Travel Notes and Itineraries in Plain Text

Trips generate a pile of details: flight times, addresses, confirmation codes, phone numbers. A plain-text itinerary keeps them in one place, and it works without a signal.

Why plain text for travel

• Works offline. No data connection needed once the file is on your phone.
• Opens instantly. No app to log in to.
• Easy to update on the go.
• Easy to share with travel companions.
• Small. It doesn't take up space.

A simple itinerary

TRIP: Lisbon, 10-15 March 2027

Fri 10 Mar
- 07:30 Flight TP123 departs (check-in 05:30)
- 11:00 Arrive Lisbon
- 12:30 Check in: Hotel Sol, Rua Verde 12
- 19:00 Dinner: Casa Azul (booked, ref 48291)

Sat 11 Mar
- 09:30 Walking tour, meet at the square
...

What to include

Item	Why
Flight and train times	in local time, with the booking reference
Accommodation addresses	including the local-script version if useful
Phone numbers	for hotels and emergency contacts
Confirmation numbers	for bookings
Directions	short notes on how to get from A to B
Local phrases	key words like "thank you" and "where is..."
Emergency info	local emergency number, embassy details

Keep a packing list

Copy your master packing list into the trip file, and tick off items as you pack them.

Travel tips

1. Keep a copy offline so you can read it without signal.
2. Put key information at the top.
3. Save a backup on another device or in your email.
4. Keep sensitive details careful. Passport numbers and card details don't belong in shared notes.
5. Update as you go, with notes on places you liked.

During the trip

• Add short notes each evening: what you did, what to remember.
• Save addresses in the local script, if you can, for showing to drivers.
• Record tips from locals.

After the trip

Turn your notes into a short summary. Next time you go somewhere similar, you'll have a template.