There are essentially two types of itineraries:
1. General Tour Itinerary: a general itinerary that is aimed at and marketed to a wide variety of clients. It is an open itinerary taking in to consideration a wide range of Interest.
2. Personalized Itinerary: a personalized itinerary that is specially drawn up for a specific client according to that client’s needs and interests.
The tour operation industry practices highlights that there are two types of tourist itineraries- Ready-Made and Tailor Made. The ready-made itineraries are made in advance without knowing when and who will buy. It is similar to produce clothes, shoes and display in a shop. It is prepared to suit maximum number of potential travelers. It must be saleable and should be focused on the potential market segmentation. While preparing ready-made itinerary, a tour operator should consider its capacity, market, marketing strategy, competitor’s policy, future company policy, pricing policy etc. They are used for packaging tours, so these are also known as package tours.
On the other hand Special or Tailor-Made itineraries are made on request to suit the individual travellers. In fact, a Tailor-Made itinerary is developed on the request or on demand of the particular traveller /customer. Thus, while preparing Special or Tailor-Made itineraries, two way communications is possible so that itinerary can be prepared as per the tourist requirements. Generally, in this type of itinerary, duration, places of visit, date, hotel plan, type of service required is known.
Tour itinerary may be prepared on the basis of the following points:
* Single or multiple destinations: To include only one destination or to include more than one destination in one itinerary.
* Special interest package: For example adventure package, cultural package, holiday package, etc.
* Tour package: An itinerary prepared for pleasure, relax.
* Travel package: An itinerary especially for travel.
* Outbound package: An itinerary prepared for domestic tourists to visit foreign countries.
* Inbound package: An itinerary prepared for foreigners to visit our country.
* Domestic tours: An itinerary prepared for local people to visit own country.
There are essentially two types of itineraries:
- Customer or Tailor Made Itinerary
- General Itinerary or Readymade itinerary
A customer made Itinerary also called as tailor made or a Personalized Itinerary. This itinerary is specially drawn up for a specific client according to that client’s needs and interests and secondly a readymade itinerary or a General Itinerary that is aimed at and marketed to a wide variety of clients. It is an open itinerary taking in to consideration a wide range of Interest.
Meaning of Customer Made Itinerary
- A Customer made Itinerary is also known as a Tailor-made itinerary means that an itinerary is designed especially for you as per your requirements and needs. It has been seen that the pre-designed tours cannot be fixed in Tailor-made tours.
- A customer made tour is specially tailored to tourist’s heart desires and needs to gain a greater individual attention and the maximum flexibility and comfort.
- Generally, to develop a Tailor-made tour tourists have to mail or send information about the destinations, services, facilitates, meal, accommodation, budget, number of PAX hotel requests, meal requirements, personal interests, or special travel activities and language service etc.
- The more information is available the more suitable tour can be designed and developed. Alternatively, many travel companies have the Tailor Made Form to communicate their needs and requirements.
- A tailor-made programme is an itinerary created just for specific tourists which includes everything specified or wished by the tourists during the tour.
- A “tailor-made tour is defined as a package specifically created to cater the diversified desires, needs and requirements of a tourist or group. Thus, while developing such type of tour package there is lots of scope for addition and subtraction of any service or faculties as per the decision of the tourists. In fact, there is a wide scope for add or remove anything tourist wishes in order to make it suit individual requirements.
Interestingly, when tour planners develop or design a trip for the tailor the requirements of individual tourists they ask clarification about certain questions to help them really understand what tourists are hoping for from the holiday. This way tour planners can get as close as possible to tourists requirements both financially and as regards the whole holiday experience. Further, the joy of a tailor-made itinerary is that tourist holiday is designed around their requirements and these are not restricted to the set itinerary of a group departure. There is no set list of questions which a tour planner seeks while developing a tailor made tour.
However, the kinds of questions a tour planner ask are:
Do you celebrating a special occasion – perhaps your honeymoon, a special birthday or an anniversary?
Why not enjoy each other’s company in privacy without being part of a larger group?
Do you going on holiday to relax rather than spend your time packing and unpacking, moving from one place to the next?
Do you travelling abroad to stay with friends or family and wishing to add-on a safari, a cruise, or even some self-drive exploration?
Do you like focus our suggested itineraries but would like to stay at alternative accommodation or include a few extra days and extend your holiday?
How long and roughly when do you what to travel?
How many people are travelling? Are there any children in the party?
Do you have a limited amount of time, group departure dates often don’t fit?
Is there anything specific you want to see or do?
Do you want to be away for a long weekend, or perhaps you have an extended amount
of time to enjoy travelling and would like us to help with part of it?
Roughly what budget would you like us to try to keep to for you?
What type of accommodation do you like (eg from luxury hotels to camping)
Where might you want to go, or what kind of experience are you hoping for?
Do you want a private vehicle, or the very best naturalist the region has to offer?
Example :
All of Himachal: Chandigarh – Shimla – Manali – Dharmashala – Dalhousie – Amritsar- Chandigarh
12 Days / 11 Nights
1N Chandigarh – 2N Shimla – 3N Manali – 1N Dharmashala – 2N Dalhousie – 2N
Amritsar
Day 1 Chandigarh
assembling point is at Chandigarh and after transfer to hotel for check in. Take lunch and proceed for local sightseeing tour to Pinjore Garden, the Rock Garden. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2 Chandigarh – Shimla (Approx time 3.30 hrs.)
2nd after breakfast check –out from hotel and proceed to Shimla by ac coach. Arrive in Shimla and proceed to hotel. After lunch, you will be free for leisure. Overnight in Shimla.
Day 3 Shimla-Kufri-Shimla
the 3rd day whole at leisure & local sightseeing tour to Kufri- winter sports capital, visit Scandal point and Shimla Church. Overnight in Shimla.
Day 4 Shimla – Manali (Approx time 10 hrs.)
After breakfast check-out hotel and proceed to Manali by AC coach. Enroute lunch transfer to hotel and evening free at leisure, one can enjoy shopping at Mall road. Overnight in Manali.
Day 5 Manali-Rohtang Pass or Snow Point-Manali
the fifth day is free to enjoy the scenic beauty of Himalaya. Visit Rohtang Pass or Snow Point. Free time to enjoy snow. Overnight stay at the hotel in Manali.
Day 6 Manali-City Sightseeing: Day 6 is full of sightseeing to important tourist places having unique historical significance, visit ancient temples like the Manu Mandir, Hadimba Temple, Gayatri Mandir and Vashista Kund. Overnight in Manali.
Day 7 Manali -Dharamsala (Approx time 7 hrs.)
After breakfast, check –out and proceed to another scenic town of Himachal Pradesh – Dharmashala. Lunch enroute transfer to hotel and Evening visit Dal Lake, Dalai Lama monastery and Bhasunag Temple. Overnight at the hotel in Dharmashala.
Day 8 Dharamsala- Dalhousie (Approx time 6 hrs.)
After breakfast, check –out and leave for Dalhousie. Arrive at hotel check-in and lunch, Evening free for leisure or you can enjoy nice walk around this small town. Overnight stay at the hotel Dalhousie.
Day 9 Dalhousie-Khajjiar-Dalhousie
the 9th day is full of fun and enjoy excursion trip to Khajjiar surrounded by dense Deodar forests, small temple with a golden spire and golf course. Visit the Ajit Singh Smarak and Satadhara Sparkling springs. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Dalhousie.
Day 10 Dalhousie – Amritsar (Approx time 9 hrs.)
After breakfast, check –out and proceed to Amritsar. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight at Amritsar.
Day 11 Amritsar
after breakfast morning visit Golden Temple. Evening Enjoy Wagah Border. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12 Amritsar – Hometown
Today depart from Amritsar by train or flight to hometown. Tour Concludes
Meaning of Readymade Itinerary
- A pre-design itinerary consists of accommodation, transportation, local sightseeing & other services and is advertised and sold inclusive by a vendor known as a tour operator. Other services may be provided such a rental car, insurance, currency & activities during the
holiday. - Thus, Package holiday is a form of tourism product bundling. Further, pre-designed itineraries are normally conducted by a tour operator who takes care of all services from the beginning to end of the tour. In fact, these itineraries include the flights, hotels, transportation, transfers to the airport / hotel, most meals and some
sightseeing and other services- currency, insurance etc. - Most of tours have local sightseeing by motor coach and usually no more than three nights are spent in each location visited. They are usually fast-paced and prices include most of the every thing.
According to Morrison (1989), “Pre-designed tour itinerary is a trip planned and paid for a single price in advance, which covers a broad range of items from commercial transportation and accommodation to meals and sightseeing, sometimes accompanied by an escort or a guide”.
Middleton (1994) “describes it as an inclusive form of travel, organized by intermediaries or middlemen; in whom the tour represents a bundle of tourism goods and services, marketed as one particular product or brand and sold at an inclusive price”.
According to Holloway (2000) :describe the pre-design itinerary as itineraries put together by a tour operator or other supplier, usually incorporating at least three elements, transportation, accommodation and transfers, although some packages may include additional services such as excursions” .
Example:
Pre-planned tour itinerary to Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan
Group | 15 Days / 13 Nights
The Rajasthan is known as the princely state of Rajputana. The Rajasthan, were once the domain of courageous warriors and lavish ruling dynasties. The state is also well recognised as the state of Forts & Palaces. This is an inclusive tour and is offered to the first time travellers starting from Delhi and Agra then this journey travels into the heart of Rajasthan and explores many of the region’s superb forts and palaces, atmospheric cities and dramatic desert scenery.
Day 1 – Fly from London to Delhi and arrived at IG International airport New Delhi, warm welcome by the company representative and transfer by AC coach to hotel. Check –in and transferred to individual room on sharing basis. Night stay at hotel.
Day 2 – Delhi: after breakfast, whole day at your leisure to visit old Delhi Old Delhi to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat and other destinations. Evening light & sound show. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 – Delhi to Agra: After breakfast visit India Gate and the former vice regal residence, both fine examples of British imperial architecture. Continue to visit the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and the Qutb Minar tower. Afternoon drive to Agra and stay for 2 nights at Hotel Agra.
Day 4 – Agra: Early morning at sunrise time visit the Taj Mahal, after breakfast, visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and Agra Fort. Evening is free at your own leisure or optional excursion to see the Taj Mahal at sunset. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5 – Agra to Jaipur: after breakfast check –out and proceed for Jaipur and stay 2 nights at Alsisar Haveli. En route, visit Emperor Akbar’s deserted 16th-century sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri and Bhartpur bird century. Transfer to hotel and overnight there.
Day 6 – Jaipur: whole day to see the pink city, after breakfast visit to the ancient palace of Amber Fort, the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, where you have the opportunity to learn how to handprint your own scarf. Afternoon tour of the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 – Jaipur to Bikaner: Transfer to Bikaner, once a major trading centre on the caravan route linking central Asia with north India. Stay 2 nights at the Laxmi Niwas Palace, the former residence of the maharaja of Bikaner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 – Bikaner: after breakfast visit to Junagarh Fort. Afternoon at leisure. This evening, stroll through the old town of Bikaner, which has some of India’s best street architecture. Overnight at hotel
Day 9 – Bikaner to Jaisalmer: after breakfast leave to Jaisalmer for an overnight stay at Fort Rajwada. Afternoon tour of Jaisalmer Fort, and Golden Fort. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 – Jaisalmer to Manvar: after breakfast depart to Manvar in the Thar Desert. Following a visit to local villages, continue to the tented camp. Evening Rajasthani dinner and music amid the sand dunes, overnight stay at the camp.
Day 11 – Manvar to Rohet / Luni: Drive to Jodhpur and visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Continue to the village of Rohet / Luni and stay 2 nights at Rohetgarh Fort / Fort Chanwa.
Day 12 – Rohet / Luni: Morning at leisure. Afternoon 4×4 safari to visit the Bishnoi tribal villages.
Day 13 – To Udaipur: after breakfast leave to Udaipur via the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur. Evening arrival at the LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace / Fateh Garh for a 2-night stay.
Day 14 – Udaipur: after breakfast whole day tour of the City Palace and Jagdish Temple. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 15 – To London: Transfer to the international airport and fly to Delhi to connect with the Jet Airways / Virgin Atlantic flight to London.
Pre-designed tour itinerary has many benefits for tourists:
Tour Manager: Tour manager plays significant role in the entire duration of a tour. Upon arrival of tourists at destination he will meet the group and well with garlands and brief whole journey. He will accompany the group throughout the tour ensuring nothing gets in the way of your holiday of a lifetime.
Scheduled Flights: most of the travel companies’ use only scheduled airlines for international and almost all internal flights, and offer excellent upgrade rates.
Expert Local Guides: For all group departures, a representative is available to assist with check-in and any seat requests during the main check-in period. The local expert guides are also provided to have first hand information.
Comfortable Land Travel: All land transfers are by air-conditioned buses of a size appropriate for the group.
Airport Representatives: For all group departures from international airport, a representative is available to assist with the check-in process and any seat requests you may have.
First Class Accommodation: generally travel companies use first class 4 and 5-star hotels, or the best available, on at all destinations.