WTM turns the spotlight on technology and online travel

With the frantic pace of change that is happening in online travel, businesses face an uphill struggle to keep pace with so many new digital developments appearing on the scene. This year World Travel Market has attracted more travel technology exhibitors than ever and is producing the most comprehensive program of conferences and seminars to help businesses get to grips with the latest from the digital world.One of the key areas of rapid change is mobile technology, which World Travel Market has identified as potentially the most important new platform for the future of the travel industry. The mobile has taken on far more significance for business travelers than just personal communications, it is a business tool. For instance, mobiles are being used to develop paperless travel by airlines like Lufthansa and British Airways. With 3 billion mobile users compared to 1.3 billion PC users in the world today, the age of the mobile has arrived. This is largely due to the availability of mobile broadband which speeds up internet access. Google has paved the way by introducing Google Mobile which accelerates internet search speeds and has made the mobile a viable alternative to the PC for Internet browsing and email. The Google Travel Team will be presenting the latest from the Internet giant in their Travel Technology@WTM seminar.

Chairman of World Travel Market, Fiona Jeffery said, “This November, World Travel Market is offering one of the largest technology programs ever seen in the industry, as well as more technology and online travel exhibitors with a wide range of products and services. Having identified the mobile as the new hub for the future, we are staging an industry first with our EyeforTravel@WTM Conference on mobile technology and two additional conferences about future trends and online content and conversion. On top of these, we will be staging the two-day Travel Technology@WTM seminar program from Genesys."

The three major conferences created by EyeforTravel@WTM will address the most pressing issues facing the industry today to provide the best strategy for the future.

Mobile Technology in Travel takes place on Tuesday, November 11 and is the first event of its kind for the travel industry. Leading travel and mobile brands will come together to outline how mobiles can make money with essential insights into the mobile space. Among these will be speakers from Vodafone, Google, British Airways, Lufthansa, Sabre, Amadeus, Mobile Commerce and Mobile Travel Technologies. With over 3 billion mobile users worldwide compared to just PC 1.3 billion users, the mobile has come of age.

The Travel Leadership Forum: Evolution of Online Travel on Wednesday, November 12 will discuss how to boost profits in a time of economic uncertainty; how to ensure business strategy guarantees a prosperous future and what the world's top travel executives are focusing on today. This must-attend think-tank will provide online travel executives with a privileged insight into the top issues in travel and offer a rare opportunity to join the travel elite to debate the future evolution of the industry. Speakers include TripAdvisor, Sabre, lastminute.com, Travelodge and SkyEurope Airlines.

Online Content and Conversion Strategies, held on Thursday, November 13 aims to provide a roadmap to online success from upgrading business websites to the rich web environment that customers crave. The conference will be addressing each and every aspect of web success: from search to stickiness, usability to user-generated content and every web technology to foster loyalty, attract new customers and increase sales. Speakers are from Lonely Planet, P&O Cruises, TUI, Walt Disney Parks&Resorts, EasyJet (panel), Microsoft, Cathay Pacific, SAS and VisitBritain.

Make the Most of the Web is one of the key themes for the Travel Technology@WTM Seminar Program this year in association with Genesys held on Tuesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 13. Generally standing room only, these sessions will include seminars on multilingual global content sponsored by Oban Multilingual; on travel comparison sites sponsored by ASAP Ventures; the very latest from the Google Travel Team and recent developments in search engine marketing to maximize internet presence.

Fiona Jeffery concluded," Technology and Online Travel @ WTM has become the fastest-growing and fastest-selling area. This is why we are putting on an unrivaled program of technology events this year featuring many of the world's best known brands. Receiving some of the very best expert advice available, delegates will find out how to use the most recent technology to achieve that all-important business edge."
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Travel Rewards From Using Your Credit Card

Responsible use of your credit card allows flexibility and leverage as it helps people manage their money. By using the principle of interest rates in credit, it allows large and expensive purchases like buying furniture and appliances. Payment for these large purchases can be extended over a specific period to make it more flexible for the credit user. The credit card company on the other hand is able to earn income charging interest rates for credit used over a specific period of time.

Credit card companies use as promotional or marketing strategies the giving of rewards to their card customers by giving points for every time they use their credit cards when making transactions. These reward points can be in a form of free gifts, appliances, electronic gadgets, cash rewards or travel miles. The number of points per card transaction may depend on the amount purchased. For travel point rewards for example, a 1 dollar purchase transaction sometimes equals 1 travel reward mile. The number of travel miles will usually depend on the travel destinations, the credit card company's rewards program and the airline companies they have tied up with in their air miles points program.

Travel rewards from using credit cards in making purchases are quantified in air miles. Heavy credit card users are able to benefit from these programs the most as the huge accumulated points that they may make may already equal the points equivalent to one plane ticket. The more purchases a person does on his credit card, the more points his credit card rewards him and the person has the options to convert these to travel air miles.

To determine if the accumulated air miles rewards points a person has is enough to avail of a plane ticket, lets say flying domestic within the US, they can do this by checking with their credit card companies how much air miles they need to accumulate in order to avail of a plane ticket to their desired destination. The number of accumulated air miles points on their card doesn't necessarily equal the actual miles required to make the trip. In order to determine the actual equivalent of miles their accumulated miles rewards points from their credit card purchases, they'll need to check with their credit card hotline numbers or from their credit card's consumer websites to receive more detailed information in determining how much actual miles their accumulated air miles reward points has made, how to claim them and how to work out the travel arrangements with the airline company the credit card company has tied up with regards to the travel rewards promotions.
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Budget Travel Tips

Do you love to take vacations but don't have a lot of money? Then learning how to budget your traveling can get you more vacations every year!

Today with the economy the way it is, budget travel is becoming more and more of a necessity and more merchants are offering great deals to those that can accommodate the restrictions. Aside from travel deals, you can also do some things to keep your costs low and save on the overall trip.

First off, you need to prepare a travel budget. This means deciding what is important to you and where you can cut back a bit. For instance, some travelers are comfortable spending a bit more for a better class of hotel, while others prefer to save money by using budget accommodations and spend the money they saved on sightseeing or a special meal for the family.

Next, figure out a budget for the various aspects of your vacation, such as hotel, airfare, rental cars, sightseeing, gasoline, etc. Once you have a good idea of what each element of the vacation should cost, it is time to start shopping around for the best deals.

Once you have figured out what is most important to you, it is time to start finding out how to get the best deals. Often, admission deals on area attractions are the easiest to come by, since many theme parks, museums and other destinations run specials to attract out of town guests.

To get big discounts on area attractions, the best place to start is the web site of the attraction itself. Be sure to check the web site for any specials, such as two for one deals, free admission for children, special reduced admission days, etc.

Certain orgainzations such as the military, AAA and senior citizens groups offer discounts on lodging, attractions and travel. Most AAA offices sell discount admission tickets to theme parks, museums and other popular attractions within driving distance, and most AAA offices sell discounted admissions to popular attractions like Walt Disney World as well. The key to making your travel budget stretch farther is to ask about, and take advantage of, all discounts that may be available.

If you are driving on your vacation, make sure you get your car serviced and that it is in peak condition. This can really save you some money as things like under inflated tires and worn spark plugs can cause your gas mileage to go down thus costing you more in gas money.

A good map can also be a money saver, since it will keep you from driving around in circles and wasting gas. Finding your way easily to and from the hotel and the surrounding area will make your vacation more pleasant and less costly.

Finding good deals on your vacation travel and destinations can be a bit of work but it will be worth it in the long run with more enjoyable and more frequent vacations.
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Herbal Remedies To Prevent Travelers Diarrhea

Travelers visiting many tropical, sub-tropical and developing countries run an increased risk of suffering a gastrointestinal illness. These are usually caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. The microscopic bugs at the top of these rather gut wrenching (for all the wrong reasons...) charts are E Coli, the staphylococci, shigella and salmonella species, campylobacter jejuni, cryptosporidiosis, and hepatitis A.

Infected food is the biggest culprit, with water coming in second. Ice cream, cocktails served in re-used coconut shells, raw seafood, ice, and food from street vendors are potential risks that can interrupt your adventure with less salacious memories to pass on to family and friends.

The nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea from such acute infections usually sorts itself out after a few days (unless of course you have contracted hepatitis A, or something like giardia). Certainly, if you are unlucky enough to be sick after a few days, you should see a doctor.

Fortunately, there are remedies you can take that will strengthen your immune and digestive system and hopefully give your body a better chance at dealing with its new environment. The herbs I describe below would make an excellent travelers mix. The best form to take them in would be as a tincture, which can be made up by going to a local herbal dispensary if you have one in your area, or alternatively, a local herbalist.


Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Astragalus is a good anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. The polysaccharides in it support the immune system. Astragalus increases the activity of phagocytes, natural killer cells, and the levels of antibodies in the blood.


Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa)

This is an Ayurvedic herb that is best given in low doses, as higher doses can cause diarrhea and flatulence in more sensitive people. Its a bitter herb, so it stimulates the digestive system. It is also anti-malarial, supports the immune system, and protects the liver. Picrorrhiza encourages all aspects of the immune system, such as B and T cell activity, and the activity of phagocytes. This herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine for liver related problems and immune problems.


Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)

Goldenseal is a gut antibiotic, which for example helps reduce adhesive e coli, and encourages some immune functions of the body. For example, berberine, which is one of its active constituents, has been shown to increase the activity of macrophages, which digest bacteria and viruses. Barberry also contains berberine, so more information on this very valuable constituent is below. Goldenseal, being a bitter herb, it is also good for the digestive system. If you are pregnant or suffer from hypertension, however, you should not take goldenseal.


Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris)

Berberine, one of the active constituents in this herb is an anti protozoic, which helps protect travelers against giardia, leishmania, and treponema pallidum. Other notable effects of berberine are its activity against giardia, dysentery, and candida, as well as the cholera vibrio. The active constituents berberine and palmatine are also anti-bacterial. And berbamine, which like berberine is an alkaloid, is a strong anti-bacterial which seems to work by increasing white blood cells and platelets. The constituent palamtine is a uterine stimulant, however, and as such pregnant women shouldn't take this herb. Barberry is another gut antibiotic, but it is also anti-malarial (though no self-respecting herbalist would recommend anything other than doctor's treatment if you do contract malaria).


Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or augustifolia)

Echinacea is an immune stimulant. Its main active constituents are the polysaccharides and the alkamides (especially the isobutylamides), which are both immune stimulating, and the polyaceytlenes, which are antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Echinacea supports the activity of phagocytes, which are part of the immune system, and is also considered anti-viral and anti-microbial. One of the ways echinacea appears to work is by inhibiting the action of the enzyme hyaluronidase. This enzyme is used by micro-organisms to break down the connective tissue that prevents them from entering and spreading through the body. For these reasons, it is excellent as part of a travelers remedy mix.



These remedies are not designed as a prophylactic, like a vaccine. They work on the principle of giving your body an increased chance at staying healthy. But nothing replaces common sense. Wash your hands before eating. Don't drink ice or from water bottles where the seal has been broken. Drink cocktails in glasses, not cute but probably old coconut shells. Don't eat anything fresh that you can't peel. Don't eat ice cream or drink unpasteurized milk. Be wary of eating from street vendors. Some people do, and are fine. But they are a risk factor with gastrointestinal upsets. Its a good idea to pack some oral hydration salts as a precaution.

But above all, enjoy your holiday!

Refrences: C Fisher & G Painter, Materia Medica of Western Herbs for the Southern Hemisphere
Class notes from Ses Salmond, certified Natural Therapist and Herbal Medicine teacher .
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Travel Planning: Do You Have All That You Need?

Travel planning can be quite complex. There are many areas in which you will need to insure that you have what you need. It can be business travel or recreational. The point is that you'll need to pull together everything that you need and keep it with you. This can be quite difficult especially in those last minutes before you leave. There is just too much to do and who knows what you'll forget.

To help you with your travel plans, here are some key elements that you should consider.

• Make sure to first plan for your transportation. Gather your information for air line tickets, for transportation to the airport, and then transportation once you arrive at your destination. You'll need easy assess to your flight numbers, your reservation numbers and your credit cards so that these elements can go easily.
• Next, consider your hotel stay. What elements do you need here? You'll need to keep track of your hotel's location, the reservation numbers and your credit card information for them. This will help you to get in quickly.
• You should also plan to keep identification close by at all times.
• Planning to assess your email while away? Need to check your bank information while you are out of town? You should also consider traveling with your user identification and password information for all of the accounts you are likely to tap into.
• Don't forget to take with you a list of important people and their phone numbers. You never know when you'll need to call on your neighbor to check out the house or the phone number to your pediatrician in case a child gets sick.

When you take the time to organize these elements, your traveling planning is easier to keep track of. You can rest easier when you know that everything that you need is carefully organized just in case you need to access it.
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TRAVEL WITH FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY

Car rental packages are becoming an increasingly popular option among travellers in Iceland, and for a good reason. They allow far greater individual freedom and flexibility than scheduled group tours can, and as Self-Drive customers are effectively their own tour guides, these tours also offer a more intimate experience. Iceland Visitor’s pre-made itineraries take you through dramatic and varied scenery to places of great historical importance as well as some of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders.
Our Self-Drive tours are an excellent option for individuals, couples, small groups and families who want to travel the country at their own pace and leisure. Due to limited availability of accommodation in the more remote areas of Iceland, we recommend booking with ample advance.
Please also see self-drive tours available in other categories
Honeymoon and Romance: View all
Family Travel: View all
Golf Vacation: View all

Express Iceland
This express package around Iceland takes you to many of the country’s biggest attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the great Geysir area, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Ásbyrgi Canyon and more. The tour includes accommodation in Reykjavik, Vík, Höfn, Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.

Season:

All year

Price from:

58300

Duration:

6nights/7days

Golden Circle and South Coast
Enjoy a short stopover, visiting the sights of the world-famous Geysir, magnificent waterfalls, National Park Þingvellir, Blue Lagoon, the city of Reykjavík and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík and Selfoss with daily drives to attractions in the southwest.

Season:

All year

Price from:

34800

Duration:

3nights/4days

Iceland Complete
This package is suitable for those who want to explore the greater ring-road, including the beautiful West Fjords. The drive takes you to most of the biggest attractions in Iceland including Þingvellir National Park, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Dettifoss waterfall, the West Fjords and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík and all over Iceland.

Season:

All year

Price from:

113000

Duration:

13nights/14days

Iceland Full Circle

The drive takes you to many of the biggest attractions around Iceland including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn and surroundings, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Vatnajökull glacier and more.

Season:

All year

Price from:

79600

Duration:

9nights/10days

Iceland Full Circle - Luxury Self Drive
This is a luxury self-drive tour that takes you to many of the biggest attractions around Iceland including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn and surroundings, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Vatnajökull glacier and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Hvolsvöllur, Skaftafell National Park, Höfn, Lake Mývatn, Akureyri and Búðir.

Season:

All year

Price from:

203134

Duration:

9nights/10days

Iceland Grand Tour
This is the ultimate Grand Tour of Iceland. Visit some of the world’s finest waterfalls, erupting geysers, stunning fjords, magical lagoons and active volcanoes, while experiencing Iceland’s flourishing culture. The package includes accommodation in Reykjavík and all over Iceland.

Season:

All year

Price from:

132800

Duration:

16nights/17days

Northern Comfort in Holiday Cottage
This self-guided, self-catered 4X4 winter package offers a relaxing week in a cozy cottage in the scenic south of Iceland. The tour does not involve a great amount of driving and therefore gives you a chance to explore many of Iceland’s biggest attractions at your own pace. In the darker winter months, the Aurora Borealis are not an uncommon sight outside of Reykjavík; the swirling, colourful displays, ranging from white to green, pink and blue or even in rare cases red, are truly an unforgettable sight to behold.

Season:

1 Okt - 31 Apr

Price from:

69400

Duration:

6nights/7days

Pearls of North Iceland
Explore the stunning and varied north region of Iceland. The drive takes you to the voluminous Deildartunguhver hot spring, the magnificent Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss Waterfall (sometimes referred to as ‘Europe’s Niagara’) and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Varmahlíð, Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.

Season:

All year

Price from:

59300

Duration:

6 Nights/7 days

Reykjavík – Next Door to Nature
Reykjavík is a remarkable getaway - its charming old town, legendary nightlife, bustling culture and music scene await you. Stay in a comfortable city centre hotel, allow yourself the luxury offered by the numerous spas and thermal pools, and explore Reykjavík and its stunning hinterland at your own leisure.

Season:

All year

Price from:

39225

Duration:

3nights/4days

South Iceland at Leisure

Enjoy some of the stunning landscapes of south Iceland, including Þingvellir National Park, the great Geysir area, Skaftafell National Park, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Selfoss, Vík and Skaftafell National Park.

This tour is suitable and recommended for families with children. You have the option of staying in cottages, driving distances per day are limited and child-friendly activities can be found all along the way.

Season:

All year

Price from:

57300

Duration:

6nights/7days

Iceland 4x4 Highland Adventure
This highland adventure takes you to some of the less visited but starkly beautiful sights of the dramatic Icelandic interior, one of Europe’s last wildernesses. Visit places such as Landmannalaugar, Þingvellir National Park, the great Geysir area, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Ásbyrgi canyon, and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Varmahlíð, Lake Mývatn, Möðrudalur valley and Hrauneyjar.

Season:

1 Jul - 1 Sep

Price from:

119900

Duration:

9nights/10days

South Coast 4x4 Safari
This 4X4 tour includes the most beautiful sights of south Iceland, taking you off the beaten track to the exotic highland interior. Experience the vast wilderness, glaciers, waterfalls, colourful mountains, volcanoes and other stunning phenomena that south Iceland has to offer. The sights include Þingvellir National Park, Landmannalaugar, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Hrauneyjar, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Skaftafell National Park and Vík.

Season:

1 Jul - 1 Sep

Price from:

85875

Duration:

6nights/7days

Iceland Activity Tour
This adventurous activity tour around Iceland includes not only many of the country’s biggest attractions, but also action-packed excursions under professional supervision in Iceland’s pristine nature. The tour includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Hvolsvöllur, Skaftafell National Park, Egilsstaðir, Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.

Season:

1 Jun - 1 Sep

Price from:

155800

Duration:

10nights/11days

www.icelandvisitor.com

TRAVEL:Vacation Packages

This package is perfect for a short getaway to visit Santa’s World by the enchanting Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland. The Icelandic Santas, or Yule Lads, are actually 13 brothers who live in a cave in “Dimmuborgir” lava field. They are cheeky, funny fellows and deliver small gifts to good children over the 13 nights before Christmas. Visiting the Yule Lads in their natural winter surroundings and taking in some of the winter activities is truly an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Season:December
Price from:81375
Duration:3nights/4days


New Year’s Weekend

Enjoy a thrilling long New Year’s weekend in Reykjavik. The city is dotted with public bonfires and, at midnight, amazing firework shows across the Arctic sky. This package includes accommodation in the city center, the Golden Circle tour, the Bonfire tour, a New Year’s Eve celebration dinner party with a panoramic view of the city, a visit to the healing waters at the Blue Lagoon Spa, and a hunt for some of nature’s greatest displays the dancing Northern Lights. Season: New Year’s
Price from:79905
Duration:4nights/5days

New Year’s Weekend in Reykjavik

Enjoy a thrilling New Year’s weekend in Reykjavik. The city is dotted with public bonfires and, at midnight, amazing firework shows across the Arctic sky. This package includes accommodation in the city center, the Golden Circle tour, the Bonfire tour, New Year’s Eve celebration dinner party with a panoramic view of the city, and a perfect ending to the weekend: rejuvenate after the festivities by soaking in the healing waters at the Blue Lagoon Spa.

Season:

New Year’s

Price from:

54915

Duration:

2nights/3days

New Year’s in Luxury: Gourmet Dining & Northern Lights

Indulge yourself with a luxury New Year’s weekend in Reykjavik. Enjoy New Year’s Eve at the best panorama restaurant in the city, overlooking the fireworks at midnight. You will be transported by luxury vehicle: our experienced professional guide will take you to the area’s most beautiful gems and introduce you to the nation’s history, culture and way of life. Enjoy dining at the city’s most exciting and highly praised restaurants, where you will indulge yourself in Icelandic cuisine. Enjoy Reykjavik’s finest on this unforgettable tour.
Season: Dec - Jan
Price from:228585
Duration:4nights/5days

www.icelandvisitor.com