How We Create Your Story
So you want to know what you're buying beforehand? I get it. I'm the same way.
When you book a custom itinerary with Not Your Typical Vacation, you're not just getting a list of things to do — you're getting a fully personalized adventure blueprint designed to match your travel style, interests, and budget. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Costa Rica, summiting peaks in Zion, or paragliding over the Swiss Alps, I build every itinerary like I would for my own trips: immersive, efficient, and unforgettable.
Here’s an example of what this looks like:
How We Turned Jason & Alexis's "I Have No Idea on Cost" Into a $4,500 Dream Anniversary
The Challenge:
When Jason's request landed in our inbox, one line let us know they had come to the right place: "I also haven't ever tried looking and budgeting so I have no idea on cost of things."
Here was a couple who'd only experienced cookie-cutter resort vacations in Mexico and "typical tourist stuff" in places like Galveston. They wanted something completely different for their July anniversary—something adventurous but not exhausting, unique but not terrifying, memorable but not rushed.
Jason's wish? "Do something Unique and Not something everyone does."
But here's what made this tricky: They had real constraints. A modest budget they weren't even sure how to estimate. A dislike of heights and extreme physical demands. His wife Alexis had mentioned Napa, but that is not within their budget.
Oh, and one non-negotiable requirement that made us smile: "If a Car is Necessary for a rental. It would be requested that we get a Chevrolet Convertible Camaro."
Most people would have given up here, but we got excited. We knew something that would give them exactly the jealousy-inducing experience they craved while respecting every constraint they had.
The Solution We Delivered
The California Central Coast: Their Perfect Match
We designed a 7-day California Central Coast experience centered around three unforgettable elements: Monterey Bay's wildlife paradise, Big Sur's legendary Highway 1 drive, and Santa Lucia Highlands wine country—all accessed in that Chevrolet Camaro convertible Jason requested.
Why this worked perfectly:
Highway 1 through Big Sur—consistently ranked one of the world's most beautiful drives, made for top-down cruising
Adventure without extreme—kayaking with sea otters, moderate coastal hikes, whale watching (no crazy heights or all-day physical demands)
Flexibility built in—every single day had two complete itinerary options so they could wake up and decide their energy level
Culinary paradise—fresh seafood, farm-to-table dining, world-class wine tasting at half the price of Napa
Anniversary-worthy moments—sunset at iconic Bixby Bridge, stargazing from their vineyard lodging, intimate wildlife encounters
Perfect summer weather—65-75°F coastal temps, escaping Midwest heat without extreme temperatures
The Insider Move That Saved Them $250-500
Before we even started planning activities, we saved Jason and Alexis serious money with one strategic decision most people miss: flying into San Jose International instead of Monterey Regional Airport.
Here's what that local knowledge delivered:
$200-300 savings on flights (San Jose has major carrier competition)
$100-200 savings on car rental (bigger airport = better rates)
Total savings: $300-500—without sacrificing a single experience
We added just 90 minutes of scenic Highway 101 driving on arrival day—which became part of the adventure, not a burden. That's the kind of insider tip you don't get from generic travel sites.
The 7-Day Experience
We designed their trip around three elements: Monterey Bay's wildlife, Big Sur's legendary Highway 1, and Santa Lucia Highlands wine country—all in that Camaro convertible.
Days 1-5: Monterey Bay
Kayaking with sea otters floating arm's length away
Whale watching during peak blue whale season
17-Mile Drive with the top down past Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach
Point Lobos—200-year-old cypress trees clinging to dramatic cliffs
Carmel-by-the-Sea's storybook village
Days 3-4: The Big Sur Drive
Bixby Bridge—THE California postcard shot
McWay Falls—80-foot waterfall onto a pristine beach
Pfeiffer Beach's purple sand and Keyhole Arch
Sunset at Nepenthe Restaurant, 800 feet above the Pacific
Days 5-7: Wine Country Finale
The Highlands House at Pessagno Winery—surrounded by vineyards
On-site tasting room steps from their door
Half the cost of Napa, equally world-class wines
Private, romantic, perfect for winding down
The Details That Mattered
Every day with two complete itinerary options—active or relaxed—so they controlled their pace. Insider tips like:
Where Big Sur's unmarked purple beach turnoff is
Why to gas up in Carmel (saves $2/gallon)
That there's zero cell service for 90 miles
Best times to avoid crowds at Point Lobos
The Results
Total cost: $4,500-5,000 for 7 days—including flights half-way across the country, that Camaro he wanted, lodging that fits their adventure, activities that create memories, and dining that adds to the experience.
What they experienced:
Sea otters, humpback whales, and purple sand beaches
Highway 1 with the Pacific as their soundtrack with that Camaro
Waterfalls onto hidden beaches
Wine tasting with vineyard views from their private deck
What they received: A comprehensive 47-page itinerary with exact costs, booking links, timing strategies, safety protocols, photography tips, and money-saving insider knowledge.
Why This Works
We don't Google "things to do" and send you a list. We design experiences matching your actual personality and constraints.
For Jason and Alexis:
Honored their pace—no rushing place to place
Navigated real concerns—allergies, heights, budget
Built in flexibility—they controlled their adventure
Delivered that Camaro—and saved them $300-$500
Created memories—stories that last a lifetime
You're not just getting an itinerary. You're getting a co-conspirator who turns "I have no idea on cost" into "I can't believe we just did that for $4,500."
Ready for your jealousy-inducing adventure? Let's start with your story.
