Efficiency is generally regarded as a good thing. We can quickly search for travel information online, rather than paging through guidebooks. The ever-improving fuel efficiency of airplanes allows them to fly farther for less money. A map app can tell us the fastest route to reach a destination in real time and help us plan an itinerary almost to the minute, letting us fit in more of what we want to see and do. I appreciate these innovations and advancements, of course, but their benefits can make it easy to forget that sometimes increased efficiency comes with a cost.

In historic hotels, LED bulbs save energy and destroy the ambience. A high-speed train is quick but not necessarily scenic, due to tracks that are often below ground level. Following an app to get somewhere can save time, but you might miss the insider tip from a local whom you ask for directions.

When traveling, purposely inserting a little inefficiency can pay great dividends. Take the longer but more interesting route. Leave an afternoon or two unplanned and see what happens. Have an extra glass of rosé at lunch; that museum can wait.