Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5.
Find out what plans Amsterdam has for developing
You should use the study visit as an opportunity to
collect information for other units you will be studying
on your course and to develop your research skills both
before you go and during the trip.
tourism in the next ten years;
6.
To gather information to complete assignments;
7.
To interview people working in the travel and
Personal development
tourism sector;
8.
To fi nd out about jobs in travel and tourism in the
A residential study visit provides many opportunities for
you to practise a range of personal development skills
and attributes. Being away from home will encourage
you to become more independent in outlook and have
to make decisions for yourself. You may fi nd this a bit
diffi cult at fi rst, particularly if you've not travelled away
from home by yourself before, but remember that
many people on the trip will be in the same position
so you can call on them, plus your tutors, for help,
advice and support. Your tutors will expect you to take
on extra responsibilities during the trip, for yourself
and the other members of your group. They can't be
expected to carry the burden of all the arrangements
single-handedly so you should make yourself available
to help out when needed.
destination.
You may also have objectives that relate to your own
personal, professional and career development, for
example to work successfully as a member of a team,
to show initiative and work independently, to learn
about a different culture and language, to gain a range
of interpersonal skills and to learn about organising a
trip. You will need to work with the other members of
your group and your tutor to agree the objectives of
your particular study visit. Whatever objectives you
decide upon, remember that they must be SMART - in
other words specifi c, measurable, achievable, realistic
and timed.
Educational
Interaction with others
This unit is part of your BTEC National course and has
specifi c learning outcomes, i.e. topic areas that you
need to cover, and which you will be assessed on, to
complete the unit successfully. However, the residential
study visit also has links to other units on your course,
since you will come into contact with many other
component industries in travel and tourism. You might,
for example:
You will come into contact with many people when
planning and taking part in the residential study tour.
Before you go, you will work extensively with the rest of
your group and tutors when deciding on the destination
to be visited and the detailed itinerary. While on the
trip, you are likely to meet staff in travel and tourism
facilities, holidaymakers and tourism offi cials from
the destination you are visiting. These opportunities
to interact with other people should be seen as a
way of enhancing your experience of the study visit
and gaining valuable information to help with your
assignments. While in the destination, you should show
consideration to all those you meet, whether guests,
staff or other team members.
•
Visit tourist attractions, which may be natural or
built;
•
Experience staying in different accommodation, such
as hotels, hostels, self-catering accommodation,
etc.
•
Use a variety of modes of transport, e.g. air, ferry,
train, tram, coach, etc.
Outcomes
•
Meet representatives of tourism development
and promotion organisations, e.g. tourist board
offi cials;
The educational outcome of your study tour will
hopefully be an excellent grade for the unit assignment!
You will also want to come away with a fulfi lling personal
experience, having developed new friendships and
experienced new cultures. Whatever the outcomes,
•
Deal with tour operators and travel agents;
•
Deal with providers of ancillary services, e.g. travel
insurance, guide books, airport parking, tour guides,
etc.
