Taking My Parents to Yunnan, and Keeping It Loose

After dozens of trips I stopped chasing checklists. One main sight a day, and the rest of the time belongs to whatever the street happens to offer.

What actually worked on this trip

• Pack in a carry-on only — the time you save between transfers adds up fast
• Plan one anchor sight per day and leave the rest open
• Download offline maps and tickets before you land

Travel is not about how many places you tick off, it is about how long you are willing to stay for one view.

Full route and daily budget are listed below — steal whatever is useful.