The joys of unplanned travel

One needs to get lost in order to find oneself.

Sometimes the impulse to just throw a few clothes into a bag and just catch a bus/train to no particular destination is so strong, it’s hard to resist.

A number of times while driving to work from Gurgaon to Delhi on the NH 8, I was so tempted to just turn around and drive the other way towards Rajasthan. No particular destination in mind. Just drive, stop at any place that seems interesting, explore.

Though in reality, it’s not very practical, or as a woman or solo traveller, very safe.

So though the unknown is thrilling and rewarding there needs a bit of planning in unplanned journeys. You pick a destination (one that you’ve always wanted to visit) and work towards it. A date, mode of travel, stay (at least for 2 days, you could always extend or find accommodation elsewhere)…and you’re set to go.

Research

Having no particular itinerary in mind is great. This way there is no pressure to visit everything on the list. But it does pay to know what’s on the list; that way you even know what to avoid. A good way to go about this is to do some research. Google it. Forget the trip advisors or other tourism sites.  Blogs and articles can give you a better idea of places to see and explore that do not often feature on regular lists. Talk to locals (once you get there). Who better to know the place then people who live there? Taxi drivers, shopkeepers, waiters…they are a treasure trove of information. You get to know of places to eat, cultural experiences, little known places to see.  You can come across experiences that are truly unique.  Just keep an open mind to everything.

Sure, you may come across an experience that you didn’t enjoy or may have been hard. But that’s part of thrill of unplanned travel.

Trust and instinct are a big part of this kind of travel. And it’s more important especially when you are travelling solo. When and when not to trust people who give advice; whether to trust cab drivers or hotel staff. Just trust your instincts. This is where it pays to do as much research as possible before you set out. It helps you make informed decisions.

Money – this again is a fine line balance – carry too little and you might be unprepared for exigencies; too much, and there is an issue of safety. A lot of offbeat places have no ATMs and small

places may not accept cards. Here again, research could help you know the nearest locations of ATMs.

Budget – this seems a bit of a contradiction. How do you plan a budget for an unplanned trip? Write down a number of what you will spend in a day – this includes stay, food, conveyance and a small buffer. The trick now is to keep it below the number that is planned. This way you always have something for the ‘unplanned.’Try find homestays - these are not just cheaper, but offer authentic cultural experiences.

Travel light

Carry only what you can in a backpack. It’s the most versatile luggage you can carry. If you are not travelling in rainy or cold weather, you could always launder. Or even pick up a cheap t-shirt to wear as a souvenir. Extra sock, sunscreen, a cap, waterproof shoes, a pack of wet wipes, a few basic medicines, a water bottle – these are really useful. You could save on buying water if you fill up at the hotel.   And don't forget your camera and charger.

Make friends

There’s a good change you would meet up like-minded fellow travellers. You could save on conveyance if you cab pool. Sharing experiences can be mutually beneficial.

Keep an open mind

There’s no better teacher than travel. But you have to be open to new experiences and be willing to take the roads less travelled. And like I said even not so great experiences could be exciting.

So throw away those itineraries and bon voyage.