Itinerary Planning Course: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Jan 16, 2025 01:47 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Itinerary Planning courses teach the knowledge and skills to create effective and engaging travel itineraries. These courses cover a range of topics such as destination research, budgeting, itinerary creation, and client communications. 

Itinerary Planning comes under the Hospitality & Travel discipline and its courses are majorly offered online mode and institutions generally provide certifications in this specialization. Additionally, there is no entrance exam required to get admission to Itinerary Planning programs.

Students who are interested in becoming a Travel or Itinerary Planner may pursue degree courses such as Bachelor of Tourism Management, BA in Hospitality & Travel, BSc in Travel and Tourism, etc. 

Itinerary Planning students can seek career opportunities in profiles such as Travel Consultant, Tour Operator, Event Planner, Corporate Travel Manager, and so on. The average salary of a Travel Consultant is INR 3.9 LPA in India. Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more Itinerary Planning course details.

Latest Updates About Itinerary Planning Course:

Know all about Tour Operations

Table of Contents
  1. Itinerary Planning Course Details: Highlights
    • 1.1 Why Study an Itinerary Planning Course?
  2. Itinerary Planning Eligibility Criteria
  3. Itinerary Planning Admission Process
    • 3.1 Principles of Itinerary Planning
  4. Itinerary Planning Exams 2025
  5. Itinerary Planning Syllabus
  6. Itinerary Planning Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
    • 6.1 Job Profiles and Salary After Itinerary Planning Course 
    • 6.2 Top Recruiters after Itinerary Planning Course
  7. Itinerary Planning Course FAQs

Itinerary Planning Course Details: Highlights

Itinerary Planning is a part of Travel and Tourism courses. The industry is very diverse and growing steadily on the academic front. The industry is predicted to generate more money and nearly double the number of jobs by 2025 as a result.

Travel and Tourism Management courses provide young people with intriguing career prospects. To know more about the key points of the Itinerary Planning courses, candidates can look at the table below. 

Parameters Course Details
Itinerary Planning Course Level Certification
Itinerary Planning Course Duration 4 Weeks to 3 Months
Itinerary Planning Course Fee INR 24000 - INR 8 lakh
Itinerary Planning Top Colleges Riya Institute
Itinerary Planning Job Profiles Tour Operator, Holiday/Travel Agent, Travel Executive, Tourism Manager, Travel Officer/Coordinator, Airlines/Ground Staff, Tourist Guide, etc.
Itinerary Planning Average Salary   INR 3.9 LPA
Itinerary Planning Top Recruiters Cox & Kings Ltd, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, MakeMyTrip (and GoIbibo), Balmer Lawrie Travel & Vacations, Yatra, ClearTrip, Jet Airways, India Healthcare Tourism (IHCT), Flying Fox, SOTC India, Kuoni Travel, East India Travel Co., etc.

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Quick Links Related to the Itinerary Planning Course:

Learn everything about Travel and Tourism Courses

Why Study an Itinerary Planning Course?

Taking an Itinerary Planning course can help you achieve several goals. The following are strong arguments in favor of taking an itinerary planning course:

  • Effective Travel Organization: Discover methodical techniques for effectively planning and arranging travel so that you may maximize your time at each location.
  • Improved Journey Experience: Learn how to plan well-structured itineraries that include the most important sights, events, and activities for a more pleasurable and unforgettable trip.
  • Career Advancement: A career in travel, tourism, or event planning can be attained through studying itinerary planning, which shows expertise and a dedication to providing top-notch services.

Q:   What is Itinerary Planning course?

A:

The Itinerary Planning course is about creating itineraries for different kinds of travel, such as business, group, and leisure travel. Students can learn about researching trip destinations, choosing favorable modes of transportation and lodging, handling finances, planning activities, and designing personalized itineraries to cater to the requirements and tastes of passengers.

Today, when people like to go for a trip even on weekends, they want every arrangement right, time-saving and suitable. This is the reason why Itinerary Planning is considered an important aspect of the travel and tourism industry. It has emerged as a popular career option for those who love to travel and plan their trips. There are also many undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Itinerary Planning, which make the candidates experts in this job.

Q:   What important things should be included in Itinerary Planning?

A:

A strategic Itinerary Planning includes deciding the travel dates for clients, finding and booking flights, reserving accommodation, booking local transportation, and providing other services the client requires. Enroll in this course to learn more about travel planning, roles, and responsibilities.

Itinerary Planning Eligibility Criteria

Itinerary Planning courses are majorly available at the certification level and the eligibility criteria for these courses may vary depending on the colleges. However, the minimum eligibility requirement every candidate has to fulfil is:

  • Class 10 score with all the base subjects from a recognized board.
  • Some certification programs may also require candidates to pass Class 12 from any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce) from a recognized board.
  • Candidates can pursue courses like Bachelor of Travel and Tourism Management (BTTM), Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism, Bachelor of Tourism Management (BTM), Bachelor of Tourism Management, Master of Travel and Tourism Management (MTTM), Master of Tourism Administration, Master of Arts (Honors) in Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism among others.

Relevant Link Related to the Itinerary Planning Course:

Hotel / Hospitality Management.

Q:   I want to do an MBA in Itinerary Planning. Which exams should I take?

A:

I'm afraid that there are no MBA programs specifically designed for Itinerary Planning. However, you can go for its related disciplines like an MBA in Travel and Tourism, an MBA in Event Management, or an MBA in Hospitality and Travel. For these courses, you may need to appear for exams like:

Exam Name

Exam Schedule

NCHMCT JEE

NCHMCT JEE Schedule

UGAT

UGAT Schedule

Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

XAT Schedule

Q:   What are the eligibility criteria to become a Travel Planner?

A:

Here's the basic requirements list to become a good Travel Planner:

Education: Candidates with a bachelor's or master's degree in travel, tourism or any equivalent specialisation may apply for a job as a travel planner. The eligibility requirements for a career as a Travel Planner will vary for all companies. Candidates may check the job description of the company to know more details about education requirements.

Experience: A career as a Travel Planner requires a lot of experience. Candidates must have some experience in the industry so that they provide some best recommendations and options to the clients. They can work at any junior-level position in any travel agency to get some experience in the industry before applying for a job as a travel planner. Besides this, they can also work independently by starting a travel agency for local places.

Skills: It is necessary to have some good communication skills as a Travel Planner. Many other skills may help a Travel Planner to grow in his career.

  • Technical ability
  • Time management
  • Organisation
  • Communication
  • Creativity

Q:   Which is the best way to plan a trip online?

A:

As there are so many travel resources on the internet, planning a vacation may be done quickly and easily. Here's detailed instructions on how to get the most out of your online travel planner:

  1. Define Travel Goals: Clearly state your trip's purpose.
  2. Set Budget: Determine total trip expenses.
  3. Choose Destination: Select a place based on your interests.
  4. Research Online: Use reliable travel websites.
  5. Use Planning Tools: Employ tools like TripIt.
  6. Book Flights & Stay: Compare and reserve on multiple platforms.
  7. Plan Activities: Research and schedule specific attractions.
  8. Check Regulations: Verify visa and travel requirements.

Itinerary Planning Admission Process

The admission process for Itinerary Planning courses can vary depending on the specific program and institution. However, here's a general overview:

  • Online Application: Applications are usually submitted online through the institution's website.
  • Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee is typically required.
  • Academic Records: Submit copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificates.
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a compelling SOP explaining your interest in Itinerary Planning and your career goals.
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Obtain LORs from professors or employers who can vouch for your skills and potential.
  • Personal Interview: Some institutions may conduct a personal interview to assess your suitability for the program.

Itinerary Planning Course Relevant Information:

CUET vs Board Exams: Key Differences, Syllabus, and Preparation Tips

Principles of Itinerary Planning

Below are some key principles of itinerary planning. Those who are planning to pursue a career in the same can read the principles for Itinerary planning:

  • Know Your Traveler: Understand their interests, budget, travel style (adventurous, relaxed, etc.), and any special needs or preferences.
  • Destination Research: Thoroughly research the destination, including attractions, transportation, accommodation, and local customs.
  • Balance Activities: Include a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural experiences to create a well-rounded trip.
  • Flexibility: Allow for flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate unexpected events or changes in traveler preferences.
  • Prioritize Safety: Ensure the safety and well-being of travelers by considering potential risks and taking necessary precautions.
  • Sustainability: Encourage responsible travel practices that minimize environmental impact and support local communities.
  • Clear Communication: Provide clear and concise information to travelers about the itinerary, including transportation, accommodation, and activity schedules.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and refine itineraries based on feedback from travelers and industry trends.

 

 

Q:   What are the steps in itinerary planning?

A:

Here are the steps in itinerary planning you can go through to understand this course better:

  • Gather information of the destinations and their attractions, transportation and accomodations.
  • Understand the traveler's interests, budget and travel style.
  • Create a day-to-day schedule entailing transportation and accomodation informations. 
  • Then book flights, accomodation, transportation and other travel arrangements. 
  • Provide travelers with necessary documents and briefing of itinerary.
  • Offer assistance and support throughout their trip.

Q:   What is itinerary in tourism?

A:

The Itinerary in tourism is about creating itineraries for different kinds of travel and travellers, such as business, group, and leisure travel. It is about researching trip destinations, choosing favorable modes of transportation and lodging, handling finances, planning activities, and designing personalized itineraries to cater to the requirements and tastes of passengers.

Itinerary Planning Exams 2025

Candidates who are looking to make a career in Itinerary planning can become one after the 10th but those who want to gain more expertise can do it after graduating in Hospitality and Travel courses. For enrolling in these courses candidates can consider taking entrance exams for Hospitality and Travel courses:

Exam Name Exam Dates Exam Schedule
CMAT 2025 Feb' 25 (Tentative) CMAT Exam Date 2025
CAT 2024 24 Nov '24 CAT Exam Date 2025
MAT 2024

MAT 2024 PBT- 14 Dec '24

MAT 2024 CBT 2- 22 Dec '24

MAT Exam Date 2025
XAT 2025 05 Jan '25 XAT Exam Date 2025
NCHMCT JEE 2025 27 Apr '25 NCHMCT JEE Exam Date 2025
CUET 2025 May'25 (Tentative) CUET Exam Date 2025
UGAT 2025 January'25 (Tentative) UGAT Exam Date 2025
MAH HM CET 2025 March 28, 2025 (Tentative) MAH HM CET Exam Date 2025
Christ University Entrance Test 2025 January'25 (Tentative) Christ University Entrance Test Exam Date 2025

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

 

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

16 Dec ' 24 - 15 Feb ' 25

NCHMCT JEE 2025 registration

17 Feb ' 25 - 20 Feb ' 25

NCHMCT JEE 2025 Application Correction Window

4 Jan ' 25 - 10 Feb ' 25

MAH MHMCT CET registrations

31 Dec ' 24 - 10 Feb ' 25

MAH HM CET 2025 registrations for BHMCT course

Q:   Which skills are required to become an Itinerary Planner?

A:

To become a successful Itinerary Planner, you are required to possess some basic skills. You should have an interest in communicating, meeting new people, travelling, and so much more. Here is a list of the skills required to be an outstanding Itinerary planner:

Excellent Communication SkillsQuick ThinkerScheduling
Highly OrganizedNegotiation SkillsMultilingual Skills
Interpersonal SkillsCustomer SupportSales
Money HandlingGood Listening SkillsTime Management

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

Itinerary Planning Syllabus

An Itinerary Planning course's syllabus might change based on the specific subject areas, the college delivering the course, and the course level (e.g., beginning or advanced). Nevertheless, the following is a broad synopsis that addresses the main points usually covered in a curriculum for itinerary planning:

The course curriculum of Itinerary Planning varies from college to college. To get an idea of what aspirants are taught in such courses, see the main topics covered in the table below:

Itinerary Planning Subjects
Industry Insights Travel Technology
Destination Research Client Communication
Itinerary Creation Budget Management

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Links useful for Itinerary Planning courses:

Career Guidance for Travel Agent

Q:   Which book should I read to become an Itinerary Planner?

A:

An Itinerary Planner should be experienced enough to offer good recommendations and deals to the clients. He should be able to plan a trip that matches the expectations of that client. Apart from this, they must make sure that the budget of the trip does not exceed the limit decided by clients. Some recommendations for Travel Managers are provided below.

  • Start Your Own Travel Business: Cruises, Adventure Travel, Tours, Senior Travel by Entrepreneur Press
  • Explore India by The Unscripted Life
  • My Travel Journal by The Unscripted Life
  • The Wordless Travel Book by Jonathan Meader
  • How to Be Your Own Travel Agent: A Practical Guide to Vacation-Planning for the Independent Traveler by Nina Thomas
  • The Easy Way Out by Stephen McCauley

Q:   What will I learn from Itinerary Planning course?

A:

Hi, from the Itinerary Planning course, you'll get to learn:

  • The skills that can offer you a bright career in the travel and tourism industry.
  • With the knowledge gained from the course, you can plan personalized and unforgettable trips for yourself, friends, and family. You can create tailored itineraries that suit specific preferences and interests.
  • Effective budgeting is a critical component of travel planning. These courses teach you how to create itineraries that are not only enjoyable but also cost-effective.

Q:   What are the best websites for itinerary planning?

A:

Some websites that are expressly aimed towards Indians can be used to plan travel itineraries within India. These websites include extensive details on places, lodging options, activities, and more. You can use the following Indian websites to organize your itinerary while visiting India:

  • Yatra
  • Make My Trip
  • Indian Holiday
  • Clear Trip
  • SOTC
  • Thomas Cook

Itinerary Planning Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

Taking an itinerary planning course can lead to several career options in the travel and tourism sector. An itinerary planner has to spend most of his/her time in the office. He/she takes care of the confirmation of all activities including accommodation, transportation, and destinations as promised to the customers. Their roles and responsibilities depend on the type of industry.

Job Profiles and Salary After Itinerary Planning Course 

There are many different employment options in the travel and tourism sector for those who work as itinerary planners. Some of the profiles that exist in the Itinerary Planning are given below:

Job Profiles Job Description Average Salary 
Travel Agent/Consultant They advise clients about options for travel by stated objectives. They facilitate travel arrangements and accommodations for individuals and groups. INR 3.3 LPA
Tour Operator Tour Operators are involved in the planning, development, promotion, administration and implementation of tourism products.  INR 2.5 LPA
Event Planner Planning the cost, time, location, program and guests of the event. Inspecting and choosing venues to make sure they meet the client's requirements.  INR 3 LPA
Destination Marketing They promote their destination to tourists, travel planners, corporations, and other consumers that drive valuable revenue to the local economy. INR 2.3 LPA
Travel Writer They generally write about travel destinations for magazines, newspapers, books, websites, and other publications to help inform potential travellers.  INR 5 LPA
Corporate Travel Manager Corporate Travel Managers typically set policies and budgets, negotiate with vendors, help employees with travel documents, and ensure compliance with company policies. INR 10.2 LPA

Note: The salary information is sourced from Ambitionbox.com.

Know more about itinerary planning courses:

How to become an Event Planner?

Top Recruiters after Itinerary Planning Course

Candidates can make their career in travel companies like Make My Trip, Thomas Cook, Travelguru, Expedia, Yatra, Goibibo, and others. The Tourism sector is now looking for experts who can give visitors a unique perspective of the nation and its culture in addition to being able to show them an exceptional level of hospitality. All of the significant cultural, historical, and even medical travel is covered by the numerous job prospects after Travel and Tourism courses.

Additionally, the industry offers a variety of professional opportunities in the public and private sectors. Candidates who meet the requirements can anticipate good compensation packages and a variety of job perks, including free travel and other services. Some of the top recruiters that employ Travel and Tourism graduates are as follows:

Top Recruiters After Itinerary Planning

Cox & Kings Ltd

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd

MakeMyTrip (and GoIbibo)

Balmer Lawrie Travel & Vacations

Yatra

ClearTrip

Jet Airways

India Healthcare Tourism (IHCT)

Flying Fox

SOTC India

Kuoni Travel

East India Travel Co

Kesai Tours

Club Mahindra Holidays

Expedia

TravelGuru

Air Asia

American Express Global Business Travels

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Q:   What does an Itinerary Planner do?

A:

A specialist in itinerary planning is in charge of putting together comprehensive travel schedules for people, parties, or events. Their main objective is to plan every part of the trip so that customers have a smooth and pleasurable travel experience. Itinerary planners can be employed as independent consultants or by travel agencies, tour operators, and destination management firms. 

Itinerary Planners arrange and plan the destination's events, excursions, tours, and activities. They also coordinate with regional tour companies, guides, and activity suppliers may be necessary to guarantee a varied and pleasurable trip. Also, they give customers the trip documentation they need, such as airline tickets, hotel reservations, confirmations of activities, and any other information they might need. Read Tour Operations Course.

Q:   What is the average salary of a Travel Writer in India?

A:

Travel writers write about travel destinations for magazines, newspapers, books, and websites. They help inform potential travellers and may also provide recommendations to readers. 
Their salary in India ranges between INR 2.3 LPA to 10 LPA with an average annual salary of INR 5.0 LPA. 

Itinerary Planning Course FAQs

Interested candidates can refer to this section for Itinerary Planning course FAQs.

Q:   What are the various types of Itineraries?

A:

There are three types of simple itineraries:

  • One-way (OW): You are flying from somewhere (your origin) to somewhere else (your destination).
  • Return or Round trip (RT): You are flying from your origin to your destination (which for return fares is also called the point of turnaround) then back to your origin. Notice that for complex routings what you consider your destination might not be what the airline considers your point of turnaround, which is used primarily for fare calculations.
  • Open jaw (OJ): Your travel includes a surface sector (traveled other than by air) either at the origin or the turnaround of the journey.

Popular Itinerary Planning Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Itinerary Planning Colleges in India. Learn more about these Itinerary Planning colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Popular Private Itinerary Planning Colleges in India

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

The Itinerary in tourism is about creating itineraries for different kinds of travel and travellers, such as business, group, and leisure travel. It is about researching trip destinations, choosing favorable modes of transportation and lodging, handling finances, planning activities, and designing p

...Read more

J

Jiya Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

Here are the steps in itinerary planning you can go through to understand this course better:

  • Gather information of the destinations and their attractions, transportation and accomodations.
  • Understand the traveler's interests, budget and travel style.
  • Create a day-to-day schedule entailing transportati

...Read more

V

Vipra Tiwari

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

The Itinerary Planning course is about creating itineraries for different kinds of travel, such as business, group, and leisure travel. Students can learn about researching trip destinations, choosing favorable modes of transportation and lodging, handling finances, planning activities, and designin

...Read more

V

Vipra Pandey

Beginner-Level 5