How to read a tour itinerary and spot problems

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

A good itinerary is realistic, clear and balanced. Here is how to read one critically before you book.

Check travel times

Look at the distance between stops. A drive that looks short on a map can take hours on hill roads or in city traffic. In Kerala, for example, most hill transfers take three to four hours.

Count the hotel changes

Too many one-night stays make a trip tiring. See How many places can you really see in a week?.

Look for early starts and late finishes

Sunrise experiences are wonderful, but several in a row are exhausting.

Check meals

Which meals are included? Is there time for lunch?

Free time

Is there any free time? Rest days are important on longer trips.

Inclusions

Does "sightseeing" mean entry tickets, or only transport? Are local charges included? See How to read a travel quote and compare packages fairly.

Arrival and departure days

Is the first day light? Does the last day leave enough time for the airport?

Season

Does the itinerary suit the season? For example, a beach in Thailand's Andaman coast in August may be affected by rough seas.

Opening days

Are monuments visited on days they are open? The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, for example.

Flexibility

Is there room to adjust for weather?

Warning signs

• Vague descriptions like "visit local attractions".
• Unrealistic numbers of sights per day.
• No hotel names.

Ask questions

A good planner explains the reasoning behind the itinerary. See our Customised private tours page for how we plan.