On Planning

So, you’ve used a budgeting system to save up for your dream trip. Now, how do you plan it? Where will you go and what will you do?

From what I’ve seen and done myself, there seem to be two approaches to planning an international trip: 1) plan everything down to the last detail or 2) plan absolutely nothing, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, and figure it out each day.

Most travelers will fall somewhere in the middle of these two approaches, and in general solo travelers are much more spontaneous than groups. Each approach has it’s own pros and cons, but in general I have noticed a few rules (guidelines, really) for planning a trip that have created successful vagabonding experiences for both myself and others. 

1) Make a list of things you want to do - then be willing to let go of half of those things.

            If you want to go to Paris to see the Eiffel tower, by all means put that on the list. But if you have one day in Paris and you want to (without a tour guide shuttling you around) see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc De Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Opera de Paris, Montparnasse Tower, Moulin Rouge, eat crepes, take a boat ride down the river, and go to a wine tasting all before noon, be prepared for at least one of those things to not happen. Set realistic goals regarding what you could reasonably do in a day, and take time to look at where each of these things are located and how you can get there. 

2) Know that planning takes time.

            I have and continue to do most of my planning while on the road, since in my trip is fairly long, and in my experience the best opportunities are recommended by other travelers. However, know that you will spend time sitting on the wifi in your hostel looking up bus schedules and flight options when you could be out on the town having adventures.

3) Don’t forget about food, water, and local currency.

            This goes back to a mantra of sorts – any time I’ve been miserable on the road, I have been decidedly lacking in one or more of those things. You can’t fully appreciate the beauty of the place you’re in if your stomach is growling or you forgot to get enough money to catch the bus back to the place you’re sleeping. Look at your plan for the day and make sure those key things are included in it. 

4) Give yourself transit time

            Especially when your plan requires you to catch busses, planes, or trains (or several of each), know that they may not arrive in time, you may not find the right spot on your first try, and in places outside of the US and Europe, the online schedule might not be accurate. Also, when going to a new place, it's often an all-day affair to arrive, go though customs, get your bag, find public transit, find the place you're staying, and check in. Plus you'll need to find food, water, and local currency (see above).

5) Listen to others

            Even if you have the most iron clad itinerary, down to the restaurants you want to eat at, be open to the opinions of other travelers and locals. Through other travelers I have found the best hostels, the best food, and the most interesting things to do. This goes double for the people who actually live in these places.

Ultimately, when planning your trip, remember to relax, have fun, and take it easy. You will never be able to do everything you want to always - that's part of the beauty. It’s not a race to check every box in the guidebook. Your only task is to enjoy yourself and learn about the place you’re in. So when things don’t go as planned, stay zen, vagabonders.