This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book through them I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Cheers for the support—it keeps my travel habit alive.

Introduction

Picture this: you’re mid-sip of a strong spritz in a bustling café in Lisbon, and suddenly you get that tingle—where to next? As a solo Aussie traveller, I’ve become a bit of an expert at planning my next country while on the road. It’s part art, part science, and 100% fun. Over the years I’ve learned to juggle spontaneity with a pinch of logistics so I can wake up each morning excited rather than panicking that I’ll end up sleeping in a bus station.

In this post I’ll walk you through how I map out my next destination, all while I’m still in flip-flops and suncream. I’ll share the tools and tricks I use—like where I find cheap transport tickets, how I lock in a comfy bed without blowing my budget, and even how I keep my travel insurance up to date. Let’s dive in.

Why Planning on the Fly Works for Me

First up, why bother planning at all? Can’t I just wing it? Sure, you could, but there’s a sweet spot between “completely spontaneous” and “micromanaged itinerary.” Planning on the fly gives you flexibility—so if you fall head over heels for Slovenia’s mountain views, you can stay an extra week without stress. At the same time, you avoid the classic backpacker pitfall: panicked 11th-hour searches for a bed in peak season that leave you in a sweaty dorm with a questionable roommate.

I like knowing roughly where I’m headed, how I’ll get there, and where I’ll crash. It stops travel-fatigue from setting in and gives me more headspace to enjoy the weird local museums and random street festivals.

Step 1: Scoping Out the Vibes

Before booking anything, I spend a couple of hours scouring travel blogs, Instagram geotags, and the good old Google. What’s trending? Which countries are easy on the wallet right now? Where are other solo travellers having a laugh? I jot down destinations that spark joy or curiosity. Sometimes it’s a random Greek island, other times it’s somewhere off radar like Moldova (yes, really).

While sipping that café cortado, I’ll check the weather forecast and any local events. If there’s a music festival coming up or a quirky food fair, I’ll lean toward that. This initial vibe check helps narrow my list from “everywhere in the world” to just two or three options.

Step 2: Checking Budgets and Costs

Money talk—let’s face it, no one wants to return home with credit card bills big enough to buy a small car. I whip out XE Currency on my phone to compare costs of living. Groceries in Portugal? Super cheap. Accommodation in Iceland? Ask me again when I’ve won the lottery.

Once I have a rough idea of daily spend, I compare that to my remaining budget. If the numbers align, I move on to transport. If not, I scrap that option faster than you can say “expensive latte.” To get the best deals on where to lay your head, I swear by Hostelworld. It’s my go-to for budget-friendly dorm digs that still have decent Wi-Fi and a friendly vibe.

Step 3: Nailing Down Transport Options

With a destination in mind, it’s time to figure out how to get there. Europe road trips? I use 12Go for comparing bus, train, and ferry options across borders. It’s a lifesaver when you need to cross from Italy into Croatia or take that very scenic but slightly confusing Balkan train route. In Asia, I’ll sometimes mix in local sleeper trains or minibuses booked through 12Go.

Booking early often scores you the cheapest fares, but I usually wait until about two weeks out. Why? Most services release extra seats then, and I can cancel or change if a better plan crops up. Just be mindful of cancellation fees.

Step 4: Accommodation Hustle

I mentioned Hostelworld, but sometimes I branch out to Airbnb or the occasional hotel when I want some luxury downtime. For hostels, I look at user reviews focusing on atmosphere, safety (especially as a solo girl traveller), and location. If there’s a rooftop bar or communal kitchen, bonus points.

Once I’ve booked, I shoot a quick message to the hostel asking about check-in times or if they have any insider tips. Often you’ll get a friendly local’s recommendations on hidden bars or the best public transport link—you won’t get that from a generic booking platform.

Step 5: Sorting Out Insurance and SIM Cards

Travelling without insurance is tempting if you’re trying to save a buck, but trust me, medical or gear theft bills will wipe out any savings faster than you can Google “emergency hospital bills abroad.” I stick with SafetyWing. It’s flexible, covers me for multiple countries, and I can extend coverage with a tap on my phone.

Then there’s the question of staying connected. In Europe I often grab an eSIM via Airalo for a data plan that doesn’t cost a fortune. In Southeast Asia, local SIM cards are cheaper—just make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave Australia.

Step 6: Mapping Out Must-Sees (with Flexibility)

I’m not above using trusty tools like Google Maps, Trello, or even a squiggly diagram in my notebook. I list the top three “must-do” experiences in my next country—maybe a sunrise hike, a food tour, or a quirky museum—and slot those into my calendar. Then I leave space for “wandering” time, because the best experiences often come from a random conversation at a bus stop or stumbling on a street market.

Pro tip: drop pins on your map as you research. That way, when you’ve got a couple of hours free, you can open the map and choose the nearest adventure without scrolling through half a dozen tabs.

Top Tips for Stress-Free Planning

• Embrace Google Sheets or Trello: I keep a simple spreadsheet with dates, transport details, accommodation links, and estimated costs. One glance and I know exactly where I’m at.
• Book refundable tickets: Most platforms, including 12Go, let you cancel for a small fee. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
• Use travel forums and Facebook groups: Other solos often share real-time tips—like which hostel just got a makeover or which ferry route is temporarily suspended.
• Stay ahead on visa requirements: I keep a note on when my current visa expires and what the next country needs. Nothing kills spontaneity like being forced to chill on your couch for a visa run.
• Keep an eye on local holidays: Sometimes a small town shuts down for a week-long festival you didn’t know about—great if you want to join in, not so great if you need the ATM.

Conclusion

And there you have it—my simple, tried-and-tested approach to planning travel while traveling. It’s all about balance: have a rough roadmap but leave room for the unexpected. Use tools like Hostelworld and 12Go to lock in your bed and bus, and keep your insurance sorted with SafetyWing. Before you know it, you’ll be on that next flight, train, or ferry—sipping your flat white or local tea—already plotting the adventure beyond the horizon. Safe travels, and may your next trip be even more epic than the last!