Reflecting on Our First 100 Days of World Travel: Highlights, Lessons, and Adventures
We, the GlobetrotterGirls, are thrilled to celebrate a major milestone—our first 100 days on the road!
It's time to reflect on our initial 100 days of travel, sharing our favorite destinations, unforgettable moments, and key lessons learned.
Over three months ago, we packed our belongings and flew from London, England, to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. This desert gambling oasis might seem an unconventional starting point for our round-the-world journey, but affordable non-stop flights and a week of free hotel inspired it. From there, we embarked on a two-month, 5,000-mile U.S. road trip, followed by our current 30-day stay in Mexico.
Las Vegas proved an ideal benchmark for our early travels. Amid extreme consumerism and capitalism, we indulged sparingly on a tight budget—wagering pennies and facing a $40 breakfast tab at Peppermill Diner on the Strip. That sum equals bed and breakfast for two at Posada Ziga, a charming beachfront spot in Mazunte, Mexico, on our 100th day.
Our accommodations ranged widely: a penthouse suite in San Francisco (via a travel writing assignment), budget motels like Motel 6 and Super 8, a tent cabin by a river in Big Sur, a gritty yet practical apartment hotel in Los Angeles, a solid three-star hotel in central Mexico City, and typical backpacker hostels along Mexico's trail. Some hostels felt more like prisons than penthouses (check our Tops & Flops for the full rundown), reminding us that travel's highs often come with inevitable lows.
Culture shock hit hard upon arriving in Mexico City at night amid flashing lights, sirens, and street fires, making us question our choice despite warnings. The next morning revealed a vibrant, noisy metropolis of 22 million. We adapted swiftly, grabbing bean and potato tacos from a street vendor en route to the Zócalo central square.
Kindness abounded, often overlooked in daily city life. In the U.S., reunions with friends and family warmed our hearts, plus memorable housesitting in Tucson with a delightful couple and their dog, Millie, by their private pool. Mexico's people exceeded this warmth, validating our choice as our second destination.
Mexicans frequently shared stories, like the Coayacan man recounting the gum-covered trees' romantic history—true or not, the gesture charmed us.
Our U.S. rental car offered freedom but limited interactions, evoking Thelma and Louise vibes. In Mexico, backpacking and public transport—subways, taxis, colectivos, overnight buses, tuk-tuks, rickety vans, and coastal camionetas—fostered connections. Guatemala's colorful chicken buses await next.
Ditching the car for backpacks sharpened our packing discipline; every item must justify its weight during treks for accommodations.
These 100 days spanned Las Vegas glamour, Pacific Coast drives, American Wild West expanses, bustling Mexico City, and Pacific beaches. Next: a month in the Yucatán, Belize, and Guatemala, where one of us lived for two years. We're excited for more!
