Here’s how I travel. After we’ve picked a destination, my entire family knows that leading up to the trip I go in “the zone”. “The zone” means that for days, if not weeks, I immerse myself in intense travel research and travel planning mode. I LOVE THIS. Now don’t get me wrong, I definitely get frustrated and glossy-eyed by the sea of information on the web. In fact, creating the Wild Bum platform was to solve this problem! Other Guide Architects are similar to me in that we have the patience to sift through it all, but that doesn’t mean that it couldn’t be better…
Now back to “the zone”! Why do I invest so much of my time and energy in travel planning and research? The more I do this, the cooler and more meaningful our experiences are AND the less stressed I am while we are there; making the most of our precious time. Sure, you can visit a popular travel site and hit the top ten things to do, but you will be missing out. And, I am talking the hidden gems, the local experiences, the cool spots to take beautiful photos, the best coffee shops (admittedly, I am a coffee snob!) and so much more. Sometimes these are on the top ten lists and other times they require a little more digging (such as reading twenty blog posts or checking to make sure information is actually current!). And, when we have this blueprint it is not to map or plan out every second rather to maximize our [precious] time and our energy AND our money in a new destination.
On a recent trip to London we only had five and half days. This meant that I wanted to savor our time there. Having a blueprint was key. I was able to map out which attractions, parks, restaurants, sights were relatively close to one another. While we left room for spontaneity, we had direction. And, in John F Kennedy’s wise words: “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction”. This applies here, right?!
I am the person who finds an amazing restaurant, discovers they only take reservations 30 days prior so I set my alarm and I get up and make those reservations exactly when I can! Because I know that the good spots go quickly! And, not only do I want to experience these incredible places, but they enhance our trip. You don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate a good meal. I mean, this is your time/money after all, “we are what we eat” – make it worth your while! When I know we have our reservations at these amazing restaurants I am so much more present, we don’t have to waste our time trying to figure out where to go and then ultimately end up settling, disappointed. Not always, but sometimes…When we are sitting at an eleven seat restaurant with these amazing chefs and fresh food and wonderful beverages and a cozy ambiance we are so happy – it’s almost surreal. This feeling, these experiences elevate our travel. Hole in the walls included! It doesn’t have to be fancy…just delicious!
Having a blueprint not only reduces stress before and during a trip, but it maximizes your precious time on a vacay and it helps create more meaningful and memorable experiences. 705 million unused vacation days in the U.S., according to Project Time Off. CRAZY!! Wild Bum was created to reduce this number. One of the first travel resources built, not for people like me who have the patience and the obsession to do the research, but for the many many many people who find it a completely overwhelming and frustrating process (understandably!). We are here to change that. We have vetted the information, we have done the research, we have been on the travels — we want to encourage you and give you the juicy deets to do the same!
Right from the beginning, Wild Bum saves your precious time by allowing you to find your tailored and trusted travel blueprint with the ability to search by Destination and/or Season and/or Budget and/or Trip Type! Connect with the Guide Architects – choose the one that fits your travel style. And, once you purchase your Travel Guide – research done! Be prepared to do a happy dance! And, get ready to start #wildbumming!
