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The Scenic Route Is Usually Worth It
- Megan Diamond
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
The Rush to Arrive
Modern travel often emphasizes efficiency. We search for the fastest route, the quickest drive, and the most direct way to reach our destination. There’s certainly value in saving time, especially when schedules are tight. But some of the most memorable travel experiences happen when we stop focusing solely on arrival.
More Than Transportation
A road connecting two destinations isn’t just a means of getting from one place to another. It can be part of the adventure itself.
Some of my favorite travel memories have come from the stretches between major attractions. Coastal highways, mountain roads, winding forest routes, and scenic byways often reveal viewpoints and landscapes that are every bit as memorable as the destination waiting at the end.
When we slow down, we notice more.
The Unexpected Rewards
The scenic route often requires a little extra time and patience. Yet those additional miles frequently come with unexpected rewards.
A viewpoint overlooking a valley. A waterfall hidden just off the highway. A small town that wasn’t part of the original plan. A landscape so beautiful it forces you to pull over and simply take it in.
These discoveries rarely happen when we’re focused entirely on reaching the next stop as quickly as possible.
Slowing Down to See More
Travel has a way of reminding us that not everything needs to be rushed. Some experiences are best enjoyed slowly.
When we choose the scenic route, we’re choosing to remain open to possibility. We’re allowing space for curiosity, spontaneity, and discovery. We’re giving ourselves permission to appreciate the journey rather than treating it as an obstacle between destinations.
Why It’s Worth It
The fastest route will usually get you there sooner. The scenic route will often give you something else. A memory. A photograph. A story. A place you never expected to find.
The destination may be the reason we start the journey, but the experiences we remember often happen somewhere along the way.
That’s why, whenever possible, I’ll choose the scenic route. More often than not, it’s worth it.
Author - Megan Diamond
