Travel

NationalGeographic asked:

Late for school? A meeting? Just take a wormhole — you’ll be there before you know it.

ireland travel

Lesley Lyon asked:


A travel agent engages in purchase and sales of tour and related services of travel. Travel agents can be employees or they can do business independently. In the tourism industry if travel is considered as the leg for the industry, then the travel agents are the very important backbone of the whole system.

Even though the Internet has created revolutionary changes in the tourism industry, travel agency cannot be replaced. You are using the Internet as a travel agent for arranging your travel services. Websites of travel agents and travel suppliers are providing you their services depending totally on your needs.

As the travel industry is very competitive, being a travel agent is not an easy one. Travel agencies are under constant pressure like facing stiff competition among them and also with online portals and they have to survive with lower profit margin. There are travel agencies specializing on packages like honeymoon, health, water sports etc.

In the past, the travel suppliers used to sell their packages to the public through travel agencies. Nowadays, the usage of Internet for travel service by travel consumers has been increasing and so all the travel suppliers are opting for online travel agencies. The Travel Industry Trade Associations are linked with many Travel suppliers, Travel Wholesalers and Consolidators, though the travel suppliers have web sites on their own. The Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN) supports travel agents like home based, Independent contractors and outside sales agents with 100,000 members in it.

Being a travel consumer you can access the catalog e-vacation that includes reading of needed information and watching online videos of the destination you want to travel without any verbal communication with the travel agent. Some travel agents offer packages or services with mark up price and there are others who offer the product for the same price charged by the supplier and there is always a debate of these travel deals offered.

The United States State Department encourages group travel of US citizens while traveling abroad. The travel agencies understand this silent push and they offer services that are affordable to everyone at unbelievable price. Being a holidaymaker, there are stories revolving around them for bad services and rip-off stories. You must be wondering how to find a creditable agent for your travel services. Here are some ways by which you can find many travel agents who offer good travel services for you.

First, be clear with your travel objectives and look for travel agents offering all types of packages and travel services. Flexibility in the price offered for your travel service will make you feel comfortable with the travel agent and so a good agent must be ready for negotiation of prices with a customer. Get recommendation from other customers who have used the travel agency for their needs and always feed back is very powerful. Your network of contact will help you a lot and will give an idea of the travel agents’ competency.

Always choose agencies that wish to sustain good relationship with customers. These agents will give you the utmost benefits on the services provided by them because of expecting repeat business and for having long-term association with you. If you have found an agent who keeps his word and has offered you his best services, then you stick to him for all your travel needs.



ROSENDO

jayne asked:


I felt a Cleaving in my mind-
As if my brain had split-

I tried to match it- Seam by Seam-
But could not make them fit.

The thought behind, I strove to join
Unto the thought before-

But Sequence raveled out of sound
Like Balls- upon a floor.
–Emily Dickinson

travel agent

TheYoungTurks asked:

Watch more at www.theyoungturks.com

all-inclusive travel

Cynthia Andrews asked:


The main function of any travel agency is to, of course, act as an agent. This includes selling tickets and travel products, reservations, and so on, on behalf of one or several suppliers. Travel agents generally work with no charge to the traveler him or herself. Rather, the travel agent takes a small commission from the overall cost. Again, this isn’t added on top of the sale or anything like that. Rather, their commission is taken out of the advertised price.

So why go through a travel agent? Well, besides the simplicity and convenience, the main draw is that travel agents receive tickets at significant discounts.

This is pretty much how travel agencies work the world over. However, there are a few different types of travel agents…

General Sales Agents for Foreign Travel Companies

A general sales agent is something like a tourism ambassador. A company with its headquarters located in, say, Japan, might set up travel agency offices all around the world to encourage tourism to the country where their headquarters is located. The travel agent will still seek to find better deals for their customers (as, after all, that’s what turns a customer into a return customer), so they are not indebted to any one airline or hotel, but, they do tend to focus strictly on travel to, and within, the country where their headquarters is located.

Business and Commercial Travel Agencies

Most travel agencies have a department of business travel and a department of leisure travel. The needs for one traveler and the other tend to vary in a few significant ways, and so, splitting up the duties amongst a couple of departments can help to allow either department to specialize, finding better deals for business travelers on the one hand, and better deals for leisure travelers on the other. However, there are also travel agencies that specialize strictly in business and commercial travel. Incidentally, there aren’t a whole lot of agencies that restrict themselves solely to leisure travel.

By Class

In the United States, there are several main types of travel agencies: corporate-owned national chains, national/international franchises, membership associations — such as AAA — and independent, locally owned travel agencies with no brand or corporate affiliation. National chains will have the most consistent policies and pricing not matter where you go, and often the best international “hotline” customer service, but not always. Big-name franchises offer similar perks but different local owners can opt out of certain promotions and pricing specials. Membership-based associations are often less commission-focused since they rely on member fees. Independent agencies tend to cater to niche markets, such as assisting sports teams, church and school groups looking for inexpensive travel, and large group options.

Cargo Travel Agencies

A few travel agencies specialize in shipping cargo. Of course… that’s not entirely relevant if you’re looking to fly for business or personal reasons. Still, this should go to show how many different areas an individual agency can specialize in.

Online Travel Agencies

One of the real boons to the travel agency industry has been the use of the internet to allow travel agents to let their travelers compare a wide variety of options for hotels and airline tickets. Ironically, there was some fear for a period of time that, by selling tickets directly to travellers, the travel agencies would go out of business. However, a handful of travel agencies have proven that, even if you can find good deals yourself, there are still instances where a travel agency can find you an even better one. Many traditional bricks-and-mortar travel agencies now have full-service web sites so that you can get the best of both worlds: convenience of self-serve online booking with the benefit of talking to a real person when you need it.

Multi-Destination and Niche Agencies

If you want to split it up into just two types of travel agency, you have multi-destination and niche. Multi-destination out-bound travel agencies are usually larger, offering flights to just about anywhere. Niche agencies are usually independent, and focus on one specific part of the world. If you’re flying to say, Greece, you might find a niche agent who knows the area very, very well. Most of these niche agencies cater mainly to people with family in that country, or who do business there on a regular basis.

Consider your individual needs, preferences, and trip objectives when choosing your travel agent. Different types of agencies provide different levels and types of services. If you are a frequent globe trotter, you may want to use a large corporate travel agency with many branches in countries all over the world. Or you may view travelling as a treasure hunt or puzzle, where researching and finding the most off-the-map places is half of the fun. If this is the case, a niche operator may be just the right travel partner for you.



IAN

AssociatedPress asked:

Crowds of stranded travelers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport were drastically reduced, Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses were running and motorists found easier going Tuesday in a lull between snowstorms. (Dec. 23)

PHILLIP

Lisa Parker asked:


When you schedule a vacation, you have two main options - booking everything yourself or working with a travel agent. Although many think that they can save money if they do the work solo, you can often get special deals if you work with a travel agent. However, keep in mind that your vacation can be much improved if you ask the right questions. Here are the top questions you should ask your travel agent while making vacation arrangements:

Question #1: Can I get a better deal if I travel on different dates?

If your vacation time is somewhat flexible, you might be able to get a better deal. Originally, your travel agent will put together a package based on the exact departure and return dates your give him or her. However, if that total price still seems a bit high to you, inquire about changing your dates of travel, even if it is only by a day or two. You can usually get a better deal on flights, for example, if you travel on off-peak days, which are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Hotels may have similar mid-week rates, and some tourist attractions even have different rates for weekdays rather than weekends. Before you cut your vacation short, ask about moving the entire schedule by a day or two - you might be pleasantly surprised at the recalculated price.

Question #2: Are the tickets refundable?

When you work with a travel agent, you will probably be booking your vacation months in advance. In that time, circumstances in your life can change. But often your tickets are not refundable if you choose to cancel the trip, nor can they be exchanged if you want to alter some details of your vacation plans. Sometimes, even if the airlines, hotels, etc. allow you to change or cancel, your travel agent requires a cancellation fee for the time she put into planning your vacation. Make sure you discuss these potential charges before you begin working together. Also, if reservations can be exchanged, note whether deadlines are from the date of ticket issue or the date of travel. Policies vary from company to company.

Question #3: How much is your fee?

It is not impolite to ask about the surcharges. While you may feel weird asking upfront about money, this is the best way to find a travel agent who will stick to your budget while still getting you a great vacation. If Travel Agent A charges 10% while Travel Agent B charges just 5%, you will get a much nicer $5,000 vacation with the second agent because less of your total budget is being paid for fees. Also, it is important to review pricing policies before you start working together so that you are both clear on your overall budget. If you do not specify that your total budget amount includes the travel agent’s fee, you could find hundreds of dollars tacked onto the end when it is all said and done.

Question #4: Where can I find more information about my destination?

Travel agents will usually give you some brochures and other information about your vacation location. However, if you want to do even more research, ask your travel agent where you can get started. He or she might have some excellent books you can borrow or know other great websites chock full of travel information for people unfamiliar with a particular destination.

Question #5: Do I need a passport or visa?

Laws regarding travel documents are changing all of the time. If you are traveling anywhere outside of the United States, even if it is just through international waters, make sure that you understand what documents or permissions you need to travel legally. Although many travel agents will give you the information you need when you first begin working together, some assume that you are taking care of this yourself. “What do I need to travel to my destination?” should be one of the first questions out of your mouth when booking a vacation and it is a good idea to continuously double check this information, as laws may change. Remember, you should apply for travel documentation at least three months before leaving - and in some cases, even earlier. If you do not have the proper documentation, you will be stuck in the United States, and you likely will not be refunded for the vacation you missed.

Your travel agent should be willing to answer all of the above-listed questions and more. That is their job - making your vacation go as smoothly as possible. When choosing a travel agent, make sure that you find one who is friendly, knowledgeable, and able to answer whatever questions you might have about your vacation and travel plans.



last minute travel

Jan R asked:


I stayed at a hotel for a continuing education course. Do I report that as part of my educational expense deduction, or as a business travel expense on my tax return? Thanks!

HUEY

John Jackson asked:


1. For how many years was Ravel sentenced to work as an indentured servant?
(2 points)

2. How was Ravel’s situation different from that of slaves?
(3 points)

air travel

Tango Travel asked:


Incite Dance Floor Wishes On Your Tango Travel

Your tango travel is just the starting point of a passion that can last all your life, so, if you really want to go on practicing the tango and master the movements, it is fundamental that you inspire good dancers to ask you to dance. Even if you are not a good dancer, expert dancers will be asking you to the dance floor if you can communicate the correct message.

Every tango travel is a perfect venture to grasp some of the “leads” to prompt passion, since you will be seeing professionals and directed by instructors to use these.

It is indispensable that you learn to follow gracefully from one movement to the next, from form to form. It is a delight to dance with whom permits and likes to be led.

Be flirtatious. Even if you are not a proficient dancer, yet you are playful, good dancers will lead you to the dance floor. Tango has everything to do with laughs and coquetry also; a gorgeous smile and personality denote lots of energy.

A thing you will recognize during your tango travel, is the necessity to permanently improve your abilities. It is pleasing when you surprise other performers with better steps.

In tango, it is essential that you show your physical attributes to attract adept partners. Inspire the imagination and passion while dancing and you will dance the night away.

Seek friendship with the good dancers. The tango is a social activity, it is required that you talk to the dancers if you wish to dance all night. Think of stimulating themes to laugh about and feel at ease.

An aspect of the character of the tango is being audacious. On your tango travel, you will watch women and men asking others to the dance floor. Hence, ask! If your attitude is receptive, fun and one of control, you will unquestionably dance a lot.

As you will validate on your tango travel, passionate tango performers dance until sunrise. Come late and leave last and you will have the best executioners at your feet.

Even good performers were unskilled at one point. If you identify a novice with possibilities and make friends with them, they will positively recall you when they are on top and will permanently seek you to dance, since you helped them when they were insecure and novices to tango. Likewise, skilled executers are exceptional at welcoming beginners by inviting them to the dance floor a lot. It is their way of giving back to everyone who helped them when they tripped and even bruised their partners.

You will sense it on your Tango Travel; performers feel more stimulated once they met you after having class jointly. During class, you express your desires and sensitivity, and they see what kind of follower you are.

The most crucial truth to grasp to be invited to dance on your tango travel is that proficient dancers are are aroused by tango, so, demonstrate your unique version of this love, be yourself and savor the experience of your life.



air travel