Last week over dinner, Elliott Ng from Uptake brought up an interesting theory as he made note of the concentration of travel bloggers in the Seattle area (see photo). He mentioned an article in The Atlantic Monthly by Richard Florida from a few years ago. Richard’s theory is that rather than the world being flat (where technology has leveled the playing field for many people), it’s actually spiky. Pockets of creativity are clustered in areas – innovators gather and spillover happens; ideas are shared, momentum grows and things happen more quickly than if one were on her or his own.
I’ve experienced this myself in the world of travel. I moved to Seattle nearly 20 years ago because I liked it’s vibe. I was a traveler at heart and even then I could tell that this region would be more accepting of my wayward lifestyle than the east coast, where I grew up. Seattle is home to the first and now oldest travel bookstore in the U.S (Wide World Books & Maps). North of Seattle lives Rick Steves and his travel empire. The area has attracted the likes of some of the best climbers in the world (Ed Viesturs, Eric Simonson) as well as travel and nature photographers (Art Wolfe, Michele Westmorland). More recently, we’ve gained a bit of attention as the hub of some of the most interesting, active and generous travel bloggers (Pam Mandel, Debbie Dubrow, Michelle Duffy, Harriet Baskas, Peter Carey, Kelly and Austin, Anne Taylor, Annika Hipple to name just a few). Matt Harding? He’s here, too (and in a class by himself, I might add). Oh, and don’t forget we’re home to Expedia and Yapta.
I wouldn’t be anywhere without the support and group think that I’ve learned from every one of these people, either personally or peripherally.
Who could resist Seattle by moonlight as seen from Alki?
It’s my belief that Seattle has attracted a traveling community for several reasons. For one, our weather plain sucks in the winter – so we just want to leave. We love the city most months which keeps us coming back, but we just gotta get away when the January blues hit. When we return, we congregate to share our experiences. I also have to believe that like attracts like and when you have institutions like Wide World Books and Rick Steves, these just continue to bring more travelers to the area.
This whole line of thinking got me wondering what makes a great travel destination…
Just as Seattle has become a hub for travel and innovation related to travel, popular destinations must draw people for specific reasons, too. Why is it that a whole community of expat Americans now live in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico? Why does one off-the-beaten-path village capture the hearts of some tourists (who then tell their friends) while another doesn’t seem to have the same magic?
I’m not so certain that there is ever one single thing that makes a destination perfectly attractive to travelers. Just as many wheels have to be set in motion for any given incident (good or bad), I believe that many things have to line up in order for a beach to catch on as “the” next best haven or an area starts to attract a particular type of traveler (whether it’s backpackers, beachbums or artists).
Sunset in Santa Fe
There’s only one destination that comes to mind that has a magical pull for me. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico. From the very first time I visited, I can remember feeling like I was at home – with the adobe architecture and chili peppers hanging from porches. I’m drawn back there time again to the Mexican-influenced food, language and lifestyle and to the dramatic landscapes. I know others for which the region has the same effect.
I’ve spent a little time in the village of Mt. Shasta, where the mountain looms not far away. Many people claim that this area literally has pulled them there. It didn’t have the same effect on me but I heard it from enough people that I can’t doubt it.
What destinations have pulled or repelled you and why?
Travel Well,
Beth
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Cheap Traveler says
There’s a theory that the reason civilization as we know it grew and prospered in Europe, China, and Japan is that they are relatively cold places that had sizable cities from the start. When people are forced to be indoors a lot, they create more than if they are just lazing away their days on a beach or are too hot and lethargic to do much that requires energy. During the grunge era people were saying the same thing about Seattle. Crappy weather and not much sun, so people gather inside and create great music. That creative output attracts more like-minded people and it snowballs.
Maya says
For me, it’s Italy and Paris. I have been to Italy four times and am sure I’ll have a few more stamps in my passport from their boarder patrol over my lifetime. Perhaps it’s my heritage (I’m half sicilian many generations removed) that draws me, or the amazing food, wine and diversity of scenery. I love the Italian language and like to practice my limited use of it when there. Though I can’t put my finger on it, no matter how many other places I plan to travel in Europe, I almost always end up adding in Italy if even for a couple of days.
Paris, on the other hand, I’ve only been to once and can’t wait to go back. I might have been lucky, as many people I know haven’t had such wonderful Paris experiences. I am a city girl at heart – someone who thrives on the energy and liveliness of a metropolitan area. Throw in the cafes, magnificent gardens and outdoor spaces, and diversity of neighborhoods and Paris pretty much has it all as far as I’m concerned. As you described with Seattle (I agree by the way, I have family in Seattle), I just got a certain vibe from Paris. I fell in love with the city within the first hour I was there and can’t wait to go back!
jessiev says
i love seattle. we may move there sometime in my life! who knows. but seattle pulls me – as does anywhere with water. i have to live on water, it is part of me in a way that i can’t explain.
as to places that pull me? scotland – really feel at home there. and japan, although in a different way (maybe it’s the food!)…
great article.
Jack - eyeflare travel says
For me it’s two things that creates a real travel pull, the atmosphere (architecture, art, green spaces, people, etc) and food!
So, for me it’s Paris and Mexico. Both have beautiful vistas, parks aplenty, the food’s outstanding and it’s easy to be a visitor. Unfortunately everyone else knows about Paris’ delights, so it’s ridiculously expensive.
SusanSDG says
Three places I cried when I left because I could really picture myself staying there forever:
The Big Island of Hawaii: the volcano, the black sand beaches, the active outdoor lifestyle, history and amazing people.
Sitka, Alaska: mountains, forests and the ocean; affordable waterfront living; whales, sea otters and bald eagles all over like crows; rich native culture. If I hadn’t ruled out any place with even less daylight than where I live now, I’d be in the Pacific Northwest.
Paris: really no need to explain this to anyone who’s been there. I could completely imagine myself fluent in French, eating well in a city where art and history are part of every breath.
Emma - iloho says
For me it’s got to be Spain because of the culture, diversity, beauty, lifestyle and food (!). You could spend a lifetime there and still not feel like you’ve “done” it.
Donna Hull says
For me, it’s not so much the pull of one geographic location, it’s a geographic element that talks to me – mountains. No matter if I’m in Colorado, Montana, Tennessee or the fjord region of Norway, mountains seem to wrap their peaks and ridges around me, saying, “you’re home.” I figure it’s a genetic thing, perhaps the fact that my grandmother was one of the “real McCoy’s” from the mountains of Appalachia.
Nathalie Lussier says
Oooh I couldn’t agree more! The West Coast definitely has a different vibe and people are more accepting there. I’m moving to Toronto, Canada and already I know that the vibe is very different from the Quebec, Canada one.
I love it, and now you’ve got me thinking of moving to Seattle.. just great. ๐
Philip Ze says
For me, travel to Europe is expensive. I can only afford to travel to places nearby in South East Asia. Perhaps one day I would be there, in Europe. I enjoy trying new things like foods, wines, scenery & meet people.
Beth says
@cheap traveler – I used to believe that, too, but Saigon and Hanoi don’t fit that bill. Saigon is vibrant and unstoppable, while Hanoi is slow and peaceful.
@Donna Hull – interesting that it’s geography and not a specific spot. We might be related – my relative was Old Dan Tucker!
Vera Marie Badertscher says
Beth: Seattle is magical, but I feel the magic in Tucson. Part of it is what Donna said about mountains–we’re surrounded by them. Part of it is the mix of cultures and the old, old history of the place. We are over-run by writers here, as attested to by a fine group of women writers I belong to. More about Tucson at my post today at Velvet Escape: http://su.pr/1urj3X.
Scribetrotter says
I’ve never been to Seattle – really! – but funny thing happened, a few days ago I was wondering why so many travel bloggers lived in Seattle too! Telepathy at work…
I live in Eastern France, over the border from Geneva, with a view of the Alps and the Jura. I find that inspirational, although I was in Vancouver last week and the sheer energy of the city got to me. Unfortunately, I don’t have a long list – or even a short one – of travel writers who have chosen to make this rural corner of the world their home… But if any of you would like to, we have stunning views, great internet, superb flight connections and fantastic food! ๐