Achieving the right amount of planning on a trip is just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears; You want a vacation itinerary that’s not too busy, and not too slow, but *just* right.
Now more than ever, as a result of the different information, activities, and vendors at our fingertips, it is too easy to pack a trip full to the brim. The feeling of scheduling out every second of a vacation is understandable - we are told that we only have this one life, or we may only get that one week of PTO per year, or we want to get the most out of our money - but it is also overwhelming.
We are here to tell you that it is possible to make the most of your trip, while also making sure that you leave the trip feeling relaxed; The purpose of a vacation is to unwind, and you don’t want to come home feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation. As seasoned world travelers, we’ve mastered the art of optimizing travel without burning out.
Read on for three expert ways to avoid overplanning a trip, and make the most of your next vacation!
#1 - Pick Your Non-Negotiables
When planning a trip, it is easiest to start by deciding what are your non-negotiables. In other words, what are the core activities, sites, destinations, or restaurants that you must do or try during your vacation in order to feel satisfied when you return home?
We recommend limiting these musts to 1-3 per city or destination. For example, if visiting Italy for 8-9 days, what are your non-negotiables? Is it a visit to the Colosseum? Is it wine-tasting in Florence? Maybe it is a 2-day detour to the Amalfi Coast? And maybe it’s all three!
Once you have the non-negotiables down, the rest of your trip can be built around them to make sure that your transportation logistics, hotel locations, and budget all seamlessly flow together.
#2 - Create a “Vacation Wishlist”
Similar to, but different from the non-negotiables, prepare a “vacation wishlist” - this can be a list of things to reference when you find yourself with time to spare, or looking for inspiration during your travels.
Think of smaller things that may not require reservations in advance or ample chunks of time. Examples could include things like trying a gelato, waking up early for sunrise, exploring the city by bike, shopping at a specific boutique, or picnic in the park - the list goes on!
Having a list of optional things to reference - but not held to - ensures you have plenty of elements to keep you engaged and entertained, but without the pressure of checking everything off your list in a short amount of time.
#3 - Create Space for Spontaneity
Somewhere in-between our first two suggestions lies this final tip to create space for spontaneity during your travels. This can look like mapping out entire free days during a vacation… Yes, we said it!
By purposely creating space during a trip, you allow yourself to slow down and enjoy the day ahead of you. Imagine waking up in Paris and the only item on your agenda for the day is to follow your nose to the freshest bakery, or go back to that little wine shop you saw yesterday, or gather the ingredients for a picnic by the Eiffel Tower!
Setting aside free time on a vacation is a surefire way to enjoy a new destination, feel relaxed, and maybe discover something new. Oftentimes too, the days we allow ourselves to be spontaneous are often the ones we remember the most.
*BONUS* #4 - Hire a Travel Advisor
We know, we know, we’re a bit biased here… But we would be remiss if we did not recommend the most obvious way to not overplan a trip - hiring a travel advisor!
Travel agents such as ourselves are experts at planning trips and creating itineraries perfectly suited to your needs. We have firsthand experience in getting from A to B in foreign cities, waiting in queues for museums, sprinting through airports to get to the next gate, stumbling upon hole-in-the-wall 5-star restaurants, and more.
We know how to perfectly balance free time and planned activities on a vacation, and are here to offer our expertise to you so you can enjoy your trip stress-free.
Ready to plan the perfect vacation? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today with the ELx Travel Team and let us do the rest!