How to travel without a clear plan. 7 tricks worth adopting

We think it’s worth going on a spontaneous adventure at least once in your life. For those who can’t wait to get ready to hit the road, we’ve prepared some useful tips.

traveler, co-founder of the Keys travel project

We know that planning and schedules are an important part of group tours. But you also have to allow yourself to relax and spend time not according to the plan. That’s why we always offer one free day when travelers follow their own interests.
So, how do you plan a trip without a plan?

Think through the first few days

Everything should have a foundation, including a spontaneous trip. Choose where you will go first thing in the morning, buy tickets and secure accommodation for a few days. This will allow you to be free but confident in your options.

Enjoy the moment

Switch from tourist mode to traveler mode. You don’t have the task of galloping through the most famous places. On the contrary, get to know the city through its authentic atmosphere. You’ll find cute cafes, walks off the beaten path, and conversations with locals. Engage all your senses – taste new places, inhale the aroma, be attentive to unusual details.

Socialize with the locals

Making new acquaintances is a key part of a great trip and will enrich you even more than the famous sights. If a stranger shows friendliness and engagement, be open in return. Ask for advice on where to go, what to see in a city that is new to you. Don’t hesitate to approach passers-by with questions about your itinerary.

You can find new friends through couchsurfing. This is a community of travelers, which will help you, if necessary, to spend the night with locals or just in their company to get acquainted with the city. It’s a great way to bring back some new names in your phone contacts along with souvenirs from your trip.

You can read more about couchsurfing in this article.

Walking

Nothing allows you to get into the atmosphere of a new city like walking kilometers through its streets. Compare quiet and lively places, stop for a cup of coffee in cozy cafes and with renewed vigor go on walking. Imagine how happy you will be to see the places of your walks in the movie and say “I walked here!”.

Live in the center

No matter how much money you have, there is always an opportunity to rent accommodation in the city center – hotels, hostels or apartments. This way, you’ll be one step away from many of the city’s monuments and landmarks, and you’ll be able to easily go for walks in remote areas.

Be spontaneous

If you have planned the next three days to walk around the city, but on some day your body demands a break – do not scold yourself. Remember that your entire trip is an adventure, not a race against yourself. And vice versa. If your intentions to go to bed early are interrupted by new encounters or spontaneous plans – listen to yourself and your mood.

Be mindful of safety

• Wherever you are, you need to keep yourself safe.
• Think through financial security while traveling, don’t take all your valuables with you on your outing.
• Be cautious of offers from new acquaintances about distant trips to deserted places.
• Listen to your intuition, but don’t get yourself worked up, suspecting unpleasant tricks in everything.

Traveling without a plan will be a great opportunity to get to know not only the world, but also yourself. You will be able to trust yourself, get to know your interests and learn to be flexible to all changes. These are key skills not only for traveling, but for all of life.