Are you Coming2Mexico?
Whether you are planning your first or your fiftieth trip to Mexico there is always some new to learn, something new to see, some great new restaurant to try or another cenote to discover!
Coming2Mexico is the culmination of our collective experiences as expats in Mexico and our travels through the country we all now call home.
It is our goal to help you have the very best Mexico travel experience. We hope to show you the very best destinations, the best places to stay, fun things to do, where to find the best local cuisine and much more.
Coming2Mexico – Not Your Average Travel Blog
What makes Coming2Mexico different from other travel blogs? The people behind it!
Coming2Mexico is a collection of experiences, tips and advice from four unique points of view.
Are you a young solo traveler looking for tips on exploring Mexico for the first time?
Are you a family coming to one of Mexico’s world-class beaches for a relaxing vacation?
Are you a retired couple investigating the best places to experience the culture and cuisine of Mexico?
No matter who you are and why you are coming to Mexico, one of us will be able to give you the information you need to make your experience in Mexico unforgettable.
Who Are We?
Michele Samal Kinnon
Despite the strong reservations of family and friends, in 2004 I moved from the United States to Mexico with my young family. Since then, I have made the Riviera Maya my home. I have raised two remarkable children here. I have celebrated amazing successes, made countless mistakes, and in the process, fallen in love with this beautiful country. Over the past two decades, with my children in tow, I have traveled extensively through Mexico immersing myself and my family in the culture, the cuisine and the rich history of this diverse and fascinating country. Now, along with my partner Jim and my now-grown children, Catherine and Cole, I am thrilled to be compiling our nearly 70 years of collective experience in Mexico in one place, Coming 2 Mexico. I hope you find our distinct perspectives and our articles helpful and our unique stories inspiring. My inbox is open and I am happy to answer any questions you may have about visiting or living in Mexico. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Catherine Kinnon
Regardless of not remembering my short time spent living in the US, growing up in a heavily touristic area of Mexico gave me some insight as to what my life could have been. Admittedly, for a long time, I wished my family hadn’t moved to Mexico. Years later, I laugh at the idea that I would have ever wished to grow up elsewhere. Having spent most of my childhood traveling Mexico and learning the culture and history made me appreciate the incredible gift given to me by my parents. I’ve been gifted with an exceptional life so far. I’ve made friends from all around the world, gained an appreciation for other cultures, and was thankfully always encouraged to keep an open mind regarding new experiences, making me constantly long for more exposure to the world outside of my daily life. Now, at 21 years old, I am off on my own and living in the beautiful city of Merida. I am excited to be able to share my experiences in Mexico with the world alongside my family. I hope our stories are able to encourage and help other people out there who might be considering making a similar change the way my family did or people just looking for more information for a fun trip to Mexico.
Robert Cole Kinnon
Despite being born in the United States, my first language is Spanish and I am truly Mexican at heart. I came with my family to Mexico at just 18 months of age. I attended school, learned to play futbol and became fully immersed in the life of a normal Mexican kid. As a young boy, I discovered a love for horses. Through dedication and perseverance, I honed my skills as an rider, devoting every spare hour to my horses and the equestrian arts. This pursuit not only allowed me to form an unbreakable bond with these magnificent animals but also opened doors to a global community of equestrian enthusiasts. Traveling with my family all over Mexico to participate in equestrian competitions and events, my Mexico experience was shaped by individuals who shared my passion. From supportive teammates to skilled trainers and compassionate horse owners, these friendships have enriched my life in immeasurable ways. Growing up in Mexico shaped my perspective, fostering an appreciation for diversity and instilling a deep curiosity about the world beyond borders. Because we built our new Mexico life in Playa del Carmen, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, my schoolmates came from all across the globe. I think, for this reason, I developed an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a passion for exploring different countries, and a genuine desire to understand different people, their cultures and customs. I have led a blessed life filled with cultural immersion, language learning, and thrilling equestrian pursuits. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in International Business and Finance at IberoAmericana in Mexico City. I am looking forward to exploring even more of this country and the world at large and I’m excited to be able to lend my knowledge and perspective to Coming2Mexico.
A few of our favorite photos
