Most Clicked ASTA SmartBrief Stories
1. State Department advises travelers to prepare for WHTI
ASTA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
Starting June 1, U.S. citizens will need to present approved travel documents to enter the U.S. by both land and sea entry points per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The State Department suggests that anyone planning to travel outside the country obtain their documents as soon as possible, as processing takes about three weeks. Travel Agent (12/29)
2. Newspaper breaks down state-by-state flight cuts for March 2009
ASTA SmartBrief | Jan 05, 2009
After analyzing March 2009 flight schedules from Official Airline Guide, USA TODAY has published an interactive map showing state-by-state changes. The newspaper found that among large airports, Oakland, Calif., will suffer the biggest loss in available airline seats -- down 28.5% from March 2008. Overall domestic capacity will fall by 8.6%. Only three states -- Maine, Vermont and Wyoming -- will see a net gain in available seats. USA TODAY (01/01)
3. Travel + Leisure looks at top trends this year
ASTA SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009
Travel + Leisure takes a look at the top 10 travel trends it sees for 2009, including changes in how people travel and what they expect. Writers say classic destinations will again be popular, luxury in exotic locations will be in demand, and "flashpackers" -- backpackers who want their own rooms rather than hostels -- will become more prevalent. Travel + Leisure (01/2009)
4. Column: Using a travel agent can help save time, money
ASTA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
Columnist Jane Engle says that although she's a travel writer and understands the industry, she uses a travel agent to save her time and money. Engle explains that although she is able to book some of her travel herself, other times she is happy to pay an agent for savvy advice and careful research. "You wouldn't walk into a lawyer's office and expect them to give you free advice," said Chris Russo, president of ASTA. Sun (Baltimore), The (free registration) (12/28)
5. 10 strategies for successful networking
ASTA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
Strategic networking is critical to business success, but it takes more than just meeting people to make effective connections. Entrepreneur magazine offers 10 tips for making the most of your networking efforts. Entrepreneur (01/2009)
6. Ready-to-print itineraries -- for less than the cost of lunch
ASTA SmartBrief | Jan 05, 2009
Go the extra mile for every client with detailed itineraries, which cost only $5 each! Ready in PDF or Word format, these itineraries will help add the personal touch to every sale -- without wasting time and money. Discover what you're missing -- sign up online and receive a FREE sample itinerary from TripItineraries. Every itinerary comes complete with daily points of interest, destination highlights, weather, travel alerts and so much more.
7. Column: Cruise prices will tumble in 2009
ASTA SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
Cruise lines will reduce prices to their lowest levels in decades, writes Gary Sorensen in The Spectrum. Sorensen, a manager at AAA, notes that prices are usually at their lowest 45 days to 60 days before sailing. He also writes that airlines may announce sales in 2009 if fuel prices remain low. The Spectrum (St. George, Utah) (12/30)
8. New York Times lists top travel stories for 2008
ASTA SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009
The New York Times has compiled its list of the top travel stories for 2008. At the top of the list is "31 Places to Go This Summer." The list also includes articles on airline customer service, frugal travel in Hawaii and nude vacations. New York Times, The (12/31)
9. A look at the "Hotel Room of the Future"
ASTA SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
Scientists in Germany have built a "Hotel Room of the Future" that seeks to showcase the latest technology for creature comforts. The room contains few straight lines and hard edges because research shows guests find circular shapes more relaxing, according to this video overview. The room also allows guests to choose the most soothing color of light, and features an energy bed that will even rock guests to sleep. BBC (12/29)
10. Travelers will scale back spending in 2009, survey says
ASTA SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009
A survey of travel agents and industry observers predicts that travelers will wait longer to book trips, spend less on travel and continue to visit Las Vegas and Mexico in 2009. Agents note that some travelers will visit Mexico instead of South America in order to save money. Observers also note that travelers may take advantage of lower air fares to Europe this year. USA TODAY (01/01)
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