Web Based - Travel Reservation Software

Attention Travel Agents and Operators

Do you or your company sell or deal with any of the following: Flights (airline tickets), hotel rooms, car rentals, travel packages, tours, restaurant reservations, attraction or special event tickets, ferries, travel insurance, cruises, public transportation, train tickets, or currency exchange? If you work in the travel industry then that was a pretty redundant question, but why am I asking it? I am not trying to waste your time, in fact I am trying to save you time. I will ask you one more question, and this time it is important. How many different pieces of software do you use to offer your services to you clients? Making multiple searches to find the best deals for your customers is now a thing of the past. There is a new piece of travel reservation software which provides an end to end solution for all types of travel companies: travel agencies, tour operators, inbound, outbound, charter operators, congress organizers and more.

Currently the hottest selling online travel reservation software is called Gilboa by Galor. Galor is one of the older travel agent management system producers. They have been around since 1989 and their travel reservation software is used by 700 clients and over 6000 users in over 22 countries. What makes Galor’s software so special is that it can interface with all of the Global Distribution Systems like Sabre, Amadeus, WorldSpan, and Galileo. It also integrates website and online bookings, comes with financial tools specific to the travel industry, and can handle wholesale, in-house and tailor made bookings.

This article is about informing you that there are other options out there for travel reservation software. There is no longer the need to rely on several systems, which waste valuable time with multiple searches. There is now travel reservation software that works with the GDS’s, and with the private charters and specials that you have worked out directly with other travel companies. You can throw away all your binders because the records you need can be found indexed and researched on your computer. These programs are scalable so that they can work with both small and large travel companies. If you are a small company looking to expand, this is the perfect answer because the software can help in expansion and you won’t have to find new software once your client base grows. If you are a large travel network or company, reducing your travel reservation software to one program is a great way to save time and money.

One piece of travel reservation software means less training and more uniformity no matter what size your business is. A little research today can help your travel business for years to come.

Article Source: www.Content-Syndication.org

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Dynamic Packaging Travel Technology for Today's Travelers

Dynamic Packaging Technology is permanently altering the dimensions with which holidays and tours are created and marketed. Research from Multicom from 2005 predicted that dynamic packaging sales will total £2.4 billion and account for almost 35% of the UK travel market by 2007. Dynamic Packaging Solution Gilboa has been developed by Galor Systems Ltd to provide travel agents and tour operator's user friendly technology to both maintain and grow their position in this rapidly forming business environment.

This revolutionary dynamic packaging software, Gilboa is a definitive response to the demand for a complete integrated software solution for traditional tour operators and also for both internet based and conventional travel agents. The questions still remain though, 'Do consumers even know what “Dynamic Packaging" is?' Do consumers understand the benefits? Do they want it? Indeed do end-users even care about Dynamic Packaging?

The simple answer is that as travel agents incorporate Dynamic Packaging into their booking systems, the benefits, desire and understanding will filter through to the customer, eventually normalizing this form of travel reservation.

With the dramatic increase of online agents, consumers now have infinite options for all aspects of their travel itinerary. With the travel choices being numerous (location, accommodation, transportation, satisfaction), the demand for simplification to help the customers to create a tailored travel package has now emerged. Gilboa offers this ability.

So what exactly is Dynamic Packaging for Travel Agents & Operators? Simply put, Dynamic Packaging is a buzz word for a traveller self booking system that saves time and increases travel agency profits. Travellers rarely see the term "Dynamic Packaging" online, instead it's called "Build Your Own" tour - "Flight + Hotel", etc. In travel agent terms, it allows them to package their own holidays and raises margins and offer a competitive price compared to their direct competitors. You'll rarely see the phrase on a web site. Sites have adopted rather more straightforward descriptions of the technology: Book Together and Save, Build Your Own or Flight + Hotel, etc.

Dynamic Packaging offers exciting new ways for marketing vacation packages on the internet. The time from the idea for a new travel package to generating sales on the internet is a blink of the eye compared to non dynamic packaging methods. In short, dynamic packaging is not an option for travel agencies, it’s an essential technology to remain competitive and maintain market share. Once fully integrated into a travel agency’s system, dynamic packaging becomes a launching pad for new travel destinations, agency growth and customer satisfaction.

Galor is a leading Dynamic Packaging Developer with years of experience, hundreds of customers and an impeccable reputation for quality, innovation and reliability.

Since 2005 technology suppliers have been busy updating their systems to allow tour operators to dynamically package with ease. The majority of tour operator reservation systems now offer comprehensive functionality to allow operators to put together packages that bundle their own contracted inventory with attractive third party products such as “no-frills flights".

What's the customer advantage?
Customers are now not restricted to a set package with compulsory departure dates. And are also likely to benefit from the lower fares which scheduled airlines are prepared to offer as part of a package, but not when sold alone.

Prepare for the customer risk…
As with all package travel- if the customer decides not to travel, a full or even partial refund is unlikely. The agent will buy a hotel room on the customer's behalf very soon after booking, or as soon as credit card payment is confirmed. That makes travel insurance all the more important. Customers should buy and be encouraged to buy insurance together with the booking. This insurance can then also be Dynamically Packaged into the itinerary.

Dynamic Packaging: hot or not?
The travel industry has been touting the benefits of “dynamic packaging" for some time, hailing this as the “killer app" of online travel booking. Consumers have never had so much choice; they now have more flexibility, more visibility of pricing and this puts them firmly in the driving seat.

Travel Agents and Tour Operators can now build and book an entire holiday or trip through one system, selecting the options that best meet their needs on price, dates, convenience, location and of course making any special offers / discounts that may secure that booking. Dynamic packaging allows travel agents to mix and match flights, accommodation, car hire, excursions and more within one packaged booking.

Article Source: www.Content-Syndication.org

What’s the difference between a forest and a tropical rainforest?

What is a tropical rainforest? How is it different from what we think of as a regular forest?

First of all, a regular forest usually consists of one dominant species of tree – the evergreen forests of colder climates, or the redwood forest of California, for example. A tropical rainforest has many species of trees and plants, and trees of the same species very seldom grow close together. Scientists have counted as many as 300 different species growing in one 2 1/2 acre (one hectare) in a South American rainforest.

While forests are found in all climates and all parts of the world, tropical rainforests are found only in hot, humid climates. They cover less than six percent of the Earth’s land surface. Most are found in areas near the equator such as Central America, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. A rainforest often gets more than 100 inches of rain a year, the average humidity is between 77 and 88 percent, and the temperature is usually between 93º F (34º C) and 68º F (20º C).

Probably the most significant difference between a regular forest and a tropical rainforest, and the one that has scientists worried that rainforests might someday totally disappear, is the fact that whereas most of the nutrients of a regular forest are stored in its vegetation, most of a rainforest’s nutrients are stored in the soil. This means that when a regular forest is burned or flooded or cut down, the trees and plants can eventually grow back because of the nutrients in their roots. But in the rainforests, where thousands of years of heavy rain have washed away many of the nutrients in the soil, it is very difficult for vegetation to grow back after it is burned or cut down.

Unlike a regular forest, a tropical rainforest has four very distinct layers based on the types of trees and animals that live there. From the top down, these layers are the emergent, upper canopy, understory, and forest floor.

Emergent trees are 100 to 240 feet tall and are spaced wide apart with straight, smooth trunks and leaves that form umbrella-shaped canopies. The upper canopy consists of trees that are 60 to 130 feet tall. Most of the animals live here.

Most of the trees in the understory, or lower canopy, are about 60 feet tall. Very little light reaches this level, the humidity is always high, and there’s little air movement.

The forest floor is almost totally shaded. As a result, there are very few bushes or herbs, and a person can easily walk through most parts. But you have to be careful where you walk, because the ground is teeming with termites and other insects, earthworms and fungi that feed on the litter that falls to the ground. Approximately 80 percent of all insect species live in tropical rainforests.

Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com/Article/What-s-the-difference-between-a-forest-and-a-tropical-rainforest-/1581

How to visit a Wildlife Park

Visiting a Wildlife Park is not that much easy that everyone thinks. Wildlife Park is not like a zoo as in zoo, animals live inside cages but the environment of Wildlife Parks is totally changed. In Wildlife Parks, animals roam freely like they live in jungles without any disturbance. So it is better to take some tips before entering in any Wildlife Park.

Wildlife Park is a place where you will see animals wandering freely here and there. These animals usually don’t do anything wrong to anyone but if you don’t take precautions then they might be dangerous for you. So it is better to take the help from national park members. There are some tips that I can provide to you and I think will definitely help you during your travel.

While travelling to any wildlife National Park in India there are some tips which will help you during your tour.

1. First of all be ready to wear light color clothes like khaki, brown and olive green. These colors are ideal colors to wear in national parks. Sometimes animals might get frightened when they see bright colors.
2. The most important thing you must be aware of. Do not feed any wild animals. These animals are use eat natural food in the forest so by feeding them you are changing their habits.
3. Do not spoil the environment by throwing polythene bags, tetra packs and other such materials. There are two major reasons of not doing this. First this will make the park dirty and second if any animal eat this garbage then it may harm animal. So it is better to take them back with you to be disposed off properly.
4. Keep reasonable distance from all the animals. Approaching too closely will disturb them and it might be harmful for them as well as for you also.
5. Do not wear perfumes or any other strong smelling substances. The animals are sensitive to smell and it may arouse their curiosity.
6. Do not throw anything on animals. Most of the animals are generally shy and tend to hide when they see a human being. So leave them in peace.
7. Always try to visit the park with any trained guide, as he will be well aware by the routes and wildlife.
8. Do not approach bird nests unless with a trained guide who assures you it is safe to do so.
9. Do not take flashlight photos directly into the faces of nocturnal animals, especially those that fly or glide.
10. If you are self-driving then be very careful at dawn and dusk. This is the time when most of the animals are active and visibility is poor. It may be dangerous for you.

By following all this, you can play an important role in the conservation of the park. Always try to give your valuable suggestions and recommendations to the park authorities. If any driver or guide is not behaving properly then you should report against them to the concerned person.

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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_579826_29.html

Should I Purchase Travel Insurance? Travel Tips

This is one of those age-old questions with no definitive answer. It’s estimated that 30 percent of Americans purchase travel insurance, which is a drastic increase since 9/11, when less than 10 percent of travelers were insured.

If you’re flying on a $150 ticket to see Aunt Irma in Wisconsin, you probably don’t need travel insurance. But on a trip such as yours, travel insurance can come in handy if something unexpectedly disrupts your trip. Your first step is to compare the cost of the trip versus the cost of the policy.

The most common situations when travel insurance comes in handy are:

• Your flight is canceled
• Your passport and wallet are stolen
• You require medical treatment while abroad
• You need to cancel your trip due to illness
• An unexpected hurricane hits your destination
• Your airline/cruise line/tour company go bankrupt

Reasons NOT to purchase travel insurance are:

• You’re afraid of terrorism
• A hurricane is going to hit your destination (this applies if the storm has already been named by the National Weather Service)
• Your pet is ill
• Your flight is delayed for so long that you want to cancel

One major caveat: Never purchase travel insurance from the same tour operator or cruise line with which you’re traveling. If that company goes out of business, there may not be money to cover your claim. Use a third-party provider (that includes travel agents).

Also, don’t forget about medical insurance. Even if you are covered for basic emergency care overseas, in almost all cases, your current health insurance does NOT cover you to evacuate you and fly you back to the U.S. Something called “Medical Evacuation and Repatriation” insurance comes in handy here. You pay a yearly fee, and if you get sick or injured overseas, the policy will get you treated, stabilized and flown back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice, not theirs. There are a number of good companies that provide this type of plan, such as MedJet Assist.

Author Resource: Peter Greenberg is a preeminent expert on travel. His focus is on the journey, providing insider’s tips and recommendations to an increasingly savvy and demanding traveler. Peter is also author of The New York Times best-selling series, The Travel Detective, which uncovers secrets the airline, hotel, cruise and rental car industries don’t want consumers to know. Check out Travel Tips for more insider information.

Article From Crixi Articles

Why You Should Travel To Hong Kong For The New Year's Parade

The New Year's parade in Hong Kong is an event not to be missed! The city is dressed up with bright decorations and colorful lights for its biggest celebration of the year, and thousands pour into Hong Kong to take part in the festivities.

Winding along Hong Kong's picturesque waterfront, the New Year's parade is filled with colorful, lavishly decorated floats. Representatives from Hong Kong and countries all over the world sing, dance and play music. The songs of marching bands fill the air along the parade's route as performers in bright costumes prance along the streets.

The forthcoming year (2006) is the Year of the Dog. No matter which zodiac animal is being celebrated for the coming year, there are always plenty of lions and dragons in the parade. Energetic dancers wearing giant lion heads leap in the air as long dragons held aloft by more than twenty people snake past the enthralled parade watchers.

The New Year's parade is the biggest event of Hong Kong's Lunar New Year celebration. Close to 300,000 people attend the parade and millions more watch it on television. In recent years the parade has taken place in the evening, featuring vivid, dazzling light displays.

The Lunar New Year is one of Hong Kong's most important and well-loved holidays. Each year one of twelve different animals is celebrated, according to the Chinese zodiac. Many of the city's towering skyscrapers are decked out in glittering lights for the holiday. Throughout the three-day celebration, dancers in colorful costumes perform lion and dragon dances in the streets, malls and hotel lobbies. Traditionally, people exchange small, red envelopes filled with money as gifts. Flower markets show up all over the city during the holiday, selling plants and flowers with special significance, and stores and restaurants display flowers meant to bring immortality and good luck.

The New Year celebration usually begins anywhere from January 21 to February 19, depending on the year. While the holiday officially lasts fifteen days, in Hong Kong it is celebrated for three days, with the New Year's parade taking place on the first day. January 29, 2006 is the first day of the forthcoming new year.

The day after the New Year's parade a brilliant display of fireworks lights up Hong Kong's famous Victoria Harbour. The fireworks can be viewed from the waterfront or from boats cruising the harbour. On the third day of the celebration a large horse race takes place at the Sha Tin racetrack. This lively race is a favorite for gamblers and horseracing enthusiasts.

It's no wonder why so many travel to discover all that Hong Kong has to offer, with the vibrant fusion of ancient customs and modern day fun at one of the world's biggest Chinese New Year celebrations.

Source: http://www.easyarticles.com/article-717.htm

The Self-Catering Spanish Holiday

The idea of vacationing abroad doesn't always bring thoughts of relaxation beside a pristine beach or casually hiking through a mountain range. Vacationers may believe they can only go to another country with a tour group or travel agency. This also presents the problems that arise with traveling on someone else's schedule. Other people decide when you eat or where you visit.

A self-catering Spanish holiday can ease such expectations and offer complete relaxation. These wonderful excursions eliminate the worries of a rigorous, fast-paced schedule. Your self-catering holiday in Spain is the leisurely alternative for those who want to get away on their own schedule.

One of the hottest travel destinations worldwide is the country of Spain. From Barcelona to Madrid, travelers come to enjoy the tremendous art and history. Spain has many self-catering vacation opportunities. Rental villas are currently available throughout the country, and you can choose any location, from a tranquil rustic lodge to an incredibly chic apartment.

Self-catering is self-explanatory. You come and go at your leisure. You can visit the attractions when it is convenient for you. You can enjoy shopping and gourmet cuisine outside the confines of a group arrangement. A self-catering holiday in Spain involves renting a villa or apartment and enjoying the area as a resident. This is the ultimate scenario for the family vacation.

The size of your rental property depends entirely on your travel budget. Standard villas are available for smaller families or intimate groups. Large self-catering facilities are available to accommodate a large number of guests.

Many self-catering villas have panoramic views or personal swimming pools. They come with their own kitchen facilities and living areas. This means that you can cook familiar foods whenever you like.

Travel may seem like an impossible task if you have a member of the family who requires a specialized diet. A self-catering villa provides you with the tools you need to accommodate special needs of all kinds. A facility with a kitchen is also an ideal choice due to the available produce in Spain. Large farmer's markets can be found throughout the country. These are supplied with the freshest produce available.

Self-catering vacations allow children the freedom to play. Excursions can be planned around their exercise and activity needs. Parents are free to relax knowing their children have ample opportunity to explore their rental villa without concerns of strangers.

It is relatively easy to plan a self-catering holiday. The primary task is research. If at all possible, try to plan your vacation as early as possible. The best time is at least six months before you plan to leave. Choose your ideal destination and research the cost of staying there. This will give you the necessary information to plan your trip.

Rental listings can be found across the Internet. You should look at the standard information, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You should also see if any rental properties in the area have extra features. What benefits do they offer that aren't available elsewhere? What appliances is the kitchen equipped with?

Narrow your choices down to three and compare them all. You should pick the place that will suit everyone and allow for unforeseen circumstances. For example, if you have a child that has a tendency to be vocal, you should rent a villa that is relatively isolated from other villas. If you aren't generally comfortable in an apartment, you will not likely enjoy apartment life elsewhere. You should consider such important factors before deciding on any lodging.

You should be able to call and speak with a person once you have chosen an ideal candidate for lodging. Ensure there will be people nearby who speak your language. Look elsewhere if you can't locate a contact person for the property. You should have full communication and total understanding with the property owner you will be renting from.

Article Source: http://www.theleadingarticles.com/aid149628/The-Self-Catering-Spanish-Holiday.html

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