Itinerary Planning

An itinerary is a written plan describing the plan of the

trip day wise or on an hourly basis. It is designed to identify
the origin, destination and all the en-route stopping points
along with the transportation, accommodation and other
services on the trip.

Helping a client select a tour with an appropriate

itinerary is an essential function for a professional
travel-agent & is an effective way to gain client
trust. .

Types of Itineraries

1. Tourist Itinerary
A tourists itinerary
is a basic outline of
the trip that a
tourist is planning.
It is the starting
point
of
the
itinerary designing
process.

 This is the most important type of

Itinerary because this acquaints the
customer, the traveling passenger as
to what all will be his schedule as
long as he is on the tour.

2.Tour Managers Itinerary

The tour manager is responsible for the
designing of the itinerary and in some
cases even conducting it.

He has a comprehensive itinerary

having the minutest details
relating to the tour like the tour
arrangements, tour formalities and
contact persons at the
destinations and attractions.

3. Tour Escorts Itinerary

A tour escort has a detailed itinerary
showing the step-by-step progress of the
tour, which includes time, location,
accommodation, sightseeing at the
destination.

 Other than these itineraries, a copy of

the itinerary may be given to specific
service providers e.g. the coach
providing transport, hotels organizing
sightseeing, etc.


Factors
to be kept in mind while Planning an
Itinerary

An itinerary has to be designed based on

the kind of trip one undertakes. Itinerary
planning is a creative exercise and is
tailored entirely to meet the needs of
groups of individuals. Each set of travelers
have their own specific requirements.

Adequate time should be allowed for

sightseeing / excursions at each
attraction and destination. Always
ensure that the time taken while traveling
does not exceed the time spent at a
destination.

Reducing the number of destinations

to be visited if the time available is
less or an optional mode of transport
can be chosen which saves upon time.

Other than the

time allocated to
the attractions at
a destination,
some time
should also be
given to the
client for his own
recreation like
shopping and
exploration
unless the
services of the
guide are
requested at all
times.

The choice of hotels, meal plan and

transport would depend on the paying
capacity, interests and the number of
clients in the group.

 Back tracking should be avoided. Therefore, the

routings should be given a special consideration
while planning an itinerary.
The itinerary program should also not be over
structured.

 Optional excursions should be offered

during the period of the tour programme
as well as pre and post tour to increase
the earnings and enhance the value of
the tour for the group members.

 Since check-in and check-out timings in all hotels

in India is generally 12:00 noon, hotel
accommodation should be booked keeping in mind
the arrival and departure timings of the clients
especially in those cases where the timing of the
transport means is fixed and cannot be altered.

While planning a tour programme,

include any festivals or cultural
events taking place during this
period. These attractions would add
to the attraction of the tour package.

Meal plan may or may not be included

in the room tariff. This would depend on
the schedule of the client.

In case of a group traveling together i.e GIT,

obtain a complete list of group members and
the preference for room allocation e.g. single,
twin sharing or double room accommodation

Specify clearly the services included in the

final cost of the tour and those which are
not included.

In case of requirement of foreign language

speaking local guides, advance notice
should be taken to ensure their services on
time.

Along with the itinerary, communication on the

climate, rate of exchange of currency, suitable
clothing, cultural and ritual expectations of the
destination, necessities and required items to
carry, health and environmental warnings should
be given to the tourists specifically in case of
foreign tourists.

Factors to be Considered
while Planning an Itinerary:

 Where to go-Destination/Cities
to be Included in the Itinerary
When to go-Period of travel,
total tour duration, Minimum
Time for visiting each City.

 Why to go-Purpose of Travel-leisure,

business, relaxation or VFR(visiting friends
and relatives).
How to go-Mode of main/inter-City Travel
With whom to go -No. of paxs- FIT/GIT