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• 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.

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

Custom travel itinerary in 2 minutes

Over 350,000 itineraries created, how it works.

What's included

We're here to help you plan your trip, frequent questions.

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

An easier trip, each time

Imagine checking one place for your travel details and getting a heads up as things happen throughout your trip. See why life without TripIt is a distant memory for millions of travelers.

You handle the booking, we'll take it from there

Unlike other travel apps, TripIt can organize your travel plans no matter where you book. Simply forward your confirmation emails to [email protected] and in a matter of seconds, TripIt will create a comprehensive itinerary for every trip.

“I’m on the road 100 days a year and TripIt is my go-to-app. It’s such a powerful tool in the hands of a traveler. There’s simply nothing like it on the planet.”

Helpful reminders and alerts so you don't miss a beat

Packed with features that give you a leg up on changes and help you make the most of all your trips, TripIt Pro is where the magic happens.

“I love knowing exactly when my flights are, when they are delayed, what gate to leave from, and all the other amazing TripIt Pro features.”

Know where to be and when

Need a reminder when it's time to leave for the airport? Not sure where to eat in the airport or near your hotel? TripIt has you covered.

“My favorite business travel app so far is TripIt. Carrying all of my itineraries, it saves me during my ‘Where am I, what do I do next?’ panic attacks.”

More from our blog

Take a closer look

Experience what it's like to travel with the TripIt app.

As featured on

Try the travel app that keeps up with you.

So many trips, so little time. Let TripIt worry about the details, so you don't have to.

Popular destinations

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Simplify your travel plans with trip planner.

Get started now

Plan with ease

Save and compare travel plans in a seamless experience.

Stay organized

Keep all of your bookings and saved travel plans in one place.

Decide together

Collaborate with family and friends to plan your dream trip together.

Easily save, collaborate and book - all your travel plans in one place

Make your travel plans easier with Expedia's Trip Planner. From saving favorites and organizing, to deciding with your group and booking your ideal trip, everything is together all in one place. You can select your favorite stays and activities while you search, and then find them later in your account. Avoid the hassle of sending multiple links to a group chat by inviting your family and friends to collaborate on a group trip where they can share ideas and see everything at once. After you've settled on your itinerary, you can make the bookings you need and keep them organized all in one place. Its ease of use makes it one of the best trip planning tools around.

How Trip Planner works

Sign into your Expedia account to save and compare your favorites to a new trip, work together with your friends and family on your group vacation, and keep all of your bookings in one itinerary planner. It just takes a few clicks to get the ball rolling.

Create a trip and save your favorites to plan your itinerary

Go to the Trips tab on the homepage, click on "Create a trip", and type in a new trip name. Start trip planning by searching for stays or things to do at your destination. Tap the heart icon to save your favorites to the right trip.

Invite friends and family to create a group trip

Open your trip and invite your fellow travelers to collaborate in the Trip Planner. Once they accept the invitation sent to their email, they’ll be able to view, save more items, comment, and like their favorite options to help decide on the best ones to book.

Book and manage your trip itinerary in the same place

Make all the bookings you need by tapping the three dots on your saved options. You can also change and cancel bookings in the same place.

Scan the QR code and download our app

Scan the QR code

FAQ: Learn more about Trip Planner

What should I do to plan my trip?

Get started with our Trip Planner in one of two easy ways:

1. Sign into your account, search for places to stay or things to do, and tap the heart icon on the image of a listing that you want to save. You'll be asked to create a new trip by giving it a name and saving it to your trip planner.

2. Head to the Expedia homepage, click on Trips in the top right corner (on desktop) or in the bottom menu bar (in the app), and then select "Create a trip".

How do I create a trip plan?

Once you've signed into your account and created your trip, you can save accommodations and activities to your trip. Soon you will also be able to save your preferred flights in our Trip Planner.

Why is trip planning important?

Saving items in a travel planner online helps you stay organized by keeping all your favorite stays and activities saved in one place. Instead of switching between multiple browser tabs, just open our Trip Planner.

When you're ready to book, it's easy to compare options , see all your locations on a map, and book directly from your saved items.

When should you start planning a trip?

Any time is a good time to start planning travels, and our Trip Planner can be used for everything from last-minute weekend getaways to a summer vacation planned over the winter. Just click on Trips on our homepage to get started.

How to plan a successful trip?

Saving your stay and activities to a trip helps Expedia better understand your preferences, so we can recommend more places to go and things to do to fill out your travel plans and make your trip unforgettable. Take advantage of our vast inventory and useful filters to make sure you get the accommodations and activities for your ideal trip.

Where can I find the items that I saved to a trip?

Head to the Expedia homepage and click on Trips in the top right (on desktop) or in the bottom menu bar (in the app). Select the trip that you want to view and look for "Saved items" to see all the items you've selected for that trip that haven't been booked yet.

With our trip planner, your booked and saved items are all in one place, which makes it easier to book your trip piece by piece.

Where can I find my booked items?

On the Expedia homepage, click on Trips in the top right (on desktop) or in the bottom menu bar (in the app). Select the trip that you want to view and head to "Bookings" to see all the items booked for that trip.

When you plan a trip online with us, you can keep your booked and saved items all in one place, making it easier to manage and build your trip.

Can I move a booked or saved item to a different trip?

Yes, we've made it easy to move items, because we know that planning your trip can mean adding more places to see or splitting favorite destinations up into multiple trips.

First, select the trip that already has the items you want to move. For booked items, tap the three dots on the top right corner of the item and select "move to another trip". For saved items, follow the same process and select "save to another trip" instead.

How can my friends and family help me plan a trip online?

Friends and family invited to collaborate on a trip with you will be able to view, save, and book items in your trip planner itinerary. All they need to do to start collaborating is accept the trip invite sent to their email.

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

Road trip planner

Starting City

Destination City

Or switch to flying

Planning a road trip?

Get advice from people who have done the same trip.

The Trippy road trip planner automatically calculates the optimal itinerary including stops recommended by Trippy members, favorite restaurants and hotels, local attractions and things to do based on what people who live in the area have suggested, and more.

Once you have a quick trip planned, you can customize every detail, adding or removing stops, or changing what time you leave in the morning or how long you stay at each stop. Then you can save your custom trip and share it with friends and family.

Let us know if you have requests for more features you'd like to see in the trip 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 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 Trip

The perfect adventure.

4 Simple Answers We'll do the rest!

Create and manage your travel itineraries with ai, search tools & while on the go, share with travel buddies & loved ones back home, keep it all in one place: maps, lists, notes, places to visit, eat, sleep & transportation.

4 Simple Answers. We'll do the rest!

Trip plan features, personalized.

Unlock Your Ultimate Travel Experience with Ease

Popular Trips

Ready to plan your next adventure, from dreams to itineraries.

Trip Plan Is Your:

Best road trip planner 2024.

The best road trip planner offering personalized and customized features that cater specifically to road trips. Easily plan your route, discover unique attractions along the way, and find the best accommodations and dining options that fit your preferences. Offline access to your itinerary makes it easy to navigate even in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Best Vacation Planner 2024

The best choice for vacation planning with personalized trip planning capabilities. TripPlan tailors your vacation experience based on your destination, interests, and travel dates. Add or remove attractions, accommodation options, and transportation choices, ensuring that your vacation perfectly aligns with your preferences. Enjoy a stress-free and well-organized vacation.

Best Group Itinerary Planner 2024

For seamless group travel coordination, our app is the top choice as the best group itinerary planner. From collaborative planning and sharing to inviting your travel mates, family, or friends to contribute to the itinerary. Take everyone's preferences into account and keep everyone informed and engaged throughout the planning and travel.

Effortless Trip Planning: Let Us Do the Work, You Enjoy the Ride.

3 travel apps you need before your next flight to keep you out of long TSA lines

Travel can be stressful, especially when airports are involved. 

Flights get delayed, or, worse still, canceled.  

Ever-growing security lines sometimes snake through the airport, putting you in jeopardy of missing your flight.

Last-minute changes can happen and derail months of planning, potentially starting off your trip on a bad note.

Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can help travelers, but there are also ways that tech can help you prepare for your journey and stay aware of the curveballs that might come your way.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here are three apps to download before your next trip. 

Watch the video above to learn which three apps you need before your next trip. 

Airline app 

Download your airline’s app! 

It keeps all of your travel information in one, easy-to-access place. 

Turn on notifications to get immediate alerts when it's time to check in so you'll know if there are any delays or gate changes. 

Once you have a boarding pass, save even more time by adding it to the digital wallet on your smartphone.

The lines at airport security can be very unpredictable. Sometimes there is no wait, other times, the line extends into the check-in area. 

The Transportation Security Agency’s (TSA) app, MyTSA, tries to make the wait a little more predictable and helps you determine what to expect, especially if you’re traveling from one of the busiest airports in the US.  

The app provides a real-time look at your selected airport's wait time, any FAA delays, and which TSA PreCheck lanes are open. 

The app also uses historical data to help you plan ahead. So, even if your flight is three days away, the app can show you what you’re likely to encounter that day based on previous experiences. 

It’s also a useful resource if you’re unsure about what you can or can’t pack in your carry-on and checked luggage.

Mobile Passport Control

If you’re traveling abroad, the Mobile Passport Control app makes your return through U.S. customs much faster. 

The app is a digital version of the Customs and Border Patrol Declaration Form that anyone entering the U.S. is required to fill out.  

You can save up to 12 profiles in the app, and only one form is needed per family, per residence. 

The app doesn't work at every airport, so check  the CBP website to see where you can use it. 

Reviewed-approved iPhone accessories  

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.   

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of tech experts test everything from Apple AirPods and screen protectors to iPhone tripods and car mounts so you can shop for the best of the best. 

• The best rugged iPhone case: Spigen Slim Armor  
• A top wireless charger: Yootech Wireless Charger  
• Our favorite screen protector: Ailun Glass Screen Protector  
• The best portable battery pack: Mophie Powerstation Plus  
• Durable phone car holders: Beam Electronics Phone Holder  
• An iPhone tripod we love: Aureday Phone Tripod  
• The best lightning cable: Anker 6 ft Premium Double-Braided Nylon Lightning Cable  

More problems, solved

• Pre-travel checklist: 4 things you need to do before your next trip
• Plan your trip: 3 tips to plan your next trip using social media
• Easily get around: 4 tech tips to easily explore a new city
• Stream offline: How to watch TV shows, movies offline
• Communicate in any language: 5 ways to use Google Translate on your phone
• Photograph your food: 4 tips to capture delicious photos of your food
• Snap the perfect pic: 4 iPhone camera tricks you need to know

The following navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move through main tier links and expand / close menus in sub tiers. Up and Down arrows will open main tier menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

Plan a trip

Plan a trip online

More options

Plan a trip by phone.

RTA Travel Information Center You can get travel information from the RTA Travel Information Center by calling:

1 (312) 836-7000

• The center is open from 6am to 7pm, Monday thru Saturday.
• For faster service, be ready to give your starting point and destination and the day and time at which you wish to travel.

Related information

• Routes/schedules
• Fare information

A retired Microsoft exec and his wife fell in love with RVing during the pandemic. Now he's using AI to help you plan your next road trip.

• Scott Lengel, a former Microsoft CTO, launched an AI-powered RV road trip planner, AdventureGenie.
• He said when he got into RVing during the pandemic, he couldn't find a great planning tool.
•  AdventureGenie recommends custom routes, campsites, and activities based on user preferences.

Scott Lengel and his wife, Lisa, were Marriott people.

After spending 23 years as a CTO at Microsoft , Lengel retired in 2017, at which point he and his wife knew they wanted to travel the world. They visited places like Cambodia, Vietnam, and India, typically traveling by plane and staying in hotels — often Marriotts.

Then the pandemic hit.

Suddenly, they were stuck at home in South Carolina. That's when the couple realized, "We really haven't seen the good old US of A."

Up until that point, they'd never even been camping .

"We figured if ever there was a time to go RVing, to go camping, this would be it," Lengel told Business Insider.

So they rented an RV and set off for Nashville with a couple of good friends. "We just had a blast," Lengel said. "Hanging around the campsite and the campfire and eating and beverages, and just the camaraderie. We just fell in love with the lifestyle of camping in one week."

Within six months, they purchased an RV of their own and started taking it all over. But when the couple tried to plan a six-week, multi-stop road trip to the national parks of the Southwest, they realized it was actually pretty challenging and that the existing resources were not great.

"There has to be a better way," they thought.

A couple of years later, in May 2023, Lengel launched AdventureGenie — an AI-powered RV trip planner. Lengel, who serves as chairman and CEO, said that in less than a year, AdventureGenie has attracted more than 10,000 users, and not just RVers, but also people traveling in cars on all kinds of road trips.

AI can customize trip planning

AdventureGenie is one of many AI-powered trip-planning tools that have popped up over the past couple of years. It's been featured on lists of the best RV- and road-trip planning AI tools.

Related stories

AdventureGenie is set up to help people plan their trips in three phases, which Lengel said was based on talking to thousands of people about how they plan their trips.

First, you can shape your trip. You can tell AdventureGenie things like where you want to start, where you want to end, how many miles you want to drive in a day, and any places you know you want to stop along the way. AdventureGenie will create a custom route based on your preferences and what the program knows about you, either from what you've told it or from past trips you've planned.

Second, you can select your campsites. AdventureGenie uses AI to compile information about campsites and make recommendations based on your preferences. In addition to generating an overall score on a campsite, AdventureGenie also generates a score that is unique to you, indicating how likely a specific campground is to meet your personal needs.

Third, is finding things to do. For instance, if it knows you like eating at local restaurants, hiking, and biking, as Lengel and his wife do, it can point out those attractions.

The biggest thing AI brings to AdventureGenie's trip planning is the customization, Lengel said. Instead of looking up a generic road trip planner that is the first hit served to everyone on Google, AdventureGenie can create itineraries that are unique to you.

"It feels as if you have a copilot or a travel planner sitting by your side and knows what you're looking for and customizes it for you," Lengel said.

He said that when RVers first use AdventureGenie the "jaw-dropping" moment for them is when it fills in the blanks on a trip with stops along the way.

In the past, if you wanted to road trip from South Carolina to Yellowstone, you'd have to look at a map and try to plot out stops based on how many miles a day you want to drive. But you'd also have to manually figure out whether those stops have campsites that suit your needs, or if they have any other attractions that make them worth passing through, or how far off the highway they are.

Lengel said new AdventureGenie users often say it saves them so much time planning their trip just by filling in their route.

"That's pretty darn rewarding for us," he said.

From Microsoft to tech startup

Lengel, who came out of retirement to launch AdventureGenie, said working on this startup has been a major change of pace from his days at Microsoft, which he also loved.

"We're a startup at our core, and it's a lot different than when I was working for an organization that had 150,000 employees and an incredible budget," he said. "We all wear lots of hats, which has been exciting, thrilling, and even challenging from time to time."

These days, he and his wife are on the road three out of four weeks a month, though now it's usually for work, visiting trade shows and meeting with RV user groups.

However, they do still make a point to do some fun things, too.

When Lengel spoke to BI, he was sitting in his RV in the Florida Keys, with a view of the ocean right out his window .

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

• Main content

A first-timer's guide to Napa Valley

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Get to know Napa Valley with our first-timer's guide © Cassiohabib / Shutterstock

Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury. Posh hotels, chef-driven restaurants and extravagant tasting fees cemented that reputation decades ago.

But at its core, Napa is farm country— a place where people dig in the dirt and make a living from the land. Despite all odds, this gives Napa a grounded feeling, even in its swankiest spaces. At the end of the day, visitors come to Napa Valley because they love food, wine and beautiful scenery. It’s a passion shared by the community of this incredible locale. 

The five towns of Napa Valley (St Helena, Yountville, the city of Napa , Calistoga  and American Canyon) are home to 16 wine appellations and more than 400 wineries. The options can be daunting to first-time visitors but we’re here to help. From mud baths in Calistoga to tips for visiting wineries, our first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley will give you everything you need to know to plan a trip here, including the best hotels, wineries, restaurants and activities.

When is the best time to visit Napa? 

It’s always a good time to visit Napa in our book, however, the timing of your trip will impact your experience. Peak tourist season is in summer when the average high temperature is 82°F. If you plan to visit this time of year, you’re unlikely to find any bargains. Make your reservations for lodging, restaurants and wineries as far in advance as you can.

Spring and fall are the next busiest times of the year. Spring brings average high temperatures of 68°F while in fall, high temperatures average 78°F. The lower, but still pleasant, temps are especially appealing for visitors who plan to hike, bike or engage in other outdoor activities. 

Winter temperatures reach an average high of 60°F. This season gets the most rain (although this is California so there will still be plenty of dry, beautiful days). Since winter is the least crowded, it is the most affordable time to visit Napa with many hotels, resorts and spas advertising special packages and discounts off their regular rates.

How much time should I spend in Napa? 

Set aside three to four days for your Napa Valley itinerary. This allows enough time to visit your top wineries and restaurants, plus time for other activities like spa treatments, hiking, lounging by the pool or riding the wine train.

What are the top things to do in Napa Valley? 

Most people come to Napa to visit wineries – more on that later – but don’t overlook Napa’s exceptional culinary, wellness and recreation opportunities.

You can get filthy (in the best possible way) at the north end of the county in Calistoga. Calistoga is recognized around the world for mud made with a mixture of mineral-packed volcanic soil and water drawn from local hot springs. The two most common treatments involve painting it on your body or soaking in a tub of warm, nurturing mud. At least seven spas offer Calistoga mud experiences including the luxurious Spa Talisa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences and the do-it-yourself mud bar at MoonAcre Spa and Baths . 

Calistoga is also home to two of Napa Valley’s most unique natural attractions. The Old Faithful Geyser is a smaller, but still impressive version of Yellowstone’s most famous jet spout . In Calistoga, Old Faithful shoots hot water 30–80ft towards the sky every 10 to 20 minutes. Just outside of Calistoga at the Napa/Sonoma border, a three million-year-old petrified forest with 1.5 miles of hiking trails provides a fascinating glimpse at geological history. 

No trip to the valley would be complete without a trip to downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market ,  a 40,000-sq-ft marketplace packed with locally sourced culinary delights. From California-grown olive oil at the Olive Press to artisan cheeses at the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant , this is the place to stock up for a picnic or edible souvenirs. You’ll also find a bookstore, distillery, bakeries and restaurants. After you’ve finished browsing, find a seat on the riverfront deck out back to sample fresh oysters on the half shell from Hog Island Oyster Bar .  

With menus centered around locally-grown ingredients, Napa is almost as famous for fine dining as it is for wine. Food this fresh is revelatory. A dish, such as fermented soy dip served with raw vegetables pulled from the ground at the Charter Oak , will ruin you forever for grocery store veggies. Other bucket-list dining experiences include the six-course prix-fixe chef’s tasting menu at La Toque , the daily tasting menu at the French Laundry , and Kenzo Napa , where seafood is flown in daily from the finest fish market in Japan. Please note that reservations at these restaurants are coveted, and should be made as far as possible in advance. 

Don’t let these vaunted names fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune to get a good meal in Napa. The valley is filled with scores of reasonably-priced restaurants including Heritage Eats in Napa where you can feast on comfort foods like a smoked ham bowl or white cheddar mac and cheese for less than $15 a person. For tasting menus, Thomas Keller’s ad hoc offers a daily tasting menu currently priced at $56 a person for lunch or $69 a person at dinner. The  Gate House Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America offers three courses prepared by student chefs for $35 at lunch or four courses for $45 at dinner (please note that restaurant prices are always subject to change). 

For nightlife, the Blue Note Napa Jazz Club hosts an exciting mix of live performances ranging from household names to rising stars and tribute bands. It also holds the Summer Sessions outdoor concert series and the Black Radio Experience at the Meritage Resort and Spa . If you’re on the hunt for a good dive bar, Ana’s Cantina in downtown St Helena is the place for a game of pool, tunes from the jukebox and a stiff drink.

Other top activities in Napa Valley include hiking or biking the 12.5-mile  Napa Valley Vine Trail , which will eventually extend 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Tips for visiting wineries in Napa 

Gone are the days when you can walk into virtually any Napa Valley winery and ask for a tasting without an appointment (or even a fee). Although there are a few wineries like Hall Wines in St Helena, where walk-ins are welcome, reservations are required at most wineries in Napa Valley. This helps ensure the wineries have adequate time to guide you through your tasting. From the guest's perspective, appointments are helpful when it comes to budgeting, arranging transportation and planning your Napa itinerary.

The average wine tasting fee in Napa Valley is $40 per person but it isn’t unusual for prices to climb to $200 or even more. Most wineries have a menu of tasting options, with standard tastings at the low end and premium experiences with food pairings, library wines, or guided tours commanding a higher price. Please note that the tip is not included in the tasting price so it will need to be factored into your budget. 

Expect to spend at least 90 minutes at each winery (often longer for premium experiences). For this reason, it’s best to stick to no more than two or three tasting room visits a day. We recommend clustering each day’s reservations in the same area so you won’t have to rush between wineries. For instance, in the Stag’s Leap District, Cliff Lede Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards are only a mile apart. Cliff Lede’s Backstage Lounge Tasting Room Experience offers an elevated tasting with premium wines in a room filled with rotating art and rare rock memorabilia. At Baldacci, the Cave Tour and Tasting Experience includes a cave tour and barrel tasting followed by a seated tasting paired with seasonal appetizers. 

In the Rutherford area, Sullivan Winery is only half a mile from the Prisoner Wine Company . At Sullivan, the Merlot Mastery Tasting starts with a tour of the gardens and grounds before moving on to a seated tasting with two flights of its prized merlot accompanied by light bites. At Prisoner, you’ll find many culinary pairings including the Wine and Dim Sum Experience. 

Attire is wine country casual. A pair of nice jeans, golf shirts, sundresses or casual blouses are the norm in Napa Valley. Do wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards or participate in a tour.

Expert tip: The Covet Pass offers complimentary tastings at seven Napa wineries and seven Sonoma wineries, plus additional discounts for a one-time fee of $150. 

How to get around in Napa without a car

Napa Valley is 30 miles long and stretches at most 5 miles wide. In this sense, Napa is small and easy to navigate, but driving can be tricky in a destination centered around wine. Luckily, if you don’t have a designated driver there are several ways to get around Napa without a car. 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several tasting journeys including a 36-mile roundtrip through gorgeous scenery to disembark for seated tastings at Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui Winery . A four-course lunch is served onboard. You can also hitch a ride to three tasting rooms in an open-air San Francisco cable car on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley . 

Many tour operators provide transportation to Napa wineries. Several, like Napa Valley Wine Country Tours , offer a choice between public group tours, which are less expensive, or private tours with a customized itinerary. 

If you prefer to get around by foot, base yourself in the cities of Napa or Yountville. Napa has more than 50 downtown tasting rooms and there are 14 walkable tasting rooms in downtown Yountville. 

Where to stay

If there was ever a place to treat yourself to a nice hotel, it’s Napa Valley. The region is home to some of the best hotels in the country, with grounds and accommodations so astonishingly beautiful you might not want to leave to go wine tasting (but definitely leave to go wine tasting). If you’re in the position to splurge our top picks are: 

The Poetry Inn is an exclusive property with only five guest rooms and a small, on-site spa. The all-suite hotel is the epitome of privacy and luxury with huge guest rooms featuring private sitting areas, outdoor patios, and indoor and outdoor showers with stunning hillside or vineyard views. A gourmet multicourse breakfast is included with each stay. Poetry Inn is the only hotel in the Stag Leap district. 

Meadowood Napa Valley in St Helena is set on a magnificent 250-acre estate with mature, oaks and native plants surrounding 36 suites and guest rooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor sitting areas. Hiking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, a Wine Center and a tranquil spa ensure you’ll never lack activities during your stay. 

Carneros Resort and Spa offers standalone cottages and homes surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards in Napa. Amenities include a luxurious onsite spa, two swimming pools, pickle ball courts with an adjacent Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Lounge, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and access to Cadillac Luxury Vehicles during your stay. 

If a mid-range hotel is better suited for your budget we recommend the Meritage Resort and Spa or Silverado Resort . The Meritage offers perks like a complimentary shuttle service to downtown Napa and a verdant lawn surrounded by tasting rooms and an upscale market. At the Silverado Resort, amenities include golf courses, bocce ball courts, a pool and a fitness center.

The most affordable lodging options in Napa Valley are generally found in American Canyon, which offers several reliable, reasonably-priced chains such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley American Canyon and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley American Canyon .

My favorite thing to do in Napa 

When I come to Napa I love to take a class to enhance my appreciation of food and wine or learn a fun, new skill. I’ve never been anywhere else where classes are so varied and accessible, so I take advantage whenever I can. Often, these classes are offered directly through my hotel. The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley runs classes ranging from introductory tutorials on Napa wine to advanced courses on subjects like the history of the wine label. Carneros Resort and Spa has a dazzling array of daily classes focusing on everything from sabering champagne bottles to pickleball. 

The Culinary Institute of America is my hands-down choice for cooking classes with options for group or private instruction. I’ve also found classes offered at Napa Valley wineries. Bouchaine Vineyards regularly hosts an exciting roster of sessions on topics like pairing wine and cheese, blending wine and even falconry. 

How much do you need to budget for a trip to Napa?

The amount you’ll need to spend on a trip to Napa is highly variable depending on your itinerary and even the season you choose to visit. Although it is generally considered a luxury destination, you can still plan an affordable trip to Napa with the tips and tricks in this first-timer’s guide. The numbers below are not definitive but will provide a general idea of how much it costs for budget-conscious, midrange, and luxury travelers to visit Napa.

• Hotel room for two: $100–1200 a night 
• Rental home/Airbnb for two: $200–1000 a night 
• Wine tasting fees: $25–250 per person at each winery (not including tip) 
• Lunch for two: $30–100 per person
• Dinner for two: $100–300 per person (or more)
• Glass of wine: $13–50 
• Bottle of wine: $108 average
• Group shuttle to wineries: $125 per person
• Private transportation to wineries: $600 (and up) 
• Spa treatment: $100–400 per person (and up)

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Woman's Day

25 Affordable Girls' Trip Ideas That Will Convince You to Finally Plan That Getaway

Posted: May 3, 2024 | Last updated: May 3, 2024

Remember the old days, when getting the girls together for a getaway was as easy as piling in the car with a few bathing suits, some snacks, and a sense of adventure? These days, it's not so easy: Often, female friendships require intricate coordination with spouses, kids, jobs — and all the trappings of serious adulting. (Womp, womp.)

But travel is the ultimate bonding experience for best friends and an amazing way to recharge and refocus. So it's a goal well worth prioritizing, despite the challenges involved with logistics and coordination. These girls' trip ideas include something for every group — whether you're all about adventure, relaxation, city sightseeing, or wandering off the grid. Our picks include both far-flung destinations, and plenty of domestic travel options that require no passport (or jet lag) at all. And these girls trip ideas include options for every group's budget , from wallet-friendly road trips to bucket-list international travels.

No matter where you go, you're sure to have a life-affirming, laughter-inspiring, friendship-rejuvenating good time. So get to booking and make it happen — no excuses!

Ready to get packing? Don't forget to check out our picks for the best luggage on Amazon , and best travel dresses to pack for every destination.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas has long been a hot spot for bachelorette parties and wild girls' nights out on the town and for good reason. The Strip is only a few minutes from the airport and home to upscale hotels, the must-see dancing Fountains of Bellagio , mainstream restaurants, and no shortage of shows. Get the girls together for a baller group stay at Sky Suites at Aria , with its own food and drinks lounge and airport transportation included.

Rome, Italy

Focus on the “eat” of an eat, pray, love-style getaway with a girls trip to the Eternal City. Visit the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel, and more — all with ample stops for pizza, pasta, gelato, and vino, of course. Stay at the Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese with its Settimo restaurant and lounge bar on the roof terrace, overlooking all the splendor of the city.

Maui, Hawaii

The beaches and turquoise waters make for a dreamy and relaxing getaway, and the lively dining, pool, and shopping scenes combine for the ultimate girls trip. Stay at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea to live out The White Lotus experience IRL. And make a plan for the new experience, A Wayfinder's Journey , led by the distinguished female Hawaiian navigator Kala Baybayan Tanaka aboard a private catamaran.

RELATED: Best Women's Wellness Retreats to Nurture Your Mind and Body

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs and its environs all around the Southern California desert region make for a girls trip packed with fun under the sun and swaying palms. (Definitely pack that SPF!) The Thompson Palm Springs hotel is readying for a chic opening. Or in Indian Wells, get your splash on in the lazy river with two enormous water slides at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells . (Don’t forget to snap your social media selfies in front of the “Desert Vibes Only” neon wall!)

RELATED: Best Travel Instagram Captions

New York City, New York

There's a lot to see in NYC. Luckily, you can see almost all of it from the observation deck at The Edge . And if you and your girls are looking for a real thrill, you can even sign up to scale the building . It's the perfect bonding moment for any group dedicated to new challenges and conquering fears. Then, spend the rest of the trip exploring the various shows, restaurants, and boat tours available.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The iconic Rocky Steps , photos at the Liberty Bell , and drinks at the bar in the Four Seasons Hotel are all great stops for a girls' trip in Philly.

For a bucket list trip, Fiji is more accessible than you think: It’s the same distance from the U.S. West Coast as London via nonstop flight. Stay at Vomo Island Fiji for spa, scuba, snorkeling, and incredible South Pacific cuisine.

RELATED: Best Beach Captions to Post While You're Chillin' in the Sand

Baltimore, Maryland

When it comes to sightseeing, you can't go wrong with a stop at the Baltimore Inner Harbor , home to the Maryland Science Center , the National Aquarium , Top of the World Observation Level , and amazing seafood dining.

Downtown Dubai isn't just home to the world's tallest man-made structure, the Burj Khalifa. It's home to a guaranteed glamorous girls' trip experience, with modern architecture, luxury shopping, and pristine beaches. It's also home to plenty of Real Housewives lore, if your group loves Bravo. And it's where Beyoncé famously performed at the opening of the new Atlantis The Royal .

Ocean City, Maryland

If your friend circle consists of mom friends who are sick of cleaning up after other people, they'll enjoy the beaches of Ocean City. The locale is ranked amongst the cleanest in America. For oceanfront and in- ocean dining, Seacrets is a local favorite.

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Lighthouses, The African American Heritage Trail , and access to seafood make this charming location a top pick for a trip with the girls.

Newport, Rhode Island

Those who dream about living the mansion life will love a trip to Newport to expand on that fantasy. The town is famous for the mansions along Bellevue Avenue . Book a stay at Gurney's Resort for some R&R and Instagram-worthy photos lounging by the pool.

Savannah, Georgia

Friend groups dreaming of living like a Southern belle won't be disappointed with a trip to Savannah. People come for the Southern charm and stay for the horse-drawn carriages, bed and breakfasts, and river boat cruises.

Charleston, South Carolina

Cobblestone streets, boardwalks, and The Pineapple Fountain are amongst the landmarks great for tourists and girlfriends looking for some fun photo spots.

New Orleans, Louisiana

When a hit movie called Girls Trip takes place in this travel hot spot, it only makes sense you follow suit with a girls' trip of your own. Besides being home to the Essence Festival , New Orleans is known for the sounds of soul and the infusion of French cuisine. In short, there will never be a dull moment on a trip here.

Catalina Island, California

Just off the coast of California, this getaway is well known by natives of the state and the perfect place to head to for anyone who prefers to escape the crowds of Los Angeles (...for island crowds, when summertime demand swells the lively beaches and restaurants here). The 22-mile island is easily traveled by foot or golf cart. It's home to diving, paddling, a casino, several spas, and plenty of reasons to relax and disconnect.

Houston, Texas

Houston may be well known for its space center and museums, but it's also the perfect spot for hitting the trails. The Buffalo Bayou has several hundred acres of park land. Rent a canoe, see the hidden art, and paddle through downtown Houston as you admire the natural beauty. If you and your girls are kids at heart, take the hour and a half drive down to adults-only waterpark The Cove at BearX . Or, enjoy a wine tasting at Pur Noire Urban Wineries or Sable Gate Winery .

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is home to rooftop bars, rich history, and a captivating architecture boat tour that's sure to impress. The best part is, its central location makes finding direct flights a breeze for the most part. For friends looking for a high-class experience, a stay at the Sofitel Chicago and shopping along the Magnificent Mile can provide a healthy dose of luxury.

Pigeon Point, Tobago

For the crew who's had enough of the typical Caribbean tourist attractions, Tobago is a hidden gem not to be missed. It's located north of the main island of Trinidad and home to Buccoo Reef and lush rainforests perfect for bird watching. Not to be missed is the Nylon Pool — a naturally made pool surrounded by white sand in the middle of the ocean safe enough for visitors to swim in and enjoy. Spend the night at the secluded Bacolet Beach Club after indulging in some curry chicken and roti.

Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas is a no-brainer decision for friends living on the East Coast. The ease in finding short direct flights makes planning a stress-free experience — something all busy friends can appreciate. Once there, head to the Junkanoo Museum to learn more about Bahamian culture.

Barcelona, Spain

A girls' night in your hometown at a favorite restaurant surrounded by tapas and drinks isn't an uncommon experience, so why not experience them where it all started? Book the Original Tapas Crawl Adventure to find out more about (and taste!) the local food and drinks.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Dining at juice bars, surf lessons, and experiencing the butterfly conservatory are among the popular activities for girlfriends to engage during a getaway to magical Costa Rica.

Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls has no shortage of splash zones and adventures. Zip lining, Maid of the Mist boat tours, and a trip to the observation deck leave little room for boredom. Raise a glass to the memories made over a glass of the popular Canadian varietal, ice wine.

Charlestown, Nevis

Anyone who is addicted to the soundtrack from the Broadway musical Hamilton (and who isn't?) is in for a surprise during a girls' trip to the island of Nevis. Lovers of the show will appreciate the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, known as The Hamilton House . Then, relish in the rich history that led to the captivating story during an amazing West Indian dinner at Bananas restaurant .

Riviera Maya, Mexico

If staying at an all-inclusive resort is a must for your girlfriend getaway, look no further than Mexico. Dreams Resort , Excellence , and Grand Palladium are some of the top choices for all-inclusive stays in the area.

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