It is a question that we get asked frequently and one that is sure to make us cringe. How can we pick a single place? So many of them are wonderful for different reasons and as soon as we even try to pick one, it is immediately followed by “but we also loved…”. Perhaps if they were to ask us our favorite exotic location, food destination, place to go hiking, etc. Maybe then we could give an answer that is actually meaningful. Otherwise, we just end up listing a few of our favorite places and why we liked them.
Ponte Vecchio in Florence, ItalyAmazon Rainforest in EcuadorTemples at Mahabalipuram, India
What is the metric that is supposed to be used to determine your favorite place? Is it based on the variety of sites that you visited, how much you liked the people that you met, or is there a measurement for how unique a place might have been. The time of year that you visit, the festivals that you enjoyed, or the food that you ate might also weigh into the decision. The day we start giving the places that we visit a score based upon some factors would be the day that we stopped traveling.
Eiffel Tower from the SeineView of the Giza Plateau with Cairo in the BackgroundView of the Colosseum from the Roman Forum
Obviously there is no way for us to avoid that question, people are truly interested and want to know our thoughts. We wish we could honestly give a single answer, but each experience is so unique in it’s own way. Do you have a travel question that frustrates you whenever you hear it?
The Erechthion in the Acropolis in AthensView of La Paz, BoliviaLighthouse on the Northern Coast of Africa in Morocco
Obviously the major cities are on everyone’s list when deciding where to go when visiting a country that they haven’t visited before. Part of that is because they are often the main transportation hubs and they also usually have a large number of things to see such as churches, palaces, castles, and museums. However, if you really want to get a true sense of the culture of a country, get out of the large cities and go to some of the small towns. The people are authentic, the restaurants providing local favorites, and the sights, although sometimes simpler, are often truly unique. Don’t expect people in these smaller towns to speak anything other than their native tongue, though, hand gestures and translation apps are an absolute must.
Walking the Side Streets of SpainBrasov, RomaniaGetting Out of Quito in Ecuador
Regardless of where we have traveled, we have found the smaller towns to be some of our favorite memories. Especially if you are fortunate to visit during a time when there are holidays or festivals. There is something truly special about enjoying events such as these where you are the only foreigner in the crowd and you know that what you are enjoying isn’t done for tourism, but simply for the enjoyment of the locals who live in the town and its surrounding farms. We also find these to be great places to look for local artists who might have something that can’t be found anyplace else.
Festival in Hochheim, GermanyWaiting for Santa Claus in Stratford Upon AvonKassel, GermanyLucca, Italy
Although it is often pleasant to stay in one of these smaller towns, they can also be visited as part of a day trip to get out of the city. Clearly, if you can spend at least a night in one of these towns, you will get an even better sense of the culture. If you spend a few days or even a week there, you might be treated like a local by the time that you leave. Always be sure to ask other locals where to get a good meal as they will be sure to point you in the proper direction. Be sure to slow down while you are visiting these smaller towns, they typically live life at a more leisurely pace, they work hard, but are not in a hurry to rush around and neither should you.
Riquewihr, FranceSeaside Village in IrelandEdfu, Egypt
The same is true of your own country. We have enjoyed going to many small towns across the United States and it really is a different view of the area that you are visiting. The people are friendly and, in many ways, it is often like stepping back in time. If you have the opportunity to talk to a local, ask about the history of the area, you will often get a very unique view that you could never get from any sort of guide book. You will definitely be a better traveler if you are willing to get out and explore as many local towns as you possibly can.
Have you ever had a flight delayed or cancelled and had to go to the airline desk to see about getting on another flight? People can be so rude and angry with the staff at the desk who had nothing to do with what caused the issues with the flight. We see it almost every time we travel, someone is berating a poor attendant instead of treating them with respect and kindness. As if somehow, if they yell loud enough, their circumstances will suddenly change. We always try to be understanding and not take out frustrations on the employees or each other. It doesn’t mean that it is always easy, emotions can get the better of you, but you will be far happier and the people around you will be much happier if you keep your emotions in check. There have been more than a few times when there have been issues with our flight or hotel room and we have had to ask for assistance to get things fixed. On several of those occasions we have not only had our issue resolved, but they have even upgraded our seats or room. Granted, both us as well as the person helping us were pleasant with one another, so clearly it needs to be a two-way street. This week’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is about Kind and Caring, so here are a few photos to help put you in a calmer mood for the next time you have to deal with an unfortunate situation. 🙂
Lion Cubs Helping One AnotherParrots SnugglingIs that a Porcupine Kiss?Contentment
