You’ve probably noticed that gas prices are on the rise – again.

When the price of a gallon of gas exploded a couple years ago there was a huge outcry for a sustainable fuel. There were all kinds of talk and hype about ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen power, and electric cars. Now here we are, years later, and it sure doesn’t appear like we’re any closer to realizing the type of change we were talking about back then. At the very least, it’s been a very slow and arduous process.

Sure there have been a few stars over the last few years. Our extended family owns two Toyota Prius vehicles, which has been by far the most successful hybrid vehicle to date. Our trash has gone way down, and the recycling has gone way up. Our compost pile has also grown in size producing rich organic soil for plants inside and outside the house. As well, our security system in the house not only keeps our home secure, but helps us save costs with pre-programed lighting utilizing less power, and automated control of our heating and cooling system that also saves energy and money.

While I don’t consider myself a “tree huger” by any means – I do have an interest in doing my part in not only conserving energy, but utilizing renewable resources whenever possible. I also have my favorite front runner in bio-fuel development – algae. It grows easily, can be transported via pipes (existing pipes no less), and algae not only eats up the carbon dioxide we’ve created, but can also be located near waste-water treatment facilities, cleaning up the wastewater while at the same time producing a renewable fuel for the community.

Yes, I’ve done some study on the subject over the years.

Not that I’ve never thought about my impact on the environment, but I started giving serious interest about our carbon footprint and recycling when Ronda and I first started cruising over a decade ago. While down in the Caribbean I was impressed with how these large vessels sustained themselves. They are after all floating resorts. They also appreciate that the pristine beaches and water found down in the Caribbean can only stay that way if they take an active approach, and help passengers understand the importance of preserving these tropical destinations.

Over the years, I’ve come across news stories and watched countless documentaries that promote a greener earth. Not because I’m concerned about global warming – there’s so much data out there that it makes my head spin. For me personally, it’s more about preserving a feasible and comfortable life for my kids and grandkids. If we keep doing what we’re doing – I don’t need a news article or movie documentary to tell me there’s not going to be much left for them.

I’ve been impressed with Virgin Atlantic’s biofuel flight test a couple years ago. (Leave it to billionaire Sir Richard to be the first to do something like this.) I also loved reading about Sandals Resorts earning it’s Green Globe Certification a few years back. Hotel chains are also getting involved, like InterContinental Hotels Group who was awarded with an LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for one of its hotels.

Then this weekend, I caught a glimpse of the new Boeing 747-8, which is more ‘environmentally friendly’ (not really ‘green’) and thought to myself, why am I not writing about this kind of stuff? I mean, if I find it interesting, surely there would be others who feel the same way – right?

So I’ve decided to make a small, but noticeable shift in my writing to keep things interesting – for me. Like politics, religion, and network marketing however, just how we should take care of this world we live in can get a bit heated. The goal here isn’t to argue right or wrong, good or bad, or even better or worse. It’s simply a way for me to research and write about what I find interesting. The hope obviously is that you as the reader will too, but if not, that’s perfectly fine with me.

My hope is that I can open up minds that supporting suppliers and vendors with an eco-friendly conscious is the way to go. Over the years, there has been plenty to write about and I’m kind of bummed that I didn’t do something like this sooner. It’s a very cool industry and it needs awareness to gain support from people like me and you.

This won’t be a complete shift in direction mind you – simply a new category that I want to expand and write about. What I really like about the subject is that its solutions based – and promotes evolving technology designed to correct the harsh way we’ve treated our home for more than a century. If you know anything about me, I’m not about to shy away from taking a stand – and frankly – taking better care of the environment we all live in is important to me.

It’s a small step for me that will hopefully spread with like-minded people who care about the environment and their impact in it. It a choice I’ve made – and like most of my choices, I’m proud of it. That’s just the way I roll.

So join me as we explore a cleaner, more environmentally friendly way to travel. While I hope it becomes an option for you – the choice is entirely up to you.

For me, it’s time to focus on going green – even when I travel.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Shopping for that perfect holiday gift?

What do you get for the person who has EVERYTHING?

What about the person that’s SO hard to shop for?

Have I got a stocking stuffer for you!

It’s that time of year again! Carnival Cruise Gift Certificates are available NOW through December 31, 2010.

Gift Certificates are a great way to save now, and cruise later. It also provides an opportunity for you decide on your own what cruise you might like, or even when you want to go over the next 18 months.

It’s your cruise right?

All Gift Certificates can be upgraded to ANY cruise of choice. Simply pay the difference. We have a certificate valid for a 3-4 day for two, but want to take the entire family on a 7 day this spring. The Promotions Department at Carnival will be extremely accommodating for any upgrade and use what you have to fulfill your dream cruise.

We’ve sold these certificates the last couple of years and they’re a HUGE HIT for just about anyone.

• Parents, Relatives & Close Friends
• Teacher & Administrator Holiday Gifts
• Holiday Party Giveaways
• Chamber of Commerce Luncheons
• Retirement gifts for years of service
• Great alternative to year end cash bonus!

Certificates range from 3 – 8 day sailings and are valid for 2 guests sharing a stateroom and start at just $518 for both guests!

*This price is for a 3 day cruise certificate on selected ships only, in an interior category 4A stateroom for Fall sailings only (9/1/11 – 12/16/11) and does not include Government Fees, taxes or gratuities. Ocean view and balcony certificates are available at an additional cost. Full payment is due at the time the certificate is sold.

Certificates will be customized with the name of the person buying the gift. Recipient can pay to upgrade the certificate for higher cabin categories, additional days of cruising or for travel outside of the Fall travel period. No minimum purchase required. Certificate is valid for 18 months unless otherwise required by law.

Regardless if you’re a seasoned cruise veteran like us, or a first timer, a 100,000 ton cruise ship could be the most unique stocking stuffer your special someone has ever seen.

Bon Voyage!

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Wow! What a week!

Sorry, I haven’t been around much this week. My post on Monday got a ton of traffic and I appreciate the private messages, e-mails and phone calls. Every so often you write something that strikes a nerve and you learn to just ride that wave of traffic. I also enjoyed the break. It gave me an opportunity to do some additional reading, planning, and finish some projects that have been sitting on the back burner – but needed to get done.

As a result, I’m feeling pretty refreshed and eager to get going on some new projects that fell into my lap during the week. It’s amazing to me how you finish something up; something else opens up to fill that space. We’ll be writing more about them as the week’s progress.

I wanted to do a quick post today about a new program that I’m pretty excited about. I have a relative who’s disabled and this type of thing always peaks my interest because of it. Being disabled doesn’t mean you can’t experience life. Yes, it can make things a little more difficult, but as I’ve seen time and time again, it’s all about how you perceive things that can make a disability an obstacle or advantage.

It’s nice to see this type of program in our industry. While it’s not a niche that I’m actively involved with, I do know a number of people are. I did a search on it last night and only found one other link to it, so I thought I’d promote it, so all of you know about it in case it comes up in your dealings with clients.

Oh, and yes, that’s a real cat! (In other words, it’s not some Photoshopped prank.)

~ Guests of Beaches Turks & Caicos can now become Handicap Scuba Association (HSA) certified at the property ~

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa has expanded resort programming for persons with disabilities and now offers a tailored disabled scuba diving program. A team of twelve dive instructors from the resort, under the guidance of Mark Rausch of Poseidon Handicap Scuba Adventures, underwent an intensive training course that will allow guests to participate in three specialized programs. Through the Handicap Scuba Association (HSA), guests can become certified in the HSA Basic Open Water Scuba Diving, the HSA Junior Open Water Scuba Diving and the HSA Open Water Dive Buddy. The resort will continue to offer the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification in addition to the Handicap Scuba Association certification.

Michael Clark, Beaches Resorts Water Sports Manager, stated, “Scuba diving is the sport where gravity is not an issue,” he further stated, “we are delighted to be able to offer our disabled guests the full value of our ’Luxury Included’ facility including equal water sports opportunity that caters to their special needs.”

Handicap Scuba Association is made up of over 4000 underwater educators, with disabilities and supporting members, located in over 45 countries. Beaches Turks & Caicos is the first in the Beaches Resorts chain, as well as the island of Turks & Caicos, to receive HSA certification training and marks an important milestone in disabled programming at the resort.

###

How cool is that? (Thought you’d like it!)

Have an awesome weekend!

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

You’ve heard it, I’ve heard it – just about everyone has heard how wonderful travel sales have been from “Travel Professionals”. Even with all the doom and gloom about a recession last year.

Heck, it’s easy to say things are wonderful when you don’t have to disclose just how well you’re really doing. Very few of the world’s travel agencies are publicly traded companies and as people often do, they tell you what they want you to hear.

Looks like the truth is starting to catch up with some of these folks, as Orbitz announces a net loss of $337 million for 2009 yesterday. Net revenue just for the fourth quarter was $738 million, down 15 percent from the same period of 2008. According to m-Travel news, the losses were pinned on “removal of most domestic air booking fees and a significant reduction in hotel net revenue due to lower average daily rates, lower hotel booking fees, lower breakage and disappointing results at HotelClub.”

2009 wasn’t a very nice year for the travel industry. Royal Caribbean had problems getting financing for their new mega ship at the beginning of the year. (Although they obviously secured the financing needed eventually.) Expedia was hit with a $129 million settlement in a class action that was filed for unfair business practices. We also can’t forget how hard Mexico was hit last year with the H1N1 virus that wreaked havoc across the globe.

All while consumers saw some of the best deals seen in decades – which was great for them, but not so sweet for Travel Agents. We had to sell two to three times as much in travel just to keep commission levels at levels they had seen in years past.

I have to hand it to any company who’s made it through a year like 2009 regardless of who they are, or what they do. When anyone in our industry takes a hit like Orbitz has, the entire industry is reminded of how lucky we are to still be in business. In a way, it shows strength and resolve – even with the huge losses.

Think about YTB with all that it had to endure for the last 18 months – yet I’m still here with a booking engine that’s producing sales and revenue. Some said I nor the company would make it past 2009. At this point, every day I look at my booking engine, or see a new cruise booked in my back office, I think about those people and smile. Why? Because I no longer have to question if they could be right – I see the fruits of my dedication and determination with my own eyes. My experience once again overrides mere words to the contrary.

It wasn’t easy, nor was it pleasant to endure all the doom and gloom during 2009.

The outlook for the coming year looks much better than it did this time last year. Commissions are getting close to where they were prior to the all fire sales we saw over the last year. (That’s not to say there aren’t some great deals to be had.) Businesses and families are traveling once again. Maybe not at the levels they once were, but when I look at the amount of advanced bookings compared to this time last year, it’s dramatic. Most of what I saw last year were last minute deals that customers just couldn’t pass up.

It’s good to see that I wasn’t alone or that our situation in YTB was unique. Everyone struggled and everyone had “issues”.

I’m just thankful that it looks like all this is behind us (for the most part) and everyone appears to be far more optimistic and on the mend.

Including YTB.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

You know me…always looking for the positive angle. It’s part of my DNA. (Or how I was brought up if you ever talk to my mother.) .

Regardless of who’s fault it is, I found a very positive article about the airline industry that I wanted to share in Travel Weekly. I did a short piece on Examiner.com just before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend that caught my eye. AirTran was predicting a 5% increase in air travel during the busy travel holiday weekend over last years numbers. Unfortunately, the ATA (Air Transport Association) wasn’t so sure and was predicting a 4 percent decline during the same period.

Much to the delight of Continental, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska and AirTran, they too saw a significant increase for the entire month of November now that they’ve looked over the data. As a result, the numbers have most in the industry looking at 2010 in a much different light.

Not all the airlines reported an increase for the month. (Namely Delta, American, United and US Airways) However, the entire industry did see a slight uptick of 0.2% across all the airlines for the same period. According to AirTran Senior Vice President and CFO Arne Haak “The worst is behind us” as the industry has been experiencing close to double digit decreases in traffic in 2009. Prior to this current quarter most everyone in the industry has been extremely cautious. The news coming out of New York at the Next Generation Equity Research investors conference was a welcome change. It prompted Delta’s CFO Hank Halter to quote “demand will remain strong” and more executives stating that they are “starting to see more promising traffic and bookings”.

As an additional sign that the tide is starting to turn United ordered 50 new aircraft last week due to some very attractive pricing. (We can’t forget Carnival’s order of two new Dream Class ships last week either.) Like deals clients have seen to fill seats, rooms, and cabins, suppliers are starting to pull the trigger on some attractive deals of their own. Materials and supplies for building both aircraft and ships right now are looking very attractive for those who are willing to go after them.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to need to get us out of this funk we’ve been in. Those who think Government is that answer with it’s “stimulus package” or “bailouts” simply don’t get it. It’s spending in the private sector that stimulates the economy. The transfer of cash from one to another for a product or service.

We didn’t get here overnight, and it’s going to take more than one good month or a few orders to right this ship. But news like this catches the attention of those who have been “thinking” – into actually “doing”. This recession won’t last forever, and the companies who are willing to step out and spend on expanding and building now will be the ones best poised to take advantage of the recovery when it hits it’s full stride.

Regardless of when it happens, it’s good to see news like this and people starting to look at the future in a more optimistic light.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

I lost count how many times I’ve said this…but I’m gonna say it again.

A cruise is the best vacation money could buy.

It was nice to have family (including extended family) together for another cruise. Our daughter called it “The best birthday EVER!” and our son has caught the same bug we did some 12 years ago when Ronda and I took our first cruise.

I did hit the internet for a grand total of 25 minutes, but didn’t even open the laptop until almost the very end of the cruise to download a couple gigs worth of pictures that I took. (Some 400 shots all together on a Fuji S9000 camera I just love.) I uploaded about 60 of them on my Facebook page and will get around to putting more up on Webshots at some point. (Then again – I still have pictures from our last cruise I haven’t uploaded.)

The kids have really gotten the hang of cruise thing. Brittany thoroughly enjoyed dressing up for formal night. (So much so, that she had to get all dressed up for her birthday night.) Brian found the ice cream machines and the 24 hour pizzeria and hardly ate anything else the entire week. Camp Carnival was FABULOUS for both kids. When they ask if they can go, you just know it’s a hit. (Which impressed both Ronda and I.) They really had a great time and our hats are off to all the counselors who took great care of our kids.

Our daughters birthday was an exceptional day in Gran Cayman. The entire family got involved on the Cayman Pirate Adventure as the kids and I were recruited to swab the deck (I was given a tooth brush) and “Mommy Spank Bottom” was tied up and forced to promise to never spank the bottoms of our kids again. Afterward, everyone walked the plank and enjoyed the warm tropical water.

Later that evening we celebrated Brittany’s birthday with the family and wait staff of the Universe Dinning room. Brittany loves to be the center of attention any other time, and handled her birthday no differently. The entire ship was told it was her birthday and she ate up all the attention. (As she always does.)

It’s still amazes me how many first time cruisers I continue to run into. We talked with a number of first time cruisers on this trip who raved about the service, the food, and the size of this floating resort. Non of them had any idea what they were missing, and have all been transformed into cruise-a-holics like we are.

While it’s nice being back, I miss the romance and relaxation of the sea. I bit warmer down in the Caribbean as well. We’re already planning our next cruise and may turn it into a neighborhood event. With another Carnival Sail-A-Thon coming up next week, it would be a perfect time to get the neighbors together to discuss the option of going. (More on the Sail-A-Thon here later, and in this weekends newsletter.)

A trip like this one is part of my “why” I stick with YTB.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

When I first saw this story in Travel Weekly about Princess doing a survey on the most stressed out cities in the US I was intrigued. I mean – cruise lines have been helping people de-stress for decades. While I wouldn’t consider this survey Pulitzer material, it’s certainly an interesting read for those of us who want to sell more vacations. (If you want Pulitzer, I’ve been telling people for over a decade that a cruise is the best vacation money can buy.)

The Princess survey was done in conjunction with Harris Interactive who specializes in custom market research. The press release also referenced Dr. Kathleen Hall, founder of The Stress Institute, who believes learning how to deal with stress is one of the most important things Americans can do to lead more balanced lives.

According to the survey the top-five things Americans feel will help them achieve better life balance include realizing financial success, improving physical fitness, getting organized and taking more breaks and vacations. Yet one in four Americans aren’t planning to take a vacation in the next year. (Siting “work-related” reasons for not taking one.) As a side note – these same Americans (particularly those living in Washington, D.C.) don’t think the President of the United States should be given any vacation days either.

Here’s the list of America’s Most Stressed Out Cities

1. Chicago
2. Houston
3. Boston
4. Los Angeles
5. San Diego
6. Denver
7. San Francisco
8. Detroit
9. Tampa (tie)
9. Portland, Ore. (tie)
10. Seattle
11. Washington, D.C. (tie)
11. Baltimore (tie)
12. Sacramento
13. Pittsburgh
14. Philadelphia
15. New York
16. Phoenix
17. Atlanta
18. St. Louis
19. Minneapolis
20. Cincinnati
21. Las Vegas
22. Dallas/Fort Worth
23. Miami

Not surprising that the least stressed city in the survey has a major cruise port. (Hummmm)

I found the Princess Press release and the findings are an interesting read. Some of them include that 72 percent of Americas say they do not have balance in their lives, but there is hope. Slightly more than half believe they can achieve life balance in the next five years. The survey also noted that the poor economy is a leading causes for life imbalance, followed by the need to lose weight.

My solution to achieve life balance? I’m going to tote the Princess line here – “escape completely” on a luxury cruise liner for a week. Have someone else do the cooking and cleaning, enjoy the romance of the sea, and there’s something about the turquoise water that just soothes the soul. 

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With