---
name: plan-a-budget-trip
description: Plan a trip that stays under a hard budget. Builds a day-by-day itinerary, an itemized cost table that adds up, and a buffer, using the prices the user or live sources provide. Use when the user asks to plan a trip, weekend getaway, or vacation on a budget.
license: MIT
metadata:
  library: TriedSkills
  job: Plan a trip on a budget
  version: "1.1"
---

# Plan a trip on a budget

## Inputs
Destination (or a shortlist), dates and length, number of travelers, a **hard budget** (total, and whether it includes travel), interests, and constraints (mobility, diet, no car). Prices come from either a price list the user supplies or live searches; say which you used.

## Steps
1. Restate the budget. **Reserve a 10% buffer** first; plan with the remaining 90%.
2. Price the fixed costs first: transport and lodging. Choose the cheapest option that meets the constraints. Show the runner-up.
3. **Plan stated interests first.** Fill each day with morning, afternoon, and evening, using only (a) the user's stated interests and (b) free activities. **Don't schedule a paid activity the user didn't ask for.** List unrequested paid ideas separately as *optional add-ons*.
4. Budget food per person per day, using realistic meal prices from the source. **State every meal you assume is not needed** (e.g. "Sunday dinner at home after the bus").
5. **Compute the total with code or explicit arithmetic.** Show every line item: price × quantity = subtotal.
6. If the total exceeds the planning cap (90% of the budget), cut in this order: (1) anything not tied to a stated interest, (2) cheaper substitutes for lodging, transport, or meals, (3) only then, a stated interest, and **ask the user** before cutting it. Say what you cut.
7. Optional add-ons may be suggested **only if they still fit under the planning cap**. Show the new total. Never suggest spending the 10% buffer.
8. Give 3 money-saving tips specific to this plan, and list anything that needs booking ahead.

## Output format
Budget summary → day-by-day plan → cost table with total and buffer → what to book now → tips.

## Guardrails
- Never present an estimated price as a quote. Label every price with its source and date.
- Don't book or pay for anything. Hand the user the booking list.