Episode Details

 Country Most Americans Have Only Seen From a Swim-Up Bar

The majority of US travelers who visit Mexico never leave the resort — and Ryan includes himself in that confession. But Mexico is one of the world's great cultural destinations: 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a food culture so significant it holds its own UNESCO designation, over 150 museums in Mexico City alone, and thousands of years of layered civilization across the country. Today's episode is a practical introduction to three cities that rival European capitals for depth of culture, history, and food — and are significantly easier to reach.

Why Mexico Deserves a Closer Look

Two to two-and-a-half hours from most US cities, often with nonstop options. Economical compared to comparable European destinations. Operating on Central Time, so jet lag isn't a factor. And a cultural richness — art, architecture, indigenous traditions, and cuisine — that most visitors never encounter because they don't know to look for it. Ryan and Julie make the case before diving into the destinations themselves.

Mexico City: A European-Scale Capital That Surprises Every First-Timer

Built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, Mexico City is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world — walkable, food-obsessed, and home to more museums than Paris. Highlights include the Zócalo, the National Palace with Diego Rivera's murals, and the Templo Mayor — the literal heart of the Aztec Empire, discovered beneath the city in 1978. A 45-minute ride outside the city brings you to the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. One practical note: the altitude is higher than Denver, so give yourself time to acclimate, stay hydrated, and take it easy on the tequila the first day or two. Uber works seamlessly throughout. And yes — there is a street taco stand in Mexico City that has earned a Michelin star.

Oaxaca: The Birthplace of Mole, Mezcal, and Mexico's Most Authentic Food Market

Smaller, slower-paced, and set in a temperate mountain valley at 5,000 feet, Oaxaca is celebrated globally for food and artisan culture. The most talked-about experience is the Mercado 20 de Noviembre — a famous smoke corridor where you choose your cut of meat and watch it grilled in front of you, one of the most hands-on food experiences in the country. Beyond the market, the Monte Albán ruins sit dramatically atop a flattened mountain with panoramic valley views and far smaller crowds than more famous Mayan sites. Day trips to surrounding villages offer handwoven rugs, black clay pottery, and painted wood carvings — each village known for a specific craft. Timing tip: the Día de los Muertos celebrations in late October and early November are extraordinary but draw crowds, so book early. Foodies should also look up the Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil — the Oaxaca episode covers all of it.

San Miguel de Allende: Colonial Beauty, Hot Springs, and a Disney Connection

A perfectly preserved colonial city consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world, San Miguel de Allende is known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and the iconic pink spires of its central church. A well-established expat community means strong English accessibility throughout. The main plaza — set against that famous church — is the kind of place where sitting with a coffee and watching the world go by counts as a full morning. Just outside the city, La Gruta is a natural thermal hot spring built into a cave, popular with locals and visitors alike and extremely affordable. A day trip to Guanajuato — with its dramatically stacked colorful houses built into hillsides and underground roadways — is worth adding, and Disney fans will recognize it as the visual inspiration behind the Pixar film Coco. Getting there requires a connection through Le