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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.

We slept well, despite me waking up at one point feeling super hot and drenched in sweat as Julien sleeps like a freaking human heater 😂 We were warm and even overslept because I didn't charge my phone before bed - I simply felt slightly paranoid about draining the car battery. Making plans and visiting the open air-museum Maihaugenn But by 10am, we've had breakfast in the van and were out to the Tourist Information Centre at Lillehammer and then off to the open-air museum Maihaugenn which features old Norwegian houses from the 16-17-1800s and then some representations of houses from the 1920, 40s, 70s, 80s, 90s. I found it super fascinating. The weirdest thing - some of the houses even smelled like their decade… and that I can't even explain.. Especially how would I know what the 40s, or the 70s smelled like, hey?! 😂 The old houses' rooftops were all green and I think this is such an amazing old and smart technique to keep the houses insulated even. Another interesting thing I learned was that in Norway, since the houses are made of wood, they are easily ''taken down'', transported and then rebuilt somewhere else entirely. One of the houses belonged to the princess...or queen of Norway when she was a child and you could walk around and experience it as it was when she lived in it. Her house was also moved from its original location. I was also shocked to see little houses, that were built as playhouses for the girls that lived in the home. They were basically given a child-suited size house to play in, take care of, cook in and clean. Damn! Talk to me about training female children to see labour as play and keeping a house as a thing they must strive for! Anyways! We had sandwiches for lunch it was and then an exploration of Lillehammer itself. After walking up and down the main street, we headed out North to see some sculptures along the way and find a place to shower, refill our water tank, eat dinner and then continue further North - potentially towards the famous Troll Wall Rock formation. Things I've learnt today about Norway and Norwegian folks… As we were exploring Lillehammer we walked into a clothes shop, there were traditional clothes and I got curious if it's custom to wear such on occasions or even on the daily (as I've seen folks in Bavaria do). The lady said that it's custom to hand down traditional clothes from parents to children and that these are worn at confirmations, celebrations, christenings etc. She spoke about the people being more often tied to the protestant church or the state church out of traditionalism and being part of a community. Another interesting stuff I learned from a lady in a bookshop as we discussed books and culture. Apparently, back in the 60s and 70s many Norwegians adopted babies from Korea and China. We talked about the shame they've had to eradicate around adoption and the issue of race. She said they have Northern people called Same that live in tribes and that the Scandinavian countries have treated them badly in the past. All super fascinating cultural things that make you realise how little we know if we don't read or watch documentaries or talk to people when we travel. It was a great day!

It was only when I was going to bed last night at 9pm that I realised how little I've eaten the whole day. The heat just doesn't help my appetite… I woke up at 2.55am thinking "It's probably 6am by now, feels like I've been trying to sleep for ages". Trying because I just couldn't really fall into deep REM sleep for yet another night. I managed to doze off again until 6.30am when my alarm went off and the wind was bashing on the tent. The day started with over 7km walk with the still painful blister and no coffee, food or good views. I also finally finished "Ain't I a woman" 📚 after a couple of months of struggling to get through it. It's a good book, especially informative about black folk history in the USA and much richer than what a person may think when they first pick it up. It's a history of the division, discrimination, oppression and discourse/narratives not only between whites and blacks but between the sexes too. Enlightening. Reflecting on boundaries and making slow progress. Another 14km walked today. If it wasn't for the blister, I'm confident my legs can take me much further… Alas, I got to respect my body's patience. Camping at a less romantic place tonight. I have been thinking more about my boundaries in the past few days… I have to put more work in reinforcing and maintaining them, because in my wish to be of help to everyone who needs it, I often neglect my own needs. Typical conditioning of a woman, coupled with being a psychologist and being used by everyone as their on call free therapist, relationships and sex educator takes a toll on me. I need to fix this issue. There's a Bulgarian saying that goes along the lines of "The one who eats the pastry is not crazy, the crazy one is the person who gives it away" It means that people who take advantage are the cunning foxes and those who are taken advantage of are to blame themselves.

Today after 8 or 9h of sleep I still felt tired, but definitely better than yesterday.

Machico, Madeira is beautiful over Xmas It's not all doom and gloom. After my miserable dinner, I went around Machico and I found it to be a very beautiful little city. I didn't take that many pictures in the evening, but I'll get there again the night before my flight to France, so I'll have another opportunity to do so. It was really peaceful, the Xmas 🎄spirit was around despite the 20 degrees. I will make more pictures tomorrow during the day before I leave for my next destination.

My flu symptoms were going away in a surprisingly good pace. Alas, my trip to Madeira started at 2.25am when the taxi rolled to take me to the bus station, after which 2.5h ride to Gatwick began.

I've been waiting for this whole experience for months now and as luck has it the flu decided to knock on my door the weekend before my flight. Getting ill before this trip was definitely not according to plan.

That's it, our final full day on the road with the van exploring Norway. I woke up feeling super hot again and I didn't want to roll in bed, I needed fresh air, so I took my picnic blanket and sat outside facing the water. I listened to an episode of my favourite podcast Risk as I enjoyed the stillness of the view. When we finally left our spot, we found the most insane-looking toilets ever - the second pic of the tree trunks. 🤯 We decided to stop for breakfast at a small town and then after getting some expert advice, we headed to an amazing place with multiple view platforms to see waterfalls from above - wow, stunning - again! On our way back to Oslo, we stopped at a museum too, where I made 🦌friends 🤣. The roads took us through every imaginable landscape except a desert. Norway is unbelievable! It might be our last day here, but I will have to come back to Norway again. Yet I'd much rather do a slow trip next time. It was a good day, finishing it up with some good old Bulgarian songs before bed. Oi! Vetroveeee! Early start tomorrow. Places visited: Morning Breakfast in Eidfjord, Norway Eidfjord, situated in Vestland county, Norway, is a municipality found within the historic region of Hardanger. The village of Eidfjord serves as the administrative hub and is home to the majority of the municipal population. Morning views and Insane toilets at Ålvik, Norway Ålvik is a village in the municipality of Kvam in Vestland county, Norway. Waterfall views chasing in Vøringfossen Vøringfossen - is situated along the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda, south of Bergen and next to the beautiful Hardangerfjord. Vøringfossen is one of the most visited waterfalls in Norway. The falls are 183 metres (600 ft) high and can be found near Eidfjord off Highway 7. Learning about nature at the Norsk Natursenter – Hardanger / Norwegian Nature Centre – Hardanger The Centre is an exciting experience centre for Norwegian nature, climate and environment, and an authorised visitor's centre for Hardangervidda National Park.

Waking up to another beautiful lake view and driving about 40mins to Bergen this morning. It was interesting to see that this town of about 200k people population draws over 2.7 million tourists every year - yet, they've not made any effort in ensuring tourists actually understand how things work (i.e. parking) or what museum posters say - coz it's all in Norwegian. We had about 5h to explore (due to car parking restrictions) and to be honest, we were done exploring Bergen within that time frame. Julien and I like to go to museums, but this time we weren't that interested, so instead we walked around, saw the city on foot, and ate Shakshuka at a nice cafe. I am surprised by how many pizza places there are here. Not much diversity food-wise, nowhere near how it is in Oxford for instance. After Bergen, we drove to see an old church and learned a ton that I'd share in another post. Around 7pm we stopped at a place near the water and I tried to have a dip in the lake 💦 which was around 10°C. I can't say I had an easy time with it, which reminded me how during this trip taking quick showers has meant I don't take cold showers at the end, and how I need to up my game. Anyhow, it was another nice day and bedtime is at another cool spot!

Curious Things I'm Learning About Norway Naturally, when you go places you'll be learning interesting things about the country, and Norway is full of fascinating and surprising cultural, natural, infrastructural and even culinary curiosities. Love for American Cars in Norway As we drive through the country we see loads of electric cars, loads of Teslas indeed. It's not a big surprise considering how Norway produces electricity and even exports it. But one more surprising and interesting thing I kept noticing too is that there are loads of American cars on the roads too. Apparently, there is some tax relief on the import of American cars and there's a massive hobbyist movement in the country. As we drove through the country we even stumbled upon an American cars show and festival. Surrounded by Water Another thing we cannot fail to notice is that over 99% of the time, we are driving alongside a river or a lake, there is so much water everywhere you look. You're constantly going over bridges. Animal Crossings I admire the many animal crossings they've built over motorways to safeguard the deer, moose and other wild animals that may end up as road kill otherwise. Weird Bus Stops The bus stops are weird as fuck. You just see tiny signs on the side of the road, but no timetables, no boards, not even bus numbers, in many places there's not even a pocket to the side of the way to stand there as you wait… Picture of the bus stops attached. Public Toilets Also, many of the toilets in public places are paid - £1. However, they are super clean and nice - always stocked up with toilet paper and soap. The pic of a bathroom is from a petrol station 🤯 Can beauty be exhausting? Waking up at pretty places is not tiring at all. But moving through so much beauty in such tiny time frames can feel overwhelming. Back in 2020 when walking the Camino I felt I needed a break from the constantly changing landscape - and I feel the same now. Stillness - I'm still learning and need to remind myself of the necessity to create time for it. Philosophy of life well lived aside, we have been on a ferry a couple of times today, and we keep going through looong tunnels - 6km and longer. Norwegians love their tunnels. Apparently, the longest tunnel in the world is here - 24km long. It's between Bergen and Oslo. Not sure if we'll go through it, but it's treated as an attraction. Strange Pizzas When we stopped at Balestrand briefly we saw this little church and couldn't resist buying some weird pizza bun. To be honest, it doesn't beat real pizza at all but it was still interesting to try. P.S. We took the road through the mountains through Voss as it was recommended and it was again…stunning! In the evening we got closer to Bergen and we'll explore it tomorrow. 🤗

Waking up early is not easy… As it turns out, this year my birthday wasn't the motivator that'd kick me out of bed early. It's been raining for a fair amount of the day… "Summer" here is evidently a loose term. Juli made us a delicious breakfast after which we hit the road going to chase more wonderful views. The landscape changes are astounding! We drove through parts that felt like winter, everything frozen, snow and ice for miles and miles. Then the scenery changes, the climate is mild, the green is predominant rather than white. We got to see great rainbows 🌈 so, rain is not always the worst. After yesterday's hikes, one of my legs is pissed off with me.. 😂 So no hikes today. We finished the day with an ungodly expensive and salty meal at a restaurant… I realised, there is no big culture of eating out here, judging by the few restaurants and of course the expense it is. Ready to hit the pillow early. Also, I've bought a bunch of lottery tickets, keep your fingers crossed. 🤞

Last night we parked facing a beautiful mountain with loads of waterfalls. It was probably 1.30am when we went to bed and it was light as day. It was magical to wake up to the view. We had a quick sandwich for breakfast and headed to see the Troll Wall. Apparently, the best view was from the car park. So after taking a few pics, we headed to a "supposed to be a small hike" that I went up halfway and gave up on… In my defence, my period hit me this morning so, it's a bloody achievement to have gone even halfway 🤣 It was snowy, that's the first time in my life I see and experience snow in June. My feet were soaked within 10mins, my legs fell into deep snow to the knee on a few occasions. But I made sure to find a suitable place and roll down the snow on our way back to the car. After this one, we headed to another hike in Åndalsnes to get to the top of a massive mountain with a platform at the top. It was a hell of a hike. It completely broke us 🤣 And after reaching the platform we decided to get the lift down, which meant another long hike up with cut-off cliff on the side. It was scary to look down, so this time Julien turned into a goat and spead up to the top. 😂 When we hit the road again we unexpectedly found ourselves at the Trollstigen Utsiktspunkt roads between the mountains which was mind-blowing. We were absolutely smitten. And when we got to the top and got out of the van, it was super cold. We touched the water 💦 and it felt like ice. I've never seen so much snow piled up either. The road was scary to drive and look at the views at the same time. It was breathtaking. Mother Nature is just Majestic. I think this is the most beautiful journey I've ever been on. In the evening we showered in the van, refilled the water and the petrol tanks and found another glorious place to park for the night.