Lack of a Travel Itinerary

| by Jason on July 21st, 2024 | 12 Comments » | Reflections, Travel Tips, Trip Planning

WorldMapAfter we tell people that we are going to travel the world usually the first question they ask is, “Where are you going?”  I struggled with this question in the beginning.  After stumbling for not having a definitive answer I would say, “Latin America and Southeast Asia.”  Well, that leads to additional questions for specifics from those that are truly interested.  We don’t have those specific answers, and initially I used the excuse that we were just beginning to plan the itinerary.  But, with only 4 weeks until we leave our apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey for good, I still have very little to add to my previous answer.

It’s suggested that you first list all the countries you may consider visiting.  You will need that list to research the following:

Country specific entrance and length of stay requirements

Costs associated with each country (lodging and food, entrance and departure fees)

Recommended immunizations/vaccinations and prescriptions

Transportation options (flight, train or bus)

Weather and environment (what to pack)

Depending on the type of person you are, you may choose to do a more detailed search relating to each country.

Aracely and I did not purchase a round-the-world flight ticket, we do not have any reservations or tours booked, and we have not decided on the exact countries we plan to visit.  This is how we choose to travel.  Honestly, it’s a challenge for me, but not so much for Aracely.  Part of this journey is learning to let go; live in a way that is completely different from the way we currently live our lives.  Today, we spend a significant time planning and organizing because we only have a weeks’ worth of vacation from our jobs.  And often those vacations are meant for rest and recuperation from your job.  When traveling long-term, you aren’t escaping the stress any longer.  Now, there is no need to crunch everything possible into a week, plan extensively or recuperate.  You can do what you want, when you want, on your own terms for as long as you want.  It’s exhilarating just to say those words.

Central and South America and Southeast Asia were chosen because they are cheap and offer adventure.  If we visit Western Europe we will blow our budget and the length of our journey will be shortened.  Instead we have decided to travel on a budget for an extended period of time while passing on Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Letting Go

Letting Go

We have written down places we want to visit and things we want to see, but not much more.  We have created a spreadsheet with each country we may or may not visit and what in that country we would want to see.  The lack of commitment allows us to be flexible enough to spontaneously join other travelers for a trek or road trip.  The experience is more than just seeing new environments; it’s about meeting people from varying cultures and countries, it’s about full immersion, but most importantly, its about being free.

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Tags: gap year, itinerary, travel, travel around the world

12 Responses to “Lack of a Travel Itinerary”

  1. Brendan Kane says:
    July 23, 2024 at 19:36

    Yo! It’s Brendan from REI. Almost time to depart. I’ve been wanting to check out your website but my computer crashed. Got a new one so here I am. Don’t know if you remember, but I mentioned a fellow who is out there right now. Here’s his link: transitivity@wordpress.com

    Reply
    • Jason says:
      July 24, 2024 at 20:45

      Hey Brendan! Thanks for taking a look at our site. For all others, Brendan helped us out tremendously at REI in Marlton, New Jersey. He was our personal guide for about two hours as we tried on backpacks and reviewed our list of items needed. I will definitely check out the site in more detail. In the short time I just spent visiting the site, its seems he is an excellent writer. If you are working tomorrow morning we will see you at the REI Member Garage Sale.

      Reply
  2. Brendan Kane says:
    July 23, 2024 at 19:39

    Oops. Sorry. The correct link is: transitivity.wordpress.com

    Reply
  3. Drew Jones says:
    July 23, 2024 at 22:57

    Hello -
    I saw Gary mention you guys in his blog so I checked your site out. I am excited to follow your blog from the beginning of your adventure.
    I am currently in the ‘save money’ phase of my RTW travel plans. One day I too will complete a long pre-trip check-list and say adieu to the sleep, work, eat -repeat routine…and I can’t wait. Until then, I will live vicariously through your blog.

    Safe Travels!

    Drew
    Asheville, NC.

    Reply
    • Jason says:
      July 24, 2024 at 20:47

      Drew, thanks for following us from beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. We had dinner and a chat with Gary and others the other night. It was a good time. The community of Travel Bloggers has so much to share with each other, and everyone is kind to do so. Keep saving!

      Reply
  4. Sharon Hurley Hall says:
    July 24, 2024 at 07:48

    That sounds like a great way to travel, though I might find the lack of an itinerary challenging too.
    .-= Sharon Hurley Hall´s last blog ..Taking The Guesswork Out Of Trip Planning =-.

    Reply
    • Jason says:
      July 24, 2024 at 20:50

      It will be challenging, especially for me, as I am the organizer, over planner etc. But, its important for me to let go and become more free while learning to enjoy what surprises life provides me, rather than trying to plan for it.

      Reply
  5. What We’re Reading: July 24, 2024 | Two Go Round-The-World says:
    July 24, 2024 at 08:48

    [...] becoming a staple of Friday’s What We’re Reading feature, Jason and Aracely over at TwoBackpackers.com offer up a post on their lack of an itinerary: “Aracely and I did not purchase a [...]

    Reply
    • Jason says:
      July 24, 2024 at 20:51

      This post created by Two Go Round-The-World every Friday is a great source for travelers and travel bloggers alike. We have just been lucky enough to be mentioned two consecutive weeks. Thanks guys!

      Reply
  6. Betsy @MarriedwLuggage says:
    July 27, 2024 at 13:05

    Good luck on your trip! We are leaving in a year on ours, and we start in Ecuador. We are also “planning” a spontaneous trip with only a launching point and a list of places we’d like to go. Since you are leaving first, it will be cool to see how it works out for you.
    .-= Betsy @MarriedwLuggage´s last blog ..5 Things You Don’t Need on Vacation =-.

    Reply
    • Jason says:
      July 28, 2024 at 19:19

      I am very curious to know if it will work out for us too! We will be in Ecuador for a while, since Aracely is from there. You have lots of time to plan and save! Keep us updated.

      Reply
  7. Will says:
    August 8, 2024 at 14:52

    Hey guys, good luck!

    The last trip I planned for, I obsessed over. I looked at all the options and agonized over every detail….I spent months figuring out every step of the trip…and then BAM out of nowhere came an even more exciting opportunity and I completely bailed on my plans in a matter of moments…I am right now thinking about (but not planning) my next trip…I hope I’ve learned my lesson to not overplan so much!
    .-= Will´s last blog ..Polar Madness =-.

    Reply

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