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Travel writer and Mayan Riviera expert Joshua Hinsdale lets us in on his party-filled past in Mexico and what it takes to avoid thieves on the beach.

Travel expert and writer Joshua Hinsdale has toured most of Central and South America - from Brazil to Costa Rica and Mexico. Today, he has his sights set on Europe, but he still took the time to put all of his wisdom from those adventures in writing first. For more of Josh's insights into travel, be sure to check out his book, Playa del Carmen, Tulum & the Riviera Maya.

1. What one thing do you never leave home without?
My mobile phone is my link to the rest of the world and I never leave home without it. I can check my email, stay in touch with folks back home, keep track of my schedule, check the news and even post live stories to my blog.

2. What's the best meal you've had while traveling?
The best meal I've ever had while traveling was at Bloody Mary's Restaurant in Bora Bora. After a week of staying on an isolated island with limited supplies, being back in civilization was made complete with lobster, champagne and a Tahitian sunset.

3. The best hotel you've stayed in?
I stayed for a few nights at the Mahakua Hacienda de San Antonio in Colima, Mexico, and was amazed. It was like a slice of Versailles in the highlands of Mexico, just an hour inland from Manzanillo. The small hotel crowns a 5000-acre estate, complete with massive gardens inspired by Spain's Alhambra palace, a coffee plantation and plenty of room to roam by horseback.

4. The attraction that really blew your socks off?
My favorite attraction is the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. It's amazing to hike up the side and watch the lava flow and feel the rumble as massive boulders fly through the air and tumble down the sides. There are a few hotels where you can sit on your balcony, sip a drink and watch the volcano erupt. There are also natural springs that pass through the volcano base and pool in hot lagoons on the other side – perfect for a natural hot-tub.

5. Your best souvenir purchase?
I don't normally buy souvenirs when I'm traveling. My most prized souvenirs are seashells that I've collected at various beaches that remind me of all the nice places I've had the fortune of seeing.

6. How early do you really get to the airport?
I can't stand feeling rushed at the airport, so I always aim to arrive two hours before an international flight. If I'm delayed, I'll still be there on time. And if I'm early, I'll just spend a little extra time talking to other travelers and relaxing in the lounge.

7. Are language books/tapes ever actually worth it?
Learning a new language takes dedication. Whether that dedication is applied toward books or tapes or classes, you'll always learn at a rate proportional to what you put into it. The best way to learn, of course, is to live the language, but not many of us have the time to do that.

8. What is the most useful word to know in a foreign language?
I always make sure I know how to say "excuse me" in the local language. It comes in handy when walking a crowded street, waiting in line or to apologize for not knowing much more.

9. What do you look for in a traveling companion?
A good sense of humor is an absolute must. Travel is filled with all sorts of challenges and difficulties and – like anything – it's not so much a matter of what problems come up, but how you deal with them that matters. Being able to laugh about a difficult travel experience while it's happening can make any situation more tolerable. And when times are good, laughing and smiling can make them even better.

10. What destination did you most enjoy when you were younger?
I went to Mexico almost every Spring Break and summer vacation while I was in high school and college. Whether it was a 28-hour bus trip to Puerto Escondido or Zihuatanejo or quick flight to Acapulco or Cancun, being South of the Border was synonymous with freedom, relaxation and excitement. I learned to scuba dive, shoot tequila, dance merengue, made countless friends and filled my young mind with memories and ideas that still affect who I am today.

11. What destination do you most enjoy now?
My tastes have matured somewhat and you're more likely to find me lounging in a Marbella café or sipping wine in a Barcelona plaza than sitting by the beach all day. Europe has become one of my favorite places to travel, as I'm now better able to appreciate the history, culture and gastronomy than I was before.

12. What was your biggest moment of culture shock?
The biggest episode of culture shock I've ever had was a case of what they call "reverse culture shock," which is what you experience when you return to your culture after immersing yourself in another one. I lived in Central America for a year and can vividly remember coming back home and cowering from all of the noise and hustle of our consumer-driven culture. I went to the mall the day after coming home and had to leave after ten minutes when all the fluorescent lights, perfume samples and commotion of other shoppers nearly gave me an anxiety attack. It took a couple of weeks to adjust to life back home.

13. If you could go back to one place, what would it be?
I want to go back to Ipanema and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When I was there last, a cold front came through and ruined the beach experience for me. I met a lot of great people and loved being there, but the weather just didn't cooperate. I'd also like to time my trip to coincide with Carnaval.

14. Where would you never go back to again?
I don't think I'd go to the Texas/Mexico border towns again, at least not for awhile. Ten years ago, it was a safe and friendly place to be and my friends and I would explore back alley cantinas, eat tacos from the street vendors and have a great time venturing beyond the main tourist routes. The drug lords have turned the area into a battlefield, and I just wouldn't want to risk getting caught in the middle of any sort of turf war. It's an incredibly diverse and interesting region and I hope it gets cleaned up, but until then, it's sadly off my list.

15. Has there ever been a cultural tradition you tried to take home with you?
I love how the Latin Americans and Europeans greet each other and say goodbye with a kiss on the cheek. I've started doing this with my friends and loved ones and it has been surprisingly well received. Sometimes I even catch myself doing it with people who haven't yet been indoctrinated.

16. What one thing has held true no matter what land or country you've been in?
A smile, a laugh, a slight bow of the head – these things are universal and will help to bridge any gap.

17. What has been your biggest surprise while traveling?
I traveled to Buenos Aires recently and was shocked with how inexpensive things were. I had a pizza and two beers at a nice restaurant and only paid $4 USD. American travelers were using the hotel luggage carts to transport their shopping bags from the mall back to the hotel. It's been a long time since I was somewhere that the US dollar was so strong.

18. How do you stay safe when you're traveling?
I've witnessed pick-pocketers on the subway in Mexico City and on the busy downtown streets of San Jose, Costa Rica. I've had cash taken from my hotel room in Cancun, and I had a my backpack stolen from the beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica (thankfully, the courteous thief left my bus ticket), but each time I feel like I learned a little more about keeping myself safe. I carry my wallet in my front pocket, I try to blend in and I stay aware of my surroundings. Even in Brazil, where petty theft is legendary, I usually feel pretty safe.

19. What are the ingredients for the perfect trip?
Picking the right destination is the most important factor. You have to know what to expect or you risk being disappointed. Don't go to Ibiza if you're looking for relaxation and don't go to Utila (Bay Islands, Honduras) if you're interested in partying all night. I also like having a goal when I travel. It can be something as simple as seeing the local landmarks, trying some local foods or saying hello to a friend of a friend. Having little milestones keeps me on track and keeps the trip moving forward.

20. What's next on your list?
I still take frequent trips to the Riviera Maya to research updates for my guidebook and scout stories for my blog. I also want to go to Italy soon. My mom's family is from there and I really want to go try to find them.