Before heading out for a walk, I like to look over the route first. I don't need to schedule every moment tightly, but knowing what transportation options are near my destination makes it easier to stay calm if I change plans on the spot.
The second thing is checking the weather. I open the Central Weather Administration website to look at the forecast for my destination, then decide whether to bring an umbrella or an extra jacket. Weather can change, so checking once more before leaving is more practical than relying on yesterday's impression.
Finally, I put what I need into one small bag, such as my transit card, keys, and charging cable. I also keep an eye on my phone's battery and note the return transportation in advance, so I don't discover fewer options after staying out too late.
This preparation doesn't take much time. Planning a little less and leaving some flexibility actually makes it easier to enjoy the walk and the process of observing the neighborhood.
If there are few transportation options near your destination, or they're temporarily out of service, how do you usually adjust? For example, do you check for backup routes in advance, or just go somewhere else instead?