Travel like a Local; Live like a Tourist
In other words, no matter where you are... shake things up.
I just got back from a trip to Spain, but this newsletter isn’t going to cover “the top ten places to stop in Madrid” or “golf tourism in the Costa del Sol.”
Nope.
It’s not even going to really be about travel, but rather a revelation I had after listening to an episode of Rick Steves Travel and then thinking back to a rainy Sunday in Madrid.
Stay with me; this will make sense.
First, Rick Steves.
In his latest podcast, “A Pilot’s View; Cuba 2023, Traveling Again,” Rick asked commercial pilot/frequent flier Mark Vanhoenacker how he passed the time between flights in cities around the world. Mark’s answer surprised Rick.
While the pilot spent his first years frenetically visiting guidebook “must-see” spots, he found this routine exhausting and not satisfying. So, Mark started “traveling like a local” - by exploring cities on foot and doing things the locals would do. He knew that the landmarks would always be there for future trips and instead tried to savor spontaneous, everyday events that happened when he relaxed and pretended to be a local.
I thought this concept was genius. And actually, I did just that two weeks ago in Madrid, on a rainy Sunday. Since I was staying with my friends Rodrigo and Rocio (who’ve lived in Madrid for over 20 years), I asked them to recommend an activity that wasn’t necessarily a tourist scene but rather an interesting local attraction. Rodrigo said, “We’ve got to go to the Rastro” (Madrid’s largest and most popular open-air flea market).
On a sunny day, this would have been perfect. But the day was rainy, so Rocio asked, “Rodrigo, El Rastro? Really? It’s raining.”
She couldn’t imagine how it’d be enjoyable - which made sense; I’d have said the same thing to my husband if we were going to a local place on a gloomy day back home.
But here’s the deal.
We went to El Rastro… rain and all. It was one of the most magical, authentic, and fun excursions I’ve taken while traveling.
We were surrounded by locals, who all came out despite the rain. We talked with local artists and ended the morning at a neighborhood bar.
It was perfect.
Rocio and Rodrigo agreed. And the morning wouldn’t have happened unless they lived a bit like a tourist… taking advantage of the moment despite iffy weather conditions.
A great life lesson and a great travel lesson… no matter if you’re a local or a visitor, embrace the magic that can happen when you venture outside the ordinary.
With that, I’ve got some podcasts and other fun things to help you take a walk on the wild side & explore something new.
Cheers,
Abbey
LISTEN
In case you missed it above, learn how to Travel Like a Local in this episode of Rick Steves’ Podcast.
Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, getting to the next level starts with goal setting. Find out how in this episode of the Hurdle Podcast.
The best way to live like a local is to know a bit of the local language. Here’s a podcast if you want to learn Italian, learn Spanish, or speak French.
STREAM
Along the lines of traveling like a local but not being a local… how about eating like a vegan but not being a vegan? Check out some great plant-based recipes that I bet you’ll love and might make you might lean more toward plants.
If you want a meal that makes you feel great, try this delicious anti-inflammatory dish, and if you’re stumped for lunch ideas, look no further than this YouTube.
TRAVEL
Okay, let’s say you want to travel but can’t. Feel like you’re on an adventure, and pick up some fun finds at museum gift stores around the world - from home. Shop online at The Met, the Guggenheim Store, or a great one in my neighborhood, The Milwaukee Art Museum.
In keeping with this week’s theme, here are 6 Rules to Travel Like a Local.
BUY
Travel tech you can’t live without, Amazon travel must-haves, and the ultimate guide for travel shoes for women.
Here's some fashion advice for Fall 2023, regardless of whether you’re on the road or at home.
ON A SERIOUS NOTE
The moral of this newsletter is pretty simple. It doesn’t matter if you’re 3000 miles from home or walking down the street on a path you take every day. So many interesting people, places, and things await our discovery. The key is to follow your heart, take chances, and explore - sometimes, even venturing out on a rainy day.
Wishing you travels near and far that bring you magic and joy and new experiences that you’ll want to write home about.
Happy travels, friends.
Abbey