Go See Do Explore

Pies Descalzos with Laila Navarro Part 2How Travel Can Transform You
In this heartwarming continuation of our conversation with Mexico City guide Laila Navarro, we go deeper into the why behind her unforgettable tours.
Moments That MatterLaila shares powerful stories from her guests—like the man who returned to the Basilica after healing. These aren't just tours. They're memories made together. Laila pours her heart into making each experience “something special,” and it shows.
Travel as a Force for GoodFor Laila, travel is more than checking off a list. It’s a way to shift perspectives, prioritize meaningful experiences over material excess, and reconnect with what really matters—nature, kindness, and joy. Her hope is that guests leave not just with photos, but with a renewed sense of self.
Not Just a City Tour – An Invitation to See DifferentlyWant to taste your way through street markets? Wander a forest in the middle of the city? Dive into Mexican culture in Coyoacán? Laila’s tours are full of thoughtful details and unexpected stories. They're designed to give you a richer understanding of Mexico City and the people who live there.
Let Go of the Fear – Mexico City Is WaitingLaila gently challenges common fears about travel in CDMX, from tap water to street food to riding the metro. Her message: Mexico City is alive with generosity, friendliness, and wonder—if you’re willing to see it with fresh eyes.
Connect with Pies DescalzosLearn more or book a tour at piesdescalzos.funLike on Facebook: facebook.com/piesdescalzostoursFollow on Instagram: instagram.com/piesdescalzostours
This episode is for anyone craving more connection, more meaning, and more discovery in their travels.

Pies Descalzos with Laila Navarro Part 1
A Two-Part Journey Through Mexico City
What if your next trip felt less like sightseeing… and more like a revelation?
From Design to Discovery – Laila’s Journey
Laila didn’t plan to be a tour guide — in fact, she studied architecture and design. But after burning out in underpaid creative jobs, she stumbled into the world of guiding and discovered something that lit her up. Learn how a simple trial tour turned into a calling, and how she sees travel as a bridge between people, history, and nature.
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Teotihuacan: Beyond the Pyramids
Laila explains why most visitors miss the depth of Teotihuacan — and how starting at the on-site museum transforms your understanding of what you're seeing. You’ll also hear what it was like to watch hot air balloons rise with the sun over ancient ruins. It’s not just a visit. It’s a chance to feel small and in awe. For more information about this tour, check it out on Viator.
Discovering Diego Rivera Through Murals
When Christopher and Ashleigh asked for a tour focused on Diego Rivera’s murals, Laila created one from scratch — and got emotional in the process. This episode unpacks how art, politics, and memory are fused into Mexico City’s walls — and why this tour might just change how you see public art forever. For more information and to book this tour, check out Viator.
Early Morning in Xochimilco: A Side Most Tourists Miss
You’ve heard of the party boats — but Lila takes us (and others) into a different Xochimilco: quiet canals, morning mist, ancient farming techniques, and a farm-to-table breakfast after kayaking. You'll hear how indigenous wisdom still echoes here, if you're willing to listen. To learn more about this tour, visit Viator.
What Makes a Tour Transformative?
For Laila, guiding isn’t about facts — it’s about feelings. She talks about building relationships, not just delivering information. For travelers like you who crave real connection, this episode is a reminder that the best trips are built on shared humanity.
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be deeply seen, heard, and invited into a culture — not just observe it — this is your episode.
Listen now, and get ready to rethink what a "tour" can be. Be sure to check back in next week for the second half of this interview! More information about Laila and her tours can be found at PiesDescazlos.fun.

Mexico City: Must-Do Experiences Beyond the Guidebook
In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher share the standout moments from their Mexico City trip—what was absolutely worth it, what surprised them, and what they’d do differently next time.
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Centro HistóricoThe city’s historic core is packed with must-see sites like the Zócalo, Templo Mayor, the Cathedral, and Diego Rivera’s murals. It’s easy to explore on foot, even from neighborhoods a bit farther out like Reforma.
Anthropology MuseumThis museum is essential for understanding Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures. We booked a guided tour, which made a huge difference in helping us connect with what we were seeing. 
Diego Rivera’s MuralsSeeing Rivera’s art at Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Museo Mural Diego Rivera gave us a visual crash course in Mexican history and revolution. To check out the tour we took, click here.
Chapultepec ParkA massive park with museums, a zoo, and even a castle. It’s a peaceful place to escape the bustle and spend a few unhurried hours.
Frida Kahlo’s Casa AzulVisiting the Blue House in Coyoacán helped us understand Frida’s art and life in a more personal way. Make sure to get tickets in advance—it’s popular for a reason. Consider a guided tour if you want to dig deeper into Frida's life.
Sunrise Kayaking in XochimilcoOne of our most memorable experiences. Paddling through early-morning canals past floating farms and birds was peaceful and unforgettable. For more info on this tour, click here.
Trip Planning TipsPlan for at least 3–4 full days. Staying in more than one neighborhood adds variety. Big breakfasts and late dinners worked better for us than three structured meals. Give yourself time to slow down. 
We highly recommend checking out tours from Pies Descalzos!
What We’d Do DifferentlyWe’d allow more time at Templo Mayor, build in time to relax in Roma Norte, and be better prepared for early mornings, especially when it comes to food and coffee.
Wine BreakWe took a pause with a bottle of Auxerrois from Chateau Fontaine in Northern Michigan. 
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In this episode of Go See Do Explore, Ashleigh and Christopher continue their Mexico City series by focusing on one of the best parts of the trip: the food.
They share favorite dishes, reflect on what makes Mexican cuisine so regionally distinct, and talk about how trying local food can deepen your connection to a place.
Mole Negro EnchiladasChristopher starts with the mole negro enchiladas from Azul Histórico. Mole is a complex, deeply rooted Mexican sauce, and this version left a lasting impression.
Carnitas Tacos with CheeseAshleigh highlights the carnitas tacos from their food tour—made even better with a layer of melted white cheese. A good example of how a small touch can make something familiar feel new.
Huitlacoche and Cooking Class QuesadillasChristopher shares two dishes that featured huitlacoche, a corn fungus used in Mexican cooking: tacos from Girasoles and quesadillas from their cooking class. Both show how Mexican food often celebrates ingredients that don’t show up on most tourist menus.
Churros from El MoroAshleigh talks about the churros at El Moro, one of Mexico City’s most well-known spots. Fresh, hot, and paired with dipping chocolate—they’re a treat worth seeking out.
Wine Break at Bel LagoMidway through the episode, they pause for a wine tasting at Bel Lago, a local winery. Ashleigh shares her thoughts on Auxerrois Moreno, one of their standout wines.
More to ExploreThey close with a few other food highlights from the trip—like tacos gobernador and sopes with steak—and talk about how meals like these help shape the story of a place.

April 2025 Travel News: Airline Perks, Cruise Comebacks & Wine Country Wandering
This month’s travel news roundup comes to you from a breezy spring campsite in Traverse City, Michigan, where we’ve been sipping wine, stargazing, and dreaming up our next adventure. Along with headlines that caught our attention, we’re also teasing a new series inspired by our recent trip to Mexico City — more on that soon.
Airline News Highlights
A United flight had to turn around mid-air because the pilot forgot his passport (yes, really). 
Spirit Airlines is adding 15 new routes out of Detroit, aiming to shake up Delta’s dominance.
Ryanair introduced its first-ever membership program with discounts and free seat selection.
American Airlines plans to roll out free WiFi starting in 2026.
Fiji Airways joined the OneWorld alliance, unlocking easier international connections.
WalletHub ranked Spirit as the best U.S. airline in 2025 — a surprise worth looking into.
Wine Break: Dune Bird WineryMidway through recording, we made a stop at Dune Bird Winery in Leelanau County — great wine, low-key setting, and just the right kind of place to slow down and take in the view.
Travel News & Cruise Comebacks
Royal Caribbean has temporarily stopped visits to its Haiti private island due to regional unrest.
Victory Cruise Line returning to the Great Lakes, offering itineraries from 9–14 nights.
AmaWaterways is launching new river cruises in Colombia on the Magdalena River.
MSC World America, a ship built for U.S. travelers, has just debuted.
Both Disney World water parks will be open this summer for the first time since 2019.
Kansas City is now home to the world’s first barbecue museum.
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon will be closing for construction between 2026 and 2029 — plan accordingly.
Coming SoonWe’ve just wrapped a deep dive into Mexico City — art, food, hidden gems, and the kind of travel moments that stick with you. Stay tuned for a full series, including interviews and itinerary tips.
If this episode gave you new ideas or made you smile, we’d love it if you rated, reviewed, or shared it with a fellow traveler. Thanks for being here.

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Straits of Mackinac: Bridges, Food, and Fun
In this episode, Christopher and Ashleigh dive deep into the world of the Straits of Mackinac area. They share practical tips, can't miss experiences, and insights to help you make the most of visiting this region of northern Michigan.
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The Mighty Mackinac Bridge
At around 5 miles long, the Mackinac Bridge is an impressive sight spanning the Straits of Mackinac. Christopher shares key details and stats about the bridge. He and Ashleigh recommend walking the bridge on Labor Day during the annual bridge walk event. They also suggest visiting the parks on either side of the bridge, which offer beautiful views.
Mackinac City
Mackinac City is known for its tourist shops and proximity to Mackinac Island ferries. But Christopher and Ashleigh share their favorite spots including the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Colonial Michilimackinac, and Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
St. Ignace
Across the bridge, St. Ignace provides a more relaxed small town vibe. Recommendations here include walking the long boardwalk, visiting Father Marquette National Memorial, and taking in the views from Castle Rock.
Food Recommendations
For food, Christopher raves about the pasties from Lehto's in St. Ignace. Other recommendations in St. Ignace include Clyde's Drive-In, Java Joe's, and Double Decker Ice Cream. In Mackinac City, they suggest stopping at the Mackinac Bakery and Cafe.
Nearby Destinations
Looking to expand your itinerary? Check out Legs Inn in Cross Village, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Sault Ste. Marie, Tahquamenon Falls, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Tips for Visiting
Ashleigh and Christopher wrap up with practical tips like allowing extra time for ferry logistics and building in a night before/after visiting Mackinac Island.
Wine Break
During their wine break segment, Christopher and Ashleigh taste and discuss a Pinot Noir from Two Lads Winery on Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula.

If you find value in our podcast and have the means to support our work, please support us here: goseedoexplore.com/support
 
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Mackinac Island Favorites:
Top Picks for Dining, Stays, and Activities
In this episode of Go See Do Explore, Ashleigh and Christopher share some of their favorite things to do, places to stay, and restaurants on Mackinac Island in Michigan.
Places to Stay
Ashleigh's pick: The Inn on Mackinac - A small boutique hotel away from downtown, offering lower rates than other island hotels. It has a front porch, bay window views, and a complimentary continental breakfast.
Christopher's pick: The Chippewa Hotel - Located right downtown, attached to the Pink Pony restaurant. More budget-friendly than luxury, but nice with convenient location.
Things to Do
Christopher's pick: Bike around the 8.2 mile perimeter of the island. See the water, bridge, fall colors, and more.
Ashleigh's pick: Rent a carriage and drive it yourself around the island. A unique activity once you're familiar with the island layout.
Favorite Restaurants
Christopher's Pick: Kingston Kitchen - Bringing Jamaican cuisine to the island, with authentic and delicious dishes.
Ashleigh's Pick: The Pink Pony at the Chippewa Hotel - Great patio overlooking the water, with local wine, fun cocktails, and good food.
Bonus: Gate House Restaurant - Appetizers were really good at this Grand Hotel restaurant located in the old gatehouse.
More Mackinac Island Tips
Visit Fort Holmes for island views from the highest point.
See Arch Rock, accessible by carriage tour or by hiking the steps.
Go during the off season for fewer crowds, lower rates, and a different island experience.
Get Ashleigh and Christopher's free Mackinac Island guide at goseeexplore.com/mackinac

If you find value in our podcast and have the means to support our work, please support us here: goseedoexplore.com/support
Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such we earn a small commission from each purchase that allows us to continue to tell our stories without costing you anything extra.
Discovering Mackinac: History, Tips, and Travel Insights
In this episode, we dive into the unique island of Mackinac, sharing its history, what makes it special, and tips for planning your visit.
Introducing Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. What makes it unique is its ban on cars - the only transportation is by horse, bike, or foot. The Victorian-era architecture adds to the feeling of stepping back in time.
Mackinac's History
Mackinac has a rich history as an outpost occupied by the French, British, and Americans. Fort Mackinac was the site of battles during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Today, the fort is a tourist attraction with historical reenactments and one of the best views on the island.
Where to Stay
The iconic Grand Hotel boasts the world's longest porch, while Mission Point Resort offers views of the sunrise side of the island. Downtown hotels like Lilac Tree Suites and Chippewa Hotel put you steps from the main street. For a quieter experience, consider the inland options like The Inn at Stonecliffe.
Things to Do
A carriage tour introduces you to the island's history and stories. Biking the 8-mile perimeter loop is a classic activity. And you can't miss the fudge shops that made Mackinac famous. We'll share more of our favorite sights and activities in an upcoming episode.
Wine Break
For this Mackinac-themed wine break, we sipped on a cherry-forward red blend from Thunder Bay Winery, located in Alpena.
Closing Thoughts
Mackinac Island offers a uniquely relaxing, screen-free getaway. With its history and charm, it's a one-of-a-kind destination for travelers. Stay tuned for our next episode where we'll dive deeper into Mackinac's hidden gems and share recommendations to help you plan your perfect island vacation.
For more information about the island, download our Free Travel Guide at www.goseedoexplore.com/mackinac!

If you find value in our podcast and have the means to support our work, please support us here: goseedoexplore.com/support
Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, we earn a small commission from purchases that allow us to continue telling our stories without costing you anything extra.
Exploring Mexico City: From the Historic Center to Hidden Gems
Exploring Mexico City's Historic Center
The hotel they stayed at, Hotel Fontan Reforma, is located right on Reforma Avenue in the historic center. They were able to easily walk around and explore the area during their stay.
Food Tour Highlights
One of the highlights was a private food tour with Eating With Carmen. They visited several top taco spots in the historic center that Ashleigh had researched. The tour helped them get better oriented to the historic center and sample many classic Mexican dishes.
Diego Rivera Murals and Art Tour
They took a tour to see Diego Rivera murals throughout the city. Highlights included the Diego Rivera Museum, the SEP building with its famous courtyards filled with Rivera's murals, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Wine Break and Final Thoughts
During a wine break, Ashleigh and Christopher discuss a red wine they had at Antolina restaurant called Anonimo Tinto from Valle de Guadalupe. They highlight its fruity nose and nice acidity. They tease upcoming content focused more in depth on their trip and experiences in Mexico City.
Exploring Roma Norte and Condesa
After changing hotels, they spent a day exploring the neighborhoods of Roma Norte and Condesa. These neighborhoods were designed to attract foreigners. Roma Norte has a very European feel with eclectic, mixed architecture styles. Condesa features Art Deco buildings.
Cooking Class with Lucia in San Ángel
They took a private cooking class with Lucia in her home and garden in San Ángel. They learned to make classic Mexican dishes like sopes, quesadillas, and chiles en nogada. It was a highlight of feeling welcomed into someone's home.
Kayaking in Xochimilco
Ashleigh highlights their early morning kayaking tour in Xochimilco, where they paddled through the famous floating gardens and saw the sunrise. They then visited a farm, met farmers working to preserve the ecosystem, and had an amazing breakfast.
Visiting Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul
They visited Frida Kahlo's home Casa Azul in Coyoacán. Ashleigh advises getting tickets far in advance as it's one of the top destinations in Mexico City.
Anthropology Museum and Chapultepec Park
They toured the massive Anthropology Museum, which features artifacts from ancient civilizations. In Chapultepec Park, they walked around, visited Chapultepec Castle, and got tortas by the lake before taking a swan boat ride.
Final Thoughts and Upcoming Content
Christopher wraps up by mentioning their guide Laila will be on an upcoming episode. They'll be releasing more podcasts focused on their Mexico City trip and sharing their detailed trip itinerary.

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March 2015 Travel News
Ashleigh and Christopher discuss the latest travel news for March 2022 from Mexico City. Topics include Southwest Airlines eliminating free checked bags, a fire at Heathrow Airport causing major delays, New Orleans being named the #1 food city, and more. Please click the below links for more information about each story. 
Airline News
Southwest Airlines will no longer allow two free checked bags in order to be competitive with other low-cost carriers. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/15/goodbye-free-bags-southwest-airlines.html
Southwest Flight almost took off from Taxiway
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/03/21/southwest-airlines-orlando-taxiway-takeoff/82589309007/
A fire at an electrical substation caused Heathrow Airport to close for 18 hours, disrupting over 1300 flights. https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/london-heathrow-airport-shut-intl-hnk-03-21-25/index.html
TAP Air Portugal and Avianca are opening a new lounge together in Miami. https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/TAP-Avianca-share-lounge-space-MIA
Skyscanner launched a new "Drops" feature to notify travelers when flight prices drop significantly. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2025/03/24/airfare-drops-for-cheap-flights-tips/82628262007/
U.S. Travel News
The Rocky Mountaineer train in the US is rebranding as Canyon Spirit and expanding service to Salt Lake City.  https://www.frommers.com/tips/car-bus-rail/rocky-mountaineer-trains-american-spinoff-to-get-easier-cheaper-and-a-new-name/
A fire in Epcot's France pavilion at Walt Disney World, causing evacuations. https://www.usatoday.com/videos/travel/news/2025/03/23/epcot-fire-breaks-out-disney-no-injuries-reported/82626198007/
Timeout Magazine named New Orleans the #1 food city in the world right now. https://www.timeout.com/travel/worlds-best-cities-for-food#
Global Travel News
Japan doubled the fee to climb Mount Fuji to 4000 yen (~$27) to help keep the mountain clean. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/japan-mount-fuji-fee-test-overtourism-intl-hnk/index.html
Wine Break
Ashleigh and Christopher discuss Mexican wine, which they have enjoyed during their trip to Mexico City. They highlight the Nebbiolo grape and wines from Valle de Guadalupe. Mexican wines are often light-bodied reds that pair well with Mexican cuisine. Most Mexican wine is consumed domestically, but some producers like LA Cetto can be found in the US, even occasionally at Costco.