Happy Labor Day Everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying their extended weekend.

I'm currently in Mexico City. I'm going to be here for a long time, and I've noticed this has changed my internal state compared to some of my other quicker trips. I'm much more relaxed. Even when I'm sightseeing, there's no frenetic rush. If I miss something, it's not a big deal — I can always come back.

Oh, I love slow travel!

Overall, I really like Mexico City. You'll definitely love this place too if you haven't been here already.

It's like New York but with friendlier people and it's cleaner. (Yes, I just came for New Yorkers, but I love you guys!) 

I can't comment much on the language barrier because I've been trying to speak as much Spanish as I can. This is not giving my Spanish-speaking friends permission to start speaking Spanish to me. (I already struggle!) 

I had an epiphany this weekend while visiting Teotihuacan. Before boarding a hot air balloon, I overheard a conversation that sparked a realization about something I already knew but hadn't fully processed.

As I waited, I noticed tourists discussing "Top" restaurants they planned to visit in Mexico City. This one lady was bragging how she took time making this special list of places to eat. It's like she had found all the secret spots of where to eat! 

But I was entertained because many places on their secret lists matched ones I already knew about!

Most travelers turn to popular websites like Condé Nast or Eater, which typically feature lists of 30+ restaurants.

The problem?

Everyone else does too! This drives up prices and makes reservations nearly impossible to get. I found some restaurants in Mexico City booked solid for an entire month.

How to Find Great Local Restaurants

• Ask your Airbnb host or hotel concierge — This can be hit or miss depending on their local knowledge, but I've rarely had bad experiences.
• Check guidebooks — They might seem old-fashioned, but guidebooks often feature places that aren't on every internet list.
• Follow trusted travel experts — Look for respected voices like Anthony Bourdain or Rick Steves who thoroughly research destinations.
• Consult friends who've visited — Be careful though, as they might have used the same popular lists.
• Talk to locals with similar tastes — The holy grail of recommendations, but only valuable if their preferences match yours.
• Ask your Uber/Taxi drivers — They can quickly identify tourist traps and suggest authentic alternatives.

The lesson?

The more research you do, the better you'll become at evaluating recommendations.

You'll develop an instinct for spotting tourist traps versus authentic experiences.

At the end of the day, you'll need to try multiple restaurants to find your favorites — such a struggle…

Keep traveling,

Andrew

Have you ever been disappointed after trying a “top 10” restaurant from a travel list? What happened?