“Where Are You Going Next?”: Non-Linear Travel Planning
Any travel enthusiast probably hears this question all the time. Some people may always have a definite answer — and sometimes I do, too. But more often, I have just a vague idea of a few trips that I’m working on but haven’t officially booked yet.
To me, travel planning isn’t strictly linear.
What Do You Mean, “Travel Planning Isn’t Linear?”
Usually, when someone asks me when or where my next trip will be, I start by saying, “I’m not sure yet, but I have a list.”
Consider it a bucket list of sorts. Whether it’s a family trip to Scotland or Sicily to explore ancestry or a road trip to Oregon to scratch another state off my scratch map, there are always several places I have in mind to visit. With these places floating around in my mind, I’m always ready to jump on any of them when the right deal — or simply the right timing — comes around.
This takes the pressure off making a particular trip work and instead allows the right trip to happen at the right time.
Of course, it’s still fun to pick a trip and make it happen, but it’s not the only way to plan travel. Try out a mix of the two. When money is tight or you’re just not ready to make a trip happen, keep a few places in mind and see what comes up. If you get an email about flight deals or hear about a fun event, take that as a sign to look into making that trip happen.
How Does That Work?
For years, since I moved to Denver and realized Calgary and Banff are both a straight shot north from here, I’d had that trip on my list. It could have been a road trip through Wyoming and Montana then up through Canada — or just a quick flight. What finally got me there? I saw that Zachary Levi was going to be at the Calgary Expo, flights were cheap, accommodation was cheap, and a car rental was cheap. That turned into a long weekend trip that wasn’t planned until a month in advance.
I got to see a new city, explore their food and beer scene, visit with locals, and experience two Canadian National Parks. All because I had the idea in my head and opportunity struck.
That can apply to any trip and any motivator. What inspires you to travel? What gets you to finally book the flight or put in the vacation request at work? It can be as simple as a Groupon, a travel deal you can’t pass up, a rare event, or just seeing there’s a great deal on flights to a place you’ve been wanting to visit for years.
Always Keep a List Going
Admittedly, I just love planning trips. I plan them for myself, as well as helping friends and family plan their own trips.
I kill time by dreaming up what my next trip could be and thinking through how I could make it work. While there are bigger trips, like Antarctica or a trip to Italy (including Sicily) with my parents, that may remain on my list for years to come, there’s also the smaller trips that would allow me to see another state or city I haven’t visited yet.
It could even be someplace you’ve been but want more time to explore.
Whether you want to keep a physical list of places or just file them away mentally, it’s a great way to stay inspired about travel even when you’re between trips.
When you have a place you want to go, add it to your list. Keep that list going so that when you suddenly see that flight deal or special event — or just hear a friend say they want to go — you’re ready to hit confirm.
Don’t Be Afraid to Dream Up New Travel Ideas
The reason I love keeping a mental list of future trips is because it keeps me motivated and looking for opportunities. They’re sitting there just waiting to happen. Plus, giving them time to work out more organically can turn them into a different type of trip than you would’ve thought up on your own. Keep an open mind when it comes to when, where, and how you travel next.
What’s on your bucket list? Where have you always wanted to go?
Where do you want to go next?
