Planning: boon or asset?

The first time I went to Munich, I had a detailed and fast paced travel itinerary that had me seeing 7 churches in 1 day! In Venice, I wandered randomly without a plan and got hopelessly lost, nearly missing my boat.

It is quite hampering to be travelling with a rigid, over-organised plan that does not allow for spontaneous moments, surprises and the occasional hiccup. However, not planning at all means you may find yourself just simply following the other tourists with no real idea of what it is that you are seeing. After many travel holidays I have found a balance that seems to enable me to accomplish what I would like to see and do, but also allows the place I am visiting to reveal its surprises and for unexpected experiences.

I do a fair amount of reading before I go anywhere – finding out basic background to the history of the region to which I’m going, so that I have a better understanding of the culture and what shaped the land. I also try to look at photos and read up about recommended places to visit. I’ll then compile a basic list of must-see places, and a list with few optional extras. Every day when I wake up, I’ll make a decision on what I’ll do that day based on the weather and my mood. Rain? I’m off to a museum. Feeling full of energy? I’ll be climbing a bell tower. This enables me to be more flexible. I also feel quite happy to lay aside my plan if upon arriving I see something interesting and exiting going on, or a quiet lane that looks fun to explore.

Taking the pace a little more slowly also means that there is more opportunity to watch people, engage with them, relax and enjoy the local food.

I also readjust my day’s activities to suite the local daily patterns. In Spain I woke up late, had breakfast at a café, and then had a busy morning. At lunch, I’d have my main meal of the day and then return to my apartment for an afternoon snooze or to sit out on the rooftop enjoying the view. I’d go out again into town at around 4 or 5pm, and use this time to just wander wherever my nose took me, enjoy the lights at night, have a small dinner, experience the evening liveliness and get to bed quite late.