ChatGPT Prompt for Travel Itinerary

This prompt helps you plan detailed travel itineraries with optimized routes, timing, and local recommendations for your trip. Perfect for travelers who want structure without over-planning, families coordinating activities, and anyone visiting a new destination. ChatGPT will create day-by-day schedules that balance must-see attractions with flexibility.

Works Best With: ChatGPT (GPT-4 recommended) | Also works with: Claude, Gemini, Perplexity

The Prompt

Create a [X-DAY] travel itinerary for [DESTINATION].

Trip details:
– Travel dates: [START DATE to END DATE]
– Travelers: [NUMBER AND AGES – e.g., 2 adults, 1 teen, 1 child]
– Accommodation location: [WHERE YOU’RE STAYING]
– Transportation: [RENTAL CAR, PUBLIC TRANSIT, WALKING, etc.]
– Budget level: [BUDGET, MODERATE, LUXURY]
– Interests: [HISTORY, FOOD, NATURE, SHOPPING, ADVENTURE, etc.]
– Pace preference: [RELAXED, MODERATE, PACKED]
– Must-see attractions: [LIST ANY NON-NEGOTIABLES]
– Things to avoid: [CROWDS, EARLY MORNINGS, etc.]

For each day provide:
– Morning, afternoon, evening activities with timing
– Estimated travel time between locations
– Meal recommendations (specific restaurants or areas)
– Backup options if weather is bad
– Booking/reservation notes (what needs advance planning)
– Daily budget estimate

Include:
– Best times to visit popular spots (avoid crowds)
– Local tips or insider knowledge
– Rest time built into schedule
– Map or route optimization suggestions

When to Use This Prompt

• You’re visiting a new city and want to maximize your time efficiently
• You’re overwhelmed by too many options and need a curated plan
• You’re traveling with family and need age-appropriate activities planned
• You want local insights beyond typical tourist guides

What You’ll Get

The AI will generate a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary with morning, afternoon, and evening activities timed to flow logically, realistic travel times between locations so you’re not constantly rushing, specific restaurant recommendations or dining areas to explore, weather backup plans for outdoor activities, notes on what requires advance booking, daily budget breakdowns, crowd-avoidance strategies for popular attractions, insider tips like “go Tuesday mornings” or “skip the main entrance,” and built-in rest periods so you don’t burn out. Routes are optimized to minimize backtracking.

Why This Prompt Works

• Traveler composition: Knowing ages and group size ensures age-appropriate activities and realistic pacing

• Pace preference: Some people want to see everything, others want to linger—stating preference prevents mismatched energy

• Transportation mode: Having a car vs relying on transit dramatically changes what’s feasible in a day

• Backup planning: Weather contingencies prevent wasted days if outdoor plans fall through

How to Customize This Prompt

1. [X-DAY] — Trip length: “3-day weekend,” “week-long,” “10-day”
2. [DESTINATION] — Be specific: “Paris, France” not just “France,” “Portland, Oregon” not “Pacific Northwest”
3. [START/END DATE] — Include month/season as weather and crowds vary: “July 2025” vs “January 2025”
4. [NUMBER AND AGES] — Age matters: teens have different stamina than toddlers
5. [WHERE YOU’RE STAYING] — Neighborhood impacts daily starting points
6. [TRANSPORTATION] — Available mobility shapes possibilities
7. [INTERESTS] — List 2-4 priorities to focus recommendations
8. [PACE] — Relaxed = 2-3 activities/day, packed = 5-6 activities/day
9. [MUST-SEE] — Name specific attractions you won’t skip

Pro Tips

• Add dietary needs: Include “we’re vegetarian” or “need kid-friendly restaurants” for better meal recommendations

• Request download format: Ask for “provide this as a Google Maps list” for easy navigation on the go

• Local events: Add “check for festivals or events during our dates” to catch special happenings

• Flexible days: Include “mark 1 day as flexible/catch-up day” for spontaneous discoveries or rest