Episode 108

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Published on:

25th Nov 2025

108: How to Build a Balanced Travel Itinerary That Won’t Burn You Out | Intentional Travel Series Ep 3

Your itinerary can make or break your trip, and today we’re rewriting the rules.

In this episode of Transform With Travel, Kelly guides you through how to build a balanced, aligned, and feels-good travel plan that supports your goals instead of draining your energy.

From creating a “loose plan” to building in yes days, rest days, and space for spontaneity, this episode helps you design an itinerary that elevates your whole trip. You’ll learn how to avoid overscheduling, reduce in-transit exhaustion, and plan activities that actually match your intention for your travels.

Whether you’re heading into a wellness reset, a family adventure, or a long-awaited dream destination, this episode gives you the framework to craft an itinerary that feels expansive, flexible, and deeply aligned with your season of life.

Inside this episode:

  • How to build a “loose plan” itinerary that leaves room for flow
  • Why one planned activity per day is the magic number
  • How to organize your trip around energy, not obligation
  • Why free days and “yes days” make trips more meaningful
  • The art of scheduling rest, rituals, and restorative moments
  • How to mix culture, nature, adventure, and downtime
  • Special tips for traveling with kids and avoiding travel burnout
  • How to make sure your itinerary reflects your deeper travel intention

If you’re ready to come home from your next trip relaxed and inspired instead of exhausted, this episode is your blueprint.

📍 Watch the full Intentional Travel Planning Series for a step-by-step guide to creating trips that inspire growth, healing, and joy.

We talk about:

  • 00:00 Welcome + What This Series Covers  
  • 01:00 Why Balanced Itineraries Matter
  • 02:00 The Magic of a Loose, Flexible Travel Plan
  • 03:00 One Activity Per Day Rule
  • 04:00 Why Overscheduling Leads to Stress and Burnout
  • 05:00 Adding Free Days and Yes Days
  • 05:40 Local Recommendations, Hidden Gems, and Spontaneity
  • 06:00 Scheduling Rest, Rituals, and Recharging
  • 07:00 Balancing Culture, Nature, Adventure, and Relaxation
  • 07:50 Traveling With Kids, Energy Management, and Expectations
  • 08:20 Aligning Itinerary Choices With Your Big Travel Intention
  • 09:00 What’s Coming Next in the Intentional Travel Series

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About the Podcast

Transform With Travel: Trip Planning Made Easy For Busy Professionals Craving Bucket List Adventures
Are you sitting behind your desk craving an adventure to make you feel alive again? But with thousands of travel options out there, where do you begin?

Transform With Travel is designed for busy professionals who want more bucket lists trips that reignite adventure, go beneath the surface and feel unique to you WITHOUT the overwhelm of planning, the endless midnight scroll and the crowded tourist traps.

About your host

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Kelly Tolliday

Kelly is the Founder of Transform With Travel, with over 11 years in the travel industry. She's a Wellness Travel Expert, Retreat Facilitator, Travel Advisor & Podcast Host.

She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry.

She's traveled to over 45 countries and lived across 4 continents. Now, it's her mission to inspire and support you in stepping outside of your comfort zone and into the life of your dreams.

She's passionate about immersive and transformational travel. She believe when you travel with intention, by combining wellness, adventure & cultural enrichment, you can truly transform your life, one trip at a time.

She's now based in South Florida, and she's married to her husband Sam with 2 beautiful daughters & 2 crazy dogs.