Instruction Set 1 (Delivered Online Only)

Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

The Travel Profession
Overview of travel and tourism industry; regulatory agencies; trade organizations; types of transportation companies; receptive travel services: lodging, food, local attractions; the future of the travel industry; employment opportunities.

Instruction Set 2

North American Air Travel, Part 1
Basic terminology of air travel; computer reservation systems (CRS) codes; frequent-flyer programs; types of airlines and flights; classes of services; passenger services: meals, infant and child travel; health concerns; passenger’s rights.

North American Air Travel, Part 2
Air fares, electronic rules, handling reservations over the phone; reservations terminology; flight services; flight schedule resources; fare-calculation principles; discounted fares; taxes and surcharges; airline ticketing; careers in the airline industry.

Instruction Set 3

World Geography, Part 1
Overview of geography; continents and oceans; latitude and longitude; time zones; maps; climate and weather.

World Geography, Part 2
Physical geography in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

International Air Travel
Requirements for international travel: passports, visas, tourist cards, immunizations, International Driver’s Permit (IDP); customs regulations; money matters: market exchange rates, where to exchange, Value-Added Taxes (VAT); international arrival and departure procedures; international taxes and surcharges; international fare structures.

Learning Aid: World Atlas

Instruction Set 4

Exploring the World, Part 1
Key tourist destinations throughout the world: cultural capitals, key resort areas, special-interest areas, unique geographical features; optimum travel times; planning an itinerary; covers North America, Central America, and South America.  

Exploring the World, Part 2
Key tourist destinations throughout the world: cultural capitals, key resort areas, special-interest areas, unique geographical features; optimum travel times; planning an itinerary; covers Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Exploring the World, Part 3
Key tourist destinations throughout the world: cultural capitals, key resort areas, special-interest areas, unique geographical features; optimum travel times; planning an itinerary; covers Asia and the South Pacific.

Instruction Set 5

Hotels and Resorts
Leisure and business travel accommodations; types of hotels and affiliations; qualifying the traveler for the best accommodation; sources of information; automated reservations procedures.

Tours and Vacation Packages
Definitions of tour and vacation package components; who operates tours; types of tours; package benefits; selling tours; transmitting payments and documentation.

Instruction Set 6

Cruises
Cruise industry terminology; types of vessels; passenger markets; prices and discounts; on-board staff; accommodations and dining; services, activities, and excursions; resources; selling cruises.

Rails and Cars
Car rentals; services and equipment; fee options; insurance; benefits of renting; qualifying clients; renting via computer; rail travel categories, seating and accommodations, client markets, booking, and documentation; rail services and requirements; major U.S. routes, fares, and schedules; rail lines in North America and throughout the world.

Learning Aid: Official Steamship Guide International

Instruction Set 7

PC Basics
Hardware, software, and general PC capabilities.

Understanding Software
Hands-on, in-depth introduction to commonly used Windows®-based productivity software packages, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database packages.

Instruction Set 8

Computerized Reservations Systems (CRS)
Terminology; major players; selecting a CRS; communicating through CRS; required information and fields; passenger information and fares; automated ticketing.

Travel and the Internet
Browsers; search engines; service providers; useful sites; Internet vs. intranet; how travel agents and customers use the Internet.

At this point in your program, you will be able to choose CRS training in the Apollo or Sabre system.

Instruction Set 9

CRS Training: Apollo or Sabre, Parts 1 and 2
Your choice of complete training in the Apollo or Sabre system. You will use a live database-emulation product accessed via the Internet. Lessons covered include airline reservations, airline fares and ticketing, and car and hotel reservations.

Instruction Set 10

Corporate and Group Travel
The corporate market: travel arrangements, meetings, and incentive events; corporate travel dynamics; corporate services provided by agency and suppliers; group business travel meetings and incentives; careers in corporate and group travel.

Sales and Business Communications
Selling travel, including niche marketing, telephone sales, and direct and cross-selling techniques; identifying and qualifying clients, overcoming objections, closing the sale, follow-up; written and oral communication skills; presentation skills.

Instruction Set 11

Your Travel Career
Jump-starting your travel career; travel outlook, where to look for opportunities, typical pay structures, preparing a winning resume and cover letter; working as an outside agent; continuing education; certification levels.

Starting a Travel Agency
Functions of the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC); the Industry Agent’s Handbook, requirements for opening an agency, agency and airline identification plates; commission structure; area settlement plan.

Instruction Set 12

TAP Certification Examination
Completion of the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) examination allows you to use the TAP designation. We will provide you with a certificate allowing you to sit for the nationally recognized Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) certification examination. This exam was developed by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and The Travel Institute, and is administered independently. You must successfully complete this examination to graduate from this program.

You will take this test in the form of a proctored exam. You select the location and the person you want to supervise the exam, as long as they meet the the Continuing Education Center established policy and qualifications. A complete information packet will be provided well in advance.

Graduation Set
(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)

The Travel Institute Destination Specialist Course Certificate
The Travel Institute's courses count as continuing education credits toward the CTA certification exam. Nationally recognized, these programs allow you to explore a personal interest area in great detail, and designate yourself as a specialist in that area. Select your destination area from the following: Africa, Alaska, Caribbean, East Asia, France, Hawaii, Mexico, North America, Northern and Central Europe, South Pacific, Spain, St. Lucia, Western Europe, or European Culture and Heritage.