Yes, prices went up today with Carnival, and I suspect we’ll see more increases with other travel packages during the year. There are some very real indications that the travel industry as a whole is experiencing growth once again.

That doesn’t mean that very real and substantial deals can’t be had however.

YTB Travel Network has partnered with Pleasant Holidays once again to offer substantial savings (up to $500 per booking) to some very exotic and attractive destinations. The live webcast will air right here on your computer tomorrow night, March 23rd, simply by clicking on the link found on BandBVacations.com. It all starts at 8:00 Eastern, with a rebroadcast again at 9:00PM and 10:00PM Eastern Standard Time. Phone lines will be open from 8:00 to 11:00PM Eastern toll free at 866-400-9382.

This is the perfect opportunity to invite friends, and family over to see if something might fit for their next vacation. What could be better than a tropical getaway to Hawaii, Mexico, Fiji, Tahiti, Moorea, or Bora Bora? You really need to see these exotic properties during this Sale-a-Thon to see how incredible these sale prices really are.

To give you a heads up on what kind of specials we’re talking about here Pleasant Holidays has produced a number of fliers for you to take a look at.

And here they are:

Special savings to Fiji – $500 savings per booking.

• Your vacation Includes: Air from Los Angeles on Air Pacific, meet & greet with shell lei, round trip Airport transfers, 7 nights’ accommodations at Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji, Beachfront room, two FREE nights, breakfast daily, complimentary welcome cocktail, free jungle cruise per person, special invitation to the General Manager’s Monday cocktail party, one scuba pool splash per person, FREE kids club & Travel Protection Plan.

Special savings to Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora – $500 savings per booking.

• Vacation Includes: Air from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui, round trip inter-island air on Air Tahiti, Round trip airport transfers, 7 nights’ accommodations at Le Meridien Tahiti, Garden View room, two FREE nights & Travel Protection Plan.

Special savings to Hawaii – Free Hertz Rental Car.

• Free Hertz rental car with a minimum 5 night stay on the island of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, or Hawaii’s Big Island for travel through 3/31/10; 5/1 – 5/31/10; 9/1 – 12/15/10. Save $100 on a Hertz car rental with a minimum 5 night stay for travel from 4/1 – 4/30/10 & 6/1 – 8/31/10.

Special savings to Mexico – $100 savings per booking.

• Vacations Includes: round trip air from Chicago and 3 night accommodations to Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cobos starting from just $262 for new bookings made through May 1, 2010.

One of the nice features about these webinars is that it’s designed to educate you with the best, most knowledgeable Managers Pleasant Holidays has to offer. They know their business better than anyone and can offer tips and insight on just how and why you need to take advantage of these special deals with them compared to someone else.

So check out Pleasant Holidays for your next vacation – they’re one of the largest tour operators in the business with destinations to Mexico, Costa Rica, Las Vegas, Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific.

Hope to see you then!

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There are two subjects that I try to steer clear of. One is religion, and the other is politics. I guess that’s part of the social brainwashing that hasn’t been completely cleansed yet. There are many social phobias that I’ve been able to overcome, but these two subjects are still areas I don’t like to write about or talk about. One of the reasons I don’t like to discuss either issue is that emotions tend to run very high, and far too many times, others don’t allow individual freedoms to think or believe what they want.

Both subjects have firmly entrenched beliefs that for some reason force poeple to shove their own views and opinions down someone else’s throat. Weather you agree or disagree with my views pertaining to either subject makes little difference to me. While you may not agree with my views, I can most certainly find an abundance of people who do agree. I’m confident enough in my own views to allow them to stand on their own merit.

There are times however when either religion or politics cross certain barriers and for the sake of news need to be written about. Electing our first African American President was news worthy for example. It made very little difference if you where a Democrat, Republican or Independent last November when the country elected President Obama.

Late last week, the Travel Industry got it’s first whiff of Administrative stench when Vice President Joe Biden told the entire country via “The Today Show” that we should opt for staying at home rather than traveling.

“I would tell members of my family – and I have – I wouldn’t go anywhere in confined places now. It’s not going to Mexico, it’s you’re in a confined aircraft when one person sneezes it goes all the way through the aircraft. That’s me. I would not be, at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway. So from my perspective, what it relates to is mitigation.

“If you’re out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes, that’s one thing. If you’re in a closed aircraft or a closed container, a closed car, a closed classroom, it’s a different thing.”

Being that this came from an Elected Official and tied to politics, it’s caused quite an upheaval in the travel industry. Mind you, the travel industry is an already emotionally charged and extremely opinionated demographic. The Vice Presidents quote, much like the swine flu story is far more that just an industry story however and has gained National attention and exposure. TripAdvisor Mexico forums saw an increase in swine flu-related discussion with 1,043 posts between April 21 and April 28. The actions and the comments from inside the industry, compared to outside the industry solidifies for me at least how badly this industry needs a major overhaul in attitude.

Both the Air Transport Association and U.S. Travel Association released statements in order to “correct” the Vice President to manage the perceived blow the industry took when the Vice President made the statements. What’s even more amusing to me were some of the comments made by agents themselves telling the Vice President to “put a sock in it” and that the statements made last Thursday were more dangerous than the swine flu itself.

While contracting swine flu is certainly unfortunate, there are currently 226 cases here in the states, with one death in Texas recorded by the CDC. (as of 11:00PM May 3rd) The World Health Organization has reported 985 cases confirmed Internationally, with more than half of those originating in Mexico. (as of 6:00AM May 4th) Based on these current stats, and comparing them to either the US or world population, I’m not so sure the danger is as drastic as some would perceive it to be.

But it certainly get’s a ton of attention doesn’t it?

As with most everything that gets any type of media attention, when you compare these numbers with the world’s population, anyone looking at this logically, can see how minimal your chances are of coming in contact with this flu. If you’re concerned about the flu for yourself and your family, it’s best to get your information from departments designed to offer proper medical advice, or your family physician. While I certainly respect the Vice Presidents personal choice to protect himself and his family, I wouldn’t consider him an authority on the subject of swine flu.

I do love how so many get worked up over such comments however. Providing ample documentation that they, be it the Air Transport Association, U.S. Travel Association, or independent travel agents themselves consider the Vice Presidents opinions on just how to control desease valid.

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Do You ZamZuu?

A couple months ago I read an article that compared Travel Agents to Doctors. With the Swine Flu scare that has hit both the US and Mexico I can’t imagine anyone calling a Travel Agent about what they should do to prevent the spread of this virus. To me it’s like calling an electrician to come unclog your stopped up sink. However, if you need advice from an Agent concerning the swine flu, I do know an RTA who is also an RN up in the Bronx. She’s the only Agent I would trust with actual medical training to help in the prevention of this area. (Otherwise I would simply go to a Doctor.) I realize there are Traditional Agents who claim to be authorities in just about any area you could think of.

If you choose to call a Travel Agent concerning advice, please ask for some type of credentials that qualify them as someone who knows squat about the spread of this virus. Personally, I think a someone with medical training would be far more appropriate, but that’s just me.

I contacted Gail last night to ask permission to re-post since she’s the only Agent I know who is actually qualified to offer advice in this area as an RN.

Mexico, the Swine Flu and Travel

The Swine Flu was a hot topic at work today with my co-workers and my patients. As I nurse I am doing double duty addressing the medical issues and the Travel side of this public health issue with friends and family. There has been 103 confirmed deaths in Mexico as of this writing . There are 44 confirmed cases in the US, which are milder than the strain found in Mexico. 28 of them are in New York isolated to a school in Queens, NY. World Health Organization elevated the Pandemic alert to Phase 4 out of 6.  So of course every time someone sneezed in our facility they came over to “Nurses’ Row” My office is in the Bronx which is just over the bridge from Queens.

Ah…. Let the fun begin!

Its important to note that this Swine flu operates as any other flu and the same precautions should be taken to prevent its spread. I have heard and read some interesting concepts about the flu. Like it came from eating Pork, or from people having un-natural relations with Pigs, which is also a myth. So lets begin with:

What is the Swine Flu?

It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by an influenza (flu) virus. Most people do not realize that animals get illnesses that are also common to humans, like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and Yes the flu. Human cases of Swine flu occur around people who are around pigs. It can also pass from person to person. This strain of Swine flu also has bird flu and human flu genes.

How do you catch swine flu and is it Contagious?

Swine flu is spread by contact with infected pigs or their surrounding area that has been contaminated with Swine flu viruses.. Also spread by contact with a person who has been infected with the Swine flu. It is considered contagious which simply means it can be spread from person to person.

How Can We Prevent spreading the Swine Flu

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Cough or sneeze in the bend of your el bow if you do not have a tissue available
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners, like Purel are also effective.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* stay home from work or school if you become ill with the Swine Flu. Pleeeeeese!!!!
* limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That is how Germs are spread.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. Contact your doctor. You may be prescribed an anti-viral medication such as Tamiflu or Relenza which can lessen the severity of the flu.

I planned a Trip to Mexico, Should I cancel it?

Many people are asking if they should change their travel plans. The US is planning on issuing a Travel Alert for non-essential travel to Mexico. This is the perfect scenario to emphasize the importance of purchasing Travel Insurance. This is the type of situation that it is very useful in.
So far No cruises to Mexico have been canceled. For example, Carnival Cruise line offered this on their site:

“Fortunately, there currently is no evidence of a swine flu pandemic and there have been no reports of guests exhibiting symptoms of swine flu on Carnival’s ships. Carnival enforces the highest of standards for cleaning and sanitation on all of our ships to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We are monitoring the situation in Mexico and maintain regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control. We do not anticipate that our guests’ cruise experience will be impacted by this type of illness and will not be making any adjustments to our itineraries.”

No Airline flights have been canceled. Some airlines are offering passengers to change their travel plans without penalty. Other airlines are offering to reschedule flights and/or travel plans at no extra charge. This may change day to day. Check with your airlines for their policy, or the travel agent you booked with.

Information is changing and evolving daily. Check at the CDC.Gov site for the most up to date information on Travel to Mexico and the effect that the Swine Flu may have on it.

In the meantime, lets pray for Mexico. Its been a difficult year for our neighbors to the South.

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Pleasant Holidays is celebrating it’s 50th year in business. When the doors first opened in 1959 their specialty was Hawaii and this privately held company has turned into one of the largest tour operators with destinations to Mexico, Costa Rica, Las Vegas, Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific offering a comprehensive range of products and destinations. Pleasant Holidays has long-term partnerships with some of the world’s leading airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, travel agencies and is also the official travel provider to the NFL Pro Bowl annually in Hawaii. (With the possible exception of 2010 when it’s hosted in Miami, but will once again say Aloha in 2011 and 2012.)

Tonight starting at 8:00PM Eastern (7:00PM Central, 6:00PM Mountain, and 5:00PM Pacific) YTB Travel Network will host it’s fourth Sale-A-Thon with YTB’s third supplier Pleasant Holidays. The webniar which can be viewed from the comfort of your own home is designed to educate viewers from the best, most knowledgeable Manager Pleasant Holidays has to offer. The hour long broadcast will offer insight about the Pleasant Holidays product and exclusive specials for some spectacular deals to destinations they specialize in.

What kind of specials will you find if you click in? As an example you’ll be offered $100 off any 3-star property or $200 off any 4 or 5 star property in Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean for travel dates from April 22 through December 15, 2009. (Vacation package must be a minimum of 5 nights with air and hotel accommodations.)

You can view our webcast at http://travelshow.ytb.com or by clicking on the link from BandBVacations.com tonight starting at 8:00 Eastern, with a rebroadcast again at 9:00PM and 10:00PM Eastern Standard Time. Phone lines will be open from 8:00 to 11:00PM Eastern toll free at 866-400-9382

This is the perfect opportunity to invite friends, and family over to see if something might fit for your summer vacation. What could be better than a great tropical getaways to Hawaii, the Caribbean or Mexico? You really need to see the incredible properties shown during this Sale-a-Thon to see how incredible these sale prices really are.

So take some time and click to see what Pleasant Holidays has to offer, direct from…well…Pleasant Holidays!

Hope to see you there tonight!

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!

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Do You ZamZuu?