NileGuide 5 with Frommer’s David Lytle

This week’s NileGuide 5 interview features David Lytle, Editorial Director of Frommers.com. You can connect with David on Twitter at @DavityDave.

1. What’s the most underrated destination you’ve been to?

I’ll go with Mexico on this one, especially Mexico City. Despite what Americans have had drummed into their heads about Mexico being one vast gun battle over drug turf and being a petri dish for H1N1, the DF really took hold of me. Granted, I was there over the Day of the Dead celebrations when the people really go all out to make the city magical – but I had a blast touring museums, riding bikes in Chapultepec Park, eating off of street carts (I know, I know) and in neighborhood restaurants, and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. The people have style, and the mix of the ancient and modern make me want to go back to explore further.

2. How do you kill time when you’re stuck on a bus or plane?

My iPhone is an extension of my brain at this point, so I’ll be on Facebook, Twitter & Foursquare seeing what connections are up to and describing my own experiences. I’ll check e-mail, read some news, and maybe play my turn at Scrabble. I also like to shoot pics of fellow passengers on planes or trains guerilla-style and throw them up on my Flickr group called Trainstalking. The whole point is to try to capture the day to day traveler when they zone out – no posing, no primping.

3. What’s the strangest place you’ve visited on your travels?

Um, I live in San Francisco. I see strange things every day in my own neighborhood.

4. What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at a new destination?

Depends upon the destination and how much time I have before I have to be somewhere. Usually the first thing I do is check in with my partner back home to let him know I’ve landed safely.

5. If you could give one tip or piece of advice to travelers, what would it be?

I think it’s a smart idea to spend time doing research before you travel. Read up on  your destination using multiple resources – local blogs, major travel sites, travel guides and other books, like novels set in the destination and some history. Then, once you’re in the place, just relax and take it one day at a time. Your schedule might change last minute due to weather or unforeseen closings for example, but your preparation should arm you with lots of Plan Bs so you can switch course when you need to.

[Photos: David Lytle]