CASSIDY RYDELL
AUSTRIA CORRESPONDENT
“I propose we not make plans, I propose we give this thing a chance and let it work out how it works out. So what do you say, do you wanna not make plans with me?”
That is a quote from a movie called “Leap Year.” In said movie, the leading lady, played by Amy Adams, thinks she has her life all planned out, but her plans change drastically when she meets a guy whom she originally couldn’t stand.
Isn’t that like all of us? When we make plans we want to keep them; and when something goes awry, the world seemingly crashes and burns around us.
I can speak for myself when I say planning for things is one of my favorite activities. Now turning a new leaf to a semester abroad in Austria, I am forced to learn how not to make plans. Hopefully this short list will help you in the art of not making plans.
1. Go out on a whim
I don’t mean go-out-and-get-a-tattoo impulsive, I mean close your eyes point to a random city and say “I want to go there, I don’t know what’s there but I’m going to find out.” (Obviously within the realm of safety.)
2. Get Lost
Yes, I said it, get lost. Follow your natural sense of direction. Not having plans means having no particular destination in mind. Who knows? You may end up with the best stories out of everyone else who is traveling.
3. Take Friends
Oftentimes, when you take friends on trips with you, your friendships grow stronger. In addition, you won’t be constantly saying to yourself “I wish *insert name here* was here.”
4. Allow Time For Yourself
When I travel, I want a jam-packed schedule. Unfortunately, with that, sometimes not everything fits into one day. So allow time just to be.
5. Hide
By hiding, I mean relish the time you have to be unknown. Not everyone has to know that you’re some college kid traveling abroad from the states.
6. Laugh at the little things
If you make a mistake via language barrier, or you trip over your feet, or your train got stopped — it’s all part of the experience.
7. Let it go
That little thing that’s been nagging at you for the past week? Do your best to forget about it. Focus on what is happening in the here and now.
8. Having a good time doesn’t mean spending money
Sometimes the best memories happen when you spend a little money on food and go to the beach to spend a day.
9. Immerse yourself
You don’t have to go to a big city to get a taste of authentic culture. Most of the time the big cities will have the least amount of authenticity because they’re overrun with tourists.
10. Unplug
I don’t care if your friend in the states just got a significant other, you are out on an adventure. Anything that has to do with people stateside or elsewhere can wait—although your phone camera is an excellent tool.