[frdgr]

I did my trip last year. 21k and not a booking (not even planes). My only advice is: do not plan things that much.

Traveling is not a job. It is not about filling up a to do list. Of course there are specific things you want to see, but you should not turn your trip into a real-world travelling salesman problem. We all know it is NP-hard.

Travelling is about living experiences, meeting people that move you in some weird way. Be flexible. Be open. Forget travel agents. It is a life changing experience. Good luck everyone.

[heymishy]

couldn't agree more, the things you book up front you will regret and wish you'd waited to arrange when you got there. 6 months in south america and the one thing I booked (machu picchu trek) was a constant annoyance to plan around. dont entirely rule out travel agents, they can offer even more flexibility in terms of flight changes, but stay well away from booking things in advance