The Welsh town of Llangollen (pronounced "thlan-GOTH-lin") has for 60 years hosted the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (pronounced eye-STETH-vod).
Each July, between 2,000 and 5,000 competitors from more than 50 countries come together for one week to compete in over 20 competitions, with as many as 50,000 visitors who come to witness the spectacle. Every evening, performers from that day's competition are chosen to share the stage in concert with professional artists, many of whom started their own careers in Llangollen.
Among the Welsh luminaries participating is native son Bryn Terfel, the world-renowned bass baritone. He will give a concert on July 4 with Llyr Williams, a Welsh pianist and with the conductor of the Welsh National Opera Gareth Jones who will conduct the Hallé Symphony Orchestra that played at the first Eisteddfod in 1947. Mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins will perform with the Welsh National Symphony Orchestra on Sunday July 9. For more information on the Llangollen Musical Eisteddfod, visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or www.visitwales.com.
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent... Open your own Home Based Travel Agency
Tuesday
Jamaica Celebrates Gospelfest in March
Jamaica will hold its fifth annual Fun in the Son Gospelfest March 2-18 in Ocho Rios and Kingston.
The event is sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board and supported by various churches in Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad, New York, Florida, Texas and Canada. It will feature performances by Minister Carlene Davis, Pastor Adam McCain and Pastor Sarah Conner.
It will culminate with a free concert at the Church on the Rock in Kingston on March 18. Packages are being offered by Air Jamaica Vacations at www.airjamaicavacations.com. For more information, visit www.visitjamaica.com.
The event is sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board and supported by various churches in Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad, New York, Florida, Texas and Canada. It will feature performances by Minister Carlene Davis, Pastor Adam McCain and Pastor Sarah Conner.
It will culminate with a free concert at the Church on the Rock in Kingston on March 18. Packages are being offered by Air Jamaica Vacations at www.airjamaicavacations.com. For more information, visit www.visitjamaica.com.
Vacation.com's CruiseCentre is providing member agencies with another "Vacation Vignette" cruise experience to offer clients – the eight-day Romantic Rhine aboard Avalon Waterways' Avalon Tapestry.
The package includes private wine tasting events in Heidelberg Castle and Rudesheim Castle, and sightseeing in villages throughout Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland.
The cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland, on July 23 with a "Bon Voyage" cocktail reception prior to embarking on their journey to Strasbourg in France, as well as the German cities of Speyer, Mainz-Rudesheim, Coblenz, and Cologne.
In Amsterdam, passengers will cruise through waterways lined with homes dating back to the city's "Golden Age." As with all Vacation Vignettes, the package is accompanied by a Vacation.com Concierge Host who is available throughout the entire trip to assist vacationers.
Vacation.com is a network of more than 6,000 travel agency locations across the U.S. and Canada. Its membership network is focused on leisure travel distribution, accounting for approximately 33 percent of all travel agencies in North America and making more than $18 billion in annual sales. www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com is a proud member of Vacation.com
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The package includes private wine tasting events in Heidelberg Castle and Rudesheim Castle, and sightseeing in villages throughout Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland.
The cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland, on July 23 with a "Bon Voyage" cocktail reception prior to embarking on their journey to Strasbourg in France, as well as the German cities of Speyer, Mainz-Rudesheim, Coblenz, and Cologne.
In Amsterdam, passengers will cruise through waterways lined with homes dating back to the city's "Golden Age." As with all Vacation Vignettes, the package is accompanied by a Vacation.com Concierge Host who is available throughout the entire trip to assist vacationers.
Vacation.com is a network of more than 6,000 travel agency locations across the U.S. and Canada. Its membership network is focused on leisure travel distribution, accounting for approximately 33 percent of all travel agencies in North America and making more than $18 billion in annual sales. www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com is a proud member of Vacation.com
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SuperClubs Sets Spring Sale
SuperClubs' Spring Sale Redux 2006 puts every room at each "super-inclusive" resort on sale including resorts such as the Grand Lido Resorts & Spas, Hedonism Resorts, Breezes Resorts and Starfish Trelawny.
The package is for travel between April 17 and June 30 if booked by Feb. 28. The Fall for SuperClubs' Low Prices promotion makes the same savings available during autumn trip if booked by April 15. Clients can select the room category of their choice at any SuperClubs Resort then choose from any suite or room.
The deal is available for travel between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15. The Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa will hold "Flavors of the Mediterranean," the seventh annual Epicurean Escape June 29 to July 3, which will feature guest chefs and sommeliers, hands-on cooking demonstrations, and culinary competitions.
Now through Dec. 31, 2007, couples staying for six nights or more at one of SuperClubs' Caribbean properties will receive the seventh night free. To take advantage of this promotion, couples must provide their marriage license or paid wedding certificate (if booked as part of a SuperClubs wedding) upon booking or check-in. The romantic getaway must be booked by Dec. 31, and with the code WHA06. Visit www.superclubs.com/cashbonus.
The package is for travel between April 17 and June 30 if booked by Feb. 28. The Fall for SuperClubs' Low Prices promotion makes the same savings available during autumn trip if booked by April 15. Clients can select the room category of their choice at any SuperClubs Resort then choose from any suite or room.
The deal is available for travel between Aug. 15 and Nov. 15. The Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa will hold "Flavors of the Mediterranean," the seventh annual Epicurean Escape June 29 to July 3, which will feature guest chefs and sommeliers, hands-on cooking demonstrations, and culinary competitions.
Now through Dec. 31, 2007, couples staying for six nights or more at one of SuperClubs' Caribbean properties will receive the seventh night free. To take advantage of this promotion, couples must provide their marriage license or paid wedding certificate (if booked as part of a SuperClubs wedding) upon booking or check-in. The romantic getaway must be booked by Dec. 31, and with the code WHA06. Visit www.superclubs.com/cashbonus.
Florida Anheuser-Busch Parks Set New Offerings
Florida's Anheuser-Busch adventure parks SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are offering unlimited admission and flexibility for the cost of a single-day ticket. For guests visiting Florida in 2006, both parks are introducing respective "anytime" offers for vacationers to "come and go" as they please during their vacation with the purchase of any one-day ticket (up to seven consecutive days).
Guests simply exchange any one-day admission for a personalized pass that allows them unlimited visits during their vacation to that same park (up to six additional days). SeaWorld will unveil three new "kid-friendly" additions to Shamu's Happy Harbor: a family-friendly roller coaster called the "Shamu Express," a jellyfish-themed samba tower ride, and a beach bucket-themed tea cup ride.
In February, the 4-D comedy "Pirates 4-D" launched in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Caribbean caper stars Leslie Nielsen and Monty Python's Eric Idle, who also wrote the 15-minute film. It combines the latest 4-D special-effects technology with multi-sensory theater effects to thrill guests of all ages. Busch Gardens' 750-seat Timbuktu Theater features four digital projectors that run simultaneously, and guests wear 3-D glasses to view the visual effects that allow the film action to vault off the screen. Surround-sound speakers built into the seats and special effects, including wind and sprays of water, further immerse the audience in this treasure-hunt adventure.
Busch Gardens' Sunset on the Serengeti begins in the Crown Colony's Brew Master's Club, where guests can sample Anheuser-Busch lagers. Then, the journey continues on the park's 65-acre Serengeti Plain, where participants will hand-feed giraffes and encounter other African wildlife. This one-hour tour is offered daily for $39.99 per person, plus tax, for ages 21 and older. The 45-minute Family Adventure Tour features a behind-the-scenes look at the Nairobi Field Station. The tour is open to all ages for $33.99 per person, plus tax. For more information, visit www.seaworld.com or www.buschgardens.com.
Guests simply exchange any one-day admission for a personalized pass that allows them unlimited visits during their vacation to that same park (up to six additional days). SeaWorld will unveil three new "kid-friendly" additions to Shamu's Happy Harbor: a family-friendly roller coaster called the "Shamu Express," a jellyfish-themed samba tower ride, and a beach bucket-themed tea cup ride.
In February, the 4-D comedy "Pirates 4-D" launched in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Caribbean caper stars Leslie Nielsen and Monty Python's Eric Idle, who also wrote the 15-minute film. It combines the latest 4-D special-effects technology with multi-sensory theater effects to thrill guests of all ages. Busch Gardens' 750-seat Timbuktu Theater features four digital projectors that run simultaneously, and guests wear 3-D glasses to view the visual effects that allow the film action to vault off the screen. Surround-sound speakers built into the seats and special effects, including wind and sprays of water, further immerse the audience in this treasure-hunt adventure.
Busch Gardens' Sunset on the Serengeti begins in the Crown Colony's Brew Master's Club, where guests can sample Anheuser-Busch lagers. Then, the journey continues on the park's 65-acre Serengeti Plain, where participants will hand-feed giraffes and encounter other African wildlife. This one-hour tour is offered daily for $39.99 per person, plus tax, for ages 21 and older. The 45-minute Family Adventure Tour features a behind-the-scenes look at the Nairobi Field Station. The tour is open to all ages for $33.99 per person, plus tax. For more information, visit www.seaworld.com or www.buschgardens.com.
Disney World Offers Package with Ticket Upgrades
For a limited time only, clients traveling to Walt Disney World Resort can take advantage of the affordable Magic Your Way Package with free ticket upgrades. With this package, a family of four (two adults, one child and one junior) can enjoy a six-night Walt Disney World vacation most nights from April 23 to June 3, including accommodations at a select Disney Value Resort hotel with tickets to all four theme parks for $1,500, a savings of over $300.
The free ticket upgrades include: the Park Hopper option and a total of six visits to either a Disney Water Park or DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or Pleasure Island nightclubs. The package entitles clients to benefits such as Disney's Magical Express Service, Disney transportation, and even opportunities to add theme park and water park time to their vacations with the Extra Magic Hours benefit.
Each day one of the theme parks opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours extra after regular park hours so clients can enjoy select attractions. With free ticket upgrades, your clients will enjoy Extra Magic Hours in a water park as well. Every morning, both Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon will open to Disney Resort guests one hour before the normal opening time.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use. Ask for package code YVG. The offer must be booked by March 31. For more information, call 800-327-2992 or visit http://www.disneytravelagents.com
To become a home based travel agent go to www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com
The free ticket upgrades include: the Park Hopper option and a total of six visits to either a Disney Water Park or DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or Pleasure Island nightclubs. The package entitles clients to benefits such as Disney's Magical Express Service, Disney transportation, and even opportunities to add theme park and water park time to their vacations with the Extra Magic Hours benefit.
Each day one of the theme parks opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours extra after regular park hours so clients can enjoy select attractions. With free ticket upgrades, your clients will enjoy Extra Magic Hours in a water park as well. Every morning, both Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon will open to Disney Resort guests one hour before the normal opening time.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use. Ask for package code YVG. The offer must be booked by March 31. For more information, call 800-327-2992 or visit http://www.disneytravelagents.com
To become a home based travel agent go to www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com
Five Tour Operators Debut Trusted Adventures Website
The new "Trusted Adventures" alliance
offers an interactive site with trip search capabilities provides one-stop access to 220 trips to over 70 worldwide destinations. The five founding members of Trusted Adventures include; Austin-Lehman Adventures, Wildland Adventures, Euro-Bike & Walking Tours, Western River Expeditions, and AAVE Teen Adventures.
Each company, a pioneer in its respective field, has over 20 years of experience in offering client-service-oriented programs. Said Dan Austin, director of Austin-Lehman Adventures: "By joining forces we can all, in good conscience, send our veteran travelers to parts of the world that individually we don¹t cover with our own programs."
For example, a family that traveled with Austin-Lehman Adventures may have a teenager who wants to travel with other teens. AAVE Teen Adventures, an alliance member, can accommodate this ALA "alum" with a group of like-minded adventurers on, among others, an African safari.
Visitors to the website will find detailed information on each member company, a featured trip section that highlights seasonal offerings, client testimonials, travel industry awards, a photo gallery, and a page with special offers and consumer discounts.
One such special is the Trusted Adventures Reward Program. As an incentive to travel within the network of alliance companies, the consortium offers a 5 percent discount off any trip if the client has previously traveled with any of the other Trusted Adventures companies. For more information on Trusted Adventures, visit www.trustedadventures.com.
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offers an interactive site with trip search capabilities provides one-stop access to 220 trips to over 70 worldwide destinations. The five founding members of Trusted Adventures include; Austin-Lehman Adventures, Wildland Adventures, Euro-Bike & Walking Tours, Western River Expeditions, and AAVE Teen Adventures.
Each company, a pioneer in its respective field, has over 20 years of experience in offering client-service-oriented programs. Said Dan Austin, director of Austin-Lehman Adventures: "By joining forces we can all, in good conscience, send our veteran travelers to parts of the world that individually we don¹t cover with our own programs."
For example, a family that traveled with Austin-Lehman Adventures may have a teenager who wants to travel with other teens. AAVE Teen Adventures, an alliance member, can accommodate this ALA "alum" with a group of like-minded adventurers on, among others, an African safari.
Visitors to the website will find detailed information on each member company, a featured trip section that highlights seasonal offerings, client testimonials, travel industry awards, a photo gallery, and a page with special offers and consumer discounts.
One such special is the Trusted Adventures Reward Program. As an incentive to travel within the network of alliance companies, the consortium offers a 5 percent discount off any trip if the client has previously traveled with any of the other Trusted Adventures companies. For more information on Trusted Adventures, visit www.trustedadventures.com.
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Monday
Celebrity Cruise Line offers Gift Cards
Celebrity Offers GiftCards!
Book an individual Ocean View stateroom on ANY 2006 Celebrity departure and receive a $50 Gift Certificate to over 250 retail stores. Find out how to earn your gift certificate! Book an individual Ocean View Room on ANY 2006 Celebrity departure and receive a $50-$75 gift certificate, compliments of Celebrity Cruises go to www.agentnet.com
Book an individual Ocean View stateroom on ANY 2006 Celebrity departure and receive a $50 Gift Certificate to over 250 retail stores. Find out how to earn your gift certificate! Book an individual Ocean View Room on ANY 2006 Celebrity departure and receive a $50-$75 gift certificate, compliments of Celebrity Cruises go to www.agentnet.com
Hot Travel Deals Home Travel Agents can book on line.
Did you know
that AgentNet VAX offers a "Hot Deals" section? This feature allows you to easily find a great deal, and skip several steps while booking it. The feature is so flexible, you can even search across vendors to find the perfect, ready-made vacation package for your customer.
that AgentNet VAX offers a "Hot Deals" section? This feature allows you to easily find a great deal, and skip several steps while booking it. The feature is so flexible, you can even search across vendors to find the perfect, ready-made vacation package for your customer.
Thursday
Six New Cruise Ships
This year, cruise lines will introduce six brilliant ships having collectively spent billions of dollars in building them.
From Royal Carribean's innovative new Freedom of the Seas to Holland America's elegant Noordam, this year's additions will blow you away. First, the ms Noordam sets sail this week, carrying 1,800 passengers from New York to the warm waters of the Caribbean.
From Royal Carribean's innovative new Freedom of the Seas to Holland America's elegant Noordam, this year's additions will blow you away. First, the ms Noordam sets sail this week, carrying 1,800 passengers from New York to the warm waters of the Caribbean.
The ms Noordam boasts all of Holland America's Signature of Excellence features, including pillow-top beds and terrycloth robes in every cabin, the Culinary Arts Center, five-star dining, and more.
Starting in June, Crown Princess will also sail to the Caribbean from New York. Launching in June, Norwegian Cruise Line's new Pride of Hawaii will feature an amazing 10 restaurants and 12 different bars and lounges on board, more than any other ship cruising Hawaii. Whatever you are in the mood for, you'll find it on the Pride of Hawaii.
When Freedom of the Seas is introduced to the Caribbean this summer, it will be the largest cruise ship ever and boasts other industry firsts like the FlowRider, where guests can surf a never-ending 32-foot-wide wave. Other innovative features include a rock wall reaching more than 40 feet above the ship's deck, an ice-skating rink, and cantilevered whirlpools hanging 112 feet above the ocean.
Making their debut in the Mediterranean, the MSC Musica and the Costa Concordia set sail in July. With so many new choices, whatever your taste, you'll be sure to find the perfect ship and itinerary for your next vacation.
Ireland destiantion course for home based travel agents
Learn why Ireland must be among your top destination specialties
and why Sceptre Tours, 100% committed to retailers, marketing exclusively through home travel agents, should be your number one partner for Ireland sales.
Once you complete the course and gain Emerald Partner status, you will be eligible for a host of benefits that, together with this education, will guarantee you increased sales. And, with Sceptre’s net rates, you can design your own profit model! Sceptre has given out over $1.4 million in sales to travel agents since the inception of the Emerald Partner program in 2003.
and why Sceptre Tours, 100% committed to retailers, marketing exclusively through home travel agents, should be your number one partner for Ireland sales.
Once you complete the course and gain Emerald Partner status, you will be eligible for a host of benefits that, together with this education, will guarantee you increased sales. And, with Sceptre’s net rates, you can design your own profit model! Sceptre has given out over $1.4 million in sales to travel agents since the inception of the Emerald Partner program in 2003.
Why Should I Sign Up?
In addition to being able to custom-design complex Ireland vacations, at every level, for your clients quickly and easily, Emerald Partners receive the following benefits:
| - | Client Referrals: As an Emerald Partner you will receive bookings from Sceptre via our call center and website. |
| - | 12.5% Commission: Earn money while you sleep with an automatic 12.5% commission on all referrals made by Sceptre (5% on air). |
| - | Sceptre Booking Engine Access: Sceptre Emerald Partners can receive a user ID and password to Sceptre Ireland’s agency-only on-line booking engine |
| - | Co-Op Mailing and Advertising: Sceptre will contribute to pre-approved co-op mailing and advertising. |
| - | Dedicated Toll-Free Number: All Emerald Partner agencies receive a dedicated Toll-Free number. |
| - | www.SceptreAgent.com |
| - | Group Promotional Assistance: Sceptre will make its sales staff available to make presentations to potential groups on Sceptre Ireland products for Emerald Partners. |
Bavaria offers Travel Taining to Home Travel Agents
Bavaria is excited to introduce our new training program!
Over the past 4 years the Bavarian Ambassador Program has been one of the leading continuing educational programs. It is the most comprehensive educational program for travel agents seeking pertinent and timely information regarding Bavaria. .
Our NEW and IMPROVED program includes:- Expanded Destination Coverage - Special Interest Tour Features - New Package Information - Updated Benefits Learn why Bavaria is Germany’s top destination for visitors: State-of-the-art Munich Airport, fairytale castles, medieval cities, spectacular landscapes and so much more.
Once you complete the course, and gain your Bavarian Ambassador specialist status, you will be eligible for a host of benefits that, together with this education, will guarantee you increased sales.
REGISTER TODAY!:
1. Just go to http://www.bavarianambassador.com/ to get started.
2. Go through the lessons at your own pace. Then take the exam.
3. Once you pass, you will be able to print out a certificate designating you as a Bavarian Ambassador and have all the tools you need to increase sales. That's it!
To become a home based travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
Over the past 4 years the Bavarian Ambassador Program has been one of the leading continuing educational programs. It is the most comprehensive educational program for travel agents seeking pertinent and timely information regarding Bavaria. .
Our NEW and IMPROVED program includes:- Expanded Destination Coverage - Special Interest Tour Features - New Package Information - Updated Benefits Learn why Bavaria is Germany’s top destination for visitors: State-of-the-art Munich Airport, fairytale castles, medieval cities, spectacular landscapes and so much more.
Once you complete the course, and gain your Bavarian Ambassador specialist status, you will be eligible for a host of benefits that, together with this education, will guarantee you increased sales.
REGISTER TODAY!:
1. Just go to http://www.bavarianambassador.com/ to get started.
2. Go through the lessons at your own pace. Then take the exam.
3. Once you pass, you will be able to print out a certificate designating you as a Bavarian Ambassador and have all the tools you need to increase sales. That's it!
To become a home based travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
Switzerland Specialist program for home travel agents
Sign up for the Switzerland Network and become a certified Switzerland Specialist!Specialization is the key to success for travel professionals today.
Switzerland Tourism has come up with a powerful solution to help you sell this spectacular top destination more effectively and more profitably.
This extensive study program and various On-Site-Education trips to Switzerland will give you the expert's command. Join the Switzerland Network and you will receive numerous tools and benefits that help you boost your Switzerland sales :
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Referrals: Weekly leads of consumers who contacted Call Center or visited our website seeking information. All you have to do is take these qualified leads and, using your new knowledge, close the sale.
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Free promotional material
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Internet listing on our website www.MySwitzerland.com
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Monthly email newsletter with updates on destinations, products and offers
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Exclusive access to the password-protected Switzerland Network corner on our website www.MySwitzerland.com. The Switzerland Network corner features special promotions and exclusive offers for Switzerland Specialists
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Commissionable package offers
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Exclusive logo use for your own promotions
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Dedicated toll-free help-line
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Specialist Identification Card for extensive travel Benefits
Switzerland Tourism has come up with a powerful solution to help you sell this spectacular top destination more effectively and more profitably.
This extensive study program and various On-Site-Education trips to Switzerland will give you the expert's command. Join the Switzerland Network and you will receive numerous tools and benefits that help you boost your Switzerland sales :
-
Referrals: Weekly leads of consumers who contacted Call Center or visited our website seeking information. All you have to do is take these qualified leads and, using your new knowledge, close the sale.
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Free promotional material
-
Internet listing on our website www.MySwitzerland.com
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Monthly email newsletter with updates on destinations, products and offers
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Exclusive access to the password-protected Switzerland Network corner on our website www.MySwitzerland.com. The Switzerland Network corner features special promotions and exclusive offers for Switzerland Specialists
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Commissionable package offers
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Exclusive logo use for your own promotions
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Dedicated toll-free help-line
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Specialist Identification Card for extensive travel Benefits
Another Reason to Trust Your Travel Profeesional
Here' a summary of an interesting piece in today's New York Times by travel writer, Christopher Elliott. He exposes something that we have known for months. That is, most of the popular Web sites featuring consumer reviews of travel service providers contain biased reviews that are bought and paid for. These sites include TripAdvisor.com, Citysearch.com and IgoUgo.com, where you are lead to believe that you'll find thousands of ratings written by real guests, or so you are lead to believe.
One frequent business traveler became increasingly skeptical of what she saw online. "I read reviews of hotels that I've stayed at," she said. "And they're just wrong. I wonder if they've really stayed at the hotel."
On a recent visit to a spa in New York, she says, her doubts turned to disbelief: the resort was discreetly offering a free reflexology treatment to customers who posted a positive review of the establishment on Citysearch.com. "It was very troubling," she said.
The travel suppliers justify their actions, by claiming that out-of-context complaints by disgruntled guests need to be countered by fabricated positive comments.
So disgruntled guests and defensive travel service providers are exploiting a Web service that lacks the safeguards of the traditional travel guidebooks and a travel professional's first-hand experience.
One frequent business traveler became increasingly skeptical of what she saw online. "I read reviews of hotels that I've stayed at," she said. "And they're just wrong. I wonder if they've really stayed at the hotel."
On a recent visit to a spa in New York, she says, her doubts turned to disbelief: the resort was discreetly offering a free reflexology treatment to customers who posted a positive review of the establishment on Citysearch.com. "It was very troubling," she said.
The travel suppliers justify their actions, by claiming that out-of-context complaints by disgruntled guests need to be countered by fabricated positive comments.
So disgruntled guests and defensive travel service providers are exploiting a Web service that lacks the safeguards of the traditional travel guidebooks and a travel professional's first-hand experience.
2006 Cruises Nearly 50% Sold Out
The following post is excerpted from Joel Abel's editorial which will appear in next Monday's addition of "Travel Trade". Joel is the editor and publisher of "Travel Trade" which has the largest circulation and is the most widely read travel industry trade publication.] Joel writes, "Home based travel agents ask me whether I think the cruise industry is going crazy with its extraordinary new building plans.
On the surface it does make you wonder when you see and hear about all of the 3,000+ passenger ship plans now in the works, and then along comes the 6, 000 passenger Royal Caribbean shipthe biggest colossus of them all. And, I am waiting to hear the latest word from Carnivals chairman & CEO, Micky Arison, after he digests all of the latest news. I'll bet he will have a couple of colossal sized surprises to announce.
One thing you can be sure of is that the cruise industry very definitely hasn't gone berserk. What most people in the industry don't realize is that well over 50 percent of the cruise industry?s entire 2006 total cruise capacity is already sold out and we are only 6 weeks into the new year. You can bet your last bottle cap that cruise space to everywhere will be very hard to obtain this summer and that Europe and Alaska cruises will be sold out the very earliest they have ever been."
Are you considering a cruise this year? If so, we should schedule time to review your desires and match you up with a cruise experience that will provide a life-time of memories at the very best price. It's easy to contact me, just click on the e-mail link to the right and send me a message suggesting a good time to talk. We obviously want to get started while good staterooms are available at the best prices.
On the surface it does make you wonder when you see and hear about all of the 3,000+ passenger ship plans now in the works, and then along comes the 6, 000 passenger Royal Caribbean shipthe biggest colossus of them all. And, I am waiting to hear the latest word from Carnivals chairman & CEO, Micky Arison, after he digests all of the latest news. I'll bet he will have a couple of colossal sized surprises to announce.
One thing you can be sure of is that the cruise industry very definitely hasn't gone berserk. What most people in the industry don't realize is that well over 50 percent of the cruise industry?s entire 2006 total cruise capacity is already sold out and we are only 6 weeks into the new year. You can bet your last bottle cap that cruise space to everywhere will be very hard to obtain this summer and that Europe and Alaska cruises will be sold out the very earliest they have ever been."
Are you considering a cruise this year? If so, we should schedule time to review your desires and match you up with a cruise experience that will provide a life-time of memories at the very best price. It's easy to contact me, just click on the e-mail link to the right and send me a message suggesting a good time to talk. We obviously want to get started while good staterooms are available at the best prices.
Tuesday
Becoming an Official Cancún Travel Counselor
Home based travel agents embark on an incredible educational experience. The Cancún Tourism Institute (CTI) is a complete study and loyalty program. By the time you graduate from the Institute, you will be in the perfect position to increase earnings for both you and your agency by selling Cancún to an even broader range of clients.
The Cancún Tourism Institute (CTI) is a multifaceted, three-part educational program established by the Cancún Visitors and Convention Bureau. CTI was created on the belief that knowledgeable and motivated “Official Cancún Counselors” are the most effective sales ambassadors for its destination.
The CTI program demonstrates how Cancún is much more than a “beach vacation” – it is a complete vacation experience. The program provides everything you need to know to create a complete, well-planned trip for your clients, whatever their needs or interests. And most importantly, it will be your gateway to boosting your agency’s profits as you sell MORE Cancun to MORE clients.
Become a Home based travel agent at www.homebased-travelagents.com
St. Lucia Finalizes Jazz Festival Schedule
The St. Lucia Tourist Board has finalized the line-up for its 15th annual Jazz Festival, to be held May 5-14. Artists to perform include Seal, Al Green, Babyface, Nancy Wilson, Freddy Cole and Kenny Garrett.
Additional "fringe" musical acts will be announced over the next few weeks that will perform in various locations around the island. Musical acts will perform each night for 10 days, and the festival will be capped with a four-day line-up May 11-14 on the main stage of Pigeon Island National Landmark.
Jazz packages are available from Air Jamaica Vacations at www.airjamaica.com and Alken Tours at www.alkentours.com. Airlines serving the island are Air Jamaica, Delta, American, American Eagle, United, US Airways and BWIA. For more information, visit the official website at www.stluciajazz.org.
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Additional "fringe" musical acts will be announced over the next few weeks that will perform in various locations around the island. Musical acts will perform each night for 10 days, and the festival will be capped with a four-day line-up May 11-14 on the main stage of Pigeon Island National Landmark.
Jazz packages are available from Air Jamaica Vacations at www.airjamaica.com and Alken Tours at www.alkentours.com. Airlines serving the island are Air Jamaica, Delta, American, American Eagle, United, US Airways and BWIA. For more information, visit the official website at www.stluciajazz.org.
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Monday
Excuses, Excuses, Excuses
When we fail to do something we are expected to do, we almost always have an excuse for it. That's just a bad habit. But we have a choice to change that for good. If we analyze it closely -- an excuse is a self-destructive alibi for having failed to do something, especially when it involves attaining a goal.
Instead of trying to find ways to continue achieving a goal, some of us resort to excuses. But you should not use excuses for not becoming successful! That's self-destructive.
If you are emotionally disturbed with negative thoughts, it is like you are sitting on a chair with wobbling legs. Try sitting on a chair with sturdy legs; meaning, look at the bright, positive side of life. Put aside negativity and start thinking positively. The only one who can stop you is yourself.
If you always have a lot of excuses, you should strive more to overcome them because you'll be able to double the achievement. Where the odds are greater, the prize gets much bigger. After all the efforts you have exerted, the prize of success shall be a well-deserved one. Make sure you have full control of your life. You should have no problem managing the things you can control.
Don’t let 'excuses' control your decisions. Accept things you cannot control the way they are. If you can do without them, leave them and divert your attention to something else that will make your life more meaningful. Never pick on something you cannot control and turn it into 'excuses' that will block your success. So what's your excuse for not being successful? Answer from today onwards: NONE.
Instead of trying to find ways to continue achieving a goal, some of us resort to excuses. But you should not use excuses for not becoming successful! That's self-destructive.
If you are emotionally disturbed with negative thoughts, it is like you are sitting on a chair with wobbling legs. Try sitting on a chair with sturdy legs; meaning, look at the bright, positive side of life. Put aside negativity and start thinking positively. The only one who can stop you is yourself.
If you always have a lot of excuses, you should strive more to overcome them because you'll be able to double the achievement. Where the odds are greater, the prize gets much bigger. After all the efforts you have exerted, the prize of success shall be a well-deserved one. Make sure you have full control of your life. You should have no problem managing the things you can control.
Don’t let 'excuses' control your decisions. Accept things you cannot control the way they are. If you can do without them, leave them and divert your attention to something else that will make your life more meaningful. Never pick on something you cannot control and turn it into 'excuses' that will block your success. So what's your excuse for not being successful? Answer from today onwards: NONE.
Saturday
City Escapes and Special Events
Do you have clients that want to do to special events like:
Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Rose Bowl, Super Bowl, Kentucky derby, Daytona 500, US open tennis, Branson, and Nashville.
Would your client like to visit and take a tour or stay over night and go to a play in a special city like:
Boston, San Francisco, NY, New Orleans, San Diego, Williamsburg, Yosemite, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Memphis, Loa Angelis or Dolly Wood.
If you arrange a group to go to any of these events or destinations, the commissions can be huge. Check out www.cityescapes.com
How about clients that want something different, adventurous or unique?
http://www.specialtytravel.com/
Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Rose Bowl, Super Bowl, Kentucky derby, Daytona 500, US open tennis, Branson, and Nashville.
Would your client like to visit and take a tour or stay over night and go to a play in a special city like:
Boston, San Francisco, NY, New Orleans, San Diego, Williamsburg, Yosemite, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Memphis, Loa Angelis or Dolly Wood.
If you arrange a group to go to any of these events or destinations, the commissions can be huge. Check out www.cityescapes.com
How about clients that want something different, adventurous or unique?
http://www.specialtytravel.com/
Friday
Maui Specialist Program for Travel Agents
The Maui Visitors Bureau Destination Specialist program is online, you can learn about this award winning destination free! Once you have completed the online training program and quiz, you will be certified as a Maui Specialist. You will be eligible to receive newsletters and order marketing materials such as posters, postcards and Maui, Molokai and Lanai Travel Planners. Your enhanced Maui Nui knowledge should result in greater sales for you! To get started go now to www.Visitmaui.com/agents
Scotland Travel Agent Training
Do you know over ½ million U.S. visitors experience Scotland every year? Find out more exciting facts like this at www.SCOTSagent.com. This 5 part seminar series will become an invaluable tool for you and your agency. It will teach you all about Scotland and provide tips and ideas to increase your sales. Once you complete the program, you will be eligible to sign up for valuable business benefits to help you target this important market segment and sell more vacations to Scotland!
Home Based Travel Agent News
Avis car rentals adds new Club Red for travel agents, to enroll go to www.avisagent.com
Hertz car retails set new booking bonus for agents at www.hertzagent.com
Princess Cruise and Conard have New booking engine for home travel agents. It's also the easiest. www.princess.com/onesource or www.cunard.com/agent
Disney adds NEW e-Brochures you can send to your clients. You can also personalize with your name and have a call to action. www.disneytravelagents.com
Las Vegas and Golf Vacation packages with over 60 golf courses and five golf schools this combination is winner no matter how you look at it. www.lvcva.com Think big, how about a Golf & Slot Group tournament. Set up teams.
Hertz car retails set new booking bonus for agents at www.hertzagent.com
Princess Cruise and Conard have New booking engine for home travel agents. It's also the easiest. www.princess.com/onesource or www.cunard.com/agent
Disney adds NEW e-Brochures you can send to your clients. You can also personalize with your name and have a call to action. www.disneytravelagents.com
Las Vegas and Golf Vacation packages with over 60 golf courses and five golf schools this combination is winner no matter how you look at it. www.lvcva.com Think big, how about a Golf & Slot Group tournament. Set up teams.
Thursday
Worlds BIGGEST Cruise Ship .....Again
The cruise lines are at it again, every one wants the biggest one.
Royal Caribbean International is taking BIG to to a whole new level with ship it has ordered. It can hold up to 6,000 guest, almost double the largest ship out afloat now. It will be 1,180 feet long and 154 feet wide and at 220,000 tons will be the worlds biggest. The "Genesis is expected to be delivered in the fall of 2009. If these ships get and bigger you won't sail from Island to Island you will just walk from one end of the ship to the other and you'll be there.
60% of Americans say they are planning to take a cruise. Only about 12% of all Americans have taken a cruise. That leaves a huge un-taped market of 88%. This is an incredible opportunity for you as a home based travel agent. Travel is the fastest growing business on the Internet. Cruise Lines have ordered over 30 new ships over the past few years just to keep up with the demand.
The travel agent training VCR tapes listed below will give you a fast track on what to do and how to sell cruises. You can either re-invent the wheel by trial and error or let the travel agent training class VCR Tapes mentor you.. The more you learn the more you earn...
Group Sales Made Easy VCR $27.00 FREE Shipping This video shows you how to maximize your profits by targeting the booming group sales market. Detailed how-to's on prospecting through direct mail and telemarketing, reaching the decision-makers, the art of conversion, negotiation and more. (75 minutes)
Introduction To Successful Cruise Selling. $27.00 FREE Shipping A must-see for anyone involved in cruise sales, particularly new retail agents. This video includes elements of the cruise vacation, effective sales techniques, insights from clients, do's and don'ts, tips for turning the reservation process into a sales opportunity and using brochures to close a sale. (35 minutes).
You can order these tapes and more at:
http://www.homebased-travelagents.com/training.htm
Royal Caribbean International is taking BIG to to a whole new level with ship it has ordered. It can hold up to 6,000 guest, almost double the largest ship out afloat now. It will be 1,180 feet long and 154 feet wide and at 220,000 tons will be the worlds biggest. The "Genesis is expected to be delivered in the fall of 2009. If these ships get and bigger you won't sail from Island to Island you will just walk from one end of the ship to the other and you'll be there.
60% of Americans say they are planning to take a cruise. Only about 12% of all Americans have taken a cruise. That leaves a huge un-taped market of 88%. This is an incredible opportunity for you as a home based travel agent. Travel is the fastest growing business on the Internet. Cruise Lines have ordered over 30 new ships over the past few years just to keep up with the demand.
The travel agent training VCR tapes listed below will give you a fast track on what to do and how to sell cruises. You can either re-invent the wheel by trial and error or let the travel agent training class VCR Tapes mentor you.. The more you learn the more you earn...
Group Sales Made Easy VCR $27.00 FREE Shipping This video shows you how to maximize your profits by targeting the booming group sales market. Detailed how-to's on prospecting through direct mail and telemarketing, reaching the decision-makers, the art of conversion, negotiation and more. (75 minutes)
Introduction To Successful Cruise Selling. $27.00 FREE Shipping A must-see for anyone involved in cruise sales, particularly new retail agents. This video includes elements of the cruise vacation, effective sales techniques, insights from clients, do's and don'ts, tips for turning the reservation process into a sales opportunity and using brochures to close a sale. (35 minutes).
You can order these tapes and more at:
http://www.homebased-travelagents.com/training.htm
Scotland vactation destination
Happy Valentine's Day to Home Travel Agents from Globus Tours.
It's February and love is in the air. Here at Globus, our hearts are lured by the romantic rolling hills of Scotland. Today, we pay visit to the legends, lore and picturesque lochs that make the Scottish highlands so incredibly captivating. Read on to escape into the serene surroundings of Scotland. Whether you choose to follow the allure of Scotland's castle-dotted landscapes or dream of discovering one of our other captivating worldwide destinations, we are always here to help make any travel dream a reality.
More than 10 million Americans claim Scottish ancestry-twice the country's 5 million population.
If you love to travel, you understand how experiencing different cultures and exciting, new places can open your mind to a world of possibilities. With an offer like this, now is the time to plan your 2006 vacation. Receive $200 off per couple on air-inclusive Europe vacations through February 28, 2006.
Skirting the Issue..... Kilts in Scotland.
The kilt, the national "dress" of the Highlands, is a tartan swath of fabric that Scottish men have worn for ages-both in battle and celebration. Handed down from the ancient Celtic tribes, a kilt is actually quite practical in nature. Warm and airy, the kilt hangs high above the mud and grass that might soak other garments. Its many thick layers of pleats ward off chills. Warm enough for a cold day, and cool enough for a warm one, a day in a kilt may turn even the most ardent of pants wearers into a kilt sporter.
Bagpipes have been banned twice in Scotland's history.
The first after the reformation in 1560 and again in 1746 after the battle of Culloden. The ban was so strictly enforced that piper James Reid was executed in 1746 as a rebel because the bagpipes were deemed an instrument of war.
Whiskey
The first written record of whisky distilling in Scotland dates from 1494, when it was called "aqua vitae"-Latin for "water of life." But by the beginning of the seventeenth century this name had been replaced by its Gaelic equivalent, "uisge" (ooshka), itself becoming the modern word, "whisky."
Nessie, the 1400 year old legend
Loch Ness by volume holds more freshwater than all the lakes and reservoirs in England and Wales combined. Perhaps that is why sightings of the loch's 1400-year-old legend, Nessie, are so elusive.
It's February and love is in the air. Here at Globus, our hearts are lured by the romantic rolling hills of Scotland. Today, we pay visit to the legends, lore and picturesque lochs that make the Scottish highlands so incredibly captivating. Read on to escape into the serene surroundings of Scotland. Whether you choose to follow the allure of Scotland's castle-dotted landscapes or dream of discovering one of our other captivating worldwide destinations, we are always here to help make any travel dream a reality.
More than 10 million Americans claim Scottish ancestry-twice the country's 5 million population.
If you love to travel, you understand how experiencing different cultures and exciting, new places can open your mind to a world of possibilities. With an offer like this, now is the time to plan your 2006 vacation. Receive $200 off per couple on air-inclusive Europe vacations through February 28, 2006.
Skirting the Issue..... Kilts in Scotland.
The kilt, the national "dress" of the Highlands, is a tartan swath of fabric that Scottish men have worn for ages-both in battle and celebration. Handed down from the ancient Celtic tribes, a kilt is actually quite practical in nature. Warm and airy, the kilt hangs high above the mud and grass that might soak other garments. Its many thick layers of pleats ward off chills. Warm enough for a cold day, and cool enough for a warm one, a day in a kilt may turn even the most ardent of pants wearers into a kilt sporter.
Bagpipes have been banned twice in Scotland's history.
The first after the reformation in 1560 and again in 1746 after the battle of Culloden. The ban was so strictly enforced that piper James Reid was executed in 1746 as a rebel because the bagpipes were deemed an instrument of war.
Whiskey
The first written record of whisky distilling in Scotland dates from 1494, when it was called "aqua vitae"-Latin for "water of life." But by the beginning of the seventeenth century this name had been replaced by its Gaelic equivalent, "uisge" (ooshka), itself becoming the modern word, "whisky."
Nessie, the 1400 year old legend
Loch Ness by volume holds more freshwater than all the lakes and reservoirs in England and Wales combined. Perhaps that is why sightings of the loch's 1400-year-old legend, Nessie, are so elusive.
Wednesday
Resolutions for Home Based Travels
Seven New Year’s Resolutions for Home Based Travels
By Gary M. Fee, OSSN President
Outside Sales Support Network
Outside Sales Support Network
"In 2006, I will act like a small business owner first, and a travel agent second."
If being a home-based travel agent is just your hobby, like knitting or playing bridge, then you can skip this resolution. There's nothing wrong with selling travel as a hobby. If you want to build a steady home-based travel business, though, you must act like an entrepreneur. And that means learning as much as prospecting for new clients and closing sales as it does flipping through the newest cruise line brochures. Travel is a wonderful business, but it is just that: a business. And, if you place a priority on business building this year, the fun part of travel will take care of itself.
"In 2006, I will commit to a steady diet of travel agent training."
At OSSN, we're always trying new training programs like our brand-new "Webinars" that will start this spring. (You can improve your skills sitting in front of your computer, watching our seminars onscreen and listening to our trainers!) And, we invite you to join us at special conferences like the 2006 Tour & Cruise TravelWorld on March 24-25 in Tampa. Don't forget that travel is a competitive business. If you're not training to become a better travel counselor, lots of other hungry travel agents out there may take your place with your clients.
"In 2006, I will grow more business through referrals."
You've heard OSSN leaders like Penney Rudicil and Anita Pagliasso-Balamane say it many times: The most successful home based-travel agents ultimately receive a lot of their sales every year from new customers sent their way by satisfied clients. Don't be afraid to ask your top clients this year for the names of their friends and colleagues who could also use your services.
"In 2006, I will promote myself locally as the travel expert."
If you were standing trial in a court on the charge of being a good travel agent, would there be enough witnesses and evidence in your neighborhood, city, or region to convict you? What I mean is this: Have you talked to enough people, or contacted enough local business owners, or promoted yourself to enough local media all year long - so that your reputation spreads as a professional travel agent?
"In 2006, I will stake a firm foothold on the Internet."
Here's my broken record that I'll play for you again: In a world filled with Expedias and Travelocities, home-based agents need (a) their own Web site (even if it's just the home page!) and (b) an email address that does not end in "yahoo" or "hotmail" or "aol." Enough said.
"In 2006, I will make a plan for my home-based business."
Even if you simply jot down two or three sales goals on paper, the magic comes from putting those goals in writing.
"In 2006, I will always remember that my clients are real people, not $$$ signs."
The Beatles' hit song "Eleanor Rigby" talks about "all the lonely people" . . . "where do they all come from" and "where do they all belong?" These days, human beings can be very lonely. We don't join civic clubs any more, and many of us don't attend churches like the good old days. While our parents grew up in multigenerational households, many people today live alone or hundred of miles from the nearest family members. Movie attendance is down, while Apple iPods that separate us with headphones are flying off the shelves. When we sell travel, we're selling dreams, fun, companionship, memories. This year, let's remember that our clients don't want us selling them a cruise or a tour - they want the experiences that the cruise or tour will bring them.
Travel Agent School www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com
Tuesday
Travel Tips-Things you need to do before you go on vacation
Things to do four weeks before you go.
1. Do some research on the destination you will be visiting. This is especially important to start your research early if you are planning foreign travel. We have a free hot link that lets you see things to do when you get there.
http://www.whatatripvacations.com/d/3262273_3832.htm
2. Check the valid dates on your passport if you are planning on leaving the country. Warning: NEW LAW will require Passports by all persons. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
3. Take care of medical and dental checkups and vaccinations if necessary.
4. After consulting your physician, consider starting an exercise program to prepare your body for the extra exertion you will experience while traveling.
Things to do three weeks before you travel.
1. Watch the weather, so youll know what to expect and can pack accordingly.
2. Check with your credit card company for available spending amount; ask your bank for an increase if needed. Don't forget about the deposits that will be charged and leave some room on the card for emergencies.
3. Check the valid dates on your credit card to make sure they will remain valid while you are traveling.
4. Notify the Credit Card Company that you will be traveling, so they will expect charges from your destination.
5. Check your ATM and debit card for both daily and total limits.
6. Remember your PIN numbers or get new ones issued for all your credit, debit, ATM and phone cards.
7. Purchase automatic light timers to switch on and off in the evening.
8. Check your driver license to make sure it will remain valid while youre traveling.
9. Check cameras, purchase new batteries if necessary, and film.
10. Make an arrangement with a neighbor, friend or relative to check your home periodically.
11. If a friend or neighbor cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.
12. Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighborhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.
13. Arrange for someone to start your car during very cold or very hot weather.
14. Arrange boarding for your pets.
15. Start breaking in the shoes youll be taking with you on your trip.
16. Add some yogurt to your diet to strengthen your digestive system. This is especially important if your plans include travel to foreign countries where you will be exposed to elements that are hostile to your digestive system.
Things to do two weeks before you travel.
1. Reconfirm all your reservations.
2. Get traveles checks from the bank.
3. Make arrangements to purchase some foreign currency if you are traveling abroad.
4. Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile, home and the valuables that youll take with you, as well as those youll leave at home.
5. Put your valuables and jewelry in a safety deposit box.
6. If you don't have, or can't get access to a safety deposit box, you still want to hinder a hurried burglar by hiding valuable items in your house.
Things to do one week before you travel.
1. Reduce the amount of fresh items you buy at the grocery, such as milk, fruit and other perishables youll need to throw out before you leave.
2. Get out the suitcase and start your packing.
3. Be sure your luggage is marked with identification on the inside and out.
4. Start adjusting your sleeping and eating habits closer to your destinations time zone to help avoid jetlag.
5. Make at least two lists of credit card numbers and travelers check serial numbers.
6. Make several copies of your passport. Leave one list at home and keep the other with you in case you lose your passport. Do not keep the copies on your person, rather keep a copy in your suitcase and/or give your traveling companion a copy.
7. Notify the local police and security system company to immediately consider any alarms as real. Leave with them the names of anyone responsible to watch over your house.
8. Check prescriptions for necessary refills; bring a list with the drugs generic name listed since the brand names available can differ in other areas.
9. Pick up all your items from the dry cleaners.
Things to do one day before you travel.
1. Pay bills that will come due while you are away.
2. Walk around with your packed luggage to evaluate your comfort with the weight of the luggage.
3. Move houseplants away from direct sunlight, water thoroughly and wrap pots with plastic. Most plants can then live without further watering for two weeks.
4. Empty the refrigerator of items that might spoil.
5. Cancel or hold your newspaper delivery.
6. You might want to turn your refrigerator to its lowest setting.
7. Set automatic light and radio timers. Check the bulbs to see if they will last for your entire trip.
Things to do the day you travel.
1. Turn water heater down to the lowest setting.
2. Turn your air conditioner up in summer. You want to reduce your bills, but you may have to keep the house from getting too hot to protect your pets and electronics.
3. Turn your heat down or off in spring or fall. Be sure to leave the house warm enough in the winter. You may want to reduce your bills, but you may need to keep the house from getting too cold to protect your pets and water pipes.
4. Leave shades or drapes as you normally do.
5. Plug a cheap radio into a timer so you can have some noise in the house during part of the day.
6. Lock all doors and windows including basement & garage.
7. Unplug electronic items, such as, your computer to protect them if you have a storm while you are gone. Remember to unhook your phone line from the modem. Unfortunately, you may have to leave it all hooked up if your computer is your only answering machine. Make sure your surge protectors are properly installed.
8. Pack the car inside the garage, with the door down, so people driving by won't find out youÂ’re leaving.
9. Disconnect the garage door. Unplug it if you can, don't pull the fuse for the garage door until you verify the fuse isn't hooked up to something that needs to stay on, such as, your refrigerator or maybe a freezer in the garage.
1. Do some research on the destination you will be visiting. This is especially important to start your research early if you are planning foreign travel. We have a free hot link that lets you see things to do when you get there.
http://www.whatatripvacations.com/d/3262273_3832.htm
2. Check the valid dates on your passport if you are planning on leaving the country. Warning: NEW LAW will require Passports by all persons. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
3. Take care of medical and dental checkups and vaccinations if necessary.
4. After consulting your physician, consider starting an exercise program to prepare your body for the extra exertion you will experience while traveling.
Things to do three weeks before you travel.
1. Watch the weather, so youll know what to expect and can pack accordingly.
2. Check with your credit card company for available spending amount; ask your bank for an increase if needed. Don't forget about the deposits that will be charged and leave some room on the card for emergencies.
3. Check the valid dates on your credit card to make sure they will remain valid while you are traveling.
4. Notify the Credit Card Company that you will be traveling, so they will expect charges from your destination.
5. Check your ATM and debit card for both daily and total limits.
6. Remember your PIN numbers or get new ones issued for all your credit, debit, ATM and phone cards.
7. Purchase automatic light timers to switch on and off in the evening.
8. Check your driver license to make sure it will remain valid while youre traveling.
9. Check cameras, purchase new batteries if necessary, and film.
10. Make an arrangement with a neighbor, friend or relative to check your home periodically.
11. If a friend or neighbor cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.
12. Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighborhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.
13. Arrange for someone to start your car during very cold or very hot weather.
14. Arrange boarding for your pets.
15. Start breaking in the shoes youll be taking with you on your trip.
16. Add some yogurt to your diet to strengthen your digestive system. This is especially important if your plans include travel to foreign countries where you will be exposed to elements that are hostile to your digestive system.
Things to do two weeks before you travel.
1. Reconfirm all your reservations.
2. Get traveles checks from the bank.
3. Make arrangements to purchase some foreign currency if you are traveling abroad.
4. Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile, home and the valuables that youll take with you, as well as those youll leave at home.
5. Put your valuables and jewelry in a safety deposit box.
6. If you don't have, or can't get access to a safety deposit box, you still want to hinder a hurried burglar by hiding valuable items in your house.
Things to do one week before you travel.
1. Reduce the amount of fresh items you buy at the grocery, such as milk, fruit and other perishables youll need to throw out before you leave.
2. Get out the suitcase and start your packing.
3. Be sure your luggage is marked with identification on the inside and out.
4. Start adjusting your sleeping and eating habits closer to your destinations time zone to help avoid jetlag.
5. Make at least two lists of credit card numbers and travelers check serial numbers.
6. Make several copies of your passport. Leave one list at home and keep the other with you in case you lose your passport. Do not keep the copies on your person, rather keep a copy in your suitcase and/or give your traveling companion a copy.
7. Notify the local police and security system company to immediately consider any alarms as real. Leave with them the names of anyone responsible to watch over your house.
8. Check prescriptions for necessary refills; bring a list with the drugs generic name listed since the brand names available can differ in other areas.
9. Pick up all your items from the dry cleaners.
Things to do one day before you travel.
1. Pay bills that will come due while you are away.
2. Walk around with your packed luggage to evaluate your comfort with the weight of the luggage.
3. Move houseplants away from direct sunlight, water thoroughly and wrap pots with plastic. Most plants can then live without further watering for two weeks.
4. Empty the refrigerator of items that might spoil.
5. Cancel or hold your newspaper delivery.
6. You might want to turn your refrigerator to its lowest setting.
7. Set automatic light and radio timers. Check the bulbs to see if they will last for your entire trip.
Things to do the day you travel.
1. Turn water heater down to the lowest setting.
2. Turn your air conditioner up in summer. You want to reduce your bills, but you may have to keep the house from getting too hot to protect your pets and electronics.
3. Turn your heat down or off in spring or fall. Be sure to leave the house warm enough in the winter. You may want to reduce your bills, but you may need to keep the house from getting too cold to protect your pets and water pipes.
4. Leave shades or drapes as you normally do.
5. Plug a cheap radio into a timer so you can have some noise in the house during part of the day.
6. Lock all doors and windows including basement & garage.
7. Unplug electronic items, such as, your computer to protect them if you have a storm while you are gone. Remember to unhook your phone line from the modem. Unfortunately, you may have to leave it all hooked up if your computer is your only answering machine. Make sure your surge protectors are properly installed.
8. Pack the car inside the garage, with the door down, so people driving by won't find out youÂ’re leaving.
9. Disconnect the garage door. Unplug it if you can, don't pull the fuse for the garage door until you verify the fuse isn't hooked up to something that needs to stay on, such as, your refrigerator or maybe a freezer in the garage.
Friday
Get Focus
Hi Home Based Travel Agents,
Do you ever feel like you run out of day before you run out of items on your "to do" list? Do you ever wonder how you can find more time?
You may not be lacking time as much as you are lacking focus and direction. "Focus" is your ability to decide what is important and what is not. As travel agents, it is easy to lose focus. We have so many good ideas, we see so many opportunities in each segment and we have so much to do as small business owners. But, we must remember that we cannot possibly be experts at everything, we cannot possibly have the time to do everything. We must prioritize our efforts and choose only the most important things to accomplish.
Once we choose our focus, we must then head in that direction. I see so many agents paralyzed with indecision, fear, or simply overwhelmed with everything. It's hard to decide what to do first. When in doubt, just do something!! Make sure the something is headed towards an area that you decided you want to focus on. As long as you start in that direction, you will begin to achieve your goals.
Next time you are pressed for time, ask yourself "What is most important to me, and how can I begin to do that?" In other words, what do you want to focus your energies on and how can you head in that direction?
Paul Davis
President
www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com
1800-619-8646
Do you ever feel like you run out of day before you run out of items on your "to do" list? Do you ever wonder how you can find more time?
You may not be lacking time as much as you are lacking focus and direction. "Focus" is your ability to decide what is important and what is not. As travel agents, it is easy to lose focus. We have so many good ideas, we see so many opportunities in each segment and we have so much to do as small business owners. But, we must remember that we cannot possibly be experts at everything, we cannot possibly have the time to do everything. We must prioritize our efforts and choose only the most important things to accomplish.
Once we choose our focus, we must then head in that direction. I see so many agents paralyzed with indecision, fear, or simply overwhelmed with everything. It's hard to decide what to do first. When in doubt, just do something!! Make sure the something is headed towards an area that you decided you want to focus on. As long as you start in that direction, you will begin to achieve your goals.
Next time you are pressed for time, ask yourself "What is most important to me, and how can I begin to do that?" In other words, what do you want to focus your energies on and how can you head in that direction?
Paul Davis
President
www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com
1800-619-8646
Thursday
National Travel Agent Cruise Conference April 8-11
Cruise 3 Sixty The ultimate Cruise conference for home travel agents will be held at the FT. Lauderdale Convention Center on April 8-11, 2006 There will be 16 training seminars by CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) , the most ever offered at any event. 14 ships will be available for home travel agents to inspect.
A dynamic Exhibition Floor with cruise reps., destination technology and other services providers ready to show you how to make more money selling cruises.
New technology center for hands on learning featuring wired computer stations will show home travel agents how to do research to get best available prices and book cruises on line from there own home computers. Diverse and profit driven supplier & destination work shops. For further information visit www.cruise3sixty.com
To become a home travel agent go to:
www.Homebased-TravelAgents.com
A dynamic Exhibition Floor with cruise reps., destination technology and other services providers ready to show you how to make more money selling cruises.
New technology center for hands on learning featuring wired computer stations will show home travel agents how to do research to get best available prices and book cruises on line from there own home computers. Diverse and profit driven supplier & destination work shops. For further information visit www.cruise3sixty.com
To become a home travel agent go to:
www.Homebased-TravelAgents.com
Wednesday
New Help in Finding Clients Dream Vacations for Home Based Travel Agents
As part of there efforts to help home based travel agents, GOGO Worldwide Vacations announce the debut of InFocus...InFocus will replace Sneak Peeks as the new weekly e-mail, and will include a broader range of offers on the best vacation package values to help make finding client's next dream vacation as easy as calling or visiting www.gogowwv.com!
Look for it in your inbox this Thursday.....Also, be on the lookout for InFocus Monthly for great suggestions on romantic, luxury and family vacations as well as other exciting travel themes Please send any feedback to sales@gogowwv.com
To become a Home Based Travel Agent go to www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com
Look for it in your inbox this Thursday.....Also, be on the lookout for InFocus Monthly for great suggestions on romantic, luxury and family vacations as well as other exciting travel themes Please send any feedback to sales@gogowwv.com
To become a Home Based Travel Agent go to www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com
Home Based Travel Agents Wanted FT or PT
Love To Travel... Want to Cruise for FREE!!! .........Travel around the world for pennies on the dollar. You can Start Earning Commission $$$ Today.
The travel industry is experiencing outstanding growth, including Cruises, All Inclusive Resorts, Honeymoons, Tours and vacation Packages. You can take advantage of this outstanding growth and start earning big commissions and travel benefits by becoming a FT or PT travel agent today.
Your Own FREE Travel Web Site. Enjoy the benefits of a fully maintained, content rich web site without the time and additional expense traditionally associated with building, administering and updating a web site. We do all the web work, you get the leads.
Great Travel Deals, Cruise Discount and Vacation Specials As a member of our travel network you will have access to fantastic vacation packages and cruise deals. This allows you to offer vacation packages and cruises for less to your friends, co-workers, and clients, yet still make sizeable commissions for your self.
to become a home based travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
The travel industry is experiencing outstanding growth, including Cruises, All Inclusive Resorts, Honeymoons, Tours and vacation Packages. You can take advantage of this outstanding growth and start earning big commissions and travel benefits by becoming a FT or PT travel agent today.
Your Own FREE Travel Web Site. Enjoy the benefits of a fully maintained, content rich web site without the time and additional expense traditionally associated with building, administering and updating a web site. We do all the web work, you get the leads.
Great Travel Deals, Cruise Discount and Vacation Specials As a member of our travel network you will have access to fantastic vacation packages and cruise deals. This allows you to offer vacation packages and cruises for less to your friends, co-workers, and clients, yet still make sizeable commissions for your self.
to become a home based travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
Earn a $25. gift card with each Booking
Home based Travel Agents can earn a $25 Gift Card to www.GiftCertificates.com for every booking you make with Pacific Delight World Tour's packages to China & Yangtze River, The Orient & Southeast Asia from October 10, 2005 to October 11, 2006, for travel from October 10, 2005 to October 11, 2006. Valid on all Pacific Delight World Tours packages to China & Yangtze River, The Orient, & Southeast Asia!
To become a travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
To become a travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
New York Times Travel Show Plans Giveaways
The New York Times Travel Show, to be held in New York at the Jacob Javits Center, Feb. 24-26, will feature free trips, travel discounts and packages, on-site booking and live entertainment from around the world.
More than 50 vacation discounts and travel packages from sponsors and exhibitors including American Express, Access China Tours, Beaches Resorts, Canjet Airlines, Czech Vacations, Deeper Africa, FLO USA-Visit Turkey, 4Star South America, H2O Outfitters, Intimate Caribbean Resorts, Kon-Tiki Tours & Travel, The Norman Rockwell Museum, South American Journeys, USA3000 Airlines, Your Travel Biz (YTB) and many more.
The New York Times Travel Show is presented by American Express. Supporting sponsors include Amtrak, Carnival Cruise Lines and the Greek National Tourism Organization, while contributing sponsors include Aruba Tourism, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and Washington, D.C. Convention & Tourism Corporation. For more information, visit www.nytco.com/community
British Heritage Debuts Special Interest Programs
British Heritage Tours has introduced the "Educational Adventures in Special Interest" (EASI) program as a direct response to the trend towards specialization. It has been designed to help home based travel agents to identify sources of garden, literary, church, arts, women only, family travel tours and customized pre- and post-cruise extensions; match them to U.K. products and services that can be tailored to meet their specific needs; enable them to become better informed about the changing faces of the British product; access ideas for eye-catching low cost sales and marketing plans; give them first-hand experience through a range of special interest product experience programs; convert "theory" into profitable high yield results; establish a two way flow of ideas and information so that we can respond properly to travel agent needs; bring over a team of British suppliers to THETRADESHOW in Orlando in September. For further information, contact Paull Tickner, British Heritage Tours, Richmond Place, 125 Boughton, Chester, CH3 5BH; call 800-964-2819, fax 011-44-1244-320072, email paull@bhtours.co.uk or visit www.bhtours.co.uk.
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Travel Agent Contest win Free trip to Tahiti
Classic Vacations is offering Home Based Travel Agents a chance to participate in a contest that tests their ability to plan the ultimate honeymoon itinerary. Prizes include a trip for two to Tahiti and American Express Gift Checks. Classic Vacations introduced the event as part of its Classic Romance promotion, which includes special offers at a collection of hotels and resorts in Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Tahiti.
In addition to discounted room rates or free nights, many packages come with special amenities for honeymoon and wedding travelers, such as couple's massages, candlelight dinners, complimentary champagne and chocolates, and much more.
To enter the Ultimate Honeymoon Itinerary Contest, home travel agents must create an original itinerary for what they believe to be the perfect romantic vacation for a honeymooning couple. The hypothetical itinerary must be comprised of only Classic Vacations travel components and include a selection of tours and activities -- all of which are available, along with the entry form, at www.classicforagents.com/romance (pricing does not need to be included).
Entries must be submitted by March 31. All winners will be announced by early May. As an additional incentive, agents can earn 50 bonus STAR (Special Travel Agent Rewards) points for each booking they make of offers in the Classic Romance program.
Visit www.classicforagents.com/romance. Each qualified booking must be made by March 31 for travel by December 31, 2006, and must include the Classic Change and Cancellation Waiver. For more information, call 800-221-3949
To become a home travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
In addition to discounted room rates or free nights, many packages come with special amenities for honeymoon and wedding travelers, such as couple's massages, candlelight dinners, complimentary champagne and chocolates, and much more.
To enter the Ultimate Honeymoon Itinerary Contest, home travel agents must create an original itinerary for what they believe to be the perfect romantic vacation for a honeymooning couple. The hypothetical itinerary must be comprised of only Classic Vacations travel components and include a selection of tours and activities -- all of which are available, along with the entry form, at www.classicforagents.com/romance (pricing does not need to be included).
Entries must be submitted by March 31. All winners will be announced by early May. As an additional incentive, agents can earn 50 bonus STAR (Special Travel Agent Rewards) points for each booking they make of offers in the Classic Romance program.
Visit www.classicforagents.com/romance. Each qualified booking must be made by March 31 for travel by December 31, 2006, and must include the Classic Change and Cancellation Waiver. For more information, call 800-221-3949
To become a home travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
Travel agents compete aggressively for new customers
Travel agents compete aggressively for new customers with expensive advertising and then lose customers out the bottom of the bucket as fast as they poor new ones in the top. You can become more successful with an old fashioned weapon...service!
Within 3 to 5 days after a client comes back from there vacation, you should call the client and see how the vacation went. This shows the client you not only want to SELL vacations. But that you are truly concerned with the clients welfare. If the vacation went good then you can tell other clients about the destination.
But what if the vacation went BAD??? This is why agents are afraid and don't call clients. It is also why agents lose clients. If it went bad you want to know about it, so you don't send any one else there. We all have to deal with dissatisfied even angry customers from time to time. Sometimes the customer is justified in his complaints other times he is not, but the handling of the dissatisfied customer can have far reaching impact on your business.
I want to talk with you about techniques that you should consider when dealing with the dissatisfied customer: Step one - acknowledge that the person is upset. Example, I can see that you are upset. or I could see that you're upset with that situation.Step two - make a sad/glad statement. Example, I'm sorry you had a problem but I'm glad that you called it to my attention.
Step three - asks the magic question, "What will make you happy?" Example, Mr. Smith what will it take to make you happy in settling this problem? Incidentally often the dissatisfied customer will ask for something less in settlement than you would freely offer.
Step four - make a positive reassuring statement. Example -, Mr. Smith I'm truly sorry that you encountered this problem. Will you please put it in writing and send it to me. As soon as I receive it I will attach a cover letter from the agency to reinforce, what you have told me and send it to the supplier. I want to keep you as my client and I will personally follow up on this situation on your behalf and I want you to know I will get something done about your problem.
If the supplier wont do anything for client, have supplier put it in writing so you can send it to client. This will prove you did follow up and are working for the client. You can all so offer the client a gift certificate of say $20 or $50. towards there next vacation. This wont cost you any thing unless they book agene with you. It will reduce your commission, but you will retain your client.
Successful travel agents are service oriented agents. All clients should be called 2 to 4 times per year just to say hi. Tell them they are a preferred client and ask them to help you. Ask if they know of any one who is getting married and wants a honeymoon or is planning a cruise or vacation and could use your help. One they will help you get new clients and two they will automatically tell you where they want to go on there next vacation. You gain two clients with one call. Agents that do this religiously are VERY successful. Take action, 1 or 2 phone calls a day, times 365 days equals a ton of sales. I call this dialing for dollars.
Paul Davis, President
www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com
PS new agents can call friends and relatives, you can get the same results.
PPS If some one is referred to you, after you call them about there needs, just before you hang up the phone ask by the way do YOU know of any one who is getting married and wants a honeymoon or is planning a cruise or vacation and could use my help. Keep repeating this process and you will NEVER run out of clients.
PPPS Good Service and action on your part will bring you more clients than expensive advertising ever will
Within 3 to 5 days after a client comes back from there vacation, you should call the client and see how the vacation went. This shows the client you not only want to SELL vacations. But that you are truly concerned with the clients welfare. If the vacation went good then you can tell other clients about the destination.
But what if the vacation went BAD??? This is why agents are afraid and don't call clients. It is also why agents lose clients. If it went bad you want to know about it, so you don't send any one else there. We all have to deal with dissatisfied even angry customers from time to time. Sometimes the customer is justified in his complaints other times he is not, but the handling of the dissatisfied customer can have far reaching impact on your business.
I want to talk with you about techniques that you should consider when dealing with the dissatisfied customer: Step one - acknowledge that the person is upset. Example, I can see that you are upset. or I could see that you're upset with that situation.Step two - make a sad/glad statement. Example, I'm sorry you had a problem but I'm glad that you called it to my attention.
Step three - asks the magic question, "What will make you happy?" Example, Mr. Smith what will it take to make you happy in settling this problem? Incidentally often the dissatisfied customer will ask for something less in settlement than you would freely offer.
Step four - make a positive reassuring statement. Example -, Mr. Smith I'm truly sorry that you encountered this problem. Will you please put it in writing and send it to me. As soon as I receive it I will attach a cover letter from the agency to reinforce, what you have told me and send it to the supplier. I want to keep you as my client and I will personally follow up on this situation on your behalf and I want you to know I will get something done about your problem.
If the supplier wont do anything for client, have supplier put it in writing so you can send it to client. This will prove you did follow up and are working for the client. You can all so offer the client a gift certificate of say $20 or $50. towards there next vacation. This wont cost you any thing unless they book agene with you. It will reduce your commission, but you will retain your client.
Successful travel agents are service oriented agents. All clients should be called 2 to 4 times per year just to say hi. Tell them they are a preferred client and ask them to help you. Ask if they know of any one who is getting married and wants a honeymoon or is planning a cruise or vacation and could use your help. One they will help you get new clients and two they will automatically tell you where they want to go on there next vacation. You gain two clients with one call. Agents that do this religiously are VERY successful. Take action, 1 or 2 phone calls a day, times 365 days equals a ton of sales. I call this dialing for dollars.
Paul Davis, President
www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com
PS new agents can call friends and relatives, you can get the same results.
PPS If some one is referred to you, after you call them about there needs, just before you hang up the phone ask by the way do YOU know of any one who is getting married and wants a honeymoon or is planning a cruise or vacation and could use my help. Keep repeating this process and you will NEVER run out of clients.
PPPS Good Service and action on your part will bring you more clients than expensive advertising ever will
Tuesday
Travel agents call this "wave season"
the time of year when the cruise industry gets its biggest wave of bookings. And with cruise-booking patterns trending earlier and earlier, travelers considering a sea voyage later this year may want to reserve their cabins now.
Nearly half -- 47 percent -- of all cruise bookings are now made six months or more in advance of the departure date, according to a recent survey of 850 travel agents by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Fewer than 10 percent of cruises were booked less than three months in advance of the sailing date, according to the CLIA survey. Because so many vacationers shop for cruises between January - March, cruise lines compete for customers this time of year by offering discounts and promotions such as stateroom upgrades, two-for-one fares, and onboard credits.
This is a great time for people looking to earn extra money to become a travel agent. To become a travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
Nearly half -- 47 percent -- of all cruise bookings are now made six months or more in advance of the departure date, according to a recent survey of 850 travel agents by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Fewer than 10 percent of cruises were booked less than three months in advance of the sailing date, according to the CLIA survey. Because so many vacationers shop for cruises between January - March, cruise lines compete for customers this time of year by offering discounts and promotions such as stateroom upgrades, two-for-one fares, and onboard credits.
This is a great time for people looking to earn extra money to become a travel agent. To become a travel agent go to www.homebased-travelagents.com
Home based travel agents gowing.
The number of professional home based travel agents is expected to grow from an estimated 25,000 in 2006 to 50,000 agents in 2010.
To become a home based travel agent go to www.hombased-travelagents.com
To become a home based travel agent go to www.hombased-travelagents.com
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