Free Spirit or Not: This is How to Go with the Flow when you Travel
Photo of Jessica Ufuoma
Traveling is freedom and being flexible about it enriches your experience. You don’t have to get caught up in your pre-planned itinerary. Whether your trip is fully planned out or you let yourself get inspired along the way, it is about you and your adventure. Don’t forget about that. You don’t have to go anywhere you don’t feel like going if something better comes along.
Remember, it is all about seizing the opportunities in front of you — especially when they’re chances to throw away your plans. There are a few ways of embracing the flow when traveling.
Be flexible with your plans
Travel is so much better when you ease up on the agenda. There’s just so much google can tell you about the activities you can do in a particular place. An itinerary is good to have but make time out for some good surprises and let curiosity be your guide. Also keep in mind: No matter how perfectly you believe you planned your trip, there will always be things that go wrong. Try to make the best of every situation, because there will be a solution for everything.
Do not limit yourself to your itinerary
Vacations are great and being a tourist is fine. But to enjoy it to the fullest, you will have to try new things not included in your itinerary. In the case of a guidebook, it is exactly what it is – a guide. There’s no rule that says you have to stick to it. Go out of your way and your guidebook to experience a place deeper.
Ask for recommendations from locals
While the internet is useful in its ways of connecting places and travelers, it can’t be denied that a random local probably knows more about a place than an online article. Take the time to ask your hotelier, barista, waiter, or even some random folks in the park about what their favorite thing to do in their own city is. Odds are, you’ll get some advice that you can’t find online.
Always try to stay realistic.
Many destinations seem a bit overwhelming in the beginning. You’d love to see and do everything. But if you don’t take breaks and time to relax during your travels, it will get harder to enjoy your trip one day at a time. Think about what you’d like to prioritize and cut what’s too much. You can always come back anyways!
In the end everything is up to you. If you’ve caught the travel bug, then you should go with the flow. You’ve got all the time you need, nothing to lose and you will find countless places that make your heart beat faster. However you decide in the end, make sure you enjoy it to the fullest!
So, how are you going to decide for your next adventure? We are curious and would love to know whether you decide to plan everything or jump into the unknown. Let us know in the comments.
