How I Plan Spontaneous Trips (Yes, Really)

How I Plan Spontaneous Trips (Yes, Really)

Beth Glosner  | 

If you’ve ever traveled with me, you know I’m the person who packs snacks for a “quick walk,” keeps a portable charger on hand like it’s a personality trait, and will absolutely wander down a side street or unknown path, just because it has interesting shadows. I love spontaneity, but I also love not crying in an airport bathroom because the last hotel room in the city costs more than my monthly grocery budget.

So I’ve learned to find that sweet spot between free-spirited exploration and enough structure to keep things running smoothly. Think of it like jazz: you’ve got the rhythm, but you leave room for improvisation.

Today, I’m taking you inside my Detour Diary to show you exactly how I plan spontaneous trips — yes, that’s a real thing, and no, it’s not a contradiction. It’s a skill.

Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

Why “Planned Spontaneity” Is My Travel Superpower

Here’s the thing… spontaneous travel isn’t the same as unplanned travel.


Unplanned travel is forgetting your toothbrush, hoping there’s a bus, and wildly Googling “is this neighborhood safe?” at 1 a.m.

Spontaneous travel, my version, is creating a safety net that lets you leap without worrying about where you’ll land. It’s strategic freedom, and honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.

Whether you’re a meticulous planner dipping your toes into adventure or a free spirit trying not to repeat past travel disasters… this system works.

Here’s how I make room for serendipity without losing my passport.

1. Choose the Vibe, Not the Destination

Before I open a single booking site, I check in with one thing:
What’s the vibe I’m craving?

Am I dreaming of beach naps and sun-warmed shoulders?
Do I want cobblestone streets, buttery pastries, and museums with marble staircases?
Or am I in the mood for mountains, fog, and that crisp-air-that-smells-like-freedom feeling?

Once I know the vibe, picking a destination is easy because I’m matching the mood, not forcing a place to fit what I need.

Sometimes I end up exactly where I expected.
Sometimes I discover a town I’ve never even heard of.
Sometimes the destination chooses me (which is honestly the most fun).

2. Check Flight + Train Prices Before Committing

This is where spontaneity meets practicality.

I don’t get attached to any one place until I’ve opened:

I set my home airport, turn on “flexible dates,” and browse like I’m online window shopping.

What’s cheap?
What’s easy?
What gets me excited?

More than once, a $79 fare has completely changed my weekend plans. That’s the magic of flexible travel, you get surprised before you even leave home.

Quick tip: Use the Price Graph or Explore tools. They’re basically cheat codes for spontaneous adventures.

3. Book a Home Base — Then Build Little Adventures From There

Here’s where my version of “spontaneous planning” really comes to life:
I always choose a home base first.

Instead of hopping from hotel to hotel or booking one-night stays all over the map, I pick one city or neighborhood that feels right — somewhere walkable, comfortable, and close to good food (because priorities).

From there, I build my spontaneity outward.

Once I’m settled, coffee in hand and bags unpacked, I start looking at:

  • Road trips that are 30 minutes to 2 hours away
  • Train rides to nearby towns or coastal spots
  • Little detours that don’t require changing hotels
  • Day trips that let me explore without hauling luggage

It gives me the best of both worlds:
A cozy “home” to return to every night, and the flexibility to wander as far as my mood takes me.

The beauty of having a home base is that I get to know the area — the bakery with the flaky croissants, the quiet morning streets, the barista who remembers my order in two days flat. However, I also enjoy the thrill of discovering something totally different each day.

It’s like nesting and adventuring at the same time.
My favorite combination.

The place I stayed at in Franklin, TN

4. Save Places, Not Plans

This is where the spontaneous planning magic really happens.

Instead of building a rigid itinerary (“10 a.m. museum, 12 p.m. lunch, 2 p.m. emotional collapse…”), I create idea lists.

I save places that might be cool:

  • Cafés with a funky vibe
  • Rooftops with skyline views
  • Hole-in-the-wall noodle shops
  • Parks, markets, quirky galleries
  • Random recommendations from locals in the area

I’ll use:

  • Google Maps lists
  • Notes app
  • Pinterest boards
  • Instagram saves
  • Or all of the above — I may be an introvert, but when it comes to hunting down unique spots, I turn into a full-on explorer

Then each day, I decide what I’m in the mood for. No stress. No FOMO. Just vibes.

Bonus: This system makes you feel wildly spontaneous while secretly being extremely organized. A win.

5. Carry a “Go Bag” — the Secret Weapon

This is less glamorous and more practical, but trust me:
A small, always-ready travel bag will save your life.

I keep mine stocked with:

  • A mini toiletries kit
  • A portable charger
  • A universal adapter
  • Snacks (because hungry-me is not the hero of this story)
  • A tiny first-aid kit
  • Cash in small bills
  • A pen (you’d be shocked how often you need one)

This lets me say “yes” to a trip at the last minute without having to tear apart my apartment looking for sunscreen.

This is the Bite-Sized Adventures version of being spontaneous: prepared chaos.

6. Serendipity Moment

Capture those unexpected, magical moments that make spontaneous travel so memorable. Think of a tiny outdoor café tucked down a narrow cobblestone alley. A single coffee cup and flaky pastry sit on a rustic table, steam rising in the morning light. Nearby, a bicycle leans against a wall, colorful flowers spilling from its basket. Strings of fairy lights hang overhead, hinting at the warm glow of evening adventures yet to come.

This is the kind of photo that tells a story without words, the joy of wandering, discovering hidden gems, and pausing to savor the moment. It’s quiet, intimate, and perfectly imperfect, exactly what spontaneous travel is all about.

7. Build Open Days Into Every Trip

Let me tell you the truth, most itineraries won’t:
The best moments on any trip are the ones you didn’t plan.

The alley with the hidden bookstore.
The sunrise you catch because you randomly woke up early.
The restaurant you chose because the menu that had pictures, and you were too tired to translate.
The festival you stumbled into because you followed the music.

That’s spontaneous travel. That’s the magic.
So, I always leave open days or even half-days, with zero agenda.

That open space is where memories get made.

8. Learn a Few Local Phrases (The Secret Door-Opener)

You don’t need to be fluent. You don’t even need to be good.

But knowing a few key phrases can make a world of difference:

  • Hello
  • Please
  • Thank you
  • Excuse me
  • Delicious
  • And “Where is the…?” — like ¿Dónde está el baño, por favor?

I actually learned this from some co-workers back in my 20s, and trust me, it comes in handy more often than you think. People light up when you make the effort, and those little connections often lead to tips and recommendations you’d never find in a guidebook.

(Also, it’s polite — and let’s be honest, we love polite travelers here.)

9. Use Offline Maps (Your Future Self Will Thank You)

Look, all the spontaneity in the world means nothing if your phone dies or you lose signal.

Before I leave the hotel on Day 1, I download offline maps — especially helpful for wandering, detouring, and avoiding the dreaded “why did I think I could navigate this alley system?” moment.

This is also the perfect place to fold in apps like:

  • Google Maps offline
  • Rome2Rio for figuring out transport
  • And your blog post 7 Travel Apps Every Solo Female Traveler Should Use, which pairs beautifully with this section

Offline maps are the backbone of spontaneous travel. They let you get lost… without really getting lost.

10. Expect Detours — and Celebrate Them

The final step?
Let go.

Spontaneity works because you don’t force things. You follow the trail of curiosity the pastry smell, the glittering water, the music drifting around the corner.

If something doesn’t go perfectly? That’s part of the adventure.

Train delayed? Explore the station.
Hotel full? Try the next neighborhood.
Rainstorm? Find a cozy café and people-watch like it’s your part-time job.

Detours aren’t mistakes. They’re stories.

And honestly? Those are my favorite kind.

Spontaneity Isn’t Chaos — It’s Courage

Spontaneous travel isn’t about being reckless or unprepared. It’s about trusting yourself enough to step into the unknown with confidence and a charged phone.

With a little planning, a dash of curiosity, and a willingness to go where the road bends, you’ll discover more than new places. You’ll discover new parts of you.

And that’s the greatest adventure of all!

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


– Beth

Travel for Introverts: How to See the World Without Burning Out

Travel for Introverts: How to See the World Without Burning Out

Beth Glosner  | 

I’ve had some of my best conversations in the most unexpected places—like a random chat in a coffee shop or striking up a conversation with a couple at a restaurant who were off to see the play “Jinty,” which was a part of Pittsburgh culture. I would visit Pittsburgh as a child and never heard of it. I talk to strangers because I’m curious (and yes, adventurous since I travel solo). But most people would never guess that deep down, I’m a hardcore introvert.

Me? Outgoing? Ha! 

The truth is, behind the curated travel photos and polished blog posts, there’s a woman who recharges by being alone, who finds energy in quiet moments between adventures. I’ve learned that being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t love travel, it just means you do it differently.

Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

Finding Your Inner Traveler: Embracing the Introvert Adventure

When I left Pennsylvania for the first time, I didn’t set out to “find myself.” I just wanted to see more than what stretched beyond my small hometown. Books like Where the Wild Things Are, The Little Princess, and The Giving Tree filled me with curiosity long before I had a car or a passport. Those stories taught me that adventure isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how you see the world.

Years later, I packed my bags, left the East Coast, and headed to the West. Moving cross-country in December was brutal. The logistics, the loneliness, the literal freezing temperatures, they all tested me. But I did it. And the most challenging part wasn’t the move; it was talking to people.

Still, solo travel taught me one of life’s most freeing lessons: you can be an introvert and still be brave.

Every journey starts with a small step—and a big gulp of courage.

1. People Might Think You’re Weird—And That’s Okay

Let’s face it: introverts make up nearly half the population, yet we’re told that being “quiet” isn’t ideal. From school group projects (ugh) to workplace meetings, society celebrates the loudest voice in the room.

But traveling as an introvert flips that script. You start to realize that solitude is a superpower. You see things others miss, the subtle shift of light on an old stone wall, the rhythm of daily life in an unknown café, the quiet joy of watching a sunrise alone.

So, when people say, “You’re traveling alone? Isn’t that lonely?” smile and say, “Actually, it’s peaceful.”

Being alone isn’t lonely, it’s a luxury.

2. You Plan Your Trips Around Your Mood (And That’s Smart Travel)

One of the best parts about solo travel for introverts is flexibility. You don’t have to negotiate breakfast times or sightseeing schedules. You can simply be.

Sometimes that means exploring from dawn to dusk, and sometimes it means spending a whole day reading at the place you are staying. I’ve learned that balancing social time with solitude keeps me from burning out.

When I need connection, I’ll book a small-group class or join a day tour. When I need quiet, I’ll find a cozy café, put on my noise-canceling headphones, and people-watch for hours.

Pro Tip: Book private rooms in hostels or B&Bs—you’ll meet people when you want to, and retreat when you don’t.

The best itinerary? The one that matches your mood.

3. Quiet Destinations Are an Introvert’s Dream

I’ve learned that certain places just fit introverts. Think small towns, beach stays, or road trips, places where silence feels sacred and crowds are few.

Quiet destinations allow you to think, breathe, and reconnect. You’ll find that creativity flows more easily when surrounded by natural stillness rather than city chaos.

That said, I do enjoy a bit of urban mayhem now and then—like the sensory overload of New Orleans or the electric pulse of Nashville. I love it for about three days. Then I’m done.

Solitude isn’t isolation, it’s serenity.

4. Dining Alone Is an Art (Not a Tragedy)

Here’s the thing: eating solo doesn’t mean you’re lonely. It means you’re confident enough to enjoy your own company.

I bring a book or jot notes in my journal while savoring a local meal. It’s become one of my favorite rituals, observing, reflecting, and tasting the world one bite at a time.

Pro Tip: Choose restaurants with bar seating or outdoor patios—perfect spots for solo diners who love people-watching without the small talk.

A table for one, please.

5. Noise-Canceling Headphones: The Introvert’s Survival Tool

Planes, buses, and trains’ noise follows you everywhere when you travel. Noise-canceling headphones are my best friend. They’re not just for music; they’re a polite “Do Not Disturb” sign.

Pro Tip: Download ambient playlists or local podcasts before your trip; they’re great for tuning out chaos while still soaking up the culture.

Silence on demand: every introvert’s travel essential.

6. Slow Travel Is the Secret to Sanity

When I first started traveling, I tried to see everything. Every landmark, every museum, every “must-do.” I burned out fast.

Now, I embrace slow travel. I stay longer, explore deeper, and let the days unfold naturally. Slow travel gives you time to find your rhythm, get to know locals, and fall into a routine that feels less like a trip and more like life.

It’s also when I do my best writing. Solitude sparks creativity; rushing kills it.


Slow down—you’ll see more when you stop hurrying.

7. Embracing the Awkward Moments

As an introvert, even simple things like asking for directions or sitting alone in a restaurant for the first time can feel monumental. I’ve literally written out scripts before calling customer service abroad.

But here’s the secret: every awkward encounter makes you stronger. You learn to laugh at yourself, to stumble through challenges, and to find joy in imperfection.

Lost? Probably. But I’m learning.

8. The Beauty of Being Invisible

Introverts have a gift: we blend in. While extroverts attract attention, introverts observe.

That’s what makes solo travel magical: we see the small, unnoticed details that others rush past. The quiet exchange between shopkeepers. The way sunlight filters through old windows. The unspoken rhythm of a city waking up. It’s great to get lost in a crowd where no one knows you.

Pro Tip: Spend one day just observing, no camera, no phone. Let your senses lead. You’ll experience travel in a completely new way.

You don’t have to be seen to see truly.

9. When Plans Change, Celebrate It

When someone cancels plans while I’m traveling, I secretly smile. It means I get my alone time back.

Don’t fight it, embrace it. Use those moments to recharge, write, or wander without direction. Some of my best adventures have happened when plans fell through.

Sometimes the best company is your own.

10. Self-Acceptance: The Ultimate Souvenir

If there’s one lesson solo travel for introverts has taught me, it’s this: stop apologizing for who you are. You don’t need to explain why you’d rather read than socialize, or why you need a quiet morning and coffee before sightseeing.

You travel for you, not for validation, not for Instagram likes, but to explore the world around you.

So the next time you feel guilty for choosing solitude over socializing, remember: your peace is priceless.

Travel teaches you how to love your own company.

Final Thoughts

Solo travel for introverts isn’t about escaping people; it’s about discovering yourself in the spaces between. It’s about finding comfort in silence, beauty in solitude, and courage in curiosity.

So pack your bags, grab your journal, and explore at your own pace, in your own way.

If you loved this post, check out my guide, 10 Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler, for simple ways to explore the world while caring for it too.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

– Beth