San Sebastian’s beauty is undeniable, and our port-side lunch was incredible. However, after lunch, I felt the pull to move on. Our next stop, Hondarribia, unfortunately landed us in an even denser tourist trap. It was precious, but lifeless. We strolled through, gave vague nods to the attractive buildings, exchanged minimal words, and promptly departed.
Hondarribia consistently appears on “must-see Basque Country” lists, so don’t dismiss it solely based on my experience. Hopefully, you can consider my opinion with a critical eye, understanding my aversion to “must-sees.” Hondarribia reinforced my reasons for disliking them. First, being pressured to see what others value prevents me from experiencing travel’s transformative aspects – the discovery, the spontaneity, the unexpected possibilities. Second, popular “must-sees” are heavily publicized, attracting massive crowds. This influx leads to an overabundance of tourists, a scarcity of locals, and menus catering to foreign expectations.
This experience is akin to encountering fettuccini alfredo at a restaurant in Florence. Fettuccini alfredo, while enjoyable, is undeniably American, especially with chicken. It reminds me of my daughter’s experiences working at a cafe serving macchiatos. In Italy, a macchiato is simply an espresso with a splash of milk. However, Starbucks has repurposed the term to describe an entirely different beverage. When customers order a macchiato, she must clarify their expectations. Some are aware of the distinction, while others, illustrating the point perfectly, declare, “Only at Starbucks can you get what you want.” Consider the implications of that statement, and see if you find it as applicable to traveling to heavily touristed destinations as I do.
This perspective highlights the importance of venturing beyond the typical tourist routes in search of authentic experiences. Instead of asking “Do You Want To Travel With Me In Spanish”, perhaps the question should be “do you want to discover authentic culture with me?”. Embracing spontaneity and prioritizing local interactions over manufactured attractions can lead to more meaningful and transformative travel encounters. Seeking out lesser-known destinations and engaging with the local culture on a deeper level offers the opportunity to create unique memories and gain a more profound understanding of the world.
