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

[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