Planning my trips? Nah... Travelling the Lazy Way - How To Plan A Trip Without Making Plans

Travelling the lazy way - How To Plan A Trip Without Making Plans

When it comes to travelling, I've found that embracing a more relaxed and spontaneous approach is the key to truly enjoying my adventures. Instead of spending hours meticulously planning every detail of my trips, I prefer to go with the flow and let the magic of exploration unfold naturally. So, if you're tired of the stress and effort that often comes with planning, join me on a journey of lazy travel where surprises and whimsy reign supreme.

How I lazy plan?

My travel planning begins with a simple assessment of my availability and a quick glance at the weather in the countries I'm interested in visiting. I take a leisurely look at the map, allowing my curiosity to guide me towards either revisiting beloved destinations or discovering new ones. It's a carefree decision-making process that is fueled by my desires at the time but also this bucket list I have in my Vision Book and a more extensive one in my mind.

Booking the flights?

When it comes to booking flights, I turn to my trusty companion, skyscanner.net. Rather than meticulously comparing every option or tirelessly searching for the cheapest fares months in advance, I choose a flight that catches my eye with its affordability and unique route, and without much hesitation, I book it. After all, who needs extensive planning when you can let the thrill of the unknown take the lead?

Accommodation choices

Accommodation is another aspect of my lazy travel approach where I opt for a more unconventional experience. While hotels and Airbnb might be the go-to choices for me when I travel with friends and partners, when travelling solo I prefer immersing myself in the local culture by embracing alternative options.

For city breaks, I find myself drawn to the idea of staying with locals through platforms like couchsurfing.com. It not only provides me with a place to stay but also offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain insider insights into the destination. If CouchSurfing isn't working that well for the destination of my choice, I happily settle for hostels or even embrace the wild and go camping. The flexibility of not being tied down to specific accommodation plans adds an exciting element of freedom to my travels.

With minimal time dedicated to planning accommodations, I divert my attention to seeking local knowledge and recommendations. As soon as I arrive at my destination, I make a beeline for the nearest Tourist Information Center. The friendly staff there becomes my personal travel concierge, providing me with a map and invaluable advice. I eagerly inquire about the best cafes, hidden gem pancake places, and high points that offer breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Armed with their suggestions, I'm ready to embark on an authentic and unforgettable journey. And since Tourist Centres are usually in the hearts of the cities, all of this never takes more than half an hour of ''planning work''.

Tapping into the collective wisdom of fellow travelers, agencies, couchsurfers

To enhance my lazy travel experience, I tap into the collective wisdom of fellow travellers. heck in relevant Couchsurfing groups, where I seek advice from seasoned adventurers and locals who have explored the same places I'm about to visit. Additionally, I reach out to friends who have been to my intended destinations, eagerly listening to their stories and taking note of their recommendations. Their firsthand accounts not only ignite my excitement but also provide me with valuable insights that add an extra layer of enjoyment to my lazy travel escapades.

In my quest for inspiration, I stumbled upon a clever hack while browsing through travel agencies. Instead of booking packaged holidays, I take advantage of their resources that outline pre-existing itineraries. I steal ideas that resonate with me, adapting and customizing them to suit my own preferences. It's a creative way to add a touch of serendipity to my journeys, blending the best of both worlds: expert suggestions and my own whimsical inclinations.

Using Travel Apps

In this age of technology, I've also discovered the joys of using travel apps like Atlas Obscura and Visit a City. These digital companions act as my virtual guides, offering a wealth of information and suggesting unique and offbeat attractions that I might have otherwise missed. They provide me with a compass, pointing me in intriguing directions while still leaving room for delightful surprises along the way. These apps have become invaluable tools in my lazy travel arsenal, ensuring that I stumble upon hidden gems and unexpected adventures.

And so, armed with a spirit of adventure and an open mind, I board the plane and leave behind the need for meticulous planning. As I soar through the clouds, I feel a sense of liberation and anticipation. The beauty of my lazy way of travel lies in the freedom to be surprised and explore based on my mood and the weather at hand.

Soaking in and my travel rituals

Upon arrival at my destination, I take a deep breath and immerse myself in the new surroundings. I relish in the joy of being present, with no rigid schedules or packed itineraries to dictate my every move. Instead, I allow my intuition and the charm of the destination to guide me.

One of the rituals I have is that once I arrive at my destination and drop off my luggage at my accommodation, I head to the Tourist Centre. There I grab their suggestions, brochures and maps and head to their top recommended coffee shop where I get a latte and spend an hour or two relaxing, soaking the local vibes while looking through the information and vaguely plan out my next moves.

I wander through the vibrant streets, indulging my senses in the local cuisine, stumbling upon quaint cafes, and engaging in serendipitous encounters with fascinating locals. The beauty of lazy travel is the ability to stop and linger wherever my heart desires, to follow the scent of freshly brewed coffee or the sound of music emanating from a lively street corner. Each turn becomes an adventure, every street a new story waiting to be told.

As I delve deeper into the destination, I find myself drawn to the recommendations and experiences shared by fellow travelers and locals alike. Their insights lead me to breathtaking viewpoints, tucked-away art galleries, and off-the-beaten-path attractions that breathe life into my lazy travels. I relish in the joy of discovering hidden wonders that aren't found in guidebooks or tourist brochures.

Engaging with locals and fellow travellers

In this era of digital convenience, I still seek personal connections and engage with the locals to truly immerse myself in the culture. Whether it's striking up conversations with friendly strangers at a local café or joining community events, I embrace the spontaneity and enriching experiences that arise from these interactions.

I am free to savour the present moment, to follow my passions and whims wherever they may lead. If the weather takes an unexpected turn, I adapt my plans accordingly, seeking indoor attractions or cozy cafés to take refuge in. It's the beauty of lazy travel — the flexibility to adapt and embrace the unexpected, ensuring that my trips remain stress-free and enjoyable.

What I value about travelling without a plan

As I reflect on my lazy travel adventures, I recognise that it is important for me to return home with a sense of rejuvenation rather than exhaustion. I don't pack my trips with a flurry of plans and activities, but rather with the memories of serendipitous encounters, breathtaking views, and the laughter shared with newfound friends. The lazy way of travel has gifted me with a different perspective, one that values the art of exploration and cherishes the simple joys that each destination has to offer.

So, if you find yourself yearning for a break from the rigours of meticulous planning, consider embracing the lazy way of travel. Release the reins of control, follow your intuition, and let the winds of spontaneity carry you to new and exciting places. Remember, it's not about ticking off a checklist or rushing from one attraction to another—it's about embracing the beauty of the journey and the joy of discovering the world in your own leisurely way.