Daniel Catena | Itchy Feet Travel Newsletter 🌎
@danielcatena.bsky.social
Travel Writer ✍️ / Trip Planner 🟢 / Digital Creator ⛵️ I write about backpacking, solo travel, budget travel, slow travel, and everything in-between 📥
Join 300+ travel enthusiasts and get a free ebook with my fav 54 travel resources: https://t.co/xc9EkcolqV
Join 300+ travel enthusiasts and get a free ebook with my fav 54 travel resources: https://t.co/xc9EkcolqV
Some of the best education is making lots of mistakes abroad and learning how to fix them…
August 14, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Some of the best education is making lots of mistakes abroad and learning how to fix them…
Rest Easy Skype ✌️
This edition of my weekly travel newsletter is a farewell to my first video conference app love.
This edition of my weekly travel newsletter is a farewell to my first video conference app love.
💌 Goodbye Skype ~ the last frozen screen
A semi-love letter to my first video call application, plus: the Great Lakes, Match Cup, and Toledo hot dogs
open.substack.com
July 29, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Rest Easy Skype ✌️
This edition of my weekly travel newsletter is a farewell to my first video conference app love.
This edition of my weekly travel newsletter is a farewell to my first video conference app love.
There’s something about street food especially when there’s a line of people waiting…
If there’s ever a time I feel like a moth drawn to a radiant lamp it’s in those moments. 🌮
I could be completely full but still find room for whatever’s cooking.
#travel #randomthoughts
If there’s ever a time I feel like a moth drawn to a radiant lamp it’s in those moments. 🌮
I could be completely full but still find room for whatever’s cooking.
#travel #randomthoughts
July 12, 2025 at 2:01 PM
There’s something about street food especially when there’s a line of people waiting…
If there’s ever a time I feel like a moth drawn to a radiant lamp it’s in those moments. 🌮
I could be completely full but still find room for whatever’s cooking.
#travel #randomthoughts
If there’s ever a time I feel like a moth drawn to a radiant lamp it’s in those moments. 🌮
I could be completely full but still find room for whatever’s cooking.
#travel #randomthoughts
A brand new Traveler Spotlight is coming soon. ✨
In the meantime, here’s my latest post about sister cities.
Not to be confused with the 70s rock band Twisted Sister, these cities and towns are part of a massive international diplomacy campaign.
Have you been to a sister city before? 🌎
In the meantime, here’s my latest post about sister cities.
Not to be confused with the 70s rock band Twisted Sister, these cities and towns are part of a massive international diplomacy campaign.
Have you been to a sister city before? 🌎
A guide to Sister Cities and why they're travel gems ⛵️
Thank you Viña del Mar for the cool elephants!
open.substack.com
July 11, 2025 at 8:45 PM
A brand new Traveler Spotlight is coming soon. ✨
In the meantime, here’s my latest post about sister cities.
Not to be confused with the 70s rock band Twisted Sister, these cities and towns are part of a massive international diplomacy campaign.
Have you been to a sister city before? 🌎
In the meantime, here’s my latest post about sister cities.
Not to be confused with the 70s rock band Twisted Sister, these cities and towns are part of a massive international diplomacy campaign.
Have you been to a sister city before? 🌎
My worldview shifted the moment I saw how people lived and got to meet people from different #cultures.
I was shocked to meet locals who liked hip-hop music as much as me, if not more.
Besides a few challenges, most interactions showed me that kindness is an universal language spoken everywhere.
I was shocked to meet locals who liked hip-hop music as much as me, if not more.
Besides a few challenges, most interactions showed me that kindness is an universal language spoken everywhere.
🔭 How traveling changed the way I looked at the world
We're more connected than ever plus: A 14-year-old country, Pride Month, and Toilet Races
open.substack.com
July 5, 2025 at 4:50 PM
My worldview shifted the moment I saw how people lived and got to meet people from different #cultures.
I was shocked to meet locals who liked hip-hop music as much as me, if not more.
Besides a few challenges, most interactions showed me that kindness is an universal language spoken everywhere.
I was shocked to meet locals who liked hip-hop music as much as me, if not more.
Besides a few challenges, most interactions showed me that kindness is an universal language spoken everywhere.
The first time I left my comfort zone I was 22 and in #Amsterdam (very cliché I know). The most thing that blew me away was all fries were covered in mayonaise. This was my first taste (literally) of a different culture.
What was your first observation of a different #culture after traveling?
What was your first observation of a different #culture after traveling?
July 4, 2025 at 9:53 PM
The first time I left my comfort zone I was 22 and in #Amsterdam (very cliché I know). The most thing that blew me away was all fries were covered in mayonaise. This was my first taste (literally) of a different culture.
What was your first observation of a different #culture after traveling?
What was your first observation of a different #culture after traveling?
One of the biggest challenges when you travel is missing home. When you're home, you often miss traveling. It's hard to not miss things, but if you can bring mementos of those places with you, it can help. I like to read my old journals or message a friend whenever those moments happen.
July 2, 2025 at 4:50 PM
One of the biggest challenges when you travel is missing home. When you're home, you often miss traveling. It's hard to not miss things, but if you can bring mementos of those places with you, it can help. I like to read my old journals or message a friend whenever those moments happen.
What happens when you have no plan and just show up? It's a recipe for the expected to happen. This is often the makings of a fantastic trip.
#travel #thoughts #inspiration
#travel #thoughts #inspiration
July 1, 2025 at 4:50 PM
What happens when you have no plan and just show up? It's a recipe for the expected to happen. This is often the makings of a fantastic trip.
#travel #thoughts #inspiration
#travel #thoughts #inspiration
The moment you accept people do things their own way, the sooner you can embrace where you’re at. Just because it’s different than what you know, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work!
June 30, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The moment you accept people do things their own way, the sooner you can embrace where you’re at. Just because it’s different than what you know, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work!
One of the biggest #travelmyths: You need to invest in fancy guide books.
I started traveling with #LonelyPlanet, but over time I realized the best info came from asking other #travelers, locals (when you arrive), Facebook groups, and following the right people on Instagram.
I started traveling with #LonelyPlanet, but over time I realized the best info came from asking other #travelers, locals (when you arrive), Facebook groups, and following the right people on Instagram.
June 28, 2025 at 5:03 PM
One of the biggest #travelmyths: You need to invest in fancy guide books.
I started traveling with #LonelyPlanet, but over time I realized the best info came from asking other #travelers, locals (when you arrive), Facebook groups, and following the right people on Instagram.
I started traveling with #LonelyPlanet, but over time I realized the best info came from asking other #travelers, locals (when you arrive), Facebook groups, and following the right people on Instagram.
June 27, 2025 at 4:50 PM
On this day in history, one of my favorite authors #ErnestHemingway published the novel The Sun Also Rises in 1926. This is one of my favorite works by him and sparked my curiosity of Spanish culture.
June 26, 2025 at 4:50 PM
On this day in history, one of my favorite authors #ErnestHemingway published the novel The Sun Also Rises in 1926. This is one of my favorite works by him and sparked my curiosity of Spanish culture.
“There’s always that one a******”
My favorite line from my #interview with my friend, an RV expert who’s been to countless campsites.
Check out the full interview here.
My favorite line from my #interview with my friend, an RV expert who’s been to countless campsites.
Check out the full interview here.
🌍 Traveler Spotlight #7: Kent Johnson
A chat with my friend who's mastered the art of RV travel. We talk about RV culture and leaving his comfort zone to meet his granddaughter in France
open.substack.com
June 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM
“There’s always that one a******”
My favorite line from my #interview with my friend, an RV expert who’s been to countless campsites.
Check out the full interview here.
My favorite line from my #interview with my friend, an RV expert who’s been to countless campsites.
Check out the full interview here.
Have you ever run into someone later in life after meeting on a plane?
This has happened to me once. We were both headed to a small town, so odds weren't that low we'd see each other again.
On a few separate occasions I exchanged contact info and met up with them again.
#travel #meetingpeople
This has happened to me once. We were both headed to a small town, so odds weren't that low we'd see each other again.
On a few separate occasions I exchanged contact info and met up with them again.
#travel #meetingpeople
June 25, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Have you ever run into someone later in life after meeting on a plane?
This has happened to me once. We were both headed to a small town, so odds weren't that low we'd see each other again.
On a few separate occasions I exchanged contact info and met up with them again.
#travel #meetingpeople
This has happened to me once. We were both headed to a small town, so odds weren't that low we'd see each other again.
On a few separate occasions I exchanged contact info and met up with them again.
#travel #meetingpeople
My favorite part of traveling is sitting on buses, ferries, and trains. Here is when we have nothing else to do but write, reflect, and make life decisions. I sometimes listen to music and watch the scenery unfold.
June 24, 2025 at 4:50 PM
My favorite part of traveling is sitting on buses, ferries, and trains. Here is when we have nothing else to do but write, reflect, and make life decisions. I sometimes listen to music and watch the scenery unfold.
The best part of #backpacking abroad: You're forced to downsize all your belongings.
It's a freeing sensation when all you worry about are a few shirts, pants, and boxers.
If you buy a new shirt, you may need to leave one behind.
Laundry is very easy! Keeping it simple means less stress.
It's a freeing sensation when all you worry about are a few shirts, pants, and boxers.
If you buy a new shirt, you may need to leave one behind.
Laundry is very easy! Keeping it simple means less stress.
June 23, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The best part of #backpacking abroad: You're forced to downsize all your belongings.
It's a freeing sensation when all you worry about are a few shirts, pants, and boxers.
If you buy a new shirt, you may need to leave one behind.
Laundry is very easy! Keeping it simple means less stress.
It's a freeing sensation when all you worry about are a few shirts, pants, and boxers.
If you buy a new shirt, you may need to leave one behind.
Laundry is very easy! Keeping it simple means less stress.
What has been your worst airport experience?
Mine: I was in Las Vegas, hit horrible traffic going to the airport, and was a few minutes late for my flight. I ended up "sleeping" at the airport. The worst part, I watched the gate close and they wouldn't wait a few extra minutes so I could board.
Mine: I was in Las Vegas, hit horrible traffic going to the airport, and was a few minutes late for my flight. I ended up "sleeping" at the airport. The worst part, I watched the gate close and they wouldn't wait a few extra minutes so I could board.
June 22, 2025 at 4:50 PM
What has been your worst airport experience?
Mine: I was in Las Vegas, hit horrible traffic going to the airport, and was a few minutes late for my flight. I ended up "sleeping" at the airport. The worst part, I watched the gate close and they wouldn't wait a few extra minutes so I could board.
Mine: I was in Las Vegas, hit horrible traffic going to the airport, and was a few minutes late for my flight. I ended up "sleeping" at the airport. The worst part, I watched the gate close and they wouldn't wait a few extra minutes so I could board.
One of the best feelings is when you can speak to someone in their native language. I recall being amazed when people spoke to me in English and it was their third or fourth language.
This motivated me to learn #Spanish.
To anyone who speaks more than one language, what inspired you to learn? ✨
This motivated me to learn #Spanish.
To anyone who speaks more than one language, what inspired you to learn? ✨
June 21, 2025 at 4:50 PM
One of the best feelings is when you can speak to someone in their native language. I recall being amazed when people spoke to me in English and it was their third or fourth language.
This motivated me to learn #Spanish.
To anyone who speaks more than one language, what inspired you to learn? ✨
This motivated me to learn #Spanish.
To anyone who speaks more than one language, what inspired you to learn? ✨
After being in and out of #Colombia many times since 2022, I've learned there are some English words people like to use in their daily lives. Here are some examples:
"Hello"
"Jeans"
"Look" (style)
"Fan" (a fan of something)
"Show" (a show like a concert)
I found that very interesting.
#languages
"Hello"
"Jeans"
"Look" (style)
"Fan" (a fan of something)
"Show" (a show like a concert)
I found that very interesting.
#languages
June 20, 2025 at 4:50 PM
After being in and out of #Colombia many times since 2022, I've learned there are some English words people like to use in their daily lives. Here are some examples:
"Hello"
"Jeans"
"Look" (style)
"Fan" (a fan of something)
"Show" (a show like a concert)
I found that very interesting.
#languages
"Hello"
"Jeans"
"Look" (style)
"Fan" (a fan of something)
"Show" (a show like a concert)
I found that very interesting.
#languages
Spanish speaking mistake #10,000!
🤰🏻I told the ice cream lady I was pregnant
Another Spanish misadventure plus: Suriname, cultural yawns, and a random thing to do in Zimbabwe
open.substack.com
June 19, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Spanish speaking mistake #10,000!
There’s something every #travel lover needs to accept. If not, it could drive you crazy!
Learn what it is in my latest #Substack post.
Learn what it is in my latest #Substack post.
😵💫 This harsh travel reality took me years to accept
Something all travelers must face plus: A town under one roof, the Ganges, and a random thing to do in Scotland
open.substack.com
June 13, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Language learning thought:
When dots start to connect and you have some “aha” moments, you’re hooked learning #languages for life.
When dots start to connect and you have some “aha” moments, you’re hooked learning #languages for life.
June 10, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Language learning thought:
When dots start to connect and you have some “aha” moments, you’re hooked learning #languages for life.
When dots start to connect and you have some “aha” moments, you’re hooked learning #languages for life.
One thing I’ve learned about meeting people while traveling:
There are always people that make you think:
Wow, that person is a badass.
Its refreshing to meet these people, because it opens up your mind to new ideas.
There are always people that make you think:
Wow, that person is a badass.
Its refreshing to meet these people, because it opens up your mind to new ideas.
June 7, 2025 at 8:42 PM
One thing I’ve learned about meeting people while traveling:
There are always people that make you think:
Wow, that person is a badass.
Its refreshing to meet these people, because it opens up your mind to new ideas.
There are always people that make you think:
Wow, that person is a badass.
Its refreshing to meet these people, because it opens up your mind to new ideas.
Here’s a shortlist of some easy ways to visit a new place without spending much (or any) money. 💰
How do you save money when traveling?
#travel #newsletter #substack
How do you save money when traveling?
#travel #newsletter #substack
🤗 5 fun & free things you can do nearly anywhere
Keep your wallet and memory bank full. Plus: Swedish trolls, AAPI Heritage Month, and Tim Burton
open.substack.com
June 4, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Here’s a shortlist of some easy ways to visit a new place without spending much (or any) money. 💰
How do you save money when traveling?
#travel #newsletter #substack
How do you save money when traveling?
#travel #newsletter #substack
If you could stay at a stranger’s house for free in Italy or Australia, would you do it?
#house-sitting is a fun niche way to see the world!
Read more about it in my latest post:
#house-sitting is a fun niche way to see the world!
Read more about it in my latest post:
🏡 See the world one house-sit at a time!
Inspiration Postcard #11: How you can stay at people's houses abroad to save money while traveling
open.substack.com
May 29, 2025 at 8:59 PM
If you could stay at a stranger’s house for free in Italy or Australia, would you do it?
#house-sitting is a fun niche way to see the world!
Read more about it in my latest post:
#house-sitting is a fun niche way to see the world!
Read more about it in my latest post: