Hey Reader,
I got all moved into my new place. I went from a 3 bedroom house with a giant yard to a studio apartment. Honestly, I prefer the studio. It's cozy and cute. And a lot easier to clean.
Shelby's favorite part is that the studio is in my sister's converted garage, which means seeing other humans and dogs on a regular basis.
Here's what I have for you this week:
✈️ Travel Spotlight: Monterrey, Mexico
💻 Digital Nomad Life: How to Get Started Teaching English Online
🐾 Travel With a Dog Cat: Traveling With a Cat???
✈️ Travel Spotlight
This Week: Monterrey, Mexico
Monterrey doesn’t always make the top of Mexico’s travel lists, but it should. It’s modern, surrounded by mountains, and packed with good food, culture, and outdoor adventures.
Is it safe?
Yes, Monterrey is considered one of Mexico’s safer big cities. Tourist areas like the Macroplaza, Fundidora Park, and the Santa Lucia Riverwalk are well-patrolled. Petty theft happens, so keep your valuables tucked away. Skip driving outside the city at night and stick with Uber or Didi instead of hailing cabs.
Where not to go
Most of the city is fine, but avoid places like Colonia Independencia at night, some parts of Santa Catarina, and the far edges of the city unless you’re with a local.
Solo travelers
You’ll be fine here on your own. Just stay confident, ask your hotel if you’re unsure about certain areas, and call a taxi or Uber if it’s late.
What to do
- Stroll the Santa Lucia Riverwalk and downtown plazas
- Take a day trip to Cola de Caballo Waterfall and Santiago, a magical town with cobblestone streets
- Explore Garcia Caves, one of the world’s biggest cave systems
Why go
Monterrey is different from Mexico’s beach towns and colonial cities. Think mountains, carne asada, nightlife that isn’t too wild, and hiking trails just outside the city.
👉 Related Read: Is Monterrey Safe to Visit?
Homewood Suites is affordable, clean, and walkable to the city’s best attractions and the metro. It’s got all the basics, plus a little style.
See Monterrey’s most beautiful sights and learn about the city’s rich history, from the spectacular views of Cerro de la Silla to the historical downtown area.
You’ll see the Macroplaza and its impressive architecture and explore Plaza Zaragoza, one of the oldest plazas in the city.
💻 Digital Nomad Life
Topic: How to Get Started Teaching English Online
Last week I talked about whether teaching English online is a good idea. If you’ve decided it might be a good fit, here’s what you need to know to actually get started.
Do you need to be a teacher?
Nope. Most companies just want native English speakers (or fluent non-natives with certification). A 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate usually does the trick. Some platforms want a degree, but not all. Cambly and Preply are good options if you don’t have one.
Where to teach
- Platforms like iTutorGroup, Cambly, Preply, and iTalki connect you with students and often provide materials. Easier to get started, but pay is lower.
- Freelancing gives you full control over your schedule, rates, and students, but you’ll need to handle marketing and lesson prep yourself. Many teachers start with platforms, then branch out.
Your setup matters
At minimum: a laptop, stable internet, a noise-canceling headset, decent lighting, and a simple background.
Lesson planning
With platforms, lessons are usually pre-made. If you’re freelancing, keep it simple and student-focused. For kids, make it interactive and visual. For adults, use real-life topics like travel or job prep.
Marketing yourself
A friendly profile photo, short intro video, and a clear bio go a long way. Reviews from happy students are gold. If you’re freelancing, consider sharing tips on social media or creating a basic website.
Is it worth it?
Teaching English online won’t make you rich, but it’s a flexible side hustle that works from anywhere. The hours can be rough if you’re far from your students’ time zone, but it’s an easy way to dip your toes into remote work and build skills that travel with you.
👉 More on this: How to Start Teaching English Online
🎒 Gear I’m Loving: Premier TEFL is a great option to get started with.
🐾 Travel With a Dog Cat
This Week: Traveling With a Cat??
I don’t have a cat right now, but I’ve always loved them (don't tell Shelby). And lately I keep running into people who are taking their cats on the road.
At first I thought, really? A cat in a camper van or on a plane? But it turns out a lot of cats are better travelers than you’d expect. Some even seem to enjoy the adventure as much as dogs do.
What makes it possible
- Cats that are calm, social, and adaptable are the best candidates.
- Getting them used to a carrier and short trips ahead of time makes a big difference.
- A solid routine helps: same food, same litter, familiar blanket or bed.
How people travel with cats
- Road trips are the most common. Many cats do surprisingly well in cars with the right carrier setup.
- Flights are possible, but you’ll need to double-check airline policies. Like dogs, most cats can ride in the cabin if they’re small enough.
- Long-term stays work best when you find pet-friendly rentals. A quiet, stable environment helps cats adjust faster.
Gear that helps
- Sturdy, airline-approved carrier
- Travel litter box and disposable liners
- Harness and leash (some cats will walk on leash, others just like the security)
- Calming aids like pheromone sprays or vet-recommended supplements
Things to keep in mind
- Not every cat is cut out for travel, and that’s okay. Some are happiest at home with a trusted sitter.
- For cats that do travel well, patience is key. Give them time to settle in each new place before expecting them to act normal.
- Always carry vet records and make sure vaccinations are up to date.
Traveling with a cat takes a little more prep than with a dog, but for people who do it, the reward is having their furry sidekick along for the adventure.
Have you traveled with your cat? I'd love to hear about it!
🛒 Stuff You Might Like:
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🥸 Joke of the Week
Why do pirates like swimming so much?
Because of all the cannonballs.
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 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)
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