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Published: December 31st 2023
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The worst: Bucket lists are kind of a ghoulish way to go about travel planning. It also puts destinations uncomfortably into weird categories. Which are “bucket lists” and which are “casual travel”? And is it really productive to think of destinations as “bucket list” entries, so they’re so built up in our minds we’re actually disappointed when we arrive? (It’s a real thing–called
Paris Syndrome). Get excited about a destination no matter what the reason is for going.
A troubling new trend surfaced over the summer, as the
New York Times reported–Amazon and other online booksellers were flooded with self-published guidebooks with a mysterious number of good and terrible reviews. These guidebooks,
shoddily written with AI from information pulled from the internet (and not verified or fact-checked), have proliferated and made travel planning more confusing for travelers, and it’s time they go.
This one
we wrote about early in 2023, and it’s counter to the decades-long running trend of “traveling like a local” (as though there’s seemingly nothing worse than being a “tourist”). In 2024, it may be time to embrace your status as a tourist. Accept that you don’t have the local knowledge of the place you’re visiting and that locals have a different outlook formed on a much deeper understanding of a place than you do.
The best:
I have always referred to my "list" as a "Water Pail" list, it sounds less ominous than bucket, but still conveys the message!!!
Going solo is something I have done for many years, starting with business travel in the 80's. Why so popular now? I think travelers finally realize that travel and the enjoyment of travel is a very personal and insightful event. But I say, go for any reason, whether you prefer it, or if your travel buddy is not available, or if nobody else is interested.
Off season travel has caught on, in a big way. It is much less expensive, less crowded, and no bratty kids!!
Private jet travel is exploding. While it is not my preferred choice, I know several good friends who swear by it. Of course, they can afford it! And the convenience is the biggest reason!
The emphasis on public transportation has always been near and dear to my travel. I rarely rent a car, even in the US. I prefer the public transit and Uber alternatives.
Try a long-distance rail trip, whether on Amtrak here at home, or something more exotic overseas. You will see first-hand how much I enjoy
this type of travel.
Another great adventure: I chose a destination at random at the Frankfurt airport. It turned out to be Mallorca, a Spanish island in the Mediterranean. It started as a cycling and wine tasting trip and ended up as an all-night party with some golfers.
I think for seasoned travelers, my suggestion is simply to try something out of your comfort zone. Maybe a new city or country? Or perhaps a hiking or biking trip? Or a cooking class?
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