Shifting Lenses

Athens is definitely one of those iconic European cities that I wish everyone would have the chance to see, even if you don’t need a whole week like you might for Paris or Rome. For many, it is a natural starting point for people kicking off their Mediterranean cruises. The Acropolis, as expected, is bustling with large groups following flag-waving guides.  In general, we are not a cruising family, and we rarely take group tours.

My mother has traditionally been the architect of our travel plans. Yet, this journey marked a significant change, as I shared a part of the research responsibilities with her. It was surprisingly enjoyable and satisfying to uncovering travel “hacks” and hidden gems.  For example, I found a lesser known entrance to the Acropolis that proved incredibly valuable on an intensely hot and crowded day. I also found many lesser-known photo opportunities and local restaurants that made our time there extra fun.  

This trip was a big eye-opener for me. I’ve always appreciated my mom’s planning, but finding our own way, discovering those hidden gems ourselves provides a real thrill. It made me think about how you can classify travelers, not just by where they’re from or what language they speak, but by how they travel. You’ve got the “follow the flag” crowd, happy to just take it all in, and then there are those who prefer to blaze their own trail. And, of course, there are always different levels within those categories.

My time in Athens really helped me figure out where I fit in the whole traveler spectrum. You can definitely count me in the “find my own way” camp.