Boomer On Fire #329 - Go Small or Go Home
Boomers - Living Our Best Lives
Welcome to Boomer on Fire, the newsletter that inspires and motivates baby boomers to live their best lives.
Do you find travel stressful? Perhaps you merely need to redirect your destinations.
Don’t Turn Your Back on Second-Tier Cities
Bigger isn’t always better when traveling
When traveling, it is natural to gravitate towards the biggest cities. Cities like London, Paris, Rome, and New York City. And that is completely understandable. These cities have so much to offer. Museums, theater, top restaurants, easy transportation, and many more.
But there can be a downside. Big metropolitan areas are incredibly hectic. They can be incredibly expensive, especially relative to other areas in the same country. Because of a combination of their cosmopolitan nature and tourism, they’re often not “genuine”.
For those who wish for relaxed, genuine, budget-friendly travel, it might be wise to consider a second-tier city. For this conversation, let’s define that as a city that has a population of less than 250,000, is not the capital, has decent transportation, and has some museums and other cultural amenities.
Consider the advantages of second-tier cities:
They are less crowded. Your travel experience will be less hectic.
The culture is authentic. You will find a more genuine experience of local life, traditions, and culture. You can often experience unique local festivals, cuisine, and customs that would not be found in the largest cities.
These cities are much more affordable than the large metropolitan areas in almost every way, especially dining, accommodations, and activities.
Unique attractions are available—things like local artisans, niche museums, historical sites, and specialized tours.
There is much more opportunity for interaction with residents. This can provide a much more enriching experience and greater insight into the area’s culture.
Visiting less tourism-heavy areas can contribute to sustainable tourism practices.
A few examples of Second-Tier cities are:
Salzburg, Austria. Even though it is touristy, genuine cultural experiences and many niche attractions are available beyond the typical tourist spots.
Ghent Belgium. A picturesque city with medieval architecture, numerous museums, and a lively cultural atmosphere.
Delft, Netherlands. Famous for charming canals and historical facades, Delft is the birthplace of the renowned Delft ceramics.
Valparaiso, Chile. A colorful town on Chile’s Pacific coast, known for its artistic vibe, street art, and cultural festivals.
Nantes, France. A maritime city with a rich history and a variety of cultural attractions including museums, galleries, and historic sites.
Please don’t misunderstand. There’s nothing wrong with visiting the “great cities”. There is so much worthwhile to see and do there. But don’t overlook the diverse range of experiences and amenities available in smaller cities.
One complaint I have about many cities in the U.S. vs Europe is our cities are not nearly as conducive to walking as European cities. As a generality, that might be true, but these cities are the exception.
Some of us are fortunate to get a rare peek at the Northern Lights. But normally only a few get a chance to enjoy them for more than a few seconds. This year, though, it will be possible to watch a spectacular light show without going to Canada or Scandinavia. Check out these places where the Aurora will be amazing.
Thanks for reading. Go out and live your best life!
Kevin