![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![5 Places In Mexico To Add To Your Bucket List In 2023](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8zMjcyNTcwNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc1ODE4OTU4M30.f28NwFNFBAZn2nOlWNitZVSSIqKbx4PXlqqm2G65Q4Q/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C354)
5 Places In Mexico To Add To Your Bucket List In 2023
It’s officially been a year and six months since I made the move to Mexico City full-time. And while Mexico is home to rich culture, prideful people, and breathtaking beaches, I’ve come to grow an even deeper love and appreciation for the place I now call my home away from home. Domestic travel will do that for you and has only helped to increase my affinity for all things Mexico. Forbes recently dropped their list of the top five travel destinations of 2023, and coming in the third position nestled right under St. Kitts and just above Japan was Mexico.
After seeing so many travelers on my timeline and my FYP respectively posted up on various beaches, I had no doubts that Mexico’s tourism boom would continue in the year ahead. But what if you want to visit Mexico, and also want to travel a bit ‘off the beaten path’ in comparison to touristy (but still beautiful af) places like Cancun and Tulum? That’s where we come in with this list of places in Mexico to add to your radar in 2023.
It's not an exhaustive list by any means, but it is one based on my own travels as an expat living abroad in Mexico. Keep reading for even more beauty this diverse country has to offer.
San Miguel de Allende
Courtesy of Sheriden Chanel
The cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture are just some of the awe-inspiring beauty San Miguel de Allende has to offer. Perhaps most known for the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel located at the city’s center, San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era small town that has also become synonymous with wellness. One of my favorite things about living in Mexico is how modern often mixes with history in the look and feel of pueblos and cities alike. San Miguel captures the essence of that juxtaposition so beautifully and you feel instantly transported into a storybook town of yesteryear.
The many pastel-colored buildings are only part of San Miguel’s charm, as my time there was spent lavishing in massages at Essential Massage & Watsu, hiking in Charco del Ingenio, sound baths, enjoying bites at the local restaurantes, and visiting Viñedo Dos Buhos, a certified organic winery nestled not too far away from the town’s center.
Tepoztlán
Courtesy of Sheriden Chanel
Whenever I want to take a quick trip from my life in the city and want to feel closer to nature, Tepoztlán is there. Located less than two hours south of Mexico City is the magic town of Tepoztlán in the state of Morelos. The pueblo also has the reputation of being the birthplace of the Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl. I love being able to rent a casita in the town's center or one up in the mountains where I can access some of the hiking trails there, as well as the deer sanctuary. If you're feeling lucky, you can also climb the infamous El Tepozteco. It is steep but worth the view at least once. It really depends on the vibe you’re looking for.
As a town, Tepoztlán is heralded for the wellness experiences it has to offer. Stop by the town center for a deep tissue massage that rivals any four- or five-star hotel. And speaking of hotels, there are quite of a few that have an emphasis on mind, body, and spirit rejuvenation. Visit the urban retreat of Casa de la Vida to reset with the help of packages like Elixir of Life and Detox and Rejuvenate. Hotel Boutique Casa Isabella and Nican Mo Calli are a couple of other accommodation options that are also holistic-centered.
Val'Quirico
Courtesy of Sheriden Chanel
Speaking of Mexico City day trips, Val'Quirico is another beautiful place the country has to offer. Although, not quite. The housing community also has the unique feature of being fictional. So while you can visit it, it's technically not a town at all. Inspired by Tuscany, a visit there will have you feeling like you're walking the streets of Italy without ever leaving Mexico. Val'Quirico has many restaurants, cafes, and even live music, but also plenty of attention to detail which makes for a lot of photo-opp moments. You can choose to lodge there for the night (or multiple nights) or just visit during the day as a quick day trip while you're in Mexico City.
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
By far, my favorite beach in Mexico is located in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. It’s one of those places that doesn't feel too touristy yet so I hesitate to add it to this list but we don’t gatekeep around here so here I am, gifting keys to the paradise vacation kingdom. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo is located in the state of Guerrero and is a resort town located on the Pacific Coast. Surrounding the picturesque El Palmar Beach is an array of hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Although we stayed mostly on the private beach at Las Brisas Ixtapa when soaking up the sun rays and sipping on cocktails, the public beach is also a sight for sore eyes and definitely worth a visit whenever you feel like taking a break from your respective resort. I’ve seen some of the prettiest sunsets in Mexico, but being in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo just hits different.
Cabo San Lucas
Courtesy of Sheriden Chanel
Such a list would not be complete without mentioning Cabo San Lucas. Located in Baja California Sur, the popular vacation destination is comprised of picturesque beaches, luxurious resorts, and desert landscapes. Perhaps most known for its natural rock formations aptly called The Arch, Cabo San Lucas is also home to deep sea fishing, water recreation activities galore, and a thriving nightlife. Absolutely soak up the luxury at any of Cabo's plethora of resorts, but don't forget the joy of visiting the resort town's public beach or taking a quick boat ride to see the iconic rock formations up close while visiting the famed Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach (which are only accessible via boat). Even in December, the water was warm and glittered like diamonds underneath a cloudless sky. I was in love and you will be too.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Justin Lewis/Getty Images
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images