The travel industry is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, with packaged travel representing a significant portion of the U.S. travel market. In 2008, it accounted for $18.3 billion, highlighting its importance and complexity. Understanding the different types of travel packages and the companies that create them is crucial for both travelers and industry professionals. This article delves into the specifics of “What Is Fit In Travel,” exploring its meaning and how it differs from other travel arrangements.
Types of Packaged Travel
A “package” in travel is defined as a reservation that combines at least two of the three major travel components: flight, accommodation, and car rental. This single booking and payment transaction can also include other elements such as transfers, day tours, activities, meals, and travel insurance.
Here’s a breakdown of different types of packaged travel:
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Package (or Vacation Package): This typically includes a combination of flight, accommodation, rental car or transfer, day tours or activities, meals, and travel insurance.
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Charter: This involves a tour operator assuming the risk on flight inventory (or owning the plane) and selling the seats as part of a package.
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Escorted Tours: These tours usually have fixed departure dates and include more travel components, often guided by a tour leader.
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Group Travel: This includes packages and custom FITs designed for groups of leisure travelers, typically involving a minimum of nine or ten individuals.
Group of tourists enjoying a guided tour
What is FIT in Travel? Decoding Flexible Independent Travel
Originally, FIT stood for “foreign independent travel,” referring to leisure trips abroad without an escort or fixed package structure. However, the meaning has evolved. Today, FIT most commonly refers to “flexible independent travel.” While the itinerary’s components might resemble a package, it is custom-built to meet the specific needs and preferences of the traveler. This means travelers have the freedom to choose their destinations, accommodations, activities, and travel dates, creating a personalized travel experience.
Traveler using a map while exploring a city
Types of Travel Packagers
Various entities create and distribute travel packages. Here’s a look at some common types:
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Traditional Vacation Packager (TVP): This term encompasses all tour operators, distinguishing them from the online packaging offered by major online travel agencies.
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Tour Operator: This is the general name for providers of all packaged travel, including escorted tours, group tours, charters, vacation packages, and FITs.
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Escorted Operators: These operators offer fully escorted programs and specialty programs, which typically include more components and complexity than standard packages, and have fixed departure dates.
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Online Packagers: This refers to dynamic packaging and vacation package sales sold by online travel agencies and smaller, online-focused packagers.
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Wholesaler: Wholesalers aggregate content and resell it. Tour operators are wholesalers who bundle different travel products together and resell them as packages or tours.
The Rise of FIT
The rise of FIT reflects a growing desire among travelers for personalized and unique experiences. Instead of being confined to pre-set itineraries, travelers want the flexibility to design their own adventures. This trend has been fueled by the increasing availability of online resources and tools that make it easier for travelers to research and book individual components of their trips.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of travel packages, including what is FIT in travel, is essential for planning the perfect trip. Whether you prefer the structure of an escorted tour or the freedom of flexible independent travel, knowing your options allows you to tailor your travel experience to your individual needs and preferences. As the travel industry continues to evolve, FIT will likely remain a popular choice for those seeking personalized and unforgettable adventures.
