By name: trip-planning description: Plan comprehensive trips including destination research, accommodations, transportation, activities, and itineraries. Use when someone needs help planning a vacation, business trip, road trip, or any travel requiring coordination of multiple elements.
Trip Planning Skill
Help users plan comprehensive trips by gathering requirements, researching options, and creating detailed itineraries with budget tracking.
Phase 1: Information Gathering
Gather essential trip details through conversation. Ask questions in logical groups.
Core Trip Details (Ask First)
- Destination: Where are you planning to go? (specific city/region or open to suggestions?)
- Travel Dates: When are you planning to travel? (fixed dates or flexible?)
- Duration: How long is the trip?
- Travelers: Who is traveling? (number of adults, children with ages, any accessibility needs?)
- Budget: What's your overall budget? (or per-person budget?)
Trip Type & Preferences (Ask Second)
- Purpose: What type of trip? (relaxation, adventure, cultural, business, family, romantic, etc.)
- Pace: Preferred pace? (packed itinerary, relaxed with downtime, mix of both?)
- Accommodation Style: Hotel, resort, vacation rental, hostel, camping?
- Transportation: Flying, driving, train, or combination?
- Activity Interests: What activities appeal to you? (museums, outdoor activities, food tours, nightlife, shopping, etc.)
Constraints & Preferences (Ask Third)
- Dietary Restrictions: Any food allergies or dietary preferences?
- Mobility Considerations: Any physical limitations to consider?
- Must-Sees: Any specific attractions or experiences that are non-negotiable?
- Avoid: Anything you want to avoid? (crowds, certain areas, specific activities?)
- Previous Visits: Have you been to this destination before?
Required Information Checklist
- Destination (specific or general region)
- Travel dates or timeframe
- Number and type of travelers
- Budget range
- Trip purpose/style
- Accommodation preferences
- Transportation needs
Phase 2: Destination Research
If the destination is set, research specific options. If open to suggestions, recommend destinations based on preferences.
Destination Suggestions (If Needed)
Search for destinations matching the user's criteria:
[trip type] destinations [season] [budget level]best places to visit in [region] [month][interest]-focused travel destinations
Provide 3-5 destination options with:
| Destination | Why It Fits | Best Time to Visit | Budget Level | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City/Region | Match to preferences | Optimal months | $/$$/$$$/$$$$ | Top 3 attractions |
Destination Deep Dive
Once destination is confirmed, research:
Getting There
- Search:
flights to [destination] from [origin] [dates] - Search:
best way to get to [destination] - Note flight duration, layover options, airport proximity to city
Accommodation Options
- Search:
[accommodation type] [destination] [neighborhood] - Search:
best areas to stay in [destination] for [trip type]
Collect for each option:
| Property | Location | Price/Night | Rating | Amenities | Distance to Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Neighborhood | $XXX | X.X/5 | Key features | X min walk/transit |
Transportation Within Destination
- Search:
getting around [destination] - Search:
[destination] public transit guide - Options: rental car, public transit, rideshare, walking, biking
Activities & Attractions
- Search:
things to do in [destination] - Search:
[destination] [interest] activities - Search:
[destination] hidden gems local recommendations
Collect for each activity:
| Activity | Type | Duration | Cost | Location | Booking Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Category | X hours | $XX | Area/Address | Yes/No |
See destination-guide.md for detailed research strategies by trip type.
Phase 3: Budget Planning
Create comprehensive budget breakdown.
Budget Categories
| Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | ||
| - Flights/Travel to destination | $XXX | |
| - Airport transfers | $XX | |
| - Local transportation | $XX/day × days | |
| - Car rental (if applicable) | $XX/day | Plus fuel, parking |
| Accommodation | ||
| - Lodging | $XXX/night × nights | |
| - Taxes/fees | $XX | |
| Food & Drink | ||
| - Breakfast | $XX/day × days | |
| - Lunch | $XX/day × days | |
| - Dinner | $XX/day × days | |
| - Snacks/drinks | $XX/day × days | |
| Activities | ||
| - Paid attractions | $XXX | List each |
| - Tours | $XXX | |
| - Entertainment | $XX | |
| Other | ||
| - Travel insurance | $XX | |
| - Tips | $XX | |
| - Souvenirs | $XX | |
| - Contingency (10-15%) | $XXX | |
| TOTAL | $X,XXX |
See budget-and-logistics.md for cost estimation by destination type.
Phase 4: Itinerary Creation
Build day-by-day itinerary based on research and preferences.
Itinerary Format
For each day, provide:
Day X: [Date] - [Theme/Focus]
Morning
- Activity/Location (Time - Duration)
- Details, tips, booking info
- Cost: $XX
Afternoon
- Activity/Location (Time - Duration)
- Details, tips, booking info
- Cost: $XX
Evening
- Activity/Location (Time - Duration)
- Details, tips, booking info
- Cost: $XX
Meals
- Breakfast: Restaurant/Location recommendation
- Lunch: Restaurant/Location recommendation
- Dinner: Restaurant/Location recommendation (reservation needed?)
Logistics
- Transportation between locations
- Estimated daily spend: $XXX
Alternatives/Backup
- If weather is bad: [indoor alternative]
- If closed/unavailable: [backup option]
Itinerary Best Practices
- Group activities by geographic area to minimize transit time
- Build in buffer time between activities
- Include rest periods for families with children
- Note opening hours and any closure days
- Mark activities requiring advance booking
- Balance busy days with lighter ones
- Consider jet lag on arrival days
Phase 5: Travel Preparation
Pre-Trip Checklist
Documents & Requirements
- Passport valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates
- Visa requirements checked and obtained if needed
- Travel insurance purchased
- Copies of important documents (digital and physical)
- Emergency contact information
- Hotel/accommodation confirmations
- Transportation confirmations
Health & Safety
- Required vaccinations checked
- Prescription medications (with documentation)
- Travel health kit
- Research local safety advisories
Financial
- Notify bank of travel dates
- Obtain local currency (small amount)
- Check credit card foreign transaction fees
- Know currency exchange rates
Packing
- Generate customized packing list based on:
- Destination climate
- Trip duration
- Planned activities
- Accommodation amenities
See packing-and-documents.md for comprehensive packing lists and document requirements.
Phase 6: Output Delivery
Present the complete trip plan with:
Trip Summary
[Trip Name]: [Destination] [Start Date] - [End Date] ([X] nights)
Travelers: [Details] Total Budget: $X,XXX (estimated)
Quick Reference Card
| Item | Details | Confirmation # |
|---|---|---|
| Outbound Flight | [Airline, Flight#, Time] | XXXXXX |
| Return Flight | [Airline, Flight#, Time] | XXXXXX |
| Accommodation | [Property Name, Address] | XXXXXX |
| Car Rental | [Company, Pickup/Dropoff] | XXXXXX |
Emergency Information
- Local emergency number: XXX
- Nearest hospital: [Name, Address]
- Embassy/Consulate: [Address, Phone]
- Travel insurance policy #: XXXXX
Wrap Up
After presenting the trip plan, offer:
- Adjustments to itinerary or budget
- Additional activity recommendations
- Restaurant reservation assistance
- Booking guidance for flights/hotels
- Packing list customization
- Travel tips specific to destination
- Alternative dates analysis if schedule is flexible