Plan your trip
Itinerary planner
Building a route that does not exhaust you, with sensible pacing rules.
Itinerary planner
Building a route that does not exhaust you, with sensible pacing rules.
The guidance below is deliberately practical. It is the short list of things that change the outcome of a trip, rather than a general overview you could find anywhere. Read it once while planning and again the week before you travel.
What to know
The points that make the most difference, in rough order of importance.
- Minimum three nights per base, ideally four
- Count travel days as days, because they are
- Book the first and last night; improvise the middle
- Cluster geographically instead of zigzagging
Quick reference
- Plan thisThree to six weeks out for most trips
- Book aheadAnything capacity-limited or permit-based
- Verify locallyRules and prices change; confirm on arrival
- Budget impactVaries by region and season
Related guides
Other guides in the same section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to know about itinerary planner?
Minimum three nights per base, ideally four.
How far ahead should I plan this?
For most trips, research this three to six weeks before you travel, and sooner if anything involved has limited capacity or requires a permit.
Does this differ by country?
Yes. Rules, costs and norms vary, so treat this as a general framework and confirm the specifics for your destination before booking.