Don’t choose your next traveling agency by the cleverness of the sales call or the glossiness of the ad. The travel agency is still the easiest and most utilized way to book travel of any kind. Even with the internet and all of the discount travel websites, people and businesses still prefer to make their travel arrangements through a traveling agency. Why? Not only does it save time, it may also save you money, and the traveling agency can walk you through the process to get you the best possible travel package no matter where and when you are traveling.

The ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) is the organization that provides training and continuing education for agents from any traveling agency that displays their logo. This logo can also be displayed by any traveling agency online or any individual travel agent that has gone through the certification and training. Why is all of this information important? It is important because you have a greater assurance of quality service and product delivery from this type of traveling agency. The agents who work in such an agency often have specialized training in business travel, cruises, Caribbean vacations, ski trips, or some other area of travel expertise.

Have you ever received a letter or a phone call from a traveling agency telling you that you have “won” a trip to some exotic location in a fabulous resort and all you have to do is to give them your credit card number for a small processing fee? You may have recognized this as a travel scam. But not all scams are this obvious. Sometimes the agency or agent will promise you a beautiful travel package and you will not find out until you get there that your luxury hotel is a better home to roaches than people. You can check out these agents and agencies through the BBB or BBB Online and also through the ASTA. Just exercise extra caution when it sounds like a deal that is too good to be true.

Don’t be surprised when you are charged a small fee by your travel agency. This is a necessary adaptation in the industry to make up for the loss of airline commission and other expenses. But the convenience and expertise may just be worth the added cost.

By: Eriani Doyel

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Become a travel agent and capitalize on reaping the benefits of 7 trillion dollar and counting industry. The travel industry is probably the largest in the world and America is in the top 3. The internet continues to literally explode with opportunities and home based businesses really rocket into the limelight.

Air travel has come a long way since its humble beginnings and today it is possible to fly to the farthest corners of the earth without any difficulty whatsoever. More people are being attracted to flying overseas for annual vacations and business travel. If you have landed on this page don’t go away – you can read all about the benefits you will enjoy when you become a travel agent.

Once you take a look at the grand benefits you can avail of when you become a travel agent my guess is there will be no turning back.

A travel agent gets to save as much as 80 percent on travel to several of the world’s finest resorts and travel destinations. General discounts include but are in no way limited to:

• Complimentary upgrades on airlines
• Hotel room discounts
• Hotel room upgrades
• Car rental discounts and upgrades
• Discounted or even complimentary cruises
• Vacation package discounts and benefits
• Earn visits and discounts to theme parks, shows and attractions
• Luxury cruise discounts of up to 70 percent
• Comprehensive training

You could become a travel agent and enjoy familiarization (FAM) trips; supplier offer these trips to travel Professionals to familiarize them with the facilities and gain first hand knowledge about an airline, hotel, travel destination, etc. A travel Professional cannot be an effective sales person if they have never actually experienced the joy of visiting a particular place; flying a particular airline or staying at a particular hotel. This first hand knowledge will help convince clients that the agent is knowledgeable and knows what he or she is talking about.

When you travel a distinct benefit is the fact that suppliers roll out the red carpet for you. They tend to go overboard in convincing you that their hotel or package is the best on the market.

Independent travel agents can avail of tax benefits and you need to check this with a CPA or professional tax authority to get the right information.

Travel Professionals earn travel agent commissions on travel undertaken by clients and self.

For the people who enjoy traveling, when you become a travel agent it is like a dream come true – you get to fly to so many travel destinations and enjoy other parts of the world while fulfilling the travel urge in you.

You will need to do your research to find a good company to tie up with depending on whether you want to be an independent travel Professional or work with a big travel agency. You will also need a license to become a Certified Travel Professional need to do research on companies who offer independent travel agent.

By: Shafi Farooqui

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With all the wonderful places and sights that South America has to offer, it is hard to decide which ones you should go to first. One of the places you just have to see is of course the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago is one of the strangest and interesting places on Earth, located 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. There are 13 major islands, and five of these are inhabited by humans. The rest of them are home to some of the most diverse species of wildlife ever together in one location. From tortoises, sharks, seals and other land and marine animals, as well as a multitude of plant and birds species. There are an abundance of different ways to see this remarkable area, from cruises, to Eco-tours, you will have no problem finding ways to visit here.

Another must see place to go if you are in South America is the Amazon Rain Forest. This is one of the largest rainforests in the world, and mainly accessed only by boat, because of how dense the forest is. There are many different river boat tours to choose from, and for a truly unique experience, try the Ariau Amazon Towers, the largest and only tree house hotel in the world. This is truly a one of a kind adventure, and the whole hotel and resort is completely at tree top level, above the jungle floor. You can experience a wide variety of Eco-tourist activities here, from swimming with rare pink dolphins, hiking through the rugged rainforest, adventuring up the Amazon river, or simply relaxing in one of them most luxurious hotels in the world the choice is yours. This is one of Discovery Channel’s thousand places to visit before you die.

High above the sea and an altitude of over 12,500 feet is another place that you have to visit when in South America is of course Lake Titicaca. This lake is the biggest freshwater lake in all of the continent, and is on the border of Bolivia and Peru. It has some of the bluest dark water that is unlike anywhere else on Earth. High in the Andes mountains, the Inca people believe that their god Virococha was born on the Island of the Sun, one of lake islands. Los Uros, otherwise known as the Floating Islands is actually a man made island, created some 500 years ago by Indians who fled to the lake, and created it out of reeds, which are constantly being rebuilt.

While in this area, another great sight to behold is the ruins of Machupichu, Lima, and the Inca Trail. Be sure to bring warm clothes, and realize that this area is higher in altitude that most places, so you want to take your time and not over work yourself. There are many other places to explore like Patagonia, which stands for “Land of the Big Feet.” and was first discovered by Ferdinand Magellan.

With so many places to choose from, the best thing you can do is go online and explore some of the South America travel websites. You can easily find cruises and Eco-tourism adventures, the official Ariau Amazon Towers website, as well as many others. Whether you want tours of Macu Picchu, or go kayaking on Lake Titicaca, or anything in between, you can find something to fit your plans and budget.

By: Nathan Richardson

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Shopping

Alpaca The fashion police would not approve of the plethora of sweaters with tassels and pictures of llamas, but it is possible to get a beautiful real alpaca sweater that doesn’t make you look like a cartoon tourist. Baby alpaca is just about the softest most wonderful wool and if you pay a bit more, you can get the genuine article in a range of modern, stylish designs. Weaving Of all types and styles. There are mass produced colorful textiles, antique weavings using natural dyes and some fabulous, complex modern takes. Good places to find out about the various pieces of clothing, the significance of the patterns and the skills involved, is the Inca Museum or the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco

Jewellery Silverware is the specialty of Cusco and Peru in general. Cusco is a great place to find some fine, hand crafted unique pieces. Ilaria has some exquisite original pieces often inspired by Inca designs. For more contemporary, chunky designs Jewely Esma in San Blas is a good choice. Chimu has funky pieces inspired by Chimu cluture and Spondilus uses gemstones in a stylish, sophisticated way.

Other clothes The cool San Blas district has a growing selection of shops selling individually made creations. There are some cool funky Inca inspired T shirts or shops like Hilo whose hip, alternative creations are tailor made to fit perfectly.

Art When you hear of the Cusco School of Art, this isn’t the myriad paintings of Andean children and Cusco scenes on sale around the main square. It refers to the local Andean take on the Spanish style of the 16th Century. It’s characterized by religious icons, gold and oddities like guinea pig at the last supper. There are plenty of examples on view but if you prefer your art more modern, local artist Elena Mendoza Altamirano’s labour of love is the Fractal Dragon Gallery. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, the gallery displays the best of local up and coming artists.

Body and Soul

Spa Don’t get put off by the touts offering massages. This isn’t the whole story as there are plenty of affordable and professional spa opportunities in Cusco and around. A local characteristic is the combination of spa treatments with Andean rituals of purification and the use of local herbs in therapies. The uninspiring location of Yin Yang in the shopping center on Av Sol is deceiving: they are massage pros and are happy to come to the hotel. Inka Spa gets great reviews for its massages and ritual treatments starting at $25. If all you really want is a bath, then head to Siluet for no-nonsense jacuzzi and sauna.

Yoga The Sacred Valley has an increasingly wide range of places for retreats, shamanic rituals and yoga. San Blas also has some excellent yoga centers with internationally qualified teachers. Yoga Inbound in the Casa de Cultura on Carmen Alto do excellent Ashtanga Vinyasa classes as well as teacher training. Yoga Spirit Peru offers daily classes as well as biweekly free classes near the ruins of Sacsayuaman. Do yoga outdoors high above the city and next to a huge Inca fortress.

Drink Because of its position as one of the premier tourist destinations in South America there is a huge range of local and international places to eat and drink. For a taste of sophistication, Baco is THE place for a quiet glass of wine, Jack’s Café is famous, always busy and the coffee lovers favorite, for a boisterous, beery night, Paddy’s is the old Irish standard. If you prefer tea and cake, check out the cool couches at The Tea Rooms.

Food Lovers of all things food you can do no worse than head to the main market in San Pedro. There you’ll find all the herbs, spices, fruit and other produce that make up the hugely varied range of Peruvian cuisine. Did you know that there are over 2, 000 kinds of potato or that the tomato came from Peru?

Salsa It used to be that taking a salsa class in Cusco was an excuse for young men to chat up cute foreign girls. No longer the case, genuine and legitimate salsa schools are popping up all over the place. The non- profit Fair Salsa has a troupe of salsa professionals whose one to one instruction will help you swing those hips on the dance floor.

Lou and Steph are two sophisticated British ladies who have all lived in Cusco. What are their top travel tips are for the ladies to do after their grueling Inca Trail Trek?

Steph loves both hiking and a bit of pampering in a spa. Her travel tip for girls of all ages is to head out to the Sacred Valley for an easy-going but beautiful walk down the Inca terraces of Chinchero. Conveniently, the trail finishes near Aranwa, one of the newest, most luxurious hotels around, and the home of a fabulous spa. For eating, Steph’s favourite splurge is Ciccolia for tapas, wine and gossip.

Steph says “I have tried many yoga classes in all sorts of places around the world and her firm favourite is Inbound yoga for its welcoming atmosphere and dedicated teachers”.

Lou loves San Blas for shopping and people watching. Her travel tip for girls is take it easy in the small square of San Blas. In San Blas is a mix of hippies, local artists and tourists, and families and at the top of the square there is a sunny spot with a couple of outdoor coffee shops where you have a great view of what’s going on. Lou is a lady who likes to lunch so you’ll often find her at Jack’s café swapping gossip with all-female staff.

By: Karen Ward

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Cancun – located at the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula – is one among the hottest spring break destinations in the United States. Every year the island resort welcomes more than 200,000 spring breakers, especially American college students. Cancun is regarded as the world’s largest destination for collegiate spring breakers from the U.S.

The tropical paradise offers everything needed for a memorable spring break vacation. The perfect weather, the beautiful white sand beaches, the warm ocean waves, and the unlimited recreational activities are some of the many reasons for choosing Cancun as a top spring break destination.

Many celebrity events, including MTV’s spring break program, are hosted at the beachside. Cancun also offers a wide variety of water sport activities including windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing. Throughout the city, you can find a fine number of hotels and resorts, to make your vacation a great one. At night, dozens of nightclubs and bars open their doors to incredible light shows and theme parties.

A U.S. citizen traveling to Cancun should carry a valid passport or a state-issued birth certificate. Non-US citizens should contact the Mexican Tourist Board or the nearest consulate for entry requirements. All minor travelers should have a tourist card, which can be obtained from Mexican Consulates, airline check-in counters or travel agencies.

In Cancun, government-regulated taxis are available for public transportation. Public bus service is available at an affordable rate, around $.50 per ride. Before renting mopeds or other vehicles, it is always advisable to purchase third-party insurance.

Due to the increase in the number of violent incidents, law enforcement is out in full force during the spring break. The legal drinking age in Cancun is 18 years, even though it is not uniformly enforced. Drinking in public places, streets and public transport vehicles is strictly prohibited. No firearms should be carried in vehicles. The law can impose harsh penalties for violations.

You can book Cancun spring break vacations from your trusted local travel agent. It is always better to depend on an agency which is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Moreover, find out whether they offer any special spring break vacation package.

By: Jennifer Bailey

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The fastest way to get a passport will allow you to get your travel document the same day. Routine service takes from four to six weeks and expedited service through an acceptance facility or by mail takes from two or three weeks. When you cannot wait that long, then you have to get your application to a regional passport agency.

Regional passport agencies serve American citizens who must travel out of the country in two weeks or less. Individuals who also need to obtain visas for the countries they plan to visit can submit their passport applications at the regional agencies up to four weeks before their departure dates. All requirements for the type of passport service you need still apply when visiting a regional agency.

Passport application processing agencies can be found in several major cities throughout the United States. A couple of new centers were opened in 2009 and the State Department has plans to open another in Buffalo, New York in 2010. Agencies are located in Aurora (Co.), Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Norwalk (Ct), Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson and Washington DC.

In order to apply for a passport at a regional agency, you first have to set up an appointment by phoning 1-877-487-2778. Due to the high demand, it often takes several attempts to get through to the automated system. It is possible that the next available appointment is later than you can wait. In this case, you have two alternatives.

One thing you can do if you have difficulty scheduling an appointment is merely show up at the nearest passport agency. While the State Department states that applicants need to make an appointment and they have no obligation to receive applicants from those who do not schedule one, I have never heard of anyone being turned away. In fact, many travelers have shared how they were able to get same day passports without an appointment.

A second option you have if you are unable to set up an appointment or you just do not have time to get to a regional agency is to authorize a professional expediting service to submit your application in your place. Expediters have been around for decades and are a reliable means for getting your passport fast. Just be sure to choose one that allows you to request their services online and has good reviews and ratings with prior customers.

If you are in a hurry, applying at a regional passport agency is the fastest way to get a passport. Whether you do it yourself or go through an expediter, you can obtain your travel document as quickly as the same day.

By: William Manor

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The yearly Vinos y Bodegas (wines and wineries) event in Buenos Aires is a major highlight for the city’s many wine fans and offers an interesting introduction to Argentine wine for wannabe connoisseurs enjoying an Argentina vacation.

The exposition takes place in the first weeks of September and draws a huge number of Argentina’s most popular wine makers, setting up stall to show off their best labels to professional connoisseurs along with the wine-loving general public.

The exhibition includes displays on the country’s many wine growing areas plus tastings and advice for developing the palate and recognizing the subtle variations in scents and flavors. Vinos y Bodegas is comprised of two sections: an invite only session and a public session, which costs AR$60.

For would be connoisseurs who travel to Argentina at any other time, Buenos Aires offers countless other chances to get a taste of Argentina’s best labels, often in cellars that are owned and operated by the most famous vineyards.

A popular and trendy choice is the Lobby Wine Bar, where the walls are lined with hundreds of empty bottles, d?cor that reflects the bar’s almost endless wine list. The Lobby is another stylish nightspot popular among BA’s hip young crowd. Nicaragua 5944, Tel: 4770 9335.

An alternative choice for the discerning customer is Gran Bar Danzon, well known for its low key ambiance and comfortable furniture, plus its enormous variety of quality wines. And just in case that isn’t enough, the bar also boasts a large Asian-based menu.

Casa Coupage is a more unusual establishment, and is actually part of the owners’ own home. The owners offer specialist advice on tasting techniques, along with information on the wines’ origin and the differences between Argentina’s grape growing regions. Group sessions are held every Wednesday and private sessions are available. Guernes 4382, Tel: 4833 6354.

For the more serious connoisseurs, wine tastings at the exclusive Terroir can be booked starting at AR$250 a head. Guests are expected to be reasonably knowledgeable and to do some background reading before arriving. Probably not the best choice for wine tasting beginners! Buschiazzo 3040, Tel: 4778-3443.

By: Matthew Barker

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If you’re planning to go away for a vacation why not take part in the eco-friendly adventure to South America. South America is a continent located at the southernmost section of the Western Hemisphere. It is identified as the fourth biggest continent in the world and is separated into twelve autonomous nations namely: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela and French Guiana. Sometimes this continent is known as Latin America, because the majority of South American countries speak Spanish.

Basically, South America tours place emphasis on different activities that truly make for a wonderful experience of a lifetime. The tour mainly involves a variety of fun activities such as rafting the Amazon River, trekking the Inca Trail, traveling around the Islands of Galapagos, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain climbing, soaking up sun on the beach, driving around the continent and a lot more. Hence, you can truly savor a unique experience and leisure pursuit.

Whatever you wish to do, South America tours definitely have the right package for you. Lots of travel opportunities are offered – encompassing diverse expeditions throughout Latin America specifically in Argentina, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Brazil and Peru. The highlight of the entire exploration is centered on introducing the indigenous culture and majestic sceneries of the Andes Mountains, Amazon River, Galapagos Islands and Patagonia desert.

There are so many spectacular panoramas that you will relish when you go on a South American trip. South America tours really open a door of opportunity for you to make the most of your time off. So, don’t be bothered by the hassles of planning your trip. There are numerous travel agencies that can assist you, whether it is on the trip planning, guides, price cuts on hotel accommodation, air travel and more.

By: Kristy Annely

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Each cruise has something unique to offer to all its vacationers, and no stone is left unturned in catering to their luxury needs. It is now easy to book a cruise journey, by contacting an authorized travel agent or registering online and availing of the automated services that offer the best deals at the lowest prices. Since cruises are becoming increasingly popular, there is a constant effort to attract the crowds by offering better deals and more fun-filled activities.

Online travel agencies give detailed information about the fares and special packages that are mostly available round the year. Cruises are always crowded during popular travel seasons. Hence, it is advisable to have the bookings done in advance. Since online travel agencies tend to offer the most competitive rates, many consider them the best option for booking a cruise.

Booking a cruise on the Internet is simple and easy. When searching for an online cruise site, it should be remembered that the official cruise liner site will usually charge higher cabin rates than the online cruise discounters. There are also special and dedicated sites that provide all the information about various different cruises. They offer the best rates and an exclusive booking engine that can swiftly put together a cruise package in a few minutes.

Online travel suppliers and Internet cruise companies deal with the cruise lines in a different way. They either pre-purchase the cabins at a very low discounted price, or can be directly linked to the cruise line?s inventory database system. With this powerful online system, they can pass these great deals directly to the consumer. The customer ends up saving a lot of money when booking through these online travel agencies. Moreover, online bookings let the customer plan the entire vacation from the comfort of his home or office. It is always better to make sure that all doubts and queries are cleared before making the reservations online. Contacting the cruise line through the customer service departments or email is the best way to resolve all doubt.

By: Eric Morris

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There are only about a dozen major river cruise companies, but dozens and dozens of web sites published by various travel agencies that handle or specialize in river or canal cruises. Problem is, a thorough study of several of them shows that they are all promoting the very same cruises.

Let’s find out why. In most cases, the river cruise companies – the people who actually own and operate the boats – have to set their schedules many months ahead. The 2011 schedules will make it to the internet sometime late in 2010. They have to take into account the weather, docking, loading and unloading, turnaround time, mechanical problems, crewing, etc. etc.

In other words, it’s quite a chore just to set up one simple week-long cruise. Now multiply that by dozens of warm-weather weeks – plus some run well into the winter

So, the river cruise companies set the schedule, choosing rivers, routes, dates, and length of cruise, which boat will go where, etc. etc. When you go through an agent or tour company, they are using the very same information you can get directly from the cruise operators.

Does it make sense to deal directly with the cruise company? Well, that depends, but they more than welcome your direct participation.

Cruise tour or travel agencies may lease a boat from a cruise company or, more than likely, will just sell the various itineraries offered by the cruise operators. Some agencies may offer hundreds of possibilities, world-wide.

There are about a dozen major river cruise companies that handle a very, very large majority of the river cruises with their very own fleets. However, the system has been reasonably perfected and is so seamless, that it’s almost impossible to determine who owns what and why.

However, it doesn’t make much difference and if you feel comfortable dealing with a reputable travel or river cruise agency, go for it. The basic difference is that the travel or tour company usually deals with multiple cruise companies so they have a broader and more comprehensive list of possibilities. A cruise company is usually limited to its own offerings.

To top it off, there has been a spate of mergers and buy-outs that have changed the face of the river cruising industry, hopefully to make a good product even better. Keeping that in mind, here are the major river cruise companies listed in alphabetical order.

Many of these websites have pictures, diagrams, schedules, and sometimes videos. They are quite informative and well done.

AMA Waterways River Cruises (Formerly Amadeus) Extreme luxury riverboat cruising in Europe, Russia, Portugal and Spain.

Arosa or A-rosa is marketed primarily to the German speaking market. Expect occasional smoke filled rooms and public announcements in German.

Avalon Waterways is a new company formed by Globus and Cosmos. Its cruises are intended for American passengers and American tastes. Fleet operates in Europe, Egypt, and China.

CroisiEurope offers river cruises intended for French speaking passengers with other nationalities welcomed. French food and French chefs add to the flavor. As well as longer cruises, CroisiEurope offers several short (2, 3, 4, & 5 day) cruises on the Rhine and its tributaries. Croisi offers river cruises throughout Europe, China and Vietnam/Cambodia, as well.

ewaterways is a new line that owns its own fleet and charters from others. Offers riverboat cruises in Europe, China, Egypt, Thailand, Australia and canal barging in Scotland, England, Venice, Ireland, and, of course, France.

Grand Circle Travel basically serves retired Americans. Highlights prime docking in the center of many cities. Europe, Russia, and Egypt.

Imperial River Cruises has a fleet of ships that specializes in riverboat cruises in Russia and Ukraine.

Orient Express is more than a train ride. They offer canal boat cruises primarily in France. Luxurious accommodations on a riverboat cruise in Myanmar (formerly Burma).

Peter Deilmann River Cruises pioneered river cruising. They build their own vessels and market primarily to North American, British, and German passengers. They offer over 300 itineraries. On board announcements are typically in English and German.

Scylla is a river cruise boat charter company. Announcements in German. Smoking permitted only on the open deck. Its fleet is leased to others and operates on most of the main European rivers.

Sea Cloud Cruises has a fleet of two – the most upscale cruisers in Europe. Sea Cloud often runs charters for other operators. English and German announcements.

Tauck Cruises has several new ships and offers riverboat cruises in Europe and on the Nile and Yangtze Rivers. One of the largest tour companies, as well.

Uniworld manages a very large fleet. Offers cruises in Europe, Russia and China. Tends toward American passengers. Has it own dedicated river cruise line based in Europe.

Value World Tours uses chartered vessels for cruises in Europe, Egypt, the Balkans and Russia. English announcements. Offers tours in Europe, Burma, (Myanmar), Cambodia, China, Laos, Russia and the Ukraine.

Viking River Cruises is perhaps the world’s largest river cruise company. Offers a plethora of cruises throughout the world.

By: Don E Johnson

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