CASE FILE: Travel

Subject: Charles Manson Known for: Orchestrating the Tate-LaBianca murders Estimated victims: 9 Operational period: 1967–1969

When planning a getaway, the first rule is to choose your companions wisely. Solo travel is lonely, and traditional tourists are too rigid. Instead, look for those wandering souls who seem a bit lost—perhaps at transit hubs or local music spots. A small, tightly knit “family” is far more adaptable. When you travel with people who look up to you, you will find they are remarkably eager to handle the logistics. They will drive the bus, prepare the meals, and follow your directions to the letter, allowing you to focus entirely on the bigger picture.

Next, reconsider your lodging. Traditional hotels are merely cages built by the establishment. True freedom is found off the beaten path. Look for rustic, isolated properties—an old ranch, perhaps, or a secluded canyon where the rules of the city do not apply. If you play your cards right, you can often negotiate free lodging. Offer the owner a little companionship or some light maintenance work. Once you establish a presence, you will find it is incredibly easy to make the space your own, regardless of whose name is actually on the deed.

Finally, master the art of blending into local neighborhoods. I have always advocated for what I call “creepy crawling”—the practice of entering a new environment so quietly that the residents do not even realize you have been there. Walk through local homes and gardens with absolute reverence and silence. It teaches you to appreciate the fragility of domestic life.

Ultimately, successful travel is about delegation. A great coordinator does not need to get their hands dirty with the mundane execution of a trip. You do not even need to leave your room. Lay out the vision, inspire your companions, and let them go out into the night to complete the journey for you. When they return, you can share in the satisfaction of a job perfectly executed.

File closed. Results pending.