This is great. I relate strongly to your description of yourself as a mesovert. My husband and I live in an RV and are perfectly content to park ourselves in the middle of nowhere and not talk to anyone except each other for weeks at a time. But, I also genuinely love evenings spent with friends and have determined to be more deliberate about organizing get togethers more often this year. We have too much of a tendency to keep to ourselves and social connection is good for us! I love your focus on intentional connection and the Random Travel Club is genius.
That is, of course, an important consideration. Sweden has terrific public transportation, so we were able to use trains, except for one trip, where we just decided it would be easier to drive, and took two cars. That's always an option, as long as somebody is willing to drive.
Sounds like the perfect activity to appeal both to people who like their activities planned and structured, and to those who thrive on spontaneity. Great idea, and kudos for having actually put it into practice!
Appeals to those who like structure and those who prefer spontaneity— because those can be two different kinds of people, in my experience! 😂
I liked the fact that the computer chose the destination. That way no one could complain or argue that they didn’t get their first choice. The computer made them do it. If anyone ended up having a bad time, they could blame the computer.
Wondering about the photo of those in shadow. Who is that guy on the left carrying the staff and why? Really love that photo. So playful.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Anna! I am glad you like the idea, and yes, it does appeal to both types of people. One thing I didn't point out explicitly is that the only thing that is actually random is the choice of the town (and yes, that's on the computer); everything else is chosen by someone. But the fact that people can sit out if they don't want to do an activity tends to allow the more spontaneous-minded to feel like they have options.
As for the photo, it is the shadow of the eight of us on top of a rise overlooking a frozen lake. The tall thing to the left was already there; I think it's possibly a flagpole with a life preserver fastened to it. I wish I had a photo of it, but I don't.
I love everything about this. The idea is unconventional enough that no one has a schema for it, meaning all bets are off and you can just enjoy the experience to the fullest.
I love this idea so much! The fact that the goal is fun and that the destination is random I would think mitigates against disappointment. How can you be disappointed about going to a random town? There are zero expectations. Also love that the work of planning gets passed around. Brilliant!
Thanks, Robyn! Yes, one of the great things about the design is that, with 8 members, you only have to be the trip organizer once every two years. That feels pretty doable! And of course, since these are not places that are famous tourist destinations, the expectations are indeed low, which means no disappointment.
That sounds like a fantastic idea! I think you could market your program to a lot of folks interested in it. We just settled down after being on the road full-time for over three years, but I could imagine people who don't get away often enough really enjoying this. I hope you get to resurrect it with a new group. 😊
This is great. I relate strongly to your description of yourself as a mesovert. My husband and I live in an RV and are perfectly content to park ourselves in the middle of nowhere and not talk to anyone except each other for weeks at a time. But, I also genuinely love evenings spent with friends and have determined to be more deliberate about organizing get togethers more often this year. We have too much of a tendency to keep to ourselves and social connection is good for us! I love your focus on intentional connection and the Random Travel Club is genius.
Thank you, Rebecca! It's good to meet other mesoverts who believe in intentional connection. I'm glad you like the idea of the RTC.
This is an amazing idea!
Thank you, Kerry! It was fun, too!
I am curious if you think this can work in a place with no public transport or poor connections? Did you rent cars for any of the trips?
That is, of course, an important consideration. Sweden has terrific public transportation, so we were able to use trains, except for one trip, where we just decided it would be easier to drive, and took two cars. That's always an option, as long as somebody is willing to drive.
Sounds like the perfect activity to appeal both to people who like their activities planned and structured, and to those who thrive on spontaneity. Great idea, and kudos for having actually put it into practice!
Thanks, Alex! I think you make a very good point. It's a nice setup: spontaneity within a structured framework.
Appeals to those who like structure and those who prefer spontaneity— because those can be two different kinds of people, in my experience! 😂
I liked the fact that the computer chose the destination. That way no one could complain or argue that they didn’t get their first choice. The computer made them do it. If anyone ended up having a bad time, they could blame the computer.
Wondering about the photo of those in shadow. Who is that guy on the left carrying the staff and why? Really love that photo. So playful.
Great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Anna! I am glad you like the idea, and yes, it does appeal to both types of people. One thing I didn't point out explicitly is that the only thing that is actually random is the choice of the town (and yes, that's on the computer); everything else is chosen by someone. But the fact that people can sit out if they don't want to do an activity tends to allow the more spontaneous-minded to feel like they have options.
As for the photo, it is the shadow of the eight of us on top of a rise overlooking a frozen lake. The tall thing to the left was already there; I think it's possibly a flagpole with a life preserver fastened to it. I wish I had a photo of it, but I don't.
I love everything about this. The idea is unconventional enough that no one has a schema for it, meaning all bets are off and you can just enjoy the experience to the fullest.
That's right—there is really no set of pre-formed expectations to lug into the experience, which allows you to enjoy it.
Love this idea
Thanks!
I love this idea so much! The fact that the goal is fun and that the destination is random I would think mitigates against disappointment. How can you be disappointed about going to a random town? There are zero expectations. Also love that the work of planning gets passed around. Brilliant!
Thanks, Robyn! Yes, one of the great things about the design is that, with 8 members, you only have to be the trip organizer once every two years. That feels pretty doable! And of course, since these are not places that are famous tourist destinations, the expectations are indeed low, which means no disappointment.
That sounds like a fantastic idea! I think you could market your program to a lot of folks interested in it. We just settled down after being on the road full-time for over three years, but I could imagine people who don't get away often enough really enjoying this. I hope you get to resurrect it with a new group. 😊
Thanks, Charisse! I appreciate your support!