Why You Should Ditch the Guidebook and Wander

Traveling presents all sorts of opportunities to take the reins and do exactly what you want, or what your guidebook suggests. Reclaim your freedom from the days before guidebooks and take your precious vacation time into your own hands. Why? See below for some inspiration for your independence.

First, you may not even need to consult the guidebook for directions to popular sights. Most major cities have signs posted throughout the streets to guide you to the most visited attractions and monuments. Rather than stress over whether you are walking down the right path toward the Colosseum, follow the signs (or the other obvious indicator: crowds of people) toward your destination.

It can be easy to become a slave to your guidebook if you know absolutely nothing about the place you are visiting. Read up on the history, the culture and other attributes before you arrive so you won´t need to keep referring to your bulky guidebook or pull out your expensive phone for a refresher. Or even better, hire a tour guide or join a tour to have someone else explain the stories to you.

Leaving your guidebook at home reduces the bulk and frees you up to carry around that large water bottle or fill your bag with souvenirs. Plus, there is no better indicator that you are a tourist than to be flipping through the pages of a guidebook, making you a target for petty thieves.

Finally, the joys of travel can best be experienced when you forgo the maps altogether. Hit the streets and wander, get lost and see what treasures can be found when you have absolutely no idea where you are going. This may be challenging for Type A travelers, but consider it an exercise in self-control.