Balance

The best travelling experiences are often a mixes of what you anticipated and surprises, of kitschy, touristy things and things you had no idea existed. I have found that it's okay to pop into the really popular, touristy sites, as long as you balance that out with getting off the beaten path, taking side streets, doing some exploring on your own.

If all you do is go where the big crowds are, you will likely spend most of your time waiting in a line and wind up with few memorable experiences. You'll also be robbed of conversations with and experiences with locals. You won't find that coffee shop that no other tourists know about because you will have missed out on the conversation with the local who has lived there all their life . . . or the really, really good pizza place that is right around the corner, right off of the main road that no one else seems to venture down.

All of that being said, you should still indulge yourself on the things you really want to do, no matter how touristy or kitschy they may seem. While in New York City, I really wanted to go up to the top of the Empire State Building. I had read and heard a number of people talk about the incredibly long lines to get to the top. I knew that I might very well be disappointed when I got to the top.

So I wanted until late in the afternoon. I still dealt with some fairly long lines and all the hassle of going through lots of security and lots of people trying to sell you photos and other annoying things. But I got to the top at just the right moment; and I am very glad I followed my instinct and went on up anyway . . .