Paradise Travel

Endless Accessories for Car Modification

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:53:13 +0000

There is nothing which makes you prouder to yourself than your ability in modifying your car. You know well that a car can make people know who you are and what kind of personality that you have. This is why you always try to make your car to represent you. There is nothing more enjoyable than thinking about how to make your car standout in the middle of the crowd down the road. And, you have never lost any ideas for your modification project. Furthermore, you know very well that there is dealer which will always provide you the accessories that you need for this sophisticated project.

Yes, Carid.com will always give you what you need to complete your project. This online dealer will not let you install second class auto accessories on your car. This online dealer will only give you the first class car accessories and OEM which will make your car better than before. Shiny billet grilles will make the front of your car becomes tougher and bolder without ever losing its stylish design. Rear spoiler will make the back of your car becomes sexier due to the highlight of the chrome. And if you have truck for working, floor mats will not make your truck look dirty and rough because the rig will always dirt free and comfortable to be stepped on. If you ever need headlight because you drive often at night, this dealer will give you the most enchanting angel eyes that the night road will be as bright as the road on the day. Futuristic yet classy vertical doors have also been provided by the dealer for your convenient in picking up lambo doors.

There is nothing that you need to doubt from the services of this online dealer. You will get the guarantee of quality, prices, as well as safety in shopping and product delivery.

Samui Island – A Paradise For Travel Lovers

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:14:17 +0000

Samui Island is a picturesque island providing world-class experience of vacations. There is a wide range of resorts that provide facilities like spa parlors, dance clubs, restaurants, Jacuzzi bathtubs, and swimming pools.

Samui Island is a paradise on earth for all travel lovers as it is full of picturesque locations that provide serenity and tranquility. This island is surrounded by some 60 odd islands that are part of the national marine park of Ang Thong and other world known tourist destinations such as Ko Nnag Yuan, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan.

This island of Thailand is circular in shape with a 15 km in radius. The centre of this island is an uninhabitable area consisting of jungles, mountains and lowland areas. The outskirts of the island include beaches. The island is beautiful and provides scenic beauty to all the vacationers.

Top rated destinations

This island is also considered to be one of the most visited places of the world as it has popular attractions that can give you an experience of a lifetime. Following are some of those destinations:

o Chaweng: This is the place in the island that is mostly visited by tourists. It has large chain of retail outlets and shopping malls where you can shop to your heart’s content. This place is a treat for all the vacationers. It has an amazing nightlife for the vacationers.

o Maenam: This place offers awesome views of Marine Park and Koh Phangan. The waters are clean and calm. It is protected by the northeastern currents of Koh Phangan.

o Grandmother and grandfather rocks: These rocks are close to the lamai beach and are popular among tourists. They have striking resemblance to the male and female genital organs.

o Bangrak: This is another one of the most visited destinations of this island and is generally known as big Buddha beach. This is one of the calmest beaches of the world. The best part is that it is located nearby airport.

Resorts in Samui Island

This place has numerous hotels and resorts such as kala Samui resort, zazen boutique resort, the Sundays, Leparadis boutique resort, the Samudra retreat and Varinda garden resort; providing world class services to their customers. The best part is that all the services are cost effective and suit the budget of customers in the most appropriate way. The resorts cater to the needs as well as taste of different visitors as they offer diverse services such as bars, spa facilities, rooms with Jacuzzi bath tubs, swimming pools, spa parlors, Thai architect, dance clubs and restaurants. You can book your rooms online 24/7 without any hassle.

The luxurious resorts are conveniently located near the beaches. It becomes very easy for all the vacationers to visit different markets, hotels, restaurants and shopping centers without any hassles.

So, what are you waiting for? Go to this beautiful island and enjoy your vacations in the most relaxed manner. By traveling to Samui as mentioned earlier, you are not only get the beast place for your vacation, but also gaining the great experience of cultural and natural resource.

By: Simolzear

Gurgaon Travel Destination Guide

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:44:48 +0000

One of the fastest growing and the most happening cities in India, Gurgaon is an IT hub. Linked deeply in mythology, the city is said to have been granted to Guru Dronacharya by the Kauravas and Pandavas. Lying on the border of Delhi, Gurgaon has taken up the rapid pace of the capital and itself has emerged as the Millennium City – a fast growing industrial city.

Though known globally for its rapid industrialization, Gurgaon has a lot to offer to tourists too. The Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers. Home to more than 100 types of birds, the sanctuary is truly a delight. Watchtowers and observation points make bird spotting easy. Another place in Gurgaon, which is a must visit for all nature lovers, is the Damdama Lake. Restaurants and bars around it make it comfortable spot, while camping, adventure activities and boating make it a fun place to be at.

The Sohna village, which lies in the neighborhood of Gurgaon, is yet another interesting place to visit. The place is remarkable for its hot sulphur springs, especially the famous Shiv Kund. These springs are believed to have medicinal properties. A small town called Nuh is another tourist attractor in the neighborhood of Gurgaon. The town is home to a red masonry tank and the tomb of Sheikh Musa. The shaking towers here are a crowd puller too.

The most famous temple in Gurgaon is the Sheetla Devi temple, whose patron goddess Mata Sheetla Devi is said to cure small pox. The temple in Gurgaon attracts throngs of devotees of all faiths and beliefs and is also referred to as ‘Shakti Peeth’.

Apart from these, Gurgaon is known for its fast and modern culture. Owing to its modernization, Gurgaon has some of the swankiest malls and entertainment avenues in the country. Gurgaon’s Metropolitan Mall is a hot-spot with youngsters. With a huge shopping area, seven screen multiplexes, happening food joints and varied entertainment options, the Mall enchants one and all. With all leading brands present, the Mall is a shopper’s paradise. The Mega Mall is another such happening spot in Gurgaon. It has excellent eating joints, branded stores and a movie screen, and is a hit with the youth and tourists.

As Gurgaon attracts a lot of people, for business or for pleasure, an equal number of hotels in Gurgaon have come up. Gurgaon has some of the finest of five-star hotels as well as some low-budget hotels too. Gurgaon also has a large number of service apartments, which are fully furnished and extremely comfortable. No matter what kind of hotel you need, you are sure to get a hotel in Gurgaon.

By: Anand

Shanghai — Shopping Paradise

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:19:22 +0000

Can’t wait to shop in Shanghai? Well then, which are the best places to shop in this consumption-crazy city in China?

Shanghai is well known for some of the best shopping experiences you’ll find among major cities in China. When visiting Shanghai you’lll surely pass through the city’s two major commercial streets — upscale Nanjing Xi Lu (Nanjing West Road) and bustling Huaihai Lu (Huaihai Road).

But there’s a lot more to shopping than these two obvious places. Indeed, you’ll find streets big and small full of shopping centres. You’ll be able to plan a full day of shopping if that’s what you want. Even if you don’t really feel like shopping you should still visit them. (I know you’re a guy but you’re already in Shanghai, right?)

Shopping in Shanghai is an experience you will never forget. Whether or not you are a shopping fanatic, there are various shopping malls selling anything from high-priced luxury goods to stylish and affordable casuals and traditional Chinese handicrafts.

I should mention that as I’m writing this article, the infamous Xiang Yang Market has already been closed down. Some of you out there reading this will have fond memories of highly-charged bargaining sessions with fake goods vendors who speak six different languages.

Here are a few shopping highlights in Shanghai, starting with Nanjing Xi Lu…

Shanghai’s Plaza 66 Where: 55 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Shaanxi Lu

Plaza 66 is crystalline proof of Shanghai’s diligent obsession with consumption. Arguably, it’s the fanciest shpping mall in Shanghai, with a frosty demeanor to match.

Whether you’re looking for Prada for pret-a-porter, Waterford for cystal, Bose or Bang and Olufsen for sound, Plaza 66 has over 100 famous brands.

With its dazzling array of designer brands, this place is perfect for the nouveau riche with money to burn. There isn’t another shopping mall as luxurious as this one in Shanghai.

A five-minutes walk from the Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Plaza 66 has a cafe in the atrium and a few restuarants perched on the fifth floor.

Shanghai’s Citic Plaza Where: 1168 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Plaza 66

A bright, gleaming five-storey mall offering a varied mix of clothing labels, Citic Plaza is a five-minutes walk from the Shimen Yi Lu metro station.

From high-end designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Chloe and Kenzo to the more affordable casuals from Tough and Esprit, this is a mall with more reasonable prices.

Whether you’re wealthy or light on budget, this place is perfect for anyone with an eye for fashion.

Feeling hungry after all that shopping? No worries there.

Every floor of the mall offers a restaurant — from McDonald’s (you’re not going to eat at McDonald’s in China, are you?) in the basement to super buffet Golden Jaguar (unlimited sashimi and Pacific oysters) on the third floor to chic Sichuan restuarant China Moon (puts your local Chinatown Sichuan restuarant to shame) on the fourth.

By the way, there’s also a convenience store and English-Chinese language bookstore in case you’re looking for mineral water or maps.

Shanghai’s Westgate Mall Where: 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Citic Plaza

A smart, well-organized shopping haven, offering up a range of trendy shops from Burberry, Givenchy and Versace to Chinese label Zuczug. The Westgate Mall is perfect for mall lovers with cash to spend who fancy a change from their usual hang out.

Also a couple of minutes walk from Shimen Yi Lu metro station, the Westgate malls offers a Studio City Cinema (with super sound system), Watson’s, a small supermarket in the basement, Marie France sliming clinic and an Isetan Department store ( a major Japanese chain) accessible on every floor.

And much, much more…

As I mentioned before, Nanjing Xi Lu and Huaihai Lu are the most prominent shopping streets in Shanghai but they’re not the only ones. These are the modern shopping malls and they’ll give you a good idea of how things have changed in China over the last 20 years.

Other Shopping…

If you go on older streets like Dongtai Lu you’ll find classical hand-made items. This handicraft market offers a variety of classical items like Chinese ceramics, jade, bronze, wood articles, paintings, and calligraphic works. You can also get your tools there if you are an artist yourself or plan to be.

More of an intellectual shopping street, Fuzhou Lu boasts a vast collection of bookstores in Shanghai. Not only does it offer over thirty bookstores but also has some of the oldest bookstores (some over 100 years old) in Shanghai.

Shopping in Shanghai is probably the most time-consuming activity in Shanghai whether for visitors or locals. With big shopping malls on the more popular streets to small boutiques or specific markets on smaller streets, Shanghai is where shopping fanatics will find their Paradise.

I’m a foreigner who traveled to Shanghai and realized it is hard to have a great time in Shanghai when you are not well-informed. That is why I decided to come up with a complete online guide with the latest information and tips on having a great time in Shanghai, whether you’re traveling to Shanghai or living in the city.

By: Louis Zhang

Asia, the Best Travel Destination

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:07:02 +0000

If the time has come for your vacation or a holiday getaway, read this article before making your plans. There are many places of great beauty and interest to be seen in the USA and Europe. But, whether transportation, touring, theme park, or food and lodging, it is expensive. This article is written for every traveler, whether a backpacker on a budget, or a first class – five star traveler.

Travel in Asia is inexpensive and opens the door to different cultural experiences. Planning can be for a short holiday, an extended stay, or choices of laying the groundwork for the ultimate stay, retirement. Nowadays, with so many opportunities to make money using the Internet it is not out of the question to “retire” early.

Medical Tourism in Asia growing in popularity. It is high quality and affordable. Just one of International standard hospitals in Bangkok serves 400,000 international patients annually, In the USA cataract surgery for one eye runs around $8,000. At a prestigious International hospital in Thailand cataract surgery can be performed on both eyes for around $2,500. It is possible to have quality medical care, and an Asian holiday, for a fraction of the cost of the same procedure in the USA.

Let us take a tantalizing glimpse at just some of the countries.

Thailand – Land of Smiles. Often referred to as the most exotic country in Southeast Asia. A visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok for sure. Trips to a floating market or to the Bridge on the River Kwai. From pristine beaches in the Southern Islands to the Northern mountains with its waterfalls, elephants bathing in mountain streams, and Hill Tribe villages.

India – Delhi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. India Gate, an imposing structure, has emerged as one of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi. The Red Fort Delhi, a masterpiece of architecture, is a popular spot. A trip to India would not be complete without a visit to Agra, famous as the site of one of the world’s most romantic, graceful and photographed buildings, the Taj Mahal.

Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos – Three small countries neighboring Thailand. Each opens a different world of exploration. Cambodia – the highlight is visiting Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece constructed in the jungle in the early 12th century. Vietnam – is a varied country, offering beaches, mountains and hundreds of years of history from the ancient Cham Towers to remnants from the Vietnam War. Laos – savor the crafts, culture and hospitality of Laos with a river trip, visits to ancient temples, gorgeous palaces, and traditional villages.

Nepal – Adventure, travel, trekking, birding, wildlife, and cultural & overland Safaris. Take an air flight along the Himalayas and view magnificent Mount Everest. Nearby, discover the serene beauty of Tibet, the country which inspired the Dalai Lama. .

Indonesia – Jakarta, the capital city of the world’s fourth most-populous nation. Bali is Indonesia’s main holiday destination. Flores is a pretty lush green island with forests, palm and banana trees, rice fields and many volcanoes. Highlights are the three small offshore islands of “Gillis” that invite snorkeling, diving and relaxing. For hikers, a climb to the top of the volcano Rijani.

Philippines – An island nation comprising over 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean.

Manila, the bustling capital has powerful reminders of the country’s past, along with attractive parks, fine museums, and exhilarating nightlife. The Ifugao Rice Terraces

are a testimony to the early technological advancement of the Ifugao people. Take a jeepney ride to the market. Be brave, try balut, a Philippine delicacy. Go diving in the Visayas.

Singapore – Shopping on famous Orchard Road, the dream of every woman. The Night Safari at Singapore Zoo is fabulous. Chinatown, a little glitzy, but you can buy all the souvenirs you want there. Interestingly, one of Singapore’s most beautiful Hindu temples is smack dab in the middle of Chinatown. Decide if a Singapore Sling is worth the hype in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. There’s more to Singapore than urban glitz, like rambling in the rain forest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Japan – Tokyo is the capital city and home of the Imperial Residence and Emperor’s Palace. Select a popular destination or region in Japan and explore its attractions. Ride the Bullet Train to the magnificent city of Kyoto. Visit Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Park. Castles, temples, gardens, the list of top destinations in Japan is too long for this article..

Taiwan – Taipei, the country’s booming, vibrant capital remains steeped in Chinese, Japanese and native Taiwanese cultures. Some of its most impressive sights include the Grand Hotel, topped by the largest Classical Chinese roof in the world, the Shihlin Night Market, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial with the National Theater and Concert Hall located directly across from each other on the grounds. A popular day trip is Tailuge (Taroko Gorge), considered one of the natural wonders of the world.

Hong Kong – the Pearl of East and jewel of The Orient. Nathan Road is lined with shops, restaurants, nightspots and cheap places to stay. If you’re in Hong Kong with the little ones, they’ll probably appreciate Ocean Park (aquarium), Water World (swimming pools and water slides), and of course Disneyland. If you’re in Hong Kong for more than a few days, then there’s plenty of outlying islands to discover.

It is often said that for the traveler that has seen it all and done it all, there is still Katmandu, Nepal. And, that too is in Asia!

If you do not visit Asia, you will be missing not only a paradise of affordable travel, but the chance to see an alternative living location. For retirees, it is luxury living for pennies, not just getting by on their pension. Asia, a paradise experience is waiting for you.

By: Brian Bees

Bharatpur-indian Birds Paradise

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:47:28 +0000

It was 6 am and we were cycling towards the birder’s paradise in a foggy, chilled December morning. It was early morning, and there was great hustle and hustle in the waters.I was mesmerized to see the vast variety of avian life congregated at a single place i.e. Keoladeo Ghana National Park(KGNP).I let my camera work and concentrated on a lone endangered Black-necked stork which was hunting in shallow waters near the road alongwith a group of magnificent spoon-bills.These two species are clear examples of nature’s creativity. After 2-3 hours of busy photo-session, We decided to relax and have our breakfast which we brought with us. Then move ahead to explore other areas of the national park.

On the way, we saw water pumping machines installed by park authorities in order to maintain adequate water levels. The park is facing severe water shortage and its ramifications were evident as I saw big sized dead fish on the water surface. We reached an ancient temple of local diety named Keoladeo.The park derived its name from this deity who is worshipped by local people. Historically this place was hunting ground of maharajas of Bharatpur.KGNP is situated on Delhi-Agra national highway-road diverts at Mathura which is about two hours journey from Capital State, Delhi & Bharatpur is about 34 kms from here.We rushed to a spot where single pair of Siberian cranes were located. I enjoyed the sight of our guests standing close to their native cousin–Sarus cranes.

The park was full of immense variety of birds. Officially over 300 species of avian life visit, inhabit this tiny oasis of life.This is truly a birder’s paradise and a great conglomeration of vast variety of exotic migratory birds from all parts of the world. The bird migration is a very unique and wonderful phenomenon where numerous birds travelled thousands of kilometers with new borns to reach their fixed winter sojourns. This is an annual phenomena that has bewildered scientists who have put forward various theories to explain this. KGNP is a historical place in this context. It is a place for ornithologists, amateur bird watchers, trigger-happy people like us and ordinary nature lovers.

The beauty of the park is its ban on all kinds of vehicles. Only rickshaws & bicycles are allowed inside the park.It is very easy to get a bicycle on daily charges of Rs.40-50 which is provided by hotels/lodges. Besides, rickshaws are available on cheap rates and these rickshaw pullers can also act as guides. There are a large number of hotels, lodges available at very cheap rates near the entry point of KGNP. The place is accessible by bus & railways. Best season to visit this place is November –February. This place deserves a visit.

Title:-Bharatpur-Indian birds paradise

By: bharat gupta

You Owe Yourself A Time Share In Paradise

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:16:50 +0000

There comes a time in a person’s life when they need to get away. Vacations are crucial for the well being of a persons mind. If you’ve been attempting to plan a vacation, then you’ve probably noticed all of the options that are available.

One popular choice is often overlooked because some people think it will be expensive or limited; this is a time share. However, time shares are a great way to get away and rid you of stress. They provide you with a carefree vacation! Having a time share in one of the most traveled locations can be a dream come true. This article is going to cover some of those locations.

Time shares have been around for a long time and often people will hang on to their time share for a decade or more. This is because they allow you to visit the places you love without having to make the same plans time and time again. There are several places in the world that are among the most popular.

Owning a time share property in Florida is probably one of the most popular. Florida’s coastlines are littered with time share resorts! The state is popular for its weather and beaches, making it an obvious choice for vacationing families. How about an Orlando time share? You’ll find vacation timeshare locations from Daytona Beach all the way down to Key West!

Hawaii has been one of the most visited states in America for a long time, so it is no wonder why owning a time share in Hawaii is growing in popularity. The islands are known for their resorts and tropical escapes for families and couples making this a popular spot for time shares.

In Hawaii you can get the best of both worlds as a time share owner. You can take advantage of the beach resorts with activities such as snorkeling and swimming, or you can purchase something a bit quieter, like a cottage on the beach.

Owning a time share in Florida or Hawaii aren’t your only options. Aruba time share and other Caribbean locations, such as the Bahamas, are becoming more popular for those who are seeking a tropical paradise. For those time share owners who are looking for an adventure, there are resorts offered in different locations throughout Europe as well. A timeshare rental is a great way to save your money and get that vacation you need, whether it’s a European adventure or a lazy time on a Florida beach!

By: MIKE SELVON

Panamá : the Paradise to Live In…

admin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:25:58 +0000

In the small bridge of land between North and South America lies a place full of butterflies and fish, which the natives called Panama. Between the 1500’s and the 1600’s , Panama was the first economic center in the Americas attracting bandits and pirates like Henry Morgan. Nowadays, Panamá has evolved into the most popular destination in Central America and is attracting billions of dollars of foreign investment.

Panama has the Eighth wonder of the world: The Panama Canal, the world’s main route for International Commerce.

In October 2006, Panamanians voted for the approval of a third set of locks to be constructed, which will allow Post Panamax ships, raising the profile for Panama as an investment destination.

Casco Antiguo, Ciudad de Panamá

We can go back to the 17th century as we take a walk down the quaint old part of the city and enjoy amazing buildings and churches in the Spanish colonial style, set against a dramatic backdrop of ocean and city views.

Investing in Panama…

Panama City is the fastest growing city in Central America. We can compare it to other cities in the world like Hong Kong or Dubai. The Panamanian government is offering many incentives to encourage foreigners to purchase and develop new properties.The billionaire Donald Trump has already started construction on his major project The Trump Ocean Club, and The Ice Tower promises to be the tallest building in Latin America. The International chain of Hotels, Restaurants and clubs based in Miami called Nikki Beach brings us two Condo- Hotels, one in Playa Blanca and the other one in Amador.

These huge and exclusive projects are attracting many Hollywood celebrities like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, MelGibson, Mick Jagger, who have already bought their properties.

The hidden paradise in the Caribbean, where you can find dense forests, a low key friendly town, amazing diving and surfing places, make Bocas del Toro, Panama’s top tourist attraction.

Boquete is a flower filled valley set in the middle of spectacular mountain views, gourmet coffee farms and year around springtime weather.

Things you must do in Panamá…

Visit The Canal of Panamá.

To see the eighth wonder of the world while having breakfast at the Miraflores Restaurant.

Make an ecological trail around The Metropolitan Park, where you can see over 15,000 different varieties of plants, tropical birds

and animals.

Stroll around The Causeway in Amador, which stretches nearly three kilometers into the Pacific Ocean, followed by a romantic dinner on the marina in the famous Italian restaurant “Alberto’s”.

Enjoy Panama City’s Nightlife at it’s best in Calle Uruguay where you can eat at the most exclusive restaurants like “La Posta” and go dancing in the best clubs like “Mystic” or “People”.

Undeniably Panama is a magical place that cheers us with its joy, hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty.

By: Marlina Quiroz

Opportunities for Gay Retail Travel Agencies

admin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:29:08 +0000

YTB Travelmore an affiliate marketer for YTB (Your Travel Biz) is currently seeking travel agents through its travel agent marketing website Your Ticket to Paradise

YTB Travel Biz (YTB) brings you the perfect opportunity to transform your life through combining the fun of travel with the speed of the Internet, multiplied by the power of referral marketing to provide YOU with the ultimate home-based business solution.

YTB Your Travel Business – An online travel agency offering home business opportunities to get you fully licensed as an agent allowing you to build your very own professional online travel agency as well as receive all the travel perks that travel agents enjoy. We have a solid team and systems in place.

YTB brings you the perfect opportunity to transform your life through combining the fun of travel with the speed of the Internet, multiplied by the power of referral marketing to provide YOU with the ultimate home-based business solution. YTB is taking the industry by storm!!

The YTB companies offer two unique and powerful business opportunities, that of referring travel agent or “RTA” and that of independent marketing representative or “REP”. The travel agent opportunity has an initial fee under $500 and a monthly license fee of $49.95. There is no fee or travel agency purchase required to be a REP. You may choose to participate in one or both opportunities.

Gay Travel Demographics:

The gay and lesbian community are self-identified travelers have a median age of 47, mostly coupled, median income of $80,000 and a history of taking three or more leisure trips per year.

“Do you have to be gay to sell gay travel?”

This is the most often-asked question among travel agents attending TAG marketing seminars. The answer is always posed as another question: “Do you have to be Jewish to sell a synagogue tour of Jerusalem? Or sight-impaired to serve a client with a vision disability?” Based on their own, experience, the answer is an obvious “no.” By becoming sensitive to a gay client’s needs and preferences, by maintaining a resource library of gay travel guidebooks and maps, and by developing relationships with dependable gay travel suppliers, a retail travel agent can successfully build a loyal gay and lesbian following. But again we advise: Be realistic. The gay market cannot be won overnight. It takes a steady approach.

Your Own Specialty:

You can’t pick up a travel trade publication these days without reading the words: Specialize to survive. Identifying the gay market is already specializing, but now, savvy gay travelers are looking for further specialization within the gay market: Gay scuba trips, lesbian rafting adventures, gay Australia, etc. The possibilities are endless. With the advent of toll-free numbers, the proliferation of newsletters for gay clubs and organizations, and the increasing popularity of internet, you can identify and serve a specialized gay following from around the country or even the world. Don’t just pick a specialty because you think it might be “lucrative.” Pick something you love. If you love sailing, and that’s what you do with your own weekends and vacations, you can flourish by developing this specialty for the gay market as well. Then you have the best of both worlds: Doing what you love, and earning your living in the process.

Be a Joiner:

“It’s all about who you know”. This is an advantage for travel agents developing the gay market. Participating in gay travel industry organizations such as the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and the Travel Alternatives Group (TAG) as well as gay community organizations in your own area will allow you to network with key players. Through these organizations, you will have the contacts to identify powerful alliances with suppliers, participate in co-op advertising and marketing programs, develop group, association and corporate sales, and become known as a specialist in your own “niche within the niche.”

The Key to Your Success:

Community Involvement Programs Gays and lesbians depend on non-profit organizations for almost all aspects of our daily lives. From health concerns such as HIV and breast cancer, to social and recreational organizations like “Frontrunners,” “Different Spokes,” and city gay community centers, to business organizations such as the IGLTA and local gay chambers of commerce, to political organizations which are protecting our basic human rights from attacks by the religious right these non-profits play a pivotal role in the day-to-day lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Most gays and lesbians belong and actively participate in some sort of organization, supporting them with both time and money.

Often mainstream agents and suppliers ask if they can be effective entering the gay and lesbian market. The answer is “of course!” but only if you work within the community; and are not seen as targeting the “gay buck.”

There are two very important reasons for any travel agent or travel supplier to have a Community Involvement Program. First, and foremost, it’s the right thing to do. Our network of non-profit community agencies needs every individual and every business to contribute in order to thrive.

Secondly, community involvement is a cost-effective marketing tool which can bring substantial results, increasing your business far beyond your charitable investment.

Many businesses serving the gay and lesbian market have ongoing community involvement programs. These businesses almost universally report that “being involved” leads to bigger profits and better morale among employees. Ultimately, profit comes from increased business. But business grows through increased customer loyalty and new clients, both of which result from an effective Community Involvement Program.

If you are interested in becoming a Referring Travel Agent (RTA) contact Brent Vanderstelt at 231-206-5333 or visit YTB Travelmore, Book Flights, Hotels, Car Rentals, Vacations and Cruises

By: Brent Vanderstelt

Advantages of Working With a Travel Agency

admin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 02:56:27 +0000

If you are interested in booking a vacation, you have two main choices. You can do the work yourself, or you can choose to work with a travel agent. Although many people think they will save time and money by doing the work themselves, it is the opposite that is usually true. The next time you plan a vacation, you should consider the following benefits to working with a travel agent.

Travel agents know the best days to travel.

When working with a travel agent, you are dealing with someone who not only books dozens (or even hundreds) of vacations every year, but also someone who probably travels often him or herself. Travel agents understand the best days to travel from a budget perspective, as well as from a time perspective. If your dates are flexible, a travel agent can help you find the cheapest, most hassle-free options.

Save money on flights, hotels, and other types of reservations.

Almost all travel companies offer group rates. The problem is, when you travel with your family, you likely will not have enough people to get that group discount, even if you travel with a big family. With a travel agent, you will get the discount because they buy tickets in bulk. You may also get a discount simply because travel professionals get special discounts through professional affiliations.

It takes virtually no work when you let a travel agent plan your vacation for you.

Although you should still do a little research in order to know what questions to ask your travel agent and to make wise decisions on your travel options, you should have to spend little or no time dealing with the details of final booking and other preparations. You will save hours and hours of time!

Travel agents can answer travel document questions.

Laws regarding visas and passports are constantly changing. Although you typically still have to go through the application process yourself, your travel agent can make sure that you understand important deadlines and answer your logistical questions.

You might get insider perks with travel agents.

Some vacation options and travel perks might only be available for people who book with a travel agent. In short, travel agents know the right questions to ask. For example, if you are a newlywed and book through a travel agent, they might be able to get you a honeymoon suite for the same price as a regular room. Travel agents know how to reap the most benefits when booking vacations.

Travel agents can answer questions about your destination.

Chances are that your travel agent (or someone in his or her office) has been to most of the common travel destinations. That means that they should be able to answer your questions about the vacation. From the best restaurants to what to expect when traveling around town on public transportation, travel agents know how to answer your vacation questions.

Travel agents can recommend travel options that are more affordable.

One of the most common reasons for people not traveling more often is that travel is expensive. You might want to travel to a foreign tropical island paradise, for example, on a shoestring budget. Your travel agent can suggest a domestic sunny location, which gives you longer vacation options on your budget.

Kid-friendly travel is much easier with using a travel agent.

There are many challenges to traveling with children, especially young children. Travel agents can help you to deal with these problems. Remember, they book trips for families all of the time. Along the same lines, they can also help solve problems traveling with pets, senior citizens, or disabled individuals.

When your travel plans change, a travel agent can help you deal with these problems.

Things do not always go as planned. When this happens and you have reserved the various portions of your trip by yourself, you have dozens of calls to make, changing dates and trying to save as much money as possible. When working with a travel agent, you only have one call to make. Better yet, the travel agent might be able to get your dates of travel changed or get you a partial refund whereas alone, you might have simply lost the money.

You have a single bill to pay with a travel agent.

Instead of making a ton of small purchases with multiple receipts, confirmation and reservation numbers, you will have one big bill to pay. Better yet, most travel agents have payment plans, in which you pay a certain amount each month until your date of travel. They might even have financing plans to make things easier. With a travel agent, vacations can be stress-free from a financial perspective, on top of all of the planning perks.

Using a travel agent, online or in-person, to plan and reserve your next vacation has many advantages over doing it yourself. You do not have to go it alone to save time and money. In fact, not using a travel agent can cost you more dollars and headache than you would have had you chosen the services of an experienced travel agent.

By: Lisa Parker