A book for those who dream of a 'special trip of their own'

This book was ambitiously prepared by the author, who has traveled to nearly 80 countries around the world, with the idea of ​​including everything about independent travel abroad in one volume.
Since it is comprised of the author's own experiences from beginning to end while preparing for and traveling, it is full of information that can be used in actual travel.


The book is divided into three parts and an appendix.
First, Part 1 begins with a discussion of why you should travel independently rather than on a package tour, and then breaks down the travel preparation process into nine steps, including booking flights, researching tourist attractions, planning travel between regions, and reserving accommodations.
Part 2 provides helpful guidance on how to deal with situations encountered in all situations from the start of your trip to your return, including at the airport, hotel, and tourist destinations.
Part 3 is a record of the author's travels to Mexico and New Zealand.
This book details the 9-step process of preparing for a 15-day trip to Mexico with my wife, as described in Part 1, and then tells the story of a trip to New Zealand with a couple of acquaintances in an entertaining essay format.
The appendix provides a variety of information to help you enjoy your overseas trip to the fullest, including purchasing airline tickets, booking hotels, using Google Maps and your mobile phone, driving a rental car, using a digital camera, and ordering wine and food.
This book was designed with beginners in mind who are interested in independent overseas travel but don't know how to go about it, but it covers not only the basics of travel but also in-depth content on various fields, making it the ultimate guidebook for anyone seeking to embark on a "special trip of their own."

Many people dream of independent travel, but when it comes to actually putting it into practice, they find it difficult to make ends meet.
From choosing your destination to booking flights and accommodations and planning your itinerary—having to prepare everything yourself can be both exciting and stressful.
Maybe that's why I often see people who want to do something but can't quite get started.
Well then, let's change the question.
"How should I start to successfully travel independently?" This book is the first step toward answering that question.

--- p.18

The starting point of independent travel is not the airport.
The moment you mark your destination on Google Maps, type your first keyword into the search bar, or ask artificial intelligence for advice, your journey begins.
As questions like 'Where should I go?', 'How many days should I stay?', 'Should I stay in the city?' pile up one by one, the trip gradually takes on a concrete form.
The excitement of a trip often grows more during the planning process than on the day of departure.
Neighborhoods discovered by chance while unfolding a map, hidden gems discovered through AI recommendations, and lists of delicious restaurants discovered by local communities—these elements enrich the outline of your trip.

--- p.31

One free trip can slowly but surely change your life.
I fly alone, get off at an unfamiliar airport, and look at a map to find my way around.
Communicate with locals through gestures and facial expressions, and stop in front of unexpected scenery.
These small moments plant the seeds of change within you.
Memories of getting lost become memories that we look back on with a smile later, and moments of mustering up the courage to order food at a restaurant leave behind memories of inner growth.
The experiences you accumulate in this way gradually change your attitude towards life.
The confidence that "I can do it too", the quiet realization that "the world is bigger than you think, and I'm a better person than you think" - independent travel naturally brings about these changes.
Then at some point, you realize.
Even after the trip, my attitude towards life changed.
The fact that curiosity takes precedence over fear, and that we embrace the unfamiliar rather than avoid it.
I'm no longer afraid of getting lost.
Rather, I discovered the fun of finding new paths.

--- p.36

The process of deciding on a travel destination is always a series of choices mixed with excitement and regret.
We researched major tourist destinations throughout Mexico using TripAdvisor, Google Maps, ChatGPT, and various local travel guides.
Just hearing the names of these cities brings to mind an exotic landscape unfolding before your eyes.
When I marked the areas I had researched on a map, I could see at a glance the tourist attractions scattered throughout Mexico.
While I'd love to tour every city and create a perfect one-week trip, the reality is that I have to squeeze in a compressed itinerary within two weeks.
Ultimately, bold choices and focus were needed.
--- pp.198~199

The New Zealand scenery unfolding outside the car window as we drive towards Rotorua in the afternoon sun is a painting in itself.
A bite of ice cream in a small town we stopped by along the way seemed to signal the sweet start of our trip.
After a four-hour journey, we arrived at the Rotorua Hotel, and the sunset at Lake Rotorua, where we stopped by for a moment before heading out for dinner, was a soothing experience.
The red glow of the sunset spreading across the calm water seemed to bless the journey.
--- pp.237~238

The peak, rising like a pyramid through the fog, appears and disappears repeatedly.
Beyond that, other peaks are faintly visible.
Looking at its mysterious appearance, I wonder why people call it “Mt.
Cook, Mt.
I thought he knew how to shout “Cook.”
A simple triangular peak, a simple silhouette, and a thick snowfield surrounding the majestic figure.
Mt. is a mountain that contains all the images I have always longed for.
It's Cook.
A huge silhouette vaguely appears in the thick fog.
Then it disappears, and then it appears again, its majestic form breaking through the clouds.
It's like playing hide-and-seek, disappearing and reappearing repeatedly, but my heart races at every moment.

--- pp.278~279

Dinner time marks the end of the day's schedule. The aroma and flavor of wine blends with the food, relieving the tension and fatigue of the trip.
As you lift your glass and take a sip, the deep flavor of the wine envelopes your mouth, allowing you to calmly reflect on today's journey.
That's why wine is more than just a drink; it's a special companion that brings peace of mind while traveling.
Wine is the culmination of thousands of years of human wisdom and the gifts of nature.
From the soil of the vineyard, to the weather of the year, to the winemaker's philosophy, a single glass of wine contains countless stories.
Therefore, the wine you encounter while traveling provides a unique experience that allows you to savor the local culture and customs.

--- p.394

One of the joys of traveling abroad is experiencing a variety of local foods.
But ordering foreign food remains a challenge for many travelers.
Unfamiliar ingredients and recipes, language barriers, and cultural differences can make a restaurant experience challenging...
Ordering food means more than just filling your stomach.
It can be a window into discovering new tastes and flavors, connecting with locals, and understanding the country's culture.

--- p.412