For many of us, planned itineraries and booked accommodations dominate our travel agendas. But there are also a few of us for whom the thrill lies not in knowing every detail of the journey ahead, but rather in the freedom to move forward day by day. This is the philosophy that underpins my approach to bivouacking when I travel.

Whether backpacking through the Swiss Alps or cycling through the French countryside, my journeys have been characterized by a deliberate absence of pre-booked accommodations. Instead, I embrace the spontaneity of the road, allowing each day to unfold without the constraints of fixed check-in times or predetermined resting places. No need to count in advance how many kilometers I'll be able to cover per day to get from point A to point B.

Before embarking on an expedition, I take the time to pore over maps to identify sites where I could potentially spend the night. However, beyond this preparation, I deliberately leave the details open-ended. For me, the essence of bivouacking lies in the freedom to venture as far or as near as I please, guided by the rhythm of my own footsteps or the rotation of my bike’s wheels, and whatever energy I have left that day.

Each morning, I must ask myself what my objectives are, with the luxury of setting my own pace. In the evenings, I learn to appreciate the simplicity of the essentials, like finding a nearby stream to drink from or a flat, rock-free area to pitch my tent. Sometimes, I choose to take refuge in a mountain hut or campsite along the way, and I particularly appreciate the comfort offered.

For me, bivouacking is about letting go of expectations and surrendering to the rhythm of the journey, giving room to the unexpected. Above all, this type of adventure grants you the freedom to embark on a whim, with the essentials in your bag, and sleep wherever you see fit: the very definition of adventure.