(ARA) – Every fall, many families pack up the car to travel to see fall foliage. Cooler temperatures and vivid colors make fall the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. Most regions have an area known for a vivid display of fall foliage, so families don’t have to travel too far to enjoy autumn colors.

This fall, keep these tips in mind to get the most enjoyment from your fall foliage excursion:

* Research specific regions.

Many private and public parks offer trails for visitors, as well as camping accommodations and the opportunity to rent off-road vehicles or other recreational products. Be sure to ask for trail maps of the area to get the lay of the land and determine the appropriate trails for your family’s experience level.

While flexibility is key to seeing the best colors, if you plan to camp or are visiting an area popular for fall foliage viewing, it is always best to check camping or hotel availability.

* Prepare for the weather.

Be sure to stay tuned to local news weather forecasts, Internet sites or contact the local tourism bureau to help predict the best time to plan your trip. Most foliage starts to change colors from mid- to late September and can last through the first part of November.

* Be part of the action.

Why stay stuck in the car or on foot to experience fall foliage? Riding down trails on an all terrain vehicle can give your family a whole new perspective on fall colors. The new two-passenger machines, like the Polaris Sportsman Touring and Polaris X2, give you the opportunity to share the views with the family.

As part of preparing for your trip, it is also important that your ATVs are in good working order so you can fully enjoy your trip without unforeseen pit stops. Have your machine serviced at a local dealership or change the oil, clean the air filter, check tire air pressure, and examine the brakes, all electrical wiring and bodywork to ensure nothing has come loose. It is also a good idea to carry a tire patch kit in case of a puncture from a rock or stump, and extra gas so you can fill up on the go.

Also be sure to pack all appropriate ATV safety gear including helmets, goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants and boots for all members of the family to ensure a fun and safe adventure to experience the wonders of nature.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Tags: ATV, fall foliage, fall foliage excursions, trails

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(ARA) – Families that play together stay together – at least that’s the common wisdom. Even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, Americans agree.

In a national study by Expedia.com, 94 percent of Americans agreed it was worth it to take a family vacation. Why? Because they help build memories that last a lifetime and reinforce family bonds. Nearly 85 percent of those surveyed think the time they spend together as a family is what makes a trip special. The good news is, travel costs have dropped significantly in the last year, making family vacations the most affordable they’ve been in years.

This year, rather than forgoing a vacation altogether, many people are staying closer to home and taking shorter trips. Whether you have a day, weekend or an entire week to get away, trips within driving distance can be fun and help save money. In fact, good old-fashioned road trips haven’t gone out of style. Most people (seven in 10) still enjoy them because they like making stops at family-friendly attractions and seeing interesting sights along the way.

Travel expert Lee Woodruff says online resources like Expedia.com are a great way to help plan a great family vacation on a small budget.

“Expedia has a brand new tool called Drive Getaway. You plug in where you are in the country, how far you want to go on a tank of gas or less and they’ll come up with all kinds of ideas and places that you can go with the kids for one, two, three nights, whatever it may be,” Woodruff says.

Some other tips for getting the most out of your family vacation:

Take advantage of last minute deals – More than a quarter of Americans (27 percent) who have been on family vacations feel a spontaneous trip is more fun for their family than one planned well in advance of the vacation date. The good news is there’s still time to take advantage of great vacation savings. Snap up dramatically discounted hotel rooms in top cities and beaches at Expedia.com’s last minute deals page.

Revisit the past – Many of our fondest memories come from family trips. Revisiting favorite destinations that you remember as a child can be a great way to spend time off with your family. Nearly two in three (64 percent) parents who enjoyed family vacations while growing up have taken their own families to destinations they visited as a child. “Sharing a trip from your childhood is a special way to connect with the entire family and relive the memories you created in the past,” says Woodruff.

Don’t over schedule – “Remember, this is a vacation! Don’t over schedule. One activity or site a day is plenty,” advises Woodruff. Trips to larger attractions can be alternated with inexpensive or free activities like picnics in nearby parks to help families stick to their travel budgets.

Involve the whole family –“Whatever you decide, be sure to get the kids involved in the planning. They’ll be more cooperative and have a lot more fun if they feel they have a say,” says Woodruff. Cruises can be a great option for family vacations. They offer activities that are fun for everyone and help families stick to their travel budgets since most cruises are all-inclusive.

Think off season – Booking travel during off-peak travel times can help maximize travel budgets. “While more than half of Americans like to take family vacations during summer, booking travel in the fall after Labor Day weekend can be just as enjoyable. Planning travel for off-peak times also allows travelers to take advantage of travel deals and smaller crowds,” says Woodruff. Booking air and hotel together is another way to save money regardless of when you plan on traveling throughout the year. Travelers can save more than $200 per trip when they book their airfare and hotel together.

The average American who has taken a family vacation at some point in their lives admits it has been five years since they had a truly great trip with their loved ones. There’s no better time than the present to hit the road and have some fun making memories with family and loved ones.

For more information about travel deals and destinations visit www.expedia.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Drive Getaway

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(ARA) – Traveling during the summer and fall seasons takes a lot of planning — whether your packing up for a weekend, a week or a month, going solo or with the family. A pre-vacation plan of action is a necessity to stay organized and stress free.

To ensure that you have everything you need and are able to pick up where you left off upon your return home, consider the following when preparing for your vacation:

Make a list and keep it handy

Make a list of your doctors’ phone numbers and the names of your prescription drugs and be sure that medications and important numbers are packed in your carry-on luggage or are easily accessible when traveling. If you have your doctor’s phone number handy, you can call for a refill or replacement prescription in case of an emergency. If traveling to a foreign country with a pre-existing medical condition, the U.S. Department of State recommends you carry a letter from your doctor describing the medical condition and any drugs you are prescribed — including generic names.

Be sure to also keep a list of other important contact names and numbers. You never know when you may need the phone number of your boss, next-door neighbor or auto mechanic. If your return is delayed or you realize you forgot to turn the automatic sprinkler timer on, having these numbers readily available will keep stress out of your vacation.

Stay connected, even while away

Be in control of your finances before, during and after your trip. No matter how well you plan ahead, all too often you receive a pressing bill, need to transfer money or check your balance while you are away. Taking advantage of innovative and popular banking tools, like Bank of America’s free Mobile Banking service, gives you immediate and secure access to your finances through your mobile phone. In today’s unpredictable economic environment, it has never been more important to have control of your money whenever, wherever you need it.

Mobile Banking allows customers to:

* Check balances and transactions on checking, savings, credit card accounts and mortgages and home equity lines held with Bank of America.

* Pay bills and e-bills.

* Transfer money between accounts and to other Bank of America customers.

* View transactions for checking and savings accounts, mortgages and home equity lines, including posted and pending transactions and verify that your paycheck deposited into your account.

* Locate any of Bank of America’s over 18,000 ATMs and 6,100 banking centers.

Turn it off

Before you leave on your trip, turn off the water to avoid potential water damage while you are away. After a relaxing vacation, no one wants to return to a flooded home from broken toilet, sink or dishwasher pipes. Also, never leave the dishwasher or washing machine running as you depart for your vacation. If something were to happen, it will be a long time before you’re back to catch the problem. And be sure to make one last electricity check before taking off. Leaving appliances plugged in and the lights, radio and ceiling fan on is a fire hazard, not to mention an unnecessary addition to your electric bill.

Communicate

Contact your credit card company to notify them about your travel plans. More and more, credit card companies are monitoring your spending in order to help quickly catch fraudulent activity, but this can potentially get in the way if you don’t notify the company about your travel plans. The company could put a hold on your account, preventing you from using your card on your trip. Be sure to contact your credit card company early, notifying them of your plans before leaving and keep the toll-free number on your traveling list of contacts so you can always follow up if necessary.

For more information on Mobile Banking, go to mobilebanking.bankofamerica.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: vacation planning tips

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Travelers are seeing lower rates on travel arrangements compared to last year -- an average 20 percent savings.

(ARA) – Despite an economic slowdown that has loomed over many countries around the world, this year could prove to be a great year to travel — especially overseas.

There are five key reasons why Americans should seize the opportunity to travel abroad, according to the U.S. Tour Operators Association, an organization whose members book vacations for 11 million people a year.

1. The U.S. dollar is stronger.

The U.S. dollar has risen against many world currencies — by about 10 to 45 percent depending on the destination — which means your money goes further. While it is showing gains against the euro, the dollar buys about 25 percent more than last year in European countries that rely on their own currency, including the United Kingdom, Hungary, Sweden and Iceland. In Australia, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand, the dollar continues to be strong against local currencies.

2. It’s easier to find deals.

Travelers are seeing average savings of 20 percent over last year on travel arrangements. “The dollar’s stronger buying power, combined with the need to increase business revenues during the recession, has led to any number of good deals,” says Bob Whitley, USTOA president.

* In Italy, the No. 1 foreign destination, the buying power of the dollar is about 10 percent higher than in 2008. Travelers are saving 10 to 25 percent over last year on custom arrangements and vacation packages.
* In Australia, where the dollar’s purchasing power has risen by around 15 percent, a 16-day, custom itinerary, including airfare, costs $1,430 this year — $500 less than 2008.
* In the United Kingdom, the dollar buys over 20 percent more than in 2008, and a one-week air inclusive tour of England, Scotland, and Ireland costs $2,599, or $250 less than last year.
*Closer to home, a two-week Alaska cruise tour costs $2,549, a savings of more than $800, or 25 percent less than last year.

More U.S citizens hold passports today than ever before, and many are venturing across the Atlantic or Pacific for the first time.

3. More Americans have passports.

American accessibility to foreign travel is growing, as more U.S citizens hold passports today than ever before. The U.S. State Department reported issuing more than 16 million passports last year. Americans now need a passport or passport card to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda as part of the final phase of the Department of Homeland Security’s Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

“Holding a passport opens up a world of travel beyond our neighboring countries to people who are considering venturing across the Atlantic or Pacific oceans for the first time,” says Whitley. “What makes foreign travel even easier is the fact that 27 countries — including the U.K., France, Italy, Iceland, Latvia, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore — no longer require visas from American citizens.”

4. Travel stimulates the world economy.

Travel is a major economic stimulus worldwide. A total of 58 million international travelers visited the U.S. in 2008, each contributing an average $4,400 to our economy, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates international tourism to the U.S. accounts for 15 percent of our gross domestic product. Travel remains among the three largest global industries, responsible for one in 13 jobs worldwide, or nearly 220 million workers.

“Just as travelers visiting the U.S. help our economy, international travel by Americans supports not only the U.S. tourism industry, but economies overseas, some of which depend on tourism for a sizeable part of their revenue,” says Whitley. “This is especially true in developing countries where tourism may be the only real industry.”

5. The “Obama Effect” is fostering goodwill.

As an impetus to travel abroad, the USTOA is calling on Americans to take advantage of the goodwill and positive American image being generated by President Barack Obama’s policy of engagement and openness with world leaders.

“By traveling, each American becomes an unofficial global ambassador,” says Whitley. “We encourage Americans to follow in President Obama’s footsteps and explore the vast world outside our borders and underscore American values around the globe.’’

For more information on USTOA, and for a list of member companies, visit: www.USTOA.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: travel abroad, traveling abroad

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(ARA) – After a long winter of hard work, inclement weather, schoolbooks and bad news on the economy, who couldn’t use a break this summer? The recession probably has many American families reconsidering their summer vacation plans, but with some smart travel strategies, it is possible for the whole family to enjoy a budget-friendly summer getaway.

“Travel bargains will abound this summer, especially for families who look for value-focused destinations,” says Brad Dean, president and chief executive officer of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. “Like any other industry, tourism has seen a lot of belt-tightening among travelers; however hotels, attractions and communities are eager to woo summer travelers with great deals and incentives that push their dollars further.”

Here are five tips for making the most of your summer vacation dollars:

1. Demand the most — If past summer vacations have consisted of a single destination with just a handful of attractions nearby, look for more value-focused locations this year. You may only be able to afford a single trip, or perhaps just a long weekend this summer, so you should look for a destination where you will be able to make every minute meaningful. From amusement parks and museums, to parks and recreation, look for a location with the greatest variety of accommodations, attractions, dining and shopping venues your budget allows.

2. Find the freebies — True, traveling during peak demand times like the July 4th holiday may mean a higher room rate, but in locations like Myrtle Beach it also means free entertainment. Popular destinations often host free events and celebrations throughout the summer, and especially on holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. Instead of paying to see an attraction, you can enjoy these events for free. Myrtle Beach area communities host dozens of free festivals and events each summer, from a traditional Fourth of July boat parade to the famed Sun Fun Festival.

3. Don’t spend on the commute — One of the biggest dents your summer travel budget can take is the cost of the commute. Flying may still be the fastest way to go, but it’s also still the most expensive. Although gas prices are creeping up across the country, it will still be much cheaper to drive to your destination this summer than it was last year, putting the cost of travel within the reach of more families in 2009. Look for destinations that are within driving distance of home. Myrtle Beach, for example, is easily accessible from much of the east coast and Midwest. Driving will also save on car rental costs.

4. Think alternative accommodations — Who wouldn’t love to stay in a luxury five-star hotel for a week every summer, but who can afford it in this economy? Be open to alternative accommodations, and seek out destinations that have a variety of accommodation types. If you usually book two or three rooms when you travel with the kids and grandparents, it may be cheaper to book a suite or rent a vacation home for a week. Additionally, check with your accommodations to see what kinds of package deals they have available.

“Many hotels partner with local attractions, making it easy to cut costs and keep everything all-inclusive,” says Dean. “Myrtle Beach in particular is chock-full of accommodations that include everything from amusement parks to theatre shows in the price of the hotel package. It’s a great way to save a few dollars here and there.” Another way to cut costs is to choose accommodations with a kitchenette so you can save money by preparing your own meals instead of eating out the entire trip.

5. Don’t wait to make your move — Travel experts agree: book now. Prices rarely fall as the season gets into full swing. Booking early, when hotels and attractions are eager to draw business, can save you a bundle. “Once high season arrives, you may find higher prices and lower availability,” Dean predicts.

Filled with an endless variety of diverting activities, the Myrtle Beach Area has something to offer every interest no matter what the budget parameters. To learn more about festivals, accommodations and attractions in the Myrtle Beach Area, go to www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: save on travel, travel budget

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(ARA) – When faced with financial challenges like those posed by the recent economic downturn, American families tend to react to their decreased discretionary dollars by getting “back to basics.” They pursue different leisure activities and ones that offer quality time that can bring them closer together.

While the jury is still out on exactly how many families will forgo their traditional, theme park destination vacation in lieu of a “staycation” — the more eco-friendly option that is closer to home — for those that do, they will find plenty of good news. Not only can staying closer to home be fun, but it’s relatively inexpensive, too. And unlike the typical blow-out summer vacation, staying close to home takes only a little bit of sensible planning, imagination and budget.

One of the best imaginable staycations for families is a return to the great American camping experience. For those who really enjoy roughing it, there are terrific products out there, but if you are among those who are shedding the conveniences of a hotel room for the first time and are seeking a more comfortable experience, consider these top tips for an incredible camping trip:

1. Pick the right campsite.
Backyard or backwoods? Chances are, your backyard is a wonderland that you’ve never truly experienced, and camping there allows you to do so without forfeiting your creature comforts. And it’s free, making this a great first option. But if you’re in the mood for a little more adventure and the idea of getting away inspires you, check out your local campgrounds and parks at koa.com or reserveamerica.com. Many campsites are available, including prime waterfront sites if the deep woods are not your thing, with basic fees of less than $20 per night.

2. Choose the right gear.
Borrow or buy? If you’re staycationing for the first time, borrowing camping gear from a friend is a great idea. It will allow you to try it out without risk and gain a better idea of what features you like when it does come time for you to buy. If you are ready to buy, remember that although purchasing gear is the most expensive part of camping, it is just a one-time expense and with care, your gear will last for years to come at little or no additional cost.

Whether you’re going to be staying at a local campground or in your own backyard, choosing a quality tent is key. Resist the temptation to buy an inexpensive one; with tents, you typically get what you pay for, and if your bargain tent ends up leaking during a sudden storm, you’ll regret the entire experience and be less likely to camp again. To be safe, avoid discount stores and choose a tent from a well-known manufacturer. When shopping, remember that size is very important, too; manufacturers typically list tent sizes according to how many sleeping bags or camp pads can fit inside, so if you need to store extra gear, you’re better off choosing a tent that sleeps more people than you need or that includes added storage space. Consider the Eureka! N!ergy tent — it incorporates a 12-volt wiring harness and when used with the E! Power Pak (sold separately); it powers 12-volt accessories like lights, fans, radios, and cell phone chargers inside. Available in three sizes, it sleeps anywhere from four to 10 people. Visit www.epowertent.com for more information.

Sleeping bags go a long way to bring added comfort and convenience to a camping trip. When purchasing, look for bags that are rated to the lowest temperature you’re likely to see and let the kids take part in the selection; there are several fun and colorful sleeping bags sized just for them on the market. To make the campsite more user-friendly and comfortable, consider adding camp pads beneath your sleeping bag and additional furniture such as tables, folding hammocks, cots and chairs. Visit www.eurekatents.com for more information.

3. Bring the right essentials and be creative.
With the destination set and the gear selected, the rest of the essentials can be quite simple for a brief weekend trip, and often they’re items you already have at home. So, be creative. For example, because camping makes even the most mundane chores fun, even the kids will want to help, so make cooking a family affair by bringing your own portable grill and easy camp recipes from the Web. Let the kids share in the cooking fun by toasting marshmallows and making s’mores for dessert. For personal care, most family campgrounds offer basic amenities, although sometimes they can be limited, so stick to bringing the basic toiletries but skip the extras, like blow dryers. Lastly, remember to bring these inexpensive items that become absolutely priceless in the outdoors: first aid kit, flashlight, pocket knife, charcoal and starter fuel, trash bags, dish soap and for the kids — cards, books, board games and ghost stories for having fun no matter what the weather brings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: affordable trips, camping, camping trips, family camping trips

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In continuation with our Motorcycle Diaries photo journey, today we will be exploring beautiful Buenos Aires in pictures – the beginning leg of the Motorcycle Diaries trip, following only Cordoba, Argentina.

January 4th, 1952, Che Guevara leaves Buenos Aires.

Our favorite flickr scenes of Buenos Aires:

photo credit: Silviapef

photo credit: total13

photo credit: Lorena Betta

photo credit: total13

photo credit: total13

photo credit: TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³

Tags: Argentina photos, Buenos Aires photos, pictures of Buenos Aires

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(ARA) – You booked your trip and the excitement for your upcoming vacation increases as you count down the days before your travel adventure starts. But to help ensure your vacation becomes a travel delight and not a travel nightmare, there are some things you should consider prior to takeoff.

“Traveling is a lot of fun,” says Michael J. Kelly, President of On Call International, a medical and travel assistance company. “No one wants to think that something bad will happen, but it’s best to be prepared from the beginning so you stay safe. And then if a travel emergency does arise, you know what to do.”

Here are seven tips all travelers should consider as they plan their trip:

Prep Your Passport
Make sure you sign your passport and fill out the emergency information page. Consider making a copy of this information and leaving it, along with your trip itinerary, with a family member or a friend.

Pack for Safety
What you pack can help you avoid being a target of crime. Research the appropriate attire of the location where you will be traveling. Dressing too flashy or too casually instantly tells locals you are a tourist. Also, consider leaving jewelry, watches and extra cash at home where they are safe.

Secure All Luggage
Put your name, address and telephone number on the inside and outside of all pieces of luggage. Sometimes the traditional tags on the outside of luggage can get ripped off and then it is important that there is an alternative way to identify the owner. It also is a smart idea to put a copy of your travel itinerary inside your luggage, especially if you are on a tour. That way, if your luggage is lost, the airline can direct it to where you are located.

Purchase Global Medical Assistance
Did you know that your medical insurance might not protect you while traveling and that only 8 percent of plans cover an evacuation for medical reasons while you’re in a foreign country? Medical problems of all types occur when traveling, so it’s a smart idea to purchase medical and travel assistance from a company like On Call International.

On Call provides peace of mind for travelers. Members get access to a 24-hour emergency response center to find doctors in your travel area, a 24-hour English-speaking nurse line to help identify symptoms, and coverage should you need to return home for medical reasons or have a family member flown out to your bedside if you’re hospitalized. On any given day, On Call is medically evacuating an average of five people, so it’s more common than you think. Visit www.oncallinternational.com to get the affordable coverage you need.

Register with the State Department
Registering your travel plans with the U.S. Department of State helps to ensure you are easy to reach should something happen with your family in the United States or if something important is happening in the location where you will be traveling. Visit the State Department at www.travel.state.gov.

Handle Prescription Medications with Care
To avoid problems with customs, keep any prescription medications in the original, labeled containers. If you require many prescription medications, consider bringing copies of your prescriptions along with the generic names in case questions arise.

Observe Local Laws
While visiting a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and regulations. You should research the local laws and customs prior to visiting a country so you know what to expect. Visit your local library, call your local tourist bureau or ask your travel agent for more information.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Global Medical Assistance, packing, passports, prescription medications and travel, traveling to a foreign country, vacation packing tips

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How a Vacation Home Rental Can Push Your Dollar Further

(ARA) – Despite today’s economic woes, people are still traveling; they are just doing so in a much more budget-minded manner. Scouring for deals and methods to cut costs while on vacation has never been more important. One budget-friendly trend has emerged as the solution for those who want to travel for less: vacation home rental.

Travelers may wonder how renting a vacation home will actually cost less in the end. First, vacation homes usually come equipped with all the necessities to cook meals. Just cutting one group meal a day out of a vacation budget can save hundreds of dollars over the course of the trip. By eliminating all of those little extra food outings and instead stocking up at local grocery stores, travelers could possibly cut trip costs in half.

“Eating out is certainly a big part of most vacations, but when people are cutting back, the ability to stay in and cook provides a more affordable alternative, and one to which many vacationers are drawn,” says Ryan Swaim of Dunes Realty, one of the largest vacation rental agencies in the Myrtle Beach, S.C., area.

When calling to inquire about a vacation home, travelers should ask what supplies are provided in the kitchen and how far away the grocery store is from the home’s location. This will help determine whether dining at home will be a good option for that property.

In addition to saving money by not eating out, a vacation home is a larger space so more people can travel together and split the cost of the rental. And with multigenerational travel on the rise — grandma, aunt, mom, dad and kids all traveling together — it’s an easy way to be comfortable and share intimate travel memories together in a larger space.

Do the math. If renting a four-bedroom villa for a week costs $1,000, two families of four will pay only $500 each for accommodations; that same price sometimes only covers two to three nights in a hotel. In addition, many homes have amenities at no additional cost, meaning none of those pesky “resort fees” to use the pool or other extras. Financially, vacation rentals make a lot of sense.

“The ability to truly feel ‘at home’ while on vacation is a big draw, especially for families with children,” says Swaim. “Many of Myrtle Beach’s vacation rental properties offer private pools, deepwater dockage, hot tubs, large porches and easy access to the beach and ocean.”

Myrtle Beach is a fantastic place to look for vacation rentals because they are so plentiful along the 60-mile stretch of coastline. Choose from a condo with a full kitchen or a massive home on the beach. With thousands of rental options and agencies, travelers are sure to find one to fit specific needs and price ranges.

“The Myrtle Beach Area is blessed with a wide selection of vacation home accommodations most situated near or with in walking distance to the beach,” says Rick Elliott of Elliott Realty. “Value-added amenities and friendly service are what set us apart. That is why so many families return each year.”

Besides having a spectrum of vacation rentals to choose from, Myrtle Beach offers many attractions and activities that are free or very affordable, adding even greater value to your trip. Whether it’s hitting Myrtle Beach State Park to enjoy the pristine beach, window shopping in a historic community, or playing a quick game of miniature golf — Myrtle Beach is the miniature golf capital of the world — there are plenty of options to have fun on a budget. Plus, all attractions are within driving distance of each other, so getting to different places of interest is a breeze.

With vacation rentals, there is no need to feel guilty about taking the annual family vacation. Consider a rental property in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina to get the most for your dollar. For more information, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle1 (697-8531.)

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Here are just a few of the vacation home rental agencies ready to assist travelers interested in a Myrtle Beach area vacation:

Dunes Realty
www.dunes.com
(888) 889-0312

Elliott Realty
www.elliottrealty.com
(888) 669-7853

Garden City Realty
www.GardenCityRealty.com/myr
(800) 395-5930

Seaside Rentals
www.Seasiderentalsonline.com
(866) 613-7983

Surfside Realty Company
www.Surfsiderealty.org
(800) 542-2503

Barefoot Paradise Vacations
www.barefootparadisevacations.com
(866) 737-8802

Tags: Myrtle Beach, vacation home rentals, vacation rentals

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(ARA) – Travel today seems to be the “birthright” of most Americans and although the economy has changed dramatically, people are still traveling.

This past year brought record numbers of foreign visitors to the United States. Australians and the Brits top the list of tourists but tour guides speaking French, Italian, Dutch, German, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Farsi were needed to speak their native tongue to foreign visitors.

Tour guides are usually the first person a tourist meets when they visit any country. It is not by chance that most countries train the brightest, most articulate people to be their “ambassadors of goodwill” to visiting tourists. Tour guides possess inherent traits such as compassion, empathy and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of all those they encounter. They embody the “Yes We Can” attitude that is turning our country around with their unshakable optimism.

The commanding General of the Allied Forces in World War II, who later became our nation’s 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, called for “increased visits by citizens of one country to another to give each the fullest opportunity to learn about the people of other nations.” Eisenhower believed that in the long run people would do more to promote peace and understanding than our governments. Eisenhower’s remark, “the passport to peace is travel,” resonates more today than ever before in our history.

“Travel is the greatest university in the world”, says Ted Bravos, cofounder of the International Travel Management Institute (ITMI), a state certified school for training tour guides since 1976. “It teaches us about cultures, stereotypes, prejudice and helps us realize that we are but one small part of a very diverse and connected world.”

Tour guiding can be both personally and financially rewarding. A certified tour guide earns approximately $200 per day plus gratuities and expenses.

Freelance tour guiding is a perfect fit for entrepreneurial individuals, small business owners, people in transition or people with a flexible lifestyle. Tour guiding blends well with other vocational interests or pursuits. Schedules can be custom tailored to coincide with summer vacations, weekends, child-care hours or even around another job.

If you enjoy showing visiting friends and family around your own city, your country or around the world, Bravos suggests you consider doing it professionally. ITMI has been conducting intensive 15-day training programming for people to become tour guides and tour directors for over three decades. Students learn about the tour industry through practical “hands-on” experience in the field and five days training aboard a touring motor coach, including a two-day overnight field trip where they actually perform the role of a tour guide and tour director. The Institute also provides free lifetime placement assistance.

You can view a free 90-minute on-line Tour Guide/Tour Directing video by visiting the ITMI Web site at www.itmisf.com, e-mail travel@itmisf.com or call (800) 442-4864 to learn more about tour guiding and tour directing.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: tour guides, tour guiding, travel careers

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