This is another guest post by Andrea Preziotti. You can read more of  Andrea’s writing on her blog, Finding Your Own Voice, and follow her on Twitter.

Planning a leisure trip is just as much fun as going on one. While not for the faint of heart, it’s exciting. It’s the research and discovery mode that brings the dreaming and hoping to life. Where to go, what to see, how to get there, the planning is armchair traveling at it’s best.

Just think of how much time is spent online searching destinations, in the library or bookstore flipping through travel books, or with friends gathering travel advice and tips. We spend hours making lists, poring over maps, comparing hotel and restaurant reviews, deciding on what to pack. What if you threw all that cautionary planning to the wind and left it open to chance?

In a perfect (and cost-free) world, the idea of spinning the globe, eyes closed and finger pointed toward the sphere is one way to pick your next travel location. But let’s be realistic not every one has the means to travel to exotic places at the drop of a hat.

So what’s a person with wanderlust to do? Fly by the seat of their pants (not literally, that would hurt!) of course. The concept of last-minute travel is enticing. You choose a weekend, add a vacation day or two to make it a long one, then pick a place and go.

Flying by the seat of your pants travel planning is not for everyone. It requires a sizeable, sometimes excruciating amount of patience, and flexibility. It involves trolling airfare and travel sites for last-minute deals, conference call decision-making (when traveling with friends) and the ability to pounce on the enter key with amazing agility. Be forewarned that you may be required to make a last ditch attempt to procure vaccinations for archaic diseases like Typhoid fever.

The process invokes a racing heart of a different color that may include but is not limited to palpitations, nerves, anxiety and “what the hell am I doing” self-talk. If you can get past all that without suffering a breakdown or a hospital stay then you’re well on your way to reap the rewards of your efforts. Rewards you say? Yes rewards like affordable packages, deep discounts at luxury resorts, airfares for a song. With a plane ticket and accommodations in place all that’s left is to discover all the magic your next destination has to offer.

Last-minute travelers account for more than 30% of the leisure trips taken each year. When was yours?

Photo credit: http://www.giseleart.com

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I’m thrilled to share this guest post by Andrea Preziotti, one of the most amazing writers I know. You can check out more of Andrea’s fab writing on her blog, Finding Your Own Voice, and follow her on Twitter. Exciting to have another passionate explorer on TJCC’s team!

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a planner – some of my friends even call me Julie, as in Julie McCoy the cruise director from the Love Boat. I’ve always had a natural curiosity for the fun and interesting activities taking place in and around the city, whatever city that I may be in.

A sponge for off the beaten adventure my heart races in anticipation of discovering the hidden gems of a destination. From New York to Ortygia, Vienna to Salt Lake and every city in between, there’s something unique just waiting for someone to find.

Some places I’ve discovered on my travels include: a chocolate factory in the industrial part of Rome, the underground Chicana art scene in Salt Lake City, sulfur baths at the base of a volcano in Lipari and a lost in time subway station right here in the Big Apple.

For me it’s the thrill of the hunt, the challenge of finding and potentially fulfilling a dream it, list it item. It’s the art of discovery that makes the journey all the more memorable.

Is there a unique discovery you’ve made on your travels abroad or at home? Share in the comments below!

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Editor’s note: Contrary to the popular belief of my male friends who are obsessed with Angelina Jolie, I did not intentionally come here on the heels of her recent trip to Ecuador. I planned mine way before, though I doubt my trip will get as much press coverage.

It’s Day 2 in Quito, Ecuador and I’m fighting like mad for an Internet connection – it’s me against the machine.

While I’d love to write down every juicy detail of my expedition right this minute, I have decided to save it up in my handwritten journal and publish when I’m with connection again.

And I’m trying so hard to memorize every detail. Which brings me to my latest thought: I often wonder about the memories that will ultimately stand out when I return home. Of course, I can’t know now. I can write down every detail and stay present during every turn (except during nap time.)

The idea of “what sticks”  when it comes to travel and exploring the unfamiliar is a cool concept – and continues the adventure after I get back.

In the meantime, here’s a short list of what’s fascinating me here so far – I’ve included links where possible, so I encourage you to take a look around and see the sights.

1 Oswaldo Guayasamin: Famous Ecuadorian painter, sculptor, collector. My fabulous guide and I checked out his final work “The Chapel of Man.” I’m so intrigued, blown away and a a bit obsessed. In his art, he captured the pain of humanity in dramatic forms as a message … a message so abrupt, I found myself a bit shocked at the first. And then further study made a whole boatload of sense. Picture included here (not mine, but I did take an exact replica) and I’m eager to share more, including an interview with one of the museum staff members.

2. Mitad del Mundo: The middle of the world – I stood there yesterday, basking in all the glory of latitude and longitude coming together. A whole troupe of French scientists were the cool guys who marked the spot and the Mitad del Mundo is adorned with their sculptured mugs.

3. Churches and more churches: I know, I know – you’ve seen them in every city – how different can it get? Way different – I actually recorded many observations and cool commentary from my guide via voice recorder (memory tool!) just so I can recount the richness. My interest in the evolution of Catholic Church and the Incan / Andean cultures started during my Peruvian adventure. More to come.

4. I simply can’t close this post without mentioning the brilliant time I’m having here at the rustic yet magical Hacienda Rumiloma – and no, they’re not paying me a word to write this. The attention to detail and the effort to create a space that reflects the authentic Ecuadorian culture is almost unbelievable.  But believe it – they’ve done it.

How do you memorize your travel adventures? From photos and postcards to journals and simple reliance on fond thoughts, we each have different ways of keeping our travel experiences and memories alive. Share your ideas in the comments below!

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