Passport to giving

This is a wonderful program to help your local church, school or any other non-profit organization raise money for their cause. For more information check out http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/home_travel_agency.html and click on the YTB business tab.
With so much new material now presented in the Passport to Giving program, we encourage any RTA previously certified under the Association Program (now known as the Passport to Giving Program) to take a refresher class at any live location free of charge.
Many non-profits today are looking for a new way to fundraise and we have the answer! Forget the candy or bake sales; travel is the ultimate fundraiser! Our innovative program provides non-profit organizations a dramatically different way to raise funds.By enrolling a non-profit in this unique program, the organization is provided a private label YTB travel website customized with their organization name and log. The website is then promoted to the organizations' supporters and members to use when booking their personal or business travel along with group travel. As supporters use the organization's travel website, the organization receives 60% of the travel commissions earned by YTB, paid as royalties.
The RTA who sponsors the non-profit receives a 10% override of the travel commissions and a $300 signing bonus.Passport To Giving can raise thousands of dollars per year for an organization because they have a large number of supporters to book travel. Some of the organizations include service, fraternal, health, alumni, political, environ-mental, charity, religious (including churches), and educational organizations.There are 1.5 million non-profits in the U.S. that need our program! If you want to help non-profits and create a consistent stream of income for your YTB business, join the Passport To Giving Program!

Higher Fuel Cost for Airlines

Qantas to Cut 1,500 Jobs Countering Surging Fuel Costs
Other airlines are and will probably follow suit because of the increasing fuel costs.
There are still good airfares to be found if you hunt for them, try http://www.mytravelagentstore.sitecreatorplus.com/Airlines.html for the best prices out there. I just saved $114 over Cheap Tickets for a flight from Florida to NY

Qantas Airways is cutting its work force by 1,500 people worldwide in an effort to counter ever-higher fuel costs. Qantas also will also close call centers in Tucson, Ariz., and London, leading to the loss of 99 jobs. The cuts were necessary to ensure that Qantas survives the crisis in the aviation industry caused by large rises in the price of fuel. Fuel accounts for about 35 percent of Qantas' expenses, and rising fuel costs are expected to add more than $2 billion to the company's fuel bills to the year ending mid-2009. The airline is also abandoning plans to increase its capacity by 8 percent in the 12 months to mid-2009, with no growth expected in that period. Twenty-two older planes in Qantas 228-aircraft fleet will be retired. Qantas has reportedly already increased fares twice and cut capacity twice in recent months.

Starting the game of golf

Starting to play the game

So you have a scheduled tee time, arrived at the course, checked in with the starter and headed to the first tee. You are ready for the game of a lifetime. Once you are at the first tee there are some rules that should be addressed.

There are different locations of teeing areas set up for players of different skill levels. The back tees are meant for the advanced player .The next tee is normally for the experienced player. The next tee location is for the average golfer and the markers are normally white. The ladies tee location whose markers are normally red in color and are usually the shortest on the course. If a senior or female player is an experienced player they can choose any tee for their skill level. For a new player it is strongly recommend the white for the men and the red tees for the women. It would allow you to play from a tee location that is reasonable for the new player. Give your self some time and ease into the game, it will allow for a much more enjoyable experience.

If your partners are playing the tee locations further back then they will hit first... When a player is on the tee box preparing to hit, the other players should stand off to the side and out of view of the golfer and remain quiet. This is one of the rules of golf. You will better understand etiquette as you become more experienced. Get out there and play. The more you play the better you get, hopefully. It’s the game you hate to love and love to hate. Enjoy

Go to http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/ for information on golf packages and equipment.

Golf Clubs where to begin?

So you want to play golf? Where do you start? Need to buy some clubs? Here are a couple of tips.

Before you can determine how much you're willing to spend, and on what grade of clubs. You must assess your dedication. Will you be playing much; are you willing to take lessons? If your answer is no then cheaper clubs might be the way to go. If you're unsure of your dedication to golf, used clubs might be a good choice. They'll be much cheaper than new and because they'll be cheaper, you can be easily replaced later.

Golf clubs can be very expensive. How much you are willing to spend. If you have plenty of money to spend and want top-of-the-line equipment, go for it. A good option for many beginners, however, is looking for an inexpensive first set. That way, if you don't follow through with the game, you haven't wasted allot money.

Two basics of golf shafts that you should attention to are shaft composition, steel or graphite. Graphite is lighter and can help generate swing speed; steel is more durable and cheaper. Women and seniors will most likely benefit from graphite shafts. Younger, stronger players might go with steel shafts. Being measured in a pro shop to make sure the clubs you choose are well-suited to you will help.


Ask your friends who golf for their recommendations. Walk into a pro shop and ask for advice. Ask your friendly neighborhood golf pro. What would they recommend for someone like you? It's a great way to get ideas.

Check out my next blog to see where to go to play. Or go to http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/ and see all the options.

Golfing and golf packages

Come to the Sunshine State and enjoy your favorite sport.
Metro West Golf Club
2100 S. Hiawassee Rd. Orlando FL 32835
Open since 1987, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. signature design Orlando Florida golf course features spring-fed lakes and mature native trees bordering expansive, rolling fairways. With large, undulating greens strategically surrounded by sculpted bunkers a fair yet demanding test of golf faces you with every shot.
Course Overview
18 holes
architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr
year built: 1987
type of greens: Bermuda
soft spikes required
Services
club rental,putting green,chipping area,practice bunker,teaching pro,golf school

To see all the golf packages we offer go to http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/

celebrity cruise

The ship Horizon:

I thought I would be able to decide whether Celebrity Cruises are nicer than the other cruise lines. I had read on the different blogs a debate over on this topic. It seemed to me that the cruising people were evenly divided. So I hope that this will help you in deciding which cruise line to choose.

Staying at the Best Western Marina Inn before the cruise which was better than expected. I saw the Grand Princess leave, which was a sight. After a nice breakfast and a cab ride to the ship the crew directed us inside and we got a boarding number. I had to wait until 1:45 or so before they called my number but the time flew by while watching people. After they called my number I headed through the doors for the next line where they check your tickets. Lots of people so plan on a long wait if you get there early.

The ship was beautiful from the moment I stepped aboard. There were white-gloved stewards to escort you to your cabin and took time to go over the features of the cabin. The cabin was very nice, smaller that I would have liked, but tasteful and nicely arranged. The storage was unbelievable, 16 drawers and 2 closets, music stations, stainless steel tray with ice, glasses and water. The bath was good sized for a cruise ship, all white and chrome with a tile floor. It had shampoo and lotion, a hair dryer and a very nice shower. I was pleased with the cabin.
I was impressed with the Horizon. The elegance drifts thru the ship. I checked out all the public rooms and they were all more than adequate. There was plenty of deck space and never had to search for a chair. The deck chairs around the pool have navy blue cushions and look really nice with the camel color beach towels provided. Also it was easy enough to find a quiet spot either up front or aft, away from it all. The health spa was small and lacking equipment not like on other cruise lines.
Celebrity does phenomenally well with the food. It was definitely better than any other cruise I have taken, NCL, Carnival, or some of the others. Strong points were the entrees, which were always cooked perfectly. The pastas were good and the appetizers were always delicious. For the most part the salads were very tasty along with the soups and bread. The desserts were unforgettable. The service was rushed as if they were looking for more tables, but passable. Long lines and crowded. Lot’s of older people and it seemed their main concern was food.
The entertainment left something to be desired. OK singers, poor magic show. But the venue changes all the time and did enjoy most of it. The one big production I saw was great but some of the entertainment was tired. Seems to be a hit and miss proposition.

The staff was very helpful and courteous and I could not find a problem, which is always helps to make a cruise pleasant.
Celebrity Cruise Line met or exceeded my expectations. The ship is beautiful. Crowded at times, like meals. But that seems to be the norm on most ships. Not a bad thing, just takes time to get used to. The good points are accommodations, food and a great staff. A great ship and I am more than willing to go again.

To find out more about cruising and cruise lines click on http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/ There is a wealth of information and help.

YTB Press Release

YTB International Recognized by Travel Weekly as Leading Travel Agency in 2007 Power List.YTB International, Inc. , a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, today announced that the Company has been named as one of the country's leading travel agencies in Travel Weekly's 2007 Power List.

As part of the Power List, YTB was ranked 35th among all travel agencies and included in the top 11 leisure travel agencies. The Power List is primarily determined by gross sales volume.Other leading leisure travel agencies named in this year's Power List are Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz and AAA. This recognition further validates the progress they have made over the last year as we continue to build YTB. YTB is committed to the leisure market and have been growing our business at a phenomenal rate. As we look towards the future, we will continue to enhance the services and capabilities offered to our expanding network of RTAs and customers."

About YTB International, Inc. provides Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. YourTravelBiz.com division focuses on marketing on-line travel agencies through a nationwide network of independent business people. YTB Travel Network division establishes and maintains travel vendor relationships, books travel transactions of on-line travel agents

To find out more about having a home based travel business go to http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/

Why cruises are the way to take a vacation

Cruises are one of the best values in travel today. Not only do you only have to unpack once but there are so many activities on the modern cruise lines it will seem like you have visited a number of places without leaving the ship. Activities for all ages and interests. You will also get all the help you need from the crew to make your vacation enjoyable.

There are so many ways how to enjoy a vacation with your family, friends, or that special someone on a cruise. Dine in at any of the fancy restaurants, experience the nightlife and entertainment. Visit new and exciting places. If you want to experience the best vacation, try a cruise.

Cruises are actually cheaper than you thought. There is no need for air flight, you don't have to hire a cab or drive yourselves just to tour around the area. Also, with a cruise, you can rest assure that you will be eating some of the best food available.

Taking a cruise can let you experience the best of land and sea. While cruising, you can visit various places and experience the local culture. As you enjoy the scenery, there are crews members who will be giving you their undivided attention and serve your every need.

If you are tired of relaxing, you may use the facilities of ship. Most of the major cruise lines have facilities such as outdoor swimming pools, game room, family entertainment room, gym, and more. They do not want you getting bored while on your cruise so there is plenty to do.

You also get the chance to go down on different excursions to visit the local areas, sightsee, shop and visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can spend an hour or even a day at these tourist spots. If you are cruising to a summer destination, you will even get the chance to participate in some water sports such as snorkeling or even diving.

During your cruise, there are also night activities that you can enjoy with your family and friends. Most luxury cruise ships have discos and bars. Also your cruise will probably have performances from the crew and locals to top notch entertainers. Depending on your schedule, a cruise can last from five days up to several weeks.

Don't let an opportunity like a cruise get away from you. If you would like more information on cruises and the do's and don'ts of cruise along with all the cruises available go to http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/