Royal Caribbean's New Cruise Will Visit 65 Countries in 9 Months
Guests will be able to tour iconic destinations on all seven continents
Caitlin Morton is a freelance writer based in Kansas City. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and many other publications.
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
After the past couple of years stuck at home, most people are more than ready to jump back into travel—ideally visiting as many places as possible, as soon as possible. Enter Royal Caribbean International. The company just unveiled its Ultimate World Cruise , an epic 274-night sailing that visits all seven continents, including over 150 destinations in 65 countries. It sounds like the perfect way to cross off half your bucket list in one fell swoop.
The cruise will depart from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023, and last until Sept. 10, 2024. That should give you plenty of time to start pinching those pennies—tickets start at $61,000 for an interior stateroom and go up to $112,000 for a junior suite. The price covers business class airfare and accommodations at a five-star hotel before setting sail.
You also have the option to tag along for just one of the journey's four legs, each of which explores a different part of the world: Antarctica and the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and Europe's Capitals of Culture. As for the ports of call, you can plan on visiting pretty much every famous tourist attraction on the planet. We're talking the Great Barrier Reef, Pyramids of Giza, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and Iceland's Blue Lagoon—and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Oh yeah, you'll visit some icebergs, too.
"This is the world cruise of world cruises," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "To travelers asking themselves where they should go next, we say everywhere."
The all-encompassing itinerary is the main draw here, but guests should expect to have a pretty great time on the actual ship itself, Serenade of the Seas. According to the ship's website , onboard amenities include a mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, full-service spa, pool with a retractable glass roof, and a theater hosting everything from Broadway shows to stand-up comics. Guests can choose from nearly 20 restaurants and bars, then enjoy the scenery from the ship's panoramic, multi-story windows.
Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone now. The only thing left to do is pray you win the lottery in the next 26 months.
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Travel By Carla Vianna
Travel and Adventure Inspiration
Ultimate Around The World Itinerary: 22 Countries in 10 Months
April 21, 2019 · In: RTW Travel , Travel Guides
In 2017, my boyfriend Guil and I embarked on a 10-month trip around the world , visiting 22 countries across Europe, South America and Southeast Asia. I’ve never actually shared our ultimate around the world itinerary with anyone, and I thought it would make for a fun blog post—especially for those looking to do a similar trip around the world.
Here’s a quick overview of the trip: We started off in Paris in September 2017 and spent the following two and a half months in Europe. From there, we flew to South America to spend the holidays with our families in Brazil. Four months later, we actually returned to the U.S. for a month before going to Asia. Then in April 2018, we left to Hong Kong, the final leg of our trip. We spent three months traveling in Southeast Asia before returning home on July 9, 2018.
This was our journey.
Our Ultimate Around The World Itinerary
It was an incredible feat to visit over 20 countries and countless cities across three different continents. This trip was the singular most rewarding experience of my life, and there’s little to nothing I would change in our adventurous nearly yearlong stint around the world .
First Stop: Europe
We spent two and a half months traveling through Europe, hitting mostly big capital cities since it was only my second time traveling there. The goal here was certainly to visit as many countries as possible—so we planned the route by each picking the major cities we wanted to see the most, and then combining our lists and narrowing it down to a two-month timeline.
We traveled mostly by land, via bus, and found it to be a remarkably affordable way to travel within Europe.
Netherlands
Czech Republic
Cinque Terre
Second Stop: South America
South America was a different animal. Getting around proved much more difficult (and expensive) than in Europe. We took our time here, spending a total of four months slowly making our way around the massive continent. This gave us time to visit several cities within each country — which allowed us to truly experience each individual culture, more so than in Europe, when we were hopping from country to country every few days.
Because flights are so expensive in South America, we also traveled mostly by land here. Though bus travel in many of the countries we visited isn’t as efficient as it is in Europe, it was usually the cheapest method of transportation, though sometimes flying was the only option. The longest bus ride we endured was 23 hours through the Chilean desert (and this was after a five-hour flight followed by a nine-hour layover).
Backpacking through South America definitely tests even the most experienced of travelers, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world, that bus ride included.
Rio de Janeiro
Porto Alegre
Buenos Aires
Salar de Uyuni
Viña del Mar
San Pedro de Atacama
Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo
Final Stop: Southeast Asia
The final leg of our around the world trip was my absolutely favorite: Three months in Southeast Asia, including plenty of island hopping. Our time here was marked by incredible food, waterfall chasing, jungle hikes, endless beach days, surfing, scuba diving, and the most beautiful natural landscapes I’ve ever laid eyes on.
It was incredibly easy to get around in Southeast Asia, more so than in South America I’d say. The tourism industry is very much a fundamental part of the region’s economy and has been growing exponentially over the years, and the infrastructure in place for tourists clearly represents that. We traveled mostly by plane, train or boat, all at very affordable prices.
Ha Long Bay
Luang Prabang
Nusa Penida
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Ceningan
Kuala Lumpur
Have I convinced you to plan your own trip? Reach out with any questions you may have — I’m here to help!
If you found this post helpful, you may also enjoy:
- The True Cost of Backpacking Around The World
- How To Plan A Trip Around The World
- How To Pack For A Backpacking Trip Around The World
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June 16, 2020 at 6:21 am
Carla, I’m watching an old PBS vhs tapes about train travel, and you are in the story in Ecuador! You were choosing to ride on top of the train to take photos, and you really look happy! Guessing you speak Spanish for such a trip. Have read some of your other notes about travel, but haven’t read them all. Your world trip was a great story to read. Closest I can come to that experience was a 53 day, round the world cruise in 2015. You sure are an Adventurer! Thanks for the stories! My travel companion is a 20 year travel agency owner, and you and she could talk for hours I’m sure! Best wishes and safe travels!
June 16, 2020 at 8:59 am
Oh! I don’t think I ever rode a train in Ecuador, perhaps it’s my doppelgänger! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading my stories — it was certainly a life changing trip!
December 6, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Very inspirational. Given the new travel requirements and suggestions for a single woman over 60 years old who’s very fit, what changes would you suggest with this itinerary? My goal is to take the RTW trip upon my retirement at 67 at the latest. I plan to rent out my home and place my cats with a friend for 10 months during travel, sell my car, etc. I’m an avid photographer and blogger as well. I started a blog a couple years ago. lutreks.com I haven’t updated it in a long time. Thanks very much for your response. Be well. Laura I also have 2 other websites droneskyphoto.com and fotopaws.com as well as my smugmug and flickr sites.
March 30, 2022 at 8:37 am
Hi Laura! The changes are completely up to you! That’s the beauty of a round-the-world trip. You can make up the itinerary that best fits your travel style. Of course, now you’ll need to do some research ahead of time to ensure certain destinations are open. But I don’t see you running into many issues traveling through the European cities on this list. South America is also pretty open, and Southeast Asia (including Bali!) is now opening up as well.
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How Our 6 Month Round The World Trip Changed Our Lives (+ Tips!)
Considering a 6 month round the world trip soon? We’ve been there!
I originally published this blog post in early 2016, on the cusp of starting what we then believed to be a 6 month RTW adventure that would see us backpacking parts of Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America.
Fast forward 7 years, and it turns out that 6 months of backpacking the world turned into a full-time travel lifestyle that has spanned more than 50 countries and counting, entirely reshaping our lives along the way.
Our travels have truly been beyond our wildest dreams.
The decision to go backpacking for 6 months eventually led to us camping in the Sahara , learning to scuba dive in Thailand , climbing a volcano in Guatemala , traveling overland from Mexico City to Bocas del Toro, Panama, visiting most European countries, road-tripping on several continents, and spending a month or more basing ourselves in cities as diverse as Rome , Istanbul , and Cape Town .
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Eventually, we spent a year living in Lisbon, Portugal, and racked up enough long trips to Italy that we can say we’ve spent a year each there, too.
Oh, and we added our dog Ranger to our pack, and who also travels with us now!
For posterity (and, okay, primarily for my own nostalgia), I’ve saved our original post announcing our intention to go backpacking here, complete with all of the excitement, nerves, and anticipation that bleeds through it.
Toward the end of this post, though, I’ll share a little more about where we are now–as well as a few important things we would have done differently when planning a RTW trip if we knew in 2016 what we know now.
Table of Contents
Our Original 6 Month RTW Trip Announcement
What actually happened on our 6 month round the world trip, what we would have done differently, planning a trip.
I have written and deleted and rewritten the opening paragraph of this post at least a dozen times.
It appears that the words just aren’t going to come out right on this subject, but I am so ready to have them out there that I’m just going to have to settle for adequate ones.
Jeremy and I are leaving in May for a 6 month round the world trip.
In the internet world, this is not a big deal.
In our world, it is an enormous upheaval of our entire lives and everything that we thought they would be at this point, and it is an epic adventure.
In mid-2015, we found ourselves growing more and more discontent: with our jobs, with the beautiful house we had bought less than a year before, with our city, with the entire 8-to-5, double-income, double-commute, spend-the-weekend-recovering-from-the-work-week-while-also-squeezing-in-all-your-chores life.
We had already discussed and decided that we would work toward early financial independence from biweekly paychecks (I know, this trip is not exactly moving that goal forward, but hey–we’re not perfect).
Still, though: that was a long, long way away.
Several (for now theoretical) kids away. A lot of gray hairs away. And way, way too many congested commutes away.
We needed out. We needed gone. We needed a whole new lifestyle.
We needed (and yes, this is hopefully the corniest line I’ll ever type), an escape clause from the contract we had apparently signed after college graduation with suburban, corporate America.
From there, we started to discuss seriously: if we were going to redesign our lives, what would they look like?
Kids were a major theme for the future, but we knew that wasn’t a path we were in a hurry for.
Downsizing was a big one: what in the world were we thinking, buying a 2600 square foot house on a tiny lot that made us feel like we were drowning in space inside and claustrophobic outside?
Seriously, that decision now feels utterly insane.
Moving away from San Antonio was also a repeated idea–when we moved there right after Jeremy graduated college, we agreed to give it two years.
We love the food (breakfast tacos, TexMex, and kolaches are all pieces of heaven), but the city feel and heavy traffic was not for us.
2023 Update: turns out we absolutely adore cities, the bigger and more complex the better (spoiler: we very happily moved to New York City of all places). We just don’t like commuting in cities or living in car-dependent neighborhoods!
On top of that, of course, was our big, seemingly unattainable dream: travel.
Long term travel , the kind with a one-way plane ticket and plenty of time to wander as we please.
The type of travel that came with a loose itinerary, and the ability to make plans and decisions along the way.
Adding all this up, we cobbled together the vague idea of a plan: since we knew we wanted to leave San Antonio , we would sell our house.
Assuming that went well, we would take advantage of this transition period and leave on a round the world trip for 6 months.
After wrapping that up, we would return home and decide on our next chapter.
Moving back to our hometown is on the shortlist, but frankly, we’re a little gun-shy about making hardline predictions about our future at the moment.
After all of the discussing and what-iffing, the doing… well, the doing went exceptionally fast. Our house was under contract less than 2 months after putting it on the market.
Our first few destinations ( Spain , Italy , Morocco ) are outlined, with plane tickets purchased and some accommodation arranged.
I have triple and quadruple-checked our budget, and we are squeezing every last penny we can into it while also holding our breaths and hoping the money lasts as long as we hope that it does.
Now, we prepare, prepare, prepare–and wait (oh, okay, and go on an awesome 2 week road trip to Savannah , Charleston , and Atlantic Beach, North Carolina ).
It took less than a month for our carefully-organized (read: obsessively overplanned) 6 month backpacking itinerary to veer wildly off course.
Years later, I can still remember the decision like it was yesterday.
Rather than double-back from the blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco to Fez, where a pre-paid Ryanair flight was ready to whisk us off to… Milan ? Venice ? (I honestly can’t remember which), we decided to extend our stay in Chefchaouen once.
And then twice.
After almost 2 weeks in Morocco and nearly a month of traveling at a breakneck pace, we were already exhausted.
The prospect of the long, hot, bumpy bus ride back was just too unappealing for words.
Instead, we stuck around Chefchaouen for a while, and then headed to Tangier and hopped a ferry back to Spain, where we promptly fell in love with both the town of Tarifa and the joy of traveling spontaneously.
And, sure, yes, we lost one of our debit cards in Tarifa, only took about 10 photos of our entire week-long stay there, and one of my clearest memories of our stay is rejoicing upon finding an Old El Paso taco kit in the grocery store (our homesickness for TexMex never went away).
Importantly, though, the electrifying feeling of freedom and opportunity also sunk in during our time in southern Spain.
Here’s what our 6 month RTW trip ended up looking like:
6 Month Around the World Trip Itinerary
Spain ( Madrid , Toledo , Tarifa), Italy ( Bolzano , Lucca , Florence , Volterra , Pisa, Monterosso al Mare ), Morocco ( Marrakech , Erg Chebbi, Tinghir, Air Benhaddou, Fez, Chefchaouen).
Spain (Tarifa, Seville ), Italy ( Milan , Trieste), Slovenia ( Piran , Mojstrana, Triglav National Park, Bled, Lake Bohinj, Ljubljana), Croatia ( Split )
Croatia (Split, Hvar , Dubrovnik ), Bosnia and Herzegovina ( Mostar , Sarajevo ), Thailand ( Bangkok , Koh Tao )
Thailand (Bangkok, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai ), Laos (Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane ), Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Koh Rong )
Cambodia (Koh Rong, Siem Reap )… and then the USA.
Yep, after all that careful planning, we ended up not only making it to South America in our first six months of travel (that actually wouldn’t end up happening until early 2018, when we spent a month in Colombia ), but we also took a break before six months was even up.
As it turns out, planning that far into the future wasn’t our strong suit–and still isn’t.
We ended up spending a couple of months at home with family, and then a few days after Thanksgiving, boarding a flight to Mexico City that would end up turning into our six-month adventure of backpacking overland from Mexico City to Bocas del Toro, Panama –which just about brought us to the one-year mark of full-time travel.
After Our First Year of Full-Time Travel…
How we pulled off the next six years and counting is mostly a story for another day (hint: travel blogging is a big part of it, and is now our sole income source).
But, we ended up staying fully nomadic until mid-2020 when the global crisis finally caused us to (temporarily) hang up our bags.
At that point, we headed back to the Lone Star State and spent a year rebuilding our business while based in Austin (2020-2021), and then moved to Lisbon, Portugal for a bit over a year (2021-2022).
As of 2023, we are happily based in NYC (for now?) and continue to travel far and wide in our pursuit of living our personal versions of a deeply fulfilling life.
Overall, we are beyond thrilled with how our decision to go backpacking for 6 months turned out, even and possibly especially because we never could have predicted it!
That being said, we were still fairly novice travelers when we kicked off our RTW trip, and we certainly made plenty of mistakes along the way ( getting scammed in Marrakech is one memorable one).
Looking back, here’s what I would tell our ambitious, mid-twenties selves before they got started traveling the world.
Don’t plan too far in advance.
It took less than a month for our carefully-planned 6 month travel itinerary to fly out the window.
Today, we wouldn’t recommend putting money down on anything more than a couple of weeks in advance, unless it’s a bucket list experience that you’re planning your trip around, like a festival.
Be open to changing your itinerary.
Did we end up not getting around to a lot of things we planned to do on our RTW trip?
Most definitely–for example, we still haven’t been to Malaysia, Ecuador, or Vietnam!
Instead, we ended up with a lot of unforgettable experiences that never even occurred to us before we started traveling, such as scuba diving in Mozambique and chasing waterfalls in Chiapas .
Get rid of more than you think you should.
When we initially sold our house and got rid of most of our belongings, we absolutely did not get rid of enough.
Objectively, we didn’t keep a ton, but going through the boxes years later, it’s laughable what we thought we needed.
At this point, we’ve actually gotten rid of (almost) everything and furnished places from scratch 3 times (not including our pre-travel lives), and each time the “to keep” pile gets smaller.
If you’re planning an open-ended trip, especially if you’re paying for storage, keep only what is nostalgic or entirely practical.
Take more photos than you think.
During the last 7 years, photography has gone from something we use to remember our trips by to a component of our business, and as such we have an absurd amount of photos… but often not the ones we would like.
Take photos of scenery, yes, but make sure to put yourself in some of them, too.
Even if you don’t like how you look at the time, the years have a way of softening edges and turning a photo you were critical of yourself in into a priceless snapshot of your happiness at the time.
I also wish we had more photos of temporal things like bustling markets, restaurant meals, and dogs and people we met along the way.
Those photos don’t seem as valuable at the time, but they tend to grow in sentimental value with the years in a way that standard scenery photos don’t.
Buy a few souvenirs.
Because of the very nature of backpacking the world for six months, we bought shockingly few souvenirs during our first year abroad.
While we still consider ourselves minimalists and don’t necessarily recommend buying things in every destination, I wish we had a few more physical items to remember our adventures by.
We have exactly two surviving souvenirs from our first year: a carved elephant from Thailand and a vase from Nicaragua.
Were they impractical to carry? Yes. But we deeply cherish them both.
Say yes more than no.
Just a couple of months into our 6 month round the world trip, we visited Krka National Park in Croatia.
At the time, you could swim in the waterfalls there–but we were tired from a long day of travels and didn’t like the idea of riding the bus back to Split damp, so we passed.
Fast forward several years, and you can no longer swim in the falls.
I wish we would have said yes.
Most travelers who stick with it long enough have an anecdote or two like that–and the bottom line is, with the exception of incredibly dangerous things, people regret saying no a lot longer than they regret saying yes.
Pack less than you think.
Oh, how we agonized over our packing list!
From clothes to travel gear, we spent weeks checking and double-checking what we needed, trying to anticipate what we would want or wear, and making sure we wouldn’t run out of anything.
Honestly, we should’ve spent about 10% of the energy on it than we did.
It simply does not matter nearly as much as many travelers, us included, think it does before they set off.
The exceptions?
Prescription medication, and high-quality essentials that might be a pain or expensive to source abroad (like your backpack, camera, or hiking boots).
When it comes to things like t-shirts, drugstore shampoo, or flip-flops, though, you’ll find them for sale just about everywhere relevant.
Keep a journal.
I absolutely adore it and desperately wish I had kept a travel journal of some kind during that first 6 month round the world trip.
At the time, I thought blogging would be more than enough writing, but sharing RTW travel advice, or even stories, is simply not the same as notes you keep only for yourself.
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About Kate Storm
In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.
8 thoughts on “How Our 6 Month Round The World Trip Changed Our Lives (+ Tips!)”
Best wishes for an awesome trip! I’ve done my traveling slowly, too, but in chunks – unlike you, I wasn’t smart enough to realize how badly I needed to see the world before I had three kids! Lucky for them, they got dragged around on a bunch of those trips, and now they have the itch themselves. Not sure if your RTW trip will take you places I have or haven’t been, but I look forward to seeing where you go.
Thank you! We are so excited–less than a week to go until departure now!
I think it’s awesome that your kids have had a chance to travel extensively too–we sure hope to do the same, but they certainly throw a huge wrench into things like 6 month adventures.
Happy travels!
So excited to find your blog!! I’ve always dreamed of traveling & so regret not doing what you guys did– taking months, even years, to see the world before kife, work, chires, marriage, kids made it seem so daubting & impractical. I had the bug early & at least was able to spend 3 months livong in Oaxaca Mexico before grad school started. Anyway—NOW way latter, separated, in my early 50’s and still raising my 14 year old son, I’m trying to make a plan–if it’s possible, for he & I to do some traveling. I am permanently disabled from my career so recieve a modest but stable check. Every month. Our plan of moving accross country in a couple years could be the time to put what little we keep in storage & go. He may finish school early at 16 or finish doing alternative on- line school. What are some of your best ideas to save money traveli g through Europe? Wether we do months at a time or 3 or 4 week trios then return….any udeas would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you so much, Ann! So glad you have found our site inspiring.
For our best Europe travel tips, including on budgeting, I recommend looking here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/europe-travel-tips/
If you search “budget” or “trip cost” in our search bar, you’ll also find write-ups on budgeting in several destinations in Europe, including Slovenia, Croatia, Ireland, and Italy.
Hope you and your son have a chance to hit the road soon!
Do you have a blog post about your dos and donts for packing for a trip like this?!
I actually don’t! It’s on my list of things to write eventually, but my biggest advice is not to stress too much about it and to budget a bit for some clothes/accessories along the way (I still have very fond memories of my elephant romper from Thailand!)
If you search “Central America Packing List” on our website, I wrote that list during our nomadic backpacking days and it’s pretty close to what we carried for the first couple of years. We also have some general Europe packing lists that cover the bases on some of our favorite travel gear that comes with us everywhere (our current favorite anti-theft daybag, etc.)
Love your blog! My husband and I are planning to tour the world soon! Would love to connect with you on this! Thanks
That’s so exciting! We’re always happy to answer a few questions for travelers as they plan. 🙂 Good luck with your adventures!!
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The 19 Best Travel Planning Apps for Every Type of Traveler
December 1, 2021 15 min read
Planning your next travel adventure can be both exciting and stressful. While searching for amazing destinations and attractions to visit is always fun, keeping track of all of the information relating to your trip isn’t the easiest task.
If you’ve been using Google docs and sheets or simply storing travel inspiration, confirmations, bookings, and reservations in your email, there’s a better way: using a travel planning app!
You can discover an array of travel itinerary apps on the market, such as Wanderlog , a free and easy-to-use travel itinerary planner. But deciding which is best for your needs can be challenging. To help, we’ve put together this list of the 19 best travel planner apps on the market.
To create this guide, we started by searching for the top trip planners online and in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. We then tested these apps and looked at user reviews to create this ultimate list of the best travel planning apps. This extensive list includes a range of apps, from road trip planning apps to itinerary planning apps. No matter what type of traveler you are, we have you covered.
If you’re looking for a way to simplify travel planning and organization, keep reading!
Best Overall Travel Planner App: Wanderlog
We truly believe that Wanderlog is the best overall travel itinerary planning app on the market. Wanderlog allows you to plan detailed day-by-day itineraries, import all of your trip information, and search activity suggestions. It’s also perfect for group travelers and those traveling via a range of transport methods, from flying to taking a road trip.
You can use Wanderlog in-browser, or download the app for iOS and Android. Wanderlog is 100% free to use, and this free version offers access to almost all of the apps’ features. There is an upgrade option, Wanderlog Pro, that offers added benefits with a one-week free trial.
Wanderlog Features
Activity Suggestions and Access to Pre-Created Trips
You can search third-party websites and add things to do to your itinerary from online guides, like Tripadvisor or Google Trips. Wanderlog also offers activity suggestions, and you can view trips created by other users for inspiration.
Storage and Organization of Travel Information
When using Wanderlog, you can manually add travel information or automatically import reservations, bookings, and other email confirmations by syncing with Gmail. This travel information includes flight info, bus or train reservations, accommodation details, rental car confirmations, and more. You can also add expenses for places and items on your itinerary, and manage your total budget.
Itinerary Creation
As you upload travel information and add activities you want to undertake on your trip, a day-by-day itinerary will be created. This itinerary is incredibly easy to edit, and you can add notes to each stop.
If you don’t need a day-by-day itinerary and want more flexibility in your plans, you can simply create lists, for example, a list of things to do or restaurants to try.
Access to Maps
When you add stops to your itinerary or lists, they’ll be displayed on a map. The map feature makes it easy to see where all the attractions you wish to visit are located, allowing you to plan the most efficient itinerary.
Road Trip Planning
Wanderlog now offers the ability to plan road trips! You can add start and end destinations, plus unlimited stops along the way, and your road trip route will be shown on interactive maps.
It’s super easy to rearrange these plans, and you can even use our “Road Trip Optimizer” to generate the most efficient route. The total time and distance of your road trip journey will be displayed too.
Group Collaboration
Wanderlog makes collaborating with others in your travel group a breeze! You can easily collaborate with others traveling with you by simply adding their email to your trip. Alternatively, you can just share a link to the itinerary. Having done this, all members of your group can collaborate on the plans in real-time.
Wanderlog Pro Added Features
- Offline access to itineraries and maps
- Exporting of maps to Google Maps
- Auto scanning of travel confirmations in Gmail
- Road trip route optimization
Who Is Wanderlog For?
Wanderlog is the best app to plan travel for every type of traveler. From solo travelers to groups, and from the highly organized traveler to those that simply need one place to store information and activity suggestions. Wanderlog also has a highly user-friendly interface, and best of all, it’s free to use!
Who Is Wanderlog Not For?
Wanderlog is great for all travelers! Whether you want to organize your travel details, search for an array of activities to enjoy on your trip, or collaborate with fellow travelers, the Wanderlog travel planning app won’t disappoint.
Does Wanderlog sound like the travel itinerary planner for you? Download the app today !
Best Road Trip Planning App: Roadtrippers
If you’re looking for road trip planner apps, Roadtrippers is one of the best options out there! This app is created exclusively for those traveling via car. It not only maps out the best routes for you to follow but also offers suggestions of things to do along the way.
Roadtrippers can be used online and via their iPhone and Android app. Roadtrippers offers a free Basic version and a paid-for version called RoadTrippers Plus, which costs $29.99 per year.
Roadtrippers Features
Custom Route Maps
Roadtrippers calculate the best route for you. Simply enter your road trip start and end destination, plus stops along the way if applicable. You can choose the fastest route or ask Roadtrippers to suggest additional stops along the way.
Activity and Attraction Suggestions
As just mentioned, Roadtrippers offers suggestions on things to do along your road trip route. These suggestions include activities to try and attractions to visit, as well as dining and accommodation suggestions.
Gas Cost Estimations
Once you have a route mapped, Roadtrippers provides an estimation of the total gas cost. This feature is great for those operating on a budget.
Navigation
Roadtrippers also help guide you once you set out on the trip with in-app navigation. This feature allows you to stay within the app instead of switching to another navigation app, like Google Maps.
Roadtrippers Plus Added Features
- Offline maps
- Collaboration features, allowing multiple travelers to add to the road trip itinerary
- Live traffic updates
- Special promotions from Roadtrippers’ travel panthers, such as discounts on hotels
- Dark mode
- No in-app ads
Who Is Roadtrippers For?
As the name suggests, Roadtrippers is ideal for people planning road trips. The app is helpful for all types of road trip travelers, from those looking for a quick route from A to B to those wanting to visit an array of attractions along a multi-city route.
Who Is RoadTrippers Not For?
This app isn’t optimal for those planning different types of travel experiences. For example, if you’ll fly to one city and then want recommendations for tourist attractions, this isn’t the right app for you. You also miss out on features without a paid account, so if you want to benefit from all of a travel apps’ features for free, you may not be interested in RoadTrippers.
Want to learn more about Roadtrippers? Read our in-depth Roadtrippers review !
Best Travel Planning App for Trip Information Organization: TripIt
TripIt is one of the relatively well-known itinerary planning apps that stores all your trip details, like transport and accommodation information, in one place. TripIt can be used via web browser or an app for iOS or Android.
TripIt has both a free version of the app, with limited features, and a paid-for version called TripIt Pro. You can also purchase TripIt for Teams which is targeted at business travelers.
TripIt Pro: $49 per year with a 30-day free trial
TripIt Teams: Starts at $29 a month for one to ten users
TripIt Features
TripIt allows you to upload your travel information to one place. Things you can upload include flight details, hotel bookings, and activity reservations. You can manually upload information or email it to TripIt.
TripIt Pro Added Features
- Transport fare trackers
- Check-in reminders
- Flight updates
- Seat upgrade information
- Airport security wait time updates
- Loyalty/rewards program points tracker
- Baggage claim location notification
- Interactive maps
- Ability to share plans with others
- Features to add documents to your itinerary, such as photos or PDFs
Who Is TripIt For?
This is a great app for those that only want to store and organize all the information they already have relating to a trip in one place, and have access to this information on their phone. It’s also very easy to use.
Those that also want notifications related to their trip all in one place will appreciate the features offered by TripIt Pro.
Who Is TripIt Not For?
TripIt is quite a basic itinerary planner. In addition, TripIt doesn’t offer suggestions on things to do in the city you’re visiting. These drawbacks mean that TripIt is best for those that only want to store all of their travel information in one place.
If you’re looking for an app that offers travel suggestions, such as activities to try or landmarks to visit, this isn’t the app for you. Travelers looking for a free travel itinerary app will probably not be interested in TripIt either (you should instead try Wanderlog that’s 100% free to use!)
Unsure if TripIt is right for you? Read our detailed TripIt review to learn more about the app.
Best Travel Planning App for Documenting Your Trip: Polarsteps
Polarsteps allows you to document your entire trip, along with creating itineraries. This travel app can be used in-browser or via an app and is one of the best free travel planner apps, as you can access all features at no cost. You can pay for a printed travel book with pictures and notes relating to your trip. These books start at approximately $40 for a 24-page book.
Polarsteps Features
Trip Itinerary Creation
You can create a trip itinerary and add as many stops as you like. These stops include different cities, countries, and landmarks/places of interest. A map showing each stop will also be generated.
Addition of Images, Videos, and Notes
For every stop added, you can also upload pictures, videos, and a description of the place. This feature is ideal for those looking to document their adventure and makes Polarsteps somewhat of a digital travel scrapbook.
Access to Pre-Created Trips
You can follow other users (as you would on social media networks) and access their pre-created trips. This is the one discovery feature on the app to help you find additional places to visit.
Sharing Features
It’s easy to share trips with other people, like friends and family. You can add followers to your trip, which allows them to see everything you’re doing. Multiple people, however, can not edit and add to a trip from different accounts.
Who Is Polarsteps For?
Polarsteps is recommended for those that want to document their entire trip with images, notes, and the like. It’s also perfect for those taking long, multi-city trips, although can be used by those taking shorter trips too.
Who Is Polarsteps Not For?
This app isn’t recommended for those looking to create an itinerary that simply keeps all of their travel information in one place. If you don’t want to document your trip via images, notes, and videos, Polarsteps probably won’t be worth using.
The app also isn’t great for those looking for activity suggestions, you can access the trips of others for ideas, but the Polarsteps will not offer streamlined activity suggestions itself.
Read our detailed Polarsteps review to discover more about this app.
Best Alternative to Print Travel Guides: Lonely Planet Guides
Lonely Planet is an extremely well-known travel guide brand. Recently, they launched an app, Lonely Planet Guides, that is quickly becoming one of the best travel planner apps. Lonely Planet Guides offers attractions and landmark suggestions for over 1,000 cities. You can also access videos, curated collections, and phrasebooks.
Lonely Planet Guides is accessible via an app for iOS and Android. There is a free version, but it’s very basic, so paying for a subscription is necessary in most cases. Lonely Planet Guides pricing is as follows:
- One Month: $4.99
- Six Months: $21.99 (or $3.67 a month)
- One Year: $39.99 (or $3.33 a month)
Lonely Planet Guides Features
Information on Places of Interest
You have access to information on landmarks and attractions for the majority of cities on the app. This feature is great for discovery and allows you to find the best things to see and do in the city you’re visiting.
If you don’t have a paid subscription, you can only access info on four places of interest per month.
Custom Maps and Bucket Lists
If you discover places of interest that you want to visit, you can add them to a map and/or bucket list. Once in the city, you can open your map to easily see where all the attractions you want to visit are located.
Without a paid plan, you can only add four locations to your map each month.
Curated Collections
Access to pre-created collections of things to do is available. These are often categorized, for example, the best markets or restaurants to visit.
Ability to Purchase Tours and Other Tickets
If you discover an attraction you want to visit or a tour you want to try, you can purchase tickets via a third party directly in the app.
Paid Subscription Added Features
- Access to phrasebooks for 19 languages
- 360-degree immersive experiences
Who Is Lonely Planet Guides For?
The Lonely Planet Guides app is ideal for those looking for a digital alternative to traditional print travel guidebooks. It’s also a good choice for those going on a multi-city trip as you have access to information for thousands of cities across the globe, all from your phone.
Who Is Lonely Planet Guides Not For?
Lonely Planet Guides isn’t recommended for travelers that are looking for free travel planner apps. It’s also not the best option for those looking to create complete itineraries that include transport and accommodation information as well as places they plan to visit.
Get all the details on this travel planner app by reading our Lonely Planet Guides review .
Best Travel Planning App for Those That Want to Explore Like a Local: ViaHero
ViaHero is a travel planning app with a difference. Instead of planning your itinerary yourself, locals to the area (called “Heroes”) will create an itinerary and personalized guidebook for you. Understandably, this comes at a cost. You’ll be charged $40 per day of itinerary planning, with the maximum paid for a guidebook usually being $125.
Destinations covered include cities in North America, Central and South America, Asia, and Europe.
ViaHero Features
Custom Guidebook Creation
After highlighting the types of activities and attractions you’re interested in, your “Hero” will create an itinerary and guidebook.
A Personalized Map
You’ll also get access to a custom map that features each location mentioned in your guidebook.
Booking of Activities and Other Travel Arrangements
If things on your itinerary need booking (and booking doesn’t require prepayment) your local “hero” will make these arrangements for you.
Ability to Communicate with Your “Hero”
You can get in touch with your local “hero” at any point before and during your trip. This feature allows you to request changes to your itinerary and ask questions if needed as you explore the city.
Who Is ViaHero For?
ViaHero is one of the best travel planner apps for those that have limited time to plan their own trip, plus a decent budget for someone else to do so for them. It’s also a great choice for those that like to explore off the beaten track and get recommendations from locals instead of visiting tourist hotspots.
Who Is ViaHero Not For?
Due to the cost, ViaHero isn’t a good option for those traveling on a budget. It also may not be a great choice for those that are visiting a city for the first time and want to see the most popular landmarks and attractions.
Being a newer service, only “heroes” from a limited number of cities are available at this time. If you’re visiting an area without a local “hero,” you won’t be able to use the service.
Best Travel Planning App for Those That Love Reviews: Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor is another of the itinerary planning apps that’s well-known to the majority of travelers. Along with a browser version, Tripadvisor has a convenient app that can help with everything from booking accommodation to discovering places to visit.
Tripadvisor is free to use and has information for almost every city across the globe. Tripadvisor will offer an overview of the city you search for, along with hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations. Best of all, all suggestions include reviews from travelers who have visited.
Tripadvisor Features
Things to Do
Tripadvisor suggests a range of places to visit and activities to try in the destination you’re visiting. Along with searching the “Things to Do” section, you can search for specific landmarks and attractions to get more information on them. Whichever way you search, you’ll also have access to reviews from travelers who have visited the landmark or attraction or tried the activity.
Restaurants
You can also access restaurant suggestions for the destinations you’re heading to. Again, reviews from those who have dined at each establishment are available. You can also select categories, such as types of cuisine, to narrow down your search. Many restaurants offer the option to reserve via Tripadvisor too.
Hotels
Looking for a place to stay? Tripadvisor has you covered! Simply input the dates you need accommodation for, number of guests, and other filters like budget, if applicable, to view hotel results. You can then go straight to the hotel website from Tripadvisor or view deals from hotel booking sites like Hotels.com.
Itinerary Maps and Lists
When you find activities you want to try, landmarks you intend to visit, and restaurants you wish to dine at, you can add them to a map and list. By adding these things to a map, you can easily see where everything you want to do is located, and develop day-by-day plans. Unfortunately, you can’t create an actual day-to-day itinerary via Tripadvisor.
Who Is Tripadvisor For?
This app is great for learning more about attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and accommodation via reviews. If you like to hear opinions from real travelers before committing to plans, you’ll appreciate Tripadvisor. It also has amazing discovery features, making Tripadvisor ideal for travelers that are looking for suggestions on things to do in the locations they’re visiting.
Who Is Tripadvisor Not For?
Tripadvisor isn’t ideal for planning day-to-day itineraries. While you can create maps and lists of all the places you want to go, these can’t be separated into individual days. That can be frustrating for travelers, especially if going on a multi-day or week trip.
Using Tripadvisor to access reviews and combining this research with a full travel itinerary planner, like Wanderlog , is recommended.
Other Itinerary Planning Apps to Consider
While we rank the above five as the best travel planner apps on the market, the following eight apps are worth checking out too!
GEOVEA allows you to plan trips, store details like flight and accommodation info, and search for activity suggestions. This travel planning software also has budgeting features. You can estimate the cost of the activities included in the itinerary to see the overall cost of your trip.
While you can use the company’s website on your phone, there isn’t an app. The standard version of the software is free but comes with limitations. To have full access to the app, you must purchase a subscription which starts at $29.99/year.
Hipherd is one of the best free travel planner apps for those looking for a place to store travel inspiration. It allows you to save a range of travel content that you find across the web, such as travel articles, videos, and other information on destinations you want to visit.
As with Pinterest, you can create “boards” to organize content by destination or other categories. You can view the collections of other users too. You can also create maps that show all the attractions you want to visit. Best of all, Hipherd costs nothing to use.
Inspirock is a free travel itinerary planning software that creates day-to-day itineraries for you based on data you input. Once a list of suggested places to visit has been generated, you can edit the itinerary to remove and add activities. You can also access accommodation suggestions, car and flight deals, and booking links.
Learn more about this travel planner by taking a look at our Inspirock review !
Jubel is one of the great itinerary planning apps for those that are looking to discover new destinations. You start by answering a questionnaire to highlight travel likes, dislikes, and other preferences. A customized itinerary for a surprise destination is then created for you. This service does come at a cost, with Jubel users needing a trip budget of at least $1,500 for a solo-traveler trip or $1,100/per traveler for multi-person trips.
Pilot
Pilot is one of the free travel planner apps that’s perfect for travelers wanting to create itineraries as a group. You can add travel information, like flight bookings, to your online account, along with adding the activities you’ll do each day to an itinerary. It’s also easy to collaborate on one trip itinerary as a group. As mentioned, Pilot is free to use, but there is not a mobile app, so you must use the software in-browser.
Portico
Portico is another recommended app for planning itineraries, organizing travel information, and searching for activity suggestions. Travel confirmation emails (transport bookings, accommodation reservations, etc.) can be added manually or simply email them to Portico to add to your account. You can also search for travel inspiration in-app and add places you want to visit to itineraries and lists. Portico is free and can be used in-browser or via an iOS app.
Tripscout
Tripscout is one of the best travel planner apps for trip inspiration and high-quality travel content. You can search an array of content in-app to learn about new destinations and attractions. If you discover things you’d like to do and places you’d like to go, you can add them to lists, itineraries, and maps to begin planning your next adventure! Tripscout is also always free to use.
Tripsy
Tripsy is another organization-focused itinerary planning app. This app stores travel information, such as flight confirmations and other transport info, restaurant reservations, and the like. You can also get notifications, for example relating to your flight status, and can easily share your itinerary with friends and family.
You can integrate your plans with third-party maps and calendars and can email confirmations as well as adding them manually. Tripsy has a free and paid-for Pro version that offers additional benefits, including unlimited itineraries.
The Best Travel Apps for Flights and Hotels
Need transport or accommodation deals? These four travel planner apps are here to help!
Snaptravel
Snaptravel offers amazing deals on flights and hotels. Simply enter your travel dates and destination(s), and a selection of customized offers will be served to you. Customers benefit from rate and fare reductions of 30-50%, and Snaptravel is free to use.
Discover more about saving on hotels and flights with this app by reading our Snaptravel review .
Scott’s Cheap Flights
Scott’s Cheap Flights provides users with incredible flight deals out of their local airport. You’ll receive deal emails each day with fare reductions of up 90% off applied. Scott’s Cheap Flights offers a free version and paid-for options, which allow you to receive business and first-class deals and add multiple departure airports.
Read our Scott’s Cheap Flights review to learn more about this company!
Dollar Flight Club
Dollar Flight Club is another company offering steep discounts on flights. Enter your departure airport at sign-up and you’ll be emailed daily with great deals to an array of destinations. There is a free version, but this only offers access to 20% of deals. For the best results, upgrade to Premium ($69/year) or Premium Plus ($99/year.) Users can expect to save 60-90% on flights, however, you don’t have the option to get deals for specific destinations.
Want to find out more? Read our Dollar Flight Club review .
RometoRio
Rome to Rio offers an array of transport options that work with your trip and are bookable through the app. This free app can show you flights, car rentals, buses, and trains that will allow you to get from point to point on your itinerary. While Rome2Rio isn’t a deal-based app, you can also benefit from cheaper transport rates when using the app. You can also find accommodation and activity suggestions via Rome2Rio, but cannot create itineraries.
Not sure which of these travel planner apps to choose? Give Wanderlog a try ! It costs nothing to do so, and we guarantee that you’ll love it.
The 8 Best Travel Budgeting Tools of 2023
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Travel Tips
How to plan the perfect travel itinerary: 15 easy steps.
They say the key to a good trip is in the planning.
And y’know what?
They’re right!
Yes after many years spent traversing the globe, I can certainly attest to the fact that planning your trip is not only key to having the best time while you’re away, but also ensuring the process of getting there is stress-free too.
After all, who wants planning a travel adventure to be stressful?!
Instead, trip planning should be a major part of the travel enjoyment and, if you’re an organiser like me, there’s almost nothing you’re likely to enjoy more!
But even for the non-organisers among us … and I know you’re out there!… you really can learn to love planning.
Because the more you do it, the easier it gets and the better you get at it too.
Plus you also come to work out what essential parts of a trip need to be organised ahead of time and what don’t.
After all, a good travel planning strategy is as much about knowing what needs to be prepped in advance as what doesn’t!
Too much planning can ruin a trip and too little planning can ruin it as well.
So here to help you strike the balance, is my complete guide to planning a travel itinerary in 15 easy steps…
Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!
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#1 Consider When You Want to Travel
So first up on this article about how to plan the perfect travel itinerary is to consider when you want to travel.
This might seem like a strange place to start, but honestly, knowing roughly what months of the year you want to go adventuring for is going to make a big difference as to where you go adventuring.
Yes you might have your heart set on a particular region or country, but honestly, if it’s rainy season or winter or hurricane season or humidity madness in that / those places during the time of year you plan to travel, then forget it!
Not only will you not then see this region or country at its best, but if you’ve wanted to go for a long time, you might be bitterly disappointed too!
And it goes without saying that some types of travel adventures just aren’t possible at certain times of the year too.
Often these travel adventures are the flagship things to do in a particular country or region, so if you can’t enjoy them at the time of year you’re going to be there… well then what’s the point?!
Classic examples of this type of situation include road tripping the top end of Australia during the wet season (when many roads and national parks are closed), hiking in Asia’s Himalayas or South America’s Andes when many mountain trails are inaccessible, or heading to the Greek Islands in winter (when it’s too cold for swimming, sailing and sunbathing and many transfer boats don’t run!)
There’s a million more variables here too of course, but you get my point!
As a heat lover and sun worshipper, I can certainly claim climate is the number one factor I consider when planning the perfect trip and I reckon it should be top of your considerations too!
So first decide on when exactly you’re going travelling first and then start narrowing down the destination list from there…
#2 Research Climates and Weather!
And this brings us nicely onto the second point here, because once you know when you’re off, you can start deciding where you’re off too.
Even some simple Google research can help here, at least in terms of broad regions.
Otherwise take a look at the overview list below for some starting ideas…
- Jan – Mar: Head to Southeast Asia, India, New Zealand, Non-Tropical Parts of Australia, Central America, West Africa, South Africa, Ethiopia
- April – May: Great for North Africa, Middle East, Caucasus, Turkey, Central Asia, Russia, Japan & Korea, Namibia & Botswana
- June – Aug: Ideal for Tropical Australia, Europe, North America, Peru & Bolivia, East Africa
- Sept – Oct: Enjoy Autumn in Canada, Southern Mediterranean, East Africa, China, Namibia & Botswana
- Nov – Dec: Consider New Zealand, Southern Africa, Non-Tropical Parts of Australia, Chile and Argentina, India
This is far from being an exhaustive list, but may give you a handy starting point to do further research.
Within these sweeping regional areas, there are of course micro-climates and geographical particulars to take into account too, as well as any cultural festivals and religious periods that can drastically alter a travel experience, a notable example of which is Ramadan.
It’s also worth bearing in mind what you want to enjoy in area – if there are specific activities you are going to certain countries for, such as hiking, diving, safari or festival-experiencing, then it certainly does make sense to research the best time for these particular pursuits to ensure you get the best travel experience possible.
#3 Think About The Length of Your Trip
So once you’ve decided when and where you plan to travel, it’s now time to really hone down exactly how long you have for your trip and therefore whether you’re likely to be enjoying just one area in a county, a whole or nation or perhaps even a broader geographical region.
Absolutely key to planning the perfect travel itinerary is making sure you don’t overcommit yourself, and by that I mean don’t plan to cover too many places or too large an area!
Honestly, in doing this, you’re likely to overstretch yourself (trust me, I’ve been there) and actually not enjoy your trip nearly as much as if you’d planned a sensible itinerary inline with the length of trip you have!
In general, my rule of thumb looks like this:
- A weekend trip: Pick 1 city and enjoy it!
- 1 Week Trip: Base yourself in one destination and explore it well – possibility to include day trips to nearby areas.
- 2 Week Trip: As above, or select 2 different destinations within the same country and explore them both for 1 week each or, plan a backpack-style trip (moving every couple of days) in a small country. I try never to visit more than 1 country I if have just 2 weeks – the time you lose from travelling between them is too great.
- 1 Month Trip: Possibility to explore several destinations within one large country i.e. the northern highlands as well as the islands of Thailand, or the Andes as well as Amazon in Peru. Alternatively, explore 2 small neighbouring countries such as Armenia and Georgia. I wouldn’t advise trying to pack in more than 2 countries in a month.
- 2-3 Month Trip: This is when you can really start exploring several countries within one region i.e. Southeast Asia, East Africa, Eastern Europe, Central America. Just ensure you choose countries which are close together, as this saves travel time and also means you can get away with packing similar types of clothes and travel items.
- 3 Months+ Trip: With a longer trip up your sleeve, you can start exploring wider regions and enjoying bigger trips, such as road tripping parts of the US, backpacking South Africa or travelling from Cape Town to Cairo. In general, I wouldn’t start considering covering multiple regions in one trip until I had a 6 month+ travel window up my sleeve.
#4 Factor in Country, Region-Size, Journey Times and Accessibility
Needless to say, the above length of trip guidelines will vary wildly depending on the size of the country or region, as well as the amount of things / places etc you want to explore there.
Always remember that there will be more to see / do / visit than you plan on initially in any part of the world, so do consider this when thinking realistically about how much you can fit into the length of time you have.
Also remember that the physical act of travelling can be exhausting.
This is another reason to bear in mind your journey times when you are planning a travel itinerary and remember that, if your destination is far away from your home country, that 2 days of your itinerary might have to be given over to just getting there and back.
You will also need to possibly allow time for jetlag if you’re travelling across time zones.
And finally, if you’re planning to hit up a couple or more destinations within one country, then you need to think about the journey times for these too.
Firstly, how can these journeys be made? Secondly how long do they take? And thirdly, how frequent and reliable is the transport?
More off the beaten track or inaccessible countries will take longer to get around, which certainly needs to be factored-in to your travel itinerary.
More on this in section #10 of this article.
#5 Settle on a Destination
So now that you’ve thought about what time of year you’re travelling, the length of your trip, and the climate, journey times, accessibility and size of several destinations, it’s time to decide once and for all on your destination of choice.
Just remember, this will not be your only trip and no matter where you pick, you’ll have a great time if your attitude is right… so just go for it!
Any second or third choice options can always be saved in the bag for your next travel adventure!
#6 Research Visa and Medical Requirements
With your destination now selected, it’s time to begin researching the visa and entry requirements of that country or countries.
This will be specific to the passport you hold, so remember to check with the right foreign office website for the most up-to-date and correct information.
If you need to apply for visas, it can take a while, which is why it’s best to start this process early.
The same goes for any medical requirements.
If you need any vaccinations to enter a region or country, then planning this in advance (so you can book any medical appointments and get any prescriptions you need) is best done at least a month or 2 before your departure date.
#7 Book a Flight / Boat etc
And a few months before your trip, it’s also start time to planning how you’re going to get to your chosen destination.
If you’re trying to take the green option (and your selected arrival point isn’t too far away) then trains or boats maybe an option for you.
As always, I use Trainline to book coach and rail travel throughout the UK and Europe and highly suggest you check it out for the best prices if you’re travelling in this region.
Otherwise FerryHopper is a great sight for searching, price-comparing and booking ferry travel in Europe too.
Alternatively, if you’re heading further afield, it’s likely you’ll be catching a flight to your chosen destination.
My go-to website for finding the best deals on plane tickets is Skyscanner who cover both domestic and international airlines, including budget air companies.
Finally, if you’re planning a combination trip, perhaps a flight with ferry or train ride, then check out Kiwi.com. Their multi-modal travel planners are a really great resource when you’re looking to combine a range of transport methods:
#8 Insurance
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
#9 Look at Specific Destinations
Then, once you’ve chosen your destination and done all the big admin for your trip, it’s time to get to the fun stuff, the real planning!
We’ve already touched on this when we spoke about the length of your trip, but at this point, it’s worth doing a bit more research.
In particular, it pays to know the various destinations or hotspots you want to visit in your country or region of choice – the big ticket numbers if you will.
At this point, making sure you have enough time to do them all, or whittling down the list if you don’t, is crucial in beginning to build the perfect practical travel itinerary, as you start piecing together exactly where you are going to go.
Once you have those destinations mapped out, then consider making a rough route and plan for how you will travel between them i.e. north to south or east to west – this will stop you having to double back on yourself and will save you time and money when you’re away.
Remember to be logical here and create an itinerary that works not only in terms of travel direction and geography, but also suits your trip’s feel.
For most people this involves flying into a major city and spending a couple days there, then picking a 2-5 other destinations in the country they want to see /explore / visit, before winding down care of a relaxing night or 2, possibly at the beach!
#10 Plan Where You’re Going to Stay
And once you’ve got those key destinations mapped out, you’ll start be able to look at where you are going to stay – a key part of planning any top travel itinerary.
With a vague route outlined too, you should know where you’re going to be on each night of your trip (or at least for the first couple of weeks if you’re heading off on a long adventure), as well as how many nights in each place you are looking to be there.
This should allow you to start researching and possibly booking some accommodation based on your budget and travel style.
For budget travellers, I always recommend Hostelworld for finding the best hostels around the world.
For couples or groups, VRBO is my go-to site when it comes to finding great rental accommodation such as apartments, quirkier or unique stays, or great glamping options.
And finally, when it comes to traditional stays, it’s hard to go past Agoda who offer a huge range of guesthouses, bed & breakfast, hotels and apartments around the world.
Just remember, you certainly don’t have to book every night of your itinerary in advance, but I think having somewhere to stay for at least the first 4 nights is a great idea, so you don’t have to worry about finding somewhere when you arrive.
#11 Discover How to Travel Around
Once you’ve got your rough travel itinerary plan in place and some accommodation lined, it’s then time to research how you can get between destinations in your chosen country(ies) – either on day trips or, if you’re moving around, to base yourself in different areas too.
Again, we talked about this in section #4 of this post, but this is the time to go into more detail – perhaps even booking or reserving those day trips or car / train / bus / internal flight connections that will get you between the spots you want to visit.
As discussed before, I use Trainline for booking coach and train tickets in the UK and Europe, and I use the excellent 12Go website for booking buses and train across Southeast Asia.
Thrifty Car Hire are my go-to for car rental, pretty much the world over and Skyscanner are the best for flights no matter where in world you’re heading.
#12 Outline Possible Activities
And it’s not just day trips you might want to research, but also any other activities you plan to enjoy as part of your travel itinerary at this stage too.
If there are must-do activities, then creating the perfect travel itinerary, definitely involves locking them in early.
These sort of activities might include things like scuba dive trips, hikes with guides or attractions that require tickets to be bought in advance to avoid the queues.
If there are any absolute bucket lists activities on your itinerary too – such as The Louvre in Paris , Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Machu Picchu in Peru – y’know the sort of activity that underpins a large reason you’re going to that country, then locking in these ahead of your trip is definitely a good idea as well.
GetYourGuide is my go-to site when booking day trips, guided attraction tours, as well as skip-the-line tickets to many of the world’s top sights.
#13 Pack Accordingly
And now that you know where you’re going, when you’re going and what you’re going to be doing there, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to pack.
I generally advise starting to do this a couple of weeks before your trip, so that if you do need to buy anything extra, you’ve got the time to do this without stressing!
Check out my top 25 travel essentials for more info about what you should wear when travelling in different parts of the world.
#14 Learn Common Cultural Norms and Safety Tips
The next step when it comes to planning a travel itinerary can also be done in the final few weeks before your trip, and that is learning some of the common cultural norms and particular safety tips when it comes to your chosen destination(s).
This is particularly pertinent if you’re jetting off to a nation far away from your own, where life might be very different.
Be a little forewarned about what to expect in the areas you plan to travel is a crucial part in getting ready for your travels and I often find reading blog posts from people who have already visited there, gives a great personal perspective on what you can expect.
#15 Get Money Access & Entertainment Organised
And last but not least on this list of my top tips about how to plan a great travel itinerary, it’s get your money and entertainment organised!
By this I mean, you need to learn what currency the country(ies) you’re heading to use(s) and whether you can use debit and credit cards there, or need to carry a lot of cash.
In either instance, it makes sense to take some cash with you – either some currency that is used in that country or alternatively, Euros or USDs that can easily be exchanged on the ground there.
If you can use debit and credit cards in the region of your intended travels, then it’s also worth researching some bank cards that won’t charge you for overseas transactions and setting about getting one or two!
The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, a Wise card works just like a debit card abroad… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay! Grab yours here .
When it comes to entertainment, make sure you have Spotify Premium lined up for your music listening, as well as Amazon Audible for your eBooks and any Netflix or Amazon Prime series / films downloaded.
This is also crucial for your travels and those journeys / nights when you just want to chill.
And Finally…. Enjoy!
Yes the most important part of your trip is that you just relax and enjoy and, to be honest, don’t plan too much!
Here’s some other great tips to ensure you plan your travel itinerary in the perfect way…
- Leave some stuff to the last minute – planning everything ahead of time will ruin the sense of adventure and fun
- Be flexible – just as you should leave some planning to the last minute, you should also remain flexible, so that if any of the plans you have made have to be changed at any point, you’re able to do this and still enjoy!
- Relax – it’s a holiday after all, so getting stressed during the planning process or at any point on your travels kinda defeats the object!
- Read blogs – I mentioned this already, but reading blogs to help research your trip is one of the best tips I can give.
- Schedule free time – Do not, I repeat do not, over schedule your trip itinerary. If you try to fit too much in, you won’t enjoy it as much. Trust me!
- Think about value – And finally, please remember value over budget when it comes to planning the perfect trip. Honestly, bearing in mind the memories you’ll make, rather than the money you’ll spend (within reason), is crucial to having the best trip!
PIN IT TO PINTEREST!
So there you have it, my guide on how to plan the perfect travel itinerary in 15 easy steps.
Do you have any more questions about planning a trip or tips to help a fellow traveller out?
If so, then please drop them into the comments box below…
Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile
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How to Write a Travel Itinerary (Template and Tips)
Being able to write a good itinerary is a powerful tool in the travel industry. A travel itinerary isn’t just a list of things to do. It’s a stop-by-stop break down of how a traveler should spend their time.
Whether you’re a travel agent, blogger, content writer, or anything in between, itineraries are fundamental.
Creating effective itineraries is also a valuable skill if you’re a traveler. If you can craft a compelling trip plan, you’re in for a holiday that will show you and your loved ones an amazing time.
Why take our advice? We’re highly experienced in the itinerary game. 🙂 The Travel Tractions content team has crafted over 500,000 words worth of travel itineraries in the last 3 months alone.
We know our stuff, and we’re here to share it with you. The following is a detailed guide on how to make a travel itinerary.
Travel Itinerary Template
An itinerary will pretty much always be broken down into days (unless it’s a 24-hour itinerary). Each day is further broken down into individual stops , which are typically the recommended points of interest and attractions.
The days and stops are the meat of the itinerary, but most itineraries will be supplemented with additional information to further help the reader.
Have a look at how we added a practical packing list in this 3 day London itinerary .
We recommend structuring your vacation itinerary in a similar way to the following:
Introduction
Every good blog post needs an introduction. For your itinerary, this will be a brief overview of the destination and why it’s an attractive place to visit. Sell the itinerary here. Give the reader a good reason to stay engaged and continue reading.
Brief Overview
Offer a bullet-pointed breakdown of the itinerary, outlining the stops. This allows the reader to understand if it’s right for them before reading in full.
Day 1, etc.
This is where you lay out the stops for each day. Give some insightful and interesting information about each stop.
The aim here is to get them excited about what you’re suggesting / offering. Don’t overwhelm them with information, just whet their appetite.
Make each stop a heading, and include useful information such as opening hours, cost, and which kind of traveler is best catered for here. You can add must-visit food stops as well, or simply leave that choice up to the reader.
Check out how we helped our readers organize a 7-day trip to Bali .
Looking to generate more income with your content? Click here to view our Content Marketing Strategy packages
Other Useful Information
In this section, offer some extra information that will help the user get the most out of their experience. Some things you can add include:
- Tell the reader a bit about how to get around, transport options, and things to be prepared for.
- Discuss the best places to stay and suggest a few options for accommodation that you know are great.
- Make some restaurant recommendations and mention any other foodie stops that haven’t made it into your itinerary stops.
- Include a packing list if you feel it’s an important aspect (or write a separate packing list post and take advantage of some internal linking).
This section exists to help close the itinerary in a satisfying way. Offer a brief summary and some final thoughts. Reaffirm the reasons why the destination is attractive, and why your itinerary is the best on offer.
Important Considerations for Writing an Itinerary
So, now you’ve got the outline for a successful itinerary. But you’ll need to fill this skeleton with high-quality content in order to produce something valuable. Taking into account the following considerations and tips will help you do so.
Decide the Length of the Itinerary
Before writing anything, you’ll need to decide the length of your itinerary. Are you offering an itinerary for three days? five days? one week?
The best option will largely depend on the size of the destination and how much it offers in terms of things to do. For example, most travelers will probably spend at least a week in Bali but perhaps just two or three days in Amsterdam.
This can generally be determined with some logical thinking or past experience. But a bit of keyword research can really help uncover what your audience is truly looking for.
If you already have an idea of what you’d like the reader to see and do, you can base the length of the trip on the time it’ll take them to see it all.
Decide on the Stops & Attractions
Once you’ve decided on a number of days, you’ll need to figure out how the reader should fill their time.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What are the most popular landmarks, attractions, and points of interest?
- What will offer the most memorable experience?
- Are there any unheard of spots that will enrich the experience and make it unique?
Deciding on the stops can be done through a combination of experience, prior knowledge, and research.
Looking for expertly-written, SEO content? Click here to view our affordable content writing packages
What’s Achievable?
How much can the reader realistically fit in the time allotted? We know it’s easy to get excited about all the amazing things that a travel destination has to offer. But it’s important to keep it realistic.
The last thing you want is to over-promise on what can be achieved during a trip, only to leave the reader rushing from one attraction to the next without time to appreciate each one. They could even end up abandoning the itinerary altogether.
Plan Out Logical Routes
It’s very important that you consider the geography of the destination when structuring an itinerary. You need to plan out logical routes between stops in order to minimize travel and maximize efficiency. If two or more attractions are close to one another geographically, it only makes sense to visit them at the same time.
Use your knowledge of the area in combination with Google Maps to plot out a route for each day’s itinerary.
Offer Insider Tips
Try to offer unique insights and ideas, insider tips, and some off-the-beaten-track gems.
The reader wants to know that they’re in reliable and experienced hands. Unique and valuable guidance will also help your itinerary stand out against those offering more generic advice.
You can provide these at any point throughout the itinerary. Wherever they fit best.
Be Specific and Unambiguous
Itineraries provide insightful guidance to those who want to be guided. To those who want their trip to be planned for them.
Therefore, it is your job to guide them fully . Don’t offer too much in the way of flexibility. Display conviction in your chosen stops. Show confidence that if they follow your itinerary to a T, they’ll have a great time.
Include Captivating Images
High-quality images transport the reader to the destination before they’ve left their seats. They’re one of the strongest mediums for generating excitement and anticipation for an upcoming trip. They also help break up long blocks of text.
Including images frequently is a great way to keep your reader’s attention and enhance their experience.
You can use images from your own trip, or curate some top-notch stock images .
Implement SEO
Data-focused, strategic SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) underpins all of our content. And if your itinerary is being written for the web, it should underpin yours too. Good SEO can help ensure that your itinerary is seen by as many people as possible. And if you’re in the travel business, getting your travel material seen should be a top priority.
Final Thoughts
If you were wondering how to write an itinerary, you landed in the right place. We hope this trip itinerary template helps you craft well-rounded, engaging, and realistic itineraries that leave readers delighted.
More to explorer
How to Find the Best PPC Agency for Travel Businesses
The Best Travel Content Marketing Strategy for Tourism
A Beginner’s Guide to Travel Keywords for a Tour Agency
Book a call with an digital strategist.
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Trip Planner | Travel Itinerary Planner | Plan a Trip
Are you looking for an itinerary planner to plan your next trip? We know creating a customized travel itinerary manually is an overwhelming task. You have to put a lot of time into selecting destinations, booking hotels, flights, and comparing prices. On top of that calculating budgets & booking hotels and flights is another challenge that makes itinerary planning tough.
But what if all of this is done within a few minutes for you? Yes with TripHobo trip planner you can do this smartly. We have observed that many travelers end up spending more time in researching information than enjoying the actual trip. Not only first-time travelers but also experienced travelers struggle in creating perfect travel plans.
Even though it is a tedious task to create a customized itinerary, everyone agrees on the importance of itinerary for an enjoyable holiday. So Triphobo came up with this easy to use automatic itinerary planner.
How Trip Planner Works / Steps to Plan a Trip
Do you want to create your travel itinerary quickly & easily? Are you ready to use this tool now? TripHobo's trip planner plays a major role to ease the itinerary creation process and helps you overcome the pain in the trip planning . Follow these 4 simple steps to plan a trip & let us know your experience.
1) Choose Your Destination & Dates when you want to travel
Visual algorithmic trip planner lets you choose destinations you want to travel to. You have the freedom to choose the real dates from the calendar. After selecting travel dates, planner runs algorithms to optimize a trip. It starts suggesting activities, sightseeing spots, tours and transport options with the details. For every attraction, it suggests open/close timings, time to spend, and nearby restaurants.
You can drag & drop activities and complete your itinerary within a matter of minutes. You can book yourself a nice vacation once you are sure of all the details, making you plan your trip very easily.
2) Refer to User Created Itineraries
If you have a lot of travel ideas but confused about where to start? Don't worry. Thousands of other people have visited the same destination before and created itineraries with us. Choose from a pool of more than 1 million user-generated itineraries around the globe. You can view other travelers’ itineraries for any location and duration to inspire yourself and then customize them to suit your own preferences.
3) Book Hotels and Flights
TripHobo always tries to offer the best from the travel industry to our valued planners. It has formed alliances with Expedia , Skyscanner, Zomato and Booking.com. Its ratings and reviews come courtesy of TripAdvisor whereas Google (as well as other partners) powers its location data.
TripHobo aims to cater to travelers at every stage of the travel planning process. It provides one platform to create personalized itineraries and hassle-free bookings .
4) Get Ready with a Perfect Itinerary
Once you’ve created your customized itinerary, you can print it. Save your plan for future reference or share it with your friends. When you’re ready, you can finalize and have a perfect travel itinerary ready.
Why Is TripHobo a Smart Trip planner?
There are few things included in the Triphobo planner algorithm & app which builds itinerary within minutes.
- A free virtual map-based trip planner with a smart algorithm
- International trip planner with about 1,50,000 popular destinations
- The largest repository of user-generated itineraries
- Hassle-free booking options for hotels, tours & flights
- Provides local transit options like metro, rail, bus, and car
- Calculates an estimated budget
- Provides options to save, print and share itinerary
- Strategic Partnerships with leading travel companies
TripHobo: Around the Web
- Trip of Your Own
- Traveling made easier with TripHobo
- Making The Southeast Asian Travel Connection
- Ex-HCL employee’s led ‘TripHobo’ is on a mission to become a global brand – a goto place for travel planning!
- Interview: Praveen Kumar, Founder & CEO of TripHobo
- TripHobo inks partnership with Zomato
- How a trip planning startup can succeed
- Karthik Ramachandram Co-Founder COO, TripHobo - Phocuswright Conference
Here's what travelers have to say about our travel planner
- Excellent 238
Great and genuinely wonderful website that makes a proper vacation plan simple, like it should. All reviews are 5 stars. The only suggestion I have to enhance this fantastic website is to include a mobile application. Even paying for a version without ads wouldn't bother me.
Every traveller should use this!
So much easier & more helpful than a travel agency, given lots of fantastic ideas, and was extremely helpful for planning the trip. Would strongly advise my family and friends to use this!
Great tool for trip planning. Impportantly it's free and automatically tailors travel plans to your preferences and is completely customisable. The integration with skyscanner and booking.com, and other OTA like priceline and expedia makes it very easy to plan the whole trip along with the bookings in one place.
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Nikki On Her Way
Travel more, travel better.
Our Once In A Lifetime 6 Month Trip Itinerary
28.07.22 | Nikki Gibson | 5 Comments
In August of 2021, my husband and I left for 6 months of travel through Europe and Asia. We made it to 18 countries on our itinerary, and lived out our dream of traveling the world together! It was amazing, and sometimes it truly feels like a dream to me.
I’m going to detail our eventual 6 month travel itinerary, how long we stayed in each place, how we decided where to visit, and the method that we used to plan our trip.
When we left, we did not have a solidified itinerary for the countries we would visit. Armed with a list of potential destinations, we flew to Turkey as our first stop, and made it up from there!
If you ever decide to do something similar to us (which you totally should 😉 ), you can use this information to help create your own itinerary!
When we left, many borders were closed or very difficult to get through *ahem thanks virus ahem*, so we stuck mostly to Europe and ended up in Asia at the end of our trip.
But, that being said, we were able to stretch the $30k we had saved in 1.5 years over about 6 months for two people!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.
The 18 Countries We Visited In 6 Months of Travel
Table of Contents
Turkey – 2 Weeks İstanbul – İzmir – Selçuk – Ephesus – Pamukkale – Antalya – Cappadocia
Bosnia & Herzegovina – 2 Days Sarajevo
Croatia – 2 Weeks Dubrovnik – Trogir – Šibenik – Zagreb
Spain – 15 Days Mallorca – Soller \ Barcelona – Zaragoza – Bilbao – San Sebastian – Madrid
Italy – 3 Weeks Naples – Rome – Florence – Montaione – Cinque Terre – Ortisei – Fie allo Sciliar – Venice \ Lake Como – Milan
Vatican City – 1 Day
Slovenia – 4 Days Ljubljana – Lake Bled
Hungary – 3 Days Budapest
Czech Republic – 1 Week Prague – Karlštejn – Cesky Krumlov – Jiřetín pod Jedlovou
Austria – 10 Days Vienna – Salzburg
Germany – 11 Days Berchtesgaden \ Cologne – Baden Baden
Ireland – 9 Days Dublin – Donegal – Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Dingle – Cashel
France – 6 Days Paris – Blois – Amboise – Le Havre – Étretat
Scotland – 11 Days Edinburgh – Inverness – Isle of Skye – Fort William – Glencoe – Glasgow
The Netherlands – 3 Days Amsterdam – Breda
Belgium – 1 Day Bruges
Switzerland – 8 Days Chur – Lucerne – Bern – Engelberg
Thailand – 1 Month Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Koh Phi Phi – Krabi – Khao Sok – Koh Samui – Koh Tao
This list is in chronological order of where we visited on our 6 month travel itinerary , with a few exceptions. We went to Italy, Spain, and Germany twice, but I’ve listed each of those countries based on the first time we visited. I’ve separated the visits to those countries with a \ between locations.
READ ALSO: Why We Decided to Quit Our Jobs and Travel What 6 Months of Travel to 18 Countries Cost Us Travel Camera Gear – What’s In My Camera Bag | Travel Blogger Edition
How We Planned Our 6 Month Travel Itinerary
People always balk when I tell them we only planned the first 2 weeks of our 6 month world trip. And honestly, I can admit it does sound kind of chaotic.
Before we ever left for our trip, we had actually done a ton of planning for our 6 month travel itinerary. Just, not necessarily for our destinations or the daily activities we would do.
Rather, our pre-trip planning was mostly financial in nature (like setting up our Charles Schwab debit card that reimburses us for ATM fees anywhere in the world and racking up credit card points to use for free flights).
The rest of our trip was spent planning as we went.
The planning process on the road looked a little something like this:
We would sit down after a day of exploring and talk about where we wanted to go 5 days from then, do some research about where to stay, what to do, and how to get there.
Then, we would book our flights, trains, cars, hotels, etc. once we knew where we wanted to go.
It really was that simple! Sometimes you need to plan further ahead than that and book tickets for major tourist attractions or popular activities. But, usually you don’t need to plan very far out!
As someone who has dealt with anxiety her whole life, I understand the need to over-plan or be hyper prepared.
But, I will share with you that I felt less anxiety while we traveled than ever before, even when I didn’t know where we would be sleeping the following night. I found some sort of freedom in the flexibility we created.
How We Decided Where To Visit on Our 6 Month Travel Itinerary
Most of what drove our decisions of where we would go next was money and convenience.
When we were ready to move on to the next destination, we would look at the map, notice nearby cities or countries, and then look up train or flight prices to get there. Likely, we would choose the cheapest option or the closest one, and go from there!
Easily the most important factor that determined our 6 month travel itinerary was cost. The cost of transportation, the cost of food, the cost of accommodation, all of it.
We made a spreadsheet pretty early on into our planning where we collected all of our research about what it would cost to visit x country. I ended up putting some pretty estimated costs because it can be pretty hard to tell how much it costs to travel a country based on other people’s stories. Everyone travels differently, so you have to take it all with a grain of salt.
It’s better to overestimate how much it’ll cost to travel long term than to underestimate how much you’ll need.
I put in the estimated daily cost, multiplied by 2, and then multiplied again by the number of days we might want to travel there in order to give us a general idea of how much we might need for 6 months of travel.
This process helped immensely in visualizing the money aspect of our trip. I was able to see how quickly the cost could add up and how being frugal in certain places would save us money and help us to travel for even longer.
READ ALSO: What 6 Months of Travel to 18 Countries Cost Us 14 Simple Tips To Make Your Next International Flight A Breeze
Transportation
We traveled by train to a lot of places, just hopping to the next country over. For example, Slovenia and Hungary share a border, so we took a train from Ljubljana to Budapest.
Traveling by train in Europe is one of the best ways to get around, and is often very cost-effective, too.
My favorite ways to search for available train routes and tickets are Omio and Google Maps .
Sometimes, flights can be very inexpensive, but you just need to look at the itinerary. Most of the time, those €15 flights are a horrible itinerary. Other times, flying was a great option for us, so it just depends.
There were some times that flying was our only option, like when we traveled to Ireland or Scotland.
In other instances, where we traveled to next was determined by our family coming to visit us. We met up with my dad and stepmom in Spain, Colton’s parents in Austria, and my mom, stepdad, and siblings in Switzerland. We planned around those meetups and tried to make it a logical progression of our trip.
Make A Logical Travel Itinerary
You can decide where to go next based on a number of factors, but I believe the easiest way is to approach it logically. Not only will this be the easiest way to plan, it will also probably save you money.
Instead of flying around Europe in a path that resembles a 2 year old’s scribble drawing, travel in one direction and do short hops from one place to another. You’ll spend less time on trains or planes, and more time exploring.
You’ll likely save money by doing this as well, as longer flights tend to cost more, as well as train tickets.
If you’re traveling to multiple continents and doing a full round-the-world trip, the best idea is to decide a travel direction. Like, East to West, or vice versa.
Traveling that way isn’t always possible and sometimes an awesome flight deal can be too good to pass up on, so don’t beat yourself up about it.
It’s just going to make your travel planning that much easier, and will likely be the most cost-effective method of traveling.
Bucket List Points of Interest
Before you ever leave on your trip, have an idea of your must do activities and must see locations to help guide you.
We had a master list of places we were open to visiting, plus some must-do activities, like a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, the thermal baths in Budapest, or the Bernina Express in Switzerland.
Having an idea of what you want to experience on your travels will help guide your decisions about where to travel to!
If you’re looking for some incredible experiences to add to your bucket list, check out these blog posts and our YouTube Channel .
READ ALSO: A Magical 10 Day Trip to Turkey How to Get Around The Five Villages of Cinque Terre One Of The Best Things To Do In Switzerland: Bernina Express Train
If you’re planning to travel long term, you’re likely to run into a few different seasons and climates.
We traveled with these carry-on suitcases , so we initially packed for one season and type of weather: warm. Because of that, we stayed in the Mediterranean climate as long as we could before Fall arrived.
When we met with Colton’s parents in Austria, they brought us a suitcase with our cold weather clothes, and that’s when we made the switch to colder weather.
If we wanted to, we could have designed our trip around chasing the warmer weather, but we knew we wanted to experience Fall and Christmas in Europe.
Not everyone will have people that will come visit and bring them a new wardrobe, but you can purchase clothes along the way and leave other items behind. That’s what we did during the transition season of Fall.
You could also pay to have a family member ship you some clothing items in order to make the change between seasons, but I really think you can find good, cheap clothes in most places abroad, so make the switch that way!
Building an itinerary with the climate and your wardrobe just makes sense, and jumping back and forth between warm and cold just won’t work!
Once we decided we were going to Thailand in January, we sent clothes home with my family at Christmas time, and bought a bunch of clothes in Bangkok!
READ ALSO: What & How To Pack For Long Term Travel Packing For One Week In Europe, Summer & Winter 10 Tips to Pack Efficiently in Your Carry-On 10 Essential Items To Pack For A Trip to Europe
How To Get Around While Traveling Full Time
Transportation to, within, and from each country you visit will be different everywhere.
You may fly to one country, then take a train to another. For us, we made those decisions based on price. You may value comfort or convenience more, so you should make your decisions with that in mind.
In Europe, train travel is not only cheap, it’s also easy and efficient. That makes traveling by train one of the very best ways to get around in Europe. We also traveled by ferry, scooter, taxi, and by foot. Planes, trains, and automobiles!
While in Asia, we found that flying is affordable and convenient, and often much more efficient and comfortable than other modes of transportation like buses or trains. That being said, we also traveled by tuktuk, scooter, ferry, van, and taxi.
Apps like Rome2Rio or Omio are super helpful when trying to determine the best way to travel to your next destination. They’ll show you what routes are available, likely cost, and transportation providers to book with.
In Ireland, we decided to rent a campervan , while in Scotland we rented a regular car for our one week Scottish road trip . While in Slovenia, we traveled to Lake Bled on a bus. In Thailand, we took a ferry to Koh Tao . It all just depends on your needs and your budget!
You’ll need to look at how you want to travel and what type of travel is available to you, then make your decision from there.
Plan Ahead Or Make It Up As You Go?
Your greatest asset when traveling for a longer period of time is flexibility.
Now, some people need to have a plan in order to feel secure, and that is totally fine! But, I want to give you some reasons why I think you should not plan your long term trip out entirely before you leave home.
We chose not to set our itinerary before we left for our trip for this reason alone: we wanted the flexibility to change plans if we wanted or needed to.
Imagine you booked a hotel for 5 nights, and about $600 in Barcelona, 6 months from now. You’re currently in Positano, Italy and flights are looking to be $300 one way. For some reason the price of flights has gone way up!
But, you have an ‘appointment’ in Barcelona with that hotel you booked months ago! You have no choice but to spend the $300 a person for your flights, or cancel your booking and not get your $600 back.
If you left your itinerary open, you would be able to take a train to Florence for so much less and get to explore Italy more, then travel on to Barcelona later when it’s cheaper.
This may seem like a trivial example, but that’s just one of the reasons flexibility is important when traveling.
I promise you’ll be able to find a place to stay even if you book at the last minute. There were plenty of days where we didn’t book a hotel for that night until the day of. And it was fun to be so spontaneous!
READ ALSO: How to Save Money for Travel – Budget & Save for Your Next Trip Travel Camera Gear – What’s In My Camera Bag | Travel Blogger Edition
Resources To Use For Long Term Travel Planning
Google Drive is my best friend and second brain when it comes to travel planning. I create tons of spreadsheets, dump my chaotic thoughts into Keep, track bookings with Google Calendar, and share all of it with Colton so we can be on the same page.
For flights , I always use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the best deals. They make it easy to search, and you can even track flight prices on your phone using their apps to keep an eye on the routes you’re interested in.
To book hotels all over the world, use Booking.com . There is no better website that does it all. In Asia, you can also check Agoda , but Booking.com is how we booked all of our accommodations in Thailand. It’s so easy to book a hotel right in the app the day of and have all the information you need right there. For unique accommodations, use Airbnb .
For travel planning , Wanderlog is my favorite website to keep my thoughts organized. You can plan a very in depth trip, or use it to brainstorm ideas and keep them organized. It’s free to use, and there is also an app you can download to your phone.
For transportation planning , use Omio , Rome2Ri o, or Google Maps . You can find available itineraries, transportation options, and prices. Plus, Omio and Rome2Rio will show you what types of transportation are available to you from point A to point B, how much it would likely cost, and what provider to book with.
Of course, blogs, YouTube, and TikTok are also fantastic resources for planning and learning about travel!
If you’re planning a 6 month travel itinerary, or longer maybe, drop any thoughts or questions you have in the comments!
About Nikki Gibson
Nikki is a traveler, photographer, wife, and blogger. After she and her husband left their jobs and took a 6 month sabbatical trip to Europe and Asia, Nikki is writing about their travel experiences and sharing travel guides, tips, and tidbits.
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February 12, 2024 at 4:44 am
Hi Nikki, My husband and I are planning to travel to Europe for 6-9 months in around 2 years. We are already planning and talking about what we want to see and do and which countries. We are torn between actually renting a base flat somewhere (Netherlands or Italy) and then do trips for a day to 3 days to different places. Or another plan is to have a base for 2 months in three different countries and do our day trips as planned. What are your thoughts on this sort of planning? We will be (60 and 61 at the time we plan to leave) This way we can also immerse ourselves in a few countries for longer periods. I would love your thoughts on these ideas.
February 13, 2024 at 8:01 pm
Hi! Sounds like an amazing trip you’re planning! I like the idea of having bases as you go that you can travel out from. I think it makes this style of travel much more sustainable. I would think that having ‘regional’ bases would be a good way to do it! That way you aren’t spending a bunch of time backtracking if you are getting further and further away from your one base. Rather, you can go in sections. Sounds amazing! You are also welcome to email me if you’d like to chat about it more at [email protected]
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Looking for an incredible adventure? Consider going on an 1-month West Coast road trip. You’ll love the stunning scenery, breathtaking views, magical landscapes, bustling wildlife, and — of course — incredible memories! And to help you out, I’ve put together this ultimate 1-month USA West Coast road trip itinerary that’ll blow your mind!
Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .
There’s nothing better than the big open road, a car with a full tank of gas, good company, and the opportunity for endless adventures.
That’s exactly what Dan and I experienced when we embarked on our incredible 1-month USA road trip across the West Coast earlier this year. In just 30 days, we visited 14 different states, nearly hit 8,000 miles in our little van, and made incredible memories. It’s something I’ll never forget.
Within these 14 days, we experienced a good number of things — both good and bad…
✓ Camped out in numerous Wal-Mart parking lots, only to be woken up by late-night truckers and visitors.
✓ Ate one of the best vegan donuts ever , as well as my first vegan sausage McMuffin.
✓ Viewed the Mexico/US border from our car while driving to New Mexico from Dallas.
✓ Hiked in the Superstition Mountains near Phoenix .
✓ Drove through the darkness to find a good FREE camping spot and star gazed in the middle of nowhere near Sedona, AZ .
✓ Explored the nooks and crannies of Zion National Park.
✓ Experienced strange things on the Las Vegas strip (completely sober BTW).
✓ Got locked out of our van in Yosemite National Park (yep — we were those people!).
✓ Unlocked the van with a piece of string, a stick, and sheer willpower.
✓ Walked with the giants (Giant Sequoia’s that is) in Sequoia National Park.
✓ Camped on a desolate beach on the California Coast (only to be almost caught by the DNR when we woke up!).
✓ Saw endless ocean views along the stunning Oregon Coast .
✓ Drove through blizzard-like weather in Montana .
✓ Made a few Buffalo friends while in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
✓ Safely made it back home to good ol’ Minnesota .
No doubt, it was an incredible adventure! In the end, this unbelievable west coast trip just made me realize how much the United States really has to offer in terms of amazing natural beauty and fantastic places to explore.
So, with that in mind, are you ready to explore the United States with this awesome 1-month West Coast drive that’ll completely blow your mind? I thought so.
Side Note: This itinerary can also be used as just a general outline and inspiration! Bend it to your will and use it for West Coast road trip ideas; tailor it to find the perfect adventure for you!
Psst, ever thought about renting an RV for your US road trip adventure? Click HERE to read my post on 5 reasons why you need to rent one. (Hint: these reasons are pretty awesome!)
Table of Contents
THE ULTIMATE 1-MONTH USA WEST COAST ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Since Dan and I nearly drove straight from Minnesota to Dallas, TX in the span of a day and a half, I definitely don’t expect you to start there.
So, because Arizona is damn near my favorite state ever, this mind-blowing west coast USA road trip starts in Phoenix and takes you through incredible national parks, breathtaking landscapes, and along spectacular coastal roads.
You’ll end in Seattle, Washington, where you can easily hop on another flight to get back to where you need to be!
QUICK SUMMARY:
- Day 1-3 : Phoenix, Arizona
- Day 4-5 : Sedona, Arizona
- Day 6-7 : Grand Canyon National Park
- Day 8-10 : Las Vegas, Nevada
- Day 11-13 : Death Valley National Park
- Day 14-16 : Sedona National Park
- Day 17-20 : Yosemite National Park
- Day 21-22 : Sacramento, California
- Day 23-27 : California/Oregon Coast
- Day 28-29 : Portland, Oregon
- Day 30-31 : Seattle, Washington
Additionally, keep in mind that this is just a general itinerary! You can pick and choose how you’d like to go about it. Like one destination more than you thought? Stay a bit longer! Not feeling the vibe of another destination? Peace out!
**One great thing about using Booking.com (which the accommodations are linked to) is that you can usually cancel last minute without being charged — which means you can be more flexible with your road trip!
Psst, before you pack up and head out, don’t forget to take a peek at my handy dandy list of 55+ essentials to pack for a long-term road trip !
Day 1: Phoenix, Arizona
Depending on how you arrive in Phoenix, whether it be by car or plane, the first day on your epic road trip adventure will no doubt be filled with fatigue and jet lag. Although, if you have the energy, it’s a great place to get out and explore.
If not, take that nap! You deserve it. We all deserve the naps.
If you’re looking for a great restaurant to eat in the day, depending on what time you arrive, check out my list on 10 fantastic vegan restaurants in Phoenix !
Day 2-3: Phoenix, Arizona
Once you’ve rested and you’re reading to go, head out into the bustling city, as well as the city surroundings. Phoenix is a fantastic base for those who love to hike and those who love to shop. Whatever you’re choice, there’s options for everyone!
I recommend researching some awesome hikes in the nearby mountains; Superstition Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and the Phoenix Mountains. You can find some really great hiking trail suggestions here !
Additionally, if you’re not into hiking, the city of Phoenix offers a plethora of things to do.
Things to do in Phoenix:
- Head into Scottsdale Old Town and explore the Wild West-looking buildings.
- Check out the incredible Desert Botanical Garden and view adorable succulents, beautiful flowers, towering cacti, and gorgeous greenery!
- Ready to view beautiful Phoenix from above? Go on a Sunrise Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride !
- Depending on how hot it is, have a picnic in one of the many city parks.
- Visit the Heard Museum, which is devoted to Native American civilizations.
- Check out the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
- Admire the Pueblo Grande Ruin.
- Spend time outside at the Tempe Beach Park.
- Explore the the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, Ro Ho En.
- Ultimately, get outside because the weather is usually spot-on and there are so many things to do in parks, greenery, and mountains of Phoenix, AZ!
P.S. Check out these day tours and excursions from Phoenix if you aren’t into planning activities yourself!
Where to stay in Phoenix:
As in many cities, there are various neighborhoods which are better than others! A few of my favorite suburbs of Phoenix are Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa.
- The Gainey Suites Hotel is a highly-rated hotel located in Scottsdale — and it’s surprisingly affordable!
- The Comfort Suites Old Town is a more affordable option in Scottsdale that’s in an awesome location — right in Old Town!
- In Chandler, the Cambria Hotel Phoenix Chandler – Fashion Center is an affordable, highly-rated option and is a guest favorite.
- Mesa, Arizona is a nice suburb of Phoenix closest to some of the best hiking in the Superstition Mountains. You can find a list of great hotels here !
Day 4-5: Sedona, Arizona
Out of all the destinations, I think Sedona, Arizona might be Dan and I’s favorite place.
The gorgeous red rock, non-existent light pollution, beautiful landscapes, and unbelievable star gazing won over our hearts. We spent one awesome night camping just outside Sedona’s city limits before heading up to the Grand Canyon and it was totally worth it!
Seriously, I can’t even tell you how many shooting stars we spotted. We spent hours outside looking at the crystal clear skies and crazy cool stars. It was an awesome night!
Plus, if you get to Sedona early, you can go on a tour through the awesome Red Rock State Park . Sedona is also a pretty cool town to check out, with its cute cafes, gift shops, and nice locals.
Things to do in Sedona, Arizona:
- Hike one of the many different trails (like the Broken Arrow Trail — highly rated!).
- Check out Oak Creek Canyon.
- Visit Cathedral Rock.
- Explore the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
- Make your heart skip a beat by hiking the Devil’s Bridge Trail.
- Check out one (or a few) of the many gift and specialty shops — the crystal shops are amazing here!
- Visit the Palatki Ruins ( super cool! ).
- Take a look at the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
- View Sedona from above and watch the sunset from the Airport Mesa.
- Marvel at the Palatki Ruins (Palatki Heritage Site), just outside of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest.
And if you want to stay in Sedona for a bit longer and make it your base, check out these awesome day tours and excursions which go from the city.
Psst, if you want a more detailed itinerary, click here to read a full guide on how to spend one day in Sedona !
Where to Stay in Sedona:
- The A Sunset Chateau is a great place for a relaxing and above-average stay.
- The Bell Rock Inn By Diamond Resorts is highly-rated mid-range accommodation.
- And the Sedona Village Lodge is for those on a budget but who still want to stay at a nicely-rated place!
Psst, want to camp out under the stars? Check out this post on how to find free RV camping around the US !
Also, if you want to spend more time in Arizona, don’t forget to check out my post on the ultimate 7-day Arizona road trip itinerary that explores Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona !
Day 6-7: Grand Canyon National Park
No matter which route you take while traveling the west coast of America, you cannot — I repeat, you cannot! — miss out on the Grand Canyon!
Full of wonder and beauty, Grand Canyon National Park is a spectacular site in Northern Arizona which attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors each year. And when you first see it with your own eyes, it’s no wonder why.
Seriously, you may think you understand the enormity of it when you view the Grand Canyon in pictures, but they don’t do it justice! Its vast valley, mile deep ridges, and huge walls filled with the colors of red, orange, purple, and yellow is unbelievable.
Things to do in the Grand Canyon:
- 45 minutes helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon from Tuyasan, AZ (the town right next to the Grand Canyon National Park).
- Drive to one of the many viewpoints throughout the park.
- Go on a Grand Canyon East Rim jeep tour .
- Check out the Grand Canyon Village (surprisingly, a LOT of vegan options in the grocery store!).
- Grand Canyon Hermit Road Bicycle Tour .
Have you ever heard of Minnesota? Here are 15 reasons why summers are better in MN !
Where to stay near or within Grand Canyon National Park:
Dan and I camped in one of the many National Park’s campgrounds — which I highly recommend! — but if you aren’t planning to camp, many accommodations are available.
- For those on a budget: Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
- Mid-range hotel, yet high ratings: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
- Great location, good ratings: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
Day 8-10: Las Vegas, Nevada
The drive from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim entrance to Las Vegas, Nevada takes about 4-5 hours, depending on how many stops you make to take photos of the surroundings!
When you get to Las Vegas and check-in to your accommodations, get your butt out onto the strip and people watch!
Depending on how much time you have, you can spend 2-3 nights in Las Vegas. Dan and I didn’t drink while exploring Las Vegas but we had such a fun time just walking the strip, seeing what different places had to offer, and watching all the craziness!
Things to do in Las Vegas:
- Walk the strip and people watch.
- Admire the water fountain show at the Bellagio .
- View Las Vegas from above at the Stratosphere.
- Win (or lose) some money at the slot machines.
- Go on a night flight to view Las Vegas from above and have an incredible dinner for two.
- See one of the many, many entertaining shows.
- Go crazy at the Adventuredome Theme Park.
- Check out the Mob Museum.
- Go on a Las Vegas brewery tour !
- See some (fake) celebrities at Madame Tussauds !
Where to stay in Las Vegas:
As you can imagine, there are numerous places to stay in Las Vegas! You can spend your top dollar at one of the many high-class hotels right on the strip or go for a budget accommodation somewhere on the outskirts.
Here are my recommendations:
- If you want to go upscale and splurge, the Bellagio is the place to do it. With its beautiful interior, amazing fountain show, and excellent reviews, there’s no other hotel like it in LV.
- A more affordable, yet just as great option is The Carriage House .
- Into more of a condo style hotel? Try the Jet Luxury at The Vdara .
- At just $60 per night, The LINQ Hotel and Casino is a super affordable option with pretty good reviews.
Day 11-13: Death Valley National Park, California
Okay, okay, this might have been my most favorite part on Dan and I’s west coast road trip!
Death Valley National Park looks and feels like another freakin’ planet and it’s the coolest thing ever. As the biggest national park in the continental US, Death Valley has a lot to offer.
No doubt, the best to see it all (or at least see part of it), is to rent a car and simply drive around. You’ll be blown away by the red rock, vast views, endless landscapes, and Mars-looking mountains.
Although, if you want to do a tour around Death Valley, there are a few that go from Las Vegas!
Things to do in Death Valley National Park:
- Visit Zabriskie Point.
- Check out the Artists Palette.
- Lookout at the landscape at Dante’s View.
- Visit the wondrous Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
- Explore the Mosaic Canyon.
- If you prefer to do tours, this Death Valley Day Trip tour goes from Las Vegas and is a full-day adventure filled with excitement.
Looking to be a more sustainable traveler? Check out these 20 helpful tips to get started .
Where to stay in Death Valley National Park:
Unfortunately, there’s not many place to stay within Death Valley National Park, but there’s a few nice places on the outskirts.
If possible, I highly recommend camping in the National Park. You can find a few great free campsites from this website .
- A nice hotel in the middle of Death Valley and Sequoia National Park: Panamint Springs Hotel .
- The Amargosa Opera House & Hotel is located in Death Valley Junction, near the California/Nevada border.
- The Longstreet Inn & Casino is the nicest out of the three, but it’s actually in Nevada, near the border. If you decide to leave Las Vegas early, this is a nice spot in between LV and Death Valley National Park.
Day 14-16: Sequoia National Park, California
Ready to see some giants? Giant trees, that is.
Sequoia National Park is one of the most popular national parks in California and after visiting, it’s easy to see why.
The Giant Sequoia and Redwoods, gorgeous views, breathtaking mountains, and incredible hikes are all worthy of the hype!
Things to do in Sequoia National Park:
- Visit the General Sherman Tree.
- Explore Grant Grove.
- Stroll the General Grant Tree Trail.
- Drive the Crescent Meadow Loop.
- Simply drive through this spectacular national park and take in the beautiful scenery!
Where to stay in Sequoia National Park:
Similar to other national parks on the list, there’s no real places to stay within Sequoia National Park unless you decide to camp.
The best places to find accommodations near Sequoia NP is in Three Rivers, Badger, or Pinehurst.
- Stony Creek Lodge is the only accommodation actually within Sequoia National Park. It has a fantastic location (obvi) and good reviews.
- The Rio Sierra Riverhouse has raving reviews and is a mid-range hotel.
- The Sierra Lodge Three Rivers is a budget accommodations with good reviews.
- In Badger, The Hummingbird House has incredible reviews and is a mid-range hotel with lots to offer.
Tip: If you’re visiting Sequoia National Park in the summer or in its busy season, make sure to book well in advance. Accommodations book up quickly and you don’t want to miss out on this place!
Day 17-20: Yosemite National Park, California
Even if you’re not from the United States, you might have heard of a magical not-so-little national park in America: Yosemite National Park .
One of my favorite stops on this West Coast America trip, Yosemite boasts breathtaking views, incredible mountains, lush forests, awesome hiking, magical wildlife, and overall an unbelievable atmosphere.
Things to do in Yosemite National Park:
- Go hiking! One of the best things to do here, no doubt. You’ll find hundreds of trails; some are hard, some are easy but you’ll easily find one you’ll love!
- Visit one of the many waterfalls. Some of the best include Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Chilnualna Falls.
- Just sit back and enjoy the views! Yosemite National Park is incredible so don’t miss out on just taking everything in.
- Go on a hiking adventure with a knowledgable guide! Cross the Half Dome, El Capitan, and Glacier Point off your bucket list with this Yosemite Hiking Excursion .
Vegan travel isn’t hard! Especially with these 10+ life-changing vegan travel tips .
Where to stay in Yosemite National Park:
Yosemite National Park is one of the best national parks where you can actually stay within the national park itself.
While camping here is also great, the accommodations are in abundance — and all are relatively wonderful.
- The Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite has excellent reviews and is in the heart of the national park.
- Yosemite View Lodge is one of the nearest accommodations near Yosemite Village and has some raving reviews. It’s also relatively affordable!
- Located on the outskirts of Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is the budget accommodation on this list. At under $100 a night, it’s definitely affordable. Although, it’s not located in Yosemite itself.
Day 21-22: Sacramento, California
Even though Sacramento is the state capital of California, it’s not very big! And totally doable in one day.
Additionally, this city is totally optional. Dan and I didn’t spend much time here, only going to the California Automobile Museum because Dan is totes into cool cars.
So, if you need a little stop between Yosemite National Park and driving to the coast (because yes, the coast is next up on the list), Sacramento is a great place to have it.
No doubt, this west coast road trip itinerary is packed full of things to do and awesome adventures, so if you need a little chill day, have it here.
Things to do in Sacramento, California:
- Like old and new cars? Check out the California Automobile Museum . (Dan LOVED this place!)
- Visit the California State Railroad Museum.
- Take a stroll through Old Sacramento.
- Marvel at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Admire the California State Capitol Museum.
- Walk through one of the many city parks (William Land Park is particularly nice).
- Wander about the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park.
Where to stay in Sacramento, California:
- Love staying in hostels? You’ll like the HI Sacramento Hostel ! Affordable AND awesome reviews.
- The Inn at Parkside is in an excellent location and has wonderful reviews at a great price.
- One of the higher-range hotels on the list, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade is beautiful, has fantastic reviews, and is in the perfect location.
Day 23-27: California/Oregon Coast
One of my favorite destinations/regions on this USA road trip itinerary.
The California and Oregon Coast is filled with endless ocean views, heart-stopping cliffs, beautiful wildlife, captivating scenery, and incredible adventures!
(Check out this photo diary of the Oregon Coast if you don’t believe me!)
Even though Dan and I had to rush through the California and Oregon Coast, as we were running out of time, this particular road trip itinerary for the American West Coast focuses on spending 4 days meandering through the region.
Because, as one of the most beautiful parts of this itinerary, you need to spend time relaxing and admiring, rather than rushing!
Sample Itinerary for the California and Oregon Coast:
- Pull up Google Maps and find a route from Sacramento to Fort Bragg. (This will take about 4 hours, depending on how much you stop.)
- Fort Bragg has a beautiful glass sand that’s wonderful to explore. If you’d like, you can stay in Fort Bragg. There’s a good amount of affordable, nice hotels .
- P.S. Make sure to venture off the 101 and go onto the Avenue of the Giants. A gorgeous drive through the massive redwoods! Stop off at one of the pull-offs and just walk around to feel the magic of this state park for yourself.
- (This will take about 2 hours to arrive at the Avenue of the Giants from Fort Bragg.)
- Throughout this drive, there will be a number of pull-offs to stop at. The beaches are beautiful to walk amongst and the cliffside viewing areas are especially breathtaking.
- Lastly, you’ll want to make your way towards Lincoln City, OR, to stay on the 101. After Lincoln City, you’ll make your way inland towards Portland.
Psst, ever thought about visiting Glacier National Park? Check out this post 32 photos of Glacier National Park that’ll blow your mind!
Where to stay along the California and Oregon Coast:
- In Fort Bragg, the Ocean View Lodge has awesome reviews and is in a great location.
- Crescent City is another nice stop along the California Coast. There are a number of fantastic hotels to suit your preference . The Lighthouse Inn has good reviews and breakfast is included!
- Go a little further than Crescent Bay and you’ll come to Newport, OR. A nice little coastal town with lots of hotels. The Landing at Newport Condominium Hotel is in an incredible location and is a guest favorite!
Day 28-29: Portland, Oregon
Another one of my favorite cities in the United States, Portland is full of fantastic things to do and is a must-see stop on this US west coast itinerary.
And even better?
It’s chock full of incredible vegan eateries, restaurants, cafes, and shops. As a vegan food fanatic, I love it! In fact, this city kind of reminds of Berlin, Germany; it’s hip, trendy, totally vegan-friendly, and packed with cool things to do.
Things to do in Portland, Oregon:
- Wander through the most magical book store — Powell’s City of Books! One of my favorite things to do in Portland.
- Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
- Walk through the Portland Saturday Market, the nation’s largest weekly open-air arts and crafts market.
- Take a stroll through the Pittock Mansion, a century-old symbol of Portland’s dramatic transformation from a small lumber town to a bustling city.
- Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, one of the nation’s leading science museums.
- Grab a vegan donut at Voodoo Donuts (you won’t be disappointed!).
- Explore the International Rose Test Garden and take in all the gorgeous sights and smells of the place.
- Do a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and MT Hood .
- Avid wine drinker? Check out this Willamette Valley Wine-Tasting Tour !
I recommend checking out this 2-day Portland itinerary for a more detailed guide on how to spend your time in this vibrant, hip city!
Where to stay in Portland, Oregon:
- Want to stay right in the heart of downtown Portland? The Hyatt House Portland/Downtown is perfect!
- At $85 a night, the HI – Portland Northwest Hostel is an affordable option with great reviews!
- The Oxford Suites Portland – Jantzen Beach is a mid-range option in a great location with awesome reviews.
Are you a Harry Potter fan like me? Take a look at this post on the best Harry Potter sites and attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland (the birthplace of HP!).
Day 30-31: Seattle, Washington
One of the more iconic destinations on this west coast itinerary, Seattle, Washington, is a cool city just begging to be explored.
With its gum wall, Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and Museum of Pop Culture, it’s an incredible place to have an adventure.
Alas, I cannot tell lies… Dan and I didn’t actually visit Seattle . We bi-passed it completely to drive from Portland, OR, to Spokane, WA, to visit my sister. Although, it’s not logical to have you end in Spokane, am I right?
Thus, Seattle makes more sense, as it has a bigger airport if you’re planning to fly out.
Additionally, it has much, much more to do than Spokane. Overall, it just works out better as an ending point! Anyhow, without further rambling…
Things to do in Seattle, Washington:
- Take a ride up the Space Needle to see Seattle from above.
- Wander through the Pike Place Market.
- Stroll along the Seattle Waterfront and relax on some of the nice beaches (yes, they do exist in Seattle!).
- Explore Downtown Seattle and check out the restaurants, shops, eateries, theaters, and more.
- Take a photo in front of the infamous Seattle Gum Wall (just down the road from the Pike Place Market!).
- Venture down under and go on an Underground Tour !
- Relax in one of Seattle’s many parks.
- Get out on the water and admire Seattle from the sea on a boat tour .
- Head out to the field and go to a baseball game.
- Take a walk along one of the many trails surrounding the city.
Where to stay in Seattle:
- Looking to splurge on your last city? Check out the Paramount Hotel . Located in the heart of Downtown Seattle, it has raving reviews and excellent customer service.
- A more budget-friendly option is the Motif Seattle . At $197, it’s definitely one of the cheaper options throughout the city and has awesome reviews, as well as a great location.
- One of the most affordable accommodations throughout Seattle is the HI – Seattle at the American Hotel Hostel ; great reviews, $99 per night, and in Downtown Seattle.
What’s the Budget for a One-Month USA West Coast Road Trip?
I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how to properly budget for this 1 month USA road trip. While everyone’s budget is going to be slightly different, as people generally like to spend their time differently, here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to spend.
- Accommodation : $50-200 per night
- Food & Drinks : $20-70 per day
- Fuel : $250-300 total (roughly $.11 per mile)
- Attractions : $0-100 per day
- Insurance : $100-200 total (I highly recommend World Nomads travel insurance )
- Car Maintenance : $50-150 total
- Miscellaneous : $100-200
Since everyone likes to stay in different accommodations, eats different food, likes to go to different attractions, and do other miscellaneous activities, this budget is going to vary drastically.
To save on accommodation and eating at restaurants everyday, I couldn’t recommend renting an RV more. Use RVShare to explore your options!
Dan and I spent almost every night in our van, so we saved a ton on accommodation. Additionally, while we didn’t have a kitchen, we did use a Coleman camping stove to cook the majority of our meals, saving us loads of money.
Can I just say one word… wowza .
What a monster of a blog post, amirite?!
Although, no doubt, this American West Coast road trip itinerary is packed with helpful information, an easy to follow route, and — of course — awesome experiences!
If you want to discover what the best of the USA west coast has to offer, this itinerary delivers.
Have you visited the United States West Coast? Or have traveled around it? Additionally, let me know what you think of this itinerary in the comments!
Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:
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- Best places for vegan food in Minneapolis & St. Paul
- Destinations along Minnesota’s North Shore
Like this post on the ultimate USA west coast road trip itinerary? Pin it!
Yay for transparency! This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure policy here .
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Article comments.
Kevin McCarthy
Hi Sophie, What a joyful month that seems to have been for you and Dan. Great commentary on the places I’ve seen, from a different spin. I loved it. Since I’m a retired HS English teacher I’m versed in good writing and that was good. One sticking point I had was your use of “Dan and I’s favorite place” several times., where “Dan and my favorite place” would be more precise. Just a niggling thing, I know, but retirement doesn’t shut down the linguist in me. Thanks for such a great look at our fabulous West. Kevin McCarthy
Bucket list material, that Grand Canyon: if you re just after an impression, you can visit the bad boy in one day. But since it was quite the drive to get there (6 hours), we decided to stay a bit longer. The first day we mainly checked out the east side, the second day the west side. If you re there, try to watch a sunset as well: the sun gives the canyon a truly magical color.
Would love it if you could provide a budget for this trip!
Hey Paige, that’s a great idea! Thank you for the suggestion. I will be sure to update the post with an estimated budget and an exact budget of what my partner and I spent on this road trip! Stay tuned. 🙂
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The Great American Road Trip: A 4-Month Itinerary Around the USA
The Great American Road Trip — it’s the kind of multimonth adventure most dream about but few actually do.
While many of us have bucket-list goals of exploring this vast and diverse landscape, more often than not, we end up heading abroad instead. International travel just seems more alluring, exotic, and exciting.
But this country has more than enough eclectic cities, small towns, regional culinary traditions, historic sites, fascinating museums, and natural wonders to keep any intrepid traveler busy.
I’ve done five big US road trips (two that completely crisscrossed the country and three in various regions) that cumulatively add up to a year on the road (and that doesn’t count all the “regular” trips, vacations, and weekend getaways). I’ve seen a lot of the United States.
As COVID-19 has caused us to consider our backyard more and more , many Americans are turning to domestic travel. We’re finally exploring all the wonders our own country has to offer.
So, because of that, I’ve created an epic four-month itinerary for traveling around the States. I think it balances time in cities with that spent relaxing in nature.
It may seem like a lot but four months just scratches the surface. And, since I don’t expect most of you to have four months, you can easily break this trip into smaller portions. It’s much better to concentrate your focus rather than try to see a lot in a short amount of time.
One note before we begin: There are so many routes you could take that it’s impossible to have one “best” route. The US is just too big. The route below is just one of my favorites. Use it as a starting point for creating your own itinerary that mixes realistic drive times, national parks, and fabulous cities.
Table of Contents
Month 1: East Coast, Southern US
Month 2: south, southwestern us, west coast, month 3: pacific northwest, western us, month 4: midwest, northeast us, days 1-3: boston, ma.
- Walk the Freedom Trail – This 2.5-mile (4km) route links many historic sites, including the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, the State House, and Bunker Hill. To get the most of your experience, take a guided tour with Get Your Guide . You’ll be able to ask questions to an expert local guide have a much more in-depth experience.
- Relax in Boston Common – This is one of America’s oldest parks and was once used as communal pasture land by Puritan settlers. Today, it’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and picnic.
- See the Bunker Hill Monument – The Battle of Bunker Hill (1775) was one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War. While the British won it, the Americans wore British forces down more than was expected. The monument stands 221 feet tall; you can climb to the top to enjoy the best view of Boston.
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts – This museum has over 450,000 pieces of fine art, covering everything from the pre-Columbian era to Italian Impressionists. It’s one of the biggest collections in the country. It’s free after 4pm on Wednesdays.
For more things to do, check out my free guide to Boston . And, for places to stay, here are my hostel recommendations.
Days 4-8: New York City, NY
- Take a walking tour – To get a feel for the city, take a walking tour. There are myriad free and paid tours on a variety of subjects. Nothing is too obscure. Here’s a list of suggested walking tour companies in NYC .
- Wander Central Park – This massive, 51-block-long, 843-acre park is the best free attraction in town. There are plenty of places to bike, walk, jog, read, picnic, and people-watch. During the summer, there are free concerts and theater productions too. Free tours are run by the parks service on Saturdays at 11am from the spring to the fall.
- See the Statue of Liberty – You can pay to visit Ellis Island if you want to see the statue up close . However, you can also take a free ferry to Staten Island instead if you just want to see it while passing by.
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum – At the base of the Freedom Tower is a park commemorating the victims of 9/11. Inside the museum, there are over 14,000 artifacts from that day, as well as 3,500 recordings from survivors, first responders, and family members of those killed. It’s a sobering, eye-opening exhibit.
- Walk the High Line – The High Line is an elevated urban walking park on the west side of NYC. Made from a converted train track, it runs for 22 blocks and is lined with overlooks, gardens, public art, food stalls, and greenery.
- Cross the Brooklyn Bridge – For a view of the Manhattan skyline, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a long walk (around 40 minutes if you stop for photos), but the view is worth it — especially at night. It’s free too!
- Explore the Met – The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the foremost fine art collections in the world. You can easily spend an entire day here if you wanted to see it all.
If you want more ideas for things to see and do in NYC, here’s a detailed suggested itinerary that can come.
For accommodation suggestions, here is my comprehensive list of hostels in NYC , as well as a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the city .
Days 9-11: Philadelphia, PA
- See the Liberty Bell – This bell, which dates to 1752, is an iconic symbol of American freedom. It’s said to have been rung when the Declaration of Independence was read in July 1776. Today, the bell is located in Independence National Historical Park, which you can visit for free.
- Wander around Independence Hall – Learn about the founding of the United States at Independence Hall, and wander around the area’s historic colonial buildings.
- Exlpore Franklin Court – This is where Benjamin Franklin lived while serving in the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention. While his house was torn down after his death in 1790, a hollow structure stands where it was located, and there’s a museum nearby with information about his life and works.
- Climb the Rocky stairs – The stairs from Rocky , the classic boxing film, are located at the Museum of Art. You can’t visit Philadelphia without running up them and doing your best Stallone impression.
- Visit the Magic Gardens – This quirky art gallery is one of the most unique attractions in town: a collection of indoor and outdoor art and mosaics made from broken tiles, glass, and all kinds of odds and ends. Indoors, there’s a more conventional art gallery and space for events and concerts.
Days 12-14: Washington, DC
- Visit the Holocaust Museum – The Holocaust Museum is informative and heart-wrenching. Its permanent exhibit takes up three entire levels and tells the story of the Holocaust through films, photos, artifacts, and first-person stories. Admission is free.
- Tour the Smithsonian – The Smithsonian Institution is a group of world-class museums and research centers. All of them are free to enter. Some of the best museums are: the Air and Space Museum, the African American Museum, the Smithsonian Castle, and the American Art Museum.
- See the Lincoln Memorial – This iconic 19-foot statue is located on the National Mall and pays tribute to America’s 16th president. Built in 1914, it’s surrounded by 36 columns, each of which represents a state in the union at the time of his death in 1865.
For tons more ideas on what to see, here’s my free detailed guide to DC!
Days 15-16: Shenandoah National Park, VA
Days 17-19: Asheville, NC
- The Biltmore Estate – This is America’s largest house. It’s a whopping 178,926-square-foot mansion surrounded by 8,000 acres of land. The massive estate has over 250 rooms (including 33 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms). I love it!
- Enjoying craft beer – Asheville has over 25 breweries (and there are another 50+ outside town too). Take a brewery tour, or just hop around and sample some local offerings. My two favorites are Bhramari and Wicked Weed.
- Hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains – Parts of the Appalachian Trail can be found here, and there are lots of day or multiday hikes. You can also climb Mount Mitchell, the highest summit east of the Mississippi River.
Days 20-22: Atlanta, GA
- See the Center for Civil and Human Rights – Opened in 2014, this museum highlights the struggles and accomplishments of the civil rights movement as well as human rights around the globe.
- Wander the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a getaway to this 30-acre oasis in the heart of the city. In addition to its orchids and tropical plants, there’s a 600-foot canopy walk that lets you enjoy the gardens from 40 feet in the air.
- Take a street art tour – Atlanta is one of the best destinations for street art. There are tons of murals along the Krog Street Tunnel and the Belt Line. Take a guided tour or use the website streetartmap.org for self-guided suggestions.
Days 23-27: Nashville, TN
- Attend the Grand Ole Opry – Opened in 1925, this is one of the most famous country music venues in the world. Today, the Opry hosts regular live performances, TV broadcasts, and radio shows. You can buy tickets here .
- See the Parthenon – This full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, was built in 1897. It was created to celebrate Nashville’s 100th anniversary and chosen because Nashville is called “the Athens of the South” (due to its historic focus on higher education).
- Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – This museum has one of the largest music collections in the entire world. There are over 200,000 recordings here, including 98% of music released before World War II.
- Visit Franklin – Located just 25 minutes outside of Nashville, most people assume Franklin is just another suburb. However, it has a lot going for it: it’s bursting with small-town charm, has stellar food and drink (it’s where I discovered my favorite Bourbon, HC Clark), is full of history (there was a major Civil War battle here), and has one of the best-preserved historic main streets in the country. I’d spend two nights here.
Days 28-30: Memphis, TN
- Visit the National Civil Rights Museum – This museum traces the history of civil rights from the 17th century to today. It’s housed in the former motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It’s powerful and poignant. Don’t miss it.
- See the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum – This museum highlights the musical pioneers of blues, rock, and soul music from the 1930s to the 1970s. There are costumes and recordings, interactive media, and exhibitions on famous musicians from Memphis.
- Stroll down Beale Street – Known as “America’s most iconic street,” Beale Street features many bars where you’ll find Memphis’s best live music. There are also numerous street buskers. If you’re going out at night, start here.
- Day-trip to Graceland – The home of Elvis Presley, Graceland is located a few miles south of town. Even if you’re not a huge Elvis fan, it’s worth a visit to see just how impactful his life and music have been. You’ll see loads of lookalikes and die-hard fans making the pilgrimage to see the King.
Days 31-32: Natchez, MS
- Visit antebellum homes – Built in the early to mid-19th century, these historic homes are Natchez’s main draw. Longwood, Rosalie Mansion, and Stanton Hall were my favorites. Admission is $20-25 USD at each.
- Attend the Natchez Pilgrimage – During the Natchez Pilgrimage in the spring, all of the private historical homes open up to the public. The costumed guides explain the history of the home, their owners, and the region. It’s the city’s biggest annual event, and there are some 20 homes on display.
- See the Emerald Mount – Constructed sometime between the 13th and 17th centuries, this was an elevated place of worship for the Plaquemine Native Americans. All kinds of animal bones have been found nearby, leading researchers to believe it was the site of religious or sacred activity.
Days 33-36: New Orleans, LA
- Visit the National World War II Museum – This is the largest World War II museum in America. It’s also one of the best museums in the world. You can listen to firsthand accounts of the war, which make it all feel that much more intimate and impactful.
- Listen to music on Frenchmen Street – Live music is available every night of the week, and there are innumerable venues to listen to blues and jazz. My personal favorite is the Spotted Cat.
- Wander the French Quarter and Garden District – These are two of NOLA’s most iconic and historic districts, full of old French-influenced buildings and grand mansions. You can either do a self-guided tour or go with Take Walks , which runs the best walking tours in town!
- Take a ghost or voodoo tour – “The Big Easy” has a creepy past. The best way to learn about it is to take a voodoo or ghost tour . You’ll get to see cemeteries, explore haunted buildings, and hear all sorts of unsettling anecdotes and ghostly tales.
For more things to see and do in NOLA, check out this detailed itinerary I created .
Days 37-39: Houston, TX
Houston is home to the Space Center and NASA’s astronaut training complex, as well as countless breweries and museums and a killer ethnic food scene (definitely go out for Viet BBQ).
These are some things you can do while you’re in town:
- Visit Space Center Houston – This is Houston’s top attraction, bringing in over a million visitors each year. There are over 400 items in the collection, including moon rocks and three spacecraft that were used during missions.
- Explore the Museum of Natural Science – Opened in 1909, this museum has four floors of exhibitions (as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theatre). There are displays on wildlife, ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, minerals, and much more!
- Wander Buffalo Bayou Park – This 124-acre park has all kinds of walking trails and is a nice spot for a picnic, to relax with a book, or to people-watch. There are also lots of concerts and events here too, so check the local tourism office to see what’s coming up.
Days 40-44: Austin, TX
- Relax at Barton Springs – Barton Springs is a pool/creek that locals flock to in warm weather. It’s fed by a natural cold-water spring in Zilker Park and has manicured lawns that are great for lounging on and relaxing when it’s too hot to do much else. You can also rent kayaks here .
- Go two-stepping – Two-stepping is a popular country dance — and country dancing is one of Austin’s favorite pastimes. To see it in action (and try it yourself), head to the White Horse, where there are free lessons so you can then dance your way around town.
- Enjoy world-class barbecue — Some of the best BBQ joints in the US are here in Austin. If you’re looking to treat your taste buds (and don’t mind waiting, usually a couple of hours), head to Franklin’s or La Barbecue. For something faster, check out Micklethwait Craft Meats.
For way more activities, check out my free guide to Austin ! Since I call this city home, I have a lot of suggestions on how to spend your time here.
Days 45-47: Truth or Consequences, NM
Try to explore some of the nearby ghost towns. Winston and Chloride, located north of T and C, are two mining towns that were abandoned in the early 1900s; some of the original buildings still remain.
Days 48-49: Phoenix, AZ
- See the Desert Botanical Garden – This 140-acre garden is home to over 50,000 plants, including over 14,000 cacti. It’s super interesting!
- Visit the Heard Museum – This museum focuses on Native American art. There are permanent and rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as cultural artifacts that highlight the history and traditions of the region’s native cultures.
- Hike Camelback Mountain – With an elevation of 2,700 feet, this 2-3-hour hike is a fun way to see Arizona’s stunning and arid landscapes. There are two trails, both of which are challenging but rewarding.
Days 50-51: Joshua Tree National Park, CA
A seven-day vehicle pass is $30 USD. It allows multiple entries in case you stay in one of the nearby towns.
Days 52-54: San Diego, CA
- See the USS Midway Museum – This aircraft carrier was commissioned after World War II and was the largest ship in the world until 1955. It saw action in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam. After it was decommissioned, it became a museum open to the public.
- Visit wildlife at the San Diego Zoo – Located in Balboa Park, this zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and 700,000 plant species. It’s a massive 1,800-acre park, and you could easily spend an entire day here. It’s a fun place to visit with kids.
- Go whale watching – California gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico between December and April. They are spectacular to see up close, as they grow up to 49 feet long and live for over 70 years. Tours cost $35 USD.
Days 55-58: Los Angeles, CA
- Wander Hollywood Boulevard – Play tourist and visit the Walk of Fame (where stars have their names engraved in the sidewalk) and Grauman’s (now TCL) Chinese Theatre (featuring celebrities’ handprints and footprints).
- Relax on the beach – At iconic Venice Beach, you’ll find all kinds of street performers, surfers, roller-skaters, and locals and tourists alike soaking up the sun. Some other beaches worth checking out are Carbon Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, Huntington City Beach, and El Matador.
- Visit to the Hollywood sign – Don’t just settle for a photo of the sign — go see it up close. The three trails that you can take (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt. Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Bring water and sunscreen, as the hike will take a few hours. If you don’t want to go solo, guided hikes to the Hollywood sign cost $25 USD.
- Go hiking – LA is an active city, and locals love escaping the hustle and bustle as often as they can. Some trails worth checking out are the Charlie Turner Trail (90 minutes), Runyon Canyon (45 minutes), Portuguese Bend Reserve (3 hours), and Echo Mountain (3–3.5 hours).
For a even more detailed list on what else you can see and do while in LA, check out my Los Angeles travel guide . For accommodation suggestions, here are my favorite hostels in Los Angeles .
Days 59-61: Las Vegas, NV
- Explore Fremont Street – Old Vegas is full of sketchy bars, vintage casinos, and a Bourbon Street vibe. It makes for an interesting contrast to the sleek and polished Strip. There are lots of cover bands, buskers, and celeb lookalikes pandering for paid photos, as well as people-watching, cheap slots, and cheap drinks. There’s also an hourly light show on the ceiling above the street.
- Hike Red Rock – Just 30 minutes outside town, Red Rock Canyon offers plenty of hiking and biking trails. Just make sure to arrive early in the morning before it gets too hot.
- Visit the Neon Museum – This is essentially an eclectic graveyard for the huge lights and signs that once beckoned to tourists from casinos like the Silver Slipper, Stardust, and El Cortez. It spans three acres and gives you a glimpse into the city’s shining and sinful past.
- See the Grand Canyon – Rent a car and drive the four hours to the South or North Rim of the Grand Canyon . It’s one of the most epic, iconic sights in the country and absolutely worth the drive. If you can, hike down to the bottom and stay the night. It’s an amazing experience! And if you want to dive deeper into this beautiful area, check out HoneyTrek’s Grand Circle Road Trip .
For more activities (and there’s plenty to choose from that don’t involve gambling), here is my comprehensive guide to Las Vegas .
Days 62-64: Yosemite National Park, CA
Days 65-67: San Francisco, CA
- Walk the Golden Gate Bridge – When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge. Spend some time walking across to enjoy the view of the bay and the ships coming and going.
- Tour Alcatraz – One of the most infamous prisons in the country, Alcatraz housed some of the nation’s worst criminals (renowned gangster Al “Scarface” Capone spent four years here). Today, it’s a national landmark where you can take tours, step foot in the cells, and learn about its grim history.
- Relax at Golden Gate Park – This gigantic park features a Japanese garden, museums, an arboretum, a carousel, and many hiking and walking trails. It’s a whopping 20% bigger than New York City’s Central Park, so you easily could spend an entire day here relaxing, walking, and lounging.
Again, for even ways to spend your time in SF, here’s my guide to the city . And, for suggested places to stay, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in San Francisco .
Days 68-69: Redwood National Park, CA
Given the drive time from SF, spend two nights here to make sure you get some good hiking in.
Days 70-73: The Oregon Coast
- Binge on oysters – I’ve grown to love oysters in recent years and some of the best in the country can be found in Oregon. Some of my favorite places I stopped at were from Shucker’s Oyster Bar (Lincoln City), Oregon Oyster Farm and Mo’s Seafood & Chowder (both in Newport), and Clausen Oysters (North Bend).
- See Thor’s Well – This coastal sinkhole near Cape Perpetua is known as the Drainpipe of the Pacific. While it can be dangerous to get too close (it’s very easy to get swept away into the water or rocks), you’ll nevertheless see tons of tourists posing for pictures near the well. It’s worth a stop to snap some quick pics.
- Relax at Cannon Beach – This iconic beach is long and sandy and is best known for its photogenic Haystack Rock, a giant rock jutting out of the ocean just offshore. There are plenty of tide pools and places to picnic here, and the town itself (also called Cannon Beach) is full of all kinds of cafés and artisanal shops.
Here’s a list of my favorite things to see and do along the Oregon coast to help you make the most of your drive.
Days 74-76: Portland
- See Pittock Mansion – Built in 1914, this 46-room French Renaissance-style mansion was originally owned by a wealthy couple from England. Today, it’s part of the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you’ll find beautiful artwork and furniture collected by the original owners.
- Devour some donuts – Portland is known for its donuts. Voodoo Doughnuts put Portland on the map with its weird and wonderful combinations, such as Cap’n Crunch and maple bacon. Some argue that Voodoo is for tourists and that actually Blue Star makes better donuts. Try both and see for yourself! You can also take a donut food tour with Underground Donut Tours for $30 USD.
- Hike the Columbia River Gorge – Located east of town, here you’ll find waterfalls (including Oregon’s tallest, Multnomah Falls), scenic vistas, and hiking trails. Some suggested hikes are Dry Creek Falls (easy, 2 hours), Wahkenna Falls Loop (moderate, 3 hours), and Starvation Ridge and Warren Lake (hard, 8 hours). Guided hikes with Wildwood Tours cost $79 USD (transportation included).
For more suggestions on how to spend your time in Portland, here’s a list of the best things to see and do in the city!
Days 77-79: Seattle, WA
- Explore the Seattle Center – Seattle Center is home to the Space Needle as well as a complex of entertainment venues: the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the Experience Music Project), the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, the Pacific Science Center, and the outdoor Mural Amphitheater, as well as the International Fountain and the Armory food court. Don’t miss the views from the top of the Space Needle!
- Wander Pike Place Market – Pike Place Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the US. It’s a nine-acre, four-floor sprawl of shops, stalls, galleries, and cafés (including the original Starbucks location) selling everything from crafts to flowers to fresh produce. Wander, eat, shop, and enjoy the ambiance.
- See the Boeing Museum of Flight – This museum highlights planes and spacecraft through the ages, offering insight into how flight has evolved over the decades. You’ll also get a chance to see the original Boeing “factory.” The original Air Force One is here too.
For more things to see and do, here’s my in-depth guide to Seattle . And here are some budget-friendly accommodation suggestions for your visit.
Days 80-82: Missoula, MT
- Take a brewery tour – For such a small city, there are breweries and bars everywhere (Montana has the second-highest number of breweries in the country). Montana Brewery Tours includes stops at three breweries. You can also do a self-guided tour or pub crawl.
- Hike the M – Mount Sentinel is a small mountain nearby that offers some stunning views. The trail is just 1.2 miles, so it’s not particularly challenging, though you can extend the route for an all-day hike by continuing along the Crazy Canyon Trail at the summit.
- Ski Snowball Mountain – In the winter you’ll find upwards of a thousand acres of skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, the area is open for zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking. It’s just twenty minutes from downtown,
NOTE: While not here, if you have time, you can drive north to spend a few days in Glacier National Park.
Days 83-86: Yellowstone National Park, WY
Yellowstone is home to the largest volcanic system in North America, which is why geysers like Old Faithful (and the largest active geyser in the world, Steamboat) can be found here. Wolves, bears, lynx, cougars, and bison all call the park home as well. Spend some time here hiking, camping, and basking in the park’s magnificent landscapes.
Days 87-90: Denver, CO
- Visit the Air & Space Museum – The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is housed on an old air base and has a collection of over 50 aircraft on display. Some of the highlights include a supersonic Rockwell Lancer and the massive B-52 Stratofortress.
- Hike Mount Evans – This 14,265-foot peak can actually be summited in under 30 minutes (though there are longer trails too). You’ll see sweeping panoramic views of the region without having to hike for hours. Be sure to visit Like Echo and Mount Goliath on the way here.
- Catch a show at Red Rocks – The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a 9,000-seat outdoor venue that regularly hosts concerts and other events. It’s one of the most beautiful concert venues in the US. Try to catch a show here if you can.
Days 91-93: Kansas City, MO
- Indulge in BBQ – KC is one of America’s best hubs for delicious barbecue. You can find pretty much any kind of meat barbecued here, from brisket to turkey to fish. Kansas City’s barbecue dates back to the 1920s, and the city takes this tradition seriously. Harp Barbecue and Fiorella’s Jack Stack are two of the best in town.
- Wander the Jazz District – The historic 18th and Vine area is known as the Jazz District, owing to the popularity of jazz music from the 1920s to the ’40s and performances here by the likes of Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louie Armstrong. Wander the district and bar-hop to catch some stellar live music.
- See the World War I Museum – The award-winning National World War I Museum and Memorial of the United States sheds light on the history and horrors of the Great War.
Days 94-97: Chicago, IL
- Relax in Grant & Millennium Parks – Located downtown, these two parks provide a relaxing place to hang out, have a picnic, or go for a run. You’ll find people playing chess, and during the summer, there are a lot of free concerts. The famous “Chicago Bean” sculpture is located in Millennium Park.
- Try the pizza – Deep-dish pizza and stuffed-crust pizza were developed in Chicago, and no trip is complete without trying at least one. Deep-dish pizza was invented by Pizzeria Uno, which is now a national restaurant chain. But for something more local, Chicagoans swear by Lou Malnati’s.
- Visit the Art Institute of Chicago – Founded in 1879, this is one of the oldest art museums in the country. It has everything from photography to architecture to textiles, and its permanent collection includes works by Eva Hesse, David Hockney, and Ellsworth Kelly.
If you want additional things to see and do (as well as some money-saving tips), consult my comprehensive guide to Chicago!
And here is my list of the best hostels in Chicago for budget-friendly accommodation .
Days 98-100: Detroit, MI
- Explore the Detroit Institute of Art – This 130-year-old museum is located in the heart of Midtown and has something to offer every visitor. There are more than 65,000 works of art here, ranging from classic to more modern and contemporary pieces, spread out over 100 different galleries. It’s one of the best art museums in the country. Admission is $14 USD.
- Walk the Dequindre Cut – The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a two-mile urban recreational path that offers a pedestrian link between the East Riverfront, the Eastern Market, and several residential neighborhoods in between. Along the path, you’ll find all kinds of street art, as well as buskers in the summer. It’s a nice place to walk or jog and take in the city.
- Shop at the Eastern Market – The Eastern Market is a huge marketplace with local foods, art, jewelry, artisan crafts, and more. It covers 43 acres and is the largest historic public market district in the United States, dating back over 150 years. It is particularly busy on Saturdays, when farmers bring in their fresh produce.
Days 101-103: Cleveland, OH
- See the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – This is one of the largest collections of musical memorabilia in the entire world. John Lennon’s guitar, Elvis Presley’s military uniform, and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust outfits are just some of the items in the massive collection.
- Tour the Museum of Natural History – Founded in 1920, this massive museum is home to over four million specimens. There are exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, primates, animals, and more. It’s super educational, and there are lots of interactive exhibits too.
- Hike the Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Located on the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, this is the only national park in Ohio. Encompassing 32,000 acres, the park has all kinds of hiking and biking trails (camping is no longer permitted).
Days 104-106: Pittsburgh, PA
- Ride the Duquesne Incline – This 140-year-old funicular used to transport workers up Pittsburgh’s steep hills before cars became commonplace. Hop on, ride to the top, and enjoy the view! Tickets are $2.50 USD.
- Visit the Warhol Museum – Dedicated to Andy Warhol, Pittsburgh’s best-known artist, this is the largest museum in the country dedicated to a single person. While much of his art is unusual, it’s still worth a visit, as Warhol has had a profound and lasting impact on modern art.
- See Randyland – Created by a local artist, here you’ll find a section of the north end completely painted in all kinds of bright colors and murals. Buildings, fences, driveways — it’s a massive, bright, and fun spot to visit and unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere!
- Tour Carrie Furnace – Built in 1884, these former blast furnaces were part of the Homestead Steel Works and produced over 1,000 tons of iron per day. It’s one of the only pre–World War II blast furnaces in existence. Tours are $21 USD.
Days 107-110: Finger Lakes, NY
- Visit the wineries – There are tons of wineries all around the Finger Lakes, most of which offer tours and tastings (some also have live music and serve food). To guide your way, follow the Seneca Wine Trail or the Keuka Wine Trail, which link some of the best wineries in the region.
- See Watkins Glen State Park – Watkins Glen State Park gorge trail is home to 19 picturesque waterfalls spread out over a two-hour hike. It’s not particularly strenuous, and there are lots of spots to relax and snap photos.
- Visit Ithaca – This photogenic small town has over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of the town. There’s also a charming downtown, the beautiful Cornell campus (one of the prettiest in the country), and Cayuga Lake.
Days 111-113: Albany, NY
- Hike in John Boyd Thacher State Park – Located 30 minutes outside of town, this state park has over 25 miles of trails, as well as panoramic views from the Helderberg Escarpment. It’s a beautiful place for a day hike.
- Visit New York State Museum – This museum has a wide range of interesting exhibitions, including on local birds and wildlife, colonial history, and the ice age, among other topics. Admission is free (though a $5 USD donation is suggested).
- Tour the Capitol – The NY State Capitol building offers free daily tours. They’re the perfect way to learn more about the state, the city, and the building (including some ghost stories about the capitol’s haunting). Tours last one hour.
Days 114-120: Buffer Days
Having some padding in your itinerary will let you explore them, have serendipitous travel experiences, and dig a little deeper into the regions and cultures you’ll be passing through.
While this is a solid itinerary, please mix it up. Skip some cities and spend more time in nature — or vice versa!
At the end of the day, America is an amazing and diverse country. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it. Delicious food, adventure activities, hiking, museums, history — we’ve got it all. You just need to hit the road and see it for yourself.
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Book Your Trip to the United States: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money — and I think they will help you too!
Want more information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the USA for even more planning tips!
Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.
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7 Epic USA Itineraries: Planning The Perfect US Trip
Plan the perfect USA itinerary with this guide. Whether you have one week, 10 days or 1 month, I have you covered.
Planning a trip to the USA ? The possibilities are endless.
Do you want to scope the chilled-out vibes of the Southwest, or do you prefer a glimpse of the hustle and bustle in the Northeast? Maybe you’re planning a 1-month USA itinerary where you can see the highlights, or perhaps you only have 10 days in the USA.
Let’s get a few things straight: with so much ground to cover, planning the perfect USA itinerary can be a tough gig. I travel to the States quite a few times a year, and it’s always difficult to balance wanting to see as much as possible during the course of a trip with the sheer scale of the place. However you plan to visit the USA, you’ll want to plan where to stay, what to do, and choose a few locations you can’t live without. Not to worry, I’m here to help. These travel itineraries for the USA will help you plan a straight-up banging trip so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
USA Itineraries
West Coast Road Trip
Looking to see the best of the USA in 10 days? A West Coast road trip is a bucket list holiday for so many people. – Start driving down the PCH, and you’ll figure out why before your first exit. Start in San Francisco by taking the Golden Gate Bridge south (a bit of a detour, but well worth the vistas).
On your way down Highway 1, prepare to stop a lot more than you planned. The views are epic, the towns often have their own unique charm, and there are plenty of amazing family-run restaurants (and In-N-Out burgers) you can access with a short detour.
You can take your time over 2 weeks, but if you want to do a 10-day USA itinerary, I suggest starting in San Francisco and choosing 2-3 overnight stays like I map out in this itinerary.
Route Summary
San Francisco >> Carmel-by-the-Sea >> Santa Barbara >> Los Angeles >> San Diego
Distance: 625 miles (1,000 km)
Length of Trip: 10 Days to 2 Weeks
How to Do It: Car
Highlights of the Trip
San francisco.
When it comes to San Francisco , I like to veer a bit off the beaten path here and spend a couple of days exploring the street art in the Mission District, epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Presidio (a former military post that’s now a national park) and take an urban hike through the sprawling Golden Gate Park.
Save room for incredible cuisine at the best neighbourhood joint in SF – Nopa .
Suggested Stay: Argonaut Hotel
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Hit up white sand beaches, secret gardens, and charming boutique shops in this vibrant coastal city just before the famous Big Sur . It’s a perfect jump-off point for exploring the epic coastal hikes in Big Sur and Point Lobos .
Suggested Stay: Carmel Bay View Inn
Santa Barbara
I love the laid-back vibes, excellent beaches, and surprisingly vibrant downtown in Santa Barbara . Check out Sama Sama for excellent Southeast Asian cuisine in a youthful, trendy setting on your 10-day trip out west.
Suggested Stay: Kimpton Canary Hotel
Los Angeles
The Hollywood Hills, Downtown LA, Santa Monica Pier – whichever part of sprawling Los Angeles in SoCal you decide to stay in, you’ll love every minute of your star-studded stay.
Be sure to eat all the street tacos you can, shop til you drop, and visit the iconic Venice Beach for the best people-watching and chill California vibes.
Suggested Stay: Mama Shelter Hollywood
Spend a chunk of your California itinerary in San Diego , where you can enjoy a day in the sprawling open space of Balboa Park, hit up Old Town for some handmade tortillas and fiery salsa, and end your evening in the Gaslamp Quarter or North Park for craft beer and nightlife.
Don’t forget to check out Coronado, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach for the best fun in the sun.
Suggested Stay: Hotel Indigo
Best of the USA
How can you see everything the USA has to offer in 1 month? I’m not going to lie. You won’t. But you can definitely get a feel for how different each region is with this round-the-map trip throughout the United States. Start in NYC (because why not?) before moving your way west and discovering the Great Plains, Wild West, and American South. Get ready for some of the best cuisine you’ll have anywhere and everywhere, along with some epic hiking, brilliant beaches, and plenty of nightlife on this 1-month USA itinerary.
You’ll need to take a few flights on this journey to fit everything in but plan to hire a car for the national parks portion of this United States trip.
Route Summary
New York City >> Chicago >> Yellowstone >> Utah’s Mighty Five >> Grand Canyon >> Las Vegas >> Los Angeles >> Phoenix >> New Orleans >> Miami
Distance: 6,200 miles (10,000 km)
Length of Trip: 1 Month
How to Do It: Plane and Car
New York City
Start your trip off in the most iconic city in the United States, New York City. If you’ve never been, you’ll want to check out the bright lights of Times Square, shop along Fifth Avenue, and mosey through Central Park. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and shop in Williamsburg before grabbing a slice at Best Pizza.
Suggested Stay: The Wallace Hotel
Add a stop to this great Midwest city located on one of the iconic Great Lakes – Lake Michigan. Chicago is a great place to shop along The Magnificent Mile, watch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, and try a local dish like Italian Beef or Chicago-style hot dogs.
Suggested Stay: Thompson Hotel
Yellowstone
Next up is one of America’s great national parks – Yellowstone. Check out the roaming bison, sky-high geysers, and epic hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park.
Suggested Stay: Elk Country Inn
Utah’s Mighty Five
For the most adventurous travellers, you can fit in all of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks. But if you’re short on time, you can hit Arches National Park before visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon for natural bridges, sandstone and red rock formations and epic stargazing.
Suggested Stay: The Advenire
Grand Canyon
Want to know my favourite national park in the US? Grand Canyon. Visit the massive canyon along the Colorado River and take a hike around the South Rim Trail for the most stunning views.
If you want a more challenging hike and have the time, Bright Angel allows you to hike into the canyon, but it’s a gnarly trek with 5,000+ miles of elevation change and can be extremely hot.
Suggested Stay: El Tovar
Visiting the Grand Canyon? Here’s What You Shouldn’t Miss
Now that you’ve had some time in the best national parks in the USA, it’s time to party. Whether you head to the luxury resorts and world-class entertainment along the Las Vegas Strip or want to explore hipster coffee shops and historic hotels Downtown, Las Vegas is a winner on your USA itinerary.
Suggested Stay: Circa Resort & Casino
Head to the Hollywood Hills and bask in the California sun, with a few days in one of the best cities along the West Coast. Los Angeles offers great shopping in areas like Beverly Hills and pristine beaches in Malibu and Santa Monica.
The (already stellar) food scene has taken off in the past few years, so try local favourites like the 2-Michelin-starred Mélisse Restaurant.
Suggested Stay: The Hoxton, Downtown LA
You can’t leave the American West without stopping by Phoenix for some desert-chic vibes in the Valley of the Sun. I found some seriously cool bars and restaurants last time I was there.
Check out the Southwestern flavours at Valentine before hiking at Camelback Mountain and seeing a show at the historic Orpheum Theatre.
Suggested Stay: Rise Uptown
New Orleans
Ready to enjoy the best food in the USA? Head to The Big Easy to enjoy heaping plates of jambalaya, the rich and tangy flavours of muffulettas, and, of course, a plate of the famous fried dessert treat, beignets.
Spend some time people-watching in the French Quarter and catch a jazz show at Palm Court Jazz Cafe for the perfect New Orleans trip.
Suggested Stay: The Pontchartrain Hotel
Want to find the best beaches in the USA? Head to Miami Beach in Miami to explore the white sands, and warm waters in this vibrant Florida city. When you’re ready to explore the city, check out the street art at Wynwood Walls and the vibrant bar scene in South Beach.
Suggested Stay: Esme Miami Beach
Music Trail
Rock and roll, the blues, country, R&B, jazz… you get the picture. Visiting America’s South is full of rich history and culture dating back centuries – and music is a big part of that history.
You can explore some of the big cities in the South and watch a show at storied theatres, visit iconic recording studios, and maybe catch an impromptu show in a park (check the Musician’s Corner Calendar). Save your appetite, the food in the American South is ridiculously good. Staples like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and bread pudding show up often and are usually incredible.
If you have more time, make stops in small towns along the way, like Tupelo, Mississippi (the birthplace of Elvis), or Jackson, Tennessee, for Sun Studio and the Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame.
Nashville >> Memphis >> Clarksdale >> Jackson >> New Orleans
Distance: 630 miles (1015 km)
Length of Trip: 1 Week
Start your one-week vacation in the USA in Nashville. If you’re a country music fan, you can mosey over to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for a history lesson before seeing a live show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry .
Suggested Stay: The Hutton Hotel
Memphis
Is there a more iconic rock and roll studio in the USA than Sun Studio? For $15, you can tour the “Birthplace of Rock & Roll,” where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash recorded many of their hit songs.
If you’re not content as a spectator, book a recording session at the world-famous studio. And of course, no music tour of the South is complete without a visit to Graceland.
Suggested Stay: The Guest House at Graceland
When I think of music in the American South, the Blues immediately come to mind. Clarksdale is home to this unforgettable genre of music, and legends like Muddy Waters got their start right here. The history is very much alive in places like Ground Zero Blues Club and the Delta Blues Museum, where you can learn all about the artists, their stories, and songs.
Suggested Stay: Travelers Hotel
Visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to learn more about slavery, the Jim Crow laws, and the heroes who fought for equal rights and freedom in the American South.
Suggested Stay: Fairview Inn
End your 1-week USA itinerary in New Orleans. The home of Jazz music, New Orleans features dozens of excellent jazz clubs. I like the idea of stopping by Sweet Loraine’s, where you can check out some of the best jazz music and grab a Po Boy sandwich for a taste of The Big Easy.
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Southwest National Parks
You’re getting the best of the American Southwest with this epic 14-day USA itinerary. Buckle up; this road trip sets you off from Salt Lake City through Utah’s Mighty Five before exploring the deserts and canyons in Arizona and New Mexico . I love this as an idea for a USA itinerary because you learn more about indigenous history and culture and sample delicious flavours of the Southwest. And, of course, you get to tick the most famous national park in the USA – the Grand Canyon .
Arches >> Canyonlands >> Bryce >> Zion >> Grand Canyon >> Saguaro >> White Sands
Distance: 1,3712 miles (2208 km)
Length of Trip: 2 weeks
Moab (Arches and Canyonlands)
Between your visits to two of Utah’s Mighty Five, you can bed down in Moab, where you’ll find plenty to do around town. Of course, most of your time here will be spent exploring natural bridges at Arches and hiking around the vast trail system in underrated Canyonlands.
Suggested Stay: Red Cliffs Lodge
St. George (Zion and Bryce Canyon)
Cross off another two of Utah’s Mighty Five when you stay in St. George. Try epic hikes like Angel’s Landing in Zion and explore the hoodoos and rock formations at Bryce Canyon . Visit Bryce Canyon on your way to St. George and return to Zion the next day.
The Grand Canyon is over 1,900 square miles of beautiful red-rock canyons along the Colorado River, and visiting Arizona is the most popular way to see it.
I think hitting the South Rim along Desert View Drive is the perfect way to see the sweeping canyons from above along several different viewpoints.
Suggested Stay: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
Saguaro National Park
Next up on your trip around America’s Southwest is Saguaro National Park .
Where else can you see cacti the size of redwoods? Ok, they might not be that tall, but the candelabra-shaped thorned beauties stretch over 40 feet high, and a hike along King Canyon or joy ride along Bajada Loop Drive are the perfect ways to take in the beauty of the desert.
Suggested Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
White Sands National Park
Last but not least, you’ll want to head to White Sands National Park for one of the most unique landscapes you’ll see anywhere on your USA itinerary. Take the 13-mile Dune’s Drive loop to bask in the rolling snow-white sand dunes that stretch as far as you can see.
Suggested Stay: Home2 Suites
East Coast Itinerary
Planning a USA East Coast Itinerary over 2 weeks? Check out this non-stop tour of the iconic cities and hidden gems along the Northeast United States.
One thing I love about this trip is that it’s the rare USA itinerary in 2 weeks where you can rely on trains and public transportation to get to most destinations.
Along the way, you’ll see the nation’s capital, the Big Apple, and the scenic coastline of Maine. You’ll want to hire a car for the final stretch, but the drive is gorgeous – especially if you’re lucky enough to see the trees change colours in Autumn.
Washington DC >> Annapolis >> Baltimore >> New York City >> Hartford >> Boston >> Portland
Distance: 600 miles (1,000 km)
Length of Trip: 1 Week
How to Do It: Train and Car
Washington DC
You can’t plan a US travel itinerary over two weeks on the East Coast and not hit the nation’s capital.
The Washington Monument and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial makes the National Mall well worth a visit, but underrated gems like Blind Whino – where local artists collaborate and host weekly live events are a fun way to experience DC like a local.
Suggested Stay: The Normandy Hotel
If you want the chance to truly chill out during your 2 weeks in the USA, there are plenty of charming towns – especially in the Northeast. Annapolis is one of my favourites, and the boutique hotels, seafood restaurants, and cobbled streets will transport you to another time.
Suggested Stay: Historic Inns of Annapolis
Catch a baseball game at Camden Yards, eat as much blue crab as you can in one sitting, and visit the Civil War landmark Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine for a piece of American history.
Suggested Stay: Ulysses
New York City
The food, the culture, the museums…NYC is the city you need to pencil into any United States itinerary. I love Manhattan, and it’s probably the most walkable city anywhere in the USA. Checking out the East Village for the best restaurants and bars, visiting Central Park or The High Line when you need a bit of fresh air, and exploring the bustling urban marketplace, Chelsea Market , are a few things you won’t want to miss.
Suggested Stay: The Wallace Hotel
The small city of Hartford, Connecticut, is the perfect stop on your USA itinerary, with some standout landmarks like Mark Twain’s former residence, the beautiful gardens at Elizabeth Park Conservancy, and the large collection of European and American artwork at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art .
Suggested Stay: The Goodwin
Take the train up to Boston and explore the world-class universities like Harvard, dine on some fresh seafood, and grab a New England-style IPA at Trillium Brewery, one of the best craft beer spots you’ll find on your USA itinerary.
Suggested Stay: The Revolution Hotel
Visit this charming New England town and photograph the iconic lighthouses, eat freshly caught lobster at Portland Lobster Company , and take a whale-watching tour if you’re around in May or June.
Suggested Stay: Portland Harbor Hotel
California Itinerary
Rent a nice set of wheels for this 21 day USA itinerary, you’re going to rack up more than a few miles. Start off in San Diego and drive your way up the coast, stopping by some of my favourite locations along the way. Get your hike on in the Santa Monica Mountains before exploring charming towns like Pismo Beach and Sausalito on your drive north.
But you’ll also see everything California offers away from the Pacific Ocean, like Yosemite National Park , Lake Tahoe, and Wine Country. Top Tip: You can always plan a great 1 week trip in the US in California, so feel free to just tackle part of this itinerary.
San Diego >> Santa Monica >> Pismo Beach >> Sausalito >> Sonoma County >> Lake Tahoe >> Yosemite
Distance: 1,000 miles (1,610 km)
Length of Trip: 3 weeks
Start off in San Diego , where you can hit up the sandy shores of Coronado and Pacific Beach before an evening out exploring bars and restaurants in Hillcrest or Downtown San Diego.
Santa Monica
Before you head to some of the best hikes in Southern California , explore Santa Monica’s beaches and nightlife. I love hanging out at the Santa Monica Pier and riding the Ferris Wheel by the beach before strolling through the shops and restaurants on the lively 3rd Street Promenade.
Suggested Stay: Shutters on the Beach
Pismo Beach
Once you reach Pismo Beach , you’ll fall in love with the small-town beach vibes in this Central California coastal gem. I don’t blame you if you want to just hang out at the state beach and pier, but you can also explore wineries in nearby Paso Robles, check out a monarch butterfly grove, or relax at Avila Hot Springs. Your call.
Suggested Stay: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco is the charming coastal village of Sausalito. Explore the artsy town full of charming boutiques before digging into a seafood lunch at Scoma’s. You can’t visit Marin without checking out the redwoods, so reserve a spot for hiking in Muir Woods National Monument.
Suggested Stay: Cavallo Point
Sonoma County
You can’t explore Nor Cal without making a stop for wine tasting in Sonoma County. Santa Rosa is a great home base to explore amazing wineries – Patz & Hall and Gundlach Bundschu Winery are two of my favourites. Russian River Brewing Company is a great option if you’ve had enough wine tasting.
Suggested Stay: Vintners Resort
Where else can you paddle out in crystal clear waters overlooking snow-capped mountains on a sunny day in California? Not many places sum up a grand Alpine Lake experience quite like Tahoe.
Suggested Stay: Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Yosemite National Park
No trip to Northern California is complete without a visit to Yosemite . Make your way into the valley, park, and look up in awe at Half Dome, El Capitan, and the iconic Yosemite Falls.
Suggested Stay: The Ahwahnee Hotel
USA Itinerary: Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Weather can play an enormous role in your USA itinerary. Check the forecast before you leave, and pack for all seasons if you’re planning a longer itinerary in any season but summer.
- Summers get extremely hot in the USA. Bring lots of suntan lotion, lightweight clothing, and wide-brimmed hats.
- There are a lot of hotel options in the USA, but the most popular locations fill up fast on the weekends and in the summer. Book ahead for the best rates and the most options.
- If you’re visiting from outside the USA, apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization online well ahead of your holiday.
Read All USA Country Guides
Add these to Your USA Itinerary
- 55 Things You Should Have on Your USA Bucket List
- Ridin’ Along the West Coast – A Step by Step Itinerary
- The Ultimate California Road Trip
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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.
Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.
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The Best of Bali – Indonesia in 9 Days | Travel Itinerary + Guide
Unveil the enchanting allure of Bali , where vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights converge to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our meticulously crafted 9-day Bali travel itinerary , covering some of the best places to visit in Bali and the best things to do in Bali , invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of this Indonesian gem, exploring diverse locales that range from the cultural haven of Ubud to the beachside bliss of Seminyak .
Indulge in exhilarating outdoor adventures, savour authentic Balinese and international cuisine, and bask in the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re trekking at dawn to witness the sunrise from the majestic Mount Batur , relishing the laid-back island vibes of Gili Trawangan , or catching waves during a surfing lesson on Kuta Beach , Bali promises an extraordinary journey filled with unforgettable moments.
Join us as we guide you through the best sights, activities, and dining experiences that Bali has to offer, ensuring that your Bali getaway is not just a vacation but a remarkable odyssey. Discover why Bali is often referred to as the “ Island of the Gods ” as you explore its wonders day by day in this 9 Day Bali Trip Itinerary.
Welcome to your Bali adventure of a lifetime!
PS – Before you head to Bali and discover the beauty of the Top Sights and Attractions in Bali , during your 9 Day Bali Travel Itinerary , as listed below, check out these 20+ Travel Hacks and Resources , that will help you plan better for a trip and ultimately elevate your Travel experience to a different level all together.
Day 1 – Arrival | Dive into the Culture in Ubud
Day 2 – ubud | rice terraces and countryside cycling, day 3 – ubud | sunrise atop mount batur, day 4 – gili trawangan | island paradise, day 5 – gili trawangan | island adventures, day 6 – seminyak | beachside bliss and partying, day 7 – nusa penida day trip | instagrammable locations, day 8 – kuta beach | surfing adventure, day 9 – departure | farewell to bali, top sights and attractions in bali, eat these local dishes in bali, where to stay in bali, things to buy in bali – your bali shopping guide, ➡️ do indians need a visa for bali, ➡️ what’s the best time to visit bali, ➡️ what should i pack for bali, ➡️ what should i wear in bali, ➡️ is bali a safe destination for travellers, ➡️ what currency is used in bali, and where can i exchange money, ➡️ what are the must-visit attractions in bali, ➡️ is it safe to drink tap water in bali, ➡️ what’s the local language in bali, and do people speak english, ➡️ what are some of the most common terms and phrases in the local language in bali, ➡️ are there vegetarian and vegan food options in bali, ➡️ what are the best indian restaurants in bali, ➡️ what are the cultural norms and etiquette to follow in bali, ➡️ is bali an expensive destination for travellers, ➡️ can i use my credit card in bali, ➡️ how can i get around bali, ➡️ what should i do in case of a medical emergency in bali, 9 day bali travel itinerary – summarised, share this:, bali trip itinerary – 9 days in paradise.
- Morning: After landing at Bali Airport, make your way to Ubud. You can download GRAB or GoJek – the best travel planning mobile apps in South East Asia, and book your cheap taxi to Ubud from Bali Airport. After checking into your Ubud Hotel, you can Begin your Balinese adventure at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary . Wander among ancient temples and lush jungle while curious monkeys play around you.
- Afternoon: Dive into the heart of Ubud’s cultural scene by exploring its traditional markets, including the Ubud Art Market . Pick up unique handcrafted souvenirs and immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere.
- Evening: As the sun sets, head to the Ubud Palace for a mesmerising traditional Balinese dance performance.
Traditional Balinese Dance Performance at Ubud Palace ☑️
- Morning: Explore the breathtaking Tegallalang Rice Terraces . Stand in awe of the emerald green stepped fields that are iconic to Bali, and tick off the famous Bali Swing photoshoot here. Then make your way to a Coffee Plantation and try over 12 varieties of Coffee and Tea, including the World’s Most Expensive Coffee – Luwak Coffee, also known as cat poo coffee. You’ll also learn the different steps followed in the production of Luwak Coffee. The next stop will be for Brunch in Kintamani Bali overlooking the majestic Mount Kintamani Volcano.
- Afternoon: Post brunch, its time to feel the wind in your hair as you embark on a Bali Countryside Cycling Tour . Pedal through charming villages, lush rice fields, bamboo forests and meet friendly locals along the way. You will even get the chance to visit the village of Penglipuran , which has been rated as one of the Cleanest Villages in the World.
- Evening: Relish some free time for relaxation or choose to explore more of Ubud, perhaps visiting an art gallery or enjoying a spa treatment.
Get clicked at the Insta Famous Bali Swings ☑️
Bali Countryside Cycling Tour with a visit to Penglipuran Village and Bamboo Forest ☑️
- Early Morning: Begin your day with an adrenaline-pumping adventure – the famous Mt Batur Sunrise Trek . Watch as the sun paints the sky with vibrant hues while enjoying breakfast with a view.
- Late Morning: Descend from the volcano hike and return to your Ubud hotel for a well-deserved rest.
- Afternoon: If you’re up for more adventure, explore nearby attractions like the natural hot springs at Toya Devasya or go on the Tirta Empul Temple Tour by GetYourGuide.
- Evening: Head to the popular club – Cretya Ubud for an epic Sundowner and reflect on your incredible sunrise experience while enjoying a tranquil evening in Ubud.
Witness a glorious Sunrise from Mt Batur ☑️
- Morning: Travel from Ubud to Gili Trawangan by speedboat, where paradise awaits.
- Afternoon: On arrival in Gili Trawangan , make your way to your Gili Trawangan hotel, such as Gili Beachfront Suites , by walking or by hopping onto a cidmo *horse – drawn carriage). Post check in, take your time to soak in the beauty of Gili Trawangan. You can choose to just relax by the beach, or even jump into the crystal clear waters for a quick swim.
- Evening: Experience the island’s laid-back charm, vibrant night life and diverse cuisine at the Gili Trawangan night market or at any of the numerous lively Gili T bars and restaurants.
PS – The island of Gili Trawangan, is known as the Party Island, so be prepared to let yourself loose, and just party the night away.
Chill by the beach in Gili Trawangan overlooking pristine blue waters ☑️
Try out local Indonesian delicacies ☑️
- Morning: After a leisure breakfast go Scuba Diving in Gili Trawangan or hop on to a boat for the popular 3 island Snorkelling Tour . Don’t forget to check out the famous BASK Nest – the Gili Meno Underwater Statues.
- Afternoon: Explore the island’s charms on a bicycle, Indulge in more beach time or head towards the west side of Gili Trawangan for the best sunset vibes.
- Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife on Gili Trawangan. Dance under the stars and make new friends from around the world.
Scuba Diving in Gili Islands ☑️ | Finding Nemo ☑️
Sundowner in Gili Trawangan ☑️ | Shopping at Gili T Night Market ☑️
- Morning: Return to Bali by speedboat and head from Padang Bai to your Bali hotel in Seminyak/Kuta. Post check in, head to the beach and sink your toes into the golden sands and relax to the sound of the waves.
- Late Afternoon and Evening: Head to any of the popular and famous beach clubs of Bali such as Potato Head Beach Club. Soak into the vibes, enjoy the delectable dishes and craft fully concocted cocktails, as you enjoy a beautiful Bali Sunset. Post sundowner, the atmosphere of Potato Head Beach Club completely transforms, and becomes even more lively, making this one of the best things to do in Bali.
Sundowner at Potato Head Beach Club ☑️
- Morning: Get transferred from your hotel in Seminyak/Kuta to Sanur to embark on a thrilling ferry ride to Nusa Penida for the Nusa Penida Day Trip .
- Day Trip Highlights: Explore Angel’s Billabong – a natural infinity pool, Broken Beach – a surreal coastal formation, the mesmerising Kelingking Beach with its T-Rex shaped cliffs. and relax at Crystal Bay.
- Evening: Take the speedboat ferry back from Nusa Penida to Sanur, and Return to Seminyak/Kuta to enjoy a leisurely evening. Or you can head to the Seminyak Flea Market or the Kuta Beach Street to indulge in some shopping therapy.
Visit Kelingking Beach and other highlights of Nusa Penida ☑️
- Morning: Ride the waves with a surfing lesson at Kuta Beach . Bali is renowned for its surf culture, and Kuta is a fantastic place for beginners to catch their first waves.
- Afternoon and Evening: Use this time to just soak in the Bali vibes by the beach. Later in the afternoon head to another famous beach club of Bali – Finns Beach Club , for a couple of drinks and an epic Bali sunset. Party the night away on the last day of this Epic 9 Day Bali Travel Itinerary, whilst enjoying the sumptuous food, and artisanal cocktails.
Party at Finns Beach Club – The Best Beach Club in Bali ☑️ | Photo by shawnanggg on Unsplash
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, consider some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at the beach.
- Afternoon: Check out of your Bali hotel and head to the Bali Airport for your departure from this enchanting island.
After 9 beautiful days in paradise, this 9 Day Bali Travel Itinerary comes to an end. And it’s time to bid adieu to Bali, and fly out with with bucketloads of memories.
Pin this Bali Travel Itinerary and Guide and SAVE it for your Epic 9 Day Bali Trip.
- Uluwatu Temple: Explore this clifftop temple with dramatic views and attend the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset.
- Tanah Lot Temple: If time permits, do visit this iconic sea temple during low tide and add it to your Bali Travel Itinerary.
- Ubud Art Market: Browse art, textiles, and handicrafts made by local artisans.
- Tegenungan Waterfall: Take a refreshing dip in the pools beneath this beautiful waterfall near Ubud.
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: Explore another stunning rice terrace area, known for its UNESCO World Heritage status.
- Besakih Temple: Known as the Mother Temple of Bali , it’s the largest and holiest temple on the island, and should definitely find a spot on your 9 day Bali Travel Itinerary.
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – The iconic temple on the shores of Lake Beratan.
The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – One of the Most Iconic Attractions of Bali | Photo by Guillaume Marques on Unsplash
Bali offers a diverse and flavourful culinary scene that combines traditional Indonesian dishes with international influences. And while you can get delectable dishes from International Cuisines, easily in Bali, in this Bali Travel Guide and 9 Day Bali Travel Itinerary , we recommend you that you try the local Indonesian cuisine as well, and appreciate the local flavours and culture even more.
To make your life easy, here are some local dishes and delicacies you can relish in Bali, as experimenting local dishes is one of the Best Things to do in Bali :
1. Nasi Goreng (Balinese Fried Rice): Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian dish consisting of fried rice mixed with vegetables, egg, and a choice of chicken, shrimp, or seafood. It’s often garnished with prawn crackers and a fried egg. (Vegetarian option available.)
2. Mie Goreng (Balinese Fried Noodles): Mie Goreng is a delightful stir-fried noodle dish that includes vegetables, soy sauce, and your choice of protein. It’s a flavourful alternative to fried rice. (Vegetarian option available.)
3. Nasi Campur (Balinese Mixed Rice): Nasi Campur features a small serving of steamed rice accompanied by an array of side dishes, including vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and a protein of your choice. Presentation can vary widely. (Vegetarian option available.)
4. Ayam Betutu (Balinese Stuffed Chicken): Ayam Betutu is a Balinese specialty that involves stuffing chicken with a blend of traditional herbs and spices, wrapping it in banana leaves, and slow-cooking it to perfection.
5. Bebek Betutu (Balinese Stuffed Duck): Similar to Ayam Betutu, but duck is the star of this dish. It’s seasoned, marinated, and slow-cooked to create a rich and flavorful dish.
6. Nasi Padang (Sumatran Feast): While originally from Sumatra, you can find Nasi Padang restaurants in Bali. It’s a hearty meal consisting of rice served with a variety of small dishes, including meats, vegetables, and curries.
7. Sate (Balinese Skewers): Sate are skewered and grilled meats, often served with a delectable peanut sauce. Varieties include Sate Ayam (chicken), Sate Babi (pork), and Sate Lilit (minced seafood).
8. Lawar (Balinese Vegetable Mix): Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish featuring finely chopped vegetables, coconut, and minced meat or fish. It’s seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a burst of flavors.
9. Babi Guling (Balinese Roast Pig): Babi Guling is a Balinese-style roast pig, usually reserved for special occasions. The pig is marinated with turmeric and spices, resulting in a flavorful and crispy skin.
10. Pisang Goreng (Balinese Banana Fritters): Pisang Goreng is a beloved snack made from deep-fried banana fritters, often dusted with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. (Vegetarian)
11. Dadar Gulung (Balinese Green Pancakes): Dadar Gulung is a delightful dessert comprising green crepes rolled around a sweet coconut and palm sugar filling. It’s a visually appealing and delicious treat.(Vegetarian)
12. Kopi Tubruk (Balinese Coffee): Enjoy Balinese coffee, often served with palm sugar, known for its robust flavor and aroma, making it a must-try for coffee aficionados.
13. Es Campur (Balinese Mixed Ice): Satisfy your sweet tooth with Es Campur, a refreshing dessert that combines crushed ice with a medley of fruits, jellies, and sweet syrup.
Indulge in these mouthwatering Balinese dishes to savour the diverse and delectable flavours of this Indonesian paradise. Bali’s culinary scene offers a delightful blend of tastes and textures that cater to a wide range of palates.
Experiment with Local Flavours of Bali ☑️
Bali, which is one of the best solo trip destinations in South East Asia , is known for its rich culture and craftsmanship, making it a fantastic destination for souvenir shopping.
Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Bali, that we recommend in this Bali Travel Itinerary and 9 Day Bali trip guide:
- Balinese Handicrafts: Bali is famous for its intricate woodcarvings, stone carvings, and silver work. You can find beautifully carved masks, statues, and figurines that represent Balinese culture and mythology.
- Batik Fabric: Batik is a traditional Indonesian art of dyeing fabric. You can purchase batik clothing, sarongs, scarves, and tablecloths in vibrant colours and patterns.
- Jewellery : Bali is renowned for its silver jewellery. You can find exquisite silver necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings often featuring Balinese motifs and intricate designs.
- Traditional Balinese Paintings: Balinese artists create vibrant and colorful paintings that depict scenes from Balinese mythology, landscapes, and daily life. These make for beautiful wall art and souvenirs.
- Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets): Wayang Kulit are traditional Indonesian shadow puppets made of intricately carved leather. They are used in traditional performances and can be a unique and decorative souvenir.
- Traditional Masks: Balinese masks are not only beautiful but also have cultural significance. They are used in dances and ceremonies. A Balinese mask can be a striking decorative piece for your home.
- Luwak Coffee: Bali is known for its coffee, and Luwak coffee is a specialty. It’s made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats. The unique processing gives it a distinctive flavor.
- Spices and Seasonings: Balinese spices and seasonings, such as vanilla beans, cloves, and nutmeg, are of high quality and make excellent souvenirs for food enthusiasts.
- Traditional Balinese Textiles: Apart from batik, Bali also produces ikat and songket textiles. These can be purchased as fabric or in the form of clothing, bags, or accessories.
- Bali Fragrances: Bali is known for its fragrances, including incense, essential oils, and aromatic soaps. You can find unique scents like frangipani and sandalwood.
- Bali Coffee and Tea: Alongside Luwak coffee, you can buy a variety of locally grown coffee and tea as souvenirs. These come in attractive packaging and make for great gifts.
- Bali Bamboo Products: Bali is known for its sustainable bamboo products, including homeware, utensils, and even bamboo straws, which are eco-friendly and stylish.
When shopping for souvenirs in Bali, consider visiting local markets, art shops, and galleries to find authentic and high-quality items. Bargaining is common in markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate the price to get the best deal.
Shopping in Bali ☑️
Bali Travel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Answered
Travellers from India often have specific questions when planning a trip to Bali, given the cultural differences, visa requirements, and other considerations.
Here are some common FAQs related to Bali specially for Indian travellers:
Indian citizens can visit Bali with a Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days for tourism purposes. If you plan to stay longer, you may need to apply for a visa extension. You don’t need to show any documentation, you simply have to hand over your Passport along with the Bali Visa on Arrival (VoA) fees of 35 USD, at the Bali Immigration Counter.
Bali’s dry season, from April to September, is considered the best time to visit, with pleasant weather and lower chances of rain. However, Bali is a year-round destination, so the choice of when to visit depends on your preferences.
Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a universal power adapter, mosquito repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.
Bali is a tropical destination, so lightweight and comfortable clothing is recommended. Modest clothing is appreciated when visiting temples, and it’s important to pack swimwear for beach activities.
Bali is generally safe for tourists. Exercise the same caution as you would in any other tourist destination, such as safeguarding your belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night.
The currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). You can exchange money at airports, banks, or currency exchange offices in tourist areas.
Bali offers numerous attractions, including the Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terraces , Uluwatu Temple, and stunning beaches like Kuta Beach and Seminyak Beach. Check here for more of the Best Sights and Attractions in Bali.
It’s best to drink bottled water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Bottled water is readily available and affordable.
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, but many Balinese people working in the tourism industry speak English. Learning a few basic Indonesian phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
When traveling to Bali, it’s helpful to know some common terms and phrases in the local language, which is Bahasa Indonesia. While many people in Bali also speak English, using a few local phrases can enhance your travel experience and show respect for the local culture. Here are some common terms and phrases:
- Selamat Pagi (seh-LAH-maht PAH-gee) – Good morning.
- Selamat Siang (seh-LAH-maht SEE-ahng) – Good afternoon.
- Selamat Sore (seh-LAH-maht SOH-ray) – Good evening.
- Selamat Malam (seh-LAH-maht MAH-lahm) – Good night.
- Apa Kabar? (AH-pah KAH-bar) – How are you?
- Baik (BAH-eek) – Good, fine.
- Terima Kasih (tuh-REE-mah KAH-see) – Thank you.
- Sama Sama (SAH-mah SAH-mah) – You’re welcome.
- Permisi (pehr-MEE-see) – Excuse me.
- Maaf (MAH-ahf) – Sorry.
- Tidak (TEE-dahk) – No.
- Ya (YAH) – Yes.
- Tolong (TOH-lohng) – Please.
- Sampai Jumpa (SAHM-pahy JOOM-pah) – Goodbye.
- Saya (SAH-yah) – I, me.
- Nama Saya (NAH-mah SAH-yah) – My name is…
- Bisa bicara Bahasa Inggris? (BEE-sah BEE-CHAHR-ah BAH-hah-sah ING-griss?) – Can you speak English?
- Di mana…? (DEE MAH-nah) – Where is…?
- Berapa harganya? (BEH-rah-pah HAR-gah-nyah?) – How much is it?
- Tolong bantu saya (TOH-lohng BAHN-too SAH-yah) – Please help me.
- Ini enak (EE-nee EH-nahk) – This is delicious.
- Boleh minta bon? (BOH-leh MEEN-tah bohn?) – Can I have the bill/check?
Learning and using these basic phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and make your trip to Bali more enjoyable. Indonesians generally appreciate when travellers make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words.
Yes, Bali offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan restaurants and menu options, especially in popular tourist areas like Ubud and Seminyak.
Travellers can find a variety of Indian restaurants in Bali, including in popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. Indian cuisine is widely available, and many restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Here are our recommendations about The Best Indian Restaurants in Bali –
Ubud – Queen’s of India | Warung Ganesha | Ganesha Ek Sanskriti
Gili Trawangan – Pesona Lounge
Seminyak / Kuta – Indian Delites | Queen’s Tandoor | Kailash Parbat | Gateway of India | Spice Mantraa
Balinese culture values politeness and respect. It’s important to dress modestly when visiting temples, remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, and be mindful of local customs and traditions.
Bali is one of the most popular budget travel destinations in the World, and is quite affordable, specially for Indian travellers, especially when compared to some other international destinations. Accommodation, food, and transportation options vary, so budget-conscious travellers can find suitable options.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Bali, especially in tourist areas. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in more remote areas.
Transportation options in Bali include taxis, ride-sharing apps, rental scooters, and private drivers. Be sure to negotiate taxi fares before starting your journey. We recommend you to download the best travel planning app in Bali – GRAB or GoJek.
Bali has medical facilities, but it’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. In case of an emergency, contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.
We hope that the FAQs, shared here in this Bali Travel Itinerary, should help everyone, specially Indian travellers plan a smoother and more enjoyable trip to Bali. It’s always a good idea to stay updated on travel advisories and guidelines, especially in light of changing conditions.
The Beauty of Tegallalang Rice Fields in Ubud | Photo by Frans Daniels on Unsplash
✴️ Day 1 – Arrival in Bali | Airport transfer from Bali Airport to Ubud | Check In at Ubud Hotel | Visit Monkey Forest Ubud and explore the traditional markets of Ubud including the Ubud Art Market
✴️ Day 2 – Visit Tegallalang Rice fields and tick off the Bali Swing experience | Enjoy brunch at Kintamani Bali overlooking the Kintamani Volcano | Bali Countryside Cycle Tour | Leisure time in Ubud
✴️ Day 3 – Wake up at 2 AM to get picked up for the Mt Batur Sunrise Trek | Relax at the Ubud hotel | Optional visit to Tirta Empul temple | Sundowner at Cretya Ubud
✴️ Day 4 – Transfer from Ubud to Padang Bai Harbour | Speedboat transfer from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan | Check in at hotel in Gili Trawangan | Day at leisure | Chase the famous Gili sunsets and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Gili T
✴️ Day 5 – Go Scuba Diving in Gili Islands or do the 3 island Snorkelling Tour | Day at Leisure | Sundowner by the Beach | Visit the Gili Trawangan Night Market for local dinner.
✴️ Day 6 – Speedboat transfer from Gili T to Padang Bai harbour | Transfer from Padang Bai to your Bali hotel in Seminyak/Kuta | Check in at Hotel in Seminyak/Kuta | Day at leisure | Sundowner at Potato Head Beach Club
✴️ Day 7 – Transfer to Sanur from hotel | Speedboat from Sanur to Nusa Penida | Nusa Penida Day Trip | Return to Sanur and evening at leisure | Shopping at Seminyak Flea Market / Kuta Beach Road
✴️ Day 8 – Surfing lesson at Kuta Beach | Day at leisure | Evening at Finns Beach Club
✴️ Day 9 – Transfer from Seminyak/Kuta to Bali Airport | Departure from Bali by flight
This meticulously designed Bali trip itinerary combines cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and beachside bliss to make your Bali experience truly magical. Let Bali’s charm enchant you, leaving you with lasting impressions of this remarkable destination. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on the adventure of a lifetime – Bali awaits your arrival!
Pin this Bali Travel Itinerary and Guide and SAVE it for your Epic 9 Day Trip to Bali.
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10 Free Travel Itinerary Templates for Your Next Trip in Google Docs, Excel, & Word
Content Partnership Specialist
March 6, 2024
There are a lot of things that go into planning a trip.
From scheduling flights, booking hotels and car rentals, planning activities, and ensuring all of them fit within your timeline and budget too!
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply someone looking to create an organized travel schedule for your upcoming trip, then you should consider using an itinerary template.
Itinerary templates help you organize your activities, manage your time , calculate your expenses, give you a breakdown of all your important travel information before a trip, and help you make the most out of your business trip or vacation.
Head over to the sections below to find out what makes a good itinerary template, and discover 10 free templates you can use to help you plan your next trip! 🏝️
What is an Itinerary Template?
What makes a good travel itinerary template, 1. clickup business travel itinerary template, 2. clickup vacation planning travel itinerary template, 3. clickup event planning itinerary template, 4. clickup 24 hour itinerary template, 5. clickup basic agenda template, 6. clickup conference itinerary template, 7. clickup board meeting agenda template, 8. excel vacation itinerary template, 9. google docs travel itinerary template, 10. microsoft word business trip itinerary template.
An itinerary is a document that outlines all of the details of your trip, from your flight and hotel reservations to your planned activities and budget, to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
That said, trip planners should turn to itinerary templates to give you ready-to-use and organized fill-in-the-blank pages that you can use for every type of trip.
Itinerary templates can help business and leisure travelers:
- Save time, plan more effectively, and provide an organized format for all the important details of their trip
- Have a digital planner to keep track of all the details they need to consider when planning their travel, such as dates and locations, transportation and accommodations, and activities
- Get quick access to all of the necessary details in one place
- Help manage last-minute changes more effectively
Think of these free itinerary templates as your personal travel agent assistant. They’re there to assist you with planning the most important parts of your trip, so you spend more time enjoying the moment than worrying about what’s next and how you’re getting there.
Moreover, creating a detailed travel itinerary is beneficial if you’re visiting a new city or country you’ve never been to before.
So what should a travel itinerary look like? Let’s take a look!
There are several types of itinerary templates for different occasions. The most commonly used and sought templates are for business trips, vacations, event planning, and global and domestic travels.
And while there are many types of itinerary templates out there, the best ones offer the following basic elements:
- Have clear and concise language
- Organized and easy-to-read format
- Customizable and easy to edit
- Easily accessible and sharable
And if you need to shift your plans around due to unexpected changes, a solid travel itinerary template should offer the flexibility to let you make changes without compromising the flow of your trip. It also shouldn’t require you to start your travel itinerary from scratch.
Ultimately, these templates should help you create a personalized travel itinerary, save time, and stay organized to help you become a better planner.
Speaking of which—here are 10 hand-picked travel itinerary templates that can help you with that! Each one offers a unique format and features. Check them one by one to see which templates suit your needs the best.
10 Travel Itinerary Templates
Traveling for work?
This Business Travel Itinerary Template by ClickUp can help you get all your important travel details and work schedules, all in one place.
Easily notate your travel dates, hotel information, flight number, and other important information in an organized and easy-to-follow format in ClickUp Docs . If you have multiple travel plans or want to keep your past and future travel itinerary docs in one place, then simply add nested pages under one Doc to keep everything neatly organized and accessible.
And because ClickUp Docs allow you to have full control of sharing permissions and privacy, you can keep your pages private to protect your personal information or securely share them with selected people via a link.
Best of all, ClickUp is available on the mobile app , so you can take your itinerary template wherever you go and access it any time of the day.
Use this free travel itinerary template to streamline your business travel planning process and establish a consistent standard itinerary that you can use again and again.
Planning a road trip or exploring a new city?
Whatever type of vacation you’re planning for, this Vacation Planning Travel Itinerary Template by ClickUp can help you create a visual roadmap of your planned activities.
With this free travel itinerary template, you’ll be able to plan your destinations, use ClickUp Custom Fields to add important details such as hotel addresses, type of activity, hours of operation, travel time, accommodations, reservations, and so on to ensure you’re on the right track to hit all the spots you have planned to visit on your trip!
Additionally, this template allows you to visualize your road trip itinerary in Map view, as shown above, and other views in ClickUp, such as List, Embed Board, and Doc view. Each custom view offers a unique look at your travel itinerary to help you visualize and organize your plans in the best way that works for you.
Use these vacation planning templates to give you the structure and organization you need to plan your next trip and have a stress-free getaway!
Whether you’re born with natural event planning skills or perhaps someone who’s looking to get better at it, this Event Planning Itinerary Template by ClickUp can help you plan your next events with ease!
This event planning itinerary template includes three highly visual ClickUp Views that can be customized for any need, from organizing and scheduling event dates on a List and Board to drag-and-drop planning on a Calendar.
Each view provides pre-built Custom Fields, which allow you and your team to add important details, such as progress percentage bars, payment status, due dates, budget status, and more. You can also create Custom Task Statuses to help identify the stage each task is, keeping everyone in the loop on where each task stands at all times.
You can download the app on your mobile device to access your tasks regardless of your event’s location, and use this itinerary template to help you become a pro at planning events and start managing all of your business operations, teams, and event planning —all in one place.
Sometimes, it’s best to take things day by day, especially when your workload and to-do lists are getting out of hand.
Seize the day and stay productive (and motivated) by turning to the 24 Hours Itinerary Template in ClickUp to guide you when creating your daily schedule!
This free itinerary template includes pre-built Custom Fields and Custom Task Statuses to help you easily plan and visualize your daily tasks. And because those features are fully customizable, you can edit and add whatever fields and statuses work best for your workflow.
Use this template to assist you with daily planning , so you easily view all of your to-dos, stay focused on what’s on your plate each day, and make the most of every day!
Meetings are a great way to sync with people in real time.
However, without a proper agenda, you might forget to discuss important matters, lose control of the meeting flow, and veer off track, leaving the attendees with more questions than answers or thinking, “this could’ve been an email.” 😅
Don’t let that happen to you!
Whether you’re hosting a face-to-face or virtual meeting, having a prepared agenda beforehand keeps your meetings productive and helps make the most of your attendee’s time— the free Agenda Template by ClickUp can help you prep for your next meeting.
This template provides you with sections for your meeting details, participants, and so much more. And because this template is available ClickUp Docs, you can easily format the page to support any type of meeting , embed links to add more details to your agenda, and easily share it with your team before the meeting so they can come prepared with insights or questions.
Use this itinerary template to help you plan and keep your next meetings productive!
Planning a conference and need a conference agenda template ?
This Conference Itinerary Template by ClickUp can help you create, visualize, and manage your events all in one centralized place.
This template offers pre-built views, such as Box, Calendar, and List view, and Custom Fields and Custom Task Statuses to allow you to create your ideal itinerary for your event. Moreover, you can add custom tags to your tasks to add another layer of organization to your itinerary and add new Custom Fields to keep your tasks as detailed as possible as you plan your live or virtual conference events .
And if you need help getting started, no problem. It comes with a Getting Started Guide to help you get familiarized with the template and serve as a guide to help you plan your next event !
A meeting agenda is a must, especially for board meetings.
The Board Meeting Agenda Template in ClickUp offers pre-built Custom Fields to help board members and leadership create a high-level and organized meeting agenda, and run productive meetings. You may also add single or multiple assignees to each task and subtask to clearly note who’s responsible for completing the task or presenting the topics and check them off the list as each task or topic has been discussed to easily track and note what is yet to be completed.
Use this itinerary template to help you create an organized meeting agenda , keep everyone in the loop ahead of the meeting, and promote open discussion among all participants, which can lead to stronger decisions and better outcomes.
If you’re an Excel user, then this template is for you.
Microsoft Excel offers a handy Vacation Itinerary template that you can use to organize all of your trip details. Whether you want to start a road trip itinerary with friends or a personalized itinerary of your full trip, this trip itinerary template includes entries for flight information, lodging, emergency contacts, activities, and so on.
Once you’ve filled out the template with the details of your trip, simply save it on your computer or print it to take a physical copy of your itinerary with you or leave a copy for your friends and family while you’re away on your vacation.
If you like keeping things simple when planning your trips, then this travel itinerary template will work for what you need.
This template allows you to add and edit your travel details, such as destinations, transportation, lodging, and what you need to pack for your trip, in organized tables in Google Docs (where you can also connect to Google Sheets).
This is one of the many customizable templates that’s free to download. Save it on your computer or print a copy to take with you!
Keep your business trips as stress-free as possible by creating a detailed flight itinerary, meeting schedule, and more all on one page. Use Microsoft Word’s Business Trip Itinerary template to keep track of important dates, departure and arrival times, destination addresses, phone numbers, travel time, and other notes about each item on your itinerary.
Start Planning Your Next Trip with Travel Itinerary Templates
When it comes to planning trips, having an itinerary is key.
But we get it. Making a detailed itinerary can be quite time-consuming. That’s why using an itinerary template can be such a great tool! Stay organized and use the templates we provided above as a starting point for creating your own customized itinerary for your upcoming trips and events.
And if you’re a fan of customizations, then you’ll click well with ClickUp.
It offers a fully customizable platform with hundreds of features and templates to give you the power to create a personalized experience, connect all your notes and work together, and build a workflow and itineraries that work for you.
Get access to ClickUp’s customizable templates for free today, and start getting excited about planning your next event!
Bon voyage! 👋
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Ultimate USA Itinerary Planner & Travel Guide
Planning a trip to the United States of America and looking for USA itinerary Ideas? Whether you are planning a 2-week long US trip or a 3-week long trip, we have got you covered. Use our USA Itinerary planner to see the country from coast to coast. See epic attractions along the East Coast including Niagara Falls and New York City then head to the West Coast to enjoy beach life in California. Read now for great itinerary ideas to explore America. You might also like our post on Best Places to Visit in the USA .
Welcome to our ultimate USA trip planner!
We created this USA Itinerary Planner to help you plan the ultimate American trip. It contains all essential information including which places to visit, how to travel around the USA, sample itineraries, where to stay, what to eat, budgets and costs, etc.
Here you will find recommendations for a variety of USA trips whether you plan to fly, take a bus, or road trip around the country. Whether you are a first-time visitor or planning a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th trip to the country we have ideas for most well-known destinations to the hidden gems in the country.
Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full Disclosure here. Thank you!
“This is America … a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.” — George H.W. Bush
Here is our guide to planning the perfect USA Itinerary around your favorite attractions.
Where to Visit in the USA
The USA is vast and diverse. You really need to know where you want to go to plan the perfect trip. Otherwise, a lot of your time will be spent traveling from one destination to another with very little time to actually explore the cities and natural areas. To read the most popular destinations to visit in the USA, read our post on USA Travel Bucket List .
Most people usually start planning a USA trip with their favorite cities on the East Coast or the West Coast. The USA is home to many vibrant cities including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle. You can read more about the best cities in the country in our post 22 Best City Breaks in the USA .
The USA also has stunning natural beauty. We recommend visiting at least one of the country’s most popular national parks to experience wildlife, hiking, and outdoor activities in the country. Some of the USA National Parks that are frequently visited by international visitors include Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park .
How to Travel around the USA
If you are planning a trip around the major cities in the country, then you can either fly or take a bus during your USA trip. Amtrak Trains are also a good option while visiting certain areas. However, if you are planning to visit national parks and outdoor areas, then consider a road trip across the USA.
If flying domestically in the US, then consider budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier. The tickets are usually cheapest if you book in advance and fly on weekdays, especially Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
The US also has great bus service in certain regions like the Northeast, Midwest, and California. Bus operators like Greyhound and Megabus operate buses between popular cities. The journeys are often overnight which means you can save on hotels if traveling via an overnight bus.
Amtrak operates the trains in the USA. Traveling within the USA by train is neither cheap nor fast. However, it is definitely a scenic option especially along routes like the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago. Amtrak has Rail Passes which you can use to get down and explore attractions for multiple days before reboarding the train.
However, one of our favorite ways to get around the country is via road trips. The USA is made for road tripping. Americans love taking road trips and you can rent cars, SUVs, and even RVs for your road trip. Read our post on Best Road Trips in the USA to learn about iconic road trips in the country.
1 Week in USA Itinerary Ideas
While a week is a very short time to explore the country, there are many small trips that you can take in a week. We have divided these trips mostly by region – you can definitely cover the highlights of a US region in 7 days. Here are a couple of different 1 week USA Itinerary Ideas – click the names of the destinations to read in-depth articles on the best things to do in the cities and national parks:
Itinerary 1: Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco
This itinerary may be just a week-long but it covers 4 major highlights of the country: Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. You can complete this as a road trip or as a flying itinerary.
Las Vegas – 2 Days
Las Vegas or Sin City is famous for its casinos and gambling. Besides gambling, Las Vegas also has many free attractions including the Bellagio Fountains, the Mirage Volcano, Eiffel Tower, etc. With two days in the city, you have enough time to explore Vegas nightlife and see a show or two. You can also explore outdoor Las Vegas: there are many natural areas close to Las Vegas including Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Recreation Area, and Seven Magic Mountains.
Grand Canyon – 1 Day
The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world. This beautiful landscape is the result of years of erosion carried out by the Colorado River. You can easily see the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas. While you won’t have time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park, you can see the Grand Canyon Skywalk at the West Rim. Book day tours to the Grand Canyon here.
Los Angeles – 2 Days
Next head to Los Angeles in California. Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, America’s film industry and there are a lot of things to do in the city for movie buffs. See the stars on the sidewalk on Hollywood Blvd, take a photo with the Hollywood sign, take a behind the scenes tour at Warner Bros Inc, and take thrilling movie-inspired rides at Universal Studios. Los Angeles also has many museums and is a great place for foodies.
San Francisco – 2 Days
After seeing Los Angeles, visit the northern California city of San Francisco . See America’s icon – the Golden Gate Bridge . Spend time at Fisherman’s Wharf, see the twisting Lombard Street, and visit the notorious island of Alcatraz. Take a day trip to Napa Valley to tour wineries and go wine tasting or visit Muir Woods National Monument to see the coastal redwoods.
Itinerary 2: Chicago NYC Philadelphia
In this Midwest & East Coast itinerary, you will be visiting some of our favorite cities in the USA. You will be seeing beautiful architecture, visit impressive museums, spend time in grand urban parks, and eat delicious food. You will also be squeezing in a day trip to Niagara Falls, one of the best attractions in the USA.
Chicago – 2 Days
Chicago is the jewel of the Midwest. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is home to famous architects and impressive architecture. To see the most beautiful buildings in the city, take the Chicago River Architectural Cruise. Spend some time at Millenium Park and enjoy its attractions including the Cloud Gate sculpture and the Crown Fountain. Go shopping at Magnificent Mile and eat Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza.
Niagara Falls – 1 Day
From Chicago, fly to Niagara Falls, located on the border of the US and Canada. Niagara Falls are actually a group of 3 falls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The stunning falls are a year-round travel destination and they look beautiful even when frozen in winter. In summer, take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to see the falls from up close. The falls also look beautiful when they are illuminated at night.
New York City – 2 Days
After seeing Niagara Falls, visit New York City – one of the best cities in the world. New York is the capital of fashion, finance, culture, art, and food. Spend a couple of days exploring the city. Visit the touristy Times Square and eat at the cafes in Greenwich Village. See the city from above at the Empire State Building and take a stroll in Central Park. See the city’s famous museums including the Met, American Museum of History, and MoMa. On your second day, see the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island.
Philadelphia – 2 Days
Last, visit the historic city of Philadelphia. Begin your visit at the Independence National Historic Park. This is where the country came into being and where the most important monuments to liberty and democracy are located. See the iconic Liberty Bell and tour Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the must-visit attractions in the US. Other things to do in Philadelphia include the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the ‘Rocky’ movie steps, the Love sculpture, City Hall, and the Reading Terminal Market which is famous for its many eateries.
Itinerary 3: Southwest road trip
This road trip will take you through the best attractions of the American Southwest. Expect to see stunning natural landscapes of gorges, canyons, and deserts on this amazing trip. Camp to lower your budget and to stay closer to nature. At every turn, you will be treated to photogenic vistas and unique indigenous cultures. Read our post on Vegas Zion Bryce Grand Canyon road trip to plan a trip along these attractions.
Las Vegas is the ultimate starting point for an American Southwest road trip. Fly into Sin City and explore the attractions of the Las Vegas strip. Enjoy the unique attractions of Vegas like the roller coaster at New York New York, musical fountains of Bellagio, the volcano at Mirage, nightlife, gambling, and more at night. By day, explore the desert of Nevada. Hike at Red Rock Canyon State Park and drive the scenic route around Lake Mead. Tour the Hoover Dam and check out the museums in Las Vegas.
Zion National Park – 1 Day
Then drive to Zion National Park in southwest Utah. Zion is located just 2 hours away from Las Vegas and can be easily seen during one day. The best way to see Zion is to take the park shuttle, which goes along the Zion Scenic Drive. You will be able to see breathtaking views of Zion’s deep red canyon walls and the Virgin River that flows through the canyon. Zion has many hiking trails but to hike the most popular trails of Angel’s Landing and the Narrows you will need more than a day.
Bryce Canyon National Park – 1 Day
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in the country. Bryce is famous for its deep red – crimson hoodoo rock formations. These spire-shaped narrow rock formations are formed due to weathering action by wind, snow, and water. You can easily see the hoodoos in the area known as the Bryce Amphitheatre. Take a walk along the Rim Trail to see the hoodoos from above or descend down into the depression along the Navajo Loop Trail to see the most famous hoodoos.
Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend – 1 Day
After seeing Bryce Canyon National Park, head over to Page, Arizona to see the famous Antelope Canyons . The two slot canyons of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons are famous the world over for their striking beauty and vivid colors. You can see them both on guided tours. The tour through Lower Antelope Canyon is more strenuous than the one through Upper and requires some climbing. Pick the Upper Canyon if you have small kids or are not physically fit. After seeing Antelope Canyon, see another Page attraction – Horseshoe Bend. From the observation area, you can see a panoramic view of the Horseshoe shaped bend in the Colorado River.
Monument Valley – 1 Day
From Page, drive further east towards Monument Valley. This landscape of red sand desert and weathered rock formations located along the Arizona Utah border is one of the highlights of this road trip. Drive along the 17 mile Valley Drive to see the towering sandstone buttes and take iconic photographs.
Grand Canyon National Park – 1 Day
Finally, make your way to the Grand Canyon National Park. Drive to the South Rim and Grand Canyon Village to see the best views of the Grand Canyon. If it is too crowded, take the park shuttle. Visit the Visitor Center for exhibits, souvenirs, and movies about the Grand Canyon. Take the scenic Desert View Drive to the Desert View Watchtower for iconic views. Hike into the Grand Canyon to enjoy its beauty from different vantage points.
Itinerary 4 – Pacific Coast Highway, California
This stunning road trip will take you along the highlights of California. See the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco and drive through the stunning natural area of Big Sur. This drive is said to be the best road trip in the world. Finish your trip with a visit to the famous Yosemite National Park. Check our post on Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary to plan this trip.
Los Angeles – 2 Day
Start your visit by flying into Los Angeles . Movie buffs can take a stroll along Hollywood Walk of Fame or take a movie studio tour or tour celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. Culture enthusiasts can visit LA’s top museums including the Broad, La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA, Petersen Automotive Museum, and the Getty Center. If you have kids, spend a day in Anaheim at the Disney parks.
Big Sur – 2 Day
Take the Pacific Coast Highway up north to Big Sur . Along the way, you will pass California’s iconic coastal cities of Malibu and Santa Barbara and drive alongside small beachside communities of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. In Big Sur, visit the highlights of McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery, Pfeiffer Beach, and Big Sur Village. Then drive north along Monterey and Half Moon Bay to San Francisco.
San Francisco – 2 Day
Enjoy Northern California’s mild climates and foggy coastline in San Francisco , the city by the bay. See the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from Vista Point and ride a cable car to Chinatown. Eat some dim sums and egg tarts in Chinatown. Walk down twisting Lombard Street and buy chocolates in Ghirardelli Square. Admire the view from Twin Peaks and take a cruise to the former federal prison on Alcatraz Island.
Yosemite – 1 Day
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, Yosemite has stunning mountain beauty. Visiting Yosemite is a must while visiting California. While one day is not enough to explore all of Yosemite’s attractions, you can see the highlights and tour the Yosemite Valley in that time frame. A ranger-led 2 hours tour of the Valley is your best option to see Yosemite in a day. On the tour, you can see Yosemite Falls and the granite rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome. If you have time, hike in the Yosemite Valley and take photos of the national park.
Itinerary 5: Best of Florida
If you want to spend your 1 week in the USA exploring Florida, then use this itinerary. Start your trip in Orlando and visit a theme park. Then visit Miami and relax at South Beach. See the architecture on Ocean Drive and visit Little Havana. Then make the trip down to Key West via Overseas Highway. Finally, visit Everglades National Park and take an airboat tour. See our post on Miami to Key West Drive: 25 Awesome Stops along the way to plan this trip.
Orlando – 2 Days
Orlando is one of the best places to start your USA trip. The city has over a dozen theme parks. Our favorite is ’The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ at Universal Studios. There are also 5 Disney Parks in Orlando including the popular Walt Disney World. There are also many other things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks. You can take a stroll through the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens and admire the wildlife at Central Florida Zoo. Explore the many different neighborhoods and sample a variety of cuisines.
Miami – 2 Days
After exploring Orlando, head down to spend 2 days in Miami . Start your visit at the iconic attraction of Miami Beach. Get some Florida sun and swim in the water. Wander around the Arts Deco district and see the murals at Wynwood Mall. Shop and eat by the waterfront at Bayside Marketplace. For a unique attraction, stroll through the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. End your visit in Little Havana where you can try Cuban cuisine and understand the Cuban culture.
Key West – 2 Days
Then take Florida’s Overseas Highway to Key West. The drive is about 4 hours but there are many attractions along the way. Stop in communities like Islamorada and Key Largo. Eat fresh seafood and go snorkeling and scuba diving on the coral reefs. Then make way for Key West. Key West is the southernmost point in the Continental US. The city has a chilled Caribbean vibe. Tour Old Town Key West, visit Hemingway House Museum and take a picture at the southernmost point Buoy. Attend the sunset celebrations in Mallory Square and party on Duval Street. If you have more time, visit Dry Tortugas National Park .
Everglades National Park – 1 Day
On your way back to Miami or Orlando, visit Everglades National Park. Homestead, which is located just an hour south of Miami, is the gateway to Everglades National Park. In Everglades, you will find a wetland of swamps, marshes, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies. The best way to experience Everglades National Park is on an airboat tour. During the tour, you can see manatees, alligators, deer, fox, bobcats, and birds like ospreys and cranes.
Itinerary 6 – Chicago Mt. Rushmore Road Trip
While most of the trips above could be done without driving, a road trip is the only way to experience these Midwestern attractions. This trip is definitely one of the hidden gems in the US and not many visitors come here on a first visit. However, to experience the heart of the country – the Midwest bread bowl – go on this road trip in the Black Hills of South Dakota . We assure you, you will have the time of your life!
Start on this road trip in Chicago . Experience iconic attractions of the Windy City including the Bean at Millennium Park, the Museum Campus, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Navy Pier. See Chicago from top of the Willis Tower and experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture in Oak Park. Eat Chicago style hotdog and deep-dish pizza before hitting the open roads to South Dakota.
Sioux Falls – 1 Day
First, stop at Sioux Falls. Visit the Falls Park where you can see the Big Sioux River cascade over limestone bluffs. The park also has a historic mill and an observation tower. See the murals in downtown Sioux Falls before visiting the Corn Palace in Mitchell . This stunning palace is made of corn murals and is created anew every year. Inside the corn palace, you can see photos of previous corn palaces and tributes to corn farmers. This unique roadside attraction is definitely worth a visit while in South Dakota.
Badlands National Park – 2 Days
Next, visit the bizarre and dramatic landscape of Badlands National Park . Formed as a result of erosion, the national park is filled with unique rock formations consisting of buttes, spires, and canyons. To explore Badlands, drive along the scenic Badlands Loop Road and go hiking in the park. Badlands also has a lot of wildlife. On a visit to the park, you can view bison, coyotes, mountain goats, prairie dogs, deer, and more. You can also see fossils of animals that lived in the area long ago including mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and more.
Custer State Park – 1 Day
Custer State Park is the largest state park in the country and one of our favorites. You can do hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in the park . Custer has 4 mountain lakes which are perfect for lakeside strolls and activities on the water. Custer State Park is also famous for its scenic drives. The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is located in the park and includes 3 smaller drives. On the Custer Wildlife Loop Road, you will find lots of bison, burros, and deer. Needles Highway has the stunning needle formations on both sides while Iron Mountain Road has three tunnels and an iconic view of Mt. Rushmore.
Mt. Rushmore National Memorial – 1 Day
For the last part of your trip, visit Mt. Rushmore National Memorial . Here you can see the faces of 4 US presidents – Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln – carved in stone. The monument is lit at night and looks impressive. Hike the Presidential Trail to go closer to the sculptures and spot wildlife including mountain goat and deer. Visit the on-site museum to learn more about the sculptures and their sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Do not forget to see nearby Crazy Horse Memorial to know more about the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse while visiting the Black Hills. Read our post on Ultimate South Dakota road trip to plan this route.
We hope you liked our epic USA Itinerary Planner. Let us know if you have any questions.
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How to Plan the Perfect New Zealand Itinerary
Home » Blog » New Zealand » How to Plan the Perfect New Zealand Itinerary
With miles of jaw-dropping landscapes and experiences, it can be hard to decide how to plan for a trip to New Zealand. We’re walking you through how to put together the perfect New Zealand itinerary based on our travels.
New Zealand is truly one of our favorite countries to explore. And if you know me, you know how hard it is for me to choose favorites.
The relatively small island nation is home to an astounding variety of scenery: lush forests, snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, ancient glaciers, stunning coastlines, rugged fjords, and rolling farmland.
There are tons of activities to get your adrenaline pumping in the “Adventure Capital of the World”. You can go caving, hiking, skydiving, skiing, climbing, bungee jumping, jet boating, swimming with dolphins, camping… just to name a few.
But there are also plenty of opportunities to slow down. On our trip, we soaked in hot springs, sipped wine, sampled the local cuisine , slept in mountain huts, and relaxed on the beach.
We spent 5 weeks traveling around New Zealand in a campervan, and we’ve been lucky enough to explore a lot of what this country has to offer!
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to plan the perfect New Zealand itinerary, from how much time you’ll need to where to go and how to spend your days.
New Zealand itinerary contents
- Where to go
- Type of travel
- Where to start/end
- How many days
- Typical Budget
- Accommodation
- Perfect New Zealand itinerary
- Booking your trip
- Itinerary planning resources
Want to save time and energy on planning?
If you want to save yourself the hours of research and planning, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate done-for-you New Zealand Itinerary . This itinerary includes a lot of what you’ll find in this article, plus so much more!
We took our 5-week travels and condensed it down to 30 days (because so many people wanted a 1-month route) that hits the top destinations on both the North and South Islands in one epic road trip.
We’ll send you our complete 1 month itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your 30-day New Zealand road trip itinerary today!
Where to go on your New Zealand itinerary
From the vibrant cities and geothermal wonders of the North Island to the wild fjords and towering mountains of the South Island, below is a list of places to consider visiting on your New Zealand itinerary. We’ve included the country’s main highlights as well as some underrated gems not to be missed.
(Are you skipping the North Island all together? Jump down to the South Island .)
North Island
With thermal hot springs, white sand beaches and enough volcanoes to make your head spin, New Zealand’s North Island is not to be overlooked. Though it is often outshined by its more mountainous neighbor to the south, we found the North Island to be quite enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a shortcut, we created a perfect New Zealand North Island itinerary that brings you to all the major highlights, as well as hidden gems off the typical tourist path.
We’re even sharing where to stay and what to eat in the North Island, so you have all the information you need right at your fingertips!
Below we’ve listed all of the top places to consider visiting on the North Island of New Zealand.
Due to its large international airport, Auckland is the entry point for most visitors to New Zealand. It’s also the country’s largest city, with more than a third of the national population residing here.
This “City of Sails” is a dynamic, multicultural metropolis with a buzzing waterfront, lots of green space, and a diverse dining scene. In addition to all the fun things to do in Auckland , it also makes a great base for some of the North Island’s best day trips.
Waiheke Island
Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is a captivating gem known for its world-class wines, which visitors can sip while taking in the picturesque vineyards and olive groves that dot the landscape.
Nature lovers can explore pristine beaches, lush forests, and rugged coastal cliffs , while cultural connoisseurs browse art galleries, boutique shops, and fine dining establishments.
This geothermal wonderland of Rotorua boasts bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and colorful mineral-rich hot springs alongside lush forests and serene lakes. It is also home to the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village and offers cultural experiences, including traditional Maori performances and cuisine.
Coromandel Peninsula
A coastal region with a laid-back vibe , the Coromandel Peninsula is home to some seriously bucket list-worthy experiences. Trek or kayak to the marine reserve at Cathedral Cove, dig your own personal hot tub at Hot Water Beach, or kick back in the charming seaside towns of Whitianga and Coromandel Town.
Mount Maunganui
Located in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, Mount Maunganui is a dreamy destination for hikers, surfers, and beach bums alike. Summit the iconic Mauao, an extinct volcanic cone , for panoramic views of the surrounding land and seascapes.
Bay of Islands
The 144 islands that make up this subtropical region are full of cute seaside towns and marine wildlife . The Bay of Islands is also historically significant, as this is where the Treaty of Waitangi (New Zealand’s founding document) was signed in 1840.
Cape Reinga
The Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean at the northern tip of the North Island. The mesmerizing collision of currents makes it easy to see why Cape Reinga is a site of deep spiritual significance in the Maori tradition.
If you haven’t heard of Hobbiton, you may be living under a rock (or a hill!)… The Lord of the Rings film set is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions, complete with life-sized hobbit holes , magical gardens, and the iconic Green Dragon Inn.
Nestled in the heart of the North Island’s volcanic plateau, the deep blue waters of New Zealand’s largest lake provide a scenic backdrop for swimming and boating. On the north shore of the lake, the town of Taupo serves as a gateway for Tongariro National Park, home to New Zealand’s best day hike .
Hawke’s Bay
Hugging the North Island’s east coast, the region of Hawke’s Bay is known as “New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country” for good reason. With 200+ vineyards and 70+ wineries, Hawke’s Bay is one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World.
Not a fan of vino? You won’t be left wanting for other choices – craft beer, distilleries, fresh juices, cafes, and some of the country’s best restaurants – you’ll find it all in Hawke’s Bay.
New Zealand’s capital is a compact but thriving harbor city at the southern tip of the North Island. Caffeine fiends (like us!) will enjoy the city’s famous coffee culture , while foodies (also us!) can indulge in an eclectic dining scene .
There are plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion in the urban hub with museums, galleries, theaters, and live music venues, as well as chances to explore the city’s natural surroundings.
Read more in our Wellington Travel Guide .
South Island
With picturesque fjords, snow-capped mountains, temperate rainforests, and black sand beaches, New Zealand’s South Island is a nature-lover’s paradise.
We’ve created an action-packed 2-week South Island New Zealand itinerary that hits the major highlights and gets off the beaten path.
We even included tips for altering it to fit a shorter trip, and recommendations for what to see if you have more than two weeks to explore!
Below are some of the places we’d recommend including in your travels on New Zealand’s South Island.
Christchurch
Known as the “Garden City” for its parks, green spaces, and famous Botanic Gardens , Christchurch is a lively city with a buzzy vibe.
Rebuilding efforts following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 focused heavily on environmental initiatives and Christchurch has since become a shining example of innovative urban planning and sustainability .
Lake Tekapo
Situated in a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve and surrounded by the rugged Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo offers a tranquil escape on the South Island. With turquoise glacial waters by day and dazzling star-filled skies by night, the scenery at Lake Tekapo is nothing short of breathtaking.
Lake Pukaki
Another stunning alpine lake, the vivid turquoise color of Lake Pukaki is caused by “rock flour” suspended in the meltwater from the Tasman and Hooker glaciers. Its postcard-worthy surroundings and proximity to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park make Lake Pukaki a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
At 3,724 meters (12,218 feet), Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak and the crown jewel of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. It’s a haven for hiking and mountaineering; in fact, the majestic peak famously aided Sir Edmund Hillary in preparing to summit Everest. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a legendary mountain climber (or even a hiker) to enjoy the park’s breathtaking glacial vistas and alpine scenery.
Not only is Queenstown credited as the birthplace of bungee jumping , it also offers a plethora of other heart-pumping activities, earning itself a reputation as the “Adventure Capital of the World”. Not an adrenaline junkie? No problem! From cultural activities to culinary adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Queenstown for all ages and interests.
Nestled on the shore of its namesake lake, Wanaka is a charming resort town with a proud craft beer culture. In the evenings, you can find outdoor enthusiasts enjoying a pint in one of the local breweries after a day of hiking, mountain biking, skiing (winter), or water sports (summer).
This idyllic lakeside town is the perfect base for exploring some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions, such as Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, and 3 of the country’s 10 Great Walks. Meanwhile, Te Anau itself offers both relaxing and adventurous activities, including l ake cruises, glowworm caves, and a bird sanctuary .
Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Area known for its untamed wilderness and biodiversity , and Milford Sound is the star of the show. With towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and verdant rainforests, Milford Sound is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the world.
Read more in our Milford Sound series:
- Milford Sound Cruise Guide
- Milford Sound Travel Guide
- Queenstown to Milford Sound Road Trip Guide
First thing’s first: “West Coast New Zealand” is a specific region, stretching from Haast to Kahurangi National Park on the South Island’s – well – west coast.
Okay, now that that’s cleared up…
The West Coast was one of our favorite regions in the country, a wild and untamed wilderness ranging from glaciers and snow-capped alps in the south to palm trees and white sand beaches in the north.
Read more in our West Coast Travel Guide .
Lake Rotoroa
Enveloped by soaring mountain peaks and thick beech forests , Lake Rotoroa offers a remote escape 40 minutes from the nearest village of St. Arnaud. The surrounding Nelson Lakes National Park is threaded with trails ranging from leisurely walks to strenuous hikes. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching!
Abel Tasman
New Zealand’s smallest national park packs a big punch with golden sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush native forests. This coastal paradise holds secluded coves and hiking trails that are perfect for kayaking and spotting wildlife, such as dolphins and fur seals .
Situated on the shores of the South Island’s Tasman Bay, New Zealand’s sunniest city is a hub for artists and craftspeople of traditional, Maori, and contemporary persuasion. Visit the weekend markets for a chance to taste artisanal products and find a handcrafted souvenir to take home.
Marlborough
As New Zealand’s largest wine region, Marlborough is best known for its Sauvignon Blanc and fresh seafood (a match made in heaven!), as well as its diverse and stunning scenery. Rolling vineyards give way to the Marlborough Sounds, an intricate network of sheltered waterways and island sanctuaries that are home to dolphins, whales, seals, and the iconic kiwi bird.
The coastal town of Kaikoura is renowned as one of the best places in the world for marine wildlife encounters, including whale watching and swimming with dolphins (ethically!). The abundant marine life coupled with its striking position between the dramatic Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean make this a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
Dunedin and Otago Peninsula
Dunedin rests at the head of a sheltered harbor, cradled by the Otago Peninsula on the South Island’s eastern shore. The city is steeped in Scottish heritage and historic architecture, including New Zealand’s only castle.
On the Otago Peninsula, scenic drives and hikes offer opportunities to view penguins, seals, sea lions, and albatross in their natural habitats.
Stewart Island
Located 30 kilometers south of New Zealand’s South Island, Stewart Island is a perfect place to get away from civilization. This remote island is known for excellent bird spotting, hiking, stargazing , and the peace that comes with being on an island with just 400 permanent residents.
Great Barrier Island
For picture-perfect beaches, untouched forests, and secluded bays, Great Barrier Island is a place to get away from it all. This tropical-feeling island is completely off-grid and has a population of 1,000 people. Getting here requires a 4.5-hour ferry ride from Auckland or a 30-minute flight.
When to go to New Zealand
Spring (December – February) in New Zealand means temperatures are warming up and the days are getting longer. This is also lupin season, which is a big draw for photographers.
Summer (January – March) brings long and sunny days with warmer temperatures — great for hiking and long days at the beach.
Fall (March – May) is a great time to avoid high season crowds (and prices!) while still having enough daylight and comfortable temps to enjoy an array of outdoor activities.
Winter (June – August) in New Zealand is great for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Or if you are on a tight budget, this season brings the most discounted rates and the fewest crowds of the year.
Our personal pick would be to plan your New Zealand itinerary during the shoulder season between spring and summer (November/December).
For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns, and other factors, check out our complete guide to the best time to visit New Zealand .
Car vs. Campervan: How to get around on your New Zealand itinerary
Though public transportation in New Zealand is pretty good, having your own set of wheels is hands-down the best way to explore the country for a few reasons:
- You can see hidden gems and get off the beaten path.
- You’ll be able to travel on your own schedule, and getting from point A to point B is faster.
- Driving in New Zealand is easy and parking is plentiful.
Now that we’ve established you’re renting a vehicle, you might be wondering, car or campervan?
Renting a car in New Zealand is fairly straightforward, but it has a few little quirks that might surprise you, even if you’re a pro at car rentals. We put together a huge guide to New Zealand car rentals to share all our insider information with you, including things we wish we’d known before our trip.
The main advantage of renting a car (as opposed to a campervan) is that a smaller vehicle is generally easier to drive and park. And unless you’re really into campervans (like us!), you’re probably more used to driving a car and might be more comfortable with this option.
Be sure to book your rental car and any rental gear before your trip begins. And don’t forget travel insurance ! Picking a policy that covers your rental car is often cheaper than buying a separate policy through the rental company.
We personally traveled by campervan for 5 weeks in New Zealand and loved every minute of it! We think it’s the best way to explore this glorious country. Here are a few reasons why we love it:
- It’s easy. There are few countries in the world as well set up to accommodate campervans as New Zealand, and there are tons of places to camp (some of which are free!).
- You can save money. When you see the price tag attached to a campervan rental, you’ll probably think “Whaaat?! That ain’t cheap!” But what you have to remember is that this is your rental vehicle and your accommodations all in one!
- You can save money (again). Is there an echo in here? You can also save money in a campervan by cooking your own meals , so I think it’s worth repeating!
- It’s the adventure of a lifetime! Campervan travel adds a level of freedom even beyond driving a car, as well as experiences you won’t get at a hotel. It’s magic. Trust me.
If this got your attention, we have a guide to the best campervan rentals in New Zealand that walks you through your rental options and what to look out for. We’ve even included an exclusive discount for our readers!
We also put together a HUGE guide to planning your New Zealand campervan trip with tons of insider tips and advice. Make sure to give it a read before booking your trip!
Where to start and end your New Zealand itinerary
Deciding where to start and end your travels is another factor you’ll want to consider when planning the perfect New Zealand itinerary.
New Zealand has quite a few international airports – there’s one in just about every major city. So you’ll have a lot of options to choose from.
We’ve done the research, and we personally recommend starting your itinerary in Auckland .
For starters, you’ll likely fly into Auckland, since it has the biggest international airport. And as New Zealand’s largest city, you’ll find a wide selection of rental cars and campervans you can pick up in Auckland.
However, if you want to start your road trip somewhere else, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown also have plenty of options for campervan pickups.
We’ve designed our 1-month New Zealand itinerary to begin in Auckland and end in Christchurch. Some rental companies will allow you to pick up and return your vehicle in different locations (sometimes for a fee). If not, you can always hightail it back to Auckland to return your rental.
How many days is enough for New Zealand?
This is a tough one to answer because even a lifetime wouldn’t be enough. Seriously.
We spent 5 weeks traveling around New Zealand in a campervan, and we’ve been lucky enough to experience a lot of what this country has to offer. Even so, we still left with a loooong list of things to do “ next time ”.
That said, we do have some suggestions based on the amount of time you have to explore New Zealand:
1 Week New Zealand
If you have just one week, we recommend focusing on a specific area. Base yourself in a city like Queenstown or Auckland and plan for a couple of day trips.
2 Weeks New Zealand
Choose one island to explore. We have perfect 2-week itineraries ready-to-go for both the North Island and South Island . All the hard work is done for you!
1 Month New Zealand
We think a month is ideal for your first trip to New Zealand . With our 30-day New Zealand road trip itinerary , you’ll experience a good chunk of the country’s must-sees and hidden gems (we have lots!).
5+ Weeks New Zealand
Extra time? Even better! Our 1-month New Zealand itinerary is packed with insider tips to customize your trip , including what to add if you have more time.
What is a typical travel budget for New Zealand?
I’ll give it to you straight: New Zealand ain’t cheap. But don’t let that stop you – it is still totally possible to explore New Zealand on a budget .
If you are on a tight budget and watch your spending closely, you could get by with a daily budget of $60 – $90 per person.
If you want a few splurges and to stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $100 – $150.
On the other hand, you could easily blow through upwards of $200 per person per day if you book luxury hotels, eat out, and pack your itinerary with tours like bungee jumping and scenic helicopter flights.
For a more detailed breakdown, see our New Zealand travel guide .
Where to stay around New Zealand
New Zealand is a developed country with lots of accommodation options. As with any destination, lodging will be more plentiful (but generally more expensive) in the city centers, and prices will be higher during peak tourist season (December to February in NZ).
Our New Zealand itinerary has options for hotel/Airbnb stays as well as campsites, so you can tailor it for your personal travel style.
From chains like Holiday Inn to boutique hotels and resorts, you can find it all in New Zealand. Hotels are usually concentrated around metropolitan centers and may not be available in some remote areas. We recommend using Booking.com to search for hotels and compare prices.
Insider Tip: Traveling on a tight budget? Use Booking.com to search and compare prices for hostels. With the exception of certain campsites, hostel dorms are usually the cheapest accommodations out there.
Renting an Airbnb is one of our favorite ways to get to know a place. Plus, they offer experiences you won’t get in a hotel:
- Get off the typical tourist track and experience the country from a local’s point of view.
- Stay in the suburbs or the countryside, outside of the major hotel areas.
- Enjoy perks like having your own kitchen and laundry – especially for a long-term stay.
- Psst! Read about why we prefer Airbnbs over hotels when traveling with a baby.
- Save money!
- Find unique stays, like this rainforest retreat near Auckland .
Never booked an Airbnb before, or worried about getting a dud? No sweat – we have Airbnb basically down to a science. We even created a whole guide to booking Airbnbs where we share all our tried and true secrets to ensure a great experience.
There are all types of campgrounds in New Zealand, from totally free to pretty pricey (like $70 NZD per night), from unmaintained sites to holiday parks with hot showers, BBQs, and all the frills. And then there’s everything in between.
New Zealand campsites are also quite different from those in North America. Most of the camping in New Zealand is more or less a field where campervans have space to park.
We know how overwhelming it can be to sift through tons of campsites while trying to decipher unfamiliar jargon (what exactly is a “holiday park?!”). So we created a New Zealand camping guide , complete with a rundown of the rules and a map of the best campsites in the country.
Our perfect New Zealand itinerary
Countless hours were spent researching our route for New Zealand. We pored over article after article. We talked to Kiwis and asked for their local advice. And we finally came up with a plan.
All our research paid off: We had an incredible road trip! So, we’ve taken our road trip route and made it even better for you.
We took our 5-week travels and condensed it down to 30 days (because so many people wanted a 1-month route) that hits the top destinations on both the North and South Islands . We added some things we wish we would have made it to and we altered a couple things here and there that we wish we would’ve done differently.
This New Zealand itinerary is set up to be done as a campervan road trip . However, you can also follow this route if you’re traveling with a rental car and staying at hotels or Airbnbs along the way.
Important Note: One thing to know about traveling in New Zealand is you’ll need to be flexible. The weather in this country can be highly unpredictable (especially on the South Island), and a day of heavy rain or a surprise snowfall might derail your plans of hiking or bungy jumping. We would highly recommend having some “flex days” so you can alter your plans if you encounter weather that is not ideal. Trust us on this one.
Highlights of our New Zealand itinerary
Below are some of the can’t-miss things to do in New Zealand that we’ve included in our epic one month itinerary.
- Discover Auckland and Waiheke Island
- Hike to Pinnacles Hut and witness the sunrise over the Pinnacles
- Explore the beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula
- Sea kayaking to Donut Island and camping on the beach
- Take the Hobbiton movie set tour
- Hiking in and around Rotorua and Lake Taupo
- Trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Eat and drink your way through Wellington
- Swim with dolphins (ethically!) in Kaikoura
- Wine tasting in Marlborough
- Explore Abel Tasman National Park
- Go rafting through a glowworm cave
- See Pancake Rocks
- Get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier
- Drive the beautiful Haast Pass
- Hiking around Wanaka
- Adventure activities in Queenstown
- Cruise Milford Sound
- Enjoy the laid back but incredibly scenic Key Summit hike
We’ve spent hours of research putting this all together, just for you!
In full transparency, this is a paid itinerary since it has taken an incredible amount of time for us to create.
However, we keep all of our paid itineraries affordable – just $15 for an entire 1-month itinerary. We think this is an extraordinary value considering almost all your planning will be done for you!
If you don’t have enough time to do both islands, we broke down our full itinerary into separate itineraries in the following articles:
- North Island Itinerary
- South Island Itinerary
Booking your New Zealand trip
We have a handful of go-to resources that we use when planning nearly all our trips. Here are the platforms we use to book our most basic travel needs:
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Campervan rentals: Motorhome Republic
- Rental cars: Discover Cars
- Hotels: Booking
- Unique accommodations: Airbnb
Don’t forget about travel insurance!
Hold up – don’t even think about getting on a plane without this! Travel insurance is just as important as your passport and, contrary to popular belief, it is not expensive.
We know a lot of people will forego this step simply because they get too overwhelmed by all the options.
Please don’t do that!
We made a comprehensive guide to travel insurance to help you out. We share which companies we use and what policy details to look for when you go over your travel insurance comparison.
Our recommendation:
Our personal pick for travel insurance is SafetyWing . Their policies are geared toward frequent travelers and digital nomads, and they’re one of the few providers who have coverage for Covid-19.
What sets SafetyWing apart is their emphasis on flexibility and adaptability . Unlike traditional insurance policies with fixed durations, SafetyWing’s coverage is designed to be subscription-based, allowing travelers to pay on a monthly basis and enjoy continuous protection while on the move.
New Zealand itinerary planning resources
We have TONS of resources for planning your trip in our New Zealand travel guide . Below are some of our top recommended articles for New Zealand itinerary planning…
- Things to Know Before Traveling in New Zealand
- Exciting Things to Do in New Zealand on Your First Visit
- New Zealand Travel on a Budget + Money-Saving Tips
- Best Time to Visit New Zealand: When to Go & When to Avoid!
- Ultimate Guide to Planning Your New Zealand Campervan Trip
- Best Campervan Rentals in New Zealand
- Best New Zealand Campsites: Ultimate Guide + Map
- Car Rental in New Zealand: Essential Guide + Tips
- Incredible New Zealand Hikes + Local Tips
- Best New Zealand Foods to Try (& what to skip!)
Be sure to download our complete packing list for New Zealand ! It’s full of good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your campervan trip in New Zealand. And it’s completely FREE , so why not!?
Want your itinerary planned for you?
- Perfect 1 Month New Zealand Itinerary
- South Island New Zealand Itinerary: Epic 2-Week Road Trip
- North Island New Zealand: 2-Week Road Trip Itinerary
Save this article on Pinterest for later!
We want to hear from you!
Are you planning your own perfect New Zealand itinerary and still have questions? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!
Comment (1) on “ How to Plan the Perfect New Zealand Itinerary ”
Great article! I am thinking of a two month New Zealand trip next year, in October, November, and December. Will probably fly into Auckland and spend about three weeks to a month road tripping the North Island. Then will go down to the South Island and spend about a month to five weeks road tripping before going back up to Auckland and flying home. How is the weather in the North island during mid October to mid November? Will I be able to hit up beaches? Also, is mid November to mid December a good time to see lupins on the South Island? What would be the ideal (female) packing list during this time? Thanks in advance!
P.S Hope you enjoyed your Arizona hike! Can’t wait to hear about it!
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The Ultimate 9 Day Turkey Itinerary (2024 Guide)
Planning your Turkey itinerary?! You’ll be delighted by all the amazing sights, rich culture, and delicious cuisine that this beautiful country has to offer!
From unique sites like Pamukkale to vibrant and bustling cities like Istanbul, Turkey is a travel destination that is not to be missed.
Begin your trip in the city of Istanbul, where you’ll find amazing restaurants, historical sites, and beautiful architecture, and from here continue your journey to the most beautiful locations throughout the country which I’ll tell you more about in this guide!
I have put together this Turkey itinerary based on my experience on the 9 Day Essential Turkey Tour with Travel Talk Tours .
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW – 9 DAY TURKEY ITINERARY
Here is an overview of the 9 day Turkey itinerary with Travel Talk Tours:
- Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Day 2: Istanbul City
- Day 3: Istanbul, Cappadocia
- Day 4: Cappadocia
- Day 5: Pamukkale
- Day 6: Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi
- Day 7: Kusadasi, Pergamum, Troy, Canakkale
- Day 8: Canakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul
- Day 9: Depart from Istanbul
WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THE 9 DAY TOUR OF TURKEY
Below is a list of what is included in the itinerary of Turkey with Travel Talk Tours:
- Accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels
- 8 breakfasts, 5 dinners
- Where available, complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioned, modern coach or mini-bus to get around Turkey
- Airport transfer from Istanbul Airport on day 1
- Experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
BOOK NOW: 9 DAY ESSENTIAL TURKEY TOUR
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE 9 DAYS IN TURKEY TOUR
Below is a list of what is not included on the tour:
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Tips and donations
- Entrance fees to the sights and museums
- Other services not stated in the itinerary
Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!
We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.
9 DAY TURKEY TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1: arrival in istanbul.
You’ll arrive at the Istanbul Airport and will be greeted by the Travel Talk sign at the airport terminal, which will point you to the hotel transfer.
At 7:00 pm, meet in the hotel lobby for a quick meeting with your group of new travel buddies and tour guide.
If you arrive earlier in the day, you can begin to explore Istanbul by going to the top of the Galata Tower for stunning views or trying some delicacies at the Grand Bazaar.
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DAY 2: ISTANBUL CITY
After breakfast, you’ll start the day by going through the opulent ancient city of Istanbul with your tour guide.
Stroll around the ancient city’s historic center, stopping at the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia on your way.
Later on in the afternoon, take a cruise down the beautiful Bosphorus River and see breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline, as well as spot some important landmarks including the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
You should know that the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia entrance is free, but both the Bosphorus Boat Cruise and Topkapi Palace Museum are not.
The cost is 160 Lira ($11) for the museum and 200 Lira ($13) for the boat cruise.
DAY 3: ISTANBUL TO CAPPADOCIA
After an amazing day in Istanbul, you’ll take the coach to Cappadocia which is known as The Land of Beautiful Horses and it’s one of Turkey’s most unique places to visit.
On the 8-hour-long journey, take in the stunning Turkish countryside and observe tiny towns and settlements along the way.
One of the stops in Cappadocia that makes this Turkey itinerary so unique is Derinkuyu Underground City.
This 60m-deep historic city is home to a church, wells, and stables. It’s a little chilly underground so be prepared with some warm clothing.
RELATED ARTICLE: 21 BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR ANY TRIP
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DAY 4: CAPPADOCIA
Get up at the crack of dawn for an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the world-famous landscapes of Cappadocia.
Alternatively, if you opt out of the balloon ride, you can take a taxi to some viewpoints and take photos of the dozens of balloons that float swiftly across the tops of the fairy chimneys.
Note: The hot air balloon ride is an additional cost of 2,700 Lira ($180 USD) and is weather-dependent. If it is too windy to fly, this activity will be canceled for safety reasons. Fingers crossed for blue skies and no wind!
After the balloon flight, head back to the hotel for a buffet breakfast before a jam-packed day visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site Göreme as well as some of the notable locations in Cappadocia such as the Göreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Cavusin.
In the evening, put your dancing shoes on, along with some smart-casual attire for the Turkish Night experience.
This is an optional activity that costs $30 and includes some light snacks and all-you-can-drink for 2 hours!
DAY 5: PAMUKKALE
Another long day on the coach from Cappadocia to reach Pamukkale. It’s a total of 500 kilometers and will take about 8 hours, but there will be a few rest stops on the way for lunch and to stretch your legs.
Upon arriving in Pamukkale, if time permits, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at the famous white terraces to take some photos at sunset.
From here, it’s a short 10-minute drive to the beautiful Hierapark Hotel for an overnight stay.
Inside the hotel, guests have free access to the sauna, swimming pool, and thermal pools to relax after a long day.
You can also book in for a traditional Turkish bath and massage if you’re up for some extra pampering!
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DAY 6: PAMUKKALE, EPHESUS, KUSADASI
You’re in Pamukkale, so what can you do?
Well, the most popular attraction is the beautiful white terraces that are formed by mineral-laden spring water. It’s a sight to behold and you won’t regret visiting this spot on the Turkey itinerary.
There is also the option to take another hot air balloon flight over the white terraces of Pamukkale for $150.
This is a great opportunity if you missed out on the hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia, and the experience is equally as impressive, in my opinion.
At around 11 am, the next stop on this Turkey travel itinerary is Ephesus, located 156 kilometers from Pamukkale, and is considered one of the most famous landmarks in Turkey .
Ephesus is an ancient city that is both spectacular and well-preserved. It was mentioned in the book of Revelations and is an important site if you’re religious.
After a guided tour of the ancient city of Ephesus, continue to the seaside town of Kusadasi which is only about 30 minutes away and you’ll sleep here for the night before exploring more on day 7 of your Turkey itinerary.
Of course, a buffet dinner is included and you may also head into the town to a local bar for some drinks with your comrades.
DAY 7: KUSADASI, PERGAMUM, TROY, CANAKKALE
An early departure from Kusadasi to make tracks north to visit Asklepion, an ancient and well-preserved healing center in Pergamum, and afterward heading to the historical city Troy.
Troy is one of the most famous places in Greek mythology and was featured in movies such as Troy with Brad Pitt.
The ruins of Asklepion and Troy are fascinating, to say the least, so prepare your camera to take lots of photos.
RELATED ARTICLE: BEST AFFORDABLE CAMERA FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
Following a fun-fuelled visit to each of these places in your Turkey itinerary, the journey continues to Canakkale for an overnight stay in a 5-star hotel.
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DAY 8: CANAKKALE, GALLIPOLI, ISTANBUL
On day 8, wake up in beautiful Canakkale and travel to Gallipoli, which is just 1-hour away.
Gallipoli is a place of great importance, especially for Australians and Kiwis, because this region was once a battlefield during World War I.
On April 25th, 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers arrived on these very shores and fought an 8-month battle against Turkey, many of which lost their lives in combat. You’ll learn all about it during a guided tour of Gallipoli.
Here, you will visit the cemetery by the beach in ANZAC Cove, the war trenches, and the memorial monuments Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.
Following a tribute visit to Gallipoli, it’s a 3-hour journey back to Istanbul which concludes this 9 day Turkey itinerary.
DAY 9: ISTANBUL
On the last day in Turkey, if you have some extra time before departing, I recommend visiting the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, which has a large collection of pottery, metalwork, and textiles from across the Muslim world.
After you’ve had your fix of museums, spend some time strolling around Istanbul’s many markets.
The Grand Bazaar is the most famous, but there are also smaller ones like the Spice Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar.
Here you can find everything from spices to carpets to jewelry. Bargaining is expected, so don’t be afraid to haggle!
Additionally, if you’d prefer to put your feet up, check out Nova Santiye Cafe which is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and something to eat while taking in the stunning views of the city skyline from the rooftop terrace.
RELATED ARTICLE: 10 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN ISTANBUL
TURKEY TRAVEL ITINERARY – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
How to get to turkey.
Arriving by plane is the easiest and most convenient way to begin your adventures in Turkey. Istanbul International Airport is the largest in Turkey and is served by dozens of airlines.
I recommend arriving as early as possible on your first day to give yourself time to adjust to the time change and explore a bit before the 9 day Turkey tour begins.
SEARCH ALL FLIGHTS TO ISTANBUL ON SKYSCANNER
Best time to visit turkey.
The best time to visit Turkey is during the spring and fall seasons (April-May and September-October).
During these times, the weather is milder and more pleasant, making it easier to explore all of the sights without feeling uncomfortable in the heat or cold.
However, this shouldn’t deter you from visiting at other times as well – summer can be very nice in Turkey, especially along the coast, and winter can be a great time to visit Istanbul and Cappadocia with fewer tourists around.
CURRENCY & SIM CARDS
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 14 TRY.
Purchasing a sim card in Turkey is relatively cheap and simple. You can do this at the airport on arrival or find a phone store close to the hotel in Istanbul.
Alternatively, I recommend purchasing an eSIM online in advance and enjoying unlimited data throughout all of Turkey.
Also, make sure to bring your camera and your best lenses, so you can capture all the unforgettable adventures and experiences on the trip!
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TURKEY VISA
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey, which can be applied for online via www.evisa.gov.tr .
Travelers from Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, and the USA can apply for a 90-day e-visa online.
This process usually takes only a few minutes, however, I recommend obtaining it at least 2 weeks before your arrival in Turkey.
Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa if staying for less than three months: the United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Travelers entering Turkey must carry a passport or travel document valid for at least 60 days from the expiry date of their visa.
WHAT TO PACK FOR TURKEY
When visiting Turkey, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
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Reusable Water Bottle
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Travel Backpack
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Quick-Dry Travel Towel
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Portable PowerBank
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MORE EUROPE TRAVEL GUIDES
- Budapest Travel Guide: 5 Things To Do In Budapest
- Switzerland Travel Guide: 8 Day Switzerland Itinerary
- Paris Travel Guide: 2 Day Paris Itinerary
- Sofia Travel Guide: 3 Things To Do In Sofia
- Milos Island Greece: 15 Best Beaches In Milos
- Sifnos Island Greece: 7 Best Beaches In Sifnos
FINAL THOUGHTS
Turkey is an incredible country full of so much history and beauty. Whether it’s the food, the culture, or the stunning landscapes, there is something here for everyone.
I hope with this guide I’ve given you some great ideas for exploring this amazing part of the world, and now it is time to go out and experience it all for yourself.
If you have any questions about this Turkey travel itinerary, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Search and book accommodation worldwide.
Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.
Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
Need travel insurance for your next trip?
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.
Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .
Many thanks!
4 thoughts on “The Ultimate 9 Day Turkey Itinerary (2024 Guide)”
How was your experience with Travel Talk Tours? What did you like the most and what could be improved? How big are the groups? Any tips to improve our experience?
The experience with Travel Talk Tours is always great! The group size varies between 20 – 30 people. The guides are what I like most, they are very knowledgeable and friendly. No further tips to improve your experience, absolutely everything is taken care of when you arrive! Enjoy Turkey 🙂
i saw yr turkey itinerary, where do u book the tour package. Planning to go in Dec ’22. tks Esther Ow
Hi Esther, I booked with travel talk tours as I mentioned at the beginning of this article. You can click on the link and it will take you directly to their wensite. Enjoy your trip to Tukey 🙂
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Travel Unpacked: New airline lands in the UAE and nine-month World Cruise to skip Red Sea
T here is news on land, in the air and at sea this week, as a new airline lands in the UAE , cruise passengers are asked to choose their own itinerary and a six-night safari that allows guests to track birds of prey is unveiled.
Flydubai has also announced the launch of four new destinations, while Jumeirah Group unveils its Exclusive Collection of suites and villas around the world.
Here's a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.
Passengers to choose adjusted itinerary on nine-month World Cruise
Royal Caribbean 's Serenade of the Seas, which set sail in December, will adjust its itinerary due to tensions in the Middle East.
Three sections of the original 274-night route will be impacted, including the 18-night Ultimate Jordan, Egypt and Israel segment, as well as journeys that would pass through Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Greece and Italy.
The changes, however, are being voted on by the passengers, as the cruise liner gives its guests the choice on what ports they call upon.
A meeting was held in the ship's Tropical Theatre this weekend as the situation was explained to passengers and two alternative sailing routes were presented. Both will leave from Dubai .
The first, called Immersive Africa , features 11 countries from the continent – including Madagascar, Namibia, Ghana and South Africa – and 20 port visits from May 9 to June 20.
The second is an Africa and Greece itinerary that moves around the continent with only three ports of call, including a visit to the Seychelles, Cape Town and the Canary Islands. It also includes an overnight stay in Alexandria in Egypt and exploration of the Greek Islands.
All travellers are getting 25 or 50 per cent prorated refund for the adjusted sections based on their cruise fare, and they can choose to cancel and receive a full refund for these segments.
Fly Jinnah marks inaugural international flight at Sharjah airport
Pakistan's low-cost carrier Fly Jinnah operated its inaugural international flight on Saturday, landing in Sharjah , where a welcoming ceremony was held on its arrival. The move comes after a year of domestic operations.
The aircraft, which flew in from Islamabad, was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute.
The airline has a fleet of five Airbus A320s and currently connects Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta, alongside the UAE, its first international destination.
Each aircraft has a free in-flight streaming service called SkyTime, which allows passengers to stream entertainment directly to their devices, as well as a SkyCafe onboard menu with snacks at affordable prices.
Jumeirah launches Exclusive Collection of suites and villas
UAE-born hospitality brand Jumeirah Group has unveiled its Exclusive Collection of suites and villas across locations in Europe and Asia.
This includes properties in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Bali, Italy, China, the UK, the Maldives and Spain.
In Dubai, a collection of newly renovated summerhouses and private villas have opened at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, which is located in Madinat Jumeirah. Each summerhouse has eight to 10 bedrooms, a one-bedroom suite, majlis and courtyard.
The seven villas come with a pool and private access via a dedicated abra station.
All accommodation has a butler, free refreshments and snacks served daily at sundown.
Flydubai ramps up operations in Europe with four new destinations
Low-cost UAE carrier flydubai has announced it will launch four new services across Europe, including its first entry into the Baltic region.
From August 2, the carrier will operate direct flights to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg in Basel, with economy fares starting from Dh1,500 ($408).
This is followed by flights to Riga, Latvia, on October 11, as well as Tallinn in Estonia and Vilnius in Lithuania from October 12. Prices for these flights in economy start from Dh1,920, Dh2,100 and Dh2,180, respectively.
“We have created a diverse network of 126 destinations, 60 per cent of which previously had very limited or no connections to Dubai,” said flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith.
Emirates will also codeshare on these routes.
Six-night Kenyan safari lets guests track birds of prey
Cottar's Safaris is introducing a six-night safari in the Masai Mara that allows guests to learn about raptors. The expert-led experience, which runs from May 24 to 30, supports conservation efforts through Kenya Bird of Prey Trust.
Guests will gain rare insight into the world of raptors, from the martial eagle and owls to vultures, tracking the birds of prey and monitoring their nests. They will also learn more about the work of KBOPT's Mara Raptor Project, which aims to preserve critical habitats.
The safari allows guests to adopt a raptor in need, plus a $1,000 contribution per guest is built into the package to support the organisation.
The experience costs $8,286 per person, based on two adults sharing on a full-board basis in a luxury tent at Cottar's 1920s Camp.
Another half-day immersive raptor package for $780 per group is also being introduced year-round.
Airline weighs passengers with luggage to ensure safe take-off
Finland's flagship airline has started weighing passengers in a bid to ensure the airline does not exceed maximum weight for a safe take-off.
Finnair has assured its guests weigh-ins are “voluntary and anonymous”, however, and collected data will not be linked to any personal information.
The passengers are weighed with their carry-on luggage and the customer service agent is the only person able to see the total measurement.
These weigh-ins started at Helsinki Airport earlier this month after authorities required the airline to update its average weight measurements, which need to be refreshed every five years.
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We asked, you answered: Parent-approved tips on traveling with kids under 2
Becky Harlan
Last month, Life Kit asked parents to share their go-to advice for traveling with babies and toddlers under age 2 as part of an episode we did on the subject. Over 200 folks responded with tips they wish they'd known before taking a big trip with a little one.
Reading through these responses, it became clear there's no magic hack that works for every kid. Some parents swore by sticking to their kid's sleep schedule on a trip, others said their vacation was smoother when they let the usual routine go. Some sang the praises of the overnight flight (so their child would sleep on the plane), others said their child has never slept more than 10 minutes on a plane no matter the timing.
I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip
A few pieces of advice held true throughout. A hungry kid is an unpleasant kid, and children are messy. So packing lots of snacks, extra diapers and a change of clothes ranked high on the list of must-dos. Almost 40 of over 200 responses suggested packing extra outfits in your carry-on for your kid and for you. (If your charge spits up, throws up, blows out or spills it will also get on you!)
So here's a non-exhaustive, impossible-to-be-comprehensive, but-hopefully-still-helpful round-up of your top advice for traveling with little kids. These responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What to pack
A stroller that can be stored in the overhead bin. It's a game changer to not have to check clunky strollers at the gate or check-in counters. —Amy P.
A change of clothes for yourself. If the baby spits up or has a blowout, there's a high likelihood that the mess will end up on you too, especially if you're holding them. Also, be sure to bring a bag to put messy clothes in. Reusable waterproof bags are great and they keep the smell in! —Jenna Yount
Extra diapers. You think you will be fine but if something comes up it's not a good situation to be in. —Jeanna Limtiaco
Overnight diapers. Fewer diaper changes in transit makes everyone happier. —Samantha Warren
Snacks. Remember, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration allows for any size baby food [and baby or toddler beverage], so pack those pouches! —Clara W.
Meds you and your kids might need in flight. That includes chewable Tylenol, Imodium, Dramamine, Zofran, ginger chews, Band-Aids and alcohol wipes. —Paige Ellis
A dark-colored bath towel. It's a blanket, it's for tidying up, it's a tablecloth, it's a sun cover, it shields bottoms from hot slides, it dries off swings. It's a multi-tasking powerhouse. —Judith Heise
Consider what may make sense to buy, rent or borrow upon arrival. You don't need to stuff everything into your suitcase. Buy some of your diapers and snacks at your destination. See if you can borrow or rent large, bulky items like car seats or travel cribs from Facebook Marketplace or your hotel or Airbnb. —Jocelyn Newman
How to get through the flight
Get to your gate an hour before boarding. It gives you time to feed your child, change their diapers, have a cup of coffee and fill your water bottle. It can also help your kid let out their energy before they have to sit on the plane. —Shelly C.
Check the airport for family friendly spaces. Use nursing spaces or pods and family restrooms to reset as needed. Check lounges for nursing and play rooms. —Sara Conger
Take an early morning flight. Those are least likely to get delayed, which is important when traveling with kids. —Carina Ochoa
Parenthood Is A Shock To The System. These Tips Can Help You With The Transition
Board with your partner separately. If you're traveling with two caregivers, have one go on the plane first with all the stuff and do the gate-checking of the stroller while the other hangs back with the kids until the last minute. It gives kids more time to run around! —Andrea De Francesca
Get a plane seat for your kid. Even though many airlines allow kids under 2 to fly for free as a lap baby, if you can afford to get them their own seat, it is worth it. It is recommended for safety to have them in a car seat, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and the extra space for them to move around is nice. —Nicole Shelledy
Be ready for motion sickness. We were not prepared for how easily some little ones get motion sickness on an airplane. Have throw-up bags handy at all times. —Tiff Bankhurst
Prevent ear discomfort. Sucking during take off and landing may help relieve ear discomfort. My babies have flown with me from 4 weeks onward and never had a problem as long as they had a bottle or sippy cup or straw to suck on. —Shelly Ransom
Don't plan on them sleeping on the plane. It's great if they do, but if it doesn't happen, you'll be frustrated. —Colleen Mayerhoff
Don't worry too much about your kid "bothering" other people. The vast majority of people don't care, and many have been in the same situation you've been in and feel nothing but empathy for you. As for those who do care, they are not guaranteed a child-free existence in public. Kids are part of society too, and they are also allowed to take up space. —Jenna Yount
Make friends with the flight crew. They're going to help, they've got more experience than you, and they also want the flight to be pleasant. —April Graham
Save the screens for the flight. If you're using a screen, wait until you're on the plane. While you're waiting in the terminal, let them move as much as possible. Find an empty gate and play Simon Says, see who can jump in one place the longest, do animal charades. Let them go wild. —Paige Ellis
Download age-appropriate shows for your child on an iPad. (But know that if your kid is under age 2 they'll mostly just want to push the buttons.) —Chantel Dockstader
Travel hacks
Find a lodging close to a grocery store and a park. It makes it easy to buy last-minute things and burn off their energy easily at a park. —Gillian Molina
Dress your young kids in bright, matching shirts. I once traveled alone when my kids were 2, 4 and 6. We all wore matching yellow shirts so people could see we were together. —Emily Hernandez
If you want to let your little one crawl around , bring a pair of socks that you can put over their hands. Then you don't have to worry about dirty hands afterward. —Shannon Geraghty
Hire a photographer. You'll have photos with everyone in them, maybe get to see some scenic parts of the city you hadn't seen before. Dress up, wear matching outfits, be extra! They're only little once. —Tina Doyle
Helpful mindsets
It's not a vacation. It's a trip. You're just parenting in a new place. Set your expectations accordingly. —Laura Henriquez
The airport/train/bus/car is not the time to enforce the normal at-home rules. Do you want Doritos at 7 a.m. at the airport? OK. Do you want to watch 20 episodes of Blippi on the plane? No problem. There are no rules when traveling. This also makes traveling fun for kids because they get to do something different. —Meg Houston
Build in extra time to do things. It will decrease the chances of you and your child getting into stressful situations. —Cori DeLano
You're not going to get as much done as you think with a kiddo in tow. Think about things like nap schedule, traveling with a stroller, meltdowns, diaper changes. On my most "successful" trip with my kiddo, we planned one big activity a day and left the rest of the day open with some general ideas and left room for flexibility. —Whitney Winters
They might not remember, but you will. —Nina Hartman
The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].
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