The greatest to ever step on a soccer field and arguably the greatest to ever step on the hardwood met up on Friday night in Florida. Lionel Messi, the highest-profile player to ever join a Major League Soccer team, made his debut for Inter Miami CF on Friday in a League Cup game against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
Messi, whose move to Miami became official earlier this week after he announced he’d join the team following his contract with Paris Saint-Germain coming to its conclusion, started the bench on the game. This was announced in the lead-up to the game, and LeBron James managed to take advantage of this. James made his way down to area next to the team’s bench at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and went right over to Messi, making it a point to show him some love before the game.
James, of course, knows what it’s like to make a highly publicized move to a team in Miami, as his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers came to an end when he decided to join the Miami Heat back in 2010. There’s no word on whether James used this meeting as an opportunity to try and convince Messi to join Liverpool, the Premier League side in which he owns a stake, but unfortunately for James, that ship has probably sailed.
Ozuna is slated to headline Baja Beach Fest 2023 at Rosarito Beach in Mexico next month. Hopefully, he’s considering putting his “Soso” remix with Omah Lay on his setlist. Lay released the deluxe version of his 2022 Boy Alone album last month, and the Ozuna-boosted “Soso” received the video treatment this week.
The three-minute visual begins with Lay walking up to a luxurious villa at night. A woman stands out in the dark. We see Ozuna approaching a different woman. She’s tending to her horses before Ozuna (literally) sweeps her off her feet, and they start dancing. Later, Lay has his chance to impress his romantic interest. They slow dance atop a building overlooking a lush, tropical landscape.
As described in a press release, “The visual stands out as his most stunning and cinematic yet. … Balancing two extremes, it combines intimate vignettes and expansive vistas. Most importantly, it illuminates the chemistry between these two global superstars, uniting styles and cultures all at once.”
Uproxx named Lay’s Boy Alone among “The Best Afrobeats Albums of 2022,” lauding, “It takes a certain kind of strength to be as openly vulnerable as Omah Lay is, and to his benefit, his will to do so helped him to create a great body of work.”
Watch the “Soso” video above.
Omah Lay is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Cheerleading is supposed to be a team activity. Most squads have anywhere from 10 to 20 cheerleaders and some have even more than that. But one squad in Nebraska had just four girls, and less than two weeks before the Nebraska State Cheer and Dance Championships, all but one cheerleader had quit.
Most kids would’ve followed suit so close to a big competition and without teammates, but Katrina Kohel, a senior at Morrill High School, decided she was still going to compete—even if it meant she would have to do it alone. Talk about being brave in the face of disappointment. This girl decided she was going to cheer in the competition and she did, without much care for what others thought.
The competition wasn’t just the next town over. It was five hours away, so Kohel and her coach, April Ott, really had to mull it over before committing to making that drive, according to Business Insider. In the end, the teen decided that she didn’t want to just sit in the crowd or stay home; she wanted to perform the routine she spent so much time learning. But the routine required the entire squad, so before they could make the trip, they had to figure out how to make it a one-person routine.
“I’ve put a lot of time into cheer. It’s just always been a part of who I am, so I didn’t want to end on that note. I wanted to go out on a high one. For that to come true, I didn’t want to end it just by going to watch state. I wanted to compete.” Kohel told Business Insider. So the lone cheerleader and her coach got to work redoing the routine so it made sense with just one person cheering.
The pair told the Omaha World-Herald that they had to rework the whole performance in a week and a half. It was really a battle of sheer will since Kohel was determined to do her best on the mat without her team. Kohel admitted to the outlet that she was nervous, but no one would have known it.
“She was completely confident the whole week that we practiced,” Ott told Business Insider. “It was just 100% confidence, and she just owned it.”
This cheerleader was absolutely unstoppable and she had her family’s full support. Even Ott’s daughter, who was previously a cheerleader at the same high school, tagged along to cheer her on. Kohel’s grandparents stood in for her parents because her brother had a state wrestling tournament and her parents are the coaches. But don’t worry, they were able to see her cheer through Facebook Live.
Support didn’t only come from her family and coach, as other cheerleaders piled into her section and cheered for the brave solo cheerleader. Darin Boysen, executive director of the Nebraska Coaches Association, told the Omaha World-Herald that this was the first time a cheerleader competed alone.
But she didn’t just compete—she placed 8th out of 12 squads, which is the highest Morrill High School has placed in the last three years.
“It’s almost overwhelming, the amount of support I got from all of them,” Kohel explained to Business Insider. “The whole arena was cheering me on. It wasn’t just one little section—it was the whole arena.”
Drake’s collaborative spirit isn’t reserved for tour.
On Friday, July 21, On The Radar shared a freestyle between Drake and UK up-and-comer Central Cee. Drake had been teasing the video on Instagram, writing, “A little exercise on a off day…me and Cench @ontheradarradio loading [“up” emoji, cold face emoji].”
In the nearly five-minute video, Drake starts off.
“If I take flicks with the guys / I gotta put emojis over like three faces / ‘Cause the fans can’t see those eyes / People I shouldn’t be beside,” the OVO boss raps. “When I was an actor, they would go Stratford / Just to sell food on Bieber’s side.”
Within his flow, Drake explains why he’s hard to read and even harder to tie down. He admits to keeping an eye out while performing (“Seen you from the stage in the 100s / These must be eagle eyes”) and even likens himself to Jesus and Julius Caesar.
Drake finishes out by boasting about his longevity and continued dominance (“Cench might need vaccine when he see how this vid start going viral”) before handing the mic off to Central Cee.
Cee seamlessly jumps in and piles on the flexing — “Now I can sell out the O2 Arena twice / Don’t ask what the fee looks like” — and touches on the isolating feelings involved when elevating above his peers. The finishing touch was Drake throwing his arm around Cee and sipping from his red Solo cup.
LinkedIn is primarily a platform for working professionals to connect and find employment that aligns with their skills and values. With company layoffs continuing (even increasing in some industries) people have also used the website to courageously share their layoff experiences.
While the main intent behind this is, of course, finding a new job, there have also been some lovely displays of humanity that not only challenge the stigma of being laid off but show the power of a supportive community.
Take this heartwarming story, for example.
Patrick McCarthy, Communications Management & Marketing Leader, recently posted about a layoff that quickly went viral on the platform. Not for himself—for his father.
“This is Pete. He’s my dad,” his post began. “My dad lost his job yesterday. I would tag him here, but he doesn’t have a LinkedIn.”
Pete, who has had a “starkly different professional journey” than his son, spent most of his life working in the service industry and absolutely loved interacting with customers. His empathy and knack for listening made him perfect for the role. Over his career, Pete had collected thousands of interactions from working at Walgreens, Fry’s, and (most recently) Winco, often being the reason folks came back.
And then, Pete was laid off. His job as a cashier, one that he loved and was good at, was gone.
“As anyone would be, he’s shocked. Overwhelmed. Scared. Emotional,” Patrick wrote.
Knowing his dad didn’t have the same network to easily find a new job, Patrick reached out on his behalf, wholeheartedly believing in the “magic” of the LinkedIn Community. He implored that anyone looking for a candidate with “a LOT of customer-facing, customer service, and service industry experience” send him a message so that he could put them in touch with Pete.
Patrick’s faith paid off—way more than he thought it would. In less than a week, the post was shared over 500 times, with over 600 comments from people wanting to help.
A manager at a nearby Sprouts grocery store said Pete sounded like a perfect match for a clerk position that could even pay his daily wage ahead of time. Another suggested he could be an excellent outdoor tour guide for REI. Someone else referred them to a weekly meetup group led by a career coach.
Even LinkedIn responded, writing, “Pete sounds like a top-tier employee! 💙 Keep us posted as he progresses on his journey, as well as any tips or insights either of you learn along the way—it may help those in a similar situation.”
Truly, Pete’s story already provides some helpful insight. While he might still be in the job-seeking phase, things certainly look more optimistic. And all it took (besides Pete being a lovely human being) was one simple, honest post. As Patrick told Upworthy, “Clearly something about his story connected with others. Humanity. Vulnerability. Empathy.”
The words “social media” and “job market” can elicit some pretty negative visceral responses. Of course, this viewpoint has some merit, but it’s refreshing to see the power of human connection break through the disheartening headlines. Here’s to Patrick and his father Pete, for reminding us that even when things seem bleak or uncertain, the world is full of people trying to help out one another.
Swipe through these texts. Could Gramps be more adorable?
4. Timothy Fletcher brings the house down with his jaw-dropping drum performance on AGT
The drumming is great, but the showmanship is next level. Read the full story here.
5. Woman sings in historic Iranian mosque, despite women being forbiddden to sing in public
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Her voice is beautiful, but it’s her courage and confidence—and that single finger stopping the man in his tracks—that make this video so incredible to watch.
I met one of my childhood heroes Sean Astin today and he offered me some words of wisdom and encouragement over the battles of depression that I needed to hear. I am so glad this was captured on video to remember this moment, cherish, and reflect on anytime I am feeling down. I hope anyone else who struggles with depression takes his words and kindness to heart too. 🖤 #seanastin #samwisegamgee #lordoftheringstiktok #lotr #lotrtok #lordoftherings #fanboyexpoknoxville #fyp #trending
A little empathy and understanding can go a long way. Read the full story here.
10. Watch a whole stadium sing their hearts out to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ at a Harry Styles concert in Poland
The music of Queen and the legacy of Freddie Mercury will live on forever, and listening to thousands of human voices lifted together in song will never get old. Read the full story here.
Have a fabulous weekend and come back next week for more smiles!
Medieval times can be fascinating, especially when thinking about how far we have come with industrialization and technological advances. It can be hard to imagine what life would’ve truly been like during those times, which is why people attend festivals or learn how to do things that were prominent then.
Annie Rauwerda decided that she was going to try cooking a “perpetual stew” and made the announcement via a quick video with a caption that read, “more medieval behavior!” Thankfully, for those of us not versed in medieval dishes, she put a definition of perpetual stew on the screen.
“A perpetual stew, also known as forever soup, hunter’s pot or hunter’s stew, is a pot into which whatever foodstuffs one can find is placed and cooked. The pot is never or rarely emptied all the way, and ingredients and liquids are replenished as necessary. Such foods can continue cooking for decades or longer if maintained properly,” the Wikipedia definition reads.
Imagine going to a dinner party with new friends and they offer you soup that’s been cooking for about ten years. There would probably be some confusion and some pretend spoonfuls as you quietly DoorDash something to your home. But this stew has captured the attention of the internet, and not a single person who has come to try it seems concerned that it’s been cooking for weeks.
Since the stew is constantly cooking, then it is likely eliminating the chance of bacteria getting too comfortable. Rauwerda started her journey with the stew on June 7 and has been documenting the progress on TikTok and her website perpetualstew.club.
Since her posts have gone viral, people have lined up to bring ingredients and have a taste of the now-famous stew. The ingredients are constantly changing as everyone brings something different. On tasting day, Rauwerda and her boyfriend dump the stew from the crockpot into a large cauldron and drag it to the park on something that looks like a small wagon.
So far, the stew is a hit and is still cooking. Rauwerda isn’t the first person to recreate perpetual stew. There have been a few restaurants over the years that started and are still cooking perpetual stew for their customers. Would you eat perpetual stew?
Just before the historic 1848 Woman’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York, a woman on the other side of the globe was making her own call for women’s rights. Tahirih, a Persian theologian, poet and social activist, walked into a gathering of men without wearing her veil. While a veilless woman hardly seems notable to Western sensibilities, in 19th-century Persia—what is now Iran—it was an unspeakable act of heresy.
Baring her full face, Tahirih boldly proclaimed that the day of the equality of men and women had arrived. Gender equality was a core tenet of the Babí faith she had embraced, and she would be executed for it just four years later—choked to death with her own scarf, her body unceremoniously tossed into a well.
But her reported final words echo to the present day: “You can kill me as soon as you like, but you will never stop the emancipation of women.”
The current Islamist regime enacted the hijab law in 1983, the same year the Iranian government publicly hanged 10 Bahá’í women—most of whom were in their 20s, one only 17—for refusing to recant their faith. Those executions, conducted one by one so the women were forced to watch each other die, showed the lengths the regime would go to in their extremism, drew condemnation from around the world and further demonstrated the courage and fortitude of Iranian women who refuse to bend to injustice.
Acts of civil disobedience are dangerous for women in Iran to this day, but that hasn’t stopped them from happening. In a video shared by Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad on Twitter, we see a woman standing in what Alinejad shared is in one of Esfahan’s historic mosques. All the woman is doing is singing, but that alone is a crime in Iran, where the government has forbidden women from singing in public.
This woman insists that her beautiful voice be heard, however. Even when a man approaches to stop her, she doesn’t skip a beat. Rather, she continues her chanting while holding up her finger as if to say, “Nope. You will wait until I’m finished.” Incredibly, he immediately backs off in the face of her calm confidence and courage.
Watch and listen:
— (@)
In a country where women have been killed for daring to question authority and challenge the status quo, such an act of defiance is all the more impressive. According to ClassicFM, the woman was singing a poem from the Sufi tradition, a mystical form of Islam that gave us the widely beloved poetry of Rumi and Hafiz.
People in the comments responded with awe at the woman’s voice and the way she commanded respect with her very presence.
— (@)
— (@)
— (@)
Iranian women have a long history of using their voices—and their actions—to proclaim their inherent right to freedom. And until their basic human rights are secured for good, the rest of the world will continue to stand with them in support and solidarity.
And then, more relevant to this piece, how does one articulate the unique charm of a Wes Anderson film without copping out to just saying “the Wes Anderson look” or “Wes Anderson vibes” or — worst of all — “Wes Anderson-esque”?
Asteroid City
Why does this question matter?
Well, “The Wes Anderson look” is so iconic that millions have actually started using the hashtag #wesanderson to re-create the aesthetic themselves, and some pages, like @accidentlywesanderson, even highlight spots around the world that embody the style. With all the hyped and some excellent imitators (both AI and IRL), it’s handy to be able to put a finger on this style — so here we go:
According to film aficionados, The Wes Anderson look, feel, vibe (whatever you want to call it) includes symmetrical framing, unique color palettes, picturesque backdrops, and set designs with vintage fonts and odd knickknacks (tchotchkes). Another one of Anderson’s tics is filming tiny structures to humanize them and annunciate the quirky/endearing feel that many of his characters inhabit. And of course, there’s the omnipresent symmetrical framing.
To see if we could find the style in the wild and help you plan a vacation based on this very defined aesthetic, I scoured Airbnb for properties that fit the bill. Check them out below and maybe reserve a night or two after your Asteroid City at-home watch this weekend.
Out in the high desert lies a newly renovated 1959 Airstream, an oasis of modern minimalism amidst an iconic boulder landscape. Immersed in a serene atmosphere, this is the perfect place to disconnect from the crazy bustle of the world and share a space with some like-minded adventurers. The amenities offered—restrooms, kitchens, a pool, hot tub, solar shower, and outdoor tables—are all a part of a shared space with up to eight other guests.
When night falls, solar-powered lights illuminate the property, but if you prefer to sleep in, bring a sleeping mask to hide from the rising sun. This cozy airstream gets a Wes pass for its small cozy construction, as well as bringing guests into a communal setup bound to attract some quirky characters.
Throw cheap Vegas simulations out the window when trying to find the ultimate romantic Venetian retreat, where vibrant colors complement iconic canal views. The solution could be this charming canal-side flat, which offers two stunning perspectives: a lush green oasis on one side and the captivating Rio Marin Canal on the other. From a well-equipped kitchen, guests can step out into the garden where two inviting sitting areas await—a perfect setting to relax, savor delicious meals, and even indulge in a glass of wine. Conveniently within range of Venice’s enchanting sights, this swanky spot is situated in a neighborhood that exudes intimacy and authenticity, distinct from tourist hotspots.
A colorful palette, mirror symmetry, and wide-angled paintings? Big Royal Tenenbaums vibes.
The untouched beauty of Omana Cliffside Park is all for the taking with this charming little find. Nestled in the Pohutukawa Coast, guests get to experience sparkling views of Hauraki Gulf, mangrove walks, and pristine white sandy beaches. “Claris,” the lovingly restored 10.4′ Clipper Caravan, captures the nostalgic essence of Kiwi holidays while also delivering a swath of features like a bespoke kitchen, a JVC surround sound system, not to mention a roomy double bed adorned with cozy Wallace Cotton sheets and handcrafted wool blankets.
A coastal paradise on the edge of the world in a tiny camper van named Claris? The only thing to make this more Wes would be if Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson, and Adrien Brody had to deal with sharing “Clarice” for a week.
Trek out into the smoky Appalachian wilderness and you’ll be astounded to find a quaint little Solar Yellow Camper. Again, Airbnb’s found another perfect spot to unplug from the world, sleep under the stars, and enjoy the simplicity of campfire meals and heartfelt conversations. The airy 14 x 7-foot Vintage Camper offers a cozy shelter, complete with a full-size bed dressed in soft linens and quilts.
Note that Camp Grits is a device-free retreat where nature takes center stage. While there’s no Wi-Fi, if cute fox bandits become a problem, guests can find a signal a few miles up Rocky Flats Rd. It’s easy to imagine some claymation critters drinking apple cider and devising a plan by the campfire here.
Exploring the UK? Check out this unique extraterrestrial getaway in the heart of South Pembrokeshire at a one-of-a-kind UFO Airbnb. Sleeping up to four guests, this spaceship-inspired accommodation is conveniently located near the idyllic seaside resorts of Tenby and Saundersfoot. Inside the UFO, you’ll find a comfortable double bed and two single beds that can also be used as sofas. Enjoy dining and gaming in the retro-themed space, complete with classic 80s games and a remote-controlled hatch.
Wes vibes spill from this UFO Airbnb that’s part of a larger site which includes a farmhouse, yurts, a Funky Dome, bell tents, and even a plane.
Designed by “SALENTO POPpiti ART,” this one-of-a-kind studio showcases the creativity of Salento artisans and young artists, touting itself as “opportunity to live in a work of art.” A truly unique stay surrounded by vibrant colors and playful furnishings, it’s the perfect spot to set out and adventure the southern tip of the Italian peninsula. Located in a peaceful village, the Airbnb offers a tranquil escape within reach of local attractions and nearby amenities, including a bar with hot table service, supermarkets, and all Salento has to offer.
Vintage paintings, a tchotchkesque bed frame, and a robust color palette all make this one stand out visually.
Imagine a sweeping pan to some characters gawking over this view and it becomes apparent this hidden gem is a perfect getaway. A beautifully refurbished haven just minutes away from Oia’s vibrant center, the secret suite is the ideal base camp to indulge in mesmerizing comfort while soaking in the Aegean sea. The suite features a queen-size bed, a modern bathroom with a shower, and a kitchenette with a dining area.
Perched atop Amoudi Bay, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets lined with crystal clear waters and exceptional seafood restaurants, Secret Suite gets a big thumbs up.
25 minutes from downtown Nashville, this completely restored 1949 Spartan Mansion, nestled in a private, wooded section of No.9 Farms, offers a luxurious and secluded experience. Designed by owner and local musician Brian Oaks, the vintage camper, lovingly named “Blueberry,” features cozy sleeping quarters, dreamy bedding, and intimate lighting. The farm’s personalized amenities include an outdoor bathhouse, a well-equipped kitchen, and a seductive claw-foot tub. Explore the woods, unwind by the fire, and experience the tranquility of No.9 Farms—a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Might be a stretch, but the Spartan Mansion gives off a train feel, kind of like in Darjeeling Limited. Being named “blueberry” really solidifies this inclusion.
One of the coolest (and damn near impossible to book) vacation spots around, this tranquil off-grid retreat perched atop a 40-acre meadow in the heart of Oregon stands a class above most typical Airbnbs. Lucky guests can immerse themselves in serenity and listen to rustling trees and the melodic calls of birds in the valley below. The lookout tower, inspired by historic Fire Lookout Towers, offers modern comforts, including a full kitchen, cozy beds, and panoramic windows to embrace breathtaking views. This haven is the ideal launching pad to explore nearby attractions like Crater Lake, Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival, or the scenic Rogue River.
So many films come to mind with this one: Isle of Dogs, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, and dare I say even Rushmore for the sheer optimistic ingenuity. Open dates start in 2025, so get planning.
If you find yourself in Norway, give this private island in the breathtaking archipelago of Hvaler a look. This exclusive retreat even offers the freedom to explore the surrounding waters with a private motorboat. The cozy off-grid cabin, powered by solar energy, provides a rustic escape with a hidden double bed, a loft bed, and charming amenities. Enjoy the tranquility of small private beaches, mesmerizing rock formations, and private evenings gathered around the fire pit for perhaps the perfect honeymoon spot. This personal kingdom in Hvaler screams Moonrise Kingdom.
Step into a vortex where Greek retro charm meets the enchanting aesthetics of Wes Anderson’s films right in the heart of Thessaloniki. This extraordinary apartment is part of a collection of concept lofts housed in a historic industrial building. Embrace the unique entrance and hop into the vintage-style elevator that adds further Wes ambiance. With vibrant cultural and nightlife scenes of Thessaloniki, the bustling port, Aristotelous Square, and the trendy Valaoritou just steps away, this is the place to indulge in the lively energy of the city.
Warning, be prepared for vibrant weekend beats, as this is the perfect choice for those seeking a captivating urban experience.
Modern and vibrant, this chic Spanish flat is located near the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol. With Coolateria San Ginés close by and Sol metro station just steps away, guests have everything at their fingertips. Perfect for up to four guests, this well-appointed flat features a living-dining area, open kitchen, two bedrooms with double beds, and two bathrooms.
Warning, being centrally located, there may be some noise. Regardless, any and all Madrid adventures can start here and there’s definitely a pink Grand Budapest Hotel palette going on.
As summer travel continues to raise the question of, “Just how did this person afford this European trip?” over and over again, it’s time to finally pay our respects to our tried and true travel companion: the smart phone. Long ago in a time far, far away, people actually had to religiously research, memorize, and print out maps of wherever they may be going. There were things called… *checks notes* phrasebooks meant to help you speak a foreign language. A trip to the mall an hour away? Gotta pull out the trusty state map and get out your yellow pages to find the address.
The era of modern-day travel has been upon us for arguably 15 years, since the rise of the first smartphone circa 2008. As someone who hasn’t ever been able to navigate her local city without Google Maps, let’s just say that we are thankful for this technological advancement. Yet… there’s something to be said for anyone who was brave enough to venture out into the great wide world before smartphones.
Twitter users began reminiscing about this forgotten age of travel after freelance writer Hannah Docter-Loeb reached out to people for a piece she is writing about pre-smartphone travel.
I’m looking for a few people to talk to for a @Slate piece on traveling before smartphones! I’d love to hear stories about navigating unknown places/keeping in contact/all the other things that are important during travel that most people now use their phone for
The prompt inspired many Twitter users to share some memories of those years traveling smartphone-less. While smartphones have certainly made everything about travel easier, the memories of these golden days without our trusty tech companion surely bring up some fun memories.
I was talking about this the other day. We had to print out Mapquest directions. Before that, we kept an atlas in the car. When I was 5, my dad drove us to FL using a big foldout map. Also, AAA used to highlight routes for you before a trip.
On the road in pre-cell late-90s we got from AB w/ paper maps, AAA TripTiks & Mapquest printouts. In a pinch or to find food/hotel, you’d use a pay phone w/a phone book, or ask at a gas station. Also used pay phones to find/book/change hotels & flights. Pocket change was vital pic.twitter.com/bqM9hclpwN
When driving across country, I remember fondly going to a AAA office and getting TripTiks— they’d map out your whole route in a small binder, highlighting your trajectory by hand, page by page
Ohhhh figuring out how to use the pay phones in foreign countries was so hard!!!!! At least we had email cafes. There I was with my camera, film & backpack just… untrackable between comms pit stops. Wild times.
— Rachel Sklar (she/her) (@rachelsklar) July 20, 2023
Late 1970s travel for 6+ weeks in Europe:
Let’s Go guidebook, paper maps, rail maps, talking to locals, getting lost often & discovering things as a result.
Sent blue AirMail letters home to parents & friends. Didn’t talk to or call anyone until back home.
Mid 1980s … we’d place a “collect call” with a code name that meant “I’m doing fine, I’m alive and safe”! And then our parents wouldn’t accept the charges but would know we were ok. We used books like “Let’s Go” and got guides from AAA.
how about having no sense of direction and keeping all your routes to your favorite places on old school mapquest printouts in your glove compartment as well as using keymaps to get around lmfao. i also remember how scary nyc was with just a subway map.
— 蔡一芝 (addie tsai) has no chill & is proud of it (@addiebrook) July 21, 2023
I have great memories from traveling in 1982 with two friends, using Let’s Go as our guide. We’d stand in front of the train schedules with our backpacks on, watch them click over to a new destination, choose one, and hop on with our Eurail passes. So grateful we were unreachable
I’d love to share a story about how I got lost looking for a hot dog stand in Reykjavik while trying to use printed out directions.
— Lauren J. Mapp (she/hers) (@LaurenJMapp) July 20, 2023
Oh yes, Tokyo at the end of the 1990s. All visits had to be planned in advance with detailed paper maps. Appointments were immensely stressful. Whenever possible, I asked for a description via fax. Nevertheless, it wasn’t unusual to be 30 minutes or more late because I got lost.
— Ferdinand Brueggemann (@Ferdinand_B) July 21, 2023
Backpacked through Western Europe 1981 • Eurail Pass • Youth Hostels & the kindness of strangers (landed in France on Bastille Day, no Francs and no lodging available) • Paper maps • Travel books, ripping out sections as we moved on • Sleeping on trains . . . .
At 21 after graduating from college I went to South America for 6 months. It was just before the smart phone, so it was all calling cards, internet cafes, skype calls, & some guidebooks. But mostly it was just talking to people & learning where to go & what to do from the locals.
Roads were easier and less complicated, people would hand draw maps from memory if you asked them, aaa created custom maps for road trips, adding time for missing a turnoff or two was normal
OMG. I remember making a long distance call to New York from England in the 80s to book a hotel room. I made the call from a pay phone, with a plastic bag full of coins, that I had to keep inserting in order to not drop the call. What a process.
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B w/ paper maps, AAA TripTiks & Mapquest printouts. In a pinch or to find food/hotel, you’d use a pay phone w/a phone book, or ask at a gas station. Also used pay phones to find/book/change hotels & flights. Pocket change was vital 
(@ssteven2) 