How to Plan a Trip Around Your Obsession: 5 Smart Travel Ideas

Some travelers chase sights. Others chase deals. But if you have one obsession, you can build a trip around it. Here’s how to plan a trip around your obsession and hobbies.

How to Plan a Trip Around Your Obsession: 5 Smart Travel Ideas

Pick One Focus

Start with one obsession or hobby. Keep it specific. A focused trip creates fewer decisions, deeper experiences, and better stories. Let’s break down five common obsessions with real-world examples.

1. Stationery Stores

If you love paper, pens, or planners, stationery tourism is real. Cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei are full of iconic stationery shops.

Where to Go:

• New York City: CW Pencil Enterprise, Yoseka Stationery

• Los Angeles: Shorthand, Hightide Store DTLA

• San Francisco: Maido, Paper Tree

• Chicago: Greer, Stationery Station, Paper and Pencil

• Portland: Oblation Papers & Press

Travel Tip: Map stores you want to visit by district. Dedicate half-days to shop and journal in nearby cafes.

2. Photography

Travel and photography go hand in hand, but planning around photo goals is different from sightseeing.

Where to Go:

• New York City: Urban texture and contrast

• Utah and Arizona: National parks and desert landscapes

• New Orleans: Culture, music, and historic architecture

• San Francisco: Fog, bridges, and street life

• Iceland: Landscapes and waterfalls

• Vietnam: Street photography and color

Travel Tip: Plan sunrise and sunset shoots. Stay near walkable locations with diverse scenery.

3. Art

Whether you create or appreciate art, travel can revolve around galleries, exhibits, or inspiration.

Where to Go:

• New York City: MoMA, The Met, and independent galleries

• Santa Fe: Canyon Road, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

• Los Angeles: The Broad, street murals, gallery districts

• Paris: Classic museums and street art

• Mexico City: Frida Kahlo and modern installations

• Melbourne: Public murals and design shops

Travel Tip: Check exhibit calendars before booking. Buy skip-the-line museum tickets in advance.

4. Fishing and Sports

This obsession is about events, action, and gear. From fly fishing to major games, plan around seasonality.

Where to Go:

• Montana: Fly fishing rivers and trout streams

• Green Bay, WI: Packers games and tailgates

• Boston, MA: Red Sox at Fenway, local fishing charters

• Miami, FL: Deep-sea fishing and major league sports

• Seattle, WA: Salmon fishing and Seahawks games

• Spain: La Liga matches

• Japan: Baseball and sumo tournaments

Travel Tip: Always check license or permit rules. Sports fans should book tickets early and stay near stadiums.

5. Thrifting

Vintage lovers can build trips around markets, secondhand stores, and swap meets.

Where to Go:

• New York City: L Train Vintage, Housing Works, Chelsea Flea

• Los Angeles: Melrose Trading Post, Jet Rag, Silver Lake stores

• Austin: Pavement, Blue Velvet, Uncommon Objects

• Minneapolis: The Mall of St. Paul, Buffalo Exchange, Hunt & Gather

• Portland: Hawthorne vintage district

• Amsterdam: IJ-Hallen market

• Bangkok: Chatuchak Market

Travel Tip: Travel light so you can bring more home. Research market days and arrive early.

Final Steps

• Choose one obsession.

• Research top destinations.

• Time your trip with seasons or events.

• Build a simple map of your key spots.

• Leave space for spontaneous stops.

Planning a trip around a single passion removes noise. You travel with intent. That makes every stop more meaningful.

Travel gear that will make your adventure more enjoyable!

1. Tolaccea Travel Laptop Backpack, Large Carry on Backpack Flight Approved

2. DJI Osmo Mobile SE, 3-Axis Phone Gimbal

3. Foldable Travel Duffle Bag with Trolley Sleeve