The Myth of 'Off the Beaten Path': You Don’t Have to Rough It to Keep It Real
There’s this travel myth I’ve heard a thousand times, and frankly, it needs to go: “If it’s not gritty, uncomfortable, or at least mildly traumatic, it’s not authentic.” Excuse me? Everyone has their own bucket list of things they want to do and see, and that’s perfect… some aren’t for me, they may not be for you either. So we don’t do them. WE LISTEN AND WE DON’T JUDGE. However, et me say this as clearly as I can: You don’t need to suffer to have a real travel experience.
Just because a location is popular, doesn’t mean it’s played out either. Can we stop acting like the Eiffel Tower is somehow basic? It’s the Eiffel freaking Tower. There’s nothing inauthentic about standing in front of one of the world’s most iconic structures with your jaw on the ground and a macaron in hand. Yes, touristy places are crowded. So is Target on a Sunday, and no one shames you for shopping there. That moment you walk into St. Peter’s Basilica or watch the sun set behind the Taj Mahal? That’s your moment. It’s not any less special just because a million other people had it too.
Look, I’m all for immersive experiences. But some folks seem to think if you’re not sleeping on the floor of a train station or brushing your teeth with bottled rainwater, you’re not “doing it right.” Luxury doesn’t cancel culture. Some of my best travel memories were in China a few years ago. It was unprecedentedly hot, and Beijing was in a time of water conservation. I tried my absolute best to help. It also meant the swimming pool was used a bit more for me too. The key here is, and I’m going to preach… Luxury and authenticity are not mutually exclusive.
I’ve had deeper cultural connection at a private desert camp with crisp sheets and mint tea, after my marriage proposal (see what I did there) @DRGMRB2026, than I did during that one regrettable hostel stay where I shared a room with three backpacking saxophonists named Sven. Ok, that part is made up, but I think you get my point. Give me the rooftop terrace, the air conditioning, the curated day trip that doesn’t end in tears—I promise, I’ll still learn something. Probably more.
Meaningful travel isn’t about the road less traveled—it’s about the road that means something to you. It could be a Michelin-starred dinner in Paris or a quiet moment watching lanterns drift in Thailand. It’s about presence, not pretension. Some of my favorite moments have been right in the heart of the “tourist zone,” but they were meaningful because I was all in—emotionally, mentally, and yes, maybe martini-in-hand. However, so I don’t sound partisan, or bougie. I do always include something that is off the path. A great way to do that, is a private tour of a city, and tell the driver or guide to take us to the places they would like to go. One of the best days in travel would be our private tours of Athens and Santorini. It was more than just our group together, or having the expert with us. It was a huge combination of everything all rolled into one.
You’re Not Less Adventurous Because You Booked an Experience
There’s this idea that you’re somehow “cheating” if you use a travel advisor, hire a private guide, or choose comfort. Spoiler alert: that’s nonsense. What you’re doing is making the most of your time and money. You’re choosing joy. You’re choosing ease. You’re choosing to experience the world in a way that doesn’t leave you needing a tetanus shot. You can have the five-star hotel and the local experience. You don’t have to pick. Let’s be real. If you want to climb a volcano barefoot and sleep in a hammock surrounded by howler monkeys—great. But don’t let anyone make you feel like you're less of a traveler because you prefer turndown service and good Wi-Fi. Travel isn’t a contest. You don’t win points for misery. You win by being present, curious, and open—wherever you are.
💬 “The most authentic trip isn’t the most obscure. It’s the one that feels just right—for you.”
– Billi Mayfield, Travel Designer & Owner of Mayfield & Co. Travel
At Mayfield & Co. Travel, we believe that luxury isn’t just a destination—it’s the entire journey. Whether you dream of sipping cocktails under the Tuscan sun, exploring ancient temples in comfort, or saying yes to a few iconic bucket-list moments, we’re here to make it unapologetically you.
📩 Let’s curate your next unforgettable getaway.
👉 Visit MayfieldCoTravel.com or message us directly to get started.
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