The Magic of Wandering: Why Every Itinerary Needs Room for Discovery
- maryugraham
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 15
When I plan trips for my clients, I love making sure all the must-see highlights are included—but I also encourage leaving space in the itinerary for a little wandering. After all, some of the most memorable moments of travel happen when you step away from the schedule and simply let the destination reveal itself to you.
Think about it: have your favorite memories been carefully planned, or did they surprise you? Maybe it was discovering a cozy café tucked down a side street, chatting with a local shop owner, or pausing to take in an unexpected view. Those unplanned experiences often turn into the stories you’ll share again and again.
On our travels in Italy, we certainly remember our amazing private tour alone in the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. But we also fondly recall our chance lunch in a 'hole in the wall' restaurant in Rome where the matron cleared out a table of diners who had finished their food so we could sit down. Or the evening spent in Tuscany sipping limoncello with the breeze from our open windows.
Why It’s Important to Leave Space in Your Travels
Authenticity: You’ll see a destination as the locals do—not just what’s in the guidebooks.
Flexibility: Free time makes room for surprises and keeps travel stress-free.
Connection: Wandering opens the door to meaningful encounters and hidden gems.
Balance: Downtime lets you recharge, so the busier days feel even more rewarding.
Reflection: Oftentimes, you are seeing, tasting, hearing so much, it's a blur. Taking time out of the busy-ness allows you to process and savor creating those memories.
How to Embrace Discovery
Allow a free afternoon or evening in your itinerary. Above you see some charming sites I found wandering around on my Danube Dreams river cruise with Avalon Waterways.
Wander on foot—sometimes the best finds are just a few blocks away from the main attractions.
Follow your curiosity—whether that’s the smell of fresh bread, the sound of live music, or a market bustling with locals.
Be open to saying “yes”—whether it’s trying a street snack or stepping inside a tiny gallery you hadn’t noticed.
Tip from Mary
Travel is about more than checking off sights—it’s about truly experiencing a place. By giving yourself permission to slow down and wander, you create the chance for magic to happen.
When we plan your next adventure together, I’ll make sure your itinerary strikes that perfect balance between seeing the highlights and leaving space for those unforgettable discoveries. After all, the best travel memories are often the ones you never planned.
Mary Graham has been planning travel for clients for over 9 years. She has earned her Verified Travel Advisor credentials from ASTA and is a Certified Travel Associate as well. Reach out to her via email: mary@tripsbymary.com
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