I used to plan trips like a military operation — maps, schedules, checklists, everything timed perfectly. And guess what? I hated it.
Over the years, I figured out a middle ground: enough planning so I don’t end up stranded somewhere dumb, but not so much planning that the trip feels like a chore.
Here’s what actually works for me.
1. Choose only 1–2 “must-do” things
Not five. Not ten. Just one or two.
Anything else is a bonus.
2. Book the essentials and leave gaps
I book:
- a place to stay
- transportation
Everything else? Wide open.
3. Use “soft bookmarks,” not schedules
If I see a place online that looks cool, I save it in my notes. No pressure to visit it. Just an option.
4. Ask locals
Seriously — asking someone who works in a café where they hang out beats any travel blog.
5. Keep mornings flexible
Most of my best trip moments happened because I wasn’t rushing.
6. Leave room for mistakes
Wrong turns. Missed ferries. Closed trails. These things happen — sometimes they even lead to better moments.
You don’t need to be a “planner person”
You just need a loose plan that keeps you safe and gives you freedom. That’s where the real magic happens.
