Now that you know your vacation style and you've done some research on your destination, you know how much planning you'll need to do in advance.

Most people will want to make sure they have at least basic transportation arrange and probably at least the first night's place to stay.  (I do know people who will go to a town and then look for a place to sleep.  A frightening percentage of those stories end with the traveler spending the night in the train station.) 

Depending on where you are going, you may need to make other plans as well.  If you want to attend a particular event, you're probably well-served in getting tickets.  If there are must-see attractions or experiences or restaurants on your list, make reservations if necessary.  (You may be surprsied at the attractions that require reservations.  Some museums or great houses require reservations for tours.  You can't just show up and be admitted.)  When I went to Australia, I wanted to visit the Great Barrier.  I made those reservarions in advance to make sure I didn't lose that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Personally, I'm not a fan of scheduling every minute of every day. (It's why I am not a good candidate for group tours.)  I like the freedom of going where the whimsy draws me and being able to follow something that captures my attention.  Still, there's something to be said for having a list of things you absolutely want to do with a note as to any restrictions on access.  If a particular museum isn't open on Wednesday, you want to make sure that you don't leave your visit there until your last day — a Wednesday.  Similarly, if the English tour is in the morning, yuo don't want to show up at 2.  A little advance planning gives you freedom without sacrificing the things you really want to do.