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The Travel Quandary

The Ultimate Trip Planner Template – Easy To Use Excel Format!

You’re about to embark on your next adventure – hooray! 

Travel planning comes naturally to some who thrive on the challenge to find the best deal on a tour, stay at the coolest hotel or dine at the hottest new restaurant. These travellers are always at the airport on time, check opening hours of attractions before leaving home and have packing down to a fine art form. On the other end of the scale, there are travellers who prefer to go with the flow, do things spontaneously and are happy to rock up to a new destination and “wing it”.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNTWO), 1.4 billion people travelled internationally in 2018. And apparently, there are over 750 million users of Microsoft Excel worldwide. There’s a high chance that you’ll fall into both of these categories (we don’t know the exact number but it would make for a pretty neat Venn diagram). And if you also classify yourself as an “unprepared” and/or “unorganised” traveller, our trip planner template is designed to help YOU.

Microsoft Excel is not only used by accountants and finance people. Microsoft Excel has become the ultimate planning and analysis tool, recognised and used worldwide which is why we’ve chosen it to create our trip planner template. We hope you find it useful and welcome your feedback and recommendations!

FREE TRIP PLANNER TEMPLATE! MICROSOFT EXCEL & GOOGLE DOCS

Why use a spreadsheet to plan your trip.

• Identify gaps in your itinerary (closures, public holidays, mandatory reservations)
• Save money (better budget decisions, better choices on trip)
• To get you excited! You’re going on a holiday! Hooray!

Download your free trip planner template here

Note: For Google Docs template, download the .zip file and upload the spreadsheet to your Google Drive. Once uploaded, open with Google Sheets.

Using this spreadsheet

The Ultimate Trip Planner Template is built into a spreadsheet which is divided into six sections. We’ve built this trip planner to include 16 days of travel but you can adjust the length of the trip by adding or removing columns in the spreadsheet.

Once you’ve confirmed your travel plans, add them here. This is where you can record all your reservations – flight details, accommodation, car rental, equipment rental, tour reservations etc. Listing them on one tab means you can quickly jump in and find those important details when you need them.

2. Planning

Researching airlines, hotels, Airbnbs, car hire, tour operators and travel insurance policies can be exhausting. You’ll probably go through a phase where you’ll have so many tabs open on your browser, it’ll make you want to pull your hair out! If you also need to compare prices and dates with your travel companions, it can become downright overwhelming.

When you find a potential option you like, add it to the “Planning” tab. When your research is condensed into a neat summary, it will be a simple exercise of reviewing all possible suppliers, key dates and prices and then after a process of elimination, you will be left with the most suitable option.

A budget is by no means set in stone. Our budget tab is designed to help with your travel planning decisions. We feel that it is important to understand the costs of a holiday before making any hasty decisions. And we consider it even more important that you don’t spend beyond your means!

We don’t want to sound like party-poopers but the last thing you want is to get ripped off and/or find yourself stuck abroad without any money. By understanding where you plan to spend the bulk of your hard-earned money on your holiday, you can plan where you’ll allow yourself to splurge and other areas where you may need to tighten the purse strings.

For example, we give ourselves extra budget for food and coffee experiences as this is an aspect we love about travelling. We tend to book budget/basic accommodation on the road depending on the destination and available options, as all we need is a bed, access to a (preferably) hot shower in a secure room.

A good chunk of your budget will already be paid or known in advance before you’ve even left home (i.e. flights, some ground transport, accommodation, tours (if applicable) etc), so this should also help when allocating your budget to food, shopping and extras. There will also be times where you need to be strict and say “no” if your gut feeling and bank account tell you that you cannot afford a certain something. Be conservative but also be kind to yourself – you are treating yourself to a holiday after all and you’ll have to spend money to fully enjoy the experience!

4. Itinerary

We spend a lot of time planning our travel itineraries on a day by day basis and even breaking it down to each hour of each day. Some people call us crazy but when we are short on time and have an extensive list of things to see/do/eat/shop etc, we prefer to be organised.

Laying out our trip day by day also helps us to block out periods of time for travel or to take note of when restaurants and attractions are closed. Of course, plans can and will change. Rain may force you indoors (museums, galleries, shopping) or an unknown public holiday may disrupt your planned travel day.

We recommend using this tab to roughly outline your plans and drop in the activities and places you simply cannot miss. You can move activities to different days if your original plan doesn’t work out. If you want, record your daily expenses at the bottom and you can track how your actual spending goes against your budget.

5. Packing List

For those who begrudge packing, it tends to be the case that you will end up wearing 20% of your packed belongings during 80% of your trip. Or if you’ve left packing until the last minute and thrown items higgledy-piggledy into your suitcase, you’ll arrive at your accommodation to realise you’ve forgotten your favourite undies or packed the wrong shoes.

Packing lists work. Once you’ve considered the weather and climate at your destination, your baggage allowance plus the duration of your trip, you can plan what you need and limit unnecessary purchases on the other side.

We’ve compiled a pretty epic packing list covering practically every type of adventure and possibly everything that you may need. Feel free to adjust accordingly to your requirements.

6. Checklist

This is the final step before you walk out your front door to embark on a brand new adventure. Before you go, use this tab to ensure you’ve dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s. And then you’re off!

Bon voyage!

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Give us your feedback of the Trip Planner Template below!

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CONTINUE PLANNING YOUR TRAVELS

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28 thoughts on “the ultimate trip planner template – easy to use excel format”.

HOLY COW I cannot believe I found EVERYTHING I needed all in one for FREE. I feel like I have ROBBED someone! My partner and I never grew up in households where family vacations were had, so we have no idea what were doing. Thank you kindly to The Travel Quandary. If I can donate, share your page, volunteer, etc. let me know how I can repay <3

SO HELPFUL ! THANK YOU SO MUCH !

How you extend the dates! I am going for a month

This template is so great! Planning a trip to New Zealand and will be traveling around a lot – this is super helpful!

NICE!! MUCHAS GRACIAS VERY COOL!!! Alina

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your files!

Thanks so much for the template. This is a very good start for a traveller like me. Easy to use!

Amazing template! Exactly what I needed. Thank you!

Thank you for the great tool! I was wondering if theres a way to enter an end date as well to the itenerary?

Hi there! I was wrapped to see that the template is created by some Aussies! and local ones as well. I’m from Melbourne! Template is a charm! Just what I’ve been looking for ages! Planning our Europe trip for 2023 that got cancelled in 2020! (We all know why!!) Will let you know how it goes and will definitely check out your website! Thanks,

Hi Rosanna, we’re so glad to hear that you’ve found this template useful! Very jealous that you’re planning an escapade to Europe. No doubt it will be amazing! Safe travels 🙂

Thankyou for your post on THE ULTIMATE TRIP PLANNER TEMPLATE on excel. It is very usefull. I have been using this template to plan my trips for a while now and it has saved me a lot of time. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a travel planner.

Didn’t work. At least, not on my version of excel.

something about “delimited” something or another.

Hi Piotr, We’re sorry to hear this. What version of excel are you using? Are you on a Mac or PC? If you wish, we can email you an Excel copy of the template.

So so sooo helpful! I’m happy to find this great itinerary template! Thank you so much.

Thanks Tahira! We’re so glad that you found it helpful. Enjoy your travels! 🙂

Hi Tahira, we’re thrilled you found this template helpful. Enjoy your travels!

I needed this so much, easy and simply. Thank you for a great spreadsheet.

Thanks Nga! Happy travel planning!

Hi Nga, we’re so glad you loved this spreadsheet. Hope you had an amazing travel adventure!

Thank you , soooo much ! I appreciate you putting this together and sharing it

Hi Priscilla! So glad that you found this planning template useful! We hope you enjoy your trip!

I am so excited to find this. (Thank you, Pinterest!) I will be leaving in a month on an eight day train trip and this is exactly what I needed to get all my ducks in a row. Thank you so much!

HiTeresa! We’re so glad to hear this and so exciting for you. Enjoy your trip!

This is great! Found this as i was looking for a newer travel planner and this is very helpful and user friendly!

We’re so glad to hear this! Happy travel planning!

great tool. never used a planner before and it has most every item to consider… add a route sheet for those who driving to, during and back from their vacations…

Glad you like it and thanks for the feedback. We’ll look into adding a new tab for routes.

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How to Create a Trip Planning Spreadsheet [5 Free Templates]

• Last updated April 25, 2023

Travel planning can get exhausting, especially when you have no clear starting point. You can make this (at least) tolerable by creating a trip planning spreadsheet. Here, you can keep your itinerary, transportation details, budget allocation, and similar aspects.

In this article, we’ll discuss how you can create a trip planning spreadsheet using Google Sheets and why it’s so useful. We’ll also provide five different templates you can readily use for your travel planning.

Table of Contents

How to Create a Trip Planning Spreadsheet on Google Sheets

Step 1: make multiple tabs on your spreadsheet.

To keep your travel planner tidy, you should first create several tabs inside your spreadsheet. This allows you to categorize the kinds of information you’re going to deal with. For example, you can separate your flight details from your budget planning.

Follow the instructions below to do this.

• Launch your browser, then go to https://sheets.google.com/ .
• Click “ Blank ” under the “ Start a new spreadsheet ” section.

• Hover over the name of the current worksheet (usually named “ Sheet1 ”), click on the drop-down arrow, then select “Rename.”

• Type your preferred worksheet name, then press  “Enter”  or “Return”  on your keyboard.
• To add another worksheet, click on the  “Add Sheet”  icon (plus + symbol) at the bottom-left corner of your screen.

• Repeat steps 1 to 4 to rename the worksheet.

Common Tabs to Add

You can create many kinds of worksheets depending on your specific requirements. Here are some common tabs you’d typically see in a trip planning spreadsheet:

• Itinerary: Include the basic details of the places you plan to be in, like dinner reservations, conferences you need to attend, tourist attractions, etc.
• Transportation: Keep your flight schedule, the routes you plan to take, your commute options (car rental, bus, etc.), and similar information.
• Accommodation: List the names and locations of your lodgings. You can also include whether or not you’ve made a reservation already, the room prices, and more.
• Food: Plan where you can get your meals, the restaurants you want to visit, and the average costs of eating out.
• Budget: Track your day-to-day expenses and see how much money you’re left with.
• Packing List: Don’t leave anything essential at home before embarking on your trip — passports, IDs, cash, and similar things.
• Activities:  List the things that you can do at your destination, like bar hopping, nightlife activities, concerts, and so on.

Step 2: Add Column Headers

After creating multiple tabs, you can further categorize your details using column headers. These are found at the top of your worksheet, describing what kind of values are present in a column’s cells.

To add column headers, simply follow these steps.

• Click on the first cell (cell A1) in the upper-left corner of your worksheet.
• Enter your preferred column header, such as “Location”  (as used in our example).
• Repeat the previous step for other cells in the same row. (We used the headers “Date,” “Time,” “Transportation,” “Costs,”  and  “Status”  in our example below).

• Once done, select all the column headers you’ve added, then click “Bold”  in the toolbar.

• Alternatively, you can make them bold by pressing “Ctrl” + “B” (or “Cmd” + “B”  for Mac) on your keyboard.

Common Column Headers

The column headers we’ve used in the demonstration above are applicable to the Itinerary tab. Keep in mind that you can virtually use any word or phrase for your column headers, though. Below are some options you can consider.

For the Accommodation tab

• Nearby shops and attractions
• Room prices

For the Transportation tab

• Travel date and times
• Flight details, such as flight schedule and flight number
• Car rental company, including name, address, and contact number

For the Budget tab

• Daily budget
• Total budget
• Total amount spent
• Amount remaining
• Expense description

After adding your column headers, you can start filling out the fields with your information.

Step 3: Personalize Your Travel Planning Spreadsheet

All that’s left for you to do is add a touch of creativity to your vacation spreadsheet. Here are some ways you can do this.

Use Conditional Formatting

The term “conditional formatting” simply refers to a change in a cell’s appearance when certain requirements are met. Below is an example where we change a cell’s color to green when it contains the word  “Done.”

• Right-click on a cell, then select “View more cell actions” > “Conditional formatting.”

• On the side panel that appears, click the drop-down list under the “Format cells if…”  menu.

• Select  “Text is exactly”  from the options.

• Type  “Done”  in the “Value or formula”  field.
• Click on the “Done”  button to save your changes.

• Drag the cell’s contents to copy the conditional formatting rules to other cells.

Use Alternating Colors

If you’re dealing with a lot of details, you can also use alternating colors, making it easier for you to read. Here’s how to enable different cell colors on your spreadsheet.

• Select the cells you want to display in alternating colors.
• On the menu bar, select “Format” > “Alternating colors.”

• Choose your preferred color, then click the  “Done”  button to save your changes.

When to Use a Trip Planner Template

You can use spreadsheets every time you’re planning a trip — there’s no reason you shouldn’t! They are handy regardless of whether you’re traveling to a nearby town or going on an overseas vacation.

How about trip planner templates? Well, if you don’t have the time to create a spreadsheet from scratch, using a template would be excellent. These are some helpful pre-made planners that are ready for you to fill out.

Free Google Sheets Trip Planner Templates

1. daily itinerary planner spreadsheet.

Especially when traveling to faraway places, going into detail about the activities you plan to do daily is a good practice. You can share this daily itinerary with the people you went on a trip with, letting them know where to find you in case of grave situations.

Template Features

• Categorize your itinerary into multiple days (which are color-coded for organization)
• Describe your activities in a separate section and indicate the time and location where you’ll do them
• List the diners or restaurants where you can eat near the location of your activity
• Schedule your day properly by indicating the end time for each activity

Access Template

2. Travel Budget Template

Allocating your travel budget ahead of time lets you set boundaries when it comes to spending. This lets you know what costs you need to put first, too. Such money allocation is rarely followed, though (with impulsive purchases and unplanned expenses), making it important to have an expense planner and tracker throughout your trip.

• Categorize your expenses per location according to the transportation you used, your accommodation, food you ate, and activities you did
• Pick from a drop-down list of common transportation methods (e.g., bus, car rental, ferry, etc.)
• Enter your total and daily budget allocation, as well as their converted counterparts in your destination’s local currency
• Automatically calculate your daily expenses, including the total amount spent and your remaining budget for the day
• Calculate your total expenses throughout the trip, as well as the amount remaining from your budget

3. Travel Checklist Template

Successful and non-stressful trips can’t go without good preparation. For example, you’d want to ensure that your passport hasn’t expired yet before strutting over to your flight. A travel checklist spreadsheet would be handy in this case.

• Set a completion status for each of your to-dos
• Categorize your to-do list into  “Travel prep,” “Home prep,” “Transportation,”  and “Money/documents”
• Add notes to each item on the list
• Set a due date for your to-dos
• Determine the number of days remaining for you to accomplish the things listed with an automatic counter included
• Automatically count the number of tasks that are not yet done and those already finished

4. Destination Planner Spreadsheet

Researching your destination should always be part of your planning. For example, you want to know the available hotels and accommodations that you can opt for in your target location. This lets you find the ones with the lowest prices, the most convenient in terms of route, and more.

Knowing the current climate and the community there would be essential too. This allows you to anticipate what things to bring, what activities you can possibly do, and similar aspects.

• Enter your destination’s information, such as its current season, whether it’s rural or urban, and more
• List the tourist spots that you can visit in your destination, including their name, specific location, and transportation route
• Detail the activities that you want to do, together with their category, description, duration, and estimated expenses
• Find and compile a list of all available accommodations in your target location, as well as their name, address, price range, and pros/cons

5. Packing List Template

Before your trip, it is helpful to make a packing list of everything you’ll need — bathing essentials, clothing, money, documents, and more. Then, right before leaving your home, you can do a quick check to see if you’ve already placed every item on your list inside your luggage. You can do both with a packing list spreadsheet.

• Enter the details of your target destination, such as its usual weather, temperature, clothing restrictions, and more
• Add notes about your packing list
• Categorize your items by location, like the beach, conference, office, and other places
• Classify your things by type, such as clothing, money, documents, electronics, etc.
• Mark the items “Ready” once you have prepared them inside your luggage

Why Use Our Templates?

Below are some reasons you’d want to use the travel spreadsheet templates we have here at Spreadsheet Point :

Formulas and Drop-down Lists

We added several drop-down lists for common topics to make things easier for you. For instance, we included a drop-down where you can select common transportation types like buses, ferries, airplanes, car rentals, and more.

Easy Sharing and Collaboration

All of our templates are built on Google Sheets — you can easily collaborate with your friends in planning your trip with the  “Share”  button.

Color-Coded Categories

We displayed each category in unique colors and shades to keep them tidy.

Other Trips on Planning Your Travel

In addition to the travel planning templates we’ve discussed, here are a few bonus tips you can apply to prepare for your trip:

• Pick a location that your current finances can accommodate.
• Don’t bring things that won’t fit inside your backpack to avoid paying for extra luggage costs.
• When selecting a hotel or apartment, choose one that’s near major transportation lines.
• Weigh whether taking a bus would be more cost-effective than taking a flight.
• Always get travel insurance before embarking on your trip — it won’t shield you from accidents, but it will keep you from having an empty bank account.

Enjoy Your Trip with Everything Prepared

A lot of unknowns await you at your destination — unexpected expenses, spontaneous activities, booking problems, and more. With a trip planning spreadsheet, you can minimize these by anticipating the things on your journey. Feel free to use the templates we’ve included here to plan a successful trip today.

You can also access more of these useful templates on our Gumroad  profile. Don’t forget to use the code “ SSP ” to get 50% off all templates!

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• Trip Planner

Trip Planner | Travel Itinerary Planner | Plan a Trip

Are you looking for an itinerary planner to plan your next trip? We know creating a customized travel itinerary manually is an overwhelming task. You have to put a lot of time into selecting destinations, booking hotels, flights, and comparing prices. On top of that calculating budgets & booking hotels and flights is another challenge that makes itinerary planning tough.

But what if all of this is done within a few minutes for you? Yes with TripHobo trip planner you can do this smartly. We have observed that many travelers end up spending more time in researching information than enjoying the actual trip. Not only first-time travelers but also experienced travelers struggle in creating perfect travel plans.

Even though it is a tedious task to create a customized itinerary, everyone agrees on the importance of itinerary for an enjoyable holiday. So Triphobo came up with this easy to use automatic itinerary planner.

How Trip Planner Works / Steps to Plan a Trip

Do you want to create your travel itinerary quickly & easily? Are you ready to use this tool now? TripHobo's trip planner plays a major role to ease the itinerary creation process and helps you overcome the pain in the trip planning .  Follow these 4 simple steps to plan a trip & let us know your experience.

1) Choose Your Destination & Dates when you want to travel

Visual algorithmic trip planner lets you choose destinations you want to travel to. You have the freedom to choose the real dates from the calendar. After selecting travel dates, planner runs algorithms to optimize a trip. It starts suggesting activities, sightseeing spots, tours and transport options with the details. For every attraction, it suggests open/close timings, time to spend, and nearby restaurants.

You can drag & drop activities and complete your itinerary within a matter of minutes. You can book yourself a nice vacation once you are sure of all the details, making you plan your trip very easily.

2) Refer to User Created Itineraries

If you have a lot of travel ideas but confused about where to start? Don't worry. Thousands of other people have visited the same destination before and created itineraries with us. Choose from a pool of more than 1 million user-generated itineraries around the globe. You can view other travelers’ itineraries for any location and duration to inspire yourself and then customize them to suit your own preferences.

3) Book Hotels and Flights

TripHobo always tries to offer the best from the travel industry to our valued planners. It has formed alliances with Expedia , Skyscanner, Zomato and Booking.com. Its ratings and reviews come courtesy of TripAdvisor whereas Google (as well as other partners) powers its location data.

TripHobo aims to cater to travelers at every stage of the travel planning process. It provides one platform to create personalized itineraries and hassle-free bookings .

4) Get Ready with a Perfect Itinerary

Once you’ve created your customized itinerary, you can print it. Save your plan for future reference or share it with your friends. When you’re ready, you can finalize and have a perfect travel itinerary ready.

Why Is TripHobo a Smart Trip planner?

There are few things included in the Triphobo planner algorithm & app which builds itinerary within minutes.

• A free virtual map-based trip planner with a smart algorithm
• International trip planner with about 1,50,000 popular destinations
• The largest repository of user-generated itineraries
• Hassle-free booking options for hotels, tours & flights
• Provides local transit options like metro, rail, bus, and car
• Calculates an estimated budget
• Provides options to save, print and share itinerary
• Strategic Partnerships with leading travel companies

TripHobo: Around the Web

• Trip of Your Own
• Traveling made easier with TripHobo
• Making The Southeast Asian Travel Connection
• Ex-HCL employee’s led ‘TripHobo’ is on a mission to become a global brand – a goto place for travel planning!
• Interview: Praveen Kumar, Founder & CEO of TripHobo
• TripHobo inks partnership with Zomato
• How a trip planning startup can succeed
• Karthik Ramachandram Co-Founder COO, TripHobo - Phocuswright Conference

Here's what travelers have to say about our travel planner

• Excellent 238

Great and genuinely wonderful website that makes a proper vacation plan simple, like it should. All reviews are 5 stars. The only suggestion I have to enhance this fantastic website is to include a mobile application. Even paying for a version without ads wouldn't bother me.

Every traveller should use this!

So much easier & more helpful than a travel agency, given lots of fantastic ideas, and was extremely helpful for planning the trip. Would strongly advise my family and friends to use this!

Great tool for trip planning. Impportantly it's free and automatically tailors travel plans to your preferences and is completely customisable. The integration with skyscanner and booking.com, and other OTA like priceline and expedia makes it very easy to plan the whole trip along with the bookings in one place.

Entertaining

The complete guide to setting a holiday table.

S etting an elegant table can be one of the most daunting tasks of the holiday season. There are countless decisions to be made about china, centerpieces, flatware, and linens. As we head into the holiday season, we asked our friends to help us set tables that felt fresh. From a coastal autumnal dinner to a cozy Christmas soiree, our experts shared their best tips and tricks for creating beautiful tabletop moments.

How to Set the Table

Let’s start with the basics: How you set your table ties in directly to the meal you’re having. Do you want a casual dinner with friends or a formal family gathering? A formal place setting is luxe. It includes both red- and white-wine glasses, flatware for each course , and various plates. The casual place setting has a single wineglass and a water goblet and fewer utensils.  Forks should be set in order of use, working from the outside in, and knives should face in toward the plate. These templates are just a base from which to build, and everyone we spoke to has his or her take. 

“I don’t entertain as much as I would like to with my hectic travel schedule,” says interior designer Paloma Contreras . “So when I do, I like to make things feel as special as possible.”   Ben Reynaert , senior style and market editor at ADPro, also takes a buttoned-up approach: “I always lean hard into formal for the holidays.” As for design journalist  Sarah Bray , something a little more free-form feels right. “I don’t like to follow too many rules,” she says. “I always start with the tablecloth, usually yardage of a decorative fabric, and let the creative juices flow from there.”

At her new home in Bermuda, Sarah set an autumnal dinner en plein air with a fresh color palette. “I am a pink and pastel queen,” she says, “but during the holidays, blues and greens are my favorite.” The colors bring a bit of cozy warmth to the table and are a perfect nod to both fall and Bermuda’s island style.

She set the table with Vietri’s Drop glasses , bamboo flatware from Juliska , and a mix of plates that include Burleigh Asiatic Pheasant Plates.

Sarah’s Three Rules for a Beautifully Set Table

• Invite everyone you love and invest in extra seating. “When I moved to Bermuda, I put 20 bamboo folding chairs on my shipping container, and I already need 20 more.”
• Use native greenery. Even after her garden was decimated by hurricane season, Sarah used what was available. “I made it work with a smaller bud vase and some baby palm fronds surrounded by a sea of collected brass candlesticks.”
• Have fun and know that rules are meant to be broken. “For example, Emily Post would say put your bread plate on the top left corner of the plate, but it fit better lower on the left​—​so I just went with that and didn’t stress.”

Photo courtesy of Sarah Bray

Photo courtesy of Scot Meacham Wood

Scot Meacham Wood

He’s the Prince of Plaid and the Titan of Tartan. There are lots of ways to describe interior designer  Scot Meacham Wood’s style, but one thing is for certain: He loves a traditional holiday color palette.

He mixed classic Christmas plaids with rustic elements to create his ideal holiday table. The stag-horn-handle cutlery amps up the cabin feel. The glassware is a clever nod to his love of plaid. The mirrored place mats and the silver pieces on the table add an element of Art Deco glam.

Scot’s Must-Haves for the Table

• Flowers. If they’re large, make sure they sit low so that they don’t interfere with conversation. Alternatively, small buds in vintage julep cups are a good go-to.
• Make sure the silverware matches the menu. “I try not to overwhelm our guest with a panoply of utensils, but I always make certain we have the correct pieces for the menu,” he says.
• Tablecloths are a necessity. “I love a beautiful tablecloth,” he says. “I almost always use one whenever we are entertaining.”

Centerpieces: Yay or Nay?

Centerpieces can be one of the trickiest styling choices you have to make when setting a table. Here’s how to pick the right one.

“Oftentimes I find the expanse of a table for eight or more can be quite empty and boring,” Ben says. “I love scattering vintage glass jars and vases down the table and using various-sized flowers and greens.”

“I believe centerpiece elements should double as conversation pieces,” says chef Stephanie Nass . “In terms of centerpiece height, I have no strict rule. Consider it within the context of the table size, table shape, and room acoustics.”

Paloma Contreras

Paloma didn’t become the darling of the interior design world that she is without planning. That laserlike focus extends to her table setting skills as well. “Determine your theme ahead of time, order your flowers in advance, and set your table a day or two early so that you aren’t stressed out the day of your event,” she advises.

Paloma’s go-to holiday color scheme isn’t red or green; it’s aubergine and raspberry. Her table is full of fun and funky moments. “I think you really have to assess the type of vibe you want to create,” she says.

Paloma’s Tabletop Go-Tos

• For holiday china, she prefers something simple like Ralph Lauren Home’s Wilshire China .
• For centerpieces, she prefers low and lush. “They are just as beautiful and make it easier to engage with everyone at the table,” she says.
• On that note, flowers are a must. “I always include beautiful flowers on the table,” she says. “They are my favorite part of creating beautiful table settings and are often the impetus for the entire color palette or theme.”

Photo courtesy of Paloma Contreras

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Nass

Stephanie Nass

Stephanie Nass approaches the table not as a designer but as a chef. She built her catering and accessory business around her love of food, and her tablescape started there too. “The table setting is the stage for a culinary performance,” she says. Look closely and you’ll see hints of her culinary prowess sprinkled throughout her tartan holiday soiree.

Stephanie’s Recipe to a Successful Holiday Table

• Use snackables as decoration. “I don’t want anyone going hungry when I’m in charge,” she says. “I decorate the table with candy, fruit, nuts, and chocolate so guests may nibble in between courses.”
• Build up. “Use chargers , dinner plates , menus, and napkins to give each place setting height. To me, this is what distinguishes an extraordinary tablescape from an ordinary one.”
• Incorporate festive elements. “’Tis the season for tartan plaids, shimmery metallics, and blue-and-white menorahs. These traditional motifs are warming and nostalgic, so make sure to use them, even in a nontraditional way.”

Mixing vintage china with modern pieces keeps your table interesting. “I love mixing old and new and find it so special to incorporate sentimental or inherited pieces into one’s table setting,” says Paloma.

“If you can stay within a certain color story, maybe something like blue and white, mixing china patterns can be easy,” says Scot.

“If I’m using a super traditional, granny-chic salad plate from Mottahedeh, I might layer it on top of a fun handmade mixed-clay dinner plate from La Tuile à Loup where you can see the hand,” Ben says.

Ben Reynaert

If anyone knows what’s out there in the tabletop world, it’s Ben. As the senior style and market editor for ADPro, he is constantly hunting down the latest and forecasting trends for the upcoming season.

For the holidays, he loves a traditional red-and-green table. “The color combination looks smashing with antique silver platters and decorative objects scattered about,” he says. For this table, he went with a more autumnal palette and anchored it in moody blues and greens. Fresh citrus, which is ripest in the winter, is a whimsical nod to the season.

Ben’s Editorial Edicts for Entertaining

• Have fun. “Take a risk and go over the top,” he says. “It’s not a precious thing.”
• Set the mood. “Always dim the lights and have candles lit at different heights during dinner.”
• Mix and match your decor. “It keeps things formal but not prescriptive and boring.”

Photo courtesy of Ben Reynaert

Photo courtesy of Liz Caan

While red and green are certainly holiday mainstays, not everyone’s home looks good in that merry combination. Enter designer Liz Caan and her colorful dining room.

Liz set her table with blue-and-white china, amethyst chargers, and fresh greenery that speaks to the colors of the table. “The table feels fresh and festive, and it still looks great in my dining room where a red-and-green theme would clash,” she says.

Liz’s Guide to a Beautiful Table

• Be creative. “And have fun with things you have around the house that you have collected.
• There’s no such thing as too much salt. “Make sure there are lots of mini individual salt cellars or salt and pepper shakers scattered about.”
• Beautiful napkins are a must. “Take time to press the linens.”

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How to Set a Table: Basic, Casual, and Formal Table Settings

Learn how to set a table, from a basic table setting, to an informal table setting for a casual dinner party, to a formal place setting for a holiday.

• Why It's Important
• Basic Setting
• Casual Table
• Formal Table

Frequently Asked Questions

How to set a table used to be common knowledge, but in today's fast and busy world, knowing how to set a table properly has become somewhat of a party trick—almost as daunting as choosing the best tableware to buy to suit your needs. If you've been tasked with hosting a baby shower luncheon, an informal dinner party, or a big Thanksgiving dinner and weren't taught how to set the table as a child, no worries, we've got you covered. Here are detailed instructions on how to set a table properly for three different situations, from casual family dinners to a formal holiday feast. To make it even easier, we've included a table setting diagram for each scenario so you can easily visualize where to place each plate, napkin, fork, and knife. Bookmark this page so you can easily reference it as you're setting the table before the meal—or share the diagrams with your kids and task them with preparing the table for dinner.

Solaris Images/Getty Images

Why Table Setting Is Important

You may be wondering, "Why bother learning the correct way to position plates and silverware? The food will taste the same either way!" Here's why: It signals to guests who do appreciate proper table settings that their feelings are important to you. You'll be setting an overall tone—that it's your pleasure to dine with them. Also, a properly set table can make the food itself look better.

Basic Table Setting

If you're getting things ready for an everyday dinner or a weekend breakfast , you might want to know how to set a table properly. For casual events, one needs just a basic table setting: a placemat , cutlery (fork, knife, and spoon), a dinner plate, a water or drinking glass , and a napkin.

Basic Table Setting Instructions

• Lay the placemat on the table.
• Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat.
• Lay the napkin to the left of the plate.
• Place the fork on the napkin.
• To the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate, blade pointing in. Place the spoon to the right of the knife. (Note: The bottoms of the utensils and the plate should all be level.)
• Place the water glass slightly above the plate, in between the plate and the utensils, about where 1 p.m. would be on a clock face.

Basic Table Setting Etiquette Tips

If you prefer, it is acceptable to set the napkin on top of the plate in a basic table setting, though some think this can create a more formal feeling.

Now that you know the basic table setting rules, brush up on your table etiquette.

How to Set a Casual Table

Knowing how to set a casual table will come in handy when you're tasked with knowing how to set an informal table for a get-together or a laid-back dinner party. Essentially, the basic table setting, above, and the casual table setting are nearly identical, but in a casual table setting, there is the addition of a soup bowl and a dinner plate. As a general rule, only set out the glassware, tableware, and flatware that you're going to be using—no need to put out the entire flatware set . If you're not having a salad course, all you need to set is a dinner fork. If you're only serving white wine, a red wine glass is not needed. And if there's no soup course, skip the soup bowl and spoon. However, it's a good idea to set out steak knives if you're serving steak or any other large piece of meat.

Chargers are generally reserved for more formal place settings, but Real Simple home editor Stephanie Sisco says you can still use a charger in a casual table setting if you wish—just make sure it's fashioned in a more laid-back style, like raw wood.

Casual Table Setting Instructions

• Place the salad plate on top of the dinner plate.
• If you're starting with a soup course, place the soup bowl on top of the salad plate.
• Lay a napkin to the left of the charger.
• To the left of the plate, place the fork on the napkin.
• On the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate and then the spoon.
• Directly above the knife, place the water glass.
• To the right and slightly above the water glass, place the wine glass or a glass for another beverage.

Casual Table Setting Etiquette Tips

If using individual salt and pepper shakers for each guest, place them at the top of the placemat. Otherwise, place them near the center of the table, or, if using a long, rectangular table, place them in the middle of each end.

Mastered how to set a casual dinner table, but need a refresher on what else you should keep in mind for your casual dinner party? Here, six tips on how to throw excellent parties .

How to Set a Formal Dinner Table

If you're hosting an elegant dinner party, you might want to know how to set a table for a three-course meal. Real Simple home editor Stephanie Sisco says the biggest difference between a casual table and a formal table is the use of chargers, also known as presentation plates. Traditionally, formal place settings also tend to forgo placemats, but she says you can opt to use a round placemat underneath a charger for an even more formal look.

A formal table setting includes many pieces: a tablecloth, chargers, dinner plates, soup bowls, salad plates, bread plates, napkins, salad forks, dinner forks, knives, soup spoons, butter knives, dessert spoons, water glasses, red wine glasses, and white wine glasses. Though this may sound overwhelming, if you know how to set a casual table, it's a very easy leap to knowing how to set a table with charger plates—even if you are working with a small dining room table . To see all of this in motion, check out this video on how to lay out a proper table setting.

Formal Dinner Table Setting Instructions

• Lay an ironed tablecloth on the table.
• Set a charger at each seat.
• In the center of the charger, place a soup bowl.
• Place the bread plate to the top left of the charger (between 10 and 11 p.m. on a clock face).
• On the left of the charger, place the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on the inside. You can put the forks on the napkin, or for roomier settings, directly on the tablecloth between the napkin and the charger.
• On the right of the charger, place the knife closest to the charger (blade facing in towards the charger) and then the soup spoon. Note: All vertical flatware (salad fork, dinner fork, knife, and soup spoon) should be spaced evenly, about half an inch away from each other, and the bottoms of each utensil should be aligned with the bottom of the charger.
• Place a butter knife horizontally, blade facing inwards on top of the bread plate with the handle pointing to the right. (Note: In all place settings the blade will face inwards towards the plate.)
• Directly above the charger, place a dessert spoon (a teaspoon) with the handle pointing to the right.
• Directly above the knife, place a water glass. To the right of the water glass and about three-fourths of an inch downward, place the white wine glass. The red wine glass goes to the right of—and slightly above—the white wine glass. (Note: Since people traditionally drink more water than wine during dinner, the water is kept closer to the diner.)
• If using individual salt and pepper shakers for each guest, place them above the dessert spoon. Otherwise, place them near the center of the table, or, if using a long, rectangular table, place them in the middle of each end.
• If using a place card, set it above the dessert spoon.

Formal Table Setting Etiquette Tips

After the soup course is complete and the bowls are cleared, a salad plate will take the soup bowl's position. Traditionally, a charger holds the spot for the dinner plate, and is removed after the salad course so the place is never bare. If you do not want to clear the table after the soup course and bring out dinner plates, you can place a dinner plate on top of the charger.

For a breakfast setting, you begin with the basic setting (plate, fork, knife, spoon, etc.). Then include a cereal bowl on top of the plate. Add a bread plate (for a muffin, biscuit, or slice of toast) with a butter knife on the left side above the fork. Finally, add a cup and saucer (for coffee or tea) and a tumbler (for water or juice) on the right side above the knife.

For lunch, you begin with the basic setting and add a bread plate and a butter knife on the left side above the fork. Add a tumbler and/or a wine glass on the right side above the knife. And if you are serving soup, place the soup bowl on top of the plate.

While there's no known "inventor" of table settings, they were documented by the ancient Greeks and are mentioned in the Old Testament of the bible.

Candles or a flower vase are among many excellent options for an elegant centerpiece . Just make sure they are short enough to not block your guests' view of one another.

The best and easiest thing to do is to leave your napkin to the left of your plate. This is most likely where it was to begin with, and you can leave it loosely folded.

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In 2023, a standard table setting, the ones today that weirdly try and replicate those in the Gilded Age with the heavy use of sterling silver and dusty china, are beautiful to look at but dull to dine over (unless the silver is, say, forged in a flora shape by Claude Lalanne). Classicists may come at me with pitchforks, but like fashion storefronts and restaurant experiences of today, people are starving for experiences that encompass the jarring, odd, and Instagrammable alongside standard codes of beauty. Want your guests to gasp with excitement when they first see the tablescape you've set out for the holiday season? Follow along.

Guests want to see your personality... and share it on social media.

Nowadays, a dinner invitation is sort of a status symbol; a signal to those who weren't invited that you, in fact, were and your name inscribed in calligraphy on a card before your seat confirms it. Hosts have this in mind and know that the table they set will be inevitably photographed and shared online. You're not a bore, and it's your job as a host to make sure that your table setting doesn't say that you are.

""There's no better way to infuse personality into a table than mixing it up with multiple colors and types of glassware; I love mixing and matching pinks and purples and greens, and also love using different old glassware types I've collected over the years, such as carnival and depression glass," Layton Campbell, of Charlotte-based JLayton interiors tells Town & Country. "I am also a huge fan of napkin rings and have a collection of more types of rings than you can imagine. Whether it's silver napkin rings, glass, or ceramic, or whatever the material or size is, they are both a throwback to formal dining, but also a fun and noticeable addition to any tablescape."

But, it isn't just about social media. Seldom do guests want to dine in a setting that is too stale or stuffy. Throw in a salt and pepper shaker you picked up during your travels in Paris, or use that gorgeous bowl you found at a flea market in Mumbai. Sentiment can be sweet and a good pivot for (in emergencies) if your conversations run dry. Your guests are dining with you. Make it apparent.

For Lauren Santo Domingo, Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer of Moda Operandi and Artistic Director of the Home Collection, Tiffany & Co., a good dining table is one that doesn't look too calculated. "There is nothing worse than looking as if you just outsourced your dinner at home. Even when I do (which I do) I always give the direction, ‘make it look like I did it myself,'" she tells T&C. "Whether it is asking my children to write the place cards in their juvenile scrawl (rather than a preordered script straight from the calligrapher) or putting potted plants straight from the window sill on to the table. I always want it to look home-made just like the tarte Tatin I bought for dessert."

Kitsch can be cool, so long as it's placed with style.

Remember that interview with T Magazine when Lee Radziwell said she'd rather be sat next to a snob than a bore because at least the snob has something to say? Think of how you dress your dining table in the same way. If you're not someone fond of stuffy evenings, don't try to cosplay for the holidays.

Instead, use your dining set as a playground with a point of view. More is more: use the Haas serving spoons with the squiggly handles, or monster ring holders from L'objet. Or, place your turtle-shaped table accessory by Maitland-Smith to add to the overall theme, whatever it may be. If you have the aforementioned surrealist set of flatware by Claude Lalanne, break them out. The point is: that guests will gawk in adoration with a fun table, and hopefully follow suit in the conversations that are being had around it. And, even if they point their nose up afterward and tell others how "kitsch" the table setting was, at least they'll still be talking about it.

Themed events go down in history. Remember the Rothschild Ball?

On December 12, 1972, the gorgeous and glamorous made their way to Château de Ferrières just 26 km east of Paris for the Rothschild family's legendary Surrealist Ball . There, a Salvador Dali-inspired evening was underway, and guests of the night did their best to emulate the surrealist artist. Audrey Hepburn showed up in a red gown, neck clad with multiple strings of pearls, and head encased within a bird cage, while perfumer Helene Rochas interpreted it as having a gramophone ascend from atop her head.

The evening features plates covered in fur, food served on mannequin corpses, and taxidermy tortoises used as centerpieces. It's a fine example of the lasting impression a good themed party can make, and even photographer Nadia Lee Cohen (author of Women and photographer behind Kim Kardashian's Skim Campaigns) emulated the Rotschild's Surrealist Ball at her glitzy dinner held in Los Angeles last holiday season.

If Dali is too intense for you, needn't fret: dinner themes can be made up of anything you so choose. Christmas is enough of a theme, but why not shake it up a bit? The Gilded Age is long behind us, but if there are any social codes we can revive from that time it's certainly the way they partied. Industrialist C.K.G. Billings hosted a party for 36 of his fellow-horse loving friends ($1.3 million in today's currency) where guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner on horseback within Sherry's, a popular restaurant of that time. You don't have to be that absurd, but the point is that you shouldn't shy away from having a bit of campy fun.

Don't set a basic dining table, or forget about the basics.

While we encourage creativity and individuality when creating a tablescape, it's important to remember the standard protocol. You wouldn't create a beautiful coat without knowing sewing 101, would you?

"Knives and Cyrstal are set to the right of the plate and dessert cutlery, which is placed at the top of the plate, is set with handles pointing to the right," Hortense de Guibert, Christofle's etiquette expert tells T&C. "There should be flatware for every course and a presentation plate or charger to ensure that there is never an empty space between courses. Cutlery is used from outside in, in the same order as the dishes, with starter cutlery placed the furthest out."

These basics do not prohibit jazzing up a table, either. "French style is all about the mix—a Dior jacket with Levi's jeans, a Chanel bag with a basic T-shirt—and this extends to entertaining. Having an understanding of the 'rules' of etiquette allows one to break them: pick the traditions that work for you and your table, but also be bold enough to make your own." One mistake when setting a table? Forgetting why you're there. "Etiquette is one thing, but having a good time with loved ones is the real hallmark of a successful dinner party. It's more important than knowing which fork to use or where to place it is creating a table where everyone feels comfortable and is able to enjoy themselves."

Style News Editor at Town and Country covering society, style, art, and design.  

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Top Tastemakers Share What Their Holiday Tables Will Look Like This Year

From tropics-inspired settings to traditional reds and greens, eight of our favorite tastemakers are sharing their ideas to make the holidays at home feel extra-special this year.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Just like that, the holiday season has commenced, and it's time to start planning our festive tablescapes . We're using our holiday tables as an excuse to get inspired, utilize our hard-earned backyard blooms, and bring out our best china (as if we actually needed an excuse). Seven of the country's top tastemakers that have a penchant for hosting Instagram-worthy events are sharing the inspiration behind their Christmas tablescapes this year and how they plan to make yet another holiday at home feel extra-special this year.

From a Low Country–inspired table to a global setting, these tastemaker-designed scenes are sure to offer the creative boost you need to start crafting a Christmas table of your own . Plus, we're sharing some tastemaker-loved products to help you get the look.

Charleston-based events designer Blake Sams is planning to spend the holidays in New York City, but his hometown will serve as major inspiration for his Christmas table.

"I’m fortunate to have a home in Charleston, South Carolina, where there is an abundance of lush, coastal landscapes," he says. "I love bringing outdoor elements in when entertaining at home during the holidays. Lately, I've been incorporating oversize living garlands for drama and scale, fresh greenery from the Low Country, and hanging plants and orchids, which I feel can add an unexpected texture to any arrangement."

Sams's plans for this year's holiday tablescape include his favorite china, taper candles, and low greenery and florals to allow for harmonious, easy conversation. Opting for warmer tones, like amber and gold, keeps the table feeling untraditional yet festive.

His best tips for a simple, yet elegant holiday table?

"Always have an abundance of candlelight. It sets the mood and offers a natural warm glow to your table," Sams says. He also advises looking out your window when considering which greenery to use.

"Don’t be afraid to bring the outside in, from large-scale branches or palms to more delicate berries for color—all can be incorporated into your tablescape to add texture and become a conversation starter."

Terrain Canvas Olive Leaf Garland

You can never go wrong with an olive leaf garland during the holidays, and it mixes well with just about any type of home aesthetic, for a festive scene that doesn't feel out of place.

Food52 Tapered Beeswax Candles (Set of 8)

Offered in a variety of colors and made with beeswax from happy bees, these candlesticks will sure to become an entertaining staple for years to come. 

Jessica Latham

The New York–based tastemaker, Academy Award winner, and founder of Social Studies (a rental service that specializes in tablescapes) is looking forward to spicing up the holidays to help everyone feel comfortable and in the mood to celebrate.

"There’s no question the holidays will look a bit different this year," Latham says. "2020 has taken a lot of things away from us, but with the help of a little technology, we can still gather for the holidays from afar, and I myself am still pulling out all the stops for a remote celebration. We’re of course doing multihome Social Studies kits for the whole family, and we’ll also have a recipe share, including everything from the corn to the cranberry mule cocktails, so everyone can really feel the ‘togetherness’ sharing the same food from the same table. Finally, I have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to the tech: I’ll be the resident DJ, pulling from my favorite Social Studies playlists, and we have a few fun virtual backgrounds tee’d up for cameos from our various locales."

You can rent this exact Berry Scandi look on the Social Studies site no matter how small your gathering.

Latham is a firm believer that more is always more, but she makes sure to go mindfully over-the-top with thoughtful touches and elements she has around the house to keep prep simple and her table fabulous.

"We'll be going all out this holiday season when it comes to holiday decor," she says. "With fewer guests in attendance, we’ll add lush dried floral bundles to make the table feel full and warm. And perhaps most importantly is the laptop’s seat at the table this year. We’ll be all eyes on our family via the screen."

The Hygge Holiday tablescape is also available for rent online.

Social Studies The After Party Candle

Created in partnership with Brooklyn's Apotheke, this incredible scent helps wind down the night with the last of the wine and ease you into your jammies. Notes of earthy vetiver, cashmere, and eucalyptus make for a seductive, cozy fragrance.

Amanda Lindroth

The designer and lifestyle maven will be celebrating a "Blue Christmas" this year, but in the best way possible.

"Introducing our cobalt, cane-wrapped hourglass hurricanes for holiday seemed like a natural fit to me," she says. "I have always loved a touch of navy velvet ribbon and shiny wrapping paper during the holidays. Our navy-wrapped drinking glasses and new cobalt glass hurricanes add that rich touch to a holiday table. A tiny touch of red in the way of branches with little red berries finishes the magical holiday feel."

Hourglass Cane Hurricane Cobalt

Lindroth loves to use hurricanes not only for the island flair they bring to any table, but for the romantic mood lighting they offer. 

Island Wrapped Tumblers Navy

These tumblers are one of the brand's best-sellers, and we love their versatility. They are appropriate for both a morning mimosa and a post-dinner cocktail.

Paloma Contreras

Houston-based designer and tastemaker Paloma Contreras is making spirits bright with her lively Christmas table.

"My inspiration for this table was the berry hues in the custom tablecloth made from Schumacher 's Samarkand II Ikat fabric. Peonies are my favorite flower, and the fact that they are now available around the holidays feels like such a special treat, so rather than go with traditional holiday blooms and evergreen accents, I fully embraced the beauty of the pink peony, grouping my blooms en masse using the Relae Vase in Red and a variety of gold bud vases from Paloma & Co for a tablescape that is at once bold and feminine, yet classic and cheerful.”

Paloma and Co. Handmade Glazed Malva Leaf Dish

We simply can't get enough of this gorgeous greenery-inspired dish that also happens to be dishwasher-safe. It's versatile for essentially any occasion.

Paloma and Co. Plum-Shaped Mini Bud Vase, Gold

These elegant bud vases add some sophistication to the table and make a great vehicle for displaying your winter blooms.

Marie Flanigan

Houston-based designer Marie Flanigan has her priorities right when it comes to a simple yet memorable tablescape this holiday season.

“This year, we’re planning an intimate Christmas dinner with our nearest and dearest. I’ll be keeping my tablescape simple and pared-down, with candles, soft textiles, touches of nature, and, of course, a sparkling cocktail.”

We love this tablescape for its versatility: It can easily be transformed with a little glitz for a New Year's Eve dinner or a brunch to celebrate the arrival of 2021. Plus, the fresh fruit serves as a tasty after-dinner treat.

Annie Selke Stone-Washed Linen White Napkin Set

Every hostess needs a set of white linen napkins in their entertaining arsenal, and Flanigan especially loves this set by Annie Selke.

Williams Sonoma Fiore Coupe Glasses

This set of two European crystal coupes makes a perfect addition to the table and a fabulous hostess gift. Crafted in hand-cut lead crystal, these glasses bring an upscale element to your holiday setting. 

Lyndsey Zorich

The Houston-based tastemaker and founder of lifestyle brand The Avenue by Lyndsey Zorich , has been inspired since earlier this year when she started curating the site's holiday decor collections.

"Packages for our holiday offering on The Avenue started arriving as soon as September, and when I unboxed Emily Vanderputten's bauble ornaments, I knew they were worthy of far more than merely gracing our tree and started scheming up a holiday table with them in mind," Zorich says.

While she doesn't typically gravitate toward monogrammed linens, Zorich sought out a friend, who just so happens to own Veranda -favorite Hibiscus Linens , to create the beautiful monogrammed napkins as a sophisticated alternative to a place card. Her guests will get to bring home their personalized napkin to use as a tea towel along with the bauble ornaments by Vanderputten as a special surprise.

The Avenue Gilded Orb Ornament, Chiyogami

We are definitely snagging this entire collection of ornaments by Emily Vanderputten for our Christmas trees and tables this year. This papier-mâché ornament is made with artisan papers from across the globe and finished with a satin bow for a one-of-a-kind addition to your favorite tablesetting. 

The Avenue Richard Ginori x Cabana Floral Plate

The iconic Italian dinnerware brand is a hostess's dream, and we love these versatile chargers that bring old-world flair to the table year-round.

Jan Showers

Dallas-based designer and tastemaker Jan Showers is known for glamorous living— she literally wrote the book on it! The same rings true for her tablescapes. This warm and inviting scene, styled with fresh blooms and tropical fruit, is a beautiful, globally inspired place to enjoy Christmas dinner or brunch.

“I love to use this china; it’s one of my favorite holiday traditions," Showers says. "Whether I’m hosting at my own house or my daughter Susanna’s, we use our Olde Avesbury China as well as beautiful linens from Kimberly Whitman.”

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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3 tips for planning holiday travel with Airtable [2022 edition]

Laurel Beyers got her first taste of Airtable at work, using it to sort UX priorities at a fast-growing startup.

Because the platform is irresistible to organized people, Beyers started using Airtable for personal projects too, from planning outings to budgeting to buying a house.

“If you put me on a scale of all my friends, I’m the highest level of organized,” says Beyers , a product design manager for VMware.

If you put me on a scale of all my friends, I'm the highest level of organized.

Beyers saw that Airtable, with its visual elements and multiple views , was particularly good for travel planning. So she deployed it to organize a month-long backpacking trip through Hong Kong, Bali, Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan. She also managed a birthday trip in the Phillppines using an Airtable base that’s now been copied more than 700 times.

As holiday travel activity returns to pre-pandemic levels , Beyers and others know Airtable can help them keep the details straight.

Below, you’ll find tips from seasoned travelers about how to use Airtable to plan well for the holiday rush.

Use Airtable to sketch out travel scenarios

Long before she heads to the airport, Beyers builds out tentative itineraries and budgets in Airtable. Christmas in Los Angeles, New Year’s in New York? Sometimes she and her partner flip through travel books or research destinations on Google and Pinterest, then she pulls that info into Airtable.

“How do we divvy up the budget, given what we want to do?” she says. “Then I start deleting things from my Airtable,” she jokes.  

But she's not actually deleting anything. Rather, she moves vetoed travel plans to a separate table , so she has a history of the scrapped ideas and can add them back if needed.

Rank rewards, round trips, and pit stops

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed looking for cheap airfare or feverishly toggling between travel sites. Instead, take a deep breath and build an Airtable base .

Or use Rajesh Narayanan’s Travel Itinerary/Trip Planner base , which lets you compare flights side-by-side and rank them according to what’s important to you. (“Allows checked bags,” “has a short layover,” etc.) His base includes an itinerary and detailed Gallery view to show different phases of any getaway.

If you book flights often, take a note from Howie Liu, Airtable’s CEO and cofounder, who built this Ultimate Frequent Flyer Guide to keep all his awards programs, plan numbers, and mileage expiration dates in one place.

Traveling by car? Former Airtable employee Victoria Plummer built this Road & Tour Manager base with rockstars in mind, but you can swap in family dinners for concert stops.

→ Get inspired with our Travel Agency Fliers template

Keep dates flexible, and plan as far ahead as possible

Spontaneity is a beautiful thing, but 2022 is probably not the year to make last-minute travel plans.

The World Travel & Tourism Council found that the travel industry made a slow recovery last year, but it’s been roaring back in 2022, a trend that’s likely to continue. Hotels, tourist attractions, museums, rental cars, and historic sites will book up quickly as the world shakes off the pandemic dust and starts making plans again.

No matter where you’re headed on the busiest days, Airtable can give you better visibility into less-busy ones too. Users have designed bases for campsite reservations and availability , bookings of all kinds , the best honeymoon hotels (from Greece to Hawaii), and fun stuff to do in a number of cities. (Check out our Travel & Outdoors and Local Interest bases, and guides to NYC , San Francisco , and Colorado .)

At the end of it all, if you want to see what you’ve checked off the bucket list, try Walter Chen’s Travel & Trip Tracker . As Chen notes, it’s gratifying at the end of the year to plot the points and view them all on one map.

Get a head start on all things holiday with our collection of planning templates

How Airtable helps educators teach Asian American history

How an airtable product ops strategist makes roadmap updates at scale.

Travel Planner Templates

Quick jump to:, introduction.

Traveling is probably the best way to spend your vacations, holidays or even weekends. It's always exciting to plan your next adventure. However, it's very easy to forget or omit something important because preparation to the next trip requires attention to details and even a great level of self-discipline. Otherwise, you risk ending up at the resort without some important things. Needless to say that such mistakes can easily turn your journey into a stressful experience.

The good news is that you can avoid this by preparing thoroughly for the next trip. All using simple and convenient planning tools. Are your someone who likes to do it the old way, with pen and paper? Download the travel planner template and enjoy your booking, vacation planning, packing and traveling experience.

Check out the collection of printable travel planner templates that are available for free download and will help you organize and plan trip. Click the button below the template of your choice to get free sample via email.

Travel Itinerary Templates

Flight tickets, accommodations, souvenirs, activities and places to visit. There are so many things to remember and take care of that even a short road trip quickly becomes too overwhelming. In order to take everything under control and organize the journey, use a trip itinerary template.

This simple trip planner is designed to help you create perfect travel itinerary and make your next travel preparation an absolute breeze. Use it as a road trip itinerary planner template or business travel itinerary template to make your travel experience as smooth and pleasant as possible.

Download a travel itinerary template or vacation itinerary template in PDF (A4, A5, Half and Letter Size) to improve your planning experience and perfect your next trip.

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March 5, 2019

How I use Excel to organize all my travel plans (research, itinerary, hotel, tours, bookings, packing list etc.)

I’m off to Europe later this year! This is the biggest trip I’ve done to date – almost 7 weeks. I’ve used various methods for travel planning in the past including a printable planner , bullet journal and attempted to (but quickly abandoned) various travel apps.

For this trip I wanted something I could use to keep everything in the one place. Enter: Excel spreadsheets!

I started out with a budget spreadsheet and ended up with a few spreadsheets to organize  everything: 

1. Handy info reference page 2. To do list 3. Budget 4. Attractions (and their cost) 5. Itinerary by Month 6. Itinerary by Week 7. Flight Comparison 8. Accommodation Comparison 9. Car Rental Comparison 10. Transfer comparison 11. Tour comparisons 12. Travel insurance 13. Spending Tracker 14. Before We Leave Checklist 15. Packing List 16. Outfit Planner

The spreadsheets can be used for any / every domestic and international trip. I also used these spreadsheets for a quick 10 day road trip around New Zealand and they worked great – simple, quick and easy – I wish I thought to use Excel for trip planning sooner!

Here’s a look into my trip planning process – I hope it gives you a few ideas!

To enlarge the screen of the video, click the square icon in the bottom right hand corner of the video (it will say ‘full screen’ when you hover your mouse over the icon).

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more planning videos

If you’d like a copy of my travel planning spreadsheets, they’re available in my online store and Etsy shop.

Handy Info reference page

I find this overview page helpful as a catch all for that random info that doesn’t really have a place e.g. the dates we’re leaving, how much annual leave each person has and what dates (if coordinating multiple schedules), what currencies are needed etc.

Since I’m travelling with others I included a column to put who is responsible for planning what. I color coded by country e.g. yellow = Finland.

This spreadsheet is specifically for things to book, research or check. I created a separate spreadsheet with things to do before we leave e.g. convert currencies, print itinerary, apply for visa etc.

I wanted to compare budget versus actual and have the totals for each travel expense automatically calculate. So what tool could be more perfect than Excel? This is the reason I ended up creating spreadsheets for everything in Excel – I already had the budget so figured I may as well keep everything in the one place.

There are pre-filled expenses (and space to add your own) for:

• Accommodation
• Tours & attractions
• Contingency

Itinerary by Month

This is one of my favorite spreadsheets and the one I go to first when planning a big trip. I can see the entire holiday in front of me. A great overview page.

Excel makes it easy to rearrange things too – just cut and paste.

I always color code my itineraries – it makes it much easier to follow. I can also see if I’m spending too much time in one place. I typically try not to spend more than 5 days in one country per trip so it doesn’t get too same same and because there’s so many places to see!

Itinerary by Week

Since Europe is a big trip I’ve opted to use Visit a City. However I created a weekly itinerary spreadsheet for my recent New Zealand road trip. Visit a City, like the name suggests, only has cities as it not ideal for planning road trips. This spreadsheet is a good overview if you don’t want to schedule things out in 30 minute timeslots (like I do with the Visit a City tool).

Related:  How I use Visit a City for trip planning

Flight Comparison

I wanted a spreadsheet to compare flight times and flight prices. I know there are online tools like SkyScanner but print outs from websites are never formatted nicely and to be honest I’d never look at them again. I wanted one place to compare everything so I had separate lines for each route and each airline I was comparing. I much prefer this format for quick and easy comparison.

This is the finished product after I’ve chosen (and booked!) the flights. I deleted all of the ones I didn’t book (so this spreadsheet was a lot more messy when it was a work in progress!)

Accommodation Comparison

I’ll be doing another post here on the blog with my process for choosing a hotel but this is the spreadsheet I use to organize it all:

There’s lots of info to keep track of and with multiple destinations it’d be impossible to remember them all. I enter in about 3 – 4 hotel options in each destination (color coded of course!) and then can compare. Once I’ve chosen and booked the hotel, I delete the others from the spreadsheet (you could also hide the cells if you want backup options / something goes wrong once you get there and the hotel has overbooked etc.)

If you’re doing a road trip and need to know which have parking included for free you could type over the ‘luggage storage?’ heading and replace it with ‘parking?’ (or just put if it has parking in the notes column).

Attractions

While researching what attractions I want to go to, I also record the cost (rather than wasting time going back to check). By recording the cost I can also check if I’m over or under-budget. I usually come up with a big list and then may scrap things. Note that the attractions list is different to the tours list. The tours spreadsheet I use for half day and full day organized trips, the attractions list is things like boat cruises, paid viewpoints, museums etc.

This spreadsheet is also useful for working out whether a city pass / discount cards are worth the money.

You could put the opening hours in the notes section but Visit a City automatically keeps track of this for me so I didn’t bother.

Still a lot of things to add for this trip!

Tour comparisons

I use these for day trips. Viator (not sponsored) is my go to for day trips. It gives me ideas of what’s popular and I also use it to compare whether it’s cheaper to get there myself (e.g. train) or if I should join an organized bus tour.

Transfer comparison

Keep track of all your transport:

• To and from airports
• Day trips e.g. train
• Bus transfers between cities
• Number of underground trips e.g. how much to pre-load on an Oyster card in London
• Compare the cost of buying one off tickets versus a 24 hour pass

I’ve found this really helpful for comparing whether it’s more cost effective to get the train and do a day trip ourselves instead of joining an organized tour.

Car Rental Comparison

I don’t need this spreadsheet this time around – no way am I brave enough to drive in Europe especially if I’m going to places where the road signs are in another language!

I did use this spreadsheet for my New Zealand road trip – the column / table format makes it really easy to compare different quotes.

Travel insurance

Self explanatory. I do my comparison in this spreadsheet recording things like the excess, how much medical cover is included, whether I need to pay extra to insure my laptop etc. Once I’ve chosen I highlight in bold. Or you could just delete the rows.

Spending Tracker

If you’re travelling by yourself, use these to record your spending as you go. I.e. stop trying to piece together receipts and bank statements when you get back (especially if you’re traveling for work)

Traveling with friends or family? Don’t worry about trying to split the bill at dinner – record who paid for what in the spending tracker

Before We Leave Checklist

I transferred my printable before we leave checklist into Excel and since I’m travelling with up to 3 other people for parts of this trip, added a column for who is responsible.

Packing List

Pre-filled but with space to add your own. Conveniently categorised into: – Documents to Take – Essentials – Clothes – Toiletries – Miscellaneous – Kids

Outfit Planner

I feel the cold so like to be prepared for all weather conditions. But I also don’t want to overpack (gotta leave room for chocolate and stationery). So instead of trying to remember what the temperature will be at each place, I created this spreadsheet.

Record the high and low temperature, as well as the usual number of days rain during the month you’re visiting each destination. Now you have a good idea what weather to pack for.

It may seem like a lot of spreadsheets but it’s so much less stressful with everything organized and color-coded in the one place for quick reference. I’ve found travel planning peace <3

About the spreadsheets:

• Add and delete columns as you please
• Formulas are already set up e.g. budget spreadsheet
• Filters (e.g. by city or country)
• You can print the spreadsheet when you’re finished
• Since you’ll be doing your hotel research using a computer it’s convenient to pop it straight in digitally
• Because it’s digital you can email yourself a copy for backup and don’t have to worry about losing paper
• You can adjust the spreadsheets
• Dates pre-fill on the itinerary spreadsheets
• Keep all your research organized and in the one place – the spreadsheet is set up for easy comparison

See Part 2 of my itinerary planning process + the other half of my travel itinerary template in this post.

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Plan a trip to perfection with a vacation itinerary template

Whether you’re planning a weekend city break, or organizing a year-long, around-the-world journey, planning a trip requires organizing dozens of details. A vacation itinerary template helps you manage the schedule, budget, and logistical information of your trip. In this article, we’ll explain what a vacation itinerary template is, why you need one, and share examples and templates to help you plan your perfect vacation.

Get the template

What is a vacation itinerary template?

A vacation itinerary template is a document you can use to create a travel plan and centralize all the details of your trip — it’s basically a travel schedule with space for other useful travel information such as:

• Flight departure and arrival times
• Accommodation name and address
• Contact details
• Any excursions or events planned for the trip
• Trip essentials, such as sunscreen or protective clothing
• Information about the destination and how to respect the local people and culture
• Useful phrases in the local language

The itinerary format depends on your needs — you might create a travel spreadsheet template in Excel if you’re focused on costs or try a Google Docs itinerary template for more general planning. If you want a simpler visual of your schedule, a Gantt chart view might be a good choice, as you can see in the example below. However, a capable Work OS is a more flexible option than Word or Excel because it allows you to do both — but more on this later. First, let’s cover why you should use a vacation itinerary template in the first place.

Download Excel template

Why use a vacation itinerary template?

Whether you’re a solo traveler or the official trip planner for a 20-person European tour, an event itinerary template helps ensure you don’t skip over any important details. It’s especially helpful when traveling in groups as it’s a way to make sure everyone has all the information they need. Ultimately, an itinerary planner template can improve the quality of your trips by allowing you to:

1. Centralize your travel information in one place

Travel often involves using more than one form of transport or catching a connecting flight. A travel itinerary enables you to keep your travel information all in one place, including departure and arrival times, flight numbers, and public transport information. So it’s much easier for you to reach your destination on time without getting lost.

2. Make the most of your time

With limited time in an amazing location, you want to make the most of it and ensure you don’t miss any once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A vacation itinerary template helps you plan out your vacation — to the day or even to the hour — just like a business travel itinerary helps you schedule your work trips.

3. Manage your budget

Even when you’re traveling for leisure, it’s always a good idea to have a cost management system in place. When you’re dealing with foreign currency, expenditures can quickly get out of hand. Some robust itinerary templates provide space to estimate the costs and track the expenses of your trip.

4. Pack everything you need

Once you’ve planned where you’re jetting off to, you need to know exactly what you’ll need when you get there. A vacation itinerary template is the perfect place to list your travel essentials, especially if your trip involves several destinations or different types of activities. You can also make a note of any medicines you’ll need as well as local emergency numbers.

What are some examples of a vacation itinerary template?

Ready to start bringing your trip ideas to life with a travel schedule template? Take a look at these four examples of vacation itinerary templates to get your inspiration flowing.

Flight itinerary template example

This classic example of a flight itinerary contains all the details a traveler needs for a smooth and carefree flight, including:

• Information about passports and visas
• Departure airport
• Travel destination
• Departure time
• Flight number
• Connecting flight and layover details
• Booking reference
• Airline rules and regulations

Juggling all of that information without an organization system could quickly become overwhelming. A flight itinerary template ensures that all of your important flight information is contained in one place and is clear and easy to understand.

( Image Source )

Daily itinerary template example

There are almost unlimited ways to create a daily itinerary — which is best for you will depend on the type of activities you planned. One way to do it is to lay it out like the example below. It has a schedule column on the left and a checklist of must-see sights on the right.

This enables you to plan your route in the way that makes the most sense and make sure you don’t miss anything important. It also has space for meal planning , so no one gets hangry, and the weather forecast, so everyone dresses appropriately.

Family holiday itinerary template example

Traveling with kids can be chaotic, but a family holiday itinerary template like the one below can take the stress out of it. It has space for:

• Personal information
• Flights and car rental details
• Accommodation
• Travel insurance

It can help make sure everyone gets to the right place at the right time and has all the information they need in case they get separated from the group.

Road trip itinerary template example

If you’re planning a road trip, and want a quick way to jot down some basic details, the trip itinerary example below may help make sure everyone has the information they need. This includes:

• Name of the group
• Daily schedule
• Contact information
• Other information such as restaurants, accommodation, and meeting points

This ensures that everyone has the same information and minimizes the risk of the group getting separated.

But if you organize a lot of trips, you might want to consider a Work OS like monday.com as an alternative to creating several single travel itinerary templates like the ones above.

monday.com’s vacation itinerary template

The team at monday.com has created a trip itinerary template that you can download and start using as an itinerary planner right away.

monday.com’s Work OS allows you to build and organize projects using customizable columns, statuses, automations, and more. Since each trip is unique, this makes it the perfect solution for planning and managing tailor-made travel itineraries.

For example, you can use monday.com’s project management features to manage each vacation, creating a workflow of tasks that span from the pre-departure preparations — such as visas or vaccinations — to the post-trip vacation feedback form.

Suppose you’re planning several trips at once. In that case, you can use the Board and Dashboard views to visualize the data of one or all your trips simultaneously, allowing you to track the expenses against the budget and reallocate resources where necessary.

Another way to visualize your trip would be to use the Location Column to plot your itinerary:

Once plotted, you can then view it on the Map view, so it’s easy to reach all your destinations on time:

Now that you’re familiar with the monday.com vacation itinerary template, let’s look at how you can maximize its abilities.

3 tips for making the most out of your vacation itinerary template

By now, you’re probably excited to create your perfect vacation itinerary. Use these three tips to plan the vacation of your dreams.

1. Don’t try to cram too much in

It can be tempting to try to see as many sights — or even countries — in as little time as possible. But sometimes, it can be more rewarding to take it slow and savor your time in each destination. The same goes for activities — if you try to do too many, you might end up burning out. This is your vacation, so build in some time to rest, too.

2. Take advantage of your layover

Long airport layovers can be a drag, so why not head out to explore a new city for a few hours? Use your itinerary to make a note of local sights or restaurants to visit, as well as transport information. Just remember to write down your flight departure time, too!

3. Be flexible

While it’s great to be prepared, it’s just as important to be flexible and allow your travels to surprise you. Perhaps a local family invites you to their home on the day you were planning to visit a Mayan temple. No problem! Just switch your plans around and go another day.

If you’re still unsure about vacation itinerary templates, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions about them to clarify.

FAQs about vacation itinerary templates

How do i make a vacation itinerary.

Follow these steps to create your vacation itinerary:

• Decide on your destination and dates
• Set your budget
• Search for and book flights
• Ensure your documentation and vaccines are up-to-date
• Decide on your travel schedule and activities
• Book hotels
• Research how to get from one destination to another
• Buy travel insurance
• Get familiar with local customs
• Write a packing list
• Include all this information in your vacation itinerary

A highly-customizable vacation itinerary template, such as the one by monday.com, makes remembering and organizing all this information much more simple.

How do I create a vacation itinerary in Excel?

To create a comprehensive trip itinerary template in Excel, open a new Excel spreadsheet. Use the tabs to create a separate sheet for each aspect of your trip, such as:

• Useful information
• Sights and attractions to visit
• Flight details
• Accommodation details
• Itinerary by day, week, or month

You can also accomplish all of this in a more streamlined way on monday.com. Our Work OS allows for real-time collaboration and cloud-based documentation of your vacation itinerary, making it easy to work on it together or share it with the group when you’re finished.

What is a travel itinerary format?

A travel itinerary format is a document that includes all the necessary information for a vacation or business trip. This may be as simple as departure and return dates with flight information, or it may contain extra details such as hotel contact details, scheduled activities, and essential items to pack.

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40 Pretty Christmas Tablescape Ideas for Festive Holiday Entertaining

Finding Lovely

From tartan napkins to sparkly candles, it's time to deck the tables for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even just create a joyful backdrop for your morning coffee. You can build up an abundant table full of greenery, ornaments , and ribbon, or you can go with a minimalist setting that uses just votives to create a twinkly glow.

Whether you prefer a classic holiday look or like to try something more modern and simple , it's time to put on your favorite carols and get inspired by these 40 Christmas tablescape ideas to help you celebrate the holiday season.

Mixed Materials

Bethany Adams Interiors / Emily Kennedy Photography

Bethany Adams, Principal Designer at Bethany Adams Interiors , created a glamorous Christmas tablescape with candles in different colors and heights, set on a bed of petals. The result is a holiday tablescape full of movement. It doesn't feel tied to one holiday—you could use this right through the New Year.

Iridescent Touches

PURE Design / Photo by Janis Nicolay

Glimmering iridescent touches feel both nostalgic and modern. In this tablescape by Ami McKay, creator of  PURE Design , iridescent glassware in a sleek silhouette adds a playful touch to an otherwise classic Christmas table.

Black Contrasts

GreyHunt Interiors / Christy Kosnic Photography

"I wanted to create a tablespace that felt natural, embracing the holiday greens but also chic," says Sallie Lord, Owner of GreyHunt Interiors . "The black became more of a backdrop, with the white allowing it to be about the green colors and textures."

Tabletop Trees

Who doesn't love mini Christmas trees ? These tabletop evergreens from Finding Lovely are set amidst a garland of moss and glass ornaments, creating a magical, woodland setting that's a fresh alternative to more classic Christmas palettes.

Unexpected Colors

Bethany Adams Interiors / JL Jordan Photography

"I love mixing a collection of decorative trees—crystal, feather, brass—and candlesticks down the middle of my table for a scene that is dynamic and festive," says Adams. The silhouettes feel midcentury-inspired, while the colors are glamorous, creating an unexpected tablescape.

Classic Details

Middleburg Hospitality

If you love an absolutely timeless look, then this table from Matilda Reuter Engle, proprietor of Middleburg Hospitality and general manager at Red Fox Inn & Tavern, will have you dreaming of sugarplums.

Start with a rich velvet tablecloth in a natural hue inspired by seasonal sugared fruits like cranberries, figs, pears, and pomegranates.

"Pair this decor with heirloom crystal containers and brass candelabras with tapered candlesticks to create a warm, inviting ambiance," Engle says. "To tie your tablescape into the rest of the room, integrate foraged greenery as garland around the fireplace or mantel."

Woodland Theme

"This holiday season we're bringing our clients unique personalities to the table, creating a whimsical wonderland where each detail tells a story using Mrs. Alice's velvet mushrooms, charming woodland creatures, and stunning bold linens and glassware," says Sarah Klingman, founder and CEO of event planning company gthr .

There's no need for red when the table feels this dreamy.

Spray Painted Pine Cones

Grey Joyner Interiors

"I love to bring whatever we have outside, indoors," says Grey Joyner, owner and interior designer at Grey Joyner Interiors . "A can of spray paint can work wonders on magnolia leaves, pine cones, or any other wintery foliage."

In this space, the classic red and green elements add a quirky touch to the vibrantly colored room.

A Simple Garland

Viv and Tim

"This cozy neutral Christmas tablescape features a festive Christmas garland with lights, pine cones, and red berries to set an inviting atmosphere, and is paired with gold flatware and creamy neutral dinnerware that can easily be used for any other occasion," says Vivianne Chow, interior stylist and founder of the home decor blog  Viv & Tim .

The garland isn't over the top, but it adds a simple, welcoming feel.

Natural Elements

Artem Kropovinsky

"To design with nature is to honor the season, and a tablescape reflects the soul of an occasion," says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight . "Bring elements from the forest—branches, leaves, and twigs—to create an authentic and grounding atmosphere."

Kropovinsky uses elements foraged straight from the forest as a direct reference to winter's cozy yet powerful ambiance.

Timeless Red

The Decor Mantra

A timeless red tablecloth and napkins are a vibrant and cheerful base for a holiday tablescape.

"Add a row of classic holiday greens, nestle tall green candles, use simple and elegant napkins, white dishware, and finish with gold accents to add a touch of holiday whimsy," says Pallavi Dhar, founder of The Decor Mantra .

Tartan Fabric

A Hundred Affections

A piece of tartan fabric or scarf adds a Christmas element to an easy holiday tablescape.

"Using simple, rustic elements is an easy way to add cozy charm and warmth to your holiday table," says Kate Landry, content creator at A Hundred Affections . "Throw in something unexpected, such as a scarf, for extra interest."

A Festive Winter Scene

Pop of Gold

This storybook winter scene feels like something out of your favorite Christmas movie. With little winter houses, red trucks hauling Christmas trees, and ornaments scattered across the table, it doesn't get any sweeter or more festive than this table from Pop of Gold .

Metallic Neutrals With Red and Green

GMVozd / Getty Images

"A neutral color scheme of plates and flatware set off bright reds and evergreen colors for a sophisticated and timeless look," says Dianne O’Connor, Founder and CEO of Weston Table .

@hmbien / Instagram

Add literal warmth to your table with candles and an indoor fire bowl. Incorporate brass, tartan, and wood elements to give the tablescape a woodsy touch that seems to bring the outdoors in. You could even do s'mores for a festive dessert over the indoor fire bowl.

Icy Palettes

Create an icy palette with white and monochromatic icy blues. Add small touches of wood to add just a touch of warmth to your light and bright winter wonderland tablescape.

Holiday Pastels

Neutral Home Design

Red and green or white and silver tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to Christmas tablescapes, but there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to holiday decor.

"Think out of the box this Christmas season by doing a tablescape full of fun pastel colors," says Kelly Marohl, interior decorator at Neutral Home Design .

Gold, Silver, and Florals

@kathykuohome / Instagram

If there was a Vegas version of Christmas tablescapes, this would be it. Kathy Kuo Home designed an abundant, bigger than life table with this holiday scene that incorporates gold, silver, florals, trees, and every shimmering detail you can dream of. Sometimes more really is more.

A Longer-Lasting Tablescape

Madeline Harper Photography

Don't feel like your table has to be put away as soon as Christmas is over.

"It's easy to rearrange as required for Christmas dinner or other holiday events and you can add or subtract real greenery or florals as the weeks go by," Adams says.

Here, she used a thick swag of greenery down the middle of the table, but she can easily swap that out as it fades or for a New Year's dinner.

White, Gold, and Green

This all-white backdrop for a Christmas table feels like you've fallen into the most delightful snowstorm. There are subtle touches of greenery and gold throughout, but they're simply accents in this fresh fallen tablescape.

Tall Candles and Greenery

Christy Kosnic Photography

This tablescape by GreyHunt Interiors puts a different spin on the normal row of candles running down a table. Typically, you'll see candles tapered at different heights. But by using a uniform line, this tablescape creates contrast between the candles and the abundant, loose greenery. It's a modern feel for a Christmas celebration.

Memory-Filled Tablescape

"The holly balls that are tied to the backs of the chairs are gifts from my grandmother," says Joyner, who recommends incorporating elements from your family for a sense of memories and connection around the holidays. She used pink and turquoise accents in this table to tie it to the room's decor.

Blue, White, and Tartan

If you're a blue and white devotee, you don't have to give up those classic motifs just because it's the holidays. Mix your blue and white with a dash of tartan and a splash of red for a tailored Christmas tablescape.

Bell Napkin Rings

Bells will be ringing—literally—as your guests sit down and unfold their napkins. Tie a jingle bell to each napkin, then echo that glittery gold in flatware that matches. It's a holly, jolly festive tablescape.

Warm Colors

You can borrow Thanksgiving's warm, rich colors for a Christmas tablescape, like Kathy Kuo Home did in this inviting scene. A few touches of red and glittering votives to add a bit of holiday festivity.

Neutral Holiday Table

House of Huck

"For this Christmas season, we opted for a neutral tablescape to evoke a timeless and sophisticated ambiance," says Meredith Huck, Owner and Principal Designer of House of Huck .

By grounding the table in black, she's able to swap out decor throughout the season, taking the tablescape from early winter celebrations through the New Year.

Holiday Arbor

M Starr Design Studio

Add a bit of drama to a rustic Christmas tablescape by building an arbor of greenery and holiday foliage that arches over your table. Keep the place settings simple and let the arbor be the star.

High Contrast

A dark black tablecloth lets a red tartan runner and a white floral centerpiece with red berries pop. Because of the black, the tablescape feels more formal than it would have on a wood or white surface, giving it the perfect Christmas Eve look.

Dried Citrus Slices

Villa Visuals

Dried citrus slices are one of the most classic Christmas motifs, and people have been DIYing dried citrus slices as garland for generations. Add a few perfectly placed slices to your Christmas tablescape or use them to adorn your place settings.

Red and Gold

Emily Coyne Events

"Try a sophisticated and elegant tablescape with Old Hollywood flair featuring a bold color palette of black and gold with a pop of bright red seasonal florals," says Emily Coyne, wedding planner and founder of Emily Coyne Events .

This is perfect for a glamorous dinner party or an event between Christmas and the New Year.

Foraged Greenery and Branches

Liliboas / Getty Images

"Set the table with traditional red tartans and foraged greens and branches," O’Connor says.

Add seasonal fruit for decor that feels abundant and rich, but is easy to source at the grocery store or market.

Single Swag of Greenery

Huck, who embraces simplicity and functionality in her tablescapes , added a single swag of greenery to this place setting. It perfectly mimics the evergreen design on the plates, but the overall feeling is still minimalist.

Ornament Accents

"I am big on tradition and on cherishing and displaying things from the past." Joyner says. "Some ornaments that my husband’s grandmother made are used in the dining room on the napkins at each place setting."

If you're not using family heirlooms, you could also use ornaments that double as favors.

Tiny Logs and Winter Florals

PURE Design

In this centerpiece, PURE Design brought in tiny logs cut from branches, along with winter florals and foraged greenery. A few votives add a twinkling effect to the otherwise rustic look.

Wrapped Presents

There's nothing more festive than brown paper box packages tied up with a bow, especially when they're used to add volume and height to a tablescape. It's an added bonus if there is a small gift inside for the guest to open.

Layered Candy Cane Stripes

Thistlewood Farms

"Just go classic, " says Hank Reinhart, Founder of Sabavi Home . "Go with with candy cane striping and top it off with candy canes,"

He suggests keeping the table simple otherwise. "Let the stripe pattern do the loudness for the rest of the table."

Cookie Decorating

If your tablescape is geared towards kids—or adults—who are enthusiastically ready to decorate cookies, then let the supplies do the talking. Set a charming Christmas scene in the middle, then carefully set out the supplies in a way that's both functional and styled.

One Single Garland

You don't need to go over the top to create a beautiful holiday table . Add one simple evergreen garland —perhaps foraged from your yard—right down the center of your table.

Advent Wreath

@home.and.spirit / Instagram

Use your advent wreath as your tablescape on your everyday Christmas table. It will serve as a festive and meaningful holiday centerpiece throughout December, and you won't forget to light the candles when they're right in front of you as you eat dinner.

White Trees and Foraged Branches

Little white trees and foraged branches, with snowflake ornaments delicately dangling, form the most delightful winter woodland scene. With a palette of white, ivory, blue, and silver, it feels as if you've stepped outside into a charming snow scene.

How Do You Make a Christmas Tablescape?

You can make a Christmas tablescape out of anything that you might consider Christmas decor. That could mean foraged greenery and berries from outside, Christmas ornaments from the tree, ceramic trees and houses, garlands, tinsel, presents, candy canes, and anything else that catches your eye.

The end result can be simple or abundant, rustic or sophisticated, classic red and green or modern silver and white. There are endless possibilities to make your Christmas tablescape all your own.

How Do You Decorate a Simple Christmas Table?

If you'd prefer to keep things simple, you can use just a single garland running down the table or set a small branch of berries at every place setting. Maybe you create a minimalist tablescape with a few candles and sprigs of evergreen.

Consider setting your table as you would any other day—with clean, neutral dishes—then adding just one or two Christmas-inspired elements, whether that's greenery, tartan napkins, or a candy cane on each plate.

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Simple table centerpiece ideas to wow your guests this holiday season

November 8, 2023 // By Deborah Hamilton-Lynne

By Deborah Hamilton-Lynne November 8, 2023

When it comes to décor for the seasonal holidays, the dining table centerpiece is the star of the show. Table decorations during the holiday season don’t require a degree in floral design and don’t have to break the bank.

A dining table centerpiece can be as varied and individual as its creator and can be customized for any size table or occasion. Whatever your design style or décor, starting with a festive holiday centerpiece is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Here are a few table centerpiece ideas that are sure to wow family and friends.

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Wreaths make long-lasting, fresh centerpieces

One of the easiest ways to create a centerpiece that will take you through the holiday season is to use a wreath as a base. You can use a wreath made of natural grapevine, straw, rattan, pinecones, shells — practically anything!

For a festive centerpiece from Diwali to New Year's Day, take a traditional wreath and change out the decorative elements to suit the occasion. From ribbon to votive candles to floral arrangements, you'll have a whole new look for each holiday.

For inspiration on ways to use a traditional wreath made of noble fir, cedar, and pine — which will fill any room with magical smells — look to Lynch Creek Wreaths .

Leverage what you already have

No time to make a centerpiece for a dinner party? No problem! Grab a tray or charger as a base and fill it with anything festive you have around the house, such as small wrapped presents, ribbon, holiday candy, tree ornaments, or a menorah. Add a few votive candles for sparkle, and you have a stress-free table decoration in minutes.

Use food as the centerpiece

Food often takes centerstage for the holidays, so why not make it the centerpiece? This Mardi Gras centerpiece, designed by Pam Barker, a North Palm Beach, Florida, podcast host and lifestyle guru, uses a king cake as the main attraction. Surrounding table decorations complement both in color and mood.

Pro tip: Invest in a footed cake stand to give your featured food a real boost!

Play to your personal décor

Is your vibe minimalist or maximalist? Do you love traditional or modern? Are you a fan of chinoiserie? Whatever your personal style, you can create a centerpiece to reflect your home's décor.

Tucson, Arizona, artist Cindy Robertson loves the black-and-white motif of Mackenzie-Childs and has created a seasonal centerpiece that can go from Halloween through Thanksgiving. Use garland as your base and then add items from your personal collections and treasures to create a centerpiece. Embellish with ribbon, feathers, berries, gourds, apples, faux leaves, pine cones, or seasonal flowers for a simple way to display the things you love.

A centerpiece that becomes a gift

A simple but memorable centerpiece is one that becomes a gift for your guests when they leave.

For small dinner parties, group poinsettias (or other blooming seasonal flowers) at the center of the table. Intersperse candles with your favorite holiday scents or decorate with festive ribbon. When your guests are ready to leave, the plants and candles become take-home holiday gifts.

Create seasonal holiday candleholders by covering small jars with upright candy canes held in place with a rubber band and ribbon. Place small tea-light candles in the glasses to give your holiday table a festive glow. After dinner, the candy canes can be given to children or used as stir sticks for mugs of hot chocolate.

Another simple centerpiece gift idea is to fill a large, cylindrical vase or crystal bowl with tinsel and holiday ornaments. As guests leave, they can pick a little decorative sparkle for their homes.

Look to history for traditional table decorations

If you are a traditionalist, there is no better place to look for inspiration on holiday centerpieces than Colonial Williamsburg . Since the early 1930s, Colonial Williamsburg has been showing enthusiasts how to decorate in the traditional style that dates back to the 1700s.

Instructions on how to create centerpieces and other seasonal holiday decorations are included in the classic book, Colonial Williamsburg Decorates for Christmas .

Try this dollar store hack

Create a centerpiece from seasonal holiday décor and Christmas crafts found at the dollar store . For less than $10, you can fill a decorative tray with faux snow, snowmen ornaments, a tinsel tree, and two blue votive candles. You'll have a magical winter wonderland for your table in minutes!

Use heirlooms as centerpieces

Everything Granny is now considered grandmillennial style for those craving nostalgia in a modern way. Why not use those beautiful silver candlesticks or porcelain figurines passed down in the family as your inspiration for a holiday centerpiece? Interior designer Susan Nowell has created a classic Christmas design inspired by Lenox Holiday china and a large pedestal stand with an heirloom charger as a base for her centerpiece. Complete details for this easy-to-replicate centerpiece can be found on her blog .

Join classes or communities for centerpiece ideas

Heather Lundervold, founder of Christmas Design Institute , is on a mission to help spread holiday cheer through her online classes. Learn how the pros create centerpieces that wow, as well as tricks of the trade for designing the entire tablescape.

Get Ready to Set Your Holiday Table covers seasonal design and centerpieces for fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Another excellent resource for inspiration and ideas is the Beautiful Table Settings Facebook group , which has almost 200,000 members. Here, you can share and discover fantastic ideas and information on everything from centerpieces and china patterns to crystal and linens.

About Deborah Hamilton-Lynne

Deborah Hamilton has been in love with words, their meanings and their power her entire life. Professionally, she has used that love of words and writing while working in advertising, marketing and public relations, non-profit organizations, education, advocacy and as a writer, content creator editor and radio show host. She has written a syndicated column, scripts for television and film, plays for the stage, books and many magazine articles. She loves to write about "anything groundbreaking, current and interesting" especially profiles of people and businesses and lifestyle. Her passion is travel and cruising.

Read more about Deborah Hamilton-Lynne here.

Connect with Deborah via: Facebook | Instagram

© 2024 All rights reserved.

How to Set a Stunning Holiday Table in 5 Simple Steps

Adorn with abandon.

Few decorating projects provide more of a rush than adorning your home for the holidays. (There’s a reason people have been doing it earlier and earlier since the start of the pandemic.) And while you can earn instant cheer from decking out a tree or facade, there’s something truly magical about festivity that’s meant to be shared. Case in point: a holiday table setting.

The heart of any gathering, a joyful tabletop moment is crucial for setting the dinner party tone, but it can be a challenge to nail the perfect aesthetic. For a bit of guidance, we consulted designer Nicole Fisher . The New York native got her start in fashion design (she even styled Lady Gaga on tour) before pivoting to interiors and serving as Lead Designer for One King’s Lane. Today, she’s the owner and principal designer of her own firm, BNR Interiors .

From color schemes and scents to nailing the perfect bar setup, Fisher lays out the building blocks to creating a cozy, convivial holiday table that’s entirely your own.

Photography by Helena Palazzi.

Create a Color Scheme

I love to pick a color and work with different shades of it. For the holidays, I went with silver. It shimmers in the candlelight and is a perfect neutral. Different shapes, textures, and tones of silvers are seen throughout the table with candle holders, glassware, and vases. 

Adorn With Abandon

Take all your found objects, candles, and vases, and display them at random. It makes it seem more natural. Different heights and textures are key. No two alike should sit next to each other. The best part is there is no formula here, so it’s very easy to replicate! Be mindful of scents. Stick to one scent throughout the dinner party. 

Keep It Simple

For a cozy dinner party at home, keep the greenery to a minimum. It’s important for your guests to feel at home and welcomed into your beautiful space. Simple bud vases are perfect for a sprig or two. Let the candles and your accessories do the talking. For an extra pop of greenery, place a small sprig of rosemary on each table setting.

Jazz Up the Bar

I love making a statement with the bar! Give the same amount of love to the bar as you did with the table. Here I like to add a wow floral moment, display all the formal wine and cocktail glasses, and tier the set up so everything is easy to reach. Don’t forget to keep one of each liquor out so guests can pick and choose for their cocktails , and keep the champagne chilled in an ice bucket. Additional candles here add a beautiful ambiance. 

Break Out the China

A perfect time to take out that wedding china you never use! Create each table setting to include a decorative charger, a dinner plate, and a salad plate. A folded dinner napkin on each table setting polishes it off. 

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Traveling for the holidays? Here are some key tips to make it a seamless experience

If you’re planning to travel for the holidays, several questions might pop into your head: What is the best time to get a good deal on a flight? Are there certain gifts you can’t bring through TSA? What do you do if your flight gets delayed or canceled?

There are many steps travelers can take in order to enhance their travel experience and make sure their trip goes as smoothly as possible (at least, when it comes to things you can control) this holiday season.

Here’s a look at some ways you can make your trip better, provided by NBC’s senior consumer and investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen, when it comes to matters concerning your wallet, your time — and your angst.

Apps and websites to use for holiday travel deals

There are plenty of tools travelers can use when booking a trip, especially for those who are flexible with travel dates.

Hopper, an app that offers savings on airlines, hotels, homes and car rentals, says prices rise 5-10% each day from the middle of October until Christmas, so the sooner you book for the holidays, the better.

Kayak has a  Best Time to Travel tool  that lets users figure out the best time to take a trip, based on departure and arrival locations as well as the length (4-day trip, 7-day trip or 14-day trip). From there, Kayak will share the best month to fly and provide a cost breakdown.

“Our recommendation on which month to travel is calculated based on the presented four factors: average flight prices, popularity, average temperature, and average precipitation,” Kayak writes on their website.

Google’s Explore tool  is a similar alternative that enables people to type in where they are departing from and when they want to travel to find the cheapest flights. You can have a destination in mind, or you can select “anywhere” to figure out where you want to go.

Point.me  is an online travel tool that lets users type in all their credit card and airline miles in order to obtain the best flight options by using points. While using Point.me comes with a charge, there’s a free trial to try before you buy.

Best dates to fly on Christmas 

According to Hopper, the best time to depart for the holiday is Dec. 18 or Dec. 19. You can also save about 25% off peak prices if you depart on Christmas Day.

As far as returning, Hopper advises making the trek back in the middle of the week after the holiday. Dec. 28 is a notably cheap day to head home. It’s important not to book too close to the weekend, though, because prices will jump as travelers are coming back before New Year’s Eve.

Extra services available for flyers who are elderly or with disabilities

When booking a flight, see if extra assistance for seniors or those with disabilities is available, whether through the booking site, app or airline itself. Travelers, who can reserve wheelchairs from airlines free of charge, should also inform the gate agent they need early boarding.

Airlines usually check in devices that provide assistance, such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs or electric scooters, as a carry-on at no extra charge. If you have a device that runs on batteries that needs to be stowed away, take off any loose parts or parts that can be removed and tack on a laminated piece of paper directions explaining how to disassemble or fold it. 

You can also ask to bring your items into the main cabin with you to make sure your assisted devices are protected. The Air Carrier Access Act states items like manual or collapsible wheelchairs, canes, walkers, medicine should take priority in the main cabin, opposed to being placed in the cargo bin.

Major airlines offer concierge services that can help the entire travel process, including getting baggage and getting into a car once you reach your destination. There are also private companies that provide these services.

What you can bring through TSA

The TSA says lines are slowed down most often by prohibited items in carry-on bags. Items that can spread, spill or spray will not be allowed, unless they are smaller than 3.4 ounces.

Here are some items that are fine to bring through TSA: unwrapped gifts, baby supplies (including breast milk or formula in containers/bottles, which can be larger than 3.4 ounces) and food, (including frozen goods), as long as the ice that’s packed with it is completely frozen when going through security.  

What to do if your flight is canceled 

We all dread the thought of our flight getting canceled, but it does happen. So, what should you do if your flight is  grounded for good , and are there any preventative measures you can take to lessen the chances of it happening?

If you can, allow yourself some extra time and try to fly a day earlier than you need to. Make sure you download the MyTSA app and your airline’s app, and in the chance your flight is canceled, be ready to book a different flight. It’s also helpful to be flexible and consider going through a different airport, or booking another mode of transportation, like a train or car.

Drew Weisholtz is a reporter for TODAY Digital, focusing on pop culture, nostalgia and trending stories. He has seen every episode of “Saved by the Bell” at least 50 times, longs to perfect the crane kick from “The Karate Kid” and performs stand-up comedy, while also cheering on the New York Yankees and New York Giants. A graduate of Rutgers University, he is the married father of two kids who believe he is ridiculous.

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Itinerary Template for a Trip: Free Downloadable Examples & More Resources

• Updated: 09/08/2024

If you are looking for a free, easy, and detailed itinerary template for a trip that you can download and conveniently add your own travel details—then you are in the right place. 

Find the sample trip itinerary template I created and tweaked over years of travel to include the most relevant information in one easy-to-scan document and in four different file formats. 

Additionally, I share alternative template ideas  that include my top picks for itinerary-building apps  and other online places where you can find more free or affordable trip itinerary designs  and layouts. So, go to the file format that works best for you, scan my quick tips for editing, and get your trip details organized in a downloadable, easy-to-edit, and very sharable document. 

Table Of Contents

Itinerary template for a trip in 4 file formats.

Find my travel itinerary template in the four different file formats below. Choose the one you like to work in best. Then find more recommendations here .

• Microsoft Word trip itinerary template
• Microsoft Excel trip itinerary template
• Google Sheets trip itinerary template
• Canva trip itinerary template

About This Template: 7 Main Components

There are seven main components to this template. I have included each because it contains the information I reference most while traveling, organized in a way that helps me figure out when my trip schedule is overloaded or lacks the right amount of buffer time between activities or transit.

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The 7 trip itinerary template components include:

• Header. For a destination image and title. Replace this image with your own.
• High-level trip summary: An at-a-glance summary of essential trip information—the number of travelers, dates of travel, flights (or other transit), and location(s) of the trip.
• Travel day column. Know which day of your trip an activity is happening. 
• Day of the week column. Know the day of the week and date to ensure lodging, tour, and transfers are booked correctly.
• Activities column. A place to capture details for all activities and lodging. Hyperlink text to websites for additional information.
• Location(s) column. In this space, recap the destinations for each day, link to lodging websites, and include important notes such as included meals or overnight flights.
• Lodging contact info sheet. A second tab or sheet for additional lodging information is included in all template files except for Microsoft Word 

Since the detail on this template prints small, consider saving it to a PDF file , allowing you to zoom in as needed and easily share it with others.

Additionally, reference your itinerary offline when you save a PDF version of this itinerary to your phone to an app like iBooks (Apple users) or Google Play Books (Android users). Having an offline itinerary comes in handy in travel situations when you have limited or zero cellular or wi-fi connection. 

Microsoft Word Template

Click on the image below to download a free version of this trip itinerary template containing actual details from a visit to Iceland in Microsoft Word. 

6 Editing Tips (Word Template)

As Microsoft Word is the most universally used software program, it is the trip itinerary template file I share first. Here are six essential editing tips when using the Microsoft Word version of this template.

Header area editing (Word template)

• To change out the image at the top of the itinerary, right-click on the image and select Change Picture. Select from a stock photo or upload your own image. I am a Canva user and found this image there, added a text overlay, and saved it using the dimensions 2000x458px.
• However, you can upload any size image file you would like. If your uploaded image is not the correct size, click on it and drag its diagonal corner to resize and fit the page. If you find it too tricky to insert a new image, delete the existing one and type your preferred itinerary title. It might not look as pretty without a picture, but the template will still convey all essential information.

Main itinerary body editing (Word template)

I created this itinerary using a table in Microsoft Word, hiding vertical gridlines to achieve a cleaner look. 

• To edit text , select and delete existing text. Then, type text as you normally would in Word documents.
• To add a table row , select a row by dragging your mouse to highlight it, then right-click and choose Insert to add a row above or below. Repeat the process to delete a row . Find one additional blank row at the bottom of the template.
• To add or change hyperlinks , select the word(s) you would like to link (or unlink) to a website, right-click, select Hyperlink, and from the sub-menu, select Edit or Remove Hyperlink.
• To add back vertical gridlines , select the entire table, right-click, and select Borders and Shading to adjust the design with the gridline configuration you like best.

Microsoft Excel Template

Click on the image below to download a free version of this trip itinerary template containing actual details from a visit to Iceland in Microsoft Excel. 

9 Editing Tips (Excel Template)

As Microsoft Excel is more specialized software, I share nine file-specific tips, knowing that the traveler who prefers to download this file type is likely already familiar and comfortable editing in Excel.

Header area editing (Excel template)

To change out the header image at the top of the itinerary, right-click on the image and select Change Picture. Select from a stock photo or upload your own image. I am a Canva user and found this image there, saving it using the dimensions 2000x458px. Once uploaded, I added the semi-transparency in Excel.

However, you can upload any size image file you would like. If your uploaded image is not the correct size, click on it and drag its diagonal corner to resize and fit the page . If you find it too tricky to insert a new image, delete the existing one. It might not look as pretty without a picture, but the template will still convey all essential information.

• Though—if you upload a new image and want to keep the semi-transparency , double-click on your picture to get to the Picture Format menu. Find the Transparency icon in the header menu and adjust it to your preference. 
• To change the header text , click on the text in the Text Box and edit all elements.

Main itinerary body editing (Excel template)

• To insert bullet points , copy these from an existing cell in the document. I created and copied the bullet points from a Word document and pasted them into Excel. 
• All cells are set to wrap text and are oriented to align left and at the top of the cell. If this changes or the format structure is lost, right-click on any cell and select Format Cells to reset the cell structure to your preference. 
• To start a new line of text in a cell when using a Mac, press the Option+Return buttons on your keyboard. Using a PC, press the Alt+Enter buttons or get more tips from Microsoft Help .
• To insert hyperlinks , select the cell you would like to hyperlink, and from the main menu, select Insert. From that submenu, choose Link. Microsoft Excel—from what I can tell (please correct me in the comments if you know how to bypass this)—does not allow users to link individual text within a cell. Google Sheets does, and it is one of the reasons I prefer using that format type. 

Lodging contact tab editing (Excel template)

Note a second tab in this Excel template for lodging details—set to print landscape (horizontally). Edit all elements in the same way as the main itinerary.

Google Sheets Template

Click on the image below to download a free version of this trip itinerary template containing actual details from a visit to Iceland in Google Sheets. This image links to a read-only document. 

To copy it, click File from the main menu and select Copy . Doing this will create a copy of the document on your Google Drive. You will want to be logged into Google when you do this.

7 Editing Tips (Google Sheets Template)

Google Sheets is my preferred file type to create, edit, and share new trip itineraries. I find its slimmed-down menu is easier to use than Excel. Plus, I appreciate the ability to highlight and hyperlink specific text using Sheets vs. having to link an entire cell (in Excel).

Additionally, I find this file type easier to share as not everyone uses Microsoft documents. And I find it convenient since I already use Google Drive to manage my business documents and keep my travel information organized . Here are seven things to know when editing this template.

Header area editing (Google Sheets template)

To change out the header image at the top of the itinerary, right-click on the image and select Change Picture. Select from a stock photo or upload your own image. I am a Canva user and found this image there, added a text overlay, and saved it using the dime nsions 2000x458px.

However, you can upload any size image file you would like. If your uploaded image is not the correct size, click on it and drag its diagonal corner to resize and fit the page . If you find it too tricky to insert a new image, delete the existing one and type your preferred itinerary title. It might not look as pretty without a picture, but the template will still convey all essential information.

Main itinerary body editing (Google Sheets template)

• All cells are set to wrap text and are oriented to align left and at the top of the cell. If this changes or the format structure is lost, select a cell and choose Format from the main menu.  From the drop-down menu, select Wrapping or Alignment to adjust to your preference. 
• To start a new line of text within Google Sheets when using a Mac, press the Command (or Control or Option)+Return buttons on your keyboard. Using a PC, press the Alt (or Control) +Enter buttons. 
• To insert hyperlinks , select the specific text you would like to hyperlink, and from the iconographic menu, just below the main menu, select the three vertical dots at the far right for more editing items. Select the Link icon to insert and link to your preferred URL. Or choose Insert from the main menu, then select Link. 

Lodging contact tab editing (Google Sheets template)

Note a second tab in this Google Sheets template for lodging details—set to print landscape (horizontally). Edit all elements in the same way as the main itinerary.

Canva Template

Click on the image below to access and edit a free version of this trip itinerary template in Canva. 

Although Canva is an excellent and intuitive design software usable by non-professionals, it requires prior knowledge and experience to use it comfortably. I do not recommend downloading and editing this file type unless you are already comfortable creating and editing in Canva.

If you are, have fun! You have full editing capability to change any element of this two-page trip itinerary template, which includes a second page for lodging contact information. 

Tips for duplicating the template: Click the above image, then click the “Create with Canva” button in the upper right-hand corner. When you do this, it should take you to your Canva account and let you copy, and then edit a duplicate version of the template.

2 Recommended Online Itinerary Builders

If you prefer using an app or an online itinerary builder to create your itineraries, TripIt and Wanderlog are the top two options. I have used TripIt before and found it handy—though short on the functionality I prefer. Despite easy integration with travel booking uploads, the program was less flexible than I would have liked, still requiring some manual uploading and editing. 

I have not used Wanderlog, though I have repeatedly seen it recommended highly by frequent travelers and travel professionals. To see which is right for you, scan through this Reddit thread of users comparing notes on each.

4 More Places to Find Travel Itinerary Templates

In addition to the free templates I share, are four more places to find free or affordable trip itinerary templates.

• Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Sheets free templates

Find multiple travel itinerary templates on Jotform .  Edit them using its web-based a PDF editor. Then, download your edited form after you create an account. You get five complimentary form downloads with a free membership . 

Find multiple trip itinerary templates on Canva .  There are several free options. To edit and download them, create a free account on Canva if you do not already have one. Some templates are restricted to paid Pro Canva users only.

Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Sheets

Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Sheets offer free templates. These software programs offer several free travel itinerary templates. To access these complimentary templates, choose File, then select Create New from Template or New from template gallery from the main menus. Search for templates related to trips or travel to find one that fits your needs.

Several shops on Etsy sell downloadable trip itinerary templates for a low price, often $5 or under. Some designs are beautiful. Several come packaged with multiple detailed pages that could be perfect for your needs or be superfluous. Search digital download options here to see what fits your preferences best.

Related Reading

If you are searching for more travel planning assistance to help you save time and money, stay organized, and achieve better results, check out the related articles below.

• How to Plan a Trip Quickly: 9 Best Places to Find Inspiring Trip Itineraries
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• Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack

Additional Trip Planning Resources

To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below. 

Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here . 

Google Hotels . Use its “ Where to stay ” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.

Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.

Viator , Get Your Guide , & Airbnb Experiences . Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.

Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps . Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list. 

AllTrails . Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.

Guide Along . 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour .

Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here . My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com . 

Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks , and my free customizable travel itinerary template , downloadable in four file formats.

About the author : Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog, Gather and Go Travel . After attending the University of Michigan undergraduate business school and following a career in retail strategy and event management, she returned to focus on her first love—travel. Read her bio , learn how she became a blogger , and discover how to work with her . Sign up for her monthly Discovery Newsletter to get her latest travel recommendations and how-to’s .

Love to travel? Sign up for m y monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.

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4 responses.

Hi Kathleen, thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it. I just re-updated the Canva link. Hopefully this will work. I’ll email you the link too, that way if you have any issues (or if it is working) you can let me know directly. Thank you! Janice

Hi, I am also getting the Canva template preview that, once you click the link, just takes me to a generic Canva page. I was wondering if you have the direct link at all, or perhaps the file name?

Hi Nicole, thanks for messaging about this. Happy to troubleshoot. I am sorry you having issues. Since you would like to use this template I’ll take an educated guess that you are familiar with Canva and already have an account? When you click the “Create with Canva” link in the upper right hand corner it should take you to your account and let you edit a version of this template. I’ll check in with you via email as well to see if this is happening. If not, I’ll email you a direct link and dig in to adjust settings. Or feel free to email me directly at (janice at gatherandgotravel dot com.). Thank you!

Hi! I was hoping to use your Canva template but it linked to a preview that wouldn’t open the template. I also couldn’t find it by searching.. Is it available anywhere?

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Welcome to  Gather and Go Travel , a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, a world traveler to 50+ countries, a travel writer/blogger, and a book lover. Learn more  about me , read  our story , and how to  work with me . Get my latest updates, how-tos, and trip ideas in my monthly  Discovery Newsletter .

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Itinerary Templates

5+ holiday itinerary templates – word, excel.

Do you love exploring new places? Do you want to manage your holidays? When you plan for holidays, do you get confused about where to go and how to plan your journey? Do not worry, we have got the best option for you to manage your holidays, here we come up with free holiday itinerary template. This sample holiday itinerary template helps you planning all your visits during your holiday period.

What to do with these Holiday Itinerary Templates?

Sample Event Itinerary Template Travel Budget Template

Family Holiday Itinerary Template

Free Holiday Itinerary Template

Sample Holiday Itinerary Template

Vacation Holiday Itinerary Template

Free Vacation Holiday Itinerary Template

Planning Guide Holiday Itinerary Template

Why to use Holiday Itinerary Templates?

• It has got online access.
• It manages every movement during trip.

Travel Itinerary Template

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My Meeting Roles

Great scripts for your Toastmasters Roles

A Table Topic Session on the theme of Holidays / vacations

Holidays is one topic that ignites instant excitement in everyone. Here is a Table Topic idea on this topic submitted by TM Rita from Mumbai. Have a look.

RELATED : How to do the role of a Table Topic Master?

Hello everyone. All of us have vacation memories that we cherish. And if there’s one plan that gets people on board instantaneously, it’s a vacation plan. The fact that most of them would eventually back out is another story altogether. It’s safe to say that vacation is one topic that excites everyone and I hope some of that excitement rubs on to our Table Topic Session today because today’s topic are linked to holidays and vacations. I have some interesting topics on which any of you can speak for 1 to 2 minutes.

Let’s begin. Who would like to volunteer?

1) What’s an ideal vacation for you?

2) Beach, hill station or a world class city – what type of person are you?

3) Do you agree that an Airbnb room enriches your vacation experience far more compared to a hotel room?

4) Vacation with friends or family – what do you prefer?

5) A trip that you cherish the most.

6) What is your dream vacation?

7) Would you rather take one long holiday in a year or three short ones?

8) Once a year, go someplace you have never been – what’s your take on this?

RELATED : How to appreciate Table Topic Speakers?

Thank you TM Rita for this submission. If you have an idea for any role in Toastmasters, do let us know here .

For more ideas on hosting a great Table Topic Session, click here .

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4 beautiful thanksgiving table settings

this post is sponsored by Wayfair

yes yes it’s only september, but it’s the ‘BER months now, so i’m all things holiday. one of my favorite things to look forward to in autumn is setting a beautiful table for my family for thanksgiving, and i thought it would be really fun to set up some table scape inspiration from Wayfair for you!

the worst part is now i want it all haha. Wayfair sells so much gorgeous serving ware that i planned on only making one or two table collages and ended up with four haha. and fast and free shipping! if you’re hosting t-day or even if you’re not, i hope these table designs get you pumped!!!

also, post-its are CRUCIAL for hosting any large dinner — i always put out all my platters and label what dish will go on each. also really helpful for those last minute hectic moments when you’re having your relatives help plate stuff and they don’t have your exact same vision.

click on the images in the collages below to shop!

table setting no. 1

An earthy thanksgiving.

for this first table setting we went with greens and creams for that earthy feel, then sprinkled in a few fun shapes and patterns.

table setting no. 2

A coastal grandma thanksgiving.

we all know i love a coastal grandma theme. pops of orange and black help merge the coastal and thanksgiving feel in this table setting. i want this to be my table this year!!

table setting no. 3

A garden party thanksgiving.

some wavy candlestick holders and salad servers, a cute patterned pitcher, and playful stripes and gingham make this table setting feel so fun and just a touch whimsy.

table setting no. 4

A classic- ish thanksgiving.

this one feels a little more traditional thanks to lots of warm tones, but some modern touches and a couple bright colors give it a bit of a twist.

hope these help get you in the thanksgiving spirit!!

sources from top photo

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The Bay Filey Holiday Resort will take your breath away

Can the North Yorkshire coast really boast one of the best beaches in the world? There was only one way to find out...

• 07:00, 15 SEP 2024

If you have a young family going on holiday isn't always the easiest of choices. Flying off abroad can be a nightmare - and expensive - choice. Waiting in departures while a two-year-old has a meltdown is not a stress-free way to start any break.

However, it can be a little underwhelming to opt for a staycation. Especially when you see all your friends frolicking on golden beaches on Facebook. But I think I might have the perfect solution, though.

Well that's at least what was being offered during a midweek stay at The Bay Filey Holiday Resort in North Yorkshire. The award-winning resort is a stone's throw from one of the best beaches in the world, after all.

The resort boasts a variety of accommodation options, from cozy apartments to spacious lodges. We stayed in the Lakeside Lodge - a two-bedroom affair on the edge of a small lake. It had all the modern amenities, a fully equipped kitchen, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Past experience has caught us out with wi-fi and the Away Resorts info pack was sketchy on whether the lodge did have internet access. Brilliantly, it did (and was free). But if you're heading this way you might want to get this confirmed or you could get caught short.

The holiday village is incredibly neat and tidy. Almost too perfect as we started worrying we were bringing down the neighbourhood! We needn't have worried, the staff were universally friendly and helpful.

The Bay Filey boasts its own pub - John Paul Jones - and a restaurant called The Four Cats which was closed during our stay. The pub was very decent with a good selection of food and ale. It was not, however, cheap. As a rule of thumb you're always going to be paying over the odds when you're on-site and it was no different here.

There is also a corner shop, which proved to be a lifesaver when we realised we'd forgotten the suncream, and an arcade that became a go-to destination at the end of the day! The resort also has an indoor swimming pool plus gym.

And now onto the beach. A few years ago it was named one of the best in the world for families. Filey beach was the only location named in the UK and featured on the TripAdvisor list alongside the likes of Bondi beach in Australia and Siesta beach in Florida.

I must admit despite reading this beforehand I was a little skeptical. Turns out I was wrong to be. Very wrong. Filey beach is both fantastic and huge, wide and open, and stretches for miles. We might have lucked out with the weather but the waters were warm and incredibly calm.

At high tend you could wade out quite a way before the water gets to belly height so I can understand how kids could have a wild time.

In the description of Filey beach, TripAdvisor says: “There is a sculpture trail that surrounds the bay, and the ancient remains of a Roman signal station can be found on the cliffs just above. Filey is also well-known for its rock pools, which provide hours of fun looking at marine life. Along the promenade, families will find cafes, changing facilities, a children’s playground and even a crazy golf course.”

You better beleive it. The beach is situated just a short walk from the resort and, to be honest, it'll be where you'll be spending most of your time. But if you do get itchy feet there are plenty of nearby attractions such as the picturesque town of Filey and the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Wolds. The resort is also conveniently located for visits to other attractions along the Yorkshire coast, such as Scarborough and Whitby.

Overall, Bay Filey Resort is a fantastic choice for those looking to relax by the sea. With its comfortable accommodation, excellent facilities, and prime location, it’s a great base for exploring the Yorkshire coast. Whether you’re seeking a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a peaceful retreat, Bay Filey Resort is a delightful destination.

You can find more details of the Bay Filey Holiday Resort here. Currently, three-night weekend breaks start at £229 and a four-night midweek break £219.

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