TIL that ignoring all marked paths made my journey way cooler

I just picked a direction and went off-route on my last backpacking trip. Saw a waterfall that wasn't in any guide. Maybe it's just me, but I think sticking to signs ruins the discovery part.

3 comments

3 Comments

kevin_bailey1mo agoMost Upvoted

My old GPS obsession died in a Kyoto backstreet.

maxm631mo ago

What about trying that in a city instead of the woods? I once got lost on purpose in Tokyo, just turning down random alleys without a plan. Ended up at this tiny bar run by an old couple, totally off the map, and had the best sake of my life. It's the same idea, where skipping the guidebooks lets you stumble on cool stuff you'd never see otherwise. Now I make a point to wander a bit on every trip, even if it's just after dinner in a new town. Found an amazing taco spot in Austin that way, and it beats any listed restaurant.

piper_wells651mo ago

My sense of direction is so bad I'd get lost finding my own apartment.