Where Are They Now: Reflections from Our First Mexico City Adventure
Three years ago, I led my very first group trip to Mexico City, carrying nothing but a dream and a deep belief that solo travelers deserved better than ordinary tourism. Looking back, those brave souls who joined me on that inaugural adventure weren't just participants –
they were pioneers who helped shape what Laura Ericson Group Trips would become.
Today, I'm sitting down with two of those original travelers, Taylor and Kathleen, to reflect on how our CDMX journey has rippled through their lives in unexpected ways. Their stories perfectly capture why I believe so deeply in the power of intentional, community-focused travel to transform not just our perspectives, but our entire lives.
Meet Our Travelers
Taylor Huppert Boyd calls Eau Claire, WI home, where she works at CVTC and feeds her creative spirit through local musical theater with the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild. When she's not performing, you might find her cheering on Minnesota United at a soccer match with her husband or lost in a good book.
Kathleen Walton, also from Eau Claire, WI, is a transformational mindset coach who helps others become their best selves. She embraces Wisconsin's seasons through outdoor activities and finds joy in spending time with her dogs, watching movies, and nurturing friendships.
Taylor finding pockets of colorful charm in Mexico City's streets.
Kathleen making a new friend at the artisan market in Xochimilco.
Q&A with Taylor & Kathleen
How did you find out about Laura Ericson Group trips?
Taylor: Laura was my first manager at CVTC. Soon after I joined her team, I learned about her dream to start her travel business. When I found out about the CDMX trip, I knew I had to join her!
Kathleen: I know Laura herself. She is a friend in Eau Claire, WI.
¡Salud! Our crew celebrating with horchata cocktails at our favorite local spot in CDMX.
Looking back, what moment from our CDMX trip still makes you smile today?
Taylor: Dancing, singing, and drinking on the trajineras in Xochimilco! I remember spotting a perfect backdrop for photos and, along with Laura, convincing the embarcadero to turn the boat around. The pictures were totally worth it!!
Kathleen: So many moments, but if I have to pick one, it would be the day going out on the boats in Xochimilco.
The famous boat ride—cruising the canals of Xochimilco with flower crowns and friends.
How did our Mexico City adventure change the way you approach travel now?
Kathleen: It taught me to love group trips. I love meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and having Laura plan the itinerary before arriving.
México mi amor indeed! One of our favorite photo spots in CDMX.
What local Mexican dish or drink do you find yourself craving most often?
Taylor: TORTA!
Kathleen: I would say an authentic margarita is hard to find, as the tequila in Mexico is in a league of its own.
Mexico City food is unmatched—that fresh avocado and perfectly seasoned meat combo is legendary.
How has the cultural immersion we experienced in CDMX influenced your daily life back home?
Kathleen: The colors! I love how they use vibrant colors everywhere in CDMX - on buildings, furniture, dishes, everything! Walking through neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa was like walking through a living art gallery, where every corner brings a new burst of color that makes you smile. It's incredible how they use vibrant colors everywhere - from the buildings and street art to the markets and food presentation. It really showed me how much joy and energy color can bring to everyday life.
What's the most unexpected way our trip inspired personal growth for you?
Kathleen: I was going through a divorce at the time and hadn't experienced much cultural travel. The CDMX trip sparked my love for exploration, and I've definitely grown more confident in all aspects of travel - from booking tickets and packing lighter to navigating different airports on my own to join our group trips
How has staying connected with our CDMX travel group enriched your life post-trip?
Kathleen: The new friendships have been amazing - even though we don't see each other often, when we do connect (like seeing Taylor at the meetup the other night), it's like no time has passed. The conversation just flows naturally!
If you could teleport back to one spot we visited in Mexico City right now, where would it be and why?
Taylor: Without a doubt, it would be up in the hot air balloon over Teotihuacán. It was my first time in a hot air balloon and it was truly magical.
Kathleen: The trajineras in Xochimilco! Slowly floating along the canals, taking in the festive atmosphere - that was such a special experience. :)
Taylor observing sunrise over Mexico City with hot air balloons dotting the horizon.
The view from the top—soaring over Teotihuacan at sunrise - there's nothing quite like seeing the ancient city from 2,000 feet up! 🎈
Kathleen in front of the Pyramid of the Sun.
Part of our group at the base of Teotihuacan's Pyramid of the Sun.
Kathleen living her best life at the ancient city of Teotihuacan.
If you could add one more day to our original itinerary, what would you want to explore or experience?
Kathleen: It was such a fulfilling and complete trip that I honestly wouldn't know what to add. Although... maybe a day trip to a cenote nearby would be fun! :)
How did our CDMX trip spark your curiosity about other cultures or destinations?
Taylor: It really deepened my desire to explore and experience the unique aspects of other cultures. I've always loved being off the beaten path, even in my own city. I don't just want to see the sights and cross things off a list.
Kathleen: Oh, the CDMX trip opened up a whole new world of curiosity for travel! I especially love how Laura's trips combine ease with organization.
The stunning tiles provided the perfect backdrop for photos all week long.
What's one skill or insight you gained from our local experiences that you still use today?
Kathleen: Packing minimally was definitely a struggle at first, but I've gotten much better with each trip. I'm still learning and always trying to improve my packing strategy!
What do you tell people about Laura Ericson Group Trips?
Kathleen: It's simple - buy the travel package, book your flights, show up at the destination, and have an amazing time! Laura takes care of everything else.
Celebrating Día de los Muertos in true Mexican style - adorned with calavera face paint and floral coronas as we joined the vibrant street festivities.
Has our adventure together inspired you to plan any solo trips or join other group experiences?
Taylor: I am excited to be going to Georgia with Laura next year, and this time I'm bringing my husband along!
Kathleen: Yes! I'm planning a solo trip with my adult son to Ireland in 2025. I’ve also been to Turkey, Morocco, and Greece with Laura on a group trip.
Golden hour on the canals of Xochimilco.
Looking back, how did the trip help you overcome any travel anxieties or concerns you had before?
Kathleen: I was going through a divorce during this trip, and my now ex-husband had made me fearful of other cultures. The experience taught me that people everywhere are living their daily lives just like we do in the States - working, spending time with family and friends. Their environment might be different, but I love learning about and experiencing these different cultures.
Reading through Taylor and Kathleen's reflections fills me with such joy and validation for what we're creating together at Laura Ericson Group Trips. Their journey from that first Mexico City adventure captures exactly what happens when we give ourselves permission to travel differently. What began as a leap of faith – joining a group of strangers in Mexico City – transformed into lasting friendships, newfound confidence, and a deeper appreciation for global cultures. From Taylor's magical moment floating above Teotihuacán to Kathleen's beautiful realization that people across cultures share the same fundamental desires for connection and community, these are the transformative moments I dream of creating for every traveler. Their stories remind us that true travel isn't about checking items off a list – it's about opening our hearts to new experiences, challenging our preconceptions, and allowing ourselves to be forever changed by the places we visit and the people we meet along the way. Whether you're emerging from a major life change like Kathleen, seeking deeper cultural connections like Taylor, or simply dreaming of more meaningful adventures, there's a place for you in our travel squad. Here's to many more years of creating these beautiful connections, one journey at a time.
