This skill should be used whenever users need help planning trips, creating travel itineraries, managing travel budgets, or seeking destination advice...
This skill transforms Claude into a comprehensive travel planning assistant that maintains your travel preferences and generates detailed, personalized trip plans including itineraries, budget breakdowns, packing lists, and cultural guidelines for any destination.
Invoke this skill for travel-related tasks:
Check if travel preferences exist:
python3 scripts/travel_db.py is_initialized
If "false", proceed to Step 2 (Setup). If "true", proceed to Step 3 (Trip Planning).
When no preferences exist, collect comprehensive travel information:
Travel Style & Budget:
Interests & Activities:
Dietary & Health:
Languages & Skills:
Previous Travel:
Saving Preferences:
import sys
sys.path.append('[SKILL_DIR]/scripts')
from travel_db import save_preferences
preferences = {
"travel_style": "adventurous",
"budget_level": "mid-range",
"accommodation_preference": ["boutique hotels", "Airbnb"],
"interests": ["culture", "food", "hiking", "photography"],
"dietary_restrictions": ["vegetarian"],
"pace_preference": "moderate",
"travel_companions": "couple",
"language_skills": ["English", "Spanish"],
"previous_destinations": ["Paris", "Tokyo", "Barcelona"],
"bucket_list": [
{"destination": "New Zealand", "notes": "Lord of the Rings locations"},
{"destination": "Peru", "notes": "Machu Picchu"}
]
}
save_preferences(preferences)
Replace [SKILL_DIR] with actual skill path.
When user wants to plan a trip, gather:
Essential Information:
Creating Trip:
from travel_db import add_trip
trip = {
"destination": {
"city": "Barcelona",
"country": "Spain",
"region": "Catalonia"
},
"departure_date": "2025-06-15",
"return_date": "2025-06-22",
"duration_days": 7,
"budget": {
"total": 2500,
"currency": "USD"
},
"purpose": "vacation",
"travelers": 2,
"climate": "warm Mediterranean",
"activities": ["sightseeing", "food tours", "beach", "architecture"],
"accommodation": {
"type": "boutique hotel",
"location": "Gothic Quarter"
}
}
trip_id = add_trip(trip, status="current")
Use web search to gather current information:
Essential Research:
references/cultural_etiquette.md as guide)Search Topics to Cover:
Create comprehensive plan with all components:
A. Day-by-Day Itinerary
Structure each day based on user's pace preference and research:
Day 1: Arrival & Gothic Quarter
- Morning (9:00 AM): Arrive Barcelona, hotel check-in
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Walking tour of Gothic Quarter
- Barcelona Cathedral
- Plaça Reial
- Las Ramblas (brief walk)
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch at Cal Pep (tapas)
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Picasso Museum
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner in El Born neighborhood
- Evening (9:00 PM): Stroll along waterfront
Transportation: Metro from airport (30 min, €5)
Estimated Cost: €120/person (meals, museum, transport)
Notes: Book Picasso Museum tickets online in advance
Repeat for each day, ensuring:
B. Budget Breakdown
Use plan_generator.py or create manually:
from plan_generator import calculate_budget_breakdown
budget = calculate_budget_breakdown(
total_budget=2500,
num_days=7,
accommodation_level="mid-range"
)
Present as:
Total Budget: $2,500 (7 days)
Daily Average: $357
Breakdown:
- Accommodation: $875 (35%) - $125/night
* Boutique hotel in Gothic Quarter
* Includes breakfast
- Food: $625 (25%) - $89/day
* Breakfast: Included
* Lunch: $25-30/person
* Dinner: $40-50/person
* Snacks/drinks: $15/day
- Activities: $625 (25%) - $89/day
* Sagrada Familia: $35
* Park Güell: $13
* Picasso Museum: $15
* Food tour: $95
* Day trip to Montserrat: $50
* Other attractions: ~$100
- Transportation: $250 (10%) - $36/day
* Airport transfers: $35 each way
* Metro pass (7-day): $40
* Taxis: ~$100 total
- Miscellaneous: $125 (5%)
* Tips, emergencies, souvenirs
C. Packing Checklist
Generate using plan_generator.py or based on destination climate/activities:
from plan_generator import generate_packing_checklist
checklist = generate_packing_checklist(
destination_climate="warm Mediterranean",
duration_days=7,
trip_activities=["sightseeing", "beach", "dining"]
)
Customize and present:
ESSENTIALS:
- [ ] Passport (check 6-month validity)
- [ ] Visa (if required)
- [ ] Travel insurance documents
- [ ] Hotel confirmations
- [ ] Flight tickets
- [ ] Credit cards (notify bank)
- [ ] Euros cash (€200-300)
- [ ] Phone & charger
- [ ] European plug adapter
- [ ] Medications
CLOTHING (June weather: 70-80°F, sunny):
- [ ] 3 pairs shorts
- [ ] 2 pairs long pants
- [ ] 5-7 t-shirts/tops
- [ ] 1-2 dresses/nice shirts for dinner
- [ ] Light jacket for evenings
- [ ] Swimsuit
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
- [ ] Sandals
- [ ] Sun hat
- [ ] Sunglasses
ACTIVITIES:
- [ ] Day backpack
- [ ] Reusable water bottle
- [ ] Camera
- [ ] Beach towel (compact)
- [ ] Sunscreen SPF 50
- [ ] Walking tour comfortable shoes
D. Cultural Do's and Don'ts
Research and present country-specific guidelines (use references/cultural_etiquette.md as template):
SPAIN / BARCELONA - Cultural Etiquette
DO'S:
✓ Greet with "Hola" and a kiss on each cheek (friends)
✓ Learn basic Spanish/Catalan phrases
✓ Eat dinner late (9-10 PM is normal)
✓ Take your time with meals
✓ Dress stylishly (locals dress well)
✓ Respect siesta time (2-5 PM, some shops close)
✓ Say "Bon profit" before meals
✓ Tip 5-10% for good service
DON'TS:
✗ Don't expect early dinner (restaurants open at 8 PM)
✗ Don't wear beach clothes in city center
✗ Don't assume everyone speaks English
✗ Don't call it Spain - it's Catalunya to locals
✗ Don't rush through meals
✗ Don't yell or be loud in public
✗ Don't take photos in churches during mass
DINING ETIQUETTE:
- Lunch: 2-4 PM
- Dinner: 9-11 PM
- Service charge sometimes included (check bill)
- Say "La cuenta, por favor" for bill
- It's okay to share tapas
- Bread is not free at all restaurants
SAFETY TIPS:
- Watch for pickpockets on Las Ramblas and metro
- Keep bag in front in crowded areas
- Don't leave valuables on beach
- Be cautious accepting help from strangers
- Use official taxis or Uber/Cabify
E. Pre-Trip Preparation Timeline
Use plan_generator.py or create based on departure date:
from plan_generator import generate_pre_trip_checklist
prep_checklist = generate_pre_trip_checklist(
destination_country="Spain",
departure_date="2025-06-15"
)
Present as timeline:
PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST
2 MONTHS BEFORE (April 15):
- [ ] Book flights
- [ ] Book hotel
- [ ] Purchase travel insurance
- [ ] Check passport expiration
- [ ] Research visa requirements
- [ ] Start researching activities
1 MONTH BEFORE (May 15):
- [ ] Book Sagrada Familia tickets (sell out!)
- [ ] Book food tour
- [ ] Book any other popular activities
- [ ] Notify bank of travel dates
- [ ] Set up international phone plan
- [ ] Download offline maps (Google Maps, Citymapper)
- [ ] Make dinner reservations (popular restaurants)
2 WEEKS BEFORE (June 1):
- [ ] Confirm all reservations
- [ ] Print/save all confirmations offline
- [ ] Exchange some currency (~€200)
- [ ] Check weather forecast
- [ ] Create packing list
- [ ] Arrange pet/plant care
- [ ] Hold mail delivery
1 WEEK BEFORE (June 8):
- [ ] Check in for flights (24 hours before)
- [ ] Pack luggage
- [ ] Charge all electronics
- [ ] Download language apps (Google Translate, Duolingo)
- [ ] Save emergency numbers
- [ ] Make copies of passport
- [ ] Clean out fridge
DAY BEFORE (June 14):
- [ ] Re-check flight time
- [ ] Prepare carry-on
- [ ] Take out trash
- [ ] Adjust thermostat
- [ ] Unplug electronics
- [ ] Set multiple alarms for departure
During the trip, track expenses:
from travel_db import add_expense
expense = {
"category": "food",
"amount": 45.00,
"description": "Dinner at Cervecería Catalana",
"date": "2025-06-16"
}
add_expense(trip_id, expense)
View budget status:
from travel_db import get_budget_summary
summary = get_budget_summary(trip_id)
# Shows: total_budget, spent, remaining, percentage_used, by_category
After trip, move to past trips and update:
from travel_db import move_trip_to_past, add_previous_destination
move_trip_to_past(trip_id)
add_previous_destination("Barcelona, Spain")
User: "I want to plan a 7-day trip to Barcelona in June"
Claude: [Checks preferences - finds initialized]
Great! I'll create a detailed travel plan for Barcelona. Based on your preferences,
I know you enjoy culture, food, and moderate-paced travel with a mid-range budget.
First, a few questions:
1. What are your exact travel dates?
2. What's your total budget?
3. Any specific must-see attractions?
4. Traveling solo or with someone?
User: "June 15-22, $2500 budget, want to see Gaudí architecture, traveling with partner"
Claude: [Creates trip in database, performs web research]
Perfect! I've created your Barcelona trip plan. Let me present the complete itinerary:
[Generates detailed 7-day itinerary with Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, etc.]
[Creates budget breakdown: $2500 over 7 days]
[Generates packing checklist for June Mediterranean weather]
[Provides Spanish cultural do's and don'ts]
[Creates timeline of pre-trip tasks]
Key highlights:
✓ Day 2: Sagrada Familia (book tickets NOW - they sell out)
✓ Day 4: Food tour in El Born (€95/person, worth it!)
✓ Day 6: Day trip to Montserrat
✓ Budget: $357/day average (€325)
✓ Accommodation: €125/night in Gothic Quarter
Important notes:
- Book Sagrada Familia tickets immediately
- Dinner reservations needed for Tickets Bar, Cervecería Catalana
- Pickpocket awareness on Las Ramblas
- Bring European plug adapter (Type C/F)
Would you like me to adjust anything in the itinerary?
Data Storage:
~/.claude/travel_planner/preferences.json~/.claude/travel_planner/trips.jsonCLI Commands:
# Check initialization
python3 scripts/travel_db.py is_initialized
# View data
python3 scripts/travel_db.py get_preferences
python3 scripts/travel_db.py get_trips current
python3 scripts/travel_db.py stats
# Generate plan
python3 scripts/plan_generator.py --trip-id <id> --output plan.json
# Export backup
python3 scripts/travel_db.py export > backup.json
Database management for preferences, trips, budget tracking, itineraries, and travel statistics.
Generates itineraries, budget breakdowns, packing checklists, and preparation timelines.
Comprehensive guide for destination research, budget planning, itinerary creation, packing strategies, and safety tips.
Templates and guidelines for researching country-specific customs, dress codes, dining etiquette, religious considerations, and common mistakes to avoid.
