Visiting a new place can be overwhelming. Agendas start feeling like checklists and FOMO kicks in trying to squeeze in every stop. While many travelers enjoy a high-energy approach, I find it hard to keep up with, and would take a more low-key approach when planning a trip.
To ground my plans, I build my itinerary around an island. I find a perimeter relaxing, knowing I can only go so far, and the horizon a subtle reminder to slow down. It's easy to go from a bustling downtown to a secluded shore in an afternoon, and with water on all sides, my itineraries become more intentional and personal. Less time in transit, no pressure to “maximize,” no frantic zigzags across a region. Just slow mornings, micro-adventures, and evenings that almost always end on a beach.
