Don’t forget to look up.

As my partner and I wove through the streets of Venice last summer, our GPS stopped working.

How will we make it to the piazza? Will we get lost in this maze of dead ends?

We had to rely on our general sense of direction, my Italian language skills (minimal after years without practice), and scattered street signs.

I’m a planner through and through. Developing itineraries and packing lists is part of my DNA (just ask my dad). So, when things don’t go according to plan, I definitely feel a sense of anxiety and unease.

And yet, some of my fondest memories have resulted from being lost. An unexpected layover resulting in a day of adventure in Amsterdam. A canceled trip, leading to a peaceful weekend at home. Forced spontaneity and exercised flexibility.

Getting out of my comfort zone when traveling has helped me realize that I don’t always have to have a plan. And sometimes, life is even better that way.

Our temporary pause on technology that day in Italy also helped us appreciate the neighborhood around us. Rather than looking down at our phones, we were forced to fully take in the sights and smells of this beautiful place. We were fully immersed.

Next time you’re traveling, or even in a familiar place, don’t forget to look up. You never know what you could be missing.