Cruising Past Seventy: The Inner Journeys: Would You Rather Go On or Off the Beaten Path?

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Would You Rather Go On or Off the Beaten Path?


We have found ourselves amid droves of tourists, all excited about having arrived at a destination like the Eiffel Tower, albeit as older lovers. We have found signs, followed them, and come upon six large charcoal ovens near Ely, Nevada. What gives you more satisfaction: on or off the beaten path? 

A Sense of Accomplishment

Either way, arriving at a destination always gives us a feeling of accomplishment. It is an achievement to have finally reached that place so many others rave about. We may have waited so long to save the dollars we needed to get there, sacrificing plenty. On the other hand, think of the risks we had to take to go off-the-beaten path: driving through a dirt road for miles to reach the Arctic Circle on Canada’s Yukon, suffering temperatures well below zero to catch the Northern Lights, or even climbing Mount Everest at the peril of death.

The Feeling of Amazement

More than this sense of accomplishment, we get the undeniable feeling of amazement when we reach a destination. When I got a glimpse of the Roman Colosseum, I marveled at the engineering feat built to today’s standards 2,000 years ago. At the Arctic Circle, I could not explain the feeling any better than with these words I have that capture the moment: “Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. And sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.”

The Feeling of Disappointment

Other times, however, I was forced to sigh,” What’s all the fuss about?” When I laid eyes upon the Manneken Pis in Brussels, Belgium, that tiny statue of a little boy taking a pee into a pond below, I was utterly disappointed; even more so when I found out later it was just a replica! But I didn’t say anything aloud. The huge throng was seriously engaged in taking masterpieces of a souvenir photo.

But the disappointment is even much bigger when I go through all the trouble and/or take many risks to reach somewhere off the beaten path. For example, to get to the Chigu Salt Mountain in Tainan City, Taiwan, we had to ride the expensive but fast bullet train from Taipei in the north and then take the only bus, where the driver, conductor, and passengers didn’t speak any English, to the outskirts of Tainan. This same bus went back only once, late in the afternoon.

Comments on its website like this more than express our disappointment: “Honestly! I had to spend 1 hour and 10 minutes on the bus to get there! And the last bus left at 18:10! What for? for a mountain of "salt" black of air pollution...nothing very amazing there! “

Finding a Saving Grace

We didn't want to wait four more hours for that one bus, so we called for a taxi. The driver, noticing we were hungry (the museum only had coffee), stopped, got out, took something out of the trunk, and gave us the most wonderful cookies we have ever tasted. Had we not gone to the Salt Mountain, we would not have met this extraordinary man! In Brussels, Bill’s saving grace was Belgian beer; mine, Belgian chocolates, and ours, waffles.

The question is not whether I would prefer to go on or off the beaten path. I will keep on doing both and you should, too. It doesn't matter how much expense or preparation we need to get to either. We can never guarantee anything in life. What matters most is to always have the right attitude when we get there. Then you may feel a sense of accomplishment, amazement, or a saving grace.

 
Bill climbing the Salt Mountain

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122 comments:

  1. Whether you go on or off-the-beaten-path, you should feel accomplished and amazed!

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  2. I've enjoyed seeing things both on and off the beaten path. I agree that attitude is important. Also I don't think one should feel compelled to see something just because it's the thing to do or on a bunch of people's must-see lists unless it is something one is genuinely interested in or curious about.

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  3. Heya i am for the primary time here. I came
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  4. Nicely written ! I agree there's not one is more superior over the other. For me, on the beaten path offers me more options, accessibility, to food, entertainments, hotel etc. Off the beaten path may not always be the most convenient, but the memories are much more impactful, and I have more interesting stories to tell =)

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  5. Its so great to head to places off the beaten path! Its more difficult but it is so worth it in the long run! Thank you for sharing!

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  6. I think you're right that the only thing you can control is your attitude. I am reminded of a fable were a series of events shifts from good to bad and back again based on point of view. I fell off my horse (bad), but it kept me from going to war (good). and the chain continues. Attitude is the most important accessory for a traveler.

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  7. I agree with you that both on and off the beaten path are worth doing. I do struggle with the masses of tourists in popular sights...but they are popular for a reason. I was in Istanbul recently and the main sights were really busy. And still, we were able to enjoy the city in a more relaxed way, doing things local people do...

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    Replies
    1. Oh yes. It's all relative. But you can have spectacular exoeriences in each!

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  8. I suppose all you can do is research and enjoy what you can. Just because someone else likes a place, doesn't mean it will gel with you. Often it is those accidental moments of serendipity that make for better travel tales afterwards!

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  9. I prefer off the beaten path mostly because I don't like crowds!

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  10. I see so much of myself in this article. I normally go on and off the beaten path and, like you, find that both approaches have their positive and negative sides. But both make our travels even more special and complete.

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    Replies
    1. I am glad. Yes, this is the balance and completeness we seek as travelers.

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  11. We have to agree with your approach of going on and off the beaten path. Being travel bloggers requires a good balance between showcasing subjects that are mainstream, but adding in some out of the ordinary stops.

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  12. You could certainly see your skills in the work you write.
    The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren't afraid to say how they
    believe. All the time go after your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sometimes a popular monument turns out to be disappointing, but I'm always happy to have seen it for myself anyway. And some things that you stumble upon unexpectedly turn out to be the most memorable parts of your travels.

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    Replies
    1. That's the beauty of traveling! Both offer lots opportunities!

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  14. I so much agree with you, whether you go on or off the beaten path, remember to be amazed. I like the salt mountain story in Taiwan where you got to meet the wonderful kind-hearted local during your journey. Sometimes, the places may not be so awesome, but the journey will leave memories forever in our minds and hearts.

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  15. Smart words to live by. I've experienced the same as you! I said the same thing about the Roman Colloseum! I said to myself...That's it? It's so tiny! They made it look so grand in that Gladiator movie and then this? However, when you think about it context back then when that was the biggest thing in existence. You can see just how crazy of an engineering feat it was! So, on or off the beaten path? I'll take both :)

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  16. I always prefer to be off the beaten path, because I don’t like crowds! And because there are no surprises with well-known places - I’ve already seen so many pictures of them that there is often nothing new to explore.

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    Replies
    1. Love both types actually. And love inserting myself into the photo of atouristy place trying to depict the emotion we felt there!

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  17. When one travels, one has to have an open mind and heart no matter where you are ... popular tourist destination or remote off-the-beaten path. Even in the most crowded of destinations, we have found you can discover things that no one else sees, simply by looking.

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  18. Nowadays it is so difficult to get off the beaten path--practically impossible. I was blown away by the pyramids, and disappointed that the Mona Lisa was so small, but I always enjoy traveling and the change of scene that comes with it.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, there are huge changes between on or of-the-beaten paths

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  19. We totally agree, sometimes it's worth it to get off the the tourist path, and sometimes it's not....but you will never know if you don't try right? And the Taiwan story is so true, you wouldn't meet half the awesome people you do, if you don't get off the tourist path!

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    Replies
    1. That's the biggest advantage of traveling off-the-beaten-path.

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  20. You made some good points there. I looked on the internet to
    find out more about the issue and found most individuals will go
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  21. I just couldn't go away your web site prior to suggesting that I extremely loved the standard
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    ReplyDelete
  22. I agree with Michael above. You have to have an open mind and heart no matter where you travel and whether you are on or off the beaten path, your travel memories will be determined more my you attitude toward your experience than the place itself. A fun post - gets you thinking!

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  23. I agree that places exceed our expectations, or disappoint, whether they are on or off the beaten track. There's usually a reason why people go to the on the beaten track places. But sometimes, it's the little things you remember the most like the Taiwanese taxi driver who gave you some cookies!

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  24. Haha! I thought the same thing about Mannekin Pis! I find that l like a combination of both. The way l figure, there is a reason why they are on the beaten path, like the Colosseo but when we visit his family now, we rarely go past the Vatican as the bus to the house passes by there :-).

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  25. I think finding the balance of both is key. You can't go to Paris and NOT see the Eiffel Tower. But if you get a chance to spend several days there, or have the opportunity to go back a few times, then the off-the-beaten-path experiences are top of my list. I feel like you don't really know a place until you can visit several lesser-known sights. ~ Sage Scott, the Everyday Wanderer

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    Replies
    1. That's a great definition right there ... you can't really know a place until you've been to both on and off the beaten paths.

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  26. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  27. Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I've read stuff from.
    Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity,
    Guess I will just book mark this site.

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  28. smashing read! :) I think either on or off the beaten path one should be 100% proud of the journey taken. So many can pass through life without risk or and while it ma suit them the road calls to some and it must be followed.

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  29. We do a combo of both too, or spots in between not one or the other. Some of the on the beaten path spots we try to go to off-season if we can which is often allowed us to be successful, but some places it just can't be avoided!

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    Replies
    1. Smart! Off season, do on the beaten path; on season, do on off the beaten path!

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  30. I personally prefer to go both on or off the beaten path. It all depends what I really wish to visit and explore. Probably when you visit for the first time any destination you might not like to miss the most popular and iconic landmark of that destination, like Paris became famous for Eiffel Tower.

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  31. I agree both the familiar and iff the beaten path attractions have their advantages but you are right that going with a sense of adventure is really what makes it worthwhile !

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  32. I agree with you both on and off-beaten path has its own charm. Visiting the on-beaten destination that you have dreamt for long time gives you a feeling of accomplishment and visitng off-beaten destination that very few have visited is an adventure in its own right. Both are similar yet very different and can't be compared.

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  33. Hi Carolina. Love the perspective. It is not about the place, but it is the attitude. It all comes down to attitude. On and off the beaten paths have their own charm. But I prefer ON because of accessibility and convenience. I don't like crowds, but there are on-beaten paths that are not too crowded. Also growing up in one of the rural places in the Philippines, I never thought i will get to travel. So I want to visit those places that I only saw on tv or read in magazines even if they are on-beaten path or touristy.

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    Replies
    1. Same here. But sometimes U get to off the beaten path places and like them,!

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  34. Great post Carolina.

    It's funny that you never know how a place will make you feel, until you arrive and experience it. I tend to go more for the 'off the beaten path' type places, but occasionally I visit somewhere famous and fall in love, despite the crowds.

    It is such a privilege to travel at all, whether it be to famous, or not so famous sights. We have to make the most of our time exploring.

    p.s. I'm glad you had cookies and met nice folks at the mountain of salt. It's a pretty good way to finish an unimpressive day!!

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  35. An interesting post for us travellers to consider. It's so disappointing when you reach a destination and it doesn't match expectations. However, we should try and revel in the journey to get there and not just the destination itself, then perhaps it doesn't matter if it's on or off the beaten path :)

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    Replies
    1. Usually off the beaten path destinations are difficult to travel to so the journey dies not save the destination!

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  36. Such a lovely post. I wish to gain wisdom by my travels when I explore this much. Surely one should keep an open mind and perspective while travelling.

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  37. Having a good attitude is key to enjoying a location, but even if we go without expectations, there's no guarantee we won't be disappointed. Like you, I enjoy going to both kinds of places and try to make the most of every discovery. It is so true that sometimes it is the people, and not the place, that makes all the difference.

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    1. That's a new quotation. It's not all about the place. It's also about the people!

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  38. It is best not to keep any expectations on vacations. Social media has ruined the surprise factor and you end up wanting so much more that ultimately disappoints. It is best to enjoy the company of a loved one and enjoy the place.

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  39. Superb, what a weblog it is! This webpage provides useful
    data to us, keep it up.

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  40. I've done both, and I agree. Seeing both ends of the spectrum is amazing. And yes, sometimes it is actually disappointing to see some touted tourist site because it ends up not meeting your expectations.(I felt that way about seeing Plymouth Rock, as it is very small!) But I love all travel experiences!

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    1. Oh yeah, I forgot about that. It even seemed almost fake.!

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  41. Carol, I really loved this article. I guess I'd never really thought about the subject matter that deeply. I'm with you on seeing some of the "giants" and them being a big disappointment. Hard not to ruin it for everyone since we are so travel savvy. ;) I like off-the-beaten path. It always works best for me or proves to be a big leavening lesson.

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  42. I want to do it all! I seek out both iconic sites and off the beaten path unless there's some physical issue that I can't overcome, such as extreme hikes which I can no longer do.

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  43. Hahaha great article! My belief is that an attraction is "on" the beaten path for a reason so by understanding why it's so famous or sought after, it truly makes a difference. Just because something is "puny" doesn't make it less magnificent. I do enjoy off the beaten path too but that comes with risks. Like you said, it's harder to get there so it's expensive etc.... In the end, travel is about experiencing things. Not everything is glorious and spectacular. But all worth it anyway.

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  44. I completely agree that whether you find beauty on or off the beaten path is all a matter of mind-set. I love seeing anything new no matter how big or small, I try to find the beauty. Afterall, that's what travel is all about.

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  45. Obviously, I love to discover hidden gems and the more authentic places. Yet, I'm a proud tourist that want's to see the most important and famous landmarks, too. Of course, I'm enjoying some unknown little galleries at Paris, but does that mean that I'm skipping the Louvre?! Hell no!

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  46. A fascinating and inspiring article. Indeed, it is challenging to compare tourist places with those off the beaten track. Each of them provides unusual emotions and can be an exciting adventure. I try both while traveling on and off the beaten path. I also reached Arctic Circle, and it's off the beaten path.

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  47. I've always opted for finding hidden gems when I travel. I just always keep in mind that finding gems means sifting through a lot of dirt! LOL

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  48. Looking for out of the way spots can be a mixed bag. On one hand, the tourist traps are always packed. On the other hand, they're always packed for a reason.

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  49. I really loved reading this. I don't travle much, so I've never thought about the possible downsides of trying to find places that are off the beaten path.

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  50. While I think there are a lot of wonderful places to be seen while remaining on the path, going off-course and exploring all the places beyond it can be an incredibly rewarding experience!

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  51. Exploring whether to travel on or off the beaten path, this post shares personal adventures and the varied emotions each journey brings. From the sense of accomplishment at popular destinations to the unique stories off the beaten path, it's a reflection on the value of both experiences and the importance of attitude in travel.

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  52. Exploring whether to travel on or off the beaten path, this post shares personal adventures and the varied emotions each journey brings. From the sense of accomplishment at popular destinations to the unique stories off the beaten path, it's a reflection on the value of both experiences and the importance of attitude in travel.

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  53. Interesting post on whether to choose the the beaten path or not. I love gong off the beaten path becuase there's not as many people.

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  54. You are so inspiring. I hope to still be traveling in my seventies!

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  55. True, you never know what you're going to find off the beaten path. There are bound to be good and bad, but the chance is one worth taking.

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  56. I can't agree more with you, the feelings are just amazing and out of this world...I love it.

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  57. This was a nicely written post and one in which one can find joy in either scenario. You took lovely pictures and I am sure now have lovely memories to look back upon. I know I am overdue for a trip so this is a kind reminder to book one soon!

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  58. I prefer going off the beaten path because it allows me to discover hidden gems and unique experiences that mainstream routes often overlook. We have had so many memorable adventures and a more authentic insight of local culture by going off the beaten path. I do enjoy some of the more touristy experiences sometimes though!

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  59. Excellent post about whether to travel on the beaten path or not. I've always chosen going off the regular paths.

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  60. I am all for a little bit of each! I am going to Netherlands next week and plan on some classic museums and also some strolls through hidden gems. - The Joyous LIving

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  61. Wow! Such an amazing accomplishment and experience to visit the beautiful places around the world and enjoy some adventures.

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  62. It's true that sometimes we may feel disappointed after reaching a destination, but other times, we find a saving grace that makes it all worth it. Ultimately, what matters most is our attitude when we get there. It's important to keep exploring both on and off the beaten path and cherish the unique experiences that each journey offers.

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  63. now i want to go off the beaten path myself!! and totally love that quote you shared - “Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. And sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.”

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  64. Arriving to a desitnation certainly make feel of the accomplished. Interesting to read and share with us this. Thank you for sharing!

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