Although I am not a big fan of mindless television, I sometimes find myself channel-surfing. I recently paused on a show titled, “Shark Tank”. Optimistic entrepreneurs plead their case in front of four potential investors in the hopes of gaining interest in the form of “cash” in return for giving up a percentage of ownership. Read the rest of this entry »

Which of these two stories defines your organization?

#1 – I do the work.

I called a store and asked about a replacement glass cover for a kitchen light fixture. I was told that I would have to take a picture of the part and come into the store since they did not have a computer. I am not saying a computer makes or breaks a business. I am saying that the burden was quickly transferred onto my shoulders and what at first appeared as an easy fix was becoming more difficult by the second.

Or this one? Read the rest of this entry »

My phone rang last night. The display on the base of the phone read “Unidentified Caller.” I don’t usually answer the phone when I see this display … but last evening, I did. Read the rest of this entry »

Labeled as the “richest city in the world” by Fortune Magazine, Abu Dhabi’s rapid development, advanced urbanization, and relatively high income of its population has transformed the city into a cosmopolitan metropolis and a world power. As capital, Abu Dhabi is the center of the United Arab Emirates’ political and industrial activities, as well as the cultural and commercial hub for the country. Read the rest of this entry »

Imagine a destination that encompasses everything you could ever want out of a vacation and more. Picture sandy beaches, snowcapped mountains, rolling hills, coastal roadways, aquariums and zoos, historical landmarks, bars and cafes, wineries and vineyards, and abundant wildlife. A destination like this seems almost too good to be true. Think again. Let Down Under Answers take you on an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s most fascinating and diverse regions: Victoria.

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Hello! I am Judith White, the owner and founder of White Sand Travel. White Sand Travel is a boutique travel agency that specializes in designing romance travel for busy couples in love who want to experience rich romantic adventures without the stress of planning it themselves. We help them by carefully planning every component of their experience so they do not have to lift a finger but can just show up and have the time of their lives.

My passion for travel and my yearning to experience different cultures fueled my desires to learn more about the travel industry. As my interest increased so did my frustration on my prior job Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s message comes to you via the National Football League. Dallas was hosting Denver on this particular Sunday afternoon and the experts were expecting a real high-scoring “shoot-out.” Little did they know that the score would be knotted at 48 going into the final minutes. Read the rest of this entry »

Well it is winter and the flu is running rampant—at least in the northeast. But, I am not talking about a physical ailment this time around. I am talking about people. Depending on the type of travel practice, it could be a co-worker, an employee, or even you. Face it, we all operate in what most people consider a “happy industry.” We are not doing root canals. We are not auditors with the IRS. We are not used-car salesmen, Amway representatives, or any number of other seemingly “miserable” professions. We sell travel. Barring the occasional bummer trip, we sell happy experiences. We sell dreams (as clichéd as it is). So, we better be sure we don’t blow it. And it all starts with the first impression. Read the rest of this entry »

You don’t have to agree with me today, but I am about to share some advice that could position you as a true professional in the eyes of prospects and clients.

Here are three points I would like to share with you today. I feel that each one is in your best interest. Read the rest of this entry »

For the next several weeks, I will be experimenting with something new, and that is to post one photo per day from one of the most memorable voyages of my life, Antarctica on Seabourn Quest.

To be fair, a voyage to Antarctica would rank as one of your most memorable voyages, no matter which cruise line you chose to explore the White Continent. I’ve cruised Antarctica on Silver Explorer, an awe-inspiring voyage that I reported on in December of 2013. You can read more about that voyage on our sister site, Live Voyage Reports. Read the rest of this entry »

River cruising has exploded over the last few years. We constantly hear about river cruise lines building new ships as fast as possible, and continually adding new itineraries to their offerings, but the focus of these discussions seems to focus exclusively OUTSIDE the United States. European river cruises are hot. River cruising in Asia is an up and coming market. But what about river cruising closer to home? Read the rest of this entry »

Cruise and tour suppliers, the smarter ones at least, realize just how challenging it is to be a successful front-line travel agent. As an agency owner, I am pretty certain I could not do an agent’s job as well as some of you do it. You folks are expected to bounce back and forth between left-brain and right-brain functions, which, leaves me half a brain shy before I even start.

This explains one reason suppliers spend so much time trying to get “top of mind” with travel agents. They know you are expected to master a world of destinations and navigate a sea of travel providers. One way they approach this challenge is to create agent rewards programs to capture your attention. As an owner I have seen some programs I could bless and others with which I have had major disagreements; but let’s save that for another article, shall we? Read the rest of this entry »

Have you set your goals for 2015 yet? Do they include becoming more organized and maybe a little less frazzled this year, as you aim to increase your luxury travel sales? Mine do, as it seems they do every year. In this world of luxury travel, staying organized, focused and efficient, along with being ridiculously detail-oriented, has to stay top priority pretty much all of the time. The start of a new year is a perfect time to create a “Vision Board” or maybe, as I did this year, an ongoing “Vision Journal” that can be started in January and added to throughout the entire year.
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With romantic landscapes, fascinating heritage, distinct regional cultures and identities, and everything from vibrant cosmopolitan cities to charming medieval villages to enjoy, Great Britain is a diverse nation full of contrasts. From the stunning coastline of Wales to the dramatic Scottish highlands to the gentle rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales in England, Britain provides something for every type of traveler.
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Yesterday, my wife Barbara received an email from a friend of ours from Scotland. She asked my wife to do a favor for a friend of hers. It involved buying a pair of shoes (boots), which, if purchased in the States, would save $100. The boot was priced at nearly $500 before the savings. Barbara did as she was asked, and everyone seemed happy. Read the rest of this entry »

I was channel surfing the other day when I came across a program featuring … Ice Skating. As beautifully as these ladies skated, and as precise as each jump executed, I realized that all of this creative balance and symmetry did not come by accident. Polished professionalism, regardless of the trade, is the result of focused and well-initiated practice. Read the rest of this entry »

Here is some good advice…if you don’t want to regret your past, don’t screw up your future. And the future is entirely up to you.

When asked whether he had any regrets, Woody Allen answered, “I feel I had grandiose plans for myself when I started. And I have not lived up to them. I’ve done some things that are perfectly nice. But I had bigger plans. What has made it double poignant for me is that I never was denied the opportunity. The only thing standing between me and greatness is me.” Read the rest of this entry »

During the Nagano Winter Olympics a few years ago, I analyzed the contestant’s finishing times in the downhill ski race. My research resulted in what came to be known as my Rule of 1.6%.

Time and time again this rule has been validated in many athletic contests. Golf, NASCAR, horse racing, speed skating, and many other competitive sports. Read the rest of this entry »

Considered one of the most richly diverse regions in the world, the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty is just as significant as the culture and history that reside here. Originally inhabited by the Taino Indians, Christopher Columbus and the Spanish happened upon the island on their way to “the Indies”, and would leave behind a legacy that is still present today.

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The Southern Splendors of Australia are renowned for their wine, cuisine, and wildlife, but while each share these three qualities, their identities are far from similar. Down Under Answers takes you on a trip through unique regions of Australia where you’ll discover the hidden gems of the South. Read the rest of this entry »