This New York Times article grabbed my attention with its unusual title "The Worst Way to See San Antonio." It didn't catch my attention because I've been to San Antonio, and I'd like to go again--but rather, how many travel articles do you see about the WORST ways to travel? Obviously, I was hooked.
And entertained. Seth Kugel, the author, shares his mistake of desperately pre-planning his escapades to the beloved Texas city and then watching as every planned step of his trip goes wrong.
This is a great thing to point out to any traveler: expect the unexpected. Or even better, don't have any expectations at all. I've made the mistake of planning a trip out to the last minute, and then finding myself horribly disappointed when I realize that my map of Naples only included the town center (not all of the city), "Nightclub Hostel" isn't as fun as it sounds, and it's a lot more difficult to find a hotel in Salzburg at 1:30 a.m. than one might think.
I would argue this might just be the best news and advice for travelers. I mean, think about it. The whole reason we travel (I'll assume) is for eye-opening experiences--to take in new cultures and ways of life, right?
Can we really expect to plan that? Sure, it's a challenge to let go of the wheel and not give in to a 'planned experience.' But it's just plain unrealistic, because times, expectations, transportation, etc. are different everywhere you go, so you might as well loosen up and see where the wind...or train...takes you.
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