Decision Making - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Chocolaty Claire · 11-21-2005, 03:04 AM

I'll be a first time lone traveller in Oz early next year and decision making has never been my strong point!

I know more or less what i fancy seeing & doing.. but how do you go about making that final decision on where to go and what to do when you travel on your own?
Do you go off other packers stories and recommendations / tourist information centres.. or do you get chatting and latch onto groups..what do you do?

Cheers
x

**U2fan** · 11-21-2005, 06:29 AM

I consider others recommendations for sure, though don't always follow them of course. But if someone has just been there, that is pretty valuable in my opinion-much more valuable then a guidebook.

I also always see any "big draws." I mean, in my opinion you cannot go to Barcelona without seeing La Sagrada Familia or Amsterdam without seeing Anne Frank's house.

A lot of it comes down to logistics and expense though, for me anyway. If you only have a few days before you have to be somewhere else/head home, you probably cannot head completely in the opposite direction.

**kingcrazylegs** · 11-21-2005, 11:47 AM

I listen to others advise and read up on the area. Then when I am there I talk to the locals. I try to get away from the well known and see the "natural" side.

Chill398 · 11-21-2005, 06:58 PM

Plan to go wear you want to go. Make it an educated decision as well and read up on guidebooks. Ask around forums (much like this one

) because the advice of fellow travlers is pricless. And always remember that LOGIC is you're best friend when traveling alone. Logic and zen....keep ur cool when mistakes are made.

**Esterina** · 11-22-2005, 07:06 AM

Same here. I read (guidebooks, travelpunk.com !, etc.) to collect as much info as possible before leaving, preferably months ahead, in order to enjoy logistic-worry-free my stay and to be able to adapt myself and the itinerary once in the country. Because, and especially in your case since you'll stay for a long time, you WILL change your plans. People you meet, locals and travellers, and your own understanding of the culture will have an impact on your all-so-nicely-planned-itinerary.

**urOZm8** · 11-23-2005, 04:39 AM

It's a combination of many of those things but also with what feels good at the time. I remember on a few occasions making a decision whilst at the train station perusing the departures board!

ev