In case you missed it, earlier this year I name Mexico City as our favourite destination of 2017. I am not someone who uses words like “best” or “favourite” lightly, so when I do, you can rest assured it means something. Over the last year, we have traveled to over 40 destinations with our partners around the world alongside the DoTheDaniel.com team. Each of them has been amazing and has added to our #DTDTravels roster. That being said, every single time I think about what destination had the biggest impact on me both personally and professionally, CDMX is top of mind. I thought during the holidays, and subsequent cold snap striking Canada, I would share my five reasons why you should visit Mexico City in 2018.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Canada and Mexico are very similar. They offer vastly different regions to visit across a large land mass, they have a thriving populous that embraces diversity, and they are incredibly welcoming. Ask any Canadian, and chances are they’ve been to Mexico at least once! But have you been to Mexico City yet? That is the question!Ê
So what are my five reasons you need to see Mexico City for yourself?Ê
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During 2017 I was lucky enough to be invited to Mexico City twice in partnership withÊThe Mexico Tourism Board. During both trips I was exposed to not only a culture that makes me feel at home, but also people who are like minded. Those people, who call countries around the world home, have become good friends that I keep in touch with to this day. Here are just a few of them, who lucky for us, are also members of the media that inspire me to travel and work harder every single day. I love and miss them all!Ê
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I smile as I look back on these moments. I remember bonding with each of these amazing people over a delicious meal. Talking about what works and doesn’t work for social media in our countries, laughing and probably enjoying a few too many tequila shots. Mexico City brought us all together, and I like to believe that we carry Mexico City with us as we travel the world. That is the sign of a successful trip in my opinion. A destination that never leaves your heart once you’ve arrived.Ê
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On my second time to CDMX (aka Mexico City), I was invited to immerse myself in the #DiaDeMuertos celebrations. For those of you who aren’t aware of what this entails, it is a special time of the year where Mexicans celebrate the dead and honour them in the belief that for one night of the year, they come back to be with their loved ones. The sentiment behind this time of year is of course commercialized around the world, but there is something incredibly powerful about experiencing it for yourself in person. From visiting the cemeteries, to learning about the different traditions that take place in different regions of Mexico, I was so moved by the whole experience.
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Mexico City hosted the second annualÊ#CelebraciondeMuertosÊparade which had the entire city dancing, singing along and celebrating what it means to be Mexican. Their pride and cultural events are some of the most emotional and powerful I have yet to experience in my life. There is a tangible energy in the city of almost 22 million people when they come together to celebrate who they are. If you have only one chance to visit this city, I would recommend it be during Dia de Muertos for an experience of a lifetime.Ê
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It’s no surprise that I am a latino food lover. The flavours, the soul that goes into everything, the colours… all of it. So when I had the opportunity to enjoy real Mexican Food (it should be noted that Tex Mex is the furthest thing from it) I couldn’t help but fall more in love with the city. If you’re like me, when you travel, you want the real experience. You want to eat how the locals eat. You want to see what the locals see. And food is sometimes the easiest way to do it! Here are just a few dishes and places I highly recommend you check out when you have the chance to visit for yourself.Ê
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Are you hungry yet? Because now I am! If the above reasons haven’t convinced you yet that Mexico City is a must, I hope that the food scene has the power to capture your attention. Because it is so vast, and so incredible. I could go back ten more times and wouldn’t even scratch the surface of the culinary experiences that await me there.
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Obviously 2017 was a difficult year for me personally. After loosing Dad in 2016 very suddenly, I started the year off in the wrong mindset. I tried to bury myself in work, stumbled on the workload, and subsequently felt very lost for a long time. On the second trip I was able to visitÊTeotihuacan.ÊIf I can put into words what the moment below felt like, it would be an epiphany. There was a sense of utter clarity that washed over me and I felt spiritually still.Ê
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This world is one that I thrive in, but that can be utterly exhausting. I never stop. I lay awake at night worrying about blog posts, emails, budgets, and so much more. To stop and admire the beauty of the temple, the city, the region and the country. I sat on the top of the sun temple, and I had monarch butterflies flying around my head. In the Latin cultures, butterflies represent loved ones who have died. Not to mention I found another dime at the airport on my way down. It all felt like I was exactly where I needed to be. That I was hopefully finally ready to let go of my mistakes from the year and find my way back to myself. That is the power of Mexico and Mexico City my friends. Experiences and moments that lead to an almost divine inspiration.Ê
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Mexico City is one of the oldest cities in the world. And while I could get all socio-political about it’s heritage, I will try to stay clear of igniting those debates with you in this post. We can chat about it over Mezcal when you meet me there in 2018… But all that to say, there is a side of the city, especially in its historical centre, that feeds the need to learn and immerse yourself in your surroundings. From the evolutions of the city that has literally built itself on top of it’s predecessors, to the walking tours that allow you to learn about the rich Mexican culture, CDMX is a place of magic and wonder. It is the city that connects us all. That brings together the spiritual, the commercial, the food lovers and those looking to find a perfect Instagram photo. All of us mixing together in a state of unison and harmony.ÊIf getting the perfect photo for Instagram is your aim then surely you will want people to see it; you could use an account manager to help boost your engagement, instagram followers and likes.
I laugh when I tell people about Mexico City because I become quite passionate about it, as you can tell. Maybe I was Mexican in a past life. Who knows. But all I can tell you is that these are my 5 reasons to visit in 2018. Now it’s time to find your own reasons.Ê
In the meantime, get inspired even more by following @VisitMexico on Instagram & @WeVisitMexico on Twitter. Use and follow the #MexicoLove hashtag to see how incredible Mexico truly is and can be for you too! Don’t forget to check outÊtheir websiteÊfor more details and helpful hints when planning your very own trip. I promise you, Mexico City will change you for the better in ways you will only understand when you arrive.Ê
For more behind the scenes of this and other amazing brands we are working with around the world, make sure to follow along with theÊ#DoTheDaniel Instagram account.ÊWe would love to have you join on our adventures!Ê
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Photos: The Mexico Tourism Board,ÊDaniel Reyes & All Social Media accounts listed above
Cheers!
Mobile photos will be taken with myÊNEW Huawei P10 Plus
*Please note that this is a sponsored post – our disclosure can be found at all times byÊclicking here.