Start with travel corridors
Put cities in geographic order before choosing hotels or activities. A route that looks short on a map may still require an airport transfer, station wait, check-in and the final journey to your room.
Treat every change of city as part of the day. If a transfer consumes the morning, plan one flexible neighborhood walk after arrival rather than three timed attractions.
Choose fewer, better bases
Two well-chosen bases often produce a richer week than four rushed stops. Stay longer where the city has several distinct neighborhoods or where day trips are important.
- Keep consecutive one-night stays to a minimum.
- Place the longest transfer after a lighter day.
- Check whether a day trip is easier than moving hotels.
Build in recovery time
Arrival delays, weather and simple tiredness are normal parts of travel. Leave one open block every two or three days so the plan can absorb change without losing the experiences you care about.
