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Custom Packages

12/5/25About 9 minCRMGuide

Custom Packages Management Training Guide

Overview

The Custom Packages page allows you to create, view, edit, and manage travel packages offered by your company. Custom packages are pre-designed travel itineraries that include various combinations of services like accommodation, flights, transfers, meals, and activities. This guide covers how to view packages, create new packages, edit existing packages, and manage package details including images and destinations.

Accessing the Custom Packages Page

Navigate to: Admin → Packages → Custom Packages

The Custom Packages page displays all packages in a table format with the following information:

  • Package ID
  • Title
  • Price
  • Reference Code
  • Source
  • Valid Until date
  • Last Day to Book date
  • Edit action button

Understanding Package Fields

Basic Package Information

Title:

  • The name of the travel package
  • Should be descriptive and appealing
  • Example: "Luxury Safari Experience", "Cape Town Coastal Adventure"

Slug:

  • Auto-generated URL-friendly version of the title
  • Cannot be manually edited
  • Uses lowercase letters and hyphens
  • Example: "luxury-safari-experience"

Price:

  • Cost of the package in South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Displayed with currency formatting (R 25,000.00)
  • Base price before any customizations

Reference Code:

  • Internal tracking code for the package
  • Used for administrative purposes
  • Example: "PKG-2025-001"

Source:

  • Origin or channel of the package
  • Indicates where package was created or imported from
  • Example: "Manual", "Import", "API"

Duration:

  • Length of the package in days
  • Numeric value
  • Example: 7 (for a 7-day package)

Date Fields

Valid From/Valid To:

  • Travel period when the package is available
  • Valid From: Earliest date customers can travel
  • Valid To: Latest date customers can travel
  • Format: YYYY-MM-DD

Sales Period From/Sales Period To:

  • Booking window for the package
  • Sales Period From: When package becomes bookable
  • Sales Period To: Last day customers can make a booking
  • Format: YYYY-MM-DD
  • "Last Day to Book" column shows Sales Period To date

Package Inclusions

These checkboxes indicate what's included in the package:

Includes Airfare: Flights are included in the package price

Includes Transfers: Ground transportation between locations included

Includes Car Hire: Rental vehicle included

Includes Meals: Meals specified in itinerary are included

Includes Accommodation: Hotel/lodge stays included

Includes Guides: Tour guides or rangers included

Includes Hotel Service Charges: Service fees and tips included

Includes Flights and Accommodation: Both flights and lodging included (summary flag)

Popular Flag:

  • Marks package as "popular" or featured
  • May display prominently on website
  • Use for best-selling or highlighted packages

Content Fields

Description:

  • Main package description
  • Rich text editor with formatting options
  • Include overview, highlights, and selling points
  • Example: detailed narrative about the safari experience

Includes:

  • Detailed list of what's included in the package
  • Rich text editor with formatting options
  • Itemize all services, amenities, and benefits
  • Example: "3 nights luxury accommodation, All meals, Game drives, Park fees"

Excludes:

  • List of what's NOT included in the package
  • Rich text editor with formatting options
  • Clearly state additional costs customers must cover
  • Example: "International flights, Travel insurance, Personal expenses, Optional activities"

Notes and Conditions:

  • Important terms, conditions, and disclaimers
  • Rich text editor with formatting options
  • Include booking policies, cancellation terms, requirements
  • Example: "Minimum 2 passengers, Passport required, 50% deposit required"

Viewing All Packages

Package Table

The main page displays all packages in a scrollable table.

Table Columns:

  • ID: Unique package identifier
  • Title: Package name
  • Price: Package cost (formatted as ZAR)
  • Reference: Reference code
  • Source: Package origin
  • Valid Until: Last travel date (Valid To)
  • Last Day to Book: Final booking date (Sales Period To)
  • Edit icon: Opens package details for editing

Searching for Packages

Use the search box to find packages by:

  • Title
  • Reference Code
  • Source

How to Search:

  1. Type in the "Keyword Search..." box
  2. Results filter instantly as you type
  3. Search is case-insensitive
  4. Clear search box to see all packages

Downloading Package Data

Click the "Download" button to export all packages to CSV format.

CSV Contents:

  • All table columns
  • Package details
  • Useful for reporting, analysis, and backup

Creating a New Package

Step 1: Open the Add Package Form

  1. Click the "Add Package" button (top right)
  2. The "Add Custom Package" dialog opens
  3. Dialog is maximizable for easier data entry

Step 2: Enter Basic Package Information

Reference Code and Source (First Row):

  1. Enter Reference Code (internal tracking number)
  2. Enter Source (origin of package)
  3. Both fields required

Title and Slug:

  1. Enter descriptive package title
  2. Slug auto-generates as you type the title
  3. Slug field is disabled (auto-generated only)
  4. Title is required

Price, Duration, and Popular Flag:

  1. Enter price as numeric value (no currency symbol)
  2. Enter duration in days as number
  3. Check "Popular Flag" checkbox if package should be featured
  4. Price is required

Step 3: Set Package Dates

Valid From/Valid To:

  1. Click "Valid From" date picker
  2. Select start date of travel period
  3. Click calendar icon or type date (YYYY-MM-DD format)
  4. After selecting Valid From, minimum date for Valid To is set automatically
  5. Click "Valid To" date picker
  6. Select end date of travel period
  7. Valid To must be after Valid From

Sales Period From/Sales Period To:

  1. Click "Sales Period From" date picker
  2. Select when booking opens
  3. After selecting Sales Period From, minimum date for Sales Period To is set automatically
  4. Click "Sales Period To" date picker
  5. Select last day customers can book
  6. Sales Period To must be after Sales Period From

Date Picker Tips:

  • Click calendar icon to open visual date selector
  • Use arrow buttons to navigate months
  • Click date to select
  • Dates display in YYYY-MM-DD format
  • Today's date is highlighted

Step 4: Select Destinations

  1. Click the "Destinations" dropdown
  2. Multi-select dropdown opens showing all available destinations
  3. Click destinations to add them to package
  4. Selected destinations appear as chips
  5. Click X on chip to remove destination
  6. Multiple destinations can be selected

Step 5: Set Package Inclusions

Two columns of checkboxes indicate what's included:

Left Column:

  • Includes Airfare
  • Includes Transfers
  • Includes Car Hire
  • Includes Meals

Right Column:

  • Includes Accommodation
  • Includes Guides
  • Includes Hotel Service Charges
  • Includes Flights and Accommodation

Check all applicable boxes for the package.

Step 6: Add Package Content

Four rich text editors for detailed content:

Description:

  1. Click in the Description editor
  2. Enter comprehensive package overview
  3. Use formatting toolbar for styling
  4. Toolbar options: Bold, Italic, Underline, Lists, Alignment, etc.
  5. Editor height: 320px
  6. Include highlights, activities, and selling points

Includes:

  1. Click in the Includes editor
  2. List everything included in package price
  3. Use bullet points for clarity
  4. Be specific and comprehensive
  5. Editor height: 320px

Excludes:

  1. Click in the Excludes editor
  2. List what's NOT included
  3. Helps manage customer expectations
  4. Prevents misunderstandings
  5. Editor height: 320px

Notes and Conditions:

  1. Click in the Notes and Conditions editor
  2. Add terms, policies, requirements
  3. Include cancellation policies
  4. List any restrictions or prerequisites
  5. Editor height: 320px

Rich Text Editor Tips:

  • Use bold for emphasis
  • Use bullet lists for items
  • Keep formatting consistent
  • Preview how content will appear to customers
  • Copy/paste from Word may include unwanted formatting

Step 7: Submit Package

  1. Review all entered information
  2. Ensure all required fields are filled
  3. Verify dates are logical (Valid To after Valid From, etc.)
  4. Click Submit button at bottom
  5. Dialog closes
  6. New package appears in packages table
  7. Package is created but needs images and banner to be complete

Editing an Existing Package

Opening Package Details

  1. Locate package in the table
  2. Click the edit icon (pen) in rightmost column
  3. Package details page opens
  4. Page displays banner image area, all package fields, and image gallery

Package Details Page Layout

The page is divided into sections:

Top Section:

  • Large banner image area (or "No Banner Image" if not uploaded)
  • Package title overlaid on banner
  • Back button to return to packages list

Main Content Area (Left Side):

  • Price, Reference Code, Source (top row)
  • Title and Slug fields
  • Description editor
  • Includes editor
  • Excludes editor
  • Notes and Conditions editor

Sidebar (Right Side):

  • Travel Details panel
  • Destinations selector
  • Image Gallery panel
  • Action buttons (Preview, Save)

Editing Basic Information

Price, Reference, and Source:

  1. Fields are editable text inputs
  2. Click in field and modify value
  3. Changes are tracked

Title:

  1. Modify title in text input
  2. Slug updates automatically based on title changes
  3. Slug field remains disabled

Editing Package Content

All four editors (Description, Includes, Excludes, Notes and Conditions) are fully editable:

  1. Click in the editor area
  2. Modify existing text
  3. Use formatting toolbar
  4. Editor height: 200px
  5. Changes are tracked

Modifying Travel Details (Right Sidebar)

Duration:

  1. Edit duration in numeric input field
  2. Slider below input adjusts visually
  3. Drag slider to change duration
  4. Input and slider are synchronized

Valid From/Valid To:

  1. Click date picker to modify
  2. Select new dates
  3. Format: YYYY-MM-DD
  4. Ensure Valid To is after Valid From

Sales Period From/Sales Period To:

  1. Click date picker to modify
  2. Select new dates
  3. Format: YYYY-MM-DD
  4. Ensure Sales Period To is after Sales Period From

Checkbox Flags:

  • Popular
  • Includes Airfare
  • Includes Transfers
  • Includes Car Hire
  • Includes Meals
  • Includes Accommodation
  • Includes Guides
  • Includes Hotel Service Charges
  • Includes Flights and Accommodation

Check or uncheck as needed. Changes are tracked.

Managing Destinations

Destinations Multi-Select:

  1. Click the dropdown
  2. Current destinations show as chips
  3. Add new destinations by selecting from list
  4. Remove destinations by clicking X on chip
  5. Changes are tracked

Managing Package Images

The banner image appears at the top of the package page.

If No Banner Exists:

  1. "No Banner Image" message displays
  2. File upload input appears
  3. Click "Choose File" or browse button
  4. Select image from computer
  5. Supported formats: JPG, PNG, etc.
  6. After file selected, "Upload" button appears with cloud icon
  7. Click "Upload" to upload banner image
  8. Banner image displays after successful upload

If Banner Exists:

  • Banner displays across top of page
  • Package title overlays banner
  • To change banner, you may need to delete and re-upload

Package can have multiple images for gallery display.

If No Images Exist:

  1. Gray box displays with "Add Images +" message
  2. Click "Add Images +" button
  3. "Add More Package Images" dialog opens
  4. Image gallery interface loads
  5. Select and upload images

If Images Exist:

  1. Gallery shows thumbnail grid (3 columns)
  2. Each image has delete icon (red X circle) below it
  3. Click thumbnail to view full-size in lightbox gallery
  4. Use gallery navigation arrows to view all images
  5. Gallery is fullscreen with circular navigation
  6. Press Esc or click outside to close gallery

Adding More Images (when images already exist):

  1. Click "Add More Images" button below gallery
  2. "Add More Package Images" dialog opens
  3. Upload additional images via gallery interface

Deleting Images:

  1. Click the red X circle icon below image thumbnail
  2. Image is deleted immediately
  3. No confirmation dialog (be careful)
  4. Deleted images are removed from gallery

Gallery Viewer Features:

  • Click thumbnail to open fullscreen viewer
  • Navigate with left/right arrows
  • Circular navigation (loops back to start)
  • Shows one image at a time
  • Responsive to different screen sizes

Saving and Previewing

Preview Package

  1. Click the "Preview" button in right sidebar
  2. Package opens in preview mode
  3. Shows how package will appear to customers
  4. Verify all content displays correctly
  5. Check formatting, images, and layout

Save Changes

  1. Click the "Save" button in right sidebar
  2. All changes are saved to database
  3. Success message may appear
  4. Package updates in system

Unsaved Changes Warning

The system tracks changes to packages:

When Changes Are Made:

  • System detects modifications to any field
  • Changes are tracked automatically
  • Package is marked as "dirty" (unsaved)

When Attempting to Leave Page:

  1. If unsaved changes exist, warning dialog appears
  2. Dialog title: "Unsaved changes"
  3. Message: "You have unsaved changes. Are you sure you want to leave?"
  4. Two options:
    • "Yes, leave" (red button): Discards changes and navigates away
    • "Stay" (blue button): Cancels navigation, remains on page
  5. Choose appropriately to avoid losing work

Best Practice: Save frequently to avoid losing changes.

Common Package Management Workflows

Creating a Standard Safari Package

  1. Click "Add Package"
  2. Reference Code: "SAF-001"
  3. Source: "Manual"
  4. Title: "5-Day Kruger Safari Adventure"
  5. Price: 15000
  6. Duration: 5
  7. Set Valid From: 2025-06-01
  8. Set Valid To: 2025-12-31
  9. Set Sales Period From: 2025-01-01
  10. Set Sales Period To: 2025-11-30
  11. Select destinations: Kruger National Park
  12. Check: Includes Accommodation, Includes Meals, Includes Guides, Includes Transfers
  13. Write description highlighting safari experience
  14. List inclusions: accommodation, meals, game drives
  15. List exclusions: flights, beverages, tips
  16. Add terms and conditions
  17. Submit
  18. Edit created package to add banner and images

Updating Package Price

  1. Find package in table
  2. Click edit icon
  3. Locate Price field at top
  4. Change price value
  5. Click Save
  6. Price updates immediately

Extending Package Validity

  1. Open package for editing
  2. Locate Valid To date picker in Travel Details
  3. Select new end date (later than current)
  4. Click Save
  5. Package validity extended
  1. Open package for editing
  2. Locate Popular checkbox in Travel Details
  3. Check the checkbox
  4. Click Save
  5. Package marked as featured/popular

Adding Package to Multiple Destinations

  1. Open package for editing
  2. Click Destinations multi-select dropdown
  3. Select all applicable destinations
  4. Destinations appear as chips
  5. Click Save
  6. Package associated with all selected destinations

Best Practices for Package Management

1. Package Titles

Good Titles:

  • "Luxury Cape Winelands Experience - 3 Days"
  • "Family Safari Adventure in Kruger - 7 Days"
  • "Romantic Coastal Getaway - Cape Town & Garden Route"

Poor Titles:

  • "Package 1"
  • "Safari"
  • "Tour"

2. Accurate Descriptions

  • Be specific and detailed
  • Highlight unique selling points
  • Include daily overview if possible
  • Use engaging, evocative language
  • Mention target audience (couples, families, adventure seekers)

3. Clear Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions:

  • List every service included
  • Be specific about meal plans (breakfast only, full board, etc.)
  • Specify accommodation standards
  • Detail transportation included
  • Mention any special experiences

Exclusions:

  • Clearly state what's NOT included
  • Mention typical additional costs
  • Prevents customer complaints
  • Manages expectations

4. Realistic Pricing

  • Research competitor pricing
  • Include all costs in package price
  • Consider seasonal variations
  • Update prices regularly
  • Reflect value in description

5. Logical Date Ranges

Valid Dates:

  • Align with seasons/weather
  • Consider peak vs. off-peak periods
  • Update annually
  • Remove packages outside valid dates

Sales Periods:

  • Open booking well in advance
  • Close booking before travel start
  • Allow processing time
  • Consider deposit timelines

6. High-Quality Images

Banner Image:

  • High resolution (at least 1920x1080)
  • Represents package highlights
  • Professional quality
  • Eye-catching and appealing

Gallery Images:

  • Multiple images (5-10 recommended)
  • Show accommodations, activities, destinations
  • Professional photography preferred
  • Consistent quality across images
  • Diverse perspectives

7. Checkbox Accuracy

  • Only check inclusions that apply
  • Double-check before saving
  • Update if package contents change
  • Consistency with written inclusions

8. Regular Updates

  • Review packages quarterly
  • Update prices annually
  • Refresh descriptions
  • Add new images periodically
  • Remove outdated packages

Package Status and Lifecycle

Active Packages

Packages are active when:

  • Current date is within Sales Period
  • Valid To date is in the future
  • Available for customer booking

Expired Packages

Packages expire when:

  • Current date exceeds Sales Period To
  • Valid To date has passed
  • No longer bookable

Handling Expired Packages:

  • Update dates to reactivate
  • Create new version with new dates
  • Archive or remove if discontinued

Creating Packages:

  1. Add Package button
  2. Enter reference, source, title
  3. Set price and duration
  4. Select dates (Valid, Sales Period)
  5. Choose destinations
  6. Check inclusion boxes
  7. Write content (Description, Includes, Excludes, Notes)
  8. Submit
  9. Add banner and images

Editing Packages:

  1. Click edit icon
  2. Modify any fields
  3. Manage images
  4. Preview changes
  5. Save

Support

For additional assistance with the Custom Packages page, contact your system administrator or technical support team.

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