Start with constraints
- Dates (or a range)
- Budget band (value, classic, luxury)
- Travel style (slow, active, food-led)
Add non-negotiables
Write 3 to 5. Examples:
- One extraordinary stay
- One guide-led day
- One long dinner
Declare tradeoffs
If you prefer early mornings, say so. If you hate road time, say so.
The payoff
A clear brief cuts decision time, avoids mismatched recommendations, and keeps each day intentional.