Daniel Catena | Itchy Feet Travel Newsletter ๐ŸŒŽ
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Daniel Catena | Itchy Feet Travel Newsletter ๐ŸŒŽ
@danielcatena.bsky.social
71 followers 71 following 100 posts
Travel Writer โœ๏ธ / Trip Planner ๐ŸŸข / Digital Creator โ›ต๏ธ I write about backpacking, solo travel, budget travel, slow travel, and everything in-between ๐Ÿ“ฅ Join 300+ travel enthusiasts and get a free ebook with my fav 54 travel resources: https://t.co/xc9EkcolqV
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Some of the best education is making lots of mistakes abroad and learning how to fix themโ€ฆ
Thereโ€™s something about street food especially when thereโ€™s a line of people waitingโ€ฆ

If thereโ€™s ever a time I feel like a moth drawn to a radiant lamp itโ€™s in those moments. ๐ŸŒฎ

I could be completely full but still find room for whateverโ€™s cooking.

#travel #randomthoughts
A brand new Traveler Spotlight is coming soon. โœจ

In the meantime, hereโ€™s my latest post about sister cities.

Not to be confused with the 70s rock band Twisted Sister, these cities and towns are part of a massive international diplomacy campaign.

Have you been to a sister city before? ๐ŸŒŽ
A guide to Sister Cities and why they're travel gems โ›ต๏ธ
Thank you Viรฑa del Mar for the cool elephants!
open.substack.com
Yes itโ€™s definitely a mixed group which is fun. You never know who will be your bunk mate!
My worldview shifted the moment I saw how people lived and got to meet people from different #cultures.

I was shocked to meet locals who liked hip-hop music as much as me, if not more.

Besides a few challenges, most interactions showed me that kindness is an universal language spoken everywhere.
๐Ÿ”ญ How traveling changed the way I looked at the world
We're more connected than ever plus: A 14-year-old country, Pride Month, and Toilet Races
open.substack.com
The first time I left my comfort zone I was 22 and in #Amsterdam (very clichรฉ I know). The most thing that blew me away was all fries were covered in mayonaise. This was my first taste (literally) of a different culture.

What was your first observation of a different #culture after traveling?
One of the biggest challenges when you travel is missing home. When you're home, you often miss traveling. It's hard to not miss things, but if you can bring mementos of those places with you, it can help. I like to read my old journals or message a friend whenever those moments happen.
What happens when you have no plan and just show up? It's a recipe for the expected to happen. This is often the makings of a fantastic trip.

#travel #thoughts #inspiration
The moment you accept people do things their own way, the sooner you can embrace where youโ€™re at. Just because itโ€™s different than what you know, doesnโ€™t mean it doesnโ€™t work!
One of the biggest #travelmyths: You need to invest in fancy guide books.

I started traveling with #LonelyPlanet, but over time I realized the best info came from asking other #travelers, locals (when you arrive), Facebook groups, and following the right people on Instagram.
One of my favorite views: A full moon in Trout Creek, Montana

#picoftheday #travel #photo
On this day in history, one of my favorite authors #ErnestHemingway published the novel The Sun Also Rises in 1926. This is one of my favorite works by him and sparked my curiosity of Spanish culture.
Have you ever run into someone later in life after meeting on a plane?

This has happened to me once. We were both headed to a small town, so odds weren't that low we'd see each other again.

On a few separate occasions I exchanged contact info and met up with them again.

#travel #meetingpeople
My favorite part of traveling is sitting on buses, ferries, and trains. Here is when we have nothing else to do but write, reflect, and make life decisions. I sometimes listen to music and watch the scenery unfold.
The best part of #backpacking abroad: You're forced to downsize all your belongings.

It's a freeing sensation when all you worry about are a few shirts, pants, and boxers.

If you buy a new shirt, you may need to leave one behind.

Laundry is very easy! Keeping it simple means less stress.
What has been your worst airport experience?

Mine: I was in Las Vegas, hit horrible traffic going to the airport, and was a few minutes late for my flight. I ended up "sleeping" at the airport. The worst part, I watched the gate close and they wouldn't wait a few extra minutes so I could board.
One of the best feelings is when you can speak to someone in their native language. I recall being amazed when people spoke to me in English and it was their third or fourth language.

This motivated me to learn #Spanish.

To anyone who speaks more than one language, what inspired you to learn? โœจ