Spontaneous travel can be an enormously exciting thing. When an opportunity arises for a new adventure, the spontaneous traveller can grasp it with both hands, and often save a significant sum in the process. This might mean travelling at the last minute or simply arranging your holiday so that it leaves a little more room for improvisation.
If you're not used to going away at the drop of a hat, then this might feel slightly intimidating. You might feel that you can't leave the country without planning every last aspect of your trip and mentally preparing yourself for the event.
But last-minute, spontaneous travel can appeal to everyone – provided that you take the right approach to it. Let's take a look at what the right approach might involve.
Embrace Flexible Booking Options
If you want flexibility, then it's best to work with travel companies that offer it. You might look for a cancellation policy that's slightly more forgiving. That way, if you decide to rearrange your plans, you won't face harsh cancellation fees.
Plan Flexible Itineraries, Not Rigid Schedules
A fixed itinerary can be a useful tool if you want to extract the maximum possible experience from your trip. But in many cases, it can feel too restrictive. If your objective is to relax, then having a huge number of appointments to keep might seem self-defeating.
A better approach might be to loosen your plans so that you have free time available to fill with unplanned detours and side quests. You can still book your must-see attractions in advance, which makes this a great compromise.
Be Adaptable with Timing and Destination
If you don't mind when you travel or where you travel to, then you might have the chance to stumble upon the best possible deals. At the last minute, airlines and hotels will often lower their prices in order to cut their losses. Thus, if you aren't choosy about what you'll be doing, this can be a great way to save – and thus, to holiday more often throughout the year.
You can, of course, be slightly selective about the broad category of trip you're considering. Last-minute ski holidays, for example, might allow you to look for the cheapest mountain experience available.
Travel Light and Prioritise Self‑Care on the Move
If you're having to haul around a heavy suitcase wherever you go, then you might find yourself physically drained, as well as mentally so. Think about how you'll maintain an aura of zen-like calm, even when things are up in the air and you're not sure what the immediate future holds. A good, lightweight backpack or suitcase can be a great help.
Tap Into Mystery and Surprise Travel Trends
"Mystery" travel represents the ultimate in spontaneous adventure. In this instance, you won't know exactly where you're going until the very last minute – which means that surprise is built right into the experience.
Leverage Bleisure (Business + Leisure) Travel Opportunities
It might be that you're frequently venturing overseas as part of your job. In this case, you might take the opportunity to explore your surroundings and to relax. Extend your trip to whatever part of the world you're visiting, and see what's available outside of the hotel or conference centre.
Keep Essentials Prepped for Spontaneity
If you want to be able to travel stress-free at the drop of a proverbial hat, then getting a travel bag prepared in advance can be essential. You might have a bag packed at all times, containing packing lists, essential items like sunblock and passports, and copies of essential insurance documents.
