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

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 necessary

I 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 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 disappointment

The 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.

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