Mastering the Art of Adventure Planning: From Renaissance Fairs to a Great Camping Menu

Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when you want to combine unique events like with interesting stops along the way. Over time, we’ve developed a system that turns travel planning into an enjoyable part of the adventure itself. By using a few key websites and tools, we map out routes that avoid highways, discover hidden gems, and allow us to see the lesser traveled areas of the United States. If you love exploring and want to make your next trip smooth and memorable, here’s how we do it.

Planning a detailed road trip route with maps and notes

Finding the Right Renaissance Fairs

The first step in our travel planning is deciding which Renaissance Fairs or Viking Festivals to attend. These events are scattered across the country, each with its own charm, themes, and schedules. We rely on renlist.com to get a comprehensive list of fairs happening during the season. This site is invaluable because it updates regularly and includes details like dates, locations, ticket prices, and special features.

Once we pick a few fairs that fit our calendar, we check their websites for any unique activities or performances that might influence how long we want to stay. Some fairs have jousting tournaments, artisan markets, or themed weekends that make them worth prioritizing.

Mapping the Route with a Twist

Instead of taking the fastest highway route, we prefer scenic drives that reveal more about the regions we're passing through. For this, we use Google Maps but set it to avoid highways. This option helps me discover smaller towns, countryside views, and less-traveled roads that often lead to unexpected adventures.

Mapping this way also lets us plan stops for rest, sightseeing, or meals without feeling rushed. It’s about enjoying the journey, not just the destination.

Discovering Points of Interest Along the Way

To make the most of the route, we look for interesting places to visit between fairs. Two websites have become my go-to resources:

• AtlasObscura.com: This site highlights unusual, offbeat, and lesser-known attractions. From quirky museums to natural wonders, it’s perfect for finding stops that add character to the trip.

• WhichMuseum.com: When we want to include cultural or educational stops, this site helps us locate museums nearby. Whether it’s art, history, or science, we pick museums that fit the vibe of the area or my interests.

• We also zoom in on our route and trace along to see if anything has been marked on Google maps that sparks our interest.

  
  

By combining these resources, we create a travel itinerary that balances fun, learning, and relaxation.

Bonnie and Clyde Museum, Gibsland, LA

Planning Meals and Grocery Shopping

Food is a big part of any trip, especially when you’re on the road for several days. To avoid last-minute decisions or unhealthy fast food, we use a menu planning spreadsheet. This tool helps us organize meals for each day, considering what’s easy to prepare or pack.

The spreadsheet also generates grocery shopping lists based on the planned meals. This way, we shop efficiently and avoid buying unnecessary items. For example, if we plan sandwiches for lunch and grilled veggies for dinner, the list will include all ingredients needed without overlap.

This approach saves money, maximizes our limited galley space, and ensures we have nourishing meals that keep me energized for exploring.

Tips for Successful Travel Planning

Here are some practical tips I’ve learned through experience:

• Start early: We begin planning at least 6 months ahead to secure tickets and accommodations.

• Be flexible: Leave room for spontaneous detours or extra time at places you enjoy.

• Pack smart: Bring versatile clothing and gear suitable for outdoor fairs and museum visits.

• Use apps: Download offline maps and travel apps to stay on track without relying on constant internet.

• Document your trip: Keep a journal or take photos to capture memories and details for future trips.

  
  

Bringing It All Together

By combining these steps, travel planning becomes part of the adventure. Using renlist.com to select fairs, mapping scenic routes with Google Maps, discovering unique stops through AtlasObscura.com and WhichMuseum.com, and organizing meals with a menu planner creates a well-rounded experience. This method turns a simple road trip into a rich journey filled with culture, history, and good food.

Beef Bourguignon, part of are themed dinner at visiting Paris, Texas