A travel itinerary outlines all elements of a trip,
from hotel stops to destinations. It can be indispensable, whether you’re
planning a weekend vacation or an extended road trip. A good itinerary gives a
trip structure, and maximizes the amount you’ll be able to see and do. Though
it seems a daunting task, an itinerary is simple to develop. With your basic
travel information and a map, you can plan an entire trip out in an efficient
and organized manner.
Planning
and Mapping Your Itinerary
1
Collect the important information for your trip.
Flight numbers, hotels, car rentals, and restaurant reservations are all key
pieces of information to manage and maintain. You may also want to include directions to your hotelas well as directions to the airport for your return flight.
• If
you will be using airport transportation to get to your hotel, include
information about fees and hours of operation.
2
Make a list. It’s helpful to list all of the things
you want to do on your trip. Even if it's more than you think you can manage,
create a list of everything you'd like to do. Research local events, holidays,
and observances of the places you're traveling to as well. You may be able to
witness or experience a cultural event that other travelers don't get to
experience.
• Be
conscious of the amount of time you will spend at each stop. Certain
destinations, like the Museum of Modern Art, can be an all-day endeavor.
• If
you’re traveling with one or more people, be sure to get feedback and ideas for
your destinations.
3
Map your stops. Match your stops to specific locations
on a map and note their locations. Try and map them sequentially to efficiently
use your travel time. You’ll most likely be traveling from adjacent cities as
you travel. For each activity, estimate the length of time it will take to get
to there, and how long you will be there.
• Be
sure you have local maps for the areas you will be exploring. It is also
helpful to obtain schedules for bus and train services and numbers for local
taxis.
• Make
sure that the maps are up-to-date. Cities and other areas change often. A road
that existed 10 years ago may no longer exist today.
Create 4
a budget. Do you want a trip with days spent at four-star
restaurants and nights spent in five-star hotels? Or are you more interested in
finding local favorites and rustic B&Bs? Your vacation is as expensive (or
inexpensive) as you want it to be. It ultimately comes down to what you can
afford.
• A
spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel can help create an organized and portable budget anditinerary.
• Alternatively,
consider using a budgeting app or website. The downside is that this may not be
as portable, especially if you don't have Wi-Fi access.
5
Stay flexible. Don’t hesitate to give yourself a free
day or two. You can use this free day to explore, or take some time off to
rest. Ultimately youritinerary is a guide to keep you on track while visiting. If you
miss a reservation, it isn’t the end of the world. Consider asking around about
a local favorite to eat at, find a local market, or see if there’s a museum or
oddity nearby.
• Consider
having some back-up plans. For example, if you make a reservation, have a few
other places to eat at in mind, just in case you miss it.
• Never
lose sight of the fact that your trip is supposed to be an enjoyable and
fulfilling experience.
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