/travel-planner

name: travel-planner
description: This skill should be used whenever users need help planning trips, creating travel itineraries, managing travel budgets, or seeking destination advice. On first use, collects comprehensive travel preferences including budget level, travel style, interests, and dietary restrictions. Generates detailed travel plans with day-by-day itineraries, budget breakdowns, packing checklists, cultural do's and don'ts, and region-specific schedules. Maintains database of preferences and past trips for personalized recommendations.

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)