My Travel Agent Store

Eating in New Orleans

2008-11-11T13:25:00.001-08:00

Sorry it took so long to get back here. Had the flu, hope you don’t get it.

More information on New Orleans:

On the 3rd Saturday of the month in Markey Park there are local artists selling their goods. Anything from paintings, photography, jewelry, and boxes made from recycled lumber. There is a food truck that sells boudin balls(breaded and fried sausage)hmmm!

Talking about food, there are some things that only New Orleans can offer. Culture chefs are reviving old time recipes. Tory McPhial’s Commander’s Palace is offering pork belly pie & house made bacon(1403 Washington Ave., commanderspalace.com) At Cochon, chef owner Donald Link is turning boudin balls and coch de lait(roasted suckling pig, 903 Tchoupitoulas St.cochonrestaurant.com) into delicacies. Next try John Besh’s newest place, Luke, where he serves choucroute maison, house sauerkraut, with home made sausages, pig knuckles and cochon de lait.(333 Charles Ave., lukeneworleans.com)

For recipes go to Kitchen Witch Cookbooks at 631 Toulouse St. or kwcookbooks.com and create your own feast.

After eating go to the Audubon Park which is an urban paradise for golfers, runners, bikers and work off some of those calories. Or if you like just relax and take a nap and watch the others work or play. Sunset time is to gather at the river bank with soccer balls, a six pack and enjoy the peel and eat shrimp. So take me to the river, the Mississippi that is.

Enough about the food, let you in on some more later. Also want to tell you about some history and attractions you don’t want to miss. Go to www.mytravelagentstore.com and check out prices for air and hotels. Be back soon.

Blues Clubs

2008-10-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took so long to get back. Had some business to take care of.

Blues Bars in New Orleans are outstanding! All you have to do is walk around Bourbon Street and stand outside. Of course there are the Hawkers trying to get you to come inside(drinks are expensive)and see the show. Well worth the price of a couple of drinks! These guys are the best. Musicans that have been at it for years and give a great show. They make it seem effortless, with their talent.

You can see the locals or the professionals. When we were there Johnny Lang was playing at one of the clubs. We are not fans of his, I think that you have to have some time under your belt to sing the blues not some youngster who got the breaks and copies someone else. Your comments are welcomed. Anyway, there are some great musicians that have paid their dues and will entertain you as long as you want to hang out. The music is intoxicating along with the drinks and there are always people dancing or just hanging out and enjoying the best that Bourbon St. has to offer.

It's easy to get there. A flight from Tampa is about $300 round trip and if you stay outside the French Quarter hotels cost around $50 and up per night, there are alot of areas just outside the French Quarter to stay, Kenner, Metiarie and others. Takes about 20 minutes to get downtown. If you want to stay in the heart of it the cost goes up big time. But could be worth the experience. There are alot of direct flights from all over the country, which tells you what a great place this is for a visit.

All the information you need can be found at http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/ Air, hotels, tours, food and more. If there are any questions email me john@mytravelagentstore.com and hopefully we can meet and share a drink at one of the bars there. We are going back as soon as possible! Thanks John

Visit New Orleans

2008-10-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

We just got back from New Orleans. Went for business and took my wife with me hoping to get some free time to see the sights. Well the business was short and sweet and we had the extra time to play.

We started out going to Bourbon St. on a Saturday night, not too crowded but plenty to see and do. Just walking up and down the street was fun. We saw all different kinds of people and heard great music. You can stand at the front door or a side window and enjoy the band for free. If you go inside you are expected to buy a drink which are not cheap but to be close to the band and listen to quality music is well worth it.

We stayed at a blues bar for awhile and were blown away at the musicians expertise. It was hard to leave but hunger was setting in. Now my wife had oysters only once before and they were raw and she did not enjoy them. When I saw Acme’s Oyster House I had to coax her to go in. The charbroiled oysters were so good she had to have them every night we were there. Believe me, I did not complain. The oysters are shucked in front of you and then taken to the grill and cooked for about 4 minutes. First in their own juices and then drenched in garlic butter and covered with Romano cheese and left to melt. Great stuff.

The next day we went back to visit some stores and take a cemetery tour. In the daylight the French Quarter is pretty dirty. They have small trucks set up for pressure washing and start at the front door if not inside and wash everything to the gutter. Guess it has to be done with all the people and everything that goes on there at night.

The cemetery tour was very educational and we got to see the Voodoo Queens vault and hear the history of this city. So much to learn, probably learned some of this in school but who was listening. The vaults are used to bury all of the family members. Sounds strange but after you think about it, it makes sense.

The river walk is along the Mississippi which of course is muddy. There are lots of ships traveling up and down the river as it still is a sea port. There are no mansions along the river which makes sense because of all the business going on. Still it is something you must do to be approached by some locals playing the saxophone and singing and trying to make a living. So throw them a buck or two to help them out, they work hard.

All in all it was a great time and we will go back again. I will break down the different things we did and give you a more detailed description in future blogs. If you need info on flights, hotels and more, please go to www.mytravelagentstore.com for your travel needs and drop us a email with your questions.

Home Based Travel Business II

2008-10-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

AWESOME ARTICLE by JULIET ST. JOHN
Now let's talk about California & some of the Attacks being made on YTB : Have you ever heard of a company, that has never had a bad word spoken about them? Let me use an example of one company that you all know about and have heard about.Before I tell you the name of this company let me ask you a questions. . . Would you invest or buy stock in a company that has. . . Been sued so many times, can't be countedThousand if not millions of unhappy customers around the world.If you were to ask 8 out of 10 people about this company they will tell you that theyhave had a numerous bad experience with their product at least on a daily basis.More bad press then any company has ever had in history.In trouble with the department of Justice and local state agency for anti-trust in the past years.If you search Google and search for their name + lawsuit your will find 26,900 websites about this company.In trouble with the FTC numerous times.Paid millions of dollars in fines of the years.Numerous class-action lawsuit currently in supreme courts.History of releasing bad products, before they have been tested properly. Oh, by the way I should also tell you that this company has over 80% of the market share in their category.Their stock price has been up and down over the years.Have also lost millions of customers over the years.I know what most of you are thinking, I would not only never use their product or service, but also would never buy their stock.Right?And, if you said NO, NO, NO. Then you would have missed out on one of the best producing companies in history. And most of you should just stop using your computer because the company I have been talking about is: Microsoft.My point is:That if you are looking for bad news about any company you will find it. If people are not talking about a company, the company is most likely not growing or doing anything.People love bad news, bad news sells.It took Microsoft over 15 years to hit1 Billion in sales annually.YTB is about to do it in 8.Only 90 BBB filings against YTB? In comparison to other similar online agencies listed in Travel Weekly's top 35, that's a great track record!Other BBB top complaint companies:Expedia.com - The BBB processed a total of 1024 complaints about this company in the last 36 months.Orbitz - The BBB processed a total of 1729 complaints about this company in the last 36 monthsTravelocity - Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 36 months: 1528. And in the last 12 months: 533.Not to mention...American Express (Travel Related Services Co.) - The BBB processed a total of 606 complaints about this company in the last 12 MONTHS. Some of you know and some of you don't know that California filed a lawsuit against YTB for deceptive sales practices and operating a pyramid scheme. We don't have any secrets here at YTB and we don't keep any secrets.YTB has been in meetings with California for months over a new proposed law in that state concerning the travel industry and it's potential impact on our business. The discussions reached a stalemate and California filed suit.Folks, this is not the first time YTB has been challenged.When any company is revolutionizing an industry, and growing faster than any other company in the industry, the industry doesn't like it. In our case, that is the travel industry. It is not a coincidence that last year YTB showed up as #35 on the Power List, and within 3 months we were challenged by IATA, Royal Caribbean, and Rhode Island.Why do you think that happened?The industry doesn't like us. Now we are #26 on the Power List. This lawsuit is a result of the INDUSTRY putting pressure on the lawmakers, not an issue of whether YTB is in compliance with California law.We will be challenged.We will be shot at.It has happened to EVERY company that changed an industry.It happend to Microsoft, Walmart, IBM, McDonalds, Amway, Mary Kay, Excel, A.L. Williams, and every other company that revolutionized their industry.Why do you think we would be different --- especially when we are taking over the largest indutry in the world?This is EXPECTED. Coach, Scott, and Kim are not rookies to this business.They have fought these battles before and won.The blessing WE have is that we have them running the show, and they have "been there, done that" before and been victorious.During this time we will lose some weak reps. We know that.There will be competitors out there trying to steal our people. We know that.There will be some fear and indecision out there. We know that too.But there will also be LEADERS that step up.There will be CHAMPIONS born.There will be people that just decide that WE ARE READY for a fight.That's US.WE are READY FOR THE FIGHT.We are READY to go kick some butt.We are READY to STAND UP AND LEAD OUR TEAM THROUGH THIS CHALLENGE.DON'T YOU EVER DOUBT your company's commitment to YOU.DON'T YOU EVER DOUBT that we will win this thing.DON'T YOU EVER DOUBT that YTB will be the #1 Travel Company in the World --- No Matter What We Have To Go Through.REST ASSURED --- YTB is all over this issue. Our attorneys are already in California working on this.This WILL BE RESOLVED, and when it is, YTB will be even stronger because of it.Have faith in Coach, Scott, Kim, and your company to handle this matter. They will handle it. It is just a bump in the road.There are 4 things that WE can do to help.1) Sell more travel.Tell EVERYONE you know that you own a travel business and ask them to book their travel with someone they know vs someone they don't know. The more travel we sell, the more power we have.2) Sell more Travel Stores.Go find every friend you have that wants to get paid to travel, get tax deductions when they travel, and travel for less, and sell them a travel store. The more travel stores we have, the more travel we sell.3) Do not talk to the media.If someone tries to talk to you that has a notebook, a microphone or a camera, just tell them to send their questions to media@ytb.com, and refuse to talk with them. We have to let Coach, Scott and Kim fight this battle. We need to stay out of it.4) Step Up and LEAD YOUR TEAM.
Nobody wants to follow a weak, disillusioned, crybaby, pansy.At times like this, they look for STRONG, COMMITTED, POWERFUL Leadership.You need to STEP UP and be that LEADER for your team.Talk to them. Keep them informed. Let them know where you stand.Tell them --- You can quit if you want to, but I'M STAYING RIGHT HERE FOR THE FIGHT. It's gonna be WORTH it to me and my family for generations to come.That's what Leaders do.Team, Coach, Scott, Kim, and all of the Directors that were in that meeting last night are a FAMILY. We are here for the long haul. There is NO FEAR in any of our eyes.None of us came here to get this far and fail.WE WILL WIN THIS THING.WE WILL BE THE #1 Travel Company in the world.WE ARE READY FOR THE FIGHT.We never said it would be EASY. We said it would be WORTH IT.You just BE TOUGH, and communicate to your teams that they just have to BE TOUGH, and we will ALL WIN. Let's go BUILD A COMPANY TOGETHER.
Your Partner in Success through Travel,Juliet St John

Holiday Travel

2008-08-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not the holiday season will be upon us before we know it. Here is some information I thought you could benefit from for your holiday travels to visit the family and loved ones.

An early forecast for the 2008 holiday travel season finds that fares for Thanksgiving 2008 are up 35 percent from 2007, while Christmas and New Year's fares are up 31 percent. Nationally, the average ticket cost for Thanksgiving itinerary - Wednesday departure, Sunday return - is $490, up $66 from last year. Travelers who have flexibility will be rewarded with big savings; returning on Monday or Tuesday can save more than $90 per ticket. Christmas and New Year's fares are similar, averaging $420. Holiday travelers to watch for holiday price drops in the first two weeks of October. Travelers flying to and from major airports are much more likely to see price drops this fall and should closely monitor for lower fares before purchasing. Those flying in or out of smaller regional airports, which have been more affected by airline capacity cuts, should buy as soon as they find a fare with which they are comfortable with.

To be sure that you have the best airfare go to http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/ and view our prices. Be sure to book your travel early for the holiday season so you don’t miss out on the specials or cannot get the flights you want. Happy Holidays.

Questions email us at john@mytravelagentstore.com

Honeymoon website

2008-08-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a really neat thing for the wedding couple trying to plan their wedding, honeymoon and gift ideas. Why not have some help and have your own wedding website. Let us do the work for you and have a great time setting up your own website with a history of how you got together and where you will be going on your honeymoon. You can suggest gift ideas for your guest and get what you want or need, not 2 toasters. Just follow the easy direction and have the time of your life.

The wedding couple has created a honeymoon bridal registry with all of the special things they would like to do on their honeymoon or destination wedding. This allows the wedding couple to pre-plan the things they really need on the most important trip of their life
Quick & easy-to-use gift registry.
We accept all major credit cards and orders by phone.
Give the wedding couple any part of their honeymoon or destination wedding as a gift.
Print out the gift announcement card to hand to the couple.
100% Satisfaction guaranteed on your purchase.
Safe and secure website with strict privacy policy.
Create a Honeymoon
Registry or Wedding Website.

Create your own honeymoon bridal registry. It works the same as a gift registry. Your guests give you gifts and/or portions of your dream honeymoon. It's simple and easy.
Create your own honeymoon bridal registry for free
Get hundreds of wedding registry ideas from around the world.
Wedding gift photos displayed for all gift items with descriptions.
No set up fees.
Free wedding website.
Free wedding journal.
Wedding announcements and save-the-date cards.
Wedding shower games.
Post unlimited photos on your online wedding photo album.
You can make your own travel plans.
You can receive your gifts or redeem them at any time.

Visit http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/ for more information
Email us at john@mytravelagentstore.com with any questions.

Home Based Travel Business

2008-08-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

What will you need to get your own home based travel business up and running:
Mind set for an adventure of learning and discovering new and exciting places and people.
Computer, internet.
Website can be your own site linked back to our affiliate company or use their site.
Email address with your domain name.
Fax and answering machine.
License your company.
Be ready to do some research.
Understand that you will get what you give. The harder you work the more you will get.
What are the benefits?
Working at home at your pace.
Freedom, your time is your’s.
Monthly income.
Being able to go as far as you want.
Financial freedom.
Travel is the largest industry in the world at over $7 trillion per year and growing. Bigger than oil if you can believe that. Oil is at $4 trillion.
So how much of $7 trillion do you need?

Step1

First it’s good to know something’s about the travel business before jumping to conclusions and think this is your dream job. I'm not saying it is not profitable, I know many people that are making unbelievable money. Some thru booking travel and some thru referring others to the business. You might have to sacrifice some time and invest in promoting you business. We are here to help you with all your decisions. The first thing is focus on is what you want from your business. Do you want to become a tour operator, or a referral and incentives representative, or just focus on booking vacations.

Step2

Once you decide where you want to go in the travel business. You then need to start to organize yourself. The knowledge about your target is needed for what you decide to work on. Get to know the Caribbean, the cruise ships, golf, weddings and honeymoons. There is so much to learn in the travel business. Don’t worry, it’s fun and exciting. You can specialize in a certain area and become an expert in no time. Remember we are here to help.

Step3

Check your house for a private area where you can have a table or desk for your office. Set a schedule and stick on it, if you will work from 8am to whenever then wake up early and get a cup of coffee and start to work in your pajamas do the same everyday make it a habit.Answer your phone with the name of your business, have a web site with all the offers, destinations, photos, do some research, be creative organize a cruise for a group for business or pleasure, like conventions in the Caribbean, most important learn. Research work in your office, keep it organized use the resources that the company supplies and keep your website updated.

Step4

Now for the real nitty gritty. What travel company are you going to hook up with? There are a bunch of them out there, some good and some not so good. I spent a lot of time researching this question and this is my recommendation. YTB, Your Travel Business, is the best out there.

YTB.com has been going strong since 2001 and is now ranked the 20th largest in the US and Canada, soon to be among the top 10. Consider the competition, Travelocity, Expedia, Cheap tickets and the others. Ytb has been working toward including the United Kingdom and is looking to expand into all of Europe. Publicly traded on the American Stock exchange. Ytb has the best tracking service and makes it easy to book travel online. They keep track of your commissions and help is only a phone call away. There is a wealth of information in your back office and there are conference calls weekly along with all the training needed.

With YTB being a networking business as far as sponsoring others in the business there are a number of sites to help getting others going in their own home based travel business. Their compensation plan is copywrited and health and life insurance is available at discounted prices along with other benefits.

For more information on this great company go to http://www.mytravelagentstore.com/home_travel_agency.html and click on the YTB travel business link. Feel free to email me at john@mytravelagentstore.com and I can tell you more about this wonderful opportunity.

Passport to giving

2008-07-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

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/