For years the itineraries were dense and the trips were exhausting. Six cities in nine days reads well in a plan and is experienced as a series of stations.

What halving the list changed

Three places instead of six meant a second morning in each, and a second morning is when a place stops performing for you. Prices drop, routines appear, and people begin recognising you.

It also cost less. Fewer transfers, fewer first-night restaurant mistakes, and weekly rates instead of nightly ones.

The only thing lost was the list. It turns out nobody, including me, was ever going to read it back.