You will not be allowed to compare more than 4 products at a time
View compare-
Modern luxury at its boldest. Dubai’s skyline never fails to impress. High rises, high style, and high adventure.
Ever returned from a vacation only to feel more exhausted than when you left? You’re not alone. We've all fallen victim to the 'must-see-it-all' mentality, cramming every attraction into a single trip. It’s easy to do, especially when you’ve spent months planning and anticipating a destination. But often, it leaves us feeling like we need another vacation to recover from the one we just had.
Now, don’t get me wrong, sometimes, a trip requires tackling a lot of objectives, especially if it’s a place you might never visit again. However, most of the time, we can either plan another trip, or at least scale back on the “must-do” lists we create for ourselves. Do we really have to see every shrine, temple, castle, museum, cathedral, or monument? Of course not. But believe me, I understand the urge to check off every box. I’m also the guy who tries to carry every single grocery bag from the car in a single trip, so I get the need to conquer it all at once.
But here’s the thing: flexibility and a slower pace have their own rewards.
On our recent trip to Japan, we packed a lot into just 10 days. But we also consciously carved out a day in the middle of the trip to slow down and recharge. We used one of our Marriott Suite Upgrades to get a spacious suite in Nara.
-
A quiet moment of awe inside Todai-ji Temple. The scale and serenity of Japan’s sacred spaces are unforgettable.
-
This Nara local was caught trying to shop for snacks. Japan’s famous free-roaming deer are just as curious as the tourists.
We limited our “to-do” list in Nara, focusing on quality over quantity. After visiting the incredibly impressive Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) and hanging out with the world-famous deer, we intentionally took it easy for the rest of the day. We relaxed in our JW Marriott suite, enjoying the luxury of doing absolutely nothing. It was a simple decision, but one of the best. Not rushing through every itinerary stop but instead allowing ourselves to breathe in the atmosphere felt transformative. It reminded us that it’s not always about checking off the bucket list, but savoring the moments that make each destination unique.
-
Old-world charm on wheels. Prague’s classic car tours are a stylish way to roll through history.
-
The past is painted in pastel. Prague’s Old Town Square blends history, architecture, and timeless European energy.
Some of our favorite memories are just wandering the streets of a city and seeing where the day takes us. When we arrived in Prague, we didn’t have any tours booked or reservations lined up. We just dropped our bags at the hotel and set out to explore. With no agenda, we found ourselves wandering the cobblestone streets, enjoying the spontaneity of travel. It was one of those unplanned, impromptu adventures that ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
So, how do we pick and choose how much to do when planning a trip? Every journey is different, but we always make time for the simple pleasures—wandering the city streets, taking an extra-long dinner in a café, eating a local treat in a park or plaza, and visiting local markets to experience daily life. Some of our best memories have been those un-rushed moments where we simply soak it all in.
-
Sun, gelato, and the heart of Venice. Yes, this is exactly how we imagined it.
-
Golden hour along the Tiber - moments like this are why we love Italy.
Take Florence, Italy, for example. Definitely book a ticket to see the David at the Accademia Gallery, and if you love art, the Uffizi is a must-visit. But after that, leave the checklist behind. Wander along the Arno River, cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio, and take in the eclectic shops lining the bridge.
No trip to Florence is complete without gelato. Stop by one of the many gelaterias, and savor the best gelato in the world (Florence really does it best).
Then, take time for a leisurely dinner in one of the street-side restaurants in the Piazza del Duomo. Enjoy a medium-rare Tuscan Ribeye steak, people-watch as tourists and locals gather to admire the Duomo, and just let the world pass by. It’s these kinds of experiences, not the rushed itineraries, that stay with us the longest.
At the end of the day, travel isn’t just about the places you see but the moments you experience. Slowing down, stepping off the beaten path, and allowing yourself the freedom to wander, not according to a clock but to your own pace, has reshaped how we see the world. And I can’t help but think that we’re richer for it.