IL Readers Go Scouting With Our Mexico Correspondent

I love my job as IL's Mexico Correspondent. The thing that I enjoy the most is meeting you guys, the IL members, when you call into my area of Mexico.

My area, the Riviera Maya, is the crowning jewel of Mexico's tourism industry. It's safe, and fun, has plenty to see and do, and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. So, when Guy Nave and his lovely wife Jane Hawley reached out, I was delighted to meet up and answer their questions about one of my favorite towns, the laid-back seaside town of Puerto Morelos. 

IL members Guy Nave (right) and Jane Hawley (center) hanging out in the Riviera Maya with IL Mexico Correspondent Bel Woodhouse (left).

I'm always happy to meet up with IL members and give them advice on their scouting trips of the area.

After all, the Riviera Maya has so many beautiful places you may want to live. Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, and of course, my beautiful island home, Cozumel. They're all wonderful locations. That's why Guy and Jane popped over to Cozumel for a fun day of fantastic food, a little shopping, and a tequila tasting. 

What better way to narrow down your choices than with boots-on-the-ground information from someone who has spent time in them all and knows the region? 

Over a wonderful lunch, all questions were answered honestly: the good, the bad, and the unusual. Because, isn't that the best way to get your questions answered? With good food, good company and a Caribbean view… that's my idea of perfection anyway.

Guy and Jane are doing the smart thing—a scouting trip. Visiting the places, talking to expats living there to see if it's for them. People taking the next step in their journey of moving abroad have so many questions about living in Mexico (or any other country), so don't be shy to drop a question in the mailbag. I'll answer.

Of course, I'll try to make it fun, like I did with Guy and Jane when they came to visit. 

We did an amazing tequila tasting after lunch. Honestly, I've lived here for six years and this was the best tequila I've ever tasted in my life, so it was as much fun for me as it was for Guy and Jane. 

Our tequila connoisseur Patrick, was a chef and mixologist back in Puerto Vallarta before moving to Cozumel, so he made it special. Educating us while making truly delicious treats, like mixing different flavored tequilas so they tasted like Reese's Peanut Butter cups or butterscotch. I know it sounds weird but they were amazing. By the end of it, we were all fast friends.

But it's not all booze and bolinachos (bread with melted cheese and jalapeños on top) when you come to visit on a scouting trip.

I love sharing and highlighting Mexico's culture, the warmth of the people, and the amazing food. This is what scouting trips are for. To spend a little time in a location. 

Walk the streets, go shopping, see what's on offer, check out the local supermarket. Take the time to experience normal things you'll need in your day-to-day life. To make sure you could live there and have everything you need to be happy. 

So, if you think you're ready to take the next step on your move-overseas journey, start planning a scouting trip. You'll have fun and get to know your potential new home a lot better.

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