Python Itinerary Generator Checklist

Build a standalone AI-powered travel planner with Python, Cursor, and Gemini 2.5 Flash.

By Casey Builds It · YouTube Video cNigjD-GZfI

1. Project Setup and Core Features

Define the foundational elements and desired functionalities for your itinerary generator.

• Pull reference material from an existing website (e.g., Airbnb feature).
• Feed example data into Cursor for AI context.
• Define core features: date selection, guest counts (adults, kids, dogs).
• Incorporate budget preferences.
• Add functionality for custom activity requests.
• Implement PDF export functionality.

2. Location-Based Data Scraping

Configure the tool to dynamically pull location-specific information.

• Test the tool with an initial location (e.g., Colorado Springs).
• Test with different locations (e.g., Portland, Oregon; Portland, Maine).
• Scrape real businesses, restaurants, and activities.
• Utilize sources like OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia, and DuckDuckGo.
• Debug issues with location scraping.
• Consider pros and cons of free scraping vs. paid APIs (e.g., Google Places).

3. AI Integration and API Keys

Connect with AI models and manage necessary API credentials.

• Use Cursor for AI-assisted coding.
• Integrate Google Gemini 2.5 Flash.
• Input your Google API key into the tool.
• Understand API cost considerations (Gemini Flash vs. Claude).
• Generate and save API keys securely.

4. Building the Python Application

Follow the step-by-step coding process to construct the itinerary generator.

• Define the area for the build logic.
• Implement area-based logic for data retrieval.
• Start building the Python script in Cursor.
• Save the current state of the build.
• Explore Python GUI tool development.
• Implement conditional logic for itinerary generation.

5. Data Handling and Storage

Manage how data is extracted, stored, and retrieved within the application.

• Extract relevant data for itinerary planning.
• Store extracted data in JSON format.
• Implement logic to handle area and time inputs.
• Consider saving scraped data to a database.
• Implement search functionality for stored data.
• Cache previously scraped areas for faster retrieval.

6. Enhancing Itinerary Features

Add advanced functionalities to make the itinerary more comprehensive and useful.

• Integrate weather API for forecasts.
• Implement GPS-based distance filtering.
• Incorporate event APIs for concerts and local happenings.
• Display event listings dynamically.
• Add address information to generated plans.
• Calculate travel distance between locations.

7. Output and Refinement

Generate the final itinerary and review the results.

• Generate the itinerary based on user inputs.
• Save the itinerary as a PDF output.
• Review the generated itinerary for accuracy and completeness.
• Check arrival details and planned activities.
• Make necessary changes or refinements to the plan.
• Identify local activities and points of interest.

8. Scaling and Future Development

Consider how to expand the tool's capabilities and potential applications.

• Explore statewide itinerary generation potential.
• Consider using the tool for personal projects or business applications.
• Discuss options for pre-known data integration.
• Explore adding more options and features.
• Consider how the tool could scale into a full web application.
• Think about other API ideas for further integration.

Build practical AI tools with Python and Cursor for dynamic travel planning.