Planning a significant trip, especially after years of postponements, can feel like a monumental task. For many, the dream of Mega Travel adventures is back on the horizon, and with it comes the need for meticulous organization. Like many travel enthusiasts, I’ve found the perfect tool to manage my upcoming South Africa trip and transform it into a truly memorable experience: the Hobonichi Weeks Mega planner. This isn’t just any planner; it’s a powerhouse for organizing every detail of your journey, from pre-departure preparations to on-the-ground adventures and post-trip reflections.
Close-up of a Hobonichi Weeks Mega planner in Lagoon with a striped cover showcasing its compact size and stylish design, ideal for travel planning.
Initially, my Hobonichi Weeks Mega was designated for a different kind of project – decluttering and sales. In 2022, I successfully streamlined my wardrobe and jewelry collection, even selling Filofaxes through my blog. The plan for 2023 was to tackle stationery and planners. This decluttering journey has been incredibly rewarding, freeing up space, contributing to charity, and boosting my travel fund and pension. However, life, as it often does, took an exciting turn.
After multiple cancellations due to unforeseen global events, my partner and I finally rebooked our long-awaited trip to South Africa. The anticipation is immense, especially after the near miss in December 2021 when we had to cancel just two weeks before departure. But this time, the excitement outweighs the apprehension. The world has changed, and thankfully, so have our work arrangements. The ability to work remotely means our 24-day South African adventure is not just a vacation; it’s a chance to blend work and wanderlust seamlessly. And my Hobonichi Weeks Mega planner is at the heart of making it all happen.
Here’s how I’m leveraging this mega planner for mega travel planning:
Pre-Trip Preparations: December Pages as Command Central
The December pages are becoming my pre-trip command center. From arranging cat-sitters and shopping for pet supplies to sourcing thoughtful gifts for family and friends we’ll visit, these pages are filling up with essential to-dos. This dedicated space ensures nothing is overlooked in the pre-travel rush.
Flight Details and Itinerary: Weekly Calendar as Travel Timeline
The weekly calendar is perfect for logging crucial flight and hotel details. Having everything in a clear, week-by-week format provides a quick reference point during the hectic travel days. No more frantic searches for booking confirmations – it’s all neatly organized in my Hobonichi.
Lesson Bookings and Schedules: Monthly View for the Big Picture
While I’ll be working remotely, maintaining my work schedule is key. The monthly view calendar is ideal for noting lesson bookings, which I can easily transfer back to my main schedule in Sweden upon my return. This ensures work commitments are managed even while I’m miles away.
Screenshot of Hobonichi Weeks Mega monthly calendar view showing lesson bookings and appointments, illustrating its use for scheduling during travel.
Sales Tracking on the Go: Blending Work and Travel
Continuing my sales project is still on the agenda, even amidst mega travel. The planner will also serve as a log for any sales-related information that needs transferring back to my records in Sweden. This clever integration allows me to keep momentum on personal projects while enjoying my trip.
Note Pages: Your Travel Brain Dump and To-Do Central
The expansive note pages at the back are a blank canvas for all things travel-related. To-do lists for before, during, and after the trip find their home here. Brainstorming packing lists, jotting down must-see attractions, and even sketching out daily itineraries – the note pages are capturing it all.
Preserving Memories: Turning Pages into a Travel Memento
Beyond planning, the Hobonichi Weeks Mega is becoming a travel journal in real-time. Receipts, newspaper clippings, and any useful scraps of paper are being carefully stapled or glued into the pages. This creates a tangible scrapbook of our adventure as it unfolds.
Open Hobonichi Weeks Mega planner showing receipts and paper clippings attached to pages, demonstrating its use as a travel journal and memory keeper.
Practicality and Style: Ready for Any Adventure
As departure nears, I’ll switch to a durable leather cover. The card slots will house essential travel documents – driver’s license, EU insurance card, and passport card – keeping everything secure and accessible. During the trip, I plan to record daily distances traveled, activities with family, and highlights of sights visited.
Image of Hobonichi Weeks Mega planner with various cards inserted in leather cover slots, highlighting its practicality for carrying essential travel documents.
The beauty of using the Hobonichi Weeks Mega in this way is that it transforms into a cherished travel memento post-trip. It will be a condensed, personalized scrapbook capturing the essence of our South African mega travel adventure. It’s more than just a planner; it’s becoming a travel companion and a keeper of precious memories.
Collection of small, non-touristy gifts like pottery dinnerware displayed on a table, representing thoughtful gift-giving during travels.
Close-up of pottery dinnerware pieces, showcasing unique craftsmanship and highlighting the idea of seeking out local, non-touristy gifts while traveling.
Image of guava fruit, emphasizing the intention to experience local foods and culture during the South Africa trip.
For anyone embarking on their own mega travel journey, consider the Hobonichi Weeks Mega as your ultimate travel planning sidekick. It’s more than just dates and appointments; it’s a space to capture the entire travel experience, making the planning process as exciting as the adventure itself.
