Vacations Only Available Through a Travel Agency

Going on vacation is what many individuals spend their entire year dreaming about. For some a simple vacation means visiting family and friends, but for others a vacation means getting away to a destination that is exotic, fun and exciting. Maybe you desire an extreme adventurous holiday or maybe you in search of peace and serenity, whatever your holiday idea is, travel agencies have the tools and expertise to help you find a perfect destination. Why Use A Travel Agency?There are many people who feel that it is not necessary to make use of a travel agency. From flight arrangements to booking accommodations, there are several aspects of planning a vacation that many individuals feel are simple. A common question is: Why spend money having someone plan a vacation for when you can do it yourself? This may be true in some instances; however, there are many benefits to using a travel agency. Remember, making travel arrangements and vacation plans can be a very stressful experience. Having to phone dozens of places and speaking to many front desk operators can be frustrating. You might think that this does not sound so bad, but setting aside enough time to do the appropriate amount of research can be difficult with a full time job, not to mention a family as well. A scenario such as this can lead to plenty of stress, or worse, a slip up with the vacation plan itself. Hotels, airlines and tourist attractions may be overlooked. The best options are sometimes not advertised. A seasoned travel professional (i.e. a travel agency) most likely will be better suited to provide you will the best options available, whether they are advertised or not. Yes, working with a travel agency costs money, but the service provided can relieve you of many hassles and save you time too.Inside TipsThe biggest advantage of travel agents is that they work constantly with hotels, resorts and other individuals in the travel industry. This means that you can be sure the arrangements your travel agency chooses fit your budget and your lifestyle. In addition, because travel agencies deal with vacations on a daily basis, they will also be able to inform you about the hottest destinations. You will not only receive the advantage of knowing what places are great to visit, travel agencies might also be able to give you great packages that will save you money. What Services Do Travel Agencies OfferWhen it comes to travel agencies, many people think that they offer a money wasting service. This is false; you get what you pay for and it relieves you of travel anxiety. The rule that everything will and must go wrong is no longer your concern Travel agents will advise you on the best locations there are and try to arrange a discounted package for you, which, if you were picking your own location, you would not be able to get.They also take care of all flight and traveling arrangements. They will book your flights both locally and internationally and confirm it just before you leave for vacation. For instance, if you need a car rental service, your travel agency will make all of the necessary arrangements. They will also finalize all accommodations at the hotel or resort of your choice and arrange for any special requirements you or your family has. Travel agencies will also create an itinerary for you. They will give you a list of places to visit and go sightseeing, and can make the all of the reservations as well. Travel agencies also offer great customer care and will check with you to see everything is going as planned. They want to ensure that your vacation goes smoothly and that you do not run into any complications. If you do find that you are having trouble on your holiday, the need to sort the problem out yourself is not necessary. Simply call your travel agent to deal with any hassles such as problems with your room, amenities, etc and they will correspond with the resort staff to ensure your stay is pleasant. An Added Advantage of Travel AgenciesBesides the fact that travel agencies know where all the hotspots are, they sometimes have the advantage of knowing about a certain place or resort before anyone else does. Usually travel agencies will be notified first about new places opening, which is an advantage to you. Because they are notified first about these destinations, you get a chance to visit a location that no one has been to before. Another advantage is that sometimes these new resorts require reviews and will allow travel agencies to refer customers to them in order to try the place. This is usually offered at a lower rate and so you save money for an equally fantastic vacation.



Jeremy Foster is a blogger and freelance writer who focuses on the travel industry and vacation tips, often discussing a particular aspect of the travel industry such as working with travel agents.

Navigating International Security Procedures

Traveling internationally can sometimes pose problems. Since September 11, United States airports have tightened security procedures significantly, and most other countries have followed suit. If you are not experienced with international travel, it can be frustrating to know what is and is not allowed, how long to plan for security checks, and how to make the process go faster. Here is your guide to navigating international security procedures. Before you leave on your vacation, no matter where you are going, it is important to do a little research on your travel destination. Some places are extremely receptive to United States travelers, while others have more strict security procedures. This varies from country to country, so there is not one single piece of advice that will help you deal with these procedures in every country you might travel to. It is best to anticipate delays no matter where you travel. How long will these delays be? It depends on where you are going, the size of the airport, how many bags you are carrying, and how many international travelers are at the airport at any given moment. In general, you should always arrive at the airport two hours in advance for an international flight, and in some cases, you may want to arrive even earlier. Plan to spend an additional hour after you land collecting your bags and going through security when you are visiting a foreign country. Of course, this varies greatly depending on your location, but if you think it will only take a few minutes to leave the airport, you will be easily frustrated.Beyond airport security, what else do you need to know about international travel? Well, for one, you need the right paperwork. Most people know that you need a passport to travel to other countries, but in the past few years, laws about passports have really tightened. Today, you need a passport to travel from the United States to any other country, even Canada and Mexico. You also need a passport to travel via water, so if you are planning a cruise that takes you into international waters, make sure you have your documents in order. For travel in some parts of the world, you need more than a passport. For instance, you may need a visitor visa to get around in some countries, and you might have to apply for other documents if you plan to stay for a longer period of time. Usually, these travel documents are fairly easy to get, but you have to apply for them early. Passports can take three to six months to be processed, and all countries have different deadlines for visas, should you need one. As soon as you know your dates of travel, make plans to apply for the right documentation. Along with documentation, for travel in some parts of the world, you need certain vaccinations. This is not just a matter of health; it is also a matter of security. If you are not up to date on your vaccinations, you could be carrying disease into the United States, putting others at risk. Depending on where you travel, you may need to show proof of proper vaccinations. The same goes for pets that are traveling with you, and in the vast majority of cases you cannot bring live animals, food, or other such items into the United States from a foreign country. Specific rules on this vary depending on the item and your travel destination. When you arrive, you will have to go through customs. There are two channels for international travelers in Europe and most other countries - the red channel and the green channel. The red channel is for travelers carrying anything not commonly permitted, which requires special documentation or permits. The green channel is for anyone else. The United States and Canada do not operate under the red/green channel system, so customs delays in these countries are sometimes longer. You should be prepared to show officials items that you have purchased and are bringing into the country when you arrive home, and you will have to pay fees and taxes on these items in some cases. Make sure you understand laws about what you can and cannot bring into the country, or items could be confiscated. International travel is not always quick and easy. Before you leave, though, if you make sure that you are prepared to deal with security, you will be able to get on with your vacation much more quickly. Try to remain patient with the people helping you through security - although it can be frustrating to wait in line after line, they are only helping to keep everyone safe. Staying calm and cooperating in a pleasant manner is the best way to approach navigating security, in any language or location



Cynthia Andrews is a freelance writer who writes about vacationing and the travel industry, often discussing tips and travel deals one would find through working with travel agents.

Travel Bookings

You have decided to take that trip and would like to have a memorable experience.You will need to plan ahead. The market is full of travel agents, bus companies, airliners, car rental brokers, etc.It will require you to decide on how you are gong to begin in travel bookings.If you are in a place where there is a travel agent that does local and international bookings, you may be well lucky.The challenge is when you are green in the travel bookings business. There are many options for you to make travel bookings. The first one is to choose to go the traditional way. That means that you go make travel bookings directly from the airline or transport company near you. In this way, you will only be following the previous experience with the company or the record that you know about it.The other option that you may have is to look for an agent that you know organizes bookings.If you would like a hassle free preparation for your bookings, an agent will be the most appropriate way to go to.Travel agents are basically equipped with all the relevant information about all means that you may be interested in taking. The charges are basically on commission basis.If you are the kind that will like to do a lot of exploration prior to the booking, you can choose to use the internet. A lot of airlines are insisting on online bookings. This is also very convenient for the user. You can also compare the rates by visiting the different sites that give travel services.You can either use a broker or go directly to the service providers' websites and do the same. You will of course want to use channels that will enable you to save on your travel bookings.

Sharon Aguirre
http://www.elegant-travel.com

Stratton Travel Attends Exclusive Luxury Travel Conference

Mahwah, NJ September 24, 2004 -- Over 2,000 top luxury travel agents from North and South America, the Caribbean and Australia " all part of the by-invitation-only Virtuoso travel network " recently convened in Las Vegas at the Bellagio for the ultimate summit of industry leaders. Thousands of individual meetings were conducted over a week between agents and top executives from the world's best cruise lines, hotels, resorts, airlines, tour operators and other travel-related companies. Mahwah, New Jersey-based Stratton Travel Management and parent company, VTS Travel Enterprises, were among the attendees.It was an amazing week of new information, updates and relationship building, said Robin Marcus, CTC, a Master Cruise Counselor at Stratton Travel, and we are honored to be among this elite group of travel professionals. Marcus continued, A personal connection is invaluable in this industry, and our clients truly benefit from this high-level networking as well as the most up-to-date knowledge of what's new, improved and on the horizon in luxury travel.To be considered for membership in Virtuoso, a travel agency must maintain a certain annual sales threshold with Virtuoso's elite travel industry partners, including hotel groups such as Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis, as well as top cruise lines such as Crystal, Cunard, Silversea and Seabourn. Leveraging its $3 billion annual buying power, Virtuoso holds exclusive agreements with the world's leading hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines, tour companies, rail lines, airlines and ground operators. Utilizing a Virtuoso specialist (such as those at Stratton Travel) to arrange upscale leisure travel automatically entitles clients to complimentary upgrades, amenities, privileged access opportunities and private events at many top international and domestic destinations. To find out more about top vacations worldwide, contact the following travel specialists: Tamsin Allpress at 888-697-0588 for exotic destinations; Robin Marcus at 888-456-9195 for luxury cruises, tours and spa vacations; Benita Herman at 888-488-0445 for expert cruise, tour and family travel guidance or call 800-223-0599 to find general information about Stratton Travel and its resources within the Virtuoso network of luxury travel agencies. About Stratton Travel ManagementStratton Travel Management is a Mahwah, New Jersey-based corporate and leisure travel agency with more than 35 on-site locations in the United States. Senior Stratton Travel agents work with corporate clients to consolidate purchasing power, leverage the latest travel technology and achieve cost savings through corporate travel policy enforcement and negotiated travel rates. As a Virtuoso agency, Stratton Travel's leisure division focuses on upscale, luxury travel for clients interested in traveling worldwide. Dedication to service and a superior understanding of each client's needs make Stratton Travel a great choice for all travelers, business or leisure!About VTS Travel EnterprisesVTS Travel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading travel management company located in Mahwah, New Jersey, specializing in managed corporate and leisure travel. Established in 1980, VTS Travel has grown through a program of strategic acquisitions and partnerships, increasing the number and quality of corporate, consumer and technology services offered. During this time, VTS Travel has become a leader in many aspects of the travel industry with over $500 million in current annual revenues, an employee base of over 400 national travel agents and 120 onsite representatives working within leading U.S. corporations. With services that range from telephone-based air, hotel and leisure reservations to Internet-based managed travel and reporting, VTS can supply an end-to-end travel solution for less.

Aimee J. Ricca of Bonne Amie Travel is Part of New Travel Channel Series

September 15, 2004 -- Aimee J. Ricca, CTA, ACC, DS, owner of Bonne Amie Travel, has been cast as one of nine travel experts in the Travel Channel's new flagship series, VACATION CHALLENGE. VACATION CHALLENGE features three completely different and exciting getaways that are presented by professional travel experts to a family or group of friends needing a vacation. Throughout these presentations, the planners give travel tips and insider information that anyone can use when they're planning a getaway.Aimee is an invaluable asset to VACATION CHALLENGE, said Laura Netscher, Senior Producer of the show. She is not only a fantastic on-camera personality but is a first-rate travel expert, first and foremost. Aimee and nine others were selected, out of hundreds of candidates, for this series because of their professionalism and expertise.VACATION CHALLENGE features three completely different and exciting getaways that are presented by professional travel experts to a family or group of friends needing a vacation. Throughout these presentations, the experts give travel tips and insider information that anyone can use when they're planning a getaway. The series is a great showcase for travel agents, said Ricca. It is the first time a television series will feature travel agents and it really demonstrates how we add value to a vacation.According to Ricca, the series focuses on the level of service a professional travel expert provides.We put together entire vacation packages, including restaurant reservations, activity planning, and have the right connections to have our clients treated as VIP's anywhere they go, explained Ricca. Travel agents have relationships with wholesalers that do not take bookings from consumers - This is where the best pricing is. Using these wholesalers, my pricing is often lower than the same exact package priced on the popular Internet travel sites. Plus, when you book with a travel agent, you receive service and support that are unmatched on the Internet.Once the travelers have been presented with the three choices, from three different experts, they choose the vacation they like best. The camera follows the travelers on their vacation and viewers at home get to see the destination through the traveler's eyes.It's pretty exciting to see the travelers actually take the trip, explained Ricca. I'm used to planning the trip and getting feedback...but, it's nice to see be able to see the travelers actually enjoying their trip for a change.The series began airing, in prime time, on the Travel Channel beginning Monday, September 6. The first three episodes featured the Los Angeles and Chicago casts of travel experts. The first episode to feature Ricca, and the rest of the East Coast cast, will air on Monday, September 27 at 8pm. The episode will feature a Bachelorette Vacation. The Travel Channel has a broad audience of over 78 million viewers. As part of Discovery Networks, the Travel Channel is known for its successful and highly educated viewership. Vacation Challenge is produced by Martin-Calvert Productions which has also produced series such as Travel Channel's "Secrets", the "Best of..." and "Top Ten."Ricca received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from William Paterson University of New Jersey. She has also been certified by a number of associations and tourist boards. Among her many certifications are: Certified Travel Associate, Accredited Cruise Counsellor, Caribbean Destination Specialist, ASTA Family Travel Specialist, ASTA Niche Travel Specialist, Disney Specialist, Florida Specialist, Cayman Islands Specialist, Puerto Rico Travel Expert, Hawaii Destination Specialist, and Aruba Certified Expert. Ricca's highly regarded expertise has resulted in being featured by Cruise Trade magazine and quoted by various media outlets including: Travel Trade, Travel Weekly, New York Newsday, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, American Way (American Airlines in-flight magazine) Journey Magazine (America West in-flight magazine), Associated Press, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, and The Camden Herald. She is also the Cruise Expert for InetVacation, answering readers cruise questions. Her agency is also recommended in Brenda Elwell's book The Single Parent Travel Handbook.Bonne Amie Travel has been in business since 2001 and specializes in luxury vacations and cruises, serving clients nationwide. Bonne Amie Travel is a member of the Cruise Lines International Association, American Society of Travel Agents, Association of Retail Travel Agents, Platinum Luxury Society, Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel, Better Business Bureau, and designated as California Seller of Travel (CST 2064669-40).For vacation consultations, call toll-free 1-866-302-0036. Bonne Amie Travel may also be contacted via its website: www.bonneamietravel.com

Lowest International Airfares

Finding the lowest airfare on international travel is complicated because it depends a lot on things like itinerary, departure city, number of stops, connecting flights, alternative airports, low cost airlines and so on. Given that, one has to search and look around for the best prices on many flights between different destinations before getting the lowest possible international airfare.So the first thing to do when looking for the lowest international airfare is to search the Internet. Use the different travel search engines such as Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia to check for inexpensive flights on the international routes in which you plan to travel. Then call the airlines directly to see if they have any special offers or packages on those routes and make a note of it.Based on the result of your search and enquiry, take the lowest price and reduce it further by 15-20%. Now this is the clincher: visit travel auction websites such as Priceline.com or Hotwire.com or eBay.com and make a bid for the tickets with the reduced price. If the bid gets accepted by the airline you would have managed to get the lowest possible fare; if not, one can always go back to the lowest offer and pick that up.If this seems like too much work then there is another alternative. Try being a courier for a courier company and you can fly to different locations for a fraction of the price of commercial airfares. Courier companies use the luggage space of an aircraft passenger to transport things around the world. This works out much quicker and cheaper for the companies.So the courier company will purchase the ticket and sell it to the courier for a very good discounted price - maybe even free at times. In exchange for the ticket the courier will have to give them their luggage space. The down side is that as a courier the traveler can have only carry-on baggage, since the check-in space is being used for the company parcel.If none of these options work out for you, one can always buy tickets through a travel agent or tour operators. Most travels agents purchase bulk tickets from airlines as wholesalers and consolidators for a low price. They then offer those tickets with great discounts and at guaranteed low prices that can save anyone a lot of money. Some even utilize charter flights that reduce the costs further and this is a good method of saving money on international travel.Lowest Airfares provides detailed information on Guaranteed Lowest Airfares, Lowest Airfare Prices, Lowest Airfare Search, Lowest Airfare Tickets and more. Lowest Airfares is affiliated with Last Minute Airfares.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Sturo

RECOMMEND MAGAZINE UPS THE ANTE TO CAPTURE TRAVEL INDUSTRY MARKET DOMINANCE: New Look, New Publisher, Expanded Sales Force

MIAMI, FL August 2, 2003 " While most in travel publishing see gloom and doom, 36-year-old Recommend magazine sees opportunity. Recommend President Laurel Herman is going all out to capture the number one spot in publishing for the travel industry. The August 2003 is the fourth in its redesigned format and boasting a new publisher, Lorri Robbins, only the third in the magazine's history. Robbins' has an aggressive plan to expand magazine representation in key markets. Not long after Henry Luce launched Time magazine this country went into the Great Depression, yet the magazine survived, said Herman. Similarly, it has undoubtedly been tough times for the travel industry, but it's going to turn around and we'll be perfectly positioned when it does. We're already starting to see signs of positive change. The Travel Industry Association (TIA) and American Automobile Association (AAA) issued a joint Summer Travel Forecast report that showed a 2.5% increase in travel is expected during the peak travel months of June, July and August. In May, at the Travel Industry's annual International Pow Wow meeting, the U.S. Commerce Department forecasted the travel market would steadily increase in the coming years to fully rebound in 2006. They projected a 7% growth rate for 2004 and 2005 with it leveling off to 6% in 2006. These positive tourism signs confirm that Recommend's timing is right for an image revamping that includes a new logo, increased photo use, new easier to read typeface, open layout format and expanded editorial print and internet content. One thing that remains constant is the magazine's editorial approach that continues to provide the most in-depth, quality destination and travel product information to help travel agents sell. First published in 1967, Recommend magazine is the highest circulated travel trade publication in North America with more than 55,000 travel agent subscribers and a reach to over 200,000 agents. While our competitors write about the news of the industry, market research reveals that destination and travel product information is what travel agents want, said Herman. With the demise of airline commissions and the drop in business travel, agents need to sell leisure products to thrive and prosper and the best agents are informed about product, Herman continued. We're an information resource that helps agents sell, which at the end of the day is what matters most. That's the niche we've carved for ourselves and it is working.Their success can be seen in research released last month by Simmons Market Research Bureau, in which a random sample of 500 travel agents were asked their preferences of the three major industry publications of Recommend, Travel Agent and Travel Weekly. Travel agents picked Recommend #1 as the publication that best helped them sell travel, and, the publication emerged on top as providing the most in-depth editorial coverage. The research also revealed that two-thirds of travel agents surveyed preferred destination and travel product oriented magazines over industry news.The continued success of Recommend magazine can be attributed to the work of Herman, who spent the past 20 years as publisher of the industry magazine. With an eye to the future, Herman decided to turn the publication over to the exceptional talents of Lorri Robbins, as Herman focuses more of her attention to the growth of the magazine's parent company.Robbins brings industry experience and a fresh approach to Recommend. Robbins served as the Florida/Caribbean Sales Manager of Hachette Filipacchi's Travel Holiday magazine; she went on to launch American Media, Inc.'s Hispanic tabloid Mira!, and, in 2001, was hired by Recommend to be its National Ad Director, before becoming its Associate Publisher and now Publisher. Under Robbins' direction, advertising pages grew 13.8% from 2001 to 2002. Her business success and innovative spirit made her the number one choice to become publisher of Recommend. Now, Robbins is heating up the travel trade advertising competition by hiring additional Recommend sales staff in New York and California. Recommend is published monthly by Worth International Communications Corporation and has its headquarters in Miami, Fla. Recommend can be found online at www.recommend.com. Worth International Communications Corporation is a custom publisher that, in addition to its flagship publication Recommend Magazine, produces a variety of magazines and specialized publications for the travel and meeting industries. Its titles include: The Florida Official Meeting Planners Guide and Mexico Official Meeting and Incentive Planner. Worth Custom Publishing clients include: Continental Airlines and a number of tourism boards and convention and visitor bureaus such as the Greater Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Convention and Visitor's Bureaus and the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.

Panda Software and Sabre converge on Computer Security for Latin America Travel Agents

In an effort to increase computer security across the Latin American travel industry, today Panda Antivirus Software and Sabre Holdings Corporation announced a joint strategy: Panda Software will provide antivirus software protection to 11,000 Sabre travel agencies in Latin America. These travel agencies, representing some 30,000 computers, will be offered Panda Software's low-cost, award winning desktop solution, Panda Antivirus Titanium. Panda Software is proud to be at the forefront of protecting the South American travel industry from cyber-threats, said Donna Wesley Rogers, General Manager of Panda Software, U.S. This, we hope, is only the first step, as we look forward to providing protection to all Sabre agencies " more than 60,000 worldwide, continued Rogers. The need for tightened cyber-security in the travel industry has never been higher, said Gloria Guevara, Director of Technology and Customer Service for Sabre, Latin America. We have endeavored to create the most secure travel environment in terms of computer security, and we feel confident that we are taking the right steps through our joint strategy with Panda Software, concluded Guevara.Panda Software is an international antivirus software company with offices is 45 countries worldwide. The software is translated into and available in 18 different languages, making it a perfect alliance for companies such as Sabre that provide services worldwide.About Sabre Holdings CorporationSabre is the leading provider of technology, distribution and marketing services for the travel industry. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the company has approximately 7,000 employees in 45 countries. Sabre reported 2001 revenues of $2.1 billion. Sabre owns Travelocity.com, the most popular travel site on the Web, and GetThere, the world's leading provider of Web-based travel reservation systems for corporations and travel suppliers. Sabre is an S&P 500 company, traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TSG). More information about Sabre is available at www.sabre.com. Sabre and Passenger Reservations System are trademarks of Sabre, Inc. or an affiliate of Sabre, Inc.About the International Independent AV Developer:Panda Software (http://www.pandasecurity.com) is a leading international developer of computer security software, specializing in antivirus solutions for large networks. Their 100% in-house, cutting-edge technology has received awards and quality certifications from the most widely respected IT security institutions. Panda Software was the first to allow truly automatic, daily signature updates, as well as centralized administration of antivirus protection, both of which have revolutionized the antivirus industry. The quality of Panda Software's products has been endorsed by the major industry watchdogs including: Virus Bulletin, ICSA Labs and CheckMark.For more information:Carol Robbins Public Relations Directormailto:crobbins@pandasecurity.com(818) 543-6901www.pandasecurity.comArturo BustamanteSabre(305) 520-3342arturo.bustamante@sabre.com

International Travel Insurance - Don't Leave Home Without It

Does this sound familiar? You've saved and saved for that perfect vacation you've always dreamt about. You're in the travel agent's office, you've just purchased your very expensive ticket and she's saying that you should buy some international travel insurance too. You roll your eyes because you're sure all this international travel insurance business is nonsense and she's just trying to get some more of your money. You say no thanks. While on your vacation, you crash your car and get hurt. Guess what? You've got to foot all the expenses yourself and because you didn't want to get international travel insurance.For those of you who aren't familiar with it, international travel insurance is a must have if you intend to travel out of your own country. Since you're not familiar, right about now you're probably asking what international travel insurance is. Simply put, it is a temporary insurance policy which you buy before you leave on your trip. Typically, coverage lasts the full duration of your trip but, depending on who you're insured with, your international travel insurance can be extended for up to 12 months.A lot of people couldn't be bothered with the added expense but there is always the small possibility that something can happen. A good international travel insurance policy will provide three things: good coverage at a reasonable price, readily available emergency assistance and efficient claims processing. It should also cover most circumstances. Your international travel insurance isn't adequate if it doesn't cover medical expenses, medical evacuation, travel cancellation and deferment costs, loss of luggage, rental vehicle expenses, death expenses, personal liability and legal expenses.There is most often a need for international travel health insurance, to cover medical expenses. This can include hospital stays, medication and doctor's fees. However, international travel health insurance is a godsend in more critical situations as it also covers ambulance services and emergency-related travel expenses, which is especially important in third world countries where supplies are limited and you may need to be transported to another country.While you may not think that the cost of such international travel health insurance coverage is justified for a short, weekend trip, if you're going to be hiking through malaria infested forests over those two days, you might want to think again. Use your discretion. It's much better to be prepared for a possible emergency than to fall ill or get injured and not have any international travel health insurance coverage.

Most Know Tips On Becoming A Home Based Travel Agent?

If your thinking of becoming a home based travel agent you might want to consider the following things. Most home-based travel agents are independent contractors who work with a host agency. You use the host agencies resources and established relationships to tap into their network of travel vendors and suppliers. When considering a host agency you want to know things like your commission split when profits come in from your bookings. Will your commission be paid in a timely manner? Find out how long your host agency has been in business and if they are reputable. Getting up to date on the best places to travel, tourism, and how to fulfill the needs of your customer is vital to your travel business. Find out if the company offers comprehensive training and courses on various travel services, products, marketing, etc . You want to develop a good expertise and become a knowledgeable resource for you customers. For some host agencies, taking a course or training is necessary to be eligible for certain travel credentials, although it is not required to book travel. As a home based travel agent you will need certain credentials like the CLIA card. CLIA stands for the Cruise Line Industry Association. This industry recognized credential allows you special agent rates on discounted cruises and offers a whole array of benefits to you and your customer. To be recognized as a travel agency most host agencies are usually bonded and accredited through ARC/IATAN. ARC was established by the travel industry to provide prompt, efficient, and secure distribution and settlement of travel purchased in the U.S. IATAN-International Airlines Travel Agent Network endorses travel agents and provides the IATAN ID card, which identifies you as a US based travel sales professional. Most agencies will provide you with their IATAN/ARC number for you to be able to use outside travel vendors and suppliers that don't have established relationships with your host agency, however for some other credentials like CLIA, training is required but not a requirement to book travel.Most travel companies offer some assistance with marketing your travel business. Check to see if they offer a turn-key website or online booking engine for your clients to book travel on. Do they have auto responders to handle email campaigns and promotions? Find out to see if they provide ready-made templates to print business cards, postcards, flyers, etc. These are all the tools in your marketing arsenal that will help you get the word out about your home-based travel business. Most host agencies handle all the booking and travel details for your clients, but what happens if a name is misspelled on a plane ticket? Or your customer wants a refund? Find out what type customer support is available and read their policies. Do they offer 24hrs/day 7 days week telephone support? Is it email based? You want to know these things so you can provide a quick turn-around should a problem arise in the booking process or afterwards. Customers like to have speedy resolution to their problems so make sure you know what type of support is in place.Since you will be working out of home and on your own, medical insurance plans or group coverages are sometimes offered. Check to see if they have group plans that you can buy into. There are relatively inexpensive and will save you a lot of money versus buying a medical plan on your own.The opportunity to go on a FAM trip is the most appealing benefit to travel agents. Fam trips are short for familiarization. These are special trips specifically for the travel agent. These trips are offered by hotels, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, and tour companies. The intent of the trip is to familiarize the agent with the product or service so that they can then sell the service or product to their clients. By experiencing the product, agents can sell it more effectively. These trips are either totally free or have a small cost involved to cover the expense of the trip. These fam trips are offered at a huge discount compared to what it would cost to the average consumer. Owning your own travel business you can take advantage of many tax breaks. Deductions are allowed for you initial investment, home office expenses, cell phone and land lines, automobile, computer, fax machine, insurance, and other equipment. In addition from now on, when you travel anywhere in the world, it's a business expense.Overall becoming a home based travel agent has some major perks and benefits. The important thing is to find a good host agency and become familiar with your product so that you can offer the best travel experience for your customers. Doing this will keep a consistent flow of repeat and new business.

A Review Of The Guardian International Travel Income Opportunity

Guardian International TravelTraveling on vacation is a great family venture. Unfortunately it can also be an expensive one. Taking a cruise, trips to the Bahamas, or even taking the kids to Disney World costs a few thousand dollars and a lot of planning. Guardian International Travel offers people a way to do all of this and make some money while you are at it.Guardian International Travel was started in February 2005 by Swainson Hawke, a board game inventor and certified forex day trader. A sales and marketing company for profit, the company adheres to a strict policy that does not allow any Internet marketing by their members. All sales must be made in person via the telephone or mail.The products sold by the company all have to do with the travel industry. The Zee Card membership allows the customer to be able to book travel deals from airline tickets to hotels and motels to entertainment. Cost of this card is $189.95 plus an $18.95 monthly subscription fee. The website includes a coupon printing demonstration so interested parties can see how this option works. The Condo Card offers members discounts and rebates to thousands of hotels and resort locations around the world. These cards have an expiration date of ten years and can be purchased for a value of up to $25,000.00. There is a resort search page available on the website that can help the customer determine where they can use the card. There are even rebates available for using your Condo Card. Guardian International Travel also has a Cruise Card and opportunities in Asia. Prices for the cards are not clearly specified. The company offers special discounts for children as well.There are four levels of memberships available by the company. They range in price from free to memberships costing over two thousand dollars. Getting started is fairly simple. After signing up, members make an initial purchase of at least $550.00 on a Condo Card. Each level of membership is awarded their own website similar to the company's main site, back office privileges, and the ability to purchase products at a wholesale price. Profits are earned when the purchased product is sold at the retail value. The member then receives the difference in a commission check awarded on the fifteenth of each month. The website also states that to join you must have a referral by a current member.Unfortunately, according to industry information, Guardian International Travel has not issued a commission check since March of 2007. There are a lot of negative things being said about the company and they are no longer accepting new members.This venture is definitely not for a low-income or fixed income member. Getting started is quite expensive and many travel agents offer the same types of discounts at a more reasonable rate. With the negative things that have also been said about the company, and the fact that they have not issued a check in eight months, this is not a lucrative business. Potential members would be better served by looking into another company to invest in.

Why You Need International Travel Insurance

It has been noted that most international travelers do are not granted the kind of insurance coverage that is necessary for them while traveling abroad. In order to fill this vacuum and placate the ever growing population of foreign travelers around the world, International Travel Insurance comes to the fore. This helps you in taking care of all matters from sudden ticket cancellations, to tour changes, accidents, unprecedented illnesses and sudden death.Government sponsored health programs are just not enough at times, to take care of any kind of medical emergency that might happen to you while you are out on a holiday on foreign shores, where help might not be at hand easily. Theses days there are company-sponsored insurance plans which do cover a bare minimum of emergency situations. However it has been noticed that in such cases, emergency medical evacuation is almost never given importance in the arrangements made for travel.Most of the time international travel insurance agents are asked about why one needs insurance while traveling. What most people don't realize is that it could be very difficult for you if you or a member of your family falls sick in a foreign country.If you are not familiar with health care facilities or necessary medical requirements in foreign countries you might run the risk of being not being treated for your problem. It is particularly difficult because you might be amidst unfamiliar situations, and might have to deal with a different cultural set ups and medical systems too. Apart from this lack of proper resources to help you when you need immediate medical care can be a serious problem. This apart, hospital expenditures, and any other treatment related costs can pose a problem too.Different hospital systems in different countries have rules that may differ in matters of providing treatment or even obtaining a discharge from the hospital. In such cases guarantees, such as those given by travel insurance companies are safer and accepted. You might have to pay in advance for this though, a sum of about a thousand dollars through your credit card.Most international travel insurance plans have two or three different types of insurance categories, such as:Medical Evacuation, in case of emergencies it can be necessary at times. Evacuations are usually expensive affairs, with an international travel insurance plan this could be much easier for you. Apart from covering for the expenses, you would need help in terms of arrangements made for evacuation from the particular place to your home. Usually most travel insurance includes medical evacuation benefits, so that you can be safely taken back home in case of an emergency. It is the responsibility of the insurance company to arrange for your evacuation with a reputed evacuation company, while ensuring the presence of a medical team too.Trip cancellation coverage covers the losses you might have to incur, in case your pre destined trip is cancelled for reasons both medical and otherwise. For example if you have made holiday plans but can't make it because of some sickness, you are entitled only a small refund from the planners. O the other an insurance coverage could help you in getting a larger amount of money.Another type of insurance coverage that is provided is the accident or health insurance, this type of a plan covers your medicine, hospital and doctor bills, and in some cases dental care too. Such plans are good for a short trip. For extended trips to foreign countries for a period of 6 months to a year, you could buy a primary insurance.Make sure before you invest in an international travel insurance plan that it includes one or more of the clauses mentioned here.

http://www.researchbody.org

The Importance Of International Travel Medical Insurance

Traveling on vacation or business is usually a lot of fun; exploring new places and cultures while enjoying new cuisines adds to the experience and pleasure of visiting new destinations but, at the same time, you must take into consideration the possibility of any sort of accident that may happen at any given moment. Therefore, international travel medical insurance is essential every single time you take a trip abroad.Where And How To Obtain International Travel Medical InsuranceUsually, when you book your vacation, your travel agent is responsible for letting you know about international travel medical insurance as well as its coverage and cost. All airlines expect you to have one as a requirement in order to be able to fly out of the country.If you are booking your flight tickets online, then you will probably be prompted to purchase international travel medical insurance as well; the insurance itself is not very expensive depending on the regulation of the country you are about to visit as each country applies different laws and regulations.What Does International Travel Medical Insurance Cover?International travel medical insurances usually covers any accidents that may happen when you are traveling; emergency evacuation and sometimes even refunds of travel costs; this feature usually differs from one insurance company to the other. Take a moment and read the medical insurance you are about to buy for even if you may never expect to have any such emergencies you never know what may happen next and you will need to fall back on the medical insurance you just purchased.Helpful TipInternational travel medical insurance is a precautionary matter that most travelers need to carry even if they have other medical insurances as well; they cover international laws and regulations and, therefore, apply only when you leave the country.International travel medical insurances differ vastly depending on the country you are about to visit, therefore, ask all relative questions before you are in an emergency situation and realize that you don't even know how to get in touch with your insurance company or what types of accidents they cover.Accidents happen everyday and even if it is the last thing that will ever cross your mind when planning a vacation or trip abroad, being careful and prepared can only keep you safe in case you should ever need international travel medical insurance.

Why International Travel Medical Insurance Is Essential

Traveling on vacation or business is usually a lot of fun; exploring new places and cultures while enjoying new cuisines adds to the experience and pleasure of visiting new destinations but, at the same time, you must take into consideration the possibility of any sort of accident that may happen at any given moment. Therefore, international travel medical insurance is essential every single time you take a trip abroad.Where And How To Obtain International Travel Medical InsuranceUsually, when you book your vacation, your travel agent is responsible for letting you know about international travel medical insurance as well as its coverage and cost. All airlines expect you to have one as a requirement in order to be able to fly out of the country.If you are booking your flight tickets online, then you will probably be prompted to purchase international travel medical insurance as well; the insurance itself is not very expensive depending on the regulation of the country you are about to visit as each country applies different laws and regulations.What Does International Travel Medical Insurance Cover?International travel medical insurances usually covers any accidents that may happen when you are traveling; emergency evacuation and sometimes even refunds of travel costs; this feature usually differs from one insurance company to the other. Take a moment and read the medical insurance you are about to buy for even if you may never expect to have any such emergencies you never know what may happen next and you will need to fall back on the medical insurance you just purchased.Helpful TipInternational travel medical insurance is a precautionary matter that most travelers need to carry even if they have other medical insurances as well; they cover international laws and regulations and, therefore, apply only when you leave the country.International travel medical insurances differ vastly depending on the country you are about to visit, therefore, ask all relative questions before you are in an emergency situation and realize that you don't even know how to get in touch with your insurance company or what types of accidents they cover.Accidents happen everyday and even if it is the last thing that will ever cross your mind when planning a vacation or trip abroad, being careful and prepared can only keep you safe in case you should ever need international travel medical insurance.

International Travel Insurance - Don't Leave Home Without It

Does this sound familiar? You've saved and saved for that perfect vacation you've always dreamt about. You're in the travel agent's office, you've just purchased your very expensive ticket and she's saying that you should buy some international travel insurance too. You roll your eyes because you're sure all this international travel insurance business is nonsense and she's just trying to get some more of your money. You say no thanks. While on your vacation, you crash your car and get hurt. Guess what? You've got to foot all the expenses yourself and because you didn't want to get international travel insurance.For those of you who aren't familiar with it, international travel insurance is a must have if you intend to travel out of your own country. Since you're not familiar, right about now you're probably asking what international travel insurance is. Simply put, it is a temporary insurance policy which you buy before you leave on your trip. Typically, coverage lasts the full duration of your trip but, depending on who you're insured with, your international travel insurance can be extended for up to 12 months.A lot of people couldn't be bothered with the added expense but there is always the small possibility that something can happen. A good international travel insurance policy will provide three things: good coverage at a reasonable price, readily available emergency assistance and efficient claims processing. It should also cover most circumstances. Your international travel insurance isn't adequate if it doesn't cover medical expenses, medical evacuation, travel cancellation and deferment costs, loss of luggage, rental vehicle expenses, death expenses, personal liability and legal expenses.There is most often a need for international travel health insurance, to cover medical expenses. This can include hospital stays, medication and doctor's fees. However, international travel health insurance is a godsend in more critical situations as it also covers ambulance services and emergency-related travel expenses, which is especially important in third world countries where supplies are limited and you may need to be transported to another country.While you may not think that the cost of such international travel health insurance coverage is justified for a short, weekend trip, if you're going to be hiking through malaria infested forests over those two days, you might want to think again. Use your discretion. It's much better to be prepared for a possible emergency than to fall ill or get injured and not have any international travel health insurance coverage.

You: A Travel Agent?

For many Americans, becoming a travel agent could be a big step in the right direction when it comes to choosing a rewarding career that's fast paced and offers wonderful incentives. In fact, travel is one of the largest industries in the world and offers many benefits to hard-working individuals. Job DescriptionTravel agents assess individual's and businesspeople's needs to help them make the best possible travel arrangements. An agent may specialize by type of travel, such as leisure or business, or destination, such as Europe or Africa. Travel agents also promote travel packages on behalf of cruise lines, resorts and specialty travel groups.Travel agents held about 88,600 jobs in 2005. While most travel agents work in agencies, a growing number are home based or work for themselves.Educational RequirementIn order to become a travel agent, one must have, at least, a high school diploma or the equivalent. Increasingly, because of the use of computers and technology, employers prefer job candidates who have received vocational training. Some employers look for job candidates who have taken college courses in computer science, foreign languages, geography and world history. On a typical day, a travel agent will: • Give advice on destinations; • Make arrangements for transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals, tours and recreation; • Advise on weather conditions, restaurants, tourist attractions and recreation; • Provide information on customs regulations, required papers (passports, visas and certificates of vaccination) and currency exchange rates to international travelers; • Consult published and computer-based sources for information on departure and arrival times, fares, and hotel ratings and accommodations; • Visit hotels, resorts and restaurants to evaluate comfort, cleanliness and quality of food and service.

Traverus Online - Travel Agent School Review

Traverus a.k.a Traverus travel, is an international travel company & university based in Allen Texas. This online travel agent school is responsible for thousands of agents world wide in over 90 countries and trains thousands more each year. The Ceo and president of the company is David Manning, David is also a trainer and motivational speaker for the company.Trainings are done at live locations around the country, then recorded in video or audio format in your student's area online. The online area is encrypted by password and contains all of the agent's tools, schedules and profile information. The student's area is very organized and user friendly, making it one of the more convenient travel agent schools.The teachers are friendly and always willing to help one on one if extra assistance is needed. Almost all of your exams are done online, then submitted to the main office to be evaluated by the instructor that trained the agent. There is also a wide variety of tools available at this online travel agent school, like customizable business cards and marketing systems, that are put in place to help get exposure and customers for the agent.One of the best aspects of the company is the ability for the agent in training, to earn while they learn. Agents are provided on the job training and are able to interact with live vendors to book travel vacations for customers and earn a commission. The commission earned is sent to the school for the travel agent by the vendor and the agent will get 70-80% of that commission.The commission is paid to the agent by check, debit card, or bank wire. As an agent in training you get access to special member trips , discounts on rental cars, hotels and various theme parks. After you have completed the travel agent course, you are presented with your C.T.A. or certified travel agent diploma, to complete your travel agent certification.In conclusion to this online travel agent school review, I think its safe to say, when you combine the Traverus referral program, with your new travel agent certification, your income potential will be unlimited and you will have a recession proof job. Included with your new career are all the incentives you get with Traverus as a bonus.

To get a full video review and more information about the Traverus university visit...

http://travelasis.com

UniverCell introduces new travel agent commission program

BALTIMORE, Jan 6, 2003 At a time when many airlines are cutting commissions to travel agents by as much as 80%, UniverCell Global Phone Rentals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of UniverCell Holdings, Inc., (UVCL) (www.rentalcell.com) a leading international cellular phone rental company in the United States, has announced a commission program for travel agents that will pay $20.00 for every international cell phone rental referral plus a $100.00 bonus for ten or more rentals in a month, and commissions are paid weekly. Experienced travelers know that most U.S. cell phones are incapable of working overseas. For years, they have had to use hotel phones that, for example, can cost $16.00 for the first minute for a London to Chicago call. UniverCell phones are up to 70% less expensive than hotel phones and 30%-50% less than their competitors. The same call on a UniverCell phone from London to Chicago would have been 75 cents a minute, and incoming calls would have been free. Rental fees are $25.00 for the first week and $20.00 for each additional week. Call charges range from 75 cents to $2.99 per minute for outgoing calls, and from FREE to $1.99 per minute for incoming calls. "UniverCell does everything for the travel agents and their clients," says Becky Goldberg, vice president of agent relations. "All they have to do is ask: 'Do you need a cell phone on your trip?' If the client says 'yes,' there is just one simple form to complete, send to UniverCell, and we do all the rest." Overnight, UniverCell will send a Motorola v66 cell phone that works on the GSM (global standard for mobile communications) system so travelers can place and receive calls worldwide. Each package contains the cell phone, in-room and car chargers, a hands-free kit, an extra battery and a leather case. There's even a prepaid return envelope to send the package back to UniverCell. UniverCell will begin offering phones with U.S. numbers for rental to select countries in March. Currently, all operators rent phones with international phone numbers. UniverCell customers receive complimentary voice mail service, caller ID, call waiting, call conferencing and are Internet-ready. UniverCell has an agreement with Avis-Rent-A-Car to be their exclusive international cell phone rental company for Avis clients. There is no cost to travel agents to join the UniverCell program. For more information or to join, travel agents can call 1-800-765-2355, ext. 8145, or e-mail www.beckyg@rentalcell.com. The Beaumont Group, New YorkMaria Sclafani, 212/867-0228

What Is A Home Based Travel Agent?

Many people are unclear about the travel industry. Travel agents are often thought to be the same as real estate agents. Becoming a travel agent or more specifically a home based travel agent is an exciting career change or retirement option. Some people do it full time while many do it as a part time business.A travel agent books travel for customers and is paid by suppliers a commission on the booking. For bookings that suppliers do not pay a commission on, a travel agent also can charge the client a service fee for his/her time. An example is if you were to book a hotel for a client, the hotel would then send a check to the agency after the client checked out. Most hotels pay 10% of the price of the hotel before taxes and fees. A $100 per night hotel reservation would mean $10 a night for the travel agent who made the booking. This hotel would cost the same whether the customer uses a travel agent or books through the hotel directly. In many cases the travel agent can get a better price. It costs the customer nothing to use the travel agent unless the travel agent charges service fees.Can anyone do this? In order to work with suppliers, you must have an account set up with the supplier. Most require an agency to hold an IATAN, CLIA or ARC number. IATAN stands for International Airlines Travel Agent Network. CLIA stands for Cruise Lines International Association. ARC stands for Airline Reporting Corporation. Each of these memberships requires different things including sales, money in the bank, experience or training in the industry, and membership fees. Many will require Errors and Omissions insurance of $1,000,000 or more.For the average travel agent, membership is not a possibility with some organizations so the agent will team up with an agency and work as an independent agent or outside agent. There are also advantages of working with an agency because most travel agents cannot make enough in sales with a particular supplier to obtain higher commission levels and bonuses. Working with an agency with many agents can increase the commission percentages the agent gets because of the joint sales of all the agents at the agency. Support is also a very important aspect of being a successful agent. Agents who do not work with others tend to feel more isolated and have to learn to do it all solo. Since no agent can have the experience of being everywhere in the world or staying at every hotel or resort, having others that you can get advice from is really helpful.The future of travel agencies is always questioned. The truth is the industry has changed in many ways. Some changes were for the better, some for the worse. Many airlines have cut commissions for travel agents. However, there are many other suppliers who are paying travel agents more than they were ten years ago. Cruises used to be booked by only the rich and now people in every income book cruises. Each year more and more people go on cruises. Most people say they want to go on a cruise at least once and many who go on their first come home to want to book another.You can earn commission on many travel reservations.HotelsRental CarsTour PackagesCruisesSome airline ticketsInternational airline ticketsTravel insuranceGround transportation including limosAttraction ticketsTrain ticketsPeople all need travel arrangements at some point in time. Those who take road trips need hotel reservations. Those who need to travel for business need airline tickets, rental cars, and hotel reservations. Families want to experience vacations with their loved ones. People visit family and relatives. Most people who win money say they are going to spend it to take a nice vacation. Newly married couples go on honeymoons. You are not selling something that is hard to sell. People contact you for help, you are not calling them or approaching them trying to sell them something they don't want.Educating the public is the main thing any travel agent must do. Most people put travel agents into the same category as real estate agents. They believe it costs additional to use a travel agent. This is untrue. In many cases a travel agent can get a better price than the general public through the suppliers who work only with travel agents. Many people do not know all the options for booking a vacation. A good travel agent does. Once people are educated on how a travel agent gets paid, they are more willing to work with travel agents. If a person knows that if he or she let you book a hotel and it will cost the same price regardless, she or he will work with you. It is important to let people know how you can help them save time and money on their travel arrangements.So how do you get into the industry? Many people think they must go to school or become certified. This is not true. You can get into the industry and begin training. I don't recommend anyone spend thousands on a travel school until he or she knows this is a career that he or she will really want to pursue. The truth is you do not have to spend thousands to get trained. There are many courses free to travel agents from suppliers. There are also organizations such as ICTA (Institute of Certified Travel Agents) who offer courses as you get more years experience in the industry. CLIA also offers courses. There are some agencies that will offer training. Even if you decide this is a career you would like to pursue, you do not need to spend thousands to become an educated and competent travel agent. There are many courses you can take with suppliers and organizations to get a better education in travel. I truly believe a hands' on approach is the best way to become a better travel agent. Learning to work with suppliers and how to find the information your clients need is an important part of becoming a good travel agent.How can you find an agency to work with? There are a few organizations dedicated to independent travel agents. NACTA and OSSN are the top organizations. NACTA stands for National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents. OSSN stands for Outside Sales Support Network. You can also search online for home-based travel agent programs. I would never recommend anyone spending a lot of money to start this business. It is key to first try and see if it is something you would really want to do and get training before you invest too much money into it. Get involved in the industry first and see if it is really a career that is best for you.Jennifer Dugan CTAOwner of Dugan's TravelsTravel agent since 1993http://www.duganstravels.comCopyright 2004 Jennifer Dugan

Vacation - Planning Tips for International Traveling

Dreams of the Pyramids haunt your days and nights; visions of Moscow's onion domes dance in your head; a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa appears in your mind's eye. If these images or something similar come often to mind for you, then it's time for you to take an international vacation.But, you say, I don't have time to plan a major vacation across the world, and even if I did, I don't know where to begin. There are some simple steps to planning a successful and exciting international vacation.To begin your planning, there are a few big decisions you need to make: "How much are you willing to spend? Where do you really want to visit? Are there things, such as specific attractions or certain quality hotels, that you are not willing to miss?" If you make these decisions in the beginning, you can save time and energy by looking only at trips that really interest you.Also, decide what can be provided for in your budget; perhaps, if you have the chance to see the Russian ballet while in Moscow, you will be willing to tweak your budget a bit to have this once in a lifetime experience.After making the major decisions concerning your travels, you can now decide how to organize the trip. Do you want to plan it yourself or pay someone else to do that?Travel agents can be extremely helpful, but before you choose an agent, talk to friends, family, and neighbors to find someone who has a good reputation with people you trust; also, be sure they are a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), which helps ensure the quality of the services they offer.Travel agents generally know the best deals, and they can connect you with an agent in the countries you're going to visit if you need help while you're there; this can be especially useful on an international vacation where you may not know the language.In addition, you will usually get lower prices by using a travel agent; however, a small service charge is often added to flight reservations. Generally, you don't actually pay the travel agents; they make the majority of their money from company commissions.Despite the relative ease of using a travel agent, some of us still want to plan our own vacations. Organizing your own vacation has become much easier in the past ten years with the Internet boom.Travel search companies such as Travelzoo, Expedia, and Priceline, have made travel planning easier than ever. You can go online and find a complete package that will help you set up your vacation.When putting together an international vacation, however, relying solely on internet research can be a drawback. If you do not know the language or culture of your target country, you should at least spend some time consulting with a travel agent.You will need to have information about visas, culture, and transportation, that may be difficult to find on your own. Even experienced travelers can get into bad situations when they're visiting an unfamiliar country.In summary, planning an international vacation can be as simple as consulting an agent or as creative as putting together an adventure online.If this will be your first trip out of the country, you might also consider finding a group to go with. Whatever you decide, remember your camera and have a wonderful time on your international vacation!Duane Bertani's articles on topics related to vacations are published at Flash Vacation and A Travel To .

Travel While Black and Never Go Back With a Travel Agent ID Card

"Driving while Black" has become an increasingly well known phrase. It is used to describe the discrimination faced by African Americans due to racially biased enforcement of traffic laws in the US. "Traveling while Black" may be a somewhat more foreign concept to non-Blacks but many people of color immediately recognize the terminology. African-Americans have long suffered injustice due to racial profiling. Discrimination while traveling is an important issue for Blacks and non-whites. All people of color must be aware of the potential for racially motivated complications while traveling. Blacksmust also educate themselves and know how to diminish the potential for problems. Renaissance Travel Group's ITA/CLIA Travel Agent, ID Card program shifts the power to Blacks making "Traveling While Black" a whole new experience.Blacks must equip themselves with the tools and information that will make traveling a more rewarding and safe experience for themselves and their loved ones in these difficult times. Heightened security in this post-911 era is of course necessary. The problems associated with "Traveling While Black," however, have increased along with these tightened security measures. Blacks can empower themselves to navigate through this difficult situation by exploring means of making themselves less vulnerable. Traveling with a certified travel agent ITA/CLIA ID card is a very effective way for Blacks to negate some of the potential problems while traveling domestically and abroad. Blacks can travel safely and with relatively more ease with this type of inexpensive identification. Careful preparation, mindfulness and taking advantage of tools, tricks of the trade and special travel agent incentives, credentials and perks can position Blacks to enjoy the kind of travel experiences that many others have secretly enjoyed for years.Whenever ordinary (oft times deficient) human beings are given power by a governing establishment, one can expect abuse. The best way to handle the abuse that will inevitably occur is to be prepared for it. Blacks can benefit by placing themselves in the most empowered and prepared position possible when traveling in the US and abroad. Blacks and their families can travel well, safely and securely with just a bit more preparation, planning and by an enhanced sense of community even while traveling domestically and abroad. Black CEO Bibi Jarvis with Renaissance Travel Group, LLC endeavors to help Blacks become aware of the many things they can do to make traveling less hazardous, more enjoyable and substantially less expensive.Here are some important tips and information that all African Americans and non-whites need to be aware of "Traveling while Black":1. Network With Your CommunityBe sure that you are aware of what is going on with a particular airline, new security procedures and how Blacks are receivedand being treated in various areas of the country and the world. Blacks should know what to expect when traveling to new places. Research the culture, openness to diverse visitors as well as the attitudes of law enforcement and security personnel. It is well worth the effort to ask around, communicate with Blacks who have already traveled or vacationed in the places you wish to visit. Be prepared. Connect with a Black travel agent and/or agency that can address your unique concerns and needs. Read as much as possible about the countries in which you plan to travel. Informing yourself about a nation's history , culture, customs and politics will make your stay more meaningful and less troublesome. Such information can be found in most libraries, bookstores and tourist bureaus. Although English is spoken in many countries, it is a good idea to learn what you can of the language of the country in which you will be traveling. Renaissance Travel Group agents are happy to provide brochures and tourist information about the countries that you wish to visit. Write TravelLBLacey@aol.com with specific questions on the destination of your choice.2. Select a Secure Hotel Many US corporations have hotels abroad that are owned by local businessmen and staffed by local workers but managed by first class US hoteliers. You usually can expect levels of safety and security that are consistent with US standards. Renaissance Travel Group can provide a list of recommended hotels. Check with the Regional Security Officer at the US Embassy for a list of hotels utilized by officials visiting the area. 3. More Than Just a Passport is Needed When Traveling AbroadTrouble-free traveling abroad requires a few other forms of identification along with a passport. For information on obtaining a passport contact: The Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs at http://travel.state.gov/ Due to heightened security a passport may not be sufficient to get you smoothly through all check-points, procedures etc. Always have several forms of valid photo identification. An excellent enhancement to identification credentials when traveling while Black is an authentic travel agent's ID ITA/CLIA card. It will identify you as a travel agent giving you the added benefit of status, VIP treatment while traveling and photo identification. Your Travel Agent ID card will also grant you financial advantages, discounts and deals that only travel agent's are privy to. Look into getting this card under the 'Independent Travel Agent' section at: http://FreeTravel.ResourceZ.com. Keep your passport and ID cards with you at all times. The only time that you should relinquish it is to the hotel if required by law when registering or if you are required to identify yourself to local authorities for any reason. 4. Get the Lowest Fare Rates AvailableNever search sites by hand looking for the best times and fares. It is impossible. There is a free software program called BoardingPass that searches over 200 sites instantly and will report back to you with the lowest fare available on the entire Internet with just one click. This saves you time and money and makes "Traveling while Black" an immensely more enjoyable experience. NBC News highlighted the free BoardingPass software on a news program about travel aired last year. To watch a clip of the NBC News report go to:To get your own free BoardingPass go to: http://FreeTravel.ResourceZ.com 5. Make Sure All Photo ID's Have a Recent Photo.Your driver's license, passport and/or ITA/CLIA card should have a recent updated photo. If your current hair including facial hair, glasses, etc., appear look noticeably different from your photo, seriously consider having all ID's updated to reflect this. Remember, some poorly trained and inept individuals working in airports only need the slightest provocation to hassle a person of color while traveling. Do not give them an easy excuse. Your identification should include two passport quality photographs. Photographs must be 22 inches in size. The image size from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should be between 1 inch and 13/8 inches. They may be in color or black and white. 6. Show Up Early and Book Early FlightsTravelers who are flying are being advised to arrive early to the airport. For domestic flights, they are asked to show up two hours before. For international flights, it's three hours. Although those following this rule normally end up wasting a lot of time at the airport waiting for their flight, if you are Black, it is very possible that you will be subject to much more scrutiny by security officers than other passengers. It is in your best interest to prepare for thispossibility than to allow someone to ruin your travel plans. Most airline trips are uneventful but the potential for problems always exists when Blacks travel. Steps can be taken, however, to greatly reduce your chances of encountering problems. Here is some advice for "defensive flying." When selecting a flight, remember that a departure early in the day is less likely to be delayed than a later flight, due to "ripple" effects throughout the day. If you book the last flight of the day, you could get stuck overnight. The more time you spend needlessly waiting around, the more your chances to run into some type of unforeseen problem increases. All African Americans should book and fly early!7. Items You Should Not Carry Since the 911 terrorist attacks, there have been a number of items added to the list of things which passengers are not allowed to bring with them when they travel, especially by air. There are also restrictions on how many items travelers can take with them. Make sure to call the airlines, train or bus you will be traveling with or go to their website to get this list of approved or disapproved items. Pack your bags accordingly so that you have no problems if and when you are asked to undergo a baggage check. If you are traveling in your personal car, avoid packing anything that might arouse suspicion (i.e. sharp objects, etc.) if you are stopped by local police for any reason. It might actually be a good idea to follow the guidelines for air travelers in this regard. You are scrutinized while traveling in the same way that you are profiled while driving. It is wrong...but it happens. Again, be prepared.8. Be Careful of What You PackYou could have your luggage searched, due to the heightened security measures. That is why you need to not only pack light, but also avoid packing any personal items you would not want a stranger to see. Avoid putting the following in checked baggage: Valuables (cash, jewelry). Don't rely on suitcase locks; they are easily defeated. Critical items (medicine, keys, passport, tour vouchers, business papers). Irreplaceable items (manuscript, heirlooms). Fragile items (camera, eyeglasses, glass containers). If these must be checked, wrap them carefully in padding. Perishables. Carry the above items either: on your person, or in a small bag that you carry on board. Put a tag on the outside of your baggage with your name, home address, and home and work phone numbers. Check with the airline for any limits it has on the size, weight, or number of carry-on bags. 9. AFRICAN AMERICANS: Absolutely Avoid ArrestAny person who physically assaults or threatens to physically assault a crew member or any other individual on an aircraft is subject to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 under Federal law. US Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration.* Drug Arrests About 3,000 Americans are arrested abroad each year. Of these, approximately one-third are held on drug charges. Despite repeated warnings, drug arrests and convictions are still a common occurrence. Many countries have stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce drug laws. If you are caught buying, selling, carrying or using any type of drug -- from hashish to heroin, marijuana to mescaline, cocaine to quaaludes - YOU WILL BE ARRESTED. You are subject to foreign laws overseas, not US laws, and, if arrested, you will find that: * Few countries provide a jury trial. * Trials are often long, with delays and postponements. * Most countries do not accept bail. * Pre-trial detention, often in solitary confinement, may last for months. * If you are convicted, you face a possible sentence of: 2 - 10 years in many countries A minimum of 6 years hard labor and a stiff fine in some countries The death penalty in a number of countries (e.g. Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey, Thailand, Saudi Arabia) US citizens have been arrested abroad on drug charges because they possessed just one ounce or less of marijuana. The risk of being jailed for just one marijuana cigarette is simply not worth it! Once you are arrested, the US consular officer CANNOT get you out of jail nor out of the country! There is a very serious chance that you could spend the rest of your lifein a foreign prison if you are caught abroad with any type of drugs. Be advised. 10. Keep At Least Two Photo IDs On You Be sure to carry two forms of identification at all times. If you are a green card or visa holder, be sure to carry these documents with you when you travel, along with an up-to-date passport. Even while traveling by car, carry at least one other picture ID with you apart from your license, such as a state ID. Make sure that all forms of ID that you are using have not expired, especially passports, visas, and green cards. Acceptable proof includes: previous US passport; Naturalization Certificate; Certificate of Citizenship; current, valid driver's license; government ID (city, state, or federal); CLIA/ITA Travel Agent ID Card, military ID (military and dependents); work ID (must be currently employed by the company); student ID (must be currently enrolled); Merchant Marines card (also known as a Seamen's or Z card); pilot or flight attendant ID. Note: Social Security cards are NOT acceptable as identification. Also, make sure that all of your IDs have the same name and are all spelled correctly to avoid any confusion. 11. Be Careful Crossing BordersForget the good old days of easy travel between the US and Canada border. Blacks are strongly urged to travel with all relevant documents just in case you are profiled because of your looks, religion or origin, travel with all relevant documents. That means a passport if you are citizen, green card if you are a resident alien and passport with visa if you are in any other capacity. Do not rely on anything else like a birth certificate, etc. Again, taking the time to get a travel agent ID card will make all your travels substantially more convenient, safer and cheaper. http://FreeTravel.ResourceZ.com12. Examine Your Airline Boarding PassTake the time to look at your airline boarding pass. If you see several strange looking markings or stars on it, it means you have been selected for extra security checks before you board your flight. That's why you should not waste too much time browsing at the airport's stores or in its restaurants before getting on the plane. Allow yourself more time and be ready. Stay calm, listen to all questions and answer carefully.13. Do not Confront While Being ProfiledDo not be offended if you are singled out. Remain calm and allow yourself to be subject to more scrutiny than other passengersbecause of the color of you skin, etc. Questioning why you are being singled out publicly may not be a good idea. It will only make people more suspicious of you, since they may think you have something to hide. Even worse, it may give the impression you are trying to break the law or resist arrest. It is in your best interest in this situation to just cooperate, be patient, and take detailed notes of what has happened, as well as the names of those involved. Just avoid confrontation.Know that you are not the first African American or person of color to be treated this way. Your community is with you inspirit and it needs you to get through the injustice unharmed and free. Stay calm.14. File Your ComplaintIf you notice officials have definitely discriminated against you, then note down all of the information on the spot with names, times, the location, and if there were any witnesses. From there, lodge a complaint against the airlines with the Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection Division. You can also call them at (202) 366-2220 or send an e-mail to airconsumer@ost.dot.gov. In addition, you can send detailed complaint letters to them at the following address:Aviation Consumer Protection DivisionUS Department of Transportation400 7th Street, S.W.Washington, D.C. 2059015. Avoid All Signs of TroubleTo diminish the risks of becoming an innocent bystander victim of a terrorist attack and reduce your exposure to the criminal threat, there are a number of things that you should remember when checking into an airport. In the event of a disturbance of any kind, go in the opposite direction. Do not get involved. Plan to check in early for your flight to avoid long lines at the ticket counter. Go directly to the gate or secure area after checking your luggage. (Secure Zone Area between security/immigration and the departure gate.) Avoid waiting rooms and shopping areas outside the secure areas. Stay away from glass wall areas and airport coffee shops which are open to the concourse or public waiting areas. 16. Check Travel Warnings and Consular InfoCountries where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets issued by the State Department. Public Announcements are a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world. They include such information as location of the US Embassy or Consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties. If an unstable condition exists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Travel Warning, a description of the condition(s) may be included under an optional section entitled "Safety/Security." As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to US citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the US or outside the US and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2 328. 17. Safety for Blacks While Traveling in NumbersIf possible, travel with at least two other people for not only safety and companionship, but also so that you have witnesseswho can testify on your behalf if you are subjected to discrimination or other problems. Group travel is also more cost effective and even convenient as group tours can be planned, arranged and prepared for you and your group. This is anotherhuge perk of traveling with your travel agent ID card. Renaissance Travel Group can have your entire group trip plannedfor you. Check out hot group travel deals and specials at http://www.Free2dream.TraveLogia.com18. Save Your ReceiptsMany Blacks and other non-whites accused of doing wrong were saved because they had some parking lot, or gas station receipt to prove they were not involved in wrongdoing at a certain time. In today's world, where Blacks are found guilty by association, it is important to be extremely vigilant. Collect your receipts no matter how useless they may seem. Such items can be invaluable to your defense if somebody is profiles you because of your looks, name or brown or black skin. Also, consider paying by credit card, which provides certain protections under Federal credit regulations. For example, in all recent airline bankruptcies passengers who had charged their fare and were not provided service were able to have their credit card company credit their account for the amount of the fare. Your credit receipt also provides further proof of youractions and whereabouts should the need arise.19. Write About What Happens to You and Share Your Experience Write about your stories of discrimination while traveling. It is important for us to write and preserve these experiences. It is not just about terrorism, it is about tyranny and racism. Today, it is Blacks and brown-skinned women and men who are targets. Tomorrow, it will be someone else. Connect and become part of the ACLU, Amnesty International and other organizations fighting for human rights and civil liberties. 20. Black on Black SupportResolve to share this and all helpful information that you receive with every other Black person you know. You could be saving someone's life without even knowing it. Blacks are in this together and will get through it together.Dedicate yourself to be being part of the solution. As more and more African American and non-white travelers discover the power of traveling with an exclusive ITA/CLIA Travel Agent ID card more and more people will be "Traveling While Black & Never Going Back"!ABOUT Renaissance Travel Group, LLCRenaissance Travel Group, LLC is owned by Black, female CEO, Bibi Jarvis. Our corporate affiliation is with is TraveLogia Corporation. ( Visit: http://www.Free2Dream.TraveLogia.com ) A major part of RTG's mission is to empower the Black community with the trillion dollar travel industry. The Black consumer and the Black non-profit organizations, churches, businesses and entrepreneurs benefit greatly from the information, resources, training and credentials Renaissance Travel Group makes available. Renaissance Travel Group is especially interested in connecting the African American/minority community with a powerful economic power source which will allow many individuals to start their own independent businesses, build wealth and get revenues that have been flowing out of the Black community flowing back into it. Renaissance Travel Group, LLC is actively seeking talented individuals of color and minority owned businesses for strategic partnerships, affinity groups and independent affiliation arrangements that are substantially and mutually financially beneficial to all parties involved. Qualified and interested individuals ate encouraged to contact us to arrange an interview and conference.Renaissance Travel Group, LLC makes available from time to time, specially reduced travel promotions, offers and travel club products and services. Some of these offers are in the form of travel vouchers. A tremendous amount of due-diligence goes into designing and selecting all of our programs and the suppliers that we work with. In fact, the suppliers that we do work with must comply with all Seller of Travel - Consumer Protection Laws, be registered in most cases with their State Attorney General's office, maintain Errors and Omissions Insurance, belong to leading Travel Industry Professional Associations and much more. No one is more concerned about quality and integrity that we are. We offer a valuable complimentary hotel accommodation package as a gift to all who desire it. There is no purchase necessary nor isit in any way associated with any timeshare presentation or any other such program. We are proud of that fact and encourage youto visit us and claim your free accommodations and BoardingPass software. It is yours for the asking with no obligations. We simply consider this the best way to help African Americans and other travelers discover our phenomenal company.The ITA/CLIA Travel Agent ID Card program is optimal for Blacks who wish to travel with prestige for exclusive travel agentrates. This type of certification is usually very costly and is not accompanied by a travel package. The travel package alone offers more travel than most people use in a year. Many people--mostly Blacks will pay a lot more for travel than they have to this year. Our goal is to help reduce the numbers of Blacks losing money by not taking advantage of sweet deals such as this. Renaissance Travel Group is very proud to offer the ITA/CLIA Travel Agent ID Card with Vacation Packageto African American travelers for just $399. The ITA/CLI identity cards with ITA Travel Package offers the following benefits: * Reduced airfares on major international airlines * Discounts in the United States and abroad, including transportation, accommodations, vacation specials, car rentals, etc. * 4-day, 3-night cruise to Bahamas or Enseneda, Mexico; * Airfare for 2 up to 8 times a year with discounted hotel (London, Jamaica, Cancun, Tahiti, Honolulu, California); * One companion flies free voucher; * Unlimited condo resort rentals at $319 (8-days, 7-nights); * 30 up to $100 off airfare coupons; * Car rentals...and more * International Travel Agent ID and recognition* Unlimited amount of FREE 3 day/ 2 night hotel accommodation gift packages to give to family and friends* Option to use ID and perks for personal travel only or to generate additional income or start one's own business as Independent Travel AgentFor more details and information about applying for ITA/CLIA Travel Agent identity cards, contact the Renaissance Travel Group, LLC. Or review information on 'Independent Travel Agent' at http://FreeTravel.ResourceZ.comThis article is provided to assist Black/African Americans and minorities in becoming more informed consumers of travel. If you should have any questions about our programs or others that you see in the marketplace, please feel free to contact us.LB Lacey, COO Renaissance Travel Group, LLCTravelLBLacey@aol.com1-401-849-2768Renaissance Travel Group, LLCWashington, DC Home Office1-571-239-8948READ MORE ABOUT RENAISSANCE TRAVEL GROUP: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003/9/prweb79887.php