Are You Doing This Right?

We love to travel. And we always want to make sure we’re doing it right.  Here is our advice on how to get the most authentic experience during your travels.

Go for a Walk/Run

One way to make meaningful connections is to join a running group—most hotels have one these days.  Concierges, also, can be your wingman, because they know everyone in the hotel, too. I’ve had a concierge say ‘You should go talk to that guy, because you’ve both asked me where to go hiking.

Social Media

Anytime I want a decent word of mouth recommendation I use social media. I don’t find Facebook or Twitter useful, but Instagram is great for tips and connecting with other people. I post a beautiful picture of wherever I’m going and add hashtags to bring in people from outside my network. Travelers want to connect you with other travelers.

Hello, Thank you & Excuse me

Google Translate and you can keep that phrase in your phone at all times.  It goes a long way with locals when they feel you are making an effort.

Talk To Your Cab Driver

The most interesting people I ever meet are cab drivers. When I find one I really like, I’ll hire him to be my guide for the week. I’ve done it in a few different cities now.

Order Room Service Off-Menu

Ninety percent of the time, if I’m ordering room service it’s because I’ve come home really late or forgotten to eat. And any time after 9pm, the food has already been prepared—it’s been sitting around for hours—so I always order off-menu. It means they pay more attention and have to make it fresh. At a four- or a five-star hotel, they’ll usually make you whatever you ask, so never be shy about asking.

Pick a Souvenir Category

I buy shot glasses in every destination that offers it, and we now have an entire kitchen cabinet now filled with shot glasses. It’s a cheap and always come in handy for a party!