Skill: 1kalin/afrexai-travel-planner (version 1.0.0)

--- name: afrexai-travel-planner description: Complete travel planning system — from trip research to packing lists, budgets, itineraries, and travel hacks. Use when planning any trip (solo, family, business, group, international, road trip, or budget travel). --- # Travel Planner Mastery A complete system for planning trips that actually go smoothly — from first idea to post-trip review. Works for weekend getaways and month-long international journeys. --- ## Phase 1: Trip Discovery & Research ### Trip Brief Template ```yaml trip: name: "[descriptive name]" type: solo | couple | family | group | business travelers: - name: "[name]" age: [age] needs: ["dietary restrictions", "mobility", "medications"] dates: departure: "YYYY-MM-DD" return: "YYYY-MM-DD" flexible: true | false flex_range: "[+/- N days]" destinations: - city: "[city]" country: "[country]" nights: [N] priority: must-visit | nice-to-have why: "[what you want to do/see here]" budget: total: [amount] currency: "[USD/GBP/EUR]" style: budget | mid-range | comfort | luxury includes_flights: true | false interests: - "[culture/history/food/adventure/beach/nature/nightlife/shopping/photography]" constraints: - "[visa restrictions, health conditions, kids ages, pet-friendly needed]" travel_style: slow | moderate | packed ``` ### Destination Research Checklist For each destination, research: | Category | Questions | Source | |----------|-----------|--------| | Safety | Travel advisories? Common scams? Areas to avoid? | Gov travel sites (state.gov, gov.uk/foreign-travel) | | Weather | Temperature range, rainy season, best months? | Web search "[city] weather [month]" | | Visa | Visa required? Duration? Cost? Processing time? | Embassy websites | | Health | Vaccinations needed? Travel insurance required? Tap water safe? | CDC, WHO | | Money | Local currency? ATM availability? Card acceptance? Tipping culture? | Web search | | Language | Primary language? English widely spoken? Key phrases? | Web search | | Transport | Airport to city? Local transit? Uber/Grab available? Driving side? | Web search | | Connectivity | SIM card or eSIM availability? WiFi reliability? | Web search | | Culture | Dress code? Photography rules? Customs to respect? | Web search | | Timing | Public holidays during visit? Major events? Ramadan? | Web search | ### Season & Timing Matrix | Factor | Best | Acceptable | Avoid | |--------|------|-----------|-------| | Weather | Dry + comfortable temp | Shoulder season (cheaper, smaller crowds) | Monsoon, extreme heat/cold | | Crowds | Off-season | Shoulder | Peak holiday / national events | | Price | Off-peak (Jan-Mar, Sep-Nov for most) | Shoulder | Christmas, Easter, summer, Chinese New Year | | Flights | Tue-Thu departures | Mon, Fri | Sun evening, holiday weekends | **Pro tip:** The intersection of "good weather + low crowds + cheaper flights" is the sweet spot. Usually 2-4 weeks per destination per year. --- ## Phase 2: Budget Planning ### Budget Allocation by Travel Style | Category | Budget (%) | Mid-Range (%) | Comfort (%) | Luxury (%) | |----------|-----------|---------------|-------------|------------| | Flights/Transport | 35-40 | 30-35 | 25-30 | 20-25 | | Accommodation | 25-30 | 25-30 | 30-35 | 35-40 | | Food & Drink | 15-20 | 15-20 | 15-20 | 15-20 | | Activities | 10-15 | 10-15 | 10-15 | 10-15 | | Buffer (emergencies) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | ### Daily Budget Benchmarks (per person, USD) | Region | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort | |--------|--------|-----------|---------| | Southeast Asia | $30-50 | $50-100 | $100-200 | | Eastern Europe | $40-60 | $70-120 | $120-250 | | Western Europe | $60-100 | $120-200 | $200-400 | | USA/Canada | $60-100 | $120-200 | $200-400 | | Japan/Korea | $50-80 | $100-180 | $180-350 | | Australia/NZ | $60-100 | $120-200 | $200-400 | | Central/South America | $30-50 | $50-100 | $100-200 | | Middle East | $40-70 | $80-150 | $150-350 | | Africa (tourist areas) | $40-70 | $80-150 | $150-400 | ### Budget Tracker Template ```yaml budget: total_allocated: [amount] currency: "USD" categories: flights: allocated: [amount] spent: 0 items: - description: "[outbound flight]" amount: [cost] booked: true | false refundable: true | false accommodation: allocated: [amount] spent: 0 items: [] food: allocated: [amount] daily_target: [amount/day] activities: allocated: [amount] items: [] transport_local: allocated: [amount] insurance: allocated: [amount] buffer: allocated: [amount] total_spent: 0 remaining: [amount] ``` ### Money-Saving Strategies (Ranked by Impact) | Strategy | Typical Savings | Effort | |----------|----------------|--------| | Fly mid-week (Tue/Wed) | 15-30% on flights | Low | | Book flights 6-8 weeks ahead (domestic) / 2-4 months (international) | 10-25% | Low | | Stay in apartments with kitchen (cook breakfast/lunch) | 30-50% on food | Medium | | Use Google Flights price tracking alerts | 5-20% | Low | | Travel shoulder season | 20-40% on everything | Low | | Use credit card with no foreign transaction fees | 3% saved on all spending | Low | | Book accommodation with free cancellation, then price-match closer to date | 10-20% | Medium | | Use local transit instead of taxis | 50-80% on transport | Medium | | Get a local eSIM instead of roaming | 80-90% on data | Low | | Book activities directly (not hotel/cruise) | 20-40% on activities | Medium | --- ## Phase 3: Itinerary Building ### Itinerary Architecture ```yaml day: number: [N] date: "YYYY-MM-DD" location: "[city]" weather_expected: "[sunny, 25°C]" morning: activity: "[what]" time: "09:00-12:00" address: "[where]" cost: [amount] booking_needed: true | false booking_ref: "[ref]" notes: "[tips, what to bring]" lunch: restaurant: "[name or area]" cuisine: "[type]" budget: [amount] reservation: true | false afternoon: activity: "[what]" time: "14:00-17:00" address: "[where]" cost: [amount] evening: activity: "[dinner, show, walk, rest]" time: "19:00-22:00" transport: - from: "[A]" to: "[B]" method: "[walk/metro/taxi/bus]" duration: "[time]" cost: [amount] total_cost: [amount] notes: "[pack rain jacket, charge camera, early start]" ``` ### Pacing Rules | Travel Style | Activities/Day | Walk Distance | Rest Time | |--------------|---------------|---------------|-----------| | Packed | 3-4 major | 15-20km | Minimal | | Moderate | 2-3 major | 10-15km | 1-2hr midday | | Slow | 1-2 major | 5-10km | Generous | **Adjustments:** - With kids under 6: -50% activities, +100% buffer time - With seniors: -30% walking, add rest stops - In heat (>30°C): avoid 12-3pm outdoor, plan indoor for midday - Jet lag: easy Day 1, no early starts for 2 days after long-haul ### The 3-2-1 Rule for Multi-City Trips - **3 nights minimum** per city (less = too rushed, just surface) - **2 "must-do" activities** per city (rest is flexible discovery) - **1 rest day** per 5 travel days (no agenda, wander, recover) ### Transit Day Rules - No activities planned on transit days (travel takes longer than expected) - Allow 3 hours minimum for international connections - Arrive at accommodation by 4pm if possible (check-in, orient, rest) - Pre-download offline maps for every city before transit --- ## Phase 4: Flights & Transport ### Flight Search Strategy 1. **Set alerts** — Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper for your routes 2. **Check flexible dates** — ±3 days can save 20-40% 3. **Compare airports** — nearby airports often have better deals 4. **Consider positioning flights** — sometimes a budget flight to a hub + long-haul from hub is cheaper 5. **Check airline directly** — after finding the deal on aggregator, sometimes cheaper on airline site ### Flight Booking Decision | Factor | Choose This | |--------|------------| | Cheapest fare | Budget carrier if <4hr flight, tolerable seats | | Long haul (>6hr) | Prioritize comfort — extra legroom worth it | | Connections | Minimum 2hr domestic, 3hr international | | Refundable? | Yes for uncertain plans; no for confirmed | | Checked bags | Compare "basic fare + bag" vs "regular fare" total | ### Ground Transport Comparison | Method | Best For | Typical Cost | Book When | |--------|----------|-------------|-----------| | Train | Europe, Japan, scenic routes | $$ | 1-3 months ahead for deals | | Bus | Budget, Southeast Asia, Latin America | $ | 1-3 days ahead | | Rental car | Road trips, rural areas, groups | $$-$$$ | 2-4 weeks ahead | | Ride share | Airport transfers, short city hops | $$ | Day of | | Domestic flight | Long distances, island hopping | $$-$$$ | 4-8 weeks ahead | ### Rental Car Checklist - [ ] International driving permit needed? - [ ] Drive on left or right? - [ ] Book smallest car that fits luggage + passengers - [ ] Decline CDW if credit card covers it (check BEFORE trip) - [ ] Photo the car at pickup (all sides, existing damage) - [ ] Full-to-full fuel policy preferred - [ ] Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) - [ ] Toll transponder needed? - [ ] Parking strategy for each stop --- ## Phase 5: Accommodation ### Accommodation Decision Matrix | Factor | Hotel | Airbnb/Apartment | Hostel | |--------|-------|-----------------|--------| | Best for | Business, short stays, luxury | Families, long stays, self-catering | Solo, budget, social | | Book when | 2-4 weeks ahead | 1-3 months ahead (popular areas) | 1-2 weeks ahead | | Check | Free cancellation, breakfast included | Kitchen, washer, WiFi speed, check-in time | Locker, reviews, location | ### Accommodation Quality Checklist Score each option 1-5: | Criteria | Weight | Score | |----------|--------|-------| | Location (walkable to key sites + transit) | 5x | | | Reviews (4.0+ overall, read recent negatives) | 4x | | | Price vs budget | 3x | | | Amenities match needs (kitchen, AC, WiFi, laundry) | 3x | | | Cancellation flexibility | 2x | | | Check-in flexibility | 1x | | **Total = weighted sum. Compare options numerically, not emotionally.** ### Location Priority Order 1. Near public transit (metro/tram stop within 5 min walk) 2. Safe neighborhood (check reviews + safety maps) 3. Near at least one key attraction 4. Grocery store / restaurants within walking distance 5. Quiet at night (not above a bar/club unless that's your thing) --- ## Phase 6: Packing ### Universal Packing List **Documents (carry-on ONLY):** - [ ] Passport (valid 6+ months beyond trip end) - [ ] Visa (printed if required) - [ ] Travel insurance docs (printed + digital) - [ ] Flight confirmations (printed + digital) - [ ] Accommodation confirmations - [ ] Vaccination records (if needed) - [ ] Driver's license + international permit - [ ] Emergency contacts card - [ ] 2x passport photos (spare, for emergency visa) - [ ] Copies of all documents (separate from originals) **Tech:** - [ ] Phone + charger - [ ] Power adapter (destination-specific) - [ ] Portable battery pack (10,000+ mAh) - [ ] Headphones - [ ] Camera + charger + SD cards - [ ] Laptop/tablet (if needed) - [ ] eSIM or local SIM plan confirmed **Health & Safety:** - [ ] Medications (prescription in carry-on, letter from doctor) - [ ] First aid basics (band-aids, pain relief, anti-diarrheal, antihistamine) - [ ] Sunscreen - [ ] Insect repellent (tropical destinations) - [ ] Hand sanitizer - [ ] Face masks (2-3) - [ ] Water bottle (refillable) **Clothing Formula:** Use the **5-4-3-2-1 rule** for 1-2 week trips: - 5 tops (mix casual + 1 nice) - 4 bottoms (2 pants/shorts + 1 nice + 1 active) - 3 pairs of shoes (walking, nice, flip-flops/sandals) - 2 outerwear (jacket + light layer) - 1 formal outfit (if needed) **Laundry hack:** Pack for 5-7 days max regardless of trip length. Do laundry. ### Carry-On vs Check Rules **Always carry-on:** - Documents, valuables, medications, 1 change of clothes, phone/charger, entertainment - Why: if luggage is lost, you survive Day 1 **Check:** - Liquids >100ml, bulky items, anything you wouldn't cry about losing ### Packing by Climate | Climate | Add | |---------|-----| | Tropical | Quick-dry everything, insect repellent, rain poncho, waterproof phone case | | Cold | Thermal base layer, down jacket (compresses small), warm hat + gloves, lip balm | | Desert/Dry | Wide-brim hat, SPF 50+, light long sleeves, extra water bottle | | Rainy | Waterproof jacket (not umbrella — hands free), quick-dry shoes, dry bags for electronics | | Mixed/Urban | Layers, versatile shoes (walking-friendly but restaurant-appropriate) | --- ## Phase 7: Travel Day Logistics ### Airport Checklist **Before leaving:** - [ ] Online check-in (24hr before) - [ ] Boarding pass saved offline - [ ] Passport + documents in accessible pocket - [ ] Snacks packed (airport food is expensive) - [ ] Accommodation address saved offline - [ ] Offline maps downloaded - [ ] Transport from destination airport planned **Timing:** - Domestic: arrive 1.5-2hr before departure - International: arrive 2.5-3hr before - First time at this airport: add 30 min buffer ### Transit Day Survival Kit (in personal bag) - Passport + boarding pass - Phone + portable charger - Headphones - Snacks + empty water bottle (fill after security) - Neck pillow (long flights) - Pen (immigration forms) - 1 change of clothes in carry-on (long-haul or connections) --- ## Phase 8: During the Trip ### Daily Routine **Morning:** 1. Check weather forecast → adjust plans if needed 2. Confirm any reservations/tickets for today 3. Charge all devices 4. Pack day bag (water, snacks, sunscreen, battery pack, camera) **Evening:** 1. Back up photos (cloud or external drive) 2. Update budget tracker 3. Review tomorrow's plan 4. Charge everything overnight ### Eating Strategy | Approach | Best For | How | |----------|----------|-----| | Cook breakfast | Budget, families | Stay in apartments with kitchen | | Lunch as main meal | Europe, Asia | Lunch menus/set meals are 30-50% cheaper than dinner | | Street food | Southeast Asia, Mexico, India | Follow locals, busy stalls = fresh, avoid raw | | Grocery + picnic | Scenic destinations | Buy local cheese, bread, fruit — eat in parks | | Splurge dinner | Special occasions | Book 1 nice restaurant per city, skip the rest | ### Safety Essentials 1. **Share itinerary** with someone not on the trip 2. **Register with embassy** for high-risk destinations 3. **Split cash and cards** — don't carry everything in one place 4. **Use hotel safe** for passport (carry a photocopy) 5. **Trust your gut** — if something feels wrong, leave 6. **Emergency numbers** saved in phone contacts: local police, embassy, insurance hotline, emergency contact back home ### Photo & Memory Strategy - Take photos at the START of the day (fresh energy, good light) - One "postcard shot" per major site, then put camera away and experience it - Video: 10-30 second clips, not minutes-long recordings - Daily: write 3 bullet points about the day (you'll forget details in weeks) - Backup: upload to cloud every evening --- ## Phase 9: Post-Trip ### Post-Trip Checklist - [ ] Back up all photos/videos to cloud + local drive - [ ] Submit travel insurance claims (if any) - [ ] Submit expense reports (business trips) - [ ] Leave reviews (accommodation, activities — while fresh) - [ ] Update budget with final totals - [ ] Cancel any local SIM/subscriptions - [ ] Unpack and launder immediately (jet lag makes this harder each day) - [ ] Send thank-you notes (hosts, guides) ### Trip Review Template ```yaml trip_review: name: "[trip name]" dates: "[when]" destinations: ["[list]"] total_spent: [amount] budget_variance: "[over/under by X%]" highlights: - "[best experience]" - "[best meal]" - "[best surprise]" lessons: - "[what would you do differently]" - "[what worked perfectly]" recommendations: - "[for others visiting same place]" would_return: true | false rating: [1-10] ``` --- ## Phase 10: Specialized Trip Types ### Business Travel - Book refundable fares and flexible accommodation - Pack 2 complete outfits per day (backup for spills/weather) - Arrive day before meetings (never morning-of for important ones) - Hotel near meeting venue > cheaper hotel far away - Keep all receipts (photo + email to self = backup) - Travel insurance with trip interruption + electronics coverage ### Family Travel (with kids) - **Under 2:** Bring car seat adapter for flights, pack triple the diapers you think you need, book accommodation with crib + washing machine - **2-5:** Max 2 activities/day, always have snacks, midday nap/rest is non-negotiable, kid-friendly restaurant = one with a garden/terrace - **6-12:** Involve them in planning (pick 1 activity per day), bring card games, activity books for transit, walking tours > museum tours - **Teens:** Let them plan 1 full day, give them photo challenges, budget exercise (here's $X for souvenirs — your choice) ### Solo Travel - Stay in social accommodation (hostels, guesthouses with common areas) - Join walking tours (free ones are good for orientation + meeting people) - Eat at bar seats / communal tables - Share location with someone back home - Trust instincts about people and situations - Solo dining tip: bring a book or journal — you'll feel less self-conscious ### Road Trips - Plan max 4-5 hours driving per day (more = exhausting) - Stop every 2 hours - Download offline music/podcasts before departure - Pre-book first and last night accommodation, leave middle flexible - Fill gas at half tank (not when empty) - Pack a cooler (saves money + time on food stops) --- ## Phase 11: Travel Hacks & Tips ### Top 20 Travel Hacks (Ranked by Impact) | # | Hack | Why | |---|------|-----| | 1 | Get a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card | Saves 3% on everything abroad | | 2 | Always get local eSIM/SIM | 10x cheaper than roaming, essential for maps/translation | | 3 | Download offline maps for every city | Works without data, saves battery vs live maps | | 4 | Book accommodation with free cancellation | Lock in prices, refine later | | 5 | Pack half of what you first think | You will NEVER regret packing light | | 6 | Use Google Translate camera mode | Point at menus/signs — instant translation | | 7 | Arrive early at popular sites (opening time) | 50% fewer crowds, better photos, cooler temps | | 8 | Eat where locals eat (away from tourist streets) | Better food, lower prices, authentic | | 9 | Carry a photocopy of passport | Accepted most places, protects original | | 10 | Use ATMs for foreign currency (not exchange bureaus) | Better rates, lower fees | | 11 | Reconfirm flights 24hr before | Catch schedule changes early | | 12 | Keep a daily expense note | Prevents budget surprise at the end | | 13 | Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane | Saves luggage space and weight | | 14 | Screenshot all confirmations | Works offline when you need them | | 15 | Learn 5 phrases in local language | "Hello, please, thank you, sorry, how much" = respect | | 16 | Use laundry services (or laundromats) instead of packing more | Worth the $5-10 | | 17 | Book tours/activities through local operators (not hotel desk) | 20-50% cheaper | | 18 | Get travel insurance (seriously) | One medical emergency can cost $50K+ | | 19 | Set up banking notifications | Know instantly if card is charged unexpectedly | | 20 | Use packing cubes | Organization + compression = more space | --- ## Natural Language Commands - "Plan a trip to [destination] for [dates]" → Generate trip brief + research checklist + budget estimate - "Build an itinerary for [N] days in [city]" → Day-by-day plan with timing, costs, and transport - "What should I pack for [destination] in [month]?" → Climate-appropriate packing list - "Create a budget for [trip type] in [region]" → Budget allocation with daily estimates - "Compare [destination A] vs [destination B] for [dates]" → Side-by-side on weather, cost, activities - "What do I need to know about [country]?" → Research checklist filled in (visa, safety, money, transport) - "Plan a road trip from [A] to [B]" → Route, stops, drive times, accommodation suggestions - "Help me save money on [trip]" → Ranked money-saving strategies specific to that trip - "Review my itinerary" → Pacing analysis, gap identification, cost check, logistics review - "Create a family travel plan for [destination] with [kids ages]" → Age-adjusted itinerary with family tips - "What's the best time to visit [destination]?" → Season matrix with weather, crowds, and pricing - "Post-trip review for [trip]" → Review template with budget analysis


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