7500 a month is truly unimaginable for me. I'm 30 and I make / survive on 2000 a month in Ohio. 3 - 5 days a year and coach is all I could ever hope for
Been there.. secret solution? Cut your overhead. How did I? Became an on-site apartment manager.. free rent. Get creative. You can have more and pay less. Abundance.
Mexican living in México here, I make 8000 usd per year, working 12 hours per day, 6 days per week. And Im earning above the professional average. Damn! I need to get out of here. F#CK THIS!
I'm 27 and make even less than you. I have no experience of travelling but i really believe if i keep working on side hustles i will get to have those experiences. The situation you are in now is not one you have to be in for the rest of your life, if you want it bad enough you can do almost anything you want. If you don't know what you want to do, start looking in to side hustles than you can do in your free time that you could eventually make a full time income from.
It obviously depends on your circumstances but your priorities as well. If you really want to get out of the situation you're in now, you could upskill yourself into something that suits you better and pays more in your off time. $7500 a month is far more than you actually need for something like this too - I've done most of my travels on a shoestring budget and have had some of the best experiences of my life doing it, you could get by with half or less easily. Think about it less as a vacation, more that you're living on the move. If you can save up enough for your mode of transport (say an overlander you can live in), then that is the bulk of your expenses out of the way. To do this also means (for most) forgoing what other people might want in life, like saving up for a house deposit etc., but if it's what you want in life then it's 100% worth it.
Modest hotel/ Motel is so true you really get a completely different experience. In danish television there is a show called “nul stjerner” zero stars in english where they only visit places with a low rating, it is truly great
Go to South America or Africa.... not will you appreciate a nice hotel but also appreciate life and convenience people just taking for granted. Not talking about an all inclusive there.
Van, thank you for sharing your journey with us. No, not the mexico adventure, but your entire journey on youtube. There is a lack of genuine intent in most content but you can sense it in yours. Never feel pressured to present a certain image to us, but make a living out of this and provide for your family. It's wonderful to see and an inspiration.
Glad you guys made it out ok with the robbery. I've been to Mexico hundreds of times without issue. Although driving on the road is something we rarely do. We always stick to popular tourist locations and never have issues. Can't wait for your follow up video.
Genius move! Right before you start prioritizing your paying audience, lets alienate that part of your audience that cant imagine spending 10K on a holiday.... If you can afford a holiday like that, sure, enjoy. Probably well earned. But don't tell me that's the budget version of doing holiday, that makes very little sense even in countries where people earn a decent living.
You always manage to upload at a time when I most need a reminder that I'm only dredging through the constant disappointment of trying to grow on UA-cam, because I still just really want to make UA-cam videos. Making as many videos as you have that not only demand watching, but are always well worth having watched is doing the lords work on here. Thanks dude.
In my 20’s I taught skiing in winter and hotel reception in summer. 10 years in Austria teaching and where ever I landed in summer. When going up the lifts my students always ask, “What do you do in summer?” I would respond, offer me a job and I’ll tell you. Never had to hunt. My students saw how professionally I conducted my classes and very often got jobs to die for. Worked in Torremlinos, Spain, Stockholm, Sweden, Vennia, Innsbruck Austria, London for two summers, what fun that was. In the 70’s life was a lot safer for a single gal to travel and find work. I bought a VW bus with a friend and we tootled around in the off season. What a blast. Then I met my husband, married, had two lovely boys and lived happily ever after in New England.
I used to race my bicycle in Mexico. I’d go down there with my team that consisted of a few Mexican nationals. They knew where the races and right hotels were. I wouldn’t do it without them. I usually took home a couple of hundred bucks in winnings after exchanging the pesos for dollars. What an adventure.
I'm really glad you enjoyed our country, it's true that we have some issues about security, but nothing to keep people away from our amazing places, just some basic precautions like not driving at night and avoiding some kind of roads and you're all set, ready to have a great time.
I never felt miserable flying on coach, 2 weeks for vacations seem to be the perfect number where I away from everything yet I don’t disconnect for too long from work and clients, there are safe and “magical” places too, lots can be done with “just” $3-5k…I don’t know, loved the video but it’s very specific to one persons preferences. Happy you gad a great time tho!
Nice vid, I appreciate that you took the time and commitment to make this trip happen (too many people aim for that quick satisfaction). A few comments complaining about the cost of the trip, but saving $10,000 over 4 years is just putting $6 aside each day.
Thanks for encouraging us to go out there and explore, I have a 3 week roadtrip coming up in November in my fjcruiser LA to baja all the way to Cabos. Then take a ferry to mazatlan, down to guayabitos, over to guadalajara, Mexico city, San luis, Monterrey, nuevo Laredo, New Mexico, Arizona, and back to Cali. Thanks for your videos.
As a fellow dad, thank you. I am remembering the summer trips we'd make when I was a boy up and down the east coast. Now I live in Colorado and my kids are getting old enough for road trips (where we don't go crazy).
Great video as always, Van! Definitely agree to travel during low season. I will never again travel during major holidays (like Christmas) or during high-peak summer. October a great time also January - March. Mexico is excellent value if willing to stay in local hotels ($50 per night is a good mid-range in Mexico). I’ve stayed at plenty for $25 per night but not so nice. Lastly, Mexico is totally safe. 2 Americans killed in Mexico last week and it was all over the news, and in the same day 60 people were murdered in the U.S., which was not at all mentioned in the news. Don’t believe the media. Mexico is totally safe for people with common sense.
Ive lived in Mexico for 5 years, moved from nyc, and have never been happier. Mexico is super safe. My friends and family sometimes ask me what’s going on in Sinaloa and are we afraid? I literally live a distance from there that is equal to the distance of Nyc to florida. Point is: giant country, lots of people, shit happens… like anywhere.
To clarify $10,000/month and it was the 4 month trip that cost $30,000. Still a lot of money. I find I'll struggle with taking that amount of time off and of course I'll need a different job to do that.
@@jakevote8978 median household income is $69,717,000, median household spending is $66,928 according to the bureau of labor statistics. After saving for retirement and a home, please explain to me how you turn this $3,000 average surplus into $30,000. Do you really believe that the inability to save up 30 grand quickly is a sign that people are dumb?
Im going to italy in about a month. For one month and i really appreciate this video. Thank you van. I fell in love with your videos and you really inspired me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart
We spend an absolute fortune on our holidays....well worth every penny for the experience of life and memories. And the national park which is my favourite...is Monument valley! absolutely awe inspiring. great vid Van, love roadtrips
Hey Van thanks for sharing. I'm Mexican who lived in the US and came back to live in Mexico. I totally get what you are saying also I love how you show my country we do have a security problem but is something that can be manage and is also magical! The area that you are referring to is "zona caliente", I'm glad that you and your family are safe and well!
Love hearing about the trip to Mexico! I've been on a trip to South Africa a few years ago and I can agree on the fact that going to a scary but cheap country is an exciting experience. Same general rules applied, don't do anything stupid, don't drive at night etc. Over there I had a wonderful time, but when we were on a guided tour to Lesotho we encountered some protests and riots on our way back. People had barricaded the road and put a load of burning rubble on the street, holding up traffic. It looked really intimidating and some people were throwing things towards the cars that tried to get past the barricades. Luckily we managed to get past it fine, but it was really tense. Nevertheless, the country and the people there are great and would highly recommend going there! Had a wonderful time.
Yep. I went to a conference in Durban a few years ago (the year before whenever the World Cup was). Ended up getting caught up in an attempted mugging near the bus despot at 2PM on a bright, sunny day on the side of a very busy street with lots of people. Similar to Van, I had made poor decisions and I new they were high risk, but didn't have a choice given the other options my wife and I had at the time. I made the even riskier decision to fight the thieves and attempted to pull one of them into traffic with my belongings (I was pissed off and not thinking very logically). All turned out well and bummed a ride to the north to Lesotho and Northeast SA and mostly enjoyed the rest of the trip. But, I generally agree with Van, a little risk can yield a lot more fun!
The world if for the Daring. I travelled and worked in the 5 continents. Love Mexico and I travelled by myself from the Atlantic to the Pacific in 2001 and later in 2008 I worked in Quintana Roo every month from Europe. I am original from Spain and we have one month holidays since always...thank you for sharing and I have applied some of your 10 rules or suggestions!!!
Watching this while spending a month on vacation in Mexico with my family! Love the tips. I could definitely loosen up on the calculating and sticking to a budget.
"They do something to you and they make you really love America, some of them would move you to tears." This right here makes me wanna fly an American flag more than ever. Parks make America great!
Another great video, Van. I’ve ridden my motorcycle through Mexico (all the way through, exiting at Guatemala) twice. I have met people who have had direct experience with scary crime, but so far I’ve had no problems myself. You keep it real and offer some great advice. Safe travels!
My parents are from the area where you were robbed (20-45 minutes away) and we were there around new year’s. I can confirm it is a dangerous but beautiful place, you just have to be 20/10 VERY careful with where you drive and choose to stay
when i travel to baja i always drive at night (it's been 10 years so far) but for maybe 3 hours... stay in San Felipe then continue on. So far, no problems, but i do go during low season and also during the week like on a wednesday. less likely to be held up vs on the weekend on 4th of july.
8:40 your kid was right - it's not missing anything. This is very common in Mexico and it's designed like that. Not missing anything it's exactly how it's ought to be. Nothing wrong with it, just different.
Impeccable timing (I’m flying to Mexico tomorrow morning!). This will be my fifth trip, it’s truly a wonderful place. Sorry to hear about your incident mid-way, thank you for sharing your experience with us honestly. It’s rare but we shouldn’t pretend it doesn’t happen. Nonetheless, great video, an adventure is exactly what you make of it! 🤘
I’m from the Netherlands and we always go somewhere in Europe by car, like France, Italy, Norway, Austria or Spain, or just in the Netherlands. We go camping, always taking our bikes and having so much fun. And in my experience you don’t have to go a long time to have a good time.
It was daylight, on a highway you were going to be traveling that morning no matter if you would have stayed further up the road or not, you would have still been there, f those guys!! I'm glad you kept going, your the man Van!!
Just my own personal thoughts. I would find a Month with my family hard going. They are all grown up now but two weeks was sometimes a stretch. I love them and could live a life of relaxed luxury with them for an extended period. However, within the structure of a holiday/vacation I think it can get hard to continue to enjoy the experience with family. For me the holiday can sometimes feel like it’s supposed to be a packed full of always fun activity and it worries me that I would require some downtime/own time in that mix. However looked fabulous, fun and dangerous. Now you have me looking forward to retirement.
My first time visiting Mexico (CDMX) a few years ago our small hotel was broken into and all the doors were kicked in the second day of the trip. Thankfully no one was there at the time but my partner and I were the first ones to come back to discover it and we had most of our stuff including passports stolen. It was traumatic but still one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and would go back in a heartbeat --and find a good hiding spot for my passport ;)
@@blakeXYZ the US embassy was unfortunately closed for a few days for something like Columbus Day, so in the meantime we had prepared the paperwork for an emergency passport appointment and just had to wait. The day they opened we got a call from them saying that someone had turned in our passports...really bizarre scenario, nothing else was turned in (i.e. stolen goods), and the police nor anyone else at the embassy had any information on who turned them in of course, it's like they just magically appeared. So luckily we hadn't yet cancelled them, and we were able to recover them. If I had to guess ,either the thieves ditched our bags somewhere after emptying them, realizing they don't care about having our passports and someone picked them up, or they just turned them in themselves (which feels less likely). But lesson learned, always find a good hiding spot for your passports when traveling internationally, everything else is replaceable :)
I'm not at all diminishing your experience. I understand it is scary sometimes. I've lived in Mexico all my life and I've had a gun held to my head at least 4 times in twenty five years (most of my friends have never been robbed, guess I'm just unlucky) Once, I even got held up in Oaxaca by jungle militia who were blocking the road. However, it's funny that when these things happen to foreigners, they genuinely consider it a traumatic experience they remember their whole lives. For me at least, it's kind of like "ugh, whatever, happened again". I don't even remember it years later. I once, however, got mugged in Paris. That actually scared me. I don't know why, but it seams Mexican criminals just want money and will leave you alone after that. However, American and European muggers have kind of an unhinged personality, I thought he could shoot me even after giving him my wallet.
Sorry that happened to you, Van. Been through something similar myself and it shit me up good and proper. Hope the fam are doing well with it. Would love to hear more about the story, please put it on your UA-cam channel for us non-patrons. Keep up the great work.
Mexico is such a special place. I long for it always. I was fortunate enough to experience an eleven month stint in Guanajuato on an exchange program during my university days. The food, the people, the culture, the diversity of the regions and geography. I hope to go to Oaxaco later in the year. Thanks for sharing. Cheers. Salud!
I’ve been looking for a video like this for FOREVER…wanting to take a month long trip from Texas where I live to hit a bunch of national parks along the northern to western parts of the U.S. I really needed a video like this!!! Thanks so much for filming your trip and sharing your experiences there Van! Absolute Boss.
When I was 20 (lol 2 summers back) I drove from The beaches in Florida to the north rim of the Grand Canyon to work and explore for the season. Best decision of my life. Made a detour to California and Montana before heading back to FL. Man I think about those open roads every day. Your Mexico trip has me very intrigued:)
@@michaellorenzen8200 100%. Plenty of amazing sights and plenty enough flat agricultural land that may not be the Rockies mountains but still provide value to the journey. I think everyone should experience driving across America.
I came here from casey, but i can clearly see how casey got his talents from you . I really loved your way of story telling through videos. thanks Van, It was fun, and PS - just subscribed.😀
Alternative to over landing is to ride the train. I had a great time riding Amtrak down the east coast. Also glad I’m a Patron because I couldn’t imagine watching a Van Neistat video six months after it had already been released.
Lol as soon as I saw the nueva Italia sign, my jaw dropped, you got some guts, michoacan to me is one of the most beautiful states in mexico, but sadly is ridden with hot spots or places you are supposed to bypass all together if you don't want to take any chances, most of the time I see people drive towards Mexico city and take the circuito mexiquense then head to Cuernavaca towards Acapulco/Ixtapa, still lots of great places to see on the way without the extra risk. Great to know you made it back fine, my family and I travel the in the same fashion. hit me up if you ever need somewhere to stay in the Highlands of Jalisco in the future, lots of tequila factories to tour and is very safe around here.
10k for a family vacation is a lot of money. For $5k I took my family of three for two weeks to 8 country cruise in Europe. That was luxury to the max, I could have spent less, but I do agree slurge is good, but I am not waiting 4 years for my next vacation.
nice, i agree with some of these, but here's my revised recipe as someone who works in hospitality and loves to travel! ingredient 1: get an amex card and chill In their lounges at the airport. get drunk or medicated before your crappy flight. ingredient 2: use what ever time you can. 4 days or more will work. ingredient 3: don't be cheap. if you don't got the $, then don't go. ingredient 4: research the best times to go. (ex. Miami in the summer? cheap but horrible.) Ingredinet 5: 100% agree. USA National Parks Rock! Ingredient 6: bikes are cool, but find a cool tour guide to show you around if there is time. its not as expensive an you think. Ingredient 7: as someone who has worked in crappy motels, WE KNOW. but also, you are paying 60$ per night so you get what you pay for.. its not our fault. its the owner. he's a dick. no you cant talk to him. please refer to ingredient 3. don't be the "champagne taste with beer money" guest. Ingredient 7.5: 20$ tip to the front desk agent goes a LOOONG way. Never thought about that huh? you just thought its our job to go out of our way to help you? this is not how the world and especially america works. even a little gift from where ever you are coming from. they have more discression then you think. if a suite is available and you give them some cash, they will hook you up everytime! their job sucks, so if you are the guest that comes in with a box of chocolates for them, they will do everything they can to make your stay as good as possible. (also, this IS earth, and nothing is free. you scratch my back, i scratch yours!) Ingredient 8: spend as little amount of time as possible at the hotel. it is a place for you to sleep, shower, and keep your crap. don't complain about the view, or the cable, or the lay out. if it has a bed, a shower, and a floor for your luggage, that's good. get out and see the world. Ingredient 9: keep a positive attitude. i see 2 guests, same room type, same city, same everything. one is having an amazing week, and the other is miserable. happiness comes from within. you are in control of your own happiness, not the hotel or its employees. ingredient 10: plan your trip to the T!!! have plan Bs in place. not everything will go as planned but anything will be better than just rolling up to the front desk agent asking them what there is to do! use trip advisor and reviews. the hotel front desk agent will probably point you in the direction of a tourist trap which should be avoided! tourist traps! my hometown Miami for example is full of tourist traps. ask the locals and tell them what you are looking for. some touristy stuff is fun, but like van says, go somewhere "scary".
Patreon subscriber here. Van's content is always well shot and thought provoking. My only concern is that he has ditched the shields on the side of his shop glasses ?! Please keep the adventures coming ! Would love to see you build a 2000W+ DIY e-Bike for the entertainment value. Take it easy Van :o)
Man, I’m glad, your family and you made it back home safe. 😰😰😰 I try to learn to be a little bit more brave and less baby in life. 🙈 Thank you for this inspiration! Awesome video!
I’m a Mexico lover. Actually lived in PDC for two years. Had a few scares similar to yours Van and another not so similar but a helluva story. Thanks for the wonderful content
Yeah I too loved Ixtapa, so luxurious, and close to zihuatanejo where they the last scene of the Shawshank redemption is located.....love it, great story, you're a brave man.
My family is from Mexico, I was born here in California. We used to drive as a whole family (multiple families in different cars) to my parents home town in Guanajuato atleast once a year. 2015 was the last time we stopped driving there. We go by plane now always. It’s gotten too dangerous to drive and we have heard many stories of being pulled over by armed non government officials. Even government officials are scary and sketchy to deal with. So I salute you for taking that risk to visit that beautiful country. But for anyone going driving, please do your due diligence before going
@@markhuebbe nice! It is an amazing place!! I always said Mexico could be a huge tourist attraction if it got it’s shit together. There are so many places that I would love to go see there but even I am scared of going alone. So it sucks
I have a HD bike rack. I plan to build a rear bumper with a tire swing out with a secondary hitch on it. Then the tire and bikes can swing out of the way, and be high enough to not hang up on anything like a bumper rack can. I'll build it at some point this year.
I'd rather fly coach then spend literally days driving. I consider myself a car/driving enthusiast but slogging through straight roads in boring scenery is worse IMO than a few hours in coach where you can knock it out in a 10th of the time. When I was a kid my parents took me out of school for a month and we took our popup camper from Denver all the way to Baja. I don't remember much of it, but certainly enjoyed it.
National Parks are such a beautiful ingredient of a great trip. And you’re right, I cried at Canyonlands in Utah at sunset with a rainstorm being illuminated by the setting sun. Arches, Moab, Bryce, Zion. Unreal.
Mad respect for always keeping it real. So many UA-camrs are all hype but it means a lot that you share the good and bad in an authentic way.
I think you're underestimating the power of a 3 day get away, more tangible and more frequent.
7500 a month is truly unimaginable for me. I'm 30 and I make / survive on 2000 a month in Ohio. 3 - 5 days a year and coach is all I could ever hope for
Been there.. secret solution?
Cut your overhead.
How did I?
Became an on-site apartment manager.. free rent.
Get creative. You can have more and pay less.
Abundance.
Mexican living in México here, I make 8000 usd per year, working 12 hours per day, 6 days per week. And Im earning above the professional average. Damn! I need to get out of here. F#CK THIS!
Nothing wrong with that! Enjoy it to the max! If you don’t have it , you don’t need it! 🤙🏽
I'm 27 and make even less than you. I have no experience of travelling but i really believe if i keep working on side hustles i will get to have those experiences.
The situation you are in now is not one you have to be in for the rest of your life, if you want it bad enough you can do almost anything you want. If you don't know what you want to do, start looking in to side hustles than you can do in your free time that you could eventually make a full time income from.
It obviously depends on your circumstances but your priorities as well. If you really want to get out of the situation you're in now, you could upskill yourself into something that suits you better and pays more in your off time. $7500 a month is far more than you actually need for something like this too - I've done most of my travels on a shoestring budget and have had some of the best experiences of my life doing it, you could get by with half or less easily. Think about it less as a vacation, more that you're living on the move. If you can save up enough for your mode of transport (say an overlander you can live in), then that is the bulk of your expenses out of the way. To do this also means (for most) forgoing what other people might want in life, like saving up for a house deposit etc., but if it's what you want in life then it's 100% worth it.
Modest hotel/ Motel is so true you really get a completely different experience. In danish television there is a show called “nul stjerner” zero stars in english where they only visit places with a low rating, it is truly great
Go to South America or Africa.... not will you appreciate a nice hotel but also appreciate life and convenience people just taking for granted. Not talking about an all inclusive there.
Van, thank you for sharing your journey with us. No, not the mexico adventure, but your entire journey on youtube. There is a lack of genuine intent in most content but you can sense it in yours. Never feel pressured to present a certain image to us, but make a living out of this and provide for your family. It's wonderful to see and an inspiration.
Glad you guys made it out ok with the robbery. I've been to Mexico hundreds of times without issue. Although driving on the road is something we rarely do. We always stick to popular tourist locations and never have issues. Can't wait for your follow up video.
How do you get from one place to another without driving?
@@Sasquatch10 we usually fly to specific destinations.
Genius move! Right before you start prioritizing your paying audience, lets alienate that part of your audience that cant imagine spending 10K on a holiday.... If you can afford a holiday like that, sure, enjoy. Probably well earned. But don't tell me that's the budget version of doing holiday, that makes very little sense even in countries where people earn a decent living.
You always manage to upload at a time when I most need a reminder that I'm only dredging through the constant disappointment of trying to grow on UA-cam, because I still just really want to make UA-cam videos. Making as many videos as you have that not only demand watching, but are always well worth having watched is doing the lords work on here. Thanks dude.
It was, in fact, rich guy stuff 🥴
In my 20’s I taught skiing in winter and hotel reception in summer. 10 years in Austria teaching and where ever I landed in summer. When going up the lifts my students always ask, “What do you do in summer?” I would respond, offer me a job and I’ll tell you. Never had to hunt. My students saw how professionally I conducted my classes and very often got jobs to die for. Worked in Torremlinos, Spain, Stockholm, Sweden, Vennia, Innsbruck Austria, London for two summers, what fun that was. In the 70’s life was a lot safer for a single gal to travel and find work. I bought a VW bus with a friend and we tootled around in the off season. What a blast. Then I met my husband, married, had two lovely boys and lived happily ever after in New England.
I used to race my bicycle in Mexico. I’d go down there with my team that consisted of a few Mexican nationals. They knew where the races and right hotels were. I wouldn’t do it without them. I usually took home a couple of hundred bucks in winnings after exchanging the pesos for dollars. What an adventure.
I'm really glad you enjoyed our country, it's true that we have some issues about security, but nothing to keep people away from our amazing places, just some basic precautions like not driving at night and avoiding some kind of roads and you're all set, ready to have a great time.
If the spirited man passes through Puerto Vallarta, I would like to shake his hand and then go on my way without further bother.
No lie, Van, you are glowing after your trip. Stoked to see where the post vacation inspiration leads you.
I never felt miserable flying on coach, 2 weeks for vacations seem to be the perfect number where I away from everything yet I don’t disconnect for too long from work and clients, there are safe and “magical” places too, lots can be done with “just” $3-5k…I don’t know, loved the video but it’s very specific to one persons preferences. Happy you gad a great time tho!
Six months of Van wisdom is worth it's weight in gold.
so about a gram/year
Nice vid, I appreciate that you took the time and commitment to make this trip happen (too many people aim for that quick satisfaction). A few comments complaining about the cost of the trip, but saving $10,000 over 4 years is just putting $6 aside each day.
Thanks for encouraging us to go out there and explore, I have a 3 week roadtrip coming up in November in my fjcruiser LA to baja all the way to Cabos. Then take a ferry to mazatlan, down to guayabitos, over to guadalajara, Mexico city, San luis, Monterrey, nuevo Laredo, New Mexico, Arizona, and back to Cali. Thanks for your videos.
As a fellow dad, thank you. I am remembering the summer trips we'd make when I was a boy up and down the east coast. Now I live in Colorado and my kids are getting old enough for road trips (where we don't go crazy).
Great video as always, Van! Definitely agree to travel during low season. I will never again travel during major holidays (like Christmas) or during high-peak summer. October a great time also January - March. Mexico is excellent value if willing to stay in local hotels ($50 per night is a good mid-range in Mexico). I’ve stayed at plenty for $25 per night but not so nice. Lastly, Mexico is totally safe. 2 Americans killed in Mexico last week and it was all over the news, and in the same day 60 people were murdered in the U.S., which was not at all mentioned in the news. Don’t believe the media. Mexico is totally safe for people with common sense.
Ive lived in Mexico for 5 years, moved from nyc, and have never been happier. Mexico is super safe. My friends and family sometimes ask me what’s going on in Sinaloa and are we afraid? I literally live a distance from there that is equal to the distance of Nyc to florida. Point is: giant country, lots of people, shit happens… like anywhere.
Few people calm my soul as much as you Van, you are a beautiful human being and artist.
"this sounds like a rich guy thing but it only cost 30,000!"
He did say it took him 4 years to save
a month long vacation sounds like my Polish ex wife expected every fucking year
yeah he said not rich he didn’t say stupid and poor.
To clarify $10,000/month and it was the 4 month trip that cost $30,000. Still a lot of money. I find I'll struggle with taking that amount of time off and of course I'll need a different job to do that.
@@jakevote8978 median household income is $69,717,000, median household spending is $66,928 according to the bureau of labor statistics. After saving for retirement and a home, please explain to me how you turn this $3,000 average surplus into $30,000. Do you really believe that the inability to save up 30 grand quickly is a sign that people are dumb?
Wisdom by the Neistat family is always a good thing. Nice to see you back Van.
Im going to italy in about a month. For one month and i really appreciate this video. Thank you van. I fell in love with your videos and you really inspired me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart
We spend an absolute fortune on our holidays....well worth every penny for the experience of life and memories. And the national park which is my favourite...is Monument valley! absolutely awe inspiring. great vid Van, love roadtrips
Hey Van thanks for sharing. I'm Mexican who lived in the US and came back to live in Mexico. I totally get what you are saying also I love how you show my country we do have a security problem but is something that can be manage and is also magical! The area that you are referring to is "zona caliente", I'm glad that you and your family are safe and well!
Love hearing about the trip to Mexico! I've been on a trip to South Africa a few years ago and I can agree on the fact that going to a scary but cheap country is an exciting experience. Same general rules applied, don't do anything stupid, don't drive at night etc.
Over there I had a wonderful time, but when we were on a guided tour to Lesotho we encountered some protests and riots on our way back. People had barricaded the road and put a load of burning rubble on the street, holding up traffic. It looked really intimidating and some people were throwing things towards the cars that tried to get past the barricades. Luckily we managed to get past it fine, but it was really tense.
Nevertheless, the country and the people there are great and would highly recommend going there! Had a wonderful time.
Yep. I went to a conference in Durban a few years ago (the year before whenever the World Cup was). Ended up getting caught up in an attempted mugging near the bus despot at 2PM on a bright, sunny day on the side of a very busy street with lots of people. Similar to Van, I had made poor decisions and I new they were high risk, but didn't have a choice given the other options my wife and I had at the time. I made the even riskier decision to fight the thieves and attempted to pull one of them into traffic with my belongings (I was pissed off and not thinking very logically). All turned out well and bummed a ride to the north to Lesotho and Northeast SA and mostly enjoyed the rest of the trip. But, I generally agree with Van, a little risk can yield a lot more fun!
Two boxes of Lucky Charms is the best advice for any trip. Love the video
The world if for the Daring. I travelled and worked in the 5 continents. Love Mexico and I travelled by myself from the Atlantic to the Pacific in 2001 and later in 2008 I worked in Quintana Roo every month from Europe. I am original from Spain and we have one month holidays since always...thank you for sharing and I have applied some of your 10 rules or suggestions!!!
For me your videos feels like it's coming from another dimension! Thanks god for making you who you are.. really inspiring!
Watching this while spending a month on vacation in Mexico with my family! Love the tips. I could definitely loosen up on the calculating and sticking to a budget.
God bless you Van and Fam! Glad your trip was perfect, good to hear you are all whole and happy!
The problem is I wouldn't know the places to avoid.
I've been lost in shady parts of China but there were no guns and I was twice everyone's size.
"They do something to you and they make you really love America, some of them would move you to tears." This right here makes me wanna fly an American flag more than ever. Parks make America great!
Fantastic tips for all to follow! I appreciate the love for our National Parks, they can move you to tears. I am so excited for this upcoming season!
Another great video, Van. I’ve ridden my motorcycle through Mexico (all the way through, exiting at Guatemala) twice. I have met people who have had direct experience with scary crime, but so far I’ve had no problems myself. You keep it real and offer some great advice. Safe travels!
I love this attitude. I spent 2 months traveling around South Africa as a teenager rock climbing. Was it dangerous? You bet. Was it magic? Hell yes.
I'm very happy that you like Mexico. Thanks, Van.
Great advice.
30k for 4 months off is a bit much tho imo
You can do it for cheaper
Way way way way cheaper
The trip does sound perfect. It looked amazing. Lots of core memory’s for your son. Glad everyone is ok and your posting again.
Perfect video and advice! Welcome back. Mexico is the best. So true: brave people are FUN!!
My parents are from the area where you were robbed (20-45 minutes away) and we were there around new year’s. I can confirm it is a dangerous but beautiful place, you just have to be 20/10 VERY careful with where you drive and choose to stay
when i travel to baja i always drive at night (it's been 10 years so far) but for maybe 3 hours... stay in San Felipe then continue on. So far, no problems, but i do go during low season and also during the week like on a wednesday. less likely to be held up vs on the weekend on 4th of july.
Well done! Dreams realized. Glad you're all safe!
1000% agree with Ingredient 10. As someone who lives in northern Iraq, definitely wish more people would experience the magic of this place.
This is a rich guy thing. We live paycheck to paycheck out here
8:40 your kid was right - it's not missing anything. This is very common in Mexico and it's designed like that. Not missing anything it's exactly how it's ought to be. Nothing wrong with it, just different.
Impeccable timing (I’m flying to Mexico tomorrow morning!). This will be my fifth trip, it’s truly a wonderful place. Sorry to hear about your incident mid-way, thank you for sharing your experience with us honestly. It’s rare but we shouldn’t pretend it doesn’t happen. Nonetheless, great video, an adventure is exactly what you make of it! 🤘
I’m from the Netherlands and we always go somewhere in Europe by car, like France, Italy, Norway, Austria or Spain, or just in the Netherlands. We go camping, always taking our bikes and having so much fun. And in my experience you don’t have to go a long time to have a good time.
I needed this two weeks ago and that makes this funny, and also amazing. Maybe the timing is perfect.
Much love and respect. Leaving for a trip this afternoon and am excited to try integrating a few of your ingredients.
glad you had a great trip, stoked for new videos!
Seems like a really awesome trip, hasn’t hurt my strong desire to visit Mexico
Do it!
I have no idea what the 6 months meant. I'm just happy to get a video today!
It was daylight, on a highway you were going to be traveling that morning no matter if you would have stayed further up the road or not, you would have still been there, f those guys!! I'm glad you kept going, your the man Van!!
Great vid, and thank you for loving our country even though it’s not perfect
Just my own personal thoughts. I would find a Month with my family hard going. They are all grown up now but two weeks was sometimes a stretch. I love them and could live a life of relaxed luxury with them for an extended period. However, within the structure of a holiday/vacation I think it can get hard to continue to enjoy the experience with family. For me the holiday can sometimes feel like it’s supposed to be a packed full of always fun activity and it worries me that I would require some downtime/own time in that mix.
However looked fabulous, fun and dangerous. Now you have me looking forward to retirement.
It's all magic. Thank you for sharing Sir!
I really needed this. You rock man. Thank you.
My first time visiting Mexico (CDMX) a few years ago our small hotel was broken into and all the doors were kicked in the second day of the trip. Thankfully no one was there at the time but my partner and I were the first ones to come back to discover it and we had most of our stuff including passports stolen. It was traumatic but still one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and would go back in a heartbeat --and find a good hiding spot for my passport ;)
How did you manage to get back home?
@@blakeXYZ the US embassy was unfortunately closed for a few days for something like Columbus Day, so in the meantime we had prepared the paperwork for an emergency passport appointment and just had to wait. The day they opened we got a call from them saying that someone had turned in our passports...really bizarre scenario, nothing else was turned in (i.e. stolen goods), and the police nor anyone else at the embassy had any information on who turned them in of course, it's like they just magically appeared. So luckily we hadn't yet cancelled them, and we were able to recover them. If I had to guess ,either the thieves ditched our bags somewhere after emptying them, realizing they don't care about having our passports and someone picked them up, or they just turned them in themselves (which feels less likely). But lesson learned, always find a good hiding spot for your passports when traveling internationally, everything else is replaceable :)
@@ryanbromm7598 wow crazy turn of events! Thanks for sharing
3:50 "Save your money for extravagant experiences" is the key to a well-lived life.
Also, "extravagant experiences" is a really nice phrase.
Such a unique/ cool way of formulating a story! Happy you made it out of the robbery safe, but didn't allow it to ruin your experience!
Van's channel is officially my favorite youtube channel PS glad you and your family is safe.
I'm not at all diminishing your experience. I understand it is scary sometimes. I've lived in Mexico all my life and I've had a gun held to my head at least 4 times in twenty five years (most of my friends have never been robbed, guess I'm just unlucky) Once, I even got held up in Oaxaca by jungle militia who were blocking the road. However, it's funny that when these things happen to foreigners, they genuinely consider it a traumatic experience they remember their whole lives. For me at least, it's kind of like "ugh, whatever, happened again". I don't even remember it years later. I once, however, got mugged in Paris. That actually scared me. I don't know why, but it seams Mexican criminals just want money and will leave you alone after that. However, American and European muggers have kind of an unhinged personality, I thought he could shoot me even after giving him my wallet.
This was excellent. Brave people are indeed fun
Sorry that happened to you, Van. Been through something similar myself and it shit me up good and proper. Hope the fam are doing well with it. Would love to hear more about the story, please put it on your UA-cam channel for us non-patrons. Keep up the great work.
Man, no matter what it cost, or the trials in getting there....that shot of your boy in the back of the Rover driving on the beach was worth it.
I just came back from my 3 months trip, Panama, Costarica and Italy
Mexico is such a special place. I long for it always. I was fortunate enough to experience an eleven month stint in Guanajuato on an exchange program during my university days. The food, the people, the culture, the diversity of the regions and geography. I hope to go to Oaxaco later in the year. Thanks for sharing. Cheers. Salud!
I’ve been looking for a video like this for FOREVER…wanting to take a month long trip from Texas where I live to hit a bunch of national parks along the northern to western parts of the U.S. I really needed a video like this!!! Thanks so much for filming your trip and sharing your experiences there Van! Absolute Boss.
When I was 20 (lol 2 summers back) I drove from The beaches in Florida to the north rim of the Grand Canyon to work and explore for the season. Best decision of my life. Made a detour to California and Montana before heading back to FL. Man I think about those open roads every day. Your Mexico trip has me very intrigued:)
California Meh for me Florida is better 2 distinct coasts and the Glades ! Ca. to Mt. that's a long distance see anything memorable between the 2 ?
@@michaellorenzen8200 100%. Plenty of amazing sights and plenty enough flat agricultural land that may not be the Rockies mountains but still provide value to the journey. I think everyone should experience driving across America.
Binge watching your videos since yesterday when I find your channel. Excellent content!
I came here from casey, but i can clearly see how casey got his talents from you . I really loved your way of story telling through videos. thanks Van, It was fun,
and PS - just subscribed.😀
Alternative to over landing is to ride the train. I had a great time riding Amtrak down the east coast.
Also glad I’m a Patron because I couldn’t imagine watching a Van Neistat video six months after it had already been released.
That was awesome. I think you have the same view life as I do. All about experiences. Keep up the good work Van x
I love this! I am going to talk to my wife about shifting the way we think about traveling!
Van runs a great Patreon page. I hardly subscribe to anything but really enjoy it.
Lol as soon as I saw the nueva Italia sign, my jaw dropped, you got some guts, michoacan to me is one of the most beautiful states in mexico, but sadly is ridden with hot spots or places you are supposed to bypass all together if you don't want to take any chances, most of the time I see people drive towards Mexico city and take the circuito mexiquense then head to Cuernavaca towards Acapulco/Ixtapa, still lots of great places to see on the way without the extra risk. Great to know you made it back fine, my family and I travel the in the same fashion.
hit me up if you ever need somewhere to stay in the Highlands of Jalisco in the future, lots of tequila factories to tour and is very safe around here.
10k for a family vacation is a lot of money. For $5k I took my family of three for two weeks to 8 country cruise in Europe. That was luxury to the max, I could have spent less, but I do agree slurge is good, but I am not waiting 4 years for my next vacation.
and it was Europe, ffs.
This video is flaming with boomer mentality
Which cruise line?
@@krehbein NCL, I was just there in July on the Norwegian Dawn.
nice, i agree with some of these, but here's my revised recipe as someone who works in hospitality and loves to travel!
ingredient 1: get an amex card and chill In their lounges at the airport. get drunk or medicated before your crappy flight.
ingredient 2: use what ever time you can. 4 days or more will work.
ingredient 3: don't be cheap. if you don't got the $, then don't go.
ingredient 4: research the best times to go. (ex. Miami in the summer? cheap but horrible.)
Ingredinet 5: 100% agree. USA National Parks Rock!
Ingredient 6: bikes are cool, but find a cool tour guide to show you around if there is time. its not as expensive an you think.
Ingredient 7: as someone who has worked in crappy motels, WE KNOW. but also, you are paying 60$ per night so you get what you pay for.. its not our fault. its the owner. he's a dick. no you cant talk to him. please refer to ingredient 3. don't be the "champagne taste with beer money" guest.
Ingredient 7.5: 20$ tip to the front desk agent goes a LOOONG way. Never thought about that huh? you just thought its our job to go out of our way to help you? this is not how the world and especially america works. even a little gift from where ever you are coming from. they have more discression then you think. if a suite is available and you give them some cash, they will hook you up everytime! their job sucks, so if you are the guest that comes in with a box of chocolates for them, they will do everything they can to make your stay as good as possible. (also, this IS earth, and nothing is free. you scratch my back, i scratch yours!)
Ingredient 8: spend as little amount of time as possible at the hotel. it is a place for you to sleep, shower, and keep your crap. don't complain about the view, or the cable, or the lay out. if it has a bed, a shower, and a floor for your luggage, that's good. get out and see the world.
Ingredient 9: keep a positive attitude. i see 2 guests, same room type, same city, same everything. one is having an amazing week, and the other is miserable. happiness comes from within. you are in control of your own happiness, not the hotel or its employees.
ingredient 10: plan your trip to the T!!! have plan Bs in place. not everything will go as planned but anything will be better than just rolling up to the front desk agent asking them what there is to do! use trip advisor and reviews. the hotel front desk agent will probably point you in the direction of a tourist trap which should be avoided! tourist traps! my hometown Miami for example is full of tourist traps. ask the locals and tell them what you are looking for. some touristy stuff is fun, but like van says, go somewhere "scary".
Patreon subscriber here. Van's content is always well shot and thought provoking. My only concern is that he has ditched the shields on the side of his shop glasses ?! Please keep the adventures coming ! Would love to see you build a 2000W+ DIY e-Bike for the entertainment value. Take it easy Van :o)
Man I really like your videos. You must just be a really cool guy to hang out with.
Another amazing episode for this very wonderful guy! Glad your family is safe! :)
10000? I am ok with 9 ingredients.
I just adore your work.
Glad to have you back and glad you all are good. Great travel advice. Definitely get out there all.
I hit 5 national parks on the road trip from Texas to Cali this past summer. Definitely great spots to take a break from the driving.
Oh good, I was looking forward to this ! Now we wait six month till we hear the Mexico story 😅
The negative comments are sad. JFC. Everyone has different lifestyles, do we all need to relate 100% to every video or action this man takes?
Man, I’m glad, your family and you made it back home safe. 😰😰😰 I try to learn to be a little bit more brave and less baby in life. 🙈 Thank you for this inspiration! Awesome video!
I’m a Mexico lover. Actually lived in PDC for two years. Had a few scares similar to yours Van and another not so similar but a helluva story. Thanks for the wonderful content
Yeah I too loved Ixtapa, so luxurious, and close to zihuatanejo where they the last scene of the Shawshank redemption is located.....love it, great story, you're a brave man.
Yeah driving is better than a plane, but trains are an even better alternative. Great video!
My family is from Mexico, I was born here in California. We used to drive as a whole family (multiple families in different cars) to my parents home town in Guanajuato atleast once a year. 2015 was the last time we stopped driving there. We go by plane now always. It’s gotten too dangerous to drive and we have heard many stories of being pulled over by armed non government officials. Even government officials are scary and sketchy to deal with. So I salute you for taking that risk to visit that beautiful country. But for anyone going driving, please do your due diligence before going
I LOVE Guanajuato! I was there in 2012 for the World Rally Championship race. Amazing people and scenery.
@@markhuebbe nice! It is an amazing place!! I always said Mexico could be a huge tourist attraction if it got it’s shit together. There are so many places that I would love to go see there but even I am scared of going alone. So it sucks
I have a HD bike rack. I plan to build a rear bumper with a tire swing out with a secondary hitch on it. Then the tire and bikes can swing out of the way, and be high enough to not hang up on anything like a bumper rack can. I'll build it at some point this year.
Off Season is the one to live by. Changes every destination. Great list.
So cool you went to white sands I live in roswell and New Mexico has so much to do
I'd rather fly coach then spend literally days driving. I consider myself a car/driving enthusiast but slogging through straight roads in boring scenery is worse IMO than a few hours in coach where you can knock it out in a 10th of the time.
When I was a kid my parents took me out of school for a month and we took our popup camper from Denver all the way to Baja. I don't remember much of it, but certainly enjoyed it.
National Parks are such a beautiful ingredient of a great trip. And you’re right, I cried at Canyonlands in Utah at sunset with a rainstorm being illuminated by the setting sun. Arches, Moab, Bryce, Zion. Unreal.