travel-planner

Travel Planner

Overview

This skill transforms Claude into a comprehensive travel planning assistant that maintains your travel preferences and generates detailed, personalized trip plans including itineraries, budget breakdowns, packing lists, and cultural guidelines for any destination.

When to Use This Skill

Invoke this skill for travel-related tasks:

• Planning trips and creating itineraries
• Budget planning and expense tracking
• Destination research and recommendations
• Packing checklists
• Cultural etiquette and do's/don'ts
• Pre-trip preparation timelines
• Travel preference management

Workflow

Step 1: Check for Existing Preferences

Check if travel preferences exist:

python3 scripts/travel_db.py is_initialized

If "false", proceed to Step 2 (Setup). If "true", proceed to Step 3 (Trip Planning).

Step 2: Initial Preference Collection

When no preferences exist, collect comprehensive travel information:

Travel Style & Budget:

• Budget level: budget, mid-range, luxury
• Travel pace: relaxed, moderate, packed
• Accommodation preferences: hostel, hotel, Airbnb, resort
• Travel companions: solo, couple, family, group

Interests & Activities:

• Sightseeing & landmarks
• Food & culinary experiences
• Adventure & outdoor activities
• Culture & history
• Beach & relaxation
• Nightlife & entertainment
• Shopping
• Nature & wildlife
• Photography
• Wellness & spa

Dietary & Health:

• Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies)
• Accessibility needs
• Health considerations
• Fitness level

Languages & Skills:

• Languages spoken
• Travel experience level
• Comfort with adventure

Previous Travel:

• Countries/cities visited
• Favorite destinations
• Bucket list destinations

Saving Preferences:

import sys
sys.path.append('[SKILL_DIR]/scripts')
from travel_db import save_preferences

preferences = {
    "travel_style": "adventurous",
    "budget_level": "mid-range",
    "accommodation_preference": ["boutique hotels", "Airbnb"],
    "interests": ["culture", "food", "hiking", "photography"],
    "dietary_restrictions": ["vegetarian"],
    "pace_preference": "moderate",
    "travel_companions": "couple",
    "language_skills": ["English", "Spanish"],
    "previous_destinations": ["Paris", "Tokyo", "Barcelona"],
    "bucket_list": [
        {"destination": "New Zealand", "notes": "Lord of the Rings locations"},
        {"destination": "Peru", "notes": "Machu Picchu"}
    ]
}

save_preferences(preferences)

Replace [SKILL_DIR] with actual skill path.

Step 3: Create New Trip

When user wants to plan a trip, gather:

Essential Information:

1. Destination: City/country
2. Dates: Departure and return dates (or flexible date range)
3. Duration: Number of days
4. Budget: Total budget or daily budget
5. Purpose: Vacation, business, special occasion
6. Must-see/do: Specific attractions or activities

Creating Trip:

from travel_db import add_trip

trip = {
    "destination": {
        "city": "Barcelona",
        "country": "Spain",
        "region": "Catalonia"
    },
    "departure_date": "2025-06-15",
    "return_date": "2025-06-22",
    "duration_days": 7,
    "budget": {
        "total": 2500,
        "currency": "USD"
    },
    "purpose": "vacation",
    "travelers": 2,
    "climate": "warm Mediterranean",
    "activities": ["sightseeing", "food tours", "beach", "architecture"],
    "accommodation": {
        "type": "boutique hotel",
        "location": "Gothic Quarter"
    }
}

trip_id = add_trip(trip, status="current")

Step 4: Research Destination

Use web search to gather current information:

Essential Research:

1. Entry Requirements - Visa, passport, vaccinations
2. Best Time to Visit - Weather, seasons, festivals
3. Safety Information - Travel advisories, safe areas, common scams
4. Cultural Norms - Do's and don'ts (use references/cultural_etiquette.md as guide)
5. Local Transportation - Metro, buses, taxis, apps
6. Top Attractions - Must-see places with hours and prices
7. Food Recommendations - Local specialties, popular restaurants
8. Neighborhoods - Where to stay, where to explore
9. Day Trip Options - Nearby attractions
10. Practical Info - Currency, tipping, power outlets, language

Search Topics to Cover:

• "[Destination] visa requirements for [nationality]"
• "[Destination] best time to visit weather"
• "[Destination] cultural do's and don'ts"
• "[Destination] top attractions and activities"
• "[Destination] local transportation guide"
• "[Destination] where to stay neighborhoods"
• "[Destination] food and restaurants"
• "[Destination] scams to avoid"
• "[Destination] budget guide"
• "[Destination] 7-day itinerary"

Step 5: Generate Detailed Travel Plan

Create comprehensive plan with all components:

A. Day-by-Day Itinerary

Structure each day based on user's pace preference and research:

Day 1: Arrival & Gothic Quarter
- Morning (9:00 AM): Arrive Barcelona, hotel check-in
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Walking tour of Gothic Quarter
  - Barcelona Cathedral
  - Plaça Reial
  - Las Ramblas (brief walk)
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch at Cal Pep (tapas)
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Picasso Museum
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner in El Born neighborhood
- Evening (9:00 PM): Stroll along waterfront

Transportation: Metro from airport (30 min, €5)
Estimated Cost: €120/person (meals, museum, transport)
Notes: Book Picasso Museum tickets online in advance

Repeat for each day, ensuring:

• Logical geographic grouping
• Realistic timing with buffers
• Mix of activity types
• Meal suggestions
• Transportation details
• Estimated costs
• Booking notes

B. Budget Breakdown

Use plan_generator.py or create manually:

from plan_generator import calculate_budget_breakdown

budget = calculate_budget_breakdown(
    total_budget=2500,
    num_days=7,
    accommodation_level="mid-range"
)

Present as:

Total Budget: $2,500 (7 days)
Daily Average: $357

Breakdown:
- Accommodation: $875 (35%) - $125/night
  * Boutique hotel in Gothic Quarter
  * Includes breakfast

- Food: $625 (25%) - $89/day
  * Breakfast: Included
  * Lunch: $25-30/person
  * Dinner: $40-50/person
  * Snacks/drinks: $15/day

- Activities: $625 (25%) - $89/day
  * Sagrada Familia: $35
  * Park Güell: $13
  * Picasso Museum: $15
  * Food tour: $95
  * Day trip to Montserrat: $50
  * Other attractions: ~$100

- Transportation: $250 (10%) - $36/day
  * Airport transfers: $35 each way
  * Metro pass (7-day): $40
  * Taxis: ~$100 total

- Miscellaneous: $125 (5%)
  * Tips, emergencies, souvenirs

C. Packing Checklist

Generate using plan_generator.py or based on destination climate/activities:

from plan_generator import generate_packing_checklist

checklist = generate_packing_checklist(
    destination_climate="warm Mediterranean",
    duration_days=7,
    trip_activities=["sightseeing", "beach", "dining"]
)

Customize and present:

ESSENTIALS:
- [ ] Passport (check 6-month validity)
- [ ] Visa (if required)
- [ ] Travel insurance documents
- [ ] Hotel confirmations
- [ ] Flight tickets
- [ ] Credit cards (notify bank)
- [ ] Euros cash (€200-300)
- [ ] Phone & charger
- [ ] European plug adapter
- [ ] Medications

CLOTHING (June weather: 70-80°F, sunny):
- [ ] 3 pairs shorts
- [ ] 2 pairs long pants
- [ ] 5-7 t-shirts/tops
- [ ] 1-2 dresses/nice shirts for dinner
- [ ] Light jacket for evenings
- [ ] Swimsuit
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
- [ ] Sandals
- [ ] Sun hat
- [ ] Sunglasses

ACTIVITIES:
- [ ] Day backpack
- [ ] Reusable water bottle
- [ ] Camera
- [ ] Beach towel (compact)
- [ ] Sunscreen SPF 50
- [ ] Walking tour comfortable shoes

D. Cultural Do's and Don'ts

Research and present country-specific guidelines (use references/cultural_etiquette.md as template):

SPAIN / BARCELONA - Cultural Etiquette

DO'S:
✓ Greet with "Hola" and a kiss on each cheek (friends)
✓ Learn basic Spanish/Catalan phrases
✓ Eat dinner late (9-10 PM is normal)
✓ Take your time with meals
✓ Dress stylishly (locals dress well)
✓ Respect siesta time (2-5 PM, some shops close)
✓ Say "Bon profit" before meals
✓ Tip 5-10% for good service

DON'TS:
✗ Don't expect early dinner (restaurants open at 8 PM)
✗ Don't wear beach clothes in city center
✗ Don't assume everyone speaks English
✗ Don't call it Spain - it's Catalunya to locals
✗ Don't rush through meals
✗ Don't yell or be loud in public
✗ Don't take photos in churches during mass

DINING ETIQUETTE:
- Lunch: 2-4 PM
- Dinner: 9-11 PM
- Service charge sometimes included (check bill)
- Say "La cuenta, por favor" for bill
- It's okay to share tapas
- Bread is not free at all restaurants

SAFETY TIPS:
- Watch for pickpockets on Las Ramblas and metro
- Keep bag in front in crowded areas
- Don't leave valuables on beach
- Be cautious accepting help from strangers
- Use official taxis or Uber/Cabify

E. Pre-Trip Preparation Timeline

Use plan_generator.py or create based on departure date:

from plan_generator import generate_pre_trip_checklist

prep_checklist = generate_pre_trip_checklist(
    destination_country="Spain",
    departure_date="2025-06-15"
)

Present as timeline:

PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST

2 MONTHS BEFORE (April 15):
- [ ] Book flights
- [ ] Book hotel
- [ ] Purchase travel insurance
- [ ] Check passport expiration
- [ ] Research visa requirements
- [ ] Start researching activities

1 MONTH BEFORE (May 15):
- [ ] Book Sagrada Familia tickets (sell out!)
- [ ] Book food tour
- [ ] Book any other popular activities
- [ ] Notify bank of travel dates
- [ ] Set up international phone plan
- [ ] Download offline maps (Google Maps, Citymapper)
- [ ] Make dinner reservations (popular restaurants)

2 WEEKS BEFORE (June 1):
- [ ] Confirm all reservations
- [ ] Print/save all confirmations offline
- [ ] Exchange some currency (~€200)
- [ ] Check weather forec

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