2019 Philadelphia Travel and Adventure Show

Andrew McCarthy

The first speaker was Andrew McCarthy. You know—St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink, Mannequin (ironically filmed just a few blocks away), and of course, A Weekend at Bernies! Yes . . . that Andrew McCarthy. Why would he be at a travel show you may ask? As it goes, he is also a travel writer. He was quite enjoyable to listen to and provided some great insight.  Here is a brief summary of his seminar as I interpreted it.

• The best way to see a city is on your feet:  Walk everywhere!  His seminar included a video he had made of 42nd street in NYC, walking from one end to the other.  He explained this is a town he’s lived in for roughly forty years on a street he has been on numerous times.  However, after walking the entire stretch he realized he had noticed things that he had never noticed before.  Slowly making his way on foot gave him a different different perspective.
• Interact with locals and go off the beating path:   This is sure to leave lasting impressions.  He painted a picture of a time before GPS (which he claims, in a certain sense, ruined travel) in which you’re driving through Ireland and your lost.  You pass through random towns before stopping at a random pub.  You enter and tell them you have no idea where you are.  Before you know it, you’re having a pint with a group of new friends.  I personally feel this is a memory you will embrace.  He points out that we visit these places to see sights and attractions, but often we don’t remember what we saw, yet you remember the situations you were in.  You’ll never forget the crazy waiter for instance.    
• There is no best place to visit, however . . .   When asked this question, he pointed out that every place has it’s specialty and there’s no correct answer.  However, Ireland meets all expectations.  
• International vs. domestic travel:  He seemed to prefer international travel.  He points out there is nothing unpatriotic about it (to address the people who cry, “what’s wrong with our country?”).  There is plenty to see in our country, but travel is often about experiences, not just seeing sights.  Traveling internationally introduces you to different cultures, which naturally providing amazing experiences.  
• Best place for first time international traveler:  When asked about the best place to visit internationally for a first time international traveler, naturally English speaking countries top the list.   Ireland would be a good start.  Not only do they speak English, they are also very welcoming.  Next up?  Perhaps Great Britain.  Then on to non-English speaking countries that are known to have strong English speaking sections, such as Amsterdam.  Progressively venture into new territories.   
• There can be a difference between a vacation and travel/adventure:  The story he tells of vacationing is going to the beach, plopping down in the chair, and relaxing as the day goes by.  Doesn’t sound too bad.  Travel/adventure, however, is being lost in Rome, looking for the Coliseum (lost of course), not asking for directions, making your way through street after street, and then . . . there it is.  That moment you see it you come to a stop and take it all in.  I loved his distinction between a vacation and an adventure because I agree with the way he presented it.  I’m the adventure person (sounds like McCarthy is too).  As much as I’d love to sit in a beach chair and relax, I feel like I’m missing something.  I’d rather be out discovering something new or taking in a new experience.  As McCarthy put it, you’ll probably never remember that day on the beach, but you’ll never forget that moment the Coliseum came into view.