Man, what happened to the days where I used to obsessively plan my travels and conjure up detailed lists of must-dos and must-sees?
I don’t know, but they’ve been MIA for years – and suddenly I’m looking at a summer filled with both new and familiar destinations, yet void of any details beyond that.
Holding true to my 2014 goals, I’ve been very deliberate thusfar in scheduling all sorts of trips – including smaller weekend jaunts that I always said I should do, but haven’t yet made happen.
Those few seconds right after you hit ‘purchase’ on a flight ticket, when you frantically think “Oh god, is this really happening? Am I seriously doing this?!”, adrenaline pulsing, heart pounding, mind racing to the moment where your flight is confirmed and you are OFFICIALLY going someplace completely amazing?
Someone recently asked me what I typically do when I get to a new place. I gave them a vague, partial answer and immediately hated myself for it: “Oh, I just walk around a lot!
I knew my travel plans would change at some point during my 2013 Asia trip. In fact, I welcomed the spontaneity – which is why I didn’t plan much beyond a rough route map for those 5 months.
Packing for an Asia backpacking trip is challenging, particularly when you need to be prepared for varying climates. I managed to fit everything into one big backpack, one small backpack, and a small messenger bag.
Welp, here it is! The next 5 months of my life, all mapped out – literally. Subject (and expected) to change, as I finally have the freedom to be spontaneous and flexible with my traveling and trip planning.