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