I’m all about the travel appetizer and you will find recommendations for travel appetizers throughout my blog journey. So, what is a travel appetizer?
One definition of an appetizer is something that ‘increases anticipation for what is to follow’. So my travel appetizers will be all things that give you a taste of the upcoming adventure!
I’ll include thoughtful recommendations for things you can do at home BEFORE you travel:
Learn About Local Cuisine
My travel appetizer posts will include destination foods that you can make at home. This can be a delightful way to prepare for the upcoming culinary scene (and if your cooking is anything like mine, it will boost your appreciation of the real thing!). Beyond just tasting local dishes, researching the culinary culture may help you understand the significance of certain foods, dining customs, and popular eateries before you arrive.
Watch Movies Set in your Destination
Some locations, like New York City, not only have a number of movies and TV shows that take place there, they can also have movie/show specific tours and sites to visit. A great travel appetizer activity for the whole family is to watch a movie or show set in your upcoming destination so they are top of mind when visiting. It’s always fun to recognize the movie locations in real life and I’ll help with recommendations for each destination.
Watch Documentaries or Travel Shows
In addition to movies, explore documentaries that delve into the history, geography, and culture of the destination. Documentaries can provide a more factual and in-depth understanding.
Explore Virtual Tours
Take virtual tours of significant landmarks and attractions using online platforms. This allows you to visually familiarize yourself with key sites before experiencing them in person. I find virtual tours to be helpful when planning the accessibility considerations for key sites.
Check out Google Maps Street View
Review maps of the area to understand the layout of the destination. Mark key points of interest, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs to navigate with ease upon arrival. This is another step I found very helpful when researching if there were areas of our upcoming destination that would be well suited for Nana to walk.
Learn Basic Phrases
My travel appetizer posts for trips abroad will include a few basic phrases to familiarize yourself with in the local language. Even if you’re not fluent, making an effort to communicate in the native tongue is usually appreciated by the locals and can enhance your travel experience.
Create a Travel Playlist
Compile a playlist of music that represents the destination and share it with your travel crew. Whether it’s traditional tunes or contemporary hits, having a curated soundtrack can evoke the spirit of the place and boost excitement for the coming trip. Like a pre-trip movie checklist, a travel playlist is a great way to share a ‘travel appetizer’ with fellow travelers even if you live apart.
Adventure on!
