could write whole books about why Latin America (especially Mexico) is simply breathtaking.
Sophia, founder of Wanderworld Travel
Lisa, Coordinator & Participant Support
Amanda, Support and advice before departure
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