Nomadic Matt's Travel Tuesday

= = {NAME}, ​ Greetings from Heidelberg! I'm spending the next week exploring the Black Forest region of Germany. This part of the world has been on my bucket list for so, so, so long and I'm really excited to be here. I have a lot planned! ​ I absolutely loved Provence and will be writing some articles about it soon ([there are some posts on my IG already](=)). ​ But the big thing I want to talk about today is overtourism. ​ Since I last wrote, many of you have asked me about the protests in Barcelona. Overtourism is a HUGE problem in Barcelona. While tourism accounts for 15% of the city’s economy, it has an outsized influence on the quality of life there. Last year, 12 million people visited a city with only 1.2 million residents. In a dense city where tourists stick to a few areas, those numbers are acutely felt. ​ The protests were really about uncontrolled tourism and quality of life. It’s a shame a few protestors spraying people with water overshadowed the larger issue. ​ I talked to locals, including some who worked in tourism. Yes, the spraying was inappropriate. No, they don’t want tourists to go home. But the city has got to start doing something about the number of people visiting. Locals are frustrated at the rising cost of living and low availability of affordable housing due to many short-term apartment rentals. ​ I sympathize. They've reached a tipping point. A lot of places in Europe have. This is a problem across the continent (and really the world). ​ Travel is a give-and-take relationship between the destination and the visitor and we travelers must be willing to give a little more and take a little less. ​ I've written about overtourism a few times, including ways we can help ensure we're not taking more than we give. ​ You can find those articles [here](), [here](, and [here](). ​ When you travel, I encourage you to research local tourism issues and try to mitigate the effects of your travel on a destination (especially if you are going to a place that already sees a lot of visitors). ​ ​ UPDATED RESOURCES & DEALS The team and I have been working hard to update lots of articles and guides! Plus, there is a deal I want to share: ​ 1. I just updated my book to points and miles so if you are a U.S.-based reader looking to get into this more, [check out the book here!](=) It comes with lifetime updates. ​ 2. There's a hot new business card offer! If you're a U.S.-based reader and you own a biz, [check it out](). It's my go-to card for all business expenses. ​ 3. If you need a travel guide, I have over [250 FREE destination guides]() that can help you plan your trip. (I update them regularly!) ​ 4. If you're staying in a hostel this summer, I just added a few more destinations to [my complete list of favorites](=). ​ 5. If you're looking for a hotel, [here's my complete list of favorite hotels](. I also just added a few more destinations to this list. ​ And, since you should never travel without insurance, [here's my A to Z guide on picking policies!]( ​ ​ NEWS & STORIES FROM AROUND THE WEB ​ 1. [As Wildfires Threaten National Parks, Here’s How to Stay Safe in the Great Outdoors]() - Here's some great advice to help you stay safe while out in nature. ​ 2. [How Airlines Can Better Help Travelers With Disabilities]() - An insightful read on how airlines can better serve passengers in wheelchairs. ​ 3. [Fully Electric Passenger Planes are Coming]() - We're slowly getting closer to electric planes! ​ ​ BOOK OF THE WEEK ​[Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday]() - This book focuses on the importance of good character and ethics. It's full of insightful examples of historical figures whose deeds and decisions exemplify good character. Considering the state of the world, I found it to be a good reminder of ways you can live a good life. [Get it on Bookshop]() | [Get it on Amazon]()​ ​ For all past book recommendations, [check out this list](). ​ ​ NEW BLOG POSTS ​[Traveling with Friends: How to Avoid Disaster](​ Years ago, I went on a spontaneous trip with friends. It didn't go as planned. Here's what I learned — and how you can avoid my mistakes! ​ ​[The 7 Best Hotels in Berlin]()​ ​ Need a place to stay in Berlin? Here are the best hotels in the city (at least in my opinion) so you can plan your trip! ​ ​ QUOTE OF THE WEEK "No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." - Lin Yutang ​ *** ​ As always, if you have any questions, reply to this email. I'll be happy to help. ​ Sincerely, ​ Nomadic Matt ​ ​ ​ ​[Unsubscribe]( | [Update your profile]( | 2318 Santa Rosa Street, Austin, Texas 78702 | [Opt-out of preference-based advertising](​