Regina Dillard
  • Home
  • Brand Value
  • Digital Nomad Life
  • 20-Minute Discovery Call
  • Wellness & Culinary Support
  • Books + eGifts
  • Wander + Savor Blog
  • Gallery
  • subscribe
  • Testimonials

Why I Left the U.S. to Travel Abroad

9/17/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
This is a short story about why I decided to move to Mexico. But let me start a little further back. Five years ago, I began to feel a bit restless living in the United States. I knew I had a passion for cooking, but I was also deeply interested in content creation. I had always maintained a YouTube channel where I shared plant-based recipes, gardening tips, visits to produce markets, and other food-related content. Despite this, I still felt unfulfilled and unsatisfied, like something was missing.

To find some clarity, I began journaling about the things I truly wanted to do. I didn’t have a clear plan, but I knew I wanted to travel and cook. At the time, I had a full-time job that I enjoyed, along with the company of my colleagues. However, over time, I felt confined within the four walls of my office, restricted in my ability to fully express my skills and creativity. I longed to pursue something more fulfilling and true to my calling.

So, I shifted my focus to what I wanted instead of what I didn’t. Journaling helped me clear my thoughts, and I realized I wanted to live in Mexico. I had always loved Mexico—it felt like a second home outside the U.S. I also knew I wanted to cook, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. Did I want to be a personal chef? A traveling chef? VA digital nomad? All I knew was that I wanted to combine cooking and travel.

With a strong background in plant-based cooking, I saw an opportunity to serve expat communities in Mexico who were adhering to plant-based diets. I started considering which part of Mexico would be the best fit for me. Should I live in Baja? The Yucatan? Mexico City? I wasn’t sure, so I dove into research about different states, cities, and colonias (neighborhoods).

Whenever I had the chance, I traveled to Mexico to explore these areas, gradually piecing together my vision for this new chapter in my life.

Fast forward, I met a woman in one of my travel groups who suggested I apply for Mexican residency. I hadn’t really considered it before, but her idea sparked my curiosity. With the help of another member of the group, I began the process on the U.S. side, gathering all the necessary paperwork and information for approval. Around that time, there was a shift at my job, and I found myself unexpectedly let go from the job I once loved. But as it turned out, this created the perfect space for me to not only apply for residency but also to take a step back and consider the new life I wanted to build in Mexico.

Once I was approved in the U.S., I had 180 days to finalize my residency in Mexico. I diligently completed all the steps, did thorough research, and finally set a date to begin this journey. Arriving in Mexico was a whirlwind of emotions—wonderful, scary, exhilarating, and joyful all at once. But in that moment, I knew I had made the right choice.
Initially, I hadn’t considered San Miguel de Allende, but the person assisting me with my residency paperwork, a Spanish national, required me to be in that city to complete the process. After researching San Miguel de Allende about three months prior to my move, I thought it might be a good place to settle temporarily and see if it felt like home. I completed my paperwork, booked an Airbnb for a week, and then was lucky enough to find a beautiful house in an upscale neighborhood for a two-month stay.

Now, I’m living my best life in San Miguel de Allende, enjoying luxury in this stunning city. As I sit on the rooftop terrace of my home, overlooking the city, watching the sunrise and sunset, I can’t help but reflect on how this vision I had five years ago has come to life. It truly feels like home.

There were many moving parts in my journey here, but every challenge was worth it. I’ve met incredible people who have made my transition smoother—from the locals to fellow expats, some who look like me and some who don’t. Whether it’s the local flower shop owner, shoe cobbler, or friendly supermercado associate, each interaction has helped create a soft landing for me in this new chapter.
​
If you’ve ever thought about moving abroad, expanding your horizons, or simply exploring life in a new country, I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for advice, guidance, or resources, I’d be happy to help—just reach out through the link below or contact me via WhatsApp. This move has been the best decision of my life, and I’m excited for you to find your own path, wherever it may lead. Happy wanderlusting! ​

WATCH VIDEO: Why I Ditched The U.S. To Travel Abroad
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    ​Regina Dillard is the founder of Wander, Savor, Thrive, a dynamic learning platform that offers courses in international house-sitting, virtual assistance, location independence, and plant-based cooking. As a certified plant-based food educator, global travel chef, author, yoga instructor, and YouTube vlogger, Regina combines her passion for travel, wellness, and food education to empower others to live and work freely.

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    January 2024
    May 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    July 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    December 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017

    Categories

    All
    Beverages
    Bread
    Breakfast & Toasts
    Cheeses & Spreads
    Cookies
    Desserts
    Dressings & Condiments
    Education
    Entrees
    Health & Wellness
    Herbs & Botanicals
    How To's
    How-To's
    Juices & Smoothies
    Salads & Bowls
    Snacks & Chips
    Soups & Stews
    Tacos & Burritos
    Yogurt & Digestives

  • Home
  • Brand Value
  • Digital Nomad Life
  • 20-Minute Discovery Call
  • Wellness & Culinary Support
  • Books + eGifts
  • Wander + Savor Blog
  • Gallery
  • subscribe
  • Testimonials