1
ROLL ON DOWN THE HIGHWAY
This week I was excited to come across a post from Coastal Living called: “Top Road Trip Spots in North America, From a Man Who’s Seen It All,” thinking: “I can’t wait to get on the road this fall for some adventure.” Turns out I’d have to drive a while. A long while. However, if you find yourself in Western Canada or on the West Coast, then by all means, enjoy the ride! Jersey Turnpike for me, for now…
2
I HEREBY DECREE, NO MORE SELFIE-BASED VIOLENCE AND ILLEGAL BATHING
“There’s been sand pilfering in Sardinia and Venice visitors threatened with fines for sitting down. Over in Rome, there’s been selfie-based violence and illegal bathing. In Madrid, stringent rules have been put in place to handle Airbnb as locals fear being priced out of the city. And most recently, Thailand announced that Maya Bay, the popular destination made famous in the 2000 movie “The Beach” would be closed indefinitely to revive its ecosystem.” CNN does a decent job of covering how destinations are trying to manage overtourism – they need some seriously better solutions. Here’s a quick one: virtual reality. Visit these places from the comfort of your own couch, where you won’t even get fined for sitting!
Leo DiCaprio’s beach from The Beach (referenced above) is closed for business: Maya Beach, Thailand.
But, as you come across the throngs of visitors throughout your travels, for you undoubtedly will, do remember that they too are individuals. A lovely article put out by my alma mater, Thunderbird, School for Global Management: “…most people want to be judged as individuals – not for the collective reputation (fair or not) of their fellow citizens.” I bet some of your most fond travel memories come from connecting with the most random strangers.
3
BETTER-CELONA
There’s no doubt about it, Barcelona is a magical place – minus the crowds. It too is a victim of its own success as a tourism hotspot for visitors the world over. But there is hope, especially for those of us who prefer to get off the beaten path and try new adventures in old places. “Once you get past the restaurants with plastic tables and photos of the food in the menu, or the bars offering Mojitos made with a kilogram of brown sugar, and street vendors with herculean persistence, you’ll discover one of Europe’s most unique and progressive cultural capitals.” From Departures, here are “Better Things to do in Barcelona.”
4
GONE TILL NOVEMBER, IN NEW ZEALAND
“Despite the excellent weather, it’s a quiet month for tourists. Accommodations are plentiful and usually charge low-season rates.” So these places do exist! November in New Zealand – apparently, this is the right time to visit.
But…you may have to fork out your device passwords to get in. I still think my virtual reality solution is more practical.
5
KEEP CALM AND CARRY-ON….YOUR BABY
I’ve always said, when I have kids, I’m going to travel the world with them. I know, I know, it’s not that simple. But, with these travel with kid tips from LifeHacker like: “…offering to buy someone a drink to switch with you [to sit with your family], or slip them a few $20 bills. It’s still less expensive than paying the airline’s seat assignment fee,” it’ll be fine. That pretty much sums up my approach to parenthood.
Speaking of approaches to parenthood, here’s a little freebie for sticking with me through the end of this newsletter: I’m offering three signed copies of one my dearest friend’s new book, due to be released on October 16, “Finding the Magic in Mommyhood: How to Create the Illusion of Sanity amid Raging Hormones, Sleep Deprivation, and Diaper Rash.” I’ve been reading her blog and literally laugh out loud. The first three people to respond to this newsletter asking for the book shall receive it! Feel free to send it to your network if you think one of your friends would be interested. They’ll just need to subscribe to my newsletter through my website: waywinds.com, then send me a note requesting the book!
Thanks,
Joe Naaman
Managing Editor, Waywinds
Keep Exploring!