Highlights and Lowlights: Our First 100 Days Traveling California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico
During our first 100 days traveling through California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico, we've experienced incredible highs and a few notable lows. Here, we share our top moments, disappointments, mishaps, and expert recommendations based on firsthand adventures.
Top Travel Moments
These personal highlights were spontaneous and unforgettable, embodying the joy of travel.
Baseball Game in San Diego
We caught a San Diego Padres game during a quick stop en route to Tucson. Enjoying nachos, cheering with the crowd, and embracing the all-American vibe made us eager to return to this vibrant city.
Street Food in Mexico
We absolutely love Mexican street food! It's authentic, regional, budget-friendly, and the best way to immerse in local culture—don't miss it.
Coffee on Huntington Beach
Driving our Chevy Aveo rental south on the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica to Laguna Beach, we stopped for coffee in Huntington Beach. Lounging on the chilly May morning beach, we truly felt the freedom of our journey—no schedules, just endless possibilities.
Plaza Garibaldi & Mercado San Camilito in Mexico City
Plaza Garibaldi buzzes with mariachi bands on Saturday nights. Surrounded by musicians entertaining families, we stumbled into an adjacent market with over 15 restaurants, enjoying one of our trip's best meals.
Oak Creek, Sedona
Beyond Sedona's touristy main street, Oak Creek Canyon offered serene beauty. Locals and families swam, hunted crayfish, and floated the lazy river—our favorite authentic Sedona memory.
Lucha Libre in Puebla, Mexico
This high-energy wrestling spectacle rivals WWE with chaotic crowds, drums, vendors selling fresh fish tacos, and fans rushing wrestlers for autographs. A thrilling, uniquely Mexican pastime second only to soccer.
Worst Travel Moments
The lowest points were at Casa de Don Pablo hostel in Oaxaca, with subpar breakfast and poorly designed shared showers lacking privacy. It improved slightly, but our 99th night at Colibri Hostel in Mazunte was worse: musty rooms with floor puddles, a makeshift bathroom with a bucket-flush toilet, and an outdoor shower without curtains. Budget dorms ($5 USD/night) offer beach views, but expect basic conditions.
Top Travel Mishaps
Dani lost an SD card with 600+ Los Angeles photos (beaches, Griffith Observatory, MTV filming at Venice Beach). Lesson: Back up immediately and secure cards safely.
After a long San Francisco day, Dani left her DSLR at a diner—miraculously recovered. Lesson: Double-check belongings constantly.
Top Food Moments
Dani: Quesadilla de flor de calabaza from Oaxaca's Mercado de Abastos and agua de guayaba.
Jess: Potato taco on Calle Uruguay, Mexico City, and quesadillas on De la 5 Poniente, Puebla. Jess dislikes quesillo; Dani skips mole and tamales.
Favorite Stop: San Francisco
From Mission District to Castro, cable cars, waterfront, and Golden Gate Bridge—our top city hands down.
Least Favorite Stop: Chinle, Northern Arizona
Gateway to Canyon de Chelly, but rundown with limited options (three hotels, fast food only). Book ahead for deals.
Top Travel Recommendations
Canyon de Chelly, Chinle, Arizona
On Navajo land, explore free rim drives, jeep tours (fees apply), or a 1.5-mile unguided hike to ancient Anasazi ruins.
Red Rock Canyon over Hoover Dam, Las Vegas
Skip the Dam (view online); opt for Red Rock Canyon's stunning $7 scenic drive amid vibrant formations.
Xochimilco, Mexico City
Take the Light Railway to colorful trajinera boat rides on ancient canals—perfect for groups, mariachi, and scenic cruises.
Housesitting
Free stays via Housecarers.com or Mindmyhouse.com in exchange for pet/house care. Our Tucson stint (pool house, dog, desert life lessons) was trip highlight. Next: Central America!
