travel-planner

What this skill does

# Travel Planner

## Overview

This skill transforms Claude into a comprehensive travel planning assistant that maintains your travel preferences and generates detailed, personalized trip plans including itineraries, budget breakdowns, packing lists, and cultural guidelines for any destination.

## When to Use This Skill

Invoke this skill for travel-related tasks:
- Planning trips and creating itineraries
- Budget planning and expense tracking
- Destination research and recommendations
- Packing checklists
- Cultural etiquette and do's/don'ts
- Pre-trip preparation timelines
- Travel preference management

## Workflow

### Step 1: Check for Existing Preferences

Check if travel preferences exist:

```bash
python3 scripts/travel_db.py is_initialized
```

If "false", proceed to Step 2 (Setup). If "true", proceed to Step 3 (Trip Planning).

### Step 2: Initial Preference Collection

When no preferences exist, collect comprehensive travel information:

**Travel Style & Budget:**
- Budget level: budget, mid-range, luxury
- Travel pace: relaxed, moderate, packed
- Accommodation preferences: hostel, hotel, Airbnb, resort
- Travel companions: solo, couple, family, group

**Interests & Activities:**
- Sightseeing & landmarks
- Food & culinary experiences
- Adventure & outdoor activities
- Culture & history
- Beach & relaxation
- Nightlife & entertainment
- Shopping
- Nature & wildlife
- Photography
- Wellness & spa

**Dietary & Health:**
- Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies)
- Accessibility needs
- Health considerations
- Fitness level

**Languages & Skills:**
- Languages spoken
- Travel experience level
- Comfort with adventure

**Previous Travel:**
- Countries/cities visited
- Favorite destinations
- Bucket list destinations

**Saving Preferences:**

```python
import sys
sys.path.append('[SKILL_DIR]/scripts')
from travel_db import save_preferences

preferences = {
    "travel_style": "adventurous",
    "budget_level": "mid-range",
    "accommodation_preference": ["boutique hotels", "Airbnb"],
    "interests": ["culture", "food", "hiking", "photography"],
    "dietary_restrictions": ["vegetarian"],
    "pace_preference": "moderate",
    "travel_companions": "couple",
    "language_skills": ["English", "Spanish"],
    "previous_destinations": ["Paris", "Tokyo", "Barcelona"],
    "bucket_list": [
        {"destination": "New Zealand", "notes": "Lord of the Rings locations"},
        {"destination": "Peru", "notes": "Machu Picchu"}
    ]
}

save_preferences(preferences)
```

Replace `[SKILL_DIR]` with actual skill path.

### Step 3: Create New Trip

When user wants to plan a trip, gather:

**Essential Information:**
1. **Destination**: City/country
2. **Dates**: Departure and return dates (or flexible date range)
3. **Duration**: Number of days
4. **Budget**: Total budget or daily budget
5. **Purpose**: Vacation, business, special occasion
6. **Must-see/do**: Specific attractions or activities

**Creating Trip:**

```python
from travel_db import add_trip

trip = {
    "destination": {
        "city": "Barcelona",
        "country": "Spain",
        "region": "Catalonia"
    },
    "departure_date": "2025-06-15",
    "return_date": "2025-06-22",
    "duration_days": 7,
    "budget": {
        "total": 2500,
        "currency": "USD"
    },
    "purpose": "vacation",
    "travelers": 2,
    "climate": "warm Mediterranean",
    "activities": ["sightseeing", "food tours", "beach", "architecture"],
    "accommodation": {
        "type": "boutique hotel",
        "location": "Gothic Quarter"
    }
}

trip_id = add_trip(trip, status="current")
```

### Step 4: Research Destination

Use web search to gather current information:

**Essential Research:**
1. **Entry Requirements** - Visa, passport, vaccinations
2. **Best Time to Visit** - Weather, seasons, festivals
3. **Safety Information** - Travel advisories, safe areas, common scams
4. **Cultural Norms** - Do's and don'ts (use `references/cultural_etiquette.md` as guide)
5. **Local Transportation** - Metro, buses, taxis, apps
6. **Top Attractions** - Must-see places with hours and prices
7. **Food Recommendations** - Local specialties, popular restaurants
8. **Neighborhoods** - Where to stay, where to explore
9. **Day Trip Options** - Nearby attractions
10. **Practical Info** - Currency, tipping, power outlets, language

**Search Topics to Cover:**
- "[Destination] visa requirements for [nationality]"
- "[Destination] best time to visit weather"
- "[Destination] cultural do's and don'ts"
- "[Destination] top attractions and activities"
- "[Destination] local transportation guide"
- "[Destination] where to stay neighborhoods"
- "[Destination] food and restaurants"
- "[Destination] scams to avoid"
- "[Destination] budget guide"
- "[Destination] 7-day itinerary"

### Step 5: Generate Detailed Travel Plan

Create comprehensive plan with all components:

**A. Day-by-Day Itinerary**

Structure each day based on user's pace preference and research:

```
Day 1: Arrival & Gothic Quarter
- Morning (9:00 AM): Arrive Barcelona, hotel check-in
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Walking tour of Gothic Quarter
  - Barcelona Cathedral
  - Plaça Reial
  - Las Ramblas (brief walk)
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch at Cal Pep (tapas)
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Picasso Museum
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner in El Born neighborhood
- Evening (9:00 PM): Stroll along waterfront

Transportation: Metro from airport (30 min, €5)
Estimated Cost: €120/person (meals, museum, transport)
Notes: Book Picasso Museum tickets online in advance
```

Repeat for each day, ensuring:
- Logical geographic grouping
- Realistic timing with buffers
- Mix of activity types
- Meal suggestions
- Transportation details
- Estimated costs
- Booking notes

**B. Budget Breakdown**

Use `plan_generator.py` or create manually:

```python
from plan_generator import calculate_budget_breakdown

budget = calculate_budget_breakdown(
    total_budget=2500,
    num_days=7,
    accommodation_level="mid-range"
)
```

Present as:

```
Total Budget: $2,500 (7 days)
Daily Average: $357

Breakdown:
- Accommodation: $875 (35%) - $125/night
  * Boutique hotel in Gothic Quarter
  * Includes breakfast

- Food: $625 (25%) - $89/day
  * Breakfast: Included
  * Lunch: $25-30/person
  * Dinner: $40-50/person
  * Snacks/drinks: $15/day

- Activities: $625 (25%) - $89/day
  * Sagrada Familia: $35
  * Park Güell: $13
  * Picasso Museum: $15
  * Food tour: $95
  * Day trip to Montserrat: $50
  * Other attractions: ~$100

- Transportation: $250 (10%) - $36/day
  * Airport transfers: $35 each way
  * Metro pass (7-day): $40
  * Taxis: ~$100 total

- Miscellaneous: $125 (5%)
  * Tips, emergencies, souvenirs
```

**C. Packing Checklist**

Generate using `plan_generator.py` or based on destination climate/activities:

```python
from plan_generator import generate_packing_checklist

checklist = generate_packing_checklist(
    destination_climate="warm Mediterranean",
    duration_days=7,
    trip_activities=["sightseeing", "beach", "dining"]
)
```

Customize and present:

```
ESSENTIALS:
- [ ] Passport (check 6-month validity)
- [ ] Visa (if required)
- [ ] Travel insurance documents
- [ ] Hotel confirmations
- [ ] Flight tickets
- [ ] Credit cards (notify bank)
- [ ] Euros cash (€200-300)
- [ ] Phone & charger
- [ ] European plug adapter
- [ ] Medications

CLOTHING (June weather: 70-80°F, sunny):
- [ ] 3 pairs shorts
- [ ] 2 pairs long pants
- [ ] 5-7 t-shirts/tops
- [ ] 1-2 dresses/nice shirts for dinner
- [ ] Light jacket for evenings
- [ ] Swimsuit
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
- [ ] Sandals
- [ ] Sun hat
- [ ] Sunglasses

ACTIVITIES:
- [ ] Day backpack
- [ ] Reusable water bottle
- [ ] Camera
- [ ] Beach towel (compact)
- [ ] Sunscreen SPF 50
- [ ] Walking tour comfortable shoes
```

**D. Cultural Do's and Don'ts**

Research and present country-specific guidelines (use `references/cultural_etiquette.md` as template):

```
SPAIN / BARCELONA - Cultural Etiquette

DO'S:
✓ Greet with "Hola" and a ki