In life, as in travel, willingness to invest a little anticipatory time and effort pays big dividends. It may sound like a lot of work to read, learn, think, wrestle, and plan in advance. Even just a bit. And in some ways it is. But the painful reality, as people wiser than I have observed, is that failure to plan is a plan to fail.

Even a small amount of energy invested in advance profoundly enriches the actual experience once you are on the ground, enabling you to travel (and live!) proactively instead of reactively. Explore and experience a city or region on your own terms, rather than simply have it "happen to you." Discover things others will likely miss. Make the most of your time once you're there. Maybe even have more fun along the way!