Hey Reader,
It’s hard to believe summer is already winding down. School’s starting, the days feel noticeably shorter, and you can almost sense the shift in the air.
Here in far Northern California, summer is short, so I plan to squeeze every bit out of the warm days we have left.
The good thing about fall creeping in (other than pumpkin spice!) is that I can finally do the things it’s been too hot for, like hiking. And we really need to finish painting the outside of my sister's house.
How about you? Are you savoring the last stretch of summer or counting down to cooler fall weather?
Here's what I have for you this week:
✈️ Travel Spotlight: Prescriptions in Mexico
💻 Digital Nomad Life: Virtual Mailboxes
🐾 Travel With a Dog: Helping Shy or Reactive Dogs Settle In
✈️ Travel Spotlight
This Week: Buying Prescription Medications in Mexico
Buying prescription medication in Mexico is often simpler and much cheaper than in the U.S.
Many drugs that normally require a prescription there, such as certain antibiotics, tramadol, blood pressure medication, insulin, and Viagra, are available over the counter.
Controlled substances, stronger painkillers, and many mental health medications still require a prescription, but most larger pharmacies have on-site doctors who can provide quick, low-cost consultations and write prescriptions immediately.
There are some important things to keep in mind:
- Check packaging quality and expiration dates.
- Avoid buying from street vendors.
- Know the generic names of your medications and what it should look like.
- Keep medications in original packaging and declare them at customs.
- Make sure you know how much you're allowed to take back to the U.S.
If you know what you need and where to buy it, getting medication in Mexico can be straightforward and cost-effective. Just be sure to stick with reputable pharmacies and follow local regulations so you can get what you need safely and legally.
👉 Related Read: Cozumel Prescription Drugs - What You Need to Know (This article is geared toward Cozumel, but the info applies to all of Mexico.)
💻 Digital Nomad Life
Topic: Virtual Mailboxes
If you’re a digital nomad without a permanent U.S. address, a virtual mailbox can make your life a lot easier. Virtual mailboxes give you a real street address where your mail can be sent.
With iPostal1, for example, I get a scan of the envelope and then decide what happens next. I can have the contents scanned, forwarded to me wherever I am, shredded, or held for pickup when I’m back in town.
This setup is great if you want to stay on top of your mail without relying on a friend or family member to handle it. It’s also a big plus for keeping a consistent mailing address while moving around.
If you’re planning to establish residency in a state with no income tax, a digital mailbox can help you maintain a physical address there without actually living full-time in the state.
There are a few things to watch out for. You’ll get a street address, but not every DMV or bank will accept it as a “real” address. I’ve been able to use my iPostal1 address for my California driver’s license and my main bank, but I’ve run into issues with some other banks.
🎒 Gear I’m Loving: iPostal1
I've been using iPostal1 for my mail for over three years. I'm only paying $99 per year, but I pay a little for scanning and shredding. Of course, I also pay when I have mail forwarded. Overall it's very affordable and easy.
I've also heard good things about Anytime Mailbox. Check them both and see which one will work best for you.
🐾 Travel With a Dog
This Week: Helping Shy or Reactive Dogs Adjust to New Environments
Travel can be overwhelming for shy or reactive dogs. New smells, noises, and people can make them feel on edge.
Start by giving them a safe zone in your hotel or rental, like a crate or a bed with a familiar blanket from home. Keep initial outings short and low-stimulation, letting them observe from a comfortable distance.
Avoid crowded lobbies or busy streets right away. Instead, find a quiet walking route where they can decompress and sniff without constant interactions.
Most importantly, give them time. Even confident dogs can take a day or two to settle in. Pushing too fast can make anxiety worse, but a slow, positive introduction helps your dog feel secure wherever you go.
Do you have any other tips? I'd love to hear them!
🦴 Gear Shelby's Loving
If you're short on space, this mat is a good solution. Use it at home so it gets full of all the homey smells. Then you can easily take it on trips so your dog will have a familiar bed. I like this one because it folds up and has a handy shoulder strap. Because carrying one more thing when I've got Shelby on a leash is just too much!
🥸 Joke of the Week
Why is summer camp so hard for some people?
Because it’s really in tents.
I want this newsletter to be as useful as possible. What topics would help you most? Reply and let me know!
Happy travels,
Sherry
Digital Nomad and a Dog
P.S. Be sure to follow me on Facebook!
My general travel page is Digital Nomad and a Dog
I have a Facebook group specifically for travel in the Yucatan Peninsula called, you guessed it, Yucatan Peninsula Travel
I also have a private group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads (you don't need to be over 50, but you do need to be a woman)
You can also follow me on Instagram