There is a specific kind of panic that sets in when your GPS signal drops in a city where you don’t speak the language. Your stomach drops, you turn the phone around three times as if that helps, and you realize: I have no idea where I am.
But lately, I’ve realized that the “perfect” travel itinerary is actually a bit of a trap. When we plan every second—from the 9:00 AM coffee to the 4:00 PM museum entry—we leave zero room for the magic of the unexpected.
The Magic of the Wrong Turn
On my most recent trip, I missed a bus. I was frustrated, sweaty, and convinced the day was ruined. Instead of waiting an hour for the next one, I walked into a nondescript alleyway and found a tiny, three-table bistro run by a woman who didn’t have a menu—she just served whatever she felt like cooking that day.
It ended up being the best meal of the entire trip. No Yelp review could have found it; it required me to be “lost” to find it.
Three Ways to Lean into the Chaos
If you’re a Type-A traveler (like me), letting go is hard. Here’s how I started “scheduling” my spontaneity:
- The “No-Map” Afternoon: Set aside four hours. Put your phone in your bag. Walk toward whatever building or tree looks interesting.
- Ask a Local for a “Non-Tourist” Spot: Don’t ask for the “best” restaurant; ask where they went for dinner last Tuesday.
- Embrace the Transit Fail: If you miss a train or take the wrong exit, take ten minutes to look around before rushing to “fix” it. You might be exactly where you need to be.
Final Thoughts
Travel isn’t just about checking boxes or recreating Pinterest photos. It’s about the shift in perspective that happens when things don’t go according to plan. The next time you find yourself off-course, take a breath, put the phone away, and see where the path leads.
After all, you can’t find something new if you always know exactly where you’re going.