Why Flexible Travel Plans Make the Best Adventures

One of the biggest lessons I have learned in my many travels both in the United States and abroad is this: build flexibility into your travel plans. It can make a huge difference in your overall experience. Whether navigating unexpected events, seizing local opportunities, or simply avoiding crows, a little flexibility can turn an ordinary trip into an unforgettable one.

Safety First: Being Ready for the Unexpected

In 2019, I decided to visit Hong Kong. I happened to arrive into the country in the midst of a major political protest. Over a million people had taken to the streets of Hong Kong to protest the Fugitive Offenders Amendment bill. In some areas of Hong Kong, the protests were very violent culminating in severe injuries and hospitalization. Quite obviously, my initial plans had to be tossed out the window. My travel buddies and I carefully paid attention to the news to determine which areas of the island were safe and we switched our plans to visit temples, historic sites, and cultural areas that were far away from the main protest sites. Overall, we had a fun and safe experience in Hong Kong.

The Locals Know Best: Leave Room for Their Wisdom

Some of my favorite travel memories happened because I made time to listen to the locals and follow their advice.

In Wales, I learned not only about a pop-up cheese market (the Welsh are famous for making cheddar cheese) but I also learned about a a Dr. Who exhibit that was only temporarily in Cardiff.

In Israel, a local guide showed me an incredible outdoor market (The Mehane Yehuda Market), that not only had fresh-locally sourced cultural food but also a hopping night life.

In Australia, a local not only pointed me to some of the best beaches in the area-that were not crowded by tourists- but also provided important safety advice about not getting into the water due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles. Another local in Caens, Australia suggested that I rent a scooter to tour some of the nearby jungle. This spontaneous decision to rent a scooter and just go turned into one of the highlights of my trip.

These kinds of experiences rarely come from guidebooks. They come from people who know the place best. Being flexible gives you time to say “yes” to their suggestions.

Avoiding the Crowds (and Enjoy it More)

One major benefit of flexible timing is beating the crowds. In February, my friend and I traveled to Normandy, France. We had the D-Day beaches, the Bayeux Tapestry museum, and even Mont-Saint-Michel practically to ourselves at a really affordable price!

Likewise, when visiting U.S. national parks, my sister and I often choose to start our day exceptionally early By hitting the trails early we are able to enjoy peaceful hikes without crowds and beat the lunch rush at nearby restaurants. Being flexible with when you go is just as powerful as being flexible with where you go.

Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

Expect Delays and Roll with Them:

Its a fact of travel life that you will experience travel delays and encounter unexpected situations. Flexibility in these instances can mean prioritizing the most important sites you want to visit and activities you wish to do. This recently happened to my sister and me on a recent trip to New Orleans. We had been unaware of a popular festival that was going on during out visit and so we had to pivot some of our activities accordingly. Because we prioritized and were willing to be flexible with our schedule, we were able to see everything we had planned to see.

Final Thoughts: Flexibility is a Traveling Superpower

Traveling with flexibility doesn’t mean giving up on plans, it means holding them loosely enough to make room for better ones. It helps you stay safe, find hidden gems, avoid crowds, and handle surprises with grace. Some of the most memorable parts of my travels weren’t planned, they were discovered along the way.

Great Basin National Park

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