The Joy of Planning: Thrill of Future Travel

The thrill of planning a future trip has always been almost as exciting as the journey itself. Just the thought of a getaway, even if it’s twelve months away, sends a rush of anticipation through me. That feeling of motivation kicks in, and time seems to fly by.

In the early ’90s, when I was starting as a young traveler, I’ll admit—I relied on package tours. Booking flights and hotels as a single package was the safest bet for someone like me, who didn’t have much experience and was still getting a grip on English. At 21, I wasn’t quite ready to navigate the world independently, and those all-inclusive trips felt like a cozy blanket of security.

But as the years went by, I grew more confident and adventurous. By 1995, I was ready to book my last, at least tailored, package tour—after that, it was all about independence. The trip involved visiting French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Hawaii—not exactly places you’d think of as nearby if you’re in Europe! Some professional help was very welcome since the routing and hotel reservations did not seem too easy.

Starting in 1996, I began buying my tickets at travel agencies and booking hotels directly, often by facsimile (remember those?) or even upon arrival at my destination. It felt liberating!

When the internet became more accessible to me in 1998, a new world opened. I started booking flights directly with airlines and securing hotels through online platforms. Suddenly, I could explore options at my own pace, read reviews, and tailor my trips to suit my preferences.

Fast forward to today, and that excitement is still alive and well. Something about the anticipation of a future trip keeps me motivated. However, I sometimes wonder if all the spoilers we get from travel blogs and YouTube vlogs take away some of that thrill. Don’t get me wrong—I love getting tips and insights from fellow travelers. But there’s a certain magic in the unknown, isn’t there?

I miss the days when discovering a new place felt more like an adventure, without knowing what to expect. Sure, having resources at our fingertips is great, but wouldn’t it be nice to step into a destination with a sense of wonder, rather than having seen it all through someone else’s lens?

As I look forward to my next journey, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come as a traveler. From package tours to independent trips, the excitement of planning and the joy of discovering new places still fill my heart with anticipation. Here’s to future adventures and the thrill of the unknown!

What kind of traveler are you? Do you like to explore on your own and seek out adventures, or are you more the type who just wants to kick back and have everything served up like it’s on a menu?

Happy travels!