We’ve all been there—dreaming of the perfect getaway, crafting an itinerary with all the excitement of a treasure map, only to realize halfway through the trip that we’ve over-scheduled ourselves into exhaustion. But when done right, planning your itinerary is more than just logistics—it’s about creating space for moments of wonder, joy, and unexpected magic. Here’s how I’ve learned to make my trips truly unforgettable:

# Start with Your Dream List, but Leave Room for the Unexpected

I used to over-plan, thinking I had to see everything. But the most memorable moments? They never happened because I stuck to the schedule. Instead, I now make a list of “must-sees”—those iconic places that have been on my bucket list for years. For me, it’s always been the colorful streets of Lisbon or the calm lakes in New Zealand. But here's the secret: after ticking off the must-haves, I leave the rest of the day open to serendipity. Maybe it’s a random sunset on the beach, or an impromptu chat with a local who points me to a hidden café. Flexibility creates magic.

# Mix Adventure with Downtime

There’s a thrill in running from one landmark to the next. But let me tell you—your soul gets tired too. On my last trip, I jammed-packed my itinerary with back-to-back activities, only to feel drained by mid-afternoon. So, I made a change: for every adventure, I scheduled moments to breathe. A quiet afternoon in a park, a leisurely stroll through a local market, or just sipping coffee by the window while the world goes on outside. You’d be amazed at how much more of a place you truly see when you slow down and let it seep in.

# Honor the Local Rhythm

Travel isn’t just about where you go; it’s about how you feel when you’re there. I’ve learned this the hard way, especially when I arrived in Spain, eager to sightsee… only to find everything closed for siesta! Embrace the local culture. In Italy, plan your days around leisurely meals, where lunch isn’t rushed but savored. In Bali, the sunset is sacred—plan to be by the beach for the last golden rays. Being in tune with a place’s pace isn’t just a travel tip; it’s a way to connect with the heart of a destination.

# Use Tech, But Listen to Your Heart

I love using apps to organize my trips (thank you, Google Maps, for never letting me get lost). But the best discoveries never come from a screen. On my last trip to Japan, I followed a map to a famous shrine, but my feet led me into a quiet alley where a local shopkeeper offered me a cup of tea. I didn’t plan for that. No app could’ve told me about it. So while I rely on technology to get me from point A to B, I trust my instincts to lead me off the beaten path. And that’s where the true magic lies.

The perfect itinerary isn’t about rigid plans or lists. It’s about creating a framework for adventure and then letting the journey surprise you. 

So go ahead—plan your dream trip, but be open to getting lost, to staying longer, to saying yes to what wasn’t on your list. That’s when the best stories are made.