fit travel definition

FIT Travel: All About Independence

TripSavvy / Wenjia Tang

Originally, the acronym "FIT" stood for "foreign independent tour," but now it is most commonly used to describe a fully independent traveler or tourist. You might also see the term "FIT" used to mean "free independent traveler ," "frequent independent traveler," or "foreign independent traveler." All of these definitions share a keyword and concept: independent. These travelers almost always design their own itineraries and arrange their own travel plans—FITs do not travel with group tours or according to any schedule imposed by others.

FITs Shun Group Travel

Tourists who fit the definition of FITs usually travel solo ; in couples; or in small, intimate groups of friends or family. They range anywhere in age from millennials to retirees , but generally, they have above-average incomes that allow for independent travel, which can be more expensive than traveling with an organized group. But what all FITs share, by definition, is a desire to avoid mass tourism in favor of an individualized, independent approach. They tend to want to explore their chosen destinations on their own and at their own pace with an emphasis on enjoying the local food, architecture, history, and culture.

FITs Plan Their Own Trips

The huge rise in availability of all aspects of travel planning online, including even websites devoted to helping you learn how to plan travel , has made it easier for independent travelers to plan their own specialized itineraries and book their own transportation and accommodations. This diminishes their need for traditional travel agents, and this also makes packaged trips have less appeal. As a result, FITs are a quickly growing segment of the tourist market. First-hand travel information about destinations , transportation arrangements such as train and plane tickets , and hotel reservations worldwide are available at the click of a mouse for independent travelers.

FITs Sometimes Use Travel Agents

Although the "I" in FITs means independent, it sometimes could be advantageous to consult with travel professionals who are experienced in providing services to those who want to plan their own trips, especially for more exotic destinations. Doing so does not necessarily mean that independent tourists have to relinquish their, well, independence. As a result of the rise in popularity of independent and solo travel, travel professionals are adjusting their services accordingly. There are now agencies that specialize in customized trips for individuals and small groups who want to choose their destinations and plan their own itineraries.

The traveling is still independent, but the planning benefits from the professional expertise and inside knowledge of a travel agent . And of course, it takes much less time than searching for all the information you need on your own.

An agent who specializes in FIT travel can help you plan custom sightseeing with a private tour guide, arrange a private cooking class or a wine-tasting tour , and even hook you up with knowledgeable local representatives. The agent will help you plan a personalized travel experience based on the input you provide. If you wish, an agent can often arrange to have someone meet you at your destination and take you to your hotel. Travel professionals are especially helpful in finding non-traditional or out-of-the-way accommodations that do not advertise on the internet, such as villas, farmhouses , inns, and family-run bed-and-breakfasts.

The 10 Best Travel Adapters of 2024

Zicasso Travel Agents Offer Custom Vacations for Adventurous Travelers

10 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

Best Online Travel Agencies

Best Tour Companies for Singles

Guide to Finding a Good Travel Agent

How to Travel to Cuba If You Are an American

The Best Women-Only Adventure Travel Companies

The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel

5 Ways to Find the Cheapest Train Travel

India Travel: Issues to Know at Top Tourist Places

Beyond the Tour Group

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

Your Ultimate Trip to India: The Complete Guide

Tips for Traveling Solo With a Tour Group

Extreme Adventure Travel Vacations

What do FIT, IIT, and GIT terms mean in the travel industry?

In the tourism industry, there are certain terms that can be confusing for travellers. FIT, IIT, and GIT are three such terms that often cause confusion. Understanding the meaning of these terms is essential for a smooth travel experience. In this article, we will explore what FIT, IIT, and GIT mean in the tourism industry and how they differ from each other.

A women hiking through the mountains with a backpack and note pad

FIT: Free Independent Traveler

Definition of fit.

FIT stands for Free Independent Traveler. It refers to individuals who prefer to travel independently without being part of a tour group. As a FIT traveller, you have the freedom to plan and customize your trip according to your preferences. You can choose your own accommodations, transportation, and activities without relying on a tour operator.

Examples of FIT Tours

FIT tours encompass various forms of independent travel. Some popular examples include solo backpacking trips, self-guided tours, and customized itineraries. FIT travellers often seek unique experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the freedom to explore at their own pace.

Advantages of FIT Travel

FIT travel offers several advantages:

Flexibility : You have the freedom to design your itinerary and make changes as per your preferences.

Personalization : You can tailor your trip to your interests, choosing activities and destinations that align with your preferences.

Authenticity : FIT travel allows for a more immersive cultural experience, as you have the opportunity to interact with locals and explore local communities.

Independence : You are not bound by the schedules and constraints of a group tour, giving you the freedom to explore at your own leisure.

GIT: Group Inclusive Tour

Definition of git.

GIT stands for Group Inclusive Tour. In a GIT, travellers join a pre-arranged tour package where they travel with other tourists as part of a group. The tour package includes accommodations, transportation, and guided activities.

Examples of GIT Tours

GIT tours cater to travellers who prefer the convenience of travelling in a group. Examples of GIT tours include family vacations, organized group sightseeing tours, and adventure tours where participants share common experiences and activities.

Advantages of GIT Travel

GIT travel offers several advantages:

Convenience : All travel arrangements, including accommodations, transportation, and activities, are pre-organized, saving you the time and effort of planning.

Socialization : Traveling in a group provides opportunities to meet and interact with fellow travellers, fostering new friendships and shared experiences.

Guided Experience : GIT tours often include the services of a knowledgeable guide who provides insights and commentary about the destinations visited.

Cost Savings : Group tours can offer discounted rates and shared expenses, making them more cost-effective compared to individual arrangements.

IIT: Independent Inclusive Tour

Definition of iit.

In addition to FIT and GIT, there is another type of tour known as the Independent Inclusive Tour (IIT). IIT allows travellers to enjoy the benefits of group travel while still having the freedom to customize their itinerary.

Examples of IIT Tours

IIT tours are designed for travellers who desire some level of independence while still enjoying the convenience of group travel. Examples of IIT tours include small group tours with flexible itineraries, private guided tours with customizable activities, and themed tours catering to specific interests.

Advantages of IIT Travel

IIT travel offers a unique combination of group and independent travel:

Flexibility : IIT tours provide a balance between structured group activities and free time to explore independently.

Customization : Travelers can personalize their itinerary by choosing from a range of activities and destinations offered within the tour.

Social Interaction : IIT tours allow for socialization with like-minded travellers during group activities, providing opportunities for shared experiences.

Personal Attention : With smaller group sizes, IIT tours often provide a more personalized and intimate experience compared to larger group tours.

No, FIT tours are suitable for both solo travellers and small groups who prefer to travel independently.

Most GIT tours have scheduled activities, but some may offer free time for independent exploration. It’s best to check the tour itinerary before booking.

IIT tours can vary in price depending on the level of customization and services included. Some IIT tours may be more expensive, while others may offer cost-effective options.

GIT tours generally have fixed itineraries and limited customization options. If you seek more flexibility, an IIT tour may be a better choice.

There are typically no age restrictions for these tours. However, some specialized tours may have specific age requirements or activity limitations.

GIT tours are often preferred by families as they provide convenience, pre-arranged accommodations, and suitable activities for different age groups.

In conclusion, FIT, IIT, and GIT are terms used in the tourism industry to describe different types of travel experiences. FIT allows for independent and personalized travel, while GIT offers the convenience of group travel with pre-arranged arrangements. IIT combines elements of both, providing flexibility and customization within a group setting. Choosing the right type of tour depends on individual preferences, travel style, and desired level of independence. Consider your preferences, budget, and desired travel experience when selecting between FIT, IIT, and GIT tours.

What is Fit Travel and Why Should You Care?

Fit Travel: The Ultimate Guide to Staying Active on Vacation

When you’re planning your next vacation, you probably think about the destination, the activities you want to do, and the food you want to eat. But have you ever considered how you’re going to stay active while you’re away?

Fit travel is all about incorporating healthy habits into your vacation, so that you can come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you’re looking to hike in the mountains, swim in the ocean, or simply walk around a new city, there are plenty of ways to stay fit while you’re on vacation.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits of fit travel, give you tips for staying active on vacation, and share some of our favorite fitness-friendly travel destinations. So whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re just starting to plan your next trip, read on for everything you need to know about fit travel!

What is Fit Travel?

Fit travel is a type of travel that focuses on staying active and healthy while exploring new places. It can involve anything from hiking and biking to yoga and swimming. Fit travel is a great way to get some exercise, see new sights, and meet new people.

Definition of Fit Travel

There is no one-size-fits-all definition of fit travel. It can mean different things to different people. For some, it may mean simply staying active while on vacation. For others, it may mean challenging themselves to do new things and push their limits. Ultimately, fit travel is about finding ways to incorporate physical activity into your travels in a way that is enjoyable and sustainable.

Benefits of Fit Travel

There are many benefits to fit travel, including:

Improved health and fitness. Staying active while traveling can help you improve your overall health and fitness. Exercise can help you lose weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your mood.
Reduced stress. Traveling can be stressful, but fit travel can help to reduce stress levels. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Increased energy. Exercise can help you feel more energized, both during your travels and when you return home.
New experiences. Fit travel can help you try new things and meet new people. You may find yourself hiking in new places, biking along scenic routes, or swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Sense of accomplishment. Completing a challenging fitness goal while traveling can give you a sense of accomplishment. This can boost your self-confidence and motivation to stay active in the future.

Challenges of Fit Travel

There are also some challenges to fit travel, including:

Finding the time to exercise. It can be difficult to find time to exercise when you’re on vacation. However, there are many ways to make it work, such as taking a morning walk before breakfast, doing yoga in your hotel room, or going for a swim at the beach.
Packing the right gear. It’s important to pack the right gear for your fitness activities. This may include a swimsuit, running shoes, a yoga mat, and a water bottle.
Dealing with jet lag. Jet lag can make it difficult to stay active. Try to adjust to your new time zone as quickly as possible by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
Staying hydrated and eating healthy. It’s important to stay hydrated and eat healthy while traveling. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks. Pack healthy snacks to avoid unhealthy food choices.

How to Plan a Fit Travel Trip

Planning a fit travel trip can be easy if you follow these steps:

1. Set fitness goals for your trip. What do you want to achieve physically during your trip? Do you want to lose weight, improve your cardiovascular health, or simply get more exercise? Once you know your goals, you can start to plan activities that will help you reach them. 2. Choose activities that match your fitness level. If you’re not used to exercising, don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with activities that are easy on your body and gradually increase the intensity as you get fitter. 3. Pack appropriate gear. Make sure to pack the right gear for your fitness activities. This may include a swimsuit, running shoes, a yoga mat, and a water bottle. 4. Stay hydrated and eat healthy. It’s important to stay hydrated and eat healthy while traveling. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks. Pack healthy snacks to avoid unhealthy food choices. 5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a travel agent or fitness instructor. They can help you plan a trip that’s right for you and your fitness goals.

Fit travel is a great way to get some exercise, see new sights, and meet new people. By following these tips, you can plan a fit travel trip that’s enjoyable and sustainable.

Here are some additional resources to help you plan your fit travel trip:

[The Fit Travel Blog](https://www.thefittravelblog.com/)
[Fitpacking](https://www.fitpacking.com/)
[FitFluential](https://www.fitfluential.com/)
[The Active Traveler

What Is Fit Travel?

Fit travel is a type of travel that focuses on staying active and healthy while exploring new places. It can be done by hiking, biking, swimming, or any other activity that gets you moving. Fit travel is a great way to see the world and improve your fitness at the same time.

There are many benefits to fit travel. Some of the benefits include:

Improved fitness: When you travel, you’re often more active than you would be at home. This is because you’re exploring new places and doing new things. All of this activity can help you improve your fitness level.
Reduced stress: Traveling can be stressful, but fit travel can help to reduce stress. When you’re active, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. This can help you to relax and enjoy your trip more.
New experiences: Fit travel can help you to have new experiences and meet new people. When you’re active, you’re more likely to interact with other people. This can lead to new friendships and opportunities.
A sense of accomplishment: When you complete a challenging hike or bike ride, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment. This can boost your self-confidence and motivation.

Places to Go for Fit Travel

There are many great places to go for fit travel. Some of the most popular destinations include:

National parks: National parks are a great place to go for fit travel. They offer a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, swimming, and camping. You can also find stunning scenery and wildlife in national parks.
Hiking trails: Hiking trails are another great option for fit travel. You can find hiking trails in all different types of locations, from forests to mountains to deserts. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery at the same time.
Beaches: Beaches are a great place to relax and get some exercise. You can go for walks, swim, or play beach volleyball. Beaches are also a great place to socialize and meet new people.
Cycling routes: Cycling routes are a great way to see a lot of ground and get some exercise at the same time. You can find cycling routes in all different types of locations, from cities to rural areas. Cycling is a great way to explore new places and get some fresh air.

Tips for Staying Fit While Traveling

Here are some tips for staying fit while traveling:

Get up and move around during long flights or car rides. Even if you’re sitting on a plane or in a car for a long time, you can still get some exercise. Get up and walk around every few hours to stretch your legs and keep your blood flowing.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. When you’re traveling, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
Eat healthy meals and snacks. When you’re traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in eating unhealthy foods. Make sure to pack healthy snacks and meals so that you can stay on track with your fitness goals.
Get enough sleep. When you’re traveling, it’s easy to get jet lag or to have trouble sleeping in a new bed. Make sure to get enough sleep so that you can stay energized and active.

Fit travel is a great way to see the world and improve your fitness at the same time. There are many great places to go for fit travel, and there are plenty of ways to stay fit while you’re traveling. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next fit travel adventure today!

Fit Travel is a travel philosophy that emphasizes healthy living and active exploration. It’s about getting out and seeing the world while staying fit and healthy. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, biking along the coast, or taking a yoga retreat, Fit Travel is about finding ways to incorporate physical activity into your travels.

Why should I consider Fit Travel?

There are many reasons to consider Fit Travel. Here are a few:

It’s good for your health. Staying active is important for your overall health, and Fit Travel is a great way to get your daily dose of exercise. When you travel, you’re often more active than you would be at home, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore new places while you’re at it.
It’s more enjoyable. When you’re fit and healthy, you have more energy to enjoy your travels. You’ll be able to explore more, do more activities, and have a more positive experience overall.
It’s more sustainable. When you travel, you’re making an impact on the environment. By choosing to travel in a sustainable way, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Fit Travel is a great way to do this, as it often involves activities that are less harmful to the environment, such as hiking, biking, and yoga.

What are some tips for Fit Travel?

Here are a few tips for Fit Travel:

Start planning early. The best way to make sure you have a successful Fit Travel experience is to start planning early. This will give you time to research your destination, find activities that you’re interested in, and pack the right gear.
Pack light. When you’re traveling, you’ll want to pack light so you don’t have to carry around a lot of extra weight. This will make it easier to stay active and enjoy your travels.
Stay hydrated. It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re traveling, especially if you’re doing a lot of physical activity. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
Listen to your body. It’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. Don’t push yourself too hard, or you’ll risk getting injured.

What are some common challenges of Fit Travel?

There are a few common challenges of Fit Travel, including:

Finding the time to exercise. When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to find the time to exercise. However, there are a number of ways to make it work, such as taking a walk in the morning, going for a swim in the afternoon, or doing yoga in your hotel room.
Packing the right gear. It’s important to pack the right gear for Fit Travel so you can stay comfortable and safe. This includes items such as comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
Staying motivated. It can be difficult to stay motivated to exercise when you’re traveling. However, there are a number of ways to stay motivated, such as finding a travel buddy, joining a fitness class, or setting goals for yourself.

How can I find Fit Travel destinations?

There are a number of ways to find Fit Travel destinations. Here are a few tips:

Do your research. There are a number of resources available online that can help you find Fit Travel destinations. These include websites, blogs, and guidebooks.
Talk to other travelers. If you know someone who has been on a Fit Travel trip, ask them for advice and recommendations.
Use social media. Social media can be a great way to connect with other travelers and find out about Fit Travel destinations.

What are some examples of Fit Travel activities?

There are a number of different Fit Travel activities you can do, including:

Volunteering

These are just a few examples of the many Fit Travel activities you can do. The possibilities are endless!

fit travel is a type of travel that focuses on both physical and mental wellbeing. It can be done in a variety of ways, from taking yoga classes in exotic locations to hiking in national parks. By incorporating fitness into your travels, you can improve your overall health and well-being, while also creating memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for a way to travel that is both fun and healthy, fit travel is a great option. It’s a great way to see the world, meet new people, and challenge yourself. Plus, you’ll come home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

Fit travel is a type of travel that focuses on both physical and mental wellbeing.
It can be done in a variety of ways, from taking yoga classes in exotic locations to hiking in national parks.
By incorporating fitness into your travels, you can improve your overall health and well-being, while also creating memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for a way to travel that is both fun and healthy, fit travel is a great option.

Author Profile

Latest entries

January 19, 2024 Hiking How to Lace Hiking Boots for a Perfect Fit
January 19, 2024 Camping How to Dispose of Camping Propane Tanks the Right Way
January 19, 2024 Traveling Information Is Buffalo Still Under Travel Ban? (Updated for 2023)
January 19, 2024 Cruise/Cruising Which Carnival Cruise Is Best for Families?

What is Fit Travel?

If you’re planning a vacation, you’re probably wondering, FIT stands for “fit for travel”. – it’s independent travel which means you’re booking your flights, hotels, and activities. As a FIT, you’ll have complete freedom over your itinerary. And cannot receive a refund if you miss an important event or flight. Fit travellers often prefer to book their flights, if a flight is delayed or an event requires them to change their itinerary Because they’re less likely to lose money.

the new Chinese travellers drove it, the ‘one child’ generation. The first generation in China had all their resources devoted to education, and the ‘one child’ generation has grown up with significant disposable income and unprecedented opportunities. FIT travellers can primarily explore a destination independently, and the internet and smartphones aid them. The FIT concept is transforming the way people travel.

FIT refers to a class of independent travellers who plan and arrange their trips and do so at their own pace. Single traveller, a couple, or a family do This type of travel. FIT travellers also prefer to travel alone or in small groups rather than joining a group. A FIT traveller’s itinerary may resemble a package. But the traveller customizes the entire experience.

Independent Travel

Independent travel is more expensive than organized group travel, but it’s often well worth it. FIT travellers are more likely to enjoy the local food, architecture, history, and culture while on a trip than other tourists. These travellers prefer to experience culture by following their path. Many FIT travellers don’t want the stress of being confined to a group and they are independent. They’re also less likely to be rushed, independent travel is less enjoyable and rewarding than

When choosing between FIT and GIT package tours, several things to consider. FIT tours are often small groups with fewer people. Since they require more independent travel, they tend to be more secure and have more amenities. You’ll have better accommodations and food facilities than a GIT tour. However, you should consider the number of travellers on your tour before selecting the type of package to travel with. You might want to stick to the GIT tour if you’re travelling in a big group.

Chesa Dalisay

What is a travel supplier, what does international travel mean, you may also like, is jetblue a safe airline, is avianca a safe airline, is aeromexico a safe airline, is airasia a safe airline, why is the airplane the safest mode of..., what are the best ways to immerse yourself..., what are the top travel destinations for history..., is asiana a safe airline, what is the safest airline in canada, what is the safest airline in europe, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Have you ever heard the term Fully Independent Traveler (FIT)?

What is a fully independent traveler?

What are other acceptable uses of this term , what are the features of fully independent travellers, is the fit segment interesting for tour operators and travel agencies, how can tour operators and travel agencies target fits.

Most people see emerging technologies as the number one factor that keeps transforming the tourism industry . While this is true, another important piece of the industry’s transformation puzzle is the travelers themselves . The needs of travelers are constantly shifting, and brand-new traveler segments emerge on a regular basis.

One of these segments is fully independent travelers .

Tour operators and travel agencies see many opportunities in this segment of travelers . Should you focus on it as well or continue – business as usual? There is only one way to answer that question. You need more information on this type of traveler. Let’s see what a fully independent traveler is, what makes them unique, and work our way towards whether this is an exciting option for you and how to target independent travelers.

Fully independent travelers (or FIT) is a term that stems from independent foreign tours. The independent foreign tour is no longer used, and you will often find these tourists addressed as FITs. The F in this acronym stands for ‘fully.’

But what is a fully independent traveler then? While the concept of a traveler encompasses all kinds of travelers, it’s most often used to describe people who enjoy mass tourism and holiday packages . They don’t mind using the products that somebody else created for them, including complete travel and stay arrangements.

FITs are entirely different from your standard travelers . They don’t find mass tourism and holiday package offers particularly attractive. In fact, they are not interested in them at all. They have a more individualistic approach to travel.

The definition of FIT goes like this:

“FIT is a person who travels completely independently and free of a tour operator and travel agency assistance.”

In other words, a FIT manages and arranges the itinerary according to their needs and preferences. It includes everything ranging from transportation arrangements and hotel stay to excursions and sightseeing.

Today, FIT is a common term in the tourism industry. However, there are still many people that use it interchangeably with other terms. Different terms should not confuse you as they all refer to the same thing – a fully independent traveler. The best way to avoid confusion is to get familiar with all other terms commonly used in the industry.

Here is a complete list of other acceptations of this term:

Free Independent Traveler;
Free Independent Tourist;
Fully Independent Traveler;
Foreign Independent Traveler;
Foreign Independent Tourist;
Frequent Independent Traveler;
Flexible Independent Travel;
Frequent Individual Traveler.

Now that you know what FIT is and all the synonyms you can potentially encounter online and when networking, let’s see what makes FITs unique. Or, in other words, the behavior, needs, expectations, and wants of FITs.

We’ve already established that FITs work out their itineraries independently and arrange travel plans to reflect their unique needs. They also don’t travel on group tours. But is there anything more that these travelers share in common? Below you can find all the features of FITs.

Traveling solo, in couples, or in small intimate groups

When we talk about FITs, we refer to a group of travelers who are not interested in being part of big groups surrounded by people they don’t know. Many of them prefer to go on a trip by themselves . However, some of them don’t exclusively travel solo.

FITs are also known to travel in couples . They can also plan trips as a small group . These groups are intimate, meaning they usually include friends and family members.

It’s a diverse demographic group

Usually, travelers with specific travel behavior, needs, and wants, are found in the same demographic segment based on age. This is not the case with FITs. It’s quite a diverse demographic group. Most often, the youngest members are millennials, but they are soon to be joined by Generation Z (those born in the mid and late 90s). 30% of Gen Z prefer to travel alone , and 20% of the same generation plan to go on a solo backpacking trip.

On the other side, you can also find retirees as one of the most active FITs. They are more experienced in travel and know what they want to get out of a trip. It enables them to custom-tailor their experiences and travel entirely independently.

They have above-average income

Another vital factor to consider is the income of travelers. Group travel packages and transportation are popular because they come with attractive price tags and are often found on first-minute and last-minute discounts.

Independent travel is more expensive than standard travel. That’s why you will find most FITs to have above-average incomes. It enables them to afford more costly forms of travel, including accommodation and transportation. Most of the FITs have an income in the $150,000 range .

Planning their own unique itineraries

The travel products tour operators and travel agencies offer are often pre-built. Many travelers find this quite convenient as they need not worry about anything except packing their bags. With FITs, the situation is quite the opposite. They want to have complete control over the travel experience .

That’s why FITs plan their own unique itineraries . With so much information readily available online, FIT tourists can research destinations independently and plan their itineraries as if they are travel specialists.

Booking their own transportation and accommodation

The standard tourist does like to explore various accommodation and transportation opportunities. However, their options are limited by the travel agency’s offer. Also, when choosing a travel agent, they often have to book transportation and accommodation through an agency.

FITs book transportation and accommodation on their own. There are many transportation companies and hotels that offer direct booking. It makes it easier for FITs to find what they need. They can book a flight at a specific time and make their independent travel dreams come true.

Exploring destinations on their own

Finally, traditional travel packages often include excursions and sightseeing tours at the destination. Tourists can pursue their own adventures outside these pre-arranged tours but often have very little time to do so.

Independent tourists don’t like to adapt to a schedule somebody else created for them. Instead, they want to explore destinations at their own pace. They are interested in various things, including culture, food, history, and architecture. And since they are independent, they can cherry-pick what the destination has to offer and make their trip one of a kind.

The FIT segment is quite interesting for tour operators and travel agencies as there is excellent potential to generate new revenue streams from FITs. The FIT markets throughout the world keep growing. The pre-pandemic figures indicate that it was growing 7.5% on average per year in western Europe . As the restrictions are being lifted, it’s expected that the market will continue to grow at least at the same pace.

Asian destinations, especially Chinese and Thailand localities, are quite popular among FITs. Many backpackers, the sub-segment of FITs, visited Bangkok, and 63% of them were from Europe alone . Hong Kong’s revenue from FIT products keeps on increasing. Over four years, it went up by more than 100%, from HK$2 billion to HK$5.6 billion .

According to the Solo Traveler Reader Survey , 70% of solo travelers preferred to stay completely independent while traveling. 40% spend $1,000 on average per week, excluding airfare, while 30% spend $2,500 on average per week.

Another way to assess the potential value of catering to the needs of FITs is to take a look at the solo travel search trends on major search engines. Over two years, from 2020 to 2022, the number of searches for solo travel on Google quadrupled .

Post-pandemic travel trends are pretty interesting. Google trends indicate that solo travel is trending with a massive increase of over 700% . Booking also reports some interesting numbers. According to their report , the number of solo travelers increased by 100% after the pandemic.

It appears that Australia is the number one option among FITs. According to the latest research , this continent is the most popular destination for international solo tourists.

If you find these numbers compelling, you probably want to tap into the FIT market. But is there a way to do it? Tour operators and travel agencies have plenty of options for attracting more FITs and increasing their revenue.

Tour operators have to shift their approach when it comes to creating travel packages. Instead of creating complete packages, they need to focus more on single niche experiences before selling them to consumers and travel agents. Here are some tips tour operators can follow when including culture, food, history, nature, and architecture-related products in their offer:

Focus on smaller products – instead of creating A-Z experiences, focus on creating single products to attract FITs;
Choose quality before quantity – when creating products, be mindful of the value the travel experience delivers instead of simply following the “the more, the better” rule;
Include optional local tour guides – make tour guides optional, as FITs often prefer to explore destinations alone without a guide . Keeping it as an option will enable you to attract also FITs that want to learn something from a local guide;
Include products for solo, couple, and small group travel – FITs love to travel either solo or in small groups; keep this in mind when creating products;
Diversify offer – don’t base your products on just one type of experience; diversify your offer by creating culture, architecture, nature, history, and food-oriented products.

When it comes to travel agencies, the most important thing they can do to target FITs is to drop their pre-planned travel itineraries. But before you can implement this strategy, you need to align with tour operators that offer agencies to hand-pick products.

Since travel agencies are the storefront travelers often explore before booking a trip, you would also need to revisit your website . Most importantly, you must create and deliver a new interface enabling FITs to interact with the products in your listings.

For instance, you can create an itinerary builder and connect it with your product database. It will enable FITs to use it whenever they need to create a specialized itinerary that reflects their unique needs.

Furthermore, you should make your offers more attractive by optimizing costs. Offering affordable booking opportunities to FITs while still being able to remain profitable can be challenging. That’s where platforms such as Hotelmize can help you out. It will help you take advantage of booking price volatility and enable you to offer products at competitive prices.

Finally, you should optimize your marketing strategies to consider the needs, wants, and preferences of FITs . For instance, you can revise your SEO strategy to target FIT-related keywords in your blog posts and product descriptions.

PPC marketing is also an option because it allows you to target specific keywords and appear in relevant search results. You can extend your marketing efforts to social media platforms as well. Don’t forget that many FITs are tech-savvy and like to spend time on social media.

Some platforms, such as Facebook, already have targeting filters in the “People Traveling to This Location” category to help you reach FITs, including:

Fresh arrivals from the airport;
Travelers who are interested in a specific characteristic of a city;
Newly engaged and newlywed couples;
Birthday celebrators;
Parents who are traveling with kids in a location.

FITs are travelers who value independence above everything else. They include people of all ages with above-average income who prefer to create their own itineraries, book transport, and accommodation on their own, and explore destinations solo or in small groups.

Given that the FIT market looks healthy and keeps growing, tour operators and travel agencies are becoming more interested in it with every passing year. If you want to tap into this market, the strategies we’ve outlined will help you target FITs.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Yay you are now subscribed to our newsletter.

Cristóbal Reali, VP of Global Sales at Mize, with over 20 years of experience, has led high-performance teams in major companies in the tourism industry, as well as in the public sector. He has successfully undertaken ventures, including a DMO and technology transformation consulting. In his role at Mize, he stands out not only for his analytical and strategic ability but also for effective leadership. He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. He holds a degree in Economics from UBA, complementing his professional training at Harvard Business School Online.

Mize is the leading hotel booking optimization solution in the world. With over 170 partners using our fintech products, Mize creates new extra profit for the hotel booking industry using its fully automated proprietary technology and has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue across its suite of products for its partners. Mize was founded in 2016 with its headquarters in Tel Aviv and offices worldwide.

30 Most Important Travel Industry Events for 2024

30 min. Social share: 2024 is packed with must-attend travel industry events. Stop by to discover all relevant events conveniently grouped by continents with listed dates, themes, and locations! Many travel industry experts believe that travel industry events play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the travel industry. Why is this so? It’s […]

Empowering Equality: Mize Leads the Way in Travel Technology

7 min. Are we all equal? Are we all equally represented in the business world? In some professional sectors, there might still be some under-representation of women, minorities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. The tech sphere is no different, but is the travel tech sector a spark of hope? As the business world becomes more diverse, […]

Slow Tourism Case Studies: Examples to Truly Understand Slow Tourism

14 min. The tourism industry is moving at an ever-accelerating pace. That’s because the tourism industry is perhaps one of the verticals that depend on the most factors. One of the main factors that affect it is social movements, given that tourism brands of all sizes always cater to the needs of consumers. One of […]

Is FIT tourism for you?

Understand what FIT tourism is and why you should try this route.

When people travel, there are many ways to see and experience a world of possible destinations. One common term common within the tourism industry is FIT .

Originally, the acronym "FIT" stood for foreign independent tour . Now it is most commonly used to describe a fully independent traveller . It could also be used to mean free independent traveller, frequent independent traveller, or foreign independent traveller .

All of these terms, however, share a keyword and concept: independent . These travellers almost always design their itineraries and arrange their travel plans. In FIT, the traveller is self-guided and independent of the guidance, scheduling, or membership of an outside business for such travels.

Who are the FITs?

1. fits plan their trips ..

The huge rise in availability of all aspects of travel planning online, including websites devoted to helping plan travel, has made it easier for independent travellers to work their specialized itineraries and book their transportation and accommodations. First-hand travel information about destinations, transportation arrangements, and hotel reservations worldwide are available at one click/tap for independent travellers. This diminishes their need for traditional travel agents, making packaged trips less appealing.

As a result, FITs are a quickly growing segment of the tourist market. Europeans tend to travel extensively as FITs, although to what extent varies by destination. Destinations that are safe and where infrastructure is better, tend to be popular among FITs. Nonetheless, in absolute numbers, Asia is the most popular among FITs from Europe, followed by South America and Africa. According to a study profiling 263 backpackers in Bangkok’s Khao San Road area , most of them (63%) were from Europe.

2. FITs keep away from group travel.

But what all FITs share is a desire to avoid mass tourism in favour of an individualized, independent approach. They tend to want to explore their chosen destinations on their own and at their own pace with an emphasis on enjoying the local food, architecture, history, and culture.

3. FITs sometimes use travel agents .

Meanwhile, as a result of the rise in popularity of independent and solo travel, travel professionals are adjusting their services accordingly. There are now agencies that specialize in customised trips for individuals and small groups who want to choose their destinations and plan their itineraries.

The travelling is still independent, but the planning benefits from professional expertise and inside knowledge. And of course, it takes much less time than searching for all the information you need on your own.

An agent who specializes in FIT travel can help you plan custom sightseeing with a private tour guide, arrange a private cooking class or a wine-tasting tour, and even hook you up with knowledgeable local representatives. The agent will help you plan a personalised travel experience based on the input you provide. If you wish, an agent can often arrange to have someone meet you at your destination and take you to your hotel. Travel professionals are especially helpful in finding non-traditional or out-of-the-way accommodations that do not advertise on the internet, such as villas, farmhouses, inns, and family-run bed-and-breakfasts.

FIT provides travellers with the benefit of customisation. It allows for a pace of travel that matches your travel preferences. If you're knowledgeable about the destination you want to visit (even if you've never travelled there), you may well be able to plan and execute the whole trip yourself. If you want the flexibility to change your plans each day or have a lot of time in which to travel (weeks or months), FIT may be the way to go.

FIT is a chance to go with less direction, scheduling, and group limitations. In everyday life, we all experience the measures of guidance and strict scheduling regularly. A trip away is a chance to get away from this adherence to schedule and group intention. The break from this that FIT provides is why it is so popular today.

However, choosing FIT requires you to have an active role in the planning and experience of your trip. It can be harder to budget a FIT since it will not include meals, in-destination transportation, or sightseeing costs. Creating a custom itinerary usually means more time planning on the travel agent’s part. However, many agents enjoy planning FIT because they can work closely with clients to craft a tailor-made trip specifically for them. In some cases, travel agents can add excursions, sightseeing tours, and in-destination transportation if their clients request it.

FIT is the way by which our forefathers travelled many years ago – independently. Today, we can do the same, but with a world of informational resources and planning tools that were unavailable to those of the past.

This is the world of FIT, or free independent travel.

Featured image: Kristin Wilson on Unsplash

Bringing technology to increase traveler's satisfaction at the destination, Reduce operation cost for DMC's and increase revenue by facilitating the communication between all parties

Welcome to Lake

Discover places to stay and unique experiences around the world.

How It Works

Help Center

Free Independent Traveler

Definition: what is a fit.

Free Independent Traveler (FIT) refers to someone who prefers to travel independently without being part of a tour group. This term originally comes from “foreign independent tour” but is now widely used in other forms such as “fully independent traveler,” “frequent independent traveler,” and “foreign independent traveler.”

As a FIT, you have the freedom and flexibility to plan and customize your trip according to your preferences. This means selecting your accommodations, transportation, and even your itinerary. You’re not restricted to pre-packaged holiday packages or mass tourism. Your travel style is all about exploring destinations at your own pace, whether it’s solo travel, couples, or small groups like friends and families.

FITs often rely on online resources such as reviews, blogs, social media, and booking platforms to research, compare, and book flights, hotels, and sightseeing tours. Personalized support from travel agents is also an option, especially for arranging more complex travel packages or excursions.

Specializing

The growing popularity of FIT travel lies in its individualistic approach that caters to your specific needs and expectations, offering a wide range of interests such as architecture, history, local food, and culture. This travel style is trendy among millennials, retirees, and backpackers who value the freedom to immerse themselves in authentic experiences without the constraints of preset itineraries or large tour groups.

Budgeting is often an essential aspect of FIT travel because it allows you to find deals and compare prices. You can tailor your trip according to your budget to make the most out of your unique travel experience.

Origin of the Term

FIT originally meant “foreign independent tour,” but now represents a fully independent traveler. It conveys the idea of a traveler not restricted by a packaged tour or group itinerary and prefers to explore the world at their own pace, experiencing new cultures and destinations on their own terms.

Synonyms and Antonyms

When discussing Free Independent Travel (FIT) , it’s helpful to know synonyms and antonyms for better understanding.

FIT has synonyms like independent travel, free independent travel, and independent movement.

For independent , some synonyms include autonomous, self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-sustaining. On the contrary, antonyms are dependent, reliant, and insufficient.

Regarding independent travelers , synonyms include adventurer, explorer, globetrotter, nomad, and rover. However, an antonym for a traveler might be a homebody or a person who usually stays in one place.

Lastly, some independent travel synonyms are lone travel, self-drive vacation, and self-traveling.

Use of FIT In Practice

As a Free Independent Traveler (FIT), you can plan your trips and choose your destination or itinerary. This independence allows you to find accommodations, transportation, and tours that suit your preferences and budget.

FITs typically prefer smaller, unique lodgings over large, standardized hotels. Your independent travel style lets you explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and immerse yourself in the local culture.

As a Free Independent Traveler (FIT), you can explore the world at your own pace. Some common examples include:

Trekking : Enjoy the beauty of nature while challenging yourself physically.
Backpacking : Go on a budget-friendly adventure, stay at affordable accommodations, and meet fellow travelers.
Bicycling : Cycle across diverse terrains and soak in the local scenery.
Camping : Spend nights under the stars and connect with the great outdoors.
Motorcycle touring : Ride through thrilling routes and explore your destination on two wheels.
Yacht traveling : Sail across the seas, stopping at different ports for unique experiences.

Related Terms

Independent travel is a style of travel where you can explore and experience a destination at your own pace. You won’t be tied to a specific schedule, allowing you to enjoy your journey fully.

Free independent travel shares the same idea as independent travel but emphasizes the lack of constraints even more. It often alludes to a more budget-friendly approach to traveling.

Regarding accommodation , independent travelers are not restricted to pre-selected options provided by tour packages. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from various options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Destinations for free independent travelers are limitless as long as you can travel to that place legally. This type of travel allows you to explore must-see tourist attractions or venture off the beaten path.

Tours are optional for independent travelers, and you can decide whether to join group tours for specific experiences or explore sights on your own. The choice is yours.

Dual Listing

Gross booking revenue (gbr).

Give us your feedback

Or, call us toll-free at

Was this helpful?

Don't have an account yet? Register

Already have an account? Sign In

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.

1.888.611.1220
Get Started!
Agent Logins

FIT vs Escorted Travel: Which is Right for Your Clients?

Written by: Michelle on March 20, 2019

Two travelers can visit the same destination and have vastly different experiences depending on their travel styles and preferences. For instance, determining whether a FIT trip or an escorted tour means taking the time to qualify your clients , and figure out what they value about traveling. Do they want to have more activities included in the package, or is having a flexible schedule more important?

Read on to learn about the difference between FIT trips and escorted travel, and how to determine which is right for your clients.

FIT is an abbreviation that refers to either “foreign independent tour” or “free independent traveler.” The key to both versions is the word independent. This means that the traveler or small group of travelers (less than 10 people) will be taking a trip that does not follow an itinerary preset by a travel supplier and will not have a set tour guide or leader. Their travel agent creates an itinerary of their flights, hotels, and transportation as requested, but the agent is the one who designs this trip, not the travel supplier.

For example, imagine a couple tells you they want to visit London. They ask you to book the flights, hotel, and provide them with information on the London Underground system. They want the freedom to decide each day where to go and what to see in the city. They may opt to take a tour of Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London, but they do not want to have their schedule for these activities set by the travel supplier. This type of self-determined trip is a FIT experience.

FIT travel provides travelers with the benefit of flexibility and customization that they may not experience on an escorted tour. However, it can be harder for clients to budget for a FIT trip since it will not include meals, in-destination transportation, or sightseeing costs. Creating a custom itinerary usually means more time planning on the travel agent’s part. However, many agents enjoy planning FIT trips because they can work closely with clients to craft a tailor-made trip specifically for them. In some cases, travel agents can add excursions, sightseeing tours, and in-destination transportation if their clients request it.

Escorted tours provide a more structured and inclusive option. These vacations are expertly designed, led by travel experts, and usually have preset dates and itineraries to choose from. These packages usually include the hotel, bus or rail transportation, some meals, and admission costs to the activities scheduled. Flights may also be included or available as an add-on option. In destination, your clients will join the larger group of their escorted tour, which will vary in size depending upon the supplier and the destination.

For example, imagine another couple tells you they want to visit London. They ask you to book the flights and hotel. They want to see all of the major highlights of the city, like Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. They would also like to travel to Stonehedge and a castle if possible, but they don’t want to rent a car. They feel a tour guide would add value to their experiences at these locations and plan to use one. They want to spend their evenings seeing shows in London’s West End or enjoying a relaxing meal. To give them the best chance to see and do everything on their list, you should suggest an escorted tour.

Escorted tours appeal to clients who want to see the best of a destination. The exclusive connections that tour operators have allow escorted tour groups to bypass long entrance lines and partake in experiences that are not available to the public. In many cases, these tours are fast-paced, allowing clients to see more and save time. Most tours keep evenings open and some even have free days to allow travelers to experience the destination at their leisure.

Clients may worry that an escorted tour is more expensive than a FIT trip, but in reality, a traveler on an escorted tour is a cost-effective way to travel. Because the price of escorted tours includes transportation, admission, and usually some meals, escorted tours allow travelers to anticipate the total cost of their trip before they even leave.

Others may argue that escorted tours are only for retirees. Escorted tours cater to everyone, from millennial travelers and families to wellness travelers and foodies. For example, the Globus family of brands offers the Legacy of the Incas tour through Peru, which explore archaeological sites and traditional South American meals. The important thing to remember for agents is to match your clients to the right travel supplier and tour option to ensure they have an excellent escorted tour experience.

Are you interested in matching clients to their ideal vacation? KHM Travel Group is a host travel agency that provides independent travel agents with the tools and resources to start and grow their own travel business. To find out more, fill out the form to the right or call us at 1-888-611-1220.

Did you find this information helpful?
yes (2) no (1)

International Travel Tips to Keep Your Clients Safe Abroad Travel Agent Resources
Tips for Easy, Safe Traveling with Food Allergies Travel Agent Resources
Prepare for Travel: Is Your ID Ready to Go? Travel Agent Resources
Why Do Cruisers Use Travel Agents? Become A Travel Agent

Stay Informed! Get travel news delivered to your inbox

Get our free guide, we'll send it right away.

Receive the valuable information you need to get started in your exciting new career as a KHM Travel Agent.

Your information is secure and never shared or sold to third parties. Note: Only U.S. citizens living in the U.S. are eligible to be KHM Travel Agents. Text Message Terms and Conditions

About KHM Travel Group
Become A Travel Agent
Crystal Conference
Destinations
Just For Fun
KHM Travel Group Events
KHM Travel Group News
Land Travel
River Cruising
Sponsored Post
Travel Agent Education
Travel Agent Marketing
Travel Agent Resources
Travel Agent Spotlights
Travel Industry News
Travel Tips
Uncategorized
Working from Home

Search Travel Market Report

Packaged Travel
Hotels & Resorts
Destinations
Retail Strategies
Niche & Luxury
Training & Resources
Brian Israel
Briana Bonfiglio
Dan McCarthy
Dori Saltzman
Jennifer Arango
Kelly Fontenelle
Keri-Anne Slevin
Louis Intreglia
Sarah Milner
Tom McCarthy

FITs: A Booming Market and an Opportunity for Agents

This is the first of two interviews with Avanti Destination’s Harry Daalgard on FITs Fully independent travel. Foreign independent tour. Whichever definition you ascribe to the acronym FIT, one thing is certain. FITs are an increasingly popular form of travel as more clients forego off-the-shelf packaged tours in favor of bespoke itineraries. Selling FITs is an opportunity for travel agents to showcase their expertise—and prove their value to clients, according to Harry Dalgaard, founder and president of Avanti Destinations. The company specializes in independent travel to Europe and Central and South America. Travel Market Report spoke with Dalgaard about trends in FIT and FIT travel to Europe. Many tour operators tell us that FIT business is booming. Do you agree? Dalgaard: I’ve been in the market for 34 years. The growth we’ve seen in our area of specialization is extraordinary. At Avanti, our business to Europe has more than doubled in the last four years. At the moment there’s a perception that you’re getting a lot of bang for the buck there. We’re seeing the lowest exchange rates in many years. Many people are jumping at the opportunity to go there because the Euro may not stay that low for long. Other than a weak Euro at the moment, what trends do you think are driving the growth of FITs? Dalgaard: I think the market is maturing and expanding. There’s been a tremendous amount of growth from the Midwest. Traditionally, that’s been more of an escorted or group market. But now the folks who’ve already experienced group travel want to go back. This time, they want to sample those destinations on their own. How do the demographics break down for FITs as opposed to packaged tours? Dalgaard: Since we’re a straight B2B, we don’t typically have a lot of client data. But we do have age statistics. They tell us that half of our clientele is under 50. We’re also seeing a growing acceptance of travel professionals by millennials. They’re like boomers in that they like their independence. They also like to use agents. They’re web savvy and they don’t mind research. But when it’s more than simply a three-night stay in Cancun, they want an advocate on their side. Agents are advocates. They can reach millennials with authentic, unique itineraries. What’s the strongest argument for FIT travel as opposed to a packaged tour? Dalgaard: Customized travel is a lot more personal. And it’s so rewarding to have encounters that aren’t pre-planned. Sometimes the greatest experiences happen that way. We also encourage people to get off the beaten path. In Europe, we want to give them the flexibility to explore beyond the major capital cities. We make it possible for them to go to small villages in Germany, attend a wine fest or experience a traditional festival in Spain. For example, there’s the Las Fallas Festival in Valencia each March where you’ll see bonfires on every corner. It’s really special if you come across something like that. It’s not mass tourism or grandstands. But it’s definitely authentic. What are the biggest advantages for travel agents in booking FITs? Daalgard: There’s value in showing your expertise to the client. You’re providing them with a customized vacation. Agents also earn a good commission on lots of things that clients can pre-book. There are so many things such as day sightseeing tours that concierge ends up booking. In Paris, for example, you know they’re going to take a day tour to Versailles, to the Normandy beaches, to the Loire chateaux. Why not get your commission on those things? What other destinations in Europe are doing well for FIT business? Dalgaard: Portugal and Andalusia, Spain are very strong for us. Iceland is probably the highest growth product in terms of percentage. The stopover opportunities with Icelandair make it very attractive. It’s also seen as an adventure destination and it’s very appealing to millennials. You have a lot of people going up to see the Aurora Borealis, or to dive under frozen lakes. Other tour operators tell us that the growing river cruise market is helping their business. Do you agree? Dalgaard: Definitely. We’re seeing a tremendous benefit. These aren’t mass market cruises. The ships carry 150 passengers. Most of them are interested in being away for about 10 to 14 days. The average cruise is one week. So the passengers are looking for some time to add on to the front or the back. We’re seeing people get off in Passau, make their way to Prague or Vienna and fly out from there. It’s not just central Europe; people are looking for stays in places like Bordeaux and Lyon. For agents, it’s a great opportunity to sell some additional pre- or post-cruise stays to their river cruise clients. What about ocean cruises? Dalgaard: They’re also bringing in extra FIT business. Baltic Sea cruises are leading to tremendous growth in Copenhagen and Stockholm, two big ports. Both are lovely cities, and the chance to plan some extra time there is something agents should jump at. Norway is going crazy with the whole “Frozen” phenomenon. It’s hard to imagine that a cartoon aimed at kids is generating interest, but it is. Everyone wants to go there. It’s lovely, you can’t blame them. Next time: The FIT market in Latin and South America

The Rise of the Travel Influencer: What Advisors Need to Know

Tips about content creation from travel influencers who have mastered social.

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage, analysis of industry news, trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

Op-Ed: Why I Won’t Use Costco for Travel Again

I learned the hard way the difference between cost and value.

If you’re looking for bohemian luxury, the adults-only Secrets® Tulum Resort & Beach Club—part of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts—hits all the right notes.

The U.S. Travel Boom Is Not Slowing Down Just Yet

However, there are some signs that a slowdown could be coming.

From Corporate Jobs to Condé Nast Travel Specialists

For four years running, Toronto sisters Lisa and Nancy Zupancic have made the Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist List.

Skyscanner Reveals Canadian Travel Outlook for 2024

Skyscanner’s Travel Insight Data identifies new Canadian traveler trends.

Direct Travel To Be Acquired by Steve Singh & Investors Group

Founder and CEO of Direct Travel Ed Adams plans to retire.

Request a Consultation Request a Consultation
Hot Deals Deals
Travel Restrictions

FIT (Fully Independent Travel)

FIT means Fully Independent Traveler or Free Independent Tourist , or Flexible Independent Travel. A FIT is an individual (or small group of < 10) traveling and vacationing with a personalized custom built itinerary.

FIT travel is

not done as a member of a traditional guided tour
not via a marketed package, combining transport (air, rail or bus), lodging/ hotel, entertainment or local transport (rental car for use at destination).
may include some or all of the following: flight, accommodation, rental car or transfer, day tours or activities, meals and travel insurance.

Due to the unique customization of FIT packaging, Cruise Planners charges a consulting fee is $150, due prior to services rendered.

"10 Reasons Why you Should use a Travel Agent" ...according to FOX news:

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2014/07/28/10-reason-why-still-need-travel-agent/

1) They Are Educated and Have Personal Experience

Simply put, they know more than you. They can give you insider tips and advice, using their education and personal experience to guide your vacation decisions in a way that provides you with the best vacation possible for you and your hard-earned investment. They have access to the personal feedback from hundreds of clients, and their own personal travel agent network, to provide insights you can’t get on TripAdvisor or other social media sites.

2) They Have Clout

Many travel agents develop personal relationships with individuals at the companies they sell. They leverage these relationships to get you things you can’t get on your own. That “sold out” room or the connecting rooms you want for your extended family trip when the online sites say they aren’t available. They also have exclusive entrée to experiences you might not know are available to you.

3) The Fixer

In addition to getting you more on any particular trip, they can step in and fix things when your trip goes awry. The average consumer books one or two trips per year, typically with different travel suppliers, so they have little or no leverage when things go wrong. The travel agent is constantly selling a particular supplier and has the leverage to fix things, even when the supplier isn’t directly at fault. Travel suppliers value the travel agent’s business much more than any individual traveler. They will step up to make things right or simply to make sure that traveler, and their travel agent, are happy.

4) Cost-Savings

The best travel agents have unique access to benefits that can save you a lot of money and provide you with a better experience: free room upgrades, spa credits, food and beverage credits are just a few of the things that agents can get, that you can’t. Add in hard-to-get restaurant reservations, exclusive or priority access to attractions, added amenities, and you will have a lot more value for your travel dollar. (Ever wonder why the couple in the cabin next to yours got champagne and you didn't? They probably used a travel agent)

5) Time-Savings

Instead of searching blindly on the Internet for hours, days, or even weeks – depending on the complexity of the travel plans – you can have an expert do the research for you, with your personal needs in mind. They do it for every component of the trip and very often do it at no cost to you.

6) Safety Net

If anything should go wrong during your trip, you can rely on them to assist you. A travel agent will suggest and arrange alternate travel arrangements , help you to deal with any travel emergency you may have, and put you in touch with the right local people to answer your needs.

7) On the Cutting Edge

They are on the cutting edge of what's new: Travel agents are the first to know about a new resort, cruise ship or tour. They have relationships with their best travel partners who keep them informed as to the latest and greatest offerings they have. So if you want to travel on the latest and greatest, agents are the way to go!

8) You Pay the Same Anyway!

More than 98 percent of hotels are parity priced. That means the cost is the same whether you book it yourself or have the travel agent do the work. Some travel agents even have websites that feature the same inventory, bookable in real time, as Expedia and Orbitz. The customer gets the best of the high tech world, in a high touch, environment. This parity pricing applies to virtually every travel product.

9) You Get Matched Right

If you call a cruise line directly, they won’t tell you that their competitor is a better fit for you and your travel needs. Since travel agents sell everything, they focus on you’re your particular needs, making sure you are matched up with the right.

10) An Ongoing Mutually Beneficial Relationship

A good agent is like a good mechanic. Once you find them, you’ll never want to give them up. Travel could be your biggest discretionary spend in any given year, along with your limited time, so you want to make sure it’s done right. When they make that happen, you’ll want them in your inner circle moving forward.

I am your advocate before, during and after your travels. I am on your side. I do not understand why more people don't use our servcies knowing that they have an advocate in their back pocket...Happy Travels!

Just a friendly reminder!

Our knowledgeable agents are here to support you. Start chatting with one now!

Modal title

Modal subtitle.

What is FIT?

Having nothing to do with exercise or fitness, the business abbreviation FIT actually stands for free independent travel. This term is one used mainly by insiders of the travel and resort industries. What does it mean and how does it work? Read along as we take a look at the FIT concept.

What exactly is FIT? FIT is defined as the independent travel and travel planning of a single person or family group. When people travel, there are many ways to go and equally many ways to see and experience a world of possible destinations. Despite there being so many options in travel and ways to experience destinations, it can all be narrowed down to two, separate categories of classification: independent travel and planning and dependent travel and planning.

In FIT, the traveler is self guided and independent of the guidance, scheduling, or membership of an outside business for such travels. You may have heard of group traveling events and clubs or guided accommodations and trip planning. These fall into the latter category of dependent travel and is opposite the independence exercised by the individual FIT traveler or family group of FIT travelers.

FIT: Where and How

Having covered the basic definition of FIT, let’s explore how and where FIT is exercised. Starting at home, the world wide web is the main platform for FIT arrangements and activities. Here, potential travelers can precisely research locations, travel means, and the making of arrangements. Planning and the exclusive jobs of yesteryear’s travel agents are now accessible to even beginner travelers. Book that hotel and the day activities as well as tomorrow’s destination, all from the comfort of your home computer, or smartphone.

Once accommodations and plans have been set, travel can commence. In FIT, the traveler moves absent of any tour group. This means for the use or arrangement of their own transportation, self-paced travel and stops, and complete independence in the enjoyment of destinations. Cars, trains, and planes fuel the FIT traveler movement.

When: FIT’s Best Times

Those with experience in free independent travel know that good deals in travel, destinations, and hotel accommodations can be researched and secured with a little effort. The more seasoned the FIT veteran, the easier it becomes in scouting the best deals in travel. A big part of this successful formula: timing.

Timing is everything when it comes to deals and bargains in travel. This is much due to seasonal influence on the industry. When the seasons change and attendance rates fall, deals will be made much more abundant. Similarly, good timing can come in the form of booking extremely discounted arrangements with a company that just started or is otherwise trying hard to gain new customers.

Why the FIT Route?

A look at the USA Today article, Independent Travel To Italy perfectly exemplifies all of the reasoning behind travelers’ tendencies to go the FIT route. In her piece on independent travels to Italy, writer Elizabeth Smith provides – “Independent travel to Italy offers the chance to escape tour groups and package expeditions and head out on your own to explore the country’s famous hill towns and storied cities. Without the burden of a group, you are free to travel when and where you please, which can be a benefit when a sprawling vineyard or charming villa beckons”.

FIT is a chance to just this; go with less direction, scheduling, and group limitations. In everyday life, we all experience the measures of guidance and strict scheduling on a very regular basis. A trip away is a chance to get away from this adherence to schedule and group intention. The break from this that FIT provides is why it is so popular today.

FIT is the way by which our ancestors traveled many years ago – independently. Today, we can do the same, but with a world of informational resources and planning tools that were unavailable to those of the past. This is the world of FIT, or free independent travel.

We think you might like: Top 10 Online Associate Degrees in Hospitality Management 2016-2017

Fully Independent Traveler or FIT

Definition : FIT is a term given to those persons who travel independently without any assistance of any travel agency or Tour Company and any group. This term is given by a DMC , Tour Operator or Hospitality provider.

Maha Kumbh Mela Tour Packages 2021

Char Dham Tour Packages

Amarnath Yatra Tour Packages

Golden Triangle Tour Packages in India
Taj Mahal Tour Packages in India
Religious Tour Packages in India
Buddhist Tour Packages in India
Kerala Honeymoon Tour Packages in India
Women Special Tour Packages
Heritage Walking Tour Packages in Varanasi
Customized Package
Hotel Booking
Flight Booking
Destination Information
Walking Tour
Airport Pick-up / Drop
Car Rental Services
Guide Services
Restaurants Services
Rituals Performing
Boating Tour
Bag Packers Tour Package
Inbound Tour Operator
Swadesh darshan Tour Package

Varanasi Special

Special rituals.

Pind Daan Rituals
Rudrabhisek
Manglik Pooja

Boat Ride Packages

Boat Ride In Varanasi
Sailing Ganga Tour Package

Eco Tourism In Varanasi

Village Tour
Pottery Tour
Ashram Tour
Silk Weaving Tour
Heritage Walk in Varanasi

Buddhist Destination

Car Rental In Varanasi
Home stay facility
Indian culinary Tour
Marriage in Indian Tradition

Top Pilgrimage Destinations in India

North India
South India
International
» Allahabad
» Baidhnath dham
» Badrinath
» Bhubaneswar
» Chitrakoot
» Char Dham
» Kushinagar
» Kedar nath
» Kaushambi
» Khatmandu
» Khajuraho
» Mirjapur/Vindhyachal
» Naimisaran
» Rishikesh
» Uttar Kashi
» Vrindavan
» Vaishno Devi

Coming Soon

Market information
Free Independent Travellers (FITs)
Market Potential
Share this on:

The European market potential for free independent traveller tourism

Free independent travellers (FITs) are travellers who plan their own trips and prefer to travel alone or in small groups. They are the opposite of mass tourists, who travel in large groups and buy predefined travel packages. Eastern European markets are more engaged in mass tourism, while FIT tourism is becoming the norm in Western European and Scandinavian countries. For FITs, unique experiences are most important. If you can offer these, the FIT market is your primary target.

Contents of this page

Product description
What makes Europe an interesting market for FIT tourism?
Which European countries offer most opportunities for FIT tourism?
What trends offer opportunities in the European FIT tourism market?

1. Product description

The acronym FIT may refer to free independent traveller, fully independent traveller, foreign independent traveller or frequent independent traveller. In all of these definitions, independence is the keyword . In our study, when we use ‘FIT’, we refer to travellers who plan their own trips and prefer to travel alone or in small groups.

FIT tourism is better defined as a way of travelling. Instead of comprehensive travel packages for groups, FIT tourism travelling is more personal and individual. Travellers design their own trips, choose their own destinations and visits, based on the information already they have. FIT tourism is the opposite of mass tourism; FITs prefer to create their own trips instead of following crowds.

FITs travel alone, as a couple or accompanied by a small number of people. The goal of FITs is to follow their own path, explore the things they want to see and with that create their own unique travelling experience. By planning their own trip, they can travel at their own pace, not bound to a group.

When talking with a European tour operator, it is very important to understand what they mean when talking about FIT tourism. The concept of FIT tourism is loose; it can range from travellers booking without a tour operator, to personalised trips conducted by a tour operator based on the wishes of the traveller, to trips based on components which are predefined by a tour operator, or dynamic packaging . Some European tour operators even see fully predefined trips for individuals or small groups as FIT tourism, although for the purpose of this study, we do not.

Free independent travellers are mostly well experienced and very individualistic travellers, which is why they try to keep some degree of freedom by not booking everything on a trip in advance. They already have enough experience to allow them to decide on sight what to visit and how to travel. They seek less group experience than other tourists, but most still want to see the big highlights. The difference is that they do not want to visit these in an ordinary way with a big group, but rather in special and unique ways.

The internet gives travellers better access to research on travelling information. They also get travel inspiration from photos, videos, stories and online reviews. Because there is so much to find online, it is much easier for tourists to make decisions about what to visit then it was before the internet. The internet has become the most important place for fully independent travellers to get their travel information, which means you must be well represented online for FITs to find you.

Figure 1: FIT traveller characteristics

Source: tripsavvy

Make sure you have pictures as well as travel stories and links to blogs on your website.
Ask customers to review your business online. FITs see online ratings and reviews as good indicators of quality.
Try to be present on multiple social media channels to interact with current and future customers.
Read our other tips on how to become a successful tourism company online .

Some free independent travellers choose to travel with the help of a travel agency. These agencies offer building blocks for tourists to complement once they are already on travel, but they also offer completely customised trips.

Backpacking is a classic form of FIT tourism. Backpackers normally book some sort of transport to arrive at an initial point of departure and from there they travel farther without a specific plan or time schedule, but only carrying a backpack as luggage. They decide where to go next, how to go and how long to stay on the fly during their trip. Flexibility is very important to backpackers and that is why they will not book much of their trips far into the future.

A small minority of independent travellers has very specific interests. The interests can vary widely, from caves, to special birds, specific communities, tribal governance systems, organisation of labour in small villages, and traditional values in communities. Although few in number, these travellers tend to spend a lot of money in your country. They are served best if you think along with them about the opportunities your country offers within their specific field of interest.

Focus on backpackers if there is still little tourism in your area. Backpackers are the explorers and pioneers among tourists.
When you guide fully independent travellers, avoid the other tourists and take more unknown routes.
Show the big highlights quickly to FITs, then focus on smaller and unique aspects of the destination.

2. What makes Europe an interesting market for FIT tourism?

Europeans tend to travel extensively as FITs, although to what extent varies by destination. Attracting European FIT travellers offers an interesting opportunity, because attracting FIT tourists usually offers better margins compared to selling via European tour operators. However, many European FIT tourists are very price conscious. Before corona, the FIT market was growing by between 5% and 10% per year in Western Europe, and with 0–5% per year in Eastern and Southern European countries.

European FIT tourists are very active compared to tourists from Asia and the United States. Many travellers like to enjoy your country cycling and hiking. Compared to American tourists, Europeans also travel slower. They will stay in a certain area for a longer period of time, while Americans make more use of domestic flights to see all the highlights in your country.

Compared to tourists from the United States, European travellers are very demanding. They need a lot of detailed information and are more price conscious. However, they are less interested in luxury, expensive food and accommodation, and more interested in remote locations and nature. Offering a holiday to a remote location in a tent can be very appealing to European independent travellers.

Destinations which are safe and where infrastructure is better, tend to be popular among FITs. Nonetheless, in absolute numbers, Asia is the most popular among FITs from Europe, followed by South America and Africa. According to a study profiling 263 backpackers in Bangkok’s Khao San Road area , most of them (63%) were from Europe.

But for African countries, too, Europe offers a valuable source market for FIT tourism, as Europe is relatively close to Africa and therefore flight tickets are cheaper. Another consequence is that it is easier to sell shorter trips to European travellers.

Many FITs looking for online deals travel on low-cost airlines, whose budget prices make it more accessible for travellers to fly. The declining costs of long-haul flights facilitated by budget airlines has helped to boost a 29% increase in long-haul trips booked by Europeans in 2017 compared to 2016. In the same period, the biggest increases in the number of tickets booked were to the Dominican Republic (147%), New Delhi (106%) and Praia, Cabo Verde (76%). In 2018 compared to 2017, the number of cheap flights booked to some destinations were even higher: Marsa Alam, Egypt (156%), Sal, Cabo Verde (148%) and Rosario, Argentina (130%).

It is very uncertain how the FIT market will develop after corona. Some experts expect the European FIT market will increase, while others expect it to decrease. An important reason for an expected increase is that the financial crisis in many European countries forces tourists to search for the best deals and one way of doing this is by cutting the costs of European tour operators by planning their own trip. One of the tour operators we spoke to expected that within ten years the market for FIT tour operators in Western Europe will have completely vanished, because all customers will book directly via local entrepreneurs.

The main reason for the return of package deals is because it offers European tourists security. Under some circumstances, European tour operators are obliged to bring their customers home . In case of increased travel restrictions due to COVID-19 it also offers European tourists the right to cancel their trip and get the costs of their trip refunded, whereas there is no such protection for travellers who book their travel arrangements independently. Note that this may also affect you if you work with European tour operators.

Identify and invite a European tour operator to visit your area or attraction free of charge. Make sure you are dealing with a serious operator who will not just take advantage of simply taking a free holiday at your expense.
Provide tour operators with sufficient information, like clear brochures including detailed photos, to facilitate them sell your activities. European travellers demand lots of information. For example, if you organise a bike ride, just saying that it happens in the morning is not enough; you should also provide the distance travelled, the change in altitude, the duration, the number of breaks, etc.
Make sure the information on your website and in other materials is appealing to the European target group, like the information on Go Adventure and Adventure & Fun Albania .
Read our tips on how to deal with the European Package directive if you are offering services to European tour operators.
Do not publish accurate prices on your website if you sell to tourists directly and via European tour operators. European tour operators are not eager to buy from you if their customers see that your prices are lower than their prices.

3. Which European countries offer most opportunities for FIT tourism?

Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark offer most opportunities on the independent travel market.

Independent travel is most common among Western European and Scandinavian travellers, especially long-haul trips. On account of their large populations and willingness to travel independently, Germany, the United Kingdom and France are the main FIT markets in Europe. Although Sweden and Denmark are relatively small source markets, they offer high opportunities due to their willingness to travel independently and their high travel budget. Italy and Spain offer large tourism markets, but their willingness to travel independently is far less.

Germany is the largest European FIT market

According to tourism experts, Germany is the largest independent traveller market. It offers the most trips to developing countries and there is a high willingness to travel independently. Before corona, the market share for FIT tourism remained stable for many years. In 2018, 36% of German tourists booked their accommodations directly, compared to 34% in 2010. In 2019, this rate dropped to 35%.

Germany is by far the largest economy in the EU and the fourth-largest in the world with a gross domestic product (GDP) of €3.5 trillion, or €43 thousand per capita. According to Reiseanalyse, the percentage of German travellers booking package tours in 2019 was 45%, rising 3% since 2010. In the same period, online bookings increased significantly from 26% to 44%. The percentage of travellers booking their transportation independently was 15%. 56% of German travellers use an online travel agency to book a trip , which is more than the British (47%) and the French (44%).

Germans have an ever-growing concern about the sustainability of holidays, as 73% feel at least a little guilty about climate consequences when they travel by air. Furthermore, 61% of German tourists feel positive towards sustainable trips, but only 6% are acting on it. This means there is still a large gap between the attitude and actual behaviour of these tourists.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a huge drop in outgoing travel in 2020, it also made German travellers even more eager to travel the world, as 62% of the travellers have a heightened desire to see more of the world. 60% won’t take travel for granted in the future, which is comparable to the global average of 61%. The German vaccination rate is comparable to most other Western European countries, with 42% of the adult population being fully vaccinated by July 2021.

Hygiene safety measures are important for German travellers, but less important compared to other European countries. Only 51% of the German travellers, compared to 70% globally, will book an accommodation if it is clear about health and hygiene policies. 47% of travellers accept health checks on arrival, which is much lower than the global average of 67%.

Table 1: German travellers’ long-haul destinations in 2019 compared to 2017

Source: Reiseanalyse

When targeting German travellers, you need to offer sufficient information to attract German FITs. They tend to seek a lot of information before deciding to go visit a place. Like most Europeans, Germans are quite straightforward in their communication style, but they are also well known for their organisation and punctuality. In general, they don’t like changes and you need very good arguments if you intend to deviate your offering from the arrangement. As Germans tend to travel a lot, most German travellers are very experienced.

The United Kingdom offers the second-largest European market for free independent travellers

Looking at holidays spent abroad, 50% of British travellers booked their travel and accommodation themselves , using different travel companies. As many as 15% of British travellers choose to travel solo as FITs. Turkey (1.6 million trips), Thailand and India (each with 1 million trips) are the most visited developing country destinations by British tourists, according to UNWTO data.

When booking a trip, British travellers have a lower preference for all-inclusive holidays compared to German and French tourists. However, the demand for all-inclusive and package holidays saw a comeback in 2019 , mainly caused by travel to Egypt and Turkey.

Compared to other European source countries, British travellers are more demanding and assertive if their requirements are not met. In general, they will ask for a lot of information on possible activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made British travellers even more eager to travel the world, as 47% of travellers have a heightened desire to see more of the world.

Hygiene safety measures are important for British travellers, compared to German and Dutch travellers. 68% of the British travellers, compared to 70% globally, will book an accommodation if it is clear about health and hygiene policies. 63% of travellers accept health checks on arrival, which is comparable to the global average of 67%. The United Kingdom currently has the highest vaccination rate in Europe, with 50% of the adult population being fully vaccinated by July 2021.

With a population of 66 million and a gross domestic product of €2.3 trillion, the United Kingdom is the fifth-largest economy in the world and the second in Europe. The UK’s GDP per capita is €38 thousand per year, meaning the British have least disposable income among the top FIT markets in Europe.

From our top-6 countries, according to experts, the French have the lowest preference for independent travel. However, France is a very important source market, especially for French-speaking destinations such as Morocco. Also, French travellers enjoy more, and longer holiday trips in comparison to German and British tourists. They also have a higher preference for holidays with their families and relaxation.

When booking online, online travel agents (OTAs) (44%), search engines (38%) and travel reviews sites are the most important sources when booking a trip. Their preference for OTAs is slightly lower than the preference of German and British travellers, however.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a huge drop in outgoing travel in 2020, it also made French travellers even more eager to travel the world. 45% of travellers have a heightened desire to see more of the world. 65% of travellers won’t take travel for granted in the future, which is about equal to the global average of 61%. 38% of the adult population was fully vaccinated by July 2021, which is less than most other Western European countries. Many French are sceptical about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Hygiene safety measures are relatively important for French travellers, compared to German and Dutch travellers. 64% of the French travellers, compared to 70% globally, will book an accommodation if it is clear about health and hygiene policies. 66% of travellers accept health spot checks on arrival, which is comparable to the global average of 67%.

After the UK, France has the third-biggest GDP of Europe and the seventh-largest of the world, with about €2.3 trillion in 2019. Their population count is just over 65 million. Just like other European source countries, France saw a serious decline in their GDP in 2020. The average holiday budget has decreased from €2,201 in 2019 to €1,522 in 2020. This is comparable to the holiday budget of the Germans.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has a huge potential for independent travel, as according to research by GFK, only 3% always book via a tour operator. They are also very disloyal, as only 10% always book their trip via the same supplier. Therefore, Dutch travellers are relatively easy to convince to become your customer, but hard to maintain as a client. An important driver for this behaviour is that Dutch independent travellers are very price conscious. They compare many offerings before they choose the best deal.

The fear of violence, price, political stability and the chance of (COVID-19) infections are the most important drivers when choosing a destination. Over 75% of tourists mainly book their trips online. Dutch travellers don’t value luxurious accommodations but want to make the most out of their trips by being physically active.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made Dutch travellers even more eager to travel the world, as 26% of travellers have a heightened desire to see more of the world. 45% won’t take travel for granted in the future, which is below the global average of 61%. 44% of the adult population was fully vaccinated by July 2021, which is a bit higher than most Western European countries, but lower than the United Kingdom.

Hygiene safety measures are important for Dutch travellers, but less important compared to other European countries. Only 52% of the Dutch travellers, compared to 70% globally, will book an accommodation if it is clear about health and hygiene policies. 50% of travellers accept health checks on arrival, which is much lower than the global average of 67%.

Sweden offers a wealthy but small market, with a population of 10.3 million and a GDP per capita of €41 thousand. Swedish travellers consider travelling sustainably to be very important. They prefer to book their travel before their flight and especially prefer adventure travel . 98% of the Swedish prefer to book their trips online. When on holiday, 61% prefers a digital detox, especially those between 35 and 55.

Although most Swedish travellers book online, word of mouth is the main source influencing destination choices. 72% of Swedish travellers argue that talking to others influences their destination choice, compared to a European average of 40%.

Denmark has a high percentage of free independent travellers

Denmark offers a small market: less than 6 million people. However, Denmark’s GDP per capita is approximately €54 thousand, which means the Danish have budget for travel expenditures. The Danes spend on average €2,000 on a summer holiday , which they normally book in January or February. Many Danes prefer adventurous travel ; according to UNWTO’s 2017 statistics, more Danes visit developing country destinations proportionally than the European average: 15.8% versus 12.4%.

For the Danes, the most important reasons to return to the same destination for a holiday are the natural features and the cultural and historical attractions. Many Danes, especially the fully independent travellers, speak more than one foreign language, such as English and German.

Focus on Denmark or Sweden if you aim to maximise a limited marketing budget. These countries have relatively small populations, but incomes are high and their travellers are highly focused on FIT tourism.
Offer great quality and sustainable holidays when attracting Swedish travellers, as it is very likely that good experiences by Swedish travellers will lead to more tourists.
Study your target markets. Update your knowledge by analysing statistics, for example, about the German holiday market and the British holiday market .

4. What trends offer opportunities in the European FIT tourism market?

Local and unique experiences are growing in demand.

The free independent traveller is looking for a unique experience, more so than a regular tourist. This includes, for example, contact with local communities and experiencing daily life. FITs want to experience ordinary life in the places they visit, including doing and seeing things that locals do and see. Fully independent travellers want to meet and talk with locals to get a real feeling of how life is in their country.

Figure 2: Enjoying a cooking class and learning to prepare local food can be a unique experience

Source: Shutterstock

Note that most FITs also want to see the main touristic highlights and visit the same destinations as package tourists. Even for young travellers, famous sights and attractions are still the number-one priority when travelling, followed by adventure experiences, special local food and spontaneous experiences with locals. FITs aim to experience ordinary life and unique experiences on top of the main attractions. This is especially the case where life in the places they visit differs from their lives at home.

Develop activities with local agents, since it does not take much to create interesting activities. This can be as simple as a bike tour through surrounding villages, visiting local businesses or agriculture, and getting travellers into contact with locals. An example is Chambok Community , a village in Cambodia where visitors join in activities with locals, such as helping to collect food or going on a tractor ride. Read our study on community-based tourism to learn more on how to offer local experiences.
Offer workshops, which are easy to set up and accessible for tourists, for example, a cooking workshop where you learn to make local food specialities. Other examples include dyeing umbrellas in Thailand, dyeing textiles in Guatemala, or making music in Brazil on the rhythm of samba, milonga, chamame, and chacarera. More examples of these forms of creative tourism can be found in our study on the opportunities for cultural tourism .
Use local forms of transport, like riding an oxcart or a tuk-tuk .
Start something close to a tourist attraction or on a route between attractions. European FITs want to travel efficiently.

Keep in mind that most European tourists prefer comfort, demand clean beds and choose to stay in places that are in line with an idealised image of a country, not necessarily what the experience of locals actually is. Check the Asian Homestay Standard , which offer standards on hosting, accommodation, activities, management, location, hygiene and cleanliness, safety and security, marketing, and sustainability principles. However, keep in mind that this standard is not a regulation. Read it as a source of inspiration and talk to your clients to learn what they really want.

Adjust your homestay to European standards but keep the rest intact. Existing facilities can be uncomfortable for Europeans. For any visits longer than an hour, you need at least seats and a toilet. For overnight stays, you will need a clean bed and a shower. If you can’t assure a clean bed, avoid overnight stays.
Ask your European clients for precise instructions about the comfort needs of your guests.
Offer enough diversity and options in the food you serve. Although most FITs want to experience the local cuisine, Europeans likely won’t understand three rice meals a day, for example. Ideally, if you can, offer local cuisine with a lot of variety. For inspiration, read about the food offered by a Dutch tour operator on the Inca trail in Peru or read our study on food and wine tourism .
Understand your clients and listen to them. Many visitors will appreciate locals wearing traditional clothing or performing a ritual dance, for example. Others may be disappointed, finding it contrived and no reflective of actual daily life.

Increasing price consciousness

Many independent travellers are very price conscious, and some experts expect this number to grow. Due to increased use of the internet, and better search engine algorithms, the market is becoming increasingly transparent. This gives independent travellers the opportunity to compare your offerings with many competitors and choose the deal with the best value for money. Many travellers are willing to book with a local tour operator or destination management company directly, to cut the margins of a European tour operator.

Increasing demand for sustainability

Although the demand for sustainable travel is a general trend, FITs have an even higher demand for sustainable travel, because in general they are younger and more educated.

According to Booking.com , the top-5 most important eco-friendly practices when considering an accommodation to stay in are solar energy (67%), sustainable water system (43%), low-flow showers and toilets (36%), organic restaurants and food options (31%) and recycling baskets in the room (29%). Eco lodges are very popular among travellers because it is an expression of having an eco-friendly and sustainable business. An example in Myanmar is A Little Eco Lodge .

Most tourists associate sustainability with environmental sustainability. However, interest in how the community is affected by their travel is increasing as well.

Start small and find something eco-friendly that your area is good at to show to tourists, like reducing plastic waste. Start for example by examining your receipts to find out which items contribute the most to plastic waste and then choose a top 3 to eliminate or reduce. Another way of doing this is to identify which plastic items are being used out of habit rather than necessity, and remove these completely.
Keep comparing your prices to other similar businesses. Many free independent travellers will choose sustainable trips, but they will refrain from booking when the differences in price are too big.
Target older FITs if your accommodation offers high comfort. Older FITs are more experienced travellers who demand more comfort, have more budget and are less tied to seasons.
Explain to independent travellers how their trip benefits the local community. Examples of doing so are explaining about jobs that are provided and products that are being sold, offering the community the ability to sustain their families.
Make sure your website accepts a valid European online pay method ; it helps build trust and rapport with customers, when all they know about your business is your website. Read also the CBI study on how to implement online payments .

Experiences shared online

FITs often get inspiration online from blogs, vlogs and other sources. Complete travel reports and reviews in those sources give tourists a good view of how other people have experienced their journeys and destinations. They make it easier for the tourist to decide what to visit based on other people’s reviews.

Many tourists share their own experiences online, for example, on Airbnb , Backstreet Academy , Local Alike and Resirest .

Invite bloggers to write about your area. If possible, let them come and stay free of charge.
Read the CBI study on how to start a travel blog to learn about using it to attract tourists.
Improve the impression that tourists get from your website: display online reviews, memberships in organisations like a regional tourism board, and certifications such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification .
Respond quickly to emails. Flexibility is important for tourists and they want quick responses on questions and bookings, preferably by the next day at the latest.
Offer alternatives if you can’t meet the requests of FITs, who are often very flexible.

Health and safety measures become more important

The COVID-19 pandemic can be expected to have a major impact on travellers’ attitudes towards hygiene. Safety and hygiene standards have become paramount and may even become non-negotiable, because travellers simply require these to be at an appropriate standard.

Travellers will be more reluctant to travel to tourism hot spots and may need more persuasion to perceive a destination or your business as safe. Precautions and explaining how the initial COVID-19 outbreak was handled will help to convince travellers that they will be safe at a specific destination, location or service business.

It is expected that hygiene will impact the way people travel to and within a destination. This applies to, for example, hygiene standards, whether face masks are compulsory, and seat spacing. Price may become less important than hygiene and travelling in groups with strangers is probably becoming less attractive.

Women are more cautious regarding health and safety standards than men. Countries in southern Europe and the United Kingdom find it more acceptable to have health spot checks on arrival compared to Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries.

A consequence of the higher emphasis on health and hygiene is a higher demand for small-scale accommodations. The expectations are that prices of small-scale accommodation will rise when visitors return.

This study was carried out on behalf of CBI by Molgo and ETFI .

Please review our market information disclaimer .

Entering the European market for the FIT segment

Enter search terms to find market research

Do you have questions about this research?

Ask your question

Aside from the traditional game drives and boat rides as key activities in Uganda, it is increasingly evident that the destination is drifting toward a more active, adventurous one. Tour/safari packages come with a blend of tracking, trekking, cycling, rafting, ziplining, tubing and cultural encounter activities, among others. These demand a fair level of physical fitness on the part of the traveller. It is therefore important for international sellers and travellers to inquire about the physical demands in the safari packages to ensure they have the ability to fully enjoy the offer! This said, much slower and less physically demanding safaris can be offered. Ntale Benedict, director of Ape Treks

I love the creativity of preparing unique itineraries for independent travellers and being able not only to meet their individual needs but also offer some tailor-made, authentic experiences that match their interests. This gives smaller companies like ours an opportunity to design activities which support conservation and community development and ensure that their visitors gain a deeper insight into the places they visit and have a positive impact on them. Lesley Harris, managing director of Venture Uganda Travel

Related research

What is the demand for outbound tourism on the European market?
What trends offer opportunities or pose threats on the European outbound tourism market?
What are the requirements for tourism services in the European market?
(opens in a new tab) Twitter
(opens in a new tab) Facebook
(opens in a new tab) LinkedIn

What does the term FIT mean?

Here at Cashel Travel the term or acronym FIT stands for Foreign Independent Traveler, but it isn’t necessarily the same in other organisations. Some people or companies refer to it as a Fully Independent Traveler, Frequent Independent Traveler, Free Independent Tourist, Frequent Individual Traveler and we’re sure there are many more. But as you can see, they’re all very much the same thing.

The term FIT was coined within the DMC sector and it refers to an individual tourist or traveller that’s independent from groups or a specified schedule. They normally design or have most of the control over their itinerary. As a result FIT travelers generally have a higher average spend.

If you are interested in FIT travel or would like to know more, contact us at [email protected]

Dictionary Home
Recently Added
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy

FIT. Abr ./GDS. Foreign independent tour. Now generally used to indicate any independent travel, domestic or international, that does not involve a package tour.

To find the abbreviation, acronym, or term you’re looking for, use the Search box (below) or click on any letter (above).

Serving the travel industry since 1999

Package, Tour or FIT: Defining the Packaged Travel Market

ASTA Members save $200—log in to the ASTA Web site for details and to order.
European , Financial , Global and Technology Edition subscribers save $200:

What is Open Access

An Open Access subscription provides company-wide access to the whole library of Phocuswright’s travel research and data visualization.

Curious? Contact our team to learn more:

What is open access+.

With Open Access+, your company gets access to Phocuswright's full travel research library and data visualization PLUS Special Project deliverables.

Provide your information and we'll contact you:

Curious contact our team to learn more:, more research insights.

More from M-W
To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of fit

(Entry 1 of 6)

Definition of fit (Entry 2 of 6)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

Definition of fit (Entry 3 of 6)

Definition of fit (Entry 4 of 6)

Definition of fit (Entry 5 of 6)

Definition of fit (Entry 6 of 6)

dialectal past tense and past participle of fight

appropriate
beseem [ archaic ]

fit , suitable , meet , proper , appropriate , fitting , apt , happy , felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance.

fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

meet suggests a just proportioning.

proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

Examples of fit in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English; akin to Middle English fitten

Verb and Noun (1)

Middle English fitten to marshal troops, from or akin to Middle Dutch vitten to be suitable

Middle English, from Old English fitt strife

Middle English, from Old English fitt ; akin to Old Saxon fittea division of a poem, Old High German fizza skein

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b(1)

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 4

1823, in the meaning defined above

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fit

fit as a fiddle
fit as a flea
fit for a king
fit (into / in) the mold of
fit of laughter
fit the pattern of
fit the bill
fit to be tied
fit to burst
goodness of fit
in no (fit) state
pitch a fit
see / think fit
throw a fit
fit to kill

Dictionary Entries Near fit

fit and flare

Cite this Entry

“Fit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fit. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of fit.

(Entry 1 of 4)

Kids Definition of fit (Entry 2 of 4)

Kids Definition of fit (Entry 3 of 4)

Kids Definition of fit (Entry 4 of 4)

Middle English fit "suitable to a particular purpose"

Old English fitt "strife"

Medical Definition

Medical definition of fit.

(Entry 1 of 3)

Medical Definition of fit (Entry 2 of 3)

Medical Definition of fit (Entry 3 of 3)

More from Merriam-Webster on fit

Nglish: Translation of fit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of fit for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fit

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day, circumlocution.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, every letter is silent, sometimes: a-z list of examples, more commonly mispronounced words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, popular in wordplay, a great big list of bread words, the words of the week - apr. 12, 10 scrabble words without any vowels, 12 more bird names that sound like insults (and sometimes are), 9 superb owl words, games & quizzes.

Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

The Travel Glossary - find the best Terms, Definitions and Acronyms

Travel terms, glossary, definitions and acronyms of the travel industry from A – Z. Click on a letter to see the terms and descriptions in our glossary.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Add-collect, adjoining room.

Average Daily Rate. A hotel industry term used to calculate average hotel room rate. Equal to room revenue divided by rooms sold.

advance purchase

The advance time before travel that a fare requires a ticket to be issued, normally 3,7,14 or 21 days.

Agent Error. An incorrect entry made by a consultant during the reservation process.

AEA (see “Association of European Airlines”)

A US based travel agency that has entered into an agreement with BCD Travel to use the BCD Travel trademarks and provide travel services to customers in the affiliate’s territory.

Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)

An independent corporation jointly owned by most of the major United States airlines; ARC collects payments for tickets sold by travel agencies and distributes the monies to the airlines; ARC also governs appointment of travel agencies to sell domestic air transportation.

airport code

The three-letter code used by airlines and the air travel industry to identify airports around the world, e.g. LHR=London Heathrow, JFK=New York John F. Kennedy. http://www.world-airport-codes.com/

airport security check

Airport security checks are procedures and measures for screening passengers and baggage to ensure security against terrorist threats and other dangers. Find out how to get through quickly

airport tax

Tax levied by certain airports throughout the world. In many cases this can be built into the total ticket price, although some airlines will not co-operate, thus making payable locally by the passenger.

On outbound journey’s, airside includes all those areas of the airport terminal after you have passed through passport control. On inbound journey’s, airside includes all those areas of the terminal before you pass through passport control.

A short-hop aircraft for up to 20 passengers, usually flying unscheduled services with a 200 / 500-mile range.

all-inclusive

A hotel program which usually includes all meals, snacks, beverages and activities.

A joint partnership between specified carriers which may include, but not limited to, interlining, code-sharing, joint frequent flyer program participation, and even equity participation of stock ownership.

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, a government-subsidized corporation that operates all passenger train service in the United States.

Automatic Number Identification. A contact center term for a telephone network feature that passes that number of the phone the caller is using to the contact center, real-time.

American Plan. A hotel rate that includes breakfast and dinner, sometimes lunch.

Asia Pacific. A geographical term used interchangeably with ASPAC and often used in reference to the entire Asian market.

Advance Purchase Excursion Fare

applicable fare

The fare to be applied.

Accounts Receivable. Money which is owed by a customer to a company for products or services provided on credit.

ARC (see “Airlines Reporting Corporation”)

An eight-digit identification number issued by ARC to travel agencies who have met accreditation standards.

Arrival Unknown. An ARNK is added to a reservation when there is a break in the itinerary and continuity is not recognized; it does count as a segment when ticketing.

Around-the-world

A continuous journey circumnavigating the globe in one general west-to-east or east-to-west direction in which both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are crossed not more than once each.

ARR (see “Average room rate”)

Asia South Pacific. A geographic term used interchangeably with APAC.

Automated Ticket & Boarding Pass. IATA standard transportation ticket and combined boarding pass which features a magnetic strip containing passenger and journey details.

Average Ticket Price. The average price of all tickets purchased; domestic and international are sometimes calculated separately.

availability

The total number of seats allowed to be sold at a particular rate.

average room rate (ARR)

Ratio of hotel’s sales revenue to the number of occupied rooms.

back-to-back ticketing

An against-the-rules practice whereby a traveler books a return ticket nested inside another return ticket to avoid minimum stay requirements for the purpose of saving money. For example, the traveler uses the first ticket to fly from origin to destination on Monday in week 1, then he uses the second ticket to fly from destination to origin on Friday in week 1 and back to destination on Monday in week 2, and then he uses the first ticket again to fly back to origin on Friday in week 2. The normal Saturday night stay requirement is then avoided. While this will sometimes save money, most airlines do not allow this practice and doing so might result in penalties.

backtracking

Having to return to your original airport of entry in a country to make the return trip home. A time-consuming and costly procedure to overcome by arranging an op-jaw itinerary, which allows you to fly out to one point and return from another.

Carry-on-baggage and checked baggage have many restrictions. Most notable are the number and size of the baggage. Many airlines allow only 1 carry-on bag, plus one personal item (purse, back-pack, computer bag). For checked baggage restrictions and fees, refer to the carrier’s website for details.

banker’s buying rate (BBR)

Exchange rate used to convert from one currency to another; called the ‘buying rate’ because it is the rate used when banks purchase currency from an individual

banker’s selling rate (BSR)

Exchange rate used to convert from one currency to another; called the ‘buying rate’ because it is the rate used when banks sell currency to an individual

Best Available Rate. A hotel industry pricing method for yielding room rates (floating) based on demand while ensuring the best rate is presented for sale to agents, consumers.

A fare without tax.

Measurement of hotel occupency.

blackout dates

Certain dates or periods when travel on specific fares is not permitted (usually holidays).

blocked space

Multiple reservations, often subject to deposit forfeiture, which wholesalers or travel agents make with a supplier in anticipation of resale.

boarding pass

A permit to board a ship, plane, or other form of transportation. In the case of air travel, the card indicates boarding gate and aircraft seat number.

booking code

A letter code used to make an airline reservation at a particular fare level in a computerized reservation system. (CRS/GDS)

Bank Settlement Plan. Outside the USA, a system by which the travel agent community pays carriers for tickets it issues.

Business Travel Account. If a company has a corporate credit card program where certain purchases such as air, rail, and associated transaction fees are centrally billed to one “master” credit card number, this is referred to as the Business Travel Account (BTA). This account allows for the purchase of certain air travel expenses for corporate employees without the need to issue individual credit cards to each traveler for the designated expenses. Because the account has no physical card, it’s often called a “ghost card.”

BTC (see “Business Travel Center”)

Business Travel News. A travel industry publication that delivers news and research to the corporate travel population.

bucket shop

An unlicensed, unbonded travel agency used by some airlines to dispose of excess capacity seats that are available on certain flights.

buffer zone

For taxation purposes, an extension of the US border 225 miles north into Canada and 225 miles south into Mexico border; all cities within this area are assessed the 7.5% US domestic tax when tickets are purchased and sold in the US.

A net fare contract for certain number of seats. Similar to blocked space except that the tour operator, wholesaler, or travel agent usually contracts for airline seats at a low, non-commissioned price without the option of releasing space back to the airline.

A partition (usually a wall) on an airplane separating compartments.

Travel slang for the removal of a passenger from a flight through overbooking; usually applied to those holding concessionary tickets.

bundled pricing

A pricing proposal, always a transaction fee, where elements other than air (e.g. car hire, hotel, rail) are included in the fee with the air transaction.

business class

Level of airline service between First class and Economy class. On European routes business class has now replaced first class as premier service level. Most airlines have their own brand names. (e.g. British Airways – Club World and Club Europe: Air France – Le Club etc.)

Business Travel Center (BTC)

Standard full service and online service in a local call center, undedicated, team environment.

Business Travel Management

Business travel management is the process of planning, organizing, and overseeing business travel for an organization. This includes booking travel arrangements, managing expenses, and developing policies and procedures for business travel.

cancellation policy

The advance time a hotel requires a booking to be canceled by to avoid being billed for the room

carrier (CXR)

Another term for airline.

Credit Card. A system of payment whereby the issuer of the card grants a line of credit to the cardholder, to be used to make payment to a merchant or to withdraw cash.

Collision Damage Waiver. An industry term for optional insurance provided by car rental companies that eliminates all responsibility of the driver in an accident.

centralized billing

System under which a travel supplier, credit card company, agency or other supplier consolidates all costs/charges incurred by different employees or departments into one total invoice.

change of equipment

Also known as “change of gauge”. A single flight number used to represent flights on two different aircraft; usually on international destinations.

Notification to an airline or hotel that a traveler has arrived to take a flight or stay at a hotel; some airlines provide curbside check-in while others only allow check-in at the ticket counter.

Advice to a hotel that a guest is leaving the property and usually includes payment for the stay.

A traveler who has had his/her second birthday, but not yet his/her twelfth birthday (this definition may vary by carrier).

Churning refers to any repeated booking or canceling of the same itinerary in the same class or different classes of service in one or more PNRs or GDS.

circle pacific

Travel from IATA Area 1 (North and/or South America) to IATA Area 3 (Asia, Australia, South Pacific) by way of the North Pacific Ocean in one direction, via the South Pacific Ocean in the opposite direction, and at least one flight within IATA Area 3 that crosses the Equator.

circle trip (CT)

A journey from origin to destination with a return to origin in a continuous, circuitous route using two or more fare components

The orgin (from) and arrival (to) points of a trip, usually by air or train.

city terminal

Airline office, usually city center, where passengers may check-in, receive seating details and board special bus/ taxi/ helicopter/ rail/ shuttle services to the airport.

class of service

The interior of an aircraft is divided into sections, each with a different level of service and amenities; common classes of service are first, business, and economy.

Cruise Lines International Association. An association dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry.

Section of a hotel offering higher security and special facilities either for a premium payment or as an incentive/ privilege for frequent users.

club ticket

Fully flexible, redeemable business class ticket valid one year from date of issue. Phrase used primarily in the U.K.

Another term for bus.

Close of Business. A term meaning the end of the business day.

A marketing agreement between two airlines (very common amongst airlines that have an alliance) where a seat is purchased on one airline (the selling carrier), but the flight is actually operated by a different airline (the operating carrier).

combination

Two or more fares shown separately in a fare calculation.

Computerized Reservation System

System used to book and process travel reservations, also known as a Global Distribution System (GDS).

A hotel employee who attends to guests’ needs for special information, theater and restaurant reservations, and any other special requests.

connecting flight

A flight which the passenger must change aircraft.

A stop in a given city for less than 4 hours (domestic US); less than 12 hours (domestic US as part of an international journey); less than 24 hours (international); continuing on the next applicable flight to an onward destination; designated by X/ in a linear fare construction line.

conjunction ticket

Two or more tickets concurrently issued to a passenger and which together constitute a single contract of carriage.

connecting rooms

Two rooms that are side-by-side that have a common connecting interior door.

consolidation fare

A group inclusive tour fare available to travel agents and other operators to construct packages to destinations which are inclusive of accomodation. Consolidation fares, although group fares, are for sale to individual passengers.

consolidator

A person or company which forms groups to travel on charter or at group fares on scheduled flights to increase sales, earn override commissions or reduce the chance of tour cancellations.

A group of independent companies that join together to gain greater profits.

construction point

A city through which fares have been combined for the purpose of pricing an itinerary; a destination city or a turnaround point; a fare break shown on the ticket.

A contact center term for an individual who is calling or visiting your company by phone or through the website, and who is requesting an interaction with an agent.

contact center

An umbrella term that generally refers to reservations centers, help desks, information lines or customer service centers, regardless of how they are organized or what types of transactions they handle.

continental breakfast

A light breakfast of such things as coffee, pastry and sometimes juice.

contract fare / contract discount

A discounted fare agreed upon by the client and a carrier; contract fares require a client give the carrier a certain percentage of its business in all markets.

corporate fare

A discounted airfare for business travelers.

corporate rate

A special rate negotiated between a supplier (hotel or car for example) and a company.

corporate hotel rate

Learn how to get corporate hotel rates .

Corporate Travel Department (CTD)

A CTD (Corporate Travel Department) establishes a direct purchasing relationship between the company and its travel suppliers. The accrediting body, ARC (Airline Reporting Corporation) authorizes the company to function as its own “travel agency” and control it’s financial settlement.

co-terminals

A group of cities/airports considered to be the same point; example: JFK/LGA/EWR.

country of commencement (COC)

The country in which a journey begins; the base fare is converted from NUCs into the currency of the Country of Commencement by using the IATA ROE.

country of payment (COP)

The country in which a ticket is being purchased; the base fare is converted from the currency of the Country of Commencement into the currency of the country of payment using the Bank Rate if the countries are not the same.

Cost Per Mile. A calculation of the average price paid per mile.

Cost Per Transaction. A calculation of the total cost a company incurs for generating a customer transaction.

Customer Relationship Management. A term used for a database that is used to house and maintain customer information.

CRS (see “Computerized Reservation System”)

Corporate Social Responsibility . A concept whereby companies consider the impact to society and the environment of their actions.

Central Security Record. A hotel industry term for the name of the Viewership Management Table used to maintain a list of offices authorized to access a client’s negotiated hotel rates.

Central Standard Time. A time zone in the US, also known as Central Time or CT.

Corporate Travel Department. A company’s in-house travel agency that purchases air transportation and related travel services on behalf of its own employees.

Computer Telephony Integration. A contact center term for the software, hardware, and programming necessary to integrate computers and telephones so they can work together seamlessly and intelligently.

A checkpoint at which imported goods are verified for legality and value.

Data Release Authorization (DRA)

Under a DRA, Client instructs, as of the date specified, BCD Travel to receive, process, and/or transfer certain personal travel data from Client’s travelers, including, but not limited to, transactional ticket-level, segment-level, and traveler-level information, which may include, without limitation, traveler name and address, origination and destination, corporate and/or personal credit card number, passport number, drivers license, travel preferences, and other special needs or any other sensitive data as may be provided by or behalf of the travelers (“Travel Data”).

Decision Source (DS)

A BCD Travel product that allows our customers to interact with their reservation data.

delegate rate

An inclusive rate for meetings on a daily basis. Twenty-four hour delegate rate also includes accommodation. Phrase primarily used in the U.K.

denied boarding compensation (DBC)

Commonly called “bumping,” – When more passengers arrive to take a flight than can actually fit on the plane; although legal, the carrier is only responsible for providing compensation to a traveler if he/she has a confirmed reservation and is checked in and has arrived at the departure gate within a pre-determined time period; compensation may be in cash or in a voucher for future travel; passengers who voluntarily relinquish their seats are compensated with a cash payment or voucher towards a future trip and are then accommodated on the next available flight; if an airline delivers a bumped passenger to his/her destination within an hour of the originally-scheduled time, no compensation is required.

deregulation

Originally applied to American air travel: in 1978, federal law phased out the civil Aeronautics Board and stopped government intervention or regulation of airline routes and fares.

destination

The final stopping place as shown on the ticket; the furthest point on a fare component used to price an itinerary.

Destination Management Company

Company, possibly an incoming tour operator, who organizes local ground services at destination.

differential

The difference between the fares for two different classes of service between two cities; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

direct fare

The fare for one-way or half round-trip travel visa the shortest route operated between two cities.

direct flight

A flight from origin to destination that makes one or more intermediate stops, but passengers do not change planes.

directional fare

Fare valid only in a specified direction of travel.

discount fare

Transportation fare lower than the full published tariff for an airline’s route. A discount fare usually entails certain stipulations regarding purchase or travel (space availbility).

DMC (see “Destination Management Company”)

Domestic travel.

Travel wholly within any one country; typically used to designate intra-US travel.

A hotel room with two double beds and/or accommodating 2-4 people.

double booking

The practice of making reservations for two or more flights, cars or hotels as a type of backup; considered to be unethical.

double occupancy

The way in which almost all cruise fares and tour packages are quoted, that is, based on two people traveling together. Most hotel rooms are quoted based on two adults to a room, as well.

double open jaw (DOJ)

Travel in which the outbound departure point and arrival and the inbound point of departure and arrival are not the same.

To move a passenger to a lower class of service or accommodation.

drop-off charge

A fee charged for dropping a rental car at a different location from where it was picked up.

Being exempt from any import tax.

economy class

The rear area of the aircraft in which passengers having paid one of the lower fare types are seated.

electronic miscellaneous document – Associated (EMD-A)

Document that allows for the fulfillment of all flight related services and fees (such as bags, seats, meals, etc.). An EMD or EMD-A is linked to a specific eticket coupon in the airline’s database.

electronic miscellaneous document – Standalone (EMD-S)

Non-flight related services (such as lounge access or change fee collection) a stand alone EMD, a EMD-S is issued. To issue an EMD-S a manually created service segment must be in the PNR. Specific services that can be charged on an EMD-S is dependent on the airline’s own requirements.

electronic ticket (eticket)

An airline transportation ticket that is entirely in a GDS; no physical ticket is required for travel.

EMD (see “electronic miscellaneous document”)

Endorsement.

Permission from the plating carrier, the ticketed carrier or the carrier losing air space for the traveler to use the flight coupon(s) for travel on another airline at no additional cost; usually only required for international tickets.

end-on-end combination

A special type of combination in which two round trip fares are combined to produce a complete itinerary.

In this example, the passenger buys a round trip ticket from AAA to BBB (Rule 1), and a separate round trip fare from BBB to CCC (Rule 2). The net effect is to travel from AAA to CCC, but breaking the fare at BBB, which may in some cases be less expensive than the round trip (through) fare from AAA to CCC.

equivalent fare paid

An amount converted into the currency of the country of payment when the published fare is in a currency other than that of the country of payment.

ERA (see “European Regions Airline Association”)

Eastern Standard Time. A time zone in the US, also known as Eastern Time or ET.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is a free, automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application collects the same information collected on Form I-94W. ESTA applications may be submitted at anytime prior to travel, though it is recommended travelers apply when they begin preparing travel plans.

Estimated Time of Arrival. A measure of when an object is expected to arrive at a certain place.

Estimated Time of Departure or Delivery. The expected start time of a particular journey or the expected delivery of a good or service.

e-ticket (see “electronic ticket”)

Electronic Ticket Record.

European Regions Airline Association

Association which aims to identify, protect and promote the interests of regional air transport in Europe. Over 170 memebers including airlines, aircraft manufacturers and airports. www.eraa.org

excess baggage

Baggage in excess of the allowable number, size or weight.

The process of reissuing a ticket due to a change of flight, fare basis, dates or routing.

excursion fare

Round-trip fare with restrictions, such as minimun and maximum stays and the need to purchase well in advance.

executive card

Types of privilege cards available to frequent users of airlines, hotel chains, car rental companies, etc. Most carry benefits and have their own brand names, e.g. British Airways Executive Blue, Executive Silver, Executive Gold and Premier.

executive room

Higher grade than standard room and usually slightly larger, the executive room often has additional facilities for the business traveler such as trouser press, desk etc. and may be located on a separate Executive Club Floor.

Expatriot (or expat)

An expatriate (in abbreviated form, expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person’s upbringing or legal residence.

explant/ outplant/ offsite

Branch office dedicated to serving a single client that is not located on the client’s premises, but rather operates as a separate part of a BTC.

familiarization tour

A complimentary or reduced-rate travel program for travel agents, airline or rail employees, which is designed to acquaint participants with specific destinations. Often known as “Fam-Trips”.

family plan

A hotel rate that allows children to stay free with adults in the same room.

A combination of letters and numbers used to identify a fare type which may also indicate the rules of the fare

fare component

A fare between two points.

fare ladder

A vertically-written fare construction that includes fare components, surcharges and additional amounts collected.

fee – bundled air transaction fee An air transaction fee that includes the costs associated with servicing air, hotel and car transactions. Therefore, hotel and car only bookings (not to exceed XX% of air bookings) are not charged a transaction fee.
fee – management fee Fee assessed in addition to direct costs. Covers primarily overhead and profit. Can be assessed as % of sales, per transaction or fixed amount.
fee – management fee structure (formerly cost plus offering) Client fee arrangement whereby direct expenses are passed through to the client in addition to management fee. Management fee could be % of sales, fixed fee, or per transaction.
fee – online booking tool fee (PNR fee) Charged per unique reserved PNR. Additional fees may be assessed for transactions booked on a website accessed via the online booking tool.
fee – online transaction fee (e-fulfillment fee) Charged per online transaction – that excludes any ‘flow through costs’ charged by the online booking tool provider.
fee – transaction fee structure Client fee arrangement whereby client is billed per transaction for all major program costs including direct expenses and contribution to overhead and profit, usually at POS.
fee – unbundled (menu) transaction fee Separately charged per each type of transaction, e.g. hotel, car, rail and air. AM and MIS costs might also be charged separately.

final destination

The last point on an itinerary/fare component.

first class

The cabin on an aircraft where there are fewer seats, more elaborate service and amenities.

FIT (see “Fully Independent Traveler”)

Flag carrier.

The airline that internationally represents a given country; sometimes financed or owned by the government.

flight coupon

A section of an airline ticket; one flight coupon is required to take each flight.

flight/time specific

A fare rule that requires a to fly on a specific flight or at a specific time of day.

FOI (see “Form of Indemnity”)

Form of Payment. The method of payment for a transaction.

form of indemnity

A form that needs to be completed by the passenger in order to claim refund in respect of an air ticket that has been misplaced or stolen.

frequent flyer number

Find out what a frequent flyer number is and how to get one

frequent flyer program

An airline loyalty program that provides awards to travelers who use an airline or its partners.

frequent guest program

A hotel loyalty program that provides awards to guests who use a hotel chain.

frequent renter program

A car rental loyalty program that provides services (such as fast pickup) to those who use a car rental vendor.

front office (FO)

An industry term used for products associated with customer-facing activities. The GDS is a front office system.

fuel surcharge

A surcharge assessed for fuel use applicable for travel between specified points and/or for departure from a specified city.

Hotel rate with accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

full economy

This is a fully flexible, fully refundable ticket which is valid for one year from date of issue in economy class.

full exchange

Change an already ticketed reservation, with no flown flight segments.

full to full exchange

Change to a ticketed reservation when no segments are flown and the change is to any segment other than the outbound flights. Or when a segment has been flown and there is a change to a remaining flight segment. In either of these instances, the FULL value of the original ticket must be exchanged for the ‘combined’ FULL value of the new ticket.

fully independent traveler

A traveler / tourist not part of a tour group.

One of the world’s CRSs (GDSs).

Area in an airport where passengers for a flight gather before boarding their flight or deplane on arrival.

gateway city

The last domestic city from which a passenger departs prior to arriving at an international destination; the first point of arrival in a given country (e.g., on the journey SFO-CHI-FRA-MUC, CHI and FRA are gateway cities).

GDS (see “ Global Distribution System “)

Gds operations (gdso).

An industry term for computer reservation systems that book and sell tickets for multiple airlines.

GEBTA (see “Guild of European Business Travel Agents)

In the credit card industry a system used by corporations whereby travel related charges made through designated travel agencies are centrally billed but no plastic card actually exists. Often referred to as “Lodge card” in Europe.

global distribution system

An industry term for computer reservation systems that book and sell tickets for multiple airlines. Learn more

global indicator

Two-letter code used to identify the direction of travel applicable to a given fare.

governing carrier

The airline whose fares and rules are used on a given itinerary.

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Solar based time in Greenwich, England, from which time in all other time zones in the world is based.

ground time

The time not flying.

A booking solution that allows the booking and managing of all ground transportation services, such as limousines, executive sedans, taxis, vans and parking services.

A fare that offers discounts to groups of varying minimum sizes in selected markets, with various conditions, and usually require round trip travel within a specified time limit.

guaranteed hotel reservations

This means that the hotel will hold the room all night. However if the room is not required, failure to cancel will result in a charge. Where reservations are made on an ad hoc basis, rather than through a regular account arrangement, a credit card number will be required to effect this guaranteed reservation.

Hotel rate for accommodation, breakfast and one other meal.

half round trip fare

Half of a fare designated for use on round-trip journeys.

Fee or tax some countries or cities levy on arriving or departing travelers.

Half of the globe; the North and South hemispheres are divided by the Equator; the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans divide the East and West hemispheres.

higher intermediate point (HIP)

A pair of cities within a one-way or half round-trip fare component that has a direct fare higher than the direct fare between the origin and destination of the fare component; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

hotel sourcing

Hotel sourcing or procurement is the process of identifying, negotiating and contracting with hotels to secure accommodations for a specific group, event or organization.

An airport at which an airline centers many of its schedules, particularly connecting flights to smaller destinations.

(see “International Air Transport Association”)*

IATA Number (see “ARC Number”)

Iata rate of exchange (roe).

Rates of exchange designated by IATA to convert local currency to NUCs and to convert NUCs into the currency of commencement of travel.

ICAO (see “International Civil Aviation Organization”)

Interline e-ticket. An interline agreement between airlines that allow e-ticketing on each other’s flights. Interline agreement between airlines permitting travel service cooperation in areas such as: baggage transfer services, guaranteed connection times.

IGK (see “International Gatekeeper”)

Immigration.

Area at which a traveler’s documentation (e.g., Passport and Visa) are verified to ensure the traveler may enter the country.

implant (on-site)

Dedication operational team, based within an office of the client.

implementation

Phase of launching a new relationship, including e.g. opening a new location, training staff, installing technical equipment, and informing clients, travelers and travel arrangers.

inbound travelers

Travelers coming into a specified location are considered inbound. Travelers departing from the location are considered outbound.

A traveler who has not yet reached his/her second birthday.

Term used in the U.S. to describe an implant.

international departure taxes

Taxes levied on all travelers departing a country on an international journey that are, typically collected at the airport at the time of departure.

Between two airlines; TUS-HP-DEN-UA-LON is an interline journey.

interline baggage agreement

An agreement between two air carriers that a carrier will transfer baggage to the other carrier.

interline connection

When a passenger changes airlines as well as aircraft during a journey (same as off-line connection).

interline ticketing agreement

An agreement between two air carriers that permits air travel of one carrier to be on a ticket issued and/or ‘plated’ on another carrier.

intermediate point

A ticketed point of an international journey at which there is no fare break; an intermediate point may be a stopover or connection.

intermediate stop

An enroute stop at a city between the origin and destination (see also Direct Flight).

International Air Transport Association

The world trade association of international air carriers; appoints travel agencies to sell tickets; determines rules and regulations for international carriers. www.iata.org

International Civil Aviation Organization

Specialed agency of the United Nations with responsibility for civil aviation action in standardization, technical co-operation and the formulation of international aviation law. www.iaco.int

A chronological plan showing a traveler’s booked arrangement.

A special through fare (usually only internationally) that permits travel on two or more different airlines.

The origin to final destination of a fare construction.

BCD Travel provides support for KDS. KDS provides an online booking platform for the confirmation of air, car, hotel and rail itineraries.

On outbound journeys, landside includes all those areas of the terminal before you arrive at passport control. On inbound journeys, landside includes all those areas of the terminal after you’re through passport control.

last date of purchase

The date by which a ticket must be issued – fares are not guaranteed until tickets are issued.

last room availability (LRA)

A hotel industry term for ensuring a negotiated rate is always available when standard inventory is available or when the room type negotiated is available.

LDW (see “Loss Damage Waiver”)

One flight; one part of an entire journey.

Lowest Fare Routing. The least expensive airfare available to a destination.

local currency fare (LCF)

See Country Of Payment (COP).

locator reference

Unique identifying booking number used within a computer reservations system as part of a booking file.

Loss Damage Waiver

Additional insurance pertaining to car rentals, covering theft and vandalism in addition to accident damage.

low cost carrier (LCC)

An airline that offers generally low fares in exchange for eliminating many traditional passenger services.

lowest combination principle

Construction of a fare using a particular combination of sector fares to provide the lowest fare when there is no published fare between two points.

Marine Travel

Specialized travel services, available 24/7, provides travel arrangements (including helicopters and charter aircraft) for marine personnel.

Market Number (MK)

A code all online booking tools (OBTs) add at the time each reservation is made, as a way to track PNRs for online adoption and fulfillment purposes. It should never be removed once added to the PNR.

Married Segments

Two or more connecting flight segments joined, or “married,” meaning that these segments are inseparable and the subsequent rebooking or cancellation of any one flight segment must, at the same time, be applied to the connecting flight segment.

maximum permitted mileage (MPM)

The number of miles that may be flown on a published direct fare between origin and destination; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

maximum stay

The maximum amount of time a traveler may stay at a destination before return is required.

MCO (see “Miscellaneous Change Order”)

Meetings, Incentives and Corporate Events. An industry term for a department within a company that offers meeting planning services to customers. BCD Travel’s department is called BCD M&E

midoffice (MO)

An industry term for the management information (MIS) portion of a travel agency’s system.

mileage fare

A fare based on the total miles flown from the origin to destination; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

mileage surcharge

A percentage of fare increase applied to a fare because the routing exceeds the maximum permitted mileage; the percentage is in 5% increments to a maximum of 25%; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

minimum connection time

The amount of time required to change planes; varies by airport and often varies by carrier.

minimum stay

The minimum time a travel traveler must stay at a destination (or be gone ‘away from home’ internationally) before return travel can commence.

miscellaneous charge order (MCO)

An accountable document issued by a travel agency or airline as proof of payment for a specific fee (such as pet service fee) or as residual amount of an exchange (higher priced ticket exchanged for a lower priced ticket) to be used on a future purchase.

Mountain Standard Time. A time zone in the US, also known as Mountain Time or MT.

National Business Travel Association

U.S. business travel association which is a member of IBTA. www.nbta.org

NBTA (see “National Business Travel Association”)

New distribution capability. Read more

negotiated fare/rate

This is a term used by travel agents to descibe reduced airfares that have been negotiated by their air fare specialists on behalf of clients.

neutral units of construction (NUC)

An imaginary currency established by IATA that allows fares of different currencies to be added together; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

Non Last Room Availability. A hotel industry term for restricting availability of a negotiated rate when occupancy levels are high. Negotiated room rate is not guaranteed to be available.

Net Operating Income. A financial term for the amount by which operating revenue exceeds operating expenses in a specific accounting period.

non-endorsable

This expression often appears in the endorsements box of an airline ticket and it means that the flight coupon on which the worlds appear may be used only on the services of the airline indicated.

non-refundable(NR)

A ticket issued on a fare that does not allow for a refund; most non-refundable tickets can be changed for a fee and any difference in fare.

normal fares

The full fare established for first, business, economy or an intermediate class and any other fares published designated as normal fares.

normal open jaw (NOJ)

Travel from a country and return to the same country with a surface sector at either the origin or turnaround point (single open jaw – SOJ) or at both the origin and the turnaround point (double open jaw – DOJ).

An airline passenger or hotel guest who fails to use and/or cancel a reservation.

National Transportation Safety Board. An independent US government agency that investigates accidents including aviation, highway, marine, pipelines and railroads.

OBT and OBLT (see Online Booking Tool”)

Off-airport location.

Usually a car rental office serving an airport but physically located off the airport site (and often picking up renters at the airport in buses or taxis). When the office is located on-site, the term used is on airport location.

A destination that a carrier does not serve; see also Interline.

off-line connections

When a traveler changes airlines as well as aircraft during a journey (may also be referred to as interline connection). Changes of aircraft with the same airline are known as on-line connections.

offline transaction (traditional transaction)

A transaction that initated by an agent following a call/email request by a client.

Time of year or day of the week when travel is less common.

off-line point

Airline term to describe points (areas or cities) they do not serve.

off-loading

This occurs when an airline has over-booked: that is, it has sold more seats on a particular flight than the aircraft has to offer. The passengers to be off-loaded are usually those who have paid the lowest fares. Off-loaded passengers will normally qualify for denied boarding compensation. Passengers may also be off-loaded at the captain’s discretion if they are unfit to travel due to drink, drugs, illness or for bad behavior.

BCD Travel is a re-seller of onesto. On-esto provides an online booking platform for the confirmation of air, car, hotel and rail itineraries.

Online Booking Tool

A web-based platform allowing travelers to make self-service reservations (e.g. Cliqbook, GetThere).

operating carrier

In a codeshare, the airline providing the plane, crew and ground handling services.

online or online point

On the same carrier; TUS-UA-DEN-UA-LON is an online journey.

online adoption

An account’s use of their predetermined online booking tool.

online high touch transaction

A transaction that originates via an online booking tool, but then requires more than one agent intervention (one touch).

online low touch transaction

A transacion that originates via an online booking tool, and then requires agent intervention or manual review/processing that is initated by the customer.

online transaction fee

(E-fulfillment fee) A fulfillment fee canged per online trasaction – that excludes any ‘flow through costs’ charged by the online booking tool provider.

A BCD Travel office located at/on/in a client’s location.

Term used to describe the principle of showing a client the complete cash-flow cycle, including commissions and overrides.

open date sector

Part of a journey for which no firm reservation has been made (usually owing to changeable plans on the part of the traveler) but for which the fare has been paid.

open jaw ticket

Where passengers fly out to one destination and return from another. Open jaw arrangements save backtracking and make a trip more cost effective.

Much-used term for unrestricted air services between several countries.

open ticket

A ticket valid for transportation between two points but has no specific flight reservation.

originating carrier

The first airline of a passenger’s journey and/or portion of a trip.

Other Service Information. A GDS entry that provides information to a carrier that does not require action for traveler action such as contract discount code, record locators of additional family members traveling together (TCP), age information for children/infants, etc.

Travel from the point of origin to the farthest destination.

outplant (off-site)

Dedication operational team, based within a BTC office.

overbooking

Also known as bumping. Airlines and hotels can predict, with some accuracy, how many travelers/guests will show up for previously made reservations; when more people show up than what is expected, travelers/guests are re-accommodated; see also Denied Boarding Compensation.

Abbreviations for ‘passport and visa’ used in the U.K. Some affliates have a specialist team which advises on and acquires passports/visa on behalf of their clients.

Pacific Asia Travel Association

Association which aims to promote travel to Asia Pacific. www.pata.org

PAR (see “Passenger Account Record”)

Passenger account record.

In Galileo, the profile showing passenger information.

passenger facility charges

An airport-designated surcharge to raise funds for airport expansion, renovation, operating costs, etc.

passenger name record

Record held within a CRS/GDS which gives the personal details associated with a particular booking.

An official document issued by a government to its citizens that establishes an individual’s identity and nationality and enables travel abroad.

PATA (see “Pacific Asia Travel Association”)

Abbreviation for passengers.

Payment Card Industry. Security standards set to help protect account data information.

Time of year or day of the week when travel is most common.

A fee charged by a carrier or vendor for changing and/or canceling a reservation or ticket.

Per diem is a daily allowance given to an employee to cover business travel expenses such as lodging, meals and incidentals while traveling for the company. Learn more about per diem .

Penalty excursion fare. Public excursion fare are within minimum stay requirements, but which has no advanced purchase requirements.

PIR (see “Property Irregularity Report”)

Plate / plated.

See Validating Carrier.

PMS (see “Property Management System”)

Pnr (see “passenger name record”).

Purchase Order. A commercial document issued by a buyer to a seller that indicates the quantities and agreed upon prices for products / services.

point-to-point fares

De-regulation has led to a growing number of these on routes throughout the world. They are low fares in first, business, or economy class between two points by direct flights. Stopovers are usually, but not always, prohibited.

Point of Service or Point of Sale. The time and place in which a transaction is made.

prepaid ticket advice (PTA)

A form used when a person is buying a ticket that will be issued at the airport of the same or a different city. Example: A ticket purchased in Chicago to be picked up by the traveler in and for a departure from Buenos Aires.

pre-trip auditing

A product offered by travel management companies that allows for the review of travel itineries before departure to identify savings or prevent unnecessary expenditure.

pricing unit (PU)

A journey, or part of a journey which can be priced and ticketed as a separate entity; a round-trip, circle trip, one-way, normal open jaw or special open jaw; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

pricing unit concept (PUC)

An alternative method of fare construction for multiple-stopover journeys that uses pricing units; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

primary carrier

Airline flying the governing sector (prime segment).

prime segment

The first “true” international journey; often called the “over-the-water” segment; see also Gateway.

A computerized file containing company and traveler information.

promotional fare

A fare designed to attract passengers who would not otherwise travel.

proof of citizenship

Documentation that establishes nationality.

property irregularity report

Form submitted by passengers to ground handling agents at airports in the event of loss or damaged baggage.

property management system

Computer-based system for controlling hotel inventory, check-in and -out and billing.

Pacific Standard Time. A time zone in the US, also known as Pacific Time or PT.

PTA (see “Pre-paid Ticket Advice”)

Public fares (air).

Fares that anyone can obtain and is available in a regular fare display.

Quality of Service Index. An index developed by the Civil Aeronautics Board to provide a comparative rating of service offered by individual airlines.

A computer’s electronic filing system. Also a contact center term for the holding point for a number of calls or interactions that are waiting to be answered by an agent. The calls or interactions are usually assigned to available agents in a first-arrived, first-answered basis, but may also be assigned based on a company’s routing strategies.

queue group

A contact center term for a group of virtual queues. Also referred to as a DN Group or Group of Queues.

The official posted rate for each hotel room.

rate desk (see “International Rate Desk”)

Rate of exchange (roe) (see “iata rate of exchange”), rearden commerce.

BCD Travel is a referrer for Rearden. Rearden provides an online booking platform for the confirmation of air, car, hotel and rail itineraries.

reason codes (RC)

An industry term for codes used to document and report on traveler decisions and behavior.

reconfirmation

Particularly on international flights, passengers are required to indicate their intention of using the next leg of their itinerary by contacting the appropriate carrier before departure; internationally, reconfirmation is requested 72 hours prior to departure.

record locator

A computerized number that identifies a Passenger Name Record – PNR or other reservation; when speaking to travelers, usually called a confirmation number.

red-eye flight

Usually an overnight flight that arrives early in the morning – great when you don’t want to lose precious sightseeing time at your destination.

If necessary for a passenger to change journey en route, the ticket must be reissued. The value of the original ticket will be offset against the new fare and any extra or refund, calculated. Settlement can be direct with airline or with referral to the issuing agent.

BCD Travel is a re-seller for ResX. ResX provides an online booking platform for the confirmation of air, car, hotel and rail itineraries.

return journey

A journey for which the fare is assessed as a single pricing unit using half round-trip fares.

revalidation

If the passenger’s travel date or flight needs to be changed, without affecting the route, there is not always a need to reissue the ticket. The relevant flight coupon is simply revalidated by means of a revalidation sticker.

Revenue Per Available Room. A hotel industry measure that calculates room revenue divided by rooms available (occupancy times average room rate will closely approximate RevPAR.)

Rate Loading Instructions. A hotel industry term for the instructions provided to hotel properties for loading client-specific or TMC-specific rate codes as displayed in the GDS.

room with facilities

Describes a hotel room which has a bathroom en-suite. In some smaller two-star or three-star hotels facilities may refer to toilet and washbasin only.

round-the-world (RTW) (see “Around-the-World”)

A trip that begins and ends in the same city with no un-flown portions; internationally, with the same dollar amount on both portions .

route deal / route incentive

An agreement between a corporate customer and an airline. The agreement allows for an incentive payment to be made to the cient by the airline as a reward for loyalty.

The carrier and/or cities and/or class of service and/or aircraft type via which transportation is provided between two points.

routing fare

A fare based on a specified routing.

run-of-the-house (ROH)

A flat rate for which a hotel offers any of its available rooms.

Schengen Visa

A special visa that permits holders to travel to any of the 25 Schengen member countries on a single visa (rather than obtaining a visa for each country. It is only issued to citizens of countries who are required to obtain a visa before entering Europe for leisure, tourism or business travel. Schengen Visa holders are not permitted to live permanently or work in Europe. The following countries are currently active Schengen Visa members: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

A specific time of year for a fare; High Season is the most popular time of year to travel to a specific destination and fares are more expensive at that time; Low Season is the least popular time of year to travel to a specific destination and fares are less expensive at that time; Fares affected by seasonality are usually indicated as such by fare basis coding and/or seasonality details listed in the fare’s rules.

The distance between aircraft seats, measured in inches and commonly used to show a passenger’s legroom.

security surcharge

Surcharge assessed by a carrier to cover costs of airport and in-flight security.

secondary carrier

Airline(s) flying the sectors preceding and/or succeeding the prime segment.

A journey from one point to another.

A flight; see Leg.

self-service reservations

Situation where the traveler makes his/her own reservations. A reservation generated by the customer using an online booking tool.

selling carrier

In a codeshare, the airline offering the flight for sale, under their vendor code

service fee

A fee charged by a travel agency to a company/individual for travel services.

Service Level Agreement

An agreement stating measurable performance commitments made to our customers.

Regular or schedulable bus/van transportation such as from an airport to a downtown location; regular air service on heavily-traveled routes (e.g., BOS-LGA).

A journey from and/or to an enroute point of a fare component.

Accommodations designed for one person.

SLA (see “Service Level Agreement”)

Designated take-off and landing times allocated to airlines at certain airports.

soft opening

Period when new hotel is open for business although not entirely finished – some services of facilities may not yet operate.

Standard Operating Procedure. A set of instructions that define the official standard for a specific process or situation.

Scope of Services. A document that defines the number, type, and intensity or complixity of services to be provided.

space available

Confirmation of a reservation subject to availability at the last moment.

special needs

Atypical traveler needs such as a special meal or wheelchair service.

split ticket(ing)

Issuance of two or more tickets usually for the purpose of obtaining a lower fare; usually applied to international itineraries to take advantage of fare and/or currency conversion differences.

Spouse fare

This type of are applies to selected destinations on a round-trip only basis and offers a discount of 50% to the spouse of a full first class or business class passenger. Economy passengers also qualify where there is no business fare.

SSR (see “Self Service Reservation”)

Special Service Request. A GDS request for a carrier to provide additional action for a traveler such as special meal, ticket number transmission, wheelchair, etc.

standard room

The normal hotel room type, generally with television, and en-suite bathroom.

A passenger on waitlist or one prepared to travel if space becomes available at the last moment.

Interruption of travel for more than domestic US – 4 hours; domestic US as part of an international journey – 12 hours; international – 24 hours .

stopover charge

An additional fee assessed for making a stopover.

STP (see “Satellite Ticket Printer”)

Any extra literature included with the delivery of travel documents.

sub-journey

A self-contained pricing unit that is combined end-on-end with another self-contained pricing unit on the same ticket; this fare construction principle is only used internationally.

surcharge (Q)

An airline-imposed fee included in fare calculations; see also Excess Mileage Surcharge, Fuel Surcharge, and Security Surcharge.

surface sector

Travel from one point or another not by air (ARNK – which stands for Arrival Not Known).

Travel 24. A BCD Travel department that services customers 24 hours a day when their normal business office is closed.

Ticket Fulfillment Location. An industry term for a virtual ticket printer that is shared by various BCD Travel ARC ticketing locations on the same GDS.

through fare

A fare applicable for transportation via an enroute city(ies) between the origin and destination of the fare that allows for intermediate points of travel.

A contract of carriage for an airline to transport a passenger from one point to another.

ticket on departure

Transportation ticket collected at the point of departure such as an airline ticket counter at an airport.

ticketed point

A city for which a flight coupon has been issued.

time and mileage rate

Car rental rate based on fixed charge for the rental period plus a charge for each kilometer or mile driven during the period of the rental.

TOD (see “Ticket on Departure”)

Tourist card.

A registration form required by certain countries indicating a traveler’s intended stay; used in lieu of a Visa and common in Latin America.

transaction

A Ticket issued; defined as all airline and rail tickets (electronic and paper) issued by BCD Travel or reserved by BCD Travel through a third party, regardless of whether the ticket is subsequently used, refunded, or voided in whole or in part. Cancellation of a reservation before a ticket is issued is not considered a transaction. Optional: Hotel and car booking made, regardless of whether or not the traveler uses the hotel or car reservation.

transaction – domestic air

Domestic – travel between two destinations that are within the same country. e.g. Frankfurt to Berlin

transaction – regional air

Regional – Travel within the same continent. e.g. Madrid to London

transaction – international air

International – Travel between two continents. e.g. New York to London

transaction – offline – traditional

A transaction that is initiated by an agent following a call/email request by a client

transaction – online high touch

Transaction – online low touch.

A transaction that originates via an online booking tool and then requires agent intervention or manual review/processing that is initiated by the customer.

transaction – online no touch

“Touchless E-fulfillment transaction” An electronic transaction entirely processed through an online booking tool and BCD central fulfillment service, without any agent intervention and where invoicing is provided via email.

A point at which the passenger changes aircraft; if the change is to/from the same carrier, it is an online transfer; if the change is to/from different carriers, it is an interline transfer.

transit lounge

An area within an airport for the sole purpose of international flight connections; travelers do not clear immigration or customs to enter the transit lounge as it is considered to be an international point.

transit point

Any stop at an intermediate point which does not fall into the definition of a stopover whether or not a change of planes is involved.

Travel Management Company

A travel management company (TMC) is a company that provides corporate travel services to businesses.

A BCD Travel umbrella brand name for our technology suite, which includes a variety of products listed below. read more

TripSource:Active Itinerary A single point of access for traveler and travel arrangers for active and historical travel detail, including real time flight status, itinerary details, destination information and invoicing, billing and expense information.
TripSource:Flight Alert Keeps travelers informed & productive while on the road by providing flight status information, including delays and real-time gate changes, for BCD Travel bookings.
TripSource:Fulfillment Drive touch-less transactions with as little human intervention as possible while driving traveler contact behavior to minimize touches.
TripSource:Portal (TSP) A comprehensive global solution to address traveler needs, travel program and corporation objectives. Arming travelers with rich content, productivity tools and critical safeguards for business travel, TripSource:Portal empowers travel programs as a centralized communications vehicle to deliver relevant, timely information and critical alerts to targeted audiences. The Portal expands traveler services while aligning program needs to drive savings, support business objectives and avoid corporate travel program risks.
TripSource:Profile Manager (TSPM) Drives optimal data management by integrating profile management and online booking, and promoting secure web-based self-service maintenance of traveler-level detail.
TripSource:Quality Measurement (TSQM) Ensures a means to track and manage supplier & transaction quality in addition to resolution of client concerns.
TripSource:Rail Search (TSRS) BCD own rail booking tool for Deutsche Bahn only.
TripSource:Ticket Tracker BCD manages and recovers committed travel dollars. Based on markets and supplier rules, BCD communicates with travelers to prevent loss of committed funds and when to apply unused funds toward future travel.
TripSource:Trip Authorizer In response to growing concern for compliance, this module enables clients to implement pre-trip authorization requirements as well as post-ticketing compliance reporting.

Transportation Security Administration

twin for sole use

A twin-bedded reserved for sole occupency and charged out at a rate that falls between the single and double room price.

Two Factor Authentication

Also known as 2FA. Method of accessing a secure environment where a person proves their identity with two of three methods

User-Defined Interface Data. UDID remarks are standard and contain predefined reporting information such as lost hotel night reason codes, merchant billing codes or additional traveler data fields.

unlimited mileage rate

Car rental rate that covers all costs, other than insurance and petrol, for the duration of the rental, regardless of the distance driven.

Move to a better class of airline service, larger rental car or more luxurious hotel room.

validating carrier

Airline designated as the “owning” ticketed carrier; the carrier on whose “plate” the ticket is issued. The validating carrier is the carrier to which payment is submitted and is usually the first carrier on the itinerary (domestic) or the carrier on the first international flight (international). If a ticket is issued on multiple carriers or is validated on a carrier not on the itinerary, the validating carrier is responsible for payment to the other airlines on the ticket.

The process of stamping an air ticket or other airline document, at the time of issue, with the issue date, name and location of the issuing office and its IATA code number. Tickets not bearing such a stamp re invalid and will not be accepted by airlines.

value-added tax (VAT)

A general tax that applies, in principle, to all commercial activities involving the production and distribution of goods and the provision of services.

VAT reclaim

Value-added tax, or VAT, is included in hotel, dining and car rental bills and more when travelers go to countries that assess the tax. It can be a significant expense: VAT rates can be as high as 25%. The good news is most T&E-related VAT is eligible for reclaim. The bad news: In the past, it’s been hard to collect. But automation has made VAT reclaim for European Union transactions much easier. BCD Travel has partnered with VAT-recovery firm Taxeo to automate the process.

virtual credit card (VCC)

A VCC isn’t a physical card, but it has many of the same features as plastic corporate cards.

virtual payment

A virtual payment is a terminal-based payment method where the payment is delivered through a virtual card (VCC) instead of by check or cash.

An endorsement or stamp placed into a passport by officials of a foreign government giving a traveler permission to visit; not all countries require visas.

VCC (Virtual Call Center)

A network of call centers where the client calls one phone number, regardless of where they are based, that will be routed through to an available agent. For multi-national accounts this service would be multi-lingual as appropriate.

Virtual Multiple Purpose Document. A document issued by a travel agency or airline, working with BSP, as proof of payment for transactions and services, either related to an eticket already issued (example: rebooking fees) or for services other than flights (for items like surface transportation, transfers, and excess luggage charges).

A traffic document which has been spoiled or canceled.

Documents issued to confirm arrangements or used to be exchanged for services.

A list of people seeking a travel service that is sold out; generally, as other travelers cancel, waitlisted individuals are confirmed in the order in which their waitlist request was received – sometimes prioritized by frequent traveler membership.

When a hotel is sold out and there are no rooms available for a person who has a confirmed reservation, the hotel provide alternate accommodations at a different hotel.

an agreement to pay to use an aircraft with a crew , fuel, and insurance

wide-body aircraft

Aircraft with wide passenger cabins and seating configurations that require more than one aisle. Current models include Boeing 747, 777 or Airbus A380, A350

system that checks hand luggage at an airport, without damaging, for example, light-sensitive film material or laptops.

Yield Management

is a variable pricing strategy, based on understanding, anticipating and influencing consumer behavior in order to maximize revenue or profits from a fixed, time-limited resource (such as airline seats or hotel room reservations).

Zulu Time Zone (Z) has no offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Zulu Time Zone is often used in aviation and the military as another name for UTC +0. Zulu time, also known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), is the time zone used by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England. It is the basis for all other time zones in the world.

2FA, or two-factor authentication, is an extra layer of security used to protect online accounts. In addition to a password, users are also required to enter a code that is sent to their mobile device. This makes it more difficult for hackers to gain access to an account, as they would need to have both the password and the code.

Travel smart. Achieve more.

Get solutions for business travel that help you save time, money and stress.

IMAGES

5 Tips for Staying Fit While You Travel
Travel WOD
5 Sites to Help You Stay Fit During Your Travels (With images
How to Stay Fit While Traveling
How To Stay Fit While Travelling
11 Easy Ways To Stay Fit While Traveling in 2020

COMMENTS

FIT Travel: All About Independence
Tourists who fit the definition of FITs usually travel solo; in couples; or in small, intimate groups of friends or family. They range anywhere in age from millennials to retirees, but generally, they have above-average incomes that allow for independent travel, which can be more expensive than traveling with an organized group.
What is FIT And GIT in The Tourism
For instance, FIT and GIT in tourism are such travel terms that people are mostly confused about. It is important to understand what FIT and GIT in tourism mean to avoid any future problems during your travel. FIT (free independent traveler) definition: FIT in tourism is an acronym for Free Independent Travelers.
What do FIT, IIT, and GIT terms mean in the travel industry?
Authenticity: FIT travel allows for a more immersive cultural experience, as you have the opportunity to interact with locals and explore local communities. ... Definition of IIT. In addition to FIT and GIT, there is another type of tour known as the Independent Inclusive Tour (IIT). IIT allows travellers to enjoy the benefits of group travel ...
What is Fit Travel and Why Should You Care?
What Is Fit Travel? Definition Example; Fit Travel: The practice of incorporating physical activity into travel experiences. Hiking in the mountains, biking along a scenic route, or taking a yoga class in a new city.
What is Fit Travel?
FIT refers to a class of independent travellers who plan and arrange their trips and do so at their own pace. Single traveller, a couple, or a family do This type of travel. FIT travellers also prefer to travel alone or in small groups rather than joining a group. A FIT traveller's itinerary may resemble a package.
Have you ever heard the term Fully Independent Traveler (FIT)?
The definition of FIT goes like this: "FIT is a person who travels completely independently and free of a tour operator and travel agency assistance." In other words, a FIT manages and arranges the itinerary according to their needs and preferences.
What Fit Means in Tourism?
In conclusion, fit tourism is a growing trend in the travel industry that offers many benefits for both travelers and destinations. While it has its challenges, the independence and flexibility of independent travel make it an attractive option for those seeking unique experiences and cultural immersion.
Is FIT tourism for you?
Tourists who fit the definition of FITs usually travel solo; in couples; or in small, intimate groups of friends or family. They range anywhere in age from millennials to retirees. But generally, they have above-average incomes that allow for independent travel, which can be more expensive than travelling with an organised group.
What Does Fit Stand for in Tourism?
Cultural immersion: FIT travel can allow for a more immersive experience in local culture - without being beholden to a group tour's schedule. Budget-friendly: Depending on your travel style and preferences, traveling independently can often be more cost-effective than joining a tour group.
Free Independent Traveler
Free Independent Traveler (FIT) refers to someone who prefers to travel independently without being part of a tour group. This term originally comes from "foreign independent tour" but is now widely used in other forms such as "fully independent traveler," "frequent independent traveler," and "foreign independent traveler.".
FIT vs Escorted Travel: Which is Right for Your Clients?
Most tours keep evenings open and some even have free days to allow travelers to experience the destination at their leisure. Clients may worry that an escorted tour is more expensive than a FIT trip, but in reality, a traveler on an escorted tour is a cost-effective way to travel. Because the price of escorted tours includes transportation ...
What Is FIT and GIT in Tourism?
Differences between FIT and GIT. Despite being two different types of travel, there are a few key differences between FIT and GIT: Flexibility: FIT travelers have more freedom to modify their itinerary, while GIT travelers have a fixed itinerary. Cost: FIT travelers can save money by avoiding unnecessary expenses like those included in GIT ...
FITs: A Booming Market and an Opportunity for Agents
Whichever definition you ascribe to the acronym FIT, one thing is certain. FITs are an increasingly popular form of travel as more clients forego off-the-shelf packaged tours in favor of bespoke ...
FIT (Fully Independent Travel)
FIT (Fully Independent Travel) FIT means Fully Independent Traveler or Free Independent Tourist, or Flexible Independent Travel. A FIT is an individual (or small group of < 10) traveling and vacationing with a personalized custom built itinerary. FIT travel is. not via a marketed package, combining transport (air, rail or bus), lodging/ hotel ...
What is FIT?
FIT is defined as the independent travel and travel planning of a single person or family group. When people travel, there are many ways to go and equally many ways to see and experience a world of possible destinations. Despite there being so many options in travel and ways to experience destinations, it can all be narrowed down to two ...
Fully Independent Traveller or FIT || Holy Voyages
Definition : FIT is a term given to those persons who travel independently without any assistance of any travel agency or Tour Company and any group. This term is given by a DMC, Tour Operator or Hospitality provider. Read More : DMC in Varanasi. A FIT manages and arranges his itinerary himself and travel alone on his own.
FIT GIT and IIT in the Tourism
FIT (free independent traveler) definition: FIT in tourism is an acronym for Free Independent Travelers. They are people who travel independently without being a part of any tour group.
The European market potential for free independent traveller tourism
Free independent travellers (FITs) are travellers who plan their own trips and prefer to travel alone or in small groups. They are the opposite of mass tourists, who travel in large groups and buy predefined travel packages. Eastern European markets are more engaged in mass tourism, while FIT tourism is becoming the norm in Western European and Scandinavian countries.
What does the term FIT mean?
Here at Cashel Travel the term or acronym FIT stands for Foreign Independent Traveler, but it isn't necessarily the same in other organisations. Some people or companies refer to it as a Fully Independent Traveler, Frequent Independent Traveler, Free Independent Tourist, Frequent Individual Traveler and we're sure there are many more. But ...
Define FIT
FIT. Abr ./GDS. Foreign independent tour. Now generally used to indicate any independent travel, domestic or international, that does not involve a package tour. To find the abbreviation, acronym, or term you're looking for, use the Search box (below) or click on any letter (above). A definition of FIT as used in the travel industry.
Package, Tour or FIT: Defining the Packaged Travel Market
At $18.3 billion in 2008, packaged travel represents a substantial piece of the total U.S. travel market, but it is also one of the more complex and fragmented segments as well. In its simplest form, packaging represents the bundling of travel products and reselling them as a combined single product, called a package or tour. A consumer (or travel agent) generally books the package in a single ...
Fit Definition & Meaning
fit: [adjective] adapted to an end or design : suitable by nature or by art. adapted to the environment so as to be capable of surviving. acceptable from a particular viewpoint (as of competence or morality) : proper.
find the best Terms, Definitions and Acronyms
fee - bundled air transaction fee. An air transaction fee that includes the costs associated with servicing air, hotel and car transactions. Therefore, hotel and car only bookings (not to exceed XX% of air bookings) are not charged a transaction fee. fee - management fee. Fee assessed in addition to direct costs.

FIT Travel: All About Independence

FITs Shun Group Travel

FITs Plan Their Own Trips

FITs Sometimes Use Travel Agents

What do FIT, IIT, and GIT terms mean in the travel industry?

FIT: Free Independent Traveler

Examples of FIT Tours

Advantages of FIT Travel

GIT: Group Inclusive Tour

Examples of GIT Tours

Advantages of GIT Travel

IIT: Independent Inclusive Tour

Examples of IIT Tours

Advantages of IIT Travel

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

What is Fit Travel and Why Should You Care?

Definition of Fit Travel

Benefits of Fit Travel

Challenges of Fit Travel

How to Plan a Fit Travel Trip

What Is Fit Travel?

Places to Go for Fit Travel

Tips for Staying Fit While Traveling

Author Profile

Latest entries

What is Fit Travel?

Independent Travel

Chesa Dalisay

Have you ever heard the term Fully Independent Traveler (FIT)?

What is a fully independent traveler?

Traveling solo, in couples, or in small intimate groups

It’s a diverse demographic group

They have above-average income

Planning their own unique itineraries

Booking their own transportation and accommodation

Exploring destinations on their own

Subscribe to our newsletter

Related Posts

30 Most Important Travel Industry Events for 2024

Empowering Equality: Mize Leads the Way in Travel Technology

Slow Tourism Case Studies: Examples to Truly Understand Slow Tourism

Is FIT tourism for you?

Who are the FITs?

2. FITs keep away from group travel.

3. FITs sometimes use travel agents .

Welcome to Lake

Free Independent Traveler

Specializing

Origin of the Term

Synonyms and Antonyms

Use of FIT In Practice

Related Terms

Dual Listing

Reset Password

FIT vs Escorted Travel: Which is Right for Your Clients?

Related posts:

Stay Informed! Get travel news delivered to your inbox

Recent Posts

Search Travel Market Report

FITs: A Booming Market and an Opportunity for Agents

The Rise of the Travel Influencer: What Advisors Need to Know

FIT (Fully Independent Travel)

"10 Reasons Why you Should use a Travel Agent" ...according to FOX news:

Modal title

What is FIT?

FIT: Where and How

When: FIT’s Best Times

Why the FIT Route?

Fully Independent Traveler or FIT

Maha Kumbh Mela Tour Packages 2021

Char Dham Tour Packages

Amarnath Yatra Tour Packages

Varanasi Special

Boat Ride Packages

Eco Tourism In Varanasi

Buddhist Destination

Top Pilgrimage Destinations in India

Coming Soon

The European market potential for free independent traveller tourism

Contents of this page