Stolen advice about doing whatever you feel like and not feeling bad about it - London - TravBuddy

I totally stole this from "puddles_mcgee" on the Lonely Planet website,
AND it has nothing to do with London specifically, but I wanted to
share it, because it made me feel less stressed out about traveling. It
was called, "Travel Pleasures to Stop Feeling Guilty About":










Missing the Star Attraction 

You
went to Paris and skipped the Louvre. Never saw the Eiffel tower. Who
cares? Visiting a new country isn't about ticking off items on a to-do
list. Do what you want to- it's your vacation, and if you want to sit
in a grocery store and stare at the amazing collection of French
yogurts, who's to say that's not a better use of your time?
























Visiting a Country for A Stupid Purpose 

You
went to Transylvania to wander around a graveyard at night and scare
yourself into believing you saw a vampire. You went to Belgium for
waffles. Don't be afraid to make big plans for a stupid purpose.
Travelling isn't about taking yourself seriously. It's about doing
something new, even if that new thing is pretty stupid.
























Traveling Across the World to Eat at McDonalds

If
you want that Number One Combo- do it. You're continents away from
anyone you know. Skip the local cuisine and eat like you're at home, if
that's what makes you happy. This is your vacation, not a final exam.
You're not losing any points by eating that Big Mac.





















Not Being the World-Traveled Backpacker

You
know who I'm talking about. You check into a hostel, and in the
reception, there is the Traveller. He's on year 3 of his
around-the-world voyage, and no matter where you've been, he's *lived*
there. And had seventeen times the cultural experiences you had. We
can't all be amazing world-traveling free spirits. Plus, y'know, he
needs a bath.


























To Have a Cultural Moment Watching T.V. 

Outside,
the busy streets of Shanghai await. And you're rivited, watching
someone eat a live fish on your T.V. screen. You're experiencing
culture. You'll remember this more than that historical site, anyway.



















Running Straight Into the Tourist Trap

You
marched proudly into a Ripleys Believe it Or Not. You bought some
"handcrafted" items from an air-conditioned store. You saw the smiling
people on the brochure, knew it was the world's worst rip-off, and went
anyway. Go ahead and act like a tourist- you are one.






















Not Blending In 

You're
wearing a pair of ergonomic sneakers. You've got a bag stuffed with
travel guides and maps. You're wearing a pair of non-skin-tight jeans
in Europe. Have fun- sometimes you just have to be *that* idiot. Go
with it.