Vacationer of the Week: Lola Méndez

We always enjoy mixing up the Vacationer of the Week franchise with diverse travelers. So, this week we wanted to catch up with Lola Méndez, a travel journalist whose work has been featured in reputable publications, including Food + Wine, AFAR, CNN Travel, Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, and more. Méndez has also written for several non-travel-related publications, too! 

The 32-year-old Uruguayan-American was born in San Diego, California, but raised in Kansas and Uruguay. She’s been on the move as a digital nomad since 2015, and fortunate enough to visit 65 countries. In this week’s Q&A, Méndez reveals what inspires her to travel, which countries are still on her travel bucket list, and what change is she excited to see transform the travel industry.

Vacationer: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?

Lola Méndez: I received my first passport at birth. I was 3 years old when we moved from California to Uruguay. My first trip was when my mom used to take me over the border to Tijuana as a baby and as a toddler to buy fresh produce in the Mexican markets.

What inspires you to travel?

Everything! Really, it devastated me that I likely won’t be able to visit every place, see every wild animal, climb every mountain, swim on every beach, eat every type of cuisine, meet people from all cultures in my one short lifetime. I’m motivated to absorb and learn as much as I can from the people I meet around the world—they shape who I am. I travel to develop my own worldview and understanding of the globe’s many cultures. I love learning about the world’s diversity. I’m passionate about sustainable travel and seek out ethical experiences that benefit local communities. 

Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Does it influence the way you travel? 

I’m pansexual and came out during the pandemic. I’m now traveling as an openly queer person for the first time in my life, which is liberating but also terrifying, as I have to be cautious about whom I share my sexuality with when I’m in less progressive countries.

Which domestic or international destinations do you think will be popular places to travel to in 2022? Why?

I think Mexico will continue to be a popular destination for North American tourists as the borders remain open, the COVID restrictions to enter are limited and the vast country has so much to offer. You can find everything in Mexico from snow-capped mountains, ancient civilizations, whale-watching, and more.

What do you like the most about solo travel?

I love to be able to do whatever I want, whenever I want.

If you have to travel with someone, who would be the ideal travel companion for you? 

I love traveling with my sister who tends to let me lead the way. My friends do too as they know the benefit of traveling with a travel journalist is that we put together epic itineraries. Of course, when I’m in a relationship, I love having the chance to see a destination with my partner. My ideal travel companion is easygoing, appreciates the effort I put into trip planning, and doesn’t expect me to drain my phone battery managing Google Maps the whole day!

Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? 

I’m always shocked to learn how many queer travelers aren’t aware of how many LGBTQ+ regulations are in place to protect and uplift queer people in Uruguay. Having the support of the law and citizens behind me helped encourage me to come out at age 30 during the pandemic. Uruguay is extremely queer-friendly, I never ran into any trouble when exhibiting PDA with my ex-girlfriend.

What’s the best tip you’d offer travelers?

Have an idea of what you want to see and do in a place but leave room for flexibility.

What’s are your top 3 favorite places to visit?

Oh, this is really tough! Right now I’m dreaming of returning to Udaipur, India; Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Hoi An, Vietnam. I can’t wait to get back to Asia.

What three places are still on your bucket list to visit?

I’m hoping to get to Antarctica, Japan, and Nicaragua in 2022!

What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?

A portable power bank to charge my phone or camera as needed.

You’re going on a road trip? What singer or band is always on your playlist?

The Eagles music makes for the best road trip jams. Windows down, volume up!

What travel trend or travel industry change would you be excited to see happen?

More inclusivity—not just thin, affluent, young, white people travel.