Most people travel with a planned itinerary, from flights to hotel reservations. If you ask a group of people, the majority of travelers will have their entire trips planned out minute to minute. However, more and more travelers have realized that they only live once and sometimes, an impromptu adventure is well worth the risk. As such, spontaneous travel is on the rise right now. As you know, this type of adventure involves traveling without a carefully laid out plan. You leave your home at a moment’s notice and change your plans when necessary. This kind of travel can be wild yet enjoyable with the right mindset (and the right group of people).
Spontaneous travel is on the rise right now as the result of the pandemic. Thanks to the lockdowns, the world is retaliating and the trend of spontaneously venturing out into the world is huge! After being stuck in our homes for years, people are ready to go out on adventures, experience true freedom, and travel without limits. But you will need to follow a loose set of rules when traveling, even if doing so spontaneously. So, here are some tips for successful spontaneous travel.
Choose a Destination
Even though spontaneous travel involves leaving your home at a moment’s notice, you still have to choose a destination. Usually, most travelers will pick the place they’ve been yearning to visit. Despite the name ‘spontaneous travel’, you can also go to a destination you’ve already researched.
You can start with destinations near your home, preferably an hour away from your hometown. Once you get used to spontaneous travel, you can move to far-away cities. You can even try international trips if your budget allows it. The sky is the limit, but for your first spontaneous trip, it’s better to start small and work your way up to more challenging feats.
Make Sure You Have Enough Money
One of the best tips for successful spontaneous travel is to make sure you have enough money. Usually, spontaneous travel is cheap, especially if you’re taking last-minute booking deals. However, there are some instances when you will have to pay higher costs.
Another option, if you’re going abroad, is to get a working visa for the country you’re visiting. (If you’re traveling throughout your home country, then you already have that covered!) That way, you can work and earn money while traveling. Plus, you don’t have to worry if you have enough money for your trip.
Get a Portable WiFi Device
When traveling spontaneously, experts recommend getting portable WiFi device. Remember, you’ll be able to get reliable information and communicate with the local people if you have internet access. Fortunately, there are numerous budget-friendly pocket WiFi devices in the market. These devices will allow you to keep connected in different countries for an affordable price.
Get a Hotel Reservation You can Cancel
Accommodations are essential when traveling. After all, you need to rest and freshen up after a day of exploring. However, experts recommend booking a hotel room that you can cancel. That way, you don’t have to lose a couple of dollars for non-refundable bookings. Some hotels may also allow you to extend your stay; thus, you can book a shorter stay and extend it if necessary.
Be Friendly and Talk to Strangers
Finally, the last on this list of tips for successful spontaneous travel is to be friendly. Keep in mind that the best way to learn and explore your destination is to ask the local people. As such, you have to talk to strangers to find the best tourist attractions in your destination. You can also buy a local newspaper to check if festivals and other events are happening in the area. Lastly, always remember that spontaneous travel will be fun and exciting if you open yourself to adventures and possibilities. And be sure to remember all the rules of safe solo travel, too!