Tourism by trade with Batoon
“I was actually planning to live in Paris for a month, something that I’ve always wanted to do as a sort of ‘Eat Pray Love’ era for myself, before settling down with a family,” said Megan Batoon, one of the three hosts of the new Netflix travel series “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals.” “I saw a notification pop up on my phone as I was doing the dishes the other day and just laughed as I loaded the dishwasher and fell asleep in my bed, which was not in France.”
Based out of Los Angeles, the 30-year-old social media influencer shares her travels on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ meganbatoon), Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/MeganBatoonFP/) and Instagram (https:// www.instagram.com/ meganbatoon/).
Q: What have you learned about traveling from your experience shooting “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals?”
A: I’ve learned that there is always more to see. We traveled and shot so ambitiously that it was nice to be able to see so much of the world in such a short time. But some of the most memorable moments were walking around and discovering small gems and coffee shops that aren’t on any travel guide and you could only find if you strolled around town aimlessly.
Q: This pandemic has made everyone think differently about how we spend our vacation time. Besides this Netflix series, what have you been up to travel-wise?
A: The only traveling I’ve done aside from trips to the refrigerator between Zoom meetings is a few drives for upcoming vacation rental projects that I’m designing.
Q: How do you balance having fun as a tourist with also being mindful of the culture you are visiting?
A: It all comes down to mindset. We are visitors in others’ homes. There’s a level of respect that is mandatory when traveling to foreign places. I think a great way to have fun while being a tourist and respecting the culture is to get involved in the lifestyle. I’ve enjoyed cooking classes that pay people to teach their traditions and I love thrift shopping for souvenirs, because it’s sustainable and helps the economy simultaneously.
Q: What kind of vacation rental is a disaster for you?
A: One with a kitchen that doesn’t have any cookware! I cook everywhere I go. I love to use the local ingredients and make a dish inspired by the place and it makes me so sad when there isn’t a pan or anything to play around with (that would) make you feel like you’re home anywhere in the world.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: I’ve been going to New York every year right before I visit my family for Christmas, and I think it’s such a unique town with so much to experience.
Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A: Anytime I’m listening to music in the sun and eating incredible food with friends is the best vacation memory. The worst vacations are the ones where they’re so packed full of excursions and things to do that you need to book a recovery vacation after your first vacation.