How to travel spontaneously?

You don't need to know exactly where you will be next Wednesday...

Travel spontaneously doesn't mean travelling without any preparation it means leaving enough space for the trip to surprise you.

For me, some of the best travel experiences happened because I didn't have a plan.

I arrived somewhere, liked the place, stayed another night because simply I felt the aura.

Or I didn't like it so I took public transport to go somewhere else.

1) Where should you start?

Of course you need to plan beginning but not the entire journey.

I will give you an example of my trip to India. I booked only the things that really needed booking, like : flight ticket, first night or two at the place you arrive (naturally you need to check in advance for visa, travel insurance or other necessary things that need time to get) - then leave some space.

In short story I arrived to Mumbai, I booked my accommodation for 3 days, but I discovered being there that is more to explore, so I stayed 3 more days.

Example:

Instead of:

Monday 9:00 I go to the museum

11:00 lunch at ''Vivaldi'' restaurant

13:00 I do sightseeing

16:00 I go to see attraction

Try:

Monday - I arrive in the city.

Explore.

See how I feel.

The world will not end if you decide what to do next once you are there.

2) Is good to have a rough direction.

Spontaneous doesn't mean having absolutely no idea where you are going.

I like having direction instead of full list of places.

Instead of:

A -> B -> C -> D -> F -> G -> H -> and so on.

Try:

A -> B -> C

you know roughly where you are heading, but you leave room to change direction.

3) What about accommodation?

Everything depends on time you have while travelling and your budget.

Because when you travel for a weekend it is normal to stay in one place, but if you have more time, leave accommodation flexible.

Don't book in advance (apart of arrival day).

Usually when I was changing places I booked accommodation a day before my arrival for max 2 days.

Why? Because you stay flexible.

Stay longer if you love a place.

Move on if you don’t.

No wasted bookings. No strict plans.

Just the freedom to travel your way.

Do you start feeling it? :)

4) Talk to locals.

The best guide everywhere you go are locals.

Be curious about the place, culture, traditions and food.

Talking to locals will not cost you a penny but you can earn much more.

They can give you tips for best food, best hiking trail, best beach or viewpoint.

You may think now ''Monika I don't speak Turkish''.

You don't but Google Translator does, and it will speak for you in every language you want.

5) Follow your interests.

Ok that is super simple.

If you love nature don't force yourself to spend three days sightseeing just because you saw something on Instagram or on Google.

If you see a mountain to conquer - go hiking.

If you find a beautiful little village - stay for lunch.

If you love a place - stay longer.

Remember your trip doesn't have to look like somebody else's itinerary.

6) What about the weather?

Weather is part of the nature that we can't control.

So we need to work around it with happy face.

Rain?

Maybe it's a coffee day...

Too hot?

Find place with a shadow...

Beautiful weather?

Go hiking...

Don't let the weather to ruin your trip and mood... be spontaneous, creative and take what nature gives you.

7) Packing issues.

I love packing... now.

Because I finally got it.

I don't over pack because for short travels I take only hand luggage. And is not a mini suitcase but a backpack. Backpack gives me more freedom to move around comfortably.

More info about packing you can find here.

8) Be spontaneous but not reckless.

It is important you stay safe.

Before going anywhere I make sure if is any travel restrictions, visa requirements, basic safety information, basic transport options, any areas you should avoid, travel insurance.

Sharing your location with people you know is always a good idea.

The biggest challenge here is to become comfortable with not knowing.

The first step is always the most difficult. But this is how we learn to walk.

With spontaneous travel you might: not know where you sleep tomorrow, which place you will visit next, miss the bus, change your route completely - and that's ok.

My first day in Mumbai

Travel freely. Explore simply. Inspire to wander.