What’s the plan?
I am type A, but a messy type A. I have a plan that makes complete sense to me but everyone else starts off confused but then realizes the method to my madness. It is probably my dyslexic brain at its finest. So at some moments, my thoughts or comments on this blog might make no sense but there will always be a way back somewhere….hopefully…probably…most definitely.
In my opinion, a great adventure starts with a plan. I know that the true adventurers were the cave people who were walking across ice plains looking for food and shelter OR all the people who got on boats to see what was on the other side of the ocean hoping for the next big discovery. Now, we have hop-on hop-off buses, guidebooks, and the internet to make educational decisions on what we are going to do next. I am not saying there is nothing left to be discovered because someone always finds a way to create something new or reveal new piece of history from the past.
Back to the question - What’s the plan?
Step 1: Where are you going?
What are you dreaming of seeing? Maldives? Pyramids? Golden Gate Bridge? Personally, I am planning a trip to Europe for March 2022 to Norway, Finland, and England. I am dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights through these amazing glass igloos in Finland I discovered during my research. The perfect dream can help shape an entire trip.
Step 2: How much are flights or transportation to these places?
Consider every possible option! Like trains, rental cars, planes, scooter, and the best your feet. Walking always allows you to discover new things and speak to locals of the destination. It is okay to go off the original route to discover something random, like on my road trip to the Grand Canyon and Zion, where we discovered Lone Rock Beach. An unbelievable large rock, if you can call it a rock, surrounded by crystal blue water.
Step 3: Where are you staying?
A friend’s house? AirBnB? Hotel? Tent? RV? BE CREATIVE! On a major road trip of Florida, I stayed at an AirBnB that was a yurt. They had alpacas right next door, it reminded me of my time in Peru.
Step 4: What are you going to do?
Activities!!! Look up activities that you need to book in advance to enjoy the destination. When I was in Kauai, Hawaii in August with a group of 13 people, I booked us a private adventure boat tour along the Nā Pali Coast. We were able to see little coves off the island that someone can only see by boat. Adventures like these take planning to secure the opportunity and the space for your group size.
Step 5: When are you going to go?
Now it is time to purchase your tickets, book your lodging, and secure your activities!
I love planning my trips early to make sure I stay within my set budget, and that I can start paying off my trips before I even get to visit the destination. The best part of having everything paid for before you go, is that you can spend more on food and surprise adventures along the way.
The itinerary is my best friend. It a place of comfort and personal guide I have created, within this magical plan I allow time to wonder and always leave space for detours. In the last page of my itinerary, I have an ongoing list of possible places to see in case the plans change. Sometimes, the trip plan changes on you rapidly and you have no choice but to toss the plan out the window.
Last year, I went to see the rocket launch for SpaceX with my boyfriend in Cape Canaveral, Florida for the first astronauts to go on a private space company rocket from the USA. This rocket was the first launch since the end of the shuttle program. The original rocket launch got postponed by 3 days. It was devastating for us. Instead of driving back home to Tennessee, we pivoted and ventured down to the most southern tip of Florida to see the Everglades and visit my aunt and uncle. We were able to explore Florida further and see the SpaceX Rocket Launch (even if it meant taking a few extra vacation days). When one thing didn’t go how it was supposed to go, I decided it was time to trash the plan and just go explore!
The plan is your best friend and it gives you the opportunity to be thorough with your thoughts plus providing honest feedback on what is actually possible. But, like a best friend it can be understanding and forgiving when the plans change. Trust yourself and know that what ever you decide, your trip will be amazing!
