A Traveling Perspective: Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater

Let’s talk about something I’ve been thinking about lately, a traveling perspective that has really given me a major paradigm shift. And that is: “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” In the context of travel, I mean: don’t judge an entire city (or even country) based on one neighborhood, one bad day, or one uncomfortable experience.

[Watch the Video Below for Full Insight]

One Bad Experience Doesn’t Define a Whole City

I’ve seen this happen a lot, especially with big cities like Medellín, Bogotá, or Mexico City. Someone visits for a few days, maybe only sees one part of the city, and walks away thinking, “Nah, that place isn’t for me.” And just like that, they mentally cross it off their list. But that mindset can be limiting—and unfair.

Cities Are Made Up of Multiple Worlds

Here’s what I’ve realized after traveling to different cities across Latin America and beyond: a city isn’t just one thing. It’s made up of different districts, neighborhoods, and micro-cultures. You could spend time in one part of the city and feel totally disconnected—then move 20 minutes away and feel completely at home.

That’s because different districts often come with different vibes, people, experiences, and even levels of hospitality. I’m not just talking about socio-economic differences either—although that’s a factor. I’m talking about personality types, energy, openness, and the kind of interactions you have with people.

For example, I’ve found that the most touristic parts of a city don’t always offer the best experiences. In fact, those areas can sometimes feel the most impersonal or transactional. It’s the “off-the-beaten-path” spots, the local gems, the quiet corners that often reveal the most authentic and genuine experiences.

Medellín, Mexico City, and Bogotá: More Than Meets the Eye

Let’s take Medellín for example. People often refer to it as one big place, but there’s also Metro Medellín, which includes cities like Envigado, Sabaneta, and La Estrella. These areas offer completely different atmospheres than the more popular or tourist-heavy neighborhoods like El Poblado.

Same with Bogotá or Mexico City. These are massive cities made up of dozens of districts and hundreds of neighborhoods. Each one has its own rhythm. So just because you didn’t connect with one part doesn’t mean the whole city is a bad fit.

I’ve read so many comments online where people say things like, “I didn’t like Medellín,” or “Mexico City isn’t for me,” based on very limited experiences. And oftentimes, it’s just a few days in one area. That’s not enough to write off a whole city or country. A traveling perspective like that can cause you to miss out on a lot.

My Current Example: Learning This Lesson in Lima

Right now, I’m in Lima, Peru, and I’ll be honest… it hasn’t immediately clicked with me. It’s a beautiful city with great weather and a ton of history, but it hasn’t felt like “my place” yet. But then I remembered: Lima has 43 districts and I’ve only seen a handful. So I’m reminding myself not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Maybe I just haven’t found my district yet.

What I Look for in a City

When I solo travel, there are a few key things I look for that help me settle in:

• Language exchanges – great for meeting people and practicing Spanish
• Salsa classes or dance groups – fun, social, and energizing
• Gyms or fitness communities – excellent for networking and routine
• Walkable areas – easier to navigate and explore without a car

These elements help me to naturally integrate into a new city. They’re not always easy to find in sprawling megacities where everything is super spread out. That’s one reason I’m often more drawn to mid-sized cities. They’re big enough to offer options but small enough to feel accessible.

Final Thoughts

So next time you find yourself feeling underwhelmed by a place, pause before you write it off. Consider that maybe you just haven’t found your part of the city yet. Maybe the vibe you’re looking for exists in a different district or hidden gem you haven’t discovered.

Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Keep exploring, keep moving, and keep your mind open. That’s how you increase your chances of having what I like to call a RICH Experience.

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And remember…
Make EVERY Experience a RICH Experience