The type A tourist Origin Story

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to make the most of every opportunity and get all I can out of an experience and traveling is no different for me. When I go somewhere new, I never know if I am going to make it back there, so I always want to make sure that I see everything there is to see wherever I visit.

Before smartphones allowed me to access all the information I needed from the small device in my pocket, I used to research destinations, identify must-see spots, and plan a complete itinerary for my trips. I would print out everything necessary, including directions from one location to another, and compile a travel binder (actual travel binder picture posted here, circa 2014). This binder contained all the trip details, including an Excel schedule outlining days, times, and events.

Some might say that this takes all the fun out of vacation or what about relaxing, and I would say it has the complete opposite effect. With a detailed schedule, you know what you are doing and when and it minimizes the stress on the trip of what do we do now or where do you want to eat. Ironically, I even schedule in time to rest, relax and nap. Traveling this way also helps me manage my budget effectively. By planning in advance, I can begin paying for items as I reserve them and establish a spending plan for the trip.

Since I truly enjoy the vacation planning and the itinerary making, my friends are always more than happy to give me free rein on the vacation planning. I always ask these questions; 1) Do you want to relax or see everything there is to see and we can sleep when we get home, 2) What is your budget and 3) Is there anything you don't want to do. By knowing the answers to these questions, I have been able to plan many successful vacations and that is how the Type A Tourist was born.

I look forward to sharing travel tips, itineraries and reviews of places I have been with you. Fair warning, the word tourist is right in my name, so yes, a lot of the places I visit are mainstream tourist attractions and honestly, I typically really enjoy them. I also hope you will share some of your tips and favorite places in the comments.

Wishing you safe travels and great adventures,

The type A tourist