travel itinerary design ideas

Calypso Tree

34 free travel itinerary templates (word, excel & pdf).

Free travel itinerary templates:  Your itinerary refers to your journey’s more detailed plan. Usually, highlights some places to be visited and the travel plan. By having itinerary templates, you will benefit from having the travel arrangement in one location for easier referencing and retrieval. 

Your travel plan is usually placed in the front of the folder full of your tickets, brochures, and confirmation receipts – this is also a good source to get information on the road. 

Although the information includes the travel plan for yourself or other people might contain different items, the basic structure was usually still retained. You can use your best itinerary templates.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Using an Itinerary Template

Traveling is an adventure! But planning for it can sometimes be stressful. That’s where a  travel itinerary template  can be your best friend.

• All-In-One Location:  Say Goodbye to Chaos!

Do you have flight details in your email, hotel bookings on an app, and excursion times on a sticky note? Stop the madness! An itinerary template puts all these details in one simple place. Just open it up, and you’ll know what’s happening next.

• Easy to Use:  No Tech Skills Needed!

You don’t have to be a computer genius to use an itinerary template. Most of it comes with clear fields for you to fill in. Just type your flight time here your hotel name there, and you’re done! It’s like filling out a fun quiz.

• Be Organized:  Know What Comes After What

The best part about being organized is knowing what’s next. You see your trip like a story when you put your plans in an itinerary template. First, this happens, then that. You can enjoy the trip more when you know what’s coming up.

• Shareable:  Keep Everyone in the Loop

Traveling with family or friends? Send them the itinerary template! That way, everyone knows the plan. If someone asks, “What time is dinner?” tell them to check the itinerary!

• Free:  More Money for Fun Stuff!

The best things in life are free. Well, most travel itinerary templates are free, too! That means you can save cash for fun stuff like snacks, souvenirs, or an extra special adventure!

• Time-Saving:  Quick Changes Made Easy

Plans change. Maybe it rains, and you can’t go to the beach. With an itinerary template, it’s super easy to swap things around. Just a few clicks, and you have a new plan!

• Keeps You On Track:  No More Missing Out

Need to catch a flight or need to remember a dinner reservation? With an itinerary, you’ll get reminders. It’s like having a helpful friend who says, “Hey, time to go!”

• Peace of Mind:  Worry Less, Enjoy More!

When you’re organized, you feel calmer. That means you can enjoy your trip more and less worrying about it.

Are you ready to try an  itinerary template ? Trust us, it will make your next trip so much easier! ????

Essential Elements in a Travel Itinerary

So you’re convinced that a travel itinerary template is a good idea. Great! But what should you include in it? Don’t fret; here’s a list of the  key things to put in your travel plan .

• Title and Dates: What’s the Trip For?

Start with a striking title that sums up your trip. Are you going on a “Summer Adventure in Hawaii” or a “Weekend Getaway in Paris”? Include the dates so you always know the timeframe.

• Names: Who’s Going?

If you’re traveling with other people, write down everyone’s name. It’s an easy way for everyone to know they’re looking at the right plan.

• Departure and Arrival: Take-Off and Landing

Include details about when and where you’re starting and ending your journey. Include times, places, and how you’re getting there. Plane? Train? Automobile?

• Transport Info: All Aboard!

Note any flight numbers, train cars, or other key details. It’s also smart to list any reservations and helpful phone numbers in case of delays.

• Lodging: Home Away From Home

Where are you staying? Include the name, address, and check-in/check-out times for each place you sleep.

• Activities: The Fun Stuff!

What’s a trip without cool stuff to do? List all the tours, visits, or shows you plan to attend. Add times and places so you remember.

• Meetings: Can’t-Miss Appointments

Are you mixing a little business with pleasure? Include any meetings or important appointments you have. Who, what, where, and when—it all goes here.

• Meals: Yummy in My Tummy

Planning to eat at that must-try café? Put it in the itinerary.

• Free Time: Do What You Want

It’s your trip, after all! Include some blocks of free time for spontaneous fun.

• Emergency Contacts: Just in Case

Include some emergency contacts, like local hospitals or a trusted friend back home.

• Checklist: Remember!

Add a small list at the end for any last-minute things you need to do or bring. Passport? Snacks? It goes here.

That’s your  travel itinerary essentials  covered! With everything in your template, you’re ready for an awesome, stress-free trip! ????

Tips for Crafting a Useful Travel Itinerary

It isn’t just about jotting down names and places. Here are some tips.

Be Realistic: Time Matters!

Always consider how much time each activity will take. Keep your day manageable. You want time to enjoy the places you visit!

Group Activities by Location: Smart Mapping

Put things that are close to each other on the same day. This way, you spend less time moving and more time doing.

Always Have a Plan B: Be Flexible

Sometimes, things go differently than planned. Maybe it rains, or a place is closed. Have a backup plan, so you’re never stuck with nothing to do.

Check Opening Hours: No Unwanted Surprises

Imagine showing up at a museum you’re excited to visit, only to find it’s closed on Tuesdays. Check opening times in advance to avoid this.

Share It: Keep Everyone in the Loop

If you’re traveling with others, ensure everyone has a copy of the itinerary. You could even make a shared online version.

Local Customs and Laws: When in Rome.

Check for any local customs, rules, or laws you should know about, like dress codes at religious sites.

Remember Time Zones: Sync Up!

If you’re crossing time zones, adjust all your times so you’re always on local time.

Add Some Breathing Room: Take It Easy

Don’t schedule something every minute of every day. You’ll need some downtime to relax and soak it all in.

Include All Confirmation Numbers: Quick Access

For flights, hotels, and activities that require booking, include all confirmation numbers for quick and easy access.

Double-Check All Details: Be Sure, Be Safe

Before you finalize your itinerary, double-check all times, dates, and reservations.

Print and Digital: Best of Both Worlds

Have both a printed copy and a digital copy available. Technology can fail, and you might only sometimes have Wi-Fi.

Keep it Handy: Easy Access.

Put your itinerary somewhere easy to get to. Save it on your phone or put it in a pocket in your bag.

Free Travel Itinerary Templates

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Travel Itinerary Template Word

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Easy to Use

One of the best things about using a Word template is its simplicity. You don’t have to be a computer wizard to figure it out!

Customizable

Word lets you change fonts and colors and even add pictures. Make your template  truly your own .

You can open a Word document on almost any device. It’s super  easy to share  with family or travel buddies, too.

Pre-made Templates

Word offers a variety of  ready-to-use templates . Just plug in your details, and you’re good to go!

Checklist Features

You can add  checkboxes  next to each activity or place. It feels so good to check them off as you go!

Safe and Secure

You can easily  lock the document  to keep your travel plans private.

Great for Printing

Word documents  print beautifully . It is a great option if you like having a paper copy of your plans.

How to Use It

• Open Word and choose a blank document or a pre-made template.
• Fill in your travel details like flights, hotels, and fun stuff to do.
• Add any  extra notes  or  checklists .
• Save it, print it, or share it via email.

Tips for Using Word Templates

• Spell-check : Always run a spell-check to avoid any errors.
• Save Often : Keep up your hard work. Save your doc often!
• Backup : Email a copy to yourself or save it in the cloud.

Using a Word template for your travel itinerary is a smart way to keep all your plans in one place. Give it a try for your next trip!

Free Travel Itinerary Templates Excel

Do you like spreadsheets?  Excel templates  offer even more ways to stay organized. You can sort your plans, filter them, and find what you need fast!

If you’ve been using regular Word documents or even pen and paper for your travel plans, it’s time to  upgrade to Excel ! Here’s why and how:

Easy to Edit: Change On-the-Go

Excel allows you to add or remove items quickly. If your plans change, delete a row or add a new one!

Sort and Filter: Find What You Need

Say you want to see all your flight details at once. Excel lets you sort and filter to find what you’re looking for in a snap.

Color Codes: Make It Pretty and Practical

Blue for sightseeing and red for meals. It makes it easier to understand your day at a glance.

Formulas: Count the Hours

You can use simple Excel formulas to add how much time each day’s activities will take.

Shareable: Easy to Send

Excel files are easily shared by email or cloud services like Google Drive. You can also password-protect it if it has sensitive data.

Collaborative: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Everyone can add their activities or notes in the same Excel sheet if you’re traveling with others. It’s a team itinerary!

Tabs for Days: One File, Many Uses

You can use different tabs for different parts of your trip. One tab for flights, another for hotels, and so on.

Links and Notes: Extra Info

You can add links to websites or notes with additional information in Excel.

Offline Access: Always Available

Once downloaded, Excel files are available even without internet access, making them reliable and handy.

Templates Galore: Start with a Bang

It is lots of pre-made Excel itinerary templates available online. It can give you a head start and create planning even quicker.

Itinerary Templates Excel

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Stable and Consistent

One of the biggest perks of using a PDF is that it looks the  same  on every device. No surprises!

Easy to Share

PDF files are  super easy to send  in an email or message. They can be opened on almost any gadget.

No Accidental Changes

Once you save it, it stays that way. You can’t accidentally mess up your plans!

Universal Acceptance

Almost all businesses can open and read PDFs. Most people can easily check your plans if you need to show them.

Password Protection

PDFs can be  locked  with a password. Your plans stay  safe and private .

Fantastic for Printing

If you like paper copies, PDFs print out  just how they look on screen .

• Make your plans in any software that can be saved as a PDF.
• Double-check all your details and  spelling .
• Save or ‘print’ your plans as a PDF file.
• Share or print your  snazzy  new PDF itinerary!

Tips for Using PDF Templates

• Read-Only : Remember, most PDFs can’t be easily changed. Make sure all your info is correct before you save it.
• Compatibility : Always ensure the people you share the PDF with can open it.
• Document Size : PDFs with lots of pictures can get big. Keep an eye on the file size if you need to email it.

A PDF travel itinerary template is  rock-solid  for keeping your travel plans organized and easily accessible. It’s a popular option, especially if you want a file that stays how you made it.

Common Mistakes in Using Travel Itinerary Templates

Skipping the Details : One of the most common errors is  filling in all the blanks . It can lead to confusion during your trip.

Ignoring Time Zones : Many must remember to account for time zone changes. It can mess up your plans.

Overstuffing the Itinerary : It’s tempting to pack your day full of activities. But this leaves  no room for rest or unexpected events .

Forgetting to Share : If you’re traveling with others,  forgetting to share  the itinerary can make things hard for everyone.

Not Checking Operation Hours : Imagine going to a museum only to find it’s closed. Always  check the working hours  of places you want to visit.

Skipping Backup Plans : Weather changes. Plans fall through. Having  no Plan B  can ruin your day.

Bad Formatting : If your itinerary is hard to read, it’s almost useless. Make sure you use  clear and easy-to-read formats .

Not Updating : Sometimes plans change.  Only updating your template  can make sure you get all the things.

Ignoring Local Customs and Laws : Failing to account for local customs or laws can be embarrassing and sometimes problematic. Always do your  basic homework .

Not Double-Checking : A small mistake in flight numbers or hotel booking IDs can be a big hassle. Always  double-check your details .

Avoiding these common mistakes can make your itinerary a powerful tool for a smooth and enjoyable trip!

Traveling is more fun when you’re organized. Using a  travel itinerary template  can help a lot! So why wait? Download a free template today!

Additional Resources

Want to know more? Click the links below for free templates and helpful travel apps.

• Free Itinerary Templates
• Best Travel Apps

Happy traveling! ????

What Is a Travel Itinerary Template?

A travel itinerary template is like a  map for your trip . It shows where you need to go, what you’ll do, and when you’ll do it.

Where Can I Find Free Travel Itinerary Templates?

You can find free templates online, in apps, Excel, or Word. Some travel websites also offer them for  free .

Should My Template Be Detailed or Broad?

That depends on you! Some folks like a  minute-by-minute plan , while others want just the  big events  listed. Choose what works for you.

Can I Use the Same Template for Different Trips?

Yes, you can! Just  change the details  to fit your new trip.

What Should I Include in My Template?

Include key info like  flights, hotels, and activities . Remember  small but important details  like transport from the airport to the hotel.

Do I Need to Print My Itinerary?

Only sometimes. You could keep it on your phone. But a printed copy is good, just in case your phone  runs out of juice .

How Many Copies Should I Make?

It’s a good idea to have  more than one copy . Leave one with a friend or family member back home, keep one with you, and maybe have a  digital copy .

Can I Add Last-Minute Changes?

Yes, you can. Just  update all your copies  so you’re not working off old info.

What Do I Do If My Plans Change Mid-Trip?

No problem! Just  update your template . You can do it with a printed copy or update the digital one on your device.

Is It OK to Leave Free Time in My Plan?

Absolutely! It’s your trip, after all. Free time lets you  explore  or  rest  as you feel like it.

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About the author.

Itinerary Template for a Trip: Free Downloadable Examples & More Resources

• Updated: 04/04/2024

If you are looking for a free, easy, and detailed itinerary template for a trip that you can download and conveniently add your own travel details—then you are in the right place. 

Find the sample trip itinerary template I created and tweaked over years of travel to include the most relevant information in one easy-to-scan document and in four different file formats. 

Additionally, I share alternative template ideas  that include my top picks for itinerary-building apps  and other online places where you can find more free or affordable trip itinerary designs  and layouts. So, go to the file format that works best for you, scan my quick tips for editing, and get your trip details organized in a downloadable, easy-to-edit, and very sharable document. 

Table Of Contents

Itinerary template for a trip in 4 file formats.

Find my travel itinerary template in the four different file formats below. Choose the one you like to work in best. Then find more recommendations here .

• Microsoft Word trip itinerary template
• Microsoft Excel trip itinerary template
• Google Sheets trip itinerary template
• Canva trip itinerary template

About This Template: 7 Main Components

There are seven main components to this template. I have included each because it contains the information I reference most while traveling, organized in a way that helps me figure out when my trip schedule is overloaded or lacks the right amount of buffer time between activities or transit.

Sign up for my monthly Discovery Newsletter & get a free Trip Budget Calculator !

The 7 trip itinerary template components include:

• Header. For a destination image and title. Replace this image with your own.
• High-level trip summary: An at-a-glance summary of essential trip information—the number of travelers, dates of travel, flights (or other transit), and location(s) of the trip.
• Travel day column. Know which day of your trip an activity is happening. 
• Day of the week column. Know the day of the week and date to ensure lodging, tour, and transfers are booked correctly.
• Activities column. A place to capture details for all activities and lodging. Hyperlink text to websites for additional information.
• Location(s) column. In this space, recap the destinations for each day, link to lodging websites, and include important notes such as included meals or overnight flights.
• Lodging contact info sheet. A second tab or sheet for additional lodging information is included in all template files except for Microsoft Word 

Since the detail on this template prints small, consider saving it to a PDF file , allowing you to zoom in as needed and easily share it with others.

Additionally, reference your itinerary offline when you save a PDF version of this itinerary to your phone to an app like iBooks (Apple users) or Google Play Books (Android users). Having an offline itinerary comes in handy in travel situations when you have limited or zero cellular or wi-fi connection. 

Microsoft Word Template

Click on the image below to download a free version of this trip itinerary template containing actual details from a visit to Iceland in Microsoft Word. 

6 Editing Tips (Word Template)

As Microsoft Word is the most universally used software program, it is the trip itinerary template file I share first. Here are six essential editing tips when using the Microsoft Word version of this template.

Header area editing (Word template)

• To change out the image at the top of the itinerary, right-click on the image and select Change Picture. Select from a stock photo or upload your own image. I am a Canva user and found this image there, added a text overlay, and saved it using the dimensions 2000x458px.
• However, you can upload any size image file you would like. If your uploaded image is not the correct size, click on it and drag its diagonal corner to resize and fit the page. If you find it too tricky to insert a new image, delete the existing one and type your preferred itinerary title. It might not look as pretty without a picture, but the template will still convey all essential information.

Main itinerary body editing (Word template)

I created this itinerary using a table in Microsoft Word, hiding vertical gridlines to achieve a cleaner look. 

• To edit text , select and delete existing text. Then, type text as you normally would in Word documents.
• To add a table row , select a row by dragging your mouse to highlight it, then right-click and choose Insert to add a row above or below. Repeat the process to delete a row . Find one additional blank row at the bottom of the template.
• To add or change hyperlinks , select the word(s) you would like to link (or unlink) to a website, right-click, select Hyperlink, and from the sub-menu, select Edit or Remove Hyperlink.
• To add back vertical gridlines , select the entire table, right-click, and select Borders and Shading to adjust the design with the gridline configuration you like best.

Microsoft Excel Template

Click on the image below to download a free version of this trip itinerary template containing actual details from a visit to Iceland in Microsoft Excel. 

9 Editing Tips (Excel Template)

As Microsoft Excel is more specialized software, I share nine file-specific tips, knowing that the traveler who prefers to download this file type is likely already familiar and comfortable editing in Excel.

Header area editing (Excel template)

To change out the header image at the top of the itinerary, right-click on the image and select Change Picture. Select from a stock photo or upload your own image. I am a Canva user and found this image there, saving it using the dimensions 2000x458px. Once uploaded, I added the semi-transparency in Excel.

However, you can upload any size image file you would like. If your uploaded image is not the correct size, click on it and drag its diagonal corner to resize and fit the page . If you find it too tricky to insert a new image, delete the existing one. It might not look as pretty without a picture, but the template will still convey all essential information.

• Though—if you upload a new image and want to keep the semi-transparency , double-click on your picture to get to the Picture Format menu. Find the Transparency icon in the header menu and adjust it to your preference. 
• To change the header text , click on the text in the Text Box and edit all elements.

Main itinerary body editing (Excel template)

• To insert bullet points , copy these from an existing cell in the document. I created and copied the bullet points from a Word document and pasted them into Excel. 
• All cells are set to wrap text and are oriented to align left and at the top of the cell. If this changes or the format structure is lost, right-click on any cell and select Format Cells to reset the cell structure to your preference. 
• To start a new line of text in a cell when using a Mac, press the Option+Return buttons on your keyboard. Using a PC, press the Alt+Enter buttons or get more tips from Microsoft Help .
• To insert hyperlinks , select the cell you would like to hyperlink, and from the main menu, select Insert. From that submenu, choose Link. Microsoft Excel—from what I can tell (please correct me in the comments if you know how to bypass this)—does not allow users to link individual text within a cell. Google Sheets does, and it is one of the reasons I prefer using that format type. 

Lodging contact tab editing (Excel template)

Note a second tab in this Excel template for lodging details—set to print landscape (horizontally). Edit all elements in the same way as the main itinerary.

Google Sheets Template

Click on the image below to download a free version of this trip itinerary template containing actual details from a visit to Iceland in Google Sheets. This image links to a read-only document. 

To copy it, click File from the main menu and select Copy . Doing this will create a copy of the document on your Google Drive. You will want to be logged into Google when you do this.

7 Editing Tips (Google Sheets Template)

Google Sheets is my preferred file type to create, edit, and share new trip itineraries. I find its slimmed-down menu is easier to use than Excel. Plus, I appreciate the ability to highlight and hyperlink specific text using Sheets vs. having to link an entire cell (in Excel).

Additionally, I find this file type easier to share as not everyone uses Microsoft documents. And I find it convenient since I already use Google Drive to manage my business documents and keep my travel information organized . Here are seven things to know when editing this template.

Header area editing (Google Sheets template)

To change out the header image at the top of the itinerary, right-click on the image and select Change Picture. Select from a stock photo or upload your own image. I am a Canva user and found this image there, added a text overlay, and saved it using the dime nsions 2000x458px.

However, you can upload any size image file you would like. If your uploaded image is not the correct size, click on it and drag its diagonal corner to resize and fit the page . If you find it too tricky to insert a new image, delete the existing one and type your preferred itinerary title. It might not look as pretty without a picture, but the template will still convey all essential information.

Main itinerary body editing (Google Sheets template)

• All cells are set to wrap text and are oriented to align left and at the top of the cell. If this changes or the format structure is lost, select a cell and choose Format from the main menu.  From the drop-down menu, select Wrapping or Alignment to adjust to your preference. 
• To start a new line of text within Google Sheets when using a Mac, press the Command (or Control or Option)+Return buttons on your keyboard. Using a PC, press the Alt (or Control) +Enter buttons. 
• To insert hyperlinks , select the specific text you would like to hyperlink, and from the iconographic menu, just below the main menu, select the three vertical dots at the far right for more editing items. Select the Link icon to insert and link to your preferred URL. Or choose Insert from the main menu, then select Link. 

Lodging contact tab editing (Google Sheets template)

Note a second tab in this Google Sheets template for lodging details—set to print landscape (horizontally). Edit all elements in the same way as the main itinerary.

Canva Template

Click on the image below to access and edit a free version of this trip itinerary template in Canva. 

Although Canva is an excellent and intuitive design software usable by non-professionals, it requires prior knowledge and experience to use it comfortably. I do not recommend downloading and editing this file type unless you are already comfortable creating and editing in Canva.

If you are, have fun! You have full editing capability to change any element of this two-page trip itinerary template, which includes a second page for lodging contact information. 

Tips for duplicating the template: Click the above image, then click the “Create with Canva” button in the upper right-hand corner. When you do this, it should take you to your Canva account and let you copy, and then edit a duplicate version of the template.

2 Recommended Online Itinerary Builders

If you prefer using an app or an online itinerary builder to create your itineraries, TripIt and Wanderlog are the top two options. I have used TripIt before and found it handy—though short on the functionality I prefer. Despite easy integration with travel booking uploads, the program was less flexible than I would have liked, still requiring some manual uploading and editing. 

I have not used Wanderlog, though I have repeatedly seen it recommended highly by frequent travelers and travel professionals. To see which is right for you, scan through this Reddit thread of users comparing notes on each.

4 More Places to Find Travel Itinerary Templates

In addition to the free templates I share, are four more places to find free or affordable trip itinerary templates.

• Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Sheets free templates

Find multiple travel itinerary templates on Jotform .  Edit them using its web-based a PDF editor. Then, download your edited form after you create an account. You get five complimentary form downloads with a free membership . 

Find multiple trip itinerary templates on Canva .  There are several free options. To edit and download them, create a free account on Canva if you do not already have one. Some templates are restricted to paid Pro Canva users only.

Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Sheets

Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Sheets offer free templates. These software programs offer several free travel itinerary templates. To access these complimentary templates, choose File, then select Create New from Template or New from template gallery from the main menus. Search for templates related to trips or travel to find one that fits your needs.

Several shops on Etsy sell downloadable trip itinerary templates for a low price, often $5 or under. Some designs are beautiful. Several come packaged with multiple detailed pages that could be perfect for your needs or be superfluous. Search digital download options here to see what fits your preferences best.

Related Reading

If you are searching for more travel planning assistance to help you save time and money, stay organized, and achieve better results, check out the related articles below.

• How to Plan a Trip Quickly: 9 Best Places to Find Inspiring Trip Itineraries
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• Why You Will Love Google Maps for Trip Planning
• How to Save Time & Money with Google Flights Price Tracker
• 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research
• Pack Faster & Better with This Universal Printable Packing List
• 25 Expert Packing Tips to Help You Travel Better
• Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack

Additional Trip Planning Resources

To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below. 

Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here . 

Google Hotels . Use its “ Where to stay ” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.

Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.

Viator , Get Your Guide , & Airbnb Experiences . Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.

Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps . Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list. 

AllTrails . Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.

Guide Along . 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour .

Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here . My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com . 

Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks , and my free customizable travel itinerary template , downloadable in four file formats.

About the author:  Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog,  Gather and Go Travel . Check out  her bio , learn how she became  a blogger , and discover how to  work with her . Sign up for her monthly  Discovery Newsletter  to get her latest travel recommendations and  how-to’s .

Love to travel? Sign up for m y monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator .

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.

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2 responses.

Hi Nicole, thanks for messaging about this. Happy to troubleshoot. I am sorry you having issues. Since you would like to use this template I’ll take an educated guess that you are familiar with Canva and already have an account? When you click the “Create with Canva” link in the upper right hand corner it should take you to your account and let you edit a version of this template. I’ll check in with you via email as well to see if this is happening. If not, I’ll email you a direct link and dig in to adjust settings. Or feel free to email me directly at (janice at gatherandgotravel dot com.). Thank you!

Hi! I was hoping to use your Canva template but it linked to a preview that wouldn’t open the template. I also couldn’t find it by searching.. Is it available anywhere?

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Welcome to Gather and Go Travel , a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, an experienced traveler to over 50 countries and a travel writer, book lover, and blogger. Learn more about me , read our story , and how to work with me .

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Discover free itinerary templates from Adobe Express.

Adobe Express offers professionally designed itinerary templates to give you a good foundation for building your next itinerary. The Adobe Express intuitive interface is a breeze to navigate, allowing you to format your itinerary in whatever way best serves your needs. Play around with color themes, font styles, personal branding, and imagery. Adobe Express saves your design so you can edit it on the go. Begin your journey with our guide below.

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How to make an itinerary.

Itinerary templates from Adobe Express make the design process easy.

Adobe Express puts you in the creative hot seat without the need to read huge instruction manuals first. Explore our itinerary templates as you're gearing up for your next adventure and build out your itinerary every step of the way as you plan. Adobe Express makes it easy to access your itinerary wherever you need it so you can stay organized and on time.

Let Adobe Express be your itinerary design expert.

Explore professionally designed templates to get your wheels spinning or create your itinerary from scratch. Establish a theme for your designs using photos, icons, logos, personalized fonts, and other customizable elements to make them feel entirely authentic. With Adobe Express, it's free and easy to make, save, and share your designs within minutes.

Plan a perfect holiday in seconds.

Are you tired of spending hours trying to organize your travel plans? Create a travel planner that simplifies your trip and helps you focus on what truly matters. Adobe Express itinerary maker allows you to effortlessly create an itinerary that helps you plan every detail of your trip for free in one place. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first trip, with Adobe Express itinerary maker, you can stay right on schedule between your activities and destinations.

What activities should you do at what time? Should you consider accommodation and transportation? Create an itinerary that helps you stay organized and keep track of your daily activities with Adobe Express itinerary maker. Upload maps, photos, and notes to your itinerary using Adobe Express drag-and-drop tool to ensure you never miss a beat during your travels.

Create a stunning itinerary design as you like.

Want to go on a solo adventure or plan a group trip? Are you considering a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure? Adobe Express itinerary maker allows you to customize every detail of your itinerary design as you like. Use the drop-and-drag tool to upload your own photos, or choose Adobe Express professionally-made templates and customize the colors to match your travel theme.

Love colorful designs? Add stickers or use a colorful palate to make your itinerary design pop. Once your itinerary design is ready, simply download the file in PDF, JPG, or PNG format and share it with loved ones. Adobe Express enables you to create an itinerary as you like, without any design skills required.

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8 Websites to Find Free Itinerary Planner Templates for Your Next Trip

One of the most challenging parts of planning a trip can be the itinerary. To make this easier, here are eight websites with free planning templates.

If you’ve ever tried to plan out an itinerary, you know that a template makes things much easier than just trying to throw something together yourself. Unfortunately, trying to find a template can be quite a difficult process if you don’t know where to look.

Thankfully, there are good options for you to use. Here are eight of the very best places that you can find free itinerary planner templates for your next trip.

First up on this list, we have Canva. Canva is an online graphic design platform that lets you create a huge range of designs, including itinerary planners.

Canva includes over 750 different itinerary planner templates that you can look through at your own leisure. The designs here are pretty diverse and feature just about any event, holiday, or structure that you could want.

What really makes Canva shine, however, is how it lets you interact with these templates. You can simply choose a planner and print it out, if you so wish, but Canva lets you do more than that.

With Canva, you can customize and design your itinerary any way that you want. This includes adjusting the text, the locations, the images, and more. You could also upload your own pictures if you want to include a photo of yourself or your destination, for example.

Next up, we have the itinerary templates available from Jotform. Jotform is a PDF editor, which means that it should be no surprise that it’s a remarkably powerful tool to use in conjunction with its free itinerary planner templates.

The range with Jotform’s itinerary templates is noticeably less than some of the other options available on this list. There are only 21 templates available to choose from, and though there is a very solid variety available here, this may be a little limiting.

Jotform’s greatest strength, however, is in how you can edit the templates. Unlike Canva, Jotform’s editing is less artistic and more functional. There are plenty of options to easily add in new lines, boxes, page breaks, and signature boxes.

If you’re looking to pass around a relatively no-nonsense itinerary to a couple of people, this can be a good way to do so.

3. Adobe Express

If you’re looking for an impressive range of different free travel itinerary templates that also features some reasonably powerful editing tools, then Adobe Express is a fantastic place to look.

Adobe Express features well over 100 different itinerary templates, though some of them are only available to premium users. The range here is quite good, though some of the templates can be pretty basic and seem to focus more on aesthetic than on functionality.

If you've ever looked for free travel journal apps to create a beautiful trip diary , however, then this might be what you're looking for. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that appeals to what it is that you’re looking for.

The main reason to use Adobe Express, however, is that the editing options that you have are quite powerful. There’s a comprehensive layering system, as well as a huge variety of design assets, fonts, and layout tools. You can even animate your travel itinerary if you’re not planning to print it.

4. Microsoft Office

Next up, we have the itinerary templates available for Microsoft Office. These templates are a little more limited than some of the other options on this list, but if you’re already familiar with the Microsoft Office suite and don’t want to sign up for and learn a new system, then they might just surprise you.

There are only nine itinerary templates available from Microsoft, with roughly half of them being available for Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel, respectively.

The templates themselves are very solid, however. They’re certainly not the most elaborate nor fancy, but they’ll do the job well. If you’re just looking for something that will get the job done and work with the Microsoft Office suite out of the box, then this is a great place to get some templates.

If you’re looking for some templates that strike a good balance between design and functionality, then the free travel itinerary templates provided by Visme might just be exactly what you’re looking for.

Visme has over 30 different itinerary templates available for you to look through, mostly focusing on different destinations and travel lengths. These itineraries are all entirely customizable thanks to Visme’s in-depth design tools as well. A perfect compliment to these smart travel planning apps for easier trip itineraries .

These templates all look great without sacrificing usability. They’re also highly adjustable, with options for colors, graphics, photos, media, and text all being customizable.

6. EDIT.org

For something that is a little bit more pared back and is easier to learn, EDIT.org has a wide range of different templates available for use.

These templates are all customizable, though the options here are a little less complicated, and therefore overwhelming. If you’re looking for templates that look great and that you can edit without having to worry too much about learning something new, then EDIT.org is a great option for just that.

7. Template.net

Next up, we have Template.net. As you might imagine, Template.net is a website focusing on different template designs, including free travel itinerary templates.

There are over 60 different travel itineraries available with Template.net, though not all of them are available for free. The range is, however, diverse, so you’re likely to find something that you can use.

You can download your templates directly for a variety of file formats such as Microsoft Word or Excel, Google Docs, Apple Numbers, and more. You can also edit your itineraries directly.

8. On Planners

Last, but not least, we have On Planners. If you’re looking for a variety of free travel itineraries that you can download and fill out yourself, then Onplanners.com might just be what you’re looking for.

On Planners provides a handful of different travel itineraries for you to look through. The range here isn’t huge, but the options are solid and easy to download.

It's worth bearing in mind that only some of the templates are editable. But, if you’re looking for something that you can quickly print and fill out by hand, then this is a great place to find what you’re looking for.

Finding Free Travel Itinerary Templates Can Be Easy

As you can see, finding free travel itinerary templates doesn’t have to be a difficult thing. Regardless of if you’re looking for something that you can quickly download or print and fill out yourself, or are hoping to find something that looks nice, there’s something out there for you.

Plotting out the itinerary doesn't have to be difficult, either, with plenty of planning apps to help you out.

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How to create the perfect travel itinerary

Some travellers are more than happy to arrive at their destination with nothing but a YOLO or carpe diem mindset and a backpack on their backs. For others, just the thought of arriving with nothing pre-planned and no holiday travel itinerary is scary.

There are advantages to both travel styles, but it’s undeniable that putting at least a little work into your itinerary before you travel can enhance your vacation experience. It doesn’t need to be a multi-page spreadsheet or a long list of scribbled notes. Today, you can use travel planner apps to create an itinerary easily.

In this article, we’ll set out a few key tips on how to create an itinerary to help your travel dreams come true.

Make your ideas list

The first step to making an itinerary is to create your ideas list. Have a travel notebook, or an ideas board or use a travel planner app to make a note of your dream destinations or location wish list. Whether you have a few vague ideas – “Australia”, “Europe” or something specific like “seeing the Himalayas whilst paragliding in Nepal”, get it written down in one place that you can refer to later. We love to note down any recommendations that we stumble across whilst browsing the web.

Work out your budget!

Work out how much money you’re going to set aside for your trip, and be realistic with yourself. Arguably, this is one of the first things you should do as a travel planner so that you can focus your ideas list without having to go through the disappointing task of crossing off everything that’s out of budget later. There is no point browsing websites for private islands in the Maldives, only to be disheartened when you realize that you can only afford a room in a shared Airbnb when it comes to making your trip itinerary.

Working out your budget early can also help focus your location choice if this isn’t already determined.

Research your travel itinerary

If you’re like us, half the fun of travelling or vacations is the planning and working to create an itinerary. Learning something about the history and culture of your destination before you go can make a trip even more rewarding once you’re there.

From travel books like Lonely Planet , Rough Guides and Bradt Travel, to customer-feedback-based sites like Tripadvisor to the multitude of online blogs, there’s a vast pool of resources to dive into for creating a trip itinerary.

You can also check out our list of the world’s best cities for more inspiration.

Additionally, online blogs and websites like National Geographic and  www traveloverplanet com , etc can offer further inspiration and information about different destinations. 

Decide when to go

Knowing when to go is an important factor for planning a trip itinerary. Make sure that the weather conditions are favorable for a holiday. Check for public holidays and local festivals at your destination.

Many travellers dream of being in India for ‘Holi’- the festival of colours but is it safe to travel during that time? Sometimes, festivals are best avoided. For instance, travelling to Vietnam during Lunar New Year (or Tet), is generally not recommended. Many facilities are completely shut down for a couple of weeks and the whole country is on the move, making domestic travel challenging! It might be best to create your itinerary to steer clear of these occasions.

Don’t overstretch yourself

As tempting as it is to try to visit all the temples in Angkor in one day, it’s probably going to lead to you falling asleep straight after sunset at Angkor Wat, with no energy to enjoy a delicious Cambodian dinner truly, and that’s if you haven’t succumbed to heat exhaustion by mid-afternoon! A major problem when creating travel itineraries is trying to cram so much in that your vacation resembles a military boot camp more than a leisure trip.

Sometimes less is more. As the travel planner, try to separate your activities and destinations into ‘must-do’ and ‘would be good to do’. Factor in travel time. Though train and bus rides can be a great way to see a new destination, you don’t want to spend your whole vacation staring out of a window.

Plan with your travel companions!

Maybe there’s an activity that the travel planner loves that might not be everyone’s idea of fun. Perhaps adventure caving in Mexico isn’t actually Mom’s ideal vacation activity. Have the conversation early in the planning stages, rather than when you’re on vacation.

If you’re travelling with companions who potentially have a different vacation budget to you it’s really important to discuss this early when forming your travel itinerary to avoid friction later on in your trip. Make sure you are open about this early and can come up with a solution. Perhaps your companion is happy to settle down on a hammock with a book for the day whilst you enjoy a day trip.

Use travel apps

Choose a trip planner app that will help you become the ultimate trip planner. Organizing apps like TripIt.com let you make complicated itineraries to share online and it will automatically generate maps, directions and weather information. Other options are a trip planning app like TripHobo.com which will give helpful activity and direction recommendations and useful information on opening times and visit duration.

Check out our list of the best travel planning apps to discover more useful apps.

Don’t get stuck in your schedule

Finally, the most important thing to remember – you’re not legally obliged to follow your travel itinerary! Allow yourself the freedom to take up recommendations from people you meet along the way, be that a fellow traveler, the staff at your accommodation or someone who lives there.

Use our tips above to plan your perfect travel itinerary, but don’t miss out on the spontaneous opportunities that come your way when you’re on the road.

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How to Design the Perfect Travel Itinerary: A Masterclass

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Travel is a transformative experience, but the joy can be easily diminished by poor planning. That’s where a stellar itinerary comes in – it’s the roadmap to an unforgettable adventure. If you already dabble in travel planning, this article will take you beyond the basics. We’ll cover expert-level tips to create itineraries that maximize fun and minimize stress, aligning perfectly with Google’s Helpful Content Update.

Understanding the Purpose of Your Trip

Before diving into logistics, think intentionally about these questions:

• Relaxation or Exploration? Are you dreaming of lazy beach days or jam-packed city sightseeing? Knowing your pace is crucial.
• Interests and Themes: Do you crave culture, history, outdoor adventures, culinary delights, or something niche? Building an itinerary around specific interests makes it more fulfilling.
• Budget: Being realistic about your budget prevents unpleasant surprises mid-journey. An itinerary can help allocate resources wisely.

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Research: The Backbone of Smart Itinerary Design

Thorough research is the difference between average and exceptional trips :

• Go Beyond Guidebooks: Use blogs, travel forums, and social media to find hidden local gems or up-to-the-minute updates that guidebooks may miss.
• Embrace the Practical: Research visas, currency exchange, transportation options, cultural etiquette, and weather. Practical details prevent headaches.
• Seasonal Considerations: Peak seasons impact crowds, prices, and activity availability. Consider shoulder seasons (just before or after peak) for a good balance.

The Art of Structuring Your Itinerary

• Embrace Flexibility: Leave room for spontaneous discoveries and factor in potential travel delays. A rigid itinerary can become a source of stress.
• Geographic Logic: Group activities by location to save time and travel costs. Google Maps is a fantastic tool for this visualization.
• Activity Balance: Mix high-energy days with slower-paced ones, especially on longer trips. This prevents burnout and keeps things exciting.

Logistics: Booking the Essentials

• Flights and Accommodation First: Book these in advance, especially during peak seasons. Prioritize location and features important to you (proximity to attractions, kitchenettes, etc.).
• Transportation Within Your Destination: Research local trains, public transport, or car rentals based on your destination and planned activities.
• Tickets and Reservations: Secure tickets for popular attractions or make restaurant reservations when possible. It saves time and avoids disappointment.

Tools to Elevate Your Planning

• Spreadsheets or Docs: Simple yet powerful. Create columns for dates, activities, addresses, confirmation numbers, and notes.
• Itinerary Apps: Apps like TripIt streamline organization. They can pull reservation details from your email and even provide real-time flight updates.
• Digital Maps: Use ‘My Maps’ on Google to mark points of interest, restaurants, and hotels. It gives a great visual overview and lets you share with travel companions.

Tips to Maximize Your Experience

• Embrace Mornings: Attractions tend to be less crowded earlier in the day. Plus, you’ll get that iconic photo without hordes of tourists in the background.
• Explore ‘Off the Beaten Path: Venture beyond the most touristy areas. Ask locals for recommendations on neighborhoods, restaurants, or events.
• Schedule Downtime: Don’t feel pressured to fill every minute. Include unstructured time to just wander, people-watch at a cafe, or relax by the pool.
• Talk to Locals: Strike up conversations with shopkeepers, taxi drivers, or friendly faces. They often share unique insights you won’t find online.
• Pack Light and Smart: Less luggage means less hassle. Utilize packing cubes or rolling techniques to maximize suitcase space.

Stress-Free Adventures: Your Guide to Smoothing Out Travel Bumps

Remember: It’s YOUR Itinerary

Don’t feel bound by what others say you “must” do. Tailor your trip to your preferences. Whether that’s seeking every Michelin-star restaurant or hitting up every quirky museum, own your adventure!

The Importance of Post-Trip Reflection

After returning, note what worked flawlessly and where you might adjust for future trips. Refining your itinerary-making skills is a never-ending journey, as enjoyable as the travels themselves.

Let me know if you’d like even more specific tips, like targeting a particular type of trip (family travel, solo backpacking, etc.)!

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11 Free Travel Itinerary Templates for Your Next Trip in Google Docs, Excel, & Word

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April 8, 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 11 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 itinerary template, 3. clickup trip planner template, 4. clickup event planning itinerary template, 5. clickup 24 hour itinerary template, 6. clickup basic agenda template, 7. clickup conference itinerary template, 8. clickup board meeting agenda template, 9. excel vacation itinerary template, 10. google docs travel itinerary template, 11. 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 11 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.

11 Travel Itinerary Templates for Your Next Trip

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!

Streamline your travel planning with ClickUp’s Trip Planner Template ! Say goodbye to the chaos of scattered details and hello to a centralized hub for all your trip essentials. From flights to accommodations, activities to budgets, this template has you covered. Save time by organizing everything in one place and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

With customizable features like custom statuses, fields, and views, you can tailor the template to suit your specific needs. Collaborate effortlessly with friends and family to create the ultimate travel experience. Whether you’re jetting off for a quick getaway or planning a work trip, this template provides the tools you need for a successful trip.

Set your budget, research destinations, create itineraries, and finalize details all within ClickUp’s intuitive platform. Track progress, assign tasks, and monitor productivity with ease. From start to finish, ClickUp’s Trip Planner Template empowers you to plan your dream trip efficiently and effectively.

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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Plan Your Trip

Incredible travel itineraries.

The number of emails (and the amount of web traffic) I receive regarding vacation itinerary ideas never ceases to amaze me. It makes sense, of course, when I break it down. I’ve always been a very Type-A person—I love plotting out the nitty-gritty details of travel—but most people simply want to get on a plane and go.

Some travelers are looking for an actual travel itinerary planner, while others simply want to use a travel itinerary example that someone else created in order to build their own. If you continue reading, you’ll find options to take both of these routes as your departure date approaches, as well as some alternative choices if your needs are more complex.

Specifically, I’ll be sharing travel itineraries from around the world, and explaining more about the planning service I offer. Whether your travel bucket list includes a month-long sojourn in Australia, spending several weeks in Japan or exploring European capitals from Athens to Zagreb, your next trip starts here.

Why You Should Never Take a Trip Without an Itinerary

Many years ago in Morocco, an Australian traveler named Erin made a blunt statement to me. “I don’t understand people who leave their homes and fly halfway across the world,” she said, “and then don’t do something incredible every day.” I agreed with what she said, but I also felt implicated by it. At that phase of my travel life, I very rarely had any plan (even a skeletal sample travel itinerary) and often just went where the wind blew, which resulted in many wasted or woefully under-used days.

I felt implicated, but also inspired. In the time between then and when I effectively started working as a vacation planner, I made a point of taking ever-more organized trips, and maximizing every day I’m out on the road. I do still take rest and pleasure days—and I still leave room for magic to happen, to be sure—but I always have an idea, when I wake up, what I’m going to have gotten into by the time I go to bed.

The Best Travel Itinerary Ideas on the Web

Whether you’re searching for a Europe trip planner, or need a travel plan for a slightly more exotic destination, check out my long list of itineraries:

Southeast Asia

South america.

How to Plan Your Own Trip Itinerary

Step one: create a precise outline.

Although my travel itineraries are relatively open-ended, make no mistake: When I plan a trip for myself or someone else, I get right down into the nitty-gritty. The first step involves mapping out all my travel dates (including transit dates, for long haul) trips, in sequence. This might sound too basic to consider, but you know what they say about houses—if you don’t build yours on a solid foundation, it’s doomed to crumble.

Step Two: Determine a Logical Trajectory

You don’t have to be a professional travel route planner to know that short hops make more sense than long ones, and that backtracking is something you should try to avoid at all costs. Once you determine how many days you have in a certain country or region, get out a map (preferably one that shows terrain, highways and even train tracks, so you can account for the fact that the world exists in three dimensions) and determine when to go where.

Step Three: Flesh Out the Details—But Leave Room for Magic

Regardless of where you’ll be traveling, the best travel itinerary is always the most balanced one. You don’t want to be light on details (at minimum, I recommend choosing at least one destination or experience for morning, afternoon and evening, plus lunch or dinner in places that make sense with your movement), but you also don’t want to overload. It is almost always in the moments between “attractions” that the magic of travel happens.

When (and Why) to Hire a Professional Trip Planner

Whether you’re flummoxed as you attempt to sort out travel to China and seek an Asia trip planner, or even if you’re planning a round-the-world trip and are about to give up, there are many reasons to seek professional help. Here are a few of them:

• You’ve only got one shot: Whether it’s an expensive trip to a far-away destination, or an opportunity to travel with your kids before they go to college, many travelers can’t afford mistakes.
• You have more money than time: This is a bit of a crude way to describe it, but it’s accurate. Whether you’re a busy professional or a professional procrastinator, time is the rarest resource for many would-be travelers.
• You’re nervous or scared: Although the service I offer is technically that of an itinerary planner, I do a lot of hand-holding and pep talk as well.
• You hate uncertainty: Travel always brings an element of chance with it, but having a guaranteed place to stay every night, and an amazing experience mapped out at least once a day leaves a lot less hanging in the balance.

Other FAQ About Planning a Travel Itinerary

How do i make a travel itinerary.

To make a travel itinerary, listing out the days you will travel, in order, then add in accommodation, meals, activities and transportation for each. The key to a good travel itinerary is good organization, and managing to be both attentive to detail and succinct.

What is the best trip planner website?

I may be biased, but I think Leave Your Daily Hell is a pretty amazing website for planning your trip. If you don’t want to use my hundreds of articles to put your own itinerary together, you can hire me (Robert Schrader) as your personal trip planner for travel to dozens of destinations around the world.

What is the importance of a travel itinerary?

A travel itinerary, at least one that’s made well, is extremely important. This short document contains all the essential information about your trip, including the hotels where you’ll sleep, the restaurants where you’ll eat and the things you’ll do each. Think of it as the “cheat sheet” for your trip!

The Bottom Line

My travel itinerary ideas are detailed, inspiring and allow you to take incredible trips around the world, right out of the box. On the other hand, many travelers prefer to use what I’ve created as a jumping-off point, and fashion their own amazing trip plans atop the strong foundation I’ve built. Still other people seek professional assistance as they plan their trips, such as the custom itinerary planning service I offer in my capacity as a Travel Coach— I can help you plan the trip of a lifetime! Regardless of what you do between now and they day you depart, I hope your next trip is one for the record books!

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The Perfect Yellowstone Itinerary for Your Next Trip

Whether you're with the kids, on a girlfriend's getaway, or flying solo, this travel guide hits all the high spots.

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In general, this schedule provides a well-rounded mix of outdoor and cultural pursuits, a lot of scenic drives and even a bit of pampering. You'll probably notice as much time is spent outside of Yellowstone's borders as within them. For most folks, this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, so I advise seeing as much of the surrounding sights as possible. I promise you'll regret it forever if you miss Cody and Jackson Hole , not to mention the showstopping Grand Teton National Park .

A word on timing your trip. The world's first national park is open year-round, but come winter all but two of the lodging options close, along with most other facilities, entrances, and roads. And while it doesn't bring in the hordes that Great Smoky Mountains National Park does, Yellowstone can get crowded in the summertime, especially around popular sites with boardwalks, like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs.

If you have kids, consider booking your vacation as close to the shoulder season as possible, like late August, right before school starts, or the beginning of June, immediately after it ends. The weather can be brisk in early summer, with snow still piled high on the mountain peaks, but pulling on outerwear is worth it to have the park mostly to yourself, as I often did. Otherwise, I hear Yellowstone is also wonderful in September. And if you want to stay in the park's lodging, plan early! Reservations open 13 months in advance and fill up fast.

My Yellowstone Itinerary

• Day 1 : Depart Sheridan for Cody. Explore Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Overnight at Irma Hotel.
• Day 2: Raft with Wyoming River Trips. Attend Nite Rodeo. Overnight at Irma Hotel.
• Day 3: Depart Cody for Yellowstone National Park. Explore Yellowstone National Park. Overnight at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins.
• Day 4: Explore Yellowstone National Park. Overnight at Old Faithful Inn.
• Day 5: Depart Yellowstone National Park for Jackson Hole. Trail ride with Jackson Hole Pack Trips. Overnight at Spring Creek Ranch.
• Day 6: Paraglide with Jackson Hole Paragliding. Massage at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa. Overnight at Spring Creek Lodge.
• Day 7: Depart Jackson Hole Airport.

Day 1: Depart Sheridan for Cody ➡ Explore Buffalo Bill Center of the Wild West ➡ Overnight at Irma Hotel

Driving Distance Sheridan to Cody: About 145 miles

There are several airports you can fly into that will get you close to Yellowstone, and which one you should choose depends on what entrance you'll be using to access the park. They include Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport , which is about a 90-minute drive from the North Entrance and two hours from the West Entrance ( Yellowstone Airport is located about 10 minutes from the West Entrance, but it's smaller and offers fewer flights); Yellowstone Regional Airport , which is near Cody and an hour from the East Entrance; and Jackson Hole Airport , which is located inside Grand Teton National Park and an hour from the South Entrance.

I actually didn't utilize any of those airports coming into Wyoming but instead started my Yellowstone adventure in Sheridan, a lovely and historic cow town where I stayed with friends for a few days. After picking up my rental car bright and early, I hit the road via Route 14. The highway climbs into the Bighorn Mountains, rambling through pine forests in lower elevations fog-laden and mysterious, past peaks drenched in snow and sunshine. The drive took me into Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area , a must-see stop, with 1,000-foot-tall cliffs towering high above a meandering river.

Located less than two hours from Cody , Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range is also definitely worth a detour if you're staying in the town. I was able to easily spot the mustangs, said to be of Colonial Spanish American heritage, from the road. Strong and stout, with gleaming coats and incurious gazes, these iconic symbols of the American West were so beautiful they brought tears to my eyes. Full-day tours to see the horses are available from the guide service PryorWild and depart from the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center in Lovell.

Fair warning: it isn't easy to tear yourself away from the jaw-dropping natural splendor within and surrounding Yellowstone. You're going to want to build in time to linger over the landscape into your itinerary. By the time I made it to Cody, I was running a little late, so I headed straight to Buffalo Bill Center of the West . I’d been told to plan to spend hours touring it, but I was still amazed by its size.

Five museums in one, the Center houses the Cody Firearms Museum, the world’s finest collection of American guns; the Whitney Western Art Museum, a rousing exhibit of Western art; the kid-friendly Draper Natural History Museum, devoted to Yellowstone’s flora and fauna; the Plains Indians Museum, a beautifully-realized exploration of this country’s original peoples; and the Buffalo Bill Museum, which traces the life of the American legend. I was probably most intrigued by the Whitney and its magnificent portraits of the animals I was hoping to encounter in Yellowstone.

By the time I checked into Cody's celebrated Irma Hotel I was tuckered out, although I still made time to head to the property's restaurant for the house specialty: juicy and tender slow-roasted prime rib. Built in 1902 by Wild West showman Buffalo Bill Cody and named for his daughter, the Irma today retains its charm and character. That's particularly true of the dining room, which still sports the famed cherrywood bar given to Cody by Queen Victoria. After my meal, logy from the long day, I was happy to retire early to my room, which was simple but comfy.

Day 2: Raft with Wyoming River Trips ➡ Attend Nite Rodeo ➡ Overnight at Irma Hotel

Because I'd been up so early on my big travel day, I slept in a bit the morning of Day 2. After a stroll through the Downtown Historic District, I took off for Wyoming River Trips . Family-owned since its inception in 1978, the company serves up a range of rafting and kayaking options. I opted for the three-hour Full Canyon Rafting Adventure, which was the perfect way to ease into my trip. The sun, shining down from boldly blue skies, was warm, even if the water was chilly. Not that there was too much splashing happening. The 12-mile section of Shoshone River we paddled was low-key, with Class I and II rapids, the mildest of the standardized whitewater classification system.

There was plenty of time to take in the magnificent Red Rock Canyon surrounding us—a sight I'd expect to see in southern Utah more than eastern Wyoming—and to chat with our affable guide, who was happy to answer my questions about the area’s wildlife. (Among other facts, I learned definitively that Yellowstone is filled with bison, not buffalo, and the latter do not feature humps.) This trip would absolutely be appropriate for families, as long as the littles weigh at least 50 pounds.

Speaking of family fun, the Cody Nite Rodeo , which kicks off every evening from June through August at 8 p.m., is ideal entertainment for all ages. The night I went it was packed with cheering people from age two to what looked like 92. Children can get their faces painted by rodeo clowns, learn to rope and even participate in the hilarious Calf Scramble, which involves chasing a couple of baby cows around the arena and trying to pull the ribbons off of their tails.

Founded in 1938 by a former performer in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, the Cody Nite Rodeo is said to be the world's longest-running nightly summer rodeo. It's a much-loved, authentic and action-packed outdoor event frequented by locals and vacationers alike, chock full of true blue Wild West cowboy mystique. For two hours I sat munching on popcorn as I watched bull riding and steer wrestling, team roping and women’s barrel racing. I groaned at the clown’s corny jokes, gasped at the spills the bareback riders took and felt truly grateful that I had a chance to attend this most wonderfully American of competitions.

Day 3: Depart Cody for Yellowstone National Park ➡ Explore Yellowstone National Park ➡ Overnight at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins

Driving Distance Cody to Yellowstone Northeast Entrance: About 80 miles

Following another sublime night's sleep at the Irma, I was up before daybreak to head to Yellowstone . I'd decided to use the park's Northeast Entrance at Cooke City, Montana, rather than the East Entrance, which is closer to Cody by about 25 miles. I'd been told by locals that the Northeast gate experiences even less traffic than the East gate, and provides the best chance to see some of the park's celebrated animal population. If, that is, I got there bright and early. So bleary-eyed, I headed off in my rental down the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, hoping that waking before dawn's early light was going to pay off.

It did. The sun hadn't been up for too long as I handed my $35 vehicle fee to the ranger at the gate. Upon entering the park I was rewarded almost immediately with a sight that made me gasp aloud: a mother moose tending her baby. They weren't far from the road, but I might have missed them if not for a photographer standing beside his truck. He told me he'd seen this same female yesterday, without the calf—the newborn was just a day old. I watched them for what felt like hours before I resumed my journey, keeping my eyes peeled as I entered the Lamar Valley. Dubbed the American Serengeti for its copious amounts of wildlife, it's home to grizzly bears and wolf packs.

I didn't spot either species, but as I spent that first day in the park slowly motoring around the Upper Loop road, I saw an unbelievable array of animals. From the bison lumbering past my car and elk trotting alongside the road, to the coyotes frolicking in a pasture and the black bear munching vegetation, it was a veritable parade of critters. I suppose Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres are as well-known for their geothermal activity as their wildlife, but what I most cherished about my time there was the opportunity to see the West's most majestic beasts in their native environment. Unlike so much in life, Yellowstone lives up to the hype.

That's not to say Yellowstone's landscape didn't appeal to me. The Upper Loop, a 142-mile track that makes up the northern half of Yellowstone's historic Grand Loop Road, includes access to Tower Fall. The waterfall dramatically plunges 132 feet and is surrounded by pinnacles formed by ancient lava flow. It was breathtaking, though I found the Yellowstone River's Grand Canyon even more impressive. Measuring 20 miles long and more than 1,000 feet deep, it's home to two waterfalls. There are loads of trails that wind along and down into the canyon, but I stopped at Artist Point, which provides a picture-perfect view of the 308-foot Lower Falls.

I would have liked to explore the area more, but I needed to check in to Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins . Renovated a few years ago to the tune of $30 million, the hotel, which mostly dates to 1936, is surprisingly sleek and modern. After dropping my luggage off in my room, I headed for a drink at the Map Room Bar, where I was greeted by the sight of the watering hole's namesake stretching across the wall. According to the bartender, the massive map of the U.S. was crafted in 1936 from more than 2,500 inlaid pieces of 15 different kinds of wood. But my cocktail sunk me: I could barely keep my eyes open over my plate of mushroom pasta in the dining room. I was back up to my room and in bed by 9.

Day 4: Explore Yellowstone National Park ➡ Overnight at Old Faithful Inn

My early night paid off in an early morning, and before heading south toward Old Faithful, I took a long stroll through Mammoth Hot Springs , an otherworldly network of hydrothermal features and naturally occurring terraced travertine deposits. The boardwalk made for an easy walk, and I enjoyed the slightly foreboding vibe of the site, which was dotted here and then by dead trees, blackened and skeletal, and ethereal mists rising from the earth. There weren't many people there, probably because it was so early in the day, which made the whole experience a little more eerie. Aside from the Lamar Valley, I think this was my favorite part of the park because it was totally unlike any place else I'd ever experienced.

I spent the rest of the day driving south toward Old Faithful , stopping at sites that interested me. That included a lot of geysers—after all, Yellowstone protects about half the world’s active geysers—like the ones in the Norris Geyser Basin. Tucked away where the western Upper and Lower Loop meet, it's said to be the oldest thermal zone in the park and, at more than 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest one, too. I found the Norris Museum, which was built in 1930 and acts as a sort of gateway to the basin, worth a peek for its exhibits explaining the ins and outs of geothermal activity.

Most beautiful of all was Grand Prismatic Spring, which lies within the Midway Geyser Basin , further south on the Lower Loop. Eye-popping orange on the perimeter, it morphs into yellow, green, and turquoise before opting for a deep, rich blue in the center. Along with its colors, what struck me immediately was the sheer size of it: it's 370 feet across. A boardwalk gets you close (but not too close). There are other pools and a geyser at the basin, but for me, they couldn't compare to Grand Prismatic Spring. It was the undisputed star of the show.

By the time I reached Old Faithful, I was ready to call it a day. Luckily, the geyser only kept me waiting for about 10 minutes. According to a ranger I talked to, it blows its stack roughly every hour and a half for as long as five minutes, reaching an average of 130 feet in height. The eruption I saw didn't seem as high or as long, but it was fun to see. Afterward, I dropped by the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center , which was loaded with info about the geyser, as well as the Yellowstone supervolcano. It's an extremely kid-friendly facility, with a dedicated room for "Young Scientists" featuring hands-on displays.

Next, it was on to the Old Faithful Inn , built in 1903-1904 of locally sourced pine and stone. One of the largest log buildings in the world, it's a National Historic Landmark and the most popular lodging in Yellowstone. The lobby is immense, rising more than 70 feet high, and after I checked in I came back to sit and people-watch in front of the monolithic stone fireplace. The inn has an onsite deli, so I grabbed a quickie sandwich to save some cash and then headed back to my room.

I was staying in the Old House, the original part of the hotel, so in addition to no air conditioning, wifi, or television (all fine by me), there was no private bathroom. Although I didn't love getting up in the middle of the night to walk down the hall to the communal facilities, the room, with its rustic log walls, was so charming it was worth the inconvenience. (Some rooms in the Old House do feature bathrooms, which might be a better choice for families with small children.)

Day 5: Depart Yellowstone National Park for Jackson ➡ Trail ride with Jackson Hole Pack Trips ➡ Overnight at Spring Creek Ranch

Driving Distance Old Faithful Inn to Jackson: About 95 miles

It was another early morning as I hit the road to Jackson along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway. I was sorry to leave Yellowstone, but the drive south cut through Grand Teton National Park , and the scenery, to my astonishment, was even more dazzling than what I'd seen the past several days. Spreading out before me rose the young range of the Rockies that are among the most photographed mountains on the planet. The jagged, snow-drenched peaks were so magnificent that I pulled the car over and just sat for a spell, dumbfounded. I was making good time, however, so I had time for a quick wander around Jackson.

I headed for the Town Square, where a chatty resident answered a question for me: Jackson is the chichi town I was currently exploring. Jackson Hole , the name I'd heard bandied about most, is the 50-mile-long valley in which it perches so prettily. After a gander at the park's beloved entryway arches, made of hundreds of elk antlers gathered by Boy Scouts from the nearby National Elk Refuge, I headed to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar across the street. The establishment is famous for its live music—everyone from Willie Nelson to Waylon Jennings has played there—but I contented myself with a peek at the saddle bar stools and a pricey (but decent) burger.

I needed to fortify myself, because up next was a trail ride with Jackson Hole Pack Trips and Trail Rides, which I understand is now closed. (I'd recommend Willow Creek Trail Rides , which provides rides through the same area and welcomes kids 8 and older, instead). After meeting my guide, Bob, at the Willow Creek Trailhead, we begin our journey into the Bridger-Teton National Forest . It had begun to rain, but the landscape was so magnificent I didn't care a bit. Through meadows dotted with silvery sagebrush we climbed, into aspen groves and piney woods, the Tetons standing silent guard.

Eventually, seeing my joy at riding past slopes dotted by elk, under skies graced by red-tailed hawks, Bob asked me if I’d like to cross Willow Creek, swollen with rain. I agreed and we forded it once, then, thrillingly, again. The current was strong, the water high, but my horse’s steps were sure and I never felt unsafe. Finally, after hours, our ride came to an end. Exhausted, wet and sore, I'd just spent one of the best afternoons of my life. I thanked Bob and took off for Spring Creek Ranch , where I was spending the last two nights of my trip.

Tucked away on a wildlife sanctuary above Jackson, the property features posh inn rooms, townhouses and mountain villas. I'd splurged and chosen the latter, which, with multiple bedrooms, would be ideal for a family. The view from the upper deck of my villa alone made the price worth it, with the verdant valley spread out below me, the Grand Tetons soaring beyond. Cool as the night was, I slept with my windows open to experience the fresh, fragrant mountain air as it blew down from the higher elevations on its way into Jackson Hole.

Day 6: Paraglide with Jackson Hole Paragliding ➡ Massage at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa ➡ Overnight at Spring Creek Ranch

I awoke in pretty much the most beautiful place I've ever been, in the most luxurious bed I'd ever experienced, but my mood was still tinged with sadness. It was the last of my amazing trip—though one final adventure awaited. That morning I was going to fly with Jackson Hole Paragliding . It was something I’d never done before: strap myself to a professional paragliding pilot and jump off a perfectly good mountain. And that first step was going to be a doozy: 3000 vertical feet more or less straight down.

I met up with Scott, my pilot, and we took his truck up the switchback trail behind Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. After placing a helmet on my head, he tucked me into my harness as the parachute was unfurled behind us. Scott explained that when the time came, I needed to stride firmly toward the edge of the drop. The chute, he said, would fill with wind, pulling us into the sky. When he noticed me shaking, he suggested I take some deep breaths. I did, and it helped calm my anxiety. A little.

And then almost before I knew it we had lifted off and I was in the air, thousands of feet above the earth. I screamed with more joy than fear as Scott guided us over the valley. It was surprisingly peaceful—at least until he began turning us in tight spirals. It was like riding the fastest, highest merry-go-round in the world, and just when I thought I wouldn't be able to stand it anymore, he pulled us out of it and we gently landed. Scott asked me what I thought and, not exaggerating a bit, I hollered, “I want to do it again!”

But I couldn't, because it was time for my massage at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa . If there is a more perfect combination than following up paragliding with a pampering massage, I don’t know what it is. I'd booked an hour-long Noble Massage, which combined elements of Swedish and deep tissue techniques. Under my therapist’s capable hands, the adrenaline faded, slowly replaced with deep calm. It was the ultimate in pleasure—moving from exquisite tension to total tranquility—and the best way I think I could have ended my Yellowstone adventure.

Day 7: Depart Jackson Hole Airport

Driving Distance Spring Creek Ranch to Jackson Hole Airport: About 12 miles

It's a straight shot north to Jackson Hole Airport from Spring Creek Ranch, a trip that only takes about 20 minutes. The airport itself, the only one located within a national park, provides non-stop service to and from destinations like Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Newark, depending on the season. It is as upmarket as the rest of Jackson Hole, with plenty of exposed wood and stone, plus fireplaces and leather chairs in the waiting areas. I especially got a kick out of the big sign reminding passengers to get rid of their bear spray before entering security (there are two recycling stations specifically for cans of the stuff, too).

As my plane pulled away from the gate, I thought about my trip, which even then I knew had changed me. Part of it was simply successfully navigating the challenges, and joys, of a week-long road trip through the Wild West alone. Although the expedition went surprisingly smoothly, I had no one to depend on but myself if I ended up lost, ran out of gas, or got a flat tire. I felt a little stronger, more capable, even bolder—especially after facing my fear of heights by paragliding. I surprised even myself for signing up for it, but I think the untamed spirit of the Wild West tends to encourage a bit of boundary-pushing.

I don't know that I would change much about this itinerary. I do wish I could have spent another day in Yellowstone, but I just couldn't swing any more time away. That said, I regret not hiking there. I walked the boardwalks but I never got on a trail or out in the backcountry. That was mostly due to time constraints, although I also didn't feel comfortable hiking solo. My sense of direction isn't the strongest and there's a reason why Jackson Hole Airport has that bear spray sign. They're a valid enough concern anyone heading into the parks should carry a can. If I ever get back to Yellowstone, I think I might arrange for a guided hike. In the meantime, I'll just dream of my return.

Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.

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Ireland’s Music and Culture Star in This 7-Day, Food-Filled Itinerary

Explore crafts, food, and music in the west and northwest of ireland on this weeklong trip..

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Clew Bay lies on Ireland’s western edge.

Courtesy of Katja Möller/Unsplash

There’s a reason traditional Irish music and poems by Yeats are celebrated the world over. Experience the rich cultural life of Ireland and the landscapes that inspire it for yourself with this itinerary and more deeply understand the island described in songs, craft, and literature. You’ll connect with people upholding their local heritage and traditions by working the land and sea as they produce food and make objects by hand, with plenty of live music along the way.

Over seven days, travel around the west and northwest of Ireland. Scenery ranges from mountains and loughs in County Galway to green forests and fields in County Mayo and County Sligo’s Atlantic beaches and limestone cliffs. Collect and shuck oysters in Clew Bay, and taste local produce at Ashford Castle. See the craft of making wool, including sheepdogs herding flocks, spinning, and weaving. Listen and get lost in the melodies (or sing along) as musicians perform in centuries-old pubs. It’s a journey to find sustenance for the soul as well as enjoy edible bounty.

Trip Highlight

Trip Designer

Tourism ireland.

Enjoy mountain views from Clifden.

Courtesy of Big Smoke Studio/Tourism Ireland

Day 1: Live Music in Clifden

The charm of Westport comes from a 16th-century design based on form and function.

Courtesy of Pic.Pawel Sadowski/Tourism Ireland

Day 2: A Scenic Drive to Westport (and More Music)

Day 3: museums and more on the way to ballina.

The Old Cliff Baths are part of the seaside bathing heritage of Enniscrone that travelers can still enjoy at local bathhouses.

Courtesy of Tourism Ireland

Day 4: See Ruins in County Sligo

Benbulben mountain in Sligo, Ireland

Courtesy of Gareth McCormack/Tourism Ireland

Day 5: Visiting a Farm in Sligo

More than a stunning viewpoint, the Caves of Kesh are wrapped in myth and history

Courtesy of Tourism Ireland/SligoWalks.ie

Day 6: Visit the Caves of Kesh and Drumshanbo Distillery

Stay at Ashford Castle, on the shore of Lough Corrib.

Courtesy of Jack Hardy/Tourism Ireland

Day 7: Explore Ashford Castle Estate