Sample Trip Itineraries

How to Plan a Trip

Whether you like hitting the beach or the slopes, once you've decided on a vacation destination, you'll need to plan an itinerary. It can be as loose as you like, or scheduled to the max―but don't fill your schedule too much. If you do, you'll need a vacation from your vacation.

Plan the length of stay, your proximity to attractions, and your budget. Prioritize the attractions you want. You'll also need to factor in the season you visit―some attractions in certain locations close down during certain seasons due to weather conditions or lack of tourist trade.

When you plan your daily itinerary, think of your routine schedule. Are you an early riser, or a night owl? Also consider the others traveling with you.

Sample Atlanta Itinerary

Here's a sample itinerary to guide you in creating your own:

Let's say you have two days scheduled in Atlanta. You're staying in a downtown hotel, and won't be renting a vehicle.

Atlanta sprawls for miles, and your research shows it doesn't have great public transportation. To make the most use of your short time there, concentrate on a few of the attractions in the downtown area, and save the outer locations for another time. For longer stays, consider renting a car, or getting a map and schedule for MARTA, Atlanta's subway and bus system.

If your trip lasts two days, plan to visit the hot spots most interesting to you.

Day One. Check out the World of Coca-Cola and Underground Atlanta. Not only are they popular, they're right next to each other.

After that, head over to the nearby Georgia Aquarium, which will take another two to four hours to explore.

Day Two.
Plan a trip to the CNN Center, for a studio tour, and walk through Centennial Olympic Park. For good eats, hop on MARTA for a few blocks north. Grab the famous chili dog and peach pie lunch at The Varsity, then hop back on MARTA for one more stop north (Midtown Station) to tour the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, for the background story of Gone With the Wind.

Days Three and On.
If you get Atlanta fever and extend your stay a couple more days, venture to Buckhead―another Atlanta hotspot. Drop in at the Atlanta History Museum for some local culture, or if shopping is your hobby, head over to the enormous Lenox Square Mall. Dining in Buckhead is first-rate, so plan at least one meal in the community.

Extended stays will obviously give you more time to roam, so you might consider going to Stone Mountain, a major tourist attraction northeast of the city. Civil War buffs should plan on Kennesaw Mountain National Park and the Cyclorama. The Jimmy Carter Museum and the Sweet Auburn District are two more favorites.

Personalize Your Trip

You can create the same kind of itinerary with any city on your list. Check the Internet for suggested itineraries―you'll be surprised at the number you find. Just customize it to your own tastes and schedules. Utilize online maps and websites for the city and sites of your next holiday. Most attractions will provide the length of time you should allow for your visit. Some sites offer insiders' tips to make your experience even better.

Just remember to schedule in time for rest, food, exploration, waits in line or traffic, and a few surprises along the way, to make your vacation unforgettable.