Daniel Catena | Itchy Feet Travel Newsletter 🌎

💌 Goodbye Skype ~ the last frozen screen A semi-love letter to my first video call application, plus: the Great Lakes, Match Cup, and Toledo hot dogs

Rest Easy Skype ✌️

This edition of my weekly travel newsletter is a farewell to my first video conference app love.

There’s something about street food especially when there’s a line of people waiting…

If there’s ever a time I feel like a moth drawn to a radiant lamp it’s in those moments. 🌮

I could be completely full but still find room for whatever’s cooking.

#travel #randomthoughts

A guide to Sister Cities and why they're travel gems ⛵️ Thank you Viña del Mar for the cool elephants!

A brand new Traveler Spotlight is coming soon. ✨

In the meantime, here’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? 🌎

Yes it’s definitely a mixed group which is fun. You never know who will be your bunk mate!

🔭 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

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.

The first time I left my comfort zone I was 22 and in #Amsterdam (very cliché 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 you’re at. Just because it’s different than what you know, doesn’t mean it doesn’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.

🌍 Traveler Spotlight #7: Kent Johnson A chat with my friend who's mastered the art of RV travel. We talk about RV culture and leaving his comfort zone to meet his granddaughter in France

“There’s always that one a******”

My favorite line from my #interview with my friend, an RV expert who’s been to countless campsites.

Check out the full interview here.

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.

Insane deal!

Those purples are stunning.

So charming!

Beautiful destination to travel solo!

A lot of stories here! Cool photo.

Stunning shot! 👌

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? ✨

After being in and out of #Colombia many times since 2022, I've learned there are some English words people like to use in their daily lives. Here are some examples:

"Hello"
"Jeans"
"Look" (style)
"Fan" (a fan of something)
"Show" (a show like a concert)

I found that very interesting.

#languages

🤰🏻I told the ice cream lady I was pregnant Another Spanish misadventure plus: Suriname, cultural yawns, and a random thing to do in Zimbabwe

Spanish speaking mistake #10,000!

Bravo! Great shot. It looks like a comic book.

Majestic! This picture tells so many words.

Love the water reflection here.

😵‍💫 This harsh travel reality took me years to accept Something all travelers must face plus: A town under one roof, the Ganges, and a random thing to do in Scotland

There’s something every #travel lover needs to accept. If not, it could drive you crazy!

Learn what it is in my latest #Substack post.