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It is everyone’s dream, at some point in their lives, to travel the globe. Our planet earth is a huge place, with seven continents and over a hundred and ninety countries. For sure, there are more than enough destinations to visit in a lifetime! Needless to say, to travel the globe requires a plan – not just any plan but a sound plan that will take care of all the details, and be flexible enough to change at a moment’s notice. A flexible travel plan is necessary because there are other unforeseen factors that may affect even the best of traveling plans. For example, career change, family priorities and so on. Yes, despite life’s demands, many will still continue to travel the world. What is so attractive about traveling?Common reasons why people like to travel the globe. There are many reasons why people like to travel. Some travel for leisure, some travel for business, while others travel for the sake of different experiences. Traveling for leisure – Many families like to travel on a yearly basis just to take a long deserved break from work. People who are traveling for leisure can look forward to shopping, water sports, or life night entertainment. For those who prefer a more peaceful trip, they can look forward to a comfortable stay in luxury hotels, massages offered by health parlors, or lazy afternoons by the seaside. Traveling for business – These are the aggressive executives, usually with endless energy. A business trip will give a very different experience compared to a leisure trip. Chances are, business trips are often tightly packed with meetings and appointments, leaving little time for sight seeing. Still, these trips allow travelers to come in contact with people of different cultures, and may provide priceless life experiences. Traveling for personal growth – Some people just want to enjoy experiencing different things. These are the more adventurous people, seeking to learn more about life. Some seek excitement, while others just seek to learn more about the people in different countries. These reasons may change as one progresses through life. But for whatever reason, any trip – whether for leisure, business or personal growth – will require a sound travel plan.Putting together a sound travel plan For a start, think about your own personal goals and objectives. Based on these goals, how would you organize your travel plans? It may be a good idea to start traveling to nearby continents. That could take years. After that, you may consider visiting other continents, one country at a time. The more trips you take, the more traveling experience you gain. As a result, your traveling plans may also change. It’s easy to come up with an overly ambitious travel plan and end up feeling overwhelmed. If so, simply narrow down the scope of the destinations. Conquer these destinations one at a time. You can always add new destinations along the way if you like. It is beyond the scope of a single article to discuss in depth about travel plans. But a good place to start would be to visit travel gateways. These are travel websites that offer valuable information that may help you in your planning. So visit travel websites, and use the information to help you travel the globe.

For business meetings or for vacation holidays, people do travel a lot. There are certain things that you ought to remember such as backpacking habits, favorable weather conditions and (Global Positioning System) GPS to make your travel a lot safer.
To make your wilderness tour better, you need to focus on certain backpacking travel tips. For example, while hiking, chances are more to get dehydrated, hence you need to carry at least two bottles of water to avoid dehydration. If there is no water source nearby your hiking zone, then make sure that you drink enough water. Urine indicates the level of dehydration. Urine may be bright yellow in color, if you are feeling dehydrated.
Effective Travel Tips:
Look at the weather conditions frequently. It is good if you charge your cell phone battery fully. Turn on your cell phone only in emergency cases. A GPS unit may help to give you appropriately in the direction of your journey.
One more vital tip, while hiking or wild tour is to have a good quality tent, because this will be your home throughout your journey. Make sure the tent you will be using is light in weight and must be capable to protect you from weather conditions. Good tents have enough space.
When traveling with your family, it will be better to take suggestions from your kids or parents to select the location for holidays.
Security consulting agencies have rated few countries as world’s most dangerous countries for tourists. These ratings are given based on certain factors such as terrorism, kidnapping, criminality rate and geopolitical instability.
Travelers/tourists need to avoid visiting these countries. If you still wish to visit these places, then travel with professional bodyguards only. Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are among the world’s dangerous countries.
Another one of the most beneficial travel tips is to insure your life under a travel insurance policy, especially when you are travel in such dangerous countries.
Many travel insurance providers offer travel insurance plans for these types of journeys. Insurance agencies may cancel your policy under Federal recommendations in some places. In addition, these plans may not cover injuries due to terrorist activities or war situations. Look for those plans that also include medical coverage.
Other Vital Travel Tips:
You may rent a car for traveling on roads. There are few tips to save money on fuel, as fuel prices are increasing day-by-day. If you are traveling alone, a small-sized car may be the perfect choice as small cars give more mileage. Cars with manual transmission have more power and more mileage than cars with automatic transmission. In addition, renting a car with automatic transmission is high. A GPS enabled car saves lots of time and money to travel througFor business meetings or for vacation holidays, people do travel a lot. There are certain things that you ought to remember such as backpacking habits, favorable weather conditions and (Global Positioning System) GPS to make your travel a lot safer.
To make your wilderness tour better, you need to focus on certain backpacking travel tips. For example, while hiking, chances are more to get dehydrated, hence you need to carry at least two bottles of water to avoid dehydration. If there is no water source nearby your hiking zone, then make sure that you drink enough water. Urine indicates the level of dehydration. Urine may be bright yellow in color, if you are feeling dehydrated.
Effective Travel Tips:
Look at the weather conditions frequently. It is good if you charge your cell phone battery fully. Turn on your cell phone only in emergency cases. A GPS unit may help to give you appropriately in the direction of your journey.
One more vital tip, while hiking or wild tour is to have a good quality tent, because this will be your home throughout your journey. Make sure the tent you will be using is light in weight and must be capable to protect you from weather conditions. Good tents have enough space.
When traveling with your family, it will be better to take suggestions from your kids or parents to select the location for holidays.
Security consulting agencies have rated few countries as world’s most dangerous countries for tourists. These ratings are given based on certain factors such as terrorism, kidnapping, criminality rate and geopolitical instability.
Travelers/tourists need to avoid visiting these countries. If you still wish to visit these places, then travel with professional bodyguards only. Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are among the world’s dangerous countries.
Another one of the most beneficial travel tips is to insure your life under a travel insurance policy, especially when you are travel in such dangerous countries.
Many travel insurance providers offer travel insurance plans for these types of journeys. Insurance agencies may cancel your policy under Federal recommendations in some places. In addition, these plans may not cover injuries due to terrorist activities or war situations. Look for those plans that also include medical coverage.
Other Vital Travel Tips:
You may rent a car for traveling on roads. There are few tips to save money on fuel, as fuel prices are increasing day-by-day. If you are traveling alone, a small-sized car may be the perfect choice as small cars give more mileage. Cars with manual transmission have more power and more mileage than cars with automatic transmission. In addition, renting a car with automatic transmission is high. A GPS enabled car saves lots of time and money to travel through the routes you want. Next, depending on the location you intend to tour, decide whether to use an air-conditioned car or non air-conditioned car.
Nowadays, airlines conduct stern security procedures. Therefore, ensure you step in the airport well before your scheduled time of departure.
h the routes you want. Next, depending on the location you intend to tour, decide whether to use an air-conditioned car or non air-conditioned car.
Nowadays, airlines conduct stern security procedures. Therefore, ensure you step in the airport well before your scheduled time of departure.

Smart travelers have long known the benefits of vacationing through an online travel business. Online travel businesses tend to be easier to navigate. Since the business makes most of its money online, having easily accessible information and a user-friendly system is beneficial and most profitable to the company as well as the vacationer. Typically, an online travel business will have better access to great travel deals and with low overhead costs are better able to pass the savings along to their customers.
Online travel businesses are extremely convenient and easy to use. Since their business is promoted online and their customers are dealt with on the internet, online travel businesses have incredibly user-friendly systems. In most cases, the online travel business will walk customers through the entire booking process and provide as much information as possible to make the process easy. Customers can research and book their entire vacations online from home without having to interact with a travel agent who might have an alternative agenda (such as commission). With online travel businesses, customers have easy access to all of the available information at the click of a button. Nonetheless, should the occasion arise that a person is needed to answer questions, typical online travel businesses have staff on hand to respond to inquiries.
Online travel businesses also tend to have better deals and discounts than traditional travel agents. The online services have equal access to great deals and savings. With a traditional travel agent, the deals and savings vary greatly depending on the individual agent and their capabilities and connections. Online travel businesses do not have this problem. Every customer of the business has access to the same information and is able to book their vacations based on all the information presented. Online companies are also better equipped to offer great package deals to their customers. With reciprocal advertising programs and promotions, online travel businesses can receive great savings and special promotions. These savings and promotions can then be passed down to the clients. Unlike traditional travel agents, an online travel business can offer open access to all of their customers for all of their travel bargains.
Thanks to the upfront nature of online travel businesses, customers also have the opportunity to read many reviews and receive plenty of information about the prospective vacation. Hotels, cruise liners, and much more provide the online travel business with plenty of information and advertisements to entice patrons. These online companies have the additional benefit of allowing vacationers and patrons to write reviews and leave comments about destinations and activities. This ensures that the traveler is well aware of what they are purchasing and the great deals that are ahead of them.
Because of the simplicity of the online travel business, booking a vacation can be quick and painless. All of the information is directly at the prospective traveler’s fingertips. By dealing directly with online travel companies, prospective vacationers also have the capabilities to compare and contrast competitive pricing from various other travel companies. A process that once took weeks to finalize, can be completed within just a few short minutes.
The simplicity of the online travel business website makes it so everyone can easily gather information for a speedy and cost-efficient travel experience. These travel businesses have great connections and a wide network of reciprocal promotions that guarantee great pricing. The online travel businesses also offer these great savings to all of their customers on an equal basis. Open forums of reviews and comments are great tools for travelers to ensure that their vacation experience is optimal and not riddled with surprises. With just a few clicks of a mouse, a great vacation can be booked in minutes.

Wholesale travel is a great option for smart budget-savvy travelers. Travelers can receive the best pricing on their vacations and ensure great service and savings. This opportunity is not available to the general public, so prospective travelers should take advantage of the opportunity presented to them. With wholesale travel, buyers can purchase amazing opportunities and products that will ensure the best vacation possible. Wholesale travel companies employ special techniques and methods to ensure their clients receive the best pricing and opportunities. For most, affordable travel is desired and wholesale travel is a great way to begin.
Not everyone has access to these great wholesale travel bargains. In fact, the best travel opportunities are only available to people as a reward from companies that are in the know and have many great travel connections. It is important for prospective travelers to align themselves with a company they feel confident in and proud to be a part of. With membership and alignment with the trusted company, prospective travelers will get direct access to great pricing by a research center that is willing to do all the leg work for you! Although the company is doing the research, travelers should feel confident that they will have the final say in budgeting and have the opportunity to review all pricings. In fact, the client can even do the research themselves with the helpful networking that the research center can provide them! Of course, that is optional.
The possibilities are endless. Among many products and services, prospective travelers can book hotel accommodations, condo rentals, airline tickets, cruise liners, and much more. Not only can one book their vacation needs online, but they can also receive the best unbiased information about their travel choices. The wholesale travel company can provide reviews, websites, demos, and other information to help travelers decide which opportunities fit their wants and desires.
With such a great opportunity, many are left wondering how wholesale travel companies are able to provide their clients with such amazing pricing. The exclusive pricing is provided to people who are members or clients of particular businesses. Usually, the particular business is in a network with travel companies or has special deals aligned with the particular travel service. The savings are reciprocal between both companies and the great pricing is passed down the members and clients of both companies. At any given point in time, travel accommodations and services will operate with a vacancy rate, some days the vacancy rate is higher than others. Using their special connections, wholesale travel companies can sell those vacant spots to members for discounted rates. This ensures that the vacant spots are receiving some sort of money and not operating at a loss, while the vacationer is receiving the best pricing available.
Wholesale travel companies employ a personable staff of individuals who are carefully selected based on experience and professional abilities. These people must have at least two years worth of experience in the travel industry. The staff is not commissioned and is not travel agents. The staff has huge incentives to save travelers the most money, instead of incentives to make the most sales! Wholesale travelers should never have to worry about receiving marked up pricing.
Wholesale travel is a great way for smart budget-savvy travelers to obtain the best travel available at the best pricing available. Why spend thousands of dollars on travel products and services that you can get for mere hundreds through wholesale travel? With great networks and a dedicated research staff, wholesale travel is an opportunity that cannot and should not be missed.

No matter how busy our lives may become, we are always looking for a way to relax at less the cost and choose to travel. Travel is one of the most interesting things that everyone would love to do. There are so many interesting things that one can experience while traveling and lot of things. Travel can get very expensive if you do not do enough research and find out how you can save money on your trip.
Traveling is a great way to bond your relationship with family and friends. But we all know that traveling is always accompanied by a lot of expenses. There are number of online travel agencies that will help you ease your travel. You can save lot of your time and will be less stressed out if you choose the best travel deal. You will not only find the best prices but also great travel membership packages. Depending upon your budget you can choose the best package and enjoy your dream vacation.
Travel membership is great for traveling. There are many travel sites that offer travel memberships with thousands of time share resort properties, no maintenance fees is charged and you can gain VIP access to peak season weeks. Along with all these facilities you can also enjoy the customer service. There are also lifetime memberships scheme which you can take advantage of and enjoy lifetime of world’s finest luxury travel membership resorts.
Make sure that you make really good arrangements for your travel. It is very important to find the right travel memberships; if you find the right travel membership you can enjoy your travel and maintain budgetary control. Planning in advance each time you travel will give you the advantage to have a low travel expenses. You do not have to spend a fortune to travel and enjoy.
Traveling can be fun, but all too often things can go wrong. That is why it is very important to make sure you take all the precautions to make your travel a memorable experience just by having a travel membership, as they save money in all aspects of your vacation travel, from airline travel to cruises, from car rental to excursion packages, you can save money everywhere.
So, first consider few things and research upon which is the best place to look up for information? What is best source of guidance to assist you in a travel and get started to experience a memorable travel now!

In today’s Hi- Tech world, we have easy access to all kinds of information. We’re able to research, compare, and book travel right in the comfort of our own home. But the question arises – Who needs a travel agent anymore?

Fewer of us do, apparently. In last one decade the travel agents statistics had fallen by about 30%.

“They are an outdated remnant of past practices that add virtually no value to any transaction today,” says one of the employee working for Michigan airlines. After my recent recommendations of travel agent in various columns, I’ve been on the receiving end of the feedback – How could i..?.

So, here let me discuss about this common query. I believe that travel agents today still offer services and information that we can’t get on Internet. Granted, some things such as booking a simple flights, most people can successfully manage on their own. A travel agent however, can recommend smaller, alternative airports that the discount carriers use. This alone can save you quite a bit of money. However, the key thing that travel agents today offer is their first hand knowledge and right information. In planning a trip or vacation, one wants to find information about the places and regions suitable to them. Here the role of a travel agent comes into act considering the fact that they have traveled to many different places, they can provide much more insight than a brochure or web page can. Thus, finding the right travel agent is inevitable. The same thing goes for tours and specialty travel such as luxury, adventure, villa rentals, etc. A competent travel adviser can be your greatest asset when you’re planning a trip. The key word here is “competent.” And let me also define what I mean by agent: I’m not necessarily talking about an offshore call center worker reading from a script or a hobbyist who paid a few hundred bucks for bogus agency credentials. I mean a bona fide, certified travel professional. Once you decide to book a trip through an agent you must go through few quality check of an agent. These few measures include:

Understanding An Agent And Using Your Intuition – It’s important to feel out a prospective travel agent to see if you can build a rapport with them. This can be done even when you’re dealing with an Internet agency, through phone calls or e-mails. Face-to-face meetings are not necessary. The choice of right travel agent comes from knowledge, not words. The correct answers to your direct questions are what count. Before you even ask for a price quote, probe the knowledge and personality of the agent you may be putting in charge of your hard-earned vacation. If you get the right feel about this person, you then ask for a price quote. If a travel agent quotes you a price that is not the same as, or lower than the cost of booking directly, or doesn’t offer incentives like free insurance, or even a pre-cruise hotel room, they are choosing not to compete — a choice some agents do make. They hope to attract uneducated consumers. This not the kind of agent we recommend, unless the service is so fantastic you don’t mind missing out on a few perks. But price alone may not always be the best factor to find the right travel agent. We want the best price, but we also want assistance and service when we need it. Hence, when your skull asks this “ How to find the right travel agent”, the above mention criteria should strike you first.

Good travel agents have an edge over almost any other seller of travel. They know what you want. They speak your language. And they’re there for you when you run into trouble.

In other words, travel agents aren’t obsolete. Only the bad ones are.

If you intend to go on luxury travel tour and are looking for an affordable travel package, an online travel directory is the best place to find all necessary information, where online travel agents are ready to help you, by rewarding you with vacations and trips. The custom made travel packages will take care of all your needs even before you leave for the tour.

The exotic vacation may cause you disappointment if you are not able to afford for it. As luxury travel tour is usually expensive you should look for an affordable travel package. The major advantage of choosing the best travel package is that you will be treated as a VIP guest during your travel and you will not have any problem over exchange rates.

There is a great demand for vacation packages, luxury travel tour accommodations, hotel occupancy and business class air travel, among style and luxury conscious travelers. To satisfy these demanding customers and due to competition within the tourist travel industry, travel companies offer packages at competitive rates. The travel package includes various services ranging from renting luxury yachts to on-shore private visits and visit to places of tourist interest. Some packages also include rooms in top hotels, nice meals in restaurants with drinks, private guides, driver, excursion and transportation in air-conditioned luxury vehicles.

By building relationship and being loyal to the online travel agency you can get the best travel package as a reward. You can avail memberships with the travel clubs and by traveling to more places, you can win the loyalty points and get the benefit of free vacations or discounts. You have to select a perfect online travel specialist and suitable timing for finalizing the luxury travel deal. With the availability of several travel packages, you can choose a luxurious vacation and go out in style on a tight budget. By signing up online holiday deals, you can win special offers. With a good travel package, you can quickly and comfortably reach the holiday destination and also save your hard earned money. As a smart traveler, you can clinch a luxury travel tour deal waiting for you at affordable rates. Go for gold with a luxury travel tour travel package, and taste champagne on a cocktail budget.

MICHAEL WEBSTER: INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER Oct 16, 2008 2:00 PM PDT 

The new travel alert only updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico.  It replaces the Travel Alert for Mexico dated April 14, 2008, and expires on April 14, 2009. However it does not up-grade the travel alert to higher status as many believe it should. If the conditions that prevail in Mexico today was happening anywhere else in the world the highest travel alert would have already been issued. I reported last April by asking the questions “why the U.S. Government has not issued a new travel warning or even an up-grade on its existing alert? Now the U.S has up-graded again.

The question still is why not raise the alert to a warning status and protect Americans and warn them to not travel to Mexico. At least until some or all the violence stops and it is safe again to travel in Mexico. Many travelers believe if this same thing was happening in any other country there would be a warning not to travel issued. Why not Mexico?That is the question why not? Mexico is now one of the most dangerous countries in the world. And it is our neighbor to the south with a population of over 100 million people.Even the U.S. Military ban its personal from visiting Mexico because of the increasing violence there.

U.S. Army posts along or near the U.S. Mexican border according to officials, say they’ve discontinued issuing passes to soldiers who want to travel across the border to Mexico. “If it’s not safe for U.S. Soldiers, than it is unsafe for other Americans. Said, John Lutes, who was born in El Paso and served in the military.The new travel alert up-date says “that while millions of U.S. Citizens safely visit Mexico each year, including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business, increased levels of violence make it imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one is a victim of crime.  Common-sense precautions, such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas, avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, and exercising prudence in where one visits during the evening hours and at night, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.”Violence along the U.S. – Mexico border is increasing Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent fight for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S. – Mexico border in an apparent response to the Government of Mexico’s initiatives to crack down on narco-trafficking organizations. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed over 45,000 military troops in various parts of the country. These Mexican troops are manning road blocks and check points all over the country. The U.S. tells citizens they should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways. The problem with that is bandits and other criminals are also setting up road blocks and so called check points through out Mexico and are wearing full or partial police or military uniforms and are using vehicles that resemble police or military vehicles, so how is someone even a national much less an American tell which is which.

That is the problem you can’t. And that is one reason Americans should avoid Mexico.The Bureau of Consular Affairs says “Violent criminal activity fueled by a war between criminal organizations struggling for control of the lucrative narcotics trade continues along the U.S.-Mexico border.  Attacks are aimed primarily at members of drug trafficking organizations, Mexican police forces, criminal justice officials, and journalists.  However, foreign visitors and residents, including Americans, have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings in the border region.Americans in Mexico are falling victim to armed robberies and carjackings. This new type of Mexican Violence has increased in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez.  Dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped, held hostage and killed by their captors in Mexico and many cases remain unsolved. Moreover, new cases of disappearances and kidnap-for-ransom continue to be reported.From Brownsville Texas to San Diego California the State Department has alerted Americans of the dangers of crossing the border.   Google or click on: Why not a Warning for Mexico travel or at least an up-grade to the existing alert?

In other cases Mexican cartels through their enforcers of Mexican and American gangs order smaller American gangs to kidnap and in some cases murder Americans.”U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk posed by the deteriorating security situation, along the border” said a statement issued in Mexico City and Washington. “Violent criminal activity, including murder and kidnapping, in Mexico’s northern border region has increased.” New cases of disappearances and kidnap-for-ransom continue to be reported. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Criminals have been known to follow and harass U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles including motors homes and travel trailers, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Reynosa, Juarez, Mexicali, Tijuana and most all border towns. 

Dozens of U.S. citizens were kidnapped and/or murdered in Tijuana in 2007. Google or click on: Americans Being Kidnapped, Held and killed in Mexico The new as the old alert goes on to say “Recent Mexican army and police force conflicts with heavily-armed narcotics cartels have escalated to levels equivalent to military small-unit combat and have included use of machine guns and fragmentation grenades.   Confrontations have taken place in numerous towns and cities in northern Mexico, including Tijuana in the Mexican state of Baja California, and Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez in the state of Chihuahua.  The situation in northern Mexico remains very fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements there cannot be predicted”. Public shootouts have occurred during daylight hours near shopping areas in many Mexican border towns. Over 5,000 people have been murdered in Mexico so far this year. That figure is more than has been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.The new alert goes on to report that a number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime.  More than 1,600 cars were reportedly stolen in Ciudad Juarez in the month of July 2008, and bank robberies there are up dramatically.  Rates for robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California.  Cuidad Juarez, Tijuana, Palomas and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. 

Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and along Route 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo. A very dangerous situation is playing out in Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and other Mexican border towns and has become a special concern for U.S. citizens. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez has targeted applicants for U.S. visas.  Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to not carry cash and to make provisions to pay for those services with something other than cash.Mexican authorities are reporting that more than 1,000 people have been killed in Ciudad Juarez this year alone. 

U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports.  U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region.  Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons.  In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While the largest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border, U.S. citizens traveling elsewhere in Mexico should also exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk in public places.  In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico and many cases remain unresolved. 

U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible.  U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (”cuota”) roads, which are generally more secure.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them.  U.S. citizens should avoid traveling alone, and should carry a GSM-enabled cell phone that functions internationally.  Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Juarez and Tijuana. Though State Department officials updated the travel alert for Mexico, they did not upgrade it to a more serious “travel warning,” which is reserved for long-term conditions, officials said.Even though many Mexican cities on the U.S. Border and elsewhere in Mexico are under siege, the question is why not. Mexico is now one of the most dangerous countries in the world. And it is our neighbor to the south with a population nearing 100 million people. 

Our government admits Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons.  In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. How are American travelers expected to be able to distinguish between the real Mexican army at the road blocks and the criminals? Americans are targeted by Mexican bandits and other Mexican criminals because they are American and are believed to have money with them”. 

The State department says if you do become a victim of crime while your in Mexico and remember this is after the fact are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance.

23 year old American from El Paso Kyle Mostello Belanger- Believed Missing in Juarez MexicoBorn in Tenn. 23 year old American from El Paso Kyle Mostello Belanger- believed missing in Juarez Mexico. Close friends and relatives believe he was a soldier for the El Paso Barrio Azteca gang. The real question here, was Kyle kidnapped taken to Juarez and murdered as some believe.

According to the U.S. State Department “Travel Warnings” are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries such as some middle eastern where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Country Specific Information. No such travel warning is in place for the country of Mexico.

For Related articles Google or click on:  www.lagunajournal.com

None of us should be surprised at these quotes from a travel article in the TimesOnline.co.uk (Oct 2008)  by Stephen Bleach:

“Massive discounts on cruises were exposed as a con last week after leading line Fred Olsen admitted it had not sold a single cruise at full price for a year.”

A further quote from the managing director of the line, Mike Rodwell:

“the big American operators started it and the rest had to follow.”

Another surprise.  On the same laptop page as this excellent article were three Google ads offering:

“Cruise Deals. Search The Top Online Cruise Deals. Read Reviews & Book Online Today.” Followed by:

“Cruise Discounts 75% Off, All cruise lines, all destinations.” And another:

“Huge Alaska Cruise Sale, Free Upgrades, Exclusive Deals & More with Guaranteed Lowest Prices!”

The travel operators behind these advertisements must think the travelling public is naive or even stupid but they would probably not use them if they did not work. 

Also, these Google ads were run against a very negative, but truthful article about misleading advertising for cruises. 

The travelling public continues to be treated with disdain by travel operators and advertising companies, not only by cruise lines and airlines but by all types of travel suppliers.  What could be more misleading and false advertising than an airline advertising their fares in headlines that shout out:

“$49. one-way to Smithville” IN LARGE PRINT, and then:

‘based on return purchase, plus all taxes, surcharges for fuel, surcharges for security, checked baggage is extra, seat selection fees, and on and on and on.”  And by the way, have fuel surcharges been reduced enough?

Not only cruise prices and airfares but also consider hotel pricing that often requires much investigation as regards the offered discounts:

“75% off!  But off of what?  A rack-rate that is rarely charged?

And, why can you often get cheaper rooms at an online reservation office than at the hotel front desk even when you are in their lobby and ready to book?

Next in line for pricing questions could be the packaged holiday market. How many of these are sold at the brochure price?  Or, as with the above cruise line, are packaged tour operators simply following the lead of others?

Not only is the public being mislead by questionable advertising and pricing practices but once captured by a cruise line, airline or packaged resort operator they can be open to additional gouging whilst onboard the ship, aircraft or resort. 

Apart from the onboard costs of alcoholic drinks which should be at duty-free prices (i.e. cheaper than onshore). Extras, such as shore excursions can also be more expensive when purchased onboard rather than ashore or even pre-departure using the internet. Similarly with resorts that have onsite booking agencies for off-resort activities. The prices are often cheaper when purchased directly from the operators or again at pre-departure directly over the internet. Airlines however, who are charging for all sorts of basic amenities from blankets, pillows, soft drinks and soon even water may not be free, have a more captive audience (the movie, ConAir comes to mind) and will continue to be the most reviled part of the travel experience.

There is hope for the future but so far only in Europe. In 2009 new rules for advertising standards will come into effect offering more protection for travellers. We must hope that these new rules will eventually spread to the rest of the world with further improvements to protect consumers worldwide.

In the travel industry. Where has the originality and creativity gone? Where are the leaders? Where has “lead, follow or get out of my way” gone? Only the followers know.

Another aspect of travel pricing is when consumers want to handle their own travel arrangements directly with the operators of hotels, lodges, tours and transportation. The pricing should reflect the fact that the products are being purchased directly from the source and not at the retail level. In other words, reduce the price by the commission that would have been paid to an agent, broker or retailer and give the traveller a direct booking discount. This action could encourage more travellers to make their own direct bookings, leading to more business and a competitive edge for the operator.

Of course, the traditional distribution channels have to be protected as many consumers require help and assistance and as yet not everyone has or wants the internet.

Travel providers do not normally show different prices on their websites as this could lead to potential clients seeking advice at the retail level and then booking directly with the operator to get a discounted price. It is unfair for retailers to lose their commissions when they have performed services for their travel-trade clients.

Consumers on the other hand, if they do not need expert advice or booking services, should have the opportunity to go directly to the source and get a direct booking discount.

Originality and creativity has returned to the travel industry. Travel providers are now able to offer travellers a direct booking discount service by using a new travel voucher system that has been introduced. With a website and the internet they can now reach out to the global travel community, not just travel agency or local traffic.

Any travel operator, from the smallest b&b to the grandest lodge or luxury tour, can offer this service. The voucher values represent the normal commissions that would have been paid out to sellers of travel but now will be given back to the buyers of travel. And, the discounted price does not have to show on their websites.

The service is leading with this new initiative and now wants to promote the thousands of small travel providers and other businesses around the world that do not use selling agents and therefore do not have sales commissions built into their pricing. The operators of the voucher service suggest that lower yields with higher volumes of direct booking discount travellers may achieve better overall returns.

Members of a new online travel club can get these vouchers free with membership and non-members can purchase them at deep discounts to their face values at another similar website. At present there are vouchers covering travel in over seventy countries from b&b’s to adventure and luxury tours.

The Club operators say that they do not charge businesses for listing their services as long as they participate in issuing vouchers enabling members to get direct booking discounts.

There are many directories linking the world of travel to the world of travellers but this new concept offers a directory with discounts on every travel selection if you are willing and able to handle your own travel bookings and arrangements directly with the listed operators.

The club operators are aware that many travel operators will continue to adhere to the business style of Mike Rodwell of Fred Olsen Lines and will continue to follow rather than lead and it is unlikely that they will ever be represented by this travel club.  They are also aware that there are enough independent travel businesses that will find that their new business style of expanded selections and direct booking discounts is a better way of offering travel directly to consumers around the world.

You can find out more at the website of TheTopTravelClub.com.

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.