The Beauty of the Unexpected: Why Empty Space Belongs on Every Itinerary

When we plan our travels, it’s easy to fill every hour with must-see landmarks, guided tours, and restaurant reservations. After all, there’s so much to experience, and time always feels short. But I’ve found that some of my favorite memories don’t come from the checklist—they come from the moments I didn’t plan at all.

In Paris, this truth revealed itself in the quiet halls of the Musée Marmottan Monet. It wasn’t on our original list. We stumbled upon it while exploring the 16th arrondissement, away from the crowds, tucked into a calm residential corner of the city. Inside, we found treasures I never expected: Monet’s own palette, worn with the colors of his gardens and skies, and even a glimpse of him through a portrait painted by Renoir, pipe in hand. The museum wasn’t crowded; it invited us to linger. We stood there, unhurried, soaking in the intimacy of the space. It became one of our most cherished experiences in Paris—because it was unplanned.

That’s the gift of leaving room in your itinerary. Travel becomes less about racing from one famous landmark to another and more about discovering. Whether it’s a neighborhood café, a local market, or a museum you hadn’t even heard of, these unplanned pauses create space for surprise—and often, those surprises hold the heart of the journey.

So as you plan your next trip, give yourself permission to leave a little blank space. Not every hour needs a destination. Sometimes the best stories are written in the margins of your map.

For those moments when you want a guided experience alongside your own discoveries, explore tours and activities in Paris with Viator. It’s a wonderful way to see a different side of the city. (This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Stay Inspired, Stay Connected

Be the first to hear about our latest blogs, fresh guides, and thoughtful travel finds.