Managing expectations is a great life skill. It's the key to good relationships, good working environments and happy holidays. It is a tremendous tool for traveling as well.
I think I'm okay at it. At least I am okay at trying to put on a brave face and alter my attitude, even if expectations weren't met. Having two people on the journey sure helps, we can take turns being the encourager when needed or we can decide together to have to call it a day and have dessert for dinner!
I think I'm okay at it. At least I am okay at trying to put on a brave face and alter my attitude, even if expectations weren't met. Having two people on the journey sure helps, we can take turns being the encourager when needed or we can decide together to have to call it a day and have dessert for dinner!
We had fall break in October, ten days free travel. We booked a six day tour of Romania before leaving home and had no real idea what to expect. For me, the overall trip was better than I could have imagined. Our tour guide, George, picked us up from the airport and drove us from site to site teaching us the history of his country George was knowledgable, friendly and easy to listen to. He was patient with David's photo stops and my pit stops! He made us want to learn more about Romania. I somehow expected more from certain things- but overall it was an amazing trip. We went at the perfect time of year as well.
George gave us the opportunity to do things that we would otherwise not have done on our own. We went to dinner cooked by a local who cooked traditional dishes. We had the pleasure of visiting a gypsie or Roma family whose trade was coppersmithing. We met an artist, and a carpet weaver using old Saxon patterns from medieval times.
Although some high expectations can be met, it's better to do your "homework" and hope for the best. Homework for me, is usually reading through a guidebook or looking things up online. The fact is with our Romania trip, I really didn't do any homework and had some high expectations. Some things worked out better that expected and some things fell a little short. That being said, I would wholeheartedly recommend a tour of Romania (and a guide book).