Spoiler alert: This trip didn’t just change how I pack my suitcase—it flipped my whole travel mindset upside down. And no, it wasn’t because I finally learned how to roll my clothes instead of folding them. Paris changed the way I travel forever.
Let me set the stage: I was living in Spain at the time, soaking up all the tapas, siestas, and spontaneous weekend trips my heart desired. Up until then, my travel style was best described as chaotic curiosity. I’d see a cool destination, think “Why not?” and book a trip faster than you can say passport stamp. Research? Nah. I’d choose hotels based on aesthetically pleasing pictures (because, priorities) and rely on the concierge to point me toward the must-sees once I arrived. Honestly, it worked well enough—until Paris.
Paris wasn’t even my idea. A few friends I’d made while living abroad suggested a long weekend trip, and I figured, why not? I didn’t ask for the itinerary or question the plan—I just packed my bag and hopped on the plane. What I didn’t know was that my friends had transformed this quick getaway into the Parisian Olympics of sightseeing.
We hit the ground running, literally. From the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame, the Louvre to Montmartre, we crammed more culture and carbs into one weekend than I thought physically possible. I barely had time to process one iconic landmark before we were speed-walking to the next. (Pro tip: If you ever need to burn off a croissant, just try keeping up with a group of determined tourists in Paris.)
We also navigated the city using the metro, which led to one of my more memorable travel mishaps: I lost my ticket after boarding. Little did I know, the police sometimes check tickets once you reach your destination. That was the first time I talked myself out of a ticket—but not the last time I made that mistake while traveling. (Pro tip: Don’t board a city bus in Italy assuming you can buy your ticket once you’re on. Spoiler: You can’t.)
Somewhere between getting lost in the Louvre’s endless halls and snapping photos of gargoyles at Notre-Dame, something clicked. No, it wasn’t my knees giving out from all the walking—it was the realization that I’d been missing out. All those trips where I’d shown up clueless, hoping to stumble upon something interesting? Yeah, they suddenly seemed… underwhelming. Turns out, knowing what you want to see and actually planning your time means you get to experience way more than just the tourist traps you happen to walk past.
And the catacombs? Closed for refurbishment. Classic. (Fun fact: They were closed again when I went back a few years later. At this point, I’m convinced they’re avoiding me.)
Oh, and let’s not forget the food—because you simply can’t go to Paris without consuming your body weight in pastries and cheese. I learned the hard way that strolling through the winding streets of Le Marais after indulging in one too many buttery croissants is a humbling experience. But hey, if a scenic stroll while questioning your life choices isn’t character-building, I don’t know what is. I also discovered that baguettes should be classified as a travel essential—portable, delicious, and surprisingly effective at defending yourself against aggressive pigeons.
By the end of that whirlwind weekend, my feet were sore, my camera roll was overflowing, and my brain was buzzing with memories I wouldn’t trade for anything. But more importantly, I’d learned that a little planning goes a long way. Suddenly, the idea of researching destinations, curating itineraries, and making the most of every moment didn’t sound like overkill—it sounded like the key to unlocking the best parts of travel.
Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about crossing items off a bucket list faster than you can say “croissant.” But it wasn’t just about efficiency—it was about experiencing the soul of a city instead of skimming the surface. It was realizing that planning doesn’t kill spontaneity—it creates more space for it. Like an impromptu picnic by the Seine, complete with baguettes, cheese, and a bottle of wine we may or may not have to open with a shoe (because sometimes, improvisation is the best part of the adventure). Or a spontaneous decision to climb the Eiffel Tower at night, only to discover that Paris is somehow even more magical when it’s glittering with city lights.
From that point on, I became a planning convert. I started researching local foods I had to try, hidden gems worth seeking out, and the best times to visit popular spots without the crowds. Each trip became a little more efficient, a little more immersive—and a lot more fun. Over time, I honed my skills to the point where friends started asking me to help plan their trips. And, well… one thing led to another, and now I’m a travel agent. (Plot twist!)
These days, my itineraries strike a balance between structure and flexibility—because sometimes the best moments happen when you wander off the beaten path. Like stumbling upon a jazz band performing under the twinkling lights of a Parisian street corner, or an accidental detour that led to the best crêpe of my life. (In case you’re wondering, it was ham, cheese, and egg. No regrets.) I also learned that sometimes the most unforgettable moments happen when you least expect them—like attempting to order coffee in broken French and accidentally asking the barista for a suitcase. (That happened many times in my mind but more often than not, I was too afraid to speak French at the time.)
In the end, that weekend in Paris didn’t just change the way I travel—it changed the way I experience the world. Sure, I still overpack snacks like I’m prepping for the apocalypse, but now I also pack a detailed itinerary, complete with backup plans. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best memories happen when preparation meets spontaneity. And sometimes, that means planning enough to know what you want to see—but leaving enough room for the unexpected moments that make a trip unforgettable.
Oh, and Paris? Don’t worry—I’ll be back…again. And next time, those catacombs won’t stand a chance. Unless, of course, they decide to close just for me. In which case, I’ll take it as a sign that I should probably just stick to the cheese and wine.
Ready to elevate your travel game? Before your next adventure, do a little research—find those hidden gems, plan your must-sees, and leave room for spontaneity. Whether it’s climbing iconic landmarks, discovering local eats, or sweet-talking your way out of a metro ticket (hopefully not needed), a little planning goes a long way. And if you need help crafting the perfect itinerary, well…you know where to find me.
What trip changed the way YOU travel? Share your story in the comments!
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