Are you FIT enough?

I bet you are fit enough to travel if you are an avid traveler, but are you FIT enough? FIT or Free and Independent Travel is how people describe a type of travel that I call it as Self-guided-travel (or in Chinese, 自助行). FIT is the latest terminology among travelers to describe those travels that are studied and planned by travelers themselves to achieve immaculate travel experiences with maximum freedom and independence without any restriction laid upon by the travel agencies or limitation found in any travel packages.

FIT type of travel advocates self guided travel planning, from itinerary planning, booking flights, accommodations, to the freedom in choosing what to eat, where to go, which to visit, how to save and who to make friend with. FIT lets you do what you can’t in packaged travel. Backpacking and flashpacking are 2 of the categories of FIT travel.

Why FIT is becoming more popular among travelers nowadays? The technology advancement in broadband data or WIFI connection, smart phones, tablets and apps available have made internet surfing, researching, comparing and booking process so much easier and quicker. Travelers can now learn, survey, plan, search and book everything online to fulfill their travel needs, and all could be done from home!

There are a few types of travelers who are particularly keen on FIT:

1. Budget travelers– A budget concerned traveler will love the flexibility of FIT has to offer to control his/ her budget on any travel;
2. Avid travelers– An avid traveler who loves to explore off the beaten track will always choose FIT as his /her only travel type;
3. Photography hobbyists– If you are enthusiastic in travel photography like me, FIT will give you maximum freedom in choosing the right place, right time and enough time to build up your travel portfolio;
4. Backpackers– Backpackers love to stay long and cheap at each destination to experience the local culture which FIT allows but not packaged tour;
5. Flashpackers– Flashpacking is a combination of the above 4 types and which I advocate for. A flashpacker is looking for freedom on travel, flexibility, comfort in terms of accommodation and transportation, may go off the beaten track sometimes, and all within a reasonable budget. Flashpacking is the type of travel with advantages of both FIT and package travel.  I have the freedom and independence on travel, as well as the comfort and relaxation.

I’ve been adopting FIT in most of my recent travels. Among the best past FIT travels of mine are both of my Europe trips and the more recent Beijing trip. If you are planning for your own FIT trip to Europe, check on my Europe travel planning guide before you plan.

At the end of the day, traveling is meant for giving you fun and unforgettable experiences to one destination and holiday. Choosing a type of travel that suit you is very important to achieve that objective. For me, FIT definitely is my cup of tea. Are you FIT enough? 🙂 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo guide

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.