I have an idea of what I would like to do then on the night before we decide what we might do.

your questions sound very much like market research. If you are more honest re your motives, you might get more/better responses.

jj - a one time poster, who just joined.

Already reported

I know she is a first time poster - checked before I responded.

jj - not all people do. You seem a bit testy today.

Erm.. what is wrong with asking opinions or others? I am not a market research company, neither am I working for one. I am simply keen to know of other people's preferences because being a traveller myself, I want to come up with something that is useful for travellers.

In response to your questions:

1. We always have a plan. I book all of our hotels before we leave home as well as car rental rez. Due to some physical limitations, we prefer well located hotels with an elevator when possible or rooms on lower floors.

2. I love scenic areas near rivers, lakes and mountains more than big cities. We have traveled on boats, trains, funiculars and trams. We love to walk through the "old" parts of historic towns, visit castles, palaces, and churches.

3. Planning trips is less hassle now with so much information on the internet. However, you have to take what you read on the internet with a grain of salt. I also do a lot of research with guide books and websites such as Fodor's.

4. No, I enjoy the planning. It's part of the fun. It's also how I learn about the places I plan to visit.

>>4. Would you be keen to have someone customise a detailed itinerary for you based on your likings?<<

Call me a skeptic - but that sounds like a post from one trying to develop some sort of business plan or marketing program.

1. Planned in terms of where to stay, but just a general idea of what to do over the duration of the stay, not day by day hour by hour.

2. All of the above.

3. Lack of information for less visited sites, especially how to reach them from major towns where lodging is located. Often difficult to arrange in advance except with expensive travel agents.

4. No.

1. Do you normally have a planned itinerary or just wander around when you arrive in the country?

* Losely planned itinerary. Usually hotels are booked, some transportation, and some sightseeing (when advanced tix are important). We also play some things by ear - plan our days based on the weather, what we feel like doing, etc.

2. What are the types of itinerary you will be interested in? For instance, one that has more visits to historical places, or nature reserves? Or is it the local experience that you are interested in? In general, what would you prefer to do on your trip?

* All of the above, sometimes in the same trip, sometimes not. Depends on the destination.

3. What are some of the hassles you find when planning an itinerary?

* Not having enough travel days available to do and see everything that I want to.

4. Would you be keen to have someone customise a detailed itinerary for you based on your likings?

* Absolutely not. Planning is part of the fun.

janis - I am a skeptic too. The OP may not work for a market research company, but is sure sounds like market research to me, whether someone is paying her to do it or not.

1. Wander around

2. None

3. None

4. No