Itinerary Planning

• An itinerary is a written plan describing the plan of thetrip day wise or on an hourly basis. It is designed to identifythe origin, destination and all the en-route stopping pointsalong with the transportation, accommodation and otherservices on the trip.

Helping a client select a tour with an appropriateitinerary is an essential function for a professionaltravel-agent & is an effective way to gain clienttrust. .

Types of Itineraries

1. Tourist Itinerary

A tourist’s itineraryis a basic outline ofthe trip that atourist is planning.It is the startingpoint of theitinerary designingprocess.

• This is the most important type ofItinerary because this acquaints thecustomer, the traveling passenger asto what all will be his schedule aslong as he is on the tour.

2.Tour Manager’s ItineraryThe tour manager is responsible for thedesigning of the itinerary and in somecases even conducting it.

He has a comprehensive itineraryhaving the minutest detailsrelating to the tour like the tourarrangements, tour formalities andcontact persons at thedestinations and attractions.

3. Tour Escort’s Itinerary

A tour escort has a detailed itineraryshowing the step-by-step progress of thetour, which includes time, location,accommodation, sightseeing at thedestination.

• Other than these itineraries, a copy ofthe itinerary may be given to specificservice providers e.g. the coachproviding transport, hotels organizingsightseeing, etc.

Factors to be kept in mind while Planning anItinerary

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An itinerary has to be designed based onthe kind of trip one undertakes. Itineraryplanning is a creative exercise and istailored entirely to meet the needs ofgroups of individuals. Each set of travelershave their own specific requirements.

Adequate time should be allowed forsightseeing / excursions at eachattraction and destination. Alwaysensure that the time taken while travelingdoes not exceed the time spent at adestination.

₪Reducing the number of destinationsto be visited if the time available isless or an optional mode of transportcan be chosen which saves upon time.

Other than thetime allocated tothe attractions ata destination,some timeshould also begiven to theclient for his ownrecreation likeshopping andexplorationunless theservices of theguide arerequested at alltimes.

The choice of hotels, meal plan andtransport would depend on the payingcapacity, interests and the number ofclients in the group.

Back tracking should be avoided. Therefore, theroutings should be given a special considerationwhile planning an itinerary.The itinerary program should also not be over

structured.

ᾳ Optional excursions should be offeredduring the period of the tour programmeas well as pre and post tour to increasethe earnings and enhance the value ofthe tour for the group members.

‡ Since check-in and check-out timings in all hotelsin India is generally 12:00 noon, hotelaccommodation should be booked keeping in mindthe arrival and departure timings of the clientsespecially in those cases where the timing of thetransport means is fixed and cannot be altered.

While planning a tour programme,include any festivals or culturalevents taking place during thisperiod. These attractions would addto the attraction of the tour package.

Meal plan may or may not be includedin the room tariff. This would depend onthe schedule of the client.

In case of a group traveling together i.e GIT,obtain a complete list of group members andthe preference for room allocation e.g. single,twin sharing or double room accommodation

Specify clearly the services included in thefinal cost of the tour and those which arenot included.

In case of requirement of foreign languagespeaking local guides, advance noticeshould be taken to ensure their services ontime.

Along with the itinerary, communication on theclimate, rate of exchange of currency, suitableclothing, cultural and ritual expectations of thedestination, necessities and required items tocarry, health and environmental warnings shouldbe given to the tourists specifically in case offoreign tourists.

Factors to be Consideredwhile Planning an Itinerary:

Where to go-Destination/Citiesto be Included in the ItineraryWhen to go-Period of travel,

total tour duration, MinimumTime for visiting each City.

• Why to go-Purpose of Travel-leisure,business, relaxation or VFR(visiting friendsand relatives).

• How to go-Mode of main/inter-City Travel• With whom to go -No. of paxs- FIT/GIT