In this episode of the Travel Documented Podcast, I take you with me on a real-time backpacking travel day as I leave the bohemian beach town of Sayulita and head south to the bustling coastal city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This isn’t just a story about getting from Point A to Point B—it’s a raw, immersive glimpse into what it’s really like to travel solo through Mexico, navigating public transportation, Ubers, steep streets, appointments, and the ever-present pull to explore—even after dental work!
🌿 Sayulita, nestled in the lush hills north of Puerto Vallarta, has long been one of my favorite beach towns in Mexico. Known for its chill surf vibes, creative expat scene, and cobblestone streets, it’s the perfect place to unplug and recharge. But when real life calls—like, say, a dentist appointment—it's time to make moves. This episode begins with me strapping on my backpack and hiking through the town’s winding roads to reach the Sayulita bus station.
From there, I catch an Uber that takes me through scenic mountain roads and the small city of Bucerías, offering beautiful views and a slice of everyday life along the way. As we pass Vidanta—a well-known timeshare hotspot—I share some insight on what to expect if you're ever lured into a high-pressure sales pitch in Mexico.
As we arrive in Puerto Vallarta, the vibe instantly shifts. The roads get busier, the traffic thicker, and the energy more intense. If Sayulita is where you go to relax, Puerto Vallarta is where you re-enter the pulse of city life. My driver drops me off at a hostel in a new neighborhood I haven’t stayed in before—one I specifically chose to explore and feature in a future episode.
But before I can settle in, I have to make it to my dental appointment in Old Town (Zona Romántica). Between backpacking, bus rides, and a tight schedule, it’s a race against the clock. Spoiler: I make it! And if you’re curious about dental tourism in Mexico or are considering care abroad, I even share my experience and the name of the clinic I used:—highly recommended if you're in the Puerto Vallarta area.
With my face slightly numb from a filling (don’t worry, I kept the camera steady), I still couldn’t resist walking through the city. I weave through PV’s bustling neighborhoods, pass vibrant restaurants and colorful shops, and soak in the warmth of the weather and the joy of street life. For solo travelers like me, there’s something magical about simply wandering with no specific destination—especially in a place like Puerto Vallarta.
This episode is full of motion, from backpack straps to dentist chairs, and packed with insight into the rhythms of digital nomad life in Mexico. If you’ve ever wondered what a real, unfiltered day of solo travel looks like—including all the beautiful, hectic, mundane, and unexpected moments—this is the episode for you.
🧳 Highlights in this episode:
- Saying goodbye to Sayulita after an extended stay
- Ubering through the mountains of Nayarit and Jalisco
- First-hand advice on navigating Mexico’s roadways and small towns
- My experience with dental care in Puerto Vallarta
- Exploring Old Town PV by foot—while still numbed up
- Why wandering new neighborhoods is one of my favorite parts of travel
- Encouragement for solo female travelers, digital nomads, and expats
📍Whether you're interested in long-term travel, Mexico travel tips, digital nomad life, or just love good storytelling from the road, this episode brings it all together—with honesty, humor, and a little dental work thrown in for good measure.
🎧 Audio Note: Some episodes were adapted from YouTube and may reference visuals best experienced on screen.
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