How to Create a Holiday Itinerary That Actually Works
First of all: don’t get stressed. Planning a holiday itinerary is a puzzle but you can solve it. Most of all you need some strategy and flexibility and then you can have the right balance of relaxation, adventure and good food. Here is how you can plan a trip that actually works.
1. Start with the must-sees
List your absolute non-negotiables first. That famous landmark, the museum you have always wanted to visit, the restaurant everyone raves about. Book anything that needs booking early, then build your days around them. Everything else is a bonus. For details on Cotswold Tours, consider https://cotswoldtour.co.uk
2. Plan your days around food
Dining can give us the best insight into the local culture and therefore should be planned as well as the rest of the trip. Look up when local markets are open and try to plan a morning when you can go there. Research the local speciality dishes and book popular restaurants in advance for weekend evenings or for small places with few tables. However, try to leave some meals open to stumble upon a hidden gem of a café or local pub which could end up being the best part of your holiday.
3. Embrace “less is more”
Resist the urge to cram everything in.
Rushing around from place to place on holiday is stressful. Try to include 2-3 main things to do per day and allow for ‘spontaneous discovery time’ (you might find a charming café or see some street performers) – plus time to get from one place to another. It’s easy to underestimate.
4. Mix energy levels
Move from a busy morning of sightseeing to a long lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon by the pool or on a beach – your tired feet and frazzled nerves will thank you for the downtime.
5. Plan for the unexpected
Inclement weather, sites closing, delays with trains and flights – they can and do happen. Leave some room in your itinerary for less-than-perfect days and have a few indoor options up your sleeve for rainy days like a visit to a food hall, a cookery class or a covered market. Remember to check the opening days and times for museums and restaurants before you go, as many of them are closed on one day of the week.
6. Leave room for serendipity
Many of the best holiday memories are of the random things you did. Allow yourself a few hours each day to wander, people-watch or get pleasantly lost.
A sample day plan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Local market and one must-see sight |
| Lunch | A local dish at a recommended café or market stall |
| Afternoon | Free time: wander, rest or a smaller attraction |
| Evening | Booked dinner at a restaurant you have researched |
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book restaurants on holiday?
Book popular or well-known restaurants for your holiday as soon as you have confirmed your dates – some fill up weeks ahead, especially in summer and at weekends. For most other meals, book a day or two in advance or just walk in at off-peak times.
How many activities should I plan per day?
Plan for two or three main activities per day; factor in travel time, eating time and time for relaxation, and most people will find they have enough to do. Children, older people and hot weather are among the exceptions when less is more.
Where to go next
Heading somewhere warm? Our guide to the food of the Mediterranean will help you know what to look for on the menu.
The perfect itinerary balances planning and spontaneity. Plan the essentials and leave space for the unexpected, as that is often where the real adventure begins.
