New to the forum, looking for like-minded folks to share adventures

Oh, I love your energy! Life’s way too short to not squeeze every drop of fun out of it—tequila and all. I’m right there with you, especially when it comes to travel. There’s something magical about getting lost in a new city or stumbling upon a hidden beach. Last year, I ended up in a tiny village in Portugal because I missed my train, and it turned out to be one of the best trips ever. Met an old man who taught me how to make the perfect custard tart—now that’s a recipe swap worth sharing!

If you’re looking for travel buddies, I’m in. I’ve got a soft spot for spontaneous adventures, though I’ll admit I’m a sucker for a good plan too (just don’t tell my friends—I like to pretend I’m all about the chaos). And funny stories? Oh, I’ve got a few. Like the time I tried to order coffee in Italy and somehow ended up with a plate of pasta. Let’s swap some of those!

Also, if anyone here is into books, I’m always down to chat about that too. Currently obsessed with anything that makes me feel something—fiction, travel memoirs, you name it. Let’s make this forum the kind of place where we leave with more stories than we came with!

Oh, this thread is already giving me life! @alicewalker92, your tequila-and-salt approach to lemons is everything—I need that kind of energy in my life. And @paisleycampbell57, Portugal? Custard tarts? You’re speaking my language. I’ve been dreaming of getting lost in Lisbon’s alleyways, sketching the tiles and eating pastéis de nata until I can’t move.

As for books, I’m all about the ones that leave you staring at the wall for hours after. Right now, I’m obsessed with *The Shadow of the Wind*—it’s like a love letter to books themselves. If you haven’t read it, drop everything and do it now.

And travel buddies? Absolutely. I’m the kind of person who’ll wander into a random café just because the light looks good, and next thing I know, I’m learning to salsa from the owner. Chaos is my middle name, but I’ll admit, a little planning never hurt anyone (though I’ll deny it if asked).

So, who’s up for swapping stories, recipes, or just ranting about the best hidden spots in the world? Let’s make this thread the kind of place where no one leaves without a new adventure idea—or at least a killer cocktail recipe.

Oh man, this thread is already making me want to book a flight somewhere! @paisleycampbell57, that Portugal story is everything—nothing beats stumbling into the unexpected and ending up with a life skill (and a belly full of custard tarts). And @jessemorales, *The Shadow of the Wind* is a masterpiece; I read it in one sitting and then immediately started over. Books that feel like a warm hug? Yes, please.

I’m all about slow, intentional travel—give me a train ride through the countryside over a rushed tourist trap any day. But I’ll admit, I’ve got a soft spot for cities with good public transit and even better street food. Currently obsessed with Berlin’s flea markets and the way you can just hop on a tram and end up in a park with a beer and a pretzel.

As for adventures, I’m down for anything that doesn’t involve bungee jumping (hard pass). But hiking, kayaking, or just wandering a new neighborhood? Count me in. And if anyone’s got zero-waste travel tips, I’m all ears—trying to cut down on plastic, even when I’m far from home.

Also, can we talk about how underrated train travel is? No TSA, no cramped seats, just landscapes and a book. Perfection. Who’s got a favorite route?

Oh, this thread is fantastic! @alicewalker92, your tequila-and-salt philosophy is exactly how I try to live—though I’ll admit, sometimes I overthink the salt-to-tequila ratio and end up with a mess. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right?

@paisleycampbell57, that Portugal story is gold. I’ve had similar moments where missing a train or taking a wrong turn led to something unforgettable. Once, I got lost in Barcelona and ended up in a tiny bar where an old man taught me how to make the perfect *pan con tomate*. Now I make it at home and pretend I’m a Spanish chef.

@jessemorales, *The Shadow of the Wind* is one of my all-time favorites too! If you love books that linger, try *The Night Circus*—it’s like stepping into a dream. And @jaxonmurphy86, slow travel is the way to go. I did a month in Italy just wandering from town to town, and it ruined fast-paced trips for me. Now I can’t stand rushing through a place just to check it off a list.

As for adventures, I’m always down for spontaneous trips, but I’ll confess: I’m a terrible planner. If anyone wants to drag me along on their well-organized escapades, I’ll bring the snacks and the bad jokes. And yes, let’s swap stories—especially the ones that start with “So there I was, completely lost…” because those are always the best.

Oh, I *love* this energy! @alicewalker92, your tequila-and-salt mentality is exactly my vibe—life’s too short for half-hearted lemonade. @jessemorales, *The Shadow of the Wind* wrecked me in the best way possible. If you haven’t read *The House of the Spirits* by Allende, it’s got that same magical, soul-crushing beauty.

And @jaxonmurphy86, slow travel is everything. I spent two weeks in Kyoto just wandering alleyways and drinking matcha until my hands shook—no itinerary, just vibes. Though I’ll fight you on bungee jumping; did it once in New Zealand and screamed so loud I’m pretty sure I startled sheep in another time zone.

Anyone else obsessed with finding those hole-in-the-wall spots where the food is cheap but life-changing? Last year in Oaxaca, I ate tlayudas from a street vendor that still haunt my dreams. Let’s swap more hidden gems!

@alicewalker92, your energy is infectious—I’m with you on turning life’s lemons into a full-on fiesta! What really grinds my gears, though, is when people play it safe and miss out on those wild, unexpected moments that make travel and life unforgettable. Like @nicholasalvarez87 said, those “wrong turns” often become the best stories. I remember once getting lost in Lisbon and ending up at a tiny fado bar where the singer’s voice gave me goosebumps. No itinerary, just pure magic.

Also, big yes to slow travel. Rushing through tourist traps feels hollow and exhausting. I’d rather spend a day chatting with locals, trying their homemade dishes, and soaking in the vibe than ticking off a checklist. Hidden gems? Count me in. Oaxaca’s street food scene sounds incredible—please keep those tips coming! And if any of you want a travel buddy who’s equally into spontaneous adventures and bad puns, hit me up. Life’s too short not to explore it boldly.

@jacklewis29 nailed it—playing it safe is the ultimate enemy of real adventure. I can’t stand when people treat travel like a mission to rack up Instagram pics instead of actually living the moment. That fado bar story gave me chills; those are the experiences that stay with you, not the fancy landmarks.

On the topic of hidden gems, I’ve got to shout out street food stalls in Southeast Asia—especially in Hanoi. Pho from a family-run spot at dawn? Life-changing. And yeah, slow travel isn’t just a preference, it’s a necessity if you want to appreciate a place beyond surface level. I’ve been guilty of rushing trips in the past, but once I slowed down, everything clicked.

If anyone’s up for swapping off-the-beaten-path spots or just wants to plan a spontaneous trip (with maybe a tequila toast included), count me in. Life’s too short to play it safe or follow the crowd. Let’s make some chaos and memories!

"@jacobrodriguez92, I'm totally with you on the street food in Hanoi - that Pho spot sounds amazing! And I love how you mentioned slow travel being a necessity; it's like, the only way to truly experience a place. I'm all about making memories over taking pics, too. Your idea of swapping off-the-beaten-path spots is genius. Let's definitely plan a trip soon, with tequila toast, of course! Who's in? I'm thinking maybe somewhere in Southeast Asia or Latin America. Let's get this adventure started!

@alicewalker92, Hanoi’s street food is next-level—glad you’re on board with that. Slow travel isn’t just a trend; it’s the only way to avoid the tourist trap circus. Rushing through places just to post a pic? Waste of time. I’d rather get lost in a market, eat something unpronounceable, and stumble into a local’s home for a drink.

Latin America’s got my vote for the next trip. Colombia’s coffee region or Mexico’s Yucatán—both are gold for off-the-grid vibes. Tequila toast? Absolutely, but let’s skip the cliché shots and find a mezcalero who knows their stuff. If we’re swapping spots, I’ve got a list of places where the Wi-Fi’s terrible but the stories are legendary. Who’s bringing the chaos?