3 simple ways to improve your vacation 🧰
plus John Steinbeck, International Dollar Club, Polish Horses, & Europe's Hawaii
Hey, friends!
This is Daniel Catena again.
Before we begin, thanks a lot for choosing this newsletter.
You’re part of a 63-member club of travel enthusiasts from 9 US states and 12 countries.
Woohoo!
I’m over the moon 🌝 that you’re here.
Alright everyone, let’s begin! 🏇🏻
Last week we talked about getting inspired to travel in 2024.
This edition is just as important.
This article is for you if you have ever found your trip in red alert 🔴.
My red alert, I mean it’s not going well. Maybe you’re unhappy, bored, or uninspired.
Here are three easy solutions for you:
Give yourself a mini adventure
Sometimes the biggest solution is the smallest change.
When you find yourself in a rut (not just in traveling but in life) it’s time to go off-script.
What I mean is: Do something unplanned. It’s even better if it puts you out of your comfort zone.
The goal here is to create something spontaneous.
It’s not to do something dangerous or an activity you will regret later, though.
Some ideas if you’re visiting someplace new:
• Walk to a nearby cafe
• Visit a public space
• Take a stroll in the neighborhood
• See something new
• Strike up a conversation with someone who you don’t know
(only if it’s a safe place, if it’s an unsecured place I don’t advise that)
When you make room for something unplanned or even slightly uncontrolled (like going to a social setting or public space), you’re filling your life bucket with fresh experiences and memories.
Limit your screen time
I’m addicted to my phone.
It serves a big purpose in my life, though: Keeping in touch with people, planning trips, researching, writing, and taking photos.
But it can be a black hole that drains my energy.
I’ve been on trips where for some reason I spent hours on my phone. I always feel unhappy about the trip (and myself) afterward.
Why?
I could have talked to the people I was with more, could have had awkward situations that later would become fun memories, and could have tapped into my creative side to find entertainment.
So, if you find yourself in the same situation: Get off your phone and be present.
This is important whether you’re on vacation or at home.
Be present as much as possible
My mom always says: “Be where your feet are.”
This quote is my favorite because it reminds me to be fully present.
Being present helps us enjoy where we are and builds better relationships, too.
We capture more moments and create positive memories when we’re “here.”
Be present on your next trip and I assure you it will be a more satisfactory experience.
⚓️ Travel Quote of the Week
“People don’t take trips, trips take people.”
-John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck is one of my all-time favorite authors. This quote is from one of his masterpieces, Travels with Charley.
🧐 Did you know?
Back in November, when Itchy Feet was a newborn baby 🐣, I wrote about how Panama uses US dollars. You can read about it here.
Guess what?
Panama isn’t the only country (besides the US) that uses dollars 💵. In fact, Investopedia reports that 11 foreign countries have adopted them as their official currency.
These countries are:
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Zimbabwe
• The British Virgin Islands
• The Turks and Caicos
• Timor and Leste
• Bonaire
• Micronesia
• Palau
• Marshall Islands
• Panama
Five US territories such as Puerto Rico also use US Dollars. So, if you are worried about exchange rates, don’t worry if you visit any of these destinations!
⛩ Culture Corner
Every winter, in Poland’s Tatra Mountain region, a unique sport is in full flight.
Welcome ski joering (skikjøring)
“Skikjøring” means “ski driving” in Norwegian.
Ski joering is a Scandinavian equestrian sport that takes place in numerous mountainous villages throughout Poland (and other countries too!)
Since this time of year is usually full of snow, it’s a time to mix two important aspects of the local culture: horses and skiing.
During these events, people dress in traditional folklore attire and enjoy these special horse races.
Ski joering involves three kinds of horse races.
There is ski joering, where a single skier is towed by a galloping horse at insanely fast speeds.
Ski-ski joering is where a horseback rider tows a teammate on skis.
Kumoterki is is wooden sled race (kumoterki is the name of the sled) that involves a horse. A two-person team rides the kumoterki. The team can only participate if they are husband and wife.
The Highlander Carnival in Bukowina Tatrzańska in February is normally the “kick-off” to the ski joer season.
🏝 Island Showcase
Madeira, Portugal. 🇵🇹
This is one of Portugal’s 27 islands and 8 islets. According to Rome2Rio, it takes approximately 3.5 hours by plane to get to Funchal (Madeira’s capital) from Lisbon. Morocco is 320 miles away.
It’s part of the Madeira Archipelago that includes the islands of Porto Santo and the Desertas. Half of the region’s residents live in Funchal.
Madeira is also an Autonomous Region of Portugal. Tourism is the island’s primary industry. However, Madeira is also famous for its bananas, crafts, flowers, wine, and for being the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Its landscapes are also incredible. For example, the Laurisilva Forests are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the largest laurel forest on earth.
Madeira is the land of “levadas” or hiking trails. Travelers can focus their entire trip on walking and exploring the island.
You could hike along verdant seaside cliffs with endless views of the ocean. You will probably encounter a waterfall or two, too.
Although the island is full of beaches, one of the famous ones is Porto Santo. Nearly 6 miles of yellow sand make for a nice getaway.
The lush landscapes draw many comparisons to Hawaii. You will need a car to explore the island, though, since it’s 286 square miles in size.
Alight friends, that’s it for this week’s newsletter.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Talk to you soon!
Sincerely,
Daniel
P.S. How am I doing? If you see any way I can make this newsletter better let me know!