The 'Should-Do' Travel List: Why We Threw Ours Out (and You Should Too!)

You know the list. Every travel guide, every Instagram feed, every well-meaning relative has one. "Oh, you must see the Louvre!" "You simply can't go to Rome without tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain at midnight!" "Your kids have to experience Disney!"

And while these are all wonderful experiences for some people, have you ever felt that nagging pressure to check off every single box, even if it doesn't really excite you (or your kids)? Have you found yourself dragging a whiny toddler to a museum that only you care about, or fighting crowds just to get a selfie at a landmark you're not even that thrilled about?

We've been there. And guess what? We finally tore up that "should-do" list. And it was liberating.

The Problem with 'Should-Dos' for Families (and Wallets!)

The "should-do" list often leads to a few problems, especially for families:

Crowd Overload: The most famous "should-dos" are often the most crowded, leading to less enjoyment and more stress.

Budget Bloat: Famous attractions often come with hefty entrance fees, expensive gift shops, and overpriced food. Multiply that by a family of four, and your budget takes a serious hit.

Kid Fatigue: While some landmarks can be awe-inspiring, many "should-dos" are not designed with little explorers in mind, leading to meltdowns, boredom, and parents wondering why they even bothered.

Lost Authenticity: When you're constantly rushing from one checklist item to the next, you miss out on the real magic – the unexpected local cafe, the spontaneous playground discovery, or the quiet moments that truly make a trip memorable.

Not Your Vibe: Most importantly, what someone else thinks you should do might not align with what your family actually wants to do.

How Waymaker Helps You Shred Your 'Should-Do' List

At Waymaker Journeys, we champion the "want-to-do" list. We believe your family's travel experience should be exactly what you want it to be, not what a guidebook or social media dictates.

We work with semi-adventurous, budget-conscious families like yours to:

• Uncover Your True Desires: What really excites your family? Is it nature? Food? Unique cultural experiences? Hands-on activities for the kids?

• Find Hidden Gems: We'll help you discover amazing, authentic experiences that might not be on the mainstream radar, often saving you money and avoiding crowds.

• Prioritize Fun & Connection: We'll help you craft an itinerary that allows for spontaneity, downtime, and genuine family connection, rather than a frantic race to see everything.

• Stretch Your Budget Creatively: By focusing on experiences that align with your family's actual interests, we can find fantastic, affordable alternatives to overpriced "must-sees."

It's time to reclaim your family's adventures from the tyranny of the 'should-do' list! Embrace the freedom of personalized travel where every moment is chosen because it brings joy, not because someone else said you had to.

Ready to ditch the pressure and design a family adventure that's truly yours (and wallet-friendly)? Let's banish the 'should-dos' and build your dream 'want-to-do' trip! Contact Waymaker Journeys today for a free chat about your family's next unforgettable adventure.