Movies that inspire travel
While Shawshank Redemption might be my favorite movie, I wasn’t necessarily anxious to take a bus to Zihuatanejo, Mexico (though it beats prison). I didn’t feel like following the route of Green Book either, another great movie. So, what are movies that inspire travel? Which films cause us to etch a place on our bucket list or revisit a region with renewed vigor? For me, it has been a fun exercise to rediscover a couple dozen excellent movies and include some of my photos that reflect that inspiration. Here they are, in no particular order:
1. Under the Tuscan Sun – Tuscany, Italy
It’s a challenge to watch this movie and not book a flight to Italy. You might stop short of buying a villa, but renting a vacation home in the Tuscany countryside is a must. And while you might not meet folks quite an enchanting as Diane Lane and her construction crew, the people and the places in this region warm the heart and soul.
We have used Montepulciano as a base for day trips to Tuscany’s many charming towns, including Monticchiello, Pienza, and many more that I write about in Road trip from Montepulciano.
2. The Bucket List – The Great Wall of China; Eze, France
What better movie to develop a list of diverse travel options than this entertaining offering from Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. You actually can’t ride a motorcycle on the Great Wall of China, but I have taken a motorcycle side car to get to a remote section.
Our protagonists have many adventures, including a visit to the ancient village of Eze, France (where the picture above was taken). A trip to the French Riviera is not complete without a journey into this historical setting.
3. The Sound of Music – Austria
This remarkable 3-hour musical drama hit theaters in 1965. Most Americans, myself included, had never been to Europe. But Julie Andrews twirling in the picturesque meadows of the Alps made us want to immediately go to Austria and Switzerland. And we did.
4. Lost in Translation – Tokyo
Most of us who are travel writers know the feeling of being alone in a crowded foreign city. What better setting than the largest city on the planet? The nighttime lights of Tokyo play the backdrop for Bill Murray and Scarlet Johansson.
5. The Way – France and Spain
While I have never walked the Camino, this compelling Martin Sheen effort has inspired many to do just that. He proves that the pilgrimage from France to the coast of Spain can be accomplished, with some luck and faith, by all age groups. That alone, is inspiring, not to mention the photogenic countryside. Interesting fact: Martin Sheen actually did walk the Camino de Santiago.
6. Out of Africa – Kenya
It is fitting that this Best Picture winner also won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. The sweeping views of the Kenya landscape are as much the stars of this film as actors Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. It was meaningful to visit Karen Blixen’s home (pictured above), now a museum.
7. Tracks – Australia
This is the story of Robyn Davidson’s real-life 9-month trek across the unforgiving Australian back country. It gives one an appreciation of the expansiveness and beauty of this continent. My casual friend, photographer Rick Smolan, is portrayed in the movie by Adam Driver. Not bad.
8. The Endless Summer – Surf locations worldwide
Is it a documentary? A travelogue? A fun adventure story about a couple of surfer dudes? It doesn’t really matter, as the locations steal the show in this round-the-world search for the perfect wave. We are not surfers (though we live next to a world-class spot), but enjoy watching the athletes.
9. Julie & Julia – Paris
There are so many movies that inspire us to travel to Paris: Amelie, Midnight in Paris, even Ratatouille. You probably have a favorite that beckons you to the City of Light. For me, Paris will always be about food, from souffles to croissants, that can’t quite be duplicated elsewhere. So, what could be better than the story of the celebrated chef, Julia Child, expertly played by Meryl Streep? And for life outside Paris, watch Chocolat or read this.
10. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – India
India has never been on my bucket list, but this movie could almost put it there. Most of the locations are real, including the hotel itself, Ravia Khempur. The emotional journeys are real too, thanks to a brilliant British ensemble cast. Watch this film if, like me, you prefer to visit vicariously.
11. Roman Holiday – Rome
A black and white film from 1953? You can’t go wrong with Audrey Hepburn (Best Actress) and Gregory Peck freewheeling around Rome to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and more. It is now on the National Film Registry of the greatest motion pictures of all time. Here is more about Rome.
12. The Descendants – Kauai, Hawaii
As a person who grew up dealing with Midwestern U.S. winters, I’m not sure I even needed a movie to inspire me to visit Hawaii. Still, if there is one that comes to mind, it would be this film, starring George Clooney. Kauai, arguably the most “Hawaiian” of the major islands, serves as a fitting backdrop to the story. A second choice here could be 50 First Dates. This romantic comedy, with Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, highlights scenes throughout Oahu.
13. Eat, Pray, Love – Italy, India, Indonesia
This is a 3 for 1 movie. Marketed primarily toward women, with Jula Roberts as the star, it features her journeys first to Rome and Naples, then Delhi and Pataudi, and finally scenic Bali.
14. Last Holiday – Alpine Europe
Where would you go if you were told you only have 3 weeks to live? Queen Latifah chooses the Grand Hotel Pupp, in the Czech Republic. This real hotel is the epitome of a luxurious old European resort. Scenery added from the Austrian Alps make it look like a mountain resort. It is a feel-good movie that makes you want to join her there.
15. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Iceland
If Hollywood loves “word of mouth,” so do tourism boards. There may never have been a movie that provided as much free promotion to a country as this film gave Iceland. The settings were a coming out party for the country, which saw an immediate 20+% increase in visitors, and it hasn’t slowed much since.
16. Sideways – Central California wine country
The lovely area just north of Santa Barbara was a sleepy wine region before the “Sideways Effect.” The movie spawned upscale restaurants and resorts, the Sideways Wine Trail, and an increase in wineries from 60 to more than 300. It is still a wonderful region to visit, especially Los Olivos.
17. Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom – Bhutan
If you have ever dreamed of a journey to remote, untouched wilderness, you might want to watch this interesting movie and then decide. Life is simple in this real-life rustic village far from all the modern conveniences.
18. Forrest Gump – Southeast U.S.
Life is simple for Forrest Gump too, just not the world around him. His home is in a fictional town in Alabama, but most scenes were filmed from South Carolina to Georgia. The park bench in the photo above is in Savannah. Of course, he travels to Vietnam and Monument Valley, but it is the Southeast U.S. that defines the character. Film-making from Gone with the Wind to The Notebook has motivated us to visit the Southeast.
19. Foul Play – San Francisco
The vibrant energy of the late 1970s is apparent in this movie, which inspired the continued westward flow of Americans to California. Chevy Chase lives on a Sausalito houseboat. Goldie Hawn has an apartment on Telegraph Hill. Their frantic drive across San Francisco to the Opera House must test every hill in this unique city.
20. Avatar – Zhangjiajie and Huangshan, China
This article has been about movies inspiring travel; but sometimes it’s the other way around. James Cameron’s travel to the real-world landscapes within China became the inspiration for Avatar’s other-worldly floating Hallelujah Mountains. You can read my stories about the regions of Zhangjiajie and Huangshan in China, which have become major tourist attractions.
What movies have inspired your travel? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.
The journey to find Labubu
Like most adults, I had no clue what a Labubu was until being enlightened by my daughter, who teaches middle school kids. I learned that San Francisco was sold out, and if I was making a trip to Asia, it was to become the journey to find Labubu. Next stop, Taipei and Beijing. And so, what follows are the trials and tribulations of seeking the latest craze.
I have lived through silly putty, pet rocks, cabbage patch kids, beanie babies, and even Tickle Me Elmo. The industry produces a famous toy nearly every year. But I was surprised to hear that Labubu had already surpassed Hello Kitty in popularity. Where are you, Barbie? Confirming that stores in the U.S., in general, were sold out, as was the ubiquitous Internet, we set off on our great exploration in Asia.
Pop Mart’s first store was founded in 2010 in Beijing by Wang Ning. A few years later they began to focus on toys and then their own designs. Soon there were hundreds of outlets and thousands of vending machines throughout China.
The secret sauce was to be a marketing concept, originated in Japan, called “blind boxes.” Several versions of a toy are produced, but sold in blind boxes, where the purchasers do not know which version they are buying. As consumers clammer for the ones they are missing, it creates a scarcity, which only increases demand.
Pop Mart grew internationally, but it was a collaboration with Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung that changed the trajectory. Raised in the Netherlands, he had created a character called Labubu and a series called the Monsters, inspired by Nordic mythology. The elf-like creatures have exaggerated eyes, sharp teeth, and rabbit ears. Pop Mart turned them into scruffy little plush toys.
We arrive in Beijing, home to numerous Pop Mart stores, certain our quest (and this story) will soon end. A visit to a local store features scores of boxes of Labubu and the Monsters series. Just one problem – the boxes are all empty. We are scolded for assuming they would actually be available here. And so, the journey to find Labubu would have to continue.
Undaunted, we next arrive in Taipei, home to Pop Mart Ximen, a store so large it spans four floors, plus an exhibition space, VIP lounge, and recording studio. More importantly, they have some Labubu, including a popular series.
We encounter a girl literally crying with joy, presumably because she has scored that elusive creature she has been missing. Braving a long line, we make several purchases here, as well as another location in the city. Let’s hear it for Taiwan!
Along the journey we discover more than we probably want to know about Labubu. Its immense popularity has made Pop Mart and Wang Ning very rich. Not surprisingly, the scarcity angle has created an enormous fake Labubu industry. We learn the subtle differences in fakes from packaging to furry product (are there 9 teeth?). And Instagram-worthy themed costumes are sold for the palm-sized creatures, spawning yet another revenue stream.
The biggest learning was that the company had expanded into the theme park business with the opening of Pop Land. So, the journey to find Labubu returns us to Beijing, home of this 40,000 square meter attraction, nestled inside Chaoyang Park. There aren’t rides; instead, you stroll through four zones aimed mostly for social media photo ops with characters, both real and imaginary.
Labubu land is a foresty area with pretend campsites and tree house. Girls stand in line in Molly land for a chance to interact with that popular character. In keeping with the family-oriented atmosphere, there is a playground for children.
Of course, there are plenty of snacks, including Labubu waffles, ice cream, and a pastry shop. Cast members are dressed in appropriate theme costumes.
The centerpiece of Pop Land is a large white castle. Its main purpose, taking a page from Disney, seems to be a place to sell more merchandise. And it is full of Labubu, Molly, Skullpanda, and other character-driven items we haven’t seen anywhere else. We buy enough monsters to fill two bags.
Disclaimer: We had many other reasons for visiting Mainland China and Taiwan. The journey to find Labubu was just a fun diversion. Besides, by the time you read this there will probably be a bigger toy craze. Maybe an AI doll that talks in your voice. The 21st century Chatty Cathy.
Do you have any questions or suggestions to help others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.
Scary travel moments
In more than a half century, one is bound to have some scary travel moments. The good news is, despite visits to some 70 countries, I have never had a true near-death experience (nor witnessed one). But I’ve had my share of accidents, sickness, and frightening tales. This is a recount of a dozen that come to mind. Some of these might seem tame (I’m not an adrenaline-seeking adventurist), but we all have things that give us a scare. So, here goes.
Stopped by military with machine guns outside Acapulco, Mexico
It was in the mid 1970s that I had the bright idea to drive from Acapulco to Mexico City. It was only a few inches on the map, right? We would travel the back roads (the only choice back then) and make the trip in two days, with an overnight stop in Taxco. Off we went in a rented VW bug. I thought dodging cattle on narrow roads might deliver the most excitement. Wrong.
Just an hour outside Acapulco on a remote winding road we were suddenly stopped by several men in military uniforms waving machine guns at us. Forcing us out the car, they searched everything from the tiny trunk to the tinier glove compartment, all while conversing in Spanish. Sometime later (ok, maybe a few minutes), they waved us on to continue the journey. It was only later I would find out that the mayor of Acapulco had supposedly gone missing, and soldiers were combing the countryside looking for him. We reached Taxco safely, which should be the end of the story. Wrong.
The entire city of Taxco was without electricity, something I was told was a common occurrence. Managing a hotel room in the dark was a nuisance, but the greater concern was the nearly empty gas tank, and gas pumps need electricity to work. We were stranded! Ok, the electricity went back on the next morning, and we were alive for the next adventure.
Smacked rental car into redwood truck on Northern California backroad
While on the subject of rental cars and remote country roads, I’m reminded of another story. The year was 1974, probably this Midwest guy’s first trip through California. I rented a nice red Ford Pinto and marveled at the lush scenery on winding Route 116 between Healdsburg and Jenner, my destination on the coast. I never made it. Whipping around a curve in the rain on the narrow road, I smacked into a truck hauling an enormous redwood tree. The truck won. No one was hurt, but it was still a scary moment. Ironically, the Ford Pinto model was called Redwood.
Moved boulder on rainy PCH through Big Sur just before closure
One last California highway story. Even on a clear day driving the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur can be a little nerve-racking. This day was pouring rain, with some resulting landslides and falling rocks. Of course, midway there really is no alternate route and no turning back. Suddenly, a large boulder broke loose from the hillside and blocked the road right in front of us. I was able to stop the car. Now what? No choice but to fight the rain and try to move the boulder just enough to squeeze by, the car hugging the cliffside. We made it to Carmel Highlands as the last vehicle, with Highway Patrol closing the PCH behind us.
Stranded by both blizzard of the century and 26 inches of rain in one day
I just realized that weather was the culprit in a number of scary travel moments for me. I was used to navigating huge snowstorms from living in Michigan for 11 years. A trip from Lansing to Newark, New Jersey would be little problem, with just a change of planes in Cleveland. I hadn’t counted on the “blizzard of the century,” aka the “Cleveland superbomb,” that stranded us for more than two days in a tiny Ohio motel, without food. Scary, but at least there was shelter.
For years, I skipped around the Caribbean, sometimes sailing, sometimes flying between islands. I finally decided to visit Puerto Rico, and arrived in San Juan at night as it started raining hard. It never stopped. 26 inches fell the next day. Yes, 26 inches. No one was allowed to leave the hotel, but again it was shelter. I have watched tornadoes go by, dealt with white-out snowstorms and freezing rain that made driving a thrill ride. Mother Nature always wins.
Watched airplane engine spew fire just before takeoff
Speaking of the Caribbean, another moment that could have been scarier, happened as I waited for takeoff on a twin engine aircraft. The plane was packed, and we sat on the tarmac for a long time. Passengers were getting cranky. I remember a lady yelling, “Why aren’t we going?” As I turned back to look at her, I saw the reason why. Huge flames were shooting out of one of the engines. Probably a good idea that we hadn’t taken off. Evacuating while still on the ground works for me.
Survived strong super typhoon traveling the Philippines
The Philippines are no stranger to typhoons, averaging about 20 per year. Super typhoons are another story, with winds reaching 150 miles per hour, torrential rains, flooding, and landslides. It was October, 2016. We were a group of 10 travel writers given the opportunity to experience the sunny island from north to south. Late in the week, as our minibus rambled toward Vigan, the weather changed dramatically. That night the category 5 typhoon Haima (Lawin) crashed our coastal route.
In the morning we had to take a vote: try to continue on MacArthur Highway and see if we can make it to Manila or stay in Vigan until roads were deemed safe. I voted with the majority to venture on. What followed was flooding too high for cars, downed power poles from 140 mph winds (see photo above), and a harrowing ride that turned from 6 hours into 12. The 10 of us still stay in touch, with the tourism bureau saying we earned the name “typhoon busters.”
Near collision with moose in Quebec
What is it with me and weather conditions? This time I was sound asleep lying on the bed in the back of my VW bus. It was late at night as we drove on a snow-covered highway in rural Quebec. Suddenly, I awoke to the sensation of the vehicle spinning in circles, with its headlights flashing to the landscape, the road, and back again. Then we were stopped in a snowbank just on the road’s edge, somehow facing in the right direction. A giant moose had wandered onto the road, and all the spinning meant we had just missed him. (photo above by kariahlers)
Nearly drown while deep-water snorkeling off Cozumel, Mexico
A lot of scary travel moments result from personal fears. One of mine is drowning, since I am a poor swimmer. For some reason, I signed up for a snorkeling cruise in Cozumel. I didn’t realize the boat would head well out to sea, where we would be dumped overboard, sans life jackets. Worse, the crew would abandon us to do their own deep-sea diving. There I was, staring down through a hundred feet of clear water, when vertigo began to set in. As I decided to swim back to the boat, the current seemed to be taking me further away from it. Fortunately, someone in the group noticed my flailing and helped me return to the ship’s ladder. I scrambled aboard. I have not snorkeled more than 20 feet from shore since.
Went flying into the ocean from a banana boat in the Bahamas
Ok, don’t deep-water snorkel. Having just missed Hurricane Frances, I would stay on the safety of a banana boat in the tranquil waters of Disney’s own island, Castaway Cay. Unfortunately, my position, perched on the back of the boat, was precarious. Once out to sea, the driver decided speed and curves would be a nice mix. The result sent me flying off the back into the ocean as the boat sped away. At least Disney requires life jackets, so the scare was only momentary, as I would be fished out for the adventure to resume.
Sailed without engine into towering swells in Newport Beach jetty
You would think with a fear of drowning that sailing wouldn’t be a hobby I would indulge in. Still, I became a certified sailboat skipper, routinely departing the busy Newport Beach harbor for the Pacific Ocean with only the tricky wind to power the 32-foot boat. Quick turns are challenging. One time the swells were so great that at the bottom of the swell I couldn’t see anything in front of me. The oncoming boats in the narrow jetty who might think they have right of way? Suddenly out of sight as I stare at a wall of water. They appear again, then gone. The experience stays with me to this day as a scary travel moment.
Cable car power out, stopped high above ground in the Swiss Alps
Another personal fear concerns heights. I am fine looking out the window of a tall building. I even piloted a plane over Maui, landing on Moloka’i. Cable cars are another story. I feel neither safe nor in control. That hasn’t stopped me from taking cable cars, particularly in Switzerland. They are the Swiss, after all. What could go wrong? I was to find out when our car suddenly stopped high above the Swiss Alps. There we swayed in the high winds, while the operator communicated by radio with someone in German. What seemed an eternity was probably more like 15 minutes, when the power was restored, and we made it safely to terra firma.
Serious food poisoning in rural Myanmar
Most world travelers have had plenty of cases of sickness to write about. I’ve suffered illness in Kenya and food poisoning from bad fish in Tahiti (with a plane to catch). Visits to more than a few emergency rooms have revealed exactly what shellfish I am deathly allergic to. One of the most memorable experiences occurred in rural Myanmar. My guide and I had taken a longtail wooden boat across Inle Lake. From there we would be transported by motorized cart to a remote village’s food market. It was eye-opening to watch a lady with a string of fish barter with a betel-smoking woman who had some kind of raw meat to offer. And so many foods I had never seen. I had to try some of that black stuff that looked like licorice and some of that pink stuff wrapped in a leaf. Just a few hours later, of course, this western stomach developed painful food poisoning. Worse yet, I had to immediately deal with another boat ride, a taxi ride, and a cross-country plane trip from Mandalay to Yangon. And here I am, alive enough to offer more tips and advice: if you can’t identify the food, consider not eating it.
Do you have any stories of your own scary travel moments? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.
8 recipes inspired by my travels
Most people would agree that food and travel go hand-in-hand. Some of our finest memories of a journey are tied to a wonderful meal steeped in the cuisine of a land. There is nothing like an authentic cheese fondue on a frigid night in Switzerland or Beijing noodle shared with a table of friends in China.
I have my own take on the dishes I remember, often scouring the pantry and then the Internet for that critical ingredient that must be used. (I’m talking about you, sweet Hungarian paprika). In the end, through trial and error and taste preferences, I am ready to share 8 recipes inspired by my travels. Come with me as we relive some memorable journeys through food.
1. France – Cheese soufflé (soufflé au fromage)
My favorite restaurant in Paris, a city of remarkable restaurants, is a place called Le Soufflé. I have been going there for more than 40 years. I might begin with soupe à l’oignon gratinée, then soufflé au fromage. Next comes a savory soufflé, such as cheese, chicken, and mushroom. For the grand finale, we share soufflé chocolat and soufflé Grand Marnier. Yes, four soufflés in one meal.
My humble attempt to duplicate their cheese soufflé actually uses two cheeses from Switzerland – half Gruyere and half Emmental. The secret is to carefully fold the ingredients and not overcook.
2. Italy – Spaghetti sauce
I’m not ashamed to admit that Italian pasta with a red sauce is my go-to meal anywhere in Italy. It may be because my favorite meal growing up was my mother’s spaghetti sauce. The recipe below has evolved from hers, which was derived from her mother. We lived in rural Illinois, with its rich black soil that to this day produces the finest tomatoes in the U.S. We grew our own, which she canned in mason jars in the summer for creating amazing spaghetti sauce year-round. Italians would approve. Plus, this sauce can be used to make lasagna and other pasta dishes.
3. Spain – Cheesecake, Basque-style
The Basque region of Spain has its own strong cultural traditions, so it is no surprise that they have a very different version of cheesecake. It is cooked in parchment paper at an extremely high heat and made with only four main ingredients. I love the creamy texture to go with a slight burnt touch. I stole this recipe from my culinary friend, So Young Park.
4. Hungary – Hungarian goulash
The goulash I ate in Budapest was decidedly more soup-like than my recipe, but I prefer a thicker stew that can be served on noodle or even rice. I also prefer bell peppers to root vegetables. One thing was definitely the same – traditional Hungarian paprika. There is no substitute for the sweet, fragrant spice that transforms this dish. The authentic Szeged brand can be found in the U.S. Mix sweet and hot to taste.
5. England – Chicken pot pie
There are many theories as to where meat pies originated, but few dispute that the English appropriated this dish a few centuries ago, to be enjoyed by nobles and peasants alike. While my version is more tame than game, it nonetheless hits the mark for the perfect comfort food. I prefer a double crust (made with Crisco for flakiness) baked in a glass or ceramic pie pan.
6. Switzerland – Cheese fondue
The alpine environment invites stick-to-the-ribs food, and I love much of what the Swiss have to offer. From rosti to raclette, I can’t get enough. But nothing takes the place of an authentic cheese fondue, with speared stale bread plunged into the hot delectable mixture. I can close my eyes and be transformed back to the medieval town of Gruyères, where I paired the dish with a local Riesling, leaving stuffed and a little woozy. When preparing this recipe, every ingredient should be Swiss, from Emmental and Gruyère cheese to Riesling to Kirschwasser.
7. China – Beijing noodle
So many delightful dishes to be enjoyed throughout China – how to choose one. I will admit I would never try to duplicate favorites, such as Beijing duck. I do prepare dishes such as Sichuan green beans and Kung Pao chicken, but I keep coming back to Beijing noodle. Armed with the proper ingredients, Tian Mian jiang (sweet bean paste) and Shaoxing wine, one can bring back the memories of this simple, tasty treat.
8. United States – Pumpkin pie
America is such a melting pot of cuisines that most of our favorites – pizza, hamburgers, pasta, burritos, etc. – were brought here by immigrants from all over the world. Pumpkins, on the other hand, probably originated in North America and were a staple of Native American diets. A pumpkin pie could have been on the first Thanksgiving dinner table.
The secret to mine is to roast my own pumpkin; I never use canned. This recipe, handed down from my great-aunt June, calls for only two spices – nutmeg and ginger. Careful not to overcook, the result is close to a pumpkin custard.
Looking for more American recipes based on travel? Check out my Road trip snack recipes, including another New England favorite, cranberry walnut scones.
Any comments or questions? Feel free to leave them in the bottom of this post.
I avoid “best travel” lists
As a rule, I avoid “best travel” lists for several reasons. You should too, and I am about to tell you why. Whether it is a questionable motive, a one-size-fits-all mentality, clickbait, or simple bias, these lists of “The best places to travel this coming year!” aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. It seems every well-known brand, from Lonely Planet to CNN to Travel+Leisure to Vogue, to name a few, publishes a list. You need to create your own.
Questionable motive
I launched Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com and ran it for more than a decade. We used the tagline “The Trusted Resource.” That meant you could be assured there was no ulterior motive to the information we were providing. But, wow, that was a challenge. Many times, I was approached by an auto manufacturer offering to pay us millions of dollars to feature them in some way that was clearly not advertising. We were offered a comparison tool that showed a certain brand in a more favorable light, an offer to modify our site to highlight one manufacturer over its rival, and so on. Some other sites took the money. Believe me, it was a challenge to turn down millions in revenue (and profit) in the name of being a trusted resource for consumers.
Why do I tell this story? Because the same thing happens in the travel industry. Let’s pretend that Casablanca wants to appear on this year’s best places to travel. Casablanca’s tourism bureau is given a significant budget to approach major brands and influencers, offering free trips, advertising dollars, content, and more in turn for favorable positioning. There’s nothing wrong with this. It’s their job to promote Casablanca and all it has to offer tourists. Just remember that the site you are reading or the influencer you are watching may also be promoting Casablanca over some other places that could be more worthy.
One-size-fits-all mentality
This is probably the biggest reason I avoid best travel lists. I like destinations that present great photo opportunities. You might seek renowned museums and architecture. Maybe exciting cuisine tops your list for choosing a place. Maybe you are an adventure seeker, a zipliner, a skier, a scuba diver – none of which interest me. Some might want a place with total peace and quiet and others a vibrant urban nightlife. We enjoy travel for so many different reasons it seems fruitless to present “The 10 best places to travel this year!”
Even the way we travel to destinations reflects our individual tastes. Should we explore Europe via a river cruise, by train or rental car? In those cases, the journey becomes as fulfilling as the destinations.
One size does not fit all. I can live with a list from backroads.com of the top places to hike and bike. That is their specialty, and if it fits my lifestyle, I appreciate the help. If I have already made up my mind to cruise Alaska, I can benefit from a list of the best Alaskan cruises. Just don’t say we should all really visit Greece and Indonesia this year (when last year it was Iceland and Turkey).
Clickbait
The lists I really ignore are the ones that seem to exist as clickbait. We have all seen the teaser: “10 best places to travel – number 6 will shock you!” Of course, we all now want to know what number 6 is (probably the place that is paying to be on the list). Resist the temptation to click on videos or posts that are using this way to get your attention.
Simple bias
In a world of bloggers and vloggers and TikTokers who have honestly not traveled that much, “best travel” lists can reflect simple bias. They really enjoyed that over-water bungalow in the Maldives, so it goes on their list of the world’s top travel places. Have they ever been to Tahiti? Kauai? Bali? The Philippines? Was that bungalow really the best place in the world or the best place they have visited?
I have been to 55 countries and more than 600 cities (I stopped counting), but it still doesn’t qualify me to create a “must visit” list for the world. As much as I like Brazil, I have to admit I know very little about most of South America. Our luxury and adventure Alaskan cruise was exceptional, but would Antarctica have been even better? While travel to 55 countries might sound impressive, another way of looking at it is there are about 140 countries I haven’t visited! That includes Portugal, Peru, and Papua New Guinea, just to name a few that start with “P.”
Lists derived from user input are especially prone to bias. Take the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards. The same names come up year after year because people keep going back to the places they know and like. That’s fine (and informative), but suffers from a form of selection bias.
Create your own list
It is challenging. Forbes and U.S. News Travel each published a list of “best cruise lines for couples.” They are respected brands, but are all couples alike? Do young honeymooners and retired senior couples want the same exact experience? Are first-time economy cruisers and luxury cruisers on their 50th voyage looking for the same amenities?
My suggestion is to make a list of the things that matter most to you when you think about travel. Use that information to search for a list that narrows the results. A search for “best small-ship luxury cruises for senior couples” at least returns some interesting results, including a video from cntraveler.com entitled “Discover the best small-ship ultra-luxury cruise.” More importantly, there are no articles about Carnival or Royal Caribbean, who don’t specialize in small ships (or true luxury).
Don’t even know where to start? 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, by Patricia Schultz, understands the problem. Think of it as a best list with a thousand entries. That’s enough to get you on the journey of narrowing down what interests you. I also recommend attending a travel show if one comes to a city near you.
A Google search for “best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora” returns a page of exactly that. Now we’re interested in researching further. By the way, Polynesia didn’t make any of the above general best lists. But Uzbekistan and Northwest Michigan did, just to show you how different people are, and why you should avoid those general best travel lists.
Do you have any thoughts about this? Agree? Disagree? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.
8 travel items just for a cruise
I have been to some 70 countries about 700 cities, so I know how to pack for a trip. But some recent cruising caused me to purchase 8 travel items just for a cruise. I will quickly share with you the essentials of what to bring and not bring the next time you take to the high seas.
First, some ground rules. Not all cruises are created equal. Obviously, you will need to pack differently for a Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Mexican cruise than the journey to Alaska or Iceland. There will be differences between a budget cruise on a large Carnival ship versus a smaller, luxury experience on Seabourn. I have sailed on everything from Royal Caribbean and Disney to Windstar, and there are travel essentials that apply pretty much to all cruises. Here is my short list:
1. Desk fan, charged via USB
This is one of the best buys for less than $25. Unlike an upscale hotel room, your cabin on a ship, while air-conditioned, may not have a lot of air flow. Solution: a small, lightweight, variable-speed fan. The battery-operated one I bought on Amazon could be charged via USB and easily run all night on a charge, saving a precious outlet (see below). It kept the air moving at night and even provided a little white noise.
2. Power strip without surge protection, plus power bank
Cruise ships have a unique situation. First, for whatever reason, there is a lack of outlets for today’s electronic needs. My new Carnival ship had two outlets and two USB ports, but they were across the cabin from the bed. The luxury Seabourn Odyssey features just two outlets, also not that handy. Second, regular power strips with surge protection are not allowed. If you are a couple traveling with laptops, cell phones, iPads, iWatches, etc., you will need more outlets. An inexpensive power strip without surge protection does the job. Of course, don’t forget your portable power bank for ultimate mobility, both in the stateroom and on all-day excursions.
3. Manual watch
Speaking of iWatches, they are smart enough to change time zones automatically. Unfortunately, sometimes the critically important ship time does not match the real time of your port. One solution is to bring an inexpensive watch you can set manually. You won’t miss the ship at the end of the day. An added benefit is not having to worry about someone stealing your watch. I have a friend who had his Rolex ripped off his wrist in Rio. Only later would the thief discover the Rolex was a $20 fake!
4. Waterproof phone holder
Speaking of protecting your electronics, many cruise excursions risk getting your smart phone wet. There can be unforeseen hazards, like the need to step off a tender into deep water or that sudden rainstorm from out of nowhere in Alaska. Fortunately, peace of mind is just a $4 purchase away. With my waterproof phone holder from JoJo, I was able to take photos and video without ever removing the phone from its protective plastic pouch.
5. Binoculars
Traveling on a cruise ship affords the advantage of being able to see wildlife, but often at a distance. These days you can bring portable, waterproof, high-powered binoculars that enable upscale viewing on a budget. I bought a pair on Amazon for less than $40. Is that a whale? Is that a bald eagle? Why, yes!
6. A bottle of wine
I have journeyed all over the world secure in the knowledge that TSA will confiscate a 750ml bottle of wine in my carry-on. Cruising is a different animal. If you are traveling on a ship that is not all-inclusive, you really ought to consider bringing a bottle of your favorite wine onboard. It is actually encouraged. Don’t forget the corkscrew, if needed.
7. Touchscreen gloves
If you are on a cold-weather cruise, science has invented the perfect answer for cold hands and an iPhone camera – touchscreen gloves. The ones I bought on Amazon for less than $7 also have little grips, so the phone doesn’t slip while you try to video that whale breaching.
8. Items to add to your “drug store”
I am a big proponent of carrying small quantities of medicine and first aid while traveling. I write all about it here: Why carry a drug store in a Ziploc bag? Cruising calls for a few items you wouldn’t necessarily carry elsewhere:
- Poo-pourri. A small bottle of this stuff actually works for the confined bathroom that may not be well-ventilated.
- Something for motion sickness. It is a legitimate issue with multiple solutions, from Dramamine to wrist bands.
- Flushable wet wipes. A package of these has more uses than the obvious.
What you don’t need to bring
I perused a lot of essentials lists before cruising, some with 40 or more items. I don’t think cruising requires so much that is different from other travel. So, skip these:
- Hair dryer. They are built-in.
- Night light. Some lists recommend buying a night light. I just use my phone.
- Alarm clock. I just use my phone.
- Alcohol. Wine, yes. Booze and beer, no.
- Weed. No matter the laws of your state or country, you are in international waters now.
- Magnetic hooks. Yes, the walls of your stateroom may be metal. You also have a closet and drawers. There should be plenty of space to hang things.
Do you agree with my list? Do you have your own suggestions to help others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.
What’s upscale?
Traveling on a luxury cruise line means so many items are taken care of for you. Want a robe and slippers or you forgot something, just ask.
What’s budget?
You could purchase my entire list for less than $100!