I write this two days before leaving on my first solo, international trip. I'm excited and a little nervous. As such, I haven't slept well this past week. I'm either buzzing with excitement, clicking among colorful photos of Thai jungles and bright beaches, or wringing my hands in nervous anticipation.
Today, it's the latter.
I like being alone, so the social part of solo traveling doesn't worry me. What does worry me is the planning. I'm an anxious person. I thrive on strict schedules. I meal prep. I wake up early. I make lists. I follow them.
But I also embrace the unexpected, mainly because it challenges me. It makes me feel alive. It provides fuel for the stories I love to write.
Don't get me wrong, though. I'm still making some lists. I have three pages of words I can't pronounce — names of ancient ruins, Thai temples, remote islands and traditional Thai dishes. But I probably won't follow these lists perfectly. I've learned that the best travel experiences happen organically.
So instead of following my lists perfectly, I plan using them as a guide. Who knows. I may scratch them entirely. Once I'm there, I plan on eating what the locals eat. I plan on packing light and on using public transportation. And I plan on getting lost—often.
Above all, I plan on experiencing life and coming back with stories to tell.
Cheers to unplanned adventure.