The Vacation List Retrospective template is a playful, travel-themed framework designed to guide teams through reflection, discussion, and action planning in a fun and engaging way. By framing the retro as a “packing list for a trip,” the template makes it easy for participants to connect with the process while keeping energy levels high.
The session begins with an icebreaker, where each team member places a sticky note on a world map or suitcase illustration answering the question: “Where would you like to travel next?” This activity sparks conversation, sets a lighthearted tone, and encourages everyone to participate from the start.
The core of the template consists of three main columns:
• Packed Well (Good): Here, the team records positive practices, successes, and habits worth carrying forward. These are the essentials we’re glad we “packed” for the journey.
• Overweight Baggage (Bad): This column captures blockers, inefficiencies, or frustrations that weighed the team down and should be left behind on future trips.
• New Destinations (Ideas): In this space, participants propose fresh improvements, experiments, or creative approaches — the new adventures they want to explore together.
Finally, the retro concludes with an Action section called “Travel Itinerary.” This is where the team agrees on one to three concrete actions to take forward, ensuring that insights lead to measurable improvements.
The visual theme — with travel stickers, luggage icons and playful emojis — keeps the atmosphere creative and relaxed. By combining structured reflection with a vacation metaphor, this template helps teams celebrate wins, acknowledge challenges, and explore new ideas, while making the retrospective session feel like planning the next big trip together.
