Being a product manager is about not being content with what is around. I looked all around the place for a complete vacation planner app and finally created a wish list of what such an app would constitute. Continuing from the previous post on the topic, here is a high-level user story for each of my needs:

Itinerary Planner

• Start with a destination of my choice and add places to it [content]
• Each place can be placed on an interactive itinerary map
• Add category, description, images, comments, expenses (entrance fees, meals), attachments (bookings, etc.), hyperlinks, mark them as optional
• View ratings [integration]
• Auto-insert the place on the interactive calendar based on best-time-of-day information [content] and allow me to adjust
• Plan the journey between places by specifying mode of transport, journey time & estimate cost [content, integration]
• Add meals to places & journey with preferred joint & cost estimate
• Validate if too much is planned for a day based on visit duration [content] and highlight optional places from the ‘Going to’ bucket that can be moved to a ‘May be’ bucket
• When moving places around, system should remind to update the journey between places
• Total itinerary cost should be constantly updated and displayed in local currency so I can budget; highlight places & journeys without estimates
• Filter places on the by category, expense
• Share my itinerary with others on the website; email the web link
• Collaborate with co-travellers on the itinerary [roadmap]

Travel

• Print/Email the itinerary with selected elements
• Allow including embassy information, emergency numbers, weather, etc.
• Mobile site to rate places, enter actual cost & time, add public & private notes
• Update current location, upload photos & add notes that loved ones can view on a shared link
• Mobile app [roadmap], share location on social media [integration]

In Part 2 of this post, we talk about more features ideas and concept’s strengths and challenges.