How can we help you?

How do I create my first trip?

Once logged in, click the menu next to your active trip at the top of the sidebar and choose "+ New Trip". A screen with tabs will open. In the 'Basic' tab, you can easily search for your destination, give your trip a name, and choose the dates. In the other tabs, you can immediately choose a beautiful cover photo (e.g. via our Unsplash suggestions) or invite people to collaborate.

Is TripPlottr free?

Yes, 100%. We built TripPlottr out of a love for travel. All features like unlimited trips, expense tracking, and collaborating with friends are completely free for all users.

How do I edit trip details?

Click on your trip name in the sidebar to open the trip editor. In the tabs, you can easily change the basic details, set whether you want to share the trip publicly, search for a new cover photo via Unsplash or upload your own photo, and send collaboration invites directly.

How do I enable dark mode?

Click the moon icon in the sidebar (top left, next to the language switcher). TripPlottr will instantly switch to an eye-friendly dark theme. Your preference is automatically remembered so it stays the same on your next visit. You can click the sun icon to switch back to light mode.

How do I change the language of TripPlottr?

At the top of the page (right on desktop, in the menu on mobile) you'll find a language switcher (NL/EN). You can click here at any time to switch the entire application live.

What is the interactive guide?

The interactive guide is a short walkthrough that shows you the key parts of TripPlottr, like the map, the sidebar, and how to add locations. It's the fastest way to get to know the app.

How can I view the guide again?

Want to take the tour again? Click on your profile (top left) and choose 'View Guide'. The tour will start again immediately.

How do I add a location to the map?

There are several ways: 1. Use the search bar above the map. 2. Right-click (or long-press on mobile) on the map. 3. Use the plus button next to the date/title in your daily list to manually add an item (such as a note or a place to stay).

Can I change the order of my locations?

Yes, in the sidebar (list view) you can simply drag and drop locations to change their order. The route on the map will automatically update to the new order.

How do I track my budget?

Costs are handled in two ways: first, the prices of all items in your itinerary are instantly added up in the total overview. Additionally, you can enter shared group costs on the dedicated 'Expenses' tab in the sidebar; TripPlottr will immediately calculate a convenient mutual balance so you can easily see who owes what to whom.

What is the 'Smart Add' feature?

With 'Smart Add' you can paste a link from a website (e.g. Wikipedia) into the window. TripPlottr will then automatically try to fetch the name, description, and photos of that place, so you don't have to type it yourself.

Why doesn't 'Smart Add' work on all websites?

Some websites (like TripAdvisor) strictly block automated requests for privacy or commercial reasons. In that case, TripPlottr cannot fetch the data and you'll need to add the name and photo manually.

How do I customize a location's icon?

For each item you add, you can choose a category (like attraction or restaurant). Want something more specific? Under 'Files & Information' you can choose from many unique icons (from 'camera' to 'beer train') to truly personalize your map.

How do I add photos to a location?

Open a location and click 'Files & Information'. Here you can upload photos or have them automatically fetched from a website via 'Smart Add'. The photos are shown as a carousel that you can browse by clicking the arrows or swiping on mobile.

How are distances and travel times calculated?

TripPlottr automatically calculates the shortest road route between the points in your list, in the order you've set them. For each day section, you'll see the total distance in kilometers and the estimated driving time.

How do 'Days' and 'Sections' work?

Days help you organize your route chronologically. You can also create 'Sections' for locations you haven't assigned to a specific day yet (e.g. 'Inspiration' or 'Maybe').

How do I use dates for my accommodation?

When adding an 'Accommodation', you can specify a start and end date. TripPlottr will then automatically show this accommodation for all relevant days in your schedule, so you know exactly where you're sleeping each night.

What is the 'Wishlist' (Backlog)?

The Wishlist is a collection spot for locations you want to visit but haven't assigned to a specific day yet. You can easily drag items from your list to a specific day once your planning becomes more concrete.

Can I print my itinerary or save it as PDF?

Absolutely! Click the printer icon at the bottom of the sidebar next to your total budget. TripPlottr will generate a clear PDF document of your complete itinerary, including all locations, notes, and distances. Perfect to take on your trip!

Can I copy a trip?

Yes, open your trip details via the pencil icon next to the trip selector and click 'Duplicate Trip'. A complete copy will be created, including all days, locations, notes and costs. Handy for creating a variant of an existing trip or using it as a template.

How can I easily find a cover photo?

While creating or editing a trip, you can click on the 'Cover Photo' tab. TripPlottr will immediately search via Unsplash for beautiful photos that match your chosen country and title. You can set them with one click, or upload one yourself.

How do I send my travel plan by email?

Click the 'Send to inbox' button (the envelope icon) at the bottom of the sidebar. Enter the desired email address and TripPlottr will send a clear email with all your days, locations, budget and a link to your trip. Ideal for consulting on the go without opening the app.

How do I invite friends to my trip?

Click the '+ Invite' button in the sidebar (below your trip title). Enter your travel companion's email address. They'll receive an invitation and can start helping plan right after accepting.

What's the difference between a Participant and a Public Link?

A Participant has an account and can actively help: add locations, make notes, and adjust the route.

A Public Link is for viewers (like grandma or friends staying home). They can follow the trip live but cannot make changes.

Can I remove a participant?

Yes, as the trip owner you can see participants at the top of the sidebar. Click the small X next to a participant's name to revoke their access to the trip.

What does the colored name label on an item mean?

Each item shows a small label with the name of the person who added it. This label contains a colored dot and the shortest unique abbreviation of the name. This way you can see at a glance who created which item — even when multiple names start with the same letter.

Can I edit items added by other participants?

Yes, if you have the 'Editor' role, you can edit all items in the trip — including those added by other participants. This makes it easy to collaborate on a trip and supplement each other's items with notes, costs or photos.

Can I delete items added by other participants?

No, you can only delete your own items. The trip owner can delete all items. Items created before this feature (without a creator badge) can be deleted by all editors.

When do I get a notification?

In the top right, you'll find the bell icon for notifications. You'll automatically be notified when friends or family you're collaborating with add locations or expenses to your joint trip.

How do I use TripPlottr on my phone?

TripPlottr is fully optimized for mobile use. Instead of a sidebar and map side by side, we use a handy tab system at the bottom of your screen on mobile. This lets you easily switch between the 'List' (with your planning) and the 'Map' (to see your route). This way you always have an optimal overview, regardless of your screen size.

Can I install TripPlottr as an app on my phone?

Yes! TripPlottr is a Progressive Web App (PWA). On your phone, open TripPlottr in the browser and choose 'Add to Home Screen' (or 'Install' in Chrome). The app will then behave like a real app: full screen, its own icon, and you can even view your planned trips offline.

How do I change my password?

Go to your profile (click your name in the top right) and choose 'Edit Profile'. Here you can set a new password. Don't forget that your password must meet our security requirements!

What should I do if I forgot my password?

Click 'Forgot?' on the login screen. We'll immediately send you an email with a secure link to set a new password.

How do I edit my profile?

Click your name in the top right of the sidebar and choose 'Edit Profile'. Here you can change your username, update your email address and set a new password. Changes are saved immediately.

How do I enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Follow these steps for maximum security:
1. Click your name (top right) and choose 'Edit Profile'.
2. Click the 'Enable 2FA' button.
3. Scan the QR code with an app like Google Authenticator or Authy.
4. Enter the 6-digit code for verification.

From now on, you'll need both your password and your phone to log in.

Can I use 2FA via email instead of an app?

Yes! When enabling Two-Factor Authentication you can choose between an Authenticator App (QR code) and Email. With the email method, TripPlottr sends you a one-time verification code to your email address each time you log in. This is convenient if you don't want to install an authenticator app.

What if I've lost my 2FA code or phone?

Since 2FA is designed to protect against unauthorized access, we cannot simply restore your account. Contact us immediately using the form at the bottom of this page. We'll send you instructions to regain access through a verification workaround.