About Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones left a career in nursing and lived on the beaches of Goa, India for the five years. Now she lives in Mexico where she gives advice on the 40+ countries she’s visited in the last 10 years. She’s the author of two India travel e-books: Guide to India and Insider’s Guide to Goa. Her blog, Hippie in Heels, like its name, is a contradiction combining off-beat adventurous places with glamorous and bespoke travel. Hippie in Heels has been featured in ELLE, Marie Claire, Grazia, and Cosmopolitan magazines. She’s a writer for Bravo TV.

Amritsar Golden Temple: Sikh’s Clever “f you” to the Caste System?

The Golden Temple in Amritsar is a stunning sight, one you’ve probably seen on at least one documentary, CNN program, or while scrolling through Pinterest. It’s full name is Harmandir Sahib Golden Temple and inside are important spiritual texts for Sikhism, called the Guru Granth Sahib. Over 100,000 people visit this temple each day! Of

5 Top Tips for Goa

Are you planning to come to Goa for a vacation or a stop-through on a backpacking trip? First, check out my Ultimate Guide to Goa; which puts Lonely Planet to shame ;) I get e-mails asking what extra top tips for Goa do I have? It’s usually people who have already read my ultimate guide,

This is India! (three)

I always have funny/weird stories about India to share with friends or family when I talk to them, which has inspired this new series This is India! It’s not that I want to make fun of people or have a rant- this is just meant to be an honest portrayal about my life in India through short anecdotes.

Home in Ohio & A VIDEO of Ben Shooting a Gun for the First Time

I’ve been back in Goa now for a week, just in time for a few months of monsoon that comes through like a Dementor sucking up my soul and stealing sunshine and happiness. Ok, it's not that bad. I was in Ohio at my parent’s house for almost six weeks. It was the first time

Mango Fit Shares How to Stay Fit While Traveling

“Oh, as if! You skinny bitch!” This is what skinny girls hear when they complain about being fat, so I’ve got to tread lightly here. I know I’m not fat, but I have gained about 8 pounds in the last year in India. Traveling/expat life and being fit don’t really go together, especially in India

Tibetan Children’s Village in McLeod Ganj

You just cannot go to McLeod Ganj without taking a day to tour, volunteer, and play with some of the Tibetan orphans at the Tibetan Children’s Village. Just a little background: When China invaded Tibet they attempted to crush their culture. You’ve probably seen “Free Tibet” at some point in time, and it’s because most

What the Dalai Lama Taught Me About Life in McLeod Ganj

While in McLeod Ganj, we heard the news of the visit of the Dalai Lama coming back to his “new” home. Knowing this would be one of the coolest experiences of my life, Chloe and I took a break from continuing our trip as planned and we stayed in town to learn from His Holiness.

This is India! (two)

[I always have funny/weird stories about India to share with friends or family when I talk to them, which has inspired this new series This is India! It’s not that I want to make fun of people or have a rant- this is just meant to be an honest portrayal about my life in India through short anecdotes.]