About Me

Hi, I’m Guillermo – and I lost my money in this (but every penny was worth it)

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Traveling taught me that money comes back, but moments don’t. I’ve been overcharged, lost my way, and jumped at the chance to see a tiger up close. Now I help you travel smarter – so you can keep your memories, not your regrets.

I’m Guillermo Mora, a former marketing professional who left office life to travel the world and help others do the same. I live in México, but my heart roams everywhere – from the magic towns of my home country to the bustling streets of New York and the wild savannas of Africa.

This blog is called I lost my money in this because, well… I have. Expensive taxis, overpriced tours, gear that broke after one use. But every single “lost” dollar turned into a lesson, a story, or a memory I’ll never forget. And now, I share those lessons with you – so you can travel better, spend smarter, and focus on what really matters: the experience.

From a marketing degree to a life on the road

I graduated with an Engineering degree in Administration, specializing in Marketing. For a while, I worked in a traditional office. It was stable, predictable… and unfulfilling. I didn’t feel alive.

So I took a leap. I started traveling, documenting my adventures, and helping fellow travelers avoid the mistakes I made. That leap became this blog – my full‑time job, my passion, and my way of connecting with people who love to explore as much as I do.

I wasn’t made for a cubicle. I was made for a suitcase, a camera, and a never‑ending curiosity.

Wild encounters that changed me

safari
Beautiful tiger
lion reserve

I’ve been lucky (or brave enough) to come face‑to‑face with incredible animals. Two moments stand out:

  • The white tiger – I stood just a few centimeters away, only a metal barrier between us. I wanted to hug him. He probably wanted to eat me. I settled for the photo (and a very fast heartbeat).
  • The tiger that jumped onto our truck – During a safari, a huge tiger leaped onto the caged vehicle to grab a piece of meat. The video is raw, real, and proof that I don’t just write about travel – I live it.
  • Eye‑to‑eye with a lion – Another safari, another stare. The lion looked right at me. Intimidating? Yes. Beautiful? Absolutely.

I have all these moments on video and photo – no stock footage, no filters. Just real, unfiltered adventure.

Where I’ve been & where I’m going

I’ve traveled extensively across the Americas, especially my home country México (I’ll put its food against any other cuisine in the world).

I also love the United States – there’s so much to do and see, and my wife Mariana enjoys it as much as I do.

Our plan? Visit every single Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) in México, then expand to hidden gems around the globe. We love both luxury and simple camping by the beach. For me, the experience matters more than the star rating.

Next on my list: Europe – especially places where we can find unique wildlife and authentic local experiences.

What you’ll find on this blog

I write the kind of content I wished I’d found before my own trips:

  • Honest itineraries (with real costs, no fluff)
  • Packing guides (tested on my own overpacked suitcases)
  • Outfit inspiration (curated by my wife Mariana – more on her below)
  • Safety tips (because getting overcharged in Cancún taught me a painful lesson)
  • Best things to do in cities large and small
  • Budget advice – so you don’t lose your money the way I did
Remember that $80 taxi in Cancún? Yeah, I paid for that mistake so you don’t have to.

Every recommendation comes from personal experience. If I haven’t been there or used it, I won’t write about it (with the rare exception of round‑ups from trusted blogger friends).

Meet Mariana – my wife, co‑writer, and style expert

Mariana studied Beauty Culture and has a deep knowledge of fashion, makeup, and design. She’s the one behind our travel outfit posts, packing aesthetics, and soon – nail art designs for specific destinations, makeup tips for long flights, and everything that helps you look and feel amazing while traveling.

She’s also my partner in exploration. Many of the photos you see (especially of landscapes and food) are taken by her. Together, we make this blog a richer, more helpful place.

Only ethical collaborations

I only work with brands that I truly trust and that offer real value to travelers. You’ll find affiliate links to:

  • Amazon (travel gear I personally use)
  • Booking.com & Expedia (hotels – I compare prices so you don’t have to)
  • GetYourGuide & Klook (tours and activities)
  • Tripadvisor
  • I have my own Amazon storefront where I curate all the travel essentials I recommend – from packing cubes to hiking boots. Visit my Amazon store →

If I recommend it, I’ve either used it myself or thoroughly researched it. Transparency is non‑negotiable here.

Let’s connect – and please, say hi

I’m most active on Pinterest (where I share travel tips, itineraries, and outfit boards), but you can also reach me by email.

I read every message. Whether you have a question, a suggestion, or just want to share your own travel fail, don’t hesitate to write.

Why do I do this

I don’t have a “team” of ghostwriters. Every word comes from my own keyboard, my own experiences, and my desire to help you travel better.

If you leave this page with just one thing, let it be this: you don’t need to be rich to travel well. You just need good information, a bit of courage, and the willingness to learn from mistakes – yours and mine.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for trusting me with your travel plans. And remember: money comes back, but memories last forever.

Let’s explore the world – one (well‑spent) dollar at a time.

— Guillermo Mora
I lost my money in this

P.S. If you want to follow my daily adventures and behind‑the‑scenes content, join me on Pinterest. I share packing hacks, destination inspo, and the occasional blooper (like the time I booked a hotel without checking the location – oops).

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