I made detailed plans for my 4-day solo trip to Spain, but some of the best moments happened when they fell apart

I planned a solo trip to Valencia, Spain, but had some of the most fun when things went wrong.Vanessa K. De LucaI planned everything for my four-day solo trip to Spain, but some things went awry.Instead of taking a sunset boat ride, I found myself spinning vinyl at a vintage record store.I could've eaten paella beachside, but I ventured an hour away to find something more authentic.It's no secret that I'm a planner. In fact, I'm usually "that person" who researches things well in advance of any trip I take. This spring, I decided to take my planning a step further for a four-day solo vacation to Valencia, Spain.I purchased a travel journal to help me remember everything I did before and during the trip, as well as recap what I learned and felt afterwards. I also followed prompts that helped me make decisions about where to stay, what to pack, how to create an itemized budget, and a possible itinerary.I booked a Vrbo and planned everything from a sunset boat ride through Albufera Natural Park to Michelin-starred restaurant reservations and a lesson on making espadrilles. I thought I'd covered all my bases.I even did some sleuthing on social media for extra ideas on things to do in the city. These were supposed to be my backup plans, and I didn't think I'd actually need them.Little did I know, some redirection would be necessaryThe vinyl record shop had the relaxed vibe I needed after missing out on the nature trip.Vanessa K. De LucaI had scheduled the sunset boat ride at Albufera Natural Park for the same evening I arrived in Valencia, and was so excited to see some natural wildlife.Unfortunately, I got on the wrong bus, and after unsuccessful attempts to remedy the situation, I missed the tour — not quite the exciting kickoff I'd planned for.Still, with the night ahead of me, I wasn't in the mood to go back to my Vrbo, so I pivoted. I remembered I'd read about a cool vintage record store in the Benimaclet district called Kultural Grooves and jumped on the next city bus.The vinyl finds were amazing — I was even allowed to DJ and play my records before I purchased them (a little Tom Tom Club, anyone?)Plus, the owner and his girlfriend recommended a restaurant just up the street where I could grab dinner. It wasn't the first night I expected, but I left with four albums to add to my ever-evolving collection and ate a great Angus burger.My experience with the record shop wasn't the only time I made a last-minute change of plans while in Valencia.The city is the birthplace of paella — one of my favorite dishes to share with friends — and traditionally includes ingredients like roasted chicken, rabbit, rice, snails, and flat beans, and I was determined to experience the real deal.I enjoyed the paella Valenciana at Restaurante Mesón Canela.Vanessa K. De LucaI originally planned to go to a beachside restaurant near my Vrbo, but my host warned me that many of the locations nearby were catered to tourists and not very good, in his opinion.So, I ditched my plan, researched alternative options, and took public transit to a restaurant an hour away in search of an authentic experience.When I finally arrived at the restaurant and placed my order, my friendly server asked me several times if I knew what I was getting myself into, as I was obviously dining alone and the dish was meant for two people.However, everything turned out fine and the food was well worth the wait — delicious, comforting, and made by experienced hands.Visiting Valencia taught me that a change in plans doesn't have to end in disappointmentNot all of my plans were a fail. I still got to enjoy making my own espadrilles.Vanessa K. De LucaThe rest of my trip went pretty much as I had hoped.I visited the Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero, watched Latin Grammy-nominated artist Valeria Castro perform at Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, dined at chic restaurants like Fraula, made my own espadrilles, and more.Still, I learned it's possible to have an epic travel fail and still find a way to have fun. The secret to all of it is just being open — something I hope to explore even more as I "plan" my next journey.Read the original article on Business Insider

Comments

Business News

Mark Walter and Lakers say sale of the team is expected to close later this year

ABC News

I tried on shapewear from Skims and Spanx. I had no trouble picking my favorite — and it was half the price of its competitor.

about 2 hours ago

I shopped at Walmart and Target to compare their Pride Month collections. They weren't easy to find.

insider

Comments

Business News

Mark Walter and Lakers say sale of the team is expected to close later this year

Fed's Powell repeats warning about tariffs as some GOP senators accuse him of bias

Kroger plans to close 60 US stores in 18 months to improve profits

This is the investment of the millennium – it sends out a terrifying warning to the world

Glasgow institution The Ubiquitous Chip to close for 'some TLC'

Tax changes 'fundamentally shift the landscape', leading Scots law firm warns

Babcock shines but FTSE 100 gives up early gains

NYC business leaders hope Cuomo drops out of mayoral race completely: sources

Shell in talks to buy rival BP in potential blockbuster oil deal: report

Ford orders white-collar workers back to office four days a week: ‘More dynamic company’

FedEx shares fall as dismal forecast fans concerns over Trump tariffs

Shell denies report of BP takeover talks

GMB's Ranvir Singh looks like a vision in 'elongating' Hobbs jumpsuit with 25% off

Babcock shines but FTSE 100 gives up early gains

The finance-world memes about Mamdani's expected NYC primary win

The billionaires who bet big on the NYC mayoral primary &mdash; and lost

I tried on shapewear from Skims and Spanx. I had no trouble picking my favorite &mdash; and it was half the price of its competitor.

I shopped at Walmart and Target to compare their Pride Month collections. They weren't easy to find.

Republicans race to July 4 deadline to pass 'big, beautiful bill' with votes in question

Employers feel dumped by Gen Z applicants 'ghosting' job offers

Government to support banks and large firms in setting out their climate plans

Tesla’s Europe sales plunge for 5th straight month over lingering Musk brand damage

New home sales plummet more than expected as high mortgage rates sink demand

Can you really afford car finance? A money editor’s guide

How to get cheap cinema tickets

Michelle Keegan joins Padel trend with powerful racket that is 'ideal for female players'

Amazon Prime Day: Apple AirTag drops in price - I've never lost my luggage with it

Estée Lauder's 'iconic' perfume that smells of fresh sheets gets a £20 saving

‘This flattering blush stick instantly makes me look like I’ve had a good night’s sleep’

Vertu Motors new car sales growth offsets drop in second hand demand

Government to support banks and large firms in setting out their climate plans

No more McDoughnuts: McDonald's and Krispy Kreme end partnership

Holiday hacks you never knew about from exchange rates to airport lounge access

Welfare, telecoms and non-dom tax

Former EE chief Allera joins team at CVC sports empire

Protect your plants from insects this summer with this fine mesh netting that’s now on sale

Molly-Mae follows in Michelle Keegan's footsteps with 'Ferrari-like' pram she calls 'the best'

Primark shoppers 'obsessed' with 'stunning' £28 beaded co-ord

Boden's £98 'favourite dress of the year' reduced further down to £44

'I tried Boots No7's under £15 range - it's the most fun I’ve had doing my skincare in years'

NatWest gives some customers £125 - and you could get extra £50

Millions told to act 'in next 5 days' or risk being overcharged on energy bills

ASOS shoppers rave over ‘best' body spray that brings in 'many compliments'

Car insurance warning as rising payouts mean insurers are only just breaking even

The classic Mini turned into a £75,000 hot hatch - and the first model built has been sold to... a model

Conservatives fear welfare reforms will not head off ‘tax rises’ this autumn

Cargo ship carrying new vehicles to Mexico sinks in the North Pacific weeks after catching fire

NBA owners unanimously approve $1.5B sale of Wolves, WNBA's Lynx from Taylor to Lore-Rodriguez group

Hackathon teams race to solve defense tech challenges as Europe boosts military capabilities

Musk's 'robotaxis' draw regulatory scrutiny after video shows one driving in an opposing lane

Edmunds: Five three-row EVs that are great for big families

New parents could receive £500 from the DWP

Rachel Reeves under pressure to put £10,000 cap on cash ISAs in savings shake-up

Rachel Reeves told to cut Cash ISA limit to £10,000 as changes still on table

450,000 state pensioners will never see a triple lock hike again - don’t be one of them

New car sales rebound from worst market in 25 years

'Wonderfully remote': Former schoolhouse in Highlands UNESCO site hits the market

Scottish company reveals 'significant costs' from bid to oust board and take control

Tesla sales plummet despite surge in drivers buying electric cars

Conservatives fear welfare reforms will not head off ‘tax rises’ this autumn

The billionaires who bet big on the NYC mayoral primary — and lost

I tried on shapewear from Skims and Spanx. I had no trouble picking my favorite — and it was half the price of its competitor.