Expectations, expectations, expectations.. can make or break a holiday. I usually have great expectations of life in general so naturally when it comes to travel sometimes I get disappointed because of my unrealistic or unsubstantiated expectations. However, sometimes a place exceeds all of my expectations and I have an amazing time on my trip. In the past few years a couple of places have turned out to be pleasant surprises and only one fell short of my expectations.
I had high hopes of a chocoholic heaven (Brussels) but in the end I had mixed feelings about the capital of the EU. It’s not you Brussels, it’s me. I’m sure some people will like you more than I did.
On the other hand our day trip to Bruges was perfect in every sense and I fell in love with it. How could I not to? Picture perfect little squares and charming houses, canals and a fun boat ride, waffles and beer, there’s something for everyone in this fairy-tale town.
The most recent surprise came in the shape of a vibrant Berlin. To say that I didn’t have any expectations of the German capital would be the understatement of a century. We went to Berlin for our first trip without the baby because we got free accommodation and because the flight was ridiculously cheap. We discovered a city full of culture and history and we’re eager to go back to explore it more.
Since the birth of our son two years ago we took several trips as a family. Our first day trip abroad was to beautiful Udine in Italy. It’s such a charming town and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Our road trip to San Marino was a great trip too. The entire trip was ridden with all sorts of expectations. Expectations from myself and our little family to my expectations of the tiny Republic of San Marino. I didn’t expect to be so tired during the entire trip. But when you travel with a baby that still doesn’t sleep through the night it’s silly not to expect to be exhausted. On the other hand, my boy seemed to have enjoyed the whole trip and was generally quite undemanding. Gorgeous, medieval town of San Marino was a true discovery. I recommend that you spend there at least a weekend not just take a day trip from Rimini. However I can’t explain why I still haven’t blogged about our sightseeing in San Marino. Hopefully, I’ll do it eventually.
Our family has grown recently and now we have a baby girl too. So, future family trips will be trips with a toddler and a baby. Talking about expectations……
This post is part of October 2019 travel linkup hosted by Binny’s Food and Travel Diaries, Silverspoon London, and Adventures of a London Kiwi, and Follow Your Sunshine with the theme of expectations. When/where have they been exceeded or when/where were you disappointed?
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the Red Phone Box travels 
I feel the same way as you about Berlin. Such a delightful surprise and I am keen to re-visit.
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I loved Brussels but wasn’t a fan of Berlin. I don’t feel that I made the most of my visit and I wish I’d gone to Bruges when I lived in the UK – it was so much nearer! Now we’ve got a puppy I think our travel expectations may be changing too. Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl – hope your family adores being four!
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Thanks. We’re getting used to it🙂
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I totally, totally agree with you about Brussels, it just was a bit meh (for want of a better word!)
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Like you I ‘m likely to create a lot of expectations on my trips. .I think that when we create too much expectations we end up disappointing ourselves more than if we didn’t expect anything at all. I used to plan a lot, but wih kids most of the time you can’t stick to the plan… About travelling wiht babies and toddlers, just live the moment. There will be a lot that you won’t be able to do for a while because of the little ones, but on the other hand you will experience so much you didn’t expect in a good way. ; )
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Thanks, hope so
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I agree it is very personal and very normal to like something that someone else may not. I can’t imagine how it could be travelling with little people, but I can see myself being very nervous at that thought! Lovely read 🙂
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Thanks
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I just cant help having expectations of somewhere. After all, its often why we are attracted to a place isnt it, the expectation from what we have seen online etc. You have me curious about Berlin now! In our travels this year, Jersey has been our biggest surprise. It was not how we imagined it at all! #travellinkup
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Yes, I get that. Jersey? I’ll have to read your post to find out out more
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I can’t wait to read about your further family trips!!
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Thanks
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For this very reason… i go on a trip without any expectation and without doing research… I prefer to explore th eplace while there… and if something gets left out, that becomes the reason to go back
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That’s one way of travelling too but I prefer to do some research at least 🙂thanks for the comment
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Yeah.. its a personal choice. Everyone has different preferences and comfort zones
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Congratulations!
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Thanks
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