The Joy of Imperfect Travel: Stories You’ll Never Forget
Traveling internationally is one of life’s greatest adventures. Whether you’re dreaming of cobblestoned streets in Europe, sunlit Mediterranean villages, or alpine trains winding through Switzerland, international travel offers experiences you simply can’t find at home.
But here’s the truth: even the best-planned trips don’t always go perfectly. Flights get delayed, train schedules shift, weather doesn’t always cooperate, and sometimes your suitcase takes the scenic route without you.
So how do you prepare? It’s not just about packing clothes and booking hotels — it’s about packing the right mindset. Here are my best tips to help you enjoy your trip, no matter what surprises come your way.
Don’t Pack an Uptight Attitude
Imagine sitting at a café in Paris with a cappuccino in hand, watching the world go by. Perfect, right? But what if your order takes longer than expected, or you don’t like what you ordered? What if your server doesn’t speak much English?
Travel isn’t about everything going exactly as planned. It’s about rolling with the little surprises along the way. You have choices in how you respond. Flexibility and humor are your best travel companions.
👉 Pro tip: The best stories often come from the unexpected — like trying to order dinner in Italian, fumbling the words, and ending up with a dish you never would have chosen (but absolutely loved). Pack your adventurous spirit!
Sometimes the unexpected brings the most joy.
Expect the Unexpected and Roll with it.
International travel means working with train schedules, weather shifts, and cultures that may not match what you’re used to at home. A sudden rainstorm might cancel your outdoor plans, or a rail strike could shuffle your itinerary. Even something as simple as a tiny soda bottle with no free refills can set you off.
Instead of letting it ruin your trip, see it as an opportunity. That rainy afternoon? You can laugh about your tour in rain because a rainy tour is better than no tour.
Hangry doesn’t mix with travel.
International travel can feel like a workout. Trains may be crowded, flights delayed, or sidewalks uneven.You may find yourself walking further than anticipated.
Here’s how to handle it:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. If you have angry feet, pack another pair of shoes in your backpack and switch during the day. Your feet will thank you.
Keep a light jacket and travel umbrella in you bag.
Stay hydrated and fed and rest when your body tells you. Sometimes a 30 minute stop in a cafe is the perfect answer!
The bumps in the road aren’t setbacks — they’re part of the adventure.
Itineraries Are Guidelines, Not Guarantees
That printed itinerary looks so perfect: Florence on Tuesday, Amalfi Coast on Wednesday, Santorini on Thursday. But travel has its own timeline. Weather, logistics, and local events may shuffle your plans.
The secret? Treat changes as opportunities. I had a client whose guide was late due to a train delay. They got upset, but were kind to the guide when she showed up. They found out that she had been stuck on the train and was very upset that she would be late. She gave them an extra special tour and treated them to gelato after. They STILL keep in touch.
Laugh at the Unexpected
Took the metro the wrong direction? Tried to order a cappuccino in Florence after 11:00 and got corrected ? Sat at tables you thought were for the public, but turns out they were for a restaurant. These are the moments you’ll tell stories about for years.
Travel is about more than “perfect” experiences — it’s about stories worth sharing. The mishaps, mispronunciations, and surprise encounters often become the highlights.
Sometimes it’s the unexpected that can create the most memorable experiences! Jay and I found the most amazing brewery tucked away in a small village as we were hiking from Murren to Lauterbrunnen. Now that brewery is on every itinerary I send to people going to the area!
Pack the Right Mindset
Yes, bring your passport, your power adapter, and your walking shoes. But don’t forget the intangibles that make travel smoother:
Patience – Airports and lines are part of the process.
Flexibility – When plans change, embrace alternatives.
Humor – Laughter makes even travel mishaps lighter.
Curiosity – Say “yes” to new foods, local traditions, and experiences you might not try at home.
Treat everyone with kindness. Apologize when necessary.
Final Thoughts: Travel with a Smile
International travel is about more than moving from one place to another. It’s about embracing the unexpected, leaning into cultural differences, and collecting stories that make you smile long after you’re home.
So as you prepare for your journey, remember: things won’t always go perfectly — and that’s exactly what makes them unforgettable.
Be intentional about facing bumps in the road
