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:

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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]

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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