Travel Introductory Program: TRIPKIT℠ 5th Edition

The TRIPKIT includes three online textbooks and workbooks, 13 hours of Expert Insider Insight videos, and a 19-lesson curriculum.  Printed textbooks can be purchased for an additional fee.

From: $399.00

ProductQuantity

Add the TRIPKIT Textbooks in Print

Along with online access, a print version can be added to accommodate preferred learning styles.

1
TRIPKIT

Your Travel Career Starts Here

The Travel Institute has been preparing individuals for a successful future in the travel industry for more than 50 years – it’s our specialty!

We call it the 'TRIPKIT'

TRIPKIT

Travel Introductory Program, TRIPKIT℠

The TRIPKIT curriculum is designed to provide agents across North America with a solid foundation on critical areas that all travel professionals must have to be successful in this rapidly changing industry. 

These materials are included with your purchase:

Travel Career Development

The 16-chapter Travel Career Development covers the art of selling travel, the keys to servicing customers, and the diverse career paths available.

Exploring The World

The 15-chapter Exploring the World examines the physical and cultural perspectives of geography, plus a regional breakdown describing specific destinations and their attractions.
Travel Introductory Program Online

TRIPKIT Study Plan

The TRIPKIT Study Plan provides recommended reading, study timelines, quizzes, industry resources, and these 13 pre-recorded “Insider Insights” videos led by industry experts.

How to Start a Home-Based Travel Agency

If your business model is home-based, this expanded content is exclusively focused on how to establish and maintain a successful home-based travel agency.
Travel Agent Proficiency Test

Travel Agent Proficiency Test

The Travel Agent Proficiency or TAP® test is the first step in travel industry professional recognition and is included in the TRIPKIT program.

Your Study materials;
Wherever you are.

Our TRIPKIT℠ experience engages Canadian and U.S.-based students, focusing on real-world, real-work experiences. This in-depth, self-paced course is offered in both textbook and online formats and can be accessed anytime to fit your schedule and jump-start your travel career.

The Travel Institute is Here For you

We were created by the travel industry to support people like you!

Join Our Next Free Session

Enroll today for the next “Preparing for a Travel Career” session about the TRIPKIT program and learn how to become a travel agent.

RETURNS/REFUNDS:

All products purchased from The Travel Institute are NON-REFUNDABLE. This includes memberships/subscriptions; online/downloaded courses and materials; textbooks and reference materials; and/or materials not created by The Travel Institute (3rd-party products). Damaged products will be exchanged for the same title.

Travel Career Development Chapters

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Appreciate the evolution of the industry—its past and where it is going.

2. Explain the difference between travel and tourism.

3. Explain inbound versus outbound travel.

4. Describe the major segments of the industry and how they are related.

5. Explain Stanley Plog’s psychographic analysis of American travelers.

6. Describe the skills needed for most positions in the travel industry.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Identify the characteristics that shape the appeal of destinations, ensuring that people want to visit.

2. Explain how to locate a destination and how to calculate time differences.

3. Outline the major factors that shape the climate of a destination.

4. Describe at least five key sources of information about destinations.

5. Outline the requirements that governments place on international travelers visiting their countries.

6. Identify reliable sources of information about possible dangers abroad and common problems encountered by international travelers.

7. Suggest four methods of handling currency exchange for an international trip.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Describe how personal computers and GDSs are used in the travel industry.

2. Outline four major ways that travel professionals use the Internet.

3. Discuss at least three of the many new technological devices that have come into the marketplace and how they might be used in the industry by travel professionals.

4. List at least four reasons why travelers would seek out a travel professional despite the existence of online travel services.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Outline how the airline industry is regulated and coordinated by the government and suppliers.

2. Describe how airlines differ and know the codes for some major airlines and airports in the United States, Canada, and abroad

3. Explain three types of flights, five types of journeys, and the different classes of service.

4. Describe at least five factors that are likely to affect the cost of a passenger’s flight.

5. Outline the procedures involved in taking a flight and common questions and problems that come up in air travel.

6. Show why a good travel counselor needs to know about airline ticketing and how airline tickets can be an income source if handled properly.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Describe rail service in Canada, the United States and Europe.

2. Outline the services provided by car rental companies and the requirements that renters should expect to meet.

3. Identify the functions played by motor coaches.

4. Explain the comparative advantages of traveling by rail, rental car, ridesharing, or motor coach.

5. Discuss the roles of transfers, ridesharing services, and other ground services that travel counselors might offer.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Identify at least 10 of the 20 types of properties listed that exist worldwide.

2. Discuss the major trends in how accommodations are owned and operated, and describe some key market segments.

3. Outline the roles of hotels and travel counselors in selling accommodations.

4. List the characteristics that may affect the price of a room.

5. Make a checklist of the information needed when making a hotel reservation for a client.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Describe the key types of cruise lines and other ships available to tourists.

2. Identify the most popular cruising areas of the world.

3. Outline the key attractions of life onboard a cruise.

4. Explain major benefits and possible disadvantages of the typical cruise.

5. Name the factors that determine the cost of a cruise.

6. Describe latest trends in the cruise industry.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Identify at least five types of tours and packages.

2. Describe the key components of tours and packages.

3. Explain the tour contract and the responsibilities and liabilities of tour operators.

4. Discuss key criteria for selecting a tour operator.

5. Identify benefits that tours offer travelers and travel counselors.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Outline the marketing process and name the four Ps.

2. Summarize key decisions that a travel business must make about its product.

3. Describe the major forms of promotion.

4. Identify the distribution system and selling sites most often used by travel businesses.

5. Describe pricing strategies frequently used by travel suppliers and travel agencies.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Describe the agency-supplier relationship, which limits the agency‘s potential liability.

2. Describe the skills that provide a foundation for effective communication by salespeople.

3. Identify eight steps in making a successful sale.

4. State five questions involved in qualifying a client and three ways to close a sale.

5. Discuss the responsibilities of a travel counselor after the sale has been made.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Describe three key variations in selling situations that travel sellers must adjust to.

2. State four principles to follow when selling a trip to a group.

3. Discuss the distinctive characteristics of business travel.

4. Describe the special challenges involved in arranging meetings and incentive travel.

5. Identify the main types and benefits of travel insurance.

6. Name three specialties prevalent in the travel industry.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Outline the advantages of the major methods of communication in the travel industry.

2. Describe at least four guidelines for selling travel on the telephone.

3. List five situations in which a travel counselor should communicate by letter.

4. Review at least five guidelines each for effective letter writing and use of e-mail.

5. Understand how digital communications are impacting agents’ interactions with
sales prospects and clients.

6. Describe four methods of interoffice communication.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Describe three types of expenses and two types of financial statements.

2. Outline how suppliers receive their payments and how travel agencies receive their commissions and other earnings.

3. Identify three benefits of preferred supplier relationships.

4. List at least five sources of income for travel agencies, key expenses, and major strategies used by agencies to hold down expenses and increase income.

5. Describe precautions that should be taken when accepting credit cards and
checks.

6. Discuss the relationship between customer service and a travel agency’s success.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Distinguish three types of home-based agents.

2. Discuss the importance of developing a business plan and seeking professional advice when setting up your own business.

3. Identify the issues that should be considered when selecting a host agency or suppliers.

4. Describe how home-based agents can differentiate their services and grow their businesses.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Design a plan for your search for employment.

2. Describe the items to include in a portfolio and in a résumé.

3. Identify at least six sources of information about possible openings.

4. Discuss at least three keys to a successful interview.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1. Suggest at least four ways to ensure success in a new job and four steps to take to prepare for advancement.

2. Outline a path for advancing in a travel/tourism career.

3. Identify at least four ethical responsibilities of travel professionals.

4. Describe how to develop your skills and knowledge as a travel professional.

Exploring The World Chapters

When you have completed Chapter 1, you should be able to

1. Read a map.

2. Explain the system of time zones.

3. Differentiate between weather and climate.

4. Describe how cultural factors influence tourism.

5. Identify sources of information used in planning trips.

When you have completed Chapter 2, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of the eastern United States.

2. Identify the region’s attractions, matching travelers and destinations suited for each other.

3. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to the eastern United States.

When you have completed Chapter 3, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of the Midwest.

2. Identify the region’s attractions, matching travelers and destinations suited for each other.

3. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to the area

When you have completed Chapter 4, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment of the western states.

2. Summarize the special physical attractions of Alaska and Hawaii.

3. Match travelers and destinations best suited for each other.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to the western states, Alaska, or Hawaii.

When you have completed Chapter 5, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of Canada.

2. Identify Canada’s provinces, territories, and most-visited sites.

3. Match travelers with the Canadian destinations best suited for their trip.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to Canada.

When you have completed Chapter 6, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of the islands.

2. Identify and locate the most-visited islands.

3. Match travelers and destinations best suited for each other.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to the islands.

When you have completed Chapter 7, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of Middle America.

2. Identify and locate Mexico’s most visited sites, matching travelers and destinations best suited for each other.

3. Recall and locate the most-visited sites in Central America.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to Middle America.

When you have completed Chapter 8, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of South America.

2. Identify and locate South America’s countries, dependencies, and most visited sites.

3. Match travelers and destinations best suited for each other.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to South America and Antarctica.

When you have completed Chapter 9, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

2. Identify and locate the most-visited sites of the United Kingdom.

3. Describe the attractions of the Republic of Ireland.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

When you have completed Chapter 10, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of northern Europe.

2. Locate each country’s principal gateway and major cities.

3. Describe the key attractions that the region offers visitors.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to northern Europe.

When you have completed Chapter 11, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of eastern Europe.

2. Identify eastern Europe’s most-visited attractions

3. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to eastern Europe.

When you have completed Chapter 12, you should be able to

1. Describe the geography and people of southern Europe.

2. Identify and locate southern Europe’s most-visited attractions, matching travelers and destinations best suited for each other.

3. Recall areas of special-interest touring.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to southern Europe.

When you have completed Chapter 13, you should be able to

1. List the geographic features that make Africa and the Middle East attractive tourist destinations.

2. Describe the appeal of Africa, matching travelers and destinations best suited for each other.

3. Summarize the appeal of the Middle East.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to Africa and the Middle East.

When you have completed Chapter 14, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of Asia.

2. Identify the most-visited attractions, matching travelers and destinations best suited for each other.

3. Recall factors limiting tourism to Asia.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to Asia.

When you have completed Chapter 15, you should be able to

1. Describe the environment and people of Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania.

2. Identify and locate the region’s main attractions.

3. Match travelers and destinations best suited for each other.

4. Provide or find the information needed to plan a trip to the region.

The TRIPKIT Study Plan

The TRIPKIT Study Plan provides recommended reading, study timelines, quizzes, industry resources, and these 13 pre-recorded “Insider Insights” videos led by industry experts.

    1. A Day in the Life of a Travel Advisor – Most travel advisors will tell you there is no such thing as a typical day. Every day is different! That’s one of the reasons advisors want to be in the travel business. Each day brings new destinations, new clients, new challenges, and new adventures! In this session, two industry experts will share their knowledge and expertise on the dreams and journeys they each took to launch and build their own successful travel businesses from the ground up. You’ll also get tips on the different niches—such as destination weddings and honeymoons or family travel—you may choose to specialize in.
    2. The Travel Industry Key Partners–Putting the Pieces Together There are many key partners in the travel industry, and, like a puzzle, it is important to understand how all these pieces come together. Trying to understand each of the key partners’ roles in travel can be a little confusing.  What is the difference between a tour operator and wholesaler? What are consortia? What is their role? What are a host agency and an IC (independent contractor)? What is an OTA or an air consolidator? There are lots of pieces to the travel industry puzzle. This session focuses on the travel industry key partners, what they do, and how these pieces come together.
    3. The Keys to Making Money Selling Travel – As a newcomer to the travel industry, not only are you studying to become a travel professional, you also must fully understand the principles of running a business. This webinar is a very practical look at the business side of travel and how to make money in your new profession.
    4. Finding the Right Host Agency Now that you are familiar with the industry players, it’s important to know what a host agency can do for you. Another priority is understanding what’s involved as an independent contractor (IC) and how it may differ from a traditional agency position. This session gets into the nuts and bolts of these topics and more.
    5. Getting to the Sale: Developing Your Communication Skills & Creating Marketing StrategiesToday’s sales process is much more subtle and fine-tuned for each individual prospect or client. The same can be said about today’s marketing strategies. The good news is that there are so many cost-effective or free marketing tactics out there. The bad news is that there are so many cost-effective or free marketing tactics out there! The goal is to get to the sale. Developing your communication skills and creating effective marketing strategies can help you achieve success!
    6. Soar into the Skies Selling Air! Some travel advisors find booking airline tickets for their clients to be a little intimidating. There is so much to learn and so much to know! What is an open-jaw ticket? A debit memo? How can you search for the best fares? Our industry expert has an extensive background and knowledge of everything airline related, including airline contracts, systems, operations, and processes. In addition to explaining the ins and outs of working with airlines, our insider will share his expertise, best practices, and tips for working with airlines and booking air for your clients and making money selling air.
    7. Riding the Rails – Our industry expert discusses the best practices and selling tips on how your clients and future clients can travel throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and around the world while “Riding the Rails.” Exploring destinations by train allows travelers to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Our insider offers valuable insight on positioning these incredible journeys to your clients.
    8. Room for Rest & Relaxation! – Hotels, villas, B&Bs, small quaint boutique hotels, large sprawling resorts… much more than just places to sleep. There are so many choices out there! Not sure how the hotel star rating system works or what makes a five-star hotel different from a four-star? Why should you book hotels directly rather than part of a package? What are the questions to help clients choose accommodations to fit their needs? Our industry expert will explore many options for accommodations. She will share her professional knowledge and expertise and explain what you need to know when booking accommodations for your clients.
    9. Navigating the Waters of CruiseNavigating the waters of cruising may seem a little challenging. How does a balcony differ from a French balcony? What is the difference between an ocean cruise and a river cruise, other than that one is on an ocean and the other on a river? Is one preferred over the other? That would depend on the individual client! There are many important questions you need to ask to help your clients choose the right cruise vacation. Our industry expert has done it all in the cruise industry, including working on cruise ships and in sales for both ocean and river cruise lines. His extensive career and expertise are invaluable. Our insider will share his knowledge and tips as we dive into both ocean and river cruising
    10. Globetrotting with Tour Operators and Escorted Tours Our industry expert will share her own vast knowledge and expertise in the Tours travel segment. She discusses best practices and tips for working with tour operators. And she delves into the lucrative business of selling escorted tours and offers tips on customizing these amazing trips for your clients. 
    11. Exploring North America, Central America, South America, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Think you know your geography well? Can you recognize and identify key landmarks across the globe? These fun quizzes will allow you to test your knowledge. In this session, you will see how well you know North America, Central America, South America, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
    12. Exploring the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Europe – Think you know your geography well? Can you recognize and identify key landmarks across the globe? These fun quizzes will allow you to test your knowledge. In this session, you will see how well you know the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Europe.
    13. Exploring Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific – Think you know your geography well? Can you recognize and identify key landmarks across the globe? These fun quizzes will allow you to test your knowledge. In this session, you will see how well you know Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific. 

How to Start a Home-Based Travel Agency Chapter titles:

Chapter 1: The Travel Industry, Opportunity of the 21st Century

Chapter 2: A Brief History of Travel Retailing

Chapter 3: Transition From Storefront to Home-Based Travel Agencies

Chapter 4: Evolution of the True Independent Contractor

Chapter 5: Developing a Business Concept

Chapter 6: Creating a Travel Agency Business Plan

Chapter 7: Starting Your Home-Based Travel Business

Chapter 8: Setting Up Your Books

Chapter 9: Your Home Office of the 21st Century

Chapter 10: Your Home Office – Computer, Network and More

Chapter 11: Selecting Your Host Agency

Chapter 12: Establishing Your Agency Relationship with Suppliers

Chapter 13: Travel Reservations and Reference Resources

Chapter 14: Setting Up Your Supplier Files

Chapter 15: Developing a Marketing Plan

Chapter 16: Creating a Print and Digital Media Strategy

Chapter 17: Using Direct Mail in a Digital World and How to Find New Clients

Chapter 18: Travel Advertising

Chapter 19: Travel Promotions

Chapter 20: Cold Calls, Canvassing and Telemarketing

Chapter 21: Travel Marketing Techniques for the 21st Century

Chapter 22: The Internet and the Travel Industry

Chapter 23: Organizing Your Marketing Files

Chapter 24: Developing Your Professional Knowledge and Skills

Chapter 25: Legal Issues and Protecting Your Business

Chapter 26: Home-Based Travel Agent Travel Benefits

Chapter 27: Tax Benefits for Home-Based Travel Agents

Chapter 28: Getting Connected in the Travel Industry

Chapter 29: Home Based Travel Agent

Chapter 30: Where Do I Go From Here? 

 

Travel Agent Proficiency Test

The TAP® test or Travel Agent Proficiency is the first step towards professional recognition. Often included at the end of entry-level training programs, the test allows candidates to demonstrate that they have mastered the basics of the travel industry – selling skills, basic geography, and the items/products sold by travel counselors.

The test is a *proctored, consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are given two hours to complete the test.

*Proctor Requirements: A test proctor is required for this test. The proctor is someone chosen by the candidate and their responsibility is to be sure that the candidate isn’t using any books, notes or reference materials while testing. The proctor chosen should be a) over 21, b) not related to the candidate, and c) not currently preparing to take the TAP® test themselves.

Welcome to The Travel Institute

You may be wondering whether a career in travel is a practical choice. If so, you’ve come to the right place to consider that very question in greater detail. Our entire team is here to advise and support you.

Travel desire is at an all-time high. People crave a break from the confines of previous years and leisure travelers are spending more on experiences than on products, a trend that helps the travel industry. In addition, there is an increased desire by travelers to utilize a travel professional to advise, manage details, and value, and assist in mitigating unforeseen travel disruptions. This all points to opportunity but how do you know if a travel career is right for you specifically?

A great way to explore the opportunity and make this important decision is to attend a courtesy, “preparing for a travel career” webinar. Whether you are interested in starting your very first career, changing careers, working part-time, owning your own business, ensuring retirement income, seeking home-based, flexible hours, or developing a specialized travel niche, the time to take a deeper look at our exciting, always-evolving industry and prepare for a career in travel is now.

Continue to dream, but also take action to ensure you have the knowledge and tools you need for a successful career as a travel professional. Once on your way, you will travel, share best practices, and become a global ambassador. You’ll also become a savvy businessperson. And, throughout your career, we’ll be here to encourage, enable, support, and celebrate your success!

Contact The Travel Institute

Hot Tip Tuesday
Newsletter Signup