name: itinerary-builder description: Day-by-day planning patterns for family travel. Covers activity pacing, age-appropriate suggestions, geographic grouping, and rainy day backups.
Itinerary Builder Skill
Pacing Rules
- Max 2 structured activities per day with children
- At least one activity slot should be unstructured (pool, beach, wandering)
- Every 3-4 days, schedule a full buffer day (beach/pool/lazy morning + local explore)
- Arrival day = settle in, find supermarket, orient; departure day = pack, clean, drive to airport
- For 7-day trips: 1 buffer day. For 10 days: 2. For 14 days: 3.
Age-Appropriate Activity Filtering
- Calculate each child's age at travel date from
data/family-profile.yamlDOBs - Under 3: skip queues >20 min, walks >1km, long boat tours, guided museum walks
- 3-6: short excursions (max 2h), hands-on activities, animal encounters, playgrounds, shallow water
- 7-12: water sports, bike rides, easy hikes, cultural sites with interactive elements, theme parks
- 13+: most adult activities suitable — moderate hikes, zip lines, cooking classes, walking tours
- Mixed ages: choose activities that work for youngest while engaging oldest, or suggest group splits
Geographic Grouping
- Group activities by area to minimise daily driving
- A day's activities should be within the same zone (max 20-30 min driving between morning and afternoon)
- If an activity is far from base, make it a "day trip" and cluster nearby attractions on the same day
- Note driving time from accommodation to each activity
Opening Hours & Pre-Booking
- Browse to verify opening days — many museums/sites close Monday or Tuesday in Southern Europe
- Verify seasonal hours (summer vs winter schedules)
- Flag pre-booking items: popular restaurants (2-4 weeks ahead), theme parks (skip-the-line tickets), boat tours/excursions with limited capacity, cooking classes/workshops
- Note estimated cost per activity (per person or per family)
- Caveat: "verify closer to travel date" for hours/prices found during planning
Weather & Rainy Day Backups
- Check typical weather for destination in travel month (average temp, rain probability)
- Include 1-2 rainy day backups per trip: aquariums, science museums, indoor play areas, bowling, cinema
- Mark each day's primary activity as "outdoor" or "indoor" so family can swap if weather turns
Restaurant Suggestions
- 1 restaurant suggestion per day
- Criteria: family-friendly (high chairs, kids menu), good reviews, reasonable price, within the day's geographic zone
- Note if reservation needed and how far ahead to book
- Arrival day: suggest nearby easy option (no long drive after travel)
- Include 1-2 supermarket/self-catering notes since accommodation has full kitchen