Sometimes you land in a city with only a few hours to spare.
Maybe it’s a long layover.
Maybe your cruise stops for an afternoon.
Maybe you’re on a road trip and want to explore before driving further.
Whatever the situation, the question is always the same:
“What’s the best way to use the time I have?”
That’s exactly why we built the Short Planner inside ToTourist — a smart, fast mini-itinerary generator designed specifically for short city visits.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use the Short Planner, how it decides what’s worth seeing, how it adapts to your travel style, and how it gives you a realistic plan you can complete without rushing.
Let’s dive in.
🌍 What Is the Short Planner?
The Short Planner is a lightweight version of the full ToTourist AI trip planner.
But don’t let the word short fool you — it’s powerful.
It’s designed for:
- 🛫 Layovers
- 🛳 Cruise port stops
- 🚆 Train connections
- 🚗 Quick city breaks
- 🎒 Backpackers passing through
- 👫 Travelers who want a fast mini itinerary
Instead of planning a multi-day trip, it focuses on 1 to 8 hours — the perfect window for short adventures.
⏳ Step 1: Tell ToTourist How Much Time You Have
This is the heart of the Short Planner.
Open the feature → choose the city you’re in → tell the AI exactly how many hours you’ve got.
For example:
- “I have 3 hours in Paris.”
- “I’m in Rome for 5 hours before my train.”
- “I only have 2 hours in Dubai. What can I do?”
The AI will instantly calculate:
- travel time
- walking distances
- attraction duration
- queue expectations
- your travel style
…so the short itinerary fits perfectly into your time window.
🚶 Step 2: The AI Identifies What’s Actually Realistic
Many travel guides will tell you to visit 10 places in a few hours.
We all know that’s not happening.
The Short Planner avoids unrealistic schedules by understanding:
- how long it takes to walk or ride between attractions
- how long each activity typically lasts
- crowd-levels and opening hours
- time for coffee, snacks, or photos
- your energy level
Result: You get an itinerary that matches exactly what you can accomplish — no rushing, no stress.
🧠 Step 3: It Adapts to Your Travel Style
ToTourist doesn’t send every traveler to the same places.
That’s because the AI reads your profile:
If you’re a…
- Calm traveler → slow, scenic routes + cafés
- Adventure seeker → viewpoints, hikes, fun activities
- Foodie → local markets + top-rated eateries
- Culture lover → museums, churches, architecture
- Luxury traveler → high-end experiences
- Budget traveler → free attractions + cheap eats
The Short Planner then builds a small but meaningful experience tailored entirely to you.
🗺️ Step 4: Receive a Smart Mini-Itinerary
Here’s what a typical Short Planner output includes:
- 🏛 1–3 attractions (realistic, close together)
- 🍽 A food or coffee recommendation
- 🚶 Walking instructions
- ⏱ Total time estimate
- 📍 Google Maps-ready locations
- 📝 Local insights or small tips
Example for 3 hours in Barcelona:
- Walk the Gothic Quarter
- Grab churros at a local spot
- Visit La Rambla
- End at the marina for views
Everything fits in exactly three hours — not four, not five.
🎯 Step 5: Use It in Real Time While Exploring
The Short Planner is designed for immediate action.
You’re already in the city → open the app → get your plan → go.
You can also:
- tap “Alternative options”
- save the plan to your Journal
- share it with friends
- navigate directly with one click
It’s built for practical use, not long-term planning.
💡 Extra Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Short Visit
Even with limited time, you can create a memorable experience.
Here’s how:
✔ Start near your arrival point
The Short Planner automatically prioritizes attractions close to your location.
✔ Choose your priority
If you want food → tell the AI.
If you want photos → tell the AI.
If you want sightseeing only → tell the AI.
The more you say, the more accurate your mini-plan becomes.
✔ Use the weather filter
If it’s raining, the Short Planner focuses on indoor activities.
If it’s sunny, it sends you outside.
✔ Keep your expectations realistic
3 great experiences > 10 rushed ones.
✨ Why the Short Planner Feels So Different
Most travel apps give generic lists.
The Short Planner is different because it:
- understands time
- understands distance
- understands your style
- understands your pace
- understands your budget
It’s not a list —
It’s a personalized micro-itinerary created by AI that actually thinks.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re on a layover, a quick city stop, or simply don’t have enough time for a full exploration, the Short Planner gives you meaningful travel moments — fast, simple, and perfectly optimized.
Open ToTourist → tap the Short Planner → and enjoy the city, even if you only have a few hours to experience it.