Paris Syndrome: Culture Shock in the City of Love

Culture shock comes in waves.

During my college studies, we learned about the ebbs and flows of culture shock. What starts with wide-eyed romanticism (called the honeymoon period) usually leads to a stretch of hardcore letdown, followed by a more neutral type of acceptance.

In short: we love it, then we hate it, and then we adapt.

At least, if we hang in there.

Tales of culture shock abound. Usually, they become an important part of our travel stories, and have a lasting impact on how we see the world. A more sensational version of culture shock many Americans go through is using their first squat toilet… but it’s far from the grandest example out there.

In fact, some forms of culture shock are so heralding that they get their own name. Welcome to the wild world of Paris Syndrome, a form of culture shock that’s specific to Japanese (and, more often, Chinese) tourists who visit the City of Love.

The experience of Paris Syndrome is so strong that some Japanese visitors have actually returned home, unable to finish their trip due to physical symptoms.

Why, you might ask?

There’s no nice way to put this, but Paris is kind of a dump… especially when compared to the overly romanticized versions of the city popularized in East Asia.

History of Paris Syndrome

Let me get this out of the way immediately: No, the Japanese embassy doesn’t run a 24-hour hotline for tourists who are experiencing malaise. (It’s a great story, but it’s false.)

In reality, around 50 tourists every year end up in Parisian hospitals due to pathological problems that are brought on by high levels of stress due to culture shock (more on this below). Three to five of these upset tourists come from Japan.

The concept of the Paris Syndrome first took the city by storm in the 1980s. Reports and stories started popping up, detailing the difficulties experienced by Japanese tourists.

In 1991, a Japanese psychiatrist working in Paris’s Sainte-Anne Hospital Center coined the term ‘Paris Syndrome’. Japanese psychiatrists continued their work, running clinical reports on the new concept of culture shock into the late 90s. By the early 2000s, Parisian authorities were also taking a closer look.

Today, much of the research on Paris Syndrome comes from Dr. Youcef Mahmoudia, a psychiatrist who works at Hotel-Dieu in Paris. (If you want to dig into his work, you can hurt your eyes here.) Mahmoudia has worked with Japanese tourists and other nationals in the hospital, delving deeper into what exactly drives some visitors to the brink.

So, what exactly is Paris Syndrome?

Is Paris Syndrome a real thing?

At its most basic, Paris Syndrome is an extreme form of disappointment in the city.

Japanese tourists, in particular, are prone to intense psychological symptoms brought on by their disappointment in Paris. That includes delusions, feelings of persecution, derealization, anxiety, and even physical symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and even vomiting.

But… why? Is Paris really that bad?

It’s not so much about the city itself, but a person’s expectations of what they’ll find. If you imagine the city to be all Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, and gorgeous sunsets on the Seine, then you’re in for a rude awakening.

Unfortunately, Paris is depicted as a highly romantic city full of historical landmarks, beautiful people in designer clothing, and cozy little eateries.

In reality, Paris is overpopulated, struggling to deal with rats and bedbugs, and isn’t friendly toward visitors. And when I say ‘isn’t friendly’, I’m being polite; some Parisians are known for being outright hostile to tourists.

That’s a big deal for anyone who has wandered far from home—but it’s devastating for Japanese tourists for a few reasons.

First, because they’ve come a long way and jet lag exhausts the body, making it harder to manage those obstacles. Second, the language barrier is very intense, creating more anxiety and isolation.

Intense cultural differences like individualism are also at play. Japanese culture prioritizes the group—meaning managing those negative moments can be even harder without their community there to support them.

5 Common Mistakes Travelers Make Using AI to Plan Trips

From Priceline’s new AI assistant, Penny, to fully planned itineraries from Google’s Gemini, artificial intelligence is tiptoeing into the world of travel.

Tiptoeing might not be the right word now that tens of thousands of Americans are using (or are planning to use) AI to organize their trips in 2025.

Whether booking tours or digging deeper to research restaurants and museums, AI tools and assistants are taking a load off for tired travelers.

At least, in theory.

AI remains in its infancy, meaning many of its use cases still aren’t hammered out. On top of that, most suggestions are based on data-driven calculations—and data isn’t always as reliable as we like to think.

Plus, using an AI program to its full capacity takes a bit of practice. It’s not something a newcomer will land with a few quick questions.

To be clear, I’m not doubting the efficacy or usefulness of AI when it comes to trip planning, but I’d hate to paint an overly optimistic portrait. While you should be leaning on AI to offload some of the work, don’t fall into the mindset that you don’t need to do any double-checking.

Here’s what you need to avoid when using AI for trip-planning.

Common mistakes travelers make using AI to plan trips

Mistake #1: Not double-checking suggestions

For me, the best use for AI and trip planning is to point me in the right direction. In other words, I’ll collate a list of suggestions from leading AI assistants, from Priceline’s Penny to Google’s Gemini, and then rank them in order of my favorites.

From there, I go through the list to make sure that each suggestion (whether a destination, museum, or hotel) meets my needs. Remember that some models might be using outdated information. You always need to double-check.

Mistake #2: Staying too broad

In my experience, AI tends to paint with broad strokes when it comes to recommending activities, tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. Remember that some AI programs don’t ‘know’ you as a user, meaning they aren’t creating personalized suggestions for you.

You need to dig deeper to get more out of those suggestions. To do so, I recommend using adjectives that describe you and the type of travel experience you’re looking for. Avoid broad terms when possible.

*If you’ve been using a single AI model, then this might not be true. For example, if you regularly use Google Gemini, its suggestions might be more tailored based on your previous patterns.

Mistake #3: Using general AI tools—and only one

Using ChatGPT or Gemini isn’t the best way to utilize AI to plan trips—point blank.

The best AI tools for planning trips are those that were designed specifically to plan trips. I’m not just talking about Priceline’s Penny assistant, either (although she is cool).

Other tools have popped up in the last few years, from GuideGeek to MindTrip. I highly suggest using these types of travel-centric AI programs. Not only are they specific to travel, but they’re also prepared to help you do things like budget to the dollar, uncover hidden gems, and find a perfect lodging for your group.

On top of that, I suggest using a few different tools to see which generates the most satisfying trip. Given these programs aren’t going to actually book anything for you, this lets you put together a perfect trip based on advice from multiple AI tools.

Mistake #4: Accepting the first suggestions

If you’re new to planning trips using AI, then you might be tempted to see the first list of suggestions and start booking trips. In reality, you should continue tightening the itinerary by correcting elements you don’t like and asking for more suggestions.

Remember—AI is there to serve you while also learning from you (in most cases). The more you nudge and steer the results, the more tailored of an adventure you’ll have.

Mistake #5: Ignoring the plug-ins

AI comes in a few well-known forms, mostly chatbots (like ChatGPT) and predictive algorithms. Chatbots are the more dynamic option while algorithms work behind the scenes to curate options that travelers want to book, from tours to flights.

But there are also plug-ins. For example, you can install a ChatGPT plug-in that’s specific to travel in order to assist the AI model in finding the right results for you.

In the case of the Trip.com plug-in, you can even research trip details like flights, hotels, and more. Expedia also has one active, letting you more seamlessly plan a trip using the capabilities of OpenAI with the expertise of a travel platform.

The Rules of Solo Travel in Big Cities

Solo adventures are a rite of passage for many travelers.

Setting off into the sunset all by your lonesome can positively impact your self-development and worldview.

Personally, I like solo journeys because I’m one for long bouts of quiet introspection while people-watching. There’s also a strong emphasis on freedom; you can create your own tailored itineraries without making concessions for travel buddies.

Aside from self-reflection and autonomy, solo travel also opens us up to new experiences. We’re pushed to look out for ourselves in every way, letting us develop a sense of independence and self-reliance while pursuing personal interests.

That being said, solo travel comes with a few catches.

First, you need to think about safety, especially in big cities. While even quiet, rural outposts are no strangers to danger, there are more opportunities for things to go awry in a major hub like Miami, London, or Bangkok.

Want to know my tried-and-true tips for staying safe when traveling solo in a big city? They’re more straightforward than you might think. First up, though, let’s cover how to set yourself up for success before you board any planes.

Before you leave: Tips for booking

Don’t swap safety for savings. You can save a lot of money on hotels and hostels by avoiding touristy areas. That being said, don’t book the first cheap option you find. Do a little research into the area to make sure it’s safe.
Read the hotel/hostel/rental reviews carefully. Along with looking into the neighborhood, comb through those reviews, too. Use a keyword search to find topics that are important, including safety, crime, and more. If you want to know more, call the hotel and ask a few questions—they should have straightforward answers about what types of guests normally stay there and whether or not the stay will work for you.
Pay for travel insurance. I’m usually not a huge proponent of travel insurance, but you need backup (and then some) when you’re traveling solo. Focus on policies that include financial and medical coverage. You might even consider opting for a more comprehensive medical insurance policy just in case.
Arrive and leave during the day. Whether or not you’ve stayed at a certain location before, I highly recommend arriving and leaving during the daylight hours. This makes getting to your hotel a little bit safer—and it’s also easier to navigate the surroundings to find food.
Have a water-proof packet for documents. Don’t rely solely on digital documents. I highly recommend printing out your reservations and other important information, then storing these documents in a plastic-sealed folder or packet.

Once you arrive: Tips when traveling solo in a big city

Don’t post real-time updates on social media. I don’t use social media, so this has never been a problem for me—but I’m seeing more and more travelers stagger their updates as they vacation. This makes it hard for any potential Bad Guys to track your movements and figure out where you’re staying.
No ground-floor rooms. This tip might sound a little over the top, but if you’re concerned about security in the neighborhood where you’re staying, avoid booking ground-floor rentals and hotel rooms. They tend to be less secure.
No getting drunk—unless it’s in your room. Every travel safety topic should include this gold-star advice: don’t get drunk. I think it’s important to add another caveat for young solo travelers: don’t get too twisted on any substance. Staying sober is the best way to stay alert.
Stay in public places. The further away from the public you drift, the more you become a target for the Bad Guys. While there’s no need to keep yourself packed into a crowd, try not to drift too far off the path when you’re traveling solo in a big city. If you notice eerie silence, perk those ears up.
Know how you’re getting where you’re going before leaving. Don’t ever leave your lodging without a clear plan of getting to your next destination. That’s doubly true if you’re switching hotels or rentals and have your luggage with you.
Trust your intuition—and be rude about it, if necessary. If a certain person or situation is giving you the heebie-jeebies, high-tail it out of there. And if someone is trying to make you feel guilty about wanting to leave, get out of there even faster. No need to be polite if you’re feeling backed into a corner.
If someone is rushing you, walk away. Similarly to trusting your instinct, I recommend avoiding anyone who’s trying to rush you. Maybe they want to sell you a souvenir, a museum ticket, or a ride home—just know that rushing is one of those cheap sales tricks that usually portends a scam.
No headphones or earbuds at night. Just in case you forgot.
Don’t wear anything flashy—even if it’s a fake. I don’t care if it’s fake Cartier or vintage Cartier. You’re a walking target in most big cities around the world when you wear flashy jewelry and accessories.

NYC Restaurant Week: Your Guide to Finding a Great, Affordable Meal

Have an appetite for the Big Apple? I’ve got good news.

If you’ll be in New York City from January 21 – February 9, then your visit coincides with one of my favorite pastimes: Restaurant Week.

Restaurant Week is a foody dream in which the city’s thousands of restaurants (there are over 17,000 in Manhattan alone) open their doors to the public to offer full-course menus at slashed prices.

This promotional period is designed to allow foodies to explore as many menus as possible while saving a few dollars. Originally, Restaurant Week was meant to run for one single week. But the festival, founded in 1992 by Zagat Survey’s founder and a famous New York restauranteur, quickly became a popular event.

Within a few years, NYC Restaurant Week had expanded beyond its week-long scope and spread into other US cities.

In my opinion, New York City is the perfect place to dig into Restaurant Week. First, because it’s an affordable way to bite into life and culture. Second, there’s a culinary option for absolutely every palate. Third, it’s a great reason to head into other boroughs like Staten Island and the Bronx.

This year, a whopping 569 New York City establishments are offering Restaurant Week menus, including two-course lunches and three-course menus.

The best part? They run for only $30, $45, or $60.

How to shop around for menus during NYC Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week probably sounds like a free-for-all for the hungry—but it’s a hugely popular time for foodies to get their nosh on, meaning some restaurants are already fully booked. Here’s the down-low on finding a great option.

Look for any restaurants you’ve had starred for a while.

This is the best time to land a seat at a top eatery, especially those that are usually price-prohibitive.

Take a few shortcuts with top picks from influencers and publications.

Time Out, for example, is well-known for its Restaurant Week recommendations. That can help you cut through the noise and find a great spot for your tastes, budget, and schedule. (Remember—you’ll still need to buck up for a la carte items and drinks.)

Influencers also cover Restaurant Week heavily, meaning you can find some recommendations by searching hashtags on social media.

Search based on neighborhood or cuisine.

This is how I used to find my restaurant week picks. I’d look for neighborhoods I didn’t spend much time in, then refine the search based on cuisine. Restaurant Week is like a talent show for chefs and cooks around the city—don’t be afraid to veer into new territory.

Don’t forget about drinks.

I’ve yet to see a coffee shop offer a menu for Restaurant Week, but this year’s picks include Nippon Cha Bayside, which is partly a Japanese tea house. Let me reiterate: you can find some absolute gems during Restaurant Week.

If you’ve found a spot, call ahead to book a reservation.

Restaurant Week is sponsored by OpenTable, so that’s the best place to make reservations. It’s free to make an account, but this restaurant-rating app also has some strict guidelines—so read carefully.

My top picks for NYC Restaurant Week 2025

These picks are based on recommendations from friends who live in the city along with my own oddball tastes. Expect the unexpected.

Brooklyn: Red Hook Lobster Pound

As a former Red Hooker (that can’t be the right word), I’m tossing you one of those recommendations that’s usually reserved for locals: Red Hook Lobster Pound.

It’s a pain in the ass to get to, but the views are unparalleled and the vibe is cozy and casual. Also, Red Hook is like its own separate world—in a good way.

Manhattan: Cha Cha Tang

This hyper-imaginative new Chinese restaurant is kitschy in the highest order. It’s also way too expensive for me to eat at during the rest of the year, which makes it a great choice for those Restaurant Week discounts.

I want that duck bad, my friends. (If you’re eating in Manhattan, feel free to splurge at a Restaurant Week meal—these opportunities don’t come around often.)

Queens: The Queensboro

Head to the most diverse neighborhood in NYC and one of the most diverse in the world (Jackson Heights) for an unparalleled local experience. The Queensboro is an unpretentious neighborhood haunt that specializes in American fare.

While its menu might not be the most exciting, its chefs and mixologists know what they’re doing. Get off the well-trod path in New York City to treat yourself to new culture and delicious eats at The Queensboro.

The Bronx: Tin Marín

With a blend of Spanish-style tapas and Latin American flavors, vibrancy is at the heart of Tin Marín. You’ll also get a dash of style as the restaurant brings on live performers like Lee Burgos.

Small but upscale and trendy, this is the type of place that lets you explore Restaurant Week at your own pace—no pressure.

Staten Island: Don Cheech

With only seven restaurants in Restaurant Week, you need to think long and hard about which establishment is worth your time. (You also need to figure out how to get to Staten Island, but that’s on you.)

I vote you head to Don Cheech. It’s an Italian project from a Little Italy native who’s now looking to make his name with this elegant, understated eatery that specializes in Italian-American favorites.

Southern Sicily Secrets: My 5 Favorite Hidden Gems

My first impression of Sicily wasn’t the best.

I was surprised at how dry and desert-like the landscape was. For whatever reason, I’d pictured greenery and sprawling farms.

Then it was seeing horse and donkey dishes on so many menus. Coming from the US’s cowboy culture, the idea of eating horse still feels a little sacrilege.

But at the same time, my first foray into Sicily struck a cord for me. Those early surprises quickly gave way to intrigue and delight.

The lack of greenery didn’t mean much when the real stars were those rocky, crystalline coves. And there’s no need to eat horse (unless you want to try, of course) given the range of fresh seafood available at almost every restaurant.

And despite the sweltering summer temperatures, Sicily is a true wonderland in July and August.

During the day, it’s too hot to do anything aside from snack, lounge by the sea or a pool, and sip on a chilled drink. At night, towns come alive with festivals, concerts, and more—most of which are free to the public.

Oh, and the ruins. Ruins around every single corner.

While hotspots like Palermo and Catania welcome millions of tourists each year, I vote you head to Sicily with one goal: To get lost in its tiny, coastal towns.

I’m recommending my favorite stops along the island’s southern coast where I usually end up come August. You won’t see them shouted out on many ‘best beaches in Sicily’ articles, and that’s part of the magic.

My favorite hidden gems on Sicily’s southern coast

Spoiler alert: not all of these spots are actually tiny. Some of them also aren’t hidden gems because they’re well-known by Italians.

Still, you won’t notice too many other travelers in any of these areas during summer—and especially not Americans.

Ortigia

Let’s kick off this list with the largest selection: Ortigia. This gorgeous town has some truly ancient history; a Roman amphitheater is preserved right in its center, visible to passersby.

While there any beaches—only rocky coves—to waste away on, you can easily find a cabana to lounge on near the water, eat at some of the island’s best restaurants, and wander through its winding, narrow streets.

Best of all, you can find really affordable rentals and hotels in Siracusa, then walk into Ortigia. (This is what I’ve done over the last few years.)

Avola

Last summer, I stayed in Avola at a gorgeous rental property with a large pool.

That meant me and my friends had choices—whether we wanted to walk to the beach to swim there, have a drink (or ten) by the rental’s pool, or even drive to another area to explore a new cove.

Avola isn’t quite as large or developed as Fontane Bianche (below), meaning there’s a family-friendly, small-town atmosphere.

When the sun finally goes down, you can walk into town along the beachside promenade to find a place to eat dinner. And you won’t go wrong with any of them—that’s my Sicilian promise to you.

Fontane Bianche

I’m breaking my own rule here; Fontane Bianche isn’t a hidden gem by any stretch of the imagination.

Its narrow beach is chock-full of lounging chairs and umbrellas, most of which are serviced and cost around $50 for the day

That being said, it’s pure European summer vacation fare—and that should be on your radar. I’m talking Speedos in every direction, buffet food that’s ridiculously good, improbably glamorous women, joyful families, and suntanned matriarchs drifting out to sea on blow-up flamingos.

La vita bella, my friends.

Noto

This UNESCO-listed town is home to one of the most iconic church facades in Sicily—you may recognize it from postcards and similar tourism content.

I highly suggest taking a tour of the town so you can soak up its gorgeous, golden-tinted architecture and buy a few souvenirs. You can find high-quality items here, including those amazing Graste ceramic head vases.

But let’s not forget where your focus should be: the coastline. Outside Noto, you can head to Lido di Noto, a beach resort area. There are clubs, sunbed rentals, and other types of activities.

Just remember that it’ll be a very relaxed vibe in summertime, when its normal for locals from Sicily and beyond to visit the area.

Scicli

“Italy, Sicily, Sampieri, the houses of the old village on the sea.”

This hillside town is located in the Valley of Noto (Val di Noto), home to dozens of important greenhouses that serve the rest of the island.

Given this ancient village is nestled in a valley, it’s particularly beautiful to explore from the hillsides around. Similarly, the area is known for its stunning, pristine coves.

I’m not using the word beach here because the coastal areas around Scicli are rocky and dramatic. That being said, you can find sunbeds and spots to lounge throughout areas like Sampieri Beach, Donnalucata, and Cava d’Aliga.

Laundry Tips for Long Trips: Stay Fresh & Clean for Weeks

Travel can turn you into a stinky little muppet faster than you think.

Even in big cities with modern amenities, steamy days with no AC lead to a growing pile of dirty clothes. In other words, even when you’re staying at a four-star hotel, staying fresh on the road is difficult.

Though most rentals now include washer-dryers, that’s not always the case. And while you can always sink-wash your items, it never leaves the fabric feeling or smelling truly clean.

Is it best to pack sweat-resistant clothes that won’t get stinky fast?

What about taking advantage of laundromats?

Or is it really best to scrub up in the sink when in a bind?

The answer depends on the type of trip you’re taking. Obviously, staying fresh on a backpacking trip through the jungle simply isn’t realistic—but what about longer trips that last up to two weeks or more, when re-wearing clothes simply isn’t an option anymore?

You have questions about smelling good while traveling long term; I have answers. Let’s talk laundry.

Before you leave, pack these…

The best way to stay fresh on the road is to take the necessary steps before you leave home. Here’s how you can get ahead before the sweating starts.

Use a deodorizer ball to keep your luggage smelling fresh. You can find deodorizer balls in all shapes and sizes. They’re usually marketed toward athletes with stinky equipment bags, so check your local store’s sports section if you want to buy in person. I go with the standard Arm & Hammer options.
If you’ll be doing a lot of activities, buy a few shirts and pants that are sweat-resistant. Brands like Uniqlo and Under Armour have made sweat-proof gear fairly fashionable. Their clothing is also great for cold-weather travel, helping keep your body dry even when huffing it through the Arctic.
Mini stain removers are great, along with laundry soap sheets. If you’re a klutz, taking along a mini-stain remover (a pen-sized option, for example) can help you manage mini-messes on the road. The same for laundry soap sheets, which can be used for hotel sink washes.
If you’re really heading into the boonies, consider the Scrubba portable wash bag. The Scrubba Wash Bag is a small bag with a waterproof seal and a ribbed interior (for your washing pleasure). Just toss in your clothes, a little bit of detergent, a little bit of water, and then mash it all together for a DIY hand wash that’s surprisingly effective.
Dark colors are your friend. Is your shirt actually dirty if no one sees the stains? Welcome to the Schrodinger’s cat of laundry advice.

Laundry tips for long trips

Let’s assume you don’t want to lug around a ribbed scrub bag with you (well done, you’ve passed the test), how can you ensure your clothes stay clean and fresh throughout your multi-week vacation?

Here’s what I’d suggest doing based on my stinkiest mishaps.

You need to be intentional about laundry. I’m not joking—you should schedule an afternoon to get the job done. Whether you’re heading to a laundromat or using your hotel’s services, scheduling a time slot actually ensures you get around to it. Most importantly, it lets you handle this chore when it’s most convenient instead of when it’s most urgent.
Bundle it with downtime. Even on a more relaxed trip, you’ll probably want some downtime. Maybe that means answering a few emails, FaceTiming with loved ones, or figuring out transportation for the next leg of your journey. Bundle in your laundry time with this type of downtime—it’ll help you knock out all those chores in one go.
Pay more for getting your laundry done right. Sure, you can wash your panties in your hotel sink, but is there enough time for drying? (And do you think that’s fair to your panties?) And sure, you can head to the laundromat that’s close to your hotel, but do you know which heat settings to use to avoid shrinking your only cashmere top? Sometimes, it makes sense to pay a little more for a professional to do your laundry. The best option is usually a hotel’s service.
Speaking of laundromats… If you feel confident that you can manage a laundromat’s machines, then feel free to do it yourself. However, I highly recommend avoiding that full-heat setting whenever possible. You’ll be kicking yourself for shrinking your socks right before an important day trip.