The art of traveling in reverse (aka hosting friends!)
How to give your friends a memorable experience without over stressing
Welcome to Itchy Feet. This is edition #82!
I’m Daniel and it’s nice seeing you. Whether you’re new or back again, I’m happy you’re here.
This newsletter combines three of my favorite things: traveling, learning, and writing. I hope you enjoy.
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Ok, let’s do it. ⛵️
“Hey, we’re coming to visit next summer!”
These might be the best or scariest words you hear all day.
On the one hand, it’s awesome that a friend wants to stay with you.
The flip side of the coin means you need to put in some work to show them a good time.
Hosting friends can be a blast, but it also can be stressful.
If you’re like me, having friends stay with you can be a one-way trip to the land of overthinking. 😵💫
Should we go to this place?
Would they like this kind of food?
Is it too touristy to go there?
This happened to me last summer when David, my best friend from Spain, and his wife Maria planned a trip to my hometown in Sausalito.
Their goal was to visit for four nights. Since not many people visit me, my emotions were first of excitement followed by a growing sense of panic. 📈
Thankfully, I created a system for hosting friends that I think works quite well (it did when they visited).
Step 1: Create a spreadsheet using Excel or Google Sheets
This sounds like a pain, but it helps you visualize each day. Go the extra mile by adding hours for any reservations or specific start times for certain activities like a concert or dinner.
🚨 Freebie Alert Download mine at the end of this email :)
Step 2: Ask your friends what they want to do
This is the most logical step. If your friend already has a dream itinerary, map out their stay based on their ideas. Using your existing spreadsheet, see where you can logistically fit in each activity.
In David and Maria’s case, they wanted to:
Go to a baseball game
Visit Muir Woods
Go to Alcatraz
Go to an art museum
Shop at one of Maria’s favorite stores
They gave me enough ideas to build an itinerary.
Step 3: Think about the can’t-miss places in your town or city
Whether it’s a stroll through downtown, a famous ice cream shop, a famous dive bar with shuffleboard, or a vista point everyone loves, make a list of what’s absolutely necessary to see. Once you have a list, begin filling them into your spreadsheet. Perhaps you can knock out all the good stuff in one morning or afternoon.
Step 4: Think about any can’t-miss food
Food is an essential ingredient to any good trip. If your home is famous for something like a donut or pizza slice, then it’s a good idea to take your friends there. Once you have a few ideas, see where you can make plans to eat out.
Take into consideration:
Any special events like an art festival, concert, or cultural celebration happening. This might become a new trip focus. 🔎
Your friend’s tastes. Perhaps the “can’t-miss” food doesn’t match their dietary restrictions.
Your friend’s energy level. Maybe they’re too tired from traveling.
Remember it's their trip:
In the end, the goal is for them to be happy. Maybe just hanging out and watching a movie is all they want.
Remember to relax and enjoy:
• They’re coming to see you and have quality time. Despite an amazing list of activities, remember that the itinerary is never more important than the time you have together.
Back to you: How do you like to plan for visitors?
🎈 Travel Quote of the Week
“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.”
– Tim Cahill
Fun World Fact
One of the world’s most impressive barrier reefs lies off the coast of Cuba. “Gardens of the Queen” is 60 miles south of mainland Cuba and includes 250 virgin coral and mangrove islands. It’s one of the largest marine parks in ecosystems in the Caribbean. Diving is allowed, but there are only 1,000 spaces available per year.
🎏 Culture Corner
Shout out to all my friends & readers who have kids!
As I write this article, it’s Children’s Day in Colombia (April 26). I was curious if other countries had their version of Children’s Day and. in fact. they do! For example, Japan and South Korea recognize this day on May 5.
The US celebrates on June 12, and many European nations like France celebrate on November 20. In Colombia, Día de los Niños has been in existence since 1963. It’s traditionally a family day. Also, schools and communities organize fun activities and raise awareness for child protection.
If you found this post interesting, like 👍, share ♻️, or subscribe 📨! This supports my writing even more. Sign up and get a free Ultimate Travel Toolkit e-book packed with travel tools from 16 years of traveling. Thanks!
See you next week with a brand new Itchy Feet! I hope you liked this post and thanks for reading. 😎
Much love,
-Daniel
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P.S. If you want a spreadsheet for the next time you host friends, download mine!
Some old (but good) Itchy Feet posts:
• 💃🏻 Groove, stomp, twist! Fun and unique dances from around the world
• 🥨 The 3 most important tips I learned to improve a solo trip
• 😑 In just five words, he thought I was crazy
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Daniel, with the exception of my pre-college years I’ve always lived in tourist-y places: San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Maui and of course Mexico. Paul and I got very good at playing host and for the most part loved it, though we’ve slowed down in past few years. We’ve always had extra beds and we by now can recite the best spots in our sleep. During the bookstore years I mentioned since we spoke English, many gringos and Canadians asked where to go so we’d help them plan itineraries. As 2 Geminis, we both like to chisme ): so it was fun. I can se your idea of a spreadsheet! Good idea. Bet it worked out great!!!
Love the idea of a spreadsheet but I think it all depends on the city.
Here in Ottawa, there are not a lot of "touristy" places. Sure, there are plenty of museums, and government buildings, but as Canada's capitol, not everyone wants to see the Parliament buildings.
When we host, it is usually for a specific event or festival. We are close to ski hills, so winter activities usually include skiing. In summer, cycling is popular.
It also depends on how strict the guests are with adhering to a schedule. If there's too much wine and scotch the night before, the next morning is shot - just saying.