Destination Vs. The Journey
A common question to ask someone who just returned back from a trip is often “What was your favorite part?”. Usually the answer seems anticipated, because your favorite part should be whatever the purpose/destination of the trip was. Yet I find that more often than not, my favorite memories from trips are random moments I experienced, that I had not planned on having when planning the trip. In my frequent “zoning out” moments (usually in class, sorry mom) I tend to think about my answer to the question: Does the destination or the journey matter more?
As someone who's road-tripped across scenic highways, flown on red-eye flights, and navigated airports with a suitcase that’s definitely over the carry-on limit, I think it’s time we settle this once and for all.
Let’s start with the journey. People love to say, "It’s all about the journey!" and I get it. It’s in the journey where you get the stories—like that time you took a wrong turn and ended up at a gas station that looks like it hasn’t seen a customer in 30 years. Or the time you spontaneously stopped at a random roadside diner because stopping for fries is a must when you're on a road trip. The journey is the unpredictable part, the section where things go wrong but somehow still turn out right. Plus, you might even discover a hidden gem along the way, like that town that looks straight out of a Hallmark movie or the world’s largest ball of twine.
But the destination? Gosh, the destination is the gold at the end of the rainbow. It’s the moment you arrive, stretch out, and say, “We’re finally here!” The beach, the mountains, that adorable Airbnb you’ve been stalking on Instagram for weeks—it’s the place where all the planning, GPS recalculations, and questionable gas station snacks finally pay off. Let’s be real, you didn’t drag your suitcase halfway across the world just to say, "Well, the journey was enough." Nope, we’re here for the postcard-worthy view, the sense of accomplishment, and the Instagrammable moments. Because after hours (or days) of travel, you deserve a reward. Bonus points if the destination has Wi-Fi and a solid pizza shop nearby.
Now, don’t get me wrong—there are definitely moments where the journey is the best part. Like when you're road-tripping with friends, and every song that comes on the playlist is a throwback song that amkes your throat sore from singing too loud. Or when you make a detour to see something weird like, I don’t know, your rescue donkey that was adopted in your name as a Christmas present when you were 8 (true story). Those moments become the stories you tell later, and they’re what turn a regular trip into an adventure.
In my experience, the magic is really in the balance. The journey gives you those unplanned, ridiculous, and often hilarious moments, but the destination is the cherry on top. It’s what makes all the pit stops, wrong turns, and cramped car rides worth it. So, the next time you find yourself crammed into a middle seat on a flight between a snorer and someone who insists on taking off their shoes, just remember: both the journey and the destination have their perks.
