The Hidden Danger of Following Travel ‘Hot Lists’

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying their extended weekend.

I'm currently in Mexico City. I'm going to be here for a long time, and I've noticed this has changed my internal state compared to some of my other quicker trips. I'm much more relaxed. Even when I'm sightseeing, there's no frenetic rush. If I miss something, it's not a big deal — I can always come back.

Oh, I love slow travel!

Overall, I really like Mexico City. You'll definitely love this place too if you haven't been here already.

It's like New York but with friendlier people and it's cleaner. (Yes, I just came for New Yorkers, but I love you guys!) 

I can't comment much on the language barrier because I've been trying to speak as much Spanish as I can. This is not giving my Spanish-speaking friends permission to start speaking Spanish to me. (I already struggle!) 

I had an epiphany this weekend while visiting Teotihuacan. Before boarding a hot air balloon, I overheard a conversation that sparked a realization about something I already knew but hadn't fully processed.

As I waited, I noticed tourists discussing "Top" restaurants they planned to visit in Mexico City. This one lady was bragging how she took time making this special list of places to eat. It's like she had found all the secret spots of where to eat! 

But I was entertained because many places on their secret lists matched ones I already knew about!

Most travelers turn to popular websites like Condé Nast or Eater, which typically feature lists of 30+ restaurants.

The problem?

Everyone else does too! This drives up prices and makes reservations nearly impossible to get. I found some restaurants in Mexico City booked solid for an entire month.

How to Find Great Local Restaurants

• Ask your Airbnb host or hotel concierge — This can be hit or miss depending on their local knowledge, but I've rarely had bad experiences.
• Check guidebooks — They might seem old-fashioned, but guidebooks often feature places that aren't on every internet list.
• Follow trusted travel experts — Look for respected voices like Anthony Bourdain or Rick Steves who thoroughly research destinations.
• Consult friends who've visited — Be careful though, as they might have used the same popular lists.
• Talk to locals with similar tastes — The holy grail of recommendations, but only valuable if their preferences match yours.
• Ask your Uber/Taxi drivers — They can quickly identify tourist traps and suggest authentic alternatives.

The lesson?

The more research you do, the better you'll become at evaluating recommendations.

You'll develop an instinct for spotting tourist traps versus authentic experiences.

At the end of the day, you'll need to try multiple restaurants to find your favorites — such a struggle…

Keep traveling,

Andrew

Have you ever been disappointed after trying a “top 10” restaurant from a travel list? What happened?

Cocktail of the Week

Random Travel Thought

I live for the small moments.

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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