How true - complete immersion, albeit 'obsession'! I've been planning my 1st trip to Europe now for over 6 months and here I am 2 days from departure! Instead of packing what am I doing? Well, you can see that! And, I'm not even here for information, per se, as everything is planned, web pages printed out, documents xeroxed, online hotel confirmations printed out,etc. etc etc! You should see my binder of information which will reside on my back for the duration of the trip! Anyway, you are so right about the anticipation - I almost feel less excited right now because I'm no longer planning, just waiting to go. I am nervous, but feel pretty confident about things because of all the time I've spent researching things. Knowledge truly is power! Thanks for this post!

Wow, what great feedback!! <BR> <BR>I'm so glad to see so many others excited about planning their trips... <BR> <BR>And Dan, I too "semi-plan" trips we have no idea when we will go on. I keep a binder (yes, with dividers just like in school) with the various cities I eventually want to visit. I'm always gathering information. Just recently, I went to a discount book seller and he had a ton of Access guides for $4 each. What did I do? I bought 6. Access Rome, Paris, Budget Europe, NYC, Chicago, and LA. In addition, I bought $2 and $3 books on Thailand, Cancun, Prague, Amsterdam, and various Irreverant Guides. I'm NUTS! I spent over $100 on books in 2 hours flat... <BR> <BR>We're not sure where our next trip is going to be, but it looks like Asia. Probably Bangkok or Singapore in the fall unless a "super-saver" deal comes up to somewhere in Europe that we just can't refuse. <BR> <BR>Oh, well, I'll just surf Fodor's and read my books until I start planning again. <BR> <BR>Have a great weekend. <BR> <BR>:-)

To answer Dan's question about long-term/fantasy planning, I just remembered something I used to do. When I was dating, if I found myself on a terrible date that I didn't think I could just walk away from, I would mentally start packing for/planning a trip. I'd pick a destination, a season, an itinerary, and think about what I'd put in one carry-on bag. Talk about an escape!

Lynn: I truly agree with everyone else who has posted a response to you. The words obsession, addiction ,preoccupation,immersion and more come to mind to describe my approach to planning a trip. I have driven family and friends crazy with my <BR>upcoming trip to Paris with my daughter and mother. They feel like they have been there already but I have had a ball and have learned many new things in the process! It is a fun way to beat the stress of the daily hassles and provides great enjoyment to me in contemplating all the travel possibilities! <BR>

Oh thank heavens I am not alone. The girls think I'm obsessive because it takes me six months to put together a trip - but they never complain about the result! I have done spur-of-the-moment trips with little planning, and I don't enjoy them as much as the over-planned ones. I agree that planning gives me background information on the culture, history and people that helps me enjoy the sights more. And ohmyword there are "others" out there who plan trips years in advance...I have an Oktoberfest AND a rail trip of Italy almost done...and those aren't going to occur for YEARS! I am so happy to know that my madness is not just mine...hey if they find a cure......DO NOT TELL ME.

thanks, lynn for sharing that tidbit about Picadilly. (I don't think it will happen though because my grandma who's coming with me is worried about being out at night, let alone seeing smashed people at 2 in the morning!) <BR> <BR>thanks too, Dan, for the advice that London is different when you're really there. I guess it's something I should know, but when I'm pouring over the pictures, it almost feels as if I AM there. <BR> <BR>And another thing about being an 'immersionist': I had exams this week which I REALLY needed to study for, but all the while, I had to keep myself from going to the computer. I swear, this forum just calls to me! All through studying Classical Studies, I heard "Amber...London is waiting, come plan your trip, Fodor's Forum...London..." etc. <BR>:) amber

It is so nice to know I am not alone and finally have a title an "immersionist". We went for 17 days in 1997 and I began planning last September for a trip this coming September for 3 weeks with another couple. Between web sites, tourist boards, faxes to Europe for reservations and travel books, it truly is a joy. There seems to be phases to this pleasant madness, itinerary planning, hotel lodging, sightseeing agenda. Each phase is enjoyable and the men have had little to put in but it may be because of their work load, although I work too. Well enjoy everyone!!!

Planning, planning, planning! <BR> <BR>We just got back from the swap meet where I picked up a 1996 Italy Eyewitness Guide for $2.50, yes $2.50. The binding is a little bit worn but my Paris Eyewitness (that I bought at retail 4 weeks ago because I couldn't find a discount one) looked the same after a week in my bag. <BR> <BR>We have no plans to go to Italy any time in particular but I've been thumbing through it thinking about how we would go here and how we would go there and what we would see first! This travel stuff is so addictive... <BR> <BR>Hope everyone has a great Saturday, I'm off to run errands. <BR> <BR>:-)

We've always carefully researched a destination, then planned our itinerary once we decided where to go. For us, this has become much easier, and convenient, by having our home computer and anytime access to travel destinations/forums, Fodor's being THE BEST by far!! <BR> <BR>It's great to read and hear from people about their experiences in cities, places to stay, restaurants, musuems and the like. Although opinions of the same thing differ, it's better to read thru posts than reading from any travel book, although I'm also a fan of both travel books and magazines. These forums have more up-to-date information than is possible to keep current in printed form. Reading Fodor's is now part of my daily routine, and everyday, there's something new and different to look forward to.