Navigating Rome: A Lesson in Travel Expectations
Late summer in Rome brings an overwhelming influx of tourists and relentless heat, which can potentially strangle even the strongest of relationships. As I wandered aimlessly, hungry and nursing a hangover, the frustration grew palpable. Despite saving over fifty attractions on Google Maps for our four-day trip, we found ourselves lost—not just geographically but in the quest for a meal.
While I encountered a plethora of bakeries, panini bars, and trattorias, none met my high standards, predetermined by extensive research and friend recommendations. My desperate search led us to a chain supermarket where we purchased lacklustre mozzarella, insipid tomatoes, and stale bread for a makeshift lunch at our Airbnb—a far cry from the culinary delights I’d imagined.
As my girlfriend munched quietly on her sub-par meal—the very first place I had dismissed—my frustration mounted. I began to question my self-imposed ‘no bad meals’ rule and instantly started plotting a more solid itinerary for the following days.
The irony struck me hard: in obsessively planning, was I inadvertently ruining our holiday?
Despite living in an age dominated by curated travel content, where the pressure to hit every ‘must-see’ spot can feel suffocating, I wondered if having an exceptionally detailed itinerary made each day feel like a chore rather than an adventure. I likened it to those who depended on hefty Lonely Planet guides, rather than the convenience of smartphones.
When everything aligns, the thrill of ticking off meticulously planned experiences can be exhilarating—like the joy of finally tasting that much-hyped restaurant meal. But, on the other hand, when things go awry, the repercussions can be humorous at best and disastrous at worst. I recall a regrettable New York day that saw me ferry my cousins to a miserably overrated diner, a memory that still garners much teasing.
My own tendency to over-plan stemmed from relentless social media visibility. Algorithms seem to know my desires before I do, leaving me feeling more informed than ever but also bogged down by expectations.
Yet, the most memorable journeys often unfolded spontaneously—like the unforgettable culinary experiences savoured in Hanoi or a surprising gem encountered in Los Angeles. A recent trip to Italy taught me the value of embracing flexibility. By allowing our whims to guide us, we ended up at remarkable eateries—and even stumbled into a hilariously awkward dining experience.
As a recovering obsessive planner, the lesson remains clear: sometimes it’s better to let go, explore, and embrace unpredictability rather than striving for perfection. Life—and travel—shouldn’t be dictated by the fear of a mediocre meal or experience. After all, it’s not just about the destinations but also the stories and laughter we gather along the way.