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PageAbout The Itinerary Room
The Itinerary Room is an independent travel advisory run by a Fora-certified travel advisor in New Zealand, planning personalized journeys for US and international travelers.
PageDestinations
Destination guides for New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea, with regions, seasons, trip lengths and practical planning advice.
PagePlan Your Trip
Tell us about the journey you have in mind. Share your destination, dates and travel style, and a Fora-certified advisor will design a personalized proposal.
PagePrivacy Notice
How The Itinerary Room collects, uses and protects the personal information you share through this website and when planning travel.
PageSample Journeys
Six detailed sample itineraries across Japan, Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and South Korea. Illustrative routes that can be fully customized.
PageExtraordinary Travel, Thoughtfully Planned
Independent, Fora-certified travel advisor planning personalized trips to New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea and beyond.
PageTravel Insights
In-depth planning guides answering the questions travelers ask about New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea: when to go, how long, where.
DestinationAustralia Travel Guide
Plan an Australia trip: Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Tasmania, with seasonal advice, trip lengths and practical tips for US travelers.
DestinationJapan Travel Guide
Plan a Japan trip: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone, Hiroshima, the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido, with seasonal advice, trip lengths and practical tips.
DestinationNew Zealand Travel Guide
Plan a New Zealand trip: North and South Island regions, the best time to visit, how long to stay, a sample route and practical advice for US travelers.
DestinationSouth Korea Travel Guide
Plan a South Korea trip: Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, Jeju Island and Korean food and culture, with seasonal advice, trip lengths and practical tips.
DestinationThailand Travel Guide
Plan a Thailand trip: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Khao Sok, with coast-by-coast weather advice and trip lengths.
DestinationVietnam Travel Guide
Plan a Vietnam trip: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, with regional weather advice and trip lengths.
Sample journeyNew Zealand in 12 Days: Lakes, Fjords and Lodges
A 12-day sample New Zealand itinerary through Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Fiordland, with a day-by-day outline, highlights and practical advice.
Sample journeyAustralia in 14 Days: Harbor, Reef and Laneways
A 14-day sample Australia itinerary combining Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree, Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, with an Uluru option.
Sample journeyJapan in 14 Days: Tradition and Modernity
A well-paced 14-day sample Japan itinerary through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, with day-by-day outline, highlights and practical advice.
Sample journeyThailand in 14 Days: Temples, Mountains and Islands
A 14-day sample Thailand itinerary through Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with a beach finish on the Andaman or Gulf coast, chosen by season.
Sample journeyVietnam in 14 Days: Culture, Cuisine and Coast
A 14-day sample Vietnam itinerary from Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay to Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, day by day.
Sample journeyJapan and South Korea in 18 Days
An 18-day sample itinerary across South Korea and Japan: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo, with day-by-day outline and practical tips.
Travel InsightsBangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket: How to Choose
Comparing Thailand's three most popular bases, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, by character, experiences, season and traveler type, and how to combine them.
Travel InsightsHow Much Time Do You Need in Japan?
How many days to spend in Japan on a first trip, with sample splits for one week, ten days, two weeks and three weeks, and advice on planning your itinerary.
Travel InsightsHow to Plan a First Trip to Australia
A step-by-step guide to planning a first trip to Australia: how long to go, which regions to combine, Sydney vs Melbourne vs Brisbane, timing and logistics.
Travel InsightsHow to Plan a First Trip to South Korea
A practical guide to a first South Korea trip: how long to stay, where to go beyond Seoul, a sample 10-day route, getting around by KTX, and essential tips.
Travel InsightsNorth Island vs South Island: Which Should You Visit?
How New Zealand's North and South Islands differ, which suits your interests, and how to divide your time on a one- to three-week trip.
Travel InsightsNorthern vs Central vs Southern Vietnam: Where Should You Go?
How Vietnam's north, center and south differ in landscapes, history, food and weather, and how to plan a two-week Vietnam itinerary that includes the right regions.
Travel InsightsThailand for First-Time Visitors: Where Should You Go?
Where to go on a first trip to Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the north, and how to choose between Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui by season and travel style.
Travel InsightsTokyo vs Kyoto: Understanding the Differences
How Tokyo and Kyoto differ in character, sights, food, stays and crowds, and how to divide your time between Japan's two essential cities on a first trip.
Travel InsightsWhen Is the Best Time to Visit Australia?
Australia's climate varies hugely by region. Learn the best time to visit Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Tasmania, and how to combine them.
Travel InsightsWhen Is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?
The best time to visit New Zealand depends on what you want to do. A season-by-season and month-by-month guide for planning, with regional differences explained.
Travel InsightsWhen Is the Best Time to Visit South Korea?
The best time to visit South Korea by season and month, including cherry blossom and autumn foliage timing, monsoon season, holidays and Jeju Island weather.
Travel InsightsWhen Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam has three distinct climates. Learn the best time to visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong, and the best months for a full trip.
PagePhoto credits
Credits, licenses and sources for the destination photography used on The Itinerary Room website.