Re Trip Planning: Do You Ever Just Run Out Of Steam?
Jun 1st, 2005, 03:14 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re Trip Planning: Do You Ever Just Run Out Of Steam?
I just did, swoooosh pfffft. Gone.
I have been planning a trip in October to Italy and I just can't get going on it. I got so disgusted that I cancelled the villa I had saved. I have been on the internet too long trying to find deals, etc. My eyes have crossed. I am Googled Eyed!!
Now I am thinking of just winging it all over Northern Italy w/o any planning at all.
I am thinking I should reserve in Venice and then leave it like that until we arrive.
Not that I am complaining, I just needed to vent and where better?!! Thanks, now back to whatever you were reading.....
I have been planning a trip in October to Italy and I just can't get going on it. I got so disgusted that I cancelled the villa I had saved. I have been on the internet too long trying to find deals, etc. My eyes have crossed. I am Googled Eyed!!
Now I am thinking of just winging it all over Northern Italy w/o any planning at all.
I am thinking I should reserve in Venice and then leave it like that until we arrive.
Not that I am complaining, I just needed to vent and where better?!! Thanks, now back to whatever you were reading.....
Jun 1st, 2005, 03:20 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know what you mean, SeaUrchin. I have been working on our trip to Venice in October and finally had to let it lie for awhile.
I can get SO into planning a trip in the beginning. Then, after awhile it just consumes me and becomes too much. I have found that letting it go for a few weeks and then getting back in gear with it helps me to be more refreshed and have a different perspective.
I can get SO into planning a trip in the beginning. Then, after awhile it just consumes me and becomes too much. I have found that letting it go for a few weeks and then getting back in gear with it helps me to be more refreshed and have a different perspective.
Jun 1st, 2005, 03:31 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ha, thanks, I knew yo'all would understand!
I just ate about six handfulls of trailmix (the most unhealthy thing I had handy) and now I feel a little better.
I'll stop for a while, turn off the computer and take a vacation from it, great suggestions!
Ciao for now!
I just ate about six handfulls of trailmix (the most unhealthy thing I had handy) and now I feel a little better.
I'll stop for a while, turn off the computer and take a vacation from it, great suggestions!
Ciao for now!
Jun 1st, 2005, 04:31 PM
#7
Maybe I can cheer you up because I don't believe in trip planning (well at least not to the extent I often see here).
You need: 1) passport, 2) money, 3) plane ticket, and 4) a suitcase with your stuff is a nice but even that is technically an optional item. That is *IT*.
Personally I figure my trip out enough to make hotel reservations ahead of time. Everything, and I do mean everything else I do after I arrive Europe. Pick up free maps, read local entertainment guides, etc. I'm not saying this is "right" or the best method just thought it might bring a breath of fresh air to SeaUrchin.
You need: 1) passport, 2) money, 3) plane ticket, and 4) a suitcase with your stuff is a nice but even that is technically an optional item. That is *IT*.
Personally I figure my trip out enough to make hotel reservations ahead of time. Everything, and I do mean everything else I do after I arrive Europe. Pick up free maps, read local entertainment guides, etc. I'm not saying this is "right" or the best method just thought it might bring a breath of fresh air to SeaUrchin.
Jun 1st, 2005, 04:37 PM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SeaUrchin, I think I did worse than you. 
We were going to go to Lake Como in September 2003. I'd been dreaming about going there for years. The previous winter and spring I researched until I too was Google-Eyed. I unearthed every morsel of information, every photograph, every travel dialogue, every review...you name it, I researched it.
One day my husband came home from work and I told him we <b>weren't</b> going to Lake Como afterall. I was sick to death of it.
We ended up in Rome, Umbria, and the Amalfi Coast instead. I suppose one of these days we might see Lake Como, but not for a couple of years! I've run out of steam about that place, no matter how beautiful I know it to be.
We were going to go to Lake Como in September 2003. I'd been dreaming about going there for years. The previous winter and spring I researched until I too was Google-Eyed. I unearthed every morsel of information, every photograph, every travel dialogue, every review...you name it, I researched it.One day my husband came home from work and I told him we <b>weren't</b> going to Lake Como afterall. I was sick to death of it.
We ended up in Rome, Umbria, and the Amalfi Coast instead. I suppose one of these days we might see Lake Como, but not for a couple of years! I've run out of steam about that place, no matter how beautiful I know it to be.
Jun 1st, 2005, 04:42 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmmm, I love the idea of "winging it" but then I get insecure and start making reservations again.
You obviously have a case of OverPlanitis..it happens. You are doing the right thing, take a break, eat something chocolate and slowly you will be energised again.
We were talking about Italy tonight. The Yankee and I are making vague plans now, have no idea when, but it will be Italy when it happens..
Buona Notte SeaUrchin
You obviously have a case of OverPlanitis..it happens. You are doing the right thing, take a break, eat something chocolate and slowly you will be energised again.
We were talking about Italy tonight. The Yankee and I are making vague plans now, have no idea when, but it will be Italy when it happens..
Buona Notte SeaUrchin
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:10 PM
#10
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,508
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having just posted this message in error on an arcane thread about Hair straightening (!!!) I post again here:
I will take correction from others more knowledgeable about Italy in the fall BUT:
Arranging Venice is a good idea -- essential perhaps
The rest is easy, as October is not high season -- you could, in principle, wing it
You have -- what 4-5?? months -- to finalize your plans
Yes, you can drive yourself nuts by overplanning: A few years ago I went cross-eyed checking out Provence hotels and B&Bs and, in despair, booked nothing.
We ended up leaving with only my trusty "Guide d'Hotels de charme" and we booked one day at a time, in situ.
We were FINE -- actually better than fine, made some great finds.
So what submerged fear or what desire for control makes us over-plan?
In the end, it's just a place to sleep -- and it's THERE, not HERE -- the main point, surely
I will take correction from others more knowledgeable about Italy in the fall BUT:
Arranging Venice is a good idea -- essential perhaps
The rest is easy, as October is not high season -- you could, in principle, wing it
You have -- what 4-5?? months -- to finalize your plans
Yes, you can drive yourself nuts by overplanning: A few years ago I went cross-eyed checking out Provence hotels and B&Bs and, in despair, booked nothing.
We ended up leaving with only my trusty "Guide d'Hotels de charme" and we booked one day at a time, in situ.
We were FINE -- actually better than fine, made some great finds.
So what submerged fear or what desire for control makes us over-plan?
In the end, it's just a place to sleep -- and it's THERE, not HERE -- the main point, surely
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:15 PM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The worst vacation we ever had was when we totally winged it. Mrs. Fly thought I was spending to much time "planning." Actually I don't plan that much in terms of setting day-to-day itineraries, but I do like to research what is of interest and how get there and hours of operation and such.
Anyway, on this particular trip, she convinced me that we should just go with the flow. We spent a lot of time trying to do research after we arrived--what a waste of valuable vacation time. We found out about all the things we missed when we got back and talked to people who had done the research.
Anyway, on this particular trip, she convinced me that we should just go with the flow. We spent a lot of time trying to do research after we arrived--what a waste of valuable vacation time. We found out about all the things we missed when we got back and talked to people who had done the research.
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:22 PM
#12
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi SeaUrchin. I think you have just coined a new phrase “Googled Eyed”
I love it!! Anyway, I too am at the point of planning our trip to Germany where I have hit the wall. We have plane tickets but other than that, nothing in stone. I still have to deal with car rentals, hotels, what cities to stay in, what sights to see on which days….oh lets not forget some things are closed certain days…Oh what fun!!!
….…Well I for one feel better…….good post…….thank you!
I am sure we will both recover and be back at it soon.
I love it!! Anyway, I too am at the point of planning our trip to Germany where I have hit the wall. We have plane tickets but other than that, nothing in stone. I still have to deal with car rentals, hotels, what cities to stay in, what sights to see on which days….oh lets not forget some things are closed certain days…Oh what fun!!!
….…Well I for one feel better…….good post…….thank you!
I am sure we will both recover and be back at it soon.
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:26 PM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,958
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know what you mean, SeaUrchin! I have all my hotels booked for my trip the 2nd half of Sept, but that doesn't stop me from checking out every one I see in Venice & Florence. And I'm afraid to read any reports on restaurants, as I already have more than enough for each city I will visit. Maybe I should just stop reading anything about hotels or restaurants!
I do like to check out open/closing times for churches or other sites so I don't waste time getting there just to find out they are closed.
I do like to check out open/closing times for churches or other sites so I don't waste time getting there just to find out they are closed.
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:29 PM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,067
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hehe Last time I felt that way, ,I chucked the entire Italy trip and went on a completely different trip without the planning. Had a great time and I think I developed a new travel philosophy in the process.
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:39 PM
#15
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SeaUrchin
I totally understand. We had planned such a long, expensive, complicated trip all thru Italy, and I flipped out and decided to take a Med cruise.
I kept picturing us dragging our bags around to each hotel, which cost E250 a nite for one that had an elevator, the cost of the car rental, the gas, blah blah blah.
Our 12 day Med cruise went everywhere we wanted to go and next time we hit Italy we know we want to do the tuscany/CT area. We will stay put in that one part of the country.
Good luck with your trip planning..PT
I totally understand. We had planned such a long, expensive, complicated trip all thru Italy, and I flipped out and decided to take a Med cruise.
I kept picturing us dragging our bags around to each hotel, which cost E250 a nite for one that had an elevator, the cost of the car rental, the gas, blah blah blah.
Our 12 day Med cruise went everywhere we wanted to go and next time we hit Italy we know we want to do the tuscany/CT area. We will stay put in that one part of the country.
Good luck with your trip planning..PT
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:42 PM
#16
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,508
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, one time I was planning our annual trip to France and eastern France -- a new destination -- was not working out.
I thought: why stop in eastern France? -- maybe further east still...
Two weeks later we were in Sri Lanka --it was totally improvised and it was GREAT!
I thought: why stop in eastern France? -- maybe further east still...
Two weeks later we were in Sri Lanka --it was totally improvised and it was GREAT!
Jun 1st, 2005, 06:32 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, I can definitely relate! I am headed to Scotland in November with a girlfriend. I have been there before, but she has never left the states. Part of me wants to do all the research so she has a great experience, but then part of me says, "hey, I have been there before, I don't need to do any planning". I need to get that happy medium going and so far just can't. I keep looking for something new and exciting, but then get burnt out, lol! Yeah, I need a break too!
Jun 2nd, 2005, 11:25 AM
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I see I am not alone, lol. Mermaid, yes you did me one better, although I did cancel the villa. It just wasn't melding together so OUT!
Since I have slept on this dilemma I am going to go with the plans not to plan. We'll have a car and can stay in small towns. I'll book Venice and leave it at that. I'll get some restaurant recs and keep them in case we go in that direction.
I feel freer already, now I think I will just enjoy the summer.
Since I have slept on this dilemma I am going to go with the plans not to plan. We'll have a car and can stay in small towns. I'll book Venice and leave it at that. I'll get some restaurant recs and keep them in case we go in that direction.
I feel freer already, now I think I will just enjoy the summer.
Jun 2nd, 2005, 11:38 AM
#19
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think I am way over planned on our upcoming trip. Now I'm getting desperate urges to cancel our apt in Rome, and try to squeeze in Venice and Florence. I'm going to try to resist that though (we lieave in 11 days!)
I feel compelled to do some kind of daily itineraries on this trip because we will have our teens with us and I can't bear the looks in the morning if I don't know exactly what we're going to do. Too much pressure. But, somehow, even with starting the planning last fall, I just haven't quite been able to put pencil to paper.
Also, I just KNOW that in spite of all the restaurant recommendations I've printed out we'll end up just winging it. I'll be too tired at the end of the day to care.
In the next 11 days, though, we have to go to my son's college (350 miles away) freshman orientation, and he has high school graduation, and lots of graduation parties. How will I get everything done??? Probably get off Fodors to start with!
I feel compelled to do some kind of daily itineraries on this trip because we will have our teens with us and I can't bear the looks in the morning if I don't know exactly what we're going to do. Too much pressure. But, somehow, even with starting the planning last fall, I just haven't quite been able to put pencil to paper.
Also, I just KNOW that in spite of all the restaurant recommendations I've printed out we'll end up just winging it. I'll be too tired at the end of the day to care.
In the next 11 days, though, we have to go to my son's college (350 miles away) freshman orientation, and he has high school graduation, and lots of graduation parties. How will I get everything done??? Probably get off Fodors to start with!
Jun 2nd, 2005, 12:01 PM
#20
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,717
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wliwl: A word of advice that's worth as much as you paid for it:
Try to group and put together in one place your points of interest and your recommended restaurants -- and make reservations for the ones that you'll be near to in any case.
I know, many people believe in the serendipity of finding that undiscovered little jewel, but in my experience, you are just as likely to land up in some mediocre and overpriced restaurant.
And with four people (I think it's four...?), it's always wise to make reservations.
Try to group and put together in one place your points of interest and your recommended restaurants -- and make reservations for the ones that you'll be near to in any case.
I know, many people believe in the serendipity of finding that undiscovered little jewel, but in my experience, you are just as likely to land up in some mediocre and overpriced restaurant.
And with four people (I think it's four...?), it's always wise to make reservations.
