Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Exactly.

TBPJr Loc: South Carolina

I've never used a shot list. I think it would be very useful when I can be in control of my schedule and transportation, but most of my travel (and most of my non-family photography) has been in tour groups with my wife. That leaves me with a very inflexible schedule for the most part, so I just fit my shots loosely into the opportunities I find. While I always know what we expect to see, the conditions are always whatever they are--I don't get to manage that. I did one trip solo that I planned, but I didn't know exactly what would be possible at each spot (all interiors--Tiffany mosaic installations in churches in New York state); since I was on my own, I was able to adjust my schedule to allow me time to take the shots I thought I wanted. It was a very interesting experience. I expect to take some photography-centric tours on my own over the next few years, and I will certainly try your technique (for the unguided ones, at least).