IT'S OKAY TO SEEK HELP

FOR THE PAST 24 YEARS, travel has been a defining aspect of my life.

Throughout these years, I've rarely turned to a travel agent for assistance in planning. I've always believed that travel advisors might steer me toward choices that earn them higher commissions than what's best for me. Early in my travels, this reluctance was also driven by necessity-I was often on a tight budget and learned how to stretch every dollar. Planning a trip became almost as exhilarating as the trip itself. That sense of control over my travel destiny was empowering.

However, there were also times when the lack of support backfired.

A particularly memorable example occurred during a trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Eager to explore the city's rich history and culture, I ventured off on my own to discover the sprawling Merkato market, the historic churches, and the picturesque Entoto hills.