Are you tired of just dreaming about living abroad? Do you crave a deeper connection to new cultures and a life filled with authentic experiences? This episode of Travel Documented is for you.

Join Samantha, an experienced international pet sitter and solo female traveler, as she shares invaluable insights from her own journey of making the leap abroad. After over two decades in Dallas, Texas, Samantha traded the familiar for nearly two years of immersive travel through Mexico, from Mexico City to Cancun, embracing local life every step of the way.

This episode isn't a rigid "how-to guide." Instead, it's a candid conversation designed to spark your excitement and provide real, actionable clarity. Samantha talks about what it truly means to pursue a life abroad, especially as a single woman. She pulls back the curtain on the motivations that drive such a significant change, helping you "nail your why." You'll hear about the essential groundwork and how international pet sitting became her unique pathway to deep cultural immersion.

In this episode, we're talking about:

• Discovering Your "Why": Understanding the core motivations for living abroad and embracing life transformation.

• Concrete Steps for Preparation: Practical insights into planning your move, simplifying your life, and navigating new environments.

• The Solo Female Traveler Perspective: Addressing specific considerations for women traveling alone and making the leap.

• International Pet Sitting: Samantha's authentic experiences and how it opens doors to cultural immersion and a nomadic lifestyle.

Get ready to explore the exciting realities, common hurdles, and fundamental preparations for living abroad. Discover how to transform your dream into a tangible reality, all through the lens of genuine shared experiences and insightful conversation.

Connect with Travel Documented

• Our Website: Find all our resources, articles, and more at traveldocumented.com

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• Explore Our Journey on YouTube: See our adventures and behind-the-scenes moments on the Travel Documented YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented/

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🌎 Thinking about moving to Mexico or curious about the real process behind obtaining residency? In this episode of Travel Documented, I take you behind the scenes of my journey — from my first exploratory trip to Mazatlán, to navigating the consulate process in Del Rio, Texas, to finally completing my residency requirements in the heart of Mexico.

✨ Here's what you'll discover in today’s episode:

• Why taking an exploratory trip first can save you time (and headaches) later

• How joining Facebook expat groups helped me prepare and stay informed

• What it’s really like dealing with different Mexican consulates — and why I chose a smaller town over a big city

• Step-by-step how I prepared my documents, booked my appointments, and handled the interview

• What happens after you’re approved — and why it’s only the beginning!

• How working with a trusted bilingual attorney’s office in Ajijic made the final residency process stress-free

• Tips for completing your visa process once inside Mexico

I’ll also share some personal highlights, like the unforgettable moment when strangers in the consulate lobby cheered for me, and why getting my residency card (the "tarjeta de residente") was one of the proudest moments of my life. 🌟

If you're dreaming of building a new life in Mexico, this episode will give you an honest, step-by-step look at what it's really like — the excitement, the challenges, and everything in between.

📌 Helpful Resources Mentioned:

• Mazatlán Exploratory Trip Video ➡️

  My Website ➡️ TravelDocumented.com — where I blog about travel, house sitting, and life as a solo adventurer!

👣 About Travel Documented:
Travel Documented is your passport to real-world adventures, solo travel inspiration, and the pursuit of life beyond borders. I’m Samantha, a seasoned traveler and international house sitter, sharing firsthand experiences and insights to help you create your own life of freedom and exploration. 🌍

📬 Stay Connected:
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!
💬 Drop a comment or question — I'd love to hear from you!
✈️ Visit my website and blog at TravelDocumented.com for more stories, guides, and tips about traveling, house sitting, and living abroad.

💬 Have questions about getting residency in Mexico? Want to hear more about life as an expat? Let’s start the conversation! Viva México!

Visit us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Travel.Documented

What happens when you mix beach-town charm with boho vibes,surf culture, and a rooftop hammock with a view? Welcome to Sayulita,Mexico—one of our favorite hippie beach towns on the Pacific Coast. In thisepisode, I take you along on my solo adventure from Puerto Vallarta toSayulita, where we dive into cobblestone chaos, morning smoothies, digitalnomad rooftops, and a hostel perched on a hill so steep, taxis think twice.

I’ll show you around the Viajeros Hostel (yes, there’s apool and a killer view), share budget travel tips using HostelWorld, and giveyou the inside scoop on what makes Sayulita a must-visit for surfers, seekers,and solo travelers alike.

🌊 Get ready to explorebarefoot streets, colorful markets, and sunrise views that just might changeyour life. Subscribe now to Travel Documented Podcast and let’s get intothis journey together.