TRIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO … Travel For Lunch
Kicking the series off with my favorite topic: Lunch. Odd, I know, because in real life, I don’t eat it. Ever. It’s time-consuming, takes too much thought, and I’d rather power through on caffeine and Dentyne. But on vacation? I want lunch. And not just a quick stop; I want a proper sit down, preferably on some beautiful terrace. A view of the sea is a plus, gallons of wine (white or rosé because I’m not high maintenance) are required, and I want the meal to go on. I am literally an entirely different human when I leave home. Maybe it’s the relaxed pace of vacation, maybe it’s the fact that I’m not trying to jam food into my face so I can get back to my desk, but whatever it is, it’s powerful, and it’s what drives my own trip planning. Don’t get me wrong, dinner is important, too, but lunch? Heaven.
The trip planning for those of us with this particular affinity goes something like this: wake up, fit in at least one cultural activity (one a day is the rule in my house, anyway) before lunch, and then … lunch. Post-lunch we’re drunk shopping? Just kidding, we would never do that. Instead, the afternoon takes on a much more relaxed pace. You’ve already seen something that knocked your socks off, and the second part of the day is yours. It’s when some of the most magical trip moments happen. Those lazy walks that seemingly lead you nowhere but then you realize you’re standing in front of the gallery/museum/shop you’ve been reading about but didn’t add to the itinerary.
Yes, trips are meant to be planned (that’s my job, after all), but they’re also meant to unfold. Lunch is that incredible dividing line: The marker of the day that allows you both structure and freedom. And in my somewhat humble opinion, that’s what makes a good trip great.
Where would I send you if you suffer from this same affliction? It depends on the person, but some faves? San Sebastián, Bologna, Mexico City, Lyon, Mallorca, and Paris, natch.
