Travel destinations and preparation

Have you decided upon where to go next? And how do you prepare the trip once you found a destination?

At an early stage, I learned that the more you travel the longer your list of places you want to see becomes. You'd think your bucket list would become shorter, but in the contrary - it grows longer with every trip you take ;)

If you're looking for ideas and inspiration on google for instance, you usually find lists and recommendations from Lonely Planet, Tripadvisor or National Geographic.

Usually when I travel, I talk to other travellers to be inspired by them, their travels, experiences and stories. Following a fellow traveller's personal reference is never disappointing, more often than not rewarding. Of course I also get inspired by places and things I see on TV, in documentaries or in blogs and forums, but in my opinion nothing beats the advise of a fellow traveller who has already been there. What do you think? How do you pick your destination(s)?

When it comes to planning and preparing a trip, often the German control freak in me takes over. In case that happenes, I would pretty much sort everything before I leave, I don't want to leave anything to chance... So I try to read up on the destination, figuring out what I believe is the most essential, such as

• What is the visa situation like?
• Do I need any vaccinations or take any medication with me?
• Are ATMs available? If not, whereelse can I get cash?
• How much money do I need per day/week and for the whole trip?
• How do I travel around? (i.e., rental car, local buses, taxi, ferry...)
• Are hostels available or already booked out?

There is definitely benefits with that approach but also a lot of downfalls. Frankly, I am able to bypass most uncertainties and risks this way and might have a more relaxed stay. In addition I usually have a good overview on my expenses during and after the trip. On the other hand side, it takes most of the adventure and fun of the trip away if you book everything in advance and also most worries are generally unsubstantiated.

Fortunately the older I got, the more relaxed I became. It doesn't necessarily work all the time, but I believe I changed for the better a bit. Past experiences showed me that in most cases I worried too much and things turned out just fine. Still I believe in a minimum planning and preparation upfront is necessary and helpful.

I am curious to learn about your experiences: What do you always check before leaving? Did you ever go on a trip without any plans or knowing anything at all about your destination? What was the worst thing that happened to you?

Keep travelling and hang loose,

Sebbo