Embrace Being a Temporary Regular While Traveling

This article first appeared in the September 12, 2022 edition of The Move, where Dinogo’s editors share their tips and favorite dining recommendations—sometimes insightful, sometimes quirky, but always a must-try. Subscribe today.

During a much-needed getaway to Mexico City, my partner and I kicked off our trip with mezcal at La Nacional. With an impressive mezcal selection, good beers, and hearty bites, it also served my favorite cocktail of the trip—a mezcalita made with xoconostle juice. Over the next two nights, we explored other bars, each with its own charm, but none matched that initial spot. So, we did something that felt oddly against the vacation spirit of exploration: we returned. And returned again.

Even the most leisurely vacations come with a multitude of decisions. You choose where to go, set your budget, pick museums to visit, weigh the merits of day trips, and, of course, decide which restaurants are must-tries. These choices can be thrilling yet exhausting, and after a busy day of sightseeing and indulging, you might find yourself too tired to decide on evening plans. That’s why, if you're in a new city for more than a few days, it’s wise to select a bar to make your home base.

What makes a bar worthy of becoming your regular haunt varies for everyone. Personally, I prefer a place that feels casual, with a younger, perhaps more eclectic vibe than an old-school dive. A spot where I can enjoy a cocktail that's a step above a simple gin and tonic, but also find a decent house white wine. It’s a subjective choice, but as you stroll through any city, you're likely to find a venue that draws you in. If you don’t drink or prefer tea during the day, a café is just as fitting.

Bars and cafés serve as perfect spots to take a break. Whether sipping coffee or enjoying a glass of wine, you can reflect on your trip and plan the next day's adventures in a space that's not your hotel room. At dinner, the focus is on the food, but here, the atmosphere is more laid-back. You can scroll through maps on your phone without feeling rude, linger after a long hike, or unwind after hours in a sprawling museum. It’s the ideal environment to map out your next steps while still soaking in the destination you’re exploring.

There’s also a charming fantasy tied to becoming a regular. We’ve all pondered it during our travels: What if I lived here? While you know that life isn’t all leisurely lunches and carefree strolls, it’s delightful to imagine. In a short time, you can actually feel like a local on vacation. If you stand out as a newcomer and visit the same spot two nights in a row, chances are the staff will begin to recognize you and your preferences. You can engage with familiar faces, even if your language skills are a bit rusty. Most importantly, you can relax—a luxury vacations don’t always afford. In just a few days, you can create a meaningful bond with a bar that feels like home, even if it’s miles away from where you truly belong.