SEEKING A NEW AND UNUSAL DESTINATION?

How about this:  Island hopping in the Indian Ocean; sunbathing in Mauritius, wellness in the Seychelles, hiking in La Reunion, nature experience in Madagascar shall soon be easily arranged. The tourism Authorities of the four islands have developed a new destination concept and position themselves now together with the label; ‘Iles Vanille’ or Vanilla Islands named for the Vanilla grow on all these islands.



For more information on this new "hot spot", give us a call or send an email to francine@travelharmony.com

Watch New Zealands Biggest Losers as they explore tourism facilities while losing weight

http://www.tourismnewzealand.com/news-and-features/latest-news/2011/04/queenstown-gets-the-biggest-loser-treatment/

Don't Miss WILD AUSTRALASIA airing on WETA TV 26 April 19&26:

http://www.weta.org/tv/programsatoz/program/76828

Save Time, Save Money: Use a Travel Agent

Alexandria, Va., March 31, 2011 - There's no end to the choices people have today, whether it's where to shop, what to buy and especially where to travel, but one of the most important choices a person can make is the decision to use a travel agent when planning their next vacation.
"Gone are the days when a travel agent just got you from Point A to Point B. Today's agent is a travel counselor skilled at not only providing their clients with their dream vacations but at giving them great value for their money. They are experts at navigating the Internet, and act as advocates on their clients' behalf in the event something goes wrong, such as a natural disaster or political unrest," ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo said. "Travel agents understand that travel planning isn't just about places, it's about people."
Here are just a few reasons to use a professional travel agent:

• Customer advocacy: If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, the agent is there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made. ASTA, for example, is the only travel industry association aggressively fighting to improve the travel experience, and air transportation in particular, for all consumers, not just those with access to the Internet.
• Expert guidance: Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad travel information and codes out there. It's what they've been trained to do and they do it every day.
• Personalized service: Instead of an impersonal voice thousands of miles away, travel agents are your neighbors. They know what you want and what you value in your travel experience.
• Professional advice: Travel agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the lowest price.
• Time: Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? A travel agent has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen or on hold.
• Unbiased information: Agents work for their clients, not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer.

Every travel agency is different and accordingly, some are better suited to a given consumer than others. Here are some tips provided by ASTA on choosing a travel agent who is right for you:

• Go with the Pros: Look for the ASTA label. Through its continuing education and training programs, ASTA prepares its members to operate high-caliber, competitive businesses.
• Ask Around: Tap friends, neighbors and relatives who use an agent they trust. You may want to visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions. The best agents want to establish a long-term relationship with a client, not just make one sale.
• Ask about Fees: Good agents will notify their clients of any additional fees, including service fees, up front. Doing otherwise is pointless, as the fee will appear as a separate charge on the client's credit card bill.
• Check Credentials: Many agents have been trained in business management, travel and tourism or geography. Others have supplemented their agency experience with extensive education and training courses. Some travel agents are Certified Travel Counselors (CTC) through the Travel Institute or Master Cruise Counselors (MCC) through the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
• Find out an Agency's Track Record: Visit ASTA.org to see whether a member agency has had a complaint against it in the prior six months. Check with the local Better Business Bureau, while keeping in mind they will only have records of agencies that have had reports filed against them.

Find a professional travel consultant who can help make your cruise vacation an unforgettable experience at TravelSense.org's ‘Find a Travel Agent' search directory, or request a free trip quote online.
ABOUT ASTA
ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.