plan a trip free

You'll never travel without our trip planner again

Travel planning at its best. build, organize, and map your custom itineraries in a free travel app designed for vacations & road trips, powered by our trip planner ai.

Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

What travelers are raving about

Features to replace all your other tools, add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions, plan like a pro.

Unlock premium features like offline access, unlimited attachments, flight deals, export to Google maps, and much more

Offline access

Unlimited attachments, optimize your route.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Discover your next favorite destination

Have tips of your own? Write a guide to share with other travelers like you!

Ready to plan your trip in half the time?

For every kind of trip and every destination, the best road trip planner, the best vacation planner, the best group itinerary planner.

• Scenic Drives
• Road Trip Planner

Road Trip Planning Made Easy

Create custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross country adventures worldwide

Powerful features for planning your epic road trips (and the shorter adventures in between)

Unlimited stops.

Add unlimited stops and sub-stops. Combine your own stops with our pre-planned routes and recommended places of interest.

Smart Scheduling

By the minute, hour, or overnight, set preferences for each stop. Export your trip to your own Calendar.

Set Vehicle Type

Car, RV, camper trailer, truck, motorcycle, pulling a boat? Get a realistic estimate of driving time. Adjust travel speed by percentages for each unique situation.

Divide Trips Into Days

Divide your trips into manageable driving days based on your custom settings by time or distance. And of course you can customize each day differently.

Route Preferences

Configure route preferences such as avoiding highways or tolls for each day or any segment of your trip.

Use Any Device

Plan trips from your desktop computer, iPad, Android tablet, and mobile phone with the same easy-to-use interface. No app to download or software to install.

Automated To Do List guides you through the road trip planning process.

Manage Your Budget

Track expenditures before you go and along the way. See a summary of expenses for entrance fees, activities, restaurants, and lodging, etc.

Gas Calculator

See the estimated fuel cost for your vehicle type.

EV Charging

Find EV charging stations along your route. Get reminders to recharge. Use Charging Ranges to display icons on the map where your vehicle will require recharging.

Export Options

We support Google Earth (KML), Garmin Communicator, BaseCamp and MapSource (GPX), Co-Pilot Live (TRP), Microsoft Streets and Trips, TomTom itineraries (ITN), TomTom Places of Interest (OV2), Comma Separated Files (CSV), and Tab Separated Files (TSV).

Directions on paper come in handy. Print your road trip with turn-by-turn maps and full directions, divided into your day-by-day itinerary.

Is This Really Free?

Yes! It is free to use our Scenic Drive Itineraries and Road Trip Planner. Please consider purchasing your National Park or National Forest passes on myscenicdrives.com.

Why Do I Need An Account?

A free account is only required for the Road Trip Planner, enabling you to create, edit, and save your trips. Your account is secure. We never share your information.

Do I Need to Download An App or Install Software?

No app or software is needed. myscenicdrives.com works in any browser. Simply go to myscenicdrives.com

More Resources

Documentation, myscenicdrives.com, how it works.

• Trip Planner

Trip Planner | Travel Itinerary Planner | Plan a Trip

Are you looking for an itinerary planner to plan your next trip? We know creating a customized travel itinerary manually is an overwhelming task. You have to put a lot of time into selecting destinations, booking hotels, flights, and comparing prices. On top of that calculating budgets & booking hotels and flights is another challenge that makes itinerary planning tough.

But what if all of this is done within a few minutes for you? Yes with TripHobo trip planner you can do this smartly. We have observed that many travelers end up spending more time in researching information than enjoying the actual trip. Not only first-time travelers but also experienced travelers struggle in creating perfect travel plans.

Even though it is a tedious task to create a customized itinerary, everyone agrees on the importance of itinerary for an enjoyable holiday. So Triphobo came up with this easy to use automatic itinerary planner.

How Trip Planner Works / Steps to Plan a Trip

Do you want to create your travel itinerary quickly & easily? Are you ready to use this tool now? TripHobo's trip planner plays a major role to ease the itinerary creation process and helps you overcome the pain in the trip planning .  Follow these 4 simple steps to plan a trip & let us know your experience.

1) Choose Your Destination & Dates when you want to travel

Visual algorithmic trip planner lets you choose destinations you want to travel to. You have the freedom to choose the real dates from the calendar. After selecting travel dates, planner runs algorithms to optimize a trip. It starts suggesting activities, sightseeing spots, tours and transport options with the details. For every attraction, it suggests open/close timings, time to spend, and nearby restaurants.

You can drag & drop activities and complete your itinerary within a matter of minutes. You can book yourself a nice vacation once you are sure of all the details, making you plan your trip very easily.

2) Refer to User Created Itineraries

If you have a lot of travel ideas but confused about where to start? Don't worry. Thousands of other people have visited the same destination before and created itineraries with us. Choose from a pool of more than 1 million user-generated itineraries around the globe. You can view other travelers’ itineraries for any location and duration to inspire yourself and then customize them to suit your own preferences.

3) Book Hotels and Flights

TripHobo always tries to offer the best from the travel industry to our valued planners. It has formed alliances with Expedia , Skyscanner, Zomato and Booking.com. Its ratings and reviews come courtesy of TripAdvisor whereas Google (as well as other partners) powers its location data.

TripHobo aims to cater to travelers at every stage of the travel planning process. It provides one platform to create personalized itineraries and hassle-free bookings .

4) Get Ready with a Perfect Itinerary

Once you’ve created your customized itinerary, you can print it. Save your plan for future reference or share it with your friends. When you’re ready, you can finalize and have a perfect travel itinerary ready.

Why Is TripHobo a Smart Trip planner?

There are few things included in the Triphobo planner algorithm & app which builds itinerary within minutes.

• A free virtual map-based trip planner with a smart algorithm
• International trip planner with about 1,50,000 popular destinations
• The largest repository of user-generated itineraries
• Hassle-free booking options for hotels, tours & flights
• Provides local transit options like metro, rail, bus, and car
• Calculates an estimated budget
• Provides options to save, print and share itinerary
• Strategic Partnerships with leading travel companies

TripHobo: Around the Web

• Trip of Your Own
• Traveling made easier with TripHobo
• Making The Southeast Asian Travel Connection
• Ex-HCL employee’s led ‘TripHobo’ is on a mission to become a global brand – a goto place for travel planning!
• Interview: Praveen Kumar, Founder & CEO of TripHobo
• TripHobo inks partnership with Zomato
• How a trip planning startup can succeed
• Karthik Ramachandram Co-Founder COO, TripHobo - Phocuswright Conference

Here's what travelers have to say about our travel planner

• Excellent 238

Great and genuinely wonderful website that makes a proper vacation plan simple, like it should. All reviews are 5 stars. The only suggestion I have to enhance this fantastic website is to include a mobile application. Even paying for a version without ads wouldn't bother me.

Every traveller should use this!

So much easier & more helpful than a travel agency, given lots of fantastic ideas, and was extremely helpful for planning the trip. Would strongly advise my family and friends to use this!

Great tool for trip planning. Impportantly it's free and automatically tailors travel plans to your preferences and is completely customisable. The integration with skyscanner and booking.com, and other OTA like priceline and expedia makes it very easy to plan the whole trip along with the bookings in one place.

Trip Planner AI

• Community Trips

Your Next Journey, Optimized

Build, personalize, and optimize your itineraries with our free AI trip planner. Designed for vacations, workations, and everyday adventures.

Your AI-Powered Trip

The most optimal.

Craft your perfect itinerary with Trip Planner AI. Our advanced algorithms take into account your selected explore-sights, dining, and lodging preferences to create the optimal travel plan tailored just for you.

Get Inspired

Extract valuable travel insights from Instagram reels and TikToks, explore the mentioned explore-sights, and effortlessly include them in your own adventure with Trip Planner AI.

TRIP PLANNER AI

The only tool youll ever need.

Say goodbye to the stress of planning and hello to personalized recommendations, efficient itineraries, and seamless dining experiences.

Optimal Route Planning

Our AI algorithms analyze your preferences to craft the most efficient route, saving you time and effort.

Personalize Your Adventure

Shape your journey by freely adding, editing, or deleting activities from your itinerary.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Discover local cuisines and hidden gems recommended by our AI, tailored to your taste buds.

Dont take our word for it

See what our users have to say about revolutionizing their travel experiences with Trip Planner AI.

Trip Planner AI saves time and stress by aiding travel planning, relieving indecision or uncertainty.

Trip Planner AI offers diverse planning options in a user-friendly interface. Simplifies travel planning for enthusiasts.

I love traveling but hate planning. This app quickly organizes trip agendas, reducing decision fatigue.

Our Trusted Partners

Journey inspirations from travelers.

Dive into unique trip itineraries crafted by our global travelers. Find your next adventure and share your own journey with fellow explorers.

Trip to Tokyo

Join me on an exciting 10-day journey through Tokyo, where we'll visit iconic landmarks, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Japan's capital city.

Trip to Dubai

Embark on a thrilling 6-day journey through Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Explore vibrant souks, iconic landmarks, world-class shopping, and enchanting attractions. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that Dubai has to offer.

Trip to New York

Experience the best of New York City in just 7 days! Explore iconic landmarks, indulge in delicious meals, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the city that never sleeps.

Trip to Rome

Join me on a thrilling 5-day adventure in Rome, where we'll explore ancient ruins, marvel at stunning architecture, and indulge in mouthwatering pizza. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Customized Itineraries for Every Travel Dream

Trip Planner AI is your ultimate companion for any travel scenario. Whether it's a solo adventure, a family vacation, or a group expedition, our app tailors every aspect of your journey. Experience the convenience of:

AI-Powered Route Optimization

Utilize AI for optimal travel routes. Our app ensures a seamless journey, calculating the best paths, travel times, and distances for city tours or cross-country road trips.

All-in-One Travel Organizer

Simplify travel planning with our all-in-one platform. Trip Planner AI consolidates hotel and flight details, manages bookings, and imports tips and guides. Organize all trip details in one place.

Collaborative Group Planning Made Easy

Collaborate on itineraries with companions. Our real-time feature makes group travel planning effortless, ensuring everyone stays informed and involved in the process.

Plan Your Perfect Trip!

Planapple helps you create , organize , access and share all your vacation plans, what's planapple (watch this short video & see).

How Planapple Simplifies Travel Planning

Organize ideas.

Collect your vacation ideas in an online trip notebook, and keep everything organized in one place.

That's where Planapple comes in. A web travel binder of sorts, Planapple helps you collect your ideas, possibilities, and plans — and saves them all in one place, organized and manageable.

Planapple even creates a custom map tailored to your plans, so you can actually see which hotel is closest to your daily destinations!

Plan Together

Discuss and decide your ideal itinerary with your tripmates.

Planapple eliminates the communication challenges and email negotiations, making group planning far simpler.

And, as your burgeoning itinerary comes together, it's all captured in your Planapple binder for you and your tripmates to see, so no one misses out on one juicy detail.

Carry Your Plans

Carry your plans on your mobile device —  or access them anywhere.

Planapple's mobile app puts your plans right in your pocket. Access your entire trip: itinerary, bookmarks, addresses, phone numbers, emails, even discussions with your co-travelers. (And Planapple can download it all to your phone before you go, avoiding scary international data charges.)

And, if you're a paper person, you can print your plans just as easily and take them anywhere you go. We get it.

Share With Friends

Create recommendations to share on Pinterest and Facebook.

Planapple makes it easy to share what you did, where you went, and what you liked (or didn't!). Offer up your entire itinerary or just a few highlights — either way your friends will marvel at your travel-planning prowess. After all, what good is finding something wonderful if you can't scream it from the tippy top of the World Wide Web?

For family vacations, holidays abroad, or group trips of any sort… from a weekend getaway to an adventure across countries and continents… it's easy to plan your perfect trip with Planapple.

Ready to get going?

What is planapple.

• © Roadtrippers
• © Mapbox
• © OpenStreetMap
• Improve this map

• English (UK)
• Español (Latinoamérica)
• Español (España)

Find your travel plans in one place

TripIt gives you a single view of all your trips, to help you keep it all straight–even if you’re planning one while still on another. The (free) benefits don't stop there.

Your travel information at your fingertips, right when you need it

Whether it's a business trip, a family vacation or a quick weekend away, TripIt will organize your information in seconds. Simply forward your confirmation emails to [email protected] and TripIt will take it from there.

Plans are accessible across devices

Adds plans from your inbox for you

Tracks and shows offset options for your flight’s carbon emissions

Tallies and displays your travel stats.

Add items like photos, QR codes or PDFs to your travel plans

Get where you need to be, confidently

TripIt creates a schedule showing you where to be and when. While on your trip, we'll help you find your way around.

Shows you options to get from one point to another

Provides maps of airports and terminals to help you get around

Makes it easy to find places close to where you’re staying

Shows safety scores for the neighborhoods you're visiting

Send plans to your calendar or anyone you choose

TripIt makes it easy to coordinate with colleagues or simply let your family know where you are. You can also sync your plans with your calendar—no copy and pasting necessary.

Sends plans to those who need to know through text, email or apps

Updates your calendar with your travel plans

Additional TripIt features

Keeps important travel information organized in one place

Allows you to help shape future in-flight experiences

Alerts you if you're eligible for compensation for a flight delay or disruption

Download the TripIt app

Whether you want your plans in your hand, on your wrist, or at your desk, TripIt is available right where you need it.

Wanderlog - Travel Planner 4+

Itinerary & road trip guide, travel and vacation planner app llc, designed for ipad.

• #60 in Travel
• 4.9 • 15K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

Wanderlog is a free travel app (with an optional subscription) for planning every kind of trip, including road trips and group travel: create a trip itinerary, budget costs, organize flight and hotel reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. With an optional subscription, you can also export your trip to Google Maps and link your Gmail account. After your trip, share a travel guide to inspire other travelers. - See flights, hotels, and attractions in one place (like TripIt and Tripcase) - View plans on a travel map & map your route (like Roadtrippers) - Rearrange the order of places easily by drag-and-drop - Planning a road trip? Add unlimited stops for free, optimize your route, view times & distances between places, and export places to Google Maps - Planning group travel? Invite friends and collaborate in real-time just (like Google Docs) - Automatically import reservations by forwarding emails or connecting your Gmail - Add things to do from top guides with 1 click (like Tripadvisor and Google Trips/Google Travel) - Access your trip plans offline - Add notes and links to your stops - Have your trip plans automatically sync across devices - Set budget, track expenses, and split bills with a group ------- SEE IT ON A MAP Every time you add a place to visit, it’s immediately pinned on your Google Maps-based travel map. No need to pull up different travel apps and websites to organize plans and see them on a map - you can do it all in the Wanderlog trip planner app! Plus, if you’re visiting points in order, lines will connect the different pins on the map so you can see your route (perfect for road trips!). You can also export all your places to Google Maps too. STORE PLANS OFFLINE All your plans are automatically stored offline on the Wanderlog travel planner app - especially helpful during a road trip with poor signal and international travel. GET ON THE ROAD Looking for a road trip planner? Travelers can plan their trips and stops with Wanderlog. See your route on a map, or try our route optimizer to automatically rearrange and plan your route to save travel time. See estimated times & distance traveled between places to make sure it all fits, and total time and distance traveled for a given day to make sure you’re not driving too long. Plus, you can add unlimited stops along your road trip for free. COLLABORATE WITH FRIENDS For group travel planning, add your tripmates with their email address or by sharing a link to the itinerary. Like for Google Docs, everyone can collaborate in real-time. Set permissions and choose whether people can edit or just view your travel plans. STAY ORGANIZED Access flights, hotels, and attractions in one app. Forward flight and hotel confirmation emails to import them directly into your trip plan, or connect your Gmail to automatically add them. Prefer to keep high-level plans? Make generic lists like ‘Things to do’ and ‘Restaurants’ you want to eat at. Traveling on a tight schedule and want to create a detailed itinerary? Organize your day by adding start (and end) times, perfect for keeping track of tickets and reservations. GET INSPIRATION & INFORMATION For each place, see key info like a description and picture of the place, average user ratings with links to reviews, opening hours, address, website, and phone number. Stay inspired by exploring top travel guides from the web that feature viewpoints, attractions, and restaurants, and from lists from Google Trips and Google Travel, as well as by other Wanderlog users, and add things to do from those guides to your trip plan with 1 click. CONTROL YOUR SPENDING Set a budget for yourself or a group. Take control of your spending and keep track of all expenses. For a group trip, split a bill with other people and easily calculate the cost. Keep a record of who paid for what, how much everyone owes or is owed, and settle debts between tripmates.

Version 2.122

Wanderlog is more reliable: we fixed various small issues, and also launched the Dream Trip Contest for a chance to win a $1,000 trip to anywhere in the world! We also fixed a bug related to manually adding reservations and Chinese translations.

Ratings and Reviews

15K Ratings

I still had a spreadsheet…

I’m old school…too young to be so, but I’ve been in the backwoods enough to know not to trust your phone. I know there is an offline option, but the ONLY (and I mean this…the app is amazing) thing I would add is to have it downloadable and printable. Albeit, I’m only proficient and not expert as a user so I may have missed it, but that would make this perfect. The app picked up my reservations and costs by linking to my email and helped me plan out the most efficient way to make my trip. I did use Mapquest, too, because that app is easier to do the mapping a round trip adventure without having to manually change the order of things in the app (ok, so maybe one more thing I’d add…get Mapquest to link to this), so I printed that out, but I did wish I didn’t also have to put activities and costs in a Google sheets. Because we were headed into extremely rural parts of Appalachia, I knew not to trust internet, battery life, or cell signal, but also knew I could possibly need information so I printed items out. If this app had that feature I’d use it solely to plan my trips- even day trips. As it was, this was an essential tool in planning an 8 day, 2000 mile, road trip. It exposed me to museums I didn’t know existed and taught me about new possible locations. I wish there were even more guides! I can write the Appalachia and Shenandoah one now :)

It’s that person on your trip with the plan, without all the anxiety

Or guilt. Look, when you go on a trip, you ought to have even sort of a rough plan. Sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you sit in your high dollar Air BnB in your underwear wishing you had something to do besides get takeout and stream Into the Spiderverse again. Don’t act like you haven’t done this. We see everything. The point here is that if you took that trip by yourself to avoid all the griping from the person you go on trips with who actually has their act together, now there is a quieter less guilt and anxiety inducing version. Wanderlog. Yep, you will love it or you are wrong. And you’re allowed to be wrong, skeptical type A person who is afraid of being replaced. Don’t worry, it makes you more tolerable. It will take even your annotated tape flagged agenda book to a level of organizations so fine and detailed that even you will be able to have fun. Subsequently, if incidentally, allowing whomever you go with to also have fun. The fun stuff is there. All the less fun stuff is there. You can casually put it in some kind of order. Or not. It is actually as organized as you wanna be. You need this if you’re not that person and if you are that person you will wonder how you lived without it. And so will anyone else who still wants travel with you.

Simply the best!

I do not know that I’ve ever been more excited about an app. I am planning a long road trip with multiple stops in multiple cities and this app has been absolutely perfect for that purpose. It takes the best things from multiple other apps and puts them all in one place for my convenience. Planning has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app. I believe this one app will eliminate the need to use five or six others (Tripit, TripAdvisor, Roadtrippers, Google Maps, GPS My City, Yelp…you get the idea), and it has a beautiful interface.I have not found anything about it that I do not like yet. I’m so excited to work with my friend on our trip and will be really interested to see what we’re able to do with it once we are actually traveling, because it seems to add additional capabilities for chronicling the trip while you are on it as well. Love love love! ❤️ I would spend money for this app, and you will almost never hear me say that about anything, but it is just that useful! If you are going on a road trip and want to have any sort of plan, this app will help you. One of the coolest things is the level of detail you are able to include. Seriously fantastic resource for any road trip!

App Privacy

The developer, Travel and Vacation Planner App LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• User Content
• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Wanderlog Pro: Annual Plan $49.99
• Wanderlog Pro: Annual Plan $39.99
• Wanderlog Pro: Monthly Plan $16.99
• Wanderlog Pro: Annual Plan $59.99
• Wanderlog Pro: Monthly Plan $5.99
• Wanderlog Pro: Annual Plan $79.99
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

You Might Also Like

TripIt: Travel Planner

Tripsy: Travel Planner & Guide

Roadtrippers - Trip Planner

Trip Scout - My Travel Planner

Visit A City

Roadie: Road Trip Planner & RV

• Expedia.com
• Booking.com
• Tripavisor.com
• Trivago.com
• Aviasales.com
• Rentalcars.com
• Ticketmaster.com
• Raileurope.com
• BikesBooking.com
• Track Travel Expenses
• 8 /26 Checklist

Creating a trip has never been easier! Tripety is a travel planning platform that makes your trips convenient and hassle-free. Simply enter your travel details and places to visit into our  itinerary planner  to get a clear overview of your journey. Organize each day, use checklists to ensure nothing is forgotten, and keep essential documents all in one place. Also, you can manage and track your spending during your travel. Check out the itinerary maker to see how simple it is!

Want to coordinate travel plans with family, friends, or colleagues? Invite your friends or trip companions to Tripety for an easy way to discuss the details of your journey. Generate ideas or arrangements, track your spending, and use our group travel itinerary planner to explore new places together.

Is the process of planning your favorite part of the trip? Are you a detailed-oriented person who wants to use the  best business travel planner  or organize your family vacation tour? Then Tripety, an online trip management platform, is perfect for you! Dream, organize, share, manage your business and personal trips within our easy-to-use,  intuitive travel itinerary manager as your planner . It will keep all the needed information in one place and track everything, as it’s a flight tracker, road trip planner both in one.

Tripety helps manage and keep track of your finances before and during your journey. Monitor spending with the help of our convenient budget tool. See and manage your expenses ‘as you go’ to stay on top of your budget.

Planning a trip or vacation shouldn’t be tiresome and complicated. Easy to use, an intuitive and neat Travel Planning Platform that we created is for travelers like YOU! Tripety helps you compile, organize, and share your travel arrangements. Keep an eye on your travel budget while on vacation or business trip. We are trying to make your world a bit more colorful and a lot more relaxed. Tripety, add travel to your life!

Planning a trip can become quite challenging, especially when you have to go over many big and small details. The last thing you want is to run into problems while you’re away. This is why you must always plan all the details of your trip beforehand.

Thankfully, now you can use Tripety, a travel planner and itinerary maker, to plan each and every detail of your trip. From budgeting to group collaboration, we ensure that you have a smooth planning process. We also have an online road trip planner that’s sure to give you the hassle-free trip of your dreams.

• --> Trip Wallet Manage Your Travel Expenses
• Your Notifications
• Dream Inspiration for Your Next Travel Experience
• Plan Create & Manage Your Trip Plan and Budget for It
• Travel Find Your Past and Upcoming Trips View and Share Travel Itineraries with Fellow Travelers
• Blog Explore Our Travel Blogs or Create Your Own

Nothing to see here

Privacy Overview

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

"Trippy is the best road trip planner"

Get advice from real travelers who have done the same trip:, recent questions.

• just now someone asked : about Perpignan and Beaune       " Perpignan to beaune france "
• 5 minutes ago someone asked : about Toronto and Manhattan       " Toronto to manhattan ny "
• 25 minutes ago someone asked : about Mountain View       " restaurants in mountain view "
• 25 minutes ago someone asked : about Rochester (New York) and Potsdam (New York)       " Drive rochester to potsdam ny "
• 30 minutes ago someone asked : about Edmonton and Anaheim       " Road trip Edmonton Alberta to Anaheim California "
• 45 minutes ago someone asked : about Sioux City       " Sioux City Iowa "
• 45 minutes ago someone asked : about Toronto and Columbus       " toronto to columbus "
• 50 minutes ago someone asked : about Thomasville (North Carolina)       " Restaurants in Thomasville, NC "
• 1 hour ago someone asked : about Broken Arrow and Norman       " Halfway point between broken arrow and Norman "
• 1 hour ago someone asked : about Falmouth (Massachusetts)       " falmouth "
• 1 hour ago someone asked : about Big Sky and Tucson       " DRIVE big sky, montana to tucson "
• 1 hour ago someone asked : about Malaga and Lisbon       " Is there a train from Malaga to lisbon "
• 1 hour ago someone asked : about Upper East Side and Beverly Hills       " upper east side to beverly hills "
• 1 hour ago someone asked : about Wayne (New Jersey)       " wayne, new jersey "
• 2 hours ago someone asked : about Colorado Springs and Jacksonville       " I would like to drive to Jacksonville in 200 approximately 20 miles segment "
• 15 hours ago someone asked : about Houston and Murrieta       " Need the shortest , dog friendly, route with break every 2/3 hours "

• Le Français

Plan your next dream trip to the USA in seconds.

How it works

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to Plan a Trip: A Month-by-Month Guide

Trip planning can be a daunting task. Flights, insurance, gear, itineraries, accommodation, and so much more all need to be considered and sorted out before you go.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed , especially when you haven’t done something like this before.

After over close to twenty years of traveling the world, I’ve planned countless trips and vacations for myself, friends, and family, even group tours. In the beginning, it was trial by fire. I learned a lot of lessons the hard way . However, that helped me develop an efficient checklist that ensures I don’t miss anything important during the trip-planning process.

One big question I get asked a lot is when to start planning. To answer that question, this post breaks the planning process down into month-by-month steps so you can plan your next trip with ease.

Here’s how to plan a trip:

Table of Contents

12 Months Out: Decide on Your Destination(s)

12 months out: start collecting points & miles, 8 months out: visa requirements, passports, and vaccines, 4-6 months out: book your flight, 3-4 months out: book your accommodation, 2 months out: plan your activities, 1 month out: get travel insurance, 7 days out: pack.

If you already have a dream destination in mind, great! If not, here are some posts to help you get started:

• 11 Cheap Places to Visit on the US Dollar
• 10 Places to Travel on a Budget
• The Best Tropical Islands in the World
• My Favorite Cities in the World
• My 31 Favorite Places to Visit in the USA

But, this far out, the real thing you want to do is start saving money and figuring out your costs. Accommodation and flights are the obvious ones, but how much do restaurants, attractions, and other activities cost? Knowing these costs will allow you accurately estimate how much money you’ll need. Here is how to research costs:

• Buy a guidebook
• Check out my free travel guides (we break down all costs for each destination)
• Skim the cost of living on Numbeo.com
• Google prices for major activities you want to do, such as scuba diving, winery tours, etc. ( Get Your Guide is a good place to start)
• Use Skyscanner or Google Flights for flight prices and sign up for alerts to get emails if the price changes
• Use Discover Cars to price out (and book) a rental car if you need one
• Use Booking.com and Hostelworld to research accommodation costs

That may seem like a lot but you just want to get a general idea of how much you need to save. You can head to this page to see all my articles on how to save money for your trip .

These days, most cards have welcome offers of 60,000-80,000 points (some can be as high as 100,000) when you meet their minimum spending requirement (generally $2,000-5,000 USD within a 3–6-month time frame). That’s enough miles for a free round-trip economy flight to Europe from the East Coast of North America.

For more information on this subject, check out these posts:

• Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card
• My Favorite Travel Credit Cards
• How to Earn Points by Paying Your Rent
• The Ultimate Guide to Points & Miles
• How to Collect Points & Miles in Canada

In addition, get a fee-free ATM card. I use Charles Schwab, but there are lots of other banks that don’t charge ATM fees (don’t forget to check your local banks and credit unions too). Here’s how you can avoid bank fees while traveling .

While you likely won’t need a visa to your desired destination, you should still check to make sure. If you’re a US citizen, use the State Department’s search tool to learn about your destination’s entry requirements. (Canadians can use this search tool .)

Additionally, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends. Many countries require this for entry. Passport application and renewal wait times can be long (the standard is 6-8 weeks in the US), so do this as soon as possible.

Also, research if you need any vaccines for your trip as many countries require vaccines to enter (and I don’t mean COVID). You can learn more about country requirements and recommendations at the CDC’s website . They can help you find a clinic near you as well (if you’re in the US).

Here are two articles on how to score a cheap flight:

• How to Always Find Cheap Flights
• 5 Steps to Booking a Cheap Flight

If you’ve signed up for a travel credit card and received your sign-up bonus, use your miles to book your flight and/or hotel. The further out you book, the more availability there will be. Use tools like Point.me and Awayz to help you find the best redemptions on your points (for flights and hotels, respectively).

But even if you aren’t using miles or didn’t find a cheap flight deal, there are still many ways to avoid being the person on the flight who paid the most for their ticket. My two favorite sites for finding cheap airfare are Skyscanner and Google Flights .  

Here are my go-to sites when it comes to finding the best deals on accommodation:

• Hostelworld – Hostelworld has the largest selection of hostels and is my go-to site for finding affordable hostels.
• Booking.com – Booking.com is the best overall platform for finding budget hotels and guesthouses.
• Agoda – Agoda has the best results if you’re heading to Asia (though it sometimes has good US deals too).

I recommend checking the cancelation policy of wherever you book. I like having the flexibility to cancel if something comes up.

If you’re on a tight budget or you want to connect with more locals during your travels, consider joining platforms like Couchsurfing or BeWelcome . These communities allow travelers to stay with residents for free as a sort of cultural exchange.

Long-term travelers can also try housesitting or WWOOFing as well, as they both offer free accommodation (in exchange for pet sitting or farm work, respectively).

Now it’s time for the fun part of travel planning! That means reading books about your destination, learning general travel tips, connecting with online communities, and pre-booking any necessary activities.

Pre-booking ensures you don’t miss out on things that you really want to do on your trip. If you’re going to a popular destination, tours and activities fill up quickly, and if you’re going to a smaller place, activities or tours might only run on certain days and have limited availability.

Either way, Get Your Guide the best place to search for and pre-book activities, tours, and tickets. Local tour operators and attractions can list their offerings on this online marketplace, so you can find tons of stuff here, from food tours to museum tickets with skip-the-line entry.

Get travel insurance . That way, these purchases are protected should something happen that makes you cancel your trip.

A lot of people think, “I’m healthy. I don’t need travel insurance.” But travel insurance is much more than just medical protection. It covers you when your camera breaks, your flight is canceled, a family member dies and you have to come home, or something gets stolen. (That’s why you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with any common travel scams to look out for, as well as how to conduct yourself in order to blend in to avoid looking like a target for petty theft.)

Yes, it’s an added expense. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I never leave home without it, because I’ve seen firsthand just what can happen on the road.

I never thought I would pop my eardrum while I was scuba diving in Thailand, break my camera in Italy, or get knifed in Colombia.

Unfortunately, bad things can happen when you’re traveling. True, these events are few and far between. But they can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re not prepared to pay out of pocket, buy travel insurance.

Here are some posts on travel insurance to get you started:

• How to Buy Travel Insurance
• The 5 Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

I never leave home without travel insurance. You shouldn’t either.

I travel with a 45L REI bag and then a smaller day bag. Here’s my suggested packing list to help you take just the right amount of stuff and avoid overpacking ( here’s a list for female travelers ).

Additionally, bring any prescriptions you need for the duration of your trip. Try not to rely on filling those abroad (though bring a prescription and doctor’s note just in case).

With everything taken care of, it’s time to go on your trip and have fun! Make a list of last-minute items you need to pack the day of (your toothbrush, glasses, phone charger, etc.) and check in online beforehand (you can do so 24 hours in advance). (If you’ve got lounge access through a premium travel rewards card , you might find yourself looking forward to getting to the airport early.)

If you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry. That’s perfectly normal. Feeling anxious or unsure is something every traveler experiences. But you’ve made it this far. Trust your planning and follow your instincts. You’re about to have the trip of a lifetime.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

The Ultimate Trip Planner

Plan & book your dream trip, routeperfect. with you every step of the way.

Free travel perks only for RoutePerfect members who booked flights, hotels and services through the RoutePerfect site.

How it works

Popular itineraries

Testimonials

RoutePerfect uses cookies to improve our content and provide you with a personalized experience. By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts. Learn more

Wealth of Geeks

10 Ways to Visit National Parks for Free in 2024

Posted: April 10, 2024 | Last updated: April 10, 2024

From the luscious, towering forests of Yosemite to the vast canyons of the Grand Canyon, America’s national parks offer some of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful sights.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or want to enjoy a day in nature, you probably want to add a few of the country’s National Parks to your bucket list. Free entry into one of these parks is the travel deal you didn’t know you needed in 2024.

Visit on Free Admission Days

There are certain days that all national parks in the United States waive their admission fees and allow visitors in for free. Mark these six days on your calendar to score a free day of adventuring in one of the many magnificent parks across the United States.

• Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• April 20: First day of National Park Week
• June 19: Juneteenth
• Aug. 4: Anniversary of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act
• Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day

Plan a Trip to the Free National Parks

There are 63 breathtaking national parks across the United States, and while many require an admission fee, there are a select few that are entirely free to visit.

Popular parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon charge an entrance fee, but fortunately, there are 16 awe-inspiring national parks that you can explore for free.

Bring a Fourth Grader Along

If you have a fourth-grade student in your family who can tag along with you to a national park, you’ll get in for free.

Every Kid Outdoors offers printable vouchers on their website that can be exchanged at a national park for a fee-free pass for the fourth grader and their family for the year.

Show a Military ID

As a military member, show your ID card and get a free annual pass .

Current military members serving in the U.S. armed forces will receive a Military Annual Pass valid for them and their families.

Show a Veteran ID

Those who have served in the military are eligible for a free pass to enter national parks in the U.S.

All you need is valid identification, which can include a Veteran Health Identification Card, Veteran ID card, or state-issued ID with the veteran designation on it. You’ll receive a Lifetime Pass that grants you a lifetime of free access to national parks.

Get Your Volunteering Hours In

If you’re passionate about the outdoors, why not volunteer at one of the many Interagency Pass Program federal agencies and get a free annual pass? After logging 250 hours, you’ll have free access to the national parks and entry to over 2,000 federal recreation areas.

These federal agencies include the Bureau of Land Management, the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation.

Visit Your Local Library

Did you know you can check out free park passes at participating libraries? In some libraries, you can use your library card to borrow a state library park pass that gives you a free vehicle day-use pass for a car with nine people or less.

California, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Georgia, and Colorado all participate in the pass program.

Have Proof of Permanent Disability

U.S. citizens or permanent residents who can show proof of permanent disability are eligible for a free lifetime Access Pass .

By showing proof of disability and applying in person, by mail, or online, you’ll gain access to America’s breathtaking national parks fee-free. You’ll also benefit from discounts of up to 50% on park amenities like camping.

Show Your Student ID

Some libraries have unique park passes for students to take full advantage of the beautiful national parks during the summer break.

For example, Idaho offers a Youth Explorer Ticket to Adventure that gives students free access to Idaho State Parks.

Present Your ID for Proof of Age

People in certain age groups can score free access to some of the country’s national parks. If you were born before Sept. 1, 1930, and live in Texas, you can get a Senior Full Passport that allows you to enter any Texas state park for free with a plus one.

In New York, residents who are 62 years of age or older can visit parks for free during the weekdays. In Louisiana, New Jersey, and Maryland, visitors who are 62 and older have free access to parks, and those in Maine can visit free of charge if they are 65 years or older.

Read More From Wealth of Geeks

• The Notable Last Words of 24 US Presidents

36 Of The Worst Beers Ever, According To Beer Drinkers

More for You

Rare six-legged gazelle spotted in Israel

Trump loses 11th attempt at delaying Monday's hush money trial — and he only has 5 days left to try again

SAG-AFTRA Says There Is "No Room on Any Set for Disparaging Comments" in Response to ‘Tulsa King' Allegations

Doctor shares what happens to our bodies moments before we die

Here’s what to do with your eclipse glasses

Boeing 737 Max diverts to Idaho after in-flight emergency

Buckingham Palace Feared King Charles Could Face Prosecution

Essential Vampire Movies: The Must-See 25

Authorities believe they've uncovered how Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter pulled off theft

Why Do People Add Plywood Under Their Countertops, And Do You Need To Do It?

These Are The Best Amusement Parks in Every State

A father with children born via surrogacy rejects the Vatican's view that condemns the practice

NATO jets scrambled after Russia launches devastating aerial attack on Ukraine

Senate strikes down Biden administration's climate regulations targeting car emissions

These Are The World’s Best Nude Beaches

Parents who raise successful, resilient kids never do these 5 things, experts say

3 great British TV crime shows you need to watch in April 2024

9 Insider Secrets You Should Know From a Goodwill Employee

US Navy wins against familiar and unprecedented Red Sea threats are being driven by defense decisions it made decades ago

Challenger to the judge in Trump's 2020 Georgia election interference case is disqualified

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

How to plan a food trip through the Ribble Valley, UK

Michelin-starred dining, independent butchers and artisan cheesemakers make this beautiful corner of Lancashire a rural idyll for food travellers.

From its blasted fells and verdant plateaus to its tangled woods and meandering rivers, the Ribble Valley is a rural wonderland that apparently inspired the otherworldly landscapes of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings . It is a natural haven for birders, walkers and cyclists, particularly where this corner of Lancashire merges into the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Ribble Valley also tastes amazing. A seasonal food ethos grows out of its fertile farmland, underpinning the work of Michelin-acclaimed restaurants such as the Northcote in Langho and market-town gems such as Cowman’s sausage shop in Clitheroe. Key local producers, such as cheesemaker Mrs Kirkham’s, enjoy national recognition. Yet none of this feels overexposed. With the majority of travellers passing by the Ribble as they rush north to the Lake District, it continues to offer visitors a sense of discovery.

Where to eat at in the Ribble Valley

1. The Parkers Arms , Newton-in-Bowland

Reaching No 7 on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK list in 2023, The Parkers Arms has long been a place of pilgrimage for clued-up foodies. It serves gutsy Lancastrian cooking – and its pies are legendary. But that only tells half the story. Chef Stosie Madi’s work is often deft and light, exemplified by her fish cookery, while her French-Lebanese heritage brings a distinctive flavour to the menu. Dishes might range from minced mutton manoushe flatbreads to braised Bowland rabbit leg, butter-roasted loin, mustard sauce, mash and greens. Passing walkers or cyclists can snack from the bar menu. Three courses, £50.

2. Northcote , Langho

The valley’s benchmark dining destination for more than three decades, this Michelin-star restaurant and boutique hotel is constantly evolving. From its cookery school to the annual international guest chef event Obsession (in January and February), there are always interesting things happening at Northcote. Expect seasonally driven dishes, such as halibut with Jerusalem artichoke and winter truffle or aged dairy cow tartare, warm bone-marrow, alliums and horseradish, accompanied by exceptional wines from managing director Craig Bancroft’s lovingly curated cellar. Mains from £29; doubles from £216 per night, B & B.

3. La Locanda , Gisburn

High-quality local, seasonal ingredients are the cornerstone of Italian cooking – so, naturally, chef Maurizio Bocchi feels at home in the Ribble Valley. Key imports such as wine and olive oil aside, the Modena native cooks authentic Italian dishes using local meats, game, dairy and vegetables. The menu might include rabbit stuffed with Tuscan sausage and cabbage with rosemary potatoes, or cappellacci pasta filled with pumpkin and amaretti biscuits, finished with butter, sage and hazelnuts – served up in La Locanda’s comfortable farmhouse-style space. Mains from £15.  

4. The Inn at Whitewell , near Dunsop Bridge

This remote inn on the River Hodder has accommodated travellers since the 16th century. It is an evocative old building; all worn flagstone floors and roaring fires. Eat in its cosy bars or restaurant. First visit? Look to those dishes, such as the fish pie, chicken liver pate or bangers and champ with onion gravy, that have become established classics over many years. Do not miss the in-house wine shop. Mains from £16.50; doubles from £145 per night, room only.  

5. Freemasons at Wiswell , near Whalley

A degree of fine dining glitz runs through chef Steven Smith’s polished pub. You will find Sunday roasts as well as complex and creative dishes, such as prawn mousse-filled sea bass with Thai mussel curry, and salt and pepper tempura broccoli. There is a tasting menu, a chef’s table for those who like to watch kitchens work and, for those staying over, four stylish bedrooms. Mains from £39; doubles from £240 per night, B & B.  

An unmissable experience

Bowland Brewery

In its attractive food hall, upmarket cinema and bowling lanes, Holmes Mill development in Clitheroe offers numerous distractions. Heaven for cask and craft ale drinkers, its large beer hall is also the home to Bowland Brewery, which for 20 years has quenched local thirsts with tipples such as its classic, citrusy pale Hen Harrier or the Bowland Bumble, made with honey from the brewery’s beehives at nearby Little Middop Farm. On select Fridays, outside operational brewing hours, tours offer visitors the chance to learn about the brewing process: from raw malts and hops to the mash tun and the fermentation tanks. A tutored tasting of three third-pints follows. One-hour tours, £20 per person.  

Where to stay

The Higher Buck, Waddington

Is Waddington the Ribble Valley’s prettiest village? Fans of Hurst Green, Downham or Chipping might disagree, but this cluster of ancient buildings huddled around a gurgling stream is unquestionably idyllic – and home to three individually compelling pubs (see also The Lower Buck Inn and Waddington Arms). The Higher Buck has seven handsome, well-maintained bedrooms while its crowd-pleasing menu similarly excels. A cheddar soufflé with apple chutney and the Buck’s sensational steamed steak and ale pudding are testament to chef-landlord Michael Heathcote’s rigour. Mains from £17; doubles from £115 per night, B & B.  

FREE BONUS ISSUE

Related topics.

• FOOD TOURISM
• SHORT TRIPS

You May Also Like

How to plan a food weekend in South Somerset

How to plan a weekend in southern Kosovo, where Europe's newest adventure scene is blossoming

15 of the best places for a roast dinner in the UK

How to plan a food weekend on the UK's Suffolk coast

How to plan a springtime food weekend in the Cotswolds, UK

• Environment
• Paid Content

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

• LISTEN & FOLLOW
• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Amazon Music

Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed.

The April Solar Eclipse Means Business

In this photo illustration, eclipse glasses from Warby Parker are seen on a table in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images hide caption

In this photo illustration, eclipse glasses from Warby Parker are seen on a table in New York City.

If you're just now planning travel for next week's total solar eclipse, you may be a little behind.

Hotels are booked up and campgrounds are sold out in and around towns in the eclipse's path of totality. Nearly 4 million people are expected to make the trip to the viewing zone which stretches from Maine to Texas.

Emergency preparations are underway in anticipation of the surge in travel. But planning for the worst has been accompanied by a spending boom in affected areas. Local businesses are taking advantage of the extra foot traffic, from hosting watch parties to rolling out solar eclipse-themed menus. According to an estimate from The Perryman Group, Texas alone could rake in $428 million in eclipse-related spending.

How are cities and local businesses preparing for the spending boom? And what should you do to prepare if you plan on traveling to see the solar event? Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a .