Five travel myths that used to hold me back

After hundreds of trips to 82 (and counting!) countries and territories around the world, I’ve learned quite a lot about travel. But one of the biggest lessons is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Here are five common travel myths that used to hold me back:

Myth #1: Touristy places should be avoided

Okay yes, it’s totally true that ‘Instagram v Reality’ is a thing. While it’s often possible to capture a serene-looking pic with the right camera angle, the reality is that many tourist attractions are seriously crowded and can also be super touristy. And let’s face it, no one goes on holiday with the hopes of standing in queues for hours on end while being bombarded by vendors flogging unneeded souvenirs.

That said, the main attractions are popular for a reason, and while some really do turn out to be a bit too crowded or commercial feeling, I’ve found that most are absolutely worth it. I mean we are tourists after all, and would you really want to visit Rome and not see the Colosseum?

I’ve also learned a few tricks to minimise the crowds, the first of which is to arrive early. I’m definitely not an early riser normally, but neither are most tourists, so making the effort to arrive first at a big name spot can make a huge difference. Additionally, be sure to check to see if tickets can be purchased in advance. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been able to stroll past a huge queue because I had a timed ticket. Mid-week and shoulder seasons are also often far less crowded and can completely change the experience.

Of course, crowds or no crowds, hitting only the main attractions can make my overall holiday feel too touristy. These days, I build in time for quiet spots and less famous experiences to balance out the bustle of the main attractions. It’s often through those hidden gems that you really get and authentic feel of a place. Plus, turns out you don’t actually have to see every single main attraction to feel fulfilled LOL.

Myth #2: Solo travel is for singles

I love sharing experiences with others, especially my loved ones. There’s no doubt that travelling with my husband has brought us closer, and everyone loves a fun girls trip! Perhaps because I’m such an extrovert, I used to think of solo travel as a last resort option when you can’t travel with someone else.

For me that would happen when I had a work trip to an interesting destination and decided to stay for a visit. I would try to find someone else to join me, and only opted to explore on my own if I had to. But the more time I spent travelling on my own, the more I realised that solo travel is incredibly rewarding.

For starters, you can go at your own pace and explore the places that matter to you without having to worry about whether anyone else is enjoying it. I’ve also found that I spend more time reflecting and often leave with a deeper connection to the place than I would have otherwise. Plus, there’s something truly empowering about venturing out completely on your own. But the hidden gem is that I’ve met some incredible people when travelling solo. Whether it was booking a tour and finding someone with a common interest, or simply saying hi to someone I came across it’s amazing who you can meet.

And it doesn’t have to be daunting. Even an overnight trip close to home can be incredibly rewarding. These days I still love travelling with others, but I also look forward to opportunities to take adventures on my own – and learn a bit more about myself along the way.

Myth #3: A great trip needs a great plan

My love of travel was given to me by my mother, the ultimate planner. As a child, our family trips were thoroughly researched with detailed itineraries. Exactly what you would expect from a school teacher, right? Organised and educational. As I started planning my own trips, I followed suit. In fact, there’s a part of me that enjoys planning a new trip more than actually going on it! Possibly because of that, I used to plan every moment.

And yet, some of my fondest travel memories are from the unexpected moments. Case in point: Our first trip to Egypt was a two week scuba diving trip at remote location on the Red Sea. The first week was amazing, but then I had an injury that required I stay out of the water for the rest of our trip. I was fine, just unable to dive — and there was absolutely nothing else to do there. So, we hired a local driver and took off to explore the country. No reservations, no research, no clear plans. Just the assurance of our resort manager that our non-English-speaking driver could be counted on to take us to some great spots and drop us at the airport a week later. And it was amazing! Even after more return trips to Egypt, that week is still my favourite.  

Today, I still research places before we go and make a general plan, but I try to limit my list to a few must-do experiences to leave ample time to take advantage of suggestions from locals and others we meet along the way, or simply to just head out for some aimless wandering or a lazy day watching the world go by. It could just be the best part of the trip!

Myth #4: New places are better value than return trips

I’ll admit it, I’m a goal-setter, and each time I can add to my tally of countries or states I’ve visited I feel more complete. Plus, I love exploring new places! For years I couldn’t understand people who would want to spend their precious holiday time going back to the same place again and again when there is a whole world to explore.

However, I’ve now learned that return visits offer the chance to explore a bit deeper, pause a bit longer, and connect on a different level. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the thrill of a new destination. But now I fill my year with a combination of new places and return visits.

One of those return spots for me is Chamonix in the French Alps. From the first time I arrived, I was in love with the gorgeous scenery and sense of adventure that Chamonix offered, and I’ve returned at least once every year since. I enjoy doing some of the things that made me fall in love with Cham in the first place but I also love exploring the ‘secret’ spots that only locals usually experience. Even more, I enjoy challenging myself to set new skiing and hiking goals and pushing myself further each time we return.

Perhaps because I know it’s not my first nor my last trip there, I tend to be more willing to try completely new things and venture off the beaten path. I’m also happy to slow right down and just soak it all it. If I get it wrong, there’s always next time, and that’s quite a freeing thing.

Myth #5: Home is boring

If you ask me my fave place to visit, I usually mention the next place on my list. I mean, I’m a travel blogger after all. Of course I love to travel! There’s something uniquely thrilling for me about a new adventure.

After my first stint living abroad in Australia, I was worried about moving back to Texas where everything would feel a bit too familiar. Luckily, another seasoned traveller suggested that I treat my move back home the same way I treated my move abroad and be a tourist in my hometown. Best advice ever! I filled my weekends with visits to unique spots around town and new (to me) spots in nearby towns. Soon I was reminded of all the things that made my home amazing. Turns out that adventure is a mindset, and even places I’ve been many times before can be great with a new perspective.

After several years of living in London, I had a similar experience during Covid when my life went from travelling constantly for work to months and months of only being able to travel as far as my feet could take me on a solo walk. And so off I went, and found amazing parts of my own borough that I never knew existed because I’d just never taken the time before. Who would have guessed that we have fun street names like ‘Ha-Ha Road’ or our very own Stonehenge in a park overlooking London? But the icing on the cake is that these streets are full of fun facts and stories of truly inspiring women who helped to shape London. I just needed to do a little digging!

In fact, it wasn’t my travel but my walks around Greenwich that inspired me to start my Instagram account and Travel Blog!

Conclusion

I hope this little tour through five common travel myths is proof that there isn’t a right or wrong way to travel. It’s actually just about finding what’s right for you right now. I also hope I’ve inspired you to avoid waiting for the perfect time or the perfect trip and simply get exploring!