Exciting isn’t it? Finally committing to seeing another part of the world? Unexpected thrills, beautiful moments and captivating views are just waiting for you to discover them. But how do you travel in a way that’s most beneficial to you AND the place you are going? Each traveler has their way of doing it, but they tend to be a mix of 3 categories.
Types of Travelers
“Down to a T” Traveler
We all know that type of individual who has their work week scheduled, appointments booked and months planned out like a robot. These people tend travel the same way with an extensive itinerary written out, sometimes planned by the hour! While this does allow you to “do” the most, it has some downsides.
First, when you have everything booked on a strict schedule a sense of urgency and stress can form, which takes away the ability to fully immerse yourself in an experience or place.
Second, if you create just one path to take on your travels you are leaving out potential moments of spontaneity. you should allow curiosity and wonder have a place to grow and thrive.
Lastly, Expectations can be really let down if your itinerary gets interrupted. Weather, local construction, and accidents can completely through off course a “perfect” plan.
“Go With the Flow” Traveler
On the complete opposite side of the coin of the “To the T Traveler” is the person who plans NOTHING! While this gets rid of stress and leaves you open for anything that comes your way, it also leaves you absolutely clueless to what is around you. There may be cultural celebrations and events in the place you have gone to that you would’ve loved to participate in, but you wouldn’t know! You also might just bored if you have too little direction. So, over planning can lead to stress and feeling a sense of disappointment if the itinerary gets disrupted, and under-planning can leave you feeling well, underwhelmed with your travels and like you wasted your time.
“Plans are More of a Guideline” Traveler
Oh oh this is meeee! I will plan a general idea of the BIG THINGS I want to do, but leave plenty of wiggle room for any changes of heart, split second decisions and spontaneous moments to occur. These moments, I have found, tend to leave some of the most impactful marks on you. You also get time to absorb and reflect on these moments DURING the trip, which can impact what you do for the rest of it. Within these pockets of fluidity you give yourself time to fully immerse yourself in the culture. Allow yourself to be open to a new perspectives, talk to the locals, and learn the place’s history. This helps you grow as person, and shows you’re more than just a tourist, but a true traveler.
Well, Now What?
You will find that you can be any 3 of these of these types at different times! What fits best for your adventure will really depend on where you’re going, how long you’re there, and the purpose of you going there. An eb and flow exists for each trip so don’t cram yourself into one box.
The next step is pretty simple, and that’s to take the leap of faith! The more you travel, the more you’ll find what combination of the 3 styles works best for you. Be brave and bold, and leave a positive impact where ever your journeys take you.
The world is full of wonders and experiences that will shape you into a person full of new understandings, perspectives, and insights. Be a sponge and absorb all you encounter unbiasedly, and be kind to everyone you meet.
Randall
Till next time, Wander Responsibly