jujubean

Boy, how time flies. For months now I have been reading posts, books, magazine articles and gleaning information - meticulously researching the details of our upcoming trip. Finally settling on a general schedule and hotels. So now, when I will be on a plane, bound for Rome, in less than a week, I am second guessing my choices!! UGGGHHH! Is this a common ailment?

jujubean

forgot to ask - for this ailment, is there a cure?

Underhill

Yes. And no, not really.

bob_brown

Simple cure. Don't go.

Obsess? Why?
Does it heighten the ecstasy?

I got a little nervous on a flight to Dublin a couple of years ago when the pilot announced that the airplane was on fire and we were going to land at Shannon instead of Dublin

We missed breakfast that morning.
But we had brunch in the terminal waiting room.

If you like fire trucks, you would have gotten to see a whole slew of them.
I think half the fire brigades in that part of Ireland were waiting for us.

I felt like royalty being welcomed with a 21 squirt salute.

jazzyred

Hi jujubean
I know exactly how you feel.We leave for Paris in 5 days. I've done so much and still I am making lists and looking on Fodors yikes I'm addicted.
I'm afraid that I might just crash once we arrive. Will my paperwork survive the test? I am trying to stay calm. So try to do the same and have a wonderful time!

Melissa5

jujubean, You are SO VERY well-prepared and in control of everything. Yes, I know the feeling exactly. I was like this last June before our first trip to Italy, which I planned!

Now, you can let go and let it happen! Let go and fly! It's going to be a fantastic trip!

Our first family trip to Italy was the best family trip we've ever taken, by a unanimous family vote.

What's your itinerary and hotels? Tell us what you are looking forward to, think of what you are excited about.

It also helps to pack early , if you haven't done that yet.

Oh, and bring a journal with you. When you "let go" of fodors and actually take your trip, it helps to write about it, and remember when you return you can write a trip report! So you're never really disconnected completely from the fodors umbilical cord!

Oh my, Rome is AMAZING, our favorite place in Italy!

Buon viaggio!

WillTravel

jujubean, I typically obsess up to the last minute. I sympathize. I want to make sure I chose the very best possible option, and of course there's no way to know.

But even though there's no way to know if you made the absolutely perfect choices, but I'm sure you made good choices that fit your situation. If something isn't quite perfect, you'll manage just fine. Don't let the quest for absolute perfection ruin your enjoyment.

And you'll be in Italy - it will all seem easy enough when you're there.

CaliNurse

Hi Juju, You own't see or do everything you've planned, listed, etc--you'll see and do OTHER things in addition to some of those you've planned. This is what makes it fun and exciting and YOUR trip--and gives a reason to plan the next trip, to see things you didn't get to. That planning will give you a nice way to lift your spirits when you get home and face the inevitable post-trip letdown. See--it's a good thing we can't get to it all in one visit! (-;

Nikki

Simple cure. Go.

When you get there, you will laugh about all your second guessing because it will all be good. There is not one perfect plan, perfect schedule, perfect hotel. There are many ways to have a great trip.

KathrynT

I, too, love to prepare for a trip. However, I also have to remember to remain flexible. Sometimes the unplanned moments are what we either loved the most or laughed uproariously over after the trip was long over. I'm glad you said you have a "general schedule" -- sounds like you've left some room for spontaneity.

Yes, I second guess all the time and realize I probably haven't always made the perfect choices despite all good intentions. This gives me a good excuse to hope to return!

I'm sure you've done a wonderful job and will have a great trip. Enjoy!

ira

Hi juju,

Through the miracle of modern Information Technology, I was able to read the schedule that you have stored on your computer hard drive.

That third day doesn't look quite right.

CRV

Ailment = Analysis Paralysis

Cure = Let go, Relax and Enjoy

motor_city_girl

Open a bottle of wine and start your trip early. I was completely freaked before our trip (early April 2005) too. The Pope was in "grave" condition and I was leaving my four and almost two-year old for the first time.

As we sat in the NW lounge at DTW, the announcement came that the Pope had passed. I said, "Honey, get me another drink!" Twenty minutes later, they said he was still with us. Another drink!

We arrived in Rome and still did not find out that he had passed for another 36 hours. We had a fabulous time. There were several bumps in the road but we were fine and still enjoyed ourselves. You will too!

suze

There is only one cure I know of... and that is when you're *finally* sitting on the plane!!

Personally, I distract myself by obsessing over my clothes and packing, then I don't worry about my hotel choices as much -LOL.

kemarshall64

Me too me too Juju. I'm leaving Friday and I'm having the same issue, but I know once I'm on that plane I'll just relax and go with the flow. I think a lot of the anxiety is actually excitement and wanting to GO! I make the time pass by repacking and reading Fodor's forums.
We're gonna have a blast! Kay

mr_go

I have good news: there is a cure. Once in Rome, go directly to a nice little sidewalk cafe in a neighborhood near Piazza Navona and ask for some <i>vino rosso della casa</i>. Administer treatment until symptoms subside.

Tiff

Mr Go - love your remedy the best.
That lucky Mrs. Go.

JuJu - - - go have fun! There isn't going to be a bad day. I could sit all afternoon on the Spanish Steps and it would be a fabulous day.

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Put away your research - and go embrace Italy as she will most certainly embrace you!

I am going to take your ticket away from you if you don't go and have fun while I am sitting here counting the days until January (our trip)!

T.

suehoff

Hi Juju-
I know your pain. We leave in 6 days as well and while usually I am frothing at the mouth and bleeding out my ears we just thankfully ended eight days of horror when my husband was cleared of a harrowing vascular disorder and brain tumors, so now I'm looking at the minutae w/ joy and heck a semi-shabby hotel, a long line, a missed train all look very easy because just being there w/ a beloved TC sharing all the ups and downs is what it's all about. Live it every minute you've got!

mv_rd

You're not alone. We leave in a few weeks and I feel the same way. Can't imagine what I'm going to feel like the day before.
At least you posted to find a way to ease the stress and you were given great responses. I'll take the advice as well.

I've been planning for the last 8 months and figure that at this point with so many time spent reading guide books and numerous hours on this board, I will have a good time, even if it means doing nothing

Have a wonderful trip and report back to us when you return!
Mariana

jujubean

Mr. Go, I too like your solution best!!

Ira, you are right - yesterday I had lunch with a friend who has an apartment in Barga - just outside of Lucca. After two hours of chatting - you're right and I have revised my itinerary!

Bob Brown - the fire trucks would have at least been interesting - my husband is a fire fighter!! But sounds a bit stressful!

I suppose that no matter what, if I have planned things well or not, if I have my kids all set and everything covered at work - one thing is certain. In less than a week I will be on that plane bound for Rome!