The Netherlands Diaries Column

Mapping Out That Dream Trip

Do you even need a map, though?

Reflections and Opinion: Do you even need a map, though?

The answer to the question above really depends. When I was thinking about my trip to Europe I was told you definitely need a plan. I rejected this advice at first because planning is just not my vibe.

But then as time went on I realised planning helps with budgeting — even if you don’t follow the plan, it gives you a good idea of what types of accommodation you can afford, how many times you can eat out, how many countries you can visit within your allotted time etc.

This is a tricky topic for me, because although I did make a plan for this trip, I did not follow it.

Based on what I did and didn’t do: Here is my advice.

Take out a world map. Place a dot where you are flying into.

Good Job.

Now I want you to look at your bank account. The amount you have now is the budget you are working with. Not what you’ll have when you leave. What you have now is what you are working with. Take away the plane ticket. How much do you have left?

Really?

That’s it?

That’s ok, we can work with that.

What you have now is what you are working with.

Pick your top destinations that you want to travel to. Pick the countries or the cities that you want to visit. Good. You’re doing well.

Check out the distances between each spot. Is it more or less than three hours? If it’s three hours or more, that’s an overnight trip aka a new destination. If there are two locations within two hours of each other, pick the cheapest location and plan a day trip. But bear in mind that sometimes, this is not the cheapest option. It does depend on how expensive public transport is in the country you are visiting.

About that time I went to Germany…

I recently went to Germany and planned to stay somewhere in the center of the country and do multiple day trips anywhere and everywhere. I was told by a friend that this is actually a more expensive option than staying in multiple locations throughout Germany.

When it comes to planning a trip in Europe it is good to be aware of multiple factors:

• Public transport reliability differs from country to country.
• Price of food, accommodation, and goods differs from country to country.
• The kindness and hospitality of the locals differs from country to country.

But most importantly, you need to think about the care you require when travelling.

I found I like to set myself up somewhere for at least five days at a time. I like to have time to relax and spend a day reading, sleeping in, grocery shopping, doing nothing.

I love to have something to do everyday, new experiences and living a fast paced life, but sometimes you just need a day to recharge — whether that be a day spent eating, sleeping, or just being spontaneous.

My best advice for this would be to notice your patterns at home and plan for a similar rhythm while you are overseas.

My best advice for this would be to notice your patterns at home and plan for a similar rhythm while you are overseas.

In the beginning you will just want to go-go-go but after the excitement wears off you’ll need a moment of familiarity to recharge. For some it’s veging out in front of TV, some it’s going for a run, some it’s doing daily jobs — groceries, meal prep, cleaning up your suitcase; or just giving yourself a moment to call home.

If you don’t believe me, go onto Instagram and check out all the people you’re jealous of — are the most common photos of them at Disneyland, running from train to train, meeting famous people — or is the most common picture a drink they are sharing with a friend?

It’s the latter isn’t it?

Going out and experiencing everything the world has to offer is so much fun, but at the end of the day we are all human, and we all want a friend to share the little moments with. Give yourself time to make those friends.

At this point, I’m going to be honest

If you are someone who likes a plan when they travel, you don’t need this post. You go for it and spread your wings.

If you’re someone who usually doesn’t have a plan but feels like they need one — You’ll be fine. Planning for you is a good way to budget beforehand but it’s not necessary.

If you choose not to plan, you may miss out on museum tickets or the fast lane to the theme parks — but let’s face it, you can’t afford those anyway.

Walk around a park and enjoy the trees. It’s better for your mental and financial health.

I will let you in on a little secret, pretending to plan can open up a world of opportunities you didn’t realise were there. As soon as you tell people you have a destination they will pile on the advice.

You will learn so much form everyone’s unsolicited advice.

You’ll hear about families you can stay with, volunteering experiences, scam stories.

Even if you don’t want to plan, just pretend.

Tell your friends, “I’m thinking of doing X, Y, and Z.” They will help you come up with something solid in no time.

And if you want even faster help — enlist your parents friends. You’ll have an itinerary nutted out for you in seconds, whether you want it or not.

But most of all, go at your pace and have fun with this new opportunity.

I’ll catch you next Monday for more life as an expat reflections, tips, experiences, and day-to-day diary entries!

Tell me… are you a planner or fly by the seat of your pants girl or guy?

Where do you plan, on travelling to next?

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