As large Corporations begin to outsource, automate and streamline their operations, many Americans are faced with the startling realization that company loyalty and seniority may not guarantee them the job security and retirement benefits they desire. Despite the economy, the travel industry continues to grow, with online travel making up the fastest growing sector of this industry.
Top 10 Reasons To Consider A Home Based Travel Business:
1. The Industry: Travel is a seven trillion dollar a year business, and is expected to double to fourteen trillion within the next decade. Despite current economic conditions, the travel industry continues to grow, and is growing 23% faster than the Global economy.
2. The Timing: A key factor in the growth of the travel industry in the upcoming decade is the Baby Boomer generation. This is a key demographic for the travel industry, for two reasons. The first reason is that the Baby Boomer generation is seventy eight million strong. Baby Boomers are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds, and will continue to do so for the next twenty years. The second reason that this demographic will drive the growth of the travel industry is because Baby boomers consider travel a necessity, not a luxury, and they have indicated travel as the number one thing they intend to do when they retire.
3. The Technology: 52 percent of all travel booked in 2007 and 2008 was booked online, and is expected to grow to over 90 percent by the year 2010. In 2007 alone, over 19 billion in travel and related services was booked through online booking engines. More travel was booked online than offline with traditional brick and mortar travel agencies. Source: phocuswright
4. The Investment: True to the home based business model, home based travel businesses have very low overhead. The majority of your investment will be in training and licensing. Training and certification costs will depend upon which travel business opportunity you decide is right for you, based of course, on your due diligence research.
5. The Flexibility: The flexibility of a home based business makes a home travel business perfect for stay at home moms, stay at home dads, those looking for part time income, and retirees. This opportunity is not limited to that particular niche however. Many individuals have left their full time jobs after starting a home travel business, simply because their part time income surpassed their full time job earnings. The ability to set your own hours and to be your own boss is a very attractive advantage of working from home.
6. The Business Models Available: Several traditional brick and mortar companies now see the value of bringing on travel agents who work from home, but this option is still considered an Employer-Employee arrangement. There are other attractive options available that offer the business owner a travel booking engine, and the ability to become a Certified Travel agent for a small investment, and a monthly web hosting fee. Companies that offer this business model include Traverus Travel Network, World Ventures, Global Resorts Network, and YTB .
7. The Benefits: The benefits of becoming a home travel business are many. The travel industry has a reputation for taking care of travel professionals by making it extremely affordable to travel. Travel agents can save up to 80 percent on travel,and receive complimentary upgrades on flights, hotels and car rentals. In addition, many travel companies offer perks such as member trips and the ability to build an organization by recruiting additional agents to maximize earnings.
8. The 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 what their clients will experience when they travel to the suppliers destination. The travel agent will then be able to make recommendations and book travel for their clients based on their personal knowledge. Travel suppliers will roll out the red carpet for the travel agent to ensure the travel professional has an outstanding time.
9. Say Goodbye To Traffic and Commuting: The true beauty of any work from home business is the fact that when you wake up, you are at work, when you are ready to work. Just to be sure to pace yourself, and if possible, have a designated area for your work. That way, when you close the door, and turn out the light, you are really off of work for the day.
10. The Tax Benefits – There are also tax benefits for individuals who chose to do this profession as an independent travel agent, working from home. You should consult with your CPA or tax professional for more information regarding this benefit.
January 1st, 2010 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments
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.
December 31st, 2009 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments
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.
December 28th, 2009 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments
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.
December 28th, 2009 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments
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
December 27th, 2009 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments
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.
December 26th, 2009 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments
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.
December 25th, 2009 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments
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.
December 24th, 2009 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments
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!
December 23rd, 2009 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments
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.
December 21st, 2009 | Posted in Best Las Vegas Deal | No Comments