We have gone through planning for at least 5 European trips now, so I thought this round we would talk a little more about the process. It’s simple:
- decide to go,
- decide when, where and who
- decide how much you’re willing to spend
- choose accomodations
- decide how to get there
- decide sites or events you want to attend
- start over from #2 – review and adjust
- then go
- and end up spending at least 50% over your budget
Of course, for a Project Manager (PM), there’s so much more ……. double it if you’re into photography or graphics design. As an example …. like the last trip, we have multiple maps stitched together on the family room wall. String, sticky tabs and push pins binds it all together to show the last trip and the next ……. great visual aid! We’ll probably keep adding maps and string until there’s no wall, ceiling or time left. Either way, we live life to the fullest through travel and meeting new people.
String Theory of Vacations
But back to the wall – Yes, the new top map is of Holland and it does wrap up onto the ceiling.
Yes, the string (showing the trip route) goes to the Amsterdam push pin in the ceiling.
Amsterdam on top (ceiling)
Canada is represented by the flag on the far left, above the piano, a neat metaphor for “let’s make some wonderful music” on this trip.
All strings lead to Paris
The maps provide a reminder (goal or objective) in PM vernacular, of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Special places and as you can clearly see, all strings pass through Paris.
It also provides constant opportunity to review and change plans every time we walk pass – perhaps too many chances! Regardless, I find it a wonderful tool. One that has helped us maximize our experience, by getting us efficiently from point A to B and beyond.
Also, it has helped me realize that each trip, for the past few years, has been a “walk” through movie scenes ….. “Under the Tuscan Sun” (Cortona), “The Tourist” (Venice), “A Good Year” (Lourmarin – north of Marseille), and of course “The Devil Wears Prada” or “Three Days to Kill” (Paris) ……. both invigorating and interesting to recreate the emotions and ambience of these entertaining movies.
First stop to start, in a few weeks (after landing in Amsterdam) – Den Ham (Holland), followed by Amsterdam reprise, Paris, Lourmarin, Venice, Lucca (side-trips to Pisa and Cinque Terre), Sorrento and Rome —- by planes, trains and automobiles (yes – another movie!).
Join us on our journey …. and maybe see the back stories on some movies (or maybe not).
