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    Joel and

    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)

    England

     

    Travel Agent Professional April 2012

     

    feb 2012 Issue

     

    Issue

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    America's Vacation Center/Avoya Travel

     

     

     
     

    Sherry Laskin

     

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

     

    Six Tips for Your Clients'
    River Cruise

    Unless you've been living and working under a rock, you know that river cruising is a hot topic these days. With nearly a dozen new river boats being built by 2012, it's no doubt that river cruising is gaining in popularity. And it's also no doubt that many of your ocean cruise clients are ready to try a river cruise.

    Does this match any of your clients? With an average age of sixty-one and a median income of $80,000/year, river cruise passengers have both time and money to view Europe up-close and personal. If not, as river cruise lines want to lure a younger demographic, look for more 7-night cruises and more active shore excursions. How about a 15-mile bike ride? AMAWaterways has a fleet of twenty bikes and a local guide leads the way.

    I'm sure you know the advantages of a European river cruise - cruise ships only touch the edges of continents; river boats take you to the very heart of magnificent cities and ancient towns. For those who want to see Europe without flying, this is the perfect alternative.

    Paint a picture: "Imagine quietly gliding past steep sloped vineyards, medieval castles and historic monuments. Disembark and walk right into town for a café lunch. Stroll along the pier or borrow one of the river boat's bicycles to explore further." It's an easy sell.

    Now you've sold them on the idea of a river cruise. Here are my Top Six suggestions for getting the most enjoyment out of it:

    1. Pack light. Not just for the airline requirements but for convenience. There is no obligatory "formal night," only the Farewell Party. Men need only a collared shirt and dark sport coat. Women can leave their long dresses and high heels at home. Attire is country club casual even at dinner. Best of all, there are do-it-yourself launderettes on many of the river boats. Complimentary laundry service is included with many suite-level accommodations.

    2. Know your limitations.     Cobblestone streets, walkways and stairs can be a bit tricky to navigate if you are unsteady on your feet. Europe doesn't subscribe to the Americans with Disabilities Act. If your client is out of shape, has difficulty walking or has a heart condition, you might want to reconsider that 200-step climb to the top of the castle.
    Pace yourself accordingly. Some of the river boats do not have elevators, so make sure the boat you choose has one if you need one. Alternatively, many river cruises lines, including AMAWaterways, offer an easy-paced walking tour option. Uniworld (and other lines I'm sure) has a doctor on board for the lower Danube stretch, Bucharest to Budapest.

    3. Wine and dine. Unlike cruise ships, river boats have "open seating." Stroll into the dining room (7:30-9:30 a.m). for a leisurely buffet breakfast. Lunch is fairly relaxed, too, as it is mainly buffet-style dining. Dinner however, doesn't operate the same.
    To facilitate good service and freshly prepared entrees, you are expected to arrive fairly close to when the dining room opens, usually 7PM. Dinner times can vary based on the timing of the shore excursions, so check the daily planner.
    Let your clients know that on some river cruise lines, the complimentary wine with dinner abruptly ends even before your entrée plate is removed. So if you like to sip wine with dessert, especially a delicious cheese plate, be sure to flag down your waiter for a refill before your place is cleared. Just watch the first night and see what happens.

    4. When in "Rome…" Nothing garners a warm welcome quicker than saying hello in the local language. Learn to say "hello," "thank you" and "excuse me" in as many of the countries' languages as possible. Write it on a cheat sheet and put it in your pocket. Chances are that the local shopkeeper, upon hearing your broken German or Romanian will immediately speak to you in English. But you've made the effort and it won't go unrewarded. Get your client a pocket-sized language phrase book for their bon voyage gift.

    5. Cash is king. Buy Euros before you go. Suggest that your client make a list of the countries they will visit and find a local bank that sells the currency. Mainly, they'll need Euros. But if they can get any of the other currencies (and there are quite a few on the lower Danube river) they'll avoid the high commission exchange fees. Of course, the boat's front desk will also exchange currency, but there are some limitations. Tipping at the end of your cruise is expected to be in Euros.

    6. Weather reports. Traveling on the rivers in the spring or fall, there will certainly be a variance in temperatures and precipitation. Advise your client to bring that nerdy plastic poncho and a folding umbrella. And leave that backpack at home. Nothing says "American Tourist" more than an Eddie Bauer backpack. If they must carry belongings, a tote bag is much more European. Also, when taking a motor coach tour, the bus is locked and you can leave that extra sweater or bag on your seat.

    There you have it, six easy ways to help your client make the
    most of their European river cruise.

    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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    Joel M. Abels • Rusty Pickett • Scott Koepf• Cruising • Airline • Europe • Hotels • Luxury Cruising • Paull Tickner • Mitchel J. Schlesinger • Sherry Laskin • Les-Lee Roland • Mary Brutscher • Sue Shapiro

    Royal Caribbean • Travel Industry • Travel Social Media • Travel Technology • Travel Trade News • Vacation • Home Based Trade • Home Based Travel Agent •

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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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