Posted November 5th, 2025

Traveling is often an adventure filled with excitement, discovery, and, sometimes, unexpected surprises. As much as we plan and prepare, things don’t always go as expected. But here’s the silver lining: those moments of misstep can lead to creative solutions and even better experiences than we originally imagined.
Recently, I had one of those moments. I thought I had booked a Holiday Inn Express conveniently located near the Broward County Convention Center for a conference I was attending. It seemed like the perfect choice—close to the venue, easy access, and within my travel budget. However, upon arrival, I discovered that I had mistakenly booked a hotel with a similar name that was actually a few miles away. At first, I was frustrated. This wasn’t the seamless plan I had envisioned, and it meant rethinking how I would use my travel budget and navigate the conference.
The Power of a Pivot
Instead of letting the situation derail my trip, I took a moment to reassess and pivot. I decided to adjust my budget to account for the extra transportation costs and shifted my focus to making the most of the hotel I was staying at. While it wasn’t as close to the convention center as I had hoped, it offered amenities and opportunities I hadn’t initially considered. I explored nearby restaurants, connected with other conference attendees who were staying in the area, and even found a quiet spot at the hotel to catch up on work between sessions.
During this process, I was reminded of a saying I learned from an old friend: “I am a willow, and I will bend.” This simple yet profound phrase has always helped me navigate life’s unexpected twists and turns. It reminds me not to let challenges break me but instead to adapt and bend with the winds of change. This mindset was invaluable as I adjusted my plans and made the most of my trip.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
As travel advisors, we often see our clients face similar situations. Flights get delayed, hotels don’t meet expectations, or plans change unexpectedly. These moments can feel like obstacles, but they also offer unique opportunities to pivot and make the most of the situation. Here are a few tips for turning travel challenges into wins:
1. Take a Breath and Reassess: When things don’t go as planned, take a moment to pause and evaluate your options. What adjustments can you make to turn the situation around?
2. Focus on What You Can Control: While you can’t change the past, you can control how you respond. Shift your mindset to focus on the positives and explore new possibilities.
3. Embrace the Unexpected: Sometimes, the best experiences come from the unplanned. Use the opportunity to explore new areas, try different activities, or connect with people you might not have met otherwise.
4. Learn and Grow: Every travel mishap is a chance to learn. Whether it’s double-checking hotel names or budgeting for unexpected expenses, these lessons can help you plan better for future trips.
Finding Joy in the Unexpected
Much like my experience at the conference, travel mishaps often lead to memorable moments. They push us to think creatively, adapt to new circumstances, and find joy in the unexpected. As travel advisors, we have the privilege of guiding our clients through these moments, ensuring they come away with not just stories to tell but memories they’ll cherish.
So, the next time your travel plans take an unexpected turn, remember: it’s not about perfection; it’s about connection, creativity, and making the most of the journey. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, every twist and turn is an opportunity to discover something extraordinary. And when the winds of change blow, remember to be a willow—bend, don’t break.
Have you ever had a travel mishap that turned into a great memory? I’d love to hear your story! Share it with me, and let’s celebrate the joy in the unexpected together.