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Caitlin Laurent
Canada
Приєднався 20 кві 2017
The travel blogger behind www.caitlinlaurent.com/, Caitlin is a traveller and content creator from Australia. She has visited 30+ countries and spent time living and working abroad. Come along for the journey as we discover new places. I'll give you all the travel, lifestyle and adventure tips you need to make the most of any holiday or working holiday!
Bacalar Mexico | 2-Day Backpacker Itinerary - Lagoon Tour, Los Rapidos, Sunset Party!
Caribbean-like waters - but in a lake? Come experience the magic of Bacalar, Mexico with us!
Bacalar is a beautiful little town in Southeastern Mexico, near the Belize border. Having just visited Caye Caulker in Belize (ua-cam.com/video/b2WufP3LS4Y/v-deo.html), it made sense to stop at this next town that all the backpackers were raving about!
With 3 nights and 2 full days to explore this area, we split our visit over two of the major things to do - a boat tour on the lagoon of 7 colours and Los Rapidos, the most beautiful natural river float.
As you saw in the vlog, we didn't choose the best tour provider to go with and were disappointed with our experience. In saying that, I do think spending time on the lake is completely worth it and if you did want to do it with a tour, these look like much better options:
Bacalar Lagoon Sailing Tour with Open Bar and Mexican Lunch: getyourguide.tp.st/oHjOtwFp
Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with Open Bar & Snack: getyourguide.tp.st/KsX2cpkF
We also really enjoyed visiting Los Rapidos but did find the experience to be a little over-commercialised for us!
Overall we are so glad we stopped in Bacalar and loved seeing what this town had to offer. I think we would have enjoyed it more if we had spent more time enjoying the area and visiting more unique spots, however, we did have a blast regardless!
If you want to see more from this trip, you can watch all our Central America vlogs right here: ua-cam.com/play/PLRShmF4Cm-o2KJQxLTSqh1vN5LeglRyaH.html&si=mpaDsf-8BK-eUsmK
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LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL INSPO? 🌈
I also run a travel blog aimed at inspiring and helping people get out and see the world! You can find trip itineraries, working holiday information, useful links and recommendations at www.caitlinlaurent.com/
_______
LETS CONNECT 🫶
Blog: www.caitlinlaurent.com/
Instagram: caitlinlaurent
Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@caitlinlaurent
Business Enquiries: hello@caitlinlaurent.com
_______
Looking for Travel Insurance? ✈️
We use SafetyWing to make sure we are covered on our adventures! Their policies are super flexible; you can pay monthly and cancel anytime! There are also additional ad-ons for theft protection, adventure sports and more. Check out their offerings here: tinyurl.com/SafetyWingNomad
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Epidemic Sound 🎵
Are you also a creator? If so make sure you check out Epidemic Sound! It is an amazing platform for copyright-free music I use for all my videos. Get your free one-month trial through this link (cancel anytime!): share.epidemicsound.com/xrdex8
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00:00 Highlights
00:54 Day 1
03:42 Lagoon Tour
06:44 Tour review
08:11 Tacos at Axiote
09:09 Evenings in Bacalar
10:12 Day 2
10:40 Breakfast at Enamor
11:09 Los Rapidos
13:42 Sunset Rooftop Party
14:52 See you soon!
Bacalar is a beautiful little town in Southeastern Mexico, near the Belize border. Having just visited Caye Caulker in Belize (ua-cam.com/video/b2WufP3LS4Y/v-deo.html), it made sense to stop at this next town that all the backpackers were raving about!
With 3 nights and 2 full days to explore this area, we split our visit over two of the major things to do - a boat tour on the lagoon of 7 colours and Los Rapidos, the most beautiful natural river float.
As you saw in the vlog, we didn't choose the best tour provider to go with and were disappointed with our experience. In saying that, I do think spending time on the lake is completely worth it and if you did want to do it with a tour, these look like much better options:
Bacalar Lagoon Sailing Tour with Open Bar and Mexican Lunch: getyourguide.tp.st/oHjOtwFp
Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with Open Bar & Snack: getyourguide.tp.st/KsX2cpkF
We also really enjoyed visiting Los Rapidos but did find the experience to be a little over-commercialised for us!
Overall we are so glad we stopped in Bacalar and loved seeing what this town had to offer. I think we would have enjoyed it more if we had spent more time enjoying the area and visiting more unique spots, however, we did have a blast regardless!
If you want to see more from this trip, you can watch all our Central America vlogs right here: ua-cam.com/play/PLRShmF4Cm-o2KJQxLTSqh1vN5LeglRyaH.html&si=mpaDsf-8BK-eUsmK
_______
LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL INSPO? 🌈
I also run a travel blog aimed at inspiring and helping people get out and see the world! You can find trip itineraries, working holiday information, useful links and recommendations at www.caitlinlaurent.com/
_______
LETS CONNECT 🫶
Blog: www.caitlinlaurent.com/
Instagram: caitlinlaurent
Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@caitlinlaurent
Business Enquiries: hello@caitlinlaurent.com
_______
Looking for Travel Insurance? ✈️
We use SafetyWing to make sure we are covered on our adventures! Their policies are super flexible; you can pay monthly and cancel anytime! There are also additional ad-ons for theft protection, adventure sports and more. Check out their offerings here: tinyurl.com/SafetyWingNomad
_______
Epidemic Sound 🎵
Are you also a creator? If so make sure you check out Epidemic Sound! It is an amazing platform for copyright-free music I use for all my videos. Get your free one-month trial through this link (cancel anytime!): share.epidemicsound.com/xrdex8
_______
00:00 Highlights
00:54 Day 1
03:42 Lagoon Tour
06:44 Tour review
08:11 Tacos at Axiote
09:09 Evenings in Bacalar
10:12 Day 2
10:40 Breakfast at Enamor
11:09 Los Rapidos
13:42 Sunset Rooftop Party
14:52 See you soon!
Переглядів: 498
Відео
Caye Caulker, Belize | Day in my life backpacking Central America
Переглядів 2,2 тис.2 місяці тому
I had high expectations already but WOW... Caye Caulker truly exceeded them and the snorkelling tour alone was one of the highlights of our time backpacking Central America! Picture this - insane blue water, beautiful sunsets, incredible marine life and laid-back island vibes and you have Caye Caulker. After travelling through the jungle of Guatemala for a week, the island change was refreshing...
Flores & Tikal National Park, Guatemala | 2 Day Travel Vlog
Переглядів 4292 місяці тому
The final stop of our Guatemala trip BLEW US AWAY! With no expectations and limited knowledge of the area, we were so pleasantly surprised to find Flores, Guatemala and TIkal to be such beautiful places, holding such significant Guatemalan history. Flores is a colourful, island town, known as the gateway to nearby Mayan Ruins, specifically Tikal National Park! With just two nights to explore th...
Semuc Champey | 2-Day Itinerary in the INCREDIBLE Jungle of Guatemala
Переглядів 3943 місяці тому
Semuc Champey is a true 'hidden gem' of Guatemala! Buried pretty deep in the jungle, it takes a while to get to this monument and as a result, many travellers choose to skip it. So what should you do? Is it worth the long bus ride? How much time do you need there? Let's dive into it all! If you are travelling through Guatemala, a visit to Semuc Champey is definitely worth adding to your itinera...
Lake Atitlan Explained! Guatemala travel guide - Where to stay, what to do + how to spend a week
Переглядів 7 тис.3 місяці тому
Visiting Lake Atitlan while you are in Guatemala is a MUST! Lake Atitlan has the most charming lakeside villages, vibrant markets, exciting cliff jumps and beautiful nature, making a visit here well worth it. This stunning lake sits in an old volcanic crater surrounded by 3 prominent volcanoes. There are many small towns and unique villages around the shore of Lake Atitlan and deciding where to...
Antigua Guatemala | 5-day travel guide, backpacking Central America's most beautiful city
Переглядів 9874 місяці тому
Welcome to our favourite city in Central America - Antigua, Guatemala! Antigua is a stunning colonial city in the highlands of Guatemala. With some of the most beautiful architecture we have seen, and surrounded by impressive volcanos, this stop quickly became one of our favourite experiences while backpacking through Central America! We landed in Guatemala following a month of amazing travel i...
Moraine Lake Shuttle Information | 2024 Update - How to get to Moraine Lake
Переглядів 4,6 тис.5 місяців тому
SEPTEMBER 2024 DISCOUNT CODE BELOW - Visiting Moraine Lake, Canada is a bucket list item and one that is worth ticking off in this lifetime! Moraine Lake is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and it is one of the best things to do in Banff. Getting to this lake does require more planning than usual and this video explains everything you need to know to get to Moraine Lake this summer. In t...
The BEST thing you can do in Guatemala | Acatenango Volcano Hike (female & male perspective + Fuego)
Переглядів 6 тис.7 місяців тому
Is the Acatenango volcano hike really as hard as everyone says? Is it worth your time and money while you are in Guatemala? Are you even going to get good views in the off-season?! Come with me as we tackle this bucket list activity and go through all the ups and downs associated with this huge hike! PACKING LIST AND FULL COST BREAKDOWN IS INCLUDED AT THE END OF THE VIDEO! Since I learnt that y...
CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO VIEJO | Costa Rica Travel Guide for Budget Backpackers
Переглядів 4,8 тис.7 місяців тому
Costa Rica is such a popular destination but it's EXPENSIVE. We have found Costa Rica to be one of the most expensive countries in Central America so today we are coming to you with some budget-friendly suggestions for the beautiful Puerto Viejo. In this video, you will find 8 free or cheap things to do during your stay here! 1. Sunset Drinks at Puerto Pirata Tiki Bar 2. Chauita National Park 3...
A WEEK IN BOCAS DEL TORO | Backing Central America? Bocas is a MUST!
Переглядів 1,2 тис.7 місяців тому
Things to do, where to stay, worthwhile tours... we cover it ALL during our week in Bocas Del Toro! Bocas is a beautiful province on the Caribbean coast of Panama. Made up of multiple islands, this area is an absolute must if you are backpacking through Panama and/or Central America! The Bocas del Toro archipelago comprises nine main islands and several smaller ones. The main islands consist of...
A hostel in the jungle of Panama?! This is what the Lost & Found Hostel is REALLY like 🐒
Переглядів 1,2 тис.7 місяців тому
The minute I saw the Lost and Found hostel online I knew we needed to add it to our Panama backpacking itinerary and I am so glad we did! The Lost and Found hostel is a destination in its own right, located in the cloud forests of Panama, this hike-in location offers incredible views, gorgeous wildlife and plenty of trails to keep you occupied. The Lost and Found hostel is located an hour outsi...
Panama Travel Guide: Exploring El Valle De Anton in 36 hours as backpackers!
Переглядів 1,2 тис.7 місяців тому
With just 24 hours to explore the Anton Valley, otherwise known as El Valle De Anton, we made the most of this unique stop in Panama. El Valle De Anton is a beautiful mountain town that sits in the world’s second-largest inhabited volcano. Located in Central Panama, this area is renowned for its hiking, mountains and cloud forests! From the town, you can explore so many trails, mountains and lo...
48 Hours in Panama City, Panama | Sloth Sightings, Casco Viejo & Budget Travelling Central America
Переглядів 5298 місяців тому
Welcome to the beautiful Panama City! Let's explore Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama, Ancon Hill and the rooftop bar scene of Panama City, Panama. Panama City is the first place we visited on our backpacking trip through Central America and we were surprised at just how much we enjoyed it! We booked the flight to Panama City just a week before visiting and we hadn't planned anything...
Our last week living in Banff National Park - Our Canada working holiday is officially over 🥺🥲
Переглядів 1,1 тис.8 місяців тому
After 2.5 years of making videos in the Canadian Rockies, our working holiday has come to and end and so does this chapter of our lives for now. In this vlog we take you along with us for our last week living in Banff National Park. We begin the week with a spontaneous trip to Jasper and finish it by moving out, saying goodbye to all our friends and flying off on a new adventure. In the video, ...
Our Canada Working Holiday is over - On to our next adventure!
Переглядів 1,4 тис.8 місяців тому
Our Canada Working Holiday is over - On to our next adventure!
Extending our Working Holiday?! Border crossing, work permits & a weekend in Whitefish, MT!
Переглядів 56610 місяців тому
Extending our Working Holiday?! Border crossing, work permits & a weekend in Whitefish, MT!
The Icefields Parkway in Winter | Ice Skating, Sunrise and Ice Bubble Hunting vlog
Переглядів 40911 місяців тому
The Icefields Parkway in Winter | Ice Skating, Sunrise and Ice Bubble Hunting vlog
5 Things No One Tells You About Moving Abroad... Lonliness, Breakdowns, Culture Shock and more!
Переглядів 49711 місяців тому
5 Things No One Tells You About Moving Abroad... Lonliness, Breakdowns, Culture Shock and more!
Snowmobiling in Canada | Finally ticking this off my working holiday bucket list!
Переглядів 29511 місяців тому
Snowmobiling in Canada | Finally ticking this off my working holiday bucket list!
Johnston Canyon Banff | Full Guide to Banff National Parks Most Popular Hike!
Переглядів 3,2 тис.11 місяців тому
Johnston Canyon Banff | Full Guide to Banff National Parks Most Popular Hike!
Two of Toronto's "Must-See" Attractions | CN Tower - Overhyped or Worth It?
Переглядів 15911 місяців тому
Two of Toronto's "Must-See" Attractions | CN Tower - Overhyped or Worth It?
Niagara on the Lake | A weekend of wine tours, Niagara Falls & Canada's prettiest town!
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
Niagara on the Lake | A weekend of wine tours, Niagara Falls & Canada's prettiest town!
Moving to Canada? Don't make this mistake on your working holiday!
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
Moving to Canada? Don't make this mistake on your working holiday!
Casa Loma | Travelling Downtown Toronto, Stackt Market & Bar Banane
Переглядів 252Рік тому
Casa Loma | Travelling Downtown Toronto, Stackt Market & Bar Banane
Toronto Christmas Market | Distillery Winter Village & Christmas Pop Up's
Переглядів 719Рік тому
Toronto Christmas Market | Distillery Winter Village & Christmas Pop Up's
Lake Louise Winter Getaway | HI Hostel Tour, Ski Resort & Winter Hiking 🌲
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
Lake Louise Winter Getaway | HI Hostel Tour, Ski Resort & Winter Hiking 🌲
Opening weekend at Mt Norquay & Lake Louise | First day on the slopes this winter!
Переглядів 973Рік тому
Opening weekend at Mt Norquay & Lake Louise | First day on the slopes this winter!
10 Things to Do in Banff National Park this Winter ❄️
Переглядів 10 тис.Рік тому
10 Things to Do in Banff National Park this Winter ❄️
Banff Christmas Activities You Need To Know About | 2023 🎄🎅🏼
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
Banff Christmas Activities You Need To Know About | 2023 🎄🎅🏼
Gear Up for Snowboarding Season | Haul & Try On 🛍️🏂
Переглядів 2,7 тис.Рік тому
Gear Up for Snowboarding Season | Haul & Try On 🛍️🏂
Loved your Nicaragua series sis❤
Did you live in the banff town while working at sunshine? how hard was it to secure housing in banff village?
Amazing video, you made it look so easy. Excited to go there!!!
Amazing!
This video was amazing! I'm looking to work remotely for a few weeks here and this video helped a lot! Also, the quality is amazing, what camera do you use??
Thank you for sharing. I visited NOTL 3 times and still want to go there. Very beautiful and cozy Victorian Town
Thank you.. good info
Glad it was helpful!
Great to hear the Aussie accent, we are headed to Banff in August 2025 as part of our Canada and Alaska holidays , we are heading over from Jervis Bay NSW south coast , so it’s great to hear about this option and opportunity to help us enjoy our time in Canada and Alaska !
Awesome to hear! Hope you have a fantastic trip!
Nice . Thank you ! Beautiful place to visit !
It truly is!
Great video!
Thanks!
Hey! Which month was this! Just want to ensure I choose the right month and proper weather for the hike! Thanks
This was July 26!
Thank you for such a detailed and well explained video!
You're very welcome!
Caitlin! your van is soooo cute! I love the setup and fairy lights!
It was such a fun space to travel in!
Thank you Caitlin! We leave next Saturday and are so excited for this trip! Great video!
Have a great time! Let me know if you have any questions!
Can you recommend a spot to stay that has eagles nest views without the yoga?
Hi, not that I visited personally, you don't have to do the yoga at Eagles Nest, you can just stay there. Otherwise just do some research for the area :)
What area would you recommend to stay for an older, non party couple that likes to swim?
San Marcos! Beautiful reserve you can safely swim in, a relaxed town and great food :)
Are dollars accepted most places?
We used the local currency which was very easy! Most places in Central America did take dollars but theres no harm in getting the local currency just in case - cash is used everywhere! :)
An inflatable sleeping pad is the best by far. I was shocked to see the amount of items you packed. I'd love to know what your pack weight was. Happy trails!
SO MUCH STUFF! I suppose the more you backpack the more you learn where you can cut down on weight, but we used everything we took and it kept us warm and comfortable for the 3 days :)
@caitlinlaurent I wasn't critizing, just surprized, and we all domit at times.
* do it
@ it wasn’t taken badly at all! We are always learning and adapting as is 🙂
@caitlinlaurent I'm still dying to know what your pack weight was. Ok, I'm naturaly over curious. Mine is typically around 35 pounds on a 5 day venture, and I don't own ultralight gear.
Are crampons needed for walks/hiking (e.g.: your #3)? Or proper winter boots are enough?
Proper winter boots are a must but crampons can be very helpful for icy spots. I would recommend carrying them with you just in case, conditions change so quickly and popular areas can become really icy!
Hoŵ did u get to PV from tge airport? Be in costa rica soon and trying to find out how to get to PV
We got the public bus! Super easy and cheap, it wasn't worth booking a private transfer. Wherever your staying should have updated bus times when you are there :)
@caitlinlaurent yes, it was easy. Ty
Amazing video for someone with adhd this is amazing 😂😂❤
Happy it helps!
Do you carry bear spray if going on hikes in the popular areas? Also, how difficult is it to park at Lake Louise in the winter? Thanks for this very helpful video.
@@iamirish4361 100%! It’s all still bear country and hikers have been stalked in popular areas like moraine lake before so always carry it because you never know! Also, parking in winter is usually easier and free, but there’s never a guarantee, especially around busy times x
Hello ! Can I ask a question? where is the sunrise hike spot? I am planning to visit there, which looks soooo beautiful would be appreciate your help
It's called edge of the world, you can look it up on AllTrails :)
Nice video. Thanks for sharing!❤
You're welcome :)
Heading there in January
Have fun!!
I've wanted to find a place where i can drive up to by the water wow! I love your setup too! So cozy 😀
So glad you liked it! Vancouver Island is a gem :)
Great video, thanks!
You're welcome!
oh no, you hurt yourself jumping!?
I did :’) 6 months later it still hurts sometimes too… whoops
@@caitlinlaurentwhat happened? :(
I LOVVVVVE Caye Caulker. 🏝
So beautiful!!
love this!! going in January with some friends - wondering if its worth it to bring your own down jacket and fleece or if those were available to rent as well? the tour company we're booking with says they have gear to rent but not sure what that typically entails. just thinking ahead for packing - thanks!!
We did have our own which was nice! In saying that it was only because we were traveling for a long time and through different climates. If you’re just doing Guatemala or Central America, you won’t need either in general so I would leave it behind if you’re right for space! I found Lava Trails had a good selection of clothes, they want you to be set up for success :) I’m summary - if you have luggage space you can totally bring your own. If you’re tight on space, don’t worry as they should have it!
@@caitlinlaurent that's super helpful, thanks!! :)
Fantastic quality video! Keep it up 🙌
Thank you! Will do!
That's awesome. Belize is one of my favorite places to visit.
It truly is a gem!
What size do you have in the dojo pant??
Men’s L!
Mr Mullet!!! 🥳
We never went! I’ve heard it’s a great time though?!
@caitlinlaurent it's pretty cool! Easy way to meet solo Travelers that wants to meet others
@ awesome to know! Thanks for sharing :)
Hey!! Do have tips on doing a getyourguide or viator tour in winter or can most of it be done yourself by walking and the shuttle ? Banff and lake louise being the focus? Thanks 😊!!
Hi lovely! It depends on what you want to see, if you aren't hiring a car, a tour would be great for the icefields parkway and some other amazing areas (let me know if you want recommendations and ill find some companies I recommend!). A lot around the town of Banff you can do yourself though for sure!
There is a couple of difficult points , but it's not that hard. Amazing hike ❤
Truly incredible!!
Also, from base camps can we see lava coming out like a red flame?
Siiii
We could! Different companies have different base camps though so I can’t guarantee any of their views… Lava Trails was who we went with :)
Hi, I have 3 year old son. Do you think I can take him?
I would recommend speaking to the companies directly! I did see kids on the trail but none as young as that, just chat with them and see if they are ok with younger kids coming and how they can make sure your both safe :)
Can you recommend a local travel agent to assist with planning?
I don’t know of dedicated travel agents in the area necessarily but check out the Banff Lake Louise Tourism website and local tour companies such as Radventures, Discover Banff Tours etc. You can also find a lot of direct links on my blog :)
Where did you end up buying your car from? Any tips when looking for a car? Looking for the best way to go about it when going on my working holiday.
We bought our first one in a private sale and after finding multiple problems and losing a lot of money, ended up financing a different car at a dealership. I don’t have much advice but always get the car checked at a mechanic before buying anything!
What month did you guys go?
We were there in April :)
Sledding rocks
So good!
Thanks for this. Hope your great adventures continue. Cheers
Thanks for watching! Cheers to you too!
Canmore?
Similar to Banff! Outside the national park, bigger town, slightly more affordable, a little less touristy (but not much any more!). Any specific questions?
Thanks to all you Auzis and Kiwis for keeping our ski hills operating smoothly. Hey and no sharks! Carry on
Glad you enjoyed it!
Are you from the UK?
No, Australia :)
My partner and I are doing Lava Trails next week! Do you organize the additional Fuego Hike there ? Or did you do it before
@@andrewdeans3113 they do it once you make it to camp so you know how much energy you have left! It’s a very in the moment decision, no pre booking needed!
Thank you, really needed this after watching the US election.
Thanks for watching!
Yeah even at the little cave we didn’t wait to go in or anything 😊
Perfect!!
I did this hike today! And all the way up to ink pots. i just kept thinking about this video! Thanks Ink pots is definitely the hardest part of the hike though 😅
@@lauradebney573 it sure is, hopefully worth it for you!! I hope you had an amazing time 🥰
Yes thank you! It was actually super quiet when we went which was great
@ amazing! That part of the trail definitely less traffic and it’s so beautiful!