8 Signs You’re Not Meant to Travel Spontaneously

“Wag nang planuhin, para matuloy!” Are you guilty of this statement, too? I know I am. Many times, last-minute plans are the ones that actually push through. So, we’re often tempted to forego all trip planning and just pack up our bags and leave. But before you even try to do that, remember that spontaneity isn’t for everyone. Here are some signs that you’re not meant to travel spontaneously.

Also read: Our No-Promo Spontaneous Trip to Myanmar for ₱26,000

1. You have specific expectations

So you travelled spontaneously to Bali, thinking you can finally get some Instagram-worthy photos in that stunning flower bath. You post story after story in anticipation, only to find out after hours of travelling that the spa is fully booked. Apparently, they’re booked for the whole week, and you have to go back to work on Monday.

What do you do now?

Spontaneous travelling is exciting. Without any plans ahead of you, you have more chances of discovering things beyond your imaginations. Unfortunately, this also means you’ll have several unmet expectations. You might find yourself in the middle of foreign soil with nothing to do. So, if you’re not ready to let these expectations go, then you might not enjoy a spontaneous trip as much as you should.

2. You like maximising your time

Trip planning is necessary if you’re someone who wants a full schedule to feel accomplished. Without careful plotting of possible commute methods and further plans, you might end up stuck in a hotel room, only getting to visit nearby food stalls and shopping malls.

3. You have no sense of direction

Sure, it’s easy to take a bus to nowhere and find some hidden gems in a country. But remember, you’ll have to return to your hotel at one point. Some countries have unreasonable taxi rates. Even worse, some have drivers who’ll reject you when they find your hotel to be too far. If you have no sense of direction, how do you expect to get home?

4. You’re indecisive

This may sound ironic, but spontaneous travels require A LOT of decision-making. Instead of one big planning event, you’ll have to decide on almost everything as you travel. Do you catch the train or ride the bus? Should you spend another night in your hotel, or should you get going? Will you buy all your pasalubong from this shopping centre? Do you eat at this fast food chain or look for more options?

5. You can’t multitask

Because spontaneous travelling requires you to decide all the time, you’ll need to brush up your multitasking skills as well. If you’re planning on making decisions in your hotel room, you might just end your day never leaving the bed.

6. You don’t enjoy the rush

Believe it or not, some people find it thrilling to rush to a bus station and run to a last-minute show. Some people get high on having to pack in less than ten minutes and wave ta-ta as they head to the airport.

But most people don’t. Most people would want to stroll across Europe calmly, with ample time to take in the sights. Most people would want to have enough time to meet new friends, and to bid their goodbyes properly. If you’re part of most people, then you might not be cut out for a spontaneous trip.

7. You’re not willing to splurge

There’s nothing like spontaneity to attract emergencies and travel disasters. It’s almost a guarantee that spontaneous trips will lead you to overspend. For one, having no planned budget makes it difficult to assess when to stop splurging. Another, you’ll find yourself helpless many more times when you have no idea what you’re doing.

Also read: 10 Things You Never Knew You Needed on a Budget Trip

8. You value sleep

You know the importance of a good night’s rest. In fact, you’re one of those who can’t function properly without a full eight-hour sleep. When you travel spontaneously, you risk not having available bedspace for nights. You might find yourself going from door to door, looking for a place to stay. If you’re in a tourist spot or a destination with little to no residents, you’ll definitely need a lot of luck to get a spot. This being said, are you ready to sleep at the airport?

Also read: Travelling Without an Itinerary — Here’s How To Do It!

Spontaneity may sound exhilarating, but we have to face the fact that it’s just not for everyone. There are lots of risks involved when travelling spontaneously. It’s certainly not for the fainthearted. So, what do you say? Are you still up for the challenge?