The Art of Flexibility and Embracing the Unexpected in Travel

Embarking on a journey is like opening a book; you never know what adventure lies ahead. If you’re not an avid reader like myself, think of your birthday or another day you may receive a gift…no matter how small or simple, when you don’t know what to expect as you open, the thrill of the unknown that lies ahead is part of the adventure!

As an experienced traveler, I’ve learned firsthand that one of the most valuable travel lessons is to be flexible! No matter how meticulously you plan down to the nitty gritty details, things may not always go according to your expectations. However, it’s often these unexpected detours that lead to the most memorable experiences!

Flexibility isn’t just about being willing to change your plans; it’s also about managing your expectations. Traveling with high expectations can sometimes lead to disappointment, especially if things don’t go as planned. Instead, approaching your journey with an open mind and a willingness to adapt, can turn even the most challenging situations into opportunities for discovery and adventure.

One of my most memorable experiences of the importance of flexibility and managing expectations occurred during my first trip to Italy! The first time I visited Italy, I did a deep dive into researching and planning to prepare the perfect itinerary for a near-month-long girls trip throughout the country. Even from all my extensive research, I had no idea when things might be under construction…you can see where this is headed. It seemed the Italian government did so on their own time without much warning and in Italian fashion with no timeline in sight.

After finally figuring out where exactly the Trevi Fountain is…if you’ve visited, you know just how confusing it can be to locate but once you have the small winding Italian alleyways that are pedestrian walkways figured out, it feels like a triumph in itself. I’ll never forget rounding the corner, not hearing any rushing water sounds, not seeing the glory of the infamous fountain, but instead a bunch of scaffolding. Turns out the Trevi Fountain was one of those construction projects under restoration. I felt devastated and honestly kind of embarrassed I hadn’t prepared for that possibly. We were in Rome, the eternal city, where history is layered on top of each other…of course, there would be unforeseen restoration projects!

I instantly knew this “trip of a lifetime” I kept calling it, turned into “I must visit again one day”!

Initially, we were frustrated and disappointed, but with some quick thinking and flexibility, we were able to rearrange our itinerary to include off-the-beaten-path destinations and local experiences like the best “mom & pop” trattoria (restaurant) for lunch, the most delicious fresh rustic Italian loaf of bread I’ve ever tasted, and a much-needed glass of vino! As a result, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture of a relaxing cool late lunch where we enjoyed the owner’s family eating beside us and when we weren’t rushing to get to the next thing on our tourist agenda.

This experience taught me that while it’s essential to have a plan, it’s equally important to be open to change. Sometimes, the best experiences come when you least expect them. By embracing the unexpected and keeping your expectations in check, you can turn any trip into the adventure of a lifetime. Discovering hidden gems that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise is one of my favorite parts of traveling to a new or even not new to your destination. It’s all in your attitude and approach to appreciate exactly where you are when you are.

2 years later, I was able to return to Italy and see the Trevi Fountain in all its glory, water, restored statues, coins, crowds, and all! After a few more trips now, I’m able to locate the Trevi Fountain through those Italian winding walkways without a map. The next time you start on a journey, remember to keep an open mind, embrace the unexpected, and let the adventure unfold!