The author said that she regrets chasing an image rather than an experience during a family trip to Niagara Falls.
Courtesy of Theresa Pickett.
My Niagara Falls itinerary was complete: a drive from Maryland to Buffalo, then across the border into Canada, where a stay at one of the most epic-looking hotels awaited. At least, that's what I had planned.I've spent about five years in the travel space, helping destinations tell stories. I've toured hotels, photographed attractions, and spent years thinking about what makes someone stop scrolling and book a trip.Surprisingly, none of my expertise stopped me from falling for a photograph.As usual, I did a lot of research onlineIn the weeks leading up to my trip with my daughters, ages 11 and 14, I found myself doing what millions of travelers do before a vacation: scrolling Instagram. When you're traveling with teens, getting the perfect photo can sometimes feel like its own vacation milestone. I searched the location tag for Niagara Falls and studied photo after photo, trying to pinpoint the exact spot where the most impressive ones had been taken. I wanted the shot that would instantly tell everyone I was here.Again and again, I saw images of hotel rooms overlooking the falls with beds positioned as if they were almost floating above the water. Travelers were sipping their coffee while staring directly at one of North America's most iconic natural wonders. The photos made it seem as though the water was almost directly against the window, an illusion created with a falls view room.Seeing this view became one of the main reasons I booked the trip.Reality didn't meet my expectationsMy room at Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls wasn't cheap. Each night was around $400, and I'd convinced myself it was worth every penny for the Instagram-famous perspective I'd been dreaming of seeing.
