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The Benefits of Using an Online Travel Agency

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:47:42 +0000

By: Suzanne Bradley

Most people who go on vacation like to book trips through a travel agent in order to take some of the stress out of the planning process. Travel agents can also help you save money on flight, hotel rooms, cruises, and more; but what about online travel agencies? While people worry that Internet travel agencies could scam you or provide low-quality service, there are actually a number of benefits to choosing an online travel agency, providing that you pick the right one.

First and foremost, with an online travel agency, you can work with the place that has the lowest prices without geography limits. In other words, you have more options! When you opt to choose a travel agency in an offline setting, you are limited to the handful of companies that operate in your neighborhood, or at least within a reasonable distance. People who live in major cities might especially be affected by the high prices of brick and mortar travel agencies. Online, there are not proximity limits. The travel agency with which you work might actually have headquarters thousands of miles away, but if they have the lowest prices, you can still work with them over the Internet.

The increased number of choices does not just help you save money. It also means that you have limitless possibilities when it comes to travel. The travel agencies in your areas probably can book dozens or even hundreds of different trips, but there will be limitations. Even if an offline travel agent can plan a vacation to an obscure destination for you, it is not likely that he or she will be an

expert in travel to this location. Online, you can find a family or an individual who has been there and will plan an amazing vacation for you. There are few places in the world where you can’t travel if you work with an online travel agency.

Another great aspect of working with an online travel agency is that you can shop for your vacation package any time of the day or night. Brick and mortar business usually close soon after the end of the regular business day, and many are not open for long hours on the weekend. The Internet is open 24 hours a day. While you may not always be able to call a customer service representative, especially if you like to do vacation planning at three in the morning, you can always check out packages offer on travel websites. This is especially handy for parents who need to plan after the kids are in bed, people who work odd hours, and those living in rural locations where the nearest travel agency office is a fairly far drive.

One of the often-overlooked benefits of an online travel agency is the control you have to make your own choices without outside influences or pressure. When you visit an office, many travel agents have the same tone as used car salesmen. You have to remember that these people are often working under some kind of commission program. Instead of making an hourly wage, they earn a percentage of your total vacation price, and even if they do have a salaried job, they may get incentives from travel companies (hotels, cruise lines, etc) for selling amount every month. Many travel agents get to go on free trips for every ten or twenty vacation packages they sell. So, you might feel pressured to book a trip when you are not done exploring your options or upgrade certain aspects, even though you do not have the money. Online travel agencies typically take a more hands-off approach. That does not mean that they won’t help you, of course. Most are more than willing to answer questions via email or over the phone. However, when it comes to working with an online travel agency, you do not have someone looming over your shoulder, trying to make a sale as you check out your vacation options.

Also, when you work with an online travel agency, you usually have more payment choices. Today, some offline travel agencies offer payment plans, credit card payments, and so forth, but this is not always the case. When you work online to plan you vacation, however, you can always find a type payment that will work for you. Some even have payment programs that allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend, which can go towards gift certificates or future trips.

Be aware that there are still scammers posing as online travel agencies and other travel sites, and you always need to read the fine print of any website where you make a purchase. However, online travel agencies are often a less expensive, easier, and more convenient way to book a vacation.

Suzanne Bradley is a writer and blogger who discusses various aspects of the travel industry such as working with a travel agency.

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A Definition of an Adventure Tour

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:37:48 +0000

By: Cynthia Andrews

Many people dream of having amazing adventures like one might see in the movies. Other vacationers decide to vacation at the same unadventurous location. If you are looking for a change from the ordinary and want to bring some real adventure into your life, you might want to consider taking an adventure tour for your next vacation. An adventure tour can be made up of a number of different components, but the end result is that you get to explore the best that the world has to offer in a hands-on way. Keep in mind that adventure tours are not for everyone; read these examples of common adventure tour components to see if one is right for you and your family.

Most adventure tours involve hiking at one point or another, generally in conjunction with camping. Some of the hikes may be relatively short, serving as a down-to-earth method of transportation between larger components of the tour. Other hikes can be quite long, comprising a major part of the tour’s attraction. Many of the longer hikes have basic recommendations for your fitness level or they may ill require that you have a certain amount of hiking experience before you take them simply because the distances would be difficult for an out of shape individual to cover safely and in time with the rest of the group.

White water rafting is a common component of an adventure tour. Tours exist that take you on all grades of rivers, though the higher grades usually require a certain amount of rafting experience, which helps prevent you from being a danger to yourself and others. Some tours

may even take you across different grades on different days, letting you build up experience over the course of the tour, allowing you to be ready for larger rapids later. Most rafting tours involve camping and may include hikes in between river sections as well.

Although not as common as rafting, a number of tours include a kayaking component as well. A number of these tours are featured in Alaska, where kayaking has somewhat of a cultural component; Alaskan kayak tours are often done in the open ocean. Kayaking is generally not the largest component of the tour, though dedicated kayaking tours do exist.

Another element that is incorporated into a number of adventure tours is rock climbing or rappelling. There is a larger element of danger involved with rock climbing than with a standard hiking tour, but the sense of accomplishment and adventure is well worth it. Many adventure tours that feature rock climbing or rappelling are centered in mountainous regions where climbing may be the primary focus of the tour. There are some hiking tours, which feature rock climbing as just a single component of the tour.

Other extreme sports may also be featured in adventure tours, though they are not as common as the elements that have already be mentioned. Some adventure tours incorporate bungee jumping, cliff diving, hang gliding, and similar activities in addition to hiking and more common components. Finding these tours may be a bit more difficult than finding a basic hiking tour, but if you are looking for a major thrill, these tours can definitely provide that extra sense of excitement.

It should be noted that not all adventure tours are wilderness based; many adventure tour companies have packages, which allow you to experience the adventures of modern life. Tours can go to cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco are relatively common, and some of them even manage to mix city entertainment components with wilderness adventure in the outlying natural parks as well. Other tours are based out of an RV, which you take from one location to the next for each daily event. Some adventure tours contain components such as paintball or other team competitions as well. These are all exciting activities, which are excellent if you are looking to escape from the traditional trip to the beach. Although these may not be as relaxing as the beach, they sure provide excitement and a new thrill to your life.

Regardless of which type of adventure tour you choose, you can expect to have a great time while on the tour. Many adventure tours consist of hiking and camping, but they may also have secondary components such as kayaking and rock climbing. If these are not what you are looking for, there are adventure tours that include extreme sports such as bungee jumping, cliff diving or hang-gliding. The length of the tours can vary from 2-3 days to up to 2 weeks or more, so you should be able to find a tour that meets your exact requirements. If you are looking for a non-traditional vacation, it is highly recommended to try an adventure vacation because it provides an experience that should last a lifetime.

Cynthia Andrews is a freelance writer who writes about the travel industry and vacation deals, often discussing specific tour operators and vacations such as an adventure tour.

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Winter Vacations: 10 Most Popular Destinations

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:56:18 +0000

By: Stephanie Larkin

With the holidays in full swing, many families find themselves with a little bit of extra vacation time during the winter. While some may spend that time planning large family gatherings or trying to relax after the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, a number of families use this time as a way to enjoy a vacation away from home before the kids have to be back in school and everyone has to go back to work. If you are thinking of a winter getaway, here are 10 of the most popular vacation destinations during the winter months.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Located in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont Tremblant is a popular venue for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. With over 600 acres of useable snow, Mont Tremblant is renowned as one of the best destinations for wintertime fun. Skiers from all over the world travel to Quebec in order to take advantage of Tremblant’s pristine slopes.

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Home to Hershey’s candy, this Pennsylvania town can be a wonderful place to visit if you are travelling just before Christmas. Each year, Hershey Park is completely transformed into a Christmas candy land that absolutely must be seen in order to be believed. This can be an especially rewarding trip if travelling with children, as it can give them amazing stories to tell when they get back to school.

Sundance Ski Resort

Sundance, Utah, is home not only to the w

orld-renowned Sundance Film Festival but also to a ski resort beyond compare. In addition to being able to enjoy well-manicured slopes for skiing and snowboarding, the resort is located within an hour of three major Utah cities so that you can enjoy some shopping and fine dining after a fun time in the snow.

Yellowstone National Park

Mostly known as a summertime destination, Yellowstone features a number of winter programs as well as those, which encourage visitors to learn more about the natural world around them. While not everyone thinks that a learning vacation sounds like fun, few sights can compare to being able to see and learn about Yellowstone in wintertime.

New England

A number of destinations in the New England area are transformed into a portrait of years gone by when winter comes. The New England that was captured in the beloved paintings of Norman Rockwell comes to life as the historical towns and cities put on their best winter decorations, while the Sugarloaf ski resort opens for business to accommodate those interested in winter sports.

Lake Tahoe

A popular winter destination for years, Lake Tahoe provides visitors with access to ski resorts as well as the nearby excitement of Carson City, Nevada. Those looking for a beautiful vacation destination should not be disappointed by the amazing view of the Rocky Mountains that can be seen from the slopes of Lake Tahoe.

Caribbean

For a completely different type of vacation, consider taking a cruise of the Caribbean. Not only can this help you to get away from the cold weather, but it can also give you a taste of what the holidays are like for those who do not live in an area that traditionally receives a lot of snow. Once you experience a Caribbean Christmas, you may never be able to look at a traditional Christmas the same way again.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is one of the most famous ski destinations in the world and a winter spent in Aspen is a winter that can always be remembered. In addition to having some of the most beautiful ski slopes that can be found anywhere, the town surrounding the ski areas has a rich culture and history that simply is not to be missed. From a day on the slopes to a night enjoying the amazing artistic community that exists in and around Aspen, you should never regret your choice to spend a vacation in Aspen.

Rockefeller Center, New York

Nothing says Christmas quite like the image of Rockefeller Center decked out in all of its holiday glory. Used as an icon of the holidays in films, stories, and photographs, a winter vacation to New York simply is not complete without taking the time to visit Rockefeller Center and see exactly how much effort is put in to transforming it into a symbol of peace and Christmas joy.

Orlando, Florida

If you just want to get away from the cold of the holidays but are not interested in travelling too far from home, Orlando can be the perfect winter destination. With a multitude of theme parks (and the holiday programs offered by each), there is plenty for the whole family to do. You can also set aside some time to simply enjoy the Florida weather, ignoring the fact that it is much colder at home.

Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics and tips involving the travel industry and vacation deals, often discussing specific subjects such as travel websites and working with a travel agent.

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2009 Top Travel Industry Business Process Outsourcing (Bpo) & Information Technology Outsourcing (Ito) Vendors, Black Book 2009 Survey Results-

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:52:29 +0000

By: Minal

18 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or criteria are employed, scored on each respective vendor by client type and ranked on a 0-10 scale per KPI.

Key Findings

Key Finding: Most Important Customer Satisfactions KPIs

Innovation, Customization and Reliability are the most important attributes influencing Travel BPO and ITO client satisfaction with their 2009 outsourcing providers.

Key Finding: Vendor Dissatisfaction is uncommon in the Travel Industry IT Outsourcing and Business Process Outsourcing Industry among Top Ranked Suppliers

Strong dissatisfaction is uncommon in this Vertical Niche BPO sector, occurring in only 5.5% of Passenger Sector Industry client types, 4.8% in the Infrastructure Sector, 7.2% in the Hospitality Sector and 8.9% in the Freight and Logistics clients globally.

Within the Travel Industry IT Outsourcing, strong approval for the top four vendors was reported among 92.7% of their current client base.

US and Asian clients are among the most satisfied with travel industry outsourcing services delivery. Strong dissatisfaction with offshore outsourcing vendors was less than 6% of all surveyed clients with 2009 projects.

Key Finding: Comprehensive Services Vendor Arrangements from a comprehensive/end-to-end Travel Industry ITO and BPO Vendor produces the highest satisfaction rates

Single-vendors offering bundled, comprehensive research services to corporate clients ranked highest in the overall survey. NIIT Technologies excelled in both sections, as well as together as a b

undled travel industry ITO/BPO supplier.

Table of Contents :

Summary 5

Methodology 8

SECTION I: TRAVEL INDUSTRY

BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING 10

Overview of KPI Leaders 17

Individual Key Performance Indicator Detail 20

SECTION II: TRAVEL INDUSTRY

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OUTSOURCING 39

Overview of KPI Leaders 46

Companies Mentioned

Individual Key Performance Indicator Detail 49″

NIIT Technologies, Interglobe Technologies, WNS, TCS, Banctec, Aditya Birla, HCL, EXL Service, Vertex Group, Wipro, Firstsource, Infosys, Travel DT, Teletech, Genpact, IBM, Sitel, Pivot, Rategain, Travelmaster, Accenture, Hexaware Caliber Point, Mphasis, Mahindra Satyam, Etelecare, Lionbridge, Oracle, Xicom, Savvis, Ciber, Freeborders, Dataart, TI Infotech, Icreon, ACS, CH2M Hill, Fujitsu, Brickred, HP-EDS, Accenture, Wipro, Unisys, Neoris, ANM Soft

Keywords

Travel, Industry, contracts, airlines, travel, agencies, airports, hotel chains, cargo, corporations, globally, outsourcing, passenger, sector, client types, infrastructure, hospitality, freight, logistics, clients, transportation, BPO, ITO, outsource

For More information please contact :

http://www.aarkstore.com/reports/2009-Top-Travel-Industry-Business-Process-Outsourcing-BPO-Information-Technology-Outsourcing-ITO-Vendors-Black-Book-2009-Survey-Results-31086.html

Minal H
SEO
vinod.minal@gmail.com
http://www.aarkstore.com

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Popular Adventure Tours in North America

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:12:36 +0000

By: Lisa Parker

The growing popularity of adventure tours has changed the way many people spend their vacations. Once thought of as primarily a chance to kick back and relax, modern vacationers have a multitude of options available to them besides simply sitting on a beach. Adventure tours offer vacationers a chance to explore and challenge themselves in ways not possible in their everyday lives. Mountain climbing, hiking and white water rafting are just some of the exciting and memorable experiences vacationers can have on an adventure tour. Often experienced in remote parts of the world such as Africa or Southeast Asia, adventure tours are available in North America as well. Take a look at some of the most popular adventure tours available.

Pioneer Adventures of the Old West

Covering several beautiful landscapes in the Southwest area of the United States, this adventure tour will take you everywhere from the Grand Canyon to Montezuma Castle. As opposed to a vacation which simply takes you to the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park, this adventure tour includes both of these breathtaking locations as well as several other incredible landmarks.

Besides coordinating meals and transportation, an adventure tour includes a qualified tour director to keep everyone together and informed of important stops and historical landmarks. For instance, during the “Pioneer Adventures of the Old West” adventure tour, the tour director will discuss the historical importance of Williams, which was once a rough frontier town. Vacationers who

choose this adventure tour will also have the unique experience of seeing Sedona, Arizona, by 4WD Jeep. The Jeep tour goes through incredible Dry Creek Basin, offering the adventure tourist a different perspective of the landscape which was once home to the Old West.

Grand Tour of Canada

Most vacations take you to just one fantastic destination: a warm and beautiful beach, a majestic mountain range or a bustling city. An adventure tour combines all of these destinations into one memorable experience. The “Grand Tour of Canada” adventure tour includes all of these aspects. Visit the beautiful Canadian cities of Vancouver and Victoria, take a ride on the Athabasca Glacier on a custom designed ice explorer and take in the picturesque sights of Lake Louise and Banff.

It is important to note that just because an adventure tour is mapped out and planned ahead of time, there are still days which can be customized to the vacationers specifications. Often referred to as “your choice activities”, these days are set aside so that vacationers can experience certain locations at their own pace.

An example of “your choice activities” occurs during the Jasper stop on the “Grand Tour of Canada” adventure tour. Vacationers have the choice of taking a cruise across Maligne Lake, experiencing a horseback ride through the mountains or venturing down the Athabasca River on a comfortable float trip.

Best of California

An adventure tour allows you to experience more than just one location. The “Best of California” tour brings you the best of both San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as everything in between. An ordinary vacation to either of these cities would of course be a great and memorable experience, but on an adventure tour nothing is left to chance. The thought and organization that is put into the planning of these tours ensures this, as does the tour director who accompanies you on your trip.

The “Best of California” tour begins in San Francisco, ushering you across town on the famous cable car and through beautiful Pacific Heights and historic Golden Gate Park. As you soak up the culture and sights of this “world” city, the tour continues taking you into the California country and wilderness via Yellowstone National Park, Carmel and picturesque Pebble Beach golf course.

Next stop is Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, California. Bringing you the best sights and sounds of the great state of California, this adventure tour takes you right down Sunset Boulevard to the famous “Hollywood” sign and Hollywood walk of Fame. This particular adventure tour offers two types of tours in one package. In both San Francisco and Los Angeles, vacationers are treated to an in-depth sightseeing tour and an orientation tour of Carmel, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.

A North American adventure tour includes beautiful cities and landscapes, history and culture. An ordinary vacation to even one of the locations would not provide the incredible possibilities available to travelers on an adventure tour. Also, the degree of physical exertion and the amount of activities taken is entirely up to the vacationer. Some individuals want the most intense vacation they can find while others want the sights and sounds without an intense physical requirement.

An adventure tour is a traditional vacation and so much more. Some adventure tours are crafted for the nature lover, highlighting numerous national parks and the best nature settings that North America has to offer. If you can dream it up, then there is probably an adventure tour available which can help you make your dream a reality.

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about the travel industry and vacation deals, often discussing specific tour operators such as Globus Tours.

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