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I wouldn't use travertine in the kitchen, looks great but has to be kept sealed and resealed over time, especially high traffic areas where the sealer will get worn off from walking on it. When this happens and you spill something there you will have a stain. Travertine is porous, looks great but not the best choice for a kitchen.
I'd go with a (through body) porcelain tile myself. That's a full porcelain tile (not just a coated porcelain ceramic tile) through body porcelain is a very very strong tile.
As far as size, i'd go with the largest possible, even if it's a small kitchen, will make it look larger as well as have less grout lines. and as long as it's laid correctly on a flat service you will never break it.
PS: unfortunately i have been laying tile as well as natural stone since i was about 12 because that's what my dad for a living :-(
I just finished laying about 4000 sq' in my Florida home. (on diagonal) it's really not any harder to do it that way, in fact it can be a little bit more forgiving as far as keeping your grout lines perfectly straight.
One of the most important parts is to make sure the grout is installed correctly and a good quality grout used, as well as grout sealer. The secret to a good grout line that never loosens or cracks is to not get real sloppy with your thin set and clean it out from the joints before you grout.
Anyways good luck, IMO there is nothing better than tile in the house and I'm sure you will love it no matter what kind you get.
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