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It’s one of the many benefits of the technological revolution, being able to sit in the comfort of your own home and travel the world, viewing exotic and remote locations that you may never actually get to visit in person.

Innovations that were barely conceivable just a couple of short decades ago make this an everyday possibility for many people. Developments such as Google Earth and Street View can take you just about anywhere on the planet in the blink of an eye, revisiting old haunts, checking out a favourite holiday destination of the past, or checking out places you may want to go in future. How brilliant is it to be able to go to a holiday destination before you actually go away, and take some time to familiarise yourself with the location and surroundings?

Excellent though these facilities are, they still fall short of the live element, and this is where the humble webcam comes into its own. Erected in locations from the mundane to the spectacular, there’s very few popular places on the planet that don’t have a webcam pointed at them these days. Hunting them out can take up way too much valuable time, but thankfully we’ve seen the development of a number of webcam directories in recent years, where available web cameras are grouped into easily accessible categories and locations, making your trip easy and quick. These directories offer an excellent selection of exotic locations – surf or ski, climb mountains or trawl through valleys all in one easy location. Some were even able to take you onto the slopes of Eyjafjallajokull fra Valahnuk in Iceland, to witness first hand the eruption of the mighty volcano.

So next time you have a little free time on your hands while surfing the net, why not go on a quick trip around the world, guided by global webcams?

By: Martin Kerrigan

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Running from the 10th to the 13th of November 2008, the World Travel Market is a business to business exhibition that attracts travel industry executives and their clients from across the world. It provides one of the best opportunities to connect and network or even to conduct business with leaders and decision-makers involved with the travel industry. Those in attendance are brought up to date on the latest developments in the global travel industry.

The annual event is held in London and is organised by Reed Exhibitions as part of their regular portfolio of events. The exhibitors (and visitors) are from travel-related sectors including air travel, accommodation, airports, business and financial services, destination management, destinations, golf-related services, the media, tour operators, venues, travel agencies, and training and recruitment.

In 2007, a record 48,000 travel professionals were in attendance at the event. These included Meridian Club members, trade professionals, international press, students, and even ministers. The event’s international appeal was reflected by the fact that 52% of those in attendance had come from outside the UK.

Each year, one day of the event is dedicated to encouraging ‘responsible tourism’ initiatives. Case studies and best practices are highlighted and debate and discussion is encouraged. Known as WTM, World Responsible Tourism Day, the programme sees the participation of governments, businesses, organisers and consumers, all working toward more responsible tourism. Support packs filled with ideas and suggestions for actions that can be implemented are offered to participants. This year’s World Responsible Tourism Day is set to take place on the 12th of November.

The Meridian Club is another sub brand of the World Travel Market. It provides an environment for discussion and negotiation between senior executives with the authority to purchase travel products and services and exhibitors. However, exhibitors are not eligible for Meridian Club membership.

Travel agents have a special programme that contributes structured product knowledge training for travel agents, counter clerks or reservation staff, home-based workers and the middle management of independents and multiples. The WTM Travel Agents programme comprises presentations, stand visits, destination trails and competitions.

The World Travel Market is supported by major international travel trade publications who play the role of the event’s official media partners. Each of these publications provides coverage for the event in various ways according to the nature of their agreement with the WTM. This event is definitely a must-visit for anyone working in the travel industry and those who deal with it on a regular basis.

By: Catherine Gliddon

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World wide travel insurance provides you with comprehensive and customised insurance package for any kind of emergency situation no matter what your age may be. Cheap travel insurance policies for a range of trip types and travel needs. Travel Insurance companies have a number of levels of travel insurance to suit the different insurance needs of our customers. Annual Multi Trip insurance policy offers cover for those who travel more than once a year, while Single Trip insurance policies can cover travel of up to 365 days.

Certain provisions are to be made in certain instances. In case you decide to extend your overseas stay, the holiday insurance should be able to adjust to your travel needs. Your policy should be flexible enough as well as accommodate for any value that you might add during your holidays while making purchases.

Such travel insurance offers single trip travel insurance cover for 1-12 months for people aged up to 99 years of age , get a quote online. Travel insurance protects you on medical emergencies, flight delay or cancellation, loss of baggage, trip cancellation insurance etc.

World wide Travel insurance can be used to cover the following:

Medical Insurance: covers all your medical and dental expenses. Look out for the procedures of reimbursement of the emergency expenses.

Flight Insurance: a life insurance that safeguards you from any plane crash, and keeps your dependents happy. Here’s where you get the least value for your money after all how often do planes actually crash?

Comprehensive travel Insurance : covers your airfare, car rentals, tour etc. better deal for travelers with less of the trip prepaid because coverage is the same regardless of the premium paid.

Interruption insurance and trip cancellation insurance – it covers losses you encounter when you cancel a prepaid tour of flight for an acceptable reason. It covers a host of reasons for cancellation from family sickness to weather that doesn’t a flight to occur. If you have an accident you’ll be flown home.

Trip Cancellation insurance: when you cancel a ticket or miss your flight due to delay, you will incur a loss of your flight charges. It covers a host of reasons for cancellation from family sickness to weather that doesn’t a flight to occur. If you have an accident you’ll be flown home.

Baggage Insurance: Your baggage insurance insures items such as jewelry, eyewear, electronics and photographic equipments. If the airline checked your baggage, it is covered by the airline not your rider.

By: Kirthy Shetty

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World travel is a wonderful thing. Many people dream of traveling the world before they die. There are many ways a person can travel the world. So many possibilities on where to start, which place to see first and how long to see and what to see in the different places you travel to around the world. No matter what you decide make sure you have everything together and your world travels will be enjoyable and stress free.

Remember to do your homework to a different place. Make sure you know what is going on in the country you are visiting. Make sure that you will not be stuck in a country that is having problems going on. Also make sure that you know how the weather will be as well. Think about what you want to do in the different places you travel. Make sure if you want to see South America in the summer that you go in what is the winter here, since their seasons are opposite ours, as they are on the opposite side of the equator. On the same note, make sure that there aren’t big problems like volcanoes, hurricanes or severe snowstorms. This could ruin a trip to any place.

Another thing to think about when traveling the world is immunization. There are diseases in other countries that are not found here. That is why it is so important to know what is going on in the areas you visit. There may be an outbreak of something that there is not even a vaccine for or may be hard to get, such as avian flu or swine flu to name a few. These viruses can be deadly and may make that place somewhere you would want to stay away from until the problem has gone away. Along these same lines, you should never drink the water in another country. You do not know what is in it. There could be bacteria and other elements in the water that your body is not used to having in it. This can cause major problems for your body. It can make you sick and cause diarrhea. This will definitely put a damper on your vacation. It will make you just want to stay in your room and you won’t do the sight seeing you would have done. It can end up making your vacation feel like a huge waste of money.

World traveling can be quite rewarding. There are many ways this can be done. You could take a cruise. You could fly. You could take a hot air balloon. You could even hike across different countries. There are many different things in each place you visit that you can do, from tours to sight seeing. No matter what your choices of world traveling are you need to make sure you do your homework and have everything figured out. This way your world traveling will be something you remember for the rest of your life, with fondness.

By: Emile Franks

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World Cruise is an experience that will change you forever. For those who have passion about cruising, there is nothing like the freedom to explore the world. Some of the most exotic places to visit include South America, South Asia and the Galapagos.

The South America term quickly reminds you of lush tropical forests, exotic carnivals, mysterious civilizations and very friendly people. You can get scenic pictures of Rio de Janeiro, which has the color and drama of any metropolis from Asia yet resembles a modern European city. Some touristic places include The Corcovado, The Sugar Loaf Mountain and its white sandy beaches. Buenos Aires is another must-visit city; beautiful parks and buildings form part of this gorgeous place.

South Asia is also a region that has to be included when you travel around the world. Asia has been an exotic place for explorers since times immemorial. The colorful variety of landscapes and cultures, along with the traditions and food can leave you breathless. Some touristic places are the Buddhist monasteries in Bangkok, the beautiful island of Sumatra and the famous city of Kuala Lumpur with its skyscrapers and colonial buildings. India and Sri Lanka can’t be left out of the scene, since they have been recently added to the world cruise map. South east of Asia offers one of the best cruise destinations.

The Galapagos world cruise gives you one of the most beautiful set of islands around the world. Each island differs from the other in some way. Some have rare animals and birds which were studied by Charles Darwin, who developed the Theory of Evolution. Some of the major activities include scuba diving, photography, snorkeling and kayaking. This part of the world has a very mild weather. Traveling with children to Galapagos is a good choice, since they will take more interest in nature. Just pick one of the Galapagos Cruises available and you will have an unforgettable holiday.

While I have mentioned a few must-see regions, I will add a few recommendations. Travel insurance is a must for this kind of trip. Also, it is recommended that you book for the world cruises well in advance, since they become sold out easily. Bring comfortable clothing and make sure they can be used for multiple occasions. Despite of all these things, taking a world cruise to travel around the world is an experience that will never forget.

By: Michel Tam

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Every country is beautiful in its own manner and is really worth visiting, but there are some countries that attract much more tourists than others.
There is the list of the 5 of the most visited countries of the last several years:

1) France (76.7 million visitors a year)

2) Spain (51.7 million visitors)

3) U.S. (41.9 million visitors)

4) Italy (39.8 million visitors)

5) China (36.8 million visitors)

This is the data of 1998:

1) France (70 million visitors)

2) Spain (47,7 million visitors)

3) United States (47 million visitors)

4) Italy (34,8 million visitors)

5) United Kingdom (25,4 million visitors)

The top 4 has remained the same since the end of the last century, but fast developing and becoming more and more popular China replaced the United Kingdom on the fifth place. You can also see that china is going to overcome Italy in amount of tourists. You can also see that the total amount of tourists has increased – people became to travel more.

So, the most popular country with a big odds given is France. Without any doubt the most famous and popular city in France is Paris. It receives a huge amount of visitors any season. In summer the whole Cote d’Azur with Nice and Cannes becomes the most fashionable and prestigious beach resort.
Spain, mostly visited in summer is also very popular beach destination with its resorts of Costa Brave, Costa Dorada, Costa del Sol. Spanish islands – Canaries and Balearics also attract millions. Barcelona and Madrid are on the top of the list of the most visited Spanish cities.

United States have the third place with the significant number of tourists, but mostly they are Americans. New York is the most visited by tourists city and Florida and California are known for their beach resorts.
Italy, full of ancient attractions and sea resorts is also among the leaders. Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence – everybody knows these symbols of Italian bloom and the tourist stream never exhausts.

Among other popular travel destinations we can name Thailand, although after tsunami it suffered a lot of problems. Now it begins to rise again. According to some questionings it is named the best place for swimming and beach rest.

These are the destinations popular worldwide. However every country has its own favorites. For example, it’s known that Americans prefer to spend their holidays in Mexico, many French like to visit Martinique and so on.
In conclusion I can say that nothing threatens France’s leadership in the list of the most popular countries but people open new, exotic destinations which popularity is growing up.

By: Elena Reboni

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In today’s technology-filled world, we have easy access to all kinds of information. We’re able to research, compare, and book travel right in the comfort of our own home. In the past, we relied solely on travel agents to find the “right” flight, the perfect hotel or the deepest discount for us. I doesn’t seem that long ago that I would drive to the travel agency to pick up my “paper” airline tickets. So, the question is, with all of this information so readily available, has the role of the travel agent become obsolete? What services can they offer that we can’t do for ourselves?

I believe that travel agents today still offer services and information that we can’t get online. Granted, some things such as booking a simple flights, most people can successfully manage on their own. A travel agent however, can recommend smaller, alternative airports that the discount carriers use. This alone can save you quite a bit of money. However, the key thing that travel agents today offer is their first-hand knowledge and experience. In planning a cruise vacation, I want to talk to a travel agent who’s specialty is cruising. They have traveled on many different cruise lines and can give me much more insight that a brochure or web page can. The same thing goes for tours and specialty travel such as luxury, adventure, villa rentals, etc.

The question is, since there are travel agents and agencies everywhere, how do you find a reputable one? There are several things you can do to help you in your search. The first thing is the most obvious – Referrals and recommendations. Now, just because your friend has been going to a particular travel agent for years doesn’t mean that this agent is right for you. Perhaps your friend primarily books cruises and you are planning a trip to Africa. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Have they ever been to the destination you are looking to visit?

The second thing I look for is certification and professional associations. Many travel agencies require their agents to have passed the Travel Agent Proficiency exam or “TAP”. This test was developed by The Travel Institute and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) to provide a national standard of entry-level proficiency for the travel industry. The International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN), is another measure of credibility. An IATA number identifies an agent and their agency as a bona-fide travel professional who now may qualify for reduced rates or other industry concessions.

Finally, check to see if they are a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). The ASTA is the world’s largest association of travel professionals with over 20,000-plus members. Ask your travel agent if they are a member or you can search the ASTA website to find an accredited agent near you by simply putting in your zip code. There is an excellent “advanced search” feature that will let you query by destination or specialty. All of travel agent profiles will not only display name and contact information, but will also give information on their areas of expertise and languages spoken. Using an experienced travel professional not only has the advantage of having your travel planning for done for you but you will also gain valuable insight and possibly a discounted rate to boot!

By: Deborah Woodward

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There are many people who love to travel throughout their lives. Such people usually prefer to constantly stay on the move by selecting career opportunities which enables them to travel across the different parts of the world. They may end up choosing careers in anthropology (for instance, studying the lives of various tribes and their customs and traditions), archaeology (for example, historical excursions and excavations to discover new civilizations), tourism and hospitality industry (for instance, getting involved with airlines and cruise lines as on-board staff members), consultants (for example a professor who is invited as a part time international faculty), or other similar jobs like business executives, sales executives, diplomatic officers or volunteers and social service providers. These careers not just pay the people but also provide them with a wonderful opportunity to visit different parts of the world.

One can also take up the job of a Tour Operator or Guide or Escort. They serve as cultural ambassadors and they need to explain the historical, geographical and cultural significance of the area. In addition to accompanying tourists and visitors, the tour escort must coordinate everything including hotel check-ins, sightseeing and transportation. The benefit of this job is that they get to meet people from all parts of the world, and apart from their regular salary, they also receive handsome tips from satisfied customers and tourists.

Another option is to function as Diplomatic Security Engineering Officers, who are responsible for the protection of Department of State employees, infrastructure as well as confidential information. They are hired to serve in overseas embassies and consulates, and the service areas are often located in remote and inhospitable areas where travelling is very inconvenient. But this career is very rewarding, and bestows the individual with the satisfaction of representing the country and protecting the country’s interests overseas.

By: Kum Martin

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Travel is more than going from your living room to some other part of your home or from your home to your work. The travel industry is over a trillion dollar market in the United States alone. The travel industry is also one of the fastest growing industries around and if you are a baby boomer, then you have encouraged its growth.

Additionally, the industry has grown from what seems like every few years, a new global destination stands out as the most popular place to visit. And, regardless of price or location, an insurmountable amount of people tend to flock there.

Do you remember when the family used to get together for that once-a-year family vacation? You know how you would visit the brick-and-mortar spot and book the one to two week social family outing. Well, those family affair days are gone, largely due to the baby boomers living longer, leading healthier lives, and having a lot more money to spend. Plus, the technology available affords most people to visit their computers and plan several outings within a year. More people with more money equal an increased spending power and the travel industry is getting a huge piece of that pie.

Travelers no longer consist of families on an annual vacation, emergencies, or job related journey. The travelers face has changed to housewives who are leaving the children at home with their spouses, while they go on shopping trips, college students who are now conducting international visits as well as stateside trips, retirees who refuse to stay home and reminisce about their previous careers, and many others who just want to go on what most people call ‘getaways’. Whatever the reason, more people today are on the move, causing the travel industry to skyrocket. So, if you are wondering why your neighbors appear to be gone all the time, that’s because they are traveling.

By: Betty Gordon

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The world is a vast, amazing place filled with different cultures and ethnicity’s. It would be a shame to never travel to any of them, and it’s a good idea to create a list of places, your own personal top 10 travel destinations list you’d like to visit in your lifetime.

France

The number one vacation spot for most people in the world, France attracts over 75 million tourists every year. And what’s not to love about France? Travel agents can find all sorts of discount packages on hotels, flights, car rentals and everything you need for your trip. Most popular places in France to visit would be the Eiffel Tower, the Riviera and wineries.

China

The most populated country in the world is also a huge magnet for tourists. Spectacularly different culturally from the Americas, China offers a wealth of sites and activities such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

UK

The United Kingdom is among the top 10 travel destinations because this country is steeped in historical significance. The UK offers London, one of the most trend-setting cities on the planet, as well as ancient castles to explore and wide open ranges of country.

Mexico

America’s neighbor to the south is easily accessible and offers excitement and affordability. Exotic without being far-reaching, Mexico features popular travel spots such as Cancun and the Mayan Ruins.

Turkey

Believe it or not, Turkey is a popular travel destination for millions of people annually. Set along the Mediterranean, Turkey is not far from Greece and offers visitors archaeological sites to explore such as Hattusas, Nicea and Perge.

Austria

A vacation to one of the top 10 travel destinations, Austria, would not be complete without a skiing adventure. Known for it’s skiing resorts among the Alps, there are also historical buildings, museums, and dazzling mountains to discover.

Spain

Spain is one of the most amazing European countries to visit. Tourists enjoy Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. Food may be the largest draw for a visitor to Spain, as it is unsurpassed in abundance in this country.

United States

Forget the passport! There are plenty of places within the USA to visit as the country has vastly different cultures, geographies and scenery. The south and west are most popular, but a visit to the Northeast can provide beautiful winter vacation spots.

Germany

Germany is known worldwide for its beer, castles, Berlin Wall and medieval towns. A trip to Europe would not be complete without a trip to Germany. In contrast to the medieval towns, Germany offers hip, eccentric bustling cities.

Italy

Italy is one of the jewels of Europe, with its Amalfi peninsula and miles of coastline. As one of the top 10 travel destinations in the world, a visit to Italy absolutely requires a tasting tour of the country. Italy is known for its amazing cuisine, as well as its wineries and ancient architecture.

These travel destinations are popular among tourists worldwide for a reason; they are steeped in culture, tradition and beautiful scenery and architecture. With a world filled with all of these beauties, why would anyone stay home?

By: Wendy Pan

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