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

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Myrtle Beach

America’s wavering economy along with swelling gas prices have tampered with vacationers’ travel plans throughout the summer, leaving many travelers in the lurch. As wallets continue to tighten and stress levels rise, Americans are realizing just how much they need and deserve a vacation getaway that for now seems to be tossed on the backburner.

But despite fuel costs and financial worries, there is good news on the horizon for determined vacationers! As the seasons transition, Americans don’t have to throw in the towel on travel for the rest of the year. Simply learn to travel smarter by taking extended weekend getaways during the autumn shoulder season.

There are many ways to cut costs and allow for a fabulous fall trip. Here are some insider tips that will help you de-stress and recharge, while getting the most for your travel dollar:

Structure a Budget

First and foremost, figure out what you can realistically afford for your next trip, and stick to your guns. Create budget estimates for each vacation day, from meals to attractions, and even highway tolls. By understanding how much you have available before leaving home, you’ll save yourself the headache of ATM overdraws and never-ending credit card bills once you return from your trip.

Make a Smart Destination Choice and Create a Realistic Timeframe

Choose a destination that is close enough to reach quickly and cost-efficiently, but is a world away in ambiance. Do your homework and peruse through guidebooks, travel blogs, Web sites and newspaper and magazine reviews for destinations that provide climate-friendly options in which to spend a relaxing long weekend.

Choose the Right Accommodations

Select a hotel with an in-room kitchen efficiency so you don’t have to eat every meal in restaurants (that gets expensive!), and find a nearby grocery store so you can stock up with a few provisions. You’ll be amazed at how much money eating cereal for breakfast and packing cold cuts for lunch can save you each day. If you’re traveling with a larger group or family, check out beach homes, condos, timeshares and villa rentals, which can turn out to be a much less expensive option, per person.

Now is the time to also look for deals and offerings such as free nights, complimentary parking, or special incentives (like gas cards). With fewer people traveling these days, many hotels are offering attractive deals to get visitors in the door.

Research Affordable Activities

Seek out a destination with lots of activities that are free or highly affordable. When researching things to do or see in a destination, find attractions that will stretch your dollar the farthest. Savvy travelers will also plan in advance to save money through online coupons and deals. As a bonus, you’ll reduce stress while on vacation because your itinerary is already set.

By following the above tips, you’ll surely find and enjoy a long weekend break that fits within your budget. One terrific place you might wish to consider when putting these tips to the test is the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. Known best as an affordable, budget-friendly vacation destination with a vast variety of accommodations, meals and attractions to suit every visitor, this is a great option for the smart traveler. Here’s why:

Location and Weather
Boasting a mild climate and perpetually temperate weather, Myrtle Beach is a great destination choice year round, especially in the autumn. Its pristine coastline, affectionately called the Grand Strand, is the star attraction here. Stretching for 60 miles, travelers have access to all kinds of public beaches and oceanfront access, from state parks to picturesque waterways — the perfect oasis away from the stress of everyday life.

Quality Accommodations with Perks
With a variety of accommodations from which to choose, including many updated and spacious beachfront condos with kitchens and additional seasonal promotions, Myrtle Beach offers great deals for saving money on food and lodging costs.

A Variety of Affordable Activities
Whether it’s hitting Myrtle Beach State Park to enjoy the pristine beach for pennies or even popping 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 in Myrtle Beach.

For further incentives, vacationers can get a great bang for their buck at Myrtle Beach’s acclaimed attractions. At Brookgreen Gardens, a beautiful nature oasis on the site of four former rice plantations, your entry ticket is good for an entire week. And if you visit Hard Rock Park — the world’s first 140-acre, music-themed amusement park — on the day of a big-name concert, you’ll be admitted free to that evening’s concert.

The moral of the story? If you’re itching to use some of those precious vacation days for an extended weekend this fall, choose a destination that has it all within reach. With the right combination of budget-friendly activities, great weather, and a mix of fun and relaxation, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable and much-deserved getaway.

For more information visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle1 (888-697-8531).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Hotel Blue Fabulous Fall Super Saver

Fabulous Fall Super Saver includes oceanfront accommodations and discounted prices for bowling at Hotel Blue’s sister resort. (Bowling and entertainment center located one block away.) $38-53 per night. Sunday to Thursday. Excludes Nov. 26-29, 2008. For more information, visit www.hotelBluemb.com or call (800) 843-3466.

Springmaid Resort

Buy three nights of the Bed & Breakfast package at Springmaid Beach Resort and get the fourth night and breakfast free. Enjoy this great deal, plus Springmaid’s all ocean view rooms, six pools (two heated) , two lazy rivers, fitness center, onsite restaurants, full sized in-room refrigerators and microwaves, plus the famous Springmaid Pier.

Bed & Breakfast package includes:
- Nightly lodging (Sunday through Thursday)
- Daily hot buffet breakfast
- Free admission to Springmaid Pier
- Resort miniature golf course discounts

Rates from:
$44/person 8/31-10/2/08
$39/person 10/5-10/24/08
$34/person 10/26-11/26/08

Rates based on standard resort room, double occupancy. Limited availability. Restrictions apply. Friday/Saturday and holiday rates available — additional charges apply. For more information call (866) 764-8501 or visit http://www.springmaidbeach.com/specials.html.

Marina Inn Fall Family Fun

Five Nights of Fall Family Fun for $999. Includes accommodations in a Grande Guest room for five nights, 1/2-day boat rental on a 22-foot FunDeck Boat, four general admission tickets to Hard Rock Park or four “Ticket to Play” passes that include top rated attractions at Broadway at the Beach and full breakfast each morning in Waterscapes, the Marina Inn’s signature restaurant. No blackout dates! Valid through December 31, 2008. For more information call (877) 913-1333 or visit www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com/familyfun.

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Visitors Go Online to Help Protect National Parks

From camping to canoeing to cookouts — summer draws millions of Americans to national parks each year. However, as global warming progresses, visitors may also notice the numerous adverse effects on the parks leaving many people asking: what can be done?

This year, park-loving Americans can “Do Your Part for Climate Friendly Parks.” The Web site, launched by the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), is dedicated to helping protect America’s national parks from the effects of global warming. The Web site, www.doyourpartparks.org, educates visitors about climate change and gives them a tool to calculate how to lower their own contributions to global warming pollution.

Visitors pledge their emissions reductions to their park of choice and periodically check on their progress. A household carbon emissions calculator designed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will assist with determining how much progress has been made. Reductions help the park meet its carbon emissions goal, which has been set for both visitors and park employees.

“Do Your Part for Climate Friendly Parks Web site helps national park visitors understand why we need to address climate change to protect the places they love most, and more importantly gives them the tools to make a difference,” says Mark Wenzler, NPCA director of clean air and climate programs. “With nearly 300 million visitors each year, our national parks can lead the fight against global warming in ways that few other institutions can.”

The Web site complements the Climate Friendly Parks program, a joint partnership between the EPA and the National Park Service, which provides national parks with management tools and resources needed to combat climate change. At this time, 40 parks participate in the program. Each park has either met, or is working to meet, required milestones to be officially recognized as a “Climate Friendly Park.” Of these parks, 15 are currently participating in the Do Your Part for Climate Friendly Parks Web site.

* Yosemite National Park (Calif.), officially a Climate Friendly Park, offers a free shuttle system with hybrid buses for visitors, which helps the park reduce its carbon footprint. Yosemite’s goal is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 10 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2010. The park will strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its operations and inspire visitors to reduce their own daily carbon footprint. For more information about visiting Yosemite, please go to www.nps.gov/yose.

* Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia is improving recycling efforts, using environmentally friendly products, reducing energy use, and educating the public about climate change and environmentally friendly practices. For more information about visiting Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, visit www.nps.gov/wotr.

* Glacier National Park (Mont.) continues to lose its glaciers, becoming one of the most visible examples of climate change in the parks. Glacier plans to reduce emissions by using its “Red Bicycles” for employees to commute between buildings and in campgrounds, expanding the “Jammers” shuttle system along the Going to the Sun road, enhancing recycling opportunities, and working to achieve maximum energy efficiency in the all park’s historical buildings. For more information about visiting Glacier, visit www.nps.gov/glac.

* As an urban park with high annual visitation, Gateway National Recreation Area in New York and New Jersey is able to reach large audiences with its climate-friendly message. Education is key at Gateway, as the park has embraced programs that encourage recycling and sustainability. One new hands-on program provides students with an opportunity to explore how air masses and geography affect climate at several park sites. The recently rehabilitated Jamaica Bay visitor center features geothermal energy and passive solar heating, natural daylighting and other energy-saving features. For information about visiting Gateway, go to www.nps.gov/gate.

* Zion National Park in Utah has eliminated thousands of vehicles from its roadways each year with the free Zion Canyon Shuttle System. The park has made recycling and using environmentally preferable materials a priority. They have also constructed two buildings, including their visitor center, with the latest energy-efficienct technologies, which are showcased to the public. Zion has also made it a priority to educate and engage the local community about combating climate change. For more information about visiting Zion, go to www.nps.gov/zion.

* At Everglades National Park in Florida, sea level rise is expected to accelerate as temperatures continue to increase this century. Everglades has reduced both its staff marine fleet and staff automotive fleet to help curb the park’s annual greenhouse gas and criteria air pollutant emissions. In addition, the park has replaced five of its highway vehicles with hybrids and added two electric carts for the maintenance of campgrounds. In larger park office buildings, lighting fixtures are being replaced, which will result in at least a 75 percent reduction in the park’s use of electricity. The park is also committed to educating every park visitor about climate change issues. For more information about visiting Everglades, visit www.nps.gov/ever/.

“National parks throughout the country are taking concrete steps to reduce their global warming pollution,” Wenzler says. “Do Your Part helps visitors learn what the parks are doing and apply these lessons at home.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

National Parks Participating in the Do Your Part Web Site, as of June 18, 2008:

*Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Wis.)
*Bandelier National Monument (N.M.)
*Everglades National Park (Fla.)
*Gateway National Recreation Area (N.Y., N.J.)
*Glacier National Park (Mont.)
*Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
*Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Calif.)
*Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tenn., N.C.)
*Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
*Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Mich.)
*Rocky Mountain National Park (Colo.)
*Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (Calif.)
*Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (Va.)
*Yosemite National Park (Calif.)
*Zion National Park (Utah)

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Taking place in April 2009, the Drambuie Pursuit is a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure race across the Scottish Highlands that retraces the legendary journey of Scotland’s Bonnie Prince Charlie, for whom the bracing spirit was created in 1745.

If the typical tourist experience bores you to tears and you can’t take yet another bus tour, adventure travel just might be for you. Among thrill-seeking travelers, Scotland is quickly becoming known as a popular, action-packed destination.

Adventure travel is typically defined as experiencing the culture and tradition of a destination in an adrenaline-pumping approach. No souvenir shops or museums here! According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the adventure and experiential travel market is a $165 billion per year industry, and it’s growing.

Scotland is frequently an exciting travel destination because of its deep history, rugged and varied terrain and a myriad of options ranging from hiking to canyoneering. Activities are available for everyone from daring singles to families and groups of friends and include:

Hiking
Despite its relatively small size, Scotland has a wide variety of hiking options. Whether you’re in for a day hike or a week-long trek, there are trails and lodging options for all levels of interest. Scotland’s coast offers dramatic sea cliff walks in areas such as Shetland and, inland, Loch Ness. The open woodlands of Perthshire and the Isle of Skye also offer a great range of hikes.

Kayaking
Scotland is known in adventure circles as one of the best kayaking destinations on the planet. From your sea kayak, it’s not uncommon to see wildlife such as eagles, puffins, fox, otter, seals, dolphins and Minke whales intermingled with cliffs and ancient castles. Scottish outfitters can provide you with gear and a guide that will take you paddling in places like the rocky eastern coast, among the island archipelagos in the northeast and exploring the white sand beaches of the west.

White Water Rafting
Of the so-called “adrenaline sports,” white water rafting is one of the most prevalent. Using large rafts, six to eight people, with the help of an experienced guide, will travel down rivers with rushing rapids that range from tame to downright dangerous. The River Garry, the River Tay and the River Tummel are popular, challenging and exhilarating rafting destinations.

Mountain Biking
Scotland’s terrain offers exciting and bone-crushing mountain biking opportunities. In eastern Scotland, aptly called “Whisky Country,” the Cairngorms are some of the highest mountains in the country. But nothing beats the famous Scottish Highlands for spectacular sights and forested routes best experienced on a bike.

If just one experience isn’t enough and you’re really looking to find your inner warrior, the search is on for teams of modern-day rebels to take place in the ultimate challenge: the Drambuie Pursuit. Taking place in April 2009, the Drambuie Pursuit is a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure race across the Scottish Highlands that retraces the legendary journey of Scotland’s Bonnie Prince Charlie, for whom the bracing spirit was created in 1745.

Teams of four adults will have a chance to win an all-inclusive free trip to battle against one another in speedboats and dirt buggies, scale mountains, kayak and raft through rushing rapids and bike over the punishing terrain from the Isle of Skye to Inverness. For more information on the Drambuie Pursuit, visit www.Pursuitof1745.com to register for free.

For more information on travel to Scotland, visit www.VisitScotland.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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