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    Throughout his life, Joel M. Abels, Travel Trade's editor and publisher, made it his mission to keep travel agents from going it alone in business... (more)

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    Travel Agent Professional April 2012

     

    feb 2012 Issue

     

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    America's Vacation Center/Avoya Travel

     

     

     
    Sherry Laskin
    By Sherry Laskin
    Travel writer/NACTA Webinar Moderator
    www.cruisemaven.com

    Starting a Blog —
    How to Choose a Name

    IF you've ever gone online to research a travel question for yourself or a client, I will bet that some of the travel information you stumbled upon came from a travel blog.

    It might be a blog from Carnival's consummate cruise director,
    John Heald, (www.johnhealdsblog.com),
    from a CVB (www.VisitJacksonville.com) or simply someone who is well-versed in a particular topic such as women traveling solo (www.journeywoman.com).

    IF you want to join the 21st century and start your own travel blog (or any type of blog), congratulations.

    IF you still think that blogging is a useless time-sink and you have no need for it, this might be the time to reconsider. A blog is a way to express your thoughts, ideas and interests. It doesn't have to be a travel-related blog. It can be about knitting or baking cupcakes. You can start your blog to keep in touch with friends and family when you travel. But what will you name it?

    Naming your blog is one of the most important decisions you will make. Of course, if this is only for your family's eyes, the right name won't be as crucial. If you want your clients to read it or even gain followers online, choosing the right name can be a make or break decision.

    Here are a few ideas to consider when choosing a name for your blog.

    Use your real name
    It's you. With your own name out there, no one else can claim it. Suddenly, you become the expert on whatever you write. You can gain credibility from your peers, clients and readers. But…be careful what you write. If your fam hotel room doesn't meet up to your standards, maybe you don't want to bash the company, lest the GM ends up reading it and remembers you.
    Example of "real" name blogs:
    John Heald's Blog • Paula Deen • Dori Greenspan

    Use only part of your name
    You are still somewhat identifiable yet you're not totally out there. But…your readers may not quickly know what it is that you're writing about.
    Example of partial "real" name blog:
    Screaming Mimi • Johnny Jet • Mike & Chao Chow

    An enthusiast or expert name
    With clear, accurate and intelligent writing you can quickly establish yourself as an expert in your field. But…one mistake and your reputation is in jeopardy. If you call yourself an expert, you need to truly be one.
    Example of expertise in a name:
    Chris Cruises • Exotic Tropical Vacations • The Brooklyn Nomad

    Get wild and crazy
    You can choose something totally out of the ordinary. Something unique that will stay in peoples' minds. Of course, no one will have a clue what you are blogging about but it might be so outrageous that it attracts attention. But…be ready to explain what the heck you're writing about!
    Example of unusual names:
    Trail of Ants • MyMelange • Briefcase To Backpack

    Think you've found the perfect name? Here are a few more points to consider:
    First thing, check to see if you can grab it as a dot com. It's YOUR blog name, you should also have the domain name. It's a $7.95 investment, what are you waiting for?

    Can you get your blog name at Twitter? What about the other social media outlets: Vimeo, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr?

    Be sure you don't out-grow it. Last year, an online acquaintance decided to take a bus to Antarctica. He had his blog name, Bus 2 Antarctica, on many social media platforms. What happened? He came home.

    Whether or not you have writing experience or just simply want to journal your fabulous cruise on the Yangtze, a blog is a great way to capture the moments with words and photos. It's simple, free and fun to do.

    If you have any questions, please E-mail me: sherry.cruisemaven.com
    Visit my blog: CruiseMaven.com
    Follow me on Twitter: CruiseMaven
    Become a fan on Facebook: CruiseMaven

    E-mail your questions to: sherry@sherrylaskin.com
    Comments
    Leisure Pops

     

    Kenny G.

     

    Great Deal! Don't miss out!

     

    Sunshine Travel is pleased to announce 2012 China Leisure Tour Packages for any of following destinations (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou & Guilin)

     

    7 Days/6 Nights Tour Package is for

    $299 (per person double)
    Guaranteed departure based on 2 passengers on any of date you choose.

     

    Package service includes:

    • Private round trip airport/hotel transfers with guide & vehicle service. 6 nights high-end resort hotel accommodation with daily buffet breakfast. Morning Tai-Chi class lessons.
    • Optional daily sightseeing tour transfer with guide & vehicle service. (Entry ticket to site visit & lunch is not included and optional.) 

    Please visit our web for detail info: www.chinaasiatour.com
     
    Auto

    

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before
    You Leave For Europe (part 3)

    April 19, 2012: Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, has compiled a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below is the final set of suggestions for being prepared once you have arrived back from your trip. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before
    You Leave For Europe (part 2)

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, has compiled a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below is the second set of suggestions for being prepared once you have arrived at the car rental location. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before

    You Leave For Europe

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, is compiling a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below are the first suggestions on being prepared before you rent a car. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe: New mandatory ruling for automobiles in France

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, is prepared to service their clients with the new ruling in France requiring mandatory breathalyzers in all passenger vehicles. (continue)

     

    Host Agencies

    Amadeus and Expedia sign multi-year agreement in North America

    MADRID, April 19, 2012 – Amadeus, a leading travel technology provider and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, and Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), the world's largest online travel company, today announced they have signed a multi-year content and technology agreement for North America. (continue)

     

    Sales Tip #11:

    Build Your Professional Brand
    Create a Lasting Impression
    with These 3 Tips

    One of the best ways to maintain a customer database full of people who want to hear from you, book with you and send referrals to you is to build a strong and professional brand. Each travel agent has their own personal brand, and it's important to make sure that you take advantage of yours!: (continue)

     

    Travelsavers And Network Of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (Nest)
    Introduce New Customer Loyalty Program

    April 2012: Travel Club, a new complimentary customer loyalty program for clients of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST travel professionals has just launched. The benefits of the program are two fold: (continue)

     

    American Marketing Group

    Launches Family Lifestyle Campaign

    April 2012: American Marketing Group continues to expand upon its award-winning lifestyle direct mail program with a new family-themed campaign, available to licensed travel professionals of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST (continue)

     

    Steven Thompson, CEO
    Of Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Will Address "Well-Being And Medical Travel Conference"

    March 28, 2012 (Oyster Bay, NY) – It was announced today that Steven J. Thompson, MBA, Chief Executive Officer for Johns Hopkins Medicine International, will address the constituents at the "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012." (wellbeingtravelconference). (continue)

     

    Patient Travelers Give Candid Recaps at "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012"

    A specially assembled panel of patient travelers will candidly discuss their experiences in traveling abroad for medical and dental procedures at the upcoming "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012." (continue)

     

    Trafalgar and Virgin Atlantic Host
    The Sales and Service Team of American Marketing Group's

    Trafalgar and Virgin Atlantic recently hosted American Marketing Group's sales and service team on a four day FAM in London. The whirlwind tour of the world-class city incorporated all of the most renowned sites. (continue)

     

    "Best of the Best Globe Award"

    Avoya Travel™/American Express® has been awarded an American Express Vacations 2011 'Best of the Best Globe Award'... (continue)

     

    "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012" GIVEAWAY

    Any one who registers by April 15 will be entered to win an ultra-pampering personal spa package at the Centre for Well-Being at the 5-star Phoenician luxury resort. A $300 value, the prize-winning package includes a choice of two 50-minute spa services...(continue)


    20% Growth for ExpediaCruiseShipCenters

    Expedia CruiseShipCenters has entered its 25th year in business in good stride with 2011 sales figures showing a remarkable 20% growth over the previous year! (continue)

     

    "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012"

    The "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012" -- which will take place on June 20-21, 2012 at The Phoenician luxury resort in Scottsdale, Arizona... (continue)


    Sandals honored Avoya Travel/ American Express

    'Best of the Best, Western' for the company's dedication to outstanding customer service and creating exceptional vacation experiences for Sandals Resorts' guests. (continue)

     

    NCL Honors Avoya Travel With Top Travel Award

    Avoya Travel™/American Express®, one of the leading travel companies in North America and beyond, today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line has presented the company with its 2011 'Home-Based Agency of the Year' award. (continue)

     

    OASIS Reports Record
    Growth in 2011

    OASIS, www.OasisAgent.com, a leader in the development of programs for home based independent travel agents, reports another year of record growth. (continue)

     

    TRAVELSAVERS Partner Services &
    Analog Analytics Team Up to Provide

    TRAVELSAVERS Partner Services, a new American Marketing Group company, has won the account as the exclusive travel provider for Analog Analytics' Bigger Better Deal™ solution. (continue)

     

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    This website is dedicated to the memory of Joel M. Abels
    "HE CREATED A VOICE, NOT JUST AN ECHO"

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