WHERE DO YOU WANDER?

WONDERING ABOUT WANDERING

Where do you wander? Aboard the beautiful Viking Sky for the last two weeks, Kyle and I have had several opportunities to join ship excursions to incredible sites like Montserrat Abbey, Cassis and Calanques, the ruins at Pompei and the waterfalls of Krva, Croatia.  We've also spent hours wandering on our own through Monte Carlo, Civitavecchia, Taormina, Florence, Livorno, Messina, Bari, Crotone, Venice and other port towns along the Mediterranean.

Know Yourself

Years of travel have taught me how important it is to know yourself and trust your instincts.  I prefer exploring a new city on my own, discovering hidden treasures through trial and error, sometimes backtracking, enjoying the journey regardless of the twists and turns. "Getting lost" isn't really in my vocabulary (or at least admitting it), and I trust my instincts for finding my way back - to my hotel, ship, or next destination.
However, there are times when a guided tour is the perfect way to learn the history and layout of a place.  As part of a pre-booked excursion, you may be able to "jump the line" at a major gallery or historic site, saving time and energy -- leaving you more time to explore the site itself. And, practically speaking, "Hop on Hop off" buses can be an inexpensive way to not only learn your way around a city, but explore different neighborhoods and points of interest knowing your transportation is already paid for and the planned route will ensure you catch the main attractions of the city.

The Best of Both Worlds

If you are unsure about striking out on your own, but you want to see more of a city than the "highlights reel," try a hop on hop off tour and wander through each neighborhood you can -- you'll discover a world of possibility. The key is knowing your own comfort level, and embracing the opportunities before you -- whether on a fully guided tour, or for a few precious hours of wandering in a new place. 
It's a big, big world - where do you want to travel to the most and why? Post a comment on my FaceBook Page. I look forward to hearing from you!