9 Tips on How to Become a Spontaneous Traveller

In today’s world, planning is something we do all the time. We take care of every detail and moment of our day. We want to have a schedule for everything. Surprises can be fun, but they can mess up your whole day. Having everything planned is a safe way, but it can make your trip less satisfying since you know everything you will do, where you’re going, and what you are going to eat. This may make your trip very boring. Travelling is not just about looking at buildings, statues or paintings; it is about discovering the country and its culture and broadening your horizon of understanding the world. In order to take this route, you must become a spontaneous traveller and follow some interesting tips.

1. Don’t Wait for the Perfect Time

You might be one of those people who always create excuses before travelling. They always think the right time has not come yet, or they try to depend on others to travel in a group.

The advice here is not to wait for the perfect moment for your group. If the weather conditions stop you from deciding, try to find alternative ways of travelling. If the road to your destination is blocked, find an alternative route. 

Plus, don’t wait for your friends. It is often very difficult for several people to synchronise their plans and decisions. So, instead of waiting, just start packing.

2. Plan the Unplanned

It is okay to have a list of things to do or places to see. Some even have the habit of crossing off these places once they see them. For them, the perfect vacation is when they have ticked off all the items on the list.

For a spontaneous traveller like you, it is better to leave part of the trip unplanned. Perhaps set a day or two aside as “unplanned” days. Who knows what happens then? You may see something you never predicted or do quite the unexpected. In the end, the thing that most sticks to your memory is not the site you planned to see but the unplanned discovery you made along the way.

3. Always Save Money

*Photo by Marco Verch Professional Photographer on Flickr

It is very exciting to be a person who wakes up and suddenly decides it is time to travel. However, you cannot do such a thing if you don’t have enough money. So, it is time to start saving money for the spontaneous trip.

There are various ways to become a good money-saver. You may consider cutting entertainment expenses and changing your shopping habits. Perhaps even start selling some of the things you don’t need anymore. You can advertise them on eBay, Amazon, or social media platforms like Pinterest.

4. Have Low Expectations 

When deciding to travel somewhere, you don’t need to think of high-profile destinations or somewhere exotic or far away. A great getaway can be just at your doorsteps. This way, you will also be saving a lot of money for perhaps another flashy trip.

Besides, you don’t need to look for a four or five-star hotel for your stay. With however much budget you have, you can book an affordable and, at the same time, comfortable room for yourself. Self-catering accommodation is, sometimes, much more authentic and rewarding than a lavish hotel.

5. Travel Light

*Photo by kooikkari on Flickr

Nothing slows down a spontaneous trip more than packing heavy luggage and carrying it wherever you go. Try to pack only the essentials and avoid giant suitcases. Pack everything into one bag or backpack. Consider the weather and climate you are travelling into and bring only the technical equipment you need and the clothing necessary for that kind of weather.

6. Look for Last-Minute Deals, and Short-Term Rentals

As a spontaneous traveller, you must start looking for hotel rooms and accommodations with flexible policies. You have to ensure the place you book is open to last-minute deals, and you can have a room once you arrive. 

The accommodation should accept short-term stays, and since you are not sure about your tomorrow, they should allow free cancellation at short notice. In this case, however, you need to be flexible, too. You cannot expect the hotel to make immediate changes, and you have to accept sometimes your cancellation requests are nonrefundable.

7. Do Normal Stuff

*Photo by Henry Leong Him Woh on Flickr

One of the key factors you should keep in mind is to avoid the tourist trap. You don’t have to be a tourist doing tourist stuff; just doing normal things will open up opportunities and new adventures that you never would think possible.

Get off the tourist road and try yoga classes or swimming lessons. Go to the library or take a bus. You can’t believe what things you’ll discover and what new people you will meet. 

8. Take the Locals’ Advice

When you suddenly decide to travel to a place, there is a chance you will not find the time to research the area you are travelling to. This is why you become rather dependent on your intuitions and the local people’s advice.

Getting in contact with the locals, minding their own business in shops, restaurants and places of work have extra advantages. They can tell you a lot about your destination that guidebooks never do. You may even develop friendships with them, and they may become good company during your journey.

9. Lodge in a Central Location

When you want to book a hotel room or apartment, it is better to find one near the city centre. This way, you will have close access to most of the major attractions and facilities. You even have a better chance of observing local events and festivals if they take place on a certain date. Since you are embracing the unexpected as a spontaneous traveller, this close proximity to the centre of town helps you make the most out of your trip in much less time.