About The Unpacked Itinerary

Ever felt like planning that perfect European city break required more spreadsheets and open tabs than actual vacation days?

If you're the one who always ends up figuring out the flights, finding the right neighborhood, mapping the sights, and making sure everyone (even if it's just you!) has an amazing time, then you know the feeling. You love the thrill of travel, the discovery of new streets, the taste of local cafes... but the planning? It can feel like a second job.

I get it. Because I've been there.

Hi, I'm Mike. Like you, I'm passionate about exploring Europe, but as the one often organizing trips (even when traveling solo!), I constantly felt the pain points of planning. I adore diving into Europe's incredible cities for short breaks – soaking up the history, wandering through charming old towns, and finding those perfect cultural gems. My travels have taken me across the continent, including:

• Western Europe: London, Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Mont St Michel, Carcassonne, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Monaco, Chamonix, Luxembourg...
• Central Europe: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, The Romantic Road (Germany), Vienna, Salzburg, Bratislava, Gdansk/Sopot (Poland)
• Italy and Southern Europe: Rome, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Athens, Corinth
• Eastern Europe: Bucharest, Iasi, Brasov and surrounding castles and ski resorts, Danube Delta (Romania), Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria), Chisinau and Cricova wine complex (Moldova)
• ...and many other fascinating spots across the continent!

Through these journeys, often short 1-3 day city visits combined with work or family trips, I developed a specific travel style. Typically, I focus on dedicating one full day to exploring a city's core highlights – the must-sees that capture its essence – while keeping things flexible based on mood and energy levels. Often, I'll add a nearby day trip on another day to experience something different. It's this rhythm – blending key sights with relaxed exploration, history, culture, and discovery – that shapes the curated itineraries and recommendations you'll find here.

Honestly? The Unpacked Itinerary started because I needed it myself! I realized I was investing a staggering amount of time – often 20-30 hours of research per city – just for my own trips. I wanted a better way to organize my findings and easily share tips with my own travel companions – family, friends, and colleagues. Then it clicked: if I was already putting in all that effort, why not share this curated approach and build the tools I wished existed for everyone facing the same planning challenges?

That's the core passion behind this site: taking the heavy lifting and endless searching out of trip planning, so you can focus on the anticipation and joy of the journey itself.

I dreamed of a single place that understood the specific needs of planning a short trip – something curated, practical, and focused on making the most of precious travel time without the overwhelm. A resource designed specifically for the person shouldering the planning load.

That's why The Unpacked Itinerary was born.

This website is my solution to that planning chaos. It's designed to be your trusted co-pilot, simplifying the process so you can focus on the excitement of the adventure ahead. My team and I cut through the noise to bring you:

• Expertly Curated Content: Forget sifting through endless lists. We provide carefully selected, regularly updated information on key attractions, walkable routes, hidden gems, and unique experiences that make a city special, often based on my own travel style focused on history, culture, rest, and exploring charming old towns.
• Ready-to-Use Itinerary Ideas: Need a starting point? Our thoughtfully designed 1, 2, and 3-day itineraries offer a solid foundation, packed with logical routes and must-see highlights.
• Practical, Actionable Advice: Find essential insights on local transport, cultural nuances, and tips to help you navigate confidently.
• Simple Planning Tools: Use our basic itinerary builder to select your favourite spots from our recommendations and start structuring your own personalized trip. (We're constantly working to improve this based on feedback!)
• (Coming Soon!): Easy ways to book tours or experiences via trusted affiliate partners, helping support the site at no extra cost to you.

Who is This For? You.

The Unpacked Itinerary is dedicated to the unsung heroes of travel planning:

• The solo adventurer meticulously mapping out their own journey.
• The "voluntold" partner lovingly crafting the perfect trip for two.
• The designated organizer bringing together friends or family for a memorable escape.

We understand the effort you put in, and we're here to make it easier and more enjoyable.

Our Philosophy: Curated, Yet Customizable

We believe the best trips often blend expert guidance with personal preference. Our curation provides a trustworthy filter, highlighting worthwhile experiences based on extensive travel. But it's your trip. We provide the high-quality ingredients and the recipe structure; you get to add your own flavour and make it perfectly yours. We prioritize up-to-date information because outdated details are a planner's nightmare.

Let's Unpack Your Next Adventure

Our vision is simple: to be the indispensable, stress-free resource you turn to whenever a European city break is on the horizon. We're constantly exploring new cities and refining features based on feedback from travelers just like you.

So, dive in, explore the destinations, use the tools, and let us handle the heavy lifting of planning. It's time to unpack the possibilities and focus on the joy of discovery.

Happy Travels,

Mike and The Unpacked Itinerary Team