My solo trip to Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, México

I hadn’t traveled completely solo in years. I bought this flight to Oaxaca City during Buen Fin, Mexico’s version of Black Friday and used credit card points to book a cheap hotel.

In reality, I nearly forgot about this trip until an email reminder appeared and my gut sank, considering that I was going alone to a place I’d only been once before with a group. I knew that my plan was to go to a village outside of Oaxaca that was known for making textiles, but other than that, I had made no plans. And I didn’t plan to make plans.

I wrote on Reddit for some advice on getting to the village for textiles, and received many helpful responses, including one telling me to try to not miss a Sunday market in another nearby village.

On Sunday morning, I finished packing my bag and called an Uber to the airport. Easy, breezy through security, found my gate, and then headed to the airport lounge for a small breakfast (Thank you Chase Reserve Sapphire card!).

I love the Oaxaca airport. It’s so small that you walk out onto the tarmac and into the tiny airport. It’s so simple and cheap to hop on a collectivo there. There is a stand near the exit, you walk up, tell them where you are going, they check which “section” of the town it is in to determine your price, and ask if it’s okay to go in a shared collectivo (for me, of course). You also have the option to order a private car there.

On the bus ride, I reviewed this Sunday market I was told about and decided that I would try to make it for the end. It was around 1:30 and I could make it there by 3:00 and have time to wander and be back on a bus before dark back to Oaxaca.

I settled into my humble but perfectly cozy hotel room, sorted a few things and grabbed a bag to head out to find my way to the bus. I asked the hotel portero for help on where to go to get the bus.

I was staying in the south end of Centro, so I was told to go to the Terminal de Autobuses Oaxaca Rosa and find a bus/collectivo there.

I hurried over to catch one to Tlacolula de Matamoros for the big market. I did ask someone for help to make sure I ended up on the correct bus/collectivo. I caught a bus, that took about 45 min bus ride with many stops. This was around 20-25 pesos. I made it there around 2:30-3:00, enough time to walk through and enjoy the market. It was a lot of food and clothes. I didn’t buy anything, but did stop for barbacoa tacos de Tlacolula. Very delicious! On the way back, there is a bus terminal from Tlacolula to Oaxaca. They came every 15 minutes or so, and cost around 20 pesos.

On Tuesday, I went to Terminal de Autobuses Oaxaca Rosa to go to Teotitlán del Valle. Unfortunately I had a bit of a late start to the day. I asked a man for help to know which bus/collectivo was the right one, and he was going to Teotitlán del Valle too, so we waited and got on the collective together. This was 20 pesos. The collectivo can drop you off in the centro area of Teotitlán del Valle (versus the bus, stopping only on the highway with a 2 mile road to centro – taxis and tuktuks available to help). The man told me where to exit, one block from centro, and suggested a restaurant for me.

The town was very empty (it was a Tuesday after all). I went to the restaurant El Descanso and had a lovely black mole chicken dish. It was very nice, sweet and a bit spicy mole. They also let me charge my phone. The restaurant also has a store on the first and second floor, so I wandered a bit. I talked to the man who owns the store, also one of the weavers from a generational line. They had many large rugs on the second floor.

From there, I headed down the street toward Centro. Stopping at each tienda along the way on the right side of the street. In each tienda, I was greeted with a huge smile and an incredible amount of help, as they sorted through colors of purses/blankets/rugs for me to look at. The store owners were very kind and wanted to ask me many questions (luckily my Spanish is strong), so I chatted with each of them for an extended time.

One of the stores I visited, the man had a loom along with all of the natural elements that they use to dye the fabrics. He told me all about how they only use natural elements and had me hold out my hand to give me an example. He added some red powder (from a mineral, I believe), then a bit of water to dilute it down. Added some lemon, and the acid changed the color. Then he added some blue pigment (maybe from a flower?), and it turned into a gorgeous purple. The science of the color wheel on my hand 🙂

In the final store, I talked with a lovely couple for over an hour. We shared stories, and talked politics of the USA and how it will affect Mexico (in a tactful manner). We exchanged information to get together next time I visit. 🙂

In total, in approximately 3 hours, I made it a half a block and into just 5 tiendas (jaja!!). I enjoyed talking with the tienda owners as much as I enjoyed looking at the textiles. I ended up buying a bag, a purse, a pillow cover, 2 headbands and a blanket.

I will be returning soon to visit the remaining areas outside of the half block I now know. Hehe 🙂

To return to Oaxaca, I took a taxi back to the highway. The taxis in Teotitlán are shared, so we stopped and picked up two more people along the way. Be aware of this – I wasn’t expecting it, but also had no issue. The taxi was 10 pesos to return from Centro to the highway. Once at the highway, a man pointed me to the correct collectivo to catch back to Oaxaca.

I got off at a street a few blocks from my hotel while we stopped at a red light. I hopped out quickly as not to disturb the ride- checked my bags and realized I’d left my new bag + blanket I’d just bought in the bus. So I ran back and grabbed it. Thankfully I noticed immediately, so that would have been a sad ending to such a nice trip.

Thank you all for the advice (I hadn’t traveled solo in many years so I was a bit nervous). Of course, everything always works out – exactly as its supposed to, even when it’s only a half a block and really lovely conversations.

Made the full move – emotionally and physically – to Mexico City!

I’m going to share some of my transitional experiences over my next posts.

I’ve been “trying on” Mexico since 2021. Playa del Carmen was NOT it for me. From there, I hopped over the Mexico City to test run for 5 months. Despite having an absolute shit roommate situation, I fell in love with this city. I went home for a few months to gather my thoughts and my belongings, and flew back to Mexico City to find my permanent home.

I am now completing my first year contract living in my own apartment, which I also furnished by myself – big move for a commitment-phobe.

In my next post, I will talk about the insane emotional rollercoaster decision to sell my car in the United States – the only thing that I “owned” in my world. Uf, that was a tough one.

Today – we’re talking about closing USA accounts and opening Mexican accounts, specifically Amazon!

I know there is plenty of controversy about Amazon, but we’re going to leave the politics out of this post today.

I opened an Amazon Mexico account a couple years back, distrusting the idea of it working well in Mexico. To my purchase, it has been a wonderful experience. You need to have a tiny bit more patience than you do with USA Amazon (side note: a lesson to learn living in Mexico is patience).

In Mexico City, most items arrive within 2-3 days. I’m starting to see a lot more same-day delivery now though!

I had kept my Amazon USA account open because on occasion I would check prices for items from Amazon USA to see if them item was cheaper even when including tariffs. I think only once or twice did I find that to be beneficial. I also did go back to Detroit for some months during the summer where I would stock up on Amazon items that I needed.

This year, things shifted and I only returned back for three weeks. My time in the USA is turning into a sliver, and it’s truly showing me that my new life is in Mexico City.

Yesterday, I decided it was time to let go of the Amazon USA account. It was a student account so I kept thinking “it’s just $8 a month, who care?” But that’s nearly $100 a year literally being wasted. I have an Amazon MX account that has all the same benefits – Prime Video, Amazon Music, etc. so I wouldn’t miss out on anything if I cancelled really. I had just been charged, so I cancelled the USA account the same day and they refunded me for the month.

But how do I change my Amazon Music account?

This morning as I’m playing Amazon Music from Alexa, there are a ton of commercials and the station “Shawn Mendez” is including Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, and I’m just confused. Then I remembered- it pushed me back down to the “free-est” version of Amazon Music.

So I wondered, can I shift my Amazon music account from my USA account to my Mexico account, where I have Prime? And yes- thanks to Google’s AI search (I love it so much), I changed my Amazon Music to my MX account in less than a minute. Here’s what it told me to do:

  • Transfer to a different country or region – If you’ve moved to a new country, you can transfer your Amazon Music account to the local Amazon marketplace. To do this, you can:
    1. Go to your Amazon Music Settings 
    2. Scroll to Amazon Music Account Country/Region 
    3. Select Move your Music account 
    4. Select the marketplace you want to transfer to 
    5. Add your local payment method and billing address 
    6. Select Confirm transfer 

I couldn’t quite figure out how to do this from my phone, so I did it from my desktop. Then once that was complete, I logged out and back into my Amazon Music on my phone app. I went to setting and verified that it now showed that I was logged in under my Prime account with Mexico.

I went into my Amazon Home app and under “Music & More” went to settings and re-opened Amazon Music to make sure it was connected properly. We’ll see if that does the trick!


Now just for fun- I’d like to show you something…

As of today (November 16, 2024), these are the prices for Amazon USA:

Current Amazon Prime membership pricing:

  • $14.99 per month
  • $139 per year
  • Prime Video membership is $8.99 per month

And these are the prices for Amazon Mexico:

  • $99 MXN per month
  • $899 MXN per year

As of today (November 16, 2024) with the exchange rate at 20.35 MXN pesos to $1, this equals $4.87/mo or $44.19/year. Our dollar has been strong to the peso the last month so I upgraded my membership to the annual plan a couple of days ago.

Crazy, huh?

Gear Up for Travel Season: Essential Products to Keep You Comfortable in Any Weather

As temperatures start to dip and the air gets crisper, it’s a reminder that travel season is upon us. Fall and winter are prime times to explore new destinations or cozy up in old favorites. But with changing weather and unpredictable travel conditions, having the right travel gear is key to a smooth, comfortable experience. Here are some essentials that can make your travel days easier, whether you’re flying to a tropical paradise, embarking on a European adventure, or heading for snowy mountain peaks.

1. Travel Neck Pillow

One of the most underrated travel essentials, a good neck pillow can transform a flight from uncomfortable to almost cozy. Look for memory foam options that mold to your neck, providing support and reducing neck strain on long flights. Some even come with a clip to attach to your luggage, making it easy to access when needed.

This is my Amazon fave

2. Airplane Phone Holder

If you’re one to catch up on movies or TV shows mid-flight, an airplane phone holder is a game changer. These handy gadgets attach to the seat in front of you, freeing up your hands and neck while you relax and watch. With a flexible design, they adjust to most seat types, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for maximum comfort.

This is my Amazon fave

3. Neck Fan with Cool Air

For those tropical getaways or humid destinations, a rechargeable neck fan is a lifesaver. Unlike bulky, handheld fans, these wearable versions are lightweight and hands-free, offering steady cooling relief on warm days. This is especially useful for outdoor sightseeing or long strolls around town. Choose a model with multiple fan speeds for added control over your cool air comfort.

This is my Amazon fave

4. TUMI Alpha Carry-On

Traveling light and organized is an art, and the TUMI Alpha Carry-On makes it simple. Known for its durability, spacious compartments, and sleek design, this carry-on is perfect for both business and leisure travel. Made from ballistic nylon, it can withstand plenty of wear and tear, and it’s small enough to fit in overhead bins on most flights. Plus, with its smart zipper pockets and expandable design, you’ll have space for all your essentials.

Get your TUMI on Amazon

5. Icebreaker Merino Wool Products

Cold-weather travelers, rejoice! Icebreaker’s merino wool clothing is designed for warmth, breathability, and comfort. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant and temperature-regulating, making it perfect for both active adventures and chilly days exploring a city. Consider layering with a merino wool base layer or a cozy, lightweight sweater to stay toasty without bulk.

Shop Merino wool products on Amazon

6. Anker Power Bank

Traveling without enough battery on your devices is a thing of the past with the Anker power bank. Known for its reliability and high-capacity charging power, this is a must-have for keeping your devices fully charged. Its compact size and powerful charge mean you can use your phone, tablet, or camera all day without searching for an outlet, perfect for long travel days.

This is my Amazon fave

7. Anti-Theft Bag from Travelon

If you’re heading to popular tourist spots, especially in Europe, having an anti-theft bag adds extra peace of mind. Travelon’s anti-theft bags come with lockable zippers, RFID-blocking pockets, and cut-resistant straps, making it difficult for pickpockets to ruin your trip. Compact, stylish, and durable, these bags are perfect for carrying your essentials safely, leaving you to explore without worry.

Shop Travelon bags on Amazon

Whether you’re braving the cold, escaping to somewhere tropical, or tackling a busy city, these travel essentials make the journey easier, more comfortable, and safer. Now all that’s left is to pick your destination and start packing! Where will this season take you?

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases