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: ```bash 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:** ```python 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:** ```python 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: ```python 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: ```python 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: ```python 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 forecast - [ ] Create packing list - [ ] Arrange pet/plant care - [ ] Hold mail delivery 1 WEEK BEFORE (June 8): - [ ] Check in for flights (24 hours before) - [ ] Pack luggage - [ ] Charge all electronics - [ ] Download language apps (Google Translate, Duolingo) - [ ] Save emergency numbers - [ ] Make copies of passport - [ ] Clean out fridge DAY BEFORE (June 14): - [ ] Re-check flight time - [ ] Prepare carry-on - [ ] Take out trash - [ ] Adjust thermostat - [ ] Unplug electronics - [ ] Set multiple alarms for departure ``` ### Step 6: Track Trip and Budget During the trip, track expenses: ```python from travel_db import add_expense expense = { "category": "food", "amount": 45.00, "description": "Dinner at Cervecería Catalana", "date": "2025-06-16" } add_expense(trip_id, expense) ``` View budget status: ```python from travel_db import get_budget_summary summary = get_budget_summary(trip_id) # Shows: total_budget, spent, remaining, percentage_used, by_category ``` ### Step 7: Post-Trip Updates After trip, move to past trips and update: ```python from travel_db import move_trip_to_past, add_previous_destination move_trip_to_past(trip_id) add_previous_destination("Barcelona, Spain") ``` ## Best Practices 1. **Research Thoroughly** - Use web search for current, accurate information 2. **Be Realistic** - Don't over-schedule; allow for rest and spontaneity 3. **Book Ahead** - Popular attractions sell out, especially in peak season 4. **Budget Buffer** - Add 10-20% extra for unexpected costs 5. **Cultural Respect** - Research and follow local customs 6. **Safety First** - Check travel advisories, register with embassy 7. **Stay Flexible** - Weather and circumstances change 8. **Document Everything** - Save confirmations, important info offline ## Example Interaction ``` User: "I want to plan a 7-day trip to Barcelona in June" Claude: [Checks preferences - finds initialized] Great! I'll create a detailed travel plan for Barcelona. Based on your preferences, I know you enjoy culture, food, and moderate-paced travel with a mid-range budget. First, a few questions: 1. What are your exact travel dates? 2. What's your total budget? 3. Any specific must-see attractions? 4. Traveling solo or with someone? User: "June 15-22, $2500 budget, want to see Gaudí architecture, traveling with partner" Claude: [Creates trip in database, performs web research] Perfect! I've created your Barcelona trip plan. Let me present the complete itinerary: [Generates detailed 7-day itinerary with Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, etc.] [Creates budget breakdown: $2500 over 7 days] [Generates packing checklist for June Mediterranean weather] [Provides Spanish cultural do's and don'ts] [Creates timeline of pre-trip tasks]