Las Vegas Last Minute Deal

Becoming a seller on ebay can be daunting. Becoming a travel seller can be impossible, unless you know the secrets. My tips on selling on eBay can apply to all categories of items, but some steps are unique to selling travel.

The travel industry is highly regulated on EBay, as it should be. High standards keep out disreputable sellers and scam artists, and adds to your own company’s trustworthiness when you are approved by eBay..

1. Before you are even thinking about selling travel on eBay, it is important to get a username and email address just for eBay. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. Register as a seller and you can use the same username to buy as well. Choose a name that reflects what you sell i.e., “Bermudabound” rather than “sexyblueeyes”. Other eBay members will come to recognize you by your User ID, so it’s a good idea to choose one you’ll want to use for the long term.

2. Your eBay name has sunglasses (i.e., read “shady character”) for the first 30 days, so don’t try to sell anything while you are wearing shades. Use this time to buy on eBay and learn good practices from other sellers.

3. Set up a PayPal account. EBay buyers feel more confident purchasing something from a seller who accepts PayPal. According to PayPal, “Listings that offer PayPal are 6% more likely to sell and experience a 5% average increase in final price.” Go to www. Paypal.com. Get a business account. Registration is free.

4. In the first 30 days, buy small items on EBay, pay for them promptly. I have always found eBay sellers to offer good values, provided that you check their feedback listing first.

5. Pay your seller promptly, because then you will always get positive feedback from your seller. Your feedback profile is the most important aspect of your reputation at eBay. Feedback is extremely important on eBay, as your future buyers can evaluate you at a glance. Even one strike against you counts heavily.

6. Create your “About Me” page on eBay. Use this page to tell other eBay users about yourself and your interests, your experience and your products.

7. While you are waiting the 30 days, also become a) ID verified and b)square trade approved. a) Get ID Verified through eBay as an extra sign of security for buyers. When a member gets ID Verified, a third-party company working with eBay confirms the member’s identity by cross checking their contact information across consumer and business databases. You’ll see the ID Verify icon in verified members’ profiles.

B) The Square Trade Seal is one way for sellers to show bidders that they are committed to high selling standards and have had their identity verified by a third party. You will need a credit card and your IATA, ARC, or seller of travel number. Both are requirements for selling travel, and you must place these numbers as the first lines of your ads on EBay. All members listing airline tickets, cruises, vacation packages, or lodging must be participants in the Seller Verify by SquareTrade Program. This program combines verification of sellers with ongoing monitoring. For instructions on this, go to eBay.com.

8. When you are ready to list your items at auction, sell small stuff first, building customers and credibility. Sell all items with no reserve, at the lowest price you can afford to accept, and fill all orders promptly.

9. Choose carefully what you will sell. You cannot sell some travel certificates, or vouchers and all listing must list the exceptions, blackout dates, and extra taxes and shipping charges. Travel agents, and other businesses selling travel services are regulated in eBay. According to the eBay rules for selling travel, “Businesses and individuals who sell and/or arrange air or sea travel or accommodations (but do not directly provide the travel service themselves) may list air and ship related travel items (i.e. airplane tickets and cruise trips), along with accommodations, on eBay only if they are licensed as sellers of travel lawfully able to do business in all 50 states and they themselves will be booking the travel for the winning bidder. Their listings should clearly set out their California seller of travel license number as well as any other license information required in other states. It is against eBay policy for travel clearinghouse affiliates, that are not actual agents booking the travel themselves, to list travel auctions on the site. Sellers are required to include the following disclaimer in all listings for travel exactly as it appears below and in a text size and color that can easily be seen and read by all bidders:

“By listing this auction I verify that I am the actual travel agent or travel provider and not a third party affiliate. The travel/accommodations in this auction will be booked directly through me and not an outside agency. I also verify that, other than the government taxes and related government fees stated within the listing description itself, there will be absolutely no additional fees, charges or after auction purchases associated with booking the travel within this listing.”

For travel services other than air or sea travel, businesses and individuals may offer gift certificates or coupons that are issued by a specific provider of travel, such as a gift certificate to a particular hotel. They may not, however, offer travel club memberships or “choice travel” certificates.”

10. Setting your price

Selecting your starting price requires balancing between how much money you want for the item, and what buyers will pay for it. As part of your pricing strategy, you can research the ending bids for similar items. You can look at similar item completed eBay listings using the completed listings search.

Be sure to include in your price enough to cover your insertion fees, final value fees, and your paypal fees. Set the LOWEST possible price you can afford to accept, but don’t offer something at a price you really don’t want to accept. Buyers expect bargains on ebay purchases, and you may, in the beginning, only get one bid on your item.

Attractively priced items (such as those priced at 99cents) may receive many bids, but unless it is a really outstanding items, the winning bidder may not have bid anything near your cost.

Setting your price involves not only deciding the starting price of your item, but also selecting pricing options based on which selling format you select.

Pricing for the auction-like listings:

The starting price is the lowest price you are willing to sell your item. Bidding will start at this price. Sellers have found that setting the starting price too high may discourage bidding.

If you do not want to sell your item below a certain price, you can specify a reserve price. A reserve price is an option you can use to stimulate bidding on your listing and reserve the right not to sell below the price you want. I do not recommend this option as it discourages buying.

Pricing for fixed price listings: In my experience, this is not a good way to sell anything, since the ebay method is based mainly on auction items. Enter the price at which you wish to sell your item or items as the Buy It Now price.

11. Build a store. EBay stores are free for the first 30 days. Afterwards, they are a small fee per month. ($15.95 / month) According to eBay, Store sellers see on average a 25% incremental increase in sales the 3 months after opening their Store.” Here is where you can list all those other items that are higher priced, but good value at a low listing fee – at Insertion Fees of .03-.10 per month – use good til cancelled

Note: The Insertion Fee covers a single listing (with any quantity of items in the listing), whether you list 1 or 1,000 of the same item. Final Value Fees range from 12.00% of the closing price for cheap items to

Over $1,000.01

12.00% of the initial $25.00 ($3.00), plus 8.00% of the initial $25.01 – $100.00 ($6.00), plus 4.00% of the initial $100.01 – $1,000.00 ($36.00), plus 2.00% of the remaining closing value balance ($1,000.01-closing value)

Auction and Fixed Price listings appear in your eBay Store as well as in eBay Search and Listings. The store allows your buyers to peruse your other items in addition to your auction items. Go to: http://pages.eBay.com/storefronts/openbenefits.html

12. Completing a sale: Remember, your reputation is of utmost importance. If your item sells successfully, the sale needs to be completed. This includes contacting your buyer, accepting payment and shipping the item.

13. I also recommend a “buy it now” listing, using the actual price of your item, i.e, what you really want. Using the “best offer” option allows members to make you a lower offer. Tip: Set a limit on “best offer” minimum bids, or you will get absurd offers of 1 cent or more.

14. Don’t use Listing Upgrades when you are new. Use your own hosting for pictures or eBay Picture Hosting.

15. For free templates for use on ebay, I like http://www.template-o-matic.com/

16. Examples of actions that are not allowed on eBay:

Bidding on your own item, or having family members, roommates or employees bid on your item (called shill bidding). For policy and examples, see Shill Bidding.

Interfering with another member’s transaction.

Accepting payment and sending an item that is significantly different from the item described in the item listing. For policy and examples, see Seller Non-performance.

Refusing to accept a buyer’s PayPal payment using a credit card when the seller included the PayPal logo in the listing.

Charging buyers an additional fee for their use of ordinary forms of payment including acceptance of checks, money orders, electronic transfers or credit cards.

If something goes wrong, including having problems with your buyer, there are options to help with your transaction problems.

17. Some ebay fees:

When you list an item on eBay, you’re charged an Insertion Fee. If the item sells, you are also charged a Final Value Fee. The total cost of selling an item is the Insertion Fee plus the Final Value Fee. The minimum insertion fee is 15 cents and goes to $4.00, depending upon the starting price of the auction. Final Value Fees:

Item not sold No Fee

$0.01 – $25.00**

8.75% of the closing value

$25.01- $1,000.00

8.75% of the initial $25.00 ($2.19), plus 3.50% of the remaining closing value balance ($25.01 to $1,000.00)

Equal to or Over $1000.01

8.75% of the initial $25.00 ($2.19), plus 3.50% of the initial $25.01 – $1,000.00 ($34.12), plus 1.50% of the remaining closing value balance ($1000.01 – closing value)

For examples of travel stores on eBay, take a look at: http://stores.ebay.com/Travel-Ireland-and-Britain_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm

Ellen Mc Nulty is President of Lynott Tours, specialists in travel to Ireland and Britain.. Lynott Tours has been selling travel for 38 years, and can be found on the Internet at www.lynotttours.com and www.cruisetourplanners.com as well as www.australiatravelmaster.com

The travel industry is a seven trillion dollar industry expected to double to fourteen trillion dollars within the next decade. This lucrative industry is currently growing 23% faster than the global economy.
A key factor in this growth phenomenon is the steady stream of baby boomers who are retiring, or getting ready to retire. In fact, baby boomers are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds. Travel was rated the number one thing these baby boomers intend to do when they do retire.
There is now an increased demand for qualified travel agents, due to the explosive growth of the industry as a whole. To become a certified travel agent, your options are not limited to the traditional brick and mortar setting.
Many reputable travel agencies are now offering attractive options for the individual looking for a legitimate home based business.
If your goal is to work as an independent travel agent from the comfort of your own home, you may want to consider working as an online travel agent.
Here are some companies that you can research, that offer excellent income opportunities and complete training. Please note, that many travel companies that actively recruit agents to work from home, will hire their agents as employees.
There are also travel companies that recruit independent agents. This option will offer the agent the freedom of being self-employed, and the ability to set their own hours.
To take advantage of this option, be aware that there will be an investment required. The ability to make money will be solely at the discretion of the agent who chooses to invest in this business model.
On a positive note, many agents who have invested in this business model are making a very nice income, so be sure to research this option before ruling it out.
Travel companies that currently offer the independent agent business model include TraVerus Travel Network, Global Resorts Network, and Your Travel Business, also known as YTB.
Make sure to do your due diligence! Be sure to research each company carefully, and make it a priority to fully understand the compensation plan. You will also need to know what training is available, and whether the company will offer you the opportunity to become certified.
Don’t be afraid to ask important questions, such as whether the company has IATA(International Air Transport Association), IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Credentials. This is important information to know, especially if you intend to take advantage of the travel perks and benefits available to those in the travel industry.
Here are some questions to ask – What is the initial investment, if any? Are there any additional costs or fees associated with obtaining licensing, or becoming certified? And finally, if you are considering a work at home position, what kind of support and training is offered?
Next, determine whether you a right fit for the travel industry. Lets break down the qualifications that will determine whether you are suited for this challenging, but rewarding career.
Travel agents should have a minimum of a high school diploma. Agents should have a true love for travel,as well as a sincere enthusiasm and love for working with people, because these traits are crucial elements for success in this industry.
Travel agents should also possess excellent multi-tasking and organization skills. Attention to detail and accuracy are very important, along with great communication skills. In addition, good computer skills will be needed.
Travel agents should possess a professional, courteous demeanor when working with suppliers, and the general public. Sales ability and great interpersonal skills are an added plus.
The benefits of becoming a travel agent are many. I have listed the top three.
Travel agents save up to 80% on travel to many of the worlds exclusive resorts and destinations. These discounts include, but are not limited to:
a. Complimentary upgrades
b. Hotel room upgrades and discounts
c. Car rental discounts and upgrades
d. Cruises
e. Theme park discounts
f. Vacation Packages
FAM trips, also known as familiarization trips. Suppliers will offer access to their facilities at substantial discounts so that travel agents will have first hand knowledge of their facilities. The travel agent will then be able to make recommendations and book travel for their clients based on their personal knowledge and first hand experience.
The supplier will roll out the red carpet for the travel agent to ensure the travel professional has an outstanding time.
There are also tax benefits for individuals who chose to do this profession as an independent travel agent. You should consult with your CPA or tax professional for more information regarding this benefit.
So, how do I become a travel agent? In summary, becoming a travel agent can be a lucrative and rewarding career. Should you decide that you possess the skills and abilities needed for success, you can look forward to a promising career.
In addition to the companies named in this article, you can do further research online at Google or Yahoo using the following keywords – become a travel agent, how do I become a travel agent, travel agent careers, or online travel agent.

Travel nursing is nursing that allows a nurse to work for a few months in one hospital before moving on to another hospital that is in a different part of the country. Hospitals and medical facility’s use travel nurses because they feel that they can benefit from the travel nurses expertise, to help get a new facility up and running, and to act as a mentor for a novice staff. But why would anybody become a travel nurse.A huge reason nurses pursue travel nursing careers is the money. Travel nurses make significantly more money per hour then their contemporaries who work in just one hospital. Travel nurses do not get paid directly by the hospital they are working for. Typically the travel nursing agency collects and hands out the travel nurses salary.Travel nurses love traveling. Through their jobs they can not only visit different parts of the country they can actually live and work in various parts of the country. They get to see how medical services differ from one part of the country to the next. Travel nurses know that if and when they meet a co-worker that they don’t get along with, they know that it isn’t a big deal. They will only have to deal with them for a few months and then they will be moving onto a different location.Travel nurses make lots and lots of new friends all over the county.The average travel nurse enjoys excellent medical and dental benefits. In most situations agencies that specialize in travel nurses offer these medical and dental benefits to lure travel nurses to their agency. Some nursing agencies also have 401K plans.Working as a travel nurse is an excellent way to build a fantastic resume. The things a nurse learns during their experience as a travel nurse will go a long way to obtaining a successful job in a home hospital when the nurse is ready to cease their nomadic ways. The people you meet working as a travel nurse will be valuable references, before completing a work assignment make sure you keep a record of names and phone numbers that you can use as references when you are ready to find a permanent nursing position. Some travel nursing agencies offer their nurses an additional way to make some extra money by offering a bonus each time the nurse makes a successful referral. Because the travel nurse is constantly working at hospitals and medical facility’s that are full of brand new nurses the opportunity to encourage referrals is endless. Some agency’s also offer their travel nurses a completion bonus when a job has been finished.Some times friends who have gone through nursing school together decide that travel nursing is something they can do together. Working in tandem means that the travel nurse always see familiar face no matter where they go.Some travel nurses enjoy the experience of working in various parts of the country they decide to further their traveling careers by offering to work at missionaries and hospitals all over the world.

Natural Health, Weight Loss and Fitness Blog

Travel rules, regulations and restrictions have changed considerably in the last decade, particularly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  US passports are in high demand since they are currently a requirement for certain types of travel.  Other types of travel do not require a US passport, though the rules will be changing again in the coming months and years.  If you are planning air travel in the near future, you’re probably wondering what rules apply to you.

The changes that have occurred in land, sea and air travel regulations have come about as the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.  This program was launched in 2004 in response to the drafting of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.  It was enacted to strengthen the security of US borders without making it prohibitive for US citizens and legitimate foreign visitors to cross American borders.  The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a joint effort between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region.  The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative dictates a uniform standard of documentation which is required by every person wishing to enter and leave the areas which are covered by this agreement. 

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has been implemented in several stages in order to give the public time to prepare for the changes.  The first stage to affect air travel was enacted in January of 2007.  The standard of required documentation for air travel has not changed since, though changes to land and sea travel have occurred in that time.  According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all foreign air travel (i.e. airplanes leaving the United States) requires a US passport both to leave and re-enter the US. 

It is important to note that travelers are not required to carry a US passport for domestic flights.  There is no stipulation regarding domestic air travel in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.  However, there is speculation by travel experts and government groups that one day a US passport may be required even for domestic flights.  This policy would fall into line with a number of other countries, particularly in Europe and the UK. These countries currently require locals and foreigners alike to present a passport for everything travel related, including domestic air travel and hotel stays.

It is also important to note that the documentation required for air travel is stricter than the rules for travel by land and sea.  As of January 31, 2008 land and sea travel can be undertaken without a US passport.  In lieu of a US passport, travelers must present a legal form of government photo identification AND a proof of citizenship document (birth certificate or naturalization certificate.)  Air travelers have been caught in the confusion in the past few years and some have unfortunately found themselves stranded in airports because they were unaware that air travel requirements differ from other types of travel.

The final stage of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will take effect in June, 2009.  In anticipation of this, travel agents and US government officials are urging that all American citizens apply for a US passport.  A US passport is the only worldwide, universally-accepted form of travel identification.  While Americans will still be able to cross land borders without one after June of 2009, a US passport will speed up the process considerably and make for fewer delays at border crossing stations.  

Whenever you plan for a life time memorial Trip, you’ve always dreamed of and you want to make sure that nothing goes wrong. As we all are human being, you are aware that you do not have a total control over your life and that accidents can happen. Cheapest Travel insurance is a necessary item if you are going on a Trip.

Competition on Travel Insurance market is quite in big amount and there are many companies ready to offer  Cheapest Travel Insurance suitable for one’s needs and preferences. Remember that is vital that you purchase travel insurance in order to protect your travel investment.

While searching for a best cheap Travel Insurance, Take in consideration several factors such as: destination and your age and health conditions, journey duration. You should also check if preexisting conditions are covered by your travel insurance or not. You should also check if the cheapest travel insurance you choose has additional features like: travel document loss, optional medical benefits (helicopter for emergency cases), and accidental death during flight. We know these things are difficult to think about but not impossible to happen. It is best for you to purchase full Travel Package.

The trickiest part is finding the best and appropriate travel insurance quotes. You just log on to your computer and go online. There are so many insurance companies ready to offer free travel insurance quotes on their sites. Consider the features and compare figures. Choosing a reputable website can help you obtain instant travel insurance quotes from leading companies and also personalized travel insurance assistance. These travel insurance quotes are always up-to-date and accurate not to mention that there is a wide selection online. You can look at several different travel insurance quotes at the same time online, in a short period of time.

Travel insurance quotes can be easily obtained by completing a form with basic information. After filling out the form, you will receive travel insurance quotes from several companies. These travel insurance quotes show in detail different travel insurance options, deductible and other details. This will help you pick out the best plan based on your need and preferences.

Traveling will offer lifetime lasting memories. So it is in your best interest to look after yourself and purchase full travel insurance in order to feel safe and have fun. There is no reason to be skeptical; purchasing travel insurance is a must.

Are you the one who has never purchased travel insurance while traveling abroad or moving to other states?. Then relax! There are many who had n’t.  Lets not discuss about the intricacies why they didn’t bought it. We should know about why we need travel insurance.

Travel insurance is one of the only sources available in foreign country that can compensate for you in case of luggage loss, accidents, cancelled trips, postponements, injury, illness and other relative adversities.You should be careful while choosing travel insurance plans. Better way is to compare travel plans form various companies. You can blindly opt for the best and number one general insurance company in the market or choose after searching the web. The main aspect is to opt for the travel plan that meets up your actual travel expenses. An expensive traveling need cannot be covered by vying for lower premium travel plan and vice versa because it also holds true for smaller traveling expenses.Though there are some insurance plans that overlap benefits or some how cover injury, illness and accidents but to have the treatment of local citizen you require travel insurance plan that is applicable in that country. For example you can choose from travel plan UK, travel Plan US, travel plan Canada, travel plan Hong Kong, travel  plan Australia  and others.Always buy travel insurance from the best rated travel insurance company, never fall prey to the freebies offered by local travel agent. These type of agents provide travel insurance with some freebies which ultimately is not reasonable when considered the inclusion factor of travel insuranceThere are special types of travel insurance plans for Senior Citizens, Students, Children, Tourists before buying avail the best deal from the company.Always insure yourself in home country so that the cost of premium is on par with your local currency thereby making you save money which would have caused a lot in foreign country. To have complete peace of mind and to combat any adverse condition in foreign countries, It is advisable to have travel insurance policy. For more details on best travel insurance quotes and rates click here

Today, luxury travel tour has become a thriving industry. You can opt for a luxurious travel either for transacting business around the world or to explore various places for pleasure. To make your tour meaningful and worthwhile, you can find the travel information by searching for a best travel package from domestic and foreign travel agents, tourist guides and tourism bureaus. With the advent of internet, online travel guides offer you the best tourist information free of cost.

By logging on to an online luxury travel tour portal, you can have free access to a number of online travel packages and interesting itineraries for domestic and international tours, zoo explorations, island escapades, ocean cruises. With the free online travel assistance, you can get detailed information and also can get an offer of good travel packages for planning your trip to the United States, North and South Americas, Europe, Central and South East and Far East Asia, Indian subcontinent, Africa, Australia and the South Pacific. Once you decide on the travel destination and the intended dates of travel, you can further get specific information relating features of the chosen travel destination, cheap and best air travel rates, hotel accommodation and other minute details on tourism services to further plan your travel program. Online travel agents are always ready and willing to help you online with a travel package and to respond to your travel queries.

By checking up with the online international travel guides, you can update your information about the tourist destinations of the world with their corresponding landmarks of tourist interest. By browsing the online tourist sites, you can get travel package, helpful information and tips for safe travel. After planning and deciding about your tour programme, you can further fulfill your agenda by consulting the ready-to-serve online travel agencies for booking hotel, package tours and travel arrangements including airline and car services.

Based on your travel package, style and personal interests, you can create a best travel guide for yourself by combining the internet material, travel guide books and local guides to enjoy your luxury travel tour with utmost safety.

Let’s say you have all the time in the world, you don’t mind a couple headaches, and you want to plan a full vacation yourself without any help from a travel agent. Sometimes, you actually don’t need a travel agent. If you need a ticket on short notice, if you’re making a very short trip and you don’t really need to make a big production out of it, etc…

However, there are a number of things that a travel agency can offer you that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. The reason for this is simple: travel agencies are offered a lot of great deals.

The reason for travel providers to offer great deals through travel agents is that it is simply in their best interests to keep these agencies in business. When the travel agencies are offering great deals, they stay in business, when the travel agencies stay in business, the travel companies’ stay in business. It’s really as simple as that.

A travel agency collects commission out of the actual cost of the tickets and reservations and so on, and does not charge an additional fee for their services. And so, you can expect a fair deal with nothing tacked on.

What you will find almost exclusively through travel agencies would be…

Customized Vacation Packages

This is the main draw, to be honest. A good travel agency will provide you with hotel, dinner reservations, a rental car and even some live entertainment in an all-inclusive package. And of course, this is all offered at a hefty discount (again, it’s the discounts that keep travellers coming back to their favorite travel agencies).

Even if you’re only saving, say, five percent here, ten percent there, twenty percent in the other place… it adds up. Say a general package would normally have you paying two hundred for a hotel, five hundred for airfare, and three hundred for a rental car. Well, twenty or so percent off of a thousand dollars is a couple hundred bucks, and that’s something of a conservative estimate. By knowing when to book and how to get great discounts, you might be surprised just how much you can save by booking a full package with a travel agency.

For corporate accounts, many travel agents will maintain a customer profile for individual travelers that are customized to the company’s travel policy to manage compliance with the corporate rules and to streamline expense reporting. The individual also benefits because they can save to their profile a preference for seats, hotel and car rental, corporate discount numbers, airline frequent flyer numbers and other pertinent information to assist with the booking process.

A Well Advised, Well Planned Trip

A good travel doesn’t just hold your tickets til you need them. A good travel agent will recommend a number of vacation options to you advising you on which hotels come recommended, places to avoid (because of crowding or crime, etc.), and even, on certain occasions local customs. The best travel agents aren’t just travel agents, they’re also travel experts, and can help you get the best trip, and get the most out of that trip.

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 walking into the office or talking to a real person on the phone when you need it. Each trip is unique and there are times when you may want to sit face to face with a knowledgeable travel consultant (like when you are planning you’re once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation). For the standard weekend or business overnight, you may want the ease of online ordering.

Exclusive Reservations

Not always, but sometimes, a travel agent can actually score you discount tickets for sold out live shows, famous restaurants, and exclusive resorts, which may have been all but impenetrable were you to just show up with a suit and tie and ask to be let in. It sounds snooty, but some resorts don’t even accept unsolicited telephone calls. A travel agent may serve as your foot in the door for the most exclusive of exclusive destinations. Plus, getting tickets or reservations at an exclusive spot at a discounted price; that’s nothing to complain about, either.

The main thing about going through a travel agency is that they make everything a lot easier, and sometimes, they make things that seemed impossible into something that becomes completely accessible and well within your means. The very best travel agencies should dazzle you with their near magical ability to produce great deals seemingly from thin air. Of course, more realistically, you can expect them to save you a lot of money and get you where you want to go!

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.