Catriona Rowntree shares her Europe travel hacks she picked up from locals
After decades of hosting Getaway, Catriona Rowntree has learned a thing or two about travelling.
Along the way, the 52-year-old has picked up some must-know secrets from locals that every traveller should know before heading to Europe.
While in Mallorca in Spain, Rowntree quizzed locals on how to make the most out of her experience, and what faux pas to avoid.
She was given advice on the best way to start a day at the markets, told why you should never rent an Airbnb or buy seafood on a Monday, why takeaway coffee is a bad idea and the secret to a longer, healthy life.
The TV host shared a little known secret when it comes to buying fresh fish, and said travellers should not buy fish on Monday, because fishermen don’t fish on Sundays, meaning fish purchases on Mondays won’t be fresh.
“The life expectancy of a Spaniard is 84, they're a healthy lot, loving a Mediterranean diet, a dollop of sun and a good climate,” she added.
The presenter also discovered that all the locals she has spoken to don't like Airbnb accommodation and prefer for tourists to stay in hotels.
“All the locals I've spoken to say that's what's pushing them out of their apartments as the town centres are slowly gentrified,” she said.
“The average wage is low, most locals rent, sadly landlords prefer the higher fee of an Airbnb. Not cool!”
Catriona's final tip is not to get your coffee takeaway, but rather sit down in a cafe, enjoy your coffee and take it slow.
“People sit down to enjoy their coffee, they don't get a takeaway: 'If you can't sit for five minutes and talk to a person what's wrong with you!',” she said.
Catriona said she was told by a local that the best way to start your day is to explore the markets by getting a hot chocolate and some churros.
“Not every day as you'll be round, but market day for sure," she said.
Image credits: Instagram