"The Road Less Expensive" Newsletter
Why Most Travel Blogs Are Actually Doing You a Disservice
(and What You Can Do Instead)
Hello hello,
If you’re knee-deep in planning your next getaway, let’s pause for a second.
Have you ever followed a meticulously crafted travel itinerary only to find yourself feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or—dare we say—underwhelmed? You're not alone.
The truth is, most travel blogs (including our own, at times) are setting you up for disappointment. They offer rigid, curated itineraries designed to maximize every second of your trip, but the reality? Travel isn’t meant to be a checklist.
So let’s rethink this approach and create experiences that feel real instead of rehearsed.
The Problem: The Itinerary Trap
From “Ultimate 48-Hour Guides” to “Perfect Two-Week Plans,” travel bloggers (and now even AI-generated itineraries) dictate what you should do. But here’s the secret: No one expects you to follow these to a T—nor should you!
Rigid schedules leave no room for spontaneity, and that’s where the real magic of travel happens.
The biggest mistake travelers make? Expecting their trip to look exactly like what they’ve seen on Instagram or a blog. But reality doesn’t come with perfect lighting and curated moments—it should be unpredictable, raw, and uniquely yours (FYI this is kind of the thing that makes us humans).
What to Do Instead: Travel Differently
Rather than prancing from landmark to landmark, try a more intentional approach. Here’s how:
✅ Pick Only a Few Must-Sees
Instead of cramming in every top attraction, choose just a couple of meaningful spots. You might find yourself lingering longer than expected at a museum, getting lost in a neighborhood, or striking up a conversation that leads to an unexpected adventure.
✅ Prioritize Hands-On Experiences
Swap passive sightseeing for immersive activities: take a weaving class, learn to cook a regional dish, or visit a family-run vineyard. These experiences engage all your senses and create lasting memories beyond another photo-op.
✅ Venture Beyond the Obvious
Take a short train ride to a nearby town you've never heard of, explore a local market, or visit a tiny café with no English menu. These are the places where travel feels less like consumption and more like connection. A conversation with an antique shop owner might lead to him showing you how he restores old wooden chests, and before you know it, his mother is making you dinner.
✅ Ditch the “Must-Do” Mentality
If you don’t make it to that famous cathedral or that Michelin-starred restaurant, who freaking cares? You better not! The best moments often come when you let go of expectations and embrace the unexpected.
I'm Not Yelling at You, I Just Want to Help...
As travel bloggers, we don’t want to hand you a script. We want to inspire you to create your own adventure. Our guides should be just that—guides, not rigid blueprints.
So, on your next trip, take a deep breath, release the pressure to “see it all,” and simply be in the place you’re visiting. Trust us—your best travel memories won’t come from an itinerary, but from the unplanned moments in between.
Happy exploring, and remember: Travel is meant to be lived, not just checked off.
🤔 Intriguing Hotel Deals:
