Whenever I'm traveling, or even just out exploring in Seattle, I've always got a collection of things that I keep a lookout for. A pulled pork sandwich. A stack of vintage LPs. Food cooking in an open air market. These are things that cause me to drop my plans to stop and stay awhile. Not necessarily addictions (ok, maybe they are just a little), but glimpses into my personality, who I am, and what I love. They make travel, and life in general, more fun.
I'm sure you've got your own set of favorites, all your own, that you indulge in on a regular basis. But do you take those with you when you travel? If you don't you should.
While many of my finds are serendipitous, some of the best encounters were planned well in advance, so I suggest that you factor in your personality when you plan your next trip. Instead of following the guidebook itinerary blindly, give yourself time to visit that antique shop in Paris, or Italian comic book store, or a bakery in Vietnam. Think about what you really enjoy when you're at home, do some research before you leave, and give yourself time to discover your foreign self.
My collection of quirky tastes might be more food centered than most, but I hold them up with pride. If I stumble onto a BBQ joint unexpectedly, I'd have to be broke or dying to not stop and get a sandwich. Coffee or tea, yes please, as long as it's not a big chain. Street food, as long as I can read or point to the food I want, is a must have. Breweries, brewpubs, or anywhere that will fill up a growler with a local beer make me feel giddy. Vintage camera store? Oh yes, I'll take two of those, please. Thrift stores, at least in the US, are like a magnet to me. The only downside to this particular addiction is that you've got to lug your spoils home (unlike food, which I guess gets lugged home in extra pounds.)
How do I prep for finding these things when I'm far from home? I dive into sites like eGullet and the Chowhound forums to see what other foodies are gushing about in my areas of obsession. I pick up the local paper when I arrive and dig through the articles and advertisements for local shops. I head over to review sites like Yelp or Urbanspoon and go through them with a careful eye. Urbanspoon is great because it points you to local food bloggers that allow me to dive in and find the best recommendations for my personality. And lastly, I ask and I ask a lot. Locals I know, twitter pleas, facebook friends, a guy on the side of the road, I ask anyone and everyone that can help me get my fix.
Great post, pic made me thirsty! I'm fascinated by the fact that we've all started relying so heavily on apps and websites to plan our travels, down to where we want to eat. While I do that, too, I'm aware that some of the magic of exploring and discovering is being lost. I'm trying to use a mix of technology + non-technology. Sometimes it's just so fun to show up someplace with NO plans or research, and simply discover what's there, what's on the menu, and who's around...in person! You might be amused by my list of anti-apps on my site. Cheers!
Hi Randall, thanks! I agree, I do like taking the random journey with no research; sometimes I do it on purpose, sometimes...not so much. But I've found so many great places that way, and for some reason those finds feel more satisfying. Perhaps because you don't expect them ( and therefore don't have any expectations.)
Awesome tips!!!
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