The Art of Wandering

Sometimes the best way to experience a new destination is to get lost. Wandering is a sure way to get off the beaten track, see what’s not in the guidebook and find hidden treasures. So go ahead and get lost, you might be surprised what you find.

There is no one way to wander, of course. That would be counter-productive to the whole idea. Wandering is a skill; however, and there are several practices you can employ to improve.

Beginners may start by defining a general direction or destination. This will keep you moving, provide a natural end point and help you avoid areas you don’t want to be. As you become more comfortable wandering, you’ll begin to develop a nose for roads you do and do not want to go down.

In order to wander properly you must have confidence you can find your way back. Whether that means carrying a map, a bus schedule or taxi fare, if you are worrying about getting back, you won’t be able to develop an open mindset essential for wandering. But don’t worry; your sense of direction and confidence will improve with practice.

Once you are confident that you can get home, you can begin to work on that mindset. An open mindset will allow you to appreciate wherever you wander for what it is. Without it, you will simply be passing through. Forget about anything you have to do later, don’t worry about taking a wrong turn; in this way, wandering is very Zen-like.

Finally, always be safe. If you feel like you shouldn’t be somewhere, you probably shouldn’t. Wander with a friend. Take a cell phone, though don’t let it distract you. Keep your eyes and mind open and your feet moving.

Happy wandering!