Claims:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A system for preparation of a group day wise itinerary, the system comprising:
a user device associated with a user;
a remote server in communication with the user device, wherein the remote server is configured to:
receive, via an online platform, a selection of a start location from the user interface; and
allow, via the online platform, selection of subsequent locations at least preceding an end location, to complete the group day wise itinerary, wherein the online platform takes into consideration conformity with acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) between a preceding location and selected current location.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote server is further configured to: receive, via the online platform, a selection of the end location from the user prior to the online platform enabling selection of locations intermediate to the start location and the end location.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote server is further configured to: allow, via the online platform, selection of the end location, to complete the group day wise itinerary, wherein the online platform takes into consideration conformity with acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) between the end location and a location already selected, which immediately precedes the end location.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote server is further configured to: generate by the online platform, a plurality of locations to choose from, for selecting a subsequent location, wherein acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) exist between each of the generated plurality of locations and a location already selected, which immediately precedes the choice of the plurality of locations.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein generating the choice of the plurality of locations comprises, the online platform querying using an application program interface, wherein query generated by the online platform comprises the preceding location already selected and at least one of, duration of travel, mode of travel or distance of travel, acceptable from the preceding location already selected.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the online platform displays the generated choice of the plurality of locations on a digital map.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the online platform displays on the digital map, the start location and the end location, while allowing selection of locations immediate to the start location and the end location.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the online platform displays on the digital map, the selection of the subsequent locations to complete the group day wise itinerary.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the online platform generates an alert if acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) is absent between a pair of successive selected locations.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the online platform prevents selection of an intended succeeding location if acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) is absent between a preceding location and the intended succeeding location.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the online platform takes into consideration conformity with acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) comprises the online platform querying using an application program interface, wherein query generated by the online results in identifying at least one of, duration of travel, mode of travel or distance of travel, between a preceding location already selected and an intended succeeding location.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote server is further configured to: receive, via the online platform, information corresponding to duration of stay at each of the locations that are present in the group day wise itinerary, wherein the online platform generates an alert or disallows adding duration that results in exceeding total duration of the tour.

Dated, this 12th day of November 2018
(Digitally signed)
Kartik PUTTAIAH
Patent Agent-IN/PA-1809
, Description:BACKGROUND
Field of invention:
[001] The subject matter in general relates to artificial intelligence. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to artificial intelligence technique that enables users, such as travel agents, to prepare and design an in-depth viable tour plan for a group of travellers via a single platform.
Discussion of related art:
[002] Travel portals/online travel websites are often used nowadays for making travel arrangements. Such portals allow buying services such as, transportation, accommodation, tour guides, excursions, meals and the like.
[003] Conventional travel websites/portal systems exist that allow users make travel arrangements. Users provide the travel dates, duration of travel, and the destinations they wish to visit between the travel dates. However, it may be essential that the user has destination knowledge. The user will be required do lots of research in analysing the destinations in between start and end locations for generating a travel sequence. The user may also need to rely on multiple websites/portals for planning his/her travel itinerary. Conventional websites/portals fail to provide an integration of information available in a single platform and check feasibility of travel between the destinations, as users are required to access multiple websites/portals for planning their itinerary. The discussed problem amplifies for large group travel.
[004] Typically for group travel, websites/portals provide pre-planned travel itineraries. Providing customized itinerary for group travel is a humongous exercise, and requires co-ordination between multiple entities, such as transportations service providers, accommodation providers, travel guides and restaurants, among others.
[005] Accordingly, there is a need of a technical solution that provides a single platform that integrates information from multiple travel websites/portals and checks the feasibility of travel, making it simpler for users to prepare and confirm travel itinerary.
SUMMARY
[006] Accordingly, an improved technique to overcome the above problems is needed. To fulfill this need, a system and a method to prepare and design an in-depth viable tour plan for a group of travellers via a single platform is disclosed.
[007] In one embodiment, a method for preparation of a group tour itinerary is disclosed. The method comprises receiving, via an online platform, a selection of a start location from a user. In addition, the method comprises allowing, via the online platform, selection of subsequent locations at least preceding an end location, to complete the group tour itinerary, wherein the online platform takes into consideration conformity with acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) between a preceding location and selected current location.
[008] In another embodiment, a system for preparation of a group tour itinerary is disclosed. The system comprises a user device associated with a user/ The system further comprises a remote server in communication with the user device, where the remote server is configured to receive, via an online platform, a selection of a start location from the user interface. In addition, the remote server is configured to allow selection of subsequent locations at least preceding an end location, to complete the group tour itinerary, wherein the online platform takes into consideration conformity with acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) between a preceding location and selected current location.
[009] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be however understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only and various modifications may naturally be performed without deviating from the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS
[010] This disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures. Elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[011] FIG. 1 is an exemplary working environment of a system 100 for preparing a group tour itinerary, in accordance with an embodiment;
[012] FIG. 2 is a screenshot 300 of an exemplary map depicting a start location and an end location selected by the user, in accordance with an embodiment;
[013] FIG. 3 is a screenshot 400 of an exemplary map depicting the start location, the end location, and few subsequent locations intermediate to the start location and the end location selected by the user, in accordance with an embodiment;
[014] FIG. 4 is a screenshot 500 of an exemplary map depicting the start location, the end location, and more subsequent locations intermediate to the start location and the end location selected by the user, in accordance with an embodiment;
[015] FIG. 5 is a screenshot 500 of an exemplary webpage for selection of dates and cities, in accordance with an embodiment;
[016] FIG. 6 is a screenshot 600 of an exemplary webpage for selection of one or more cities and suggesting a suitable mode of transport between the cities, in accordance with an embodiment;
[017] FIG. 7 is a screenshot 700 of an exemplary webpage for searching and booking hotels, in accordance with an embodiment;
[018] FIG. 8 is a screenshot 800 of an exemplary webpage for viewing hotel details and viewing a tour booking summary for creating a group day wise itinerary, in accordance with an embodiment;
[019] FIG. 9 is a screenshot 900 of an exemplary webpage that summarizes the services selected by the user, allows the user to make changes, and allows the user to successfully confirm thereby generating the group day wise itinerary, in accordance with an embodiment;
[020] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate an exemplary group day wise itinerary, in accordance with an embodiment;
[021] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary method 1100 illustrating a flowchart for preparation of a group day wise tour itinerary based on a start location received from a user and selection of subsequent locations at least preceding an end location, in accordance with an embodiment;
[022] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary method 1200 illustrates a flowchart for preparation of a group day wise tour itinerary based on a plurality of locations generated by an online platform, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[023] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary system architecture 1300 of the remote server 106 in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[024] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough details to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense.
[025] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.
[026] It should be understood that the capabilities of the invention described in the present disclosure and elements shown in the figures may be implemented in various forms of hardware, firmware, software, non-transitory computer readable medium or combinations thereof.
[027] FIG. 1 is an exemplary working environment of a system 100 for preparing a group tour itinerary, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the system may include a user device 102 associated with a user, a network 104, and a remote server 106. In one embodiment, the user may access an online platform on the user device 102 for designing a tour plan for a group of travellers. The online platform may be a web page/website. The user device 102 may include, but not limited to, a mobile device, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) and the like. The user device 102 may be communicatively coupled to the network 104. The remote server 106 may complete the group tour itinerary based on inputs received from the user device 102. The user device 102 may communicate with the remote server 106 via the network 104.
[028] The network 104 may be a wired network, a wireless network or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the network 104 may include a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), or other interconnected data paths across which multiple devices and/or entities may communicate. In some implementations, the network 104 may include a peer-to-peer network. The network 104 may also include a mobile data network that may include third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), long-term evolution (LTE), long-term evolution advanced (LTE-A), Voice-over-LTE (“VoLTE”) or any other mobile data network or combination of mobile data networks.
[029] In one embodiment, the remote server 106 may be configured to receive via the online platform, a selection of a start location from the user interface. The start location may refer to the starting point of the travel. The user may also enter a start date for the starting destination of the travel. The user may also change the start location based on his/her desire.
[030] Further, the remote server 106 may be configured to allow, via the online platform, selection of subsequent locations at least preceding an end location, which refers to the ending destination of the travel. Subsequent locations refer to locations/destinations that the user wishes to visit in between before reaching the end destination. The user may select the subsequent locations in the order in which they wish to visit. This concept is explained with an example provided below.
Example A:
Start Date City End Date City
01/08/2018 Paris, France 12/08/2018 Rome

City No. of Nights
Paris, France 2
Geneva, Switzerland 1
Interlaken, Switzerland 2
Innsbruck, Austria 2
Venice, Italy 1
Florence, Italy 1
Rome, Italy 2
[031] Referring to the above-mentioned example (Example A), the user has entered a start date as 01/08/2018, a start location as Paris, France, an end date as 12/08/2018, and an end location as Rome Italy. Geneva, Interlaken, Innsbruck, Venice, and Florence are the subsequent locations that the user wishes to visit before reaching Rome. The remote server 106 may be configured to automatically calculate the number of days and number of nights in the tour i.e. 12 days and 11 nights for the above-mentioned example. Based on this calculation, the user may choose the number of nights they wish to visit the start location, subsequent locations, and the end location as well.
[032] Further, the remote server 106 may be configured to complete the group tour itinerary by taking into consideration conformity with acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) between a preceding location and selected current location. Total distance and approximate travel time may be the preconfigured travel parameters set. The remote server 106 may be configured to calculate the total distance and approximate travel time between the preceding location and selected current location. The feasibility to travel may be determined based on the total distance and approximate travel time calculation results. The feasibility to travel may result in travelling between the locations by road, train, air, self-driving vehicle, and the like. In one example, referring to Example A, if London, United Kingdom is chosen as a subsequent location, then the user may be given an option to travel by train to/from London. In another example, referring to Example A, if the user selects New York as the start location and Rome as the next city to visit, the online platform may reject this selection since only air transport is possible and suggested to be feasible for travel.
[033] Further, the online platform may be configured to generate an alert or error message if the acceptable preconfigured parameter(s) is absent between a pair of successive locations. The online platform may also generate an alert or disallow adding durations that result in exceeding total duration of the tour. In one example, referring to Example A, if the user selects Geneva as the succeeding location based on Paris as the selected current location and the start location, the online portal will then calculate the total distance and approximate travel time between Paris and Geneva. The calculation results are then compared with the preconfigured parameters set by the system 100. The total distance between Paris and Geneva is 540 kilometers and the approximate travel time is 5 hours & 30 minutes. The preconfigured parameters acceptable are a total distance of 700 kilometer and a travel time of 7 hours. Since, the calculated total distance and time are both lesser than the acceptable preconfigured parameters, the online platform will allow the user to progress with selection.
[034] Further, the remote server 106 may be configured to receive, via the online platform, information corresponding to duration of stay at each of the locations that are present in the group tour itinerary. The online platform may generate an alert or disallow adding duration that results in exceeding total duration of the tour. In one example, referring to Example A, if the user selects Paris as the selected current location/start location and Rome as the succeeding location based on Paris, the online platform may then throw an error message or raise an alert. The total distance between Paris and Rome is 1420 kilometer and the approximate travel time is 15 hours. The preconfigured parameters acceptable are a total distance of 700 kilometer and a travel time of 7 hours. Since, the calculated total distance and time are both greater than the acceptable preconfigured parameters, the online platform will give an error message and instruct/suggest the user to select another location with lesser distance.
[035] In one embodiment, the remote server 106 may be configured to receive, via the online platform, a selection of the end location from the user prior to the online platform enabling selection of locations intermediate to the start location and the end location. The end location may refer to the ending destination of the travel, and the user may start by entering the end location and then add subsequent locations in between the start location and the end location. The user may also change the end location based on their desire, if they already entered an end location previously.
[036] Further, the remote server 106 may be configured to allow, via the online platform, selection of the end location to complete the group tour itinerary. The online platform may take into consideration conformity with acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) between the end location and a location already selected, which immediately precedes the end location.
[037] Total distance and an approximate travel time may be the preconfigured travel parameters set. The remote server 106 may be configured to calculate the total distance and approximate travel time between the end location and subsequent locations in between the start location and the end location. The feasibility to travel may then be determined based on the total distance and approximate travel time calculation results. The feasibility to travel may result in travelling between the locations by road, train, air, and the like.
[038] In one embodiment, the remote server 106 may be configured to generate by the online platform, a plurality of locations to choose from for selecting a subsequent location. Here, there is no need for the user to manually enter locations as the online platform automatically presents locations. Acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) exist between each of the generated plurality of locations and a location already selected, which immediately precedes the choice of the plurality of locations.
[039] Total distance and approximate travel time may be the preconfigured travel parameters set. The remote server 106 may be configured to calculate the total distance and an approximate travel time between each of the generated plurality of locations and a location already selected, which immediately precedes the choice of the plurality of locations. The feasibility to travel may then be determined based on the total distance and approximate travel time calculation results. The feasibility to travel may result in travelling between the locations by road, train, air, and the like.
[040] Further, generating the choice of the plurality of locations may include the online platform querying using an application program interface. The query generated by the online platform may include the preceding location already selected and at least one of duration of travel, mode of travel, distance of travel, and the like, acceptable from the preceding location already selected. The query may assist in determining the feasibility to travel between each of the locations.
[041] Further, the online map displays the generated choice of the plurality of locations on a digital map. The online platform also displays on the digital map, the start location and the end location, while allowing selection of locations immediate to the start location and the end location. The online platform also displays on the digital map, the selection of subsequent locations to complete the group tour itinerary. This concept is depicted by FIGS. 2-4.
[042] FIG. 2 is a screenshot 300 of an exemplary map depicting a start location and an end location selected by the user, in accordance with an embodiment. The online platform displays the generated choice of locations on a digital map. As shown, the screenshot 200 shows the start location 202 and the end location 204. In one example embodiment, referring to example A, the start location 202 may be Paris, France and the end location 204 may be Rome, Italy.
[043] FIG. 3 is a screenshot 300 of an exemplary map depicting the start location 202, the end location 204, and few subsequent locations 302 A-B intermediate to the start location 202 and the end location 204 selected by the user, in accordance with an embodiment. The online platform displays the generated choice of locations on a digital map. As shown, the screenshot 300 shows the start location 202, the end location 204, and few subsequent locations 302 A-B selected by the user, to complete the group tour itinerary. In one example embodiment, referring to example A, the subsequent location 302 A may be Geneva, Switzerland and the subsequent location 302 B may be Interlaken, Switzerland.
[044] FIG. 4 is a screenshot 400 of an exemplary map depicting the start location 202, the end location, and more subsequent locations 302 A-E intermediate to the start location and the end location selected by the user, in accordance with an embodiment. The online platform displays the generated choice of locations on a digital map. As shown, the screenshot 400 shows the star location 202, the end location 204, and subsequent locations 302 A-E selected by the user, to complete the group tour itinerary. In one example embodiment, referring to example A, the subsequent location 302 C may be Innsbruck, Austria, the subsequent location 302 D may be Venice, Italy, and the subsequent location 302 E may be Florence, Italy. The user has a visual representation of locations presented by the digital map, making it easier for them to analyze and pick subsequent locations within a certain proximity of the start location and the end location.
[045] Further, the online platform prevents selection of an intended succeeding location if acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) is absent between a preceding location and an intended succeeding location. The online platform takes into consideration conformity of the acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) by querying using an application program interface. The query may identify at least one of duration of travel, mode of travel or distance of travel, between a preceding location already selected and an intended succeeding location. The query may assist in determining the feasibility to travel between each of the locations.
[046] Further, the online platform presents a plurality of hotels to the user, based on the decided locations and number of nights at each location, which have already been saved by the online portal. The online platform may generate a plurality of hotels, which the user browses through and accordingly selects based on their preference. The user may also have the option to change the hotel based on their desire, if they already entered another hotel previously.
[047] Further, the online platform presents choices for sightseeing, tour guides, and meals at restaurants, pertaining to the selected dates, locations, and hotels. The online platform has information about the user’s selection of the total duration of the tour with dates, locations, number of guests (including adult, children, infant), hotels at each location, duration of stay at each location/hotel, and the like. The online portal may suggest the information based on total distance and approximation time calculation results (preconfigured travel parameters). This concept may be explained with an example provided below.
Example B:
Sightseeing
Eiffel Tower entrance – Top floor
Disneyland – 1 day 2 parks ticket
Gardens of Versailles
Louvre museum

Meals
Indian Veg Lunch – Bhojan Restaurant
Indian Non-veg Lunch – Bhojan Restaurant
Italian Lunch (veg/non veg) – Bella Italia Restaurant

Guide service
Full day guide service – 7 hours
Half day guide service – 3.5 hours
[048] Referring to the above-mentioned example (Example B), the online portal presents sightseeing options available in Paris. The sightseeing options may include Eiffel Tower entrance, Disneyland, Gardens of Versailles, Louvre museum, and the like. The user may then select at least one sightseeing option. The online portal may present meal options based on the duration and location. The meal options may include vegetarian meals and non-vegetarian meals. The online portal presents the meal option along with restaurant names to the user. The user may then accordingly select the meal options and restaurants of their choice. The online portal presents guide services including half day guide services and full day guide services. The guide services are along with a tour guide having experience and knowledge about the various sightseeing points. Each of the above-mentioned services have their own parameters set in the online portal database, for example address, contact details, suggested time to spend, and the like.
[049] In one example, referring to Example B, the online portal may give an error message when the user may select to visit Disneyland and Gardens of Versailles on the same day. The reason for throwing the error message is because since Disneyland requires a minimum of 6 hours to visit and approximate 1 hour & 30 minutes to reach. The preconfigured travel parameters set are a maximum of 8 hours to spend between the sightseeing locations. Here, if the user spends 6 hours at Disneyland, 1 hour & 30 minutes in travel, and 4 hours suggested for the gardens of Versailles, the preconfigured travel parameters condition will be breached. The online platform will automatically trigger an error message and present alternative options for the user to select to visit. The online platform will also only present restaurants near to the user’s selected hotel and along the sightseeing route. This will save time in travelling and save time in route deviations.
[050] FIG. 5 is a screenshot 500 of an exemplary webpage for selection of dates and cities, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the screenshot 500 may include a first section 502, a second section 504, a third section 506, and a fourth section 508. Each section is explained in further detail below.
[051] In one embodiment, the first section 502 allows the user to fill up tour information. In one example, the tour information may include a start date, an end date, number of nights, number of days, a start location, and an end location. The start date and the end date may be entered in dd/mm/year format. The user choses dates, duration of the tour, and locations to visit at each stage. The user may also select the locations in the order that they wish to visit.
[052] Further, the second section 504 allows the user to search and book for hotels, based on the dates, duration, and location information provided in the first section 502. The online platform may generate a plurality of hotels, which the user browses through and accordingly selects based on their preference. The user may also have the option to change the hotel based on their desire, if they already entered another hotel previously.
[053] Further, the third section 506 presents the various services provided by the online platform, which are all presented on one webpage. The user may click on each service and enter the required information. The services may include hotels, transfers, activities, restaurants, and tour guide. These services were explained in detail in the previous paragraphs.
[054] Further, the fourth section 508 presents a quick summary of the tour. The quick summary may present the payment deadline, the number of hotels books, the transfers, payment methods, and the like, to the user. The quick summary helps the user to analyze their progress regarding the tour and will help them know what all works/payments are pending.
[055] FIG. 6 is a screenshot 600 of an exemplary webpage for selection of one or more cities and suggesting a suitable mode of transport between the cities, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the screenshot 600 may include a first section 602, a second section 604, and a hotel search button 606. Each component is explained in further detail below.
[056] In one embodiment, the first section 602 allows the user to fill up tour information. In one example, the tour information may include the start date, the end date, number of nights, number of days, the start location, the end location, and the like. In addition, the first section 602 also allows the user to add subsequent locations intermediate to the start location and the end location. For each subsequent location, the user also enters the number of nights, the start date of visit, and end date of visit. The remote server 106 then may be configured to calculate the distance between at least two subsequent locations and accordingly suggest the most suitable mode of transport based on the calculated distance. The first section 602 also displays a remaining number of travel nights to the user based on the stay duration previously entered for each location.
[057] The second section 604 presents one or more suitable transport options to the user. In one example, the transport options may be by car/van, train, flight, cruise, and the like. For example, as shown in the screenshot 600, the user may enter London as the first subsequent location and Paris as the second subsequent location. The distance between London and Paris is calculated to be 470 km and the suitable/possible mode of transport that is presented is as van. Further, the user may enter Rome as the subsequent location to Paris. The distance between Paris and Rome is calculated to be 1421 km. The transport modes presented between Paris and Rome are van, flight, train, and cruise. However, van transport mode is suggested as not possible, mainly due to the long distance. Train, flight, and cruise travel options are suggested as possible/suitable modes of transport. The user analyzes the transport options suggested by the remote server 106, and then may accordingly select at least one possible/suitable transport option recommended to them.
[058] Further, the user may then click the hotel search button 606. Upon clicking the button 606, the information entered in the first section 602 and the second section 604 is saved and one or more hotels are searched for in each location. Clicking the button 606 leads to a screenshot 700 as explained below.
[059] FIG. 7 is a screenshot 700 of an exemplary webpage for searching and booking hotels, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the screenshot 700 may include a first section 702 and a result button 704. Each component is explained in further detail below.
[060] In one embodiment, the first section 702 allows the user to search, book, and enter hotel information. The online platform presents a choice of hotels for each destination. The online platform presents a wide range of hotels based on number of stars, price, types of rooms, location, and the like. The user enters their destination, check in date, check out date, number of nights, total number of rooms, number of persons accommodated per room, currency, nationality, and the like. This entered information typically applies for all the hotels. The user may then click the result button 704, which then presents a choice of hotels to the user based on the information entered in the first section 702.
[061] FIG. 8 is a screenshot 800 of an exemplary webpage for viewing hotel details and viewing a tour booking summary for creating a group day wise itinerary, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the screenshot 800 may include a first section 802, a summary button 804, and an itinerary creation button 806. Each section is explained in further detail below.
[062] In one embodiment, the first section 802 displays information corresponding to at least one hotel for a certain location (for example Paris, France as shown) for a certain duration, rooms, and number of persons. The user may also filter the hotel shortlisting criteria using one or more parameters. The parameters may be name, price, rating, popularity, distance, and the like. The first section 802 accordingly displays an image of the hotel along with the name, address, number of stars, description, price of rooms, and the like.
[063] The summary button 804 when clicked by the user, shows all the bookings made by the user. The user may view the bookings and may propose to make any changes if required if deadlines are not met. The itinerary creation button 706 when clicked by the user, creates a travel itinerary that presents a schedule of events relating to the travel based on the bookings of the various services made. The travel itinerary may be presented in a tabular format.
[064] FIG. 9 is a screenshot 900 of an exemplary webpage that summarizes the services selected by the user, allows the user to make changes, and allows the user to successfully confirm thereby generating the group day wise itinerary, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the screenshot 900 may include a first section 902, a second section 904, an edit button 906, and a submit button 908. Each component is explained in further detail below.
[065] In one embodiment, the first section 902 may display a summary of the tour information along previously entered by the user in FIGS. 5-8. The summary may include the start date, the end date, number of travel days, the start city, the end city, booking date time, number of passengers, nationality, number of adults, number of children, client reference number, leader name, transport information, and the like.
[066] Further, the second section 904 may display a sample itinerary for a day to day basis. The second section 904 displays the day number, the date, the destination, services, service details, and name/comments. The day number, the date, the destination, services, service details, and name/comments are displayed for each day within the group day wise itinerary. The services displayed may include transport, activities, tour guide, meal lunch, and meal dinner. The service details may be displayed corresponding to each service. For example, the service details for transport may be car. The service details for activities may be excursion, entrance ticket, and the like. The service details for tour guide may be the time limit for which a tour guide will be available (for example 4 hours). The service details for meal lunch and meal dinner may be local food, Indian food, and the like. Also, not required may be displayed under the service details for each of the services that are not required by the user at that point of time.
[067] Further, the edit button 906 when clicked by the user, allows the user to make changes to the details presented in the second section 904. The user may make changes if they are not satisfied, there may be sudden change in plans, they wish to add more things, and the like. Upon satisfaction of the information presented in the second section 904, the user may click the submit button 908 that then generates the group day wise itinerary in a tabular format.
[068] Further, the online platform provides a quotation based on the travel itinerary generated based on user preferences. The quotation presents a total price of the tour and may be saved under a unique reference number. The quotation may be communicated to the user via email. The online portal will create a group day wise itinerary that will be shared to the user once the user confirms the tour with deposit money.
[069] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate an exemplary group day wise itinerary, in accordance with an embodiment. The group day wise itinerary is presented in a tabular format and may include the locations to be visited at times along with transportation means for movement between the each of the locations. The group day wise itinerary summarizes all the activities to be performed in a timely manner for each location and for each travel day/date.
[070] In one embodiment, the group day wise itinerary may include a first column 1002, a second column 1004, and a third column 1006. The first column 1002 may include the date of travel along with the time at which each activity is to be performed for the specific travel date. Each time may be represented in different rows, to differentiate between each activity for that each day.
[071] Further, the second column 1004 may include a description for each of the activities to be performed, for each date of travel. The description may be represented in rows for specific times throughout the day for each location to be visited. For example, the description may include arrival information, transport information, hotel check-in information, tour information, and the like. The third column 1006 may include additional comments for the descriptions. For example, the additional comments may be distance of travel, time of travel, vouchers available, and the like.
[072] In one example, referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, the first column 1002 mentions the starting travel date as 2 June and the second column 1004 mentions the location as London. At 13:45, a local coach is to be met at the London Heathrow Airport along with the driver name, telephone number, and vehicle plate number. At 14:00, the local coach departs from the airport for the hotel. The third column 1006 mentions that the distance between the airport and hotel is 40 km and the journey time is nearly one hour. At 16:00, the travelers check-in to the hotel. The hotel address along with the contact number may be provided. Similar details are provided in the first column 1002, the second column 1004, and the third column 1006 for the proceeding travel dates of the group day wise itinerary.
[073] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary method 1100 illustrating a flowchart for preparation of a group day wise itinerary based on a start location received from a user and selection of subsequent locations at least preceding an end location, in accordance with an embodiment. Steps 1102 – 1104 may be executed by the remote server 106. Each step is explained in further detail below.
[074] At step 1102, the remote server 106 may be configured to receive, via an online platform, a start location from a user associated with a user device. The start location may refer to the staring destination of the travel. The user may also enter a start date for the starting destination of the travel. The user may also change the start location based on his/her desire, if they already entered a start location previously.
[075] At step 1104, the remote server 106 may be configured to allow, via the online platform, selection of subsequent locations at least preceding an end location, which refers to the ending destination of the travel. Subsequent locations refer to locations/destinations that the user wishes to visit in between before reaching the end destination. The user may select the subsequent locations in the order in which they wish to visit. This concept is explained with an example provided below.
Example A:
Start Date City End Date City
01/08/2018 Paris, France 12/08/2018 Rome,

City No. of Nights
Paris, France 2
Geneva, Switzerland 1
Interlaken, Switzerland 2
Innsbruck, Austria 2
Venice, Italy 1
Florence, Italy 1
Rome, Italy 2
[076] Referring to the above-mentioned example (Example A), the user has entered a start date as 01/08/2018, a start location as Paris, France, an end date as 12/08/2018, and an end location as Rome Italy. Geneva, Interlaken, Innsbruck, Venice, and Florence are the subsequent locations that the user wishes to visit before reaching Rome. The remote server 106 may be configured to automatically calculate the number of days and number of nights in the tour i.e. 12 days and 11 nights for the above-mentioned example. Based on this calculation, the user may choose the number of nights they wish to visit the start location, subsequent locations, and the end location as well.
[077] Further, the remote server 106 may be configured to complete the group day wise itinerary by taking into consideration conformity with acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) between a preceding location and selected current location. Total distance and approximate travel time may be the preconfigured travel parameters set. The remote server 106 may be configured to calculate the total distance and approximate travel time between the preceding location and selected current location. The feasibility to travel may then be determined based on the total distance and approximate travel time calculation results. The feasibility to travel may result in travelling between the locations by road, train, air, and the like. In one example, referring to Example A, if London, United Kingdom is chosen as a subsequent location, then the user may be given an option to travel by train to/from London instead of road since there is no road connecting London with the remaining subsequent locations chooses by the user. In another example, referring to Example A, if the user selects New York as the start location and Rome as the next city to visit, the online platform may reject this selection since only air transport is possible and not road/train transportation as suggested to be feasible for travel.
[078] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary method 1200 illustrates a flowchart for preparation of a group day wise itinerary based on a plurality of locations generated by an online platform, in accordance with an embodiment. Steps 1202 – 1210 may be executed via the online platform. Each step is explained in further detail below.
[079] At step 1202, the online platform may generate a plurality of locations to choose from, for selecting a subsequent location, which precedes the choice of the plurality of locations. Here, there is no need for the user to manually enter locations as the online platform automatically presents locations. Acceptable preconfigured travel parameter(s) exist between each of the generated plurality of locations and a location already selected, which immediately precedes the choice of the plurality of locations.
[080] Total distance and approximate travel time may be the preconfigured travel parameters set. The remote server 106 may be configured to calculate the total distance and approximate travel time between each of the generated plurality of locations and a location already selected, which immediately precedes the choice of the plurality of locations. The feasibility to travel may then be determined based on the total distance and approximate travel time calculation results. The feasibility to travel may result in travelling between the locations by road, train, air, and the like.
[081] At step 1204, the online platform may generate a query that comprises the preceding location already selected and at least one of duration of travel, mode of travel, or distance of travel. The online platform may generate the query using an application program interface. The query generated by the online platform may include the preceding location already selected and at least one of duration of travel, mode of travel, distance of travel, and the like, acceptable from the preceding location already selected. The query may assist in determining the feasibility to travel between each of the locations.
[082] At steps 1206 - 1210, the online platform may display the generated choice of the plurality of locations on a digital map. The online platform also displays on the digital map, the start location and the end location, while allowing selection of locations immediate to the start location and the end location. The online platforms also display on the digital map, the selection of subsequent locations to complete the group day wise itinerary. The user has a visual representation of locations presented by the digital map, making it easier for them to analyze and pick subsequent locations within a certain proximity of the start location and the end location.
[083] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary system architecture 1300 of the remote server 106 in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the remote server 106 may include a processor 1302, a communication unit 1304, a memory 1306, an I/O 1308, and a bus 1310. Each component is explained in further detail below.
[084] In general, the processor 1302 may include any suitable special-purpose or general-purpose computer, computing entity, or processing device including various computer hardware or software modules and may be configured to execute instructions stored on any applicable computer-readable storage media. For example, the processor 1302 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or to execute program instructions and/or to process data.
[085] The communication unit 1304 may be a wired network or a wireless network. Furthermore, the communication unit 1304 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), or other interconnected data paths across which multiple devices and/or entities may communicate.
[086] The memory 1306 may include computer-readable storage media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, such as the processor 1302. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media including Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices (e.g., solid state memory devices), or any other storage medium which may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.
[087] The I/O (input/output) 1308 may provide communication between the processor 1302, the communication unit 1304, and the memory 1306. The processor 1302, the communication unit 1304, the memory 1306, and the I/O 1308 may all be interconnected via the bus 1310. The bus 1310 may be a communication system that transfers data/information between each component.
[088] It shall be noted that the processes described above are described as sequence of steps; this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is understood that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.
CONCLUSION
[089] The forgoing disclosure overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional travel website/portal systems. Thus, the present invention as discussed in this document with respect to different embodiments will be advantageous at least for providing a system and method for designing an in-depth viable tour plan for a group of travellers via a single platform. Furthermore, the system is also advantageous as the booking services (hotel, transfer, activity, restaurant, tour guide) are all available on a single webpage/portal/platform, and users need not rely on multiple portals/websites for accessing information and making bookings. All the booking services can be done using the single website/platform. Furthermore, the system is also advantageous as it allows users may create their travel plan based on their preferences. Furthermore, the system is also advantageous as it guides or restricts selection of subsequent locations intermediate to the start location and the end location based on feasibility of travel.
[090] Furthermore, the system is also advantageous as it generates a day wise detailed itinerary based on the booking services made. Users are provided with options for booking each service on a day to day basis for selected destinations. The detailed day wise itinerary will only be shared with the user once they confirm the tour by first initiating the payment. The day wise itinerary is the unique selling proposition of unique selling point (USP) of the single platform. Additional advantages not listed may be understood by a person ordinary skilled in the art in view of the embodiments disclosed above.
[091] In the foregoing detailed description, numerous specific details, examples, and scenarios are explained to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. Further, such examples and scenarios are provided for illustration, and are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the included descriptions, should be able to implement appropriate functionality without undue experimentation. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by details, examples, and scenarios provided.
[092] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various combinations, modifications, additions, and omissions may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the foregoing disclosure and appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.
[093] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.