trippin’

The only thing I love more than taking a trip is planning a trip.

People tease me about my trip spreadsheets, but they’re my favorite pastime. I’m working on one now for my Big Birthday Trip – many months from now – and I’m already spending way too much time on it.

It took me a while to decide where to go on the Big Birthday Trip. I had to consult a different spreadsheet: Places I Want to Go.

It’s true: I have a lot of spreadsheets. And I have a system.

At the outset, I spend hours gathering lots of information, even if only about one-eighth of it ever turns into action. I usually fill one worksheet with links to anything of interest: historic sites, lodging, tours, museums, transportation, restaurants and lots of travel articles.

Then I map out a rough calendar – usually Plan A, Plan B and Plan C.

Then because I’m having too much fun, I work on a budget tab. That usually sucks some of the joy right out of it.

Today I worked on the budget tab. I may need a second job. Or a Plan D. But I look forward to mapping that out. I’m still very excited about this trip!