Travel Itineraries?

I am planning to make a VISA application for Malta. Have got pretty much everything requested in Guidence notes from Embassy. I am struggling to get Travel Itinerary, any agent I call say the only option is to book a ticket and pay for it. If I cancel then I have to pay for cancellation fees (which are almost 60% of the ticket price). My questions below.

1. Is it actually possible to obtain a travel itinerary from somewhere?
2. Is it even practical to purchase your ticket when your VISA is not approved?

I am pretty sure that my VISA will be approved, however I don't want to loose 200£+ on refusal of VISA. Can someone tell me what am I missing here? Is this the norm? Thanks

/sheedatali

presuming you are applyng for maltese schengen visa, you really don't need to provide any external itinerary.
if you are booking your hotels and planning the trip on your own just provide those details and prepare a simple travel plan.

re. ticket - also see 2.1. Proof of confirmed return ticket to the United Kingdom or to the country of final destination