Selecting a tour with an appropriate itinerary for the individual client is another important component of a pre-packaged tour. The elements of an itinerary include the route, distances, travel times, activities and sightseeing during the tour. It is helpful to understand some basic guidelines, which may be divided into five categories. An explanation of these categories follows:
Itinerary Pace
Pacing refers to how quickly or slowly an itinerary moves. Providing a comfortable pace for clients is essential to their enjoyment of the tour. A client`s age and health should be considered when determining whether a tour`s pace is appropriate. Travel professional must discussion each client on an individual basis.
Itinerary Routing
Tour routing should be both interesting and efficient. Whenever possible, tour routes should avoid back-tracking, doubling back or routing a client in circles. The hub and spoke routing has become increasing popular for motor-coach tours. With this type of routing, travelers stay at a central destination and travel via motor-coach to surrounding destinations during the day, returning to the central destination at night.
Interests
How travel agent could match the client`s interests with corresponding activities and attraction?
Itinerary Details
Successful travel agent pay attention to details such as:
- Dates & time.
- Specify the included and excluded items of the itinerary.
- Confirm with all travel suppliers.
Energy
Finally, matching the energy level of the client with the energy level of the tour itinerary. It is important to take note of how much walking certain tours require, whether or not the client is travelling alone or with a family that includes small children.
