A goal that I set for myself after my divorce was to travel to one new place each year, either with a group, a friend, or solo. My first trip was to New Mexico as a “honeymoon” to myself to celebrate my new life. Since then, I’ve traveled to Marrakech, Chamonix, and now Havana!
When I travel, my goal is to remain open-minded and try to go with the flow. If I have a rigid agenda I will miss things that inevitably pop up. It’s hard for me to do that since I’m such a planner, but some of my best moments have been when I’ve just let go and let things happen.
This is especially true when I travel solo. Being exposed and vulnerable enables you to be more receptive to trying new things. I can be a little intimidating but the rewards are so worth it.
When I traveled to New Mexico, I met two local artists in Santa Fe and ended up spending the day and evening with them visiting one of his mentor’s art studio and home. The experience left a profound impression on me.
When I was returning from Chamonix I spent the day before exploring Geneva. As luck would have it I was touring an old cathedral and a good friend of mine walked around the corner! We ended up catching up and having a great dinner before we both returned separately to the states the following day.
Ultimately, I travel to expand my mind and creativity…which got me thinking. I should share tips that may help you to travel to inspire your own creativity!
TIP #1: STAY IN AN AIRBNB, VRBO, HOMEAWAY, ETC.
Staying in an Airbnb, etc. allows you a lot more freedom to choose a neighborhood that you’re interested in. Often times, hotels aren’t available in every area. Airbnbs give you a chance to live like a local and potentially talk to your host about their recommendations for things to do in the area. Not to mention, you’re literally staying right next door to the locals!
When my best friend and I travelled to Havana, we stayed in an Airbnb.
This was for two reasons. One, we wanted to stay in the neighborhood where we would be exploring, and two, Americans are not allowed to patronize hotels because they are owned by the Cuban Government.
Our airbnb was so cool. It was billed as an artist’s flat and had a ton of paintings and artifacts. The building was built in 1918 and still had the original tile floor. We were able to walk to different areas of the city and our manager, Nestor, became sort of our tour guide. We hired him to take us on a walking tour of Old Havana (Havana Vieja) and a few day excursions. The best part was he had a car so we didn’t have to navigate using the local taxis.
One thing that I would do differently when I return is to stay just outside of Havana Vieja in the neighborhood of Vinales. The old part of town is very noisy and can be a bit smelly due to the lack of emissions control.
TIP #2: DO YOUR RESEARCH & SET A FEW GOALS OR INTENTIONS BEFORE YOU GO
This will help with focus your trip. For instance, say you’re interested in expanding your use of color and technique in your own work. Use that to guide your experience. Seek it out. Use it as a point of reflection.
When my friend and I decided to go to Cuba, our first goal was to find where the art was. That wasn’t hard due to the fact that some of our friends have already visited and could help us with recommendations.
In my personal artwork I am drawn to the decayed and old. My plan was to soak in the crumbling architecture and admire the vintage cars that Cubans still drive, taking as many photos as I could.
Before I left, I also tried to pinpoint a few galleries or museums that I could visit so that I could become familiar with the local art scene and perhaps meet a few artists that could suggest things that may not be on the beaten path.
The beauty in the decay was breathtaking. One day while we were walking down the famous Obispo, I spotted a painting in the window of an artist gallery/studio that caught my eye. The artist painted the old cars of Cuba and I was instantly smitten. Even though he did not speak English, my terrible Spanish and sign language conveyed our mutual admiration for our chosen subject matter.
The other goal I set for myself was to have the opportunity to play with a local band. It finally happened when we found a cafe and had some mojitos after a long day of walking. As we were about to leave, a group began setting up.
I spotted an upright bass and with the courage of the rum, I walked up and said in Spanish, “I play as well.” The young man handed me the bass and the guitarist began playing a song and I picked up on the chord progression, which turned out to be “Oye Como Va” by Santana! I laughed at the guitarist and we all had a good chuckle. During one of their songs they asked me to sit in while the bassist walked around the cafe for tips. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had.
TIP # 3: DON’T JUST OBSERVE, IMMERSE
On the flip side of goal-setting, don’t be afraid to experience it all. Take public transportation. Talk to locals. Experience everything that the arts have to offer.
Our first night we walked from our flat to the Hotel Inglaterra where a band was playing on the terrace. There were people dancing all around and we ended up befriending a few people that were there on holiday to learn salsa dancing. We garnered a few tips on what to do and where to go.
We also met up with a young woman named Chici who was recommended to us by another friend. She took us via taxi out to the neighborhood where she lived to experience her friend’s restaurant which did not disappoint.
TIP #4: TALK TO THE LOCALS
To expand on the previous idea, talk to everyone! Look for people who are master of their craft and ask them about their process. Ask them where they get their inspiration. Ask ask ask.
TIP #5: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!
Take two kinds of pictures. Take all of the fun pictures that you would normally take on your trip to document the experience. But also, take pictures focused on your goals & intentions that you set for yourself. Create a separate folder devoted just inspiration. Take close up pictures and a create a digital mood board.
Texture is what I’m usually drawn to so many of my pictures were focused on the beautiful decay that was all around Cuba. I left the trip feeling incredibly inspired!
TIP #6: REFLECT THROUGH WRITING
Even if you’re not much of a writer, try to document your trip daily through writing. It’s a great way to reflect on your experience. It’s also a time capsule into your mindset at the time.
When we began researching our trip to Cuba we learned that we would have to create an itinerary in order to document our visit (this is a requirement of the US Government). I kept the paper, not only because we are required to for seven years, but to also remember where we visited.
When I travel I usually bring a small notebook to jot down suggestions, ideas, and/or contact info. When I went to New Mexico, I would write down where I planned to go each day and made notes about the places and thoughts I had.
TIP #7: BRING BACK PIECES OF YOUR TRIP
Have a tactile reminder of your time spent that you can put in the room where you create. The more the better. They don’t even need to be expensive souvenirs. They can be something as simple as a beautiful menu! Take back as many little trinkets as you can.
I always save my plane tickets, receipts, maps, and notes in a small box. I label the outside so that if and when I want to go back and reminisce I can just grab it out of my closet.
It’s funny, when I was in New Mexico I visited Georgia O’Keeffe’s house and studio in Abuiqiu and I noticed in a back closet shelves full of boxes labeled with the different places she had visited. I was inspired to do the same.
In Havana, we went to a house where the owner collects all kinds of things from art to furniture to trinkets, etc. When I walked in the door I immediately spotted an old license plate resting on a shelf. I knew it was meant for me and I brought it back home where it currently sits on my mantel. I thought it fitting since it ties in with my love of old cars and such.
I also wanted to buy a painting from a local artists but missed my opportunity when I came back the next day and he was closed! Lesson learned- always buy it, never wait.
TIP #8: SEEK OUT OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD & TAKE A WORKSHOP OR CLASS
Learn from the locals and the masters of their field.
Though this trip wasn’t focused on a workshop, I have typically done a trip around a workshop. In New Mexico I took a three day retreat on Georgia O’Keeffee at the Ghost Ranch.
In Marrakech, I took a 10 day art and culture retreat with Melanie Royals.
In Chamonix was where the annual Salon was held by Pascal Amblard. I have toyed with the idea of going back to Cuba to create an artist retreat that would expose Americans to the Cuban culture.
TIP #9: TAKE IN ALL OF THE ARTS & CULTURE, EVEN IF YOU THINK THEY’RE NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO YOUR FIELD
Eat your way through the city. Visit local markets. Take a cooking class. See local musicians. Visit an art museum. You never know where inspiration may come from. The more experiences, the better.
One of the days we dedicated to visiting a local farm that collects and preserves local flora. They have a program that allows elderly people without family to come for a meal and to help out. There is a restaurant attached that uses the local produce to create exquisite meals.
On another day we drove out to Fusterlandia to visit the artist’s home and neighborhood.
We also made sure to visit Fabrica De Arte Cubana, which is a community of artists including visual, musical, and dance, all in an old warehouse.
TIP #10: WHEN YOU GET HOME, CREATE SOMETHING BASED ON YOUR TRIP
Create something to remind yourself of the trip. If you’re a painter, paint. If you’re a writer, write. Cook, etc. A great way to kick start that experience is to take all of the inspirational photos you took, print out your favorites and create a mood board along with your trinkets that you brought home. Put it in your office or studio and let it inspire you!
I made a necklace using beach glass I collected from when we went to Playa. Whenever I wear it I’m reminded of the beautiful people and places of Cuba.
BONUS TIP - REVISIT THOSE FEELINGS OF INSPIRATION BY SEEKING OUT LOCAL EXPERIENCES BACK HOME TO REMIND YOU OVER YOUR TRIP.
Maybe there’s a restaurant or art exhibit in your town featuring artists from your trip. All of your experiences are now a part of you and your journey.
So that’s it! All of my tips for traveling to spark your own creativity. Cuba was really such a beautifully enriching experience that I could go on and on about. If you’re planning a trip message me for some more recommendations about things to see and do.