How to Create a Travel Itinerary

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.